Antibacterial activity of origanum vulgare on staphylococcus aureus in a rat model of surgical wound infection

Background: Wound infection is one of the frequent complications in patients with surgical operations. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of surgical wound infections. Origanum vulgare, a common culinary herb, has been shown to have strong antimicrobial activity, especially against Gram-positive pathogens

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the antibacterial effects of O. vulgare on S. aureus in surgical wounds using a rat model

Methods: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into two groups of treatment and control rats [1:1]. A circular incision was made on the dorsal inter-scapular region of each rat. Then, rats were inoculated topically with 1 × 104 CFU of S. aureus at the site of skin wounds. O. vulgare extract was applied to wounds twice a day during the experiment. Animals of the control group were left untreated

Results: The load of bacteria in untreated rats was 7 × 10[6] +/- 6 CFU/wound while this was 2 × 10[5] +/- 1 CFU/wound for the treatment animals, which was significantly lower

Conclusion: Results have showed that topical application of O. vulgare extract on the infected wounds included significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus

[Phenotypic and genotypic studies of extended spectrum betalactamase [ESBL] resistance among Salmonella isolates from poultry sources in Iran]

BACKGROUND: Poultry and poultry products are among the major sources of Salmonella infections for humans. Increasing occurrence of antimicrobial resistance among Salmonellae has become a serious public health concern

The detection of extended spectrum b-lactamase [ESBL] producers among Salmonella spp. has increased in recent years

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella, and to understand whether ESBLs were present in Salmonella isolated from poultry farms and slaughterhouses from various parts of Iran

METHODS: A total of 314 isolates of Salmonellaspp., 272 of poultry and 42 from human origin, collected during winter 2005-2011 were characterized for antimicrobial resistance and the presence of ESBLgenes in this study. Phenotypic Disk diffusion method was performed for detection of antimicrobial susceptibility against 16 antimicrobial agents according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute's recommendations [CLSI, 2005]

To detect the presence of ESBL genes in 30 isolates out of 61 phenotypical resistant isolates, PCR amplification was used by employing specific primers for screening of the CTX-M and CMY groups, respectively

RESULTS: The highest resistance to ceforoxime in poultry and cefixime in human isolates was observed, and multidrug resistance [MDR] was seen with a maximum seven antimicrobial agents

The PCR detection of CTXM and CMY genes in all isolates including five phenotypically ESBLpositive isolates was negative

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the incidence of resistance to cephalosporins and the frequency of MDR among Salmonella isolates from poultry farms in Iran. The prevalence of MDR Salmonella isolates from poultry are of particular concern as these strains can transmit to humans through the food chain

effectiveness of Mtwo and step back instrumentation techniques on the elimination of enterococcus faecalis from root canal

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Mtwo rotary system and step back hand system in reduction of enterococcus faecalis bacteria from the root canals of human extracted teeth. In this study, 62 human extracted teeth were divided into two equal experimental groups with 23 teeth each and one control group two extra control groups with 5 teeth each as negative and positive were chosen for confirmation of the canal reinfection too. All of the samples were prepared by K Flie No 20 and Gates Glidden No 2 and 3 before sterilization. Then the teeth were autoclaved and reinfected with enterococcus faecalis. The experimental groups were instrumented either with Mtwo system or step back system. Bacteriological samples were taken after instrumentation to determine the amount of remaining bacteria. In the group 1, fourteen samples and in the group 2, twelve samples represented complete reduction of bacteria. There was not statistically significant difference between two techniques [p>0.05]. Both Mtwo and step back systems are the same on reduction of the bacteria from root canal system, up to the same apical size

[ effects of green tea extract on serum adiponectin concentration and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus]

