comparative study of hypolipidemic activities of the extracts of Melissa officinalis and Berberis vulgaris in rats

Hyperlipidemia is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by an excess of lipids in the bloodstream. Given previous studies on barberry and Melissa officinalis extracts, this study aims at comparing hypolipidemic activities of Melissa officiizalis extract and Berberis vulgaris. For the purpose of this study, 64 Wistar rats were selected and divided into 8 groups [n=8]. The control group was administered with ordinary diet; the sham group was administered with high-fat diet and intraperitoneally 0.2 ml/dl of the extract solvent [normal saline]; and similarly, experimental groups received minimal, moderate and maximum dosages of barberry and Melissa officinalis extracts. The treatment groups was given high-fat diet for 21 days. After this period, blood samples were taken and the gathered data were analyzed using SPSS software. The amount of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL were increased in the model group compared to the control group, whereas the same substances were decreased significantly in the group receiving the extract compared to the model group [p<0.05]. Hypolipidemic properties of alcohol extracts of Melissa officinalis are more effective than those of Berberis vulgaris. Moreover, it should be noted that it is rather the antioxidant properties of Melissa officinalis and their effects on the increase in thyroid hormones as well as the presence of alkaloid compounds, such as berberine in Berberis vulgaris, that inhibits cholesterol synthesis and enables its excretion

[ comparison between the effects of two saliva stimuli and ordinary chewing gums on xerostomia in hemodialysis patients]

One of the most important side effects of frequent hemodialysis is xerostomia. Therefore, this study compared saliva secretion caused by a specific saliva stimulant chewing gum [Bioten] with an ordinary sugar free one [Orbit] on hemodialysis patients. This study was a clinical, double-blinded cross-over study. Thirty volunteer hemodialysis patients of two dialysis centers in Isfahan were randomly classified into two groups. In the first period of 14 days, each group was given one brand of chewing gum [Biotene or Orbit] to chew. Three gums a day of each brand were given to each group to chew for at least 10 minutes, while the other group was given the other brand. After a one- week-washout period in between, the second 14 days period was accomplished by changing the brands of chewing gums given to each group. Before the beginning of the study and after each period, the secreted saliva was measured. The findings were statistically analyzed using the t test and Wilcoxon test. Chewing each kind led to a considerable increase in saliva secretion and achieved patient satisfaction [p<0.05] while the efficacy of Bioten was significantly higher [p<0.001]. Regarding the patients' overall satisfaction about the effect of the chewing gums on reducing xerostomia, most patients chose Bioten [p<001]. Both kinds of chewing gums were effective in increasing saliva secretion. However, the effect of Bioten was more significant

Crystal violet in culture media for diagnosis of neisseria species

Neisseria species are gram negative diplococci; an important characteristic of these bacteria is resistance against crystal violet. This study was done to investigate the effect of crystal violet on the growth of Neisseria, to observe the outcome of adding this substance in culture media for isolating these organisms, and finally to make a specific medium for isolation of the Nisseria species. The study was done in 3 phases: 1] Initially urethral discharge from 106 male patients with urethritis was cultured on NYC, chocolate agar and chocolate violet agar with various concentrations of violet from 1:100000 to 1:250000. We also made direct smears for gram stains. 2] Pharyngeal secretions from 230 healthy persons were cultured on chocolate agar, Muller Hinton agar, and Thayer Martin agar with different concentrations of violet between 1:50000 to 1:500000. Also direct smears were made for gram stains. 3] The standard strain of gonococcus [ATCC] were cultured on the three media. Concurrently we added various concentrations of violet from 1:50000 to 1:200000 to the above media and studied the effect of adding crystal violet on the growth of the standard strain. In first step, 69 out of 106 patients with urethritis were suspicious of gonorrhea, with positive culture of gonococcus on NYC medium from 64 patients. On chocolate agar only 54 positive cultures, [with 84% sensitivity against NCY medium], were seen together with a growth of normal flora. Chocolate agar plus violet in concentration 1:150000, showed 58 positive cultures, [with 91% sensitivity against NYC medium], with minimal growth of normal flora. In second step, 228 out of 230 healthy persons had positive culture of Neisseria, these organisms grew in different concentrations of crystal violet between 1:500000 and 1:50000. However, with minimal concentration of violet, there was a dense growth of normal flora and with gradual increase in concentration, normal flora grew sparsely. In direct exam, 228 cases of gram negative Neisseria like diplococci were observed. In third step, result of growth of the standard Neisseria gonorrhea in chocolate agar, Muller-Hinton agar and Thayer-Martin agar with and without different concentrations of crystal violet are as follow: In all media without crystal violet, the growth of the bacteria was perfect and abundant; while in media containing crystal violet, minimum colony count was observed in concentrations of 1:50000 and maximum colony count occurred at concentrations of 1:200000. To isolate pathogenic species of Neisseria, for e.g. gonococcus, we can use a specific chromogen medium like chocolate-violet agar 1:150000, or Thayer-Martin-violet agar or Muller-Hinton-violet agar with a concentration of 1:200000. Although nonpathogenic Neisseria have high resistance to crystal violet and were isolated from cultures with 1:50000 dilutions of this substance, but growth become sparse with higher concentrations. We can make chromogen media of varying strengths by adding different amounts of crystal violet in various media to get the desired results

