The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica on morphine withdrawal signs in male mice

Introduction: Previous studies have shown the analgesic, anticonvulsant, spasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects of Urtica dioica (UD). In the present study the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of UD on morphine withdrawal signs were investigated. Acute toxicity (LD50) of the extract was also assessed. Methods: In an experimental study, 48 male NMRI mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 each, consisting of control (10 mL/kg), clonidine (3.5 mg/kg), and different doses of UD extract (25, 50,100 and 200 mg/kg). Morphine dependency was induced by administration of different doses of morphine (50, 50, 75, and 50 mg/kg) within a four-day schedule (1st-4th day, respectively). On the last day, after administration of a single dose of morphine, naloxone (5 mg/kg) was injected and the withdrawal signs were recorded within 30 minutes. To assess acute toxicity (LD50), 12 extra rats were used and toxic effects of different doses of the extract were evaluated by Lorke’s method. Results: All doses of the UD extract, compared to control group, significantly decreased the number of jumping, grooming, teeth chattering, rearing, wet dog shakes, diarrhea, writing and climbing. In addition, the LD50 of the extract was 2.9 g/kg. Conclusion: UD extract could decrease the morphine withdrawal signs and might be beneficial in addicted patients. However, further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanism of its action

The effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on the severity of fatigue in women with multiple sclerosis: a Randomized Controlled Trial study

Background and aims: Multiple sclerosis, as a chronic and progressive disease of central nervous system, affects different aspects of patient’s life. Considering importance of fatigue in these patients and on the other hand, increasing acceptability of complementary therapies in health care system, this study was aimed to determine the effect of group cognitive behavioral therapy on the severity of fatigue in women with multiple sclerosis that was conducted during 2014. Methods: This study was a two-group, three-stage (before, right after and a month after the intervention) clinical trial that was conducted on 66 women with multiple sclerosis who had the inclusion criteria and referred to medical centers of Isfahan. After convenient sampling, participants were equally divided into two groups of control and intervention by random allocation. The intervention group received eight 90-minute group sessions (a session per week) for cognitive behavioral therapy. Control group along with receiving the usual drug therapies, participated in 3 group sessions and expressed their feelings and experiences. Data was gathered using a questionnaire and fatigue severity scale (FSS) and was analyzed by SPSS software using independent t-test, Mann-whitney, Chi square and one-way ANOVA tests. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean score of severity of fatigue in both groups before the intervention (P=0.532), but this score was significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group right after the intervention and a month after the intervention (P= 0.03). Also, the results of post-hoc LSD showed that the mean score of severity of fatigue in the intervention group right after the intervention and a month after the intervention was significantly lower than before the intervention (P<0.001). Conclusions: Considering the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on the severity of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis, the use of this therapeutic method, as a clinically beneficial, effective, cost effective and reasonable method, is recommended

Ethanolic extract of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) attenuates morphine physical dependence in mice

Introduction: Previous studies revealed that anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) has several pharmacological effects including analgesic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activities. This study aimed to evaluate its effect on morphine physical dependence in mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male NMRI mice (25-30 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8. Control group received morphine and normal saline (10 mL/kg, i.p.) and other groups received diazepam (5 mg/kg) plus one of three doses of P. anisum (50,100 or 200 mg/kg, i.p.). Dependence was induced by administration of increasing doses (50-75 mg/kg, i.p.) of morphine. A time of 30 minutes after naloxone injection was considered for the critical period of the withdrawal syndrome. The number of jumps and scores of 0 to 3 were given for incidences of wet dog shakes, teeth chattering, climbing, writing, diarrhea, grooming, and rearing during a 30-minute period. Results: All doses of P. anisum (P<0.01) reduced the number of jumps. Additionally, all doses of the extract reduced the behaviors of grooming (P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively) and writhing (P<0.05, P<0.001and P<0.001, respectively). None doses of the extract could reduce diarrhea (P>0.05). Climbing, rearing and wet dog shakes reduced only by the high dose of the extract (P<0.05). Teeth chattering reduced by 100 and 200 mg/kg of the extract (P<0.05). Conclusion: These results obviously show that P. anisum ethanolic extract is effective in suppression of morphine physical dependence and further studies are needed to find out the responsible constituents and also the exact mechanisms of actions

