Evaluation of immunopathologic effects of aqueous extract of Echinacea purpurea in mice after experimental challenge with Pasteurella multocida serotype A

In order to assess the immunopathological effects of aqueous Echinacea purpurea extract [EPE] on mice experimentally challenged with Pasteurella multocida serotype A, forty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups. The groups included a control group [received sterile distilled water 2 times/week for 2 weeks, intraperitoneally and then 100 microl sterile saline intranasally], a PMA group [received sterile distilled water as the control group and after 2 weeks, 5.6 x 10[3] CFU/ml of P. multocida serotype A, intranasally], an EPE+PMA group [received E. purpurea extract intraperitoneally 2 times/week for 2 weeks and then challenged as the PMA group] and an EPE group [received E. purpurea extract as EPE+PMA group and then 100 microl sterile saline intranasally]. After 24 and 48 h post challenge, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed and analyzed for bacterial counts in their lungs and livers, TNF[alpha] serum levels and histapathological changes. The results showed significant differences in lung bacterial counts between PMA and EPE+PMA groups. TNF[alpha] serum level was significantly higher in the PMA group. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of neutrophils in alveolar septa and hyperemia in the PMA group. In addition, the criteria of bronchopneumonia were partially recovered in the EPE+PMA compared to the PMA group. According to the results, it seems that E. purpurea extract has an immunomodulatory effect and can be used to prevent or control of pneumonia caused by Pasteurella

Designing a minimum data set for breast cancer: a starting point for breast cancer registration in Iran

Due to the high incidence of deaths from breast cancer, high cost of treatment and limited resources, the need to formulate and implement effective programs in reducing the burden of disease is obvious. Care, control and creation of cancer information system having an infrastructure from collection of minimum data sets [MDS] are the top priorities of research in Iran's Ministry of Health. This is an applied descriptive research with comparative approach implemented in 2010. MDS for breast cancer on selected countries were searched and reviewed and proposed model based on the country's need was designed. Research data were implemented in 2 stages; assessment of MDS on selected countries and the validation of the proposed model through several meetings that has been carried out by the Undersecretary for Research and Technology and several oncologists and pathologists. The MDS is composed of 11 parameters in the form of fields in closed structured arrangements with consideration to coding responses. These parameters include: hospital data, demography, referral, physical examination and investigation, diagnostic information, pathology, treatment, palliative care, completion of primary treatment, clinical trials and follow-up. This form is available for use in the cancer registry database. MDS provides an opportunity to strengthen communication between performed researches and research results for the improvement of programs, policies and strategies and provides positive effect on equality in the health system. Although the stages of creating the MDS for breast cancer has been successful, but many challenges has been met until its completion

[Comparing view of physicians, nurses and patients in regard to related factors to sleep disorders of patients]

Many factors influence patients' sleep and recognizing them can help care givers to provide good care. The aim of this study was to compare view of physicians, nurses and patients in regard to factors relating to sleep disorders in patients. This descriptive-comparative study was conducted on 530 patients in medical surgical wards, nurses and physicians of those wards in Kerman Medical University Hospitals. Sampling was done on two stages of quota and consecutive. Data was gathered by "Related Factors of Patients' Sleep" questionnaire with 58 questions about environmental factors, individual-physical, individual-psychological, caring and behaviors before sleep was used. Content validity 0.96, Cronbach alpha 0.86 for questionnaire was confirmed. Data were analyzed by using SPSS/18 software, descriptive statistics, [frequency, mean, SD],independent T- test and ANOVA. Factors influencing sleep health in view of physicians, nurses and patients were not significant. The most prevalent environmental factor was reported as sleeping on hospital beds and changing the bed, pain as a physical factor, being worry about family and separation from them were as mental problems. The most prevalent habit before sleeping was, talking to others and the major sleep distraction for patients, was waking them up for routine nursing cares. Patients hospitalized in medical and surgical wards don't have good sleep due to several reasons. Nurses can help to improve patients sleep by solving some of these problems. They can arrange a quiet environment, and try to relive some of the physical concerns. In addition they can decrease patients' anxiety by communicating and talking with them. This provides a healthy sleep which ultimately leads to mental and physical health of the patients.

