[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

Impact of gamma rays on the Phaffia rhodozyma genome revealed by RAPD-PCR

Phaffia rhodozyma is a red yeast which produces astaxanthin as the major carotenoid pigment. Astaxanthin is thought to reduce the incidence of cancer and degenerative diseases in man. It also enhances the immune response and acts as a free-radical quencher, a precursor of vitamin A, or a pigment involved in the visual attraction of animals as mating partners. The impact of gamma irradiation was studied on the Phaffia rhodozyma genome. Ten mutant strains, designated Gam1-Gam10, were obtained using gamma irradiation. Ten decamer random amplified polymorphic DNA [RAPD] primers were employed to assess genetic changes. Nine primers revealed scorable polymorphisms and a total of 95 band positions were scored; amongst which 38 bands [37.5%] were polymorphic. Primer F with 3 bands and primer J20 with 13 bands produced the lowest and the highest number of bands, respectively. Primer A16 produced the highest number of polymorphic bands [70% polymorphism] and primer F showed the lowest number of polymorphic bands [0% polymorphism]. Genetic distances were calculated using Jaccard's coefficient and the UPGMA method. A dendrogram was created using SPSS [version 11.5] and the strains were clustered into four groups. RAPD markers could distinguish between the parental and the mutant strains of P. rhodozyma. RAPD technique showed that some changes had occurred in the genome of the mutated strains. This technique demonstrated the capability to differentiate between the parental and the mutant strains

[Clinical and Para clinical Findings of leptospirosis in Mazandaran, June-September 2004]

Leptospirosis is an uncommon widespread spirochetal zoonoses caused by the members of the genus leptospira. Human disease is acquired by coming into contact with urine or tissues of infected animals, or through contaminated water and soil, thus is an occupational disease particularly in farmers, slaughterhouse workers and fishermen. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and Paraclinical findings of leptospirosis cases in Mazandaran. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, patients with high suspicion to leptospirosis presenting to Imam Khomeini and Razi hospitals of Sari and Qaemshahr from June to September 2004 with positive serology finding [MAT] were enrolled. Demographic, clinical and Paraclinical data for each patient were recorded. From 63 patients suspicious for leptospirosis, 36 had positive serologic test. The mean age of the positive patients [25 male, 11 female] was 34.2 +/- 13.77 [range 14-64 years old]. Most cases [86.1%] were farmers and 83.4% villagers. 55.6% of the patients presented in July. Fever and chills were the main complaints in 42.9% of the cases and fever, weakness, headache, anorexia and mialgia were seen in 96.6%, 96.6%, 93.1%, 89.7% and 85% respectively. Thrombocytopenia and leucopenia were noticed in 45.7% and 33.4% of the patients respectively. AST and ALT in 51.7% and 55.2% of patients were above the normal upper limit. Weil's syndrome and ileus occurred in 7 [19.5%] and one [2.8%] cases respectively. The classic history of fever, weakness, headache, anorexia and mialgia in villagers and farmers in warm months should raise the possibility of leptospirosis

[Correlation of raw conners' scores and family characteristics in general population of primary school children]

Background: Although, association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and some family characteristics has been reported, less attention has been focused on the correlation between raw Conners' scores and family characteristics in general population. While higher raw Conners' score indicates more possibility of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, detection of such correlation highlights the need for screening of this disorder in some families. Aim of this study was to assess the possible correlation of raw Conners' scores and family characteristics in general population of primary school children

Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, parent's and teacher's Conner's questionnaire and a checklist containing family variables was administered to 1000 primary school children who were randomly selected from all primary schools in Shahrekord, in 2002. 819 subjects entered the study

Results: Raw Conners' scores were correlated with history of referral of father to psychiatrist, long absence of father from home, history of change in job of father, job of parents, educational level of parents, history of legal problems of parents, smoking of parents, drugs addiction by parents[p<0.05]. There were no correlation between raw Conners' scores and history of referral of mother to psychiatrist, history of referral of siblings to psychiatrist, long absence of father from home or living together of parents [p>0.05[

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, screening of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is recommended in those children whose father have history of referral to the psychiatrist, have long absence from home, with a history of change of job, or with parents with some jobs, with low educational levels, with history of legal problems, smoking or drugs addiction

[Correlation of raw conners' scores and family characteristics in general population of primary school children]

Background: Although, association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and some family characteristics has been reported, less attention has been focused on the correlation between raw Conners' scores and family characteristics in general population. While higher raw Conners' score indicates more possibility of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, detection of such correlation highlights the need for screening of this disorder in some families. Aim of this study was to assess the possible correlation of raw Conners' scores and family characteristics in general population of primary school children

Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, parent's and teacher's Conner's questionnaire and a checklist containing family variables was administered to 1000 primary school children who were randomly selected from all primary schools in Shahrekord, in 2002. 819 subjects entered the study

Results: Raw Conners' scores were correlated with history of referral of father to psychiatrist, long absence of father from home, history of change in job of father, job of parents, educational level of parents, history of legal problems of parents, smoking of parents, drugs addiction by parents[p<0.05]. There were no correlation between raw Conners' scores and history of referral of mother to psychiatrist, history of referral of siblings to psychiatrist, long absence of father from home or living together of parents [p>0.05]

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, screening of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is recommended in those children whose father have history of referral to the psychiatrist, have long absence from home, with a history of change of job, or with parents with some jobs, with low educational levels, with history of legal problems, smoking or drugs addiction