Report of the clinical features of patients with leptospirosis in Golestan, Iran, 2011-2015: Based on information available at the provincial health center

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a global distribution that is caused by pathogenic spirochetes of Leptospira. It has a global spread, but it is more common in warm and tropical regions. In developing countries such as Iran, it is considered as a work-related illness and occurs mostly in farmers, ranchers, slaughterhouse workers, butchers, and fishermen in the warm seasons of the year. The aim of this study was to report the information available at the provincial health center about the clinical features of patients with leptospirosis in Golestan province, Iran, from 2011 to 2015.METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study surveyed all patients with leptospirosis in Golestan provincial health center from 2011 to 2015. All information was collected by a self-designed checklist that its reliability was approved by three infectious specialists. In case of defective files, patients were contacted. The collected data were analyzed by an epidemiologist via SPSS software.RESULTS: In this study, during the years of 2011 to 2015, 75 cases of leptospirosis were recorded. 50 cases (66.6%) were men and 25 (33.3%) were women. The most common complaint of patients at referral was fever (70 cases, 93.33%). The most complained problem after fever (93.33%) was musculoskeletal pain and jaundice reported 57.33% and 54.66%, respectively.CONCLUSION: It is important to pay attention to this disease in farmers and villagers, especially in agricultural seasons. Due to the high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of leptospirosis, early diagnosis based on common symptoms is important. Healthcare centers in each area are required to recognize common diseases to reduce irreversible complications

Hydroethanolic extract of Carthamus tinctorius induces antidepressant-like effects: modulation by dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in tail suspension test in mice

Objective(s): Studies indicate that major deficiency in the levels of monoaminergic transmitters is a reason for severe depression. On the other hand, it is shown that Carthamus tinctorius L. (CT) may improve neuropsychological injuries by regulation of the monoamine transporter action. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the involvement of monoaminergic systems in antidepressant-like effect of CT extract in the tail suspension test (TST) in mice. Materials and Methods: The mice were intraperitoneally (IP) treated with CT extract (100–400 mg/kg) 1hr before the TST. To investigate the involvement of monoaminergic systems in antidepressant-like effect, the mice were treated with receptor antagonists 15 min before CT extract treatment (400 mg/kg, IP) and 1hr before the TST. Results: Findings showed that CT extract (100–400 mg/kg, IP), dose-dependently induced antidepressant-like effect (

Effect of Origanum vulgare Hydroalcoholic Extract on Giardia lamblia Cysts Compared with Metronidazole in Vitro

Background: Giardiasis, an intestinal infection, is made by the flagellate protozoan and on the other hand, positive effects of plants derivatives, especially phenolic derivatives, against giardiasis. The effect of Origanum vulgare (OV) hydroalcoholic extract is still uninvestigated. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of OV hydroalcoholic extract on Giardia lamblia cysts compared with metronidazole in vitro. Methods: The present experimental study was conduct­ed in 2015-2016 in the Laboratory of Department of Parasi­tology of Islamic Azad University (Abhar Branch, Abhar, Iran). Cysts separated from feces by Bingham procedure were calculated by using the Hemusytumetr method. Five hundred µl of concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 mg/ml of OV hydroalcoholic extract and also125 mg/kg of metronidazole were added to the purified cysts of giardia. Control group was treated with normal saline. Anti-Giardia activity was calculated by using the light microscope for 30, 60 and 120 min and after exposure to eosin stain. Results: The results indicated anti-Giardia activity of OV hydroalcoholic extract and the best response was achieved at higher levels so that there were no significant differences among OV groups at levels of 200 mg/kg with metronidazole (P>0.05). Conclusion: The anti-Giardia activity of Origanum vulgare extract is may due to the presence of phenolic compounds present in it

