Effective induction of hairy roots in persian poppy [Papaver bracteatum Lindl.] using sonication method

Background: Papaver bracteatum Lindl. Commonly known as Iranian poppy is an important medicinal plant due to the presence of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids

Objective: To evaluate the hairy root culture as a novel method for thebaine production

Methods: To optimize the hairy root culture of P. bracteatum, five strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes [ATCC15834, C318, A13, 9453 and A4] were used by means of Sonication-Assisted Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation [SAAT]

Results: Strain C318 proved to be more efficient than the other strains to hairy root induction ability. Among different experimental conditions, the highest transformation rate [28.5 %] was observed 4 weeks after inoculation, once the explants were subjected to sonication [45 s] following a heat treatment of 41 degree C for 5 min. Transgenic status of the hairy roots was confirmed by PCR using rolB specific primers

Conclusion: Strain C318 proved to be more efficient than the other strains to hairy root induction ability. Among different experimental conditions, the highest transformation rate [28.5 %] was observed 4 weeks after inoculation, once the explants were subjected to sonication [45 s] following a heat treatment of 41 degree C for 5 min. Transgenic status of the hairy roots was confirmed by PCR using rolB specific primers

influence of a slow-release multi-trace element ruminal bolus on trace element status, number of ovarian follicles and pregnancy outcomes in synchronized Afshari ewes

Published data on the effects of ruminal bolus on the number of ovulatory follicles in ewes does not exist. The present study determined the effects of a ruminal bolus on trace element status, follicular dynamics and reproductive performance in ewes. Eighty Afshari cycling ewes were synchronized during breeding season using CIDR for 14 days and assigned to 4 groups [n=20]; group 1 received a single Ferrobloc bolus four weeks prior to CIDR insertion following 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal, group 2 received two boluses four weeks prior to CIDR insertion following 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal, group 3 received only 400 IU eCG on CIDR removal and group 4 [control] received no bolus and no eCG. Transrectal ultrasonography was done to monitor the ovarian follicles on the day of CIDR removal and a day later. Results showed that boluses increased the status of copper, selenium and iodine on mating day and days 90 to 100 of gestation. Ruminal bolus did not significantly increase the number of different classes of ovarian follicles in ewes fed a diet meeting all trace mineral requirements. All ewes eventually became pregnant with 1 or 2 boluses but the multiple births rate [80%] was higher [P<0.05] after 2 boluses compared to the other groups

Report of two brain cancer cases with survey more than 15 years

Brain tumors are considered in regarded to their size, position and aggressive manner. Brain tumors cause several neurologic symptoms. For instance, they increase intracranial pressure due to local damage and displacement of surrounding tissues. In this paper, two glioblastoma multiform cases with more than 15 year- survival have been reported. The first patient was a 52 year- old woman who suffered from seizure. The CT scan demonstrated a focal low density in the left temporoparietal lobe, and Carbamazepine was prescribed. However, after 12 years, the patient started to suffer from seizures with transient awareness repletion and vomiting. Therefore, daily injection of 16 mg of dexamethason in two divided dosages was prescribed. Fourteen years after illness, biopsy with stereotaxy method was used and glioblastoma multiform was diagnosed by a pathologist. Unfortunately, this patient died due to progression of her illness 16 years after beginning of the seizures. The second patient was a 47 year- old man who also suffered from seizure. In the CT scan, a low density lesion was observed in his left parietal lobe. The patient was treated with 400 mg of Carbamazepine per day in two divided dosages. Dosage of drug was increased to 1200 mg per day. After one year, due to drug resistance, Phenytoin and Phenobarbital were also added to Carbamazepine because of repeated seizures. After 15 years, the soberness disorder of the patient increased and CT scan was repeated. However, due to increase in the tumor size, hydrocephaly surgery was performed and the pathologist reported glioblastoma multiform. Following the surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were also used. This patient is in a good condition now and he has no serious problems. Glioblastoma multiform is a high degree astrocytic tumor. In this paper, two patients who were afflicted with glioblastoma multiform in fourth and fifth decades of their life were presented. The life span of these patients is considerable in contrast to several articles which indicated that a- five -year life span is rare in patients with glioblastoma multiform

Liver transplantation and aortic valve replacement

Surgical procedures involving heart and liver are rare and have been limited to either combined heart and liver transplantation or coronary artery bypass graft surgery [CABG] or aortic valve surgery and orthotopic liver transplantation [OLT]. Aortic valve replacement [AVR] and pulmonary valve vegetectomy for bacterial endocarditis after OLT have also been reported. There are only five cases with aortic stenosis and cirrhosis reported to have combined AVR and liver transplantation. In the presence of cirrhosis, AVR has a significant risk for mortality because of bleeding from coagulopathy, renal failure, infection, and poor post-operative wound healing. Herein, we report on a case and management analysis of combined sequential AVR, and OLT in a 40-year-old cirrhotic man with Child and MELD score of C and 29, respectively. Echocardiography detected severe aortic insufficiency [AI] with enlarged left ventricle. Due to severe AI, the cardiologist recommended AVR prior to transplantation. The patient underwent metallic AVR. 4 months later, he received OLT. Both operations were successful and uneventful. Prioritizing AVR before OLT was successful in this patient. However, each patient must be evaluated individually and multiple factors should be assessed in pre-operation evaluation

