Impacts of herbal medicines on hot flash: a systematic review

Background: the most common symptoms experienced by women are Hot flashes are around the time of menopause. Many women are interested in herbal medicines because of fear of side effect of Hormone therapy

Objective: In this study, we seek to assess the effectiveness of herbal medicine on the recurrence of hot flash in menopausal women

Methods: The database of MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [RCT] were searched to investigate trials on the efficacy of herbal medicines on hot flash

Results: RCTs were incorporated into this accurate review, with the results demonstrating that herbal medicines such as evening primrose, oil hop and Valerian, red clover, of black Cohosh flaxseed and hypericum perforatum can ease the side effects of hot flash

Conclusion: Our study indicated that herbal medicines can reduce the negative effects of hot flash. However, desirable impacts still remain indeterminate due to the number of RCTs, limited sample size and unsystematic methodology. As such, larger RCTs with more reliable design and improved measurable reporting of the outcomes are required to support this conclusion

Molecular investigation of banana shrimp [P. merguiensis] populations from Persian Gulf and Oman sea using microsatellite markers

Molecular investigation of important commercial shrimp species is one of the main goals to find out the pure populations and brood stocking of marine resources. The purpose of the present study was to study the population of P. merguiensis and determining the extent of genetic diversity of this species. Samples were collected from three major distribution areas in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. Molecular investigation was carried out using microsatellite markers. Only five out of the eight primers of P. merguiensis produced good amplified PCR products with fixed annealing temperature. The rest of the primers were either not easily amplified or produced nonspecific bands. Seven alleles were found to be unique to each of the three populations of P.merguiensis. Occurrences of heterozygosity deficiency were found at most loci. These heterozygosity deficiencies in observed heterozygosity in comparison to expected heterozygosity may be due to inbreeding, genetic drift and consequences of illegal overharvesting of P. merguiensis in the studied areas as well. Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium in both studied species was significant in most microsatellite loci [p<0.001]. We observed deviation from HWE in most loci with hetrozygosity deficits. The genetic variation results showed that the pairwise Fst values were significant between studied populations. The assignment test revealed high gene flow between Hormoz and Jask and restricted genetic flow between Guatr and Hormoz populations. It seems that the changes in immigration patterns of populations between Hormoz, Jask and Guatr areas depend on the influence of Persian Gulf currents or the life cycle of P. merguiensis in studied areas. Alternatively, the presence of ecological barriers such as mangrove forests may result in restricted genetic flow between Guatr and both Hormoz and Jask populations

Evaluation of diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer

Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes is considered as one of the common measures in management of breast cancer. Edema and limitation in hand movement are accompanied with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be used to evaluate axillary metastasis. This study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. This descriptive study was performed on 30 selected patients with breast cancer less than 5 cm without any involvement of axillary lymph nodes in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, North-East of Iran during 2009 -10. Initially, the lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Subsequently, prior, to the surgery, the blue dye as a marker was injected for detecting sentinel lymph node and with the use of probe gamma counter and observing blue color on lymph nodes, the sentinel node was determined and separated. Finally, axillary dissection was performed for removing the lymph nodes of I and II level in all patients. Among 30 patients who were evaluated for sentinel lymph nodes and axillary dissection, false negative were observed only in two cases [6.6%]. The sensitivity rate was determined to be 84.6%. Considering the high success rate of detection of sentinel lymph node and limited false negative cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in cases of breast cancer without axillary involvement

association between y chromosome microdeletion and recurrent pregnancy loss

To date, the role of male factor contributing in evaluation of spontaneous recurrent pregnancy loss [RPL] has been less investigated and there is discrepancy in the role of Y chromosome microdeltions in RPL. Therefore, the current study was designed to examine whether Y chromosome microdeletions were associated with RPL in an Iranian population. One hundred men from couples, experiencing three or more RPLs, and one hundred normal men from couples with at least one child and no history of miscarriages as control group were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and tested for Y chromosome microdeletions in AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions using two multiplex PCR. None of the men in the case and control groups had any microdeletions in the AZFa, AZFb and AZFc regions. It seems that Y chromosome microdeletion is not associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, therefore performing this test in Iranian couples with RPL is not recommended

