Protective effect of carvedilol against anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy on patients with breast cancer and lymphoma

Background:Anthracycline antibiotics are potent antineoplastic agents. Unfortunately, despite its broad effectiveness, anthracycline therapy is associated with irreversible dilated cardiomyopathy. Toxic effect may occur at any stage of anthracycline treatment. When it takes place, medical therapy is mostly insufficient. Therefore, prevention of cardiomyopathy has great clinical importance. This study aimed at evaluating the protective effect of carvedilol against anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy on patients with breast cancer and lymphoma.Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 66 patients with breast cancer or lymphoma selected for chemotherapy in Tabriz city hospital. These patients randomized in three groups; the first group (control) received placebo; the second group (A) received carvedilol 6.25mg/d and the third group (B) received carvedilol 12.5mg/d for 4months. Conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler study were employed for evaluating the patients on the baseline and at the end of survey.Results:At the end of 4 months of follow-up, 1 (4.5%) patient in group B, 2 (9.1%) patients in group A and 4 (18.2%) patients of the control group had died. Clinical systolic dysfunction was encountered in 5 (27.8%), 5 (25%) and 1 (4.8%) patients in the control, A and B groups, respectively. A distinctive clinical diastolic dysfunction was encountered in 5 (27.8%), 3 (15%) and 3 (14.3%) patients in the control, A and B groups, respectively. Carvedilol with a dose of 6.25mg/d prohibited the diastolic dysfunction at the end of study without a significant effect on the prevention of diastolic dysfunction. Carvedilol with a dose of 12.5mg/d effectively prevented both the systolic and diastolic dysfunctions at the end of study.Conclusions:The current study showed that prophylactic administration of carvedilol with a dose of 12.5 mg/d might significantly prevent the systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in patients receiving chemotherapy with anthracycline

High occurrence of potentially-pathogenic free-living amoebae in tap water and recreational water sources in South-West Iran

The present study was conducted to evaluate the presence of potentially pathogenic free living amoebae in drinking and recreational water sources in south-western Iran. From 75 collected water samples, 40 samples (53.3%) were positive for free living amoebae identified using morphological tools. Interestingly, all recreational waters in Ilam city included in the present study were positive for Acanthamoeba, Vahlkampfidae and Vermamoeba. Thirty percent of tap water samples in Ahvaz city were also positive for potentially pathogenic Free Living Amoebae. Moreover, the three genera identified in the present study have been previously reported as keratitis causative agents in Iran. The present research highlights the need to improve filtration methods for tap waters and to establish awareness in recreational water sources in Iran, in order to prevent Free Living Amoebae related infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of potentially pathogenic free living amoebae including Acanthamoebae, Vermamoebae and Vahlkampfiids in the South-West of Iran.

[Elicitation effects of fungal extracts on silymarin accumulation in Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn hairy root culture]

Silymarin, extracted from the seeds of milk thistle [Silyburn marianum [L.] Gaertn] is mostly used for liver disease treatment. Hairy root cultures derived from S. marianum are able to produce silymarin. Elicitation of hairy root cultures is an important strategy for improving the production of secondary metabolites. The elicitors could be changed metabolite biosynthesis pathway and are useful for study of cell signaling pathway. In this study after preparation of S. marianum hairy root cultures, the effects of various levels of Fusarium oxysprum and Phytophtora meloni extract [0,10 and 20 mg 50 ml[-1] culture] in 4 different exposure times [0, 24, 48 and 72 h] have been investigated on flavonolignans production. The flavonolignans were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography method. Our results showed that hairy root cultures of S. marianum were consisted of a large number of flavonolignans including silychristin, silydianin, silybin, isosilybin and taxifolin. The highest production of silymarin [0.32 mg g[-1] DW] was observed in F. oxysprum elicited root cultures [10 mg/50 ml culture] after 72h [2.28- fold that of the control]. In Ph. meloni treated root cultures [20 mg/50 ml culture], the maximum silymarin production [0.13 mg g[-1], DW] was obtained after 72 h [1.9- fold that of the control]. In this experiment it has been concluded that hairy root cultures of S. marianum are susceptible to elicitation by fungal elicitors and is useful for efficient large-scale production of silymarin by hairy root cultures of S. marianum

