[Targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma [hobnail hemangioma]: a case report]

Background and Aim: Hobnail hemangioma [targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma] is a benign vascular tumor that is usually characterized as a papule with an ecchymotic halo on the periphery. It is usually seen in young adults and most commonly affects limbs. The lesion is seen equally in both sexes. This vascular tumor is rare in the world and, according to our acknowledge, only one case has been reported in Iran. In this case report, we described the second case of targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma

Material and Methods: The patient is an 8 years old boy with a targetoid asymptomatic red popular lesion on his lower leg from 5 years ago. The lesion was completely excised. Skin biopsy showed dilated vascular spaces with hobnail endothelial cells in the superficial dermis accompanied with narrower vessels in the deep dermis which was compatible with targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma. In a follow up period of three years the lesion did not recur

Conclusion: Distinction between targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma and malignant skin lesions such as melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma and angiosarcoma is necessary. Thus, knowledge of clinical picture and pathology of this lesion can prevent unnecessary aggressive procedures

[Effect of methadone and valproate combination on morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in male mice]

Anxiety and depression are experienced following addicted patients durg withdrawal. This study was done to determine the effect of methadone and valproate combination on morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in male mice. In this experimental study, ninety-eight male mice were allocated into acute and chronic categories. Animals in acute chronic categories allocated into seven groups including: saline, morphine, methadone [10 mg/kg/bw], valproate [150 mg/kg/bw], three groups of valproate+methadone, in of ratio 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2. Animals were received escalating dose of morphine for 8 consecutive days except saline group. In chronic group, drugs were injected for 30 minutes before morphine administration, while in acute group; the drugs were used only at day 8. Anxiety and depression due to naloxone injection [5 mg/kg/bw]was investigated by elevated plus-maze, tail-suspension and open field tests. In the chronic group, valproate + methadone [2:1] combination therapy showed a significant increase in the percentage of open arm entries [53.86 +/- 1.9] and percentage of time spent in the open arm [58.58 +/- 4.15] compared to the morphine group, with a percentage of entering [28.12 +/- 2.03] and percentage of time [17.88 +/- 1.77] [P<0.05]. In open field test, the ratio of the number to the duration of time spent in the central square, in the combination therapy groups of methadone+valproate[27 +/- 2], valproate+methadone [1:2] and valproate+methadone [2:1] were significantly increased in compare to the morphine group [P<0.05]. In tail-suspension test, duration of immobility as an indicator of depression, in the treatment group of valproate+methadone [2:1] was significantly reduced [P<0.05]. Valproate and methadone combination therapy particularly in ratio of 2:1 can reduce morphine withdrawal-induced anxiety and depression in animal model

[Protective effect of silymarin on learning and memory deficiency in streptozotocin-diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus cause learning, memory and cognitive skills disorders in the long term. This study was conducted to determine the protective effect of silymarin on the learning and memory deficiency in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. This experimental study was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats weighing 240-300 grams. The rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups: control, silymarin-treated control [100 mg/kg], diabetic, and two silymarin-treated diabetic groups [50 and 100 mg/kg]. Silymarin was daily administered [i.p. and daily] ten days after streptozotocin injection for 4 weeks. Finally, initial [acquisition index] and step-through latencies [retention and recall index] were measured using passive avoidance test and alternation behavior percentage as an index of spatial memory was determined using Y maze. The level of malondialdehyde in the homogenate hippocampal tissue of the animals brains was measured. Data were analyzed using Sigma Stat-3.5, one-way and two-way ANOVA, Tukey, and Kruskall-Wallis tests. A significant reduction of STL was observed in diabetic [P<0.01] and silymarin-treated [50 mg/kg] diabetic [P<0.05] groups and this parameter was significantly higher in diabetic group receiving a high dose of silymarin compared to diabetic group [P<0.05]. Meanwhile, alternation percentage in diabetic animals was significantly lower than control group [P<0.05] and this index did not show a significant difference in silymarin-treated diabetic groups in comparison with diabetic group. In diabetic rats, there was a significant increase in the tissue level of malondialdehyde [P<0.05] and silymarin treatment with dosage of [100 mg/kg] significantly reduced the level of MDA [P<0.05]. This study showed that although long-term administration of silymarin at a high dose [100 mg/kg] affects the ability to store data in memory and to recall it in diabetic animals in passive avoidance test, it does not improve short-term spatial memory in diabetic animals. The beneficial effects of silymarin may be via attenuation of lipid peroxidation in hippocampus tissue

