Comparison of Mono and Biphasic Culture Media in Isolating Bacteria from Blood and evaluation Bu-Ali Hospital Lab Quality

    Blood Culture is an important diagnostic method in infectious diseases and has positive results in 30%- 50% and even to 80% of cases due to sample volume. In Bu-Ali Hospital, Tehran, it decreases to 2-3%. In this survey, quality of hospital lab and difference between Mono and Biphasic culture media in isolating bacteria from blood of patients suggestive of sepsis were evaluated.106 (48 F + 58 M) newly admitted patients with impression of sepsis as SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) (36˚C >OT>38.3˚C , tachycardia more than 100/min, leukocytosis  with shift  to left or leucopenia) with infectious source were sampled for culture (5ml blood 3 times in 1 Biphasic and 2 Monophasic media) in the infectious ward. One Monophasic Media in hospital lab and the two other (1 Monophasic + 1 Biphasic Media) in Reference Laboratory of Iran, Research Center were handled. Media were quality-controlled at beginning and in the middle of study by NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Lab Standard) with ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) samples. Sampling, transfer, and handling were all in standard conditions usually used in hospital. Results were compared by Fisher Exact Test. Clinical diagnosis were bacterial in 84 (79%), and nonbacterial in 22 (21%) patients at admission. 57 (54%) patients had not used antibiotics in the past 72 hours. In Monophasic Media of hospital lab 2 (1.9%) positive cultures (S. epidermidis) one with history of Erythromycin use were reported. In both Monophasic and Biphasic Media in reference lab 3 (2.8%) positive cultures (2 S.epidermidis, 1 E. coli) were reported equally, one with history of Erythromycin use. Growth Index in both Monophasic and Biphasic Media were standard in quality control. Qualities of Mono and Biphasic Media in growing bacteria were alike and Biphasic Media had no superiority to Monophasic Media in routine bacterial isolation. Positive culture in both labs had no significant statistical difference. So, negative results are not due to media and laboratorial fields, and it is needed to educate and evaluate two other fields: Sampling and Transferring. Also, we may have more positive cultures by increasing blood samples from 5 to 20 ml which can be compared in next studies

Recent microfluidic innovations for sperm sorting

Sperm selection is a clinical need for guided fertilization in men with low-quality semen. In this regard, microfluidics can provide an enabling platform for the precise manipulation and separation of high-quality sperm cells through applying various stimuli, including chemical agents, mechanical forces, and thermal gradients. In addition, microfluidic platforms can help to guide sperms and oocytes for controlled in vitro fertilization or sperm sorting using both passive and active methods. Herein, we present a detailed review of the use of various microfluidic methods for sorting and categorizing sperms for different applications. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are further discussed and future perspectives in the field are given

Toxicological Analysis of Insects on the Corpse: a Valuable Source of Information in Forensic Investigations

Background: Entomotoxicology as a subset of forensic entomology can be used by analysis of carcass feeding in­sects to detecting of drugs or toxins, as well as the cause and manner of death in cases of ante-mortem drugs intoxi­cation. Morphine is one of the deacetylate metabolites of heroin. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and quantity of morphine in insects on the carcass and compare them with decomposing carcass. Methods: Field of this study was in Chalabeh District and toxicological tests were carried out at the Department of Forensic Toxicology, Legal Medicine Center, Kermanshah, Iran in 2017. Morphine was inoculated into live rabbit as experimental model at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50mg/ml, similar to those normally encountered in human over­doses, then quality and quantity of morphine were determined in insects such as Chrysomya albiceps (as the first wave of insect succession on human cadavers) fed on carcass. Results: Quantitative assessment at larvae showed that morphine was detected in all larvae (feeding and post feeding stage) fed on tissues from carcasses administered morphine, except for post-feeding larvae from R1 which received 12.5mg/ml dosage of morphine. Conclusions: Necrophagous insects are an indicator on the scene of crime and a potential source of information about the antemortem situation. Detection of drug in insects which is actually a reflection of the cause of death is possible

An Evaluation Method for Self-Adaptive Systems

Nowadays, change is an important aspect of the world. Complexity and change in requirements and environments bring us to Autonomic Systems as a solution. Like any other kind of software system better implementation of a system needs a proper evaluation method for system implementation. To evaluate a Self-Adaptive system, appropriate quality factors are needed for evaluation. This research tries to use non-adaptive systems evaluation methods to evaluate Self-Adaptive ones. The qualitative factors for self-adaptive systems have been extracted from a literature review (as Self-Adaptive System Qualitative Factors or for abbreviation SAQFs). Hence, there is no explicit or even implicit way for measuring most of the SAQFs, This research has tried to measure them through some measurable Qualitative Criterion. These Qualitative Criteria (we call them QCs) consist of some self-adaptive systems attributes and also some non-adaptive systems qualitative factors. A map between these SAQFs and software systems QCs (which are more measurable) have been introduced. For each QC sufficient metrics for measuring could be dug up based on the problem context. For better knowing about the influence of qualitative factors on each other, a prerequisite and post-requisite graph from relations among SAQFs have been introduced. This relational graph shows the importance and impact of each factors measurement on measuring the systems from self-adaptive viewpoint. For evaluating the method, we have proposed a questionnaire to experts about the model the correctness of these impacts and influences have been verified. In addition, a case study on a system in changing environment evaluated with proposed method and the applicability of the method have been reviewed