[Comparison of human papilloma virus genotypes in patient with leukoplakia and mild dysplasia and health persons by polymerase chain reaction]

Early detection of malignant and dysplastic lesions has been an aim for clinicians. Although leukoplakia is not associated with any special hystopathologic diagnosis, it is considered as a premalignant or precancerous lesion. Human Papilloma virus especially HPV16 and HPV18 has been detected in many oral leukoplakia lesions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of HPV and its genotypes 11, 16, 18, 30s and 50s in common leukoplakia, oral hairy leukoplakia, mild dysplasia and compare it with healthy mucosa. Ten samples of each lesion were prepared and fixed in paraffin blocks. After DNA isolation, PCR was done by chelex-100 method. The results were analyzed by SPSS statistical software, Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact test with P Value of 0.05. Seven out of 10 common leukoplakia and OHL, 1 out of mild dysplasia and healthy mucosa were HPV+. Double comparison by Fisher exact revealed that there was a significant difference in frequency distribution of HPV between OHL and healthy mucosa [p=0./01] and also between OHL and Mild dysplasia[p=0./01].The difference between frequency distribution of HPV and of common leukoplakia and healthy mucosa[p=0./01],also between common leukoplakia and mild dysplasia [p=0./01] was significant, the difference between other groups was not significant. Results of the study suggest that there is no significant correlation between infection of HPV subtypes in the evaluated lesions. In other words, no significant relationship was shown between the infection of special subtype of HPV and common leukoplakia, OHL and mild dysplasia. According to the findings of this study, HPV probably has a role in the pathogenesis of leukoplakia.To investigate the role of various subtypes of this virus in leukoplakia lesions, further studies with more samples are needed

[Mapping the distribution of some important scorpions collected in the past five decades in Iran]

Scorpions are important venomous arthropods which kill many people annually globally. Scorpion sting is one of important health issues in subtropical area in south of Iran. Scorpions are subjects of many studies conducted before in many parts of Iran. The aims of this study were to find the dispersion and mapping the distribution of scorpion specimens based on published documents. In this study all published documents on Iranian scorpions which indexed with Iranmedex and PubMed including locally information and collection details were studied. Scientific names and collection details were arranged as a shape file in ArcGIS software and were mapped. Alternatively, a systematic literature review was preformed and the data and/or metadata were used for evaluation of the findings. Maps show the distribution of scorpions across Iran and provide preliminary information for its monitoring. Further prevention and control programs are needed. There was not considerable difference between the distribution of the studied specimens and the other information obtained from the other studies. The specimens of a few species which previously reported from some parts of Iran were not available. The existence of some species which was reported from different parts of the country needs to be confirmed by experts. It seems that more species of scorpions in Iran may found in central and south part of Iran and areas with low altitude

[Effects of pelvic floor muscle exercises on quality of life outcomes in women with stress urinary incontinence]

Stress urinary incontinence is a common problem among middle-aged women and can affect their quality of life. This study evaluated the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise on quality of life outcomes in women with stress urinary incontinence. This clinical trial study was conducted at Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital of Tehran in 2009. After baseline evaluation, fifty women were assigned to this clinical trial. Participants were trained to do pelvic floor muscle exercises for 3 months and their quality of life were measured before and 3 months after intervention. The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS software using descriptive statistical tests and paired T experimental test. Forty-six women completed the trial. After 12 weeks, the descriptive statistical tests and paired T experimental test showed significant difference in the quality of life scores of women with stress urinary incontinence before and after intervention [P<0.0001]. 12 weeks exercise of pelvic floor muscle significantly improved the quality of life outcomes of women with stress urinary incontinence

[Prevalence of sonographic fatty liver in overweight and obese children; a cross sectional study in Isfahan]

Children's obesity is strong predictor ob obesity in adulthood, which increases the incidence of related diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Fatty liver is an abnormality related to metabolic syndrome with higher prevalence in obese children according to some previous studies. This study investigates the presence of Sonographic Fatty Liver [SFL] in Iranian obese children in comparison with normal and overweight children. This was a cross-sectional study on 962 randomly selected children between the ages of 6 to 18 years. The subjects were divided into three groups of normal, overweight and obese based on body mass index [BMI]. A questionnaire including demographic and anthropometrical characteristics was filled for each case. To detect the presence of SFL, all the subjects underwent assessment with ultarsonography by a radiologist who was not aware of their BMI. The incidence of SFL was determined on the basis of ultrasonographic diagnosis criteria. The prevalence of SFL in obese children was 54.4% that was significantly higher than overweight [10.5%] and normal children [1%]. There was no significant difference in prevalence of SFL between sexes. The high rate of detected SFL in obese children in this study suggests that Iranian obese children are at risk of metabolic syndrome. It is therefore necessary to develop some plan to control obesity and its late complications