Mixed cutaneous round cells tumor in a cock [Gallus domesticus]: a case report

Cutaneous round cell tumors have been classified as mast cell tumor [MCT], histiocytoma [HCT], lymphosarcoma, undifferentiated round cell tumors and occasionally rhabdomyosarcoma in veterinary medicine. An adult cock [Gallus domesticus] showing a large solitary integument mass raised on dorso bilateral of cervical part, extending to intercapsular and cranial mid part of the back was referred to the birds clinic of the faculty of veterinary medicine at the university of Tehran. Microscopic examination revealed sheeted cells with large, round to oval nuclei with each one containing one or more prominent nucleoli with scant cytoplasm. The myofibrils of the neck were degenerated by aggressive tumor cells. The condition was differentiated from other round cell tumors by electron microscope, histochemical staining, as well as the application of a large panel of antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction failed to confirm the involvement of both Marek's disease virus and avian leukosis virus subgroup-J. It was concluded that the tumor cells were consistent with both B-cell lymphocytes and histiocytes that unusually covered the entire dermal layer of dorsal neck skin. This unusual cutaneous lymphoma was named as lymphoblastic histiocytoma

Evaluation of the relationship between endometriosis and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammation causing major problems including infertility. The role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as their potential anti-inflammatory effects in endometriosis needs to be further explored. The objective of this study was to compare serum phospholipid fatty acid profile in endometriosis patients with controls, and to explore the correlation of this profile with the severity of the disease. Sixty-four endometriosis patients and 74 control women, in reproductive age, participated in this study. Among the endometriosis patients, 19 cases were in stage I, 27 cases in stage II, 8 cases in stage III, and 10 cases in stage IV. Each patient underwent laparoscopy. Before surgery, 5 ml of blood was obtained. After extraction of the total lipids, serum total phospholipid fraction was isolated by thin layer chromatography. Fatty acid composition of the phospholipid fraction was determined by gas chromatography and the resulted profile was compared in endometriosis patients and controls. The profile was also compared in the endometriosis group based on the severity of disease. Stearic acid was significantly lower in the endometriosis group as compared to controls [P= 0.030]. No other fatty acid compositions were significantly different between patients and controls. Serum ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] to arachidonic acid [AA] was in reasonable correlation with the severity of endometriosis [r = 0.34, P = 0.006]. According to these findings, levels of fatty acids in serum total phospholipids seem not to be a marker for endometriosis, but the EPA to AA ratio was a relevant factor indicating severity of illness

[Relationship between crown forms and periodontium biotype]

Periodontium biotype has many variations among different people. It has been suggested that the variation in the periodontium biotype may be related to the shape and form of the crowns of the teeth. The aim of this investigation was to examine the forms of the crowns in the maxillary anterior segment and corresponding gingival characteristics among healthy young Iranian subjects. For this cross-sectional study 200 individual [100 male and 100 female] with average age of 26.5 +/- 7.29 with healthy periodontium were chosen from dental students. The gingival angle, height of interdental papilla, crown width and crown height of maxillary anterior teeth were measured by a digital caliper on a diagnostic stone cast. Also marginal gingiva's thickness, probing depth and width of keratinized gingival was assessed clinically by a William's probe on each individual. Binary logistic regression method was used for statistical analysis. In central teeth [11-21] gingival thickness had a significant correlation with amount of keratinized gingiva and probing depth. In lateral teeth [12-22] gingival thickness had significant correlation with amount of keratinized gingiva, probing depth and crown width. In canine teeth [13-23] gingival thickness had significant correlation with amount of keratinized gingiva, probing depth, crown's height, papilla's height and gingival angle. There was no statistical relation between crown's form and gingival thickness. Based on the findings, crown form had no relation with the gingival thickness but in each type of tooth gingival thickness was related to different factors

[Nutritional value of raw and grilled Persian sturgeon fillets]

Fish is an excellent protein source due to its valuable essential amino acid composition. Physical, chemical and thermal treatments applied during processing of food will influence both the nutritional value and functional properties of proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of grilling on the nutritional value of Persian sturgeon fish fillet. Fresh Persian sturgeon fillets were grilled using an automatic griller [Bq100, Delongi, Germany] for 20 min at 50-60 Hz frequency. The nutritional value of fresh fillets was determined on the basis of moisture, protein, fat, ash, and amino acid contents, while the nutritive value of cooked fillets was estimated using in vitro protein digestibility [IVPD] and various computed indices, including chemical score [CS], essential amino acid index [EAAI], biological value [BV], and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score [PDCAAS]. There were significant increases in protein, lipid, and ash contents [p<0/05] after grilling. In vitro digestibility of raw fillets was 81.50%, which increased to 93.46% after cooking. Glutamic and aspartic acids were amino acids with the highest contents, while cysteine and methionine were the limiting ones in both cooked and uncooked fillets. Grilling brought about improvements in the protein efficiency ratio, essential amino acid index, nutritional index, biological value, and chemical score. Finally, the protein digestibility- corrected amino acid score of both the cooked and uncooked samples and for both the 10-12 year-old and adult age groups was 100. The results indicate that grilling improves the nutritional value of Persian sturgeon fish fillets

