Evaluation of Absorbed Dose of Critical Organ in Rando Phantom under Head, Abdomen and Pelvis Spiral CT Scan by Thermo Luminescent Dosimetery - TLD

Background & Objectives: Computed tomography (CT) represents 11% of all diagnostic radiology procedures but it contributes to almost 67% of the total effective dose to the human population. In head and neck CT which consist of 1/3 of total CT scans, other critical organs such as lenses and thyroid are in the radiation field. Also in the abdomen and pelvis scan, irradiation of ovaries is unavoidable. Because of high sensitivity of these organs, the probability of abnormality and cancer in these organs has increased. Therefore the dose assessment in these organs is very important. The aim of this study is to estimate the absorbed dose in critical organ of patient undergoing common head, neck, abdomen and pelvic spiral CT scan. Materials & Methods: In this study, Lithium fluoride thermo luminescent dosimeters (TLD-100, Harshaw) were used to determine the absorbed dose of critical organ of tissue equivalent rando phantom (Alderson research industries, Inc, Stanford, Conn, U.S.A). The phantom was sectional in design and manufactured with a 2.5 cm slab thickness. Each section contained some holes that allowed accommodation of TLDs. At least two crystals were placed in each hole. The average value of the TLD readings was taken as the organ dose. Readouts were obtained on a Harshaw 4500 reader (Harshaw, Ohio, USA). For calibration, the annealed dosimeters were exposed to an X-ray beam resulting from 120 kVp tube voltage and calibration curve was plotted. Results: result of this study showed during head CT scan the maximum absorbed dose belongs to occipital bones skin. Which were about 11.45 mGy and the minimum absorbed dose belong to thyroid gland which was 0.5 mGy. During abdomen & pelvic spiral CT, the maximum absorbed dose of abdomen skin was 23.32 mGy and the minimum absorbed dose in the eye region was 0.15 mGy. The readout results are correlated with the results of spiral CT detector with the “ALARA” principle, we recommend suitable techniques should be selected to reduce absorbed dose of critical organ without reducing image quality. Conclusion: further research is required to investigate whether modification of the parameters used during routine spiral CT scan can be limited absorbed dose of critical organ without a significant loss of image quality

Protective effects of vitamin E and selenium on spermatogenesis in adult male rat insulin-resistant

Background & Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease and is a multifactorial disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion and insulin factional or both. In this study, the protective role of vitamin E and sodium selenite in preventing the harmful effects of insulin resistance (diabetes type 2) on spermatogenesis was studied.   Materials & Methods: Male adults (180-200 g) of Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each containing 7 rats (control, sham, and three experimental groups). The rats were fed daily with water-soluble fructose (10%), mg/kg 200 of vitamin E (gavage), and 5/0 mg/kg of sodium selenite (intraperitoneal injection) or both for 110 days. Subsequently, sperm parameters, levels of testosterone, LH, and daily sperm production (DSP) were checked. Additionally, testicular histopathology and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the testis were examined.   Results: Sperm count, sperm motility and viability, and insulin resistance in the rats decreased DSP. A significant decrease was observed in the number of Leydig cells, spermatogonia, spermatogenesis, and spermatozoa in the testis of the insulin-resistant animals, whereas MDA and testosterone rose in the insulin-resistant rats. Vitamin E and sodium selenite intake reduced the levels of MDA and harmful effects of fructose on testicles, as well as sperm parameters and testicular pathology. A simultaneous intake of vitamin E and sodium selenite conferred the highest level of protection.   Conclusion: These findings suggest that vitamin E and sodium selenite can have a protective role in the testes of rats against oxidative stress induced by diabetes type 2

Expression of Epstein-Barr virus in Hodgkin lymphoma Specimens in IRAN.

 Background &Objectives: The Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV( is related with various diseases including infectious mononucleosis, Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and post-transplant lymphoprolifrative disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize the association between EBV and Hodgkin's lymphoma through EBERs in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH) in Iranian patients.    Materials &Methods: In this study, 43 Hodgkin's lymphoma tissue samples were selected from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks and analyzed by EBERs in situ hybridization. Data analyzed by SPSS16 statistical software, Fisher's exact test and Mantel-Haensel significant level 0.05.   Results: 43 Hodgkin's lymphoma patients were 29 (67%) male samples and 14 (33%) female samples. In 20 (47%) samples Epstein-Barr virus was present. The positive cases included 13 samples  male and 7 samples female. Fisher's exact test showed statistically no significant difference between sex and subtypes. Age distribution of relation of Hodgkin's lymphoma and EBV virus were 75% (12 of 16) in the age group of 1-14 years,  22% (5 of 23) in the age group 15-49 years and 75% (3 of 4) in the age group over 49 years, respectively. Fisher's exact test showed statistically significant difference between 1-14 and 15-49 age group years (p-value: 0.003).   Conclusion: Results shown higher presence rate of Epstein-Barr virus in Hodgkin's lymphoma specimens  of children and older adult. This pattern is similar to other developing countries.

