Genotypic and phenotypic analysis of Fasciola isolates

To identify the fasciolid species by morphometric and molecular methods in Zanjan, northwest of Iran. Adult Fasciola worms [n=584] were obtained from cattle and sheep in Zanjan slaughterhouse in 2007. Living flukes were washed, then worms' images were taken by 3CCD camera and finally apical zone of each worm was obtained. Morphometric values such as body length, body width, body area, body perimeter and the distance between ventral sucker and posterior end of body were obtained using AutoCAD image analysis software. Total gDNA was extracted from individual flukes by modified phenol-chloroform method. PCR amplification of ITS2 fragment was performed the isolated DNA samples and the amplicons were consequently subjected to RFLP assay and nucleotide sequencing to distinguish between fasciolid species. Mean of morphometric values in flukes from sheep was greater than those of cattle. Accordingly, the identified species included 31% F. hepatica-like, 7% F. gigantica-like and 62% intermediate forms. However, ITS2 fragment of 535 amplified specimens, showed no variation at the species-specific nucleotide sites 230, 340 and 341. The amplified fragment composed of partial 5.8S sequence [62bp], the complete ITS2 sequence [361bp] and partial 28S sequence [34bp]. The nucleotide contents of ITS2 region were 69 A, 116 T, 81 C and 95 G and the average G+C content was approximately 49%. Comparing of ITS2 sequences with the BLAST GenBank database, also confirmed that all specimens were F. hepatica. A simple and rapid PCR-RFLP assay can be used for distinguishing between these species

[Differential effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy and relaxation techniques on consequences of menopause vasomotor symptoms]

Vasomotor symptoms are usually accompanied with consequences such as headache, sleep disturbance and other events which can not be exactly attributed to endocrine changes already established in menopausal period. To compare the effect of hormone replacement therapy and relaxation techniques on consequences of menopause vasomotor symptoms. This was a quasi-experimental study carried out in 2003 in which ninety postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms referred to private doctors or midwives in Zanjan [Iran] were selected by convenience method. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups marked a HRT, RT and control groups. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews before and after intervention. Data were further analyzed using T-test, T-Paired, X[2] and variance analysis. Our results demonstrated that RT and HRT both reduced the severity of vasomotor symptoms consequences [headache, sleep disturbance, depression, irritability and anxiety] in post-treatment period compared to pre-treatment stage. The findings were also indicative of a treatment period. Finally, although RT and HRT both reduced the severity of symptoms, RT found to have greater effect on depression than HRT. Based on results found in present study, RT and HRT both led to significant reduction in consequences of vasomotor symptoms however, RT showed greater effect on depression than HRT

[Needle changing and occurrence of local adverse complications after HBV vaccination]

Two usual techniques are used by health professionals for administrating intramuscular [IM] injections. In the first method, the injectable vaccine is drawn into syringe, using one needle, which is then changed with a new one before administration. The other technique is using one needle for both drawing and injecting IM drugs. Using two-needle technique suggests that this method reduces pain, swelling and redness of injection site after immunizing with hepatitis B vaccine [HBV]. This was a randomized controlled trial, which was conducted on 39 students of nursing faculty without previous history of immunization with HBV. The subjects were randomly divided in two groups and scheduled to be vaccinated for first and second dose of HBV. The data were collected using a questionnaire of pain, swelling and redness followed up for four days post-vaccination. Statistical methods for analyzing the data were Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNamara test. Rates of redness and swelling with the use of two-needle technique was less than the one-needle technique [P=0.04 and P=0.03, respectively]. Prevalence of pain among those with one-needle injection was 41% and those with two-needle technique was 30.7%. It was not statistically significant. Since use of two-needle technique significantly reduced local reactions of routine immunization in adults, immunization centers should review their policies to change needle before administration of vaccines