Brain tissue cysts in infected mice with RH-strain of Toxoplasma gondii and evaluation of BAG1 and SAG1 genes expression

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects humans at high prevalence rates. The virulent RH strain of T. gondii is generally considered to have lost its cyst forming capacity. This study performed to obtain tissue cysts in mice infected with tachyzoites of RH strain treated with sulfadiazine [SDZ]. It provides the opportunity to analyze the conversion of tachyzoite to bradyzoite stage of the RH strain, followed by stage-specific gene-expression analyzing. Two groups of Swiss-Webster and BALB/c mice were infected subcutaneously with 10[4] tachyzoites of T. gondiiy RH strain and given SDZ [300 mg/l] with NaHCO3 [5 g[-1]] in drinking water from day 1 to day 14 post infection [p.i]. The infected mice were sacrificed on day 50 post infection. Their brains were removed and the numbers of tissue cysts were microscopically counted. Total RNA was extracted from brains and cDNA synthesis was carried out. Finally, RT-PCR [Reverse transcription PCR] was used to detect the expression of bradyzoite [BAG[1]] and tachyzoite [SAG[1]] specific genes during tachyzoite / bradyzoite stage conversion. Sixty five percent of all infected mice were survived. Cysts were detectable in mice brain [45%] on day 50 p.i. Also RT-PCR of the brain samples was positive for SAG1 and BAG1. It seems that conversion of tachyzoites to bradyzoites in brain of mice undergoing SDZ was not completed until 50 days after inoculation

Activity of superoxide dismutase [SOD] enzyme in the excretory-secretory products of Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica parasites

The aim of this study was to compare superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity in Fasciola hepatica and fasciola gigantica parasites. F. gigantica and F. hepatica helminths were collected from abattoir and cultured in buffer media for 4 h at 37 °C. Excretory-Secretory [ES] products were collected, centrifuged and stored at 20°C. E-S protein concentration was measured by Bradford method and SOD activity was detected using RANSOD kit [Randox Lab. Crumlin, UK]. Statistical t-test was conducted for analysis of results. Protein concentration for F. hepatica and F. gigantica were obtained 7.293 ug/ml and 19.65 ug/ml respectively and SOD activity as 0.721 U/ml and 1.189 U/ml, in that order. ES protein concentration of two species was significantly different [P<0.05], however the difference of SOD activity of two species was not significant. Two species of Fasciola have comparable SOD biochemical defense enzyme and can help us explain the parasite survival in host tissue

[ association between food insecurity, socio-economic factors and dietary intake in mothers having primary school children living in ray 2010]

Presently 20-40% of Iranians suffer from food insecurity. Since factors associated with food insecurity vary in different communities, this study was initiated to determine the factors influencing food insecurity in mothers having primary school children living in Ray [a District of Tehran], Iran. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, in spring 2010, on 430 mothers having primary school children, selected by two-stage cluster sampling. A general information questionnaire was used to collect data on economic status and socio-cultural characteristics, and data on food intake and food security were collected using the 24-hour food recall and the USDA food security questionnaire, respectively. The statistical tests used for data analysis included the chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and simple regression. The prevalence of food insecurity among the mothers was 50.2%. The education level of the mothers and of the heads of households, ownership of residential unit, and having better home facilities were inversely associated with food insecurity. On the other hand, food insecurity increased with an increase in family size. The intakes of all the macronutrients except fat was statistically significantly lower in the food-insecure group. Based on the findings of this study the following recommendations can be made to improve household food security: increasing education level of family members, promoting family economic status, and adopting and implementing better population control policies

Use of single-enzyme PCR-restriction digestion barcode targeting the internal transcribed spacers [ITs rDNA] to identify dermatophyte species