[Effect of verbal and audio methods of training on pre-surgery anxiety of patients]

Regarding the undesirable effects of anxiety on physiologic indexes of human body and development of post-surgery intensified symptoms, attempt to reduce the degree of anxiety is of prime necessity. The goal of this study was to study the effect of two verbal and audio methods of training on patient's anxiety before surgery. This was an empirical study carried out at Imam Khomeini Medical Center in Sari [Iran] during 2009-2010. Three groups of patients, each group consisting of 35 individuals were included in the study. Samples were taken through accessibility while grouping was made completely at random. The research tools were demographic questionnaires, checklist for vital signs as well as characteristics anxiety questionnaires. The results showed significant differences between the two test groups and also the control group in terms of anxiety levels and their conditions two hours before operation [P=0.03]. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the group under verbal education two hours before operation was 17.2 +/- 2 and 8.6 +/- 1 cmHg, and in group trained with handout 18.9 +/- 1 and 8.9 +/- 1 cmHg, respectively. There was a significant difference between two test and control groups. Based on results found through this study, it is suggested that at the time a patient is admitted to anesthesia clinic, in addition to routine examinations, some verbal education should be given to lower the unwanted and harmful physiological effects of anxiety which provides a better ground for risk free post-operation recovery for patient

[ in-vitro comparison between antimicrobial activity of nanosilver and chlorhexidine against streptococus sanguis and actinomyces viscosus]

The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles has been investigated in medical fields in recent years, but its effect on dental plaque micro-organisms has not been studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial properties of nanosilver on two dental plaque microorganisms and to compare it with chlorhexidine. In this experimental study, antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine against Streptococus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus were determined by minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum bactericidal concentration [MBC] using microdilution method. Each experiment was repeated at least five times to ensure the accuracy of testing. Results showed that the MIC of soluble silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine for Streptococcus sanguis were 16 and 256 microg/ml, respectively. Soluble silver nanoparticles had an MIC of 4 and chlorhexidine had an MIC of 64 micro g/ml for Actinomyces viscosus. The MBC of soluble silver nanoparticles and chlorhexidine for Streptococcus sanguis were 64 and 512 microg/ml, respectively and for Actinomyces viscosus these figures were 16 and 102 microg/ml, respectively. Silver nanoparticles have strong antibacterial activity against Streptococus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus which was achieved by lower doses in comparison to chlorhexidine mouthwash

[Clinical effect of parodontax dentifrice on the control of gingivitis and dental plaque]

Parodontax dentifrice is a plant-based dentifrice which is supposed to have specific effect in preventing and treating gingivitis. The purpose of the present study was to compare clinical effectiveness of Parodontax and Crest complete toothpaste in controlling gingival inflammation and microbial plaque. This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 40 patients with gingivitis that had been referred to the periodontal department of Shahed Dental School. The subjects were randomly allocated into either the test group [n=20, Parodontax] or the control group [n=20, 7 Crest Complete]. Turesky's Plaque Index and Loe's and Silness's Gingival Index were used to evaluate plaque and gingivitis at baseline and one month after dentifrices' application. Plaque and Gingival index changes were evaluated by Wilcoxon test in each group and Mann-Whitney test between the test and control group. After one month, in the Crest group, PI reduced from 2.58 to 2.46 and in the Parodontax group PI reduced from 2.68 to 2.48. There was a significant reduction in plaque levels in both test and control groups. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Gingival index, decreased from 1.43 to 1.22 in the control group and from 1.36 to 1.15 in the test group. A significant reduction in gingivitis was observed in each group, although there was no significant difference between the two groups. Both dentifrices had similar effects on PI and GI. Parodontax dentifrice does not cause significant reduction in gingival inflammation and microbial plaque accumulation

Monte Carlo simulation and dosimetric verification of physical wedges used in radiation therapy