Adiponectin is a novel adipose tissue-specific adipokine that can increase insulin sensitivity. Many studies have shown anti obesity and anti diabetic effects of green tea consumption. In this study we examined the effects of green tea extract on circulating adiponectin levels and insulin resistance status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]. In this double blind randomized clinical trial 58 type 2 diabetic patients with BMI >/= 25 were recruited from an unselected population from the outpatient clinic of Shariati hospital, Tehran, Iran. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; green tea extract and placebo. All the patients received the capsules for 8 weeks. Laboratory measurements including fasting serum adiponectin, insulin, HOMA-IR, FPG, OGTT, HbA1c and lipid profile and anthropometric were performed before and after the intervention. Nutrient intakes were obtained via 24-hour recall from each patient in three successive days. The data were analyzed using appropriate software. We found a significant effect of green tea extract on increasing the logarithm of serum adiponectin in diabetic patients [0.15 +/- 0.10 micro g/ ml, P<0.05]. A significant independent correlation between the logarithm of serum adiponectin and WHR [Waist to Hip Ratio] was found [P=0.009, t=-2.7]. The consumption of green tea extract had a significant effect in control the levels of HbA1C, weigh and also BMI in green tea group [P<0.05]. The results showed that consumption of green tea extract can be useful in the control of T2DM by increasing the levels of serum adiponectin and controlling the weight, BMI and HbA1C levels in patients with T2DM

Evaluating the effectiveness of a hybrid sorbent resin in removing fluoride from water

In some regions of the world, the concentration of fluoride in groundwater is high. To reduce the amount of fluoride to acceptable drinking water standard, it is highly recommended to treat the water. Fluoride adsorption in aqueous solution by a hybrid resin was studied in this research because of its functional groups likeness with goethite. Kinetic data showed that F adsorption was rapid in the beginning and maximum uptake occurred in within 10 min and equilibrium reached within 100 min. The experimental results showed that fluoride adsorption was influenced by pH of solution and optimum operating pH was in the range of 3 to 5.5. Langmuir model was applicable to the present study and F ions were exchanged with hydroxide ions in nano-scaled structure on the surface of sorbent. This adsorbent with 61% efficiency is suitable for the regions where F concentration is less than 4 mg/L

[ study of the magnitude of the research problems before and after the administrative and management interventions from the faculty members and researchers' viewpoint at Qom university of medical sciences, Qom, Iran, during 2004-2008]

The examination of the research attractions in developed counties, and deficiencies and constraints in conducting researches can reveal invaluable implications. The researches carried out in recent decades are indicative of the fact that there have always been major constraints during the research conduction. Those countries which aspire to compete in the world should remove all the constraints and barriers, and attract the necessary attention on researches. Thus, the current study was intended to find the problems and limitations, and offer the needed interventions so as to overcome those problems. This study was a quasi-experimental [pre and post] one. The participants of the study included those faculty members and researchers who had conducted at least a project as an administrator or a major contributor before and after intervention. In order to gather data, a self-designed questionnaire was filled in two phases; before and after the interventions. The questionnaire included demographics and information about research problems in the four areas of Research Project Preparation [RPP], Research Project Conduct [RPC], Administrative-Management and Personal Problems. Descriptive statistics and various statistical procedures tests were utilized to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the mean of the magnitude of the research problems in RPP, RPC, administrative management and personal problems was a significant difference [P<0.001] before and after intervention. In RPP, lack of beneficial database bank in university, in RPC lack of budget, in Administrative-Management lack of knowledge accountant about corresponding activity and in Personal Problems lack of enough motivation for research were all having the highest intensity. Thus, after intervention the magnitude of the problem was reduced. In conclusion, it seems that bureaucratic rules, shortage of research budget, heavy work load, lack of motivation, and personal skills are the reasons which hinder doing research activities. But the findings of this current study reveal that through reforming the administrative-management procedures and appropriate planning with regard to the current problems we can overcome the barriers and ameliorate the magnitude of the problems

Prevalence of Factors involved in intracranial hemorrhage of premature neonates less than 34 weeks' gestation

