[Effectiveness of serum ferritin in the diagnosis of preterm labor]

Preterm birth defined as delivery before 37 completed weeks was implicated in the cause of approximately two thirds of neonatal deaths. Some studies have shown that a positive relationship exists between inflammatory factors such as Ferritin, G-CSF, and IL6 and occurrence of preterm birth. The present study is done to estimate Serum ferritin for the prediction of preterm birth and determination of sensitivity and specificity of ferritin in diagnosis of preterm birth. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Alzahra and Beheshti Hospitals, Esfahan, Iran during 2008-2009. All of the pregnant women who have the included criteria were investigated. 69 preterm and 153 term labors were studied. During the pregnancy, the level of serum ferritin was measured. The data was entered into a computer and analyzed by SPSS soft ware after collection. The T student, Chi square and Roc Curve tests were used for data analysis. According to results of our study, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for diagnose of preterm labor at cut of point 22.5 mg/ml were estimated as 78.3%, 83%, 67.5% and 89.4% respectively. Results show that there is a relationship between serum ferritin and preterm deliveries and according to sensitivity, specifity, positive and negative predictive value of serum ferritin, we can use this test for prediction of preterm birth

Molecular analysis of the nucleocapsid gene and 3[1] untranslated region of two infectious Bronchitis Virus field isolates from Iranian poultry farms

Infectious bronchitis [IB] is an economically important disease of chickens. Due to the emergence of new variants of infectious bronchitis virus [IBV], the control of IB has become a serious problem for the poultry industry worldwide. In the present study, the nucleocapsid gene [N] and 3' untranslated region [UTR] of two IBVs isolated from Iranian poultry farms were sequenced and compared with other IBV strains. Based on nucleotide identity, the N gene and 3' UTR sequences of Iranian IBVs showed 90% similarity to the commonly used IBV vaccine strains, H52 and HI20. However, based on phylogenetic analyses, Iranian IBVs were found to cluster separately from the IBV vaccine strains used in Iran as well as other IBVs isolated in China, Australia and the United States. It was concluded that IBVs circulating in Iran are genetically distinct from IBV vaccine strains that have been used in Iran for many years. Therefore, it is important to develop a new vaccine based on these newly identified strains for controlling IB in Iranian poultry farms

Helicobacter pylori resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin in dyspeptic patients in Iran

The resistance of H. pylori to the recently available antibiotic treatment regimens has been a growing problem. The prevalence of high antibiotic resistance of H. pylori is the most common reason of its eradication failure. The purpose of the present study is to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among H. pylori strains isolated from Iranian patients. We investigated the prevalence of H. pylori resistance to metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and tetracycline among 128 H. pylori isolates from Iranian patients. After the culture of biopsy specimens and identification, susceptibility tests was performed with Modified Disk Diffusion Method [MDDM] and E. test. Resistance rates to metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin and tetracycline were 64%, 23%, 2.5% and 0%, respectively. Seventy two percent of the metronidazole resistance strains had MIC>256 micro g/ml [High-Level-Resistance]. Due to the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori strains and in order to decrease the treatment cost, testing of susceptibility to metronidazole and clarithromycin is recommended

PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of fljb gene in salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar typhimurium isolated from avians