Dermatophytes are the most common causative agents of superficial mycoses. Species identification of these fungi is important from therapeutic and epidemiological point of wive. Traditional approaches for identification of dermatophytes at the species level, relying on macroscopic and microscopic features of the colonies, usually are time-consuming and unreliable in many circumstances. Recently a broad varieties of rapid and accurate DNA-based techniques were successfuly utilized for species delineation of dermatophytes. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA from various reference strains of dermatophyte species were amplified using the universal fungal primers ITS1 and ITS4.The PCR products were digested by a single restriction enzyme, MvaI. The enzyme was evaluated in both in silico and practical PCR-RFLP assay to find the exact differentiating restriction profiles for each species. To validate the standardized PCR-RFLP system, all tested strains were subjected to sequencing and sequence analysis. The obtained RFLP patterns were specific for many species including T. interdigitale, T. rubrum, T. violaceum, M. persicolor, M. audouinii, M. nanum [A. obtusum] and E. floccosum but were similar for some closely related species such as M. canis / M. ferrugineum. Sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 fragment from all type strains affirmed the RFLP findings. It was practically revealed that the ITS-PCR followed by MvaI-RFLP is a useful and reliable schema for identification and differentiation of several pathogenic species and can be used for rapid screening of even closely related species of dermatophytes in clinical and epidemiological settings

relationship between household food insecurity status and depression in mothers with school children living in ray in 2010

Food insecurity has been a global concern. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and depression in mothers with school children in Ray City A cross-sectional survey of 430 mothers of school children was conducted in 2010 in Ray city. We employed USDA food security questionnaire. The prevalence of depression in mothers was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory [DBI]. Household food insecurity was identified approximately in fifty percent of participants and frequency of depression was 51.4% in mothers. Depression in 'food secure' group was 34.6%, and in 'food insecure with hunger' group was 77.8%. There was a positive, relationship between depression and food insecurity in mothers having primary school children living in Ray. The findings of this study revealed that level of food insecurity among mothers seems high. This study highlights the need to integrate programs addressing food insecurity and poor mental health for mothers

Vector ecology and susceptibility in a malaria-endemic focus in southern Islamic Republic of Iran

This study aimed to carry out a malaria situation analysis, species composition and susceptibility levels of the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, to different insecticides in Bashagard. A longitudinal survey was conducted in 2 randomly selected villages in Bashagard. Malaria vectors were sampled by dipping method for the larvae and hand catch, night-biting catch, total catch, and shelter pit collection for the adults. Standard WHO susceptibility tests were used for a variety of insecticides on F1 progeny of An. stephensi reared from wild-caught females. In total, 693 adult anopheline mosquitoes and 839 third and fourth-instar larvae were collected and identified. They comprised 7 species; the most abundant adult and larvae anopheline mosquito was An. Dthali [40.7% and 30.5% respectively]. An. Culicifacies[24.2%] and An. Stephensi [16.7%] were the next most common species for adult mosquitoes. An. Stephensi was fully susceptible to malathion and pyrethroid insecticides but resistant to DDT and tolerant to dieldrin

Serum selenium, zinc, and copper in early diagnosed patients with pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is a life threatening, blistering skin disease. It is an autoimmune abnormality. Due to involvement of oral cavity and pharynx, patients are at risk of nutrients deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of selenium, copper, and zinc in these patients. In a case-control study, 43 newly diagnosed pemphigus vulgaris patients were compared with 58 healthy people from 2009 to 2010. The severity of the disease was estimated according to Harman's scores. Serum selenium was measured with atomic absorption but serum zinc and copper concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically. Data were compared with independent t test. Correlations were evaluated by Pearson correlation test. Both groups were the same based on sex, age, and weight and body mass index. The mean duration of disease was 5.6 month. The oral and skin severities were 1.79 and 2.3 respectively, based on Harman's scores. Serum selenium of pemphigus patients was significantly less than that of healthy people [P<0.001]. Serum copper was negatively correlated with duration of disease in males [P=0.02, r=-0.5]. Pemphigus vulgaris negatively affects on serum selenium, copper and zinc. It seems that serum selenium, copper and zinc decrease as the disease lasts longer

[Evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of total and free sialic acid levels for the diagnosis of bladder cancer and its relation to the stage and grade of tumor malignancy]

Background: Bladder cancer is the second most common urological malignancy. Cystoscopy is the "gold standard" for the detection of bladder cancer, but is invasive and relatively expensive. This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of serum levels of free and total sialic acids as tumor markers in the diagnosis of bladder cancer

Materials and Methods: In this study, the diagnostic value of blood samples collected from 58 patients with bladder cancer and 60 normal subjects were evaluated. The spectrophotometrical Aminoff's method was used for measuring serum levels of free and total sialic acids. After comparing the mean values for the mentioned parameters, ROC curve was used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity and other diagnostic values of markers