Characterization of beta globin gene mutations in Zanjan province: An introduction to prenatal diagnosis of Thalassemia

B-thalassemia is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by reduction or complete absence of b-globin gene expression. It has been estimated that more than 2,000,000 carriers as well as 20,000 patients affected with b-thalassemia are living in Iran, a country with more than 70 million population and great ethnic diversity. In this study we aimed to find out the b-globin gene frequency and determine the spectrum of b-globin gene mutations in Zanjan province [northwest region] of Iran. 5527 individuals who were referred for pre-marriage tests to Zanjan clinic as well as 27 thalassemia patients were studied. Altogether one hundred and five chromosomes from 78 unrelated Bthalassemia patients or carriers were examined for b-globin gene mutations by ARMS-PCR and direct gene sequencing. Based on the previous information on common mutations in Mediterranean populations 24 sites were analyzed. It was found that the b-thalassemia frequency is 1.2 for Zanjan region. Using the above techniques, the mutations for 90/105 [86.7] of b-thalassemia chromosomes [13 different mutations] were identified. Fifty eight percent of the mutations were of common .Mediterranean. type. Of which, IVS-I 110 mutation showed the highest frequency [29.5] followed by IVS-II-1 [13.3], IVS-I-1 [12.4] and IVS-I-6 [2.9]. 10.5% of mutations were of common Asian Indian mutations [Fr 8/9, 6.7% and IVS-I-5, 3.8] respectively. CD5 and CD30 and CD36-37 mutations accounted for 13.3% of the mutations. [5.7%, 0.95% and 6.7% respectively] Mutations in 14 chromosomes [13.3] remained uncharacterized. These data suggests that the spectrum of mutations in Zanjan province differs from those reported from other parts of Iran, but Mediterranean type of mutations are more frequent in Zanjan region. Therefore, in order to save the time and cost, it is recommended that for prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia in Zanjan province analysis of Mediterranean mutations should be considered as a front line screening strategy

[Sonographic Evaluation of the abortion-Induced Curettages in Imam Hossien Medical Center during 1380-1383]

Pregnancies ended in abortion are among the most common causes of visits to Gynecology clinics. Ultrasonography is an easy, accessible and cost-benefit modality to diagnos cases of abortions. It also differentiates abortion from other causes of first-trimester bleeding. It helps to select the best therapeutic approach particularly the necessity of performing curettage. A descriptive study was conducted on 159 patients presenting to Imam Hossien Medical Center during the years 1380 to 1383. Data were collected from files of patients which were sampled non-randomly. The mean age of patients was 28.1 [ +/- 5.1]. Abortion was mostly observed in patients between 20-30 years of age; Sixty nine percent of abortions were in weeks <12, and 31% were in weeks 12-20; Most patients [37.7%] had gravid 1. The most common sign was spotting; Mean pregnancy duration was 10 [ +/- 2.2] weeks. Incomplete abortion was the most common form. 11 cases of Hydatidiform mole were found, one resulted in Choriocarcinoma. Subchorionic hemorrhage was seen in 87% of patients in the weeks between 10-20. Live fetuses were seen in 10 cases in which the presence of heart beat indicated continuing of pregnancy in 90% of cases. According to the prevalence of Incomplete Abortions in this study, sonographic findings were important in performing curettage. The difference between age of occurrence of Hydatidiform mole from that in the literature and the role of subchorionic hemorrhage in cases ended in abortion is recommended to reevaluate in the future studies

