[Effects of nanocomposite packaging containing silver and zinc oxide on the shelf-life of fresh orange juice]

The demand for natural orange juice with a high quality in terms of nutritional value, physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics, and processed with a minimum of heat treatment, is presently increasing. The shelf-life of orange juices now marketed is short due to rapid microbial growth in them, even when refrigerated. The objective of this study was to determine the potential of ZnO-and Ag-filled LDPE [low-density polyethylene] nanoparticle packaging, as a new packaging method, for preserving the maximum nutritional value, freshness and shelf-life of orange juice. Nanocomposite LDPE films containing Ag and ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by melt-mixing in a twin-screw extruder. Packages prepared from these films were then filled with fresh orange juice and stored at 4°C. Microbial stability, ascorbic acid [AA] content, browning index, color value, and sensory characteristics of the juices were determined immediately after packaging and after 7, 28, and 56 days of storage. Microbial growth rate significantly decreased as a result of using the nanocomposite packaging up to 28 days of storage [p<0.05]. Reduced degradation of AA and development of brown pigments were also observed [p<0.05] in the orange juice packaged in nanocomposite packages containing 0.25% of nano-ZnO. Moreover, odor, taste and overall sensory attributes ranked highest for the orange juice packed after 28 days of storage [p<0.05]. Packages containing nanosilver increased the shelf-life of fresh orange juice to 28 days, although parts of its sensory attributes weres lost. Nanocomposite packaging containing 0.25% nano-ZnO can extend the shelf-life of natural orange juice for up to 28 days at 4°C, without any undesirable effects on its sensory characteristics

[Implantation of systemically infused mesenchymal stem cells in rat's bone]

Background: This study proposed to examine the possibility of homing of bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stem cells after allograft transplantation in irradiated and healthy bone marrows

Materials and Methods: 65 rats were divided into 13 groups [1 healthy and 12 irradiated]. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from femoral bone marrow of male rats. The cells were cultured under morphological observations, differentiation tests and immunocytochemistry staining. Then, the mesenchymal cells were injected to the tail vein of the healthy and irradiated [7Gy gamma ray] female rats. During defined time gaps after injection, the transplanted rats were killed and their isolated bone marrow was cultured. DNA of the cultured cells was extracted and was amplified by PCR with specific primers for chromosome Y [SRY]. Finally, the PCR products were analyzed on gel electrophoresis

Results: Morphological observations and, differentiation and immunocytochemistry tests conformd that the isolated cells were mesenchymal stem cells. PCR results for the healthy and irradiated rats in all time gaps after transplantation were negative indicating that male mesenchymal stem cells were failed to home in bone marrow of transplanted female rats

Conclusion: We concluded that due to low number of the injected mesenchymal stem cells or trapping of the cells in other organs Implantation the cells in bone marrow was not considerably detectable

[Isolation, culture and differentiation of chicken bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells]

At the present time, the importance of stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells, is of utmost importance for scientists. Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells which can divide into a variety of different cells. Regarding this, it is of importance in preclinical studies. The aim of this study was the isolating of mesenchymal stem cells derived from chicken bone marrow and assessing their ability for differentiation. These cells can be used in the studies related to tissue engineering and gene therapy. This was an experimental study which was conducted at Pasteur institute of Iran in 2008-2009. In this study, 15-day old Raf chickens were used. For cultivating the mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrows of the legs and tibia were extracted with flashing technique. After the cell cultivation and proliferation, a part of the cells was frozen in liquid nitrogen. In order to make sure that these cells were mesenchymal stem cells. The cells were differentiated into three lines of bone, cartilage and adipose. Specific staining was done for histological analysis. Chicken bone marrow is a potential source of adult stem cells. Stem cells derived from bone marrow could differentiate to Osteocyte, Chondrocyte and Adipocyte cells. For the first time, results of this research indicated that stem cells derived from chicken's bone marrow are an important source of stem cells. They have the potential for differentiation; are cost effective, have a simple isolating method and are free of bioethical problems