Iron status in febrile seizure: a case-control study

Data on the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and febrile convulsions are controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile convulsions among children. This case-control study was conducted during 2006-2007, on 90 children with febrile seizures [case] and 90 febrile children without seizures [control] referred to the Amirkola children hospital [a referral hospital in the north of Iran]. Two groups were matched for age and sex. In all children hemoglobin [Hb] level, hematocrit [Hct], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH] and plasma ferritin [PF] were determined and the data collected were analyzed statistically using the t-test. The mean PF and TIBC levels were not significantly different in the febrile seizure compared to the reference group; neither were differences in Hb levels statistically significant between two groups. However MCV and MCH were significantly higher in the febrile seizure group [p<0.05] compared to reference group. Plasma ferritin levels were not significantly lower in children with febrile seizures in comparison with the children in control group. It seems that iron insufficiency does not play a role in pediatric febrile seizures

outcome of tricuspid regurgitation after mitral balloon valvutomy for severe mitral stenosis

Severe mitral stenosis is occasionally associated with significant tricuspid regurgitation [TR] and this association has an adverse impact on morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing mitral valve intervention. However, the effect of successful mitral balloon valvotomy [MBV] on significant TR is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the course of TR after MBV in patients with severe mitral stenosis with TR. The present study was performed in Tabriz Madani heart center from March 2007 to February 2008. Among 110 patients with mitral stenosis who were candidates of MBV, 68 cases with more than mild TR were selected and the fate of TR after MBV and its predictors were evaluated. Among 68 patients who were enrolled in this study, 58 individuals [85.3%] were female with mean age of 36.85 +/- 14.32 years. Before intervention, 48 patients [70.6%] had severe TR and 20 [29.4%] cases had moderate TR. After intervention, 14 patients suffered from mild TR, 22 from moderate TR and 32 patients from severe TR [P<0.05]. There were significant changes in mitral valve area [MVA] [from 0.82 +/- 0.22 to 1.70 +/- 0.21 cm[2]; P<0.0005] and pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP] [from 53.00 +/- 12.04 to 34.91 +/- 11.26 cm2; P<0.0005] and right ventricle dimension [RVD] varying from 2.97 +/- 0.64 to 2.20 +/- 0.58 cm; P<0.0005]. This study showed significant relationship between MVA, RVD, and PASP as TR regression determinants. In 6-month follow up no patient needed mitral valve surgery or repeated MBV. There was no procedure related mortality and no death was seen in 6 months follow up in the study group. Significant decrease of symptoms was observed in almost all patients after intervention which persisted during follow up period. Significant number of patients with severe MS and moderate or severe TR showed TR regression following MBV which persisted during 6 months follow up. Severity of MS, PASP and RVD were most important predictors of this regression

Midazolam efficacy and side effects in generalized and partial refractory status epilepticus in children

Midazolam is a significant and effective drug for control of a life-threatening condition, generalized and partial refractory convulsive status epilepticus. The goal of this study was evaluation of midazolam efficacy for management of this serious disease and its two side effects, hypotension and respiratory failure. Our study was done using a quasi experimental method; 22 children with generalized refractory convulsive status epilepticus and 13 with partial refractory convulsive status epilepticus were enrolled for the study. All patients received 0.2mg/kg/dose as a bolus intravenous midazolam followed by 1-6 mcg/kg/min continuous intravenous midazolam. Following this, termination of seizures as well as hypotension and respiratory failure were evaluated. midazolam ceased stop convulsions in 81.81% [18] patients with generalized seizures, and in 76.92% [10] patients with partial seizures, showing no significant difference between these two types of seizures [p=0.52]. Hypotension was induced in 18.18% [4] patients with generalized seizures and in 30.70% [4] patients with partial seizures, again difference not significant [p=0.14]. There was respiratory failure in 21.73% [5] patients with generalized seizure and in 7.69[1] patients with partial seizure, difference not significant [p=0.09]. There was no significant difference in efficacy and creation of hypotension and respiratory failure after continuous intravenous infusion of midazolam between generalized and partial refractory convulsive status epilepticus