Public Awareness, Attitudes, and First-Aid Measures on Epilepsy in Tehran

Background: People with epilepsy generally encounter misconceptions and negative attitudes about different aspects of the disease. They are also prone to physical injuries during seizures. Lack of awareness about first-aid measures results in taking inappropriate first-aid measures. The objective of this survey was to determine public awareness, attitudes, and first-aid measures about epilepsy in Tehran.Methods: This population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted during December 2016 to May 2017 throughout Tehran. Random stratified cluster sampling was used. Data were collected through interviews using a questionnaire. The awareness section included general awareness, causes, symptoms, seizure triggers, first-aid measures, and recommended treatments. The Likert scale was used for the attitudes section which included 20 statements. The answers about first-aid measures were categorized as helpful, or harmful.Results: A total of 833 adults participated in the survey. The level of total awareness score of 41 (4.9%) participants was very good, 194 (23.3%) good, 255 (30.6%) fair, 210 (25.2%) low, and 133(16.0%) very low. The mean (SD) score about general awareness was 4.6 (3.0), range=0 to 11; causes 5.8 (3.4), range=0 to 13; symptoms of seizures 7.0 (4.0), range=0 to 13; first-aid measures 7.5 (3.4), range=0 to 14. Among all participants, 260 (31.2%),  named at least one superstitious cause for epilepsy. Attitudes were generally positive except for marriage and having kids. The level of first-aid measures score of 74(42.5) was very good, 79(45.4) good, and 21(12.1) low.Conclusion: The awareness of people of Tehran about epilepsy was insufficient, attitudes were generally positive but rather conservative, and first-aid measures at the last witnessed seizure were fairly helpful

Anal Sphincter: A Comprehensive Review

Anal incontinence is of potential clinical interest and significance. Comprehensive knowledge of anal clinical anatomy and function is essential to understand pathophysiological processes that lead to sphincter malfunction. We review anatomy, physiology and surgical pathology of the anal sphincter. We also discuss surgical procedures which are used in cases of fecal incontinence.

Evaluation of antidepressant-like effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata in animal models of depression in male mice

Introduction: Passiflora incarnata (PI) is one of the commonest herbal anti-anxiety and sedative agents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidepressant effect of hydroalcoholic extract of PI in forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in male mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8: Negative and positive control groups received normal saline (10 ml/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) and imipramine (30 mg/kg), respectively and treatment groups received extracts of PI (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg). Immobility, swimming and climbing behaviors were recorded during 6-min. Results: All doses of PI extract compared to control group significantly reduced the duration of immobility time in both of two tests (p&lt;0.001). Also, these extracts increased swimming time (p&lt;0.001) without significant change of climbing time. Conclusion: PI has considerable antidepressant-like effect in animal models of depression. However, further studies are needed to determine its exact mechanism of action.</p

Antibacterial effects of <em>Solanum tuberosum</em> peel ethanol extract in vitro

Introduction: Today, medicinal plants are being widely used due to being natural, available, and cheaper than synthetic drugs and having minimum side effects. Since there were reports about the antibacterial properties of Solanum tuberosum (SE), the aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of SE ethanol extract in vitro condition on Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae Methods: Ethanol extract of SE peel was prepared by maceration method. Initially, antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of SE was qualitatively determined by disk diffusion test; then, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were qualitatively determined by micro-dilution method. Results: SE peel extract had antibacterial properties and its effect was more pronounced on gram-positive bacteria, especially S. aureus (0.62&plusmn;0.00 mg/ml). The extract had antibacterial activity on gram-negative bacteria, P. aeruginosa, too (8.33&plusmn;2.88 mg/ml). Conclusion: SE peel extract has antibacterial activity and its effect on gram-positive bacteria was more pronounced than the investigated gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, it is suggested that SE peel constituent compounds be determined and to determine the exact mechanism of its antibacterial properties, and more comprehensive research be done to apply it, clinically.</p