The effect of the extracts of Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra [black elderberry] on virus shedding in H9N2 avian influenza infected chickens

Previous studies have shown antiviral effect of Echinaceaandelderberry preparations against human influenza viruses in vitro. To investigate the in vivo antiviral effect of these herbs on avian H9N2 influenza virus, amantadine and two st and ardized commercial extracts of Echinacea purpurea [EF] and Sambucus nigra [SAM] were used in broiler chickens infected with H9N2 strain of the virus. EF, SAM and amantadine were added to drinking water of chickens in different groups for 7 days starting 8 h after intranasal inoculation of the challenged virus and in prophylaxis group of EF for 10 days starting 5 days before the challenge time. During post infection [PI] days, titer of the virus in tracheal mucosaandfaeces were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. The untreated challenged group showed the highest faecal and tracheal titer of the virus on day 3 PI. The virus was not detected in negative control group during the course of the experiment. Prophylaxis administration of EF considerably reduced the faecal titer of the virus in all days PI. Although overall titer of the virus in the tracheal samples was low, treatment with amantadine and SAM apparently reduced quantity of tracheal positive samples in comparison to untreated and EF-treated groups. This study indicates that using Echinaceaandelderberry extracts in chicken can reduce H9N2 virus shedding from tracheaandfaeces. Key words: Echinacea purpurea, Sambucus nigra, H9N2 avian influenza virus, Chicken, quantitative real-time PCR

[Investigating health team view points about cost-effective alternatives in elderly caring]

Global growth in the elderly population for both health care providers and families and also the community is an important challenge. Elders are the largest and fast factor for increasing hospital admissions in Society. Increasing costs of aging is the most concern to elders and their families. This study aimed to investigate the health teams approach about cost-effective alternatives for aging health services. This study is a qualitative research which was done through content analysis. 18 people consisting of five faculty members, 6doctors, 3 nurses and 4health public health expert were participated. Samples were selected based on purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews. Four core themes derived from this study which included: 1- Emphasis on training for aging care [including training doctors, nurses, health professionals, public health experts, elder sand their family caregivers]. 2- Emphasis on proper implementation of primary health care for the elderly. 3- Emphasis on home care for elderly.4-attntion to mental health of elderly. It seems effectiveness of tree alternatives; emphasis to training, home care and mental health for elderly are obvious and evident, so implementing and applying these suggestions would be helpful. But the second alternative; emphasis on proper implementation of primary health care for the elderly must be performed based on a comprehensive needs assessment in elders population. Finally it is stressed that calculating and comparing actual costs of each alternative in elders caring must be measured through quantitative researches

Seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in asymptomatic dogs in Iran

Clinically infected dogs have been identified as the main reservoir hosts of visceral leishmaniasis [VL] caused by Leishmania infantum. Recently asymptomatic infected dogs were regarded to be as important as clinically ill dogs. This study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of L. infantum infection among asymptomatic dogs in the southwest and central parts of Iran and to investigate possible risk factors associated with this infection. 548 serum samples were collected from dogs in three Iranian provinces and subjected to direct agglutination test [DAT] in dilutions of 1:80 to 1:20480. Fifty three [9.67%] of the dogs had detectable anti-L. infantum antibodies at dilutions of >/= 1:80. Living status of the dogs [household or free roaming] was a potential risk factor for the infection; seroprevalence was significantly higher in free roaming dogs [P<0.001]. Dogs of more than 2-year-old had a significantly higher infection rate in comparison with younger dogs [P<0.001]. No significant statistical differences were seen between seroprevalences of the male and female dogs. The results of this study show relatively high sero-prevalence of L. infantum infection in evaluated regions and higher seroprevalence in old and free roaming dogs, which shows the importance of environmental contamination and access of the dogs to the other reservoir hosts