Estimating total economic value of coral reefs of Kish Island [Persian Gulf]

This paper is concerned with the economic valuation of the coral reef within Kish Island in Persian Gulf of Iran. For calculating this value, all components of use and non-use values are estimated and then according to each of them, suitable method has applied. Many different evaluation tools such as contingent valuation method, zonal travel cost method, replacement cost, avoided cost method, value at risk method are used. The semi non parametric distribution free estimator for calculating the contingent valuation method is applied. The probability of willingness to pay the same as the probability of accepting bids is estimated by using data based on questioners approach using stated preference method. The result indicates that the total economic value of this unique ecosystem in Kish Island is at least 14.6 million dollar per year, showing the importance of conservation value of the ecosystem. Its largest component of total economic value is about 62 percent attributed to the recreational value. This is followed by conservation value which is about 23 percent of the economic value. Since coastal protection and waste assimilation functions of coral reef are 10 percent, it is also suitable factor in illustrating total economic value. The economic value for each hectare of this ecosystem in Kish Island is US$ 237,000 in 2009

[Seroepidemiology of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Kerman city, 2011]

Visceral leishmaniosis [VL] is a sporadic disease in many provinces of Iran, while it is considered endemic in other parts. This study was designed to assess the seroprevalence of canine VL in the Kerman city. Samples were randomly selected from the referred household dogs to the veterinary hospital of Shahid Bahonar university, Kerman, Iran and stray dogs, euthanized by Kerman municipality. Blood samples were taken after complete clinical examination. All collected sera were tested by a commercial indirect ELISA kit for the presence of anti Leishmania infantum antibodies. In addition, complete blood count tests were performed in all dogs to detect hematological alterations. Collected data were analyzed through SPSS software and using chi[2] and fishers' exact tests. The overall seroprevalence was 7.03%, which was calculated 11.1% in stray dogs. Seroprevalence of disease was significantly higher in dogs over 5 years old in comparison to younger dogs [P<0.01]. Seroprevalence had no significant relationship with sex and hematological alterations. Although the seroprevalence of canine VL in Kerman city was less than that in endemic parts, stray dogs could be a potential risk factor for public health in this area. Further complementary ecological studies on vectors and reservoirs in different areas of Kerman province seem to be necessary

Prevalence, molecular characterization and serology of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from buffaloes in West Azerbaijan, Iran

This present study is the first to report the presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC] in buffaloes in Iran. A total of 360 fecal samples were collected from buffaloes from different regions in the west Azerbaijan province of Iran and cultured for the isolation of E. coli using routine biochemical tests. From the fecal samples, 340 E. coli were isolated and, of these, 26 STEC isolates were identified. The STEC isolates were further analyzed for the presence of specific virulence genes. Among the STEC isolates, 11 [42.3%] isolates were positive for the stx[1] gene, nine [34.6%] were positive for the stx[2] gene and six [23%] were positive for both of these genes. Six [23%] STEC isolates harbored the hly gene and two [7.6%] isolates were positive for the eae gene. Based on serotyping, only one [3.8%] isolate was of the O157 serotype, while the other 25 [96.1%] belonged to non-0157 serotypes. The results of the present study provide the first evidence that buffaloes could be a reservoir for STEC in Iran, especially those belonging to non-0157 serotypes

PCR-detection of coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from sheep and goats in Southeast Iran

