Diagnosis of trichomonas vaginalis by PCR method

عفونت تریکوموناس واژینالیس یکی از شایع ترین عوامل ایجاد کننده بیماریهای منتقل شونده غیر ویروسی جنسی است. مهم ترین روش برای تشخیص تریکوموناس واژینالیس در حال حاضر تشخیص میکروسکوپی انگل با استفاده از تست لام مرطوب می باشد که حساسیت این روش تقریبا 60 است. مطالعه میکروسکوپی کشت های اختصاصی حاوی انگل، حساسیت را تا حدودی افزایش داده اما یکی از مشکلات استفاده از محیط های کشت، عدم امکان آنالیز سریع و دقیق آن می باشد. در این مطالعه با استفاده از روش مولکولی (PCR= Polymerase Chain Reaction) بر آن شدیم تا عفونت تریکوموناس واژینالیس را در بیماران مراجعه کننده به درمانگاه زنان بیمارستان شهید بهشتی اصفهان مورد بررسی قرار داده و نتایج آن را با تست های لام مرطوب و مشاهده کلینکی مقایسه کنیم. سوآپ واژینالی از 24 زن مراجعه کننده به درمانگاه زنان بیمارستان شهید بهشتی وابسته به دانشگاه علوم پزشکی اصفهان گرفته شد. هر یک از نمونه های گرفته شده به دو قسمت تقسیم گردید. یک قسمت آن فوراً با تست لام مرطوب و در زیر میکروسکوپ مورد مطالعه قرار گرفت و قسمت دیگر در محلول (Phosphate Buffered Saline=PBS) به صورت سوسپانسیون تهیه شده و به آزمایشگاه بیوتکنولوژی دانشکده داروسازی دانشگاه علوم پزشکی اصفهان منتقل گردید. سوسپانسیون PBS حاصله جهت انجام واکنش PCR اختصاصی برای تریکوموناس واژینالیس مورد استفاده قرار گرفت. در این مطالعه 24 نمونه اخذ شده به دو دسته 8 و 16 تایی تقسیم شدند. دسته اول با دو تست لام مرطوب و PCR و دسته دوم با تشخیص کلینیکی (توسط پزشک متخصص زنان) و تست PCR مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. نمونه های اخذ شده در گروه اول با هر دو تست لام مرطوب و PCR مثبت تشخیص داده شدند. در گروه دوم، 9 نمونه از 16 نمونه با تست PCR مثبت تشخیص داده شدند که از میان این تعداد نمونه، 8 عدد در طی بررسی و تشخیص کلینیکی مثبت تشخیص داده شده بودند. در مورد گروه اول حساسیت تست PCR برابر 100 (8 عدد از 8 نمونه) و اختصاصی بودن آن نیز 100 بود (8 عدد از 8 نمونه). در این گروه حساسیت تست لام مرطوب 100 (8 عدد از 8 نمونه) و اختصاصی بودن آن نیز 100 (8 عدد از 8 نمونه) بود. در مورد گروه دوم حساسیت تست PCR برابر 100 (9 عدد از 9 نمونه) و اختصاصی بودن آن نیز 100 (9 عدد از 9 نمونه) بود. در این گروه حساسیت تشخیص کلینیکی9/88 (8 عدد از 9 نمونه) و اختصاصی بودن آن 50 (8 عدد از16 نمونه) بود

Ethyl Maltol as a New Ligand for Spectrophotometric Determination of Iron

Abstract In this study a new simple selective and sensitive spectrophotometric procedure for determination of Fe(III) is described. It is based on the formation of a colored complex between ferric iron and ethyl maltol, a strong and highly selective ligand for Fe(III). After mixing sample and reagent, and incubating at the room temperature, Fe(III)-ethyl maltol complex was extracted with different solvents and the absorbance was measured at 395 nm. The effect of analytical variables, i.e. amount and type of the reagents, pH, ratio of Fe(III)/ethyl maltol, presence of other ions, etc., in the determination of iron were studied. Our findings showed that the optimum wavelength for the measurement was 395 nm. The optimum condition for complex formation and determination of Fe(III) were: molar ratio of ethyl maltol/Fe(III) = 6-10; pH = 5. The best solvent for extraction was chloroform. Under the recommended conditions, formation of the complex is completed in less than 2.5 h. Limit of detection was found to be 2.5×10 -6 M of Fe(III). Linear regression (r 2 =0.9998) was observed over the range of 2.5×10 -6 to 5×10 -4 M of the Fe(III) with respect to the complex nominal concentration. Ions commonly associated with iron did not interfere in the present method. This is a simple, reproducible, and sensitive method for determination of Fe(III) in μmolar levels