Ocular disorders in renal transplant patients

To evaluate patients with renal transplantation for abnormal ocular findings and to determine the association of these findings with pretreatment dialysis duration, immunosuppressive regimen and underlying disease causing renal failure. This cross-sectional study was performed on 150 patients who had undergone kidney transplantation for at least three months and with serum creatinin < 3 mg/dl. All patients underwent ophthalmologic examination including visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy and dilated funduscopy. This study included 91 male and 59 female subjects with mean age of 39 years. No abnormal ocular findings was found in 10.7%; there was at least one ocular disorder in 89.3% including visual acuity

[Nocardiosis; a case report]

Nocardia could be transmitted to lungs through dust particles; then transmitted to other organs via vascular system. We describe a 11-year old boy presenting with headache and vomiting. CT studies revealed hemorrhage in his right hemisphere as well as cerebral edema. He was hospitalized with primary diagnosis of hydrocephaly and pseudotumor cerebri. Further studies showed nocardia astroides in acid fast and blood agar culture

[Detecting legionella pneumophila with sputum culture and urinary antigen test in patients with acute pulmonary infection]

Community acquired pneumonia [CAP] is a common health problem and one of the main mortality factors worldwide. Legionella pneumophila is one of the most common responsible microorganisms for CAP and may lead to severe complications if left untreated. The present study was conducted to determine the frequency of this organism in patients with CAP.We enrolled 118 patients with CAP, COPD and asthma in Masihdaneshvari Medical center during 2004-2005. For microbiological purposes sputum culture and legionella urinary antigen measurement were achieved. The study population included 32 females and 86 males, their age range 58-77 years. The most frequently isolated respiratory microorganism were: streptococcus pneumonia [88%], candida spp. [76.2%], streptococcus beta-hemolytic [61.8%], staphylococcus [40.6%], klebsiella spp. [27.1%], fungi [16.1%], E.coli [8.4%], pseudomonas spp. [5.1%]. Dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and fever were the most common findings. Smoking was the most commonly found risk factor. Atypical pathogens are responsible for 40% of community-acquired pneumonia and several studies have ranked legionella pneumophila among the three most common microbial cause of CAP in patients admitted to the hospitals. So this is important to notice that urinary antigen test is particularly useful, simple and rapid test for legionella positive cases, because it is often easier to obtain urine in ill patients and the results can be available within hours and also reliable to commence treatment

[Efficacy of Beclomethasone and Cromolyn Sodium nasal spray in allergic rhinitis]

Allergic rhinitis is a common disease, and application of an appropriate remedy to melt away the disease signs is essential. Cromolyn Sodium nasal sprays and Beclomethasone are most commonly among the medications prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis. Regarding to differences in their prices and side effects, the present study tries to compare them in use. This is a clinical trial conducted in a private ENT clinic in Isfahan. The sample included 52 patients over age 10 referred to this clinic. The samples, diagnosed with allergic rhinitis entered the study and five clinical signs rhinorrhea, nose itching, eyes itching, sneeze and nose congestion were scored based on existence and severity. Then, patients were randomly treated by Beclomethasone or Cromolyn Sodium spray with every other on sequence. Patients were investigated again after one month and the signs regarding existence and severity were evaluated and recorded. Both medications were effective in controlling all the signs of the patients. Regarding similar effect of Beclomethasone spray and Cromolyn Sodium on controlling various signs in allergic rhinitis in all patients, application of Cromolyn with lower complications and price is recommended