Economic constraint of diseases arising from Salmonella Typhimurium causes the study of this zoonotic organism more important. Most studies on identification and characterization of S. Typhimurium are conducted at DNA level. Flagellin genes [fliC and fljB genes encoding phase-1 and phase-2 flagella, respectively] are useful as a model system for studying genetic differentiation. The objectives of the present study were to identify the polymorphism of fljB among avians in different regions by the PCR-RFLP method. Fifty-two S. Typhimurium isolates out of 1,870 intestine samples were identified using culture and serotyping as well as multiplex-PCR [broiler [n = 13], layer [n = 12], duck [n = 5], goose [n = 5], sparrow [n = 8], canary [n = 3], pigeon [n = 5] and casco parrot [n = 1]]. Amplification of fljB gene was performed and amplified products subjected to restriction digestion with Hha I enzyme. Two RFLP patterns generated DNA fragments between approximately 50 to 800 bps. Pattern A was observed in 33 [63.46%] and pattern B in 19 [36.54%] of isolates. Salmonella Typhimurium recovered from 13 broilers [ten with pattern A and 3 with pattern B] and 8 sparrow [three with pattern A and 5 with pattern B] showed both A and B patterns. Twelve layers, 5 pigeons and 3 canaries showed pattern A and 5 ducks, 5 geese and one casco parrot showed pattern B. None of these patterns was allotted for a special region. The results of the present study showed that fljB gene is highly conserved among avians in different geographical regions, suggesting not only the importance of fljB gene in survival of organism in different environmental conditions but also the relation between proteins encoded by fljB gene and serotyping scheme

Some of the metabolic derangements in 1-15 year old burned children

Burn is the main cause of mortalities in children after motor accidents. One of the most important responses of the body to burn is creating changes in metabolic system and food needs. These changes are generally formed in intensive and high degree burns. So, in spite of the existence of just one source ward [Imam Reza burn ward], we decided to accomplish a comprehensive research study on the population of the children who were admitted in this center, consuming the existing facilities. In this descriptive-cross sectional research, 452 burned children aging 1 to 15 years old [268 boys and 184 girls] were surveyed. All the patients were being treated at the burn ward in Imam Reza Hospital for over one year [i.e. from 20/04/2004 to 24/06/2005]. Three metabolic criteria including Fasting Blood Sugar, Total Serum Protein and Serum Lipid Profiles and [cholesterol and triglycerides] were measured in 3 phases: a] the first day of confining, b] in the first week, c] at the dismissing time. All the patients were revived according to Brooke formula, and some changes were made in the base of clinical situation, patient's responses, and the age groups. NG tube was inserted and food supply was provided for all the patients with more than 15% burn. In this research, 184 girls [40.7%] and 268 boys [59.3%] aging from 1 to 15 years were examined. Regarding the factor of sex between the two groups, the mean age in the boys was 5.89 +/- 1.3 years, while in girls, it was 2.28 +/- 2.1 year. As for the etiology of burn, the degree of prevalence rated as 74.8% with hot liquids; 23.9% with flame; 0.6% with electricity. In terms of the mean percentage of burning, it was 23.2% in the girls and 26.7% in the boys. The mean and standard deviation of the duration of hospitalization was respectively 14.12 and 11.51 days for the girls and 17.97and 14.83 days for the boys. Over the period of hospitalization, 67 patients including 32 girls [17.39%] and 35 boys [13.05%] died because of the intensive burn or its side effects [14.82%]. Regarding the metabolic criteria changes, the most changes occurred in the following order: 1] the changes in blood sugar articularly between the first day and the first week of hospitalization], 2. The rate of serum fats 3 .The rate of serum protein [especially, between the first day and the first week of hospitalization]. Heat injuries resulted from burns can cause dramatic changes in the patients' metabolic system and nutrition, particularly for children. Having a good control over these changes, a well-timed treatment and utilizing suitable reviving methods can have vital roles in decreasing the mortalities as well as the duration of hospitalization

Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from dental pulp of exfoliated human deciduous teeth

The exfoliated human deciduous tooth [SHED] contain multipotent stem cells that identified to be a population of highly proliferative and clonogenic .These cells are capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types including neural cells, adipocytes, and odontoblasts. Normal exfoliated human deciduous incisors collected from six- to nine-years-old children. The pulp was separated from the crown and digested with collagenase .Single cell solutions were cultivated in alpha-MEM supplemented with ES-FCS. After two to three days, the cells reached confluency and were trypsinized and cultured for further passages. The passage-4 cells were analyzed with CD34, CD45, CD105, CD166, CD31, CD90 and CD146 markers that indicated these cells had a mesenchymal stem cell [MSC] identity. We examined the cells for Alkaline Phosphatase activity to investigate the mesenchymal [stromal] nature.Finally, the cells were differentiated into the osteoblastic and adipocytic lineages in different subcultures and analysed by RT-PCR and different staining protocols. Viable cells growing out of the explants showed elongated shapes in clusters. These cells showed alkaline phosphatase activity. Flow cytometry results revealed high expression of pluripotent stem cell markers .In some area of the osteoinductive cultures nodule-like structures were observed that showed red mineralizing area upon staining with Alizarin Red.In adipogenic cultures lipid vesicles appeared after five weeks of induction with Oil Red. This study show that pulp contains cells with high plasticity and proliferation capacity and can be easily isolated without any serious intervention

