[Cytotoxic effects of allium affine ledeb butanolic fraction on breast and ovary cancer cell lines]

Background: Among the secondary metabolites isolated from Allium species, steroidal saponins are more important for their cytotoxic activities on a variety of cancer cell lines. Current study has investigated the cytotoxic activity of saponin-riched butanolic fraction of Allium affine, an important edible Allium species of Iran

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate cytotoxic activity of saponin-riched fraction of Allium affine Ledeb on breast and ovarian cancer cell lines

Methods: Bulbs of the plant were extracted respectively by hexane, chloroform, chloroformmethanol [9-1] and methanol in a stepwise method with increasing solvent polarity. The methanol extract was then partitioned between water and butanol and the final dried butanolic fraction was used for further cytotoxicity assay. MCF-7, MDA-MB231 and OVCAR-3 cell lines were tested for cytotoxic activity, using different concentrations of butanolic fraction [0.1-200 microg/ml] by MTT assay. After the incubation time [48 h], the percentage of the viable cells was determined by ELISA reader instrument in 570 nm

Results: All of the cell lines tested in this investigation exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in succinate dehydrogenase activity against the control and significant dose-dependent inhibition of the growth in all concentrations and cell lines were observed [P<0.01]. The most cytotoxic activity was observed for OVCAR-3 cell line [IC50= 7.13 +/- 0.94 microg/ml]

Conclusion: The butanolic fraction of A. affine exhibited a significant cytotoxic activity on investigated cell lines, especially OVCAR-3, which is in agreement with other studies conducted on different Allium species. According to the results, it seems that the butanolic fraction of this plant contains cytotoxic components, especially steroidal saponins, and the phytochemical study of the constituents is suggested

[Effect of vitis vinifera seed extract on some of the reproductive parameters in adult male rat]

Grape seed extract [GSE] [Vitis vinifera L., Vitacease] has been reported to have many biological and pharmacological activities such as antioxidative affects; also it used traditionally to treat constipation, gastritis and etc. On the other hand, it said that used of GSE can reduced sperms. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of decrease and immobilization grape seed hydroalcoholic extract [GSHE] on sperm parameters in adult male rat. In this study eighteen sexually mature male Wistar rats [5 - 6 month old] weighing between 250 - 300 g were used randomly and divided into three groups of 6 rats each. Crushed grape seeds were extracted in ethanol, and the two doses of it [250 and 500 mg/kg] was administered into two experimental groups, so the control group only received 1ml normal saline by gavage for 42 days consecutively. 24h after last dosage, all the animals were anesthetized. Then, their couda epididymis and testes were isolated and they were put into normal saline separately; after that, sperm motility, total sperm and daily sperm production were measured. The results revealed a significant decrease in cauda epididymal, testicular sperm counts and daily sperm production, also percent of sperm-progressive motility in comparison with control group [p

[Effect of oral morphine consumption on the development of prosencephslon and rhombencephal brain vesicles in rat embryos]

Previous studies have shown that morphine consumption during pregnancy may delay the embryo development and/or cause abnormal nervous system function. The present study focused on the effects of maternal morphine consumption on the brain vesicles Prosencephslon and Rhombencephal development in Wistar rat embryos. A total of 12 female Wistar rats [170-200g] were used in this study. After pregnancy, each rat in the experimental group [n= 6] received 0.05 mg/ml of morphine by tap water, while the animals in the control group only received water only. On the 10th day of pregnancy, the pregnant animals were anesthetized by chloroform and the embryos were removed surgically. The embryos were then fixed in 10%formalin for one week, followed by tissue processing, sectioning, and staining with hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] for each embryo. The sections were examined for primary brain Rhombencephal and Prosencephslon vesicles, and the brain layer development or thickness was examined by light microscopy and MOTIC software. A severe reduction of the area for Rhombencephal and Prosencephslon was observed in the experimental group compared with the control group. Furthermore, the increase in the brain layer thickness was significantly more apparent in the experimental groups in comparison to the control group [P<0.05]. Our results show that oral morphine consumption causes a decrease in the primary brain vesicles. This defect may be the cause of abnormal central neuron system function and development observed in the fetuses born from opioid addicted women

