[Effect of Aloe vera gel on TGF- beta gene expression in incisional skin wound in BALB/c mice]

Aloe vera [Aloe barbadensis M.] as a medicinal herb is practiced in wound healing. This study was carried out to assess the effect of Aloe vera gel [mucilage] on TGF- beta gene expression in incisional skin wound in BALB/c mice. In this experimental study, 36 BALB/c male mice with weight range 22 +/- 2 gr were allocated equally into negative control [no wound], sham-operated [wound treated with physiological serum] and teratment [wound treated with Aloe vera gel]. Two equal full-thickness skin wounds of 10 +/- 2mm were made on either side of the vertebral column in the sacral region. The animals in the teratment group were received daily, 2 gram of Aloe vera gel [without any bandage] as a thin layer for a period of 16 days. On 8th and 16th post wounding day, TGF- beta gene expression in incisional wounds and Malonyldialdehyde [as end-product of lipid peroxidation] in serum samples was measured using RT-PCR and spectrophotometry methods, respectively. TGF- beta gene expression in incisional skin wound increased in Aloe vera gel treated group in compared to negative control and sham-operated groups [P<0.05]. Malonyldialdehyde concentration was significantly reduced in Aloe vera treated group in comparision with negative control and sham-operated groups. Aloe vera gel can induce growth factor TGF- beta gene expression and reducing the lipid peroxidation content can play an important role in incisional skin wound healing process

[ effects of Nigella sativa ethanolic extract on proliferation and apoptosis of renal cell carcinoma ACHN cell line]

Black seed [Nigella sativa], belongs to Rannunculaceae family. It has various functions, including immuno-modulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects. Anticancer properties of NS compounds are related to their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects. In this study, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of ethanol: extract of NS was investigated on human kidney cancer cell line [ACHN] and normal cell line [L929]. NS ethanolic extract at 0, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750 and 2000 micro g/ml concentrations were prepared and studied in culture mediums of ACHN and L929 cells. After 24, 48 and 72h, morphologic changes and MTT assay were performed in both cell lines. Indeed, early and late apoptosis were studied by phosphatidyl serine kit employing flow cytometry technique. After 24h, NS extract at 750 micro g/ml and higher concentrations caused morphological changes and also reduced percentage of alive cells significantly [P<0.05] in ACHN cells compared with L929 cells that showed similar changes at 1250 micro g/ml and higher concentrations. After 48 and 72h, these effects were more prominent. MTT assay results, showed that NS concentration of 750 micro g/ml and higher doses reduce percentage of alive ACHN cells [P<0.05]. L929 cells showed similar changes at 1250 micro g/ml and higher concentrations [P<0.05]. Maximum apoptosis in ACHN cells was happened at 1000 and 1250 micro g/ml [92%] compared with L929 cells that showed maximum apoptosis at 1500 micro g/ml [89%]. Indeed, both cell lines showed a significant increase in apoptosis compared with their control groups [P<0.001]. NS ethanolic extract can may be useful as a cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic agent in kidney cancer treatment

[Assosiation study between IL1RA gene polymorphism with febrile convulsion in Shahrekord children]

Now a days, fever and seizure are the most reasons for admitting children in hospitals. Due to influence of genetic factors, some children undergo to the fever less than others. In addition, recent studeis have shown a positive correlation between family history for febrile convulsion [type and age of onset in child] and predisposition to this disease. Therefore, this study was performed to study the assosiation between IL1RA gene polymorphism and predisposition to the disease. In this case-control study, 100 patients affected by febrile convulsion who were referred to pediateric and emergency department of Hajar hospital were selected as case group and the control group was consisted of 130 healthy children. Peripheral blood sample [1.5 ml] was collected from the patients and DNA was extracted by standard phenol-chloroform method. Classic PCR was performed using one set primers designed for Inter Luekine 1 receptor antagonist and in the next step PCR products were analysed by PAGE [Poly Acryle Amid Gele Electrophoresis] and finally results were analysed by comparision of segments size. The average age of the patient group was 3.4 +/- 1.4 years and the average age of the control group was 3.4 +/- 1.2 years old. A positive history for febrile convulsion was detected for 44 cases of the patient group. The genotypic frequencies of the IL1RA gene allele1 and 2 in the patient group were 56% and 10%, respectively and for the control group were 55.4% and 6.9% respectively. Considering P=0.93 for allele 1 and P=0.401 for allele 2, no significance difference was found between two groups. Based on the Chi square test, there was no correlation between IL1RA polymorphism and predisposition to disease