There is a little data on Coxiella burnetii [Q fever agent] in Iran. Ticks may play a significant role in the transmission of C. burnetii among animals. The aim of this study was to use polymerase chain reaction for the detection of C. burnetii in ticks collected in Southeast Iran. One hundred and sixty ticks were collected from domestic animals in three localities of Kerman Province, Southeast Iran from November to June 2009. The collected ticks were divided into 35 pools and examined by Trans-PCR for C. burnetii. Three pools, each consisting of five female of Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and one pool [6 ticks] of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks collected from goats and sheep were found to be positive by Trans-PCR. This paper documents the first molecular detection of C. burnetii in ticks, which shows their role as putative vectors and reservoirs for this pathogenic agent

Lower-loop reentrant atrial flutter

The mechanism of typical atrial flutter [AFL] has been well established. The isthmus between the tricuspid annulus and Eustachian ridge has been recognized as a critical part for maintaining the typical AFL circuit and the target site for ablation. However, a subtype of AFL, as double-wave reentry [lower loop reentry], has been described. This arrhythmia is due to the presence of 2 activation wavefronts rotating simultaneously. In this case report, we presented a case of counter-clockwise AFL with such activation circuit

[Q fever a forgotten disease in Iran]

There have already been a few studies on Q fever in Iran and most of them go back to more than 50 years ago. Preliminary serologic studies on ruminants and febrile patients in Southeast Iran show a high seropositivity in this region. Misdiagnosis as well as poor attention of public health authorities to this infection can facilitate the epidemic spread of Q fever. Further studies on the diagnosis of acute and chronic types of Q fever and detection of Coxiella burnetii are in progress by the authors

[ effect of oral and intraperitoneal administration of acorus calamus l. extract on learning and memory in male rats]

Learning and memory impairment during aging mind have a disturbance role in human life. Regarding to the defect mechanisms for prevention or treatment of memory loss, the new strategies were recommended for study on it. Importance of herbal medicine treatment encouraged us to examine the effect of a candidate plant Acorus calamus for improvement of learning and memory. Male rats were randomly divided to control and treatment groups. In treatment group the plant were applied to animals in oral [plant/ food ratio =% 6.25] for two weeks and in injected groups the plant extract were applied [i.p] to rat in 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg]. Finally, all experimental animal groups were conducted to Y maze and shuttle box tests in order to obtain spatial recognition and acquisition - recalling data, respectively. The step through latency [STL] time resulted from oral and 100 mg/kg injected dose groups show a significant difference with control animals. Also, alternation behavior [%] obtained from Y maze test data was marked than control rats. The present study show that oral and intraperitoneal administration of the extract in higher dose could have increase spatial recognition and recalling the data

[Immunohistochemical evaluation of p53 and ki-67 expression in selected developmental and inflammatory odontogenic cysts]

It seems that different growth mechanisms and biologic behaviors of odontogenic cysts are related to different expressions of various proteins and molecules. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of p53 and ki-67 in radicular cysts [RC], odontogenic keratocysts [OKC], inflamed [IDC] and noninflamed dentigerous cysts [NIDC]. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 13 RCs, 10 NIDCs, 15 IDCs and 19 cases of OKC were selected and stained for p53 and ki-67. The sides were evaluated by light microscopy [x400 magnification] and brown-staining cells were counted. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests. P53 expression was not observed in any cases of RCs and NIDCS. This marker was seen in 6.7% IDCs and 57.9% of OKCs with an average of 0.27=/-1.03 and 17.3 +/- 27.68. There was a statistically significant difference between OKC and other cysts regarding the expression of this marker [p=0.006]. Ki-67 expression was observed in 84.6%, 73.7%, 66.6% and 44% of RCs, OKCs, IDCs, and NIDCs and NIDCs, respectively. A significant difference existed between OKC and NIDC, and also NIDC and IDC [p=0.048] and radicular cysts and inflamed dentigerous cysts [p=0.046]. Based on the results of this study, expression of p53 and ki-67 is related and growth potential of odontogenic cysts

