Effect of Garlic extract on cutaneous Leishmaniasis and the role of Nitric Oxide

تولید نیتریک اکساید در بهبود زخم لیشمانیایی در حیوان و انسان مهم است. در این تحقیق اثر درمانی عصاره سیر به تنهایی یا همراه با ویتامین A با اثر داروی استاندارد گلوکانتیم در بهبود زخم لیشمانیایی و تولید نیتریک اکساید در مدل حیوانی مقایسه گردید. تعداد 510×1 عدد فرم پروماستیگوت انگل لیشمانیا ماژور به قاعده دم موش تزریق گردید. پس از بوجود آمدن زخم قطر آن اندازه گیری شد. موش ها روزی دو بار با داروهای فوق و حداکثر به مدت 45 روز به صورت موضعی تحت درمان قرار گرفتند. قطر زخم در طی روزهای 1، 10، 20، 30 و 45 روز اندازه گیری شد. در تجربه جداگانه ای ماکروفاژهای صفاقی همین موش ها در محیط کشت از لحاظ میزان تولید نیتریک اکساید در پاسخ به لیپوپلی ساکارید مورد آزمایش قرار گرفته و مقدار ترشح نیتریک اکساید به روش گریس اندازه گیری شد. نتایج نشان داد که درمان 30 روزه با عصاره آبی سیر باعث کاهش قطر زخم می گردد. با این وجود حداکثر کاهش زخم در پاسخ به 45 روز درمان و استفاده موضعی 10 روز پماد ویتامین A قبل از استعمال عصاره آبی سیر بدست آمد. در موش هایی که سطح بهبودی زخم در آنها بیشتر بود مقدار نیتریک اکساید تولیدی نیز زیادتر بود

Reliability Evaluation of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) and G-Banding on Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Cells in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Patients

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease. The cytogenetic hallmark of CML is Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. This study aimed to diagnose suspected CML patients, to monitor CML patients under therapy using cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques to analyze their bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) samples, and finally to compare their obtained results for both specimens. This study was conducted during one-year period (2012-2013). The participants were recruited from the Hematology and Oncology Clinic of Shahid Gazi (Emam Reza) Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. We analyzed 90 samples from 60 suspected CML patients (30 BM and 60 PB samples). All samples were analyzed using G-banding, 5 samples using dual fusion FISH (DF-FISH) probes, as well as 30 samples using both FISH and G-banding. Among the 90 analyzed samples of 60 patients, 25 (41.66%) were Ph+ using karyotyping, whereas five cases were not analyzable, so FISH was applied and the results confirmed that only two individuals were BCR-ABL+. In the comparison between 25 BM and 25 PB samples using karyotyping, 15 (60%) and 10 (40%) were ph+, respectively. The comparison of FISH and karyotyping on 30 samples showed that 9 (30%) and 8 (26.66%) were Ph+, respectively, and only 18.18% of Ph+ patients showed atypical patterns. In the comparison between BM-cytogenetic and PBinterphase- FISH (I-FISH), BM-cytogenetic was more reliable than PB-I-FISH in detecting Ph. Our data demonstrate that FISH analysis is a rapid, reliable and sensitive technique. The comparison between BM and PB showed that PB can not be replaced by BM, even in detecting by FISH

Topical application of silymarin enhances cutaneous wound healing in rats

Abstract Wound healing in a short period with minimum side effects is one of the major goals of medical sciences. Silymarin, an extract from Silybum marianum, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigates the wound healing activity of silymarin topical formulation in an in experimental model. A 875 mm2 (25 × 35 mm) full-thickness excision was made on the abdominal region of each rat by a surgical blade and the day on which the wound was made considered as day 0. Each rat was treated two times each day. On days 1,4, 8 and 12, the wound area was measured using precise caliber and camera imaging. On day 12, blood samples were collected for the analysis of antioxidant, malondialdehyde and estradiol levels. After 12 days of treatment, rats were sacrificed and abdominal region tissues used for histological analyses. The study showed that topical application of silymarin on wound in rats improved wound healing correlating with less redness, exudates and swelling. Furthermore, in serum of rats treated with silymarin ointment improved antioxidant and estradiol levels, while decreased malondialdehyde levels, a marker of oxidative stress. Histological analyses showed also an improve of novel blood vessels. This effect on angiogenesis correlated with improve nitric oxide synthase expression and epithelial cells after treatment with silymarin. Silymarin ointment represents a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of wounds through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Varicella susceptibility in iran military conscripts: A study among military garrisons