Comparison of Maternal Fetal Attachment between Primgravidas and Multigravidas Women with Past History of Fetal or Neonatal Death

Although pregnancy is one of the loveliest events in the developmental processes of a woman's life, history of previous fetal or neonatal death may have a negative effect on the adaptation of woman for her new pregnancy. It can also have a major influence on development of emotional distress in the attachment between mother and her fetus. This study has been done to assess and compare maternal fetal attachment of primgravidas and multigravidas women with past history of fetal or neonatal death which haven't had living child. One hundred and twenty literate Iranian pregnant volunteer women with the ages of 20-40 years were selected by non-randomized sampling method [sequential] during their 3rd trimester of planned current pregnancy. Forty samples didn't have living child, had past history of fetal or neonatal death and 80 samples were primigravidas. The tools of this study that filled in by samples had two main parts of personal demographic and "maternal fetal attachment scale [MFAS]. A statistically significant difference was found in 5 subscales of the MFAS between the primigravidas and multigravidas women with past history of fetal or neonatal death. The average score of every subscales of maternal fetal attachment in primigravidas women was higher in comparison with multigravidas women. The independent t-test also showed a statistically significant difference between average of total score of maternal fetal attachment between two groups [P=0.000]. Due to lesser maternal fetal attachment in the multigravidas women with past history of fetal or neonatal death it is necessary to plan supportive, educational, and counseling program for this vulnerable group. The researchers suggest replicating the study during the first and second trimester of pregnancy and postpartum period of women with past history of fetal or neonatal death and also, in clients referred to the other clinics

[ rare case of primary orbital yolk sac tumour [YST]]

The endodermal sinus tumor [EST] or yolk sac tumor [YST] is a malignant germ cell neoplasm that usually arises in gonads, but on rare occasion occurs in extragonadal sites such as mediastinum, retoperitoneum and intra cranium. Orbit is an extremely rare location for this tumor. In this report a primary yolk sac tumor in the orbit of a 17 months old child is presented. Patient had a rapidly progressive proptosis and high level of serum alpha fetoprotein [12500 IU/ml]. After surgical biopsy and histopathological diagnosis, the patient treated with 4 courses of a 3 drugs chemotherapeutic regimen. A period of 6 months follow up did not reveal any sign of recurrence. Although yolk sac tumor is very rare in orbit, a rapid and correct histopathological diagnosis in conjuction with immunohistochemical and other paraclinical evaluation and at last, effective chemotherapeutic regimens can provide a good prognosis and even cure for the patient

Nutritional assessment of GI cancer patients at admission and seven days after major intraabdominal surgery

Pre-existing malnutrition has been reported to affect a high percentage of cancer patients. Various methods are being used to assess nutritional status in hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to apply two different nutritional assessment techniques to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in GI cancer patients and to assess their nutritional status, at admission and seven days after surgery. For this purpose, the nutritional status of fifty one patients who underwent major intraabdominal surgery was assessed. The Subjective Global Assessment [SGA], Nutritional Risk Index [NRI], anthropometric measurements, serum albumin, prealbumin, lymphocyte count and hematocrit were used to assess nutritional status of the patients. At the time of admission, based on the SGA and NRI, 70.6% and 74.5% of the patients were malnourished respectively. Both anthropometric and laboratory data, including weight, body mass index, mid arm circumference, triceps skin fold, mid arm muscle circumference, albumin, prealbumin, hematocrit and lymphocyte decreased significantly seven days after surgery [p<0.01]. The malnutrition rates increased significantly to 98% with both the SGA and NRI, seven days after surgery [p<0.01]. From the findings of this study it is concluded that there was a high prevalence of malnutrition in GI cancer patients and in almost all patients, nutritional status deteriorated seven days after surgery. Both methods proved useful for detection of the prevalence and development of malnutrition. Based on these results it is suggested that nutritional care after surgery should be improved by providing enough calories via enteral and/or parenteral route

Comparison of maternal anxiety between primigravid women and pregnant women with the history of previous fetal or neonatal death