Effect of CABG on p-wave dispersion and the relationship between AF and p-wave dispersion

Atrial fibrillation [AF] is a common complication after CABG. It is associated with doubling of mortality rate and increased incidence of CHF, MI, renal insufficiency, and stroke which prolongs hospital stay and is associated with increased rate of re-hospitalization. In this study we examined the effect of CABG on atrial electrophysiology as reflected by P-wave dispersion. A total of 197 consecutive patients undergoing elective CABG due to CAD were monitored for 4 days in hospital and their daily ECGs were obtained. .Differences in P-wave dispersions were compared between the patients who developed AF and those maintaining sinus rhythms. Post-operative AF occurred in 18.2% of patients, who showed statistically significant increase of P wave duration, in lead aVL of pre-op ECG [79.4 +/- 25.0 vs 70.1 +/- 22.4; P = 0.032]. In addition, P wave dispersion was significantly increased on first and third days of post-op period [77.2 +/- 22.0 vs 67.5 +/- 22.2; P=0.018] and [69.4 +/- 22.7 vs 61.1 +/- 20.3; P= 0.035] respectively, in those developing AF rhythm compared to patients remaining in sinus rhythm Our result indicates that P-wave dispersion is a risk factor for development of AF in patients undergoing CABG

Prednisolone as a new approach for treatment of HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy

We have previously shown the implication of HTLV-1 in polyneuropathy in a HTLV-1 endemic area in Mashhad. Treatment with corticosteroids [prednisolone and methylprednisolone] have been recommended for HTLV-1 associated diseases. In the current study we attempted to evaluate the efficiency of prednisolone in HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy. All recognized cases of HTLV-1 polyneuropathy admitted to Imam Reza Hospital [between 1999-2004] were selected for the study. The other common causes of polyneuropathy were excluded using biochemical, hematological, and neurologic examination. Anti-HTLV1 IgG assays were carried out and positive anti-HTLV-1 results were then confirmed by Western Blot Analyzing. All of the HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients were given prednisolone, 1mg/ kg and tapering 5mg/ per week, for three month. Muscle force and paresthesia of all cases were returned to normal pattern. This therapeutic regimen led to reduction of disease severity. Muscle force increased to V/V and paresthesia of all cases were severely decreased. The results of present study suggest that immunosuppressive treatment is very effective for HTLV-1 associated polyneuropathy patients

[Effect of electrical stimulation and lesion of nucleus accumbens on EEG of intact and addicted rats]

The nucleus accumbens is involved in various functions ranging from motivation and reward to feeding and drug addiction. Some researchers have also suggested that this region has some roles in consciousness. In the present study, the effect of electrical stimulation and lesion of nucleus accumbens on Electroencephalogram waves [EEG] of addict and non-addict rats was investigated. Male wistar rats [weight 190-250 g] were divided into control and addict groups. Addiction was induced by injection of morphine [three times a day and for four days]. Then all rats in both groups were aneasthetized by urethane and stainless steel electrodes were implanted in nucleus accumbens. EEG waves were recorded in three stages of control, after stimulation [130 microA, 100 HZ, every 5 sec for 10 min], and after lesion [0.4 m A, 60 sec] of nucleus accumbens in each group. In addict group alpha and beta waves were increased, while theta and delta waves were decreased compared to intact group. Electrical stimulation and lesion of nucleus accumbens decreased theta waves in intact group and increased beta waves in addict group comparing to the control stages. Although morphine dependency causes increase of high frequency- low voltage waves and decrease of low frequency-high voltage waves, it seems, that nucleus accumbens has no role in variations of brain waves

[Effect of tanacetum parthenium in treatment of migraine headache comparing to placebo]

Migraine is secondary common cause of headache. Headache is the most common clinical syndrome of pain. There are several methods in treatment of migraine including herbal medicine. Tancetum parthenium, a kind of chrysanthemum from kacny race is traditionally used for treatment of headache. The aim of this research was to assess the effect powder of Tanacetum parthenium in treatment of migraine. This is a double blinded clinical trial that lengthened for 8 months from 2004 to 2005. Patients were selected from Imam Reza hospital neurology clinic, Mashhad University of medical science. We had two groups: drug and placebo group. 45 people were introduced in each group. In our research, 4 patients in drug group and 11 patients in placebo group were missed. Patients with migraine that their headache frequency was more than 3 times in a month were included in our research. Severity and frequency of headache and kind of prescribed drug were variables that investigated in this study. After 15 days, 29 people [70.7%] in drug group and 21 people [61.8%] in placebo group were good or better than before treatment [p=0.49]. There was a significant improvement in severity and frequency of headache in drug group compared to placebo group only 105 days after treatment [P=0.01]. This research shows that Tanacetum parthenium is significantly more effective than placebo [p<0.05]. So use of this drug is suggested in treatment of migraine