Evaluation of anti epileptic effect of conjugated form of valproic acid and phenytoin in mice

زمینه و هدف: اساس کنترل صرع امروزه دارو درمانی است و در این ارتباط داروهای زیادی ساخته شده اند که هر یک دارای عوارض جانبی بعضاً شدید می باشند. افزایش چربی دوستی داروهای ضد صرع باعث افزایش نفوذپذیری آنها به مغز و اثر بخشی بهتر آنها می گردد. در این مطالعه اثرات ضد صرع و سداتیوداروی سنتز شده که کونژوگه فنی توئین و والپروئیک اسید می باشد مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. روش مطالعه: اثرات دوزهای مختلف فنی توئین، والپروئات سدیم و کمپلکس فنی توئین - والپروئیک اسید بر حملات ایجاد شده در مدل MES (Maximum Electroshock) و کاینیک اسید مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. برای بررسی اثرات سداتیو این دارو از دستگاه اندازه گیری حرکت استفاده شد. نتایج: در مدل صرع کاینیک اسید، فنی توئین به تنهایی یا کونژوگه فنی توئین-والپروئیک اسید تاثیری بر حملات صرعی نداشته در حالی که والپروئیک اسید به تنهایی به طور معنی داری بروز اینگونه حملات صرعی را کاهش داد. هیچکدام از داروهای مورد بررسی قرار گرفته تغییر معنی داری در میزان حرکت حیوانات در مقایسه با کنترل ایجاد نکردند. ED50 محاسبه شده برای فنی توئین، والپروئات سدیم و کمپلکس فنی توئین - والپروئیک اسید به ترتیب معادل kg/ mg2/15، kg/ mg8/293 و kg/mg 5/13 بود. نتیجه گیری: در بررسی نتایج حاصل از آزمایشات انجام شده بر روی داروی کونژوگه و مقایسه آن با فنی توئین و والپروئیک اسید به نظر می رسد که داروی کونژوگه از لحاظ اثر بخشی تفاوت قابل توجه ای با داروی فنی توئین نداشت، یکی از علل آن می تواند شکسته شدن پیوند استری در این ترکیب و تبدیل آن به فنی توئین و والپروئیک اسید توسط استرازها در بدن باشد

Aflatoxin M1 contamination of human breast milk in Isfahan, Iran

Background: During the last decades there has been great attention paid to aflatoxins. They are highly toxic, immunosuppressive, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic compounds. Aflatoxin M 1 (AFM1), a hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB1), is formed in the liver and excreted into the breast milk. It is considered to cause certain hygienic risks for infant health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of the AFM1 in the breast milk using AFM1 in milk as a biomarker for exposure to aflatoxin B 1 and determine the level of AFM1 contamination in the lactating mothers in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 80 lactating women randomly selected from two urban health centers. Mother′s milk samples and information on food intake were collected from the participants using structured food-frequency questionnaire. Breast milk samples were tested for AFM1 by a competitive ELISA technique. Results: Our findings showed that only one sample was contaminated with AFM1 with concentrations of 6.8 ng/L. However, the AFM1 level in this sample was lower than the maximum tolerable limit (25 ng/L) accepted by the European Communities and Codex Alimentarius. Conclusion: Although the concentration of AFM1 in none of the samples was higher than the acceptable level, the presence of AFM1 in only one of them confirms the need for developing strategies to reduce exposure to aflatoxin in foods and to carry out biological monitoring of aflatoxins as a food quality control measure routinely

Phytochemical Screening and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Euphorbia turcomanica on Hela and HT-29 Tumor Cell Lines

