Showing papers by "Tehran University of Medical Sciences published in 1993"

Sheep-an important reservoir of human toxoplasmosis in iran

Abstract: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease and ubiquitous in the world. Infection rate in the tropical and subtropical regions with high humidity is higher than other areas. The rate is lower in dry regions whether hot or cold. More than 200 species owarm­ blooded animals are intermediate hosts and cats or members of the carnivore family Felidae have been found to be definitive hosts.' In Iran in the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Gilan, infection rate is higher than other provinces (about 70%) while in the southern provinces of Hormozgan, Sistan and Balouchestan, and Khuzestan, this rate is lower (about 12%). Common routes of transmission of the infection are feeding of uncooked meat or

Methoxamine-induced rhythmic activity in rabbit anococcygeus muscle.

Abstract: 1. Methoxamine 0.5 microns induced an extremely regular rhythmic activity in isolated rabbit anococcygeus muscle. 2. Prazosin had an inhibitory effect on methoxamine-induced rhythmic contractions. IC50 of prazosin was 7.94 nM. 3. The methoxamine-induced contractions are dependent on extracellular calcium and can be inhibited by the omission of calcium from media or the introduction of verapamil (IC50 = 0.11 microM) or nifedipine (IC50 = 0.21 microM). 4. Application of reserpine made the preparations 40-fold more sensitive to methoxamine. 5. It can be concluded that rhythmic contractions produced by methoxamine are mediated through stimulatory action of methoxamine on alpha-I adrenoceptors and depend on extracellular calcium. 6. Lithium made the muscle more sensitive to methoxamine action. In preincubated muscles with 1, 3 and 5 mM lithium the initiation of contractions occurred at 1.5 x 10(-7), M, 5 x 10(-8) M and 1.5 x 10(-8) M of methoxamine, respectively.

Report of thirteen cases of mucormycosis

Abstract: Thirteen cases of mucormycosis in ten diabetics, one leukemic, and one burned patient, and one in an apparently normal person are reported. The presenting form included rhinocerebral in II and cutaneous in two cases. The diagnosis was established by KOH preparation and biopsy and it was cOnIumed with culture. Rhizopus sp. was the causative agent in II and Mucor sp. in one case. Amphotericin B was administered in 10 patients as soon as the diagnosis of mucormycosis was made. Of these, four patients survived. MJIRI, Vol. 7, No.3, 175-178, 1993.

Stu dies on the binding of the alkylating agent sulfur mustard to calf thymus chromatin

Abstract: In this study the effect of the alkylating agent, sulfur mustard, on calf thymus chromatin was investigated using UVfVis spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis and thermal denaturation techniql,cs. The results show that treatment of isolated chromatin with sulfur mustard releases histones from the core particles but does not affect histone H I and nonhistone chromosomal proteins. The content of released proteins for the amounts lower than 50Ilg/mL are both dose and time dependent. It is suggested that they have cross linked reaction to other chromo­ somal proteins or to DNA. Thermal melting analysis also indicate that the interaction of sulfur mustard with DNA increases thermal melt(Tm) of DNA revealing condensation of DNA molecule by sulfur mustard. The results in relation to the functional states of chromatin are discussed. M.lIRI, 1101. 7, No.1, 43-46,1993.

The effect of noise-induced hearing loss on dentists

Abstract: This paper presents noise problems associated with the use of air-turbine drills in dental practice. Two hundred and fifty dentists (male and female) were randomly selected from the faculty of dentistry as well as the dentists who worked private in Tehran. The results indicated that the mean value of sound pressure level produced by the high-speed drills was 69.1 db. Most of the energy from the drills lied in the high frequency range, 60008000 Hertz. Audiological evaluations showed that the loss of hearing in all age groups and years in dental practice lie in 6000 Hertz which has a positive correlation with the value of sound pressure level in this frequency. The hearing loss in the right ear of women was slightly higher than the left one, while this was not true in men. The hearing loss in the female group was greater than in male group. MJIRI, Vol. 7, No.2, 83-86, 1993.