Coincidence of meibomian adenoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the upper eyelid of a sheep: histopathological and immunohistochemical studies

This report is related to a female 7-year-old crossbreed sheep whose right eye had been protruded and swelling of upper eyelid was observed. Routine enucleating was performed. Histopathological evaluation of eyelid revealed coincidence of two kinds of neoplasms. The first part was composed of multiple lobules of sebocytes, which were detected as meibomian adenoma. The second section included infiltrating islands of neoplastic squamous epithelium extending through the basal lamina of the epithelium with keratin pearls and was noted as grade I squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical study of cytokeratin showed positive reaction in both kinds of neoplastic cells. This is a rare case of meibomian adenoma in sheep with squamous cell carcinoma coincidence

[Topical estrogen accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats]

Diabetic ulcers especially foot ulcers and the delay in their healing is a major problem faced by most diabetic patients. Based on data available on the positive role of estrogen in accelerating wound healing, this research aimed at assessing the possible effect of topical estrogen on wound healing in diabetic rats. Sixty-six male wistar rats were divided into two groups [normal and diabetic] and each group was divided into 3 subgroups [control, sham and test]. A circular full- thickness wound with a diameter of 1.5 cm was created on the backs of streptozotocin [stz]- induced diabetic and intact rats. In the test subgroup, the wounds were treated with a daily topical dose of 0.5 mg estrogen and in the sham subgroup, gentamicin ointment [dose 0.5 g] was used. The process of wound healing was assessed by macroscopic and microscopic studies on days 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The macroscopic study, showed delays in healing of the diabetic group in comparison with the normal group and after the seventh day, wound healing showed considerable change in the test subgroup in both normal and diabetic rats [p<0.05]. In the normal group microscopic study, the only parameter which did not show any differerence was granulation tissue organization; however increasing of neoangiogenesis and re-epithelization was observed in the test subgroup. Also, in the diabetic group, the estrogen receiving subgroup showed impressive improvement compared to the sham subgroup. Topical that estrogen can accelerate the process healing of diabetic wounds

[Evaluation of the Immunogenic effect of lipopolysaccharide [LPS] and protein fractions of Legionella pneumophila in challenging with lethal dose of this bacterium in mice]

Legionella pneumophila is the cause of legionellosis disease that can be fatal. Yet, no vaccine has been available for this infection. Also antigens of these bacteria can stimulate the immune system. The purpose of this study was to compare the immunogenic effect of lipopolysaccharide fraction with that of protein fraction of Legionella pneumophila in challenging with lethal dose of these bacteria in mice. After preparation of bacterial biomass, LPS and protein fractions were separated by hot phenol method and precipitated by enzyme digestion. LPS and protein fraction electrophoresis on poly acrylamide gel was performed. For preparation of vaccines from LPS and protein fractions, 10 micro g of each antigen was solved in 0.5 ml of normal saline and used for injection. Six groups of female BALB/c mice [each group consisted of 15 mice] were selected. Four groups of mice were vaccinated by intraperitoneal [i.p] injections at fortnightly intervals for three times. The two control groups of mice received normal saline injections. Two weeks after the last immunization, two groups of vaccinated mice and one control group were challenged with LD100 of the virulent strain of L. pneumophila. Also six weeks after the last immunization the other three groups [2 vaccinated and one control groups] were challenged. Result: The results of the first challenge showed the immunogenic efficiency gains of 86.66% and 73.33% for protein fraction and LPS respectively, and after six weeks of the last immunization the immunogenic efficiency gains were 60% for LPS and 86.66% for protein fractions. This study showed that the protein fraction and LPS of L.pneumophila have high immunogenic activity and can be proper candidates for vaccine studies

[Study of sedative and anxiolytic effect of herbal extract of Nardostachys jatamansi in comparison with diazepam in rats]

