Diagnostic reference levels [DRLs] for routine X-ray examinations in Lorestan province, Iran

In diagnostic radiology there are two reasons for measuring or estimating radiation doses to patients. Firstly measurements provide a means for setting and checking standards of good practice as an aid to the optimization of patient protection. Secondly estimates of the absorbed dose to tissue and organs in the patients. A total of 2382 patients were studied to calculate the Entrance Surface Air Kerma [ESAK] following seven radiographic examinations including: chest [PA, Lat], lumbar spines [AP, Lat], pelvis [AP], abdomen [AP], skull [PA, Lat], thoracic spine [AP, Lat] and cervical spines [AP, Lat]. The ESAKs values were measured according to x- ray tube output, optimized exposure parameters and body thickness [tp] for each technique. The parameters such as, 1st quartile, mean, median, 3rd quartile, minimum, maximum and standard deviation of each ESAK values are reported and compared to NRPB guide levels. The results showed that the ESAKs values in the lumbar spines and chest X-ray examinations were 30% above the guide levels. However, for the pelvis [AP], skull [PA] and abdomen [AP] examinations, these values were below than those reported by the NRPB. Periodic quality control and monitoring the technical performance of radiographers might effectively improve the image quality and eventually reducing the dose received by patients

[Evaluation of anti-Candida properties of cationic peptides derived from Rana ridibunda skin]

Background: Antimicrobial peptides with relative length [2-100 amino acids] and positive charge [pure charge [+9]-[+2]] are amphiphilic that isolated from a wide range of animals. Recently, these peptides have been known as a part of innate immune response. Nowadays, more than 500 antimicrobial peptides from animals have been reported

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of cationic peptides derived from Rana ridibunda skin

Methods: In this study, using alcohol-acid technique, peptides of frog's skin were isolated and purified by Sep-Pack and Sephadex column. Then the anti-Candida activity [Fluconazole Resistance C. albicans, Fluconazole Sensitive C. albicans, and C. glabrata] of the peptides in different concentrations were evaluated

Results: Regarding to statistical analysis, peptides in concentration ranging from 25 to 100 micro g/ml had the most anti-Candida activities. In respect to different understudy Candida species, these agents had the less effect on the Fluconazole Resistance C. albicans [p<0.05]

Conclusions: The anti-Candida effects of cationic peptide obtained from frog skin are approved in this study

Lessons learnt from errors in radiotherapy centers

The purpose of this work is to discover and analyze errors and incidents in some radiotherapy centers, and to introduce methods that could reduce their occurrences, especially those which had happened due to the use of improper and inadequate equipment. This work is a first step toward clarifying the role of education in a risk-conscious culture, and changing the attitude of radiotherapy staff when they are working under encouraging conditions that remove barriers for reporting errors. For the present study clinical investigation, the data of 6000 patients were checked. They were treated at a few radiotherapy centers during one year. Patients were treated by linear accelerator or cobalt machine, photon or electron beams. A purposely designed check list was used for error data collection. Incidents were discovered by manual check at different steps of treatment. By highlighting frequency of occurrence, further investigation for preventing error repetition can be possible. Eighty five incidents were reported by Technologists, fifty four were reported by Physicists, and twenty six events were pointed out by Radiation Oncologists. About fifty percent of total 165 detected events were classified as treatment field errors. Geometrical misses in treatment field have the highest probability for both photon and electron beams. Incident prevention considering likelihood of individual event can be possible when using facilities like record-and-verification [R and V] system and electronic-portal-image-device [EPID], taking seriously QA, defining and implementing layers of defense in depth, and making an organized system for reporting and analyzing errors

[Chemical composition and anti-candida activity of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil on azoles resistant Candida albicans isolates from oral cavity of HIV+ patients]

Oral candidiasis, caused by Candida albicans, is one of the most common infections in immunocompromised patients, especially in HIV+ individuals. The aims of this study were to evaluate the susceptibility of C. albicans isolates to azole drugs and Trachyspermum ammi essential oil. Oral swabs were cultured from 70 HIV+ patients and In order to identify and confirm of C. albicans isolates, Chrom agar, Corn meal agar, germ tube production, carbohydrate assimilation, growth at 45[degree sign]C and PCR were performed. Sensivity to fluconazol, ketoconazole and clotrimazol were assessed by disc diffusion and also the effect of T. ammi essential oil was determined by disc diffusion and microdilution broth methods. The causative agent, in 50 patients with oral candidiasis, was C. albicans [71.4%]. In sensivity determination survey to antifungal drugs, the resistance of isolates to fluconazole, ketoconazole and clotrimazole were determined 32%, 28% and 14%, respectively. In disc diffusion, all isolates have an acceptable sensivity at 10 - 20 micro L of the oil and 30 micro L inhibit the growth completely in plate. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrsation [MIC] by microdilution broth method was 500ppm and 750ppm in 72% and 28% of isolates, respectively, and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration[MFC] in 70% of isolates were 750ppm and for the rest of the isolates [30%] were 1000ppm. We conclude that use of this native plant, as an antifungal compound, could act as a treatment of the patients with mucosal candidiasis, beside of other drugs in to the future