[ comparison of psychological disorders among medical and nonmedical students at different educational levels]

It seems that studying medicine is distinct from other academic disciplines in exerting more stress [environmental, emotional or physical], which is a unique characteristic of the medical field. This study aimed at a contrastive analysis of psychological disorders among medical and non-medical students at different educational levels. In this cause-comparison study, a total of 212 88-89 school-year medical students from Zanjan University of Medical Sciences were selected through census and evaluated by a SCL90 checklist and demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics [mean, and standard deviation] and inferential statistics [Kruskal-Wallis and U-Mann-Whitney] were used for data analysis. After analyzing the data by the SPSS software, results show that there are significant differences in all total indexes [GSI]. Particularly, the small-scale test SCL90 [except the physical preparation, anxiety, and hostility, alpha >0.05], shows significant differences between the three groups of medical students, P<0.01 [except for phobia, alpha <0.05]. Interestingly, the mental health scores of the students at higher levels show a considerable improvement. According to the results of our study, it does not appear that studying medicine, regarding its stressful nature, has a negative impact on the mental health of the students, because the results suggest that students at higher levels exhibit even a better mental health status

[Relationship between official performance measurement scores and relative efficiency in general hospitals]

The aim of this research was to measure and compare relative efficiency of general hospitals under supervision of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences [MUMS]. The study also seek to investigate the likely relationship between the official evaluating scores reported by MUMS with findings of this study. Data Envelopment Analysis [DEA] is utilized to determine relative efficiency of individual decision making units [DMUs]. From state-run general hospitals in this study, 17 were selected based on the criteria suggested by the model. To distinguish efficient hospitals from inefficient ones, revised input-based BCC model was used incorporating 'number of physicians' and 'number of nurses' as inputs. Outputs were set as 'the rate of inpatient days to staffed beds', 'outpatient visits' and 'number of surgeries' reported both at emergency and wards. The findings based on both CRS and VRS simulations indicate that the mean of technical efficiency was 0.823, mean managerial efficiency was 0.931 and subsequently mean scale efficiency was 0.881. It was further noticed that, there was no significant relationship between the performance appraisal outcomes from DEA model, and scores allocated to each hospital through official evaluation system. Current official appraisal system based on pre-defined checklists may not be a reliable mean for evaluating and ranking efficiency of general hospitals

[Study on P53 gene alterations [5 and 6 exons] in bovine urinary bladder tumors]

P53 is a tumor suppressive gene which frequently mutates in tumors of animals and human. This gene commonly mutates in urinary bladder tumors of human beings. Urinary bladder tumors have occurred in cattle with bovine enzootic hematuria [BEH]. The aim of present study was to evaluate P53 mutations in 15 samples of different bovine urinary bladder tumors by the PCR-SSCP technique. Fifteen paraffin embedded blocks were selected from different kinds of bovine urinary bladder tumors. DNA was extracted from the samples and PCR was done by using specified primers for 5 and 6 exons. After electrophoresis, the PCR products were assessed by the SSCP method, and samples with changes in electrophoresis patterns were selected and sequenced. Results showed that there are intronic alterations of the P53 gene in cattle with urinary bladder tumors. There were no changes in the electrophoretic pattern of exons 5 and 6, but on each side of the designed primers for exon 6, there was a part of introns 5 and 6. The samples, including Hemangioma, Papilloma and Carcinoma in situ with electrophoretic changes, showed nucleotide T deletion with number 9332 in intron 6 after direct sequencing. Intronic mutations can be a predisposition for developing cancers. It is possible that some of urinary tumors are inducted by P53 mutations in intronic zone

[Efficacy of using facial shape in determining maxillary central incisors form]

