[Effects of hydro- alcoholic extract of falcaria vulgaris on pancreas tissue in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats]

Introduction: Diabetes, as a chronic disease, is the third leading cause of death in developing countries. Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress have been recognized as the main factors involved in pathogenesis of diabetes. On the other hand, the antioxidant system is the first defense mechanism of body against oxidative stress. Falcaria Vulgaris possesses hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. This study surveyed the effects of different doses of Falcaria vulgaris extract [50,100,150 mg/kg] on histological changes of Langerhans islets andserum insulin, nitric oxide and glucose levels

Materials and Methods: A total of 64 male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups [control, diabetic with STZ, treatment with Falcaria Vulgaris [50,100,150 mg/kg] and diabetic treated with Falcaria Vulgaris] [50,100,150 mg/kg]. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and p value<0.05 was considered significant

Results: Falcaria Vulgaris extract [100 and 150 mg/kg] significantly decreased serum glucose level [p<0.01] and improved the diameter of islets [p<0.05] in diabetic rats treated with Falcaria Vulgaris extract, compared with the diabetic group. Moreover, at dose of 150 mg/kg, the extract improvedserum insulin [p<0.01], decreased nitric oxide [p<0.01] and increased the weight [p<0.01] and number of islets of diabetic rats [p<0.05]. Histopathological studies also confirmed these changes

Conclusion: F. vulgaris can improve insulin secretion and serum glucose levels in an animal model of STZ induced diabetes, possibly by reducing nitric oxide production and preventing pancreatic tissue oxidative damage

[Iridoid glycosides from Eremostachys azerbaijanica rech. f. root]

Eremostachys azerbaijanica [family Lamiaceae] is one of the 16 endemic Iranian herbs of the genus Eremostachys. In Iran, the root of E. azerbaijanica is traditionally used as local analgesic and anti-inflammatory. In this research, roots of E. azerbaijanica were phytochemically studied until perhaps by identification of chemical content of this plant, a step to be taken toward correct use from this natural product in treatment of diseases. Methanolic extract from the root of E. azerbaijanica was prepared by Soxhlet method and its three compounds were isolated by SPE method and reversed-phase preparative HPLC. Finally, the compounds have been elucidated by UV and 1D NMR spectroscopic analysis. Three iridoid glycosides, Lamalbide [Lamiridoside], Pulchelloside I and Sesamoside were isolated from the root of E. azerbaijanica. The comparison of the results obtained from the present study and former published results, shows that three iridoid glucosides which identified in this research, have been previously elucidated in some species of Eremostachys

trend of governmental support from post-graduated Iranian students in medical fields to study abroad

To explore the trend and composition of post-graduate Iranian students who received governmental scholarship during the last two decades. Detailed information about the awarded scholarships and also about the number of post graduate students in clinical and basic sciences in domestic universities were collected from the related offices within the ministry of health and medical education and their trends were triangulated. A sharp drop was observed in the number of awarded scholarships, from 263 in 1992 to 46 in 2009. In the beginning, almost all of scholarships fully supported students for a whole academic course; while in recent years most of scholarships supported students for a short fellowship or complementary course [more than 80%]. Students studied in a wide range of colleges within 30 countries; more than 50% in Europe. Although one third of students studied in UK in the first years, only 4% of students selected this country in recent years. conversely, the number of scholarships to Germany and sweden have increased more than 10 and 3 times during this period. In parallel, the capacity of domestic universities for training of post-graduate students has been expanded dramatically. Although expanding post-graduate education has been one of the main strategic objectives of the ministry of health and medical education in last two decades, it was obtained using different approaches. By time, more attention was to expanding the capacities of Iranian universities, and choosing less but more targeted students to continue their studies abroad

Prevalence of odontogenic deep head and neck spaces infection and its correlation with length of hospital stay

Statement of Problem: As the duration of hospital stay could be an indicator of the severity of infection [Including odontogenic sources]; defining related variables could be very helpful in the treatment process. All clinical and paraclinical variables related to sever head and neck infections of odontogenic origin have not been fully evaluated

Purpose: This study was designed to identify the potential risk factors associated with increasing hospital stay in patients with deep head and neck spaces infections of odontogenic origin

Materials and Method: A total of 297 patients admitted to Shiraz Khalili hospital [1996-2006] with head and neck spaces infection were retrospectively identified by a medical chart view. Data concerning patient demographics, source and location of infection, culture results, and treatment modalities were evaluated. Linear regression techniques were used to explain the relationship between patient admission characteristics and duration of hospitalization

Results: A total of 34.3% [n=102] of the patients had head and neck spaces infections of odontogenic origin. The most common location of infection was submandibular space [32%], followed by masseter space [22%] and Ludwig's angina [20%]. Culture results showed non-hemolytic streptococcus as the most common microorganism with the prevalence of 61.6%.The most frequent signs and symptoms were swelling and pain. The results showed a higher percentage of hospital admissions for the middle socioeconomic status [58.8%]. Variables such as high weight, blood sodium level less than 135, preexisting disease and increasing in blood mean cell volume [MCV] were associated with longer hospital stay. Only 1 [0.9%] death was reported as the result of these infections

Conclusion: Odontogenic infections were a common source of deep head and neck spaces infection resulted in longer hospital stay. Paying particular attention to the variables that lead to longer hospital stay could be very important in formulating the treatment plan and reducing complications