Binding of the antitumor drug adriamycin to dna-histone complexes

Abstract: Isotherms of the binding of the anthracycIine antibiotic, adriamycin (adriblastin), to DNA histone complexes was studied by means of spectro­ scopic analysis. The results indicated that: (a) binding of adriamycin to histones reduced the interaction of histones with DNA, (b) binding of the drug to DNA did not change the binding affinity of histone to DNA and, (c) in the explored binding range of r

Screening for starch-hydrolysing bacteria

Abstract: Screening of3000 soil samples collected from cities of four different provinces of Iran for starch-hydrolysing bacteria revealed that the nature is enriched with Streptomyces species capable of producing amylolytic enzymes. Among the bacterial isolates, one of the high starch-degrading strains was selected for further microbio­ logical identification and also amylolytic enzyme(s) characterization. The purified isolate, Streptomyces species strain R Y 48, produces almost four times more amylo­ lytic enzyme(s) than Bacilllls slIbtilis (PTCC 1254) on agar plates. Based on the action pattern of its amylolytic enzymes on the boiled maize starch, the purified species possesses in the logphase an amylolytic activity which is different from the amylo­ lytic activity of the stationary phase. The secreted amylolytic enzymes which are both en do lytic type and show different activity bands on native polyacrylamide gel, act independently on starch molecules. M.lIRI, Vol. 7, No.1, 35-41,1993.

Cryptosporidum in sheep as a source for human infection

Abstract: Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite that infects epithelial cells of the intestine i n a w ide var iety of vertebrates. During the last decade, cryptosporidiosis has emerged as a cause of diarrhea in man. Most of the' patients have AIDS, and have had contact with infected animals. In this study ' 510 samples were collected from sheep and examined for detection of this parasite. The result showed that 26.X6% of animals were colonised. Fattened sheep were less infected than lambs and those kept for milk. M.lIRI, Vol. 6, No.4, 273-274, 1993.

Possible involvement of gabaa receptor sites in catalepsy

Abstract: The present work was performed to show the possible interaction of GAB A, and GABA\" receptors in catalepsy. The following results were obtained: 1Muscimol (MUS), a GABA, agonist, induced catalepsy. This effect was dose-dependent. Baclofen (BAC), a GABA\" agonist, had no effect in this respect. 2Catalepsy induced by muscimol was potentiated by pretreatment of animals with bicuculline (BIC), a GABA, antagonist, while pretreatment of animals with picrotoxin (PIC), another GABA, antagonist, did not change the response. 3The cataleptogenic effect of a-flupenthixol (a-FPT), a neuroleptic which is a potent cataleptogenic drug, was also increased by bicuculline pretreatment. A­ flupenthixol, in animals pretreated with picrotoxin, induced a small but significant increase in catalepsy. 4Muscimol catalepsy may be due to GABA inhibitory effect of the drug upon dopaminergic function, while potentiation of cataleptogenic effect of a-flupenthixol or that of muscimol by bicuculline may be exerted through release of GABA from GABAergic nerve endings. M.lIRI, Vol. 7, No.3, 179-182, 1993. Volume 7

A study of 765 cases of clinically solitary cold thyroid nodules from an iodine­ deficient area

Abstract: We studied the clinical, radioisotopic, and pathologic characteristics and the incidence of cancer in clinically solitary cold nodules of the thyroid in an iodine­ deficient area. The study included retrospective analysis of 765 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for a clinically single cold nodule in a ten-year period. We compared the pathological findings with clinical data. In pathological examination, 34% of glands were multinodular. The incidence of nodular colloid goiters were 81.7% and of thyroid cancer 10.2%. Thyroid malignancy increased significantly after age thirty (p<0.005). The incidence of cancer was 8.3% in true solitary nodules versus 13.8% in clinically solitary nodules found to be pathologically multinodular (p<0.05). Papillary carcinoma was the most frequent type (70.5%) and medullary carcinoma the least frequent type (2.6%). Benign nodular lesions were the most common cause of cold nodules. There was no sex difference in the incidence of thyroid cancer. In the patients with thyroid carcinoma the percentage of multinodular glands was higher. Iodine deficiency may be a factor in changing

