Evaluation of the relationship between endometriosis and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammation causing major problems including infertility. The role of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as their potential anti-inflammatory effects in endometriosis needs to be further explored. The objective of this study was to compare serum phospholipid fatty acid profile in endometriosis patients with controls, and to explore the correlation of this profile with the severity of the disease. Sixty-four endometriosis patients and 74 control women, in reproductive age, participated in this study. Among the endometriosis patients, 19 cases were in stage I, 27 cases in stage II, 8 cases in stage III, and 10 cases in stage IV. Each patient underwent laparoscopy. Before surgery, 5 ml of blood was obtained. After extraction of the total lipids, serum total phospholipid fraction was isolated by thin layer chromatography. Fatty acid composition of the phospholipid fraction was determined by gas chromatography and the resulted profile was compared in endometriosis patients and controls. The profile was also compared in the endometriosis group based on the severity of disease. Stearic acid was significantly lower in the endometriosis group as compared to controls [P= 0.030]. No other fatty acid compositions were significantly different between patients and controls. Serum ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] to arachidonic acid [AA] was in reasonable correlation with the severity of endometriosis [r = 0.34, P = 0.006]. According to these findings, levels of fatty acids in serum total phospholipids seem not to be a marker for endometriosis, but the EPA to AA ratio was a relevant factor indicating severity of illness

[Changes of trend of antibiotic susceptibility in isolated bacteria from culture of ICU patients of Shahrekord Ayatollah Kashanani hospital, I.R. Iran]

ICUs are faced with increasing rapid emergence of antibiotic- resistant bacteria, which influence patient mortality. This study was conducted to compare the trend of antimicrobial resistance among microorganism's agents of ICUs nosocomial infections in two periods of 6 months with an interval of 12 months. In this descriptive analytic study, 322 obtained clinical specimens[including urine, tracheal aspirated materials, blood, wound, synoartrial fluid and chest tube secretion] from 205 hospitalized patients in ICU of Kashani ward Shahrekord, Iran was investigated during two periods of 6 months [second half of 2006 and first half of 2008]. Patients with acute inflammatory responses were included in the study. The antibiograme was performed using Disk diffusion method with following disks: ceftriaxone, ceftizoxime, ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin, carbenicillin, norfloxacin, gentamycin, amikacin and co-trimaxazol. The most and less common collected specimens were tracheal discharge [58.6%] and synovial fluid [0.3%] respectively. Overall 24.5% of cultures were positive. [58.2% of tracheal discharge and 0.3% of synovial fluid]. Klebsiella and Pseudomonas were the most common isolated bacteria. With an interval of 12 months the resistance trend of isolated bacteria to ceftizoxime, ciprofloxacin and carbenicillin changed from 62.5%, 19%, 100% to 88%, 55%, 71% [P<0.05]. There was an increased sensitivity to gentamycin in second period of study. Considering the increasing trend of resistance to ceftizoxime, ciprofloxacin, we recommend them in the case of positive culture and antibiograme. Antibiotic usage in ICU ward must be controlled more effectively and each ICU needs to have a program for antibiotic resistance surveillance

[Optimization of gene expression and purification of Legionella pneumophila peptidoglycan associated lipoprotein recombinant protein]

There are many problems with most of the available diagnostic tests used to diagnose Legionella pneumonia, including inadequate sensitivity and specificity, and inability to provide a result in a clinically useful time period. Legionella pneumophila PAL protein has been considred as a target for detecting of Legionella infection from urine specimen, because it is conserved sequence and is secreted into the urine. The aim of this study was to optimize expression and purification of L. pneumophila PAL protein. In this experimental study, optimizing of 5 parameters [cell density, induction time, growth temperature, IPTG concentration and type of medium] was performed. After expression, periplasmic extract was prepared and recombinant PAL protein purified using Ni2+-charged resin column. Finally, recombinant PAL protein was verified by Western blotting. In terrific broth medium, the optimum condition of r-PAL protein induction was occurred at an OD600 of 0.6, 1mM IPTG concentration and 15 hours incubation at 25°C Recombinant periplasmic PAL protein was highly purified [>80%] using Ni-NTA column. Western blotting analysis showed that recombinant PAL protein was also specifically recognized by anti-His6-peroxidase antibody. By purification of recombinant PAL protein in purity greater than 80% it can be used to evaluate its capacity in diagnosis of Legionella infection and preparation of diagnostic kit

[Comparative study on health human resources composition in the Eastern Mediterranean Countries [2007-2008]]

The health human resource is the heart of health system and the majority of problems within the health care system are caused by shortage, surplus, or imbalance in health manpower. This study was aimed to compare the health human resources in Eastern Mediterranean countries based on income and geographical groups. This was a comparative study based on library resources performed in 2007. Twenty three countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region were classified based on the World Bank income groups [4 income groups] and geographical region [African countries, non-oil and oil-rich countries]. Later, the data concerning the health human resources in 2007 were extracted from the international websites including the WHO and EMRO. Data were statistically analyzed using the bivariate Pearson's correlation coefficient. Significant disparities were found in health workforce density within the Eastern Mediterranean countries in particular among the low and high income countries. Health workforce density showed negative correlation with country population [P<0/01] whereas a positive correlation was observed with per capita income [P<0/05]. Also, the income level, to some certain extent, affected the health workforce density. Population, immigration rate of health workforce, and general government expenditure on health are the factors influencing the health workforce density