[ effect of aqueous crocus sativus l. extract on intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced cognitive deficits in male rat]

Alzheimer as a prevalent central nervous system disease has no definitive treatment yet. So, regarding to herbal medicine recommendation, an important candidate herb, Crocus sativus L. extract [CSE] was investigated on ICY STZ-induced learning, memory, and cognitive impairment in male rats. The Effect of aqueous crocus sativus L. extract on intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced cognitive deficits in male rat. We use STZ injection as a model for Alzheimer's disease. For this purpose due to an animal stereotaxic surgery, the rats were injected with STZ-icv bilaterally, on 1st and 3[rd] days [3 mg/kg]. The learning and memory performance was assessed using passive avoidance paradigm, and for spatial cognition evaluation, Y maze task was used. Sixty male rats were divided to following groups: 1- Control, 2- Sham [which received only ACSF], 3-Control + CSE, 4-STZ, 5-STZ+CSE. The STZ-injected rats received CSE [30 mg/kg;i.p.]. These rats were treatment one day before surgery for three weeks and then were subjected to learning and memory tests. In Y maze test the non repetitive percentage of arm entrance were considered as alternation behavior [intelligence quotient]. Data in Passive avoidance task was the latent period [s] for passing from light to dark room due to adaptation periods. However, for the passive avoidance test nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used, which if significant, was followed by Mann-Whitney U-test for pair-wise comparisons. Data for the Y maze task were evaluated by Wilcoxon's rank sum test It was found that CSE-treated STZ-injected rats showed higher correct choices and lower errors in Y maze than vehicle-treated STZ-injected rats. In addition, CSE administration significantly attenuated learning and memory impairment in treated STZ-injected group in passive avoidance test. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of CSE in preventing the cognitive deficits caused by STZ-icv in rats and its potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease

Effect of salicylic acid on antioxidant activity in milk thistle hairy root cultures

Elicitors can trigger defense responses and activate specific genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis. For understanding SA-treatment signaling pathway we determined defense-related compounds and enzymes in S. marianum hairy root cultures. 28 day old hairy roots were treated by salicylic acid [6 mg/50 ml culture] for different times [24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h]. The antioxidant activity was assayed by the 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl stable free radical method and results were calculated based on the IC[50] H[2]O[2], peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase activity and total tocopherol content was measured in treated and non-treated hairy root cultures. The highest accumulation of H[2]O[2] was 86.60 micro mol g[-1] DW that was obtained 120 h after elicitation [2-times of non-treated hairy roots]. IC[50] increased upon treatment and was 1.15- times higher than the control 24h after elicitation. The content of total tocopherol content under SA treatment was lower than the control experiments. Maximum activity of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase were 0.17 and 1.50 micro mol min[-1] mg[-1] protein, 96 and 72 h after elicitation, respectively. Oxidative stress defends system can be activated by salicylic acid in Silybum marianum hairy root cultures. This study suggested that exogenous SA can increase H[2]O[2] content of hairy roots, and induce the expression of antioxidant enzymes and increase secondary metabolite accumulation

Immunohistochemistry analysis of P53 and Ki-67 proteins in oral lichen planus and normal oral mucosa

Oral lichen planus [OLP] is a relatively common chronic inflammatory muco-cutaneous disease classified among the potentially malignant lesions of oral mucosa. In this study we evaluated tissue expression of p53, ki-67 in OLP compared to normal oral mucosa. Specimens [formalin-fixed and paraffin- embedded] of 44 lesions of OLP and 30 controls referred to immunohistochemistry [IHC] analysis for p53 and ki-67. Results of immunohistochemistry were statistically evaluated by means of Kolmogorov- Smirnov, Kruskal- Wallis and t-test. The level of statistical significance was established at P< 0.05. This study included 44 patients with OLP [27 females and 17 males] and 30 subjects as control group [18 females and 12 males].The mean expression of p53 in patients with OLP was greater than subjects in control group. The mean expression of ki-67 in patients with OLP was more than people in control group. These differences were statistically significant [P=0.001]. Since p53 and ki-67 extensively accepted as important biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of malignant and premalignant lesions, therefore high degree of presence of these biomarkers in chronic premalignant lesion like OLP can be a great helpful in its prognosis and suggested treatments

effect of long-term consumption of Commiphora Mukul feeding on the serum levels of glucose and lipids of diabetic rats