Mumps myocarditis as a cause of neonatal cardiogenic shock

The mothers may be infected during pregnancy with infectious agents. Mumps induced myocarditis, especially endocardial fibroelastosis, was previously a common disease of infants but is rare now. A 25 day old male infant admitted to the intensive care of our hospital because of cardiogenic shock. Further studies revealed ischemic electrocardiograms, poor ventricular function, and positive results by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] technique for mumps virus. Regarding this case, although is very rare but mumps myocarditis should be included in the differential diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in neonatal period

[Incidence, severity and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants with late retinal examination]

To determine the incidence, severity and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity [ROP] in premature infants with late retinal examination at Farabi Hospital from 2001 to 2006. In a cross-sectional study, hospital records of premature infants who were examined later than 9 weeks after birth were reviewed for possible risk factors of ROP including gender, singleton or multiple gestations, gestational age [GA], birth weight [BW], oxygen therapy, blood transfusion, phototherapy, and respiratory distress syndrome [RDS], as well as the age at initial examination. From 693 infants referred for ROP screening, 191 [27.6%] had late retinal examination at mean age of 144.8 +/- 158.4 [range 64-1460] days. Of these 191 infants, 75 [39.3%] had different stages of ROP, 58 [30.4%] had stage 4 or 5 disease and 27 [14.1%] had stage 5 ROP in both eyes which were untreatable. GA and BW were associated with development of ROP [P<0.001]. The high prevalence of premature infants with late retinal examination and high incidence of severe ROP necessitates prompt intervention to optimize referral and early screening of premature infants

Evaluation of medical clerkship training in pediatric department of Shiraz University of medical Sciences based on students' logbooks

Using logbooks in different sections of medical education has been helpful in investigating the educational status of medical students. In order to identify the educational status of clerkship students in pediatric ward, this study was designed to determine the condition of education as well as practical works of clerkship students based on their logbooks in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, medical students' logbooks of a three month pediatric clerkship filled by 45 students in 2005, were studied and statistically analyzed. Clerkship students in pediatric ward received a handbook containing a list of diseases and procedures, and reported them based on their exposure as observation in morning classes or having a role in the treatment of the disease. The Mean of the frequency of observations in each part was analyzed by SPSS software. In pediatric ambulatory clinic, neonates emergency, pediatric emergency and pediatric general ward, 60.73% of the diseases mentioned in the list, were observed by students. In subspecialty wards, 18.16% of diseases were observed by students. Almost 59% of all procedures had been performed by each student. logbooks are suitable means for evaluation of educational status and are able to determine the acquired experiences in educational courses and reveal the deficiencies in learning process. In this study there was a major difference between students' familiarity with educational subheadings in specialty and subspecialty wards which is necessary to consider. Applying this method in evaluation of medical students' educational status is recommended

[Chondro-protective effects of pomegranate on experimental osteoarthritis]

To study the effectiveness of pomegranate juice [PJ] on osteoarthritis [OA], we used mono-iodoacetate [MIA], an inhibitor of glycolysis, in tibiofemoral joint of mice that promotes loss of articular cartilage similar to that noted OA. Pomegranate juice [PJ] is increasing in popularity because of its high antioxidant content, already known to help prevent heart disease. However, no histopathological studies have undertaken in vivo to investigate whether PJ protect articular cartilage. We described the histopathology in the subchondral bone and cartilage of mice knee joint treated with a single intra-articular injection of MIA [0.1 mg] and sacrificed at 1, 14 and 28 days post injection. Then, the beneficial effect of oral PJ was studied in different groups; group 1: administration of PJ [4ml/kg], group 2: administration of PJ [10ml/kg] and group 3: administration of PJ [20ml/kg]. Histopathological changes in knee joints were studied after two weeks. Histologically, the early OA was characterized by areas of chondrocytes degeneration/ necrosis sometimes involving the entire thickness of the articular cartilage in the tibial plateaus and femoral condyles. Changes to the subchondral bone and proteoglycane contents, were observed and also, there was focal fragmentation and collapse of bony trabeculae with fibrosis and necrosis. Synovial cell proliferation was noted. Interestingly, administration of PJ in different group of mice prevented the negative effects of iodoacetate, in a dose dependent manner. Chondrocyte damages were significantly prevented and proteoglycane were less affected, especially in group receiving high amount of PJ and no cell proliferation and inflammatory cell were detected in synovium. Fast and progressive damage to articular cartilage is induced by single intra-articular injection of MIA, which mimic exactly human OA. In this study, the effectiveness of PJ in improvement of histopathological damages is emphasized and its chondroprotective effects in vivo are highlighted