Thyroid autoimmunity in patients with breast cancer

There is a lack of national/regional data on the relationship between breast cancer and thyroid diseases and the limited data available are controversial. This study was designed and conducted to investigate thyroid autoimmunity in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. In a case-control study, 40 women with confirmed diagnoses of breast cancer and 40 age-matched healthy counterparts were recruited during a 12-month period from outpatient clinics of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The case group were enrolled for the study before receiving treatment. Thyroid and physical examination was carried out in all participants and serum levels of TSH, FT4, ATPO and ATG were determined. The results were compared between two groups, and different histopathological subgroups of breast cancer. The mean age was 49.4817.75 and 46.80 +/- 7.00 years in the case and control groups respectively. Thyroid and physical examination were normal in all participants. TSH, ATPO and ATG serum levels were comparable between the two groups; however, the median level of serum FT4 was significantly higher in the case group [1.20 microg/dl vs. 1.03 microg/dl; p<0.001]. Increased levels of serum TSH and FT4 were found in 7.5% of the cases, while there were decreased levels in 2.5% of the cases, with no significant differences between the two groups. Thyroid tests were comparable between the different histopathological subtypes of breast cancer. No relationship was found between thyroid autoimmunity and breast cancer, a finding in concordance with some reports and in contrast with others. It seems that further studies with larger sample sizes are needed for conclusive findings

[ effect of platelet-rich plasma [PRP] and bio-oss on bone regeneration in furcation class II defects: a histologic and histomorphometric study in dogs]

Statement of Problem: Periodontal regeneration in the furcation defect is considered as one of the most challenging aspects of periodontal therapy. Among different approaches, GTR has shown promising biologic and clinical results. There is evidence indicating that the use of platelet-rich plasma [PRP] may improve the outcome of regenerative periodontal therapy

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of the combination of PRP and Bio-oss on bone regeneration in class II furcation defects in dogs

Materials and Method: 48 experimental defects with 5 mm horizontal and 5 mm vertical open probing depth were created in furcation areas of each premolar of dogs. The defects were randomly divided into 3 groups: test group in which the defects were grafted with bio-oss and PRP; control group in which the defects were grafted with bio-oss alone; and negative control group in which no graft was used. An absorbable collagen membrane was placed over each defect site and the flaps were sutured. The animals were sacrificed 3 months later and biopsy samples were taken from the defect sites for histologic and histomorphometric assessment. In each section, the area fractions [%] within the bone specimens occupied by newly formed bone, soft tissue, and residual grafting particles were determined. The data were analyzed statistically using Student's t test through SPSS software [version 13.0]

Results: The bone fill was 61% in the test group, 58 % in the control group, and 39 % in the negative control group. Although no significant difference was observed between the test and control groups, the differences between the test and control groups with negative control group were significant [p <0.05]. In the control group, the lamellar bone formation was higher and the chronic inflammatory infiltration was lower

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the use of bio-oss and PRP in the treatment of class II furcation involvement has no additional benefit over bio-oss alone. However, it seems that PRP can improve the quality of the new bone while decreasing the amount of tissue inflamation

[Cryopexy or laser therapy versus observation for management of accidental scleral perforation during strabismus surgery; an experimental study]

To evaluate the complications of scleral perforation during strabismus surgery and the role of cryopexy, laser therapy, and conservative management in an animal model. In this experimental study, 42 pigmented-eye rabbits were included. An S-24 needle attached to a 6-0 polyglactin suture was passed through the sclera and into the vitreous cavity in both eyes of the animals. One eye of the rabbits received either laser therapy [n=20] or cryopexy [n=22] and the fellow eyes were left untreated [n=42]. The incidence of complications was compared between the three groups. Cataracts developed in 7 [8.3%] eyes. Corneal opacity and transient localized sub-retinal fluid around the break were observed in one [1.2%] eye each. Other complications such as endophthalmitis and retinal detachment were not seen. There was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of complications. Vision-threatening complications following scleral perforation during strabismus surgery are uncommon and long-term follow-up is sufficient for management of this complication

Performance self assessment by the excellence model in different hospitals of Isfahan university of medical sciences and healthcare services; 2006

In the turbulent healthcare marketplace, performance is often of the highest importance; as a result, performance evaluations are critical to the long-term success of the organization. Among different performance appraisal systems, one current method is appraisal by The Excellence Model [EFQM]. The underlying philosophy of the EFQM Model is that of continuous quality improvement based on an integrated framework that attempts to describe the relationships between processes, people and results, all of which are relevant to the provision and delivery of healthcare. This study aimed to assess the Performance in different hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare Services by using The Excellence Model. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2007. The research population included managers in hospitals belong to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Healthcare Services. Data were collected by a questionnaire that had been used in past studies. This questionnaire of 50 items was completed by managers. The mean scores for self-assessment in different fields were as follows: The mean score in leadership performance: 56/100; policy and strategy: 40/80; workforce 51/90; partnerships and resources: 50/90; processes: 71/140; customer results: 103/200; workforce results: 42/90; society results: 28/60; function key results: 74/150. Total mean scores of performance self-assessment was 516/1000. Culture of self-assessment is important to evaluate performance accurately. Findings of this study underscore the need for improvement in the areas pertaining to workforce and customer satisfaction

