[Antidiarrheal effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula assa foetida in rat]

Background and Objective: Ferula assa foetida [Ferula assa-foetida L.] is an herbaceous wild plant native to Iran which is used in the traditional medicine for treating stomach and intestinal disorders. This study was done to determine the antidiarrheal effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula assa foetida in rat

Methods: In this experimental study, Wistar adult male rats randomly allocated into negative control, positive control and interventional groups. Animals in negative control groups were recived normal salin orally. Animals in positive control groups were recived Atropine [0.1 mg/kg/bw] for evaluation of intestinal propulsive movement and Loperamide [3 mg/kg/bw] for evaluation of diarrhea. In interventional group 1, 2 and 3 animals were received hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula assa foetida 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw, resepectively. One hour after administration of extracts and medicine diarrhea induced using castor oil in animals. Induced diarrhea, intestinal propulsive movement and intestinal fluid accumulation were evaluated in rats

Results: Gavage of the extract [5 g/kg] did not produce any toxic effect in rats. The mean peristaltic index in Gavage for doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw, control and atropine groups was 97.00%, 65.88%, 62.23%, 86.19% and 52.86%, respectively. The extract at the lowest dose in combination with atropine was significantly reduced peristaltic index rather than of the atropin alone [P<0.05]. The extract produced a non-significant reduction in the volume of intestinal fluid accumulation and propulsive movement in the castor oil-induced intestinal transit in rats. In a dose-dependent manner, the extract delayed the onset of diarrhea. Loperamide and highest dose of extract [400 mg/kg/bw] produced a significant reduction in the frequency of defecation and severity of diarrhea [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of F. assa foetida showed anti-diarrheal activity due to its inhibitory effect on intestinal fluid accumulation

[Anti ulcerogenic activity of bunium percicum boiss. essential oil in induced ulcer models in wistar rats]

Bunium percicum is often used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders particularly gastric ulcer.This study was done to evaluate the antiulcerogenic effect of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil against indomethacin and ethanol - induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. This experimental study was carried out on rats weighing 200-220 g in veterinary college of Urmia University, Iran. LD[50] was calculated based on Lorke's method. To evaluate the short term oral toxicity, animals were allocated into four group of six each. In groups 1-3 animals were received orally 250, 125, 80 mg/kg/bw of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil, respectively. Controls were received Tween 80 [2%] orally for 14 consecutive days and monitored daily. Bunium percicum Boiss. essential oil was administered orally at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/bw and cimetedin [10 mg/kg/bw] and omopirazol [30 mg/kg/bw] in indomethacin and ethanol-induced ulcer models. The LD[50] was 375 mg/kg/bw. Daily single oral doses of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil tolerated behaviorally after 14 days without any alterations in body and organs weight, food, water consumption and serum total protein, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activity. The preventive index in doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg/BW of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil was 37.98% and 59.21%, respectively in the indomethacin -induced ulcer model [P<0.05]. In the model of ethanol -induced ulcer, the preventive index in doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg of Bunium percicum Boiss. essential oil was 12.40% and 22.05%, respectively [P<0.05]. The essential oil of Bunium percicum Boiss is completely ''safe'' and at the doses of 40 and 80mg/kg/bw significantly prevent gastric ulcers in animal model

Frequency of antibiotic resistance patterns in bacteria isolated from children

Bacterial infectioins in particular meningitis, pneumonia and septicemia are still some of the most causes of mortalities in children.The aim of present study was to identify the most common bacterial agents causing infectionis in children under 14 and detection of antibiotic resistance paterns. During two years, 1897samples were obtained from the patients suspected bacterial infectioins. They were investigated for bacterial cultures, age, sex and antibiogram patterns. The species were identified by biochemical and serological methods. Of 1897 samples, 563 [29.6%] had positve bacterial culture. Of these 74.7% were gram negative and 25.3% gram positive. The most common species were Escherichia coti [34.l%], Staphylococcus aureus [17.1%], Psuedomonas aeroginosa [12.4%], Kelebsiella [11%] and Staphylococcus epidermidis [5.7%]. The most effective antibiotics against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria were ceftriaoxne, nitrofurantoin, nalidixic acid, amikacin and gentamycin. The gram negative bacteria in particular Escherichia coli, Psuedomonas aeroginosa and Kelebsiella are the predominant causes of bacterial infections in children under 14 in these regions. Most species showed a high relative resistance to routine antibiotics such as ampicillin, trimethoprim and chloramphenicol