Detection and identification of Toxoplasma gondii type one infection in sheep aborted fetuses in Qazvin province of Iran

The aim of this study was to apply the nested-PCR and bioassay methods in detection and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii infection in provided sheep aborted fetus samples from Qazvin Province of Iran. Eighteen sheep aborted fetal samples were studied by nested-PCR-RFLP, histopathological observation and microbiological assay. Bioassay in mice was carried out by inoculating the brain samples intraperitoneally. The results demonstrated the frequency of 66% infected sheep aborted fetal samples with T. gondii type one. Although we could not isolate any parasite from inoculated mice even after three passages, but it was confirmed histopathologically formation of cyst like bodies in prepared mice brain sections. The results of the performed nested-PCR and formation of brain cyst in inoculated mice exhibited that T. gondii type one infection might be considered as one of the major causative agents for abortion in ewes

[ effect of local infiltration of morphine in reducing the post operative pain in soft tissue injury]

Soft tissue injuries, such as tendons or ligaments, are common problems causing pain and functional disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of local infiltration of morphine in reducing the post operative pain in soft tissue injuries. In a double blind clinical trial study, 80 patients with soft tissue injury who were admitted in Kashani hospital, Shahrekord, Iran, were divided into 2 groups: control group received local placebo [normal saline] and case group received local morphine. Severity of pain was measured using a scale questionnaire 3, 10 and 24 hours after the surgery. Data were analyzed using dependent t-test, Chi square and Fisher tests. The results of this study showed that mean age was 32.5 +/- 6.34 years for control group and 30.6 +/- 7.7 years for case group. Mean incision length was found 5.5 cm for control group and 5.57 cm for case group [P<0.05]. A significant decrease in severity of pain was found 2, 10 and 24 hours after the operation in patients who received local morphine compared with control group [P<0.05]. Infiltration of morphine has good advantages in reducing pain in patients with soft tissue injury after the operation

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in the families of the patients with hepatitis C infection in Shahre-Kord, Iran

Chronic hepatitis C is a major health concern around the world. Although transmission of hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection through parenteral exposure is well documented, sexual transmission of HCV is still debated. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of HCV infection within the families of the patients infected with HCV in a central city of Iran, Shahre-kord. We examined eighty patients with chronic HCV-associated liver disease and their 230 first degree families in a cross-sectional descriptive serological study. Their serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibody, using ELISA and Immunobloting. A questionnaire including risk factors for HCV infection specially drugs addiction, sexual behaviors, and duration of partnership was filled in by the cases. About 2.17% of the household contacts were seropositive. Of them, 8.7% spouses and 20% sisters had anti-HCV antibody. The risk of HCV transmission between monogamous sex partners is higher than that of in other family members, depending on the duration of exposure especially sexual exposure. Infection rate in other family members of HCV-infected persons and community members is the same

[Investigation of the needed religious commandments in the natural unexpected disasters]

Most of Iranian populations, which are Muslim, attach great importance to their religious rituals in the natural unexpected disasters. Some groups of people paid more attention due to their religious commandments observation in disasters such as affected people, clergy and relief workers. This research aims to study the needed religious commandments for both groups in natural unexpected disasters. In this cross-sectional study, it was assessed people's needs for religious issues and also relief workers and the clergy in the affected areas after earthquake and flood by using questionnaires and descriptive method. According to the most participants, knowing about the necessary religious issues was evaluated and considered as a [very important] item in the natural unexpected disasters and they [deeply] care about its compiling. Collecting and compiling juridical problems and religious issues required in natural unexpected disasters are essential therefore appropriate measures should be taken

Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection among intravenous drug users in Shahr-e-Kord, Islamic Republic of Iran

This study was conducted in 2004 to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B [HBV], hepatitis C [HBC] and human immunodeficiency [HIV] virus infection in 133 injecting drug users [IDUs] attending a voluntary rehabilitation centre in Shahr-e-Kord, and to identify risk factors for these infections in this group. Serum samples were screened for HBV, HCV and HIV infection. Only 1 participant [0.8%] was HIV positive, 15 [11.2%] were HCV positive and 8 [6.0%] were positive for HBV surface antigen. There was significant correlation between using shared syringes and infection with HIV, HCV and HBV

[Effect of continuous caring and educational intervention [home visit] on quality of life in the congestive heart failure patients]