The presence of a wedge filter in the beam trajectory can modify the beam quality and cause some changes in the dosimetry parameters which are usually difficult to be measured directly and accurately. In this study the MCNP-4C Monte Carlo code was used to simulate the 9 MV photon beam generated by a linear accelerator. Upon getting a good agreement between the Monte Carlo simulated and measured dose distribution in open fields, the model was used to simulate the physical wedges. The steel wedges with angles from 15°-60° were modeled and the primary and the secondary photon beams were calculated. The beam profiles and wedges factors were calculated for each wedge. The output factors were determined for 45 wedge. The calculated data were compared with the measured values of the same parameters. The results showed that the use of wedges reduced the fluencies of the primary and scattered photons and also increased the average energy of the primary and the scattered photons. The agreement between the calculated and the measured data was better than 2% for all wedges. The results also showed that as the wedge angle increased, the electron contamination of photon beam decreased. The presence of a wedge in a 9 MV photon beam alters the primary and the scattered components generated by a linear accelerator. The simulated linac machine and its associated data can be used to predict the dose distribution in other complex fields

Determination of [99]Mo contamination in [99m]Tc elute obtained from [99]Mo / [99m]Tc- generator

[99m]Tc is a widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine centers which is obtained by elution from Mo-[99]/Tc-[99m] generators. Usually the generators are either supplied by the Iran Atomic Energy Agency or by private companies from foreign countries. In this study we have measured [99]Mo contamination in [99m]Tc elute from different generators in a period of one year. The radionuclide impurity of the [99m]Tc elute were studied in two types of radionuclide generators [A: produced in Iran and B: imported from other country]. In-vitro measurements were performed using dose calibrator. Direct measurements were made, using a standard canister at the time of milking of the generators and also in subsequent hours after milking. The results showed a mean of [99]Mo impurity in generators A and B to be 0.00932 +/- 0.0043 and 0.0170 +/- 0.0127 respectively. Although the results showed that the [99]Mo contamination in [99m]Tc elute was lesser than the maximum accepted activity limit of 0.015%, the difference in these two types may reflect different methods of productions of generator, as well as the quality control procedures. The mean of [99]Mo contamination in generators produced in Iran Atomic Energy Organization was lesser than generators imported from foreign origin

Deletion and testicular expression of DAZ [deleted in azoospermia] gene in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia

Deletions of the DAZ [deleted in azoospermia] genes within the human Y chromosome's AZFc region are the most common cause of spermatogenesis failure. These deletions are usually assessed by analyses of genomic DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes. DAZ genes are expressed in male germ cells. In this prospective study, we investigated DAZ expression and deletion in 102 consecutive infertile men presenting with non-obstructive azoospermia in Avesina Research Institute, Tehran, Iran during 2005-6. In this prospective study, we extracted genomic DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes for detection of DAZ deletions and testicular biopsies for histopathological assessment and analyses of DAZ expression level by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. DAZ levels were normalized to expression of the housekeeping Phosphoglucomutase 1 gene. In four out of 102 patients [3.9%], we found DAZ deletion. DAZ expression was observed in 60 [61.2%] of 98 other patients. Expression was not detected in patient with Sertoli cell-only syndrome, but observed in 37 of 40 [92.5%] patients with maturation arrest and 20 of 26 [76.9%] with hypospermatogenesis. The absence of DAZ expression could result in quantitative reduction of germ cells and might be observed despite of normal genomic DNA constitution. We recommend to check DAZ testicular expression and genomic DNA deletion, in non-obstructive azoospermia. This is more recommended to avoid transmission of genetic abnormalities which might lead to infertility in male offspring, when assisted reproductive techniques [ART] are performed

[ review on ruta graveolens l.; its usage in traditional medicine and modern research data]

According to manuscripts, Ruta [rue] was one of the plants which had been abundantly used for prevention and treatment of diseases, both in Iranian and nation's Traditional medicine[TM]. Natives are still using this plant through the world. Clinical and experimental modern trials had shown the anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiarrhytmic, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, antifungal, contraceptive and abortive effects of this plant in addition to some central nervous system effects. Almost all of these were mentioned in TM besides a couple of other effects which there were no experimental data about them in modern researches. In other hand, rue contains so many chemicals and complex compounds which their exact effects and mechanism of actions are still not well known. Besides there are some data about toxic effects of rue but there is no reliable toxicological study which could explain the side effects, toxic dosage or detoxification methods. In this review we explain about this plant, its usage in TM and the results of different modern trials and give a plenty of experimental view of points which could be done in future

[ relationship between periodontal diseases and ischemic heart problems]

