Effect of sesame oil feeding on performance, plasma lipids and ruminal fermentation of growing lambs

BACKGROUND: In recent years, dietary fat supplementation has become a common practice and fat supplemented diets have had variable effects on animal performance and carcass characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the effect of increasing the levels of sesame oil on performance, rumen parameters and plasma lipid profile in finishing Chal lambs.

METHODS: Eighteen male lambs were fed with control [C; without sesame oil] and the diets contained low level [LSO; 2.5%] and high level [HSO; 5%] of sesame oil.

RESULTS: The addition of fat had no effect on dry matter intake [DMI], average daily gain [ADG], feed conversion ratio [FCR] and carcass weight. Treatments with sesame oil had no effect on rumen ammonia concentration and total protozoal count. Ruminal pH was numerically smaller [p=0.14] for control compared to lambs fed diets containing 2.5 and 5% sesame oil. Treatments had no effect on total VFA, acetate, butyrate, valerate and isovalerate concentrations. The propionate concentration decreased [p=0.04] by supplementation of sesame oil compared with the control. Total cholesterol [TC] and HDL increased and the tendency for VLDL and triglyceride [p=0.13] to increase was observed by treatment groups when compared with the control. Glucose concentration and LDL were not affected by treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Sesame oil had no effect on the performance and carcass weight of lambs but there was decrease in blood cholesterol concentration.

Axenic cultivation and pathogenic assays of acanthamoeba strains using physical parameters

The main goal of the present study was to set up an axenic cultivation of Acanthamoeba and assess the pathogenic ability of T4 genotypes from different clinical and environmental strains of Acanthamoeba using two physical assays. Sixteen Acanthamoeba isolates including 10 environmental and 6 clinical strains were cultured axenically. Axenic cultivation was performed using Proteosepepton, yeast extract and glucose medium and TY-I-S33culture. Pathogenic survey was done using osmotolerance and thermotolerance assay. Briefly, differentosmolarity [0.5 M and 1 M] of non-nutrient agar plates were performed. One hundred fiftymicrol of axenic culture were collected and were inoculated in 1% agar medium. For thermotolerance assay 150 micro L of amoebas from axenic culture were divided into fresh culture mediums. Cultures were incubated at 37degreeC and 42degreeC. All plates were monitored for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Overall, 16 strains of Acanthamoeba isolates previously genotyped as T4 were cultivated axenically after several months. Thermotolerance and osmotolerance assay revealed that all of clinical strains, soil and animal feces strains were highly pathogenic isolates. Two dust and water strains did not grow at high temperature [42degreeC] and osmolarity [1.5 M] and thus they were classified as weak pathogens. Most of T4 genotypes are highly pathogenic organisms. This is an important finding since Acanthamoeba belonging to T4 type is the predominate genotype in environmental and clinical samples. The presence of highly pathogenic Acanthamoeba may pose a risk within susceptible people.

Necessity of accreditation standards for quality assurance of medical basic sciences

The present article reviews the significance of accreditation standards while emphasizing the necessity of implementation of such standards by basic medical science council, with an eye on such international standards as those published by WFME. This review article had to decide on the key words and expressions, data bases, to review relevant literature, review higher and medical education journals at GOOGLE, ELSEVIER, PUBMED, and such web sites as those of WFME and WMA's. Accreditation is a powerful leverage for institutional change and improvement and must be actively supported by academic and national health authorities worldwide. Considering the mission of the Basic Medical Science, Health and Post grad. Education, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran as accountable medical education, all specialists of the spectrum of disciplines agreed on the necessity of formulating the medical education standards for all disciplines of their interest. It is important that all efforts be joined in the endeavor to create effective and reliable instruments for quality assurance of Basic Medical Sciences Education