[ effects of betaine on vitamin B12 production by Propionibacterium freudenreichii]

Chemical production of vitamin B12 is a complicated process. The purpose of this study, done for the first time in Iran, was to produce vitamin B12 by Propionibacterium freudenreichii and investigate the effect of adding betaine on its yield. Propionibacterium freudenreichii was added to a fermention culture medium containing filtrated soaked corn. This was followed by incubation at 30°C and, then, adding betaine at six concentrations [0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 g/l]. Separation and purification were done and the presence and the amount of vitamin B[12] produced were determined by HPLC. The most effective concentration of betaine for vitamin B[12] production [318.33 Pg/ml] was 10 g/l, which had a negative effect on dry weight of the cells [22.37 g/l]. The results demonstrated that betaine could greatly stimulate vitamin B[12] biosynthesis by Propionibacterium freudenreichii and inhibit cell growth. Based on the findings of this study, betaine added to the culture medium of Propionibacterium freudenreichii at a suitable concentration could increase the yield of vitamin B[12], paving the way to a commercial, more economic method for its production

[Perinatal care regionalization and geographical distribution model in the Islamic Republic of Iran]

During the past decade, neonatal mortality rate in Iran has not decreased satisfactorily. Regionalization of perinatal care services is a potential solution to improve the access of those in need to the best quality care within economic and administrative constraints. This study aims to develop a framework for optimized and efficient distribution of perinatal care services at different levels of care provision. We utilized small area analysis in an iterative process to divide the country into service areas of Perinatal Care Regions [PCRs], to distribute three levels of perinatal services and hospital beds in PCRs, to minimize patients' traveling distances, and to fit the facilities to the needs while incurring minimum changes to the current administrative borders and available infra-structure. We divided the country into 33 PCRs. A total of 1256 level-III [Neonatal Intensive Care Unit] beds and 3768 level-II neonatal beds were required in the country and distributed to the districts. One level-Ill district was designated as the center for each PCR. Sixty one districts were identified as level-III and 104 as level-II. Level-I and Ib districts were allocated to the nearest next level districts. Our proposed model decreased the average distance of districts from the center from 125 to 109 km. The average distance and the distance weighted by population of the districts from the PCR center also reduced to 79 and 42 km, respectively. Our model reduced the distance between levels of care provision and balanced the care facilities with population needs at the district level Implementing this model requires resources. It may encounter some resistance in practice. Such resistance should be tackled with setting regulations, monitoring, training, advocacy, and appropriate incentives. A sustainable national regionalization model should be developed centrally, and customized to the specific needs and circumstances of each region

[Bacterial infection of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in Hamadan and Boroujerd slaughterhouses]

Hydatid cyst, the larval stage or metacestode of Echinococcosis, is an infection caused by cestode species of the genus Echinococcus and often localized in viscera of animals and humans. Hydatid cyst is typically filled with a clear fluid [hydatid fluid] that is sterile bacteriologically. Bacterial infection of hydatid fluid is sometimes present, but not always, and this leads to sterilizing the cyst and prevents producing protoscoleces. In this study the bacterial infection rate of animal's hydatid cyst in Hamadan and Boroujerd slaughterhouses were compared. Referring to Hamadan and Boroujerd slaughterhouses a total of 5709 livestock were inspected for the presence of hydatid cysts. In infected livestock, cyst number, size [diameter], type, and fertility or infertility on the basis of protoscolex presence, and bacterial infection status were determined and recorded. The hydatid fluid of all the collected cysts was cultured separately for isolation and identification of bacterium. Hydatid cysts were found in 6.5% of the animals in Hamadan and in 7% of the animals in Boroujerd. In Hamadan slaughterhouse, only 20% of cysts were fertile and the rest were infertile; however, in Boroujerd slaughterhouse, 32% of the cysts were fertile. The isolated bacteria in infected cysts in Hamadan were as below: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter, Staphylococci beta-hemolytic and non hemolytic, Pseudomonas and Edwardsiella. The most common bacteria in Hamadan were E. coli [23.94%] and Klebsiella [22.5%], and in Boroujerd E. coli [35.7%] and Klebsiella [42.8%]. In Boroujerd the rates were 93% and 7% respectively. This study indicated that the infection rate of hydatid cysts was not statistically significant in the two regions of Hamadan and Boroujerd. A high percentage of cysts in both regions were infected bacteriologically