ROLE OF SOCIAL AND CULTURAL FACTORS IN AIDS pANDEMIC AND THEIR EFFECT ON HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMS

Abstract: In most countries, educational programs and condom use is recommended as the most important approaches in controlling HIV infection. We examine the role of different approaches in controlling AIDS epidemics in our region. We find a high failure rate and probably undesirable effects for condom recommendation in epidemiological scale especially considering the low prevalence of HIV infection in our region. Past experience suggests that educational programs in isolation have insufficient effect on health-related behavior in high-risk groups. Present picture of spread of HIV infection discloses the role of religious beliefs, moral values, social nonacceptance of unhealthy lifestyles and illegality of homosexuality, prostitution and drug abuse in controlling AIDS epidemics. In order for health promotion programs to be successful these social and cultural factors should be regarded. M1IRI, Vol. 7, No.3, 199-203, 1993. Volume 7 Number 3 Fnl! 1372 November 1993

PURIFICATIO N OF ALPHA-AMYLASE FROM BACILLUS SUBTILlS LINE # 1024 WITH ATCC 465

Abstract: Alpha-amylase E.C.3.2.1.1. (1,4 glucan, 4 glucanohydrolase) can be ob­ tained from salivary glands, pancreas and microorganisms such as Pseudomonas and Asperigllus, as well as muscles and ovarian tubes.1.2 Alpha-amylase from Bacilllls Sliblilis #1024(A TCC 465)* was purified with a highest degree of purity in our laboratory (31.59 U!mg). The extracellular alpha-amylase was subjected to different purification techniques such as anionic and cationic exchange chromatography and prepara­ tive electrophoresis. The final fold of purification was equivalent to 38, which was higher than the previous reported values, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulphate(pAGESDS), Laemmeli method, gave a molecular weight of 82000 Daltons. M.f!R1, 1101.6, No.4, 281-284,1993.

Self-induced foreign body granulomas due to injection of elemental mercury

Abstract: A 24-year-old girl injected approximately I ml of elemental mercury from a few broken thermometers to her right cubital fossa. I t led to the formation of a tumoral lesion which was erythematous, lobulated, painful, with secretory sinuses in the injected area. Biopsy showed foreign body granulomas with metallic mercury that appeared as dark opaque globules. X-rays showed metallic densities in the soft tissue. General condition of the patient was good, and there was no evidence of systemic mercury poisoning. The lesion was removed surgically, and the surgical site was covered with skin graft because of the extent and depth of the lesion. This is the first report of self-induced mercury injection in Iran. MJIRI, Vol. 7, No.3, 205-207,1993.

A rare case of gastric lipoma

Abstract: A middle age woman was hospitalized for investigation of a mobile filling defect in the stomach with exacerbation of 3-year gastric symptoms. Gastroscopy revealed a huge pedunculated polyp. Histologic report of the mass was gastric antral lipoma. Since the pa­ tient refused surgery, cauterization polypectomy was performed without any complica­ tion. MJIRI, Vol. 6, No.4, 309-310, 1993.

