Prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal cancer in Babol - north of Iran [2008-12]

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer can significantly cause physical, psychological and social problems. This study was done to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal cancer in Babol located in north of Iran

Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was done on 120 [75 males, 45 females] patients with colorectal cancer which registered in the Babol cancer registry in north of Iran during 2008-12. A questionnaire containing demographic information, aspects of the disease and HADS questionnaire was completed by interviewing to assess anxiety and depression for each patient

Results: The prevalence rate of depression and anxiety in patients was 23.4% and 30.8%, respectively. Gender, residency of rural area, and having comorbidities are related to depression among which location was identified as an independent predictor. Urban residency had 79% less risk of depression than rural residents [95% CI=0.06-0.67, OR=0.21, P<0.009]. Gender, resident of rural areas, unemployed, having comorbidities, low income and lack of education were associated with anxiety, among which only education was identified as an independent predictor [95% CI=L32-13.81, OR=4.27, P<0.015]

Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression in colorectal cancer patients was high in this area. Therefore, interventions are recommended to increase awareness and greater attention to rural women and controlling comorbidities

[ comparison of the cost of patient records in a global system with corresponding retrospective reimbursement system: a case study in Iran]

Introduction: The reimbursement mechanism of the cost of treatment is an important factor which directly or indirectly affects the financial management and control of hospitals costs, hence different countries use different reimbursement systems. This study evaluated the prospective reimbursement system [global system]; at one of the hospitals in Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences

Methods: This descriptive-analytical study evaluated 1286 Global inpatient records in Fekri hospital affiliated to Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences. First the actual cost of care and length of stay for each of the global records was extracted using the hospital information system. Then the average cost and patient's stay for each of global procedures were compared with the cost and length of stay determined by Iran global system. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and T-test was used to test the research questions

Results: One quarter of all inpatient records belonged to global payment system. 62% of global records belonged to OB/GY operations, 20% to general surgery and 18% to ophthalmic surgery. The analysis of the cost of 86% of surgery global records showed to be beneficial for the hospital, where 91% of these cost differences were found to be significant. For more than 99% of cases in global system, the average length of stay was less than average standard length of stay, and for 64% cases this difference was found to be statistically significant

Conclusion: Regarding the reduction of length of stay of patients in global payment system, the review and implementation of global payment system for other diagnoses and operations is highly recommended

[Association of vitamin D and cognitive disorders an older population of Amirkola]

Vitamin D receptors are widespread in brain tissue, and the active form of vitamin D has been documented for its neuroprotective effects. This study was conducted to determine the association between vitamin D level and cognitive disorders. This descriptive-analytical cross sectional study was conducted within the framework of the "Amikola Health and Aging Project [AHAP]", [2011-12], conducted on 1616 older people, aged>60 years in the city of Amirkola, Iran. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured in morning blood samples and mental status was investigated using Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]. Data was analyzed with T test, ANOVA and Chi-square, and P-values <0.05 were considered significant. The mean age of study participants was 68.81 +/- 7.1 years. Among them 509 [31.5%] had cognitive impairment and 1103 [68.4%] did not. There was significant association between serum vitamin D level and normal and abnormal MMSE in women [P=0.029], but not in men [P=0.49]. Mean serum vitamin D level in participants with normal MMSE was 34.45 +/- 32.79 ng/ml and in participants with abnormal MMSE was 32.80 +/- 29.39 ng/ml but this finding was not significant [P=0.31]. Serum vitamin D level in older persons with normal MMSE was higher than in those with abnormal MMSE, although it was not significant. In this study, there was no association between serum vitamin D levels in older people with or without cognitive impairment

Design of a multiplex PCR method for detection of toxigenic-pathogenic in Vibrio cholerae

OBJECTIVE@#To study virulence and regulatory genes (hlyA, ctxB, tcpI) in clinical strains of Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae), simultaneously.@*METHODS@#Three important genes, tcpI, hlyA and ctxB were used for detection of toxigenic and pathogenic V. cholera by chain reaction assay method.@*RESULTS@#According to the results of the PCR, the incidence of hlyA, tcpI, and ctxB genes in clinical isolates was obtained as 94.7% (72 sample), 90.8% (69 sample), and 92.1% (70 sample), respectively. Five strains possessed all genes except ctxB, six strains possessed all genes except tcpI, four strains possessed all genes except hlyA, one strain possessed only hlyA and 60 strains contained a combination of three genes, Including hlyA, ctxB and tcpI.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Result show that this method could be reliable to detect toxigenic-pathogenic strains of V. cholerae in Iran.