Results: The mean values for total sialic acid and free sialic acid were higher in cancer patients than in normal healthy controls [P<0.001]. The sensitivity and specificity of total sialic acid at the cut-off point of 48.75 mg/dL were 91% and 82%, respectively and also the sensitivity and specificity of free sialic acid at the cut-off point of 0.708 mg/dL were 81% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, a positive correlation was seen between the serum levels of total, free sialic acids and stage or grade of the tumor

Conclusion: Our results revealed that the measurement of serum levels of these parameters using some simple, non-invasive, inexpensive, and reproducible tests can diagnose the bladder cancer and provide important clinical findings on the extent of the malignancy and also reduce the number of cyctoscopies

[Household food security status and food consumption among high school students in Esfahan, Iran]

Food security [access to safe, nutritious, affordable food] is one of the important determinants of health status in human life. Since monitoring and assessing of associated factors to food security are essential for health planning, this study has tried to determine household food security status and food consumption amongst high school student families in Esfahan, Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in autumn 2008 on 580 high school 14-17y students of Esfahan, Iran using a systematic cluster sampling. Food security and food frequency questionnaire were completed by interviewing mothers and students. The prevalence of household food insecurity was estimated as 36.6% [95%CI: 33-40%]. Household food insecurity was positively associated with frequency of some food group intakes among students, including bread; macaroni; potato; legume; and eggs [P<0.05]. In addition, negative associations were observed between food insecurity and frequency of other food group intakes including rice, red meat, sausage and hamburger, poultry, fish, green vegetables, root and bulb[colored] vegetables, melons, banana, pineapple, coconut, mango, apple, orange, milk, and yogurt [P<0.05]. The results of this study indicate that food insecurity is prevalent among [students] households in Esfahan. In addition, students living in food-insecure households more frequently consumed cheap foods containing high energy per kilogram. Therefore, appropriate nutritional programs should be designed to improve the quality of household food consumption

Haemolymph components of infected and none infected lymnaea snails with xiphidiocercariae

In this study the haemolymph components of infected and none infected Lymnaea gedrosiana with xiphidiocercaria larvae was compared. Five hundred Fifty Lymnaea snails were collected from Ilam and Mazandaran provinces, Iran, during 2008-2009. The snails were transported to the lab at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and their cercarial sheddings were studied. Haemolmyphs of snails were extracted and cells were counted using haemocytometer and cell-surface carbohydrate were recognized by conjugated lectin [Lentil]. Haemolymph protein concentrations were measured by Bradford protein assay method and soluble protein compositions were determined on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE]. From the 550 examined Lymnaea snails for cercariae, 27 snails were infected with xiphidiocercariae. Mean of haemolymph cells [haemocyte] number were obtained 93480 +/- 2.43 [cells/ml] for none infected snails [25 snail] and 124560 +/- 2800 [cells/ml] for infected snails [25 snail]. Mannose carbohydrate was recognized on haemocyte of none infected and infected snails. Mean of protein concentration of haemolymph plasma was obtained as 1354 +/- 160 micro g/ml [1.4 mg/ml] for none infected snails [25 snails] and 1802 +/- 138 micro g/ml [1.8 mg/ml] for infected snail [25 snails]. Comparing to none infected snails, the SDS-PAGE results of haemolymph plasma of infected snails, showed an extra protein band [70 kDa]. The results showed a significant difference between the amounts and the kinds of proteins in haemolymph of infected and none infected snails. This information might be useful to understand of parasite detection, adhesion, engulfment and antigen agglutination by snail

Serum zinc levels in children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus

There have been very few studies, with contradictory results, on the zinc status of children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine zinc status based on the serum zinc concentration in type-1 diabetic children and adolescents and compare it with that of healthy controls. Thirty children and adolescents with type-1 diabetes mellitus, aged 6 to 18 years, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Serum zinc, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A[1c] and serum albumin were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, enzymatic colorimetry, ion-exchange chromatography and colorimetry using bromocresol green methods, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found in the mean serum zinc concentration between diabetic patients and healthy controls [111.0 +/- 3.1 and 107.1 +/- 3.8 mg/dl respectively, P= 0.4]. No correlations were found between the serum zinc levels and fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A[1c], or the duration of the disease in the patients. The zinc levels of diabetic children and adolescents are not noticeably different compared to those of healthy controls and are independent of glycemic control and the duration of the disease