Effect of exercise on ulnar and peroneal nerve conduction velocity

Regarding to sedentary lifestyle and its early complications, electrodiagnostic studies can have valuable effects on prevention, diagnosis, follow up and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. This study aimed to compare nerve conduction velocity [NCV] of the ulnar and peroneal nerves in athletes and nonathletes. This case-control study was performed in athletes in Mashhad University of medical sciences in 2003. Totally 237 university students, I 14 with appropriate exercise activity from the students of school of sport and exercise sciences as study group and 1 23 without appropriate physical activity from. medical students as control group were selected. General data and data related to NCV of ulnar and peroneal nerves in two groups were collected using a previously designed questionnaire and neurogram test. Data were analysed by SPSS software using Mann- whithny test in order to compare means. The results showed NCV of right and left ulnar and peroneal nerves in female students were more than male ones [P= 0.003, P=0.075, P=0.002 and P<0.001 respectively]. NCV of the right and left ulnar in athletes and nonathletes females had statistical differences [P<0.00 1] but there were no significant differences between right and left peroneal nerves. [P=0.131 and P=0.135 respectively]. In male students there were significant differences in NCV of right ulnar nerve of athletes and nonathletes [P<.001] but in left ulnar nerve differences was not much [P=0.08], and NCV of the right and left peroneal in athlete male students were statistically more than nonathlete ones [P<0.001]. Regarding to effect of exercise on increasing NCV and reducing reflective time, it is necessary that physical education centers improve their educational programes

[Side effects of Sodium Valproate in epileptic patients]

One of the most important problems in the treatment of epileptic patients is the drug effects. Na Valproate is a widely used drug for the treatment of epilepsy. The side effects of the drug include digestive disorders, increasing liver enzymes, fatal hepatitis, cognitive disorder, behavior disorder, insomnia, hyperactivity, tremor, stupor and coma, metabolic disorders, hair waving, curling, thinning and loss, pancreatitis, blood effects, fetal hydatoine syndrome irregular menstruation and secondary amenorrhea in this descriptive study 170 patients with epilepsy were evaluated. These patients were referred to Ncurologic clinic of Imam Reza Hospital over a period of 3 years from September 1996, and treated with Na Valproate. Sixty-five percent of patients were male due to the fact that females avoid Na Valproate during the fertility period. Our study was done to determine complications of Na Valproate, and the following complications developed in our patients transient neutropenia as the most common complication, 12 cases [7%], weight increasing, 7 cases [4%] diminished appetite, 4 cases [2.5%], tremor, 1 case, abdominal pain 1 case, and ALP increasing 1 case. Regarding to the limited side effects of Na Valproate and its good therapeutic effects in controlling different types of epilepsy, it is suggested that this drug is very effective in treatment of epilepsy except of children aged less than 2 years and women who are in the fertile ages

Prevalence of dental occlusal patterns and their association with obstructive upper airway diseases in primary school children, Isfahan, Iran

Teeth, apart from their physiologic function, play an important role in general appearance of indivduals. Therefore any disorder in their growth and evolution, will cause psychologic, social and even economic problems for the person. This observational cross- sectional study aimed to investigate relationship between dental occlusal patterns and obstructive nasal-upper airway- diseases. This study was perfromed in schools of No.4 Education at district of Isfahan in educational year 1381-82 between 607 students [277 male, 330 female] aged 9-12 years old. Results of accurate ENT and dentistry physical examination were registered and analyzed using SPSS software and Chi-square and Mantel - Hanzel test. With increasing age, The frequency of abnormal occlusal patterns increases [from 45.5% to 68.2% in males and 25.8% to 48.5% in females, p=0.015]. The increasing in degree of palatal tonsilar hypertrophy was related to higher frequency of abnormal occlusal patterns [36.7% in +1 tonsilar hypertrophy, and 70% in +4 tonsilar hypertrophy, p=0.02]. Also, history of frequent common colds, and history of previous nasal fractures were related with abnormal patterns [58.9% [p=0.032], and 83.4% [p= 0.043%], respectively].Five other parameters including sinusitis, hypertrophy of nasal turbinates, rhinitis, nasal polyposis and nasal septal deviation were not associated with abnormal occlusal patterns [p>0.1]. Some of obstructive upper airwacy diseases are related with abnormal dental occlusal patterns. These parameters can be simply diagnosed, treated or prevented