Aesthetic is a major factor in accepting the removable prosthesis by the patient, and labial aspect of anterior teeth plays an important role in this regard. Therefore evaluating possible determinants of shape of anterior teeth is important. This study evaluated the predictive value of the facial shape determined with three different landmarks settings, in determining central incisor shape. This diagnostic clinical trial was performed on 120 participants. Photographs of the participants were taken in Normal head position; images of central incisor of each participant also were taken. Facial outline was determined as oval, triangular, and square, based on three landmarks settings with different upper points: glabella, eye brow, and forehead outline. Teeth labial outline was as well determined as oval, triangular, and square. Diagnostic value of facial shape in determining tooth shape was evaluated. The role of associated factors was evaluated using chi-square test. The positive prediction values of face shapes square, oval, and triangular were 34%, 34.7% and 33. 3%, respectively. It seems that the face shape is not an appropriate factor in determining the shape of prosthesis central incisors, and other indicators are necessary to be investigated

[Effect of oral morphine consumption on lacunas development in ten day placenta pregnant wistar rats]

Previous studies indicated that morphine consumption during pregnancy could inhibit embryos development. Present study further evaluated the effects of oral morphine consumption on the placenta lacunas development in ten day pregnant Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats [W: 170-200 gr] were used in the present study. Experimental group were received morphine [0.05 mg/ml of tap water] after one night coupling with male rats for mating. On the day 10th of pregnancy, the pregnant animals were killed with chloroform and the placentas and uterus were removed surgically and fixed in 10% formalin for twenty days. The fixed placentas were processed and stained by H and E method and evaluated for their development. Thickness of layers, surface area of lacuna, as well as the number of cells in both maternal and fetal parts of the placentas was assessed by light microscopy. Our results indicated that the layer thickness of fetal portion and surface area of lacuna of the fetal and maternal portion of placenta reduced in experimental group. In addition, maternal portion layer thickness and cell number of the fetal and maternal portion of placenta increased in the experimental group. Our results showed that oral morphine consumption could inhibit natural function of placenta lacuna and fetal cell development

[Comparison of kinesthesia in patients with anterior cruciate ligament tears before and after reconstructive surgery at acute phase]

Recognition of kinesthesia impairs after anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] tear and reconstruction surgery can significantly improve the situation. The objective of the present study was to compare the Kinesthesia in patients with ACL tear before and after reconstruction surgery at acute phase. In this Quasi- experimental study, 30 patients with ACL tear were recruited. The patients included 16 males and 14 females selected in a non probability sampling manner. The C.P.M, as a dependent variable, was used to test the Kinesthesia motion sense. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, ICC, SEM, and K-S tests. The kinesthesia in the affected knee and at the speed of 0.5 m/s before and after surgery was 5.02 +/- 0.36 and 3.23 +/- 0.25 and at the speed of 2 m/s 1.95 +/- 0.16 and 0.85 +/- 0.04, respectively. The difference between the pre- and post-surgery was significant at both speeds employed [p<0.05]. It seems that the reconstructive surgery in patients with ACL tears at the acute phase is of high value in improving the kinesthesia

[Effect of reconstruction surgery on hamstring reflex in patients with anterior cruciate ligament tear in acute phase]

Anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] tear is one of the most common injuries at knee joint. This study was done to evalute the effect of reconstruction surgery on hamstring reflex in patients with ACL tear. In this Quasi- experimental study, 30 patients [16 males, 14 females] with ACL tear, with mean age of 26.52 +/- 8.72 years old were recruited during 2007. Patients were selected in a non probability sampling manner. The Kinsiological Electromyography and trauma mechanism were used for testing the hamstring reflex. Muscle activity were measured as a dependent variable. Data were analyzed with Paired T-Test, ICC, SEM and K-S tests. Hamstring reflex in affected knee and after reconstruction surgery was 73.25 +/- 3.22 and 47.35 +/- 3.85, respectively. This difference was significant [P<0.05]. Reconstruction surgery in patients with ACL tear at acute phase is effective in improvement of hamstring reflex

In vivo antimalarial effects of iranian flora artemisia khoras-sanica against plasmodium berghei and pharmacochemistry of its natural components

