Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin on the management of Rh- and ABO-mediated hemolytic disease of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Regarding the close association between neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and occurrence of pathological jaundice as a cause of neurotoxicity and kernicterus, the present study aimed to evaluate the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of blood group O mothers and their ABO and Rh newborns was conducted. Medical records that included total serum bilirubin levels of 79 patients with hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) from between 2017 and 2020 were reviewed. Neonates who were eligible to receive immunoglobulin based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines were classified as cases and the rest were included as the Control Group. RESULTS: The mean total bilirubin in relation to hemoglobin levels in IVIG-treated neonates was significantly lower than in non-IVIG-treated neonates (13.98 ± 4.23 mg/dL versus 16.61 ± 2.68 mg/dL; p-value = 0.002). Although females had longer hospitalizations in both IVIG-treated (3.81 ± 1.28 versus 3.54 ± 1.30 days; p-value = 0.509) and non-IVIG-treated (3.43 ± 0.811 versus 3.19 ± 0.75 days; p-value = 0.361) groups compared to males, this difference was not significant between the groups. Although four neonates with ABO incompatibility required packed red blood cells, all infants were managed medically and no deaths occurred during the course of treatment. Moreover, no exchange transfusion or adverse effects of IVIG were observed. CONCLUSION: The results from the present study revealed that IVIG administration is a useful procedure for the management of bilirubin encephalopathy with greater opportunity to reduce exchange transfusion requirements for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Latent toxoplasmosis in COVID-19 patients and link with higher mortality in COVID-19 male patients.

BACKGROUND: Immunocompromised patients may be at risk for reactivating the toxoplasmosis infection; therefore, early diagnosis would be highly desirable in these individuals. This study evaluated the possible association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and latent Toxoplasma gondii infection in Guilan province, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed among 210 COVID-19 patients referred to Guilan University of Medical Sciences hospitals in 2022. Peripheral blood samples were taken for serum separation, collected into tubes, and kept at - 20 °C until use. Blood samples were obtained from COVID-19 patients. IgG antibody to Toxoplasma gondii was detected by a commercial ELISA kit. Accordingly, IgG absorbance levels <9 were considered harmful, 9-11 was considered borderline, and >11 was positive. RESULTS: Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were found in 73.9 % of patients with COVID-19 in male patients. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in dead and lived COVID-19 male patients was 83.3 % and 66.7 %, respectively, and this difference was significant. A present study found a significant correlation between the rising titer of Toxoplasma IgG and the severity of COVID-19. There was no significant difference between the hospitalization duration factor and the seropositivity rate. CONCLUSION: Regarding the significant association between the rising titer of Toxoplasma IgG and the severity of COVID-19. The findings demonstrated an association between the severity and mortality rate of COVID-19 with higher titer Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Toxoplasmosis is currently considered a risk factor for COVID-19.

Vitamin D3: A promising antifungal and antibiofilm agent against Candida species.

Background and Purpose: Candida species are opportunistic fungal pathogens that cause mild to life-threatening infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised populations. The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant Candida species has posed a significant challenge to the management of infections in clinical settings. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the direct antifungal and antibiofilm effect of vitamin D3 against Candida species. Materials and Methods: The antifungal activity of vitamin D3 was evaluated by broth microdilution method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Prevention of biofilm formation by Candida albicans was measured using the XTT assay following exposure to different concentrations of vitamin D3. Moreover, expression of Agglutinin-like sequence gene 1 (ALS1), hyphal wall protein gene (HWP1), secreted aspartyl proteinase 6 gene (SAP6), and morphogenesis pathway regulatory gene (EFG1) were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using the comparative Ct method (ΔΔ Ct) after exposure to vitamin D3. Results: Vitamin D3 showed antifungal activity against Candida species ranging from 1-128 µg/mL. Furthermore, vitamin D3 inhibited biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 of 7.5 µg/mL. Treatment with vitamin D3 resulted in significant upregulation of the EFG1, ALS1, and SAP6 genes under hypha-inducing conditions to overcome environmental challenges. Conclusion: Results of the current study demonstrated that vitamin D3 has a significant inhibitory effect on Candida growth and biofilm formation. Considering its demonstrated antifungal and antibiofilm properties, vitamin D3 holds promise as a potential agent for medical applications.

Hymenolepis diminuta Infection in a Rural Child from North of Iran.