[Frequency and severity of retinopathy of prematurity: singleton versus multiple-births]

To determine the frequency and severity of retinopathy of prematurity [ROP] among singleton and multiple-birth neonates referred to Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran-Iran. We reviewed the records of 99 consecutive neonates from multiple-gestation pregnancies including 68 twins, 26 triplets and 5 quadruplets who were screened for ROP during 2002-2004. The frequency, severity and risk factors of ROP were determined. The results were compared with a group of singletons who did not differ from the multiple-birth group regarding birth weight, gestational age, oxygen therapy, respiratory distress syndrome, transfusion, sepsis, phototherapy and gender. ROP was present in 12.1% of multiple-birth neonates compared to 15.1% in singletons [P=0.53]. Threshold ROP was present in 6.1% of multiple-birth neonates and 7.1% of singletons [P=0.62]. ROP was detected in 60% of quadruplets vs 9.6% of twins and triplets with threshold disease in 40% of quadruplets compared to 4.2% in twins and triplets. Logistic regression analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in frequency and severity of ROP among subgroups of multiple-gestation pregnancies [P= 0.79]. The higher frequency of ROP among multiple-birth neonates is due to lower birth weight and gestational age but there is no significant difference between multiple-births and singletons in terms of frequency and stages of ROP. Screening for ROP in multiple pregnancy births may be conducted according to the same standard protocols as for singletons

[Prevalence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight or low gestational age infants]

To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity [ROP] and to evaluate the possible neonatal risk factors for ROP. This cross-sectional study included all premature infants born at hospitals affiliated to Tehran Medical University, Tehran-Iran who were referred within 4-6 weeks after delivery to Farabi Eye Hospital from 2004 to 2005. Inclusion criteria were birth weight [BW] < 1500 g or gestational age [GA] 32 wk who may be at high risk for ROP should also be screened

Neonatal withdrawal syndrome following exposure to fluoxetine during pregnancy

A 2 day old term male newborn infant was admitted in our neonatal intensive care unit with irritability and jittery movements, No remarkable findings were detected on physical examination except irritability, increased tonus, and jitteriness. All of the paraclinical studies were within normal limits. His mother had been on 20 mg fluoxetine throughout her pregnancy for depression. The patient recovered quickly after supportive care, with no possible cause other than his mother's drug use. The symptoms were interpreted as withdrawal syndrome caused by the mother's use of fluoxetine during pregnancy. It is recommended that neonates born to mothers who have taken antidepressants up to delivery be observed during the first few postnatal days

Blood transfusion in pediatric critical care setting: report of a survey

With the increased awareness regarding transfusion- related complications, blood transfusion therapy has become an issue of increasing concern. In this survey, the rate of blood transfusion was evaluated among children between the ages of 1 month to 14 years who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit [PICU] of the Children's Medical Center. Children with chronic diseases and malignancy were excluded. Among 262 patients who were eligible to participate in this study, 116 [44.3%] had history of blood transfusion during PICU admission. Most of them were infants under the age of one year [56.1%]. The rate of blood transfusion, volume of blood sampling, oxygenation, need for mechanical ventilation, and the mortality rate were compared between the children who had received blood transfusion with the group without blood transfusion. The differences between these two groups [with and without blood transfusion] with regard to oxygen saturation or assisted ventilation did not show significant differences, but the mean volume of blood sampling and length of PICU stay were significantly different [p<0.0001]. Blood transfusion did not cause any changes in the mortality rate [9 patients with blood transfusion died in comparison to 5 patients in the other group]. Although anemia is very common in the critical care setting, it seems that blood transfusion has no significant effect in improving oxygenation, or mortality rate

