[Prevalence of streptococcus group B in tracheal tube secretions of neonates with respiratory distress: a brief report]

Background: Infection with group B streptococcus [GBS] can present with respiratory distress, Pneumonia, meningitis and Osteomyelitis in neonates. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GBS colonization in trachea of intubated neonates

Methods: This observational analytic study was performed upon 33 intubated neonates due to respiratory distress in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] Rasoul Hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2010-2012. Tracheal secretions cultured upon TODD-HEWITT BROTH and sheep blood agar 5%., chi-square test was used for compare the qualitative variables. P<0.05 was considered meaningful

Results: Three cases had positive streptococcal culture [9.1%] and four cases had posi-tive culture for non-streptococcal organisms. no meaningful relation observed between positive GBS culture and neonatal gender, kind of delivery, PROM

Conclusion: Prevalence of GBS positive results [9%] in present study is very close to GBS colonization in pregnant women although the higher colonization rate of pregnant women are expected

anticipation and inheritance pattern of c.487 A>G mutation in the GJB2 gene

Mutations in the GJB2 gene are the most common causes of hereditary hearing loss. This study reveals some facts about the inheritance pattern of M163V in the GJB2 gene. This study was performed on two different families with non-syndromic hearing loss. We screened the GJB2 coding region with direct sequencing. There was a substitution of A to G in exon 2 at nucleotide 487 [M163V]. This mutation was heterozygous in fathers and children while mothers were normal. Fathers of both families showed late onset hearing impairment, but there was early onset hearing loss in the children, which was more severe compared to the fathers. M163V has been reported as an unknown heterozygous mutation that leads to failure of the homotypic junctional channel formation. Another mutation in this codon is M163L, with an autosomal dominant inheritance, which impairs trafficking through the plasma membrane, resulting in cell death. Assessment of the familial pedigree has revealed anticipation in phenotype and autosomal dominant inheritance. These data in addition to the high conservation of methionine residue in mammalian species suggest that M163V is inherited with an autosomal dominant pattern. Therefore, the risk of inheritance will increase. Genetic counselors and otologists should prioritize the evaluation and prevention of this disorder in patients

[Superantigens in polyp tissue of patients with chronic rhino-sinusitis, a comparative study: a brief report]

Staphylococcus aureus secretes numerous superantigenes which trigger the inflammatory mechanisms of sinus mucosa and cause chronic rhino-sinusitis. This study was designed to evaluate the role of staphylococcus aureus superantigens in polyp tissues of patients with chronic rhino-sinusitis in comparison with a control group. Polyp tissue samples of 28 patients and mucosal specimens of 19 healthy individuals were evaluated for staphylococcus aureus bacterium superantigens, exotoxins A, B, C and D and TSST-1 with RT-PCR and ELISA methods Rasoul Akram Hospital during 2 years. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] results revealed that 88.2% of the patients and 45.5% of the controls had at least one type of superantigen [P=0.03]. Evaluation of superantigens using ELISA method showed presence of at least one type of superantigen in the nasal samples of all patients and in 35.3% of the controls [P < 0.001]. A relationship between staphylococcal superantigens and nasal polyps is concluded from this study which indicates the probable role of these superantigens in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis

Long term effects of Gamma knife Radiosurgery for treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations

The Gamma Knife Radiosurgery [GKR] is an established management option for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations [AVMS]. Therapeutic benefits of radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations are complete obliteration of nidus with minimal neurological deficit. Radiosurgery was performed between February 2003 and April 2010 at Kamraniye day clinic, Tehran, Iran, using the Leksell gamma knife model B [Elektra Instruments AB, Stockholm, Sweden] on 82 consecutive patients with AVMs. The male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1 [48M, 34F]. The age of the patients ranged from 9 to 70 years [mean, 28.5 +/- 12 years]. The marginal dose to the AVM nidus was 45 to 85% [median, 60%] isodose and ranged from 14 to 30 Gy [mean, 20.57 +/- 13Gy].The maximum dose ranged between 20 to 60 Gy [mean, 37.5 Gy +/- 10.17Gy]. Follow up of patients for complete AVM obliteration and in the case of complications MRI were performed. Complete obliteration of AVM was achieved in 56 cases [68.29%]. It was marked in average 3.62 [SD=3.19] years [from 1 to 5 years] after GKR. Partial obliteration [>50% reduction of the nidus volume] was marked in 24 cases [31%], and less than 50% reduction of the nidus volume was marked in 2 cases [2.4%] with a follow-up of 5 years. Complete obliteration of AVM had statistically significant associations with smaller score of Spetzler-Martin arteriovenous malformation grading system for AVMs. [p< 0.05]. The Gamma Knife Radiosurgery can offer total and partial obliteration to acceptable percent of treated AVM with a low risk of morbidity. Higher success observed in patients with Spetzler-Martin Grade I and II AVMs, which was attributed to smaller volume of AVMs in this group