We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a two years old boy living in Guilan Province, northern Iran diagnosed in 2019. The patient was complained of anorexia, weight loss, weakness and disturbed sleep. Stool examination revealed numerous eggs of H. diminuta. After treatment with a single dose of oral praziquantel, the patient recovered without evidence of the egg shedding in follow-up stool samples. Moreover, we performed detailed phylogenetic analysis of the H. diminuta comparing with other isolates deposited in GenBank database based on Cox1 gene. Based on BLAST analysis of Cox1 gene our sequence showed 97.4-99.2% similarity with those of H. diminuta available in GenBank. The present study recommends the importance of reporting the infection cases, in order to improve knowledge on epidemiology and control of the neglected disease.

Effect of cisplatin chemotherapy on the inner ear function and serum prestin concentration.

PURPOSE: One of the main side effects of chemotherapy with cisplatin is irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. This study was conducted to assess the correlation between the serum prestin concentration as a potential cochlear biomarker and audiologic findings in patients after cisplatin chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 52 patients aged 18-75 years were included in this prospective study. All the subjects were recruited from the radiotherapy and oncology center of a tertiary hospital in Rasht, Iran. Audiologic parameters evaluations and serum prestin concentrations were measured at baseline and after 1-3 weeks of chemotherapy. The inner ear function was evaluated by pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product of otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). A repeated-measure analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the relationship between the PTA, DPOAE, serum prestin concentration and cumulative cisplatin dose. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (36 females) participated in this study. The PTA results showed that ototoxicity was more frequent among the patients with a high cumulative dose of cisplatin (χ2 trend = 15.25; P < 0.001). DPOAE responses revealed that 38.5% of the patients had ototoxicity change after 40-80 mg of cisplatin administration. After receiving 40-80 mg of cisplatin, serum prestin concentration increased from 130 to 230 pg/ml. There is a significant positive correlation between prestin concentration after receiving more than 80 mg of cisplatin and the ototoxic changes in the DPOAE response. CONCLUSION: The present study showed correlations between prestin concentrations and ototoxicity diagnosis by DPOAE findings. An early rise in prestin concentration is particularly important and an early sign of hearing loss. Future studies are recommended to investigate the effect of varying doses of cisplatin on prestin concentration and any association between ototoxicity and clinicopathological features.

Gut micobiota alteration by Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and glucose level in the adult model of Zebrafish.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still a challenge for physicians to manage patient's circumstances. It is assumed that alterations in the normal flora may be involved in the pathogenesis of T2DM through inducing chronic inflammation. To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus as a common probiotic on T2DM, we induced an experimental model of T2DM in adult male Zebrafish by gradient hyper-glucose accumulation methodology. RESULTS: In this trial 3-month old male adult Zebrafish were divided in to four groups including two control groups and T2DM induced groups with or without probiotic treatment. After 5 days of acclimation, T2DM was induced by a gradient hyper-glucose accumulation methodology. Diabetic fishes had statistically abnormal blood glucose and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels compared to control group (p = 0.0001). These results suggest that probiotic intervention decreased the blood glucose level in the T2DM-P group by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines responsible for signaling in T2DM therapeutic modalities.

Strongyloides stercoralis and other intestinal parasites in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran: a closer look at risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and other intestinal parasites in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran and to investigate related risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 494 patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (n=188) and those treated with prolonged corticosteroid administration (n=306). All fresh fecal samples were examined using the direct wet-mount, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, and agar plate culture techniques. RESULTS: In total, 16.8% of patients were positive for at least 1 intestinal parasite; the helminthic and protozoan infection rates were 5.1% and 12.3%, respectively. The infection rate was significantly higher in corticosteroid-treated individuals (19.6%) than cancer patients (12.2%) (p<0.05). The prevalence rate of S. stercoralis among patients receiving chemotherapy and those treated with corticosteroids were 4.3% and 5.2%, respectively. The prevalence rate of S. stercoralis infection was significantly higher in older patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Strongyloidiasis is one of the most common parasites among patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs in northern Iran. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of these patients are necessary to minimize the complications of severe strongyloidiasis.

Serotonin level as a potent diabetes biomarker based on electrochemical sensing: a new approach in a zebra fish model.