Prevalence of trichomonas vaginalis infection in Hamadan city, Western Iran

Infection with Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases [STDs] in humans. The prevalence of infection in Iran has been reported between 2 to 8%, depending on deferent socio-cultural conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis in women referred to gynecologic clinics in Hamadan city, West of Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 750 women who referred to Gynecologic clinics in Hamadan from November 2010 to July 2011. Vaginal samples were obtained from them and examined by wet mount and culture methods for the detection of T. vaginalis. Sixteen out of 750 vaginal swab specimens [2.1%] were culture positive for T. vaginalis and 13 of these positive specimens [1.7%] were wet mount positive. Only 12 of 42 patients who were clinically diagnosed as having T. vaginalis infection, confirmed by culture method. Five hundred and fifty of the participants women [73.3%] had at least one of signs and symptoms of trichomoniasis. No statistical correlation was observed between clinical manifestations and parasitological results [p>0.05]. This study showed low prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the study population. Since clinical signs of trichomonal vaginitis are the same of other STDs, a confirmatory laboratory diagnosis is necessary. Wet smear as well as culture are sensitive for detection of T. vaginalis

Serum levels of zinc, copper, vitamin B12, folate and immunoglobulins in individuals with giardiasis

Giardia lamblia is one of the most important intestinal parasites. The aim of this study was to measure serum levels of IgA, IgE, zinc, copper, vitamin B12 and folate in individuals with giardiasis in comparison to normal subjects. The study was carried out among 49 Giardia positive and 39 age and sex matched healthy volunteers. Examination of stool samples was done by direct wet smear and formol-ether concentration method. Serum samples were obtained for further laboratory examination. IgA levels were measured by Single Radial Immune Diffusion [SRID]. IgE levels were measured by ELISA kit. Zinc and copper levels was measured by Ziestchem Diagnostics Kit and colorimetric endpoint-method respectively. Vitamin B12 and folate levels were measured by DRG Diagnostics Kit and Enzyme Immunoassay method respectively. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. There was a statistically significant difference in IgA, IgE, copper and zinc levels between positive and negative groups [P<0.05]. There was no significant difference between vitamin B12 and folate levels between the two groups. Mean values of Giardia positive and negative groups for IgA were 309.26 and 216.89 mg/dl, IgE 167.34 and 35.49 IU/ml, copper 309.74 and 253.61 micro g/dl and zinc 69.41 and 144.75 micro g/dl respectively. The results showed levels of IgA may correlate more closely with giardiasis than IgE. Regarding trace elements, giardiasis elevated serum copper levels, while it decreased serum zinc. Finally, there was no significant difference in serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid between the two groups

sensitive and specific PCR based method for identification of cryptosporidium sp. using new primers from 18S ribosomal RNA

The main goal of the present study was to develop a new sensitive and specific PCR based method for Identification of Cryptosporidium sp. using novel primers from 18S ribosomal RNA. Cryptosporidiosis in high-risk host groups particularly in neonates and immuno-compromised individuals may result in death. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study regarding develop a new PCR based method to diagnose the cryptosporidiosis in Iran. A total of 850 human fecal samples from patients clinically suspected to cryptosporidiosis and 100 healthy and diarrheic cattle stool specimens were collected. The simplified formol-ether concentration method was carried out for all samples. They were then examined microscopically by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. Total DNA was extracted by QIA amp DNA stool mini kit. PCR and nested-PCR was carried out by using designed primers. Twenty nine cases of cryptosporidiosis infection in human and 30 samples from cattle microscopically were positive. The described primary and nested PCR method could detect all Cryptosporidium positive samples from human and cattle. Regards to suspected negative samples in primary PCR examination, the Nested PCR could approve two more positive results. Furthermore, Nested PCR analysis was able to detect one more case which was negative in both microscopically examination and primary PCR. Specificity of the test was 100%. Sensitivity of Nested PCR in comparison to our gold standard; microscopy after Ridley concentration modified ziehl-Neelsen, was 100%. Our developed PCR based method by using new primers devised from 18S ribosomal RNA revealed the ability for identification of the Cryptosporidium species such as C. parvum and C. huminis with high specificity and sensitivity

[Passive smoking during pregnancy and obstetric outcomes in pregnant women referring to Rafsanjan Nicknafs hospital]