Dietary salt reduction potentiates the action of hypotensive drugs

Abstract: Hypertension is a common health problem. Hypotensive drugs and low salt diet are used in its treatment. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a low-salt diet and drug therapy in the treatment of arterial hypertension. A total of 256 randomly selected pa­ tients with essential hypertension consulting the Non-contagious Diseases Clinic in Shahreza, Isfahan, iran, were included in the study for a period of 28 days. They were divided into four groups. Groups A and B received both methyldopa (250 mg t.i.d.) and hydrochlorothiazide (daily 10 mg), the former consuming a normal and the second a low-salt diet. Groups C and D consumed a low-salt and a salt-free diet, respectively, with no drugs. Both treatments A and B caused statistically significant reductions in blood pressure even after seven days, but treat­ ment B was much more effective. Reductions in blood pressure in Groups C and D were very little, even after 28 days. Using the three-way classification of analysis of variance, it was re­ vealed that interactions existed among the three factors, i.e., age, diet and length of treatment, as regards lowering blood pressure. We conclude, confirming previous reports in the litera­ ture, that a low-salt diet potentiates the hypotensive action of antihypertensive drugs. M.1IRI, Vol. 6, No.4, 265-268, 1993.

Nutritional status of neonates at birth in Ardebil, Iran

Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of infants at birth in Ardebil, Iran. Data were collected on 903 newborns (424 girls and 479 boys) in the only maternity hospital of the town during Mayand April 1989. The results showed the following: (1)‐Weights and lengths of the majority of the newborns (78.8% and 67.3%, respectively) were at least equal to the respective NCHS 50th percentiles. (2) ‐Baby boys were heavier (3207 ± 578g) than baby girls (3117 ± 502g), the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.01). (3) ‐ By weight classification 7.2% suffered from moderate and 0.7% from severe malnutrition, the proportion of mild malnutrition—which can be considered as the lower end of normal—being 17.2% by the length criterion, 4.9% were undernourished; (4) ‐Sex had no effect on the nutritional status. (5) ‐ According to the results of cord blood analysis, the mean Hb and Hct values for sexes combined were 13.4 ± 2.4g/dl and 40.5 ± 6.9%, respectively, over half of the neonates being a...

Evaluation of !fa, iha and bla tests in the serological diagnosis of amebic liver abscess

Abstract: As there was not any previous comprehensive study on the serological tests for hepatic amebiasis in Iran, the indirect hemagglutination (IHA), indirect fluorescent antibody (IF A), and biocolored latex agglutination (BLA) tests were evaluated in the serodiagnosis of amebic liver abscess(ALA). For this purpose a total of 165 serum samples 18 of which were obtained from patients known to have ALA, were examined for Entamoeba histolytica antibodies. E. histolytica antigen used for IFA technique was prepared in the Intestinal Protozoa Laboratory, Protozoology Unit, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The results of the survey showed that the IHA and BLA were somewhat more sensitive than IFA in the serodiagnosis of ALA. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value ofthese tests were compared. MJIRI, Vol. 7, No.3, 161-164, 1993.

Bupropion-induce d climbing throu gh d -1 and d-2 dopamine receptor activation

Abstract: Intraperitoneal (rp) injection of bupropion (3, 6, l 2mg kg·') and also amphet­ amine (4,16 mg kg·') induced dose-dependent climbing in mice. The climbing response induced by both drugs were decreased in animals pretreated either with the 0-1 antagonist SCH 233<)0 or the 0-2 antagonist sulpiride. The =-adrenoceptor blocker phenoxybenzamine decreased the climbing induced by both bupropion and amphetamine, but the �-adrenergic blocker propranolol and the antimuscarinic agent atropine had no effect. Reserpine pretreatment abolished the climbing induced by bupropion but not that of amphetamine. However, alpha-methyl-p­ tyrosine combined with reserpine treatment reduced the amphetamine-induced climbing. It is concluded that both bupropion and amphetamine-induced climbing through release of dopamine and subsequent activation of 0-1/0-2 receptors; however, the mechanisms by which dopamine is released by these drugs may differ. M.lIRI, Vol. 6, No.4, 285-289, 1993. Keyword. .. : D-I ami D-2 receptors, amplll!lami"e, b/lpmpitm. rl!Serp;fle, climbing. mice V"hllJll"I, NUIl\I>"r-l Winkr 1.\71 Fcl>nl:,ry JI}'}.\