Incidence and risk factors of Retinopathy of prematurity

To determine the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity [ROP] and to evaluate the possible neonatal risk factors for ROP among premature infants referred to Farabi Eye Hospital during 2000-2002.Newborn infants with gestational age [GA] 37 wk or birth weight [BW] 2500 g were included. The first eye examination was performed 4-9 weeks after birth. Data on possible risk factors include low birth weight, low gestational age, sepsis, supplemental oxygen therapy, blood transfusion, phototherapy, multiple pregnancy, and respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] were compared between the two groups of newborns with and without ROP. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed.One hundred eighty five neonates were included in this study [110 male, 75 female]. Mean GA +/- SD was 31.64 +/- 2.67 wk and mean BW +/- SD was 1620.68 +/- 467.6 g. The incidence of ROP was 12.4% [95%0: 7.6%-17.2%] including 8.6% in threshold and 3.8% in prethreshold stages. ROP was present in 18.6% of neonates with GA < 32 wk and 29% of neonates with GA < 28 weeks. All ROP cases had GA 5 wk. Mean GA +/- SD was 29.39 +/- 2.16 wk in the ROP group and 3196 +/- 2.58 wk in the non-ROP group. [P< 0.001] Mean BW +/- SD was 1283.48 +/- 342.84 g in the ROP group and 1668.55 +/- 464.04 g in the non-ROP group. [P< 0.001] ROP was pesent in 20.5% of neonates with BW S 1500 g. All ROP cases had BW 2000 g. There was a significant association between blood transfusion and incidence of ROP [odds ratio= 3.75, P= 0.004], RDS [OR= 3.14, 0.041], and phothotherapy [OR= 2.86, P= 0.044] based on univariate analysis. There was no significant association between oxygen therapy and incidence of ROP. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, low GA was the only significant factor associated with high incidence of ROP. We suggest GA < 33 wk and BW < 2000 g as the best criteria for screening of high neonates for developing ROP. These criteria deserve further investigation

correlation between serum lactate at the time of admission and the final outcome of neonates admitted in the intensive care unit, an initial assessment

An assessment of neonates in order to pinpoint early recognition of circulatory failure, institution of appropriate treatment, and in assessing response in sick neonates in intensive care units and their outcome is one of the major concerns of the neonatologists. None of the routine assessments such as ABG, and scoring systems [SNAP II PE, CRIB] are highly sensitive in this regard. Tissue hypoperfusion, resulting from any threatening illnesses, leads the neonate to anaerobic metabolism and lactate generation. Blood lactate concentration has been used widely as reliable indicator of tissue hypoxia in this regard. We evaluated the possible relationship between arterial blood lactate level at time of admission and the outcome of 50 neonates who were admitted in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] of Children's Medical Center in 2004. Other parameters such as clinical findings, SNAP II PE and CRIB scores, ABG indices, a possible need for mechanical ventilation and the duration of assisted ventilation were also considered along with the predictive value of blood lactate concentration. In alive neonates, lactate levels [21.3 +/- 10.6 mg/dl] were significant, comparing to those who died [42.0 +/- 26.5 mg/dl] [p=0.037]. The significant correlation between blood lactate concentrations and 02 saturation in ABG [p=0.02], and lactate levels and respiratory system involvement were relatively correlated [p=0.049] Blood lactate concentrations could be a useful tool in the prognosis of outcome in sick neonates in the intensive care units