Serotonin (5-HT) levels have been associated with several exclusively metabolic disorders. Herein, a new approach for 5-HT level as a novel biomarker of diabetes mellitus is considered using a simple nanocomposite and HPLC method. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) comprising gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was decorated with 18-crown-6 (18.Cr.6) to fabricate a simple nanocomposite (rGO-AuNPs-18.Cr.6). The nanocomposite was positioned on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to form an electrochemical sensor for the biomarker 5-HT in the presence of L-tryptophan (L-Trp), dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), urea, and glucose. The nanocomposite exhibited efficient catalytic activity for 5-HT detection by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The proposed sensor displayed high selectivity, excellent reproducibility, notable anti-interference ability, and long-term stability even after 2 months. SWV defined a linear range of 5-HT concentration from 0.4 to 10 µg L-1. A diabetic animal model (diabetic zebrafish model) was then applied to investigate 5-HT as a novel biomarker of diabetes. A limit of detection (LOD) of about 0.33 µg L-1 was found for the diabetic group and 0.15 µg L-1 for the control group. The average levels of 5-HT obtained were 9 and 2 µg L-1 for control and diabetic groups, respectively. The recovery, relative standard deviation (RSD), and relative error (RE) were found to be about 97%, less than 2%, and around 3%, respectively. The significant reduction in 5-HT level in the diabetic group compared to the control group proved that the biomarker 5-HT can be applied for the early diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

The Repression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Cytokine Secretion in Glioblastoma by Targeting K+ Channel.

Introduction: Glioblastoma is an aggressive human brain malignancy with poorly understood pathogenesis. Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are highly expressed in malignant tumors and involved in the progression and metastasis of glioblastoma. This study aimed to determine whether a voltage-dependent potassium channel blocker could modulate astrocytes as a cell involved in the immunopathogenesis of glioblastoma. Methods: The cytotoxic effect of 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) at different doses in the cell model of glioblastoma was measured by MTT assay. The ELISA technique and gelatin zymography were used to assess cytokine levels and MMP-9 after 4-AP treatment. Results: Cytotoxicity analysis data indicated that cell viability reduced by increasing 4-AP level and cell growth decreased gradually by removing 4-AP from the cell medium. 4-AP inhibits the secretion of IL-6 and IL-1 (P<0.05). MMP9 activity significantly inhibits with increased 4-AP dose, compared to non-treated cells. Conclusion: The reduction of cell viability, IL-6 secretion, and MMP-9 activity in an in vitro model of glioblastoma might be assumed 4-AP as an agent for chemoprevention of cancer. Highlights: 4-Aminopyridine, as a K channel blocker, inhibits the secretion of IL-1.A voltage-gated potassium channel inhibits the secretion of IL-6.MMP9 activity, as a tumor metastasis marker, significantly decreased by 4-AP. Plain Language Summary: Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant of the brain, which remains mainly untreatable. A group of enzymes -matrix metalloproteinases- can digest various extracellular matrix macromolecules. They express at a high level and play a role in the glioblastoma invasion. Besides, several substances are secreted by multiple cells and affect cancer metastasis. Among them, cytokines, like interleukin-6, released from glial cells, may contribute to glioblastoma progression. The present study determined whether an agent as a potassium channel blocker could modulate the immunopathogenesis of glioblastoma. We realized the cytotoxic effect of potassium channel blocker at different doses in the U-373 MG glioblastoma astrocytoma cells. Our chosen agent inhibits the secretion of both interleukin and matrix metalloproteinases activity. Overall, we suggest potassium channel blocker as an agent for cancer chemoprevention.

Seroepidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii in Hemodialysis Patients.

PURPOSE: Immunocompromised patients may be at risk for reactivation of the toxoplasmosis infection, because of defection in cell-mediated immunity. Therefore, early diagnosis would be highly desirable in these individuals. This case-control study was designed to increase information about toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients in Guilan province, Iran. METHODS: The study was performed among 150 patients and 150 controls referred to hospitals of Guilan University of Medical Sciences during 2018-2019. Questionnaire forms, including demographic and epidemiological information, were completed. Peripheral blood samples were taken for serum separation and were collected into tubes and then kept at - 20 °C until use. IgG and IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected by a commercial ELISA kit. Accordingly, IgG absorbance levels < 9 were considered negative, 9-11 was considered borderline, and > 11 was positive; IgM absorbance levels < 0.9 were considered negative, 0.9-1.1 was assumed to be borderline, and > 1.1 was positive. RESULTS: Throughout the study, 72.0% of HD patients and 64.7% of the control group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody subsequently. 2% of HD patients and 0.7% of the control group were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody and these difference weren't significant between control and ones with HD (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between dialysis duration factor and the seropositivity rate. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection did not vary significantly with age, educational level, residence and presence of a cat at home. On the contrary, seroprevalence varied significantly with gender and consumption of raw vegetables. CONCLUSION: Because of the high percentage of positivity for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in hemodialysis patients, we suggest a periodically screening program to carry out for monitoring and evaluating the possible dissemination of toxoplasmosis during hemodialysis.