Evaluating the effect of exercise on the postpartum quality of life

Mothers are potentially susceptible to some complications, postpartum which would affect their wellbeing. So, it is essential to deliver appropriate postpartum care, to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing. The current study was carried out to assess the effect of physical exercise on postpartum maternal physical, mental, social and general wellbeing. This is a semi-experimental, anterograde study which was fulfilled on experiment and control groups. The data was gathered by interviewing and a self-made questionnaire. The data was analyzed using independent t-test by SPSS software. Findings demonstrated that the experiment group scored higher in all aspects of life quality. Significant statistical difference was noted in general [P= 0.000], social [P= 0.011] and mental wellbeing [P= 0.005]; while, the difference between two groups in physical wellbeing was statistically significant. Various aspects of life quality would be affected by postpartum physical exercise. So, women should be encouraged to take exercise, postpartum to improve their quality of life

prevalence of obligatory anaerobic bacteria in oral cavity infections

Many infections of the oral cavity and adjacent structures involve anaerobic bacteria. Most infections involve multiple anaerobes and in many instances facultative organisms. Present study was conducted regarding to clinical aspects and complications of anaerobic bacterial infections in oral cavity. 72 Specimens were taken from oral cavity infections. Routine culture techniques and strict anaerobic techniques were used for isolation and identification of aerobic, facultative and obligatory anaerobic bacteria respectively. Cultures of all specimens were positive. Mono- bacterial and poly bacterial infections were repored in 1/3 and 2/3 of specimens, respectively. More than 65% of isolated organisms, were obligatory anaerobic belonging to the Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella, Fusobacterium Porphyromonas and Bacteriodes as well as facultative and aerobic species include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus interobacteriacea and Actinomes Israelii are also obtained. Many infections of the oral cavity and adjacent structures involve obligatory anaerobic bacteria. Regarding to results of present study, under the anaerobic atmospheric system, obligatory anaerobic bacteria were isolated and identified from clinical specimens of oral cavity infections, especially abscesses

Frequency of typhoidal and non-typhoidal salmonella species and detection of their drugs resistance patterns

To determine the prevalence of typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella species in Hamadan City, west of Iarn and detection of antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolates. In a cross-sectional descriptive study, 296 Salmonella species including 192 strains of typhoidal Salmonella and 104 strains of non- typhoidal Salmonella were examined for serotyping and determining of antibiotic susceptibility. The strains were collected from patients referred to cilinical centers in Hamadan during 2001 to 2004. They were serotyped and then tested for their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, using Stokes disc diffusion method for 8 antibiotics. Among 296 samples, 64.8% were typhoidal and 35.2% were non-typhoidal Salmonella species. Typhoidal Salmonella species were as follows: S. typhi 45.6%, S. paratyphi B 8.1%, S. paratyphi C 7.1% and S. paratyphi a 4.7%. Non-typhoidal Salmonella species were as follows: S.typhimurium 21.2%, S.enteritidis 4.4%, S. species 2.1%, S. cholerasuis 1.7%, S. arizona 1.3%, S. agona 1.1%, S. thompson 0.7%, S.muenchen, S.lexington and S. hirschfeldii 0.35%. A proportion of strains [>60%] were resistance to cefotaxime and ampicillin. Resistance to ciprofloxacin and amikacin was very low [<15%]. S.typhimurim [100%], S. typhi [95.7%] S. paratyphi B [89.2%] and S. enteitidis [60%] showed multi-drug resistance. S. typhi and S. typhimurium were the most predominant serotypes in this area. Most of the Salmonella species isolated from patients were resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics and co-trimoxazole, whereas, most of them were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and amikacin. As the prevalence of multidrug-resistant serovar Typhi increases, newer, more expensive, and less readily available antimicrobial agents will be required for the treatment of typhoid

