Effect of grape seed extract on improving memory and learning impairment induced by streptozotocin in male rat

Background and Objective: Alzheimer's disease is an age-related disease that is characterized by dementia and loss of neurons in the brain. It has been shown that brain oxidative stress plays an important role in aging and neurodegenerative disorders. This study was done to evaluate the effect of grape seed extract [GSE] on memory impairment induced by intracerebroventricular [ICV] injection of streptozotocin [STZ] in animal model of Alzheimer's disease

Methods: In this experimental study, Eighty adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into control, sham, grape seed extract [100 mg/kg/bw, 30 days, orally] plus STZ and STZ plus grape seed extract. Animals memory were evaluated using Morris water maze, shuttle box and T maze tests

Results: Intracerebroventricular injection of STZ caused memory corruption in all tests. Administration of GSE before and after of administration of intracerebroventricular STZ in the Morris water maze test, significantly reduced latency to get to the hidden platform compared to Alzheimer's group [P<0.05]. The latency to enter the dark compartment in passive avoidance memory test significantly increased in compare to animal model of Alzheimer's disease [P<0.05]. The selection of the right arm of the T-maze test in animals that received grape seed extract before and after of STZ injection significantly increased compared to animal model of Alzheimer's disease [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Grape seed extract has important effect in prevention and improving memory impairment induced by intracerebventricular injection of STZ

Effect of alcoholic extract of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian on ileum contractions in rats

Background: Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian [Umbelliferae family] is one of the Iranian medicinal plants that has nutritional and pharmacological effects. In Iranian traditional medicine, it has been mentioned that this plant has anti-spasmodic effect and it is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunctions, such as abdominal pain. In this study, we evaluated the effect of alcoholic extract of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian on ileum contractions in rats

Materials and Method: Alcoholic extracts were prepared from powdered Kelussia leaves. Ileum samples were placed in an organ bath containing tyrode solution and 1g tension was used before inducing ileum isotonic contraction with KCl [60 mM]. Saline or extracts [10% and 20%] were added to the bath and responses were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD test

Results: Our results demonstrated that both concentrations of Kelussia significantly reduced the KCl-induced contraction in isolated rat ileum compared to the control [saline] group [p<0.001]. No significant difference was observed between the two groups which had received 10% and 20% extracts

Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that alcoholic extracts of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaffarian inhibit pre-induced contractions in isolated rat ileum and can be used for reduction of intestinal spasms. More experiments are needed to unravel the mechanism underlying this effect

[Evaluation of analgesic effects of intrathecal eugenol in male rats]

Eugenol, the most important substance of clove plant [Eugenia caryophyllata] extract, has been widely used as a local relief for pain and inflammation in dentistry. To our knowledge, the beginning time and duration time of intrathecal injection of eugenol were not determined. Thus the purpose of this study was to investigate the analyesic effects of intrathecal injection of eugenol regarding the beginning and duration time, using thermal pain method [water: 52°C] in male rats. In this experimental study, 51 male Wistar rats, were divided into three groups of eugenol [5, 10 and 15 microl] and three groups of normal saline [5, 10 and 15 microl]. Lumbar intrathecal catheters were implanted under anesthesia. Five days later, different volumes of eugenol and normal saline [5, 10 and 15 microl /rat] were administrated intrathecally and the withdrawal tail responses to high temperature [51°C] water [tail immersion] at different times intervals [pre-catheterization, pre-administration, 10, 30, 180, 360, 720, 1440 minutes after eugenol administrations] were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one and two way ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. Eugenol induced analgesia dose-dependently. Furthermore, eugenol at higher doses induced longer analgesic effect [P<0.05]. Higher doses of eugenol caused long term paralysis and immobility. The beginning time of analgesia was 10 minutes after injection of eugenol and maximum analgesia was seen after 30 minutes [P<0.05]. The observed analgesic effect of intrathecal eugenol can be helpful in the clinical use at the future

[Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields during foetal life on adulthood learning in male rat]

Background and aim: Our environment is exposed to electromagnetic fields by development and industrialization of life. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields [5 and 25 Hz] during fetal life on adulthood learning in male rat