peer reviewedBackground: Promoting varicella vaccination for military personnel and conscripts, as one of the susceptible and high-risk groups, is an important governmental approach in every society. The present study aimed to address the seroprevalence of this infection and its immunization level among Iranian military conscripts. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine seroprevalence of varicella infection and its immunization level among Iranian military conscripts. Methods: Four hundred and sixty-four conscripts, using cluster-stratified sampling, were selected from all military garrisons in Tehran. Seroprevalence of infection among each participant was determined by measuring varicella IgG antibody level via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean antibody titer among the participants was 109.66127.47; 86.9% of studied samples were seropositive. Place of residence could somewhat predict the seropositivity against varicella; seropositivity was significantly higher in participants, who lived in the capital city than those wholived in other regions (OR: 4.008, 95%CI: 0.947 - 16.953, P=0.059). Age, education level, marital statusandduration of military were not associated with seropositivity. Conclusions: Susceptibility to varicella infection is considerably lower among military garrisons in Tehran and is mainly dependent on their place of residence. However, the current study could not provide a comprehensive picture of the immunological status of the varicella in Iran military garrisons, and we suggest further studies in more cities to aid with the design of immunization programs for these individuals

Interreligious Communication (Definition, Concepts, Situation)

Abstract Religion and monotheistic beliefs are the bases of the human societies and culture and communications are the most important manifestations of these bases. About the three elements of religion, culture and communications, which act as the distinctions of human beings from other beings, and the relationship among them, many discussions have been occurred. In this article, the definitions offered for religion, culture and communication and their relationship, using the literature governing the Intercultural Communication and Cross-cultural Communication as two subjects discussed in the field of Cultural Communication and International Communication, have been reviewed and tried through a novel method to promote the level of religion from a concept usually seen as something such as race, ethnic, identity and life style under the title of international communication and cultural communication to a much higher position and place it under the title of interreligious communication. Following creation of a new field of study, many of the scholars and thinkers who are concerned about that field get together and focus of its issues and try to offer definitions and divisions about the subject. Later, after accumulation of scientific materials about different issues in the field, the human knowledge in that subject starts to develop further and in a more organized way. In this regard, first, the preferred definitions of religion, culture, communication, and Interreligious Communication will be offered. Accordingly, every society includes a meaning structure which is called culture and communication would act as an interaction tool in this system whose task is coding and decoding. Religion is considered the origin of culture and the director of communication. Based on these primary definitions, the interreligious communication is defined as: the relationship between or among the monotheistic religions based on the common understanding of religious concepts, and by highlighting the similarities in order to create an international society having a general religious discourse with no tension but peaceful coexistence. According to this definition, the interreligious communication can be regarded as a vast field of specific inter and cross cultural communication and by focusing on it and after creating its necessary literature it is possible to mix the three fields of interreligious cultural studies, interreligious dialogue and religious cross cultural communication and cause to strengthen and deepen the relationship among different religions. The most important purpose of interreligious communication in present era is to firstly emphasize the similarities of religions in both attitude and action using the three central elements of common understanding, highlighting and institutionalizing and secondly after locating the tension backgrounds and removing them and thirdly by following a proper strategy for appropriate communication, the road for a better and more purposeful communication will be paved. The communication should be based on strengthening the similar points rather than convincing the followers of other religions. To achieve this purpose various tools in three levels of authority, elites and common people should be applied. The most important obstacle for interreligious communication is the radical and extremist movements in different religions. Also the most important barrier for interreligious cooperation in cross religious communication is having a pluralistic conception towards such cooperation. Islamic republic of Iran as the pioneer in promoting religious attitude in present era and because of having successful experience in putting religious patterns into practice and in social life, should take action in making proper policy to develop the three fields of structures, programs and human sources for the purpose of interreligious communication

Placement of long-term hemodialysis catheter (permcath) in patients with end-stage renal disease through external jugular vein

Background: The number of patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has progressively increased in the population. Kidney transplantation is the specific treatment for such patients; however a majority of patients will require hemodialysis before kidney transplantation. The present study aims to investigate using the external jugular vein (EJV) for Permcath placement in these patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytical study was conducted in Alzahra Medical Center, Isfahan, in 2012. Catheters were inserted by cutting down the right EJV. The patency rate and potential complications were studied. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Results: Out of 45 live patients, within three months of surgery, 40 patients (81.6%) had no complications and dialysis continued through Permcath. Permcath Thrombosis occurred in two patients (4.4%). Catheter infection led to the removal of it in one patient (2.2%) 1.5 months after surgery. And accidental catheter removal occurred in one patient. Conclusion: Placement of the permcath in the external jugular vein can be a safe, uncomplicated, and reliable method for patients requiring hemodialysis, and can be a life-saving alternative in patients without accessible internal jugular vein