Study of p53 polymorphism at codon 72 in patients of breast cancer in Isfahan

The p53 tumor suppressor gene plays an important role in genomic stability. A common G-to-C polymorphism at codon 72 in the p53 gene has been accompanied with high risk of lung, nasopharyngeal, oral, prostate, and colorectal cancers, and may result in genetic susceptibility to breast cancer. We studied the effect of this p53 polymorphism on breast invasive ductal carcinoma development This case-control study was conducted among 51 patients with breast invasive ductal carcinoma and 51 matched controls in Isfahan. P53 codon 72 genotypes were identified using allele-specific polymerase-chain reaction [PCR]. In control samples, the genotype distribution of p53 polymorphism showed 43.2%, 52.9% and 3.9% for the Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro genotypes, respectively. In cancer group the distribution was 86.2% for Arg/Arg, 11.8% for Arg/Pro and 2% for Pro/Pro. Distribution differences in p53 codon 72 polymorphism between the cases and controls were statistically significant [P]

Evaluation of wide broad spectrum antibiotic resistance of E. coli and Klebsiella pneumonia

The Study of E.coli and Klebsiella resistance to wide spectrum antibiotics and molecular evaluation of resistance in these bacteria were examined. Treatment with wide spectrum antibiotics against bacteria can lead to resistance. The antimicrobial resistance can be seen in two types: 1] chromosomal alterations which could result in changes in structure of receptors of specific drugs. Most of this mutation can cause the absence of a penicillin binding proteins [pbps] and 2] is plasmid resistance. Plasmid genes can usually produce enzymes which result in destruction of antibiotics. An example is extended spectrum B-lactamase [ESBLs] which causes resistance to the third generation of cephalosporin, monobactams and new penicillin. ESBL plasmids are derived from TEM-1, TEM-2 and SHV-2. It has been recognized that because of point mutations in these plasmids, there are about 90 types of TEM and 25 types of SHV. The reason for the formation of point mutations within the ESBL plasmids is due to high consumption of broad spectrum antibiotics. In a cross-sectional study, 218 specimens from patients were collected and after identification of bacteria, the percentage of ESBLs among the isolates was calculated. For this purpose combined disk method and double disk method are used .Then TEM and SHV plasmids from 23 specimens of E.coli and Klebsiella were examined using plasmid extraction kit and PCR. The result of this study showed; the antibiotic resistance in 10% of E .coli was chromosomal and 50% were plasmids. The remaining isolates were sensitive. In Klebsiella, 12.8% of resistance was chromosomal and 62% were due to plasmids and remaining isolates were sensitive. The results from PCR showed; in E .coli 52.8% of the isolates were TEM positive and 84.6% were SHV positive and 69.2% were positive for both TEM and SHV. For Klebsiella 80% were TEM positive and 80% were SHV and 60% were positive for both TEM and SHV. The rate of ESBLs in Iran is higher than the results in similar studies in other countries .This could be because of the overuse of third generation of cephalosporin. For the purpose of having proper treatment using antibiotics, medical education and laboratory detection of ESBLs could be effective to choose choice antibiotics

new primer pair in ITS1 region for molecular studies on echinococcus granulosus

Echinocuccus granulosus, the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis has long been recognized as having a high degree of genetic divergence. The strains characterization seems to be essential for the establishment of a preventive and control strategy in every endemic area. Using DNA based methods for strain /genotype characterizations of E. granulosus have some difficulties, especially access to an efficient and pure concentration of DNA and proper primers. Using grinder method, a pure and high concentration DNA was extracted from 10 human hydatid cysts collected from Isfahan [central Iran] hospitals, and processed for PCR reaction. Using DNASIS, the primers were designed in internal transcribed spacer 1 [ITS1] region, following analysis of 30 E. granulosus nucleotide sequences, extracted from gene bank. This new and specific E. granulosus primer which amplified DNA thoroughly can be applied for molecular studies on echinococcosis

