Showing papers in "Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences in 2010"

Extraction and purification of crocin from saffron stigmas employing a simple and efficient crystallization method.

Abstract: In this study, total crocin was extracted from saffron stigmas using crystallization method. Ethanol 80% was selected as the best extraction solvent. Crystallization process was carried out in one and two steps at different temperatures. Ethanol 80% was used as crystallization medium. Crocin crystals obtained from the first crystallization had low purity and thus were subjected to the second crystallization. The higher purity crystals were yielded in the second crystallization at -5°C. The purity of crocin crystals was studied using UV-visible spectrophotometery and HPLC in comparison with Fluka product and methanolic extract of saffron stigmas. The results indicated that its purity was extremely higher, about 13 times, more than Fluka product. In spite of our expectation, the Fluka product was not a pure α-crocin sample; five other types of crocins in addition to an unknown impurity were seen in its chromatogram. The purity of crystallized total crocin in this work was more than 97%.

The incriminating role of reactive oxygen species in idiopathic male infertility: an evidence based evaluation.

Abstract: The male factor is considered a major contributory factor to infertility. Apart from the conventional causes for male infertility such as varicocoele, cryptorchidism, infections, obstructive lesions, cystic fibrosis, trauma and tumours, a new and important cause has been identified as being responsible for the so-called idiopathic male infertility: oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress (OS) is a condition that occurs when the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) overwhelms the antioxidant defense produced against them. In male reproductive pathological conditions, the OS significantly impairs spermatogenesis and sperm function, which may lead to male infertility. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) known as free radicals are oxidizing agents generated as a result of metabolism of oxygen and have at least one unpaired electron that make them very reactive species. Spermatozoa generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in physiological amounts, which play a role in sperm functions during sperm capacitation, Acrosome Reaction (AR) and oocyte fusion, but they need to be controlled and their concentrations maintained at a level that is not deleterious to the cells. Administration of antioxidants in patients with 'male factor' infertility has begun to attract considerable interest. The main difficulty of such an approach is our incomplete understanding of the role of free radicals in normal and abnormal sperm function leading to male infertility. The purpose of the present review is to address the relationship between ROS and idiopathic male factor infertility.

Study on total phenolic contents and their antioxidant activities of Thai white, red and black rice bran extracts

Abstract: In this study, different brans of Thai rice cultivars which were divided into 3 groups: white color (Hom mali 105, Supan, Saohai, Hom chaiya and Hom jun), red color (3256, GS 18003, 21606, 21699 and 5718) and black color (96041-20, 96051-37, 96004-49, 96023-35 and 96065-42) were investigated their Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and antioxidant activities. The rice brans were firstly extracted using methanol. The extracts were analyzed using Folin-Ciocalteau method for total phenolic content while thiocyanate method and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrasyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging assay were used for antioxidant activities determination. The results indicated that the total phenolic content of white, red and black rice bran extract were in the range of 0.8931-0.9884, 1.0103-1.0494 and 1.0810-1.2239 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE mg(-1)), respectively. With thiocyanate method, percentage inhibition were in the range of 10.15-20.68, 30.64-38.80 and 25.52-26.28 for white, red and black rice bran extract, respectively. With DPPH radical-scavenging assay, methanolic extract of 5718 showed the highest (IC50=0.0057 mg mL(-1)) while Homchaiya showed the lowest (IC50=0.2582 mg mL(-1)) activities. All of extracts showed lower activity than BHA (IC50=0.0012 mg mL(-1)). However, the antioxidant activity of all rice bran extracts indicated high antioxidant efficiency in the following order: red>black>white color rice brans. It is a promising that Thai rice bran are potential antioxidant sources.

