Effect of short time captopril administration on spatial memory in aging rats

Introduction: The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been reported having a pathological role in age-related impairment in learning and memory. Therefore, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are expected to have positive ef fects on memory. Longtime treatment with captopril (an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) significantly attenuates the age-related impairment in learning and memory. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 24 month old male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n=8). Captopril treated groups received daily ip injections of captopril at doses of 5, 10, 15 mg/kg/day for one week, the forth group served as control and remained untreated. Learning process was assessed by the reference memory task in the Morris water maze. All rats received water maze training (4 trials/day for 5 days) to assess hippocampal dependent spatial learning and then received a 60-s probe test of spatial memory retention 24 h after the 20th trial. Results: Over 5 days of training, captopril 5, 10, 15 mg/kg/day treatment signi ficantly reduced the latency and path length to finding the escape platform. In probe trails (without platform), on the last day of training, the captopril -treated group spent significantly longer time in the platform quadrant than control animals. Among treated group, 10 /mg/Kg dosage of captopril induced the best rehearsals memory. Conclusion: These results confirm the previous studies that ACEi have a positive influence on memory and it was noticeable that even short time treatment by captopril can improve spatial memory in the aged rats. © 2015, Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology. All rights reserved

Effect of metformin on the spatial memory in aged rats

Background: Aging process is often accompanied with some degree of decline in all the abilities, including learning and memory. One of the attracting research fields has been devoted to finding antiaging drugs. Metformin has shown some memory-enhancing features in aged humans and laboratory animals. Aims and Objective: To evaluate the effects of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg of metformin on the spatial memory performance of aged rats in the Morris water maze. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male 24-month-old rats were divided randomly into four groups (n = 8) including control group and 50-, 75-, and 100-mg/kg metformin groups. After 36 days of treatment, the learning process was assessed by the reference memory task in the Morris water maze. All the rats received water maze training (four trials/day for 5 days) to assess the hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and, then, received a 60-s probe trial test of spatial memory retention 24 h after the twentieth trial. Result: Over 5 days of training, metformin (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg/day) treatment significantly reduced the latency and path length to find the escape platform (P < 0.01). In probe trials (without platform), on the last day of training, the metformin-treated groups spent significantly longer time in the platform quadrant when compared with the control group. Among the treated groups, 100 mg/kg dosage of metformin induced the best rehearsals memory (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These results showed that, in the old rats, 36-day orally administered metformin showed a positive influence on the spatial memory performance in the Morris water maze. © 2015 Farzaneh Ganji

Effect of vitamin C and quercetin treatment on the liver histopathologic profile in congenital lead exposed male rat pups

Introduction: Lead is one of the most important environmental pollutants due to its vast use in various industries. Lead accumulation in different organs, especially the brain, liver and kidneys can cause serious health problems. Lead exposure is more dangerous during fetal period and childhood. Materials and Methods: Timed pregnant female rats divided into 6 groups. Group 1served as control group and received tap water, group 2 received 500 mg/liter lead acetate in the drinking water from 5th day of gestation up to 25th day post-partum, group 3 received the same dose of lead acetate along with daily IP injection of 40mg/kg quercetin, Group 4 received the same dose of lead acetate along with 2g/liter vitamin C, groups 5 and 6 received vitamin C and quercetin respectively like groups 2 and 3 but without lead acetate. On the 25th day postpartum, 6 male pups in each group were deeply anesthetized by chloroform; livers were removed and processed for Hematoxyline- Eosin staining. The microscopic slides were photographed and liver tissue morphological characteristics were evaluated. Results: Lead exposure caused extensive histopathologic changes in liver tissue including hepatocyte degradation, cell nucleus bifurcation and inflammation around hepatic veins. Quercetin and vitamin C treatment could prevent these pathologic changes to a considerable extent. Conclusion: Vitamin C in drinking water and quercetin via IP injection could protect the liver tissue against lead hepatotoxic effects. © 2015, Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology. All rights reserved

Turbulence, combustion, pollutant, and stability characterization of a premixed, step combustor

A two dimensional combustion tunnel was constructed to study a lean premixed turbulent propane/air flame stablized behind a rearward facing step. Studied were: (1) the existence and importance of large coherent structures in turbulent reacting and nonreacting free shear layers behind the steps; (2) the effect of inlet temperature and reference velocity on combustion efficiency; (3) CO, NO2 and NO sub x production in the flame; and (4) the blowout and upstream propagation of the flame. In the ranges studied, the large coherent structures dominated both the reacting and the nonreacting free shear layers behind the step. The growth of the vortices and the propagation of the flamer were intimately linked. Vortex pairing was observed to be one of the mechanisms for introduction of fresh reactants into the shear layer and growth of the shear layer. Probe composition measurements of the flame showed that, in the recirculation zone, the reaction was above 99 percent complete, CO and unburnt hydrocarbons were above the equilibrium level NO sub x concentration was far below the equilibrium level and NO2 comprised a negligible fraction of NO sub x