[Comparison of the effectiveness of three mouthwashes on oral microflora: an in vitro study]

The use of mouthwashes for plaque control and preventing its accumulation on teeth and adjacent mucous membranes is of considerable importance. The aim of this investigation was to compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine and two Irsha mouthwashes, on aerobic microorganisms in oral flora. In this in vitro study, the diffuse-agar method was used to effects of antiplaque antitartar Irsha mouthwash, antiseptic Irsha mouthwash and 0.2% chlorhexidine on oral aerobic microorganisms. The microorganisms were dispersed and plated on blood agar or Muller Hintone medium. Six-millimeter paper disks immersed in each of the study solutions were inserted into the plates after the incubation period. This procedure was repeated 4 times for each of the microorganisms and the inhibition zones were measured for each microorganism and mouthwash, separately. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey HSD [post hoc] tests. Antiplaque Irsha was useful in controlling some of the analyzed microorganisms including lactobacilli, Neisseria sicca, C. diphtheroid, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus viridans and Streptococcus mutans, in decreasing order. Antiseptic Irsha did not affect the aerobic bacteria. Chlorhexidine was effective on all complex infections consisting of the studied aerobic microorganisms, especially lactobacilli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. It also successfully controlled Staphylococcus aureus followed by Brevudimonas, Neisseria sicca, Streptococcus salivarius. Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus viridans, in that order. According to these results, 0.2% Chlorhexidine demonstrated a superior antimicrobial effect in most cases as compared to the studied mouthwashes

Epidemiologic pattern of vaginal colonization by group B streptococcus in pregnant women in Hamadan, central west of Iran

Group B Streptococcus [GBS] is a leading cause of serious neonatal infections. Although great progress has been made in preventing prenatal GBS, its colonization rate in different regions of Iran remains unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the colonization rate of GBS in pregnant women in Hamadan city, Central west of Iran. A group of 544 pregnant women were randomly selected after 20 weeks gestation. Vaginal specimens were examined by Gram staining and culture methods and GBS was identified using bacteriologic criteria. Of these cases, 145 [26.7%] were colonized by GBS. A significant relationship was found between the career of subjects and the related colonization rate. Parity, gestational age, and the number of children were unrelated to GBS colonization. The results are indicating that the relatively high colonization rate of GBS in pregnant women living in Central west of Iran, warrants a routine screening and prophylactic treatment of the infected women

[Evaluation of efficacy of the current disinfectants on staphylococcus epidermidis and pseudomonas aeroginosa isolated from hospitals of Hamadan in 2006]

Choosing the effective disinfectants and using the standard methods of sterilization in hospitals, can be useful in decreasing nosocomial infections. The aims of this study were the evaluation of efficacy of disinfectants being used in surgical rooms, ICU, CCU, burn wards and delivery rooms of Hamedan hospitals and also determination of bacterial contamination. In this study 400 samples were collected from different parts of operation rooms, ICU, CCU and delivery rooms of four hospitals [Mobasher Kashani, Imam Khomainy, Ekbatan and Fatemieh] in 2006. The samples were cultured on blood agar, then the microbial agents were identified by differential and biochemical tests. Disinfectants that were used were as follow: Cidex [Glutaraldeyde], Sodium hypochlorite, Kereoeline 2.5%, Hygiene 1%, Betadine, Alcohol 70%, Savlone 3.2%, Chlorohexidine 1%. The efficacy of disinfectants was evaluated on 60 Staphylococcus epidermidis and 60 Pseudomonas aeroginosa through disk diffusion method. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and analysed using T-test and SPSS software. Contamination tests in the four hospital were positive in 44.5% of cultures [178 cultures]. The highest frequency of contamination was in Mobasher hospital with 38.2% and the less frequency was in Fatemieh hospital with 13.5%. From 400 samples, 52.2% of isolates were gram-positive bacteria and 47.7% were gram-negative bacteria. The most important bacteria isolated were as follow: E.coli, Staphylococcus epidemidis, Micrococci, Bacillus subtili and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. The most effective disinfectants on 60 Staphylococcus epidemidis were as follow: Cidex, Sodium Hypochlorite and Kereoeline and the least effective disinfectants and antiseptics was Alcohol 70%. The most effective disinfectants on 60 Pseudomonas aeroginosa were as follow: Cidex and Kereoeline and the least effective disinfectants and antiseptics were Alcohol 70% and Savlone. Results showed that kereoline and cidex were among the most effective disinfectants, and there is not a significant difference between their effects on staphylococcus epidermidis [P=0.469] and on pseudomonas aeroginosa [P=0.053]. The efficacy of other disinfectants on two mentioned bacteria were different and significant differences were found