Drug resistance in isolated bacteria from milk of sheep and goats with subclinical mastitis in shahrekord district

Four-hundred milk samples from half udders of 20 flocks of native breed goats were aseptically collected. The samples were examined by California mastitis test [CMT]. Twenty-one [5.25%] of 400 were CMT-positive. The CMT-positive samples were then cultured and the following bacteria were isolated: Staphylococcus aureus in 3 [14.28%], CNS [coagulase-negative staphylococci] in 14 [66.66%], streptococci in 4 [19.04%] and Mycoplasma spp. in 11 [52.38%] samples. The isolated staphylococci were examined to evaluate their resistance to different antibiotics by disc diffusion method. CNS resistance to amikacin was 78.5%, to penicillin was 50%, to tetracycline 50%, to ampicillin 42.8%, and to doxycycline was 28.5%. Four-hundred native breed sheep milk samples were taken from 19 flocks in the same conditions. The samples were examined by CMT test. 19 [4.75%] of 400 were CMT-positive. The CMT-positive samples were cultured and the following bacteria were isolated: S, aureus in 2 [10.5%], CNS in 7 [36.8%], streptococci in 2 [10.5%], Pasteurella in 1 [5.26%] and Mycoplasma in 9 [47.37%] samples. The isolated staphylococci were examined for antibiotic susceptibility. CNS resistance to amikacin was 42.8%, and to tetracycline, ampicillin, oxycycline and penicillin was 14.3%. Both isolates of S. aureus were resistance to penicillin

[Abdominal mass in a 14-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis]

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited multi-system disease, characterized by respiratory and digestive system disorders. We describe a 14-year-old cystic fibrosis patient with chronic abdominal pain and a right lower quadrant mass. Diagnostic laparotomy was performed and pathological results revealed the etiology of mass as phelgman. In patients with cystic fibrosis, a lower quadrant mass may be difficult diagnostic problem Most frequently, it is due to a distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, but the possibility of intussusceptions and appendiceal abscess should also be considered. It seems that finding the cause of an abdominal mass in cystic fibrosis patients needs a closer attention

[Diagnostic value of urinary N-Acetyl Glucose Aminidase in pyelonephritic patients]

Urinary tract infection [UTI] is one of the most common bacterial infections among children and its prevalence is between 5-7% in females and 1-1.6% in males.Urosepsis, febrile seizure, renal insufficiency and hypertension are common complications of acute pyelonephritis in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of urinary NAG in pyelonephritic patients. This is a Quasi Experimental study conducted between April 2005 and May 2006 on 72 children admitted in Mofid Hospital due to pyelonephritis. The first sample [fresh random urine] was obtained and its levels NAG and Creatinin were measured. The second one was obtained on 48th hour of after-treatment period. We examined pyelonephritic children [75% female] with mean age of 43 +/- 39 months. Post-treatment urinary NAG lavel was significantly higher than pre-treatment. Urinary NAG revealed to have a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 72% in diagnosis of pyelonephritis. There was no significant correlation between urinary NAG level and CBC, ESR, CRP, Urinary WBC, Ultrasonography, DMSA scan and VCUG. We concluded that Urinary NAG is a sensitive and specific test in diagnosis of pyelonephritis

[ effect of Ramadan fasting on psychological health and depression in Sirjan Azad university students [2004]]

Fasting improves both spiritual and physical aspects of individual's performance. In other words, fasting has many advantages in improving human health and elimination of abnormal behavior. In general, the advantages of fasting include psychological, physical and spiritual benefits. In this study, the effect of Ramadan fasting on psychological health and depression among university students has been evaluated. Three hundred and sixty one students were randomly selected and their demographic information was collected. Psychological health and depression scores were examined by Ferrell 12-item scale and standard Beck depression test, respectively. The data were collected in two different occasions 10 days before and 10 days after Ramadan. Mean scores of psychological health and depression of students in these two occasions were compared. The mean score of psychological health of participants before Ramadan was 33.94 +/- 8.55 [Mean +/- SE] that increased to 34.5 +/- 8.2 after Ramadan. Mean score of depression before Ramadan was 14.45 +/- 10.33 that decreased to 11.88 +/- 10.38 after Ramadan. These differences were statistically significant. Our findings confirmed that Ramadan fasting could be an important factor for improving mental health and elimination of depression in university students