Due to sedation, anticonvulsant and anti-pain effects, Nardostachys jatamansi has had a special place in traditional medicine of China, India and Iran. Regarding Alkaloid, Organic acid esters, valeric acid and isovalerates this plant has always been used to reduce nervous pressure and the treatment depression and chronic insomnia. Considering the importance of sedative and anxiolytic effects of this plant's we decided to have a comparative study of this plant with chemical drugs. In this study, first, the rhizome of N.jatamansi was extracted by hydromethanolic [70%] solvent and then, the presence of valporoates, in total extract was revealed by GC-MS analysis of its n-Hexane fraction. For studying the effectiveness of sedative and anxiolytic of TV. jatamansi in compraison with diazepam different groups of female wistar rats received N.jatamansi [100, 200, 400 mg/kg, ip], diazepam [1.2 mg/kg, ip], di-metyl; solphoxid [DMSO] with equal volume, and 15 min after assessing the relif/sleep inducing effect [induced sleep duration by ketamine, 40 mg/kg, ip] and anxiolytic effects [using Elevated plus were done]. The GC-MS analysis of the n-hexan fraction of extract led to identification and quantification of fifteen compounds, the main components were a-Aristolen-1-alpha-ol [31.1%], valerenal [31%] and valerenic acid [26.5%]. Pharmacological results showed that herbal extract of TN. jatamansi with the maximum inhibition was observed at the does of 200 mg/kg of sedative and anxiolytic effect. Obtained resultes indicated that extract of N. jatamansi gives sedative and anxiolytic effects

[Isolation of legionella pneumophila from environment and water system samples and evaluation of immuno-protective efficiency of its whole killed cell in mice model]

Legionella pneumophila is a cause of pneumonia in human beings. The purpose of this study was to separate L.pneumophila from stagnant and waste water, city squares, coolers and faucets and evaluation of the immunoprotective efficiency of its whole killed cells in mice model. Water samples were prepared, concentrated and then cultured on selective [GVPC] media. After identification of L.pneomophila the biomass of the organism was fixed with 0.5% formalin in sterile saline at 37§C for 24 hours in order to prepare whole killed cells. Four groups of female BALB/c mices [each group consisted of 15 mices] were selected. Two groups of mice were immunized by three intraperitoneal administrations of prepared antigen in a dose of 4x108 CFU from whole killed cells at two week intervals and control groups received only sterile saline injections. Two weeks after the last injection, one group of immunized mice and one of the control groups were challenged with the lethal dose of virulent strain of L.pneuophila and also the two other groups of mice were challenged six weeks after the last immunization. From 120 water samples 27 samples were contaminated with L.pneumophila. Challenge results showed that the immune efficiency of whole killed cell was 93.33% after two weeks of the last immunization, and 86.66% after six weeks of the last immunization. This study showed that, stagnant water had the highest rate of contamination with L.pneumophila and the whole killed cell of L.pneumophila is a proper candidate for L.pneumophila vaccine studies

Prevalence of colour vision deficiency among male guidance school students

Colour blindness is a frequent entity, mostly occurred among males. It is mainly genetically in origin, however, acquired cases have been described. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of colour vision deficiency among male guidance school students. This descriptive study was performed on 500 randomly selected male guidance school students from different districts of Tehran. They were tested for congenital colour blindness using [Ishihara] pseudoisochromatic color plates. Totally, 26 students were found to have color deficiency [5.2%] among whom 18 had relative colour deficiency whereas 8 had complete deficiency. Twelve [2.4%] students showed deuteranomaly, 6 [1.2%] had protanomaly, 5 [1%] had protanopia and 3 [0.6%] had deuteranopia. Colour blindness is more frequent in males. Most of the cases are hereditary, meanwhile, they usually have problem in differentiating red and green colours

[Prevalence of cataract in Tehran]

Purpose: to evaluate the prevalence of cataract, lens opacity, and other conditions of the lens among residents of Tehran aged 40 or above, Tehran-Iran