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimalarial effects of Iranian flora Artemisia khorassanica against Plasmodium berghei in vivo and pharmacochemistry of its natural components. The aerial parts of Iranian flora A. khorasanica were collected at flowering stage from Khorassan Province, northeastern Iran in 2008. They were air-dried at room temperature; powder was macerated in methanol and the extract defatted in refrigerator, filtered, diluted with water, then eluted with n-hexane and finally non-polar components were identified through Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy [GC-MS]. Toxicity of herbal extracts was assessed on naive NMRI mice, and its anti-malarial efficacy was investigated on infected Plasmodium berghei animals. This is the first application on A. khorssanica extract for treatment of murine malaria. The significance of differences was determined by Analysis of Variances [ANOVA] and Student's /-test using Graph Pad Prism Software. The herbal extract was successfully tested in vivo for its anti-plasmodial activity through ar-temisin composition, which is widely used as a standard malaria treatment. Although, this study confirmed less anti-malarial effects of A. khorssanica against murine malaria in vivo, however there are some evidences on reducing pathophysiology by this medication. In complementary assay, major components were detected by GC-MS analysis in herbal extract including chrysanthenone [7.8%], palmitic acid [7.4%] and cis-thujone [5.8%]. The most retention indices of the component are given as n-eicosane, palmitic acid and n-octadecane

[Seroparasitological evaluation of Plasmodium vivax malaria and stability of the anti-plasmodial antibodies in Parsabad, Ardabil province]

Malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world and a major health problem in some areas of Iran. In addition to endemic areas in the south and south-eastern part of Iran, a new threat of Plasmodium vivax malaria importation emerged from the Parsabad district, which is located in Ardabil province in the north western part of the country. Malaria in this area may have originated from Azerbaijan, Armenia or southern part of Iran. This study has been carried out to clarify seroparasitological results from Indirect Fluorescence Assay [IFA], stability of antiplasmodial antibodies and its comparison with those of confirmed direct microscopy in Parsabad district during 2003-2005. This seroparasitological study has been carried out on 250 samples from malaria infected patients which was previously confirmed by microscopy and treated with routine antimalarial agents, and 250 samples of healthy control with no history of malaria in Parsabad during two years [2003-2005]. Sera of collected blood samples were assessed for the presence of anti-plasmodial antibodies using IFA assay. Statistical analysis was applied by using ANOVA and Students t-tests with Graph Pad Prism. The results of this study indicated that all blood smears of test group were detected as positive by observation of P. vivax by direct microscopy and no positive smears were found among control group. Moreover, no mixed-infection was observed among collected samples. In addition, serological results revealed that 47 cases [19%] from test group and 4 cases [1.6%] from control group had antibodies against P. vivax malaria [P<0.001]. The results of this study demonstrated that the rate of antiplasmodial antibodies is not stable in malaria infected patients which was previously confirmed by microscopy and can not be used for epidemiological evaluation for malaria in this area. Therefore, more investigation is needed for evaluation and detection of the malaria

[ effect of oral morphine consumption on choroid plexus and 4[th] ventricle development in embryos of 14-day wistar rats]

Previous studies have shown that morphine consumption during pregnancy may delay embryo development or cause the nervous system to function abnormally. The present study focused on the effects of maternal morphine consumption on fourth ventricle and choroid plexus development in Wistar rats. Wistar rats weighing between 170 and 200 grams were selected for this study. The experimental group after pregnancy received 0.05mg/ml of morphine in their drinking water daily. The control group received only tap water. On day fourteen of pregnancy, the pregnant animals were anesthetized by chloroform and the embryos were removed surgically. The embryos were fixed in 10% formalin for 4 weeks. Then, tissue processing, sectioning and staining hematoxylin and eosin [HandE] were applied on the embryos. The sections were examined for fourth ventricle and choroid plexus development by light microscope and MOTIC software. The results of the study indicated the choroid plexus area in the experimental group increased. Moreover, the fourth ventricle area reduction in the experimental group was significant in comparison with that in control group. This study showed that oral morphine consumption has can decrease the fourth ventricle and increase choroid plexus area. This defect may delay the functioning and development of central neuron system. such as, changes observed in the fetus born by opioid addicted women