Determining the frequency of the bacterial agents in urinary tract infection in hospitalized patients under 18 years old in Ekbatan Hospital

Urinary tract infection [UTI] is the most common urogenital disease and the second common infectious disease in childhood. Appropriate, adequate and on time treatment result in cure and prevention of renal scar. The aim of this study is determining the frequency of the bacterial agents in urinary tract infection in patients [age < 18 y] and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. This study was a retrospective cross sectional [Discriptive - Analytic] study that included all of the recorded urine culture and antibiograms in Ekbatan Medical center in 2004 - 2005. 156 patients including girls [74.7%] and boys [25.6%] with positive urine culture and antibiograms were studied. The most common age group in boys was 1-24m and 6-18y [40%],and in girls 1-24m [34.5%]. The most sensitive antibiotics were Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Nalidixic Acid, Ceftizoxime, Co-Trimoxazole, Ceftriaxone and Tobramycin, respectively. The most resistant antibiotics were Ampicillin and Tetracycline. This study suggests that useful antibiotics in different situation such as : Nitrofurantoin, Ciprofloxacin, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Nalidixic Acid, Ceftizoxime, Co-Trimoxazole, Ceftriaxone and Tobramycin

[Intestinal parasite infections in cattle breeders in rural regions of Babol town during 2003]

Parasitic infections, particularly of intestinal protozoan are very important for hygienic and medical points of views specially in the north of Iran in different ages and professional groups. The aim of this study was to determine intestinal parasitic infection in cattle breeders from rural areas of Babol town. In this descriptive study, stool samples were collected from 181 persons who were in contact with cattle [sheep and cows], lasted for one years. Samples were taken from each person under study and examined. Data were collected and analyzed by Chi-square and T-test statistically. this study indicated that the highest rate of infection was observed in persons aged 41-60 years and 62.4% of the cases were man. Rate of contamination to 13 species parasites in total samples were 57 [31.5%]. Highest rates of infection in infected persons were B. hominis and E. coli and G. lamblia. Rate of infection in both sexes to intestinal parasites especially intestinal protozoans in infected persons was different. Highest rate of infection to intestinal parasites was observed in illiterate persons. Infection with different types of pathogenic and non-pathogenic protozoan, particularly to blastocystosis and giardiasis indicating the significance of these infections for the health of the cattle breeders in rural regions of North of Iran. At present attention must be paid to protozoan as infection agent, which is having significant role in intestinal disorder

[Determining the frequency of the bacterial agents in urinary tract infection in hospitalized patients under 18 years old in Ekbatan Hospital]

Background: Urinary tract infections [UTI] is the most common urogenital disease and the second common infectious disease in childhood. Appropriate, adequate and on time treatment result in cure and prevention of renal scar. The aim of this study is determining the frequency of the bacterial agents in urinary tract infection in patients [age < 18 y] and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern

Materials and methods: This study was a retrospective cross sectional [Descriptive -Analytic] study that included all of the recorded urine culture and antibiograms in Ekbatan Medical center in 2004 - 2005

Results: 1 56 patients including girls [74.7%] and boys [25.6%] with positive urine culture and antibiograms were studied. The most common age group in boys was 1-24m and 6-18y [40%], and in girls 1-24m [34.5%]. The most sensitive antibiotics were Nitrofurantion, Ciprofloxacin, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Nalidixic Acid, Ceftizoxime, Co-Trimoxazole, Ceftriaxone and Tobramycin, respectively. The most resistant antibiotics were Ampicilline and Tetracycline

Conclusions: This study suggests that useful antibiotics in different situation such as: Nitrofurantion, Ciprofloxacin, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Nalidixic Acid, Ceftizoxime, Co-Trimoxazole, Ceftriaxone and Tobramycin