[Growth inhibition and morphological alterations to Penicellium citrinium in response to Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil]

The growing interest in substitution of chemical food preservative with natural ones has fostered researches on plant essential oils and extracts. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on growth respose, the percent of growth inhibitory and morphology of Penicellium citrinum. Different concentrations of the essential oil [0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600 ad 1000 ppm] were used in agar dilution method to evaluate growth and spore production parameters. The cultured mold were studied by scanning electron microscope. Values among groups were compared using 1-way ANOVA. It was found that the effect of different concentrations of essential oil on radial growth and sporulation was statistically significant [p<0.05]. The minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum fungicidal concentration [MFC] both were 400ppm. According to scaning electron microscopy the treatment with the oil led to alterations in hyphal morphology. Our results suggest that Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil can be used as a natural preservative against Pencillium citrinum in foods

[Comparision of auricle and external ear canal fungal flora between healthy domestic short-hair and Persian cats]

Fungal agents are considered as one of the most prevalent organisms in external otitis. The aim of this study was to compare the fungal flora of external ear canal and concave surface of auricle in healthy Persian and Domestic Short Hair [DSH] cats. Samples were collected from 120 healthy cats [60 Persians and 60 DSH] with swab and cellophane tape. Out of 103 [85.8%] organisms isolated from cats, 83 [80.6%] were identified as molds. infection with Dermatophytes were detected in 3 [5%] samples. Yeasts were also present in 20 [19.4%] cats. Based on the results of this study there wasn't any significant difference in fungal flora of the ear canal between Persian and DSH cats. Ear canal and pinna in most of healthy cats harbor fungal filamentous and yeast organisms that maybe pathogenic in suitable conditions. Furthermore dermatophyte organisms in apparently healthy cats can be transmitted to their owners

[Removal of high concentration of phenol from synthetic solutions by fusarium culmorum granules]

Effluent generated in several industries contains phenolic compounds, which have been classified as priority pollutants. Due to its toxicity, the conventional systems are inefficient for treatment of phenol-Laden wastewater. Biological processes using pure microbial culture, including fungi and yeast, are environmentally friendly techniques capable of complete destruction of contaminants. This work was aimed at investigating the efficiency of a fungi specie in the decomposition of high concentrations of phenol ranging from 500 to 20000 mg/L. Several batch reactors were operated at different phenol concentration. The concentration of residual phenol was monitored over time using colorimetric method 4-aminoantipyrine. The removal efficiency was calculated considering the initial phenol concentration. Experimental data indicated that the phenol could efficiently degrade using the selected culture. The developed granules could completely degrade phenol at concentrations up to 20000 mg/L. It can be concluded from the experimental data that the biodegradation using the Fungi granules is a very efficient and thus promising technique for treatment of wastewaters containing phenolic compounds

Fungal flora isolated from the skin of healthy dromedary camels [Camel us dromedarius]

Hair samples from 58 healthy camels were examined for the presence of saprophytic fungi. One -hundred and seventy-four samples were obtained from three different locations of dromedary camel's body. Several fungal specific media were used for isolating and identifying the saprophytes. Fungal isolates belonged to 15 genera. The most common in order of frequency were members of the genera Aspergillus [48% of the total examined camels], Penicillium [16.1%], Mucor [14.2%], Alternaria alternata [5.6%], Rhizopus [3.1%], Chrysosporium [2.7%], Acremonium [1.1%], Scoupolariopsis [1%], Cladosporium [0.8%], Fusarium, Psuedallescheria boydii and Stachybotrys atra [0.2%]. The highest frequently yeasts isolated were related to Candida species [6%], followed by Geotrichum candidum [0.6%] and Malassezia species [0.2%]. Skin infections caused by any of the contaminants were not encountered. The study demonstrates that Aspergillus, Penicillium and Mucor species were the common components of healthy camel skin mycoflora, and that camel hair analyzed in this study was free from true dermatophyte

Experimental and Monte Carlo studies on the response of CR-39 detectors to Am-Be neutron spectrum