[Evaluation the relationship between alleles of+1188 in region of IL-12 with serum level of cytokine in patients with occult HBV infection]

Occult hepatitis B infection [OBI] is a form of hepatitis, which in despite of absence of detectable HBsAg, HBV-DNA is present in peripheral blood of patients. Evaluation the relationship between alleles of+1188 in region of IL-12 with serum level of cytokine in patients with occult HBV infection. In this study, the plasma samples of 3700 blood donors were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBc by ELISA. The HBsAg negative ve and anti-HBc positive samples were selected and screened for HBV-DNA by PCR. HBV-DNA positive samples assigned as OBI cases and PCR-SSP and ELISA were performed to examine the polymorphisms in region of [+1188 and serum level of IL-12] respectively. The results showed that there is a significant difference in CC allele of+1188 region of IL-12 in two groups and no difference in the other evaluated genes. There is not any significant difference in serum level of IL-12 between OBI patients and controls. Our results also showed that there isn't any significant statistically relation between alleles of+ 1188 region of IL-12 with serum level of cytokine. According to the results of this study it could be concluded that OBI patients unable to produce enough quantity of IL-12 and it may be related to different IL-12 gene. CC allele was associated with OBI, hence, it seems that +1188 region of IL-12 gene has an important role in expression of IL-12 gene. Evaluation of relation between polymorphisms in +1188 region of IL-12 gene and its expression. In vitro and under mitogene affect can useful because no association was seen between serum level of IL-12 and alleles of this region

comparison of the level of serum concentration of Gro-A chemokine in diabetic type-2 patients and healthy people: a short communication

Type-2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes, but the main cause of which is yet to be identified. One of the symptoms of diabetes is delay in healing of the wounds. Chemokines play key roles in both the regulation of immune system functions and regeneration of the damaged tissues. Growth-regulatory oncogen [Gro] is an angiogenesis chemokine. Therefore, we dicided to compare the serum level of Gro-alpha chemokine in diabetic patients and healthy people. In this descriptive study respondents were 45 diabetic and 45 healthy people referred to Ali Ibn Abitaleb hospital in Rafsanjan. The level of Gro-alpha was detected by ELISA. Data were analysed using SPSS version 12. T-test was used to compare continuous data. Although there were differences between diabetic and healthy people based on the serum level of Gro-alpha chemokine, this difference was not significant. Based on our results, it can be concluded that diabetic patients are unable to produce enough Gro-alpha and this can be the reason for the delay in healing of the wounds. Furthermore, to assess the role of this chemokine more number of samples are needed for examination

relationships between patient satisfaction and loyalty in the private hospital industry

In today's competitive world, organizations' survival and success depends on satisfying customer needs and expectations. This is particularly important in health care sector where quality of service and customer relations are the key success factors. The purpose of this research was to determine whether there was a relationship between patient satisfaction and loyalty to the service provider. A total of 240 patients in four private hospitals were invited to complete a survey questionnaire. Both parametric and nonparametric research analysis were performed to test the research hypotheses. In addition, sensitivity analysis was applied to identify the most critical satisfaction dimensions that provide the highest return for management effort and financial investment. The study used six specific-satisfaction dimensions, including nursing care, operating room, admission and administrative service, meal, cost and patient room to propose its hypotheses. The patient overall satisfaction was mostly affected by the nursing care, meal, patient room as well as admission and administrative services, respectively. Further, we found that patient overall satisfaction and loyalty were positively correlated so that one unit increase in patient overall satisfaction increases patient loyalty by 54% to 77%. Hospitals in devising their long-term strategy should pay sufficient attention to the development of their human resources. Such a strategy should be leveraged on attracting and retaining competent and customer-oriented nursing and administrative staff, investing in continuous professional development of staff and using advanced technologies to improve the quality and speed of customer services

[Evaluation of relation between polymorphisms in -590 region of IL-4 and occult HBV infection]

