Evaluation of serum levels of zinc, copper, iron, and zinc/copper ratio in cutaneous leishmaniasis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], iron [Fe] and zinc/ copper ratio in the serum of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in Qom Provinces, center of Iran. Serum levels of zinc and copper were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer and serum iron concentration was measured by using an auto analyzer. The study group consisted of 60 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis and the control group of 100 healthy volunteers from the same area who were not exposed to cutaneous leishmaniasis. There were no statistically significant differences in age and body mass index between the two groups. Serum Zn [P<0.001] and Fe [P<0.05] levels were lower in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis than the control group. We also found serum Cu concentration [P<0.05] in the patient group was significantly higher than that of the control group. However, zinc/copper ratio [P<0.001] was lower in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis than in the control group. Our data indicated that Zn/Cu ratio was significantly lower in patients with CL as compared to the controls. Earlier reports suggest that, this ratio imbalance could be a useful marker for immune dysfunction in leishmaniasis. There was also strong association of Zn, Cu and Fe with CL. It suggests the use of blood zinc, copper, iron concentration and the copper/zinc ratio [Zn/Cu], as a means for estimating the prognosis of CL

effects of fruit maturity and 1-methylcyclopropene [1-MCP] treatment on alpha-farnesene metabolism in scald resistant and susceptible cultivars of apple fruit

It was found that, climatic conditions and fruit ripeness are important factor for the occurrence and intensity of superficial scald. 1-MCP is an inhibitor of ethylene action in plants and inhibits many ripening related processes along with the production of ethylene and volatiles. Apples are often held for several months at low temperature either in air [MA] or in controlled atmosphere [CA] storage, therefore they are prone to the occurrence of a large number of physiological disorders. In this work an investigation was made in order to determine the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene [1.0 microl I [-1]] treatment on superficial scald development and alpha farnesene metabolism on scald-resistant 'Golden Delicious' and scald-susceptible 'Imperial Delicious' apples. Fruits harvested on two dates and stored 24 weeks in refrigerated air storage [RA] at 6.5-1 °C, Peel tissue samples were taken at harvest after 6, 12 and 24 weeks. A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure with UV detection at 232 nm and 269 nm has been used for the determination of alpha-farnesene and Ctols contents. Scald symptoms were restricted to untreated control fruit of both harvests of Imperial as during storage period increased to 65 and 45%, respectively for the first and second harvest compared with no scald symptoms in those in Golden Delicious. At 1.0 microl I [-1], 1-MCP completely eliminated superficial scald during storage period in Imperial apples. Large increases in peel tissue content of alpha-farnesene observed in untreated fruit of both harvest dates in Golden Delicious and Imperial cultivars. 1-MCP strongly decreased alpha-farnesene and conjugated trienols accumulation in treated fruit peel tissues at both maturity stages of two cultivars during storage. The results confirm the proposed role of Ctols in scald induction and indicate that alpha farnesene production is strongly regulated by ethylene. In general, we conclude that only alpha-farnesene synthesis and its oxidation products [Ctols] levels in peel tissue could not be involved to the inherent nature of scald susceptibility or resistance in two cultivars tested

review on medicinal characteristics of pomegranate [Punica granatum L.]

Pomegranate [Punica granatum L.] is a deciduous shrub and native to Iran having ancient culture in this country and Iran is one of the biggest producers of pomegranate in the world. This fruit is used in traditional medicine because of its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and alleviative characteristics. Extracts of different parts of pomegranate fruit is rich in phenolic compounds and its rind extract and seed oil have vigorous antioxidant activity. Elagic acid is one of the most important phenolic compound with antioxidant activity, present in the pomegranate rind extract. Inhibitory effect of pomegranate seed oil on breast and skin cancer has been reported. Use of seed oil and extracts of different parts of pomegranate fruit has been considered in production of phytostrogenic compounds. At the present time, the fruit of pomegranate besides its use as a fruit and having nutritional value is also considered for its pharmaceutical characteristics. This paper is a review on articles and different sources in order to get more familiarity with medicinal characteristics of this fruit

[Histopathological changes of urinary bladder after colocystoplasty in dogs]

To evaluate necropsy and histopathological changes in urinary bladder after colocystoplasty. Experimental study. Five healthy mixed breed dogs, weighing between 10 - 20 kg. Partial cystectomy [almost 50 percent] with immediate augmentation colocystoplasty was performed. The augmented bladders after utanasia were studied on the basis of necropsy and histopathological findings on day 45 after operation. Adhesion between graft site and adjacent viscera was the most important finding after necropsy. Histopathological findings were different types of inflammations [hemorrhagic 40%, purulent 40% and fibrinous 20%] and extension of urothelium on mucosal layer of the colon in graft site [60%]. Reparative responses in serosal layer like chronic inflammation, granular and dense fibrotic tissue formation were seen in 60%, too. On the basis of this study, in spite of adhesion and bladder inflammation, colon is a suitable part for increasing bladder capacity in dogs because of good accessibility and lack of undue tension