Effects of N-acetyl cysteine on serum lipoprotein (a) and proteinuria in type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND About 30-40% of diabetic patients who developed nephropathy have lipoprotein disorders, especially lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], which is related to atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on the serum levels of Lp(a) and amount of proteinuria in a group of type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 40, type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients, patients with proteinuria, were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group was treated by NAC (1200 mg/day) for two months in conjunction with conventional treatment for diabetes and hypertension. Control group received routine medications. RESULTS No significant change was identified in serum Lp(a) during treatment with NAC (P >0.05). However, NAC decreased the amount of proteinuria, serum triglyceride (TG) level and systolic blood pressure in experimental group compared to the control group (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that treatment with NAC has no significant effect on the serum level of Lp (a). However, it has beneficial effects on the reduction of proteinuria, serum TG level and systolic blood pressure in T2D patients with nephropathy. Further prospective studies are needed to determine its full role

The response of tinea capitis to treatment with a two-week oral terbinafine

زمینه و هدف: درماتوفیتوز سر عبارت‌ است‌ از عفونت‌ قارچی‌ پوست‌ سر که‌ در اثر تهاجم‌ درماتوفیت‌ها به‌ ساقه‌ مو ایجاد می شود. از میان‌ درماتوفیت‌های‌ پاتوژن‌ فقط انواع‌ میکروسپوروم‌ و ترایکوفایتون‌ باعث‌آلوده‌ شدن‌ موها می شوند. یکی‌ از داروهای‌ مصرفی‌ برای‌ درمان‌ عفونت های‌ قارچی‌، تربینافین‌ می‌باشد که‌ تداخلات واضح با سایر داروها و مصرف غذا ندارد و بسته‌ به‌ حساسیت‌ گونه‌ قارچ‌ و شدت‌ عفونت‌ طول‌ درمان‌ با آن‌ 2 تا 6 هفته‌ پیشنهاد شده‌ است‌. ولی ‌بهترین‌ دوره‌ درمانی‌ مشخص‌ نشده‌ است‌. لذا این مطالعه با هدف تعیین‌ پاسخ‌ عفونت های قارچی سر به درمان‌ 2 هفته‌ای‌ تربینافین‌خوراکی‌‌ انجام‌ گرفت‌. روش ‌بررسی: در‌ یک مطالعه کارآزمایی‌ بالینی‌ روی 29 بیمار با تشخیص‌ بالینی‌ ابتلا به‌ عفونت‌ قارچی‌ سر، آزمایش‌ مستقیم‌ با محلول پتاس‌ 10 و کشت‌ روی‌ محیط سابورو و دکستروز آگار به عمل‌ آمد. سپس‌ این‌ بیماران‌ تحت‌ درمان‌ دو هفته‌ای‌ با تربینافین‌ خوراکی قرار گرفتند و در سه نوبت (قبل از درمان، بعد از درمان و ده هفته بعد از شروع درمان) تحت معاینه و آزمایشات تشخیصی قرار گرفتند. داده‌ها با استفاده‌ از آزمون‌ دقیق‌ فیشرتجزیه و تحلیل‌ شدند. یافته ها‌: ارگانیسم‌های‌ مولد عفونت‌ در 9 مورد میکروسپوروم‌ و 20 مورد ترایکوفایتون‌ بودند. بعد از دو هفته درمان و گذشت ده هفته از شروع درمان، در آزمایش‌ مستقیم‌ از نمونه‌ بالینی‌ 29 بیمار مراجعه‌ کننده‌ 7 مورد اکتوتریکس‌ یافت ‌شد و بقیه‌ موارد منفی‌ بودند. نتایج به دست آمده از کشت نمونه ها همه 20 مورد بیمار مبتلا به گونه ترایکوفایتون درمان شدند در حالی که 100 میکروسپوروم ها (9 مورد) به درمان جواب نداده و درمان نشدند. نتیجه‌گیری‌: جهت‌ درمان‌ بیماران‌ مبتلا به‌ درماتوفیتوز‌ سر در گونه‌های‌ ترایکوفایتون‌ می‌توان از تربینافین ‌خوراکی‌ به مدت 2 هفته استفاده‌ کرد. ولی این رژیم درمانی برای میکروسپوروم ها مؤثر نیست

DIFFUSING CAPACITY FOR LUNG CARBON MONOXIDE (DLCO) IN CHEMICAL LUNG INJURIES DUE TO THE USE OF MUSTARD GAS IN THE POISONED SOLDIERS OF IRAN-IRAQ WAR 2006