effects of vitamins e and d supplementation on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a public health problem worldwide. Increment of reactive oxygen species [ROS] production may be one of the contributing factors of tissue damage in atopic dermatitis. The present study was designed to determine the effect of vitamins E and/or D on erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in patients with atopic dermatitis. In a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial 45 atopic dermatitis patients were divided into four groups. Each group received one of the following supplements for 60 days: group A [n = 11] vitamins E and D placebos; group B [n= 12] 1600 international unit [IU] vitamin D3 plus vitamin E placebo; group C [n=11] 600 IU synthetic all -rac-a tocopherol plus vitamin D placebo; group D [nM] 1600 IU vitamin D3 plus 600 IU synthetic all -rac-a tocopherol. Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase activities, serum 25 [OH] D, plasma a-tocopherol were determined. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance [ANOVA] and paired /test. After 60 days vitamin D and E supplementation, erythrocyte SOD activities increased in groups B, C and D [P= 0.002, P= 0.016 and P= 0.015, respectively]. Erythrocyte catalase activities increased in groups B and D [P= 0.026 and.P= 0.004, respectively]. The increment of erythrocyte catalase activity was not significant in group C. There was a positive significant correlation between SOD activity and serum 25 [OH] D [r= 0.378, P= 0.01]. It is concluded that vitamin D is as potent as vitamin E in increasing the activities of erythrocyte SOD and catalase in atopic dermatitis patients

[ effects of green tea extract on serum adiponectin concentration and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Adiponectin is a novel adipose tissue-specific adipokine that can increase insulin sensitivity. Many studies have shown anti obesity and anti diabetic effects of green tea consumption. In this study we examined the effects of green tea extract on circulating adiponectin levels and insulin resistance status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]. In this double blind randomized clinical trial 58 type 2 diabetic patients with BMI >/= 25 were recruited from an unselected population from the outpatient clinic of Shariati hospital, Tehran, Iran. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; green tea extract and placebo. All the patients received the capsules for 8 weeks. Laboratory measurements including fasting serum adiponectin, insulin, HOMA-IR, FPG, OGTT, HbA1c and lipid profile and anthropometric were performed before and after the intervention. Nutrient intakes were obtained via 24-hour recall from each patient in three successive days. The data were analyzed using appropriate software. We found a significant effect of green tea extract on increasing the logarithm of serum adiponectin in diabetic patients [0.15 +/- 0.10 micro g/ ml, P<0.05]. A significant independent correlation between the logarithm of serum adiponectin and WHR [Waist to Hip Ratio] was found [P=0.009, t=-2.7]. The consumption of green tea extract had a significant effect in control the levels of HbA1C, weigh and also BMI in green tea group [P<0.05]. The results showed that consumption of green tea extract can be useful in the control of T2DM by increasing the levels of serum adiponectin and controlling the weight, BMI and HbA1C levels in patients with T2DM

Determinants number of cigarette smoked with Iranian adolescents: a multilevel zero inflated poisson regression model

The present study was conducted to know about the association between amount of smoking and mental health plus demographic factors in the Iranian adolescents. Data of this research was drawn from the National Health Survey in Iran from April 1999-March 2000. All 1745 adolescents aged 15-20 yr that were residence in the eight northwest provinces of Iran, were included in this study. In order to evident zero-inflation and because of sampling design, multilevel zero-inflated Poisson [ZIP] regression applied for analysis of data. We analyzed data with programs written with s-plus. Zero-inflated part of ZIP model shows that gender of female effects to increase the chance of "not to smoke cigarette at all" [P< 0.001] and older adolescents are less at risk of smoking than younger [P= 0.036]. It also shows that, unemployed [P= 0.028] and Housewife [P= 0. 003], adolescents are more at risk of smoking compare with student adolescents. Under Poisson part of this model, depression [P= 0.012] and gender of female [P< 0.001] are indirectly associated with number of cigarette smoked per day by adolescents. Among adolescent smokers, males smoke more number of cigarettes than females, younger teenager are more at risk of being a smoker than older ones and dropping out of high school is an important risk factor for smoking. We did not find any relation between mental disorders and being a smoker while we did for the relation between Number of Smoked Cigarette [NSC] and depression

satisfaction of medical practitioners from continuing medical education program of Tehran university of medical sciences

