Mitochondrial Function, Oxidative Stress and Parkinson's Disease

The loss of the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes, particularly complex I, has been implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. However, it is still uncertain whether altered MRC activity is an early event in the pathophysiology of PD, or a late consequence of cellular stress. Therefore, this thesis contributes differently from other studies as to the ongoing investigations about MRC activity in PD post-mortem brain based on pathological severity. This study demonstrates that loss of complex I activity occurs in regions with both moderate and mild pathology in PD brain. Furthermore, multiple complex defects were noted in the moderate pathology region. However, the activity of complex II which is entirely encoded by nuclear DNA appeared to be preserved. The exact mechanism of multiple complex defects remain elusive. However, the possibility arises that impairment of complex I results in secondary damage to the other complexes. Here, neuroblastoma cells were employed to study the effect of pharmacologically induced MRC complex I deficiency upon the activity of the other complexes. In this model, rotenone-treated (100 nM; 24-48 hours) SH-SY5Y cells induced an inhibition of complex I. At 24 hours no effect was observed on the other complexes. However at 48 hours, multiple complex defects were noted, but the activity of complex II appeared to be preserved. Additionally, bioenergetics and glutathione status were compromised. By utilizing this model, the effectiveness of antioxidants in alleviating the progression of complex I deficiency on other complexes were also evaluated. Furthermore, the use of the Oxygraph-2K® instrument together with a step-wise protocol was developed to assess the integrated mitochondrial function in cultured SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, the focus of attention was also to validate the fibroblast growth factor-21 ELISA assay. Based on the results, this assay appears to be a useful as a biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction

Study of hydatid cyst in hospitalized patients with operation in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary province (1988-2007)

زمینه و هدف: بیماری کیست هیداتید یکی از شایع ترین بیماری های مشترک انسان و دام است که ناشی از ابتلای انسان به مرحله لاروی انگل اکی نوکوکوس گرانولوزوس می باشد. شناخت جنبه های اپیدمیولوژیکی بیماری در کنترل و پیشگیری از بیماری ضروری است. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی ده ساله فراوانی بیماران مبتلا به کیست هیداتید جراحی شده در بیمارستان های استان چهارمحال و بختیاری انجام شد. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه توصیفی -تحلیلی، بیماران مبتلا به کیست هیداتید استان طی سالهای1386 -1377 که در بیمارستان های آیت اله کاشانی شهرکرد، سید الشهداء (ع)فارسان و ولی عصر بروجن (عج) بستری و جراحی شده بودند مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. اطلاعات به کمک پرسشنامه جمع آوری و با استفاده از آمار توصیفی و تحلیلی (کای دو) تجزیه و تحلیل گردیدند. یافته ها: از مجموع 144 بیمار بررسی شده 98 نفر (68) زن، 93 نفر (65) ساکن روستاها و عشایر و 51 نفر (35) شهرنشین بودند. دامنه سنی بیماری بین 92-11 سال و بیشترین شیوع در گروه سنی 41-27 سال (44 مورد) و کمترین شیوع در گروه سنی بالای 72 سال بود (6 مورد) دیده شد. بیشترین فراوانی در بین زنان خانه دار (60) و کمترین میزان در افراد کارمند (3) دیده شد. از نظر چگونگی محل قرار گرفتن کیست، کیست ها به ترتیب در لوب راست کبد (67) و لوب چپ کبد (10)، قسمت های راست و چپ ریه (6) بودند. نتیجه گیری: با توجه به شیوع بالای این بیماری در بین روستاییان و عشایر و همچنین ارتباط نزدیک انسان، دام و سگ در این مناطق ضرورت آموزش جهت شناخت بهتر بیماری در آنان و شناسایی سگ های آلوده عشایر و درمان آنها جهت کنترل بیماری اجتناب ناپذیر است

Oxidative Stress: Mechanistic Insights into Inherited Mitochondrial Disorders and Parkinson's Disease

Oxidative stress arises when cellular antioxidant defences become overwhelmed by a surplus generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Once this occurs, many cellular biomolecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins become susceptible to free radical-induced oxidative damage, and this may consequently lead to cellular and ultimately tissue and organ dysfunction. Mitochondria, as well as being a source of ROS, are vulnerable to oxidative stress-induced damage with a number of key biomolecules being the target of oxidative damage by free radicals, including membrane phospholipids, respiratory chain complexes, proteins, and mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA). As a result, a deficit in cellular energy status may occur along with increased electron leakage and partial reduction of oxygen. This in turn may lead to a further increase in ROS production. Oxidative damage to certain mitochondrial biomolecules has been associated with, and implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases. It is the purpose of this review to discuss the impact of such oxidative stress and subsequent damage by reviewing our current knowledge of the pathophysiology of several inherited mitochondrial disorders together with our understanding of perturbations observed in the more commonly acquired neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). Furthermore, the potential use and feasibility of antioxidant therapies as an adjunct to lower the accumulation of damaging oxidative species and hence slow disease progression will also be discussed

Effect of Dietary Ethanolic Extract of Lavandula officinalis on Serum Lipids Profile in Rats

Antioxidants are effective in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Lavandula officinalis possesses antioxidant activity, therefore, in this study; the effects of Lavandula officinalis extract were investigated on serum lipids levels of rats. Experimental mature male Wistar rats were treated with 100, 200 or 400 mg/Kg/day of lavender ethanolic extract or distilled water for 25 days via gastric gavage (n=8 each group). At the end of 25(th) day, the serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL and VLDL levels, as well as atherogenic indices were determined in rats' serum. The ethanolic extract of lavender decreased serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL levels in 100 mg/Kg group (p=0.03, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, respectively). Serum HDL level increased in 100 mg/Kg/day group (p=0.01). Lavender extract decreased LDL/HDL level at doses of 100 and 200 mg/Kg/day (p=0.001, p=0.001, respectively). The TG/HDL levels decreased in experimental groups with doses of 100 and 200 mg/Kg/day (p=0.001, p=0.001, respectively). Lavandula officinalis extract exerts hypolipidemic effect in rats and might be beneficial in hyperlipidemic patients