Objectives: To assess the Mustard gas exposure effects on pulmonary system, particularly on diffusing capacity for lung carbon monoxide (DLCO) and simple spirometry. Methodology: Sixty-five sulfur mustard-poisoned soldiers from Mostazafan and Janbazan organization were referred to our center in 2005. Complete history, physical examination, chest X ray, Echocardiography, Arterial blood gas, high - resolution computerized tomography, diffusion capacity for lung carbon monoxide and spirometry of these were performed and compared this result with normal value. Results: The mean value of indices in studied injured subjects was: Spirometry: forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) = 70.4, Forced vital capacity (FVC) = 66.5, EFE 25-75=81.1, FEV1/FVC=101.9, Flow 25% = 28.7, Flow 50%=72.9, Flow 75%=100.1, Sample volume: Functional residual capacity of lungs (FRC) = 131.5, residual volume (RV) = 157.3, RV/TLC=169.1, Total lung capacity (TLC) = 91.3, KCO=131.6, TLCO=116.3. No significant correlation was observed between TLCO values with HRCT, echocardiography, ABG and spirometry values (P>0.05). Conclusion: We recommend TLCO & RV/TLV tests to assess severity of Injuries as there is no a suitable criterion to measure the real consequences of mustard gas on affected combatants. and Biological markers are also needed to determine cause-effect relations

Relationship of Conjunctival and Corneal Calcification with Secondary Hyperpara-thyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract Background/Objective: Hyperphosphatemia is the consequence of end stage renal failure. Inadequate control of serum phosphorus results in elevated Ca×P product with subsequent soft tissue deposition in the form of conjunctival and corneal calcification. In this study, we evaluated the relationship of conjunctival and corneal calcification with secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive–analytic study performed on 24 hemodialysis patients. We measured serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, iPTH and conjunctival and corneal calcification using slit–lamp microscope according to a modification of Porter's criteria. The duration of hemodialysis was 30.7 ± 21.7 months. Results: 24 patients participated in this study. The biochemical values were: Ca: 9.1 ± 0.8 mg/dl, P: 6.5 ± 2.2 mg/dl, ipTH: 488 ± 326 pg/ml, Ca×P : 51.5 ± 16.6 The mean of conjunctival and corneal calcification score was 7.1±4. There was a positive correlation between conjunctival and corneal calcification with a duration of hemodialysis (p=0.033, r=0.436), Ca×P product (p=0.007, r=0.538). P (p=0.006, r=548) and iPTH (p= 0.028 , r=0.449). There was no correlation between conjunctival and corneal calcification with the age of the patients, serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation of serum phosphorus, Ca×P product and iPTH with conjunctival and corneal calcification and no significant correlation with serum calcium implying that there is a central role for phosphorus in calcium-phosphorus deposition in soft tissues like cornea and conjunctiva, underscoring further attention to phosphorus control in hemodialysis patients

Prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in students and needs modification of mental health services in Shahrekord, Iran in 2013

Introduction and Objectives: In view of the complications of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and significance of its treatment, the present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of ADHD among elementary school students of Shahrekord and to assess the obstacles preventing patients from accessing mental health services. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 631 eligible students were selected from elementary school students in Shahrekord County, Iran. Multi-stage stratified random sampling was adopted. Demographic data were gathered and Child Symptom Inventory-4 for parents and teachers was filled out for each student. The students with suspected ADHD were identified, and examined for the association among mental health help-seeking steps. Obstacles to mental health help-seeking were assessed. Results: ADHD prevalence was derived 17.3% and higher among male students (p=0.025). ADHD prevalence was associated with parents’ education and occupation. The evaluation and diagnosis rates were significantly associated with gender (p=0.002 and 0.005, respectively). The most prevalent obstacles facing access to mental health services were those relevant to feeling no need (86%), negative expectations of treatment (78%) and mental health system (64%). Conclusion: ADHD was highly prevalent among elementary school students. Identifying the patients and examining the existing obstacles of access to mental health system seems necessary. © 2016, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved

Relationship of Conjunctival and Corneal Calcification with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients

Background/Objective: Hyperphosphatemia is the consequence of end stage renal failure. Inadequate control of serum phosphorus results in elevated Ca×P product with subsequent soft tissue deposition in the form of conjunctival and corneal calcification. In this study, we evaluated the relationship of conjunctival and corneal calcification with secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive-analytic study performed on 24 hemodialysis patients. We measured serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, iPTH and conjunctival and corneal calcification using slit-lamp microscope according to a modification of Porter's criteria. The duration of hemodialysis was 30.7± 21.7 months. Results: 24 patients participated in this study. The biochemical values were: Ca: 9.1 ± 0.8 mg/dl, P: 6.5 ± 2.2 mg/dl, ipTH: 488 ± 326 pg/ml, Ca×P: 51.5 ± 16.6 The mean of conjunctival and corneal calcification score was 7.1±4. There was a positive correlation between conjunctival and corneal calcification with a duration of hemodialysis (p=0.033, r-0.436), Ca×P product (p=0.007, r=0.538). P (p=0.006, r=548) and iPTH (p= 0.028, r=0.449). There was no correlation between conjunctival and corneal calcification with the age of the patients, serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation of serum phosphorus, Ca×P product and iPTH with conjunctival and corneal calcification and no significant correlation with serum calcium implying that there is a central role for phosphorus in calcium-phosphorus deposition in soft tissues like cornea and conjunctiva, underscoring further attention to phosphorus control in hemodialysis patients