[Mental health status and its related demographic variables of families referring to Shiraz health centers - 2002]

Introduction and Objective: research has shown that mental disorders are increasing year after year. Mental illness imposes a heavy burden both on individuals and their families. Factors such as changes in life style, population age, urbanization, social environment, poverty, substance abuse, wars, and violence affect mental health of the world's population. This study was performed to determine the mental health status of families referring to Shiraz Health Centers

Materials and Methods: this is a descriptive, analytical and cross sectional study which was performed on 1536 people [720 male and 816female] from four city areas [east, west, south and north]. The method of sampling was systematic randomized cluster. The subjects were interviewed and requested to fill out the General Health Questionnaire 28 [GHQ - 28]. They were above 19 years of age. Then the data were analyzed using SPSS software

Results: findings indicated that 22.9% of families [354] were suspected of suffering from mental disorder. About 27.6% of the subjects suffered from anxiety and 29.1% from somatization. Another 29% had problem with their social performance and 13.7% of them suffered from depression

Conclusion: there was a significant relationship between demographic variables such as gender, level of education, marital status and rate of disorders

[Determination of P53 gene mutations in gastric cancer by PCR-SSCP]

Background and Objective: gastric cancer is the 2nd cause of cancer mortality after lung cancer. Approximately 12% of all cancer death are due to gastric cancer. Tumorgenesis is thought to be a multistep process involving a series of genetic changes in oncogenes and suppressor genes. The most common cancer-related genetic change known in human tumors is P53 mutation, particularly in gastric cancer. This study was done to determine P53 gene mutations in gastric cancer

Materials and Methods: this study was performed on 44 biopsy from patients with gastric cancer during 2002 in 3 hospitals in Tehran. For determination of P53 gene mutations was performed PCR-SSCP methods

Results: the patients group comprised 31 males and 13 females [Average age, 60.8 years Ranging from 34 to 84 years]. 36 cases [81.8%] intestinal type, 5 cases [11.4%] were diffuse type and 3 cases no defined. 44 gastric cancers of gastric tissues were screened for the mutations of P53 gene mutations in exons 5-8 using the PCR-SSCP analysis. After polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, 9 patients [20.5%] showed an apparent electrophoretic mobility shift between the cancer and other normal samples. One mutation in exon 5 [11.1%], 2 were detected in exon 6 [22.2%], 3 were found in exon 7 [33.3%] and 3 were detected in exon 8 [33.3%]. The mutation rate was 7 of 36 [21.2%] in intestinal type and 2 of [40%] in diffuse type. No significant correlation between P53 gene mutations and age and genus was found

Conclusion: this investigation showed the rate P53 gene mutation [20.5%] in gastric cancer in our society

Neurologic manifestations of acute gastroenteritis: a review of 45 patients in the intensive care setting

Acute gastroenteritis [AGE] is a serious disease and is one of the most important causes of early childhood mortality in developing countries. The neurologic manifestations can be propounded as primary symptoms of AGE. In order to determine the rate, clinical presentations, and outcome of patients with AGE who presented with neurologic manifestations and compare them with patients without neurologic symptoms, we reviewed the records of children 1 month to 14 years of age having AGE along with neurologic presentations, i.e. either convulsion or encephalopathy alone or together who had been admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit [PICU] of the Children's Hospital Medical Center [CHMS] from September 1996 till August 1998. Among all the patients admitted at that time, 7% [75 patients] had AGE, of which 60% [45 patients] had concomitant neurologic symptoms including 4% who had convulsion alone, 20% had encephalopathy alone, and 36% showed both of the symptoms. Of the patients who had AGE with neurologic symptoms, 36% initially presented with neurological manifestations without gastrointestinal symptoms. The duration of admission at PICU and the mortality rate among patients with AGE were significantly more in the patients with neurologic symptoms in comparison to those without neurologic symptoms. According to our findings, neurologic symptoms may be the first manifestation of AGE and are likely to increase the risk of mortality in AGE