[ECG alterations and changes in biochemical parameters associated with experimental salinomycin toxicosis in sheep]

Salinomycin is a rnonocarboxylic polyether ionophore with antimicrobial properties. It is a dietary additive used as a growth promoter for ruminants and as a coccidiostat in chickens. The mechanism of action of ionophores at the cellular level is to selectively bind certain ions creating intra and extracellular biochemical disturbances. Clinical signs of ionophore intoxication are non specific and similar in all species and include tachycardia, muscle tremor, restlessness, loss of appetite, incoordination, muscular weakness and continual panting. The present study was conducted to determine the changes in ECG parameters and possible arrhythmias and their types due to experimental salinomycin toxicosis in sheep. Acute toxicity with the ionophore [0.5 mg/kg; intravenously] was induced in 6 mixed breed female sheep. A corresponding volume of sterile saline was intravenously injected in each control sheep [n=6]. Blood samples were collected before and at various time intervals after the administration of either salinomycin or saline solutions. Following centrifugation, serum biochemical parameters [ALT, AST, CK, LDH and total protein] were measured using conventional laboratory methods. In both groups, the heart sounds of sheep were carefully monitored and the electrocardiogram [ECG] was recorded. Salinomycin caused a significant [P<0.05] increase in the levels of ALT, AST, LDH and CK in the experimental animals. The mean heart rate in the control group was significantly lower than that in the experimental sheep. Numerous arrhythmias such as sinus tachycardia [11 cases], ventricular premature contraction [2 cases] and T-wave inversion [3 cases] were recorded in the experimental sheep. Acute salinomycin intoxication seems to cause numerous arrhythmias in sheep which might be due to the pathological effect of the ionophore on the myocardium

[ case report of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in a 16-year-old patient]

Background: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma [AITL] which is recognized in the current world health organization classification as a peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the nonhodgkin lymphomas, comprises about 1% of all lymphomas. The average age at the time of diagnosis of AITL is about 65 years and it is rarely seen in patients under 18 years

Case report: A 16-year-old boy suffering from fever, weakness, paleness, and axillary lymphadenopathy was referred to Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital. Laboratory tests showed pancytopenia and elevated LDH. Splenomegaly and normal liver size were also reported by sonographist. Bone marrow aspiration was normal and reactive follicular hyperplasia was reported on the first biopsy of axillary lymph node, but with continuing fever and pancytopenia biopsy of the axillary lymph node was performed again and this time AITL was also reported using the pathological and immunohistochemical evaluation

Conclusion: AITL, a rare lymphoma under 18 years old, typically manifested by lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, elevated serum LDH and systemic B-symptoms. One of the most common differential diagnoses of AITL is reactive t-cell infiltrative processes which in some cases pathologists may have difficulty distinguishing between them. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunophenotyping and pathology of the axillary lymph nodes

[Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in patients referred to diabetes clinic of Kamkar hospital in Qom]

Diabetic retinopathy [DR] is one of the important causes of comorbidity in diabetic patients. Considering the cost of this complication to the health care system, this study was performed to assess the prevalence and identify its risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, 261 diabetic patients, who referred to Kamkar hospital diabetes clinic in Qom, Iran, were investigated. Personal information, data about diabetes, physical examination and laboratory tests were collected in questionnaires. Foundoscopy with dilated pupil was performed by practicing ophthalmologists and findings were categorized according to international classification of diabetic retinopathy. The mean age was 52.2 +/- 11.5 years, and 66% were female. The mean duration of diabetes was 9.08 +/- 7.14 years and the mean HbA1C was 9.25 +/- 2. The overall prevalence of diabetic retinopathy [DR] was 39.1%, which included 15.3% with mild Non proliferative DR [NPDR], 7.7% with moderate NPDR, 4.6% with severe NPDR and 11.5% with proliferative DR [PDR]. Comparison of variables between DR and Non-DR groups shows that the mean of age, duration of diabetes, HbA1C, protein excretion in 24h urine were statistically significantly higher in retinopathic group [p=<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.005 and p<0.01]. Also, the percent of patients with history of hypertension, nephropathy and peripheral distal neuropathy was significantly higher in retinopathic group [p<0.05, p<0.001 and p<0.001]. In final analysis with logistic regression model, duration of diabetes and nephropathy were recognized as independent risk factors for diabetic retinopathy. According to the results of this study, screening of all diabetic patients in early stages of retinopathy, identify and control of its risk factors to decrease the burden of eye complications and improve the quality of life for these patients are important