Considering the beneficial anti-lipidemic effects of Commiphora Mukul [CM] [ashwagandha] on metabolism, the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of this plant were investigated in an experimental model of diabetes mellitus. Fifty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e. control, CM-treated control, diabetic, and CM-treated diabetic groups. The treatment groups received oral administration of plant-mixed pelleted food [6.25%] for two months. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL- cholesterol levels were determined before the study, and at 4 and 8th weeks after the experiment The weight loss [%] in CM-treated diabetic rats [7.8 +/- 2.2%] compared to diabetic [29.8 +/- 2.2%] ones showed a significant difference [P < 0.05]. Serum glucose levels in diabetic rats increased significantly, compared to CM-diabetic animals [0.05], and in both groups compared to controls [0.01]. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the diabetic group increased non significantly, but in CM-treated diabetic rats, these levels decreased more significantly. Finally, in CM-treated control and the CM-diabetic animals, mild decrease in LDL and increase in HDL, demonstrateds a suitable HDL/LDL ratio in CM-treated control [24%] and CM-diabetic rats [248%] as compared to controls. Oral chronic administration of CM diminished the weight loss of animals with STZ inducted diabetes [STZ-groups] more significantly. Also, a marked hypoglycemic effect was seen in CM-treated rats. Feeding animals with CM leads to appropriate changes in blood lipid profiles i.e. high ratio of HDL/LDL

Serological study of bovine viral respiratory diseases in dairy herds in Kerman province, Iran

Respiratory disorders are major concern for dairy cattle industry. Viruses and bacteria in combination with stress play a key role in triggering acute respiratory infections. The most important viral agents are bovine viral diarrhoea virus [BVDV], bovine herpes virus type 1 [BHV-1], bovine respiratory syncytial virus [BRSV], parainfluenza virus type 3 [PIV-3] and bovine adenovirus [BAV]. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the serological status of BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV, PIV-3 and BAV in dairy herds in Kerman province, Iran. From June to November 2007, 181 serum samples were collected from 1-3-year-old cattle from 15 industrial dairy farms in Kerman province using cluster sampling. The samples were tested by commercial indirect ELISA kits. Antibodies were detected against BVDV, BHV-1, BRSV, PIV-3 and BAV in 77.90, 30.39, 100, 100 and 100% of serum samples, respectively. All farms were positive at least for one of these viruses and antibodies against all the 5 viruses were detected in 4 [26.66%] herds among 15 dairy farms. According to the present study, BVDV, BRSV, PIV-3 and BAV are common viruses in dairy herds in Kerman province

[Evaluation of the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of henbane seed on acute and chronic pain in male rats]

The pain as the most prevalent medical problem and an unpleasant experience obliges patients to use sedatives. Recent studies have shown that anticholinergic alkaloid compounds have antinociceptive property. Regarding the presence of anticholinergic alkaloid compounds in henbane [hyoscyamus niger] and since this plant was mentioned as sedative in Iranian traditional medicine, the aim of present study was to investigate the antinociceptive effect of oral and injective administration of henbane seed on formalin-induced acute and chronic pain in rats. Male rats weighing 300-350 gr from NMRI strain were chosen randomly, and alcoholic extract of henbane seed were injected at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg intraperitoneally[n=10 for each dose]. Also oral henbane seed at ratio of 1/14 in standard food was given to another group of rats [n=8] for 2 weeks. Acute and chronic pain scores were assessed in control [n=8] and experimental groups by formalin test. The reactions against the pain were carried out via formalin test, based on the standard criteria assessment. In addition, the antinociceptive effect of sodium salisilate as a positive control group was examined. Statistical analysis of findings showed that injection of alcoholic extract of henbane seed in all doses decreased the formalin-induced acute and chronic pain significantly [P<0.001]. In addition, oral administration of henbane seed caused significant decrease of formalin-induced chronic pain [P<0.001] relative to control group. The results of the present study indicate that henbane extract has significant antinociceptive effect on both acute and chronic phases of formalin test. In addition, oral administration of henbane seed has only antinociceptive effect on formalin-induced chronic pain. It could be resulted from different mechanisms of extract injection and oral administration henbane in acute pain

