[Phylogenetic study of Iranian infectious bronchitis virus isolates during 2010-2011 using glycoprotein S1 gene]

Infectious bronchitis is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease of poultry with worldwide distribution, and is continuously evolving through point mutation and recombination of their genome; subsequently the emergence of IBV variants complicates disease control. To investigate genetic characterization of new IBV variants isolated from commercial chicken flocks in Iran collected between 2009 and 2010. The partial S1 gene of the spike protein, covering a hypervariable and constant regions, was amplified and sequenced using conventional RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four viruses designated as Razi-HKM891, Razi-HKM892, Razi-HKM893 and Razi-HKM894. Deduced amino acid sequence comparison with other IBV genotypes, published in the GenBank database, indicated that the isolates Razi-HKM891 and Razi-HKM894 were placed into the pathogenic 793/B serotype. However, the isolates Razi-HKM892 and Razi-HKM893 were different with previously described isolates in Iran. The Razi-HKM893 is closely related to recently published isolates from countries in Middle East and likely indigenous to Iran. These findings is essential for improving the disease control strategies and thus emphasize the importance of continuous surveillance of the disease and of sharing the information to the global scientific community, which would help to fill the epidemiological gaps in the regions and to validate the robustness of diagnostic screening

Association of cord blood resistin with leptin, insulin, growth indices and fat levels in neonates of Mousavi hospital of Zanjan in 2009

Resistin is a novel adipokine which may play a role in insulin resistance. In this study we aimed to determine the cord blood resistin, leptin, insulin and maternal serum resistin levels during pregnancy; and to investigate correlation between these metabolic hormones; and also to evaluate their association with newborn growth indices. This study was conducted on 80 newborns and their mothers in Mousavi Hospital Zanjan, Iran in 2009. Newborn growth indices including birth weight, height, body mass index [BMI], Ponderal index, Homeostatic Model assessment [HOMA-IR] and their mothers' BMI were determined. Resistin, leptin and insulin levels were measured by ELISA. In this study, cord blood resistin levels were higher than serum resistin levels of pregnant mothers [10.77 +/- 1.53 vs. 7.91 +/- 5.71 ng/ml]. Moreover, serum resistin levels of mothers' did not exhibit any correlation with cord blood resistin, leptin and insulin levels, as well as neonatal anthropometric indices. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between cord resistin levels, insulin resistance, fat percentage and newborn growth factors. Cord resistin levels were positively correlated with cord blood leptin levels [r=0.222; p=0.048]. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between cord blood leptin and neonatal BMI [r=0.223; p=0.047], Ponderal index [r=0.212; p=0.058], HOMA-IR [r=0.426; p=0.052] and fat percentage [r=0.247; p=0.014]. On the basis of the findings, increased cord blood resistin levels may indirectly influence fetal growth through leptin or other cytokine levels. Though, further researches are needed to confirm this matter

[Association of cord blood resistin with leptin, insulin, growth indices and fat levels in neonates of Mousavi hospital of Zanjan in 2009]

Resistin is a novel adipokine which may play a role in insulin resistance. In this study we aimed to determine the cord blood resistin, leptin, insulin and maternal serum resistin levels during pregnancy; and to investigate correlation between these metabolic hormones; and also to evaluate their association with newborn growth indices. This study was conducted on 80 newborns and their mothers in Mousavi Hospital Zanjan, Iran in 2009. Newborn growth indices including birth weight, height, body mass index [BMI], Ponderal index, Homeostatic Model assessment [HOMA-IR] and their mothers. BMI were determined. Resistin, leptin and insulin levels were measured by ELISA. In this study, cord blood resistin levels were higher than serum resistin levels of pregnant mothers [10.77 +/- 1.53 vs. 7.91 +/- 5.71 ng/ml]. Moreover, serum resistin levels of mothers. did not exhibit any correlation with cord blood resistin, leptin and insulin levels, as well as neonatal anthropometric indices. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between cord resistin levels, insulin resistance, fat percentage and newborn growth factors. Cord resistin levels were positively correlated with cord blood leptin levels [r=0.222; p=0.048]. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between cord blood leptin and neonatal BMI [r=0.223; p=0.047], Ponderal index [r=0.212; p=0.058], HOMA-IR [r=0.426; p=0.052] and fat percentage [r=0.247; p=0.014]. On the basis of the findings, increased cord blood resistin levels may indirectly influence fetal growth through leptin or other cytokine levels. Though, further researches are needed to confirm this matter