The protective effects of vitamin E and C against oxidative stress induced by sulfasalazine in the testis of male adult rats

Background & Objective: Sulfasalazine (SASP) is a drug used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. SASP causes testicular damage. The aim of this study was to verify whether or not an additional supply of vitamin E or C or together prevent the toxic effect of SASP on the rat spermatogenesis. Materials & methods: Adult male wistar rats (150-200 gr) were divided into five groups (n=8) control and four experimental groups. The experimental groups were treated with SASP (600 mg/kg/day by gavage feeding ) for 14 successive days. Additionally the experimental group 2 were treated with the vitamin C (20 mg/kg/body weight/daily), the experimental group 3 received vitamins E (200 mg/kg body weight/daily) and the experimental group 4 received daily vitamin C and vitamin E 20 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively through the same root. At the end of the experimental period the mean body weight growth and the ratio between body and testis weight were calculated and compared with the control groups, Spermatogenesis Parameters such as, daily Sperm count, percent of motility, viability, Daily sperm production (DSP), testicular histopathology, serum testosterone levels and the level of Malondialehyde (MDA) were evaluated. The data were analyzed using Danken and one way variance test and the P≤ 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Sperm count, percent of motility, viability and DSP were decreased in SASP treated animals. A significant decrease in the number of sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatid were seen in the testis of SASP treated animals. The level of MDA was increased in the SASP treated group. However, Co-administration of vitamin E and C with SASP reduced the level of MDA and deleterious effects of SASP on the sperm parameters and testicular histology. Finally, the Co-administration of vitamin E and C had the most protective effects when compared with the control groups. Conclusion: The results suggested that additional supply of vitamin E and C protect against SASP–induced oxidative stress in the rat testis

Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst Co-infected with Invasive Aspergillosis

Here we report a case of co-infection of hydatid cyst with invasive apergillosis, in a previously healthy, non immunocompromised, 26year old man. Chest x-ray revealed a large cystic cavity in left upper lobe of lung histopathologic examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst with numerous fungal hyphea which invaded the laminated wall of the cyst. Although, co-infection with hydatid cyst is very rare finding but, in this patient hydatid cyst caused a new cavity formation which is the most common predisposing factor for development of aspergilloma, so we should consider aspergillosis infection in every lung cavity formatio

Comparing the Amount of 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D3 Concentrated in Serum of Normal and Overweight/ Obese Women and Its Relation to Metabolic Syndrome

Background & Objective: The relationship between vitamin D3 and risk factors of metabolic syndrome is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the vitamin D3 kevel of women and its relation with metabolic syndrome risk factors. Materials & methods: A cross-sectional study conducted between 200 healthy women aged 20 to 50 in two groups of normal BMI (BMI=18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and overweight/obese group (BMI≥25 kg/m2) who did not use mineral and vitamin supplementation. A fasting blood sample after 10 to 12 hour collected for fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and vitamin D3(25 OH D3) and weight, height, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Results: The mean of 89 obese subjects and 76 normal weight ones were 36±9 years old. The mean of 25 hydroxy vitamin D3 was not significantly different between the two groups; 22.3±19.9 ng/ml for normal weight group and 16.5±11.4 ng/ml for the obese one (p=0.31). HDL-cholesterol (r=.25, p<0.05) and waist circumference (r=-.14, p<0.05) were related to vitamin D3 levels significantly which repeated after BMI (body mass index) adjustment Conclusion: The results indicated that although the total amount of vitamin D3 were not significantly different between the two groups but more than 80 percent of women in both groups were deficient in vitamin D3 which is a  noteworthy issue based on the findings of the study

The Comparison of Burn Injury (Second Degree) Recovery Using Silver Sulphadiazine Ointment 1% and the Combination of Mastic Gum with Ghee

Background & Objective: Burn injuries are one of the health hazards of today society.&nbsp;Considering the use of silver sulphadiazine in clinics and mastic gum-ghee mixture in some regions of Iran for burn recovery, this study was designed to compare the effect of mastic gum-ghee mixture and silver sulfasalazine ointment 1% in treating second degree burns. Materials & Methods: This experimental single blind study was performed after anesthetizing 10-rat groups with sodium thiopental (Intra Peritoneal Injection). During the four -week treatment with silver sulfadiazine ointment1%, Vaseline, pure ghee, or mastic gum-Vaseline mixture in three dosages (50,100. and 200 mg mastic gum in Vaseline in gram) and mastic gum-ghee in dosages of 50,100, and 200 mg mastic gum in ghee in gram, the effects of this substances on the remission of the ulcers were evaluated qualitatively and clinically.Results:&nbsp;In the first two weeks of treatment after burn, most groups had almost similar trend of remission. But in the next&nbsp;two weeks of treatment, the degree of recovery changed in different groups. The silver sulfadiazine group, the mixture of mastic gum- Vaseline (200mg/ g) and Vaseline showed the highest improvement, respectively (according to the dermatologist opinion).Conclusion: According to this &nbsp;study, it is suggested &nbsp;not to use&nbsp;mastic gum-ghee mixture for second degree burns. We recommend that &nbsp;sulfadiazine ointment 1% is the better choice for the recovery of burn injuries