Methods: In this study forty eight Sprague Dawley pregnant rats [150+/-20g] were divided into six groups of eight: control, sham, and 5 or 25Hz and 50 or 500micro T. Duration of exposure was 4 hours per day [continuously from 8 to 12 A.M.] from first day to 15th day of gestation. We evaluated learning, body weight, brain weight, brain volume, brain weight to body weight ratio and brain density of 60 days-old male offsprings. The learning task was performed by shuttle box in the form of one-way active avoidance conditioning. The number of conditioning responses and latency periods was recorded. Data was statistically analyzed by Kruskal-wallis test

Results: Fetal life exposure to ELF EMF [25Hz/50micro T] improved learning, decreased body weight and increased brain weight to body weight ratio in male rat [P<0.05]. Fetal life exposure to 25 Hz/500 micro T, 5 Hz/500 micro T and 5 Hz/50 micro T increased body weight

Conclusion: Fetal life exposure to ELF EMF [25Hz/50micro T] could improve learning in male rats

[Study of hydatid cyst in hospitalized patients with operation in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary province [1988-2007]]

Hydatid cyst disease is one of the most common zoonotic diseases which is mostly due to the inhabitance of Echinococus granulosus larva stage. Iran is one of the hyper-endemic areas for this disease and operation is still the best way for its treatment. It is very important to know the epidemiological aspects of this disease for control and prevention programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate hydatid cyst disease in hospitalized patients with operation in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary province from 1988 to 2007. In this retrospective-descriptive study patients who were hospitalized due to hydatid cyst operation in Shahrekord Ayatollah Kashani, Brougen Hazrat Vali - Asr and Farsan Seyed- Alshohadah hospitals during 1988-2007 were recruited. Data were collected using questionnaire and were analyzed by chi-square test. Our data showed that from the total of 144 patients, 98 persons were female and 46 cases were male. While the youngest case was an 11 year old boy, the oldest patient was 92 years old. In addition, 93 cases of the patients were tribes or lived in rural areas and 51 cases lived in urban areas. The highest frequency of the disease [44 cases] was seen in 27-41 year old group. The lowest frequency was seen in patients over 72 years old. The highest frequency [87 cases] belonged to housewives and the lowest frequency belonged to government employees. Most of the cysts [97 cysts] were in the right lobe of liver. Left lobe of the liver, right and left sides of the lung were the other locations respectively. Eight cysts were elsewhere. As many people in Charmahal va Bahktiari province live in tribes' style and also human, sheep and dogs are in a very close contact, more education programs are needed for people who are living in rural areas, especially housewives. In addition, infected dogs should be controlled and be treated in case of infection with Echinococus granulosus

Detection of mutations in exons 5-8 of the P53 gene in gastric cancer samples using PCR-SSCP in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province, 2006-2007

Gastric cancer is the second cause of cancer death world wide. Genetic factors including oncogens and tumor suppressor genes are always contributed in progression of this cancer. The P53 tumor suppressor gene has a broad role in the cell such as programmed cell death and stop cell replicating damaged DNA. Mutations in the P53 gene, which are frequently seen in human gastric cancer, impair its tumor suppression function. The aim of this study was to determine the P53 gene mutations in gastric cancer specimens in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province. In this descriptive-lab based study, we investigated the P53 gene mutations in exons 5-8 in 38 paraffin embedded gastric cancer specimens. DNA was extracted following the standard phenol chloroform protocol. The P53 gene mutations were determined using PCR-SSCP procedure. Band shifts were detected in all positive controls examined. However, no shifted band was detected in samples from gastric cancer patients tested. The results of this study demonstrated that association between P53 gene mutations and gastric cancer is very low in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province. However, we have examined a limited number of 38 gastric samples and more samples are needed to be investigated to unravel the contribution of P53 gene mutations leading to gastric cancer in this province

Molecular pathology of 6 novel GJB2 allelic variants detected in familial and sporadic Iranian non syndromic hearing loss cases

Mutations of GJB2 gene encoding connexion 26 are the most common cause of hearing loss in many populations. A very wide spectrum of GJB2 gene mutations associated with hearing loss have been detected but pathogenic role has been tested only for a part of them. In this study, we have provided genetic evidence on the pathogenicity of our previously reported novel GJB2 allelic variants. The pathogenic role of GJB2 allelic variants were assessed using co segregation of each allelic variant with hearing loss in family members, absence of the allelic variants in control populations, coexistence with a second GJB2 mutation, nature of the amino acid substitution and evolutionary conservation of the appropriate amino acid. The GJB2 allelic variants including 363delC, 327delGGinsA, H16R and G200R have been co segregated with autosomal recessive non syndromic hearing loss in five families and are not found in control subjects. The G130V and K102Q were found in heterozygous state in two deaf individuals. G130V results in an exchange a residue highly conserved among all the connexins but was found with a rate of 1% in control subjects and K102Q results in an exchange a residue not conserved among all the connexins and not identified in control subjects. We conclude that, 363delC, 327delGGinsA, H16R and G200R may be pathogenic. However, the pathogenicity and inheritance of K102Q and G130V can not be assessed clearly and remains to be identified