Methods: this study was performed as a part of the population based study on the prevalence of glaucoma among citizens older than 40 in Tehran. A total of 2 160 participants joined the study [50% response rate]. After performing a medical history interview, all participants were examined according to a standard protocol including refraction, visual acuity testing, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the anterior segment. Cataract was diagnosed as any lens opacity with visual acuity of 20140 or less in the absence of other causes of visual loss

Results: the prevalence of lens opacity among right eyes, left eyes, and overall was 29.4%, 30.6%, and 32.4%, respectively. Prevalence of cataract was 8.1% in right and 9.1% in left eyes, respectively. The overall prevalence of cataract was 12%. The rate of pseudophakia or aphakia was 3.9% in right or left eyes and 5.2% overall. The prevalence of cataract in male and female subjects was 14.3% and 10.6%, respectively. The prevalence of cataract among adults older than 50 [17.1%] was 9 times that of the 40-49 age group [1.9%]. The prevalence of lens opacity among males and females was 39.1% and 28.3%, respectively. The prevalence of lens opacity among adults older than 50 [45.7%] was more than 7 times that of the 40-49 age group [6.3%]. The prevalence of grade II lens opacification or over was 33.4%. The most frequent type of lens opacity was nuclear sclerosis followed by cortical and posterior subcapsular opacities

Conclusion: the prevalence of cataract and lens opacity in residents of Tehran aged 40 or over is significant especially among elderly indivisuals and it may be estimated that 240,000 persons in Tehran population have cataract and 648,000 have lens opacity, which is a matter of concern for our health system

[ prevalence and knowledge of contact lens wear among highschool girls in Tehran]

Purpose: to evaluate the prevalence of contat lens wear among highschool girls and their general knowledge about contact lenses and also to evaluate the specific knowledge of contact lens wearers about the lens

Methods: in a cross-sectional study, 1664 students of 22 randomly selected girl highschools were enrolled. A questionaire including questions about wearing contact lens, age of first use, cause of lens wear, type of lens, source of providing, way of wearing, and medical and hygienic care was filled out by the participants. Contact lens wearers were classified in two groups according to the main cause of lens wear: cosmetic and therapeutic

Results: the prevalence of contact lens wear was 16.5% including 81.8% for cosmetic purposes and 18.2% for therapeutic reasons. The age of starting lens wear was before 14 in 36%. About 50% of contact lens wearers had at least once worn the lens of another person. General knowledge was often weak or little and the knowledge about serious complications of contact lens wear was good only in 43% of the students. There was no significant differences between weares and nonwearers regarding these issues. The source of providing of lens among the therapeutic group was physicians in 90% and boutiques in 2% corresponding figures were 9.8% and 32% respectively in the cosmetic group. The most common type of lens was soft [98%] and colored [84.3%]. Lens handling was bad or inappropriate in 73.1 %; however appropriate handling was greater in the therapeutic group [42%] than the cosmetic group [23.6%]. Medical care was appropriate in 30.9% [68% in the therapeutic group and 22.7% in the cosmetic group]. Hygienic care of lens was appropriate in 53.8% [62% in the therapeutic group and 52% in the cosmetic group]. Hygienic care of lens container was appropriate in 16.4% [24% in the therapeutic group vs 4.7% in the cosmetic group]. Specific knowledge of lens wearers was appropriate in 46.6% [58% in the therapeutic group vs 44% in the cosmetic group]

Conclusion: the prevalence of contact lens wear among highschool girls in Tehran is considerable especially for cosmetic purposes. Furthermore, general and specific knowledge about contact lens use was inadequate in the majority of lens wearers

comparison of IL-2 in normal and symptomatic pulps

Normal healthy pulpal tissues were obtained from 19 impacted molars and symptomatic samples were obtained from 18 carious molars and premolars clinically diagnosed in all vital pulpal tissues. Student's t-test revealed significant differences in IL-2 concentrations, comparing symptomatic pulpal tissues with normal healthy samples [657, p<0.01]. These results suggest that IL -2 may serve as a marker of changes in pulp tissue