[Therapeutic effect of corneal collagen cross-linking in necrotizing herpetic stromal keratitis, report of two cases]

To evaluate the effectiveness of corneal collagen cross-linking with UV-A and riboflavin [CXL] for treatment of refractory herpes simplex virus necrotizing keratitis. Two patients with a diagnosis of HSV necrotizing stromal keratitis referred to Khalili hospital eye emergency room and who were resistant to conventional treatment underwent CXL. Response to treatment was evaluated clinically by speed of reepithelialization and decrease in stromal infiltration. One patient had history of previous corneal graft because of HSV kerstitis and had a good response to CXL. Another patient had a relatively good response, but recurrence was occurred. Although CXL seems promising in the treatment of patients with refractory necrotizing keratitis, in some cases it may less effective and recurrence is possible

Chronic diseases among older people in Amirkola, northern Islamic Republic of Iran

This descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken to describe the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors in elderly people in Amirkola, Islamic Republic of Iran. A total of 1019 people aged 60+ years were assessed using a standard questionnaire and a review of medical records. The most common chronic diseases were cardiovascular disease [29.5%], digestive disorders [28.5%], hypertension [23.6%] and diabetes mellitus [23.5%], while 44.4% of subjects were overweight or obese. Overall, 83.0% of the sample reported at least 1 chronic disease and 64% had 2 or more diseases. In age-adjusted logistic regression analysis, hypertension [OR 3.94, 95% CI: 2.87-5.40] and diabetes mellitus [OR 1.83,95% Cl: 1.32-2.55] were associated with cardiovascular disease, but sex, smoking, overweight and lack of walking were not. The study provides valuable data for planning appropriate health services for elderly people in this area of the Islamic Republic of Iran

[ prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse, knowledge and attitue of their side effects, and attitude toward them among the bodybuilding athletes in Rasht]

Anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse is one of the major problems in many kinds of sports, specially bodybuilding and power lifting. Common and sometimes life-threatening complications of these drugs have always been important among athletes. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse, Knowledge and Attitue of users among the bodybuilding athletes in Rasht, northern Iran. The present study is a descriptive one. Target population included all male bodybuilding athletes in Rasht. The measuring instruments were self-reported questionnaires AAS, including 19 questions [five questions on background information, 9 questions related to knowledge, and four questions related to attitudes and three questions related to the prevalence of abuse] [Cronb ach Alpha 0.87] which were distributed among 223 male bodybuilding athletes in Rasht. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics [frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation] and inferential statistics [Spearman correlation coefficient test, t-test] was used for data analysis. The results of data analyses indicate that anabolicandrogenic Steroids are used currently by 67% of the athletes. There was a significant relationship between the prevalence anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse and a history of bodybuilding championship records. [p<0.05]. Also, there was a significant relationship between prevalence of anabolic-androgenetic steroids abuse-and attitude and awareness [P<0.05]. The results of this study showed overuse of such drugs among the young athletes and their lack of awareness of the respective adverse effects. Therefore, prevention programs and education about the adverse effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids are highly recommended

Health-related factors in physical fitness in 12-14 yearold male adolescents in sabzevar, iran

Background and Purpose: Human health largely depends on health-related physical fitness status, particularly overweight and under weight. In this regard, the adolescence is a unique life span. However, the information about adolescent's physical fitness is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was the investigation of health-related physical fitness elements with an emphasis on overweight and underweight in male adolescents in Sabzevar, Iran

Materials and methods: In the cross sectional descriptive and analytical study, the study population consisted of schoolboy students with the age of 12-14 years old in Sabzevar, Iran. Based on sample size calculation formula, a number of 368 schoolboys of 12-14 years-old were selected based on randomized cluster sampling. After medical examinations and filling out the written informed consent forms, anthropometric factors and physical fitness were assessed [height, weight, aerobic fitness with 20- meter shuttle run, strength via dynamometer, explosive power via Sergeant jump, flexibility via flexibility box, agility via Illinois test, and body Composition via skin-fold fat caliper and subcutaneous fat thickness. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 using central tendency, dispersion and Pearson Correlation coefficient [P<0.05]