Application of Regression Discontinuity in Investigating the Effectiveness of Lidcombe Program on Decreasing the Severity of Stuttering in Primary School Children: A Single-Subject Research

Background: In single-subject research, there is an autocorrelation between observations, that violates the assumption of observational independence. The regression discontinuity considers the correlation between observations over time and in different treatment stages (baseline, intervention, etc.). The aim of the current study was to compare the visual methods and regression discontinuity method in evaluating the effectiveness of the Lidcombe program on decreasing the severity of stuttering in primary school children of Isfahan City, Iran. Methods: This study with single-subject design was conducted on four children (7-9 years old) who stuttered. Lidcombe program treatment was performed for 22 weeks and its effectiveness on children's speech characteristics was evaluated. Stuttering severity was measured with a rating scale. In order to analyze the data, visual analysis, effect size, and regression discontinuity were used. Findings: Data analysis based on visual analyses as well as regression discontinuity indicated that most participants recorded a significant change as a decrease in severity of syllables stuttered, following the intervention. Regression coefficients in phase change from treatment to follow-up were significant, meaning that the Lidcombe program was effective over time and in phase change from the treatment stage to the follow-up. Conclusion: The results of this study show the positive effect of Lidcombe program on decreasing the severity of stuttering in children and provide the preliminary evidence for the use of this treatment method for the children with stuttering

A Comparative Study on the Results of Estimating Children′s Weights Based on Arm Circumference, Height, and Body Habitus against Estimated Weight Broselow on 2-24 Months Children in Isfahan

Background: Resuscitation of children in different treatment wards is a challenge. Given that the pediatric drug dosing is based on weight and weighing is not practical in emergency situations, it is critical to employ a fast, easy, and reliable technique. Hence, this study attempted to evaluate the real weight children against Broselow estimation. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1500 children of 2–24 months referred to Isfahan urban and rural health centers in 2015. Children's estimated weights were measured based on the standard Broselow tape and real weights through a digital scale. The factors such as age, sex, height, arm circumference, head circumference, and living place of children were recorded. The collected data were analyzed through independent t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression using SPSS (version 20). Results: The weight difference of children through Broselow estimation was 0.019 kg, and the correlation coefficient was 0.893 (P > 0.05). The difference sorted by age ranges was significant only in >12 months (P < 0.05). It was estimated at error of 10% to be 68.9% correctly. The mean weight estimation error was significant sorted by weight, sex, habitus, and living place of children (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Although Broselow tape has been proved to be accurate it led to a significant error at different age ranges. Hence, the present study estimated the age, arm circumference, and height of Iranian children based on new formulas providing more successful tool through controlling the confounding factors in estimating the real weight

Does dietary fat intake influence oocyte competence and embryo quality by inducing oxidative stress in follicular fluid?

Background: Fat-rich diet may alter oocyte development and maturation and\ud embryonic development by inducing oxidative stress (OS) in follicular environment.\ud Objective: To investigate the relationship between fat intake and oxidative stress with oocyte competence and embryo quality.\ud Materials and Methods: In observational study follicular fluid was collected from 236 women undergoing assisted reproduction program. Malon-di-aldehyde (MDA) levels and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels of follicular fluid were assessed as oxidative stress biomarkers. In assisted reproduction treatment cycle fat consumption and its component were assessed. A percentage of metaphase ΙΙ stage oocytes, fertilization rate were considered as markers of oocyte competence and non-fragmented embryo rate, mean of blastomer and good cleavage (embryos with more than 5 cells on 3 days post insemination) rate were considered as markers of embryo quality.\ud Results: The MDA level in follicular fluid was positively related to polyunsaturated fatty acids intake level (p=0.02) and negatively associated with good cleavage rate (p=0.045). Also good cleavage rate (p=0.005) and mean of blastomer (p=0.006) was negatively associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids intake levels. The percentage of metaphase ΙΙ stage oocyte was positively related to the TAC levels in follicular fluid (p=0.046). The relationship between the OS biomarkers in FF and the fertilization rate was not significant.\ud Conclusion: These findings revealed that fat rich diet may induce the OS in oocyte environment and negatively influence embryonic development. This effect can partially be accounted by polyunsaturated fatty acids uptake while oocyte maturation is related to TAC and oocytes with low total antioxidant capacity have lower chance for fertilization and further development