Evaluating the Immunogenicity of the Pertussis Component of the DPT Vaccine in 12- month old Infants in Kerman City, 2015

Background: Pertussis is a contagious infectious disease that is preventable by vaccine. This bacterial infection is caused by bordetella pertussis. Since pertussis vaccine coverage in Iran has not been studied recently and the type of vaccine used in our country is different with that in the developed countries, the effectiveness and side effects of this vaccine were studied. Methods: One hundred and eighty-one infants with 12 months of age visiting health centers affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences for vaccination of this age, were studied. Questionnaire was completed with the help of parents and using the information in the vaccination card. Serum immunoglobulin G titer was measured by ELISA method. Data analysis was done through SPSS20 and using frequency, relative frequency, mean± SD and Chi-square or Fisher tests. Results: One hundred and sixteen infants (64.1%) had adequate immunity, 22 infants (12.2%) had relative immunity and in 43 infants (23.8%) there was no immunity. Immunity difference was significant in terms of weight of infants at 12th month of age, but it was not significant in term of gestational age and sex. Only one case of seizure had been reported. Conclusion: The immunogenicity of the pertussis vaccine used in Iran is relatively high in 12-month old infants after receiving three doses of vaccine and the side effects of this vaccine are not significant

Effects of green tea on Escherichia coli as a uropathogen

Escherichia coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections. The development of antibiotic resistance in E. coli is an important problem. Finding alternative antimicrobial agents from plant extracts has received growing interest. Camellia sinensis is a safe, nontoxic, cheap beverage that has been reported to have antimicrobial effects against various pathogenic bacteria including E. coli. Polyphenolic components of green tea ( lǜ chá) have antibacterial activity. Catechins also have synergistic effect with antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin, levofloxacin, gentamycin, methicillin, naldixic acid, and, especially ciprofloxacin. In this review, all experimental studies that evaluated the effect of green tea on E. coli were collected. Data from in vitro studies on the antimicrobial effects of green tea are promising, but human data are currently lacking. In vivo studies on antibacterial effects of green tea and evaluating the efficacy of its catechins in the treatment of urinary tract infection are needed

Comparing the Effects of Melatonin and Zolpidem on Sleep Quality, Depression, and Anxiety in Patients With Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Introduction: Patients with cancer may have many complications involving their psychosomatic systems, such as sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety. Thus, many research studies were conducted to reduce these complications. Zolpidem, as a short-term non-benzodiazepine treatment of insomnia, and melatonin as a chronobiological function-regulatory hormone, are commonly used for improving sleep quality. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of zolpidem and melatonin on sleep quality, depression, and anxiety in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: In this single-blinded trial, 90 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing chemotherapy who had obtained a score of 5 or higher on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were randomly divided into two groups (n=45). One group was treated with 10 mg zolpidem at bedtime, and the other group received 6 mg melatonin at bedtime for 30 days. PSQI on weeks 0, 4, 8, Groningen sleep quality scale, Hamilton rating scale for depression, and Hamilton anxiety rating scale questionnaires were performed to assess patients on weeks 0, 4, and 8. The outcome was then analyzed, and P≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both zolpidem and melatonin had significant impacts on sleep quality in week 4 (P<0.05). After stopping the treatments, the conditions were noticeably reversed on week 8 (P<0.05). Zolpidem and melatonin were relatively similar in affecting sleep duration, latency, efficiency, and disturbance. None of the two study medications had any considerable influence on anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Melatonin and zolpidem are promising agents for treating sleep complications and, to some extent, depression, and anxiety in cancer patients, according to the present study. However, further clinical trials are recommended to confirm the results of this study