Genital trct infection in asymptomatic infertile men and its effect on semen quality

Male urogenital tract infection plays an important role in men infertility. Asymptomatic bacteriospermia has been paid attention as a major cause of male infertility. The aim of this study was to microbiological investigation of semen sample of infertile men attending to infertility clinic and evaluation of the effects of bacteriospermia on semen quality. Eighty eight infertile men were evaluated by standard bacterial culture method. Standard semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. Among total cases, 35.22% [31 cases] showed at least one pathogen: 10.22% E.coli, 9.09% Coagulase Negative Staphylococci [Saprophyticcus], 6.81% Group B Streptococci, 5.88% Entrococci, 5.68% Candida sp., 2.27% Gonococci, 2.27% Staphylococcus aureus, 1.13% Klebsiella sp. and 1.13% Providencia sp. There was a significant relation between the bacteriospermia and the rate of no motile and morphologically abnormal sperms [P<0.0001]. The quality of sperm motility was significantly decreased in contaminated semen. The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was lower. E.coli and Entrococci were the most effective agents against sperm parameters. Asymptomatic bacteriospermia has a negative effect on sperm quality. E.coli and Entrococci are the most common bacteria with negative influence on sperm motility and morphology. Moreover, presence of bacteriospermia and leukocytospermia did not correlate with each other [P>0.05]. It seems that leukocytospermia is a poor marker to predict bacteriospermia

relative frequency, clinical and laboratory findings of adult glomerulonephritidies in Tehran

Renal diseases information is population-based and has great geographic variability. Due to the lack of national renal data registry system, there is no information on the prevalence rate, and clinical and laboratory features of various glomerulonephritidies [GNs] in Iran. In a retrospective cross sectional study, we analyzed 462 adult renal biopsies in Hashemi Nejad hospital, Tehran, Iran. We determined the prevalence rate and the frequency of different clinical and laboratory findings in patients with different GNs. We also compared our results with the reports from other countries. There were 267[57.8%] males and 195[42.2%] females. The mean age [ +/- SD] was 33.6 +/- 15.7 [range, 13-75] years old. After exclusion of 55 biopsies with pathologies other than GNs and in the remaining 407 biopsies, membranous glomerulopathy [MGN] was the most common GN [23.6%], followed by IgAN [13.5%], membranoproliferative GN [11.5%], systemic lupus nephritis [10.6%], focal segmental glomerulosclerosis [10.3%], and minimal change disease [9.8%]. These 6 GNs comprised the majority [79.4%] of all GNs. MGN is the most common form of GN, followed by IgAN, MPGN, SLE-GN, FSGS and MCD in adult patients in our study. The multi-center studies with a larger sample size are needed for more comprehensive data in Iranian population

Molecular methods [16s-rRNA] compared to bacteriological diagnosis of meningitis

For treatment of patients with meningitis, rapid diagnosis of the agent is very important. Nowadays all of researches have approved qualification and efficiency of molecular tests. Detection of bacteria from CSF and blood is the major problem as a result of usage of antibiotics by patients. So we researched on CSF samples by PCR test and used DG74 and RDR80 primers for 16s rRNA sequence. Our cases were 51 children with meningitis symptoms that had referred to Mofid Hospital in Tehran. Theses samples were different from culture, cell counter and protein glucose amounts. After researching we reached to these results that 23.5% of cases were positive for bacterial culture and 41.1% of them were positive for PCR test. So sensitivity of PCR was 95.23%, specificity of PCR was 96.66% and efficiency of PCR was 96%. In first group 8 specimen were PCR positive [88.8%]. In second group, all of 12 specimens were PCR positive [100%]. In third, 8 specimens were suspected for viral meningitis, only one case was PCR positive, so it had bacterial agent. In fourth group, all of 22 specimens were PCR negative. Therefore sensitivity and specificity of PCR test with 16s rRNA gene sequence in identification of bacterial agent in CSF was 95.23% and 96.66% respectively