Inhaling Environmental Tobacco Smoke [ETS], as a world health problem, threats the community especially mothers and newborns. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of passive tobacco smoking during pregnancy on mother and newborns. In this Cross sectional study, in one year, 641 non smoking women who refered to Rafsanjan Nicknafs hospital for bearing a singleton baby, were interviewed at least two hours after delivery using a structured check list. Based on history of exposure to ETS, the study samples were divided into two groups and then maternal and newborn outcomes in the two groups were compared. Exposure to ETS was reported among 25% [161] of respondents. The women exposed to ETS were less educated, multi gravid, had irregular prenatal care, older unemployed, lived in rural and in sum had low socio-economical status. They had higher rates of vaginal delivery [p=0.02], anemia [p=0.048] and preterm delivery [p=0.002]. But mother's exposure to ETS did not show any significant statistical relations with newborn weight, APGAR score, sex, anomaly and preeclampsia and the way of beginning the delivery Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in pregnancy probably increases the risk of preterm labor and maternal anemia

Enteric protozoan parasites in rural areas of Bandar-Abbas, southern Iran: comparison of past and present situation

The main goal was to address the prevalence of enteric protozoan parasites in rural areas of Bandar-Abbas, southern Iran and to compare the results with the only conducted study in 1978. This descriptive study was performed from 2009 through 2010 on the 565 fecal samples. Formalin-ether concentration technique was performed and the analysis was carried out using Chi-square test in SPSS software version 13.5. Finally, the comparison of our results with the only previous study which was accomplished by Sheiban and Rezaeian in 1978 was done. The overall prevalence of the protozoan parasites was 48.8%. However, the prevalence of pathogen parasites was 23%. Previous research in 1978 showed 80.4% infectivity. The most protozoan parasites were Blastocystis hominis [25.53%], Giardia lamblia [17.2%] and Entamoeba coli [15.95%]. Previous study in 1978 found Entamoeba coli as the most common protozoa. Our finding revealed that the rate of single infectivity was much higher compared to previous research. The most frequency of infection was in children. The remarkable decrease of protozoan parasites is mainly due to progress in health care in the villages; however more effort should be done with the goal of eradicating infectious agents

problems of local journals in health domain and how to overcome them

Local journals also known as [small journals] are those published for fulfilling the scientific needs of certain communities. The present article is dealt with the problems of these journals and provides some suggestions on how to overcome their pitfalls. The Pubmed search engine [http:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed] was explored using the following keywords of the titles of articles; [small journals], [local journals], [small scientific journals] or [small medical journals]. This search strategy retrieved 8 papers. In the next step, and by searching the reference lists of the retrieved papers, the most relevant and up-to-date articles were selected for this review study. Evidences suggested that the [small or local journals] have a number of pitfalls including; being published usually in local languages which are not familiar to most people, dealing with general issues rather than specific fields, having low circulations, and confronting enormous difficulties in punctual publications. Nevertheless, by removing the above-mentioned obstacles, these journals can still play an important role either in knowledge dissemination and sharing experiences or improving the health levels in local communities. Small journals could possibly be able to overcome their problems utilising the following strategies;, displaying a firm commitment to their responsibilities, precise planning, creating networks with other local or mainstream journals and seeking support from local, national and international scientists

Internal evaluation of Social Medicine Department of Rafsanjan Medical School

Situation assessment during the implementation process will create favorable feedback that makes clear to what extent the implemented program has been successful in achieving the predetermined goals. Therefore, the internal evaluation of Social Medicine Department of Rafsanjan School of Medicine was aimed at understanding the strengths and weaknesses points in order to improve weaknesses and reinforce strengths. In this descriptive study, different parameters were evaluated including; relevant criteria for the head and middle manager of the group, technical facilities and equipments, library facilities and services, analysis of students' comments regarding educational curriculum i.e. theory, apprenticeship and internship cpourses, faculty members' structure and their curriculum vita [CV] and finally, the group colleagues' comments about the faculty members' teaching quality. Markers associated with each criterion were determined in a checklist form and compared using the Gorman table. Evaluation results showed that the mean scores for the aforementioned parameters were 4.89, 4.46, 5, 2.77, 4.79, 4.56, 4.15, 2.53 and 2.30 respectively. The overall rank for internal evaluation of the group, 3.83, was considered good based on the Gorman ranking criterion. According to the results, the group rank was strong and very strong for most of the parameters. However, the group rank was satisfactory and borderline for the parameters of library facilities and services and students' comments regarding educational curriculum in apprenticeship and internship cpourses. The findings of this study put a higher responsibility on the Social Medicine Department to have a complete revision of the educational curriculum in apprenticeship and internship courses for medical students and to seek to eliminate weaknesses and enhance strengths points and take the appropriate action to equip and support the library