Detection of phenol degrading bacteria and Pseudomonas putida in activated sludge by polymerase chain reaction

Phenol is one of the organic pollutants in various industrial wastewaters especially petrochemical and oil refining. Biological treatment is one of the considerable choices for removing of phenol present in these wastewaters. Identification of effective microbial species is considered as one of the important priorities for production of the biomass in order to achieve desirable kinetic of biological reactions. Basic purpose of this research is identification of phenol-degrading Pseudomonas Putida in activated sludge by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] that has high speed and specificity. In this research, 10 various colonies of phenol-degrading bacteria were isolated from municipal activated sludge and the rate of phenol removal and growth rate of these bacteria were assessed in different concentrations of phenol [200 - 900 mg/L]. Confirmation of the largest subunit of multicomponent phenol hydroxylase [LmPH] gene and gene coding the N fragment in Pseudomonas Putida-derived methyl phenol operon [DmpN gene] through PCR were used for general identification of phenol-degrading bacteria and Pseudomonas Putida, respectively. Presence of a 600 bp [base pairs] bond in all of isolated strains indicated that they contain phenol hydroxylase gene. 6 of 10 isolated bacteria were Pseudomonas Putida because they produced a 199 bp PCR product by DmpN primers. According to PCR results in this study, the best phenol-degrading bacteria that can utilize 500 - 600 mg/L phenol completely after 48 hours incubation, belong to Pseudomonas Putida strains. It is clear that use of isolated bacteria can lead to considerable decrease of treatment time as well as promotion of phenol removal rate

[Quality assessment of the reporting of cohort studies before STROBE statement]

Observational studies are not often reported in detail and clear enough, so that assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of these studies is not straightforward. To improve the reporting of observational studies, a checklist of items called 'Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology' [STROBE] was developed by some experts in October 2007. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of reporting of observational studies before STROBE statement. We included randomly sixty cohort studies published in six important international journals until October 2007. Then, we used STROBE checklist to assess the strengths and weaknesses of these included studies. On average, more than 81% [95% Cl: 77%-87%] of included studies pointed to 43 items of aim of this study. The most reported [100%] items were "scientific background" and "rationale for the investigation" and the less reported [30%] item was "flow chart". Although, the quality of reported cohort studies' results was acceptable, the type of study, journal and date of publication could influence on the quality of observational studies

Gene cloning of Iranian Leishmania major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase

Leishmania is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite, which infects human beings when infected sand fly vector takes a blood meal. Most efforts are towards designing an effective vaccine to prevent leishmaniasis. In this way, development of candidate antigen for vaccine has special important. In this study, we cloned mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase gene of Iranian L .major in pET32a expression vector. Primers based on L. major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase sequence gene was designed and synthesized. DNA of Leishmania promastigotes was extracted and PCR reaction was done. PCR product was cloned into pTZ57R and sub cloned into pET32a expression vector. Recombinant plasmid containing 1140 bp as L. major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase gene was extracted and confirmed by restriction analysis. PCR product was sequenced and deposited to GenBank. There were some differences in amino acid sequences between Iranian L. major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase and others previously accepted in GenBank. We amplified and cloned Iranian L. major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase successfully

[Normalized electromyography of shoulder muscles during selected functional tasks of upper limb in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome]

Precise muscle activity pattern is required to maintain normal shoulder function and any alteration in muscle activity can result in movement impairment. The purpose of this study was to assess normalized electromyography [EMG] of shoulder muscles during selected functional tasks of upper limb in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Test group consisted of 15 subjects with shoulder impingement syndrome selected by nonprobability convenient sampling and control group consisted of 15 matched healthy subjects. In each group selected exercises including open kinetic chain with and without external load and closed kinetic chain with axial load were done and during each exercise surface EMG from selected muscle was recorded. There was significant difference between the two groups in the activities of upper trapezius, infraspinatus and three regions of deltoid muscle [P<0.05].changes in normalized EMG were task dependent. Among all selected exercises, D2E showed minimum changes and tripod showed maximum changes in muscle activity domain. Decrease in activity domain of infraspinatus and trapezius muscles in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome causes impairment of shoulder function. D2E with causing minimum changes and Tripod with causing maximum changes in muscles activity domain are suggested respectively as the first and the last activity patterns in the treatment of these patients