[Comparison the effect of corticosteroid injection with physiotherapy in treatment of painful arch of shoulder]

Painful arch of shoulder is treated using both surgical and non-surgical methods. In the latter one, steroidal and non-steroidal analgesic drugs and/or physiotherapy are used. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy in the treatment of disease. In this double-blinded clinical trial, 124 patients who referred to Shahrekord Kashani hospital and suffered from shoulder pain or with having limitation in its movement were considered as the patients with painful arch of shoulder. They were divided in two equal groups of 62. In the first group, 40 mg of prednisolone was locally injected in the painful site. The second one was subjected to ten sessions of physiotherapy for two weeks. The outcomes of these treatments were assessed using a questionnaire including shoulder disability and the amount of pain in the patients, 2, 6, and 11 weeks after the treatment. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis [X[2], t and repeated measures ANOVA]. The mean age of the patients was 42.3 +/- 9.5 years. The two groups were age and sex matched. The pain was relapsed in one patient of the first and 3 patients of the second group. Pain and shoulder disability were significantly decreased in the two groups [P<0.05]. The amount of shoulder disability and pain in the group received corticosteroid was less than that in the group subjected to physiotherapy [P<0.05]. Base on the results, injection of corticosteroid is more effective than using of physiotherapy in treatment of painful arch of shoulder. This cures pain and shoulder disability of the patients faster

[ evaluation of Papanicolaou [Pap] smear processing in the health centers of Shahrekord in 2005]

Papanicolaou [Pap] smear screening is an effective method of detecting cytological changes in cervix before they lead to cervical cancer. To determine the quality of process of Pap smear and comparison of pathologist and cytologist reports about quality of obtained samples and accuracy of diagnosis, this study was performed. In this cross sectional study which performed during spring and summer 2005, the processing of a total of 160 Pap smears were observed randomly by standard checklist. Also a total of 360 Pap smear samples reported by a cytologist were examined by a pathologist and the Kappa correlation coefficient was compared between the two reports. The function of midwifes in patient recording was 96.15% good and 3.85% poor. The function for Pap sampling was 88.72% good and 11.28% poor. In the pathologist report, the quantity of specimen, infection cellular changes, inflammation reactive changes, cell abnormality were reported were 308[85.5%], 12[3.3%], 232[64.4%] and 3[0.83%], respectively. There was significant relationship between pathologist and cytologist reports [p<0.05]. According to the result, the quality of processing of Pap smear, the quality of obtained samples and accuracy of diagnosis were acceptable. However, we suggest more supervision and attention about midwifes and cytologists practices

[Effect of allium sativum l. extract on acid and pepsin secretion in basal condition and stimulated with vag stimulate in rat]

Garlic is used world wide to give flavor to foods as pecols ect. by different nations specially by Iranian society. The dominant believe is, the garlic therapeutic effects on patients with gastric discomfort and digesting problems. In this study we aimed to investigate the garlic effect on gastric acid and pepsin in both basic and stimulated condition by electrical stimulus of vogues nerve in rat. In an experimental study two groups of 12 wistar rats were selected, to make the animal unconscious, 50[mg/kg] Sodium tiopantal were given ip. and each rat was tracheostomized, laparatomized, gastrodeodbnostomized and then 100[mg/kg] of garlic extract dissolved in 9% saline was introduced to stomach of animal. The vagus nerves of both side of the neck released from carotid sheet and stimulated with ISmillivolts, frequency 4 Herts and 1 milisecond wide. The stomach secretions then washed out in following stages; first base, second base, vagus stimulated conditions and reverse to base. The acid amounts of washing were measured by titrometry and pepsin amounts were measured with Anson technique. The acid and pepsin secretion were significantly increased in rats received garlic extracts [p<0.000 p<0.05 respectively]. Stimulation by vagus nerves in control group significantly increased the level of acid [p<0.05] and pepsin [p<0.05] and garlic treated group had similar secretion rate to stimulated group. Furthermore there were no significant relationship between sex of studied rats. Consumption of garlic in the diet has lots of benefits for digestion of foods, so it can be beneficial for those patients with digestive problems, however it should be noted that people with digestive dysfunction related to increased level of gastric acid or pepsin must avoid garlic consumption. Therefore patient with gastritis and duodenal ulcer are not allowed to take garlic in their diet