Background: Cancer is a term for a large group of different diseases, all involving uncontrolled cell growth. Many of Euphorbiaceae plants have been traditionally used for the treatment of ulcers, tumors, warts, and other diseases. In addition, in the last decade, there are studies showing cytotoxic effects of different species of Euphorbia on tumor cell lines. In this study, we attempted to determine if Euphorbia turcomanica possess any cytotoxic activity. Materials and Methods: Solvents extracted the plant powder with various polarities by a maceration method, and qualitative phytochemical analyzes were carried out on them to identify the constituents. On the other hand, the possible cytotoxicity of different extracts on Hela and HT-29 tumor cells was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and 50% reduction in cell survival was considered as a cytotoxic effect. Analyze of variance followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test was used to see the differences among the groups. Results: Phytochemical analysis of E. turcomanica showed the presence of flavonoid, alkaloid, anthraquinone and tannin in plant aerial parts. Methanol-water, acetone, dichloromethane, methanol, and heptane extracts of E. turcomanica significantly reduced viability of Hela cells (P < 0.05) with inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) of 50, 90, 230, 420, and 450 μg/ml, respectively. While methanol-water, dichloromethane, methanol, ethyl acetate, and heptane extracts were cytotoxic with IC50of 43, 115, 125, 250, and 390 μg/ml, respectively (P < 0.05), on HT-29 cells. Conclusion: It can be concluded that E. turcomanica is a good candidate for further study toward cytotoxic agents

Cytotoxicity of different extracts of arial parts of Ziziphus spina-christi on Hela and MDA-MB-468 tumor cells

Background: It has been shown that plants from the family Rhamnaceae possess anticancer activity. In this study, we sought to determine if Ziziphus spina-christi, a species from this family, has cytotoxic effect on cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: Using maceration method, different extracts of leaves of Z. spina-christi were prepared. Hexane, chloroform, chloroform-methanol (9:1), methanol-water (7:1) methanol, butanol and water were used for extraction, after preliminary phytochemical analyses were done. The cytotoxic activity of the extracts against Hela and MDA-MB-468 tumor cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Briefly, cells were seeded in microplates and different concentrations of extracts were added. After incubation of cells for 72 h, their viability was evaluated by addition of tetrazolium salt solution. After 3 h medium was aspirated, dimethyl sulfoxide was added and absorbance was determined at 540 nm with an ELISA plate reader. Extracts were considered cytotoxic when more than 50% reduction on cell survival was observed. Results: Hexane, chloroform, chloroform-methanol, butanol, methanol-water and aqueous extracts of Z. spina-christi significantly and concentration-dependently reduced viability of Hela and MAD-MB-468 cells. In the both cell lines, chloroform-methanol extract of Z. spina-christi was more potent than the other extracts. Results: From the finding of this study it can be concluded that Z. spina-christi is a good candidate for further study for new cytotoxic agents

Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effect of Different Extracts of Seidlitzia rosmarinus on HeLa and HepG2 Cell Lines

Background: Seidlitzia rosmarinus which is commonly called “Oshnan” or “Eshnan” in Persian belongs to Chenopodiaceae family. Conventionally, it is believed that this plant is toxic. This study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of S. rosmarinus against HeLa and HepG2 cell lines. Materials and Methods: S. rosmarinus was collected from the desert near Yazd, Iran. Hexane, chloroform, chloroform/methanol (9:1), and butanol extracts of aerial parts of S. rosmarinus were prepared. Doxorubicin and dimethyl sulfoxide 10% were used as positive and negative control, respectively. The cytotoxic activity was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Results: All extracts significantly and concentration dependently reduced viability of HeLa and HepG2 cells. Hexane, chloroform, and butanol extracts at doses of 200, 500, 750, and 1000 μg/ml significantly reduced HeLa cell viability (P < 0.05). Chloroform/methanol extract at doses of 100–500 μg/ml significantly reduced HeLa cell viability (P < 0.05). Hexane, chloroform, and butanol extracts at doses of 500, 750, and 1000 μg/ml significantly reduced HepG2 cell viability (P < 0.05). Chloroform/methanol extract at doses of 200, 300, 400, and 500 μg/ml significantly reduced HepG cell viability (P < 0.05). The most cytotoxic extract was chloroform/methanol extract in both cell lines. Furthermore, in the both cell lines, the second potent extract was chloroform extract. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the findings of this study that S. rosmarinus is a good candidate for further study to find new cytotoxic agents. Phytochemical investigation on chloroform/methanol extract and their structures is recommended

