[ effects of excessive aerobic continuous and interval training programs on plasma lipoproteins and serum CRP in women]

Blood inflammatory factors have been recognized as major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two methods of excessive aerobic continuous and interval training on plasma lipoproteins [TC, TG, LDL, HDL, VLDL] and serum CRP in women. A total of 20 women aged 35-45 years were randomly divided into the two groups of aerobic continuous and interval training. Subjects participated in an 8-week either aerobic continuous or interval running program [3 day / week, at 65-75% HRmax]. Twenty four hours before the first training program and 24 hours after the final training session blood samples were collected in a fasted state. No significant difference was found between the two groups in regard to TC, TG, LDL, HDL, VLDL and CRP levels in both pre-and post-tests. Aerobic continuous training induced significant decrease in TC, LDL, CRP and increase in HDL. Aerobic interval training induced significant decrease in TC, TG, LDL, CRP and increase in HDL too, but no significant difference was found between the two methods of training on plasma lipoproteins and serum CRP. Excessive aerobic continuous and interval training can have similar effects on plasma lipoproteins and serum CRP in women

[ effects of dietary supplementation with zinc, magnesium and zinc plus magnesium on muscle strength in active women]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with zinc, magnesium and zinc plus magnesium on muscle strength in active women. Forty active women selected randomly were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 each, all undergonig resistance training and receiving, daily, a supplement of either zinc [50 mg zinc sulfate], magnesium [250 mg magnesium oxide], or zinc plus magnesium [50 mg zinc sulfate plus 250 mg magnesium oxide], or no supplement [control group]. All the subjects had a history of sports activity. Blood samples were collected and 1-RM was measured at the beginning and after 8weeks. Independent and paired-sample t-test showed that zinc, magnesium and zinc plus magnesium supplements had no statistically significant effects on the strength of lower body muscles. However, the magnesium supplement had a significant positive effect on the strength of upper body muscles [chest, back, as well as back and hand bending muscles]. In addition, the zinc and zinc plus magnesium supplements affected significantly the strength of the back and hand bending muscles. Further analysis of the data showed that the zinc plus magnesium supplement had no significant effect on the serum zinc and magnesium concentrations. Dietary supplementation with zinc, magnesium and zinc plus magnesium can effect desirably the upper body muscles strength in active women

[Detection of drug resistance gene in trichomonas vaginalis by PCR]

Trichomoniasis is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease. Considering the importance of the disease in public health and the controversial ideas about the prevalence of drug resistance, this study was designed to determine the prevalence of metronidazole resistance gene in trichomonas vaginalis [T. vaginalis] with PCR-RFLP method in Tehran and in Kashan. In this descriptive study 140 samples of T. vaginalis in patients with T. vaginalis infections were collected and assessed microscopically. Then they were isolated and examined by culturing in dorset's medium, DNA extraction and PCR amplification. The PCR products were analyzed using RFLP and suspected samples were sequenced. All but 7 samples were T. vaginalis positive by PCR. Sixty-two samples [44.4%] were examined by microscopic, culture and PCR techniques; 12 samples [8.5%] by microscope and PCR, 56 samples [40%] by culture and PCR and other 3 samples [2.1%] were positive only by PCR. Two samples [1.5%] were also examined for detection of mutation in 18S rRNA gene with RFLP in Tehran. This study shows that T. vaginalis infections in the female population living in Tehran are metronidazole-resistant. Since metronidazole is considered as the drug choice for T. vaginalis infections, more studies are recommended for identification of the drug resistance mechanisms and prevention of the disease

Detection of drug resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis by PCR in some endemic areas of Iran

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a health problem in many rural and urban regions of Iran and drug resistance has emerged as a major impediment in the treatment of leishmaniasis. This study aims to determine the drug resistance gene in cutaneous leishmaniasis by PCR in some endemic areas of Iran. Ninety seven samples were collected from ulcers of leishmaniasis patients from some endemic areas of Iran. The Giemsa stained samples were examined microscopically and cultured in NNN and RPMI 1640 mediums for parasite detection. After DNA extraction, PCR was done by a pair of specific primers. For detection of mutation in DNA, first PCR products were electrophoresed on CSGE gel. The suspected samples were compared by sequencing and RFLP results were demonstrated. Comparison of DNA derived from a wild type cell and mutant cell was undertaken by CSGE and sequencing methods. Among 90 isolates [92.8%] examined for detection of mutation in gene with CSGE and RFLP, 10 [11.1%] revealed a disorder in sequencing selection for unresponsive to drug. Drug resistance in cutaneous leishmaniasis to sodium stiboglocanat is probably due to a mutation in a genome. A field study is needed to determine the distribution of drug resistance and other gene mutations involved in unresponsiveness to drugs in leishmaniasis endemic areas of Iran

Gene diversity of trichomonas vaginalis isolates

Trichomonas vaginalis is protozoan parasite responsible for trichomoniasis and is more common in high-risk behavior group such as prostitute individuals. Interest in trichomoniasis is due to increase one's susceptibility to viruses such as herpes, human papillomavirus and HIV. The aim of this study was to find genotypic differences between the isolates. Forty isolates from prisoners' women in Tehran province were used in this study. The random amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD] technique was used to determine genetic differences among isolates and was correlated with patient's records. By each primer the banding pattern size of each isolates was scored [bp], genetic differences were studied, and the genealogical tree was constructed by using NTSYS software program and UPGMA method. The least number of bands were seen by using primer OPD 8 and the most by using OPD 3. Results showed no significant difference in isolates from different geographical areas in Iran. By using primer OPD1 specific amplified fragment with length 1300 base pair were found in only 8 isolates. All these isolates were belonged to addicted women; however, six belonged to asymptomatic patients and two to symptomatic ones. There was not much genetic diversity in T vaginalis isolates from three different geographical areas