efficacy of participation of trained general practitioners on promoting the quality of educational curriculum of health internship students working at health centers- Rafsanjan 2009

Professional ability of physicians in urban and rural health centers plays a critical role in success of national health services programs. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of general practitioners' [GPs] participation on promoting the quality of education curriculum of medical students in their health internship courses. In this interventional study, two groups of [n=30 for each group] health internship medical students and all GPs working at University Health Centers were included [n=12]. GPs were trained in a training workshop for reviewing the health internship program. Data were collected during and at the end of the workshop from the two groups; internship medical students educated in the centers with and without trained GPs who participated in the study, using the study instrument. Health internship score, students' satisfaction score and the score of a scientific exam were compared between the two groups. Data were analysed by t-test and Mann-Whitney U test and X[2]test. There was no significant difference between the age and gender of students in the two groups. Educational level of the students in the two groups was also similar. Mean score of health internship in students educated in health centers with trained GPs and health centers without trained GPs were 18 +/- 0.98 and 17.3 +/- 1.2 [out of 20], respectively. Mean score of the scientific exam for these two groups of students were 2.9 +/- 1.1 and 2.1 +/- 0.78 [out of 5], respectively. The results showed a significant difference between these mean scores in the two groups [p<0.01]. The two groups of students were matched based on their age, gender and educational level sufficiently. Our findings showed that GPs participation in educational program of medical students in their health internship not only improves both students scientific knowledge and their health internship score but also increases students satisfaction from their educational program of health internship

Isolation of free-living amoebae from Sarein hot springs in Ardebil province, Iran

Free-living amoebae [FLA] are a group of ubiquitous protozoan, which are distributed in the natural and artificial environment sources. The main aim of the current study was to identify the presence of FLA in the recreational hot springs of Sarein in Ardebil Province of Iran. Seven recreational hot springs were selected in Sarein City and 28 water samples [four from each hot spring] were collected using 500 ml sterile plastic bottles during three month. Filtration of water samples was performed, and culture was done in non-nutrient agar medium enriched with Escherichia coli. Identification of the FLA was based on morphological criteria of cysts and trophozoites. Genotype identification of Acanthamoeba positive samples were also performed using sequencing based method. Overall, 12 out of 28 [42.9%] samples were positive for FLA which Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiid amoebaewere found in one [3.6%] and 11 [39.3%] samples, respectively. Sequence analysis of the single isolate of Acanthamoeba revealed potentially pathogenic T[4] genotype corresponding to A. castellanii. Contamination of hot springs to FLA, such as Acanthamoeba T[4] genotype [A. castellanii] and Vahlkampfiid amoebae, could present a sanitary risk for high risk people, and health authorities must be aware of FLA presence

[Quality of life and its relationship with stress and coping strategies in coronary heart disease patients]

Stress and coping strategies as well as other psychological factors affect quality of life among coronary heart disease [CHD] patients. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between quality of life, stress and coping strategies in coronary heart disease patients. This cross sectional study was carried out on 310 patients with coronary heart disease who reffered to CCU and angiography wards at Rafsanjan hospital between March and October 2009. The data were collected using three questionnaires, SF-36, Jaloweis coping strategies and Cohen's perceived stress. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires have been approved. T-test, ANOVA, Scheffe and Pearson Correlation methods were used to analyze the data. Results showed a negative significant relationship [p<0.0001] between quality of life and both stress [r=-0.68] and Emotion- Focused coping [r= -0.35]. There was also a positive significant relationship [p<0.0001] between quality of life and Problem- Focused coping [r = 0.41]. A negative significant relationship [p<0.0001] between stress and Problem-Focused coping [r= -0.49] as well as a positive significant relationship between stress and Emotion- Focused coping [r = 0.31] was observed. This can be concluded from our results that the use of Problem-Focused coping strategies is correlated with the decrease of perceived stress and improvement of quality of life in coronary heart disease patients

impact of a bacterial inoculant on chemical composition, aerobic stability and in sacco degradability of corn silage and the subsequent performance of dairy cows