Occult Hepatitis B Infection [OBI] is a form of hepatitis in which despite of absence of detectable HBsAg, HBV-DNA is presented in patients peripheral blood. Responsible mechanisms of progression of OBI are unknown yet, but some investigators believed that the genetic and immunological parameters may be different. Cytokine network system could be leading alteration in viral immune response. IL-4 as an anti-inflammatory cytokines causes decreased immune function. Thus, regulatory factors which influences expression and function of IL-4 can be effective on immune system functions. As polymorphic variation in cytokine genes has regulatory effects on their expression and functions, this study investigates the association of-590 region polymorphisms of IL-4 with OBI. Determination of association between IL-4 polymorphisms with OBI. In this study, the plasma samples [FFP] of 3700 blood donors were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs by ELISA. The HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive samples were selected and screened for HBV-DNA by PCR. HBV-DNA positive samples assigned as OBI cases while HBV-DNA negative samples were used as control and PCR-RFLP was performed to examine the presence of polymorphisms in -590 regions of IL-4 genes of patients with OBI. 352 [9.51%] Out of 3700 blood samples were negative for HBsAg and positive for anti-HBc antibody. HBV-DNA was detected in 57[16.1%] of HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive samples. Our results showed that none of the alleles had significant difference between patients and control group. Our results demonstrated that there is no significant difference between patients with OBI and control cases. Therefore, it seems that there is not any relation between these alleles and OBI and more study should be done on polymorphisms in other to cytokine genes in patients with OBI

[Simultaneous effect of vitamin C and warfarin on coagulation pathways of rats]

The aim of the present study was to assess variations in coagulating pathways after simultaneous administration of warfarin and vitamin C. A total of 50 Wistar rats were selected. The rats were divided into 5 groups[1 group as control and 4 groups as experiment; with 10 rats in each group]. One group was control group, second group was given only warfarin for 10 days while the third group given warfarin and vitamin C simultaneously for 10 days, fourth group was given only warfarin for 20 days, and fifth group was given warfarin and vitamin C simultaneously for 20 days. After 10 th and 20 th days of administration of warfarin and vitamin C, blood samples were taken in order to measure PT, PTT, BT and CT levels. Vitamin C caused a decrease in PT and PTT after 20 days. PT and PTT showed a significant decrease after 10 days in the group that received only warfarin as compared to the group that received warfarin and vitamin C. BT levels showed a decrease after both 10 and 20 days in the group that received warfarin and vitamin C together as compared to the group that received only warfarin. There were significant statistical differences in BT of the two groups of rats [group receiving warfarin and vitamin C and group receiving only warfarin] [P<0.05]. Simultaneous administration of vitamin C and warfarin [20 days] results in decrease of PT, PTT, BT and CT and neutralization of warfarin effect. The effect of vitamin C on blood coagulation can be similar to vitamin K

[Causes of visual impairment among patients referred to rehabilitation clinics of Shahid Beheshti medical university]

To describe causes of low vision and blindness in patients referred for low vision aids to rehabilitation clinics at Shahid Beheshti Medical University during 2005. Visual acuity was classified to five groups based on best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] in the better eye according to World Health Organization [WHO] criteria and by using standard Snellen chart which included mild, moderate, severe and profound low vision and blindness. The causes of blindness and low vision were determined using the 10[th] version of International Classification of Diseases [ICD-10] based on the main cause in both eyes. The study was performed on 432 patients including 275 [65%] male and 148 [35%] female subjects with mean age of 43.6 +/- 25.5 [range 3-92] years. Mild to moderate and severe low vision and blindness were present in 28.8%, 46.4% and 24.8% of cases, respectively. The main causes of visual impairment were diseases of the retina and choroid [74.5%], optic nerve and optic tract diseases [9.8%], vitreous and globe disorders [3.5%], congenital cataract [3.1%] and glaucoma [2.6%]. The pattern of distribution of the causes was almost similar in all age subgroups. Diseases of the retina and choroid are the main cause of visual impairment among patients referred to eye rehabilitation clinics