The Poly-Allyl Diglycol Carbonate [PADC] detector is of particular interest for development of a fast neutron dosimeter. Fast neutrons interact with the constituents of the CR-39 detector and produce H, C and 0 recoils, as well as [n, a] reaction. These neutron- induced charged particles contribute towards the response of CR-39 detectors. Material and Electrochemical etching was used to enlarge track diameter which was made by low energy recoil protons. Before electrochemical etching, a chemical etching was performed for 1 hour. The responses were also calculated by Monte Carlo simulations, using MCNPX code in different energy bins considering H, C and O recoils. The total registered efficiency and partial contributions of the efficiency, due to interactions with each constituent of CR-39, were calculated. The optimized condition of etchant was obtained to be 6N KOH 15kV.cm[1], and 6 hours etching time. The obtained results show that track efficiency of CR-39 was a function of incident neutron energy. The tracks caused by O and C recoil nuclei were negligible for neutron energies lower than 1 MeV. At neutron energies lower than 1 MeV, only recoil protons would have sufficient energy to leave visible tracks. But, O and C recoils had important contributions in overall response of PADC at neutron energies of few MeV. The efficiency of a CR-39 based dosemeter could be calculated by MCNPX code and the results were in a good agreement with experimental results in energy range of [241]Am - Be bare source and [241]Am-Be was softened with a spherical polyethylene moderator of radius of 20 cm

Socioeconomic disparities and smoking habits in metabolic syndrome: evidence from Isfahan healthy heart program

The metabolic syndrome [Mets] consists of major clustering of cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors. This study determines the association of socioeconomic determinants and smoking behavior in a population-based sample of Iranians with Mets. This cross-sectional survey comprised 12600 randomly selected men and women aged >/= 19 years living in three counties in central part of Iran. They participated in the baseline survey of a community-based program for CVD prevention entitled" Isfahan Healthy Heart Program" in 2000-2001. Subjects with Mets were selected based on NCEP- ATPIII criteria. Demographic data, medical history, lifestyle, smoking habits, physical examination, blood pressure, obesity indices and serum lipids were determined. The mean age of subjects with Mets was significantly higher. The mean age of smokers in both groups was higher than non-smokers but with lower WC and WHR. Marital status, age and residency were not significantly different in smokers with Mets and non-smokers with Mets. Smoking was more common in the middle educational group in the income category of Quartile 1-3. Mets was significantly related to age, sex and education. Middle-aged and elderly smokers were at approximately 4-5 times higher risk among Mets subjects. Low education decreased the risk of Mets by 0.48; similarly in non-smokers, 6-12 years of education decreased the risk of Mets by 0.72. More educated persons had a better awareness and behavior related to their health and role of smoking. In the lower social strata of the Iranian population, more efforts are needed against smoking habits

comparative study of digestive tract mycoflora of broilers with layers

Fungal agents, especially yeasts, are resident in digestive system as microflora and they can invade the mucosal tract in animals with predisposing factors. The prevalence of the resident fungal flora in the digestive tract of healthy broilers and layers during April to September 2008 was investigated. The samples were taken from the preventriculus, jejunum and cecum contents of 120 birds and cultured on Sabouraud glucose agar. Both filamentous fungus and yeasts were isolated and a predominance of the Candida species was found, followed by Trichosporon beigelii, Geotrichum candidum, Rhodotorula rubra and Saccharomyces cerevisiae species, which were found in 84.6%, 5.5%, 4.6%, 3.3% and 0.5% of cultures, respectively. Among the yeast isolates, Candida albicans [45.8%] was the most prevalent fungal agent, representing a significant proportion when compared to the other fungal isolates [P<0.05]. The frequency of the yeast in the layers' digestive tract was significantly higher than that found in the broilers [P<0.05]. Mycological examination revealed the highest numbers of yeasts in the cecum and lower numbers in the jejunum and preventriculus in two breeds

Effects of Zataria multiflora and Geranium pelargonium essential oils on growth-inhibiting of some toxigenic fungi

The effects of two Iranian medicinal plants including Zataria multiflora and Geranium pelargonium were evaluated on growth-inhibiting of some toxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. ochraceus and Fusarium verticillioides. In this study, standard Z. multiflora and G. pelargonium essential oils [EOs] were diluted in 0.01% dimethyl sulfoxide. Different dilutions of Z. multiflora [500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 ppm] and G. pelargonium EOs [1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 ppm] along with 0.1 ml of each fungal suspension were inoculated onto sabouraud glucose agar and incubated at 25 [degree sign] C for 7 days. Zataria multiflora [>/= 2000 ppm] and G. pelargonium [>/= 8000 ppm] EOs completely inhibited all the tested fungi. Aspergillus species were more susceptible than F. verticillioides to two EOs. The EOs considerably exhibited inhibitory effects against these important toxigenic fungi and their different concentrations demonstrated various degrees of growth inhibition. This study showed inhibitory effects of Z. multiflora and G. pelargonium EOs against some toxigenic fungi including A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. ochraceus and F. verticillioides