Recent studies have suggested that there is a relationship between periodontal diseases and Ischemic heart conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of any association between periodontitis and ischemic heart disease in a sample of Iranian population. The participants of this analytical study were 120 subjects with mean age of 52 +/- 9.6 years old. The cases [n=69] were patients with proven Ischemic heart disease who were hospitalized in Cardiology Units of the Mostafa Khomeini hospital in Tehran. The control subjects [n=60] were selected from other hospital wards. Subjects were matched for known risk factors of coronary heart disease including, family history of ischemic heart disease, smoking, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, fasting blood sugar, body mass index, as well as hypertension, age and gender. All cases and controls went through clinical periodontal examination in order to measure and record the clinical attachment level, plaque index and bleeding index at six sites of the dentition [Ramfjord teeth]. The numbers of missing teeth were recorded as well. The chi-square [X2] test was used to check the group similarities with regards to age, sex, blood pressure and history of familial heart disease variables. Also, t-test was used to compare the mean BMI as well as AL, PI, BPI, TL between the two groups. The clinical attachment level, bleeding index and plaque index were significantly higher in case of ischemic heart disease patients than controls. When considering the number of missing teeth, there was no significant difference between the two groups under investigation. Periodontal disease can be a risk factor for Ischemic heart diseases in Iranian population

[ prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among 7-5 year old children in Jahrom, Iran, during 2006-7]

One of the main reasons of the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections in communities is the asymptomatic infections in some people. Although there are some reports for parasitic infections from specialized laboratories, there is no confirmed data for these infections among children in Jahrom. It is due to low standards of the methods and also low accuracy in epidemiological studies. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 410 children aged 7-15 years old in Jahrom. clustering and accidental sampling were employed. Three samples of faces for each child were examined for parasites using formalin - ether concentration method. The results showed a prevalence of 13.6% of intestinal parasitic infections among children in Jahrom; among which, 9.3% were pathogen parasites. The highest prevalence was reported for Giardia lamblia [8.1%]. There was an association between the rate of infection and mothers, education, family income and the family size. The lowest infection was found among the children whose mothers had jobs. Although this study indicated low prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among children in Jahrom, the prevalence of some of them is still high and important. This is a good reason for paying more attention on individual and environmental health

Effect of vitamins A, E, C and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

To assess the effect of supplementation with vitamins A, E and C and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid peroxidation in Streptozotocin [STZ] induced diabetic rats. Sixty four male wistar rats weighting 250g were divided into four groups as normal control, diabetic control, diabetic with vitamin A, E as well as C supplementation and diabetic with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. After four weeks of treatment the rats were anesthetized and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels were investigated in blood samples, liver and heart homogenate. In diabetic rats MDA level in plasma, liver and heart was significantly more elevated than normal control rats [P< 0.05]. Vitamin A, E and C supplementation caused significant decrease in plasma, liver and heart MDA [P< 0.05]. A significant decrease in heart MDA [P< 0.05] was observed in diabetic rats with omega-3 fatty acids supplementation. Supplementation of vitamin A, E and C and co-3 fatty acids was found to decrease lipid peroxidation to some extent in diabetic rats and they can be valuable candidates in the treatment of the complications of diabetes

[Evaluating the presence of testis specific transcripts in mature human spermatozoa]

Progress and completion of spermatogenesis is related to simultaneous expression of various genes. Recent studies show that many genes are expressed in the sperm and several RNA copies are present in the mature spermatozoa. Identification of these genes and evaluation of their functions would improve our understanding of the molecular basis of fertilization, early embryo cleavage and the causes of many types of unexplained male infertility. In this study, we investigated the expression of DAZ, PRM1, PRM2, TSGA10, SYCP3 and AKAP4 genes in ejaculated human spermatozoa. Semen samples were collected from men referring to Avicenna Infertility Clinic. Normal semen samples [According to WHO criteria] were subjected to density-gradient centrifugation to specifically recover the pure fraction of motile spermatozoa with normal morphology. Total RNA was extracted from sperm pellets and cDNA was synthesized using RT-PCR. The presence of DAZ, TSGA10, PRM1 and PRM2 cDNAs were evaluated using appropriate primers. Expression of SYCP3 [Testis specific gene] was evaluated by nested RT-PCR. The cDNA synthesized from normal testis tissues was used as positive control. Study on cDNAs showed that DAZ, TSGA10, PRM1 and PRM2 transcripts were present in normal human testis and all of the evaluated mature spermatozoa samples but not AKAP4 or SYCP3 transcripts. According to our previous study, the expression of SYCP3 and AKAP4 genes is started from spermatocyte level in human testis during spermatogenesis process. However, we did not found any transcripts of these genes in mature spermatozoa. It is estimated that mRNAs of TSGA10, PRM1, PRM2 and DAZ and other testis specific genes in spermatozoa may participate in later sperm functions such as fertilization and early embryo cleavage. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the role of these transcripts in the process of fertilization and early embryo development