The concept of Continuing Medical Education in medical sciences has been rapidly gaining popularity during the last decades. The objective of this study was to assess the satisfaction of medical profession graduates participating in the programs of Continuing Medical Education [CME] in terms of their professional requirements. In a cross-sectional, descriptive analytical study, a reliable and valid retest questionnaire was used to determine the satisfaction from continuing medical education CME program. One hundred and three medical profession graduates who had participated in CME program in 2006 were enrolled. The satisfaction for anesthesiologists with the compatibility of CME programs with their professional requirements was 28.3%; for general practitioners and pediatricians with the capability of professors in presenting the program, 40%; and for gynecologists and obstetricians with the capability of 31.6%. We conclude from the results of this study that a high satisfaction was noticed among medical professionals that may be due to previous works of researchers who have assessed the needs precisely and standardized the modern teaching methods

Effects of dietary omeg-3 fatty acid supplementation on HbA1c, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in type-2 diabetic patients: a randomized clinical trial

Essential fatty acid deficiency has been found in diabetic patients. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could be beneficial in alleviating diabetes complications and glycemic control. However, it may increase oxidative stress. In this study the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplements on glycemic control, total antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase and catalase] activities were investigated. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 81 type-2 diabetic patients were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group took 2714 mg/day omega-3 fatty acids [1548 mg EPA, 828 mg DHA, and 338 mg other omega-3 fatty acids], and the control group took sunflower oil as a placebo, for 8 weeks. Dietary intakes were assessed by a 24h dietary recall, before and after intervention, and analyzed using food processor II. In addition, fasting blood samples were collected for analysis and height and weight were measured, initially and at the end of the trial. At the start of the study there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regard to mean weight, height, body mass index [BMI], daily intakes of energy, carbohydrate, protein, total fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, E, folate, cobalamine, zinc, or biochemical parameters. Neither were there any difference in weight, BMI and dietary intakes before and after intervention in either group. The supplementation brought about a significant decrease [P < 0.00] in HbA1c% in the experimental group, while in the control group the HbA1c level actually increased [p < 0.02]. Furthermore, the magnitudes of HbA1c changes were significantly deferent between the two groups [P < 0.00]. Changes in the fasting blood sugar [163.88 +/- 10 vs. 165.6 +/- 7.9 mg/dl], total antioxidant capacity [3.79 +/- 0.07 vs. 3.62 +/- 0.7 mg/dl], and activities of super oxide dismutase [449.22 +/- 14.14 vs. 417.16 +/- 11.9 U/gHb] and catalase [150.72 +/- 9.6 vs. 151.86 +/- 12.6 k/gHb] were not statistically significant. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be helpful in glycemic control in type-2 diabetes, but it has no significant effect on the antioxidant enzyme activities

Interaction of dietary oils and microflora in experimental colitis

There is growing evidence indicating the benefits of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in attenuation of colitis. On the other hand, some studies have shown that n-3 fatty acids can ameliorate inflammation in colitis. The aim of this study was to examine the interaction between different dietary oils and intestinal microflora in an experimental model of colitis. Eight week-old BALB/C mice [n = 9] were fed isocaloric diets varying only in fat composition for 4 weeks. A group fed the chow diet served as control. The diets contained 20% fat from fish oil, canola oil, safflower oil, or beef tallow. Colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of acetic acid on day 21. Inflammation, fecal microflora and serum lipid profile were compared among the groups one week after induction. The highest degree of inflammation was seen in the chow-diet group, followed by safflower, canola-, and fish oil-fed groups [p < 0.05]. As compared to the experimental groups, the number of fecal bacteroideceae was significantly higher [p < 0.05], and the number of fecal bifidobacteria significantly lower, in the control group [p < 0.05]. Moreover, fish oil could reduce the plasma level of triacylglycerole significantly [p < 0.05]. These results indicate that n-3 fatty acids can affect intestinal microfloral populations in favor of increasing the number of bifidobacteria. They might be recommended as an adjunct therapy to patients with colitis

[Effects of omega 3 on serum level of malondialdehyde and homocysteine in type 2 diabetic patients]