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bacterial inoculation on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage and on the dry matter degradability and milk composition when fed to sheep or cows. Four male sheep were selected to measure dry matter degradability of uninoculated [UCS] and inoculated [ICS] corn silage. Milk composition was measured for 22 Holstein cows, separated into two treatment groups and fed with either UCS or ICS diets. Similar lactic acid concentrations but higher propionic and lower acetic acid concentrations were recorded for ICS diets compared to UCS diets [p < 0.05]. Aerobic stability was 12 h and 32 h for UCS and ICS, respectively. Values of in sacco dry matter loss were higher for ICS than for UCS [p < 0.05]. Lactose and solid non-fat content was higher in the milk of cows fed with ICS than UCS [p < 0.05]. We conclude that the Lalsil bacterial inoculant containing propioni bacterium acidipropionici andLactobacillusplantarum can be used as an additive due to its positive effect on fermentation, aerobic stability and dry matter degradability of corn silage. The slight positive effect of inoculcation on the nutritional value of silage appears to be limited to milk production improvement in dairy cows

Comparison of the antimicrobial effect of garlic extract with two intracanal irrigants on enterococcus faecalis

It is very important to remove the microorganisms in the root canal before obturation. One of the causes of endodontic treatment failures is the existence of the bacteria responsible for resistant infections, including Enterococcus Faecalis. The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial effect of the garlic extract with two intracanal irrigants on Enterococcus Faecalis. In this in-vitro study, the method of Well Agar Diffusion was used to compare the anti-bacterial effect of pure garlic extract [100%], garlic extract 80%, chlorhexidine 2%, sodium hypochlorite 5.25% and combined chlorhexidine 2% with pure garlic extract. Eighteen plates of Muller-Hinton agar were inoculated with E.faecalis. Each plate had 6 wells for test solutions and one of them was for sterile distilled water as the control. The prepared plates were distributed into aerobic [n=9] and anaerobic [n=9] groups, then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. After that, the diameter of the zones of microbial inhibition around every well was measured and recorded. Our results demonstrated that Sodium hypochlorite 5.25% was more effective compared with the other antimicrobial materials in both aerobic and anaerobic groups. This difference was statistically significant [ANOVA, p<0.05]. The most effective antimicrobial agents in aerobic and anaerobic conditions were in this order sodium hypochlorite [5.25%], chlorhexidine 2%, pure garlic extract, combined chlorhexidine 2% with pure garlic extract and garlic extract 80% respectively [p<0.05]. However, the difference between pure garlic extract and combined chlorhexidine 2% with pure garlic extract in aerobic condition was not significant. The results showed that garlic extract is effective on Enterococcus Faecalis in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions; nevertheless it has less efficacy than chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite

Evaluation of a single PCR assays on Cp5 gene for differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and E.dispar

We examined a molecular method with a single-PCR for amplification of a part of CP5 gene enabling us to differentiate the pathogenic species, Entamoeba histolytica, from the non-pathogenic species, E. dispar. We developed a single PCR method for this purpose. After investigation of GenBank, primer pairs were designed from highly conserved regions of cysteine proteinase [CP5] gene. The primers were utilized in PCR using isolated genomic DNA template of E. histolytica and the PCR products were then sequenced. The same primer and method for PCR was used for isolated genomic DNA template of E. dispar. A fragment of about 950 bp was isolated in PCR by using DNA from E. histolytica, however, no banding pattern was produced by using the same primers for E. dispar. We characterized CP5 gene at molecular level in E. histolytica isolates from 22 positive; including 20 non-dysentery samples isolated from both cities as well as two dysentery samples isolated only from Tabriz. Nucleotide sequence comparison in gene data banks [NCBI, NIH] revealed significant homology with CP5 gene in E. histolytica isolates. We developed a PCR method, which could detect simply and rapidly E. histolytica by amplifying a specific PCR fragment

