[Cytotoxicity evaluation of taverniera spartea on human cancer cell lines]

For centuries, plants have been a major source for drug discovery. Some examples of anticancer agents developed from plants are the vinblastine, vincristine, taxol and camptothecin. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women and prostate cancer remains a considerable health problem for men around the world. The purpose of this study was cytotoxicity evaluation of Taverniera spartea on human cancer cell lines. Methods: In the present study, we determined the cytotoxic effects of total methanol extracts and their fractions of Taverniera spartea on MCF-7 and BT-474 human breast cancer cells and also PC-3 and Du-145 prostate cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The chloroform fraction of Taverniera spartea showed the highest toxicity MTT assay. The IC50 value of this fraction was 70.69 mg/ml for MCF-7 breast cancer cell line after 48 h of exposure. Chloroform fraction showed necrotic effects on MCF-7, BT-474 and PC-3 in contrast apopthotic induction on Du-145 in flow cytometry analysis Taverniera spartea has cytotoxic effects. Further investigation is needed to determine chemical characterization of the active principles and the molecular mechanisms mediated anticancer activities of Taverniera spartea

[Effect of mustard gas exposure on lid margin flora in chronic blepharitis: a case control study]

To evaluate the microbiological characteristics of lid margin flora in chronic blepharitis in individuals exposed to mustard gas in comparison to nonexposed patients. In this case-control study, among 289 patients with documented ocular manifestations of mustard gas, 150 patients with clinical sings of blepharitis served as the case group. Microbiologic evaluation was conducted in these patients and compared to that of 100 unexposed patients with chronic blepharitis. In 150 patients with mustard gas exposure and chronic blepharitis, staphylococcus epidermidis [78%] and staphylococcus aureus [57%] were significantly higher than control group [P< 0.01]. Moreover, staphylococcus aureus had more resistance to common antibiotics in the case group. Fungi were isolated more frequently in cases compared with controls [30% vs. 4%, P<0.01]. Cladosporium and Candida were the most common species. Microbiological evaluation in patients with chronic blepharitis associated with mustard gas is significantly different from other patients. Staphylococcus spp, including strains resistant to Methicillin, and fungi were more frequently isolated in exposed patients. The relationship between microbial culture and the severity of ocular manifestations in mustard gas exposed cases warrants further investigation

[ outbreak of nocardia keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy]

To report 3 cases of nocardia keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]. Report of Outbreak: Four eyes of 3 patients [2 female and one male] who had undergone PRK by a single surgeon at a single center developed nocardia keartitis 3 to 6 weeks postoperatively. Mean age was 25 [range 23-28] years and mean onset of corneal manifestations was 29 [range 21-40] days after PRK. Corneal smear and culture and confocal scan were performed in all eyes. Two eyes from the first two patients required lamellar keratectomy to debulk the involved stroma and to obtain specimens for microbiologic and histopathologic evaluation. Light microscopic examination disclosed gram-positive and acid-fast filaments of nocardia which were confirmed by the microbiologic results. Diagnosis of nocardia keratitis in the third case was not as challenging as the first two cases because of a high index of suspicion. Confocal scan in all cases disclosed hyperreflective and slender fibril-like structures in the corneal stroma. All eyes responded favourably to topical amikacin and the infection resolved without recurrence. Nocardia is a rare cause of keratitis following PRK. Clinical suspicion along with microbiologic, histopathologic and confocal scanning help to establish the correct diagnosis. The most probable cause of the outbreak was inadequate attention to sterility during surgery

[Indications for corneal transplantation at labbafinejad medical center, 2004-2007]

To determine the indications for and surgical techniques of corneal transplantation at Labbafinejad Medical Center [LMC] from 2004 to 2007. In this descriptive study, records of 756 patients who had undergone corneal transplantation from October 2004 to October 2007 were reviewed. Overall, 504 male [64.9%] and 272 female [35.1%] subjects with mean age of 41.29 +/- 21.25 [range: 10 days to 89 years] were operated. Keratoconous [40.8%] was the leading indication for keratoplasty, followed by bullous keratopathy [11.7%], non herpetic corneal scar and opacity [8%], regrafts [7.8%], corneal ulcers [bacterial, fungal, acanthamoeba] [7.8%], herpetic corneal ulcer and scar [4.9%], corneal dystrophies [3.6%] and trachoma keratopathy [3.4%]. The most common type of corneal transplantation was penetrating keratoplasty [PKP] [67.6%], other types included: deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty [DALK] [13.9%], tectonic PK [10.3%], lamellar keratoplasty [LK] and automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty [ALTK] [6.7%], descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty [DSAEK] [0.9%] and keratolimbal allograft [KLAL] [0.5%]. Keratoconus remains the leading indication for corneal transplantation PK at LMC accounting for 40.9% of all grafts. But in comparison with previous studies, bullous keratopathy has increased. In our study the rate of lamellar keratoplasty, especially DALK, has also increased significantly. DSAEK which was begun in 2007 at LMC is rapidly becoming the preferred treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction at this center