Spinal muscular atrophy from northern Iran: a clinical and genetic spectrum of ten patients

Autosomal recessive spinal muscular atrophy [SMA] is, after cystic fibrosis, the second most common fatal monogenic disorder and the second most common hereditary neuromuscular disease after duchenne dystrophy. The disease is characterized by degeneration of anterior horn cells leading to progressive paralysis with muscular atrophy. Depending on the clinical type [Werdnig-Hoffmann = type I, intermediate form = type II, Kugelberg-Welander = type III], some workers also have delineated an adult form of SMA [SMA type 4]. SMA causes early death or increasing disability in childhood. The aim of this investigation was to describe the clinical findings of patients with spinal muscular atrophy [SMA] with survival motor neuron [SMN] gene deletion. This is a descriptive study conducted on 10 patients of SMA, confirmed by deletion of the SMN gene. All 10 patients had symmetrical muscle weakness, which was diffuse in those with onset of symptoms up to 1 months of age, and either proximal or predominant in lower limbs. Frequency determination of positive clinical and laboratory data was done according to revised diagnostic criteria. It was found that all patients with SMA had homozygous deletions of exons 7 and 8 of the survival motor neuron 1 [SMNl] gene, which is one of the candidate genes identified within 5q13. Fasciculations, atrophy and decreased DTR were frequent findings. Laboratory metabolic tests and all brain CT scans were normal. EMC and NCV findings, all showed normal motor and Sensory NCV and denervation of muscles of upper and lower extremities were compatible with a diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy. Our results confirm that SMN1 copy number analysis is an important parameter for identification of couples at risk of having a child affected with SMA and reduces unwarranted prenatal diagnosis for SMA

[ effect of lactobacillus fermentum ATCC9338 as a probiotic on the adhesion of oral streptococci in vitro]

Oral Streptococci especially Streptococcus mutans are the major cause of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Going along with the increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria, new methods for decreasing of oral cavity pathogens must be investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of lactobacillus fermentum ATCC9338 as a probiotic strain on the adhesion of oral streptococci to the surfaces. S. mutans ATCC35668 with oral streptococci isolated from dental plaque and caries [40 isolates] were studied. The ability of biofilm formation was investigated using the colorimetric method. An isolates showing the strongest activity in forming biofilm were selected. Then the effect of probiotic strain on the adhesion of the selected isolate to the polystyrene microtiter plate was determined simultaneously and 30 minutes before streptococci entrance to the system. This study showed that in the presence of probiotic strain, the streptococcal adhesion were reduced, and this reduction was significantly stronger if the probiotic strain was inoculated to the system before the oral bacteria. Adhesion reduction is likely due to bacterial interactions and colonization of adhesion sites with probiotic strain before the presence of streptococci. Adhesion reduction can be an effective way on decreasing cariogenic potential of oral streptococci

Cloning and expression of TRYP6 gene from ieishmania major [MRHO/IR/75/ER]

Leishmania, needs to detoxify the macrophage derived potent peroxides [H2O2]. Tryparedoxin pathway contains tryparedoxin peroxidase [TSA or TRYP]. The aim of the study was to detect the full-length gene sequence and its encoded protein of the LmTRYP6 gene [EU251502], and comparison the gene sequence with LmTRYP6 [LmjF15.1140], another previously reported member of this gene family. L.major [MRHO/IR/75/ER] promastigotes were cultured, DNA and RNA were extracted and the interested gene was amplified using PCR and RT-PCR methods. PCR/ RT-PCR fragments were purified and cloned first in pTZ57R/T and then in pET15b expression vector. The expressed protein was verified using western blot method. Characterization of the expressed protein was performed bioinformatically. Molecular evaluation revealed that the cloned LmTRYP6 gene [EU251502] encoded a predicted 184 amino acid long protein with a theoretical isoelectric point of 6.1101. Alignment showed a number of changes in amino acid composition including the replacement of highly conserved Trp177 by Cys in LmTRYP6 [ABX26130]. So far no study has been done on this group, i.e. TRYP6 gene, from tryparedoxin peroxidase family. The low homology with LmTRYP6 [LmjF15.1140] and vast array of differences observed in the gene under study [LmTRYP6; EU251502] could open new windows in the field of anti-Leishmania combat. Based on its important role in the viability and successful establishment of the parasite in the host organism it looks to be very good candidate for vaccine development and any other sort of novel drug development

lumbar puncture always necessary in the febrile child with convulsion?