[Comparing the effects of three heparinization methods of hemodialysis set on the amount of clot formation during hemodialysis]

Nowadays, the most important aspect of hemodialysis is the technical method of anticoagulation of extracorporeal circuit. This quasi-experimental study was performed to compare three methods of heparinization in the extracorporeal circulation.Twenty-seven hemodialysis patients referring to Rafsanjan Hemodialysis Center with the weight range of 50-90 kg and normal Clotting Time and Partial Thromboplastine Time were selected and underwent three methods of anticoagulation rotatively. In the first method, only a single bolus injection of heparin [5000 IU] at the beginning of hemodialysis was applied. In the second method a primary bolus of heparin [2000 IU] followed by heparin infusion [1000 IU/hour] from the beginning of second hour to the end of third hour was used. In the third method, a single bolus injection at the beginning of hemodialysis and another injection [2500 IU] at the end of the second hour were applied. The amount of clot formation was evaluated at the end of the hemodialysis session by visual inspection. The amount of clot formation in the first method [%92.6] was significantly more than those in the second and third methods [P<0.05]. Although the first method is currently being used in some hemodialysis centers, it is not safe and accurate in comparison to the other two methods

[Comparing the effects of three Heparinization methods of hemodialysis set on the amount of clot formation during hemodialysis]

Nowadays, the most important aspect of hemodialysis is the technical method of anticoagulation of extracorporeal circuit. This quasi-experimental study was performed to compare three methods of heparinization in the extracorporeal circulation. Twenty-seven hemodialysis patients referring to Rafsanjan Hemodialysis Center with the weight range of 50-90 kg and normal Clotting Time and Partial Thromboplastine Time were selected and underwent three methods of anticoagulation rotatively. In the first method, only a single bolus injection of heparin [5000 IU] at the beginning of hemodialysis was applied. In the second method a primary bolus of heparin [2000 IU] followed by heparin infusion [1000 IU/hour] from the beginning of second hour to the end of third hour was used. In the third method, a single bolus injection at the beginning of hemodialysis and another injection [2500 IU] at the end of the second hour were applied. The amount of clot formation was evaluated at the end of the hemodialysis session by visual inspection. The amount of clot formation in the first method [%92.6] was significantly more than those in the second and third methods [P<0.05]. Although the first method is currently being used in some hemodialysis centers, it is not safe and accurate in comparison to the other two methods

Psychosexual and depression disorders in infertile female referring to Mashhad Infertility Treatment Center

Infertility is a common problem which about 15-20% of couples in their fertility life suffer form it. Though the role of psychological problems as etiologic factors for infertility is in doubt but psychogenic variables and life-style absolutely play important role in infertility, on the other hand infertility itself can cause different psychological reactions like depression in individual. Therefore researchers decided to evaluate the prevalence of psychosexual disorders and the rate of depression in fertile couples and determine its correlation with infertility. Research was across sectional study and was done during one month. 30 infertile women were selected randomized among infertile couples who were admitted in Mashhad Infertility Treatment Center [Montaserieh Hospital]. These persons filled Global Sexual Functioning scale [GSF] and Hamiltion's rating scale for depression and answered a questionnaire which included information such as: age, education, job, duration of marriage and infertility treatment. According to Hamilton scale, 7 persons [%23/3] had mild depression, 16 persons [%53/3] had moderate depression, 6 persons [%20] were deeply depressed and only one person had normal mood. On the other hand sexual dysfunction were more common in couples with higher age difference. There was no correlation between age mean difference of the couples and sever and moderat depression [t=1.7, r=-0.306], but it was correlated with duration of infertility treatment [t=-2.59, r=-0.44, P<0.05], this shows the importance of more psychological attention at early stages of infertility diagnosis. There is no correlation between depression and sexual dysfunction [r=0.028] which shows sexual dysfunction in infertile couples are independent from depression