In vivo antimalarial effects of iranian flora artemisia khoras-sanica against plasmodium berghei and pharmacochemistry of its natural components

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimalarial effects of Iranian flora Artemisia khorassanica against Plasmodium berghei in vivo and pharmacochemistry of its natural components. The aerial parts of Iranian flora A. khorasanica were collected at flowering stage from Khorassan Province, northeastern Iran in 2008. They were air-dried at room temperature; powder was macerated in methanol and the extract defatted in refrigerator, filtered, diluted with water, then eluted with n-hexane and finally non-polar components were identified through Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy [GC-MS]. Toxicity of herbal extracts was assessed on naive NMRI mice, and its anti-malarial efficacy was investigated on infected Plasmodium berghei animals. This is the first application on A. khorssanica extract for treatment of murine malaria. The significance of differences was determined by Analysis of Variances [ANOVA] and Student's /-test using Graph Pad Prism Software. The herbal extract was successfully tested in vivo for its anti-plasmodial activity through ar-temisin composition, which is widely used as a standard malaria treatment. Although, this study confirmed less anti-malarial effects of A. khorssanica against murine malaria in vivo, however there are some evidences on reducing pathophysiology by this medication. In complementary assay, major components were detected by GC-MS analysis in herbal extract including chrysanthenone [7.8%], palmitic acid [7.4%] and cis-thujone [5.8%]. The most retention indices of the component are given as n-eicosane, palmitic acid and n-octadecane

[Study of LDL receptor gene mutations in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province]

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder, characterized by increased level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipid accumulation in tendons and arteries. It can cause premature atherosclerosis and increased risk of coronary heart disease [CHD]. Familial hypercholesterolemia is caused mainly by mutations in low-density lipoprotein receptor [LDLR] gene. The aim of this study was to analyze the LDLR gene mutations in a group of patients from Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province. In this descriptive-lab based study, 57 suspected FH patients were screened for mutations in promoter and exons 1,3,5,11,13,15,16,17 and 18 of LDLR gene using PCR-SSCP strategy. Two different LDLR gene variations, including heterozygote mutation 283T>A and polymorphism 1959T>C, were identified in 1 and 9 FH Families studied, respectively. We conclude that LDLR gene mutation may not be the major cause of FH in the population studied and the cause of FH in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province remains to be detected in other loci or genes

Molecular epidemiology of aminoglycosides resistance in Acinetobacter SPP. with emergence of multidrug-resistant strains

Acinetobacter spp. is characterized as an important nosocomial pathogen and increasing antimicrobial resistance. Our aim was to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility and aminoglycosides resistance genes of Acinetobacter spp. isolated from hospitalized patients. Sixty isolates were identified as Acinetobacter species. The isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance by disc diffusion method for 12 antimicrobials. The presence of aphA6, aacC1 aadA1, and aadB genes were detected using PCR. From the isolated Acinetobacter spp. the highest resistance rate showed against amikacin, tobramycin, and ceftazidim, respectively; while isolated bacteria were more sensitive to ampicillic/subactam. More than 66% of the isolates were resistant to at least three classes of antibiotics, and 27.5% of MDR strains were resistant to all seven tested classes of antimicrobials. The higher MDR rate presented in bacteria isolated from the ICU and blood samples. More than 60% of the MDR bacteria were resistance to amikacin, ceftazidim, ciprofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, doxycycline, tobramycin and levofloxacin. Also, more than 60% of the isolates contained phosphotransferase aphA6, and acetyltransferase genes aacC1, but adenylyltransferase genes aadA1 [41.7%], and aadB [3.3%] were less prominent. 21.7% of the strains contain three aminoglycoside resistance genes [aphA6, aacC1 and aadA1]. The rising trend of resistance to aminoglycosides poses an alarming threat to treatment of such infections. The findings showed that clinical isolates of Acinetobacter spp. in our hospital carrying various kinds of aminoglycoside resistance genes