Quality of life in congestive heart failure [CHF] patient's comrade with declines mortality, psychosocial, physical and social restriction due to inability effect of the disease. So, the aim of this study was the assessment effected continuous caring and educational intervention [home visit] on quality of life in the CHF patients. In a clinical trial study, a total of 110 patients were selected and accidentally were put in two groups [experimental and control]. Each group was equalized based on sex, age, education, living place, heart failure and ejection fraction. Then, experimental group was educated about heart failure disease, drugs being used, self care plan and life style that this educational plan followed by three home visits. In all of the patients, quality of life questionnaire [SF-36] was filled in two steps, in first study and sex months after discharge. Data were analyzed using independent and pair t-tests. Before intervention, the results indicated that there was no difference in two groups base on sex, age, education, living place, cardiac failure degree, ejection fraction and quality of life main score [P<0.05]. But after the intervention, quality of life main score in domains physical function, limitations in usual role activities because of physical health problems, vitality, social function, body pain and general health in intervention group were greater than control group [P<0.05]. Pair t-test was detected quality of life main score after six months was increased in the intervention group and decreased in the control group [P<0.05]. Our results show that, nursing intervention and education in congestive heart failure patient's base on need and life style improve physical status and quality of life of these patients

effect of Amirkabiria odoratissima extract on gastric acid and pepsin secretion level in rat

Amirkabiria odoratissima is widely used as an odorant in east south provinces. Many people believe that this plant is useful in treatment of some gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of the plant extract on the secretion rate of acid and pepsin in the stomach of the rats studied. This is an experimental study involving 3 groups of rats, 8 in each group. The control group received placebo and case groups were received 100 mg/kg and 16.2 mg/kg of Amirkabiria odoratissima by gastrodeodenostomy canola. After anesthesia with nesdonal, 50 mg/kg IP, rats were gone under surgical process, tracheotomy. Subsequently, stomach secretion obtained using Wash Out method included in the first and the second base and measured acid by titrimetry method and pepsin by Anson method. Data were analyzed using t and ANOVA methods. The amount of acid significantly decreased in both Amirkabiria odoratissima groups compared to control group [p<0.001]. However, there was no significant change in pepsin secretion [p>0.05]. Using of Amirkabiria odoratissima decreases gastric acid secretion and may be useful in patients with gastro intestinal disorders

relevance of related-risk behaviors and seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection in intravenous drug users from Shahrekord, Iran, 2004

Drug injection is a very important risk factor for viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection. The present study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis [B and C] and HIV infection among intravenous drug users [IDUs] and to identify the related risk factors for these infections in this group. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2004 in Shahrekord, Iran. The study population consisted of 133 IDUs in a voluntary drug treatment center. Demographic information and HBV, HCV, HIV-related risk behaviors were obtained through an interviewer-assisted questionnaire. IDUs serum samples were screened for HBV. HCV and HIV infection using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. All HIV positive samples were confirmed by western blotting. Of the 133 IDUs, 1[0.75%] was HIV+, 15 [11.2%] were HCV+ and 8 [6.2%] were HbsAg+. The prevalence of HCV and HBV infected IDUs was 33.4 and 31.13, respectively. The prevalence of HCV infection was more than the prevalence of both HBV and HIV infection. Using Chi-Square test it was found that there was a significant correlation between using shared syringe and infection with HIV, HCV and HBV [p<0.05]. Based on the results of this study, IDUs have elevated prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV infection in Shahrekord and the main risk factor associated with these infections is drug injection

incidence rate of chronic brucellosis following one-year antibiotic therapy in Koohrang district of Chaharmahal and Bakhtyari province

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease with different clinical pictures such as chronic brucellosis. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence rate of chronic brucellosis after one-year of antibiotic therapy in tribal patients of Koohrang district of Chaharmahal and Bakhtyari province from 2003 to 2004. The patients with acute brucellosis were recognized using both standard tube agglutination [STA] [Wright] and 2-mercaptoethanol [2ME] tests. Also a questionnaire about demographic variables of the patients, their signs and symptoms and how they were infected was filled in by the patients. Subsequently, they were treated using conventional regimen. After one year, the patients were reviewed for the signs and symptoms of the disease and their sample sera were tested for related antibodies. The patients with specific antibody [>1/160 for both tests] regarded as positive. The data was analyzed by t, Chi square, and regression tests. During the peak of brucellosis in 2003. 119 persons were infected, 63.9% male and 36.1% female. Arthritis [88.7%] and fever [78.54%] were the most common signs and symptoms. In the second visit 97 new patients were recognized, rifampin with cotrimoxazole [57.7%] and doxycycline with rifampin [15.5%] were used for treatment of the patients. 17.5% of the patients had final titer of STA test titer and 15.5% of them had a 2ME titer higher than 1.160. 16.5% of the patients had recurrence signs and symptoms and 11.3% of them had mild symptoms. There was significant statistical relationship between antimicrobial drugs regimen and final titer of STA and 2ME tests and clinical course in the following year [p<0.001], Using both rifampin and cotrimoxazole resulted in a higher chance of chronic brucellosis [p<0.001]. The incidence rate of chronic brucellosis in this area was higher than that in the other regions of Iran and other countries. This was mainly due to lack of standard antimicrobial regimen, using single drug regimen, short-course antimicrobial therapy, low level of training of the patients and low access to health facilities in the region