Calcium Acetate Versus Calcium Carbonate as Oral Phosphate Binder: Preparation and In Vitro Assessment: Calcium acetate as oral phosphate binder

Calcium acetate is used as an oral phosphate binder to control hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic renal failure. Compared to calcium carbonate,control of hyperphosphatemia can be achieved at lower calcium administration with calcium acetate which likely reduces the risk of hypercalcemia. In this study,various formulations of calcium acetate tablets were prepared and their disintegration times, dissolution rates and phosphate binding capacities were determined. Dissolution test was carried out using the paddle method according to the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP XXIII). The binding efficiency of the tablets was compared by measuring the amount of insoluble phosphate after mixing with a sodium phosphate solution at pH 6. Calcium acetate tablets had a mean content of 809.6 mg of calcium acetate and a mean weight of 1087 mg. The average breaking load and disintegration times were 66.4±5.5 N and 24.5±2.1 min, respectively. Drug release after 30 and 60 min were 80.45% and 101.42%, respectively. The amount of nondissolved phosphorus following 60 min incubation of calcium acetate and/or calcium carbonate tablets were 372.8 mg (61.2%) and 463.2 mg (76.0%), respectively.Weight variation, friability, disintegration time, and dissolution rate of calciumacetate tablets were in the acceptable pharmacopoeial limits. Ahigh phosphate bindingcapacity of calcium acetate tablets indicated that it can be a suitable alternative tocalcium carbonate in the management of hyperphosphatemia in patients withchronic renal failure

Ethyl Maltol as a New Ligand forSpectrophotometricDetermination of Iron: Determination of iron

In this study a new simple selective and sensitive spectrophotometric procedurefor determination of Fe(III) is described. It is based on the formation of a coloredcomplex between ferric iron and ethyl maltol, a strong and highly selective ligandfor Fe(III). After mixing sample and reagent, and incubating at the room temperature,Fe(III)-ethyl maltol complex was extracted with different solvents and the absorbancewas measured at 395 nm. The effect of analytical variables, i.e. amount and typeof the reagents, pH, ratio of Fe(III)/ethyl maltol, presence of other ions, etc., in thedetermination of iron were studied. Our findings showed that the optimum wavelengthfor the measurement was 395 nm. The optimum condition for complex formationand determination of Fe(III) were: molar ratio of ethyl maltol/Fe(III) = 6-10; pH =5. The best solvent for extraction was chloroform. Under the recommendedconditions, formation of the complex is completed in less than 2.5 h. Limit of detectionwas found to be 2.5×10-6M of Fe(III). Linear regression (r2=0.9998) was observedover the range of 2.5×10-6to 5×10-4M of the Fe(III) with respect to the complexnominal concentration. Ions commonly associated with iron did not interfere in thepresent method. This is a simple, reproducible, and sensitive method for determinationof Fe(III) in μmolar levels

Detection of brain lesion location in MRI images using convolutional neural network and robust PCA

Purpose and aim: Detection of brain tumors plays a critical role in the treatment of patients. Before any treatment, tumor segmentation is crucial to protect healthy tissues during treatment and to destroy tumor cells. Tumor segmentation involves the detection, precise identification, and separation of tumor tissues. In this paper, we provide a deep learning method for the seg- mentation of brain tumors. Material and methods: In this article, we used a convolutional neural network (CNN) to seg- ment tumors in seven types of brain disease consisting of Glioma, Meningioma, Alzheimer’s, Alzheimer’s plus, Pick, Sarcoma, and Huntington. First, we used the feature-reduction-based method robust principal component analysis to find tumor location and spot in a dataset of Harvard Medical School. Then we present an architecture of the CNN method to detect brain tumors. Results: Results are depicted based on the probability of tumor location in magnetic resonance images. Results show that the presented method provides high accuracy (96%), sensitivity (99.9%), and dice index (91%) regarding other investigations. Conclusion: The provided unsupervised method for tumor clustering and proposed supervised architecture can be potential methods for medical uses