Molecular identification and sequencing of mannose binding protein [MBP] gene of acanthamoeba palestinensis

Acanthamoeba keratitis develops by pathogenic Acanthamoeba such as A. palestinensis. Indeed this species is one of the known causative agents of amoebic keratitis in Iran. Mannose Binding Protein [MBP] is the main pathogenicity factors for developing this sight threatening disease. We aimed to characterize MBP gene in pathogenic Acanthamoeba isolates such as A. palestinensis. This experimental research was performed in the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran during 2007-2008. A. palestinensis was grown on 2% non-nutrient agar overlaid with Escherichia coli. DNA extraction was performed using phenol-chloroform method. PCR reaction and amplification were done using specific primer pairs of MBP. The amplified fragment were purified and sequenced. Finally, the obtained fragment was deposited in the gene data bank. A 900 bp PCR-product was recovered after PCR reaction. Sequence analysis of the purified PCR product revealed a gene with 943 nucleotides. Homology analysis of the obtained sequence showed 81% similarity with the available MBP gene in the gene data bank. The fragment was deposited in the gene data bank under accession number EU678895 MBP is known as the most important factor in Acanthamoeba pathogenesis cascade. Therefore, characterization of this gene can aid in developing better therapeutic agents and even immunization of high-risk people

Detection of the [Tim] gene of sheep Giardia using [Tim] Gene primers of Giardia with human origin

Giardiasis is an important human parasitic disease. Giardia is a genus composed of binuclear flagellate protozoa. Giardia duodenalis is a parasitic species for a wide range of vertebrates, including humans. Heterogeneity in G. duodenalis has been shown by serological, biochemical, and molecular analysis. In the present study, the possible genetic similarity between Giardia in sheep and humansand their probable zoonosis was investigated. Direct examination and formalin ether concentration technique were performed on the contents and tissues of sheep intestines. The gradient sucrose method was applied to collect and purify cysts, and DNA extraction was performed by the phenol-chloroform method. Only very small amounts of DNA could be extracted after repeated freezing, thawing and suspension with lysis buffer, after which polymerase chain reaction [PCR] was performed for DNA amplification by primers that were designed for Giardia of human origin. The gene, [triose phosphate isomerase] [tim or tpi], was selected as the molecular marker and two sets of primers [PM290, PM924] were used. We examined 308 sheep stool samples in our study, including 21 positive samples. Cultures for Giardia were negative. Three sheep isolates were determined by a 290 base pair [bp] amplicon that were similar to certain human types. The similarity of the sheep and human genomic characters of Giardia implies the possibility that there is transmission of these protozoa between humans and sheep

Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis using parasitological methods in Tehran

Trichomonas vaginalis is a parasitic protozoan with a predilection for human urogenital tract and causative agent for vaginitis, cervicitis and urethritis in females. T. vaginalis is known as a cofactor in transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and may lead to adverse outcomes in pregnant women. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in females attending Mirzakuchak Khan Hospital, Tehran, Iran. During May 2008 to March 2009, 500 vaginal discharges samples were obtained from women attending sexual transmitted disease [STD] clinic of Mirzakuchak Khan Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The samples were examined by Dorsse culture medium and wet-mount methods. The prevalence of T.vaginalis was determined using culture based method and wet-mount examinations. Sixteen positive [3.2%] and 484 negative [96.8%] samples for T. vaginalis were detected by culture based methods. The wet mount examination revealed 13 positive [2.6%] and 487 negative [97.4%] samples. In the above population, prevalence of trichomoniasis was estimated as 3.2% based on culturing method. Due to adverse outcomes of vaginal trichomoniasis and its correlation with HIV transmission, there is a great need for public education regarding implementation of personal hygienic measures and prevention of inappropriate sexual contacts