[Can visual evoked potential help the diagnosis of migraine?]

Migraine is a periodic headache, usually unilateral and mostly pulsating. This disease is seen in about 10% of general population. So far, no applicable and accurate diagnostic test has been introduced and the diagnosis has been made almost clinically and after other etiologies being ruled out. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of visual evoked potential [VEP] in patients with migraine. Forty patients with migraine were enrolled in a prospective, case-control study during the years 2004-2005 in Tabriz Imam Khomeini hospital and underwent the VEP study along with 40 healthy volunteers [as the control group]. The mean latency of waves N75, P100, N140 and amplitude of wave P100 were measured and compared between two groups. The frequency of increased mentioned waves were compared as well. The mean latency of wave N140 and the number of its increased values and amplitude of P100 were all significantly higher in patients group [P<0.05]. The mean latency of P100 was significantly higher in patients with classic migraine [P=0.05]. In spite of the fact that there are some significant differences in the VEP results between the patients and the healthy cases, none [except of the patients with classic migraine] are considered as specific changes for migraine. However, for more definite results, further studies are recommended

Immunohistochemical assessment of natural killer cells in normal and inflamed dental pulps

Immunohistological studies have shown the pulpal responses to bacteria and their product's inflammation, but presence of natural killer [NK] cells were unclear. This study detected NK cells in normal and inflamed pulps. From the third molars, 15 normal and 15 inflamed pulps were extirpated out and studied by indirect immune peroxides technique and microscope for NK cells. We did not find NK cells in normal coronal pulps, but they were detected in one third of inflamed coronal pulps. NK cells are absent in normal coronal pulps and present in the intensively inflamed pulps. They may play a role in the pathogenesis of pulp lesion

Immunohistochemical evaluation of estrogen and progesterone receptors in peripheral and central giant cell granuloma of the jaws

Giant cell granuloma is a relatively common benign proliferative lesion of the oral cavity. This lesion has a marked gender predilection with more prevalence in females apd tendency to rapid growth and recurrence during pregnancy. The aim of this study was the evaluation of specific receptors of sex hormones in giant cell granuloma. In this cross-sectional study, twenty five cases of formalin fixed paraffin embedded giant cell granulomas were retrieved from the oral pathology archive of dental school Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Also twenty five normal oral mucosa biopsies resected during different surgical procedures were prepared as control group. Cases were immunohistochemically stained for estrogen and progesterone receptors using the biotin-streptavidine method. Data were analyzed by SPSS package. Staining for ER/PR markers were negative for the mononuclear stromal cells and multinucleated giant cells in all cases. The epithelial cells and connective tissue stromal cells of the control group were also negative for these receptors. Based on the results of this study, immunostaining for ER/PR was negative in all cases. These findings suggest that in most cases development and growth of this lesion is not directly related to these hormones. However further studies with more sensitive techniques are recommended

[Expression of P53 and Ki-67 Proteins in a odontogenic keratocysts]