Diabetes is regarded as a serious condition for both the individual and the society. One of the most important mortality reasons in diabetic patients is atherosclerosis. Many epidemiological studies have shown that the total homocysteine concentration is a risk indicator for cardiovascular disease. Malondialdehyde [MDA] also is a highly toxic by-product formed in part by lipid oxidation derived free radicals. Many studies have shown that its concentration increases considerably in diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological data indicate that the consumption of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids [O3FA] leads to a reduction in cardiovascular disorders may protect against metabolic diseases. In recent years, numerous researches on omega-3 fatty acids have been done but it cannot be used as a confident additive. So in order to evaluate and compare the effects of omega 3 on malondialdehyde [as fat peroxidation indicator] and homocysteine on diabetic type 2 patients, this research was carried out in Tehran University. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted on 81 type 2 diabetic patients, 45-85 years old with diabetes for at least 2 years. Diabetic patients were randomly assigned to one of the case or control groups, each subject received 3 capsules per day of omega-3 or placebo for a period of 2 months. 10 ml blood was collected from each subject at the beginning and at the end of a 2-month trial. Serum MDA was determined with Tiobarbituric acid for more sensitivity and homosystein was measured by Hitachi autoanalyzer with Enzymatic Cycling method. Nutrients intakes were estimated using 24 h dietary recall questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the 2-month trial for 2 days and analyzed by FPn. T-test also was used to compare groups. Comparing the meant +/- S.D of BMI and food intake in both groups showed no significant differences. MDA level degreased 0.72 nmol/ml in case group but the difference with the control group was not significant but the differences of homosystein level in case [3.10 micro mol/lit] and control [0.126 micro mol/lit] groups were significant. Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation [3 gr/per day] in capsul form can decrease the serum level of homocysteine in diabetic patients without inducing any changes in MDA level and lipid peroxidation

[Prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from food stuff]

Staphylococcus aureus is considered to be one of the leading causes of food-borne illnesses. Foodstuff contamination may occur directly from contaminated food-producing animals or may result from poor hygiene during food production processes, or the retail and storage of foods, since humans may carry the microorganism. The number of S. aureus strains that exhibits antimicrobial-resistance properties has increased, together with the potential risk of transmitting the same properties to the human micro flora via food or inducing infections hard to be treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of S. aureus in various food samples and determination of antibiotic resistance pattern in this isolates. A total of 1047 food samples were analysed from July 2006 to December 2007. To determine the presence of S.aureus, the samples were analysed according to the guidelines of Iran standard instructions [No. 1194]. S.aureus isolates were tested for susceptibility to a panel of 11 antimicrobics using the agar disc diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar. Of 1047 samples analysed 100 [9.5%] were contaminated with S.aureus. Among these contaminated samples, 31% showed antimicrobial resistance properties to at least one of the antibiotic tested and 15 antibiotypes were determined. According to the observed prevalence of S.aureus strains in food samples and their antibiotic resistance pattern, more attention should be paid in foodstuff industry to prevent contamination and transmission of resistant strains

[Prevalence of obesity among school children in Neishabour [2005]]

At present, the prevalence of obesity among children and youngsters is rapidly increasing in developed countries. Few studies have been carried out on childhood obesity in Iran using standard references. Assessing the prevalence of obesity among school children in Neishabour using several references including Iranian reference, CDC 2000 and IOTF 2000. In a cross-sectional trial, 1471 students aged 6-12 were selected by a two-stage cluster sampling. Height and weight of students were measured and BMI was calculated. Obesity was defined as having a BMI?95th percentile of Iranian reference or CDC. Also, the students with BMI greater than IOTF values were identified as obese. Findings: The prevalence of obesity according to the Iranian reference, CDC and IOTF were 8.5% [CI 95%, 7.1-10.0%], 4.6% [CI 95%, 3.5-6.0%], and 7.3% [CI 95%, 6.0-9.0%], respectively. Using CDC reference, a significant difference in prevalence of obesity between girls and boys [5.8% vs. 3.1%] was found [p<0.05]. When the Iranian reference was applied, the prevalence of obesity was shown to be significantly higher in boys aged 7 and 8 compared to girls [15.2% vs. 6.4% and 12.5% vs. 4.0%], respectively [p<0.05]. Finally, the application of IOTF reference produced no significant difference in prevalence of obesity between girls and boys. As the results of different references in determining the prevalence of obesity were not the same, use of relevant BMI percentile is recommended