Short term reactogenicity of a triple diphtheria-tetanus-whole cell pertussis vaccine in Iranian infants

Immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis [DTP] has long been applied in Iran using whole cell vaccine. Despite the role of whole cell DTP [DTwP] vaccine in reduction of mortality as a result of disastrous diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, serious local and systemic complications have been attributed to these vaccines. This study was performed to determine the complications of DTwP vaccine in infants attending some of the health centers of Tehran in 2006-2007. In this prospective study, 330 infants were injected with DTwP vaccine manufactured by Razi Institute of Iran. All subjects received DTwP vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months of age following the national vaccination schedule of Iran. Reactogenicity was assessed by the parents for 7 days post-vaccination using diary cards. Of the 279 infants who completed the vaccination study, pain was the most frequent local reaction after the primary vaccination [68.1-75.3%]. The mean diameters of the redness and swelling at first day post-vaccination were 2.81 +/- 6.91 and 2.60 +/- 7.93 mm in the first dose, 2.40 +/- 6.25 and 1.94 +/- 5.74 mm in the second dose and 2.24 +/- 5.66 and 2.16 +/- 6.03 in the third dose, respectively. Fever [axillary temperature > 37.5°C] was the most frequently reported systemic reaction during the primary vaccination [53.8-58.8%]. All systemic reactions observed after each dose were either reduced or completely disappeared during a week. The high incident of complications observed following vaccination with this cellular triple vaccine may be related to the formulation or the bacterial cell fragments used in vaccine production

[Bilateral terrien's marginal degeneration, total peripheral corneal ectasia and posterior polymorphous dystrophy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis]

To report bilateral Terrien's marginal degeneration, circumferential peripheral corneal ectasia and posterior polymorphous dystrophy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. A 24-year-old male patient, who was known case of rheumatoid arthritis from 8 years before, presented with decreased vision since four years ago. Comprehensive ophthalmic eye examination revealed bilateral circumferential peripheral corneal thinning and bulging with vascularization and lipid deposition in addition to band-like lesions in Descemet's membrane. Previous records revealed no gross abnormalities up to four years ago. Corneal lesions were consistent with bilateral circumferential Terrien's marginal degeneration concomitant with posterior polymorphous dystrophy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant bilateral Terrien's marginal degeneration with total peripheral corneal ectasia and posterior polymorphous dystrophy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Circumferential involvement, younger age at presentation and bilateral total peripheral corneal ectasia in this case are not typical for classic Terrien's marginal degeneration. The underlying rheumatoid arthritis may have aggravated the condition leading to this atypical and severe presentation of Terrien's marginal degeneration

[Scleral fixation of an aniridic IOL and penetrating keratoplasty: clinical outcomes in three cases]

To report the outcomes of combined aniridic intraocular lens [IOL] implantation via scleral fixation and penetrating keratoplasty [PKP] in three patients. This study included 3 patients who required PKP and had aniridia and/or aphakia requiring IOL implantation. All subjects underwent aniridic IOL scleral fixation after vitrectomy and removal of capsular remnants followed by PKP thereafter. We used a single-piece black-diaphragm aniridic IOLs [Morcher, Stuttgart, Germany] in all cases. Mean postoperative follow-up was 24 [range 18-30] months. No complications occurred during surgery. Visual acuity improved in all patients and all reported a subjective reduction in glare sensation. Two cases developed elevated intraocular pressure [IOP] after surgery. In one eye, IOP was controlled with timolol but the other required Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation. No patient developed chronic uveitis, cystoid macular edema or retinal detachment and all the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. Combined scleral fixation of an aniridic IOL and penetrating keratoplasty improves visual disability and aesthetic appearance. It seems to be an acceptable procedure in patients suffering from corneal opacity and cataracts or aphakia but insufficient iris and zonulae

[Long-term complications of enucleated or severely traumatized eyes in war veterans]

To evaluate anophthalmic socket complications and the incidence of sympathetic ophthalmia among individuals who had undergone primary enucleation or severe ocular trauma during the war between Iran and Iraq. All monocular veterans of the mentioned war in Khorasan province, Iran were recalled during a 7-month period. Preliminary data including age at the time of injury, occupation, previous operations and ocular symptoms were evaluated and all participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination particularly regarding the anophthalmic socket, orbital implant and prosthesis condition. Overall, 135 male individuals participated in this study. Mean age was 42 +/- 7 years and 86% were 30-50 years. Patients had undergone complete enucleation in 39 [28.9%], partial enucleation in 21 [15.6%] and evisceration in 6 [4.4%] cases. In 34 cases [25.2%] pthisis bulbi had occurred after trauma and the type of surgery was not identifiable in the remaining 35 cases [25.9%]. The most common symptom in injured eyes was mucoid or mucopurulent discharge [71%]. Common complications in 101 subjects with previous operations were superior sulcus deformity [72.3%] and socket contracture [44.5%]. Socket motility was satisfactory only in 18%. All signs of the anophthalmic syndrome are more severe and more prevalent among enucleated cases secondary to war injuries. Due to the rarity of sympathetic ophthalmia, we suggest enucleation and orbital implantation in an elective setting