[Survival and development of mouse 8-cells embryos after vitrification in glycerol-sucrose and ethylen glyco based solutions]

Nowadays gamete and embryo freezing is an appropriate approach for preserving of genetic traits in laboratory animals, rare and endangered species. Frozen cells are suitable replace for actively breeding animals colony. The aim of this study was to preserve laboratory mouse embryo, using vitrification method and comparing effect of two cryoprotectants, glycerol sucrose [GS] and ethylene glycol-ficoll-sucrose [EFS40] on 8-cells and morula stage embryos of the mouse. Following mice superovulation 258[73.5%] out 351 embryos were in 8-cell and moroula stages. 188 morphologically intact embryos were exposed in the GS and EFS40 drops and then each 4 of them transferred to one special micro tube and after ends sealing, finally were cooled up to- 196[degree sign] C with liquid nitrogen vapors and immediately plunged into liquid nitrogen. One to three months later, embryos were thawed, recovered and cultured. The recovery rate of post-thawing embryos from EFS group [90%] was more than percentage of embryos recovered from GS [85%] group. In also survival rate of embryos undergoing further cleavage post-culturing to blastocyte stage, from EFS and GS groups were 53/7% and 19/6% respectively. This difference was significant at p<0.001. However difference between EFS group with fresh embryos, un-frozen embryos, for achieve to blastocytes stage which was 68/6% for second group, wasn't significant [p<0.05], but this item was significant between fresh embryo ang GS groups [p<0.001]. Generally results of our study show that, use of vitrification of 8-cell and morula NMRI mouse strain embryos using EFS as cryoprotectant is a suitable, easy and economical method for preservation of mouse embryos

[Hypoglycemic effects of Achillea Wilhelmsii in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats]

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome, initially characterized by a loss of glucose homeostasis resulting from defects in Insulin secretion, insulin action both is resulting in impaired metabolism of glucose and other energy yielding fuels as lipids and protein. Several medicinal herbs have been described with hypoglycemic effects. These include: Allium Sativum, Trigonella Foenum, Marus nigra, Ocimum Sanctum, and Astragalus Ovinus. The main purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of Achillea Wilhelmsii C. Koch on blood glucose levels of diabetic rats induced by stereptozotocine [STZ]. In this experimental research, forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: non-diabetic [normal] and STZ-induced diabetic mice. Each group was further divided into four groups: control [induced by normal saline] and treatment received 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg for one month. The blood glucose level was measured and Data were analyzed by t- test and ANOVA. At the end of first month, significant decrease was observed in blood glucose level in diabetic rats which received 100 mg/kg [p<0/001], 200 mg/kg [p<0/01], 300 mg/kg [p<0/001] of aqueous alcoholic extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii c. Koch in comparison with control groups. The extract had not have any significant effects on the blood glucose level of normal groups except in those which received 300mg/kg of the extract. The results of this study showed that aqueous-alcoholic extract of Achillea Wilhelmsii C. Koch have a significant effect on reducing the blood glucose level of diabetic rats

Preparation and quality control of radiolabeled streptokinase for thrombosis imaging

In order to diagnose the site of thrombi, radiolabeled streptokinase can be prepared. The radiolabeled compound can be used in imaging of thrombi in many cardiovascular diseases. Streptokinase was successively labeled with [[67] Ga]-gallium chloride using cyclic DTPA-dianhydride. The conjugation with DTPA was optimized for concentration, time and temperature followed by size exclusion chromatography using G-50 Sephadex. The radiochemical purity of the tracer was checked using HPLC and ITLC methods. The biodistribution studies were performed in normal rats up to 167 h using tissue counting and preliminary SPECT studies up to 2h. The radiolabeled enzyme was prepared in 60 minutes after incubation at room temperature, with the radiochemical purity of >95% [HPLC] and >99% [ITLC] methods. The radioactivity was accumulated in lung, intestine and liver as shown by scarification and SPECT [Single Photon Emission Computer Tomography] methods. Radiolabeled Streptokinase was prepared in suitable radiochemical purity and its biodistribution is comparable to other radiolabeled proteins. Further studies are required to investigate the imaging properties of the tracer in appropriate animal mode