Intracranial hemorrhage is one of the major causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity. It is the most severe cranial problem in that period. Those who survive would be affected by hydrocephalus, encephalomalacia, and finally brain atrophy. With accurate knowledge of risk factors, hemorrhage may be diagnosed earlier and the complications managed earlier. This study was performed in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Imam Khomeini Hospital. All the neonates less than 34 weeks of gestation were undergone intracranial sonography from Feb 2005 to Feb 2006. Sonography was performed via anterior fontanel with proper probe according to neonatal age. 113 neonates less than 34 weeks of gestation have been studied. Mean gestational age was 32 weeks. Mean neonatal weight were 1566 +/- 734 grams. Intracranial hemorrhage was evident in 21% of them; 16.8% was grade 1, 0.9% grade 2, 2.7% grade 3, 0.9% grade 4. The mean weight of neonates with hemorrhage was 1504.11 grams. Intracranial hemorrhage had correlation with respiratory acidosis and pneumothorax. The latter was also correlated with hemorrhage grade. Supposing the safety and non-invasiveness of intacranial sonography, we suggest performing sonography in all premature neonates with low birth weight, and also in those neonates with pneumothorax and respiratory acidosis

Relationship between serum umbilical cord and maternal leptin and adiponectin concentrations with fetal growth parameters

Pregnancy and accelerated fetal growth always are related with major metabolic changes and body fat redistribution and adiponectin is one of principle adipocyte hormones, so studying adiponectin changes during pregnancy may reveal some hidden parts of fetal metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess adiponectin and leptin levels in umbilical cord and maternal serum, their relation with each other and with neonatal weight, birth length and other fetal growth markers. The study was carried out with 72 appropriate for age newborns [36 female, 36 male] and their mothers. The anthropometric variables of the newborns studied were birth weight, birth length, and birth weight/birth length and ponderal index. Maternal and umbilical cord adiponectin and leptin levels were measured by ELISA and compared. The median of cord blood adiponectin concentration were 3 fold higher than those of maternal group. Umbilical cord blood leptin levels were significantly correlated with neonatal birth weight and birth weight/ birth length [r= 0.29, P=0.01 and r= 0.24, P= 0.04, respectively]. No statistical difference has been demonstrated between both groups of male and female neonates regarding birth weight, birth length, maternal and neonatal leptin levels, ponderal index and maternal and neonatal adiponectin levels. Neonatal leptin is related to birth weight. Adiponectin has no relation with birth weight. Neither leptin nor adi-ponectin correlated with gender difference

Isolation of Brucella abortus using PCR-RFLP analysis

Brucella transmission and epidemiology depend on infecting species and biovar. Therefore, exact identification of the Brucella is important to design correct control and treatment strategies. In this study, we examined presence of other Brucellae in Isfahan. One hundred twenty Brucella isolates were collected and genomic DNA was extracted from them. omp2a fragment of all isolates were amplified using a pair of specific primers and the PCR products were electrophoresed and stained with EtBr. These PCR products were then restricted using PstI restriction endonuclease. The PCR products of all isolates had the same size of 1100bp. The banding pattern of PCR-RFLP for all of the isolates were similar to banding pattern of the Brucella melitensis biotype 1 except for 5 samples that demonstrated banding pattern similar to B. abortus. Based on our results, it is clear that biotype 1 of the B. melitensis is not the only Brucella present in Isfahan and now B. abortus is also present in our area. These results are very important in planning for the control of the disease as well epide-miology and even treatment of the patients

clinical investigation of securigera securidaca [L.] [degen and doerfler] seeds in type II diabetic patients; a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Securigera securidaca [L.] seeds are used by traditional herbalists for the treatment of diabetes in several parts of Iran. Clinical investigation of its efficacy and its toxicity in diabetic patients is of importance. A 2-month r and omized double blind clinical trial was conducted in 70 type II diabetic patients in two well - matched groups. One group [n=35] received 500 mg Securigera securidaca [L.] seeds capsule 3 times a day plus st and ard therapy, while the control group [n=35] received placebo plus st and ard therapy. The patients were visited monthly and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc], fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglyceride, SCOT, SGPT, ALK, BUN, serum creatinine levels were determined at the beginning and the end of the study after two months. There was no significant change in HbAlc and fasting blood glucose level in Securigera securidaca [L.] seeds treated patients after two months as compared to beginning of the treatment and also as compare to placebo group. Serum lipid level also did not change significantly. The liver enzyme level and creatinine level in blood did not change significantly in Securigera securidaca [L.] seeds treated patients. No side effect was observed in any of patients in both of the groups. The results show that the Securigera securidaca [L.] seeds treatment with known antidiabetic property in traditional herbal therapy has no beneficial effect on improving glycemic profile in type II diabetic patients. The use of this herbal medicine in the dose of I500 mg in 3 divided dose showed no gasterointestinal symptom as well as liver and kidney abnormality during two months therapy. The long term efficacy and toxicity of this herbal medicine in higher dosage may be investigated in large multi center clinical study

clinical shuesligation of citrullus cologynthis [L.] schrad, fruit in treatment of type IL diabetic patients a randomized, donble-blind, placebo-controlled study