Diphtheria toxoid nanoparticles improve learning and memory impairment in animal model of Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving memory. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of encapsulated diphtheria toxoid (DT) on behavioral learning impairment, and XBP1 mRNA splicing in AD. METHODS: A DT-loaded nanoparticle (NP) carrier was prepared using the ionic gelation method. Sixty-three rats were divided into nine groups: (1) healthy, (2-4) sham, and (5-9) AD models: (5) AD was induced by intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid beta (Aß) 1-42. (6) The rats received a subcutaneous diphtheria vaccine only 28 days before Aß injection. (7) The rats received an intranasal diphtheria vaccine, in group 8, induced by administering empty chitosan NPs. 9) it was induced by administering chitosan NPs carrying DT. Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to examine the animals' learning and memory. Also, X-box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) mRNA gene splicing was studied in the hippocampus by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: For the first time, chitosan NPs were prepared with an average diameter size of 40 nm and the effectiveness of approximately 70% during DT encapsulation. In comparison with the healthy group, the AD models exhibited significant impairment of learning and memory (P < 0.05), while DT-administrated animals showed significant improvements in learning and memory impairment (P < 0.05). XBP-1 mRNA gene splicing was only detected in an untreated AD group, while encapsulated DT completely inhibited splicing. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effects of DT chitosan NPs against learning and memory impairment were observed in this study, and XBP1 mRNA splicing was reported in the animal models.

IL-25 and IL-33 Serum Levels are not Associated with the Type of Allergen Causing Allergic Rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Fungal aeroallergens might sensitize the airway which in turn produces a specific cytokine profile. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the IL-25 and IL-33 profile in patients with fungal allergic rhinitis. METHODS: The present study examined patients who were evaluated due to allergic rhinitis (AR) at Emam Reza Hospital of Shiraz, Iran. The allergic patients were categorized based on the skin prick test. Blood samples were collected and allergen-specific IgE and cytokine profiles were analyzed. RESULTS: 184 patients were enrolled in the study and in 35 of whom fungal rhinitis was confirmed. The levels of specific IgE in patients with fungal allergy were statistically significant compared to those in the control group (p<0.000). However, there were no significant differences in IL-25 and IL-33 levels between fungal and none-fungal AR patients. CONCLUSION: Chronic fungal challenge might regulate innate system cytokines in severe persistent AR.

Rapid Determination of Methanol In Herbaceous Distillates For Their Safety Evaluation by A New Modified Chromotropic Acid Method.

All sophisticated methods for direct determination of methanol require advanced instruments and high technical knowledge whose preparing them is very expensive in none developed and developing countries. This work reports a simple and efficient qualitative technique for semi determination of methanol content in herbal distillates by a new modified chromotropic acid method. The technique is based on the indirect detection of methanol after its oxidation and transforming to formaldehyde by chromotropic acid (formaldehyde specific color indicator). To measure methanol level in herbal distillates, a water diluted sample was mixed with 50 µL of sulfuric acid and potassium permanganate and after 5 min, followed by addition sodium bi-sulfite, chromotropic acid, and concentrated sulfuric acid in two separated steps and finally, eye comparing with four color standard tubes which gives a range of amount of methanol in the sample. The method has a good precision and accuracy and its Limit of Detection is 25 mgL-1. It is particularly suitable for semi quantitative measurement of methanol in herbal distillates not only in the production process quality control of workshops or small companies with no laboratory equipment and adequate financial properties but also the quality check of point of-sale samples from commercial markets. To the best of our knowledge, there isn't any report about such method.