Results: The results of the study, based on BMI, indicated that 17.7% were thin, 69.2% normal, 9.2% overweight and 3.7% were obese. Also, based on WHR, 11.1% were at a high risk, and 5.7% were very high-risk cases. Based on the fat percentage, 13.9% had much fat and 13# very high fat. Mean VO2max of the 12-14-year-old schoolboys in Sabzevar was obtained to be 50.6 [ml/kg/min], which indicates that 10% of the boys had aerobic fitness lower than the average in comparison with reference values

Conclusion: The study findings showed that considerable percentage of Sabzevar adolescents suffer from overweight on the one hand and underweight on the other. Physical fitness status in some factors is not desirable too

Measuring protein levels and leptin gene expression in response to acute endurance exercise in rats

Background and Purpose: Leptin is one of the most important proteins involved in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis but the effect of acute exercise on leptin has been less investigated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a one-session exercise on tissue concentration and gene expression of leptin in rats

Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats were housed in a standard environment, and were randomly divided into two groups [Control and Experimental]. The exercise was running on a treadmill for 120 min [18 m/min]. Immediately, 2 and 24 hours after exercise the rats anesthetized, blood, fat tissue and soleus were taken. Leptin concentration in the muscular, fat and blood were measured. Also, leptin gene expression was investigated with RT-PCR in tissues. Data were analyzed in SPSS 16 using repeated measures ANOVA [P<0.05]

Results: The results showed that leptin gene expression significantly increased in muscles 2 hours [[51%] from 169/15 +/- 10/36 to 349/13 +/- 112/71] and 24 hours [[48%] from 185/14 +/- 8/21 to 359/01 +/- 14/77], and in adipose tissue 24 hours [[49%] from 181/69 +/- 21/42 to 361/66] [P<0.05]. However, leptin concentration did not change neither in adipose tissue nor in muscle nor plasma [P>0.05]. Also, there was no significant differences in plasma leptin, glucose and insulin between the two groups across the three times of mesurement [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Acute exercise can increase leptin gene expression in muscle and fat tissues. However, exercise with longer duration and higher volume may appear to be more effective

effect of resistance training, aerobic training and detraining on the lipid profile and crp in obese girls

Background and Purpose: Obesity is associated with various metabolic and inflammatory impairments, the effects of which have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of an 8-week strength training and aerobic training program and a 10-day detraining on lipid profile and CRP in obese girls

Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, thirty-six obese female university students were voluntarily recruited and randomly assigned into three groups: control [n=11], aerobic training or AT [n=12] and strength training or ST [n=13]. ST and AT groups trained for 8 weeks, 4 times/week, 60 min/session, with 60 to 70% of 1 repetition maximum for ST, and 65 to 75% of HRmax for AT. Blood samples were taken at baseline, 24 hours after the last exercise session and after 10 days of detraining on fasting state. Data were analyzed in SPSS 16 using repeated measure analysis of variance [RM-ANOVA]. The alpha level was established at P<0.05

Results: After an 8-week training program, TG decreased in AT and ST groups [4.2 % and 6.6 %, respectively] but the change was not significant [P>0.05] Also, no significant differences were found between the three groups [P>0.05]. TC also decreased in AT and ST groups [9% and 19%, respectively]; however, the change was not significant [P>0.05]. After training no significant changes in HDL, HDL2, HDL3, LDL, and CRP were observed [P>0.05]. Ten days of detraining also did not result in any significant alterations in the lipid profile or CRP [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Eight weeks of aerobic and strength training have no significant effect on the lipid profile and CRP in obese girls

[Association between duration of breastfeeding and subsequent overweight and obesity in female adolescents]