Citrullus colocynthis [Schrad] fruit is a toxic herbal medicine extensively used by traditional herbalists for the treatment of diabetes in several parts of Iran. Clinical investigation of its efficacy and its toxicity in diabetic patients is of importance. A 2-month randomized double blind clinical trial was conducted in 50 type II diabetic patients in two matched groups. One group [n=25] received 100 mg Citrullus colocynthis capsule 3 times a day plus standard therapy, while the control group [n=25] received placebo plus standard therapy. The patients were visited monthly and glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc], fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, triglyceride, SGOT, SGPT, ALK, BUN, serum creatinine levels were determined at the beginning and the end of the study after two months. There was significant decrease in HbAlc and fasting blood glucose level in citrullus colocynthis fruit treated patients after two months as compared to beginning of the treatment and also as compared to placebo group. Serum lipid level was not changed significantly. The liver enzyme level and creatinine level in blood was not changed significantly in citrullus colocynthis fruit treated patients. No serious side effect was observed except mild diarrhea in 10% of patients, that, subsided with continuation of treatment. The results showed that the Citrullus colocynthis fruit treatment with known gastrointestinal toxicity has beneficial effect as a complimentary therapy on improving glycemic profile in type II diabetic patients. The use of this herbal medicine in the dose of 300 mg in 3 divided doses showed no severe gasterointestinal symptom or liver and kidney abnormality during two months of therapy. The long term efficacy and toxicity of Citrullus colocynthis may be investigated in a large multi center clinical study

Distribution of non-HDL-cholesterol among Tehranian children and adolescents: Tehran lipid and glucose study

Serum Low-Density-Lipoprotein Cholesterol has long been used as an important assessment tool to predict the risk of coronary artery diseases, but due to certain limitations in the use of this index, it has been shown recently that Apo lipoprotein B is a better screening tool. Non-HDL cholesterol [total cholesterol minus HDL-C] includes all the lipoprotein particles, which contain Apo lipoprotein B, and could be a good screening tool for Apo lipoprotein B during CAD assessment and treatment. This study aims at assessing the distribution and correlation of non-HDL-C and related factors in a population of Tehranian children and adolescents. The study sample consisted of 4298, 3-19 year-olds, [2019 boys[47%] and 2279 girls[53%]] who had participated in the first phase of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study [TLGS], from 1998-2000. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected for analysis. Non-HDL-C levels were higher in girls than in boys of the same age groups, especially among the younger [3-4 year-olds] age groups. Body mass index and waist circumference were positively associated with non-HDL-C. Both non-HDL-C and LDL-C were strongly associated with each other and total cholesterol [r[2] = 0.81and p < 0.001]. Non-HDL-C and LDL-C are were associated with triglycerides, but the strength of this correlation with triglycerides was relatively weaker as compared to that with total cholesterol. Non-HDL-C showed a significant inverse relationship to HDL-C [r[2] = 0.01, p < 0.01]. It was also seen that non-HDL-C had a stronger correlation to BMI and body fatness indicies. Population based data on non-HDL-C are now available for children and adolescents, which may help improve the CAD risk assessment and related interventions

Carbon monoxide prediction using novel intelligent network

This paper introduces a new structure in neural networks called TD-CMAC, an extension to the conventional Cerebellar Model Arithmetic Computer [CMAC], having reasonable ability in time series prediction. TD-CMAC, the conventional CMAC and a classical neural network model called Multi-Layer Perceptron [MLP] are simulated and evaluated for 1-hour-ahead prediction and 24-hour-ahead prediction of carbon monoxide as one of primary air pollutants. Carbon monoxide data used in this evaluation were recorded and averaged at Villa station in Tehran, Iran from October 3 rd. 2001 to March 14 th. 2002 at one-hour intervals. The results show that the errors made by TD-CMAC is fewer than those made by other models