[Nerve agents and their cardiovascular effects]

Background: nerve agents are among the chemicals used for military purposes. These agents belong to a group of Phosphoric acid organic esters that are extremely toxic and may cause severe damages or morbidity in human beings, animals and plants. This family includes G [Tabun, Sarin. Soman] and V [VE, VM, VX] agents

Materials and methods: in this review article, we reviewed resources available online and paper based libraries. Key words used in the search included: Cardiovascular effect, Management, Morbidity, Mortality, Nerve agent, Treatment. Total of 30 articIes were reviewed and data was extracted from 14 ones

Results: nerve agents have CNS and cardiovascular effects. Cardiovascular effects and manifestations of these agents are mainly related to muscarinic and nicotinic receptor action. Arrhythmias associated with these agents range from bradycardia to atrioventricular block and AV dissociation. The effect of the above mentioned agents on heart rate is in the form of bradycardia which is not clinically documented

Conclusion: treatment includes pre and post exposure measures. Resuscitation, source decontamination, ventilation, suction, atropine injection and use of oxygen and anticonvulsants are principles of treatment

Surveying the frequency of chest trauma [blunt and penetrating] in Air Force Hospital, 2002-2004

Trauma is the most common cause of death, admission and disability in all age groups ranging between 1-40 years. The present study was conducted to survey the frequency of chest trauma [blunt and penetrating] in Air Force Hospital in a two-year period, 2002-2004. A retrospective study was conducted at Surgery and Emergency departments of Air Force hospital on all consecutive [blunt and penetrating] chest trauma patients treated between March 2002 and March 2004. Totally, 814 cases referred with chief complain of chest trauma. Blunt chest trauma was reported in 78.1% of cases [636 patients] and penetrating chest trauma in the remaining 21.9% [178 patients]. Totally, 84.7% were males and 76.4% aged 14-40 years. The most common site of injury was chest wall [90.3%] and soft tissue injury was the most prevalent form of trauma [31.6%]. Extremities were the most common site of co-injury [13.3%]. Car accident was by far the most frequent cause of trauma [57.9%]. The mortality rate was 3.8% [31 patients] .Car accident was the most common cause of chest trauma. Meanwhile, soft tissue injury was the most frequent type of injury

Foot drop in under training soldiers: report of 42 cases referred to Be'sat hospital between 2003-2000

Foot drop is a state that patient is unable to do dorsiflexion or extension of foot fingers. External pressure is the most important cause of this neuropathy. Among soldiers, following the heavy training, this complication may occur that cause frequent reference of soldiers to military hospitals wasting human force and economic load. Therefore, we decided to evaluate frequency of this disease and find methods to prevent. This study is a descriptive case series that was performed by studing hospital files of 42 patients during the years 2000 to 2003 and the data was analyzed by SPSS-11.5 sofware. Twenty-eight [66.66%] patients had training for one month, 12 patients had [28.57%] between 1-3 month and 2 patients had [4.77%] longer of 3 month. Six cases [14.29%] had complete injury and 36 cases had incomplete injury. Seven cases [16.67%] had complete recovery and 35 cases [83.33%] had incomplete injury and none had paralysis. Changes in NCV was detected but EMG was normal. Trauma following to military training probably due to squatting leads to foot drop

[Foot drop in under training soldiers: report of 42 cases referred to be'sat hospital between 2003-2000]

Background: Foot drop is a state that patient unable to be dorsiflexion or extension of foot fingers. External pressure is the most important cause of this neuropathy. Among soldiers, following the heavy training, this complication may occur that cause frequent reference of soldiers to military hospitals wasting human force and economic load. Therefore, we decided to evaluate frequency of this disease and find methods to prevent

Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive case series that performed by studing hospital files of 42 patients during the years 2000 to 2003 and the data was analyzed by SPSS-11.5 software

Results: Twenty-eight [66.66%] patients had training for one month, 12 patients had [28.57%] between 1-3 month and 2 patients had [4.77%] longer of 3 month. Six cases [14.29%] had complete injury and 36 cases had incomplete injury. Seven cases [16.67%] had complete recovery and 35 cases [83.33%] had incomplete injury and none had paralysis in any case didn't have. Changes in NCV was detected but EMG was Normal

Conclusions: Trauma following to military training probably due to squatting leads to foot drop