Pregnancy is a significant event for pregnant women who need to adapt physiologically and psychologically, though it is a normal phase of a woman's life. In addition, previous history of fetal or neonatal death can have a negative effect on the adaptation, and this experience can also increase maternal anxiety during pregnancy that may produce adverse effects. The aim of this study was to assess and compare maternal anxiety in primgravid women and pregnant women with the history of previous fetal or neonatal death. A descriptive comparative design with multistage sampling method [sequential] was used. One hundred and twenty Iranian, literate pregnant women, who were in their 3 rd trimester of current pregnancy with [20 - 40 years old age] were selected. Forty subjects had previous history of fetal or neonatal death [without any live child] and 80 of them were primigravid. The data collection tool, had two main parts: personal characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes questionnaire [POQ, Theut et al 1988]. In this study, t-test showed, there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding maternal anxiety during pregnancy [P=0.001]. The mean score of maternal anxiety in the pregnant women with previous fetal or neonatal death was more than primigravid women [P<0.001]. Accord in to the study findings and due to the increase of anxiety level in the pregnant women with previous history of fetal or neonatal death, it seems that it would be necessary to plan supportive, educational and counseling programs for this high risk group of women. It is suggested that further studies should be conducted during trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum period in clients

Optical coherence tomographic measurement of Peripapillary Retinal Nerve fiber layer thickness in normal human eyes

To measure peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer [RNFL] thickness in normal human eyes by optical coherence tomography [OCT].Eighty-one eyes of 45 normal participants were studied. Each person underwent a complete ophthalmic examinations, including measurement of visual aquity and intraocular pressure and evaluation of the anterior segment, optic disc, and retinal nerve fiber layer. None of the participants had any evidence of ocular hypertension [IOP > 21 mmHg], glaucoma or other ocular diseases. Three to six peripapapillary circular scans with a diameter of 3.4 mm were performed on both eyes of participants by optical coherence tomography [model 2000, Carl-Zeiss Med Tec].Subjects ranged in age from 18 to 52 years and refractive error ranged from -5.00 to +1.75 diopters. Average peripapillary RNFL thickness 1.74 mm from the center of the disc was 137.56 +/- 16.79 p.m. Average RNFL thickness in the four quadrants were: superior 161.67 +/- 21.17 p.m, nasal 118.38 +/- 21.97 pm, inferior 163.67 +/- 29.93 pm, and temporal 109.23 +/- 26.35 pm. There were no statistically significant correlation between RNFL thickness and age, gender or refractive error. RNFL thickness in right and left eyes had significant correlation, especially in the inferior quadrant. [r=0.67, P=-0.000].RNFL thickness of both eyes of each person are nearly the same

[ role of HbA1c in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus]

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus GDM is the most common metabolic disorder during the pregnancy with numerous fetal an maternal complications.It seems that the frequency of GDM is increasing so it necissitates a greater attention and more study in this field. The aim of this research is to find an alternative or at least an adjuvant method for diagnosis of GDM which is traditionally made by the time consuming and cumbersome 3 hour oral glucose tolerance test. This research is a prospectively designed study on pregnant women who were in the 24[th] to 32[nd] week of gestation. The main purpose of this study is to defining the role of HbAlc [HPLC method] in the diagnosis of GDM in comparison with the 3 hour Glucose Tolerance Test [GTT], according to carpenter- coustan criteria. 105 cases with a mean age of 29 years and an age range of 18 to 50 years were in the following groups:43 persons normal,15 had impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] and 47 were in GDM group, range of HbAlc [mean +2SD] in these three groups were:%3.66%5.8,%2.81-%7.45 and%2.79-%8.91 respectively. There was a significant difference [p-value<0.05] between the means of HbAlc in normal, IGT, and GDM groups but due to the wide range of variations in persons with GDM, it wasn't possible to determine a suitable lower cutoff and only the upper cutoff of%5.85 for discriminating patients with GDM from other groups especially normal persons was achieved. This cutoff was able to diagnose%38 of GDM without any normal one [no false positive result]. The most correlation exists between HbAlc with GTT3hour [r = 0.55] and fasting blood glucose [r = 0.504]. Using the upper cutoff of%5.85 for HbAlc is able to discriminate persons with GDM who have higher than this value from normal ones, but due to the wide range of variations in lower values in person with GDM and overlapping of it with the normal values,there is not a suitable lower cutoff [with high specificity and sensitivity]