[Anticonvulsant activity of Lavandula officinalis in two animals models of convulsion]

In the present study anticonvulsant activity of the Lavandula officinalis [L. officinalis] oil and aqueous, alcoholic and acetonic extracts were studied against pentylenetetrazol [PTZ] and maximal electroshock [MES] induced seizures in male mice. L. officinalis oil was prepared by using a Clevenger extractor. The extracts were prepared by soxhlet or percolator apparatus. Onset and severity of each convulsion and death time, after electroshock or injection of PTZ were recorded. L. officinalis oil [200 and 400mg/kg, i.p.] significantly reduced the mortality rate, number and severity of PTZ [90mg/kg, i.p.]-induced seizures. These effects of L. officinalis were similar to those of the reference drug, ethosuximide [300 mg/kg, i.p.]. Aqueous extract [100 and 800 mg/kg, i.p.] had no effect on PTZ induced convulsion. Alcoholic and acetonic extraets [800 mg/kg, i.p.] increased the latency of death time and reduced the number of attacks in the PTZ model, respectively. In the MES model only dose of 400mg/kg of the essential oil was effective and this effect was less, comparing to that of phenytoin. The results demonstrate the more potent anticonvulsant activity of the essential oil than other extracts. It may be of value in the treatment of absence seizures

[ level of marital adjustment in dormitory students]

The aim of this project was to evaluate the level of marital adjustment and the relation between marital adjustment and some demographic variables in a group of students residing at the dormitories of Tehran University of medical sciences. This is a descriptive-cross sectional study.The instrument to collect data was the marital adjustment questionnaire. The subjects for this study were 148 residents of married students dormitory of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [74 males, 74 females]. Data were analyzed by chi-square and Fisher's LSD. This project indicated 75.8% marital adjustment and 24.2% incompatibility. Among evaluated variables, there were significant correlations between the variable marital adjustment and both age difference between the couples as well as duration of marriage in years. Marital adjustment is reduced with the raise in age difference between the couples and duration of marriage

[Effect of socio- economic status on level of the atopic diseases in 16-25 year old men in Sanandaj city]

Background and Objective: Exposure to certain infectious diseases such as measles and hepatitis A, by induction of cell mediated immunity cause a Tb1 [T. helper] activity type immune response. Th1 can antagonize Th2 activity and therefore diminish atopic disease. Therefore, because of relationship between socio-economic status and infectious diseases it was decided to survey the relationship between socio-economic status with atopic disease

Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, demographic characteristics and socio-economic data about 3500 individuals [16-25 years old man] of Sanandaj city was gathered with standard questionnaire by educated interns and nurses during 2001. A clinical diagnosis of atopic disease was assessed by history and physical examination

Findings: According to the results, living in lower socio-economics status area has decreasing effect on prevalence of seasonal asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis [p<0.05]. Low family income and higher paternal education level have decreasing effect on prevalence of seasonal asthma [p<0.05]. In observed population, the prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 1.5% and higher maternal education has augmentation effect to it [p<0.05]. In this study, the frequency of intrinsic and seasonal asthma and seasonal and chronic rhinocojunctivities were 2.1%, 5.3% and 6.1%, 11.8%, respectively

Conclusion: This study showed that high socio-economic status cause increasing effect on prevalence of atopic diseases

Effects of salted food consumption on urinary iodine and thyroid function tests in two provinces in the Islamic Republic of Iran

We evaluated sources of difference in urinary iodine between two neighbouring Iranian provinces, Gilan and Mazandaran. In the cities of Rasht [Gilan] and Sari [Mazandaran], 340 and 343 participants respectively were selected by cluster sampling. Urinary iodine in Rasht was significantly higher than in Sari [31 micro g/dL versus 21 micro g/dL]. Sodium and potassium urine levels in Rasht were also higher than Sari. Mean daily intake of iodized salt and thyroid function tests were not significantly different. Average annual consumption of some salted foods was significantly higher in Rasht than Sari. We conclude that higher consumption of salted foods in Rasht is responsible for an increase in urinary iodine