[Effect of radiation leakage of microwave oven on rat's serum testosterone]

Since discovery of high frequency waves and their application in different industries, their adverse biological effects have been of great attention. Increased male fertility problems have suggested the possible role of microwaves in producing this disorder. Testes are active body tissues, which can be affected by these waves. Age of the patients at the time of the exposure can have important influence on the effect of these waves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of radiation leakage of microwave oven on rat serum testosterone at pre and post pubertal stages. In this study we used 18 mature [two months old] and 18 immature [one months old] rats. Mature and immature rats each were divided into control and experimental groups. Experimental groups were exposed to 2450 MHZ microwaves produced by a microwave oven, three times a day, each time for 30 minutes and control groups were kept in the laboratory under identical conditions in view of temperature and light. At the end of experiment blood was collected via heart puncture and serum testosterone was measured by RIA method. Collected data were analyzed by means of t-test. The result of this study showed that the level of serum testosterone in experimental group was less than that of control group in immature rats [P>0.05]. But in the mature rats, the serum testosterone level of experimental group was less than that of control group significantly [P<0.05]. Exposure to microwaves leakage of microwave oven resulted in decreased testosterone production by testes in mature rats which may be due to the direct effect of microwave on leydig cells or its indirect effect on pituitary and hypothalamus

[Evaluation of tourniquet effects on coagulation during knee arthroscopy]

Tissue trauma, pain and surgical stress can increase coagulability in perioperative period. Tourniquet application can increase DVT by blood stasis and releasing tromboxane, but some studies concluded that tourniquet will increase fibrinolysis. In this study, the changes in coagulability and fibrinolysis due to tourniquet application were evaluated by thrombelastograph during knee arthroscopy. In this clinical trial, 30 patients without known risk factors of coagulopathies were studied. Blood sampling were done immediately before tourniquet inflation [TI] as well as 2 and 30 minutes after tourniquet deflation [TD]. Thrombelasthographic parameters including R-time, K-time, alpha angle, MA, LY30 and LY60 were measured and analyzed by t-paired test and ANOVA in SPSS software. The mean of R-time at 2 and 30 minutes after TD decreased and the mean of alpha increased in comparison with before TI [p<0.0001]. The mean of MA at 2 and 30 minutes after TD increased first and then decreased and LY30 decreased first and then increased in comparison to before TI [p, 0.001]. Tourniquet application initially can increase coagulability and the probability of thrombus formation after TD, but after a short time, compensatory clot lysis occurs by increasing fibrinolytic activities

[Resulted outcome of proximal and distal realignment in patients with patellar subluxation and dislocation]

Anterior knee pain is a common complaint in orthopedic patients, and patellar malalignment is a fragment cause of this alignment. Severe malalignment would result insubluxation and dislocation of patella: the result of surgical treatment with proximal and distal realignment [P/DR] for such pathology, performed in Sadoghee and Al-Zahra hospital [in Isfahan] from 1994 to 1999 is reported in this article. A retrospective study of 26 cases, 4 male and 22 female patients, with average age of 28 years. which had patellar instability and had undergone P/D-R during a five year period [1944-1999] in two of the hospital in Isfahan, was performed. These cases had all failed the initial conservative treatment. The cases were follow-up for a period of 3.5 years. Results of surgery were canalized in term of subjective relief of symptoms, and objective evaluation of quadriceps power, knee motion, as well as radiographic signs of knee degeneration, patellar subluxation, patella alta or patella infra. 30 knees had received the index operation - 16 [53%] right and 14 [47%] left side. The result of surgery was good in 28 [94%] and poor in 2 knees. 20 patients [71%] had normal radiographs, 5 cases [18%] had evidence of mild and 2 cases severe degeneration. Patellar intra was also observed in one knee. proximal and distal realignment surgery for cases that suffer from patellar instability and are non-responsive to conservative treatment is associated with high rate of success without serious complication