hypoglycemic effects of a hydro-alcoholic extract from Securigera securidaca seeds on induced diabetis in male rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins caused by deficiency or lack of insulin. The side effects of chemical drugs have increased the requirement to use of medical plants with fewer complications than that of the chemical drugs. Securigera securidaca is one of the medical plants traditionally used. This medicine has antiepileptic, diuretic, hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects. This study was aimed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of S. securidaca seeds on streptozocine induced diabetic rats. In this experimental study, a total of seventy Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into seven groups. Diabetes was induced via intravenous injection of streptozocine [45mg/kg]. Then, the extract of Securigera securidaca seed was administrated orally in dosage of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg in the mice. The blood glucose was measured before and one, two and three weeks after the administration of the extract. Using statistical methods, [Student t test, paired t test and ANOVA], the data were analyzed. Compared with the control group, Streptozocine significantly increased the blood glucose of the test group [p<0.001]. Doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of S. securidaca extract had no significant effect on blood glucose after two weeks. However, dose of 2000 mg/kg significantly decreased the blood glucose [p<0.001]. The extract had no significant effect on normal blood glucose in the rats. The findings showed that the extract of S. securidaca seed decreased the blood glucose in streptozocine induced diabetic rats dose-dependently. Therefore, it may be useful in diabetic patients

Sound level in a ten year period in Shahrekord City

Noise is part of daily life in all human societies. It, like other pollutants, decreased the quality of life and is a hazard for public health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find field data with respect to noise in the urban areas and to use data for applying measures to limit and control the exposure rate to environmental noise. In this study, sound level was measured across the city based on heavy, moderate, and light traffic jams; residential, educational, and remedial areas. Measurement was conducted in two times, 1992 using 8 stations and 2001 using 10 stations. To determine the noise level based on the public opinions, 20 persons were randomly selected in each overcrowding station and interviewed. The data was analyzed using Wilkoxon, chi-square and binomial analyses. The average of daily sound level in the first and the second period was 68.8 +/- 6.3 and 61.6 +/- 5.1 dB, respectively. The average of night sound level in the first and second period was 73.8 +/- 7.7 and 62.6 +/- 5.9 dB, respectively [p>0.05]. The average of sound variations during day and at night was 24 +/- 5.2 and 24.5 +/- 5 dB in the first period and was 28.8 +/- 8.7 and 23.4 +/- 4.5 dB in the second period, respectively. Twelve percent of the citizens in the first and nineteen percent of them in the second period complained about noise pollution. As one of the most important environmental problems, noise was ranked fifth and third in 1992 and 2001, respectively. Our results showed that civilization patterns are improved slower than growth rate of noise-causing factors across the cities

effect of Amirkabiria odoratissima extract on gastric acid and pepsin secretion level in rat

Amirkabiria odoratissima is widely used as an odorant in east south provinces. Many people believe that this plant is useful in treatment of some gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of the plant extract on the secretion rate of acid and pepsin in the stomach of the rats studied. This is an experimental study involving 3 groups of rats, 8 in each group. The control group received placebo and case groups were received 100 mg/kg and 16.2 mg/kg of Amirkabiria odoratissima by gastrodeodenostomy canola. After anesthesia with nesdonal, 50 mg/kg IP, rats were gone under surgical process, tracheotomy. Subsequently, stomach secretion obtained using Wash Out method included in the first and the second base and measured acid by titrimetry method and pepsin by Anson method. Data were analyzed using t and ANOVA methods. The amount of acid significantly decreased in both Amirkabiria odoratissima groups compared to control group [p<0.001]. However, there was no significant change in pepsin secretion [p>0.05]. Using of Amirkabiria odoratissima decreases gastric acid secretion and may be useful in patients with gastro intestinal disorders

[Effect of allium sativum extract on acid and pepsin secretion in basal condition and stimulated with pentagastrin in rat]