The effect of teaching using, problem base learning and lecture on behavior, attitude and learning of nursing (BSc) students

Background and aim: Problem base learning results in the clarification of the words and concepts, the definition of the concepts, problem analysis, providing a systematic method to describe the situation during analysis process, the determination of learning objectives, getting more knowledge according to learning requirements and merging of the new knowledge with solutions. Regarding the progress of nursing science across the world and the importance of promotion in nursing education using new educational methods, the aim of this research was to determine the effect of teaching using both problem base learning and lecture on behavior, attitude and learning of nursing (BSc) students at Shahre-Kord university of medical science. Methods: This research was a semi-experimental study involved 40 of nursing (at 4th semester) students at Shahre-Kord university of medical sciences who were learning the internal course (surgery 2). They were selected using conventional sampling method and divided into two equal groups of case and control, using random sampling method. The problem base learning and lecture methods were used to teach individuals of case and control groups, respectively. At the end of the course, using a questionnaire, behavior, attitude, and learning of the students were assessed. Using T and Manvitni tests, the data was analyzed. Results: The students were 95% female and single. The mean of age in both groups was 22/04±1 years. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the three former semester average scores, using t-test. The mean of learning in the case and control was 68.24±6.8 and 44.98±9.8, respectively. The mean of attitude in the case and control was 123.3±21 and 96.8±8 and the mean of behavior in the two groups was 69.5±2.5 and 63±3.1, respectively (p<0.001). There was significant statistical difference (p<0.05) in the two categories of evaluation and application between the two groups studied (p<0.05). There was also slight difference in the level of understanding between these two groups. Conclusion: Based on the results, teaching by problem base learning is more useful than lecture in modification and improvement of learning and attitude of the students studied. The results of this research is offered and recommended to the educational officials to substitute this method for the traditional ones

Simulation of ion behavior in an open three-dimensional Paul trap using a power series method

Simulations of the dynamics of ions trapped in a Paul trap with terms in the potential up to the order 10 have been carried out. The power series method is used to solve numerically the equations of motion of the ions. The stability diagram has been studied and the buffer gas cooling has been implemented by a Monte Carlo method. The dipole excitation was also included. The method has been applied to an existing trap and it has shown good agreement with the experimental results and previous simulations using other methods

Diagnostic challenge of intestinal obstruction secondary to Henoch–Schonlein purpura

Henoch–Schonlein purpura is the most common form of vasculitis in pediatric age group. Gastrointestinal manifestations have been long recognized as part of the disease, but usually preceded by other manifestations. We present a case of a boy whose initial manifestation of the disease was bowel obstruction and ischemia requiring surgical intervention twice with diagnostic dilemma prior to diagnosis of Henoch–Schonlein purpura. Although common surgical diseases prove to be the culprit in most cases, a surgeon should always keep an open mind for possibility beyond surgical diseases. Multidisciplinary approach to situations where ambiguities in diagnosis exist proves to be a valuable tool aiding surgical decision.Keywords: gastrointestinal, henochscholine, intestinal ischemia, intussusception, purpur

Diagnostic challenge of intestinal obstruction secondary to Henoch–Schonlein purpura

Henoch–Schonlein purpura is the most common form of vasculitis in pediatric age group. Gastrointestinal manifestations have been long recognized as part of the disease, but usually preceded by other manifestations. We present a case of a boy whose  initial manifestation of the disease was bowel obstruction and ischemia requiring surgical intervention twice with diagnostic  dilemma prior to diagnosis of Henoch–Schonlein purpura. Although common surgical diseases prove to be the culprit in most cases, a surgeon should always keep an open mind for possibility beyond surgical diseases. Multidisciplinary approach to  situations where ambiguities in diagnosis exist proves to be a valuable tool aiding surgical decision.Keywords: gastrointestinal, henochscholine, intestinal ischemia, intussusception, purpur

Perception of Faculty Members of Regional Medical School Toward Faculty Development Program

Introduction: Any types or process of activities that are performed by a group or an individual to enhance, promote, and improve the performance, competencies or skills of a health professional at an institute level are defined as faculty development which has many other names like staff development, academic development, and educational development. The importance of faculty development stressed by Harden is equivalent to curriculum development, which is a very difficult assignment. Objectives: To determine the pattern of faculty members’ perception toward their weekly faculty development program. Methodology: Enrolling the faculty members of the College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( COM/UB,KSA). COM/UB adopting the innovative curriculum (problem-based learning, team-based learning, interactive lectures, and case-based learning and seminars. Each Tuesday, faculty members gather in the faculty development academic program (FDAP) room to discuss issues related to medical education and quality. Usually, there is a presentation on the selected topic over 25 min, followed by a discussion and workshop, and finally, a recommendation is drawn. The inclusion criterion is those staying in the college for a period of more than one year. New joiners and those staying for a period of less than one year were excluded. Faculty members were enrolled optionally and requested to fill a validated questionnaire. Results: The response rate was 92% of total staff. More than 89%, 87%, 86% and 74% thought that the FDAP is useful to them, helps them in addressing academic issues in the faculty, is an enriching experience, and thought that it helps them in constructing high-quality multiple choice questions (MCQs). Finally, 84% were interested in presenting topics in FDP. Conclusion: FDAP was positively perceived by the faculty members of the University Bisha/College of Medicine, since it enriches their experience and satisfies their academic job. Keywords: faculty, development, academic, program, MCQ