Augmented cAMP Signaling by Co-Administration of Resveratrol and Curcumin: A Cellular Biosensor Kinetic Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin and resveratrol are two polyphenolic compounds extensively investigated for their medicinal effects on inflammatory signaling. However, there is a paucity of information on the Adenosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) kinetics following administration of curcumin and resveratrol in biological systems. In this study, kinetic modulation of cAMP as a target detection messenger in pro-inflammatory pathways was assessed by co-administration of curcumin and resveratrol using a cellular sensor model. METHODS: To evaluate their putative activity, curcumin and resveratrol compounds were administered alone or in combination on the media culture of cAMP EPAC (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) biosensor. The study was performed at the following two centers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS): 1- Biotechnology Research Center, and, 2- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI) in 2017. Time course kinetic of cAMP response signals were plotted. Forskolin and IBMX were used to stabilize the cAMP signals. RESULTS: When we treated HEK-293T biosensor cells at 10uM concentration, curcumin and resveratrol upregulated cAMP signaling. Co-administration of resveratrol and curcumin revealed an augmented cAMP level, as compared to treatments with the compounds alone. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of curcumin and resveratrol leverage cAMP kinetic response in a time-course manner. The presented methodology can be readily adopted for drug development and novel biopharmaceutical functional analyses.

Early Kidney Damage Markers after Deferasirox Treatment in Patients with Thalassemia Major: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The life of patients with ß-thalassemia major depends on blood transfusion. Regular blood transfusion leads to hemosiderosis in their main organs. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of deferasirox and deferoxamine on renal damage in patients with ß-thalassemia major. METHOD: The present case-control study was conducted on 60 individuals who were referred to the 17th Shahrivar Tertiary Referral Hospital in Guilan province, Iran. In this study, patients with ß-thalassemia major who used deferasirox (n = 21) and patients who used deferoxamine (n = 19) were evaluated. The control group (n = 20) was selected from healthy individuals. Serum creatinine (CREA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and Cystatin C were measured from blood samples. Furthermore, urinary (U.) neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), albumin (Alb), interleukin- (IL-) 18, and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1) were measured by the ELISA method and normalized for U. creatinine (CREA). RESULTS: U. NGAL, U. IL-18, and BUN biomarkers in the deferasirox group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001). U. NGAL/CREA and U. KIM-1/CREA ratios increased in both the deferoxamine and deferasirox groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). U. Alb was significantly higher in patients treated with deferoxamine than in healthy participants (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that after taking deferasirox, there was renal damage and an increase in inflammatory factors. Also, minor renal impairment was observed after deferoxamine administration, but it was not confirmed at the molecular level (U. NGAL and KIM-1). Therefore, it seems that patients who are taking these two drugs should be monitored carefully.

Effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) mouthwash containing 1% tannin on dental plaque and chronic gingivitis: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of Iranian green tea mouthwash containing 1% tannin on dental plaque and chronic gingivitis. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blinded, parallel, controlled clinical trial, 40 volunteer dental students with a gingival index ≥1 were enrolled. At baseline, gingival, plaque, and bleeding indices were recorded and all the participants received dental polishing. Based on random allocation, 20 participants used the test and 20 used chlorhexidine mouthwash with no change in regular toothbrushing methods. The participants were asked to use 15 mL of the respective mouthwash for 1 min, twice a day for 28 days. All indices, as well as stain index, were recorded after 1 and 4 weeks post-rinsing. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni tests. RESULTS: Significant in-group differences, but not between-group differences, were observed in all indices after 1 and 4 weeks compared to baseline. The test mouthwash resulted in significantly less tooth staining than the control. CONCLUSION: The 1% tannin green tea mouthwash could be a safe and feasible adjunct to mechanical plaque control. The tested green tea mouthwash could be considered a good alternative for chlorhexidine in contraindicating situations.

Anxiolytic-like effect of hydroalcoholic extract of ripe pistachio hulls in adult female Wistar rats and its possible mechanisms.

The present study was designed to study the preventive effect of hydroalcoholic extract of ripe pistachio hulls (RPH) in the elevated plus maze model of anxiety. One hundred twenty female wistar rats in their estrous cycle were divided into 15 groups of 8 each and received various concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of RPH except the control groups. Elevated plus maze was used to measure the level of anxiety. Percentage of time spent in the open arms (%OAT), percentage of the number of entries into the open arms (%OAE), locomotor activity, and time spent in the closed arms (CAT), and the number of entries in to the closed arms (CAE) were measured and compared. Dose-response experiments showed that only 10 mg/kg dose of RPH extract significantly increased %OAT (P < 0.001) and %OAE (P < 0.05) compared to the control group, indicating anti-anxiety effects of the extract. Also, pentylenetetrazol and an estrogen receptor antagonist (ERA) tamoxifen could block anti-anxiety effects of the extract (P < 0.001). It was also noticed that tamoxifen was able to significantly reduce locomotor activity. As the RPH extract showed a preventive effect in experimental model of anxiety, it might be concomitantly administered with other anxiolytic medications.