Febrile convulsion is the most common benign convulsive disorder in children. Meningitis is one of the most important causes of fever and convulsions, diagnosed by lumbar puncture [LP], a painful and invasive procedure much debated regarding its necessity. This study evaluates the frequency of abnormal LP findings in a group of patients, to determine whether or not unnecessary LP can be prevented without missing patients with serious problems such as meningitis. The study was a descriptive, cross sectional study, conducted on 200 children suffering from fever and convulsions. Medical files of patients were taken from the hospital records and relevant data were collected to complete the appropriate forms. Of 200 patients included in the study, 116 [58%] children were male, and 84 [42%] were female. 47 cases [23.5%] underwent LP, of whom just one [0.5%] had abnormal LP and meningitis. Regarding Considering the low prevalence of meningitis in children with convulsion and fever, we conclude that by means of precise clinical examination and monitoring, it is possible to prevent unnecessary LP in these patients

Coronary flow reserve measurement in the coronary sinus in pre and post CABG status

Coronary flow reserve [CFR] is defined as a maximal [hyperemic] to resting ratio of coronary blood flow. It is a physiologic parameter of coronary circulation and depends on the patency of the epicardial coronary arteries and integrity of the microvascular circulation.CFR measurement has many clinical applications including functional assessment of intermediate stenosis, detection of critical stenosis monitoring of coronary flow in the post angioplasty period, assessment of post infarct blood flow and assessment of coronary graft patency. The aim of this study was to measure CFR in the coronary sinus through the transthoracic echocardiographic approach, in patients who were candidate for coronary artery bypass graft surgery [CABG] before and one month after operation. The present study included 19 patients [mean age=56 +/- 9.1] including 15 males and 4 females, admitted for CABG. All patients had a sinus rhythm, normal wall thickness, normal RV systolic pressure, and tricuspid valvular regurgitation equal or less than grade 2. The antegrade phase of coronary flow in the coronary sinus moving into the right atrium was analyzed in two phases [systolic and diastolic]. Each wave was determined considering the peak velocity and velocity time integral [VTI]. The volumetric blood flow in the coronary sinus calculated at the baseline and then in hyperemic phase was used for determination of CFR both before and after CABG. There was a significant increase in the diameter of the coronary sinus after CABG [9.4 +/- 1.2mm] compared with that of before CABG values [8.6 +/- 1.05mm]. Also there was a trend of increasing the diameter in the hyperemic phase before and after CABG. The absolute increase in mean coronary sinus diameter was 0.5 mm before and 1.5 mm after CABG. Coronary flow reserve [CFR] was significantly higher after surgery, despite a significant increase in systolic velocity ratio [hyperemic/baseline] after CABG. This is also true for systolic velocity time integral [VTI] and diastolic VTI ratios, but there was an insignificant increase in diastolic velocity ratio. Our study in accordance with previous studies, denotes that transthoracic measurement of the coronary flow reserve can be used as a feasible and reproducible method to monitor the changes in cardiac perfusion after revascularization

Assessment of helicobacter pylori viability by flow cytometry

Flow cytometry is a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method for determination of bacterial viability. Here we assayed the capability of flow cytometry to detect Helicobacter pylori viable cells in both forms of spiral and coccoid. Viable bacteria stained with Rhodamin 123 and fluoresced with laser beam of 488nm. The rate of Rh123 absorption was determined in both forms of bacteria. In positive control that consisted of live bacteria, the rate of rh123 absorption was at highest, but negative control that consisted of dead bacteria, the rate of Rh 123 absorption was at lowest absorption. This method showed that non-culturable coccoid forms of H. pylori, which could resist environmental stresses, were alive and might be responsible for bacterial transmission and failure in disease treatment. Due to simplicity, reliability, and sensitivity of flow cytometry, this method is preferred to other expensive and no reliable methods such as autoradiography, PCR and Electron microscopy used for assessment viability