Study on ITS1 gene of Iranian Trichomonas vaginalis by molecular methods

Trichomoniasis is a worldwide protozoan parasitic disease and metronidazole is a choice drug for its treatment. Because of disease importance in public health and its controversial ideas about the prevalence of drug resistance, this study was carried out. Fifty-two suspected vaginal samples were collected from 2006 to 2007 in Gynecology Maryam Hospital, Tehran, Iran. All isolates were examined by microscopic, culture and PCR techniques. The PCR products were analyzed by RFLP and CSGE methods and two suspected samples were sequenced. Trichomonas vaginalis was identified from all 52 samples. Of 52 isolates, 45 samples were successfully cultured and amplified by PCR except one. Seven were positive only by PCR. Finally, ITS1 fragment was successfully amplified in 51 of 52. CSGE analysis and PCR products digestion by MspI followed by sequencing showed nucleotide mutation at position 209 [C209T] of the ITS1 fragment in two [3.9% of them. The results showed mutation in ITS1 fragment of T. vaginalis in two [3.9%] of Iranian isolates which may be related to metronidazole resistance

Molecular diagnosis of trichomoniasis in negative samples examined by direct smear and culture

Trichomoniasis is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection [STI] worldwide and is associated with important public health problems, including amplification of HIV transmission. This disease is in forms of symptomatic and asymptomatic in women and may depend on host as well as parasite variables. Most of the studies reported from females are based on examination of vaginal secretions and urine samples by direct smear and culture in modified Diamond's media. The aim of this study was checking the samples, which were negatively by direct smear and culture, with PCR technique. The urine samples and vaginal discharge of patients attending Gynecology Clinics of Mazandaran Province, Iran with different symptoms rechecked for Trichomonas vaginalis by PCR technique using primers targeting a conserved region of the beta-tubulin genes of the parasite. Data were analyzed by Epi Info software program. Out of 161 negative samples by direct smear and culture, seven samples [4.3%] were positive by PCR technique. Diagnosis of trichomoniasis by PCR is a sensitive and specific method that could play important role to help the physicians for properly treatment and control of infection

Epidemiology and risk factors of 377 AIDS [HIV infected] patients

Oral manifestations of HIV infection are common and include oral lesions and novel presentations of previously known opportunistic diseases. Some risk factors are significantly contributed to probability of developing opportunistic infection of oral candidiasis. We have performed the current survey to evaluate their role in Iranian patients with HIV infection. Totally, 377 documented HIV infected patients were included. Oral candidiasis was investigated with clinical observation, direct smear, and culture. Meanwhile, CD4 count was determined at the first visit and following antiretroviral therapy. The study population included 316 males and 60 females with a mean age of 36.5 +/- 8.7 years. Patients were diagnosed for a mean duration of 2.9 years. The most common route of infection transmission was shared needles [117 cases or 31%]. In serologic tests, 11 cases [2.9%] were positive for HBsAg, 206 cases [71.5%] for HCV nucleic acid and 53 cases [14.1%] for tuberculosis infection. At the first visit 52 cases [13.9%] and following HAART 31 cases [8.2%] were revealed to have oral candidiasis. Mean CD4 count in patients with oral candidiasis was significantly less than other patients [193.8 vs. 349.7 cells, P=0.0001]; however, the difference was not significant at follow up. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection may have a significant role in prognosis and clinical course of patients with HIV infection and could decrease the rate of opportunistic infections

[ survey of the microleakage of mineral trioxide aggregate, root mineral trioxide aggregate and portland cement in repairing lateral perforations of the root canals]

Perforation is one of the most important problems which may occur during root canal therapy. To repair the perforation and to cut the relation of the root with the tissue of its peripheral environment, materials with adequate sealing ability and suitable price are needed. The aim of this study was to survey the microleakage of the three materials in the restoration of lateral perforations in the roots of the teeth. In this experimental study, 54 intact molar teeth were selected and assigned randomly to three groups. Canals were prepared with stepback technique and perforations were made at the apical third of the roots. The cavities were restored with MTA, Root MTA and Portland Cements type ?. The positive control group was subjected to perforation but no perforations were made in the negative control group. The teeth were covered with two layers of nail varnish restoring in 2% fushin solution for 24 hours after incubation. The teeth were sectioned and their leakage was measured by stereomicroscope. The records were analyzed by one- way ANOVA and LSD [Least Square Differences] test. In the positive group dye was completely entered in all perforation areas while no leakage was observed in the negative group. The statistical test showed no significant difference between MTA and Root MTA groups in terms of leakage [p>0.05]. But MTA and Root MTA had significant differences with Portland cement [p<0.0001]. Considering the results of this study, Root MTA may be considered as a substitute for Pro Root MTA in root canal treatment; however, using Portland type I cement needs more investigations