The Endemicity of Human Fascioliasis in Guilan Province, Northern Iran: the Baseline for Implementation of Control Strategies.

BACKGROUND: The largest global outbreaks of liver fluke disease (Fascioliasis) in humans, caused by species of the genus Fasciola, have occurred in Guilan Province of Iran, affecting more than 15000 people. Although, different aspects of fascioliasis have been the subject of various researches during last two decades, nevertheless no community-based study has been performed in endemic regions of Guilan. The aim of present study was to obtain the basic information needed to develop future control strategies. METHODS: Fecal and blood samples were collected from 1,984 volunteers in the Bandar-Anzali district, the region where previous epidemics occurred. Fecal samples were examined by Kato-Katz and formalin-ether methods for the presence of Fasciola eggs. Sera samples were analyzed by ELISA to detect anti-cathepsin L antibodies. RESULTS: Twenty-seven (1.36%) individuals were seropositive, 9 (0.45%) individuals were egg positive (mean egg count 50.7 (±30.36) eggs per gram of faeces) and 30 individuals (1.51%) were positive using both methods. No statistical association was observed between infection and age, gender, location, occupation, educational status and dietary habits. The prevalence of intestinal parasites is also included. CONCLUSION: Human fascioliasis is hypoendemic in this region and recommends a passive case-finding approach, effective primary prevention measures, health education through mass media and effective veterinary public health measures for control of human disease.

Effects of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Anethum Graveolens Seed on Pentylenetetrazol-induced Seizure in Adult Male Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Regarding chronic nature of epilepsy and its side effects and to access the effective treatment procedures, herbal medicine has received remarkable interest. The aim of this study was to determine the anticonvulsant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens seed on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) -induced seizure in male mice. METHODS: Fifty-six albino male mice were divided randomly into seven groups including the negative control (saline), positive control (Phenobarbital) and treatment groups using different doses of hydro-alcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens seed (50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000 mg/ kg). To provoke convulsion, PTZ was injected to all groups and initiation time of myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures as well as surveillance after 24 h were measured. RESULTS: The results indicated that hydro-alcoholic extract of Anethum graveolens seed (AGS) delayed the initiation time of myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures in comparison with saline group. The latency was considerable for myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures at all above mentioned doses of AGS extract except for the lowest one. Moreover, the protective effect of AGS extract against mortality was statistically significant at all doses except for 50 mg/kg. DISCUSSION: As the hydro-alcoholic extract of AGS showed an appropriate response in experimental model of convulsion, it might be considered as an adjuvant therapy with other traditional antiepileptic medications.

Changes in plasma Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels induced by methylphenidate in children with Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

OBJECTIVES: It has been suggested that BDNF may play a role in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Our aim is to determine whether methylphenidate can induce changes in plasma BDNF levels of children with ADHD. METHODS: We assessed levels of plasma BDNF in 28 ADHD patients (age range = 3.5-10 years) before and after 6 weeks treatment with effective dosages of methylphenidate. Then we evaluated the correlation of levels of plasma BDNF with clinical variables, especially ADHD Conner's parents rating scale. RESULTS: According to the paired sample T-test, the mean plasma BDNF level in the baseline was 193.06 pg/ml, whereas 271.06 pg/ml in the end point, thus showing significantly higher mean plasma BDNF levels in the post-treatment situation than in the pretreatment (t = -3.393, df = 27, p = 0.002). Pearson's correlation test revealed that there was also significant negative correlation between levels of BDNF in the plasma of ADHD patients before treatment and improvement in hyperactivity symptoms with treatment (Pearson's correlation = -0.395, p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The mean plasma BDNF levels increased after 6 weeks of treatment with methylphenidate. Also, we found an improvement in hyperactivity symptoms with decreasing baseline plasma BDNF levels. We recommend that more studies should be conducted in order to assess the possible roles of plasma BDNF levels in treatment response prediction and prognosis.