Antibacterial effects of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Ziziphora tenuior, Teucrium polium, Barberis corcorde and Stachys inflate

Introduction: Many people are used medicinal plants due to natural, low risks and complications, andlow costs as compared with the synthetic drugs. Incidence of drug resistance against chemicalantimicrobial drugs has led the use of medicinal plants for treatment of infections in recent years. The aimof this study was to examine possible antibacterial effects of four herbal plants in vitro.Materials and Methods: Four species of domestic plants from Fars- Fasa (Iran) including Ziziphora,Stachys, Teucrium and Barberry were collected in spring and dried. Hydro-alcoholic extracts of theseplants were prepared using standard methods. Antibacterial effects were examined with disk diffusionmethod and serial broth dilution. To standardize of of study, we used antibiogram disks and ATCCbacteria.Results: Teucrium extract with 1/8 dilution and Barberry extract with 1/4 dilution showed antibacterialeffects in serial dilution method. Moreover, by using the disk diffusion method, antibacterial effects ofboth mentioned extracts against E.coli ATCC 25922 and S.aureus ATCC 25923،were found as comparedamoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin and imipenem.Conclusion: The results of this study and other studies show that extracts of herbal plants, instead ofchemical drugs, can be used to treat infections. Of course, before using them all their side effects shouldbe carefully checked in in vitro and in vivo studies

Association of IL18 gene polymorphisms (positions -656 G/T, -137 G/C and +105A/C) with Kala-Azar

Background & Objective: Host resistance to Leishmania infection is mediated by cellular immune responses leading to macrophage activation and parasite killing. IL-18 known as interferon-γ inducing factor, stimulate IFN-γ production by T-cells. According to the important role of IL-18 in defense against VL and known effect of IL-18 gene polymorphisms on its production, the aim of this study was to investigate the probable relation between IL-18 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to VL in Iranian patients. Materials & Methods: The study groups included 118 pediatric patients suffered from VL and 156 non-relative healthy persons from the same endemic area as the patients. In both study groups IL-18 gene polymorphisms at positions -656 G/T, -137 G/C and +105A/C (codon 35/3) were analyzed by PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fregment Length Polymorphism). Results: The result showed that the frequency of T allele at position -656 was significantly higher in the controls compared to that in the patients (P=0.047). But in none of the genotypes of IL-18 there was significant difference between patients and controls. In addition, the distribution of ATG haplotype and AGG/ATG haplo-genotype were significantly higher in the controls compared to that in patients with VL (P=0.043and P=0.044, respectively). Furthermore a strong LDs (P<0.001) were detected between the -607, -137 and codon 35/3 SNPs. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that the frequency of T allele at position -656 and ATG haplotype and AGG/ATG haplogenotype (positions +105, -656 and -137) were significantly higher in the controls. To the best of our knowledge no study has been conducted on IL-18 gene polymorphisms and VL in other countries, therefore, we were not able to compare our results with other investigations, so it seems that more researches in this field on other populations will be worthy

The Effects of Ecologic Condition on Antimicrobial Activity of Endemic Herbal Extracts in Fars Province

Background & Objectives: Ecologic conditions affect production of effective pharmaceutical products. We evaluate the effect of ecologic conditions on antibacterial effects of herbal plants in Fars. Materials & Methods: We collected eight plant species including Trachyspermum copticum, Withania somnifera, Laurus nobilis, Carum carvi, Thymus, Rosemary, Zataria multiflora, and Lavandula in Fasa and Sepidan.. Their antibacterial effects were studied by disk diffusion method, well assay method, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Ecological and weather conditions were derived from internet. Results: Comparing with standard antibacterial indexes the following results were achieved. Fasa herbs including Trachyspermum copticum, Zataria multiflora, Laurus nobilis, and Rosemary had the most effect on Staphylococcus aureus, while Carum carvi had the least effect. This effect in Sepidan herbs was the most in Trachyspermum copticum, Zataria multiflora, and Rosemary, while Carum carvi had the least effect. Surveying the effects against E.coli among Fasa herbs, Zataria multiflora had the most and Carum carvi and Lavandula had the least effects. On the other hand, among Sepidan herbs, Trachyspermum had the highest and Carum carvi, Lavandula, and Laurus nobilis had the lowest effects on E.coli. Antibacterial effects of Fasa herbs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most in Zataria multiflora and Thymus and the least in Carum carvi. In Sepidan herbs, it was the highest in Zataria multiflora and the lowest in Carum carvi.Conclusion: Considering the differences in antibacterial effects of the herbs in two ecologic conditions, we suggest other researchers to pay attention to the mentioned effects in their studies