In order to prevent obesity it is essential to identify its determinants. This study aimed to assess the association between duration of breastfeeding and subsequent obesity among female adolescents in Najafabad, Isfahan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected on 550 female adolescents aged 15-18 years selected by multistage cluster random sampling from Najafabad high schools. Anthropometric measurements were made and the body mass index [BMI] was calculated. Information on duration of breastfeeding and other required variables was collected by interviewing parents using questionnaires. Overweight and obesity were defined on the basis of TOTF cut-points. The mean [ +/- SD] duration of breastfeeding was 19.7 +/- 8.1 months, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity 20.5% and 6%, respectively. Breastfeeding as such [that is, without considering its duration], was significantly associated with a reduced risk of overweight or obesity [25.8% for breastfed, vs 50% for non-breastfed, adolescent, P = 0.02]. However, no statistically significant association was found between duration of breastfeeding and either overweight or obesity in the subjects [r= -0.007, P=0.87]. Our findings indicate that breastfeeding may reduce subsequent risk of obesity and overweight in female adolescents, although we found no association between duration of breastfeeding and adolescent overweight or obesity

presence of amorpha-4, 11-diene synthase, a key enzyme in artemisinin production in ten Artemisia species

Artemisinin is one of the most effective medicine against malaria, which is produced naturally by Artemisia annua in low yield. It is produced in a metabolic pathway, in which several genes and gene products are involved. One of the key genes in this pathway is am1, which encodes amorpha-4, 11-diene synthase [ADS], a key enzyme in artemisinin biosynthesis pathway. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of this gene in ten Artemisia species in order to increase the yield of production of Artemisinin. The experiments were carried out using PCR. Specific primers were designed based on the published am1 gene sequence obtained from A. annua [NCBI, accession number AF327527]. The amplification of this gene by the specific primers was considered as a positive sign for the potentiality of artemisinin production. Since the entire am1 gene was not amplified in any of the 10 species used, four parts of the gene, essential in ADS enzyme function, corresponding to a] pair site of Arg10-Pro12 in the first 100 amino acids, b] aspartate rich motif [DDXXD], c] active site final lid and d] active site including farnesyl diphosphate [FDP] ionization sites and catalytic site in the ADS enzyme, were investigated. The sequence corresponding to ADS active site was amplified only in A. annua, A. aucheri and A. chamaemelifolia. The negative results obtained with other species could be due to some sequence alteration, such as point mutations or INDELs. We propose A. aucheri and A. chamaemelifolia as two potential candidate species for further characterization, breeding and transferring am1 gene for artemisinin overproduction

effect of one-session moderate and heavy resistance exercise on the appetite, glycerol, serum glucose and lactate in healthy men

Background and Purpose: Appetite is one of the factors affecting the energy intake equation and has different control and regulatory levels. One of the probable factors affecting it is physical activity. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of moderate and heavy resistance exercise on appetite, glucose, glycerol and lactate of the serum in healthy men

Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, out of the university employees, 13 male volunteers were recruited for the study by their own written informed consent, and were assigned into three modes of control, moderate resistance exercise [with intensity of 70% of 1RM] and heavy resistance exercise [with intensity of 80% of 1RM] groups. The process consisted of 8 different movements arranged in 3 sets with 10 repetitions within 90 minutes. The participants' appetite parameter was recorded by appetite questionnaire before collecting blood samples. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS 13 at a significance level of P<0/05

Results: After correcting the results of plasma volume, no significant changes were observed in the appetite, glycerol and glucose of the serum As caused by moderate and heavy resistance exercise. Appetite decreased immediately after the exercise protocol by 33%, but increased 3 hours after the exercise by 12%, and finally decreased 9-hours after exercise by 26% compared to pre-exercise levels [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that a one-session moderate and heavy resistance exercise has no significant effect on the appetite if food deprivation and significant negative energy balance do not exist

Effects of different levels of monensin in diets containing whole cottonseed on milk production and composition of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding different levels of monensin on feed intake, milk production and composition, and milk fatty acid profile in lactating Holstein cows. Four multiparous cows averaging 517 +/- 47 [SD] kg in body weight and 101 +/- 19.8 [SD] days in milk were housed individually in tie-stalls. The study was conducted as a 4 x 4 Latin square design for four periods [14-d for adaptation and 7-d for sampling]. Cows were offered four dietary treatments [0, 10, 20, or 30 mg of monensin/kg of DM] as total mixed ration, twice daily. Dry matter [DM] intake was similar among treatments. Monensin supplementation significantly increased [P<0.05] milk yield and 4% fat corrected milk [FCM]. Milk fat and protein percentages were not affected by monensin supplementation, but fat yield was increased. Monensin reducted the percentage of the short-chain and saturated fatty acids in milk fat, but had no effect on the percentages of medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Monensin supplementation increased [P<0.05] unsaturated fatty acids concentrations in milk fat. Based on the results of this study, feeding monensin was effective in inhibiting the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen, and consequently increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat, which improves the health characteristics of milk for human consumption