Allium Sativum [garlic] is used widely in the world and especially in Iran. This plant is used in cooking food as an odorant. In Iran it is believed that it is useful for gastrointestinal disorders. So in this study the effect of Allium Sativumextract on acid and pepsin secretion in rat is investigated. This experimental study is performed on two groups of rats [12 in each group: control group and allium sativum group]. After anesthesia with nesdonal [50 mg/kg, ip], rats had gone under surgical tracheotomy, laparatomy and gasterodeodenostomy. In garlic group Allium Sativum extract [100mg/kg] was introduced into the stomach by gasterodeodenostomy canula. In order to stimulation of acid and pepsin secretion, Pentagastrin was used [25mcg/kg, ip]. Stomach secretion was washed out and acid was measured using titerimetery and pepsin using Anson method. Data was analyzed using T test. Allium Sativum caused a meaningful increase in acid and pepsin secretion in garlic group comparing to control group [p<0.001]. Pentagastrin also increased acid and pepsin secretion in control group [p<0.001]. Using garlic in nutritional regimen causes an increase in acid and pepsin secretion in those using this plant

effect of teaching using, problem base learning and lecture on behavior, attitude and learning of nursing [BSc] students

Problem base learning results in the clarification of the words and concepts, the definition of the concepts, problem analysis, providing a systematic method to describe the situation during analysis process, the determination of learning objectives, getting more knowledge according to learning requirements and merging of the new knowledge with solutions. Regarding the progress of nursing science across the world and the importance of promotion in nursing education using new educational methods, the aim of this research was to determine the effect of teaching using both problem base learning and lecture on behavior, attitude and learning of nursing [BSc] students at Shahre-Kord university of medical science. This research was a semi-experimental study involved 40 of nursing [at 4[th] semester] students at Shahre-Kord university of medical sciences who were learning the internal course [surgery 2]. They were selected using conventional sampling method and divided into two equal groups of case and control, using random sampling method. The problem base learning and lecture methods were used to teach individuals of case and control groups, respectively. At the end of the course, using a questionnaire, behavior, attitude, and learning of the students were assessed. Using T and Manvitni tests, the data was analyzed. The students were 95% female and single. The mean of age in both groups was 22/04 +/- 1 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the three former semester average scores, using t-test. The mean of learning in the case and control was 68.24 +/- 6.8 and 44.98 +/- 9.8, respectively. The mean of attitude in the case and control was 123.3 +/- 21 and 96.8 +/- 8 and the mean of behavior in the two groups was 69.5 +/- 2.5 and 63 +/- 3.1, respectively [p<0.001]. There was significant statistical difference [p<0.05] in the two categories of evaluation and application between the two groups studied [p<0.05]. There was also slight difference in the level of understanding between these two groups. Based on the results, teaching by problem base learning is more useful than lecture in modification and improvement of learning and attitude of the students studied. The results of this research is offered and recommended to the educational officials to substitute this method for the traditional ones

[Effect of Heracleum persicum extract on acid and pepsin secretion level in both basic and stimulated conditions with pentagastrin in rat]

The Heraclleum persicum is widely used as an odorant in pickles around the world and particularly in Iran. As pickle is a gastric stimulator, the question is whether this plant which is used in making pickles, decreases gastric stimulation of this group of foods, or increases it, and in general, what is the cellular mechanism of this plant on acid and pepsin secretion. Therefore, in this study the effect of plant entrants on the secretion rate of acid and pepsin surveyed in the stomach in rats. This study involves two groups [12 in each group] of rats in experimental method [Control group and Heracleum group]. After anesthesia with nesdonal, 50 mg/kg IP, rats were gone under surgical process, tracheotomy, laparatomy and gasteroadeodenostomy and the Heraclleum extract [12.5 mg/kg] was send into the stomach from gasterodeodenostomy canula in Herculean group. The amount of both acid and pepsin in both basal and stimulated condition were significantly increased in heracleum group compared to control group [p<0.001]. Pentagastrin also increased acid and pepsin secretion in control group [p<0.001] and increased pepsin in heraclleum group [p<0.05] but did not significantly change in acid secretion in heraclleum group. The Heracleum persicum increases acid and pepsin secretion when is used in food regimen. Its extract also increases gastric acid secretion via blockage of gastric receptor. However, a different mechanism is involved in the increasing of pepsin secretion