Oral health of Iranian children in 2004: a national pathfinder survey of dental caries and treatment needs

A second nationwide survey in 2004 aimed to describe the oral health status of children in the Islamic Republic of Iran and to provide baseline data for the organization and evaluation of the national oral health promotion programme. WHO pathfinder sampling procedures were used to select representative samples of children aged 3, 6, 9 and 12 years. Data on decayed/missing/filled teeth, caries-free rates and treatment needs were collected from 18 946 children using WHO standard methods. The mean dmft/DMFT indices were 1.9/- for 3-year-olds, 5.0/0.2 for 6-year-olds, 3.6/0.9 for 9-year-olds and 0.6/1.9 for 12-year-olds. Significant differences in dental caries prevalence were found according to sex, province, urban/rural residence, family income and parents' level of education

Common environmental allergenic fungi causing respiratory allergy in North of Iran

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify airborne fungi from locations in Babol city, Babolkenar forest and a beach on the Caspian Sea [all in North part of Iran] in spring and summer. Of 126 samples collected, the most clinically important isolated fungi were Mucor spp. [18.6%] in the forest, Alternaria spp. [13.4%] at the beach; and Cladophialophora spp. [15.8%], Mucor spp. [11.7%] and Alternaria spp. [10.6%] in the urban areas. Non-sporulating fungal isolates were grouped in Mycelia sterilia. The concentration of air spora in the forest location was significantly greater than the other locations [p<0.05]. In this study, the highest quantities of isolated fungi were found in the summer. The results showed that Alternaria spp., Clodophialophora spp. and Mucor spp. were the most predominant fungi isolated in the different locations. Since some allergenic fungi have been shown to play a role in the appearance of clinical signs in allergic conditions, the results of this study can be used by physicians and veterinarians for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies

Aflatoxin detoxification in rice using citric acid

Aflatoxins cause health hazards to human and animals and has also economical problems. Therefore, the detoxification effect of citric acid was investigated in rice as the main food of Iranian people. Initially 275 samples of rice were examined for aflatoxins by HPLC. The aflatoxins contaminated samples were later treated by aqueous citric acid and detoxification of aflatoxins were quantified using HPLC. Among the 275 samples analyzed, aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin B2 were detected in 211 [76.72% of total] samples. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in 203 [73.82% of total] samples with a mean and standard deviation of 2.3 +/- 10.21ppb. Aflatoxin B2 together with aflatoxin B1 were detected in only 8 [2.91% of total] samples with a mean and standard deviation of 1.38 +/- 2.7ppb of aflatoxin B2 and 2.99 +/- 1.56 of aflatoxin B1 respectively. Aflatoxin B1 level in 5 samples [1.82%] was above the maximum tolerated level of aflatoxin B1 in Iran [5ppb]. However considering the Iranian maximum tolerated level for aflatoxins in rice [30ppb], only 3 [1.09%] samples were above the 30ppb and also in regard to the European maximum tolerated level for aflatoxins in rice [4ppb], only 9 [3.27%] samples were considered as higher than 4ppb. The HPLC assay showed that although aflatoxins with a concentration of<30 and<4 ppb in the rice samples were completely degraded, but 97.22% degradation occurred in rice contaminated with 30 and 4ppb when treated with 1N citric acid. These results revealed the efficacy of 1N citric acid in reducing aflatoxins levels in rice

Microsporum canis infection in a red fox [Vulpes vulpes]

A 3-month-old male red fox that was in contact with a Persian cat referred to the small animal hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran with multi-focal circular non-pruritic skin lesions and hair loss mainly on the head and extremities. A complete series of dermatologic tests such as Wood's light examination, direct microscopic examination, and fungal culture were performed. The isolated pathogen was identified as Microsporum canis. The animal was treated using topical and systemic ketoconazole for 4 weeks. After treatment, the lesions were completely disappeared, and there was no recurrence of skin lesions during the follow-up period. It should be noted that asymptomatic cats may carry M. canis, thus may increase the risk of fungal infections for their owners and other pets as well. This is the first documented report of M. canis infection and its treatment in a red fox