[Evaluating the anti-leech effects of tobacco methanolic extract compared with succinyle choline and some other anti-parasite drugs]

Leeches are subcategory of hirudinea family with 650 species. Studies have shown that 50 species of them feed from mammalian blood. Leech infestation can lead to some side effects including: anemia, bleeding, subsequent biting infections, ache, itching, inflammation, high sensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. As no effective drug, without any side effect, has been offered for leeches, we decided to study the anti- leech effects of some herbal and chemical compounds. In this study, 100 Limnatis nilotica leeches were selected from spring waters from south region in Ilam province and the anti-leech effects of tobacco methanolic extract and also some other drugs such as mebendazole, succinyle-choline, metronidazole, triclabendazole, levamisol, niclosamide were investigated and compared with distilled water. First, leeches were put individually in a glass container with 600ml spring water. Then extract and drugs were added and their effects were screened for 720 min and time to paralyze kill and death of each leech was recorded. The results of this study showed that tobacco methanolic extract [600mg/ml] could kill the leaches in the average time of 17 minutes. Average death times for other drugs [triclabendazole, levamisole, niclosomide and metronidazole] were found 118.66, 7, 18.66 and 541.11 min, respectively. The low average paralysing and killing time of tabacco methanol extract, levamisol, niclosomide, triclabendazole reflect anti leech properties of these compounds and therefore they may be used in the treatment of infestation with limnatis nilotica in the future

Linezolid vancomycin resistant Enterococcus isolated from clinical samples in Tehran hospitals.

Background: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci pose an emerging health risk. The limitation in therapeutic options has resulted in the development of new drugs such as quinupristin/ dalfopristin and linezolid. Aim, Setting and Design: This study investigated the species prevalence and antibacterial resistance among enterococci isolated in selected Tehran hospitals. Materials and Methods: Between March 2006 and August 2007, 200 enterococcal isolates from urine, blood, stool and wound were recovered in 2 teaching hospitals of Tehran province. Susceptibility of all isolates was tested against vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid antibiotics by disk diffusion and agar dilution method. Results and Conclusion: Seventeen (8.5%), 6 (3%) and 4 (2%) of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid, respectively. Within the vancomycin-resistant isolates, 6 (35.2%), 4 (25%) and 1 (5.88%) showed vanA, vanB and vanC genotype patterns, respectively. Four (23.5%) of VRE isolates were resistant to linezolid with minimum inhibitory concentrations between 16 and 32 µg/mL. Two linezolid vancomycin resistant enterococci were E. faecium.

High performance thin layer chromatography analysis of deltamethrin residue on the impregnated bed nets during a leishmaniasis control program in Iran

The control of leishmaniasis, a tropical neglected disease, has been concern of Iranian health authorities due to the increasing number of cases during the last two decades. The objective of this study was to determine deltamethrine residue on the impregnated bed nets using HPTLC technique in a leishmaniasis control program in Iran. During this experimental study, a total of 130 small pieces of polyester netting were sewn to top, upper, and lower sides of some bed nets and then were impregnated with deltamethrin .The treated bed nets were distributed in Isfahan and Mashhad areas in April 2003. The samples were cut randomly after impregnation intervals. Deltamethrin was extracted using acetone from samples and the extract was applied for spotting onto plates. The plates were developed with n-hexane: ethyl acetate, 90+10[v/v], as a mobile phase in a Camage chamber. The qualifying of residue was observed in UV cabinet with lambda =254 nm wavelength. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. and Stata Version 8. A three way ANOVA was used to compare the means of deltamethrin residue in each area, group and measuring time. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the means of residue for each of these factors with the control separately. The retardation factor of deltamethrin was calculated 0.50 +/- 0.02. The residues of deltamethrin persisted well on impregnated nets at least for 15 weeks after impregnation. No significant difference could be detected in the loss of residue of insecticide in comparison to measuring times and positions of sampling pieces on the bed nets in these areas. Based on the results of the present study the use of HPTLC technique is recommended instead of other chromatographic methods for analysis of insecticide residue on the impregnated bed nets