Anti-diabetic activity of Ferula assafoetida extract in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible anti-diabetic potential of Asafetida extract against the pancreatic beta-cells damage from alloxan-induced diabetes in rats and some hormones related to diabetes mellitus. Asafetida induced significant reduction in blood glucose and increasing of serum insulin, our data indicate that the level of glucose in the animals that subjected with alloxan was 10.28 +/- 0.85 mmol L(-1) p < 0.05 comparing with control group 3.27 +/- 0.25 p < 0.05, the level of blood glucose in diabetic group when subjected with Asafetida extract decreasing to 6.75 +/- 0.31 p < 0.05. There was significant amount of insulin secretion in diabetic animals when subjected with Asafetida extract 0.48 +/- 0.05 p < 0.05 in comparison with diabetic animal's 0.33 +/- 0.06 p < 0.05. These findings suggested that Asafetida extract treatment exerts therapeutic protective effect in diabetes by preserving pancreatic beta-cells integrity and significant activity extract, which supports traditional usage to prevent diabetic complications.

Comparison between killed and living probiotic usage versus placebo for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis in neonates.

Abstract: UNLABELLED The aim of the study is to compare the role of killed (KP) Lactobacillus acidophilus with living (LP) in reducing incidence of sepsis (NS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates. Randomized double blind placebo study, included 150 neonates admitted to NICU at day 1, sixty received oral (LP) and 60 received (KP) and 30 received placebo. One gram of stools was collected on admission, at day 7, at end of the study, as well as on suspected NEC or NS and was sent for culture. RESULTS LP and KP were preventive factors for NEC with absolute risk reduction (AAR) 16, 15%, respectively and 18% for NS compared to placebo. Incidence of NEC and NS did not differ significantly between neonates supplemented with LP and those with KP. Preterm neonates supplemented with KP showed significantly lower incidence of NEC compared to placebo, while incidence of NS showed no significant difference between both groups. There is significant reduction in NS and NEC among neonates with positive Lactobacillus colonization of gut compared to those none colonized at day 7 (27.9 vs. 85.9%, 0 vs. 7.8%) and at day 14 (48.7 vs. 91.7% for NS and 0 vs. 20.8% for NEC). Overall comparison between the three groups showed statistical significant reduction in the incidence of NEC. Present conclusions are that early gut colonization with beneficial bacteria lowers the incidence of NEC and NS. KP retained similar benefits to live bacteria.

Comparative antioxidant activity study of some commonly used spices in Bangladesh.

Abstract: Many spices have been shown to impart an antioxidative effect in foods. This study summarized the literature on the antioxidative effects of spices. The term spice is defined as dry plant material that is normally added to food to impart flavor. The methanolic crude extracts of Allium sativum, Coriandrum sativum, Cuminum cyminum, Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum verum, Elettaria cardamomum and Cinnamomum tamala were screened for their free radical scavenging properties using ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The overall antioxidant activity of Cuminum cyminum was found to be the strongest, followed in descending order by Z. officinale, C. sativum, A. sativum, C. tamala, C. verum, E. cardamomum. The IC50 values of the extracts ranged between 15.48 and 217.431 (microg mL(-1)). The ascorbic acid levels was 22.78 (microg mL(-1)) the present study revealed that the selected plants would exert several beneficial effects by virtue of their antioxidant activity and could be harnessed as drug formulation.

A review on the phytoremediation of petroleum hydrocarbon

Abstract: Oil spillage as a result of petroleum industry activities and pipe-line vandalization by saboteurs is a frequent occurrence in oil-producing regions of the world. Conventional oil spill clean-up techniques involve physical and chemical processes that do more damage to the aquatic ecosystem than the oil spill itself. Consequently, the need arises to evolve or develop a more environment-friendly technique that will not only clean-up the environment but also restore the aquatic ecosystem to its status before the oil spill. Phytoremediation, which involves the use of plant to detoxify polluted site, appears to be promising in this regard. It is environment-friendly as well as cost-effective but may take more time than the conventional methods because it is a natural process.

Anticancer activity test for extracts of Sarang semut plant (Myrmecodya pendens) to HeLa and MCM-B2 cells