Mycological and histopathological findings of experimental disseminated candidiasis in dogs

Disseminated candidiasis is an opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed animals by Candida species. The purposes of this study were to determine the predominant candidal forms in different tissues and tissue reactions. Sixteen dogs were selected in this study. The treatment dogs were immunosuppressed by intravenous administration of cyclophosphamide and after 5 days, they were challenged with 1 _ 10[5] blastospores of C. albicans by intravenous injection. Both mycological and histopathological examinations were performed for detection of Candida in various tissues. The results showed that the highest counts of C. albicans were recovered from the lungs, followed by the kidneys, heart and liver on day 2 after challenge. The presence of yeast mixed with hyphal forms of C. albicans was confirmed in all tissues. In most tissues, the yeast cells of Candida were predominant, whereas hyphal forms, particularly true hyphae, were mostly found in the brain and eyes

[Effects of eucalyptus globules labill essential oil on some immunological variables of common carp [cyprinus carpio]]

Influence of both dietary and bath administration of Eucalyptus globules labill was evaluated on some immunological variables of common carp [Cyprinus carpio] under temperature less than optimum in order to determine stimulatory effect of the essential oils. Fish weighing 30-35 g were bathed or fed with different doses of 30, 60 and 120 micro/L or mg/kg feed for a period of 8 days. Serum lysozyme activity, bactericidal activity, total white blood cells, total protein, globulin and albumin were measured on days 1, 2, 8, 15 and 23 after the essential oils administration. On day 23 post administration the remaining fish from each group were intraperitonealy injected with killed Aeromonas hydrophila [6x10[8] cells/ml] and antibody titer was measured 3 weeks later. The obtained results showed that Eucalyptus globules had a limited immunostimulatory effect on these immunological variables although antibody titers and total white blood cells in some test groups were significantly [p<0.05] higher than the control one. The reduction of the immunological factors is probably related to the lower water temperature, inappropriate administrating dose and duration of essential oils administration

[Comparision of MICs of some Iranian herbal essences against azole resistance and azole susceptible of candida albicans]

Candida albicans is the most important species, cause candida infections. The common forms of candidiasis are cutaneous and mucosal candidiasis, include oral [thrush], Vaginal candidiasis and onychomycosis. Different studies showed the drug resistance between candida albicans isolates, so it seems necessary to find replacement treatment for prevention of this resistance, side effects and avoidance of recurrent infection. Aim of this study is to determine of MICs of three essences against candida albicans isolates. Also, we compared the effects of essences between azole resistance and azole susceptible isolates. In this study, 30 candida albicans isolates [16 azole resistance and 14 azole susceptible isolates] obtained from oral, vaginal and nails of patients with candidiasis were evaluated. In order to determine of susceptibility of Zataria multiflora, Geranium herbarum and Artemisia sieberi essences against candida albicans, Macrodilution broth Serial dilution of essences was prepared in sabouraud glucose broth tubes. Essences were solved in DMSO [0.12] as solvent. The same solvent at an appropriate concentration was used as a control [with and without organisms]. After inoculation, incubation and subculture, MICs, compared to control tubes were determined. The obtained results of MICs for Zataria multiflora, Geranium herbarum and Artemisia sieberi were between 0.11-0.25 micro l/ml [mean: 0.18 micro l/ml], 0.4-1.25 micro l/ml [mean: 0.83 micro l/mI] and 0.62-1.25 micro l/ml [mean: 1.4 micro l/ml], respectively. Also, there are not significant differences in MICs of these essences against azole resistance and azole susceptible isolates. We conclude that anti-candida activity of three herbal essences under study, against azole resistance and azole susceptible isolates were similar. With attention to resistance of different candida albicans to synthetic and chemical antifungals, these herbal essences are safe replacement treatments for cutaneous and mucosal candidia infections

[ comparative study of mycoflora of Iranian and imported soybeans]

The natural occurrence of fungal contamination was evaluated in stored soybeans in different agro-ecological zones. Of 30 samples examined, fungal contaminations were positive in 25.9 percent and 74.1 percent of Iranian and imported soybeans [p<0.05]. The total fungal CFU/g counts were calculated 6.3 * 10[2] in Iranian and 18 * 10[2] in imported samples. The most frequent isolated fungi from soybeans originated from Iran and imported were Aspergillus spp. [59.7, 58.6 percent], Penicillium spp. [26.8, 27.3 percent], and Fusarium spp. [13.5, 14 percent], respectively. Soybeans with a high incidence of diverse species of fungi to need for proper surveillance and monitoring for the prevention of fungal and mycotoxin contaminations