Isolated lateral rectus muscle large B cell lymphoma: A rare case report and review of the literature

Purpose: To report a 65-year-old male patient with primary lateral rectus large B cell lymphoma. Observations: The patient had been referred because of progressive proptosis and limitation of ductions, especially abduction (ortho position at primary gaze) and conjunctival injection. Computerized tomography of the orbit and paranasal sinuses depicted a massive lateral rectus muscle enlargement without any other orbital involvement. Lateral orbitotomy and lateral rectus belly incisional biopsy was done, and histopathologic and immunohistochemical staining and systemic evaluations revealed the diagnosis of primary orbital large B-cell lymphoma. Conclusions and importance: This case indicated that, though rare, extraocular muscle enlargement could be the main finding of primary orbital lymphoma. Large B-cell lymphoma could involve only the orbital tissues, although it is more prevalent with systemic involvement

Quantification of Some Herbal Distillates’ Methanol to Evaluate a New Diagnostic Kit

Methanol naturally exists in all plant products. In recent years, the consumption of certain kinds of herbal distillates has led to blurred vision, leading to neurotic blindness in Iran. The advanced methods needed for determination of methanol are not available in all parts of poor and developing countries. In this study, we evaluated some herbal distillates’ methanol with a new kit compared to gas chromatography for determining the efficacy of the kit. A gas chromatography apparatus was used to determine methanol concentration of 57 herbal distillates. At the same time, a spectrophotometer device was also used along with a newly designed kit based on the modified chromotropic acid method for the same purpose. All examined samples have different amounts of methanol from 21 to 770 mg/l. The methanol content of all samples was higher than the used kit’s limit of quantification (5 mg/l). The attained results by two used methods were very close together in both minimum (21 and 22 mg/l) and maximum (770 and 690 mg/l) amounts. The comparison of results was shown, and some of available herbal distillates in Iran have enough amounts of methanol to create chronic type of methanol poisoning. Our results suggested that the used kit had suitable efficacy for quantitative determination of herbal distillates’ methanol content. It was proved that the type of the herbal distillate did not affect the kit’s function. The new kit can be easily used with minimal equipment for quality control of herbal distillates in food industry area

Corneal biophysical changes after upper eyelid blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery: a review

Abstract Upper eyelid surgeries, such as blepharoplasty and ptosis correction, are commonly performed procedures worldwide. This review examines the effects of these surgeries on ocular properties and visual function. A search of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted to identify relevant articles published after 2000. The results demonstrate that the ocular and adnexal organs function as a unified visual system, with changes in one component affecting the functions of others. Eyelid surgery can alter ocular properties and functions by modifying retinal lighting and ocular optics. These alterations can affect intraocular pressure estimation, corneal curvature, corneal epithelial thickness, refractive power of the cornea, and intraocular lens calculation. Additionally, eyelid surgery can exacerbate dry eye symptoms and impact contrast sensitivity, which is a significant factor in visual quality. Therefore, understanding these interactions is crucial before performing eyelid surgery and during follow-up. This review summarizes recent literature on the effects of upper eyelid surgery on corneal properties and visual function, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors when planning or undergoing such procedures

The danger of the toxicity and inefficacy of alcohol-based hand rubs in Iran during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The use of disinfectants and alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) to prevent COVID-19 transmission increased in the first wave of the infection. To meet the increased demand, the Iranian Ministry of Health issued an emergency use authorization allowing new manufacturers to enter the market, despite the limited capacity for surveillance of these products during COVID-19. Methanol poisoning outbreaks spread rapidly, and more people died from methanol poisoning than COVID-19 in some cities. The aim of this study was to analyze some ABHRs in the Iranian market to see if (a) ABHRs are standard and suitable for hand antisepsis and (b) contained potentially dangerous toxic alcohols. Method Between February and March 2020, 64 brands of ABHR were conveniently collected from pharmacies, supermarkets, and shops selling hygienic products and analyzed using Gas Chromatography. World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration guidelines were used to define minimum requirements for ABHR. For estimating the risk for acute methanol poisoning, we assumed a serum methanol concentration of 200 mg/L following ABHR ingestion was sufficient to cause intoxication. This threshold concentration would be achieved in an average 75-kg adult after consuming 8000 mg (or eight grams) methanol in 1–2 h. Results The median [IQR] (range) concentration of ethanol, isopropanol, and methanol were 59% v/v [32.2, 68] (0, 99), 0 mg/L [0, 0] (0, 197,961), and 0 mg/L [0, 0] (0, 680,100), respectively. There was a strong negative correlation between methanol and ethanol contents of hand rubbers (r= -0.617, p < 0.001). Almost 47% of ABHRs complied with minimum standards. In 12.5% of ABHRs, high concentrations of methanol were observed, which have no antiseptic properties but could cause acute methanol poisoning if ingested. Conclusion COVID-19 initiated a policy for distribution and use of ABHR with little control. As ABHR and masks are still accepted preventive measures of the disease, non-standard ABHR compositions may increase the population’s risk to both COVID-19 infection and methanol poisoning