Effect of trachyspermum copticum [L.] link microinjection in nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis on morphine's withdrawal syndrome sings

Drug addiction is destructive misfortune and one of the most important problems in the world. Using the medical plants in medicinal history has valuable information and experiments in this field. According to research Trachyspermum copticum L. T. Copticum is effective in reducing of morphine's withdrawal syndrome, so in this study we investigate the effects of T. Copticum microinjection on nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis [PGi] on morphine's withdrawal syndrome sings [MWSS]. After preparing the T.C fruit from height of the mountain in Khuzestan, aqueous extract of different concentration [Diluted 10, 100, 1000 times] was prepared by suckcele display. 32 male rats [Sprague Dawley with average weigh 250 - 300 gr] were randomized divided to 4 groups which dependent by intraperitoneum [I.P] injection with morphine. After cannulating the PGI with using the set of steriotaxi, microinjection of different doses of T. Copticum in PGI was done and naloxan [5 mg/kg] was injected I.P to groups. Withdrawal syndrome signs [diarrhea, rearing, ptosis, irritability, tremor, agitation] were observed in 4 groups. Data evaluation and analysis was done by t-test and Mann-Whitney. Results show that T.C was significantly effective in reduction of MNSS such as [rearing ptosis, irritability] compared with control group. T. Copticum is probably sensitive on specific receptors in PGI

Anti-inflammatory effect of alcoholic Stinging nettle extract in male NMRI rats

Regarding side effects of acute and especially chronic inflammation and incomplete treatment of patients who suffering from these side effects, the new and affective strategies are needed. For this purpose in the present study, we scientifically evaluate an introduced folk herb Stinging nettle [Urtica dioicd], for treatment of inflammation. The control and treatment groups [rats which received the extract] were subjected to four methods in order to measure the inflammation: 1] Following production of inflammation by injection of formalin in hind paw, evance blue dye was injected to circulation and due to cutting the paws in border of wrist, they segmented to number parts. These segments set-aside in aceton+sodium sulfate sulotion for 24 hour in room temperature. Finally the light absorption of the centrifuged solution was measured as the data. In 2 and 3 methods respectively xylene and acetic acid were applied to ear and peritoneum. However, light absorption of the solution separated from ear segments solution and fluid of the peritoneum was read as the data. In 4th method the difference in weight of cottons which implanted in groin border of rats, before and after 7 days were compared in control and treatment groups. Statistical analysis has shown a significant difference between rate of inflammation in control and treatment groups. The extract in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg could reduce inflammation produced by formalin 34.52 +/- 2.2 [p < 0.001] and 22.71 +/- 2.1% [p < 0.05] respectively. The dose of 100 mg/kg could nearly diminish inflammation 35.48 +/- 1.2% [p < 0.05] in the inflamed ears. However, three doses of the extract [20,50 and 100 mg/kg] have significant effect on peritonitis produced by acetic acid application in peritoneum. These effects calculated as 21.45 +/- 2.1 [p < 0.05], 35.55 +/- 2.2 and 27.49 +/- 1.8% [p < 0.001] respectively. Finally, our finding on chronic pain showed that the extract in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg could alleviate the inflammation 24.08 +/- 2.1 and 19.04 +/- 04% respectively [p < 0.05]. This study showed that alcoholic Urtica dioica extract could markedly reduce the chronic and acute inflammation