P53 has been known as a tumor suppressor gene and also Ki-67 is a cell cycle regulator. The aim of present study was to investigate P53 and Ki-67 protein expression in the epithelial lining of odontogenic cysts and its correlation with their biologic behavior and the degree of inflammation within the cyst wall. P53 and Ki-67 immunoreactivity in 58 odontogenic cystic lesions including 19 Keratocysts, 20 dentigerous cysts and 19 radicular cysts were studied, using a biotin-streptavidin peroxidase method. Frequency of P53[+] Lesions in three groups was not statistically significant and there was no correlation between intensity of staining for P53 and Ki-67 proteins. But we found positive relationship between inflammation and intensity of P53 staining in odontogenic keratocyst. Ki-67 expression in odontogenic keratocyst was higher than dentigerous cyst and radicular cyst, but in this study we could not find any correlation between Ki-67 expression and degree of inflammation.Since we couldn't show any Discrepancies in distribution of P53, so the existence of greater proliferative potential and recurring of the odontogenic keratocyst may not be due to higher immortality and continual persistant, compared to other types of examined cysts, but it may be associated with increased potential of cell division. Mean while, expression of Ki-67 in OKC was higher than other cysts. Finallyinflammation may disturbe the natural trend of opotosis [P53[upwards arrow]] and facilate proliferetive ability of epithelial lining [Ki-67[upwards arrow]] in odontogenic keratocyst

[ relative frequency of the epithelial cell abnormalities in the cervicovaginal smears of women referring to Medical Center Of Al-Zahra Hospital Of Isfahan from 1996-2001]

Objective: the goal of this research is to study the relative frequency of different types of epithelial cell abnormalities in cervicovaginal smears

Material and methods: this descriptive-retrospective study was carried out in Al-zahra Hospital of Isfahan University during the period 1996-2001.538 satisfactory cervicovaginal smears by using the Bethesda classifiction system are reviewed

Results: of the 538 cervicovaginal smears, 115[21.37%] were normal. Others were reactive changes: 372 [69.14%], ASCUS: 30 [5.75%], LSIL: 9] [1.97%], HSIL: 3 [0.55%], SCC: 1] [0.18%], benign endometrial cells in post menopausal women: 4[0.74%], AGUS: 1] [0.18%], Endometrial adenocarcinoma: 1] [0.18%] and extrauterine adenocarcinoma: 2] [0.36%]. Endocervical adenocarcinoma is not identifiedin this study

Conclusion: ASCUS results [5.75%] are compatible with universal standards. The carcinoma results differ with other countries. It is estimated that the screening programs in adenocarcinoma are not effective as squamous cell carcinoma

[Investigation of antibiotic effects on serological titer of infected Ross broiler breeders with Mg and Ms]

Objective: survey of antibiotic effects on serological titer of Mg and Ms infected broiler breeders

Design: observational study. Animals: A total of 42 ross broiler breeders

Procedure: thirty-six broiler breeders at 35 weeks old from an infected [Mg and Ms positive] poultry unit and six broiler breeders from a non-infected [Mg and Ms negative] poultry unit were kept in separated cages as recommended in Ross broiler breeder catalogue at the hospital of veterinary faculty of Urmia university. Blood samples were collected from broiler breeders in order to determine serological titers using rapid plate serum agglutination test [RPSAT] and ELISA, before and after administration of lincospectin, tiamulin, tylosin, ciprofloxacin and emofloxacin antibiotics for five days with recommended dosages of each antibiotics

Statistical analysis: SPSS statistical analysis program using ANOVA and Two tailed pair t-test were used to analyze the data

Results: the ELISA titers of the infected birds [within and among the groups] were differed significantly [P<0.05]. While ELISA titers of non-treated infected birds [group 6], increased significantly during this study but those of treated birds [groups 1-5], decreased indicating that overall, antibiotics such as lincospetin, tiamulin, tylosin, ciprofloxacin and emofloxacin reduced not only the severity of the infections but also their ELISA titers. Comparison of ELISA titers before and after treatment indicates that all antibiotics affect the overcome of the Mg and Ms infections but lincospectin, tiamulin and ciprofloxacin had the highest effect on both Mg and Ms ELISA titer while tylosin tartarat and,enrofloxacin had the lowest effect

Conclusion: antibiotics affect the outcome of the Mg and Ms infections in broiler breeders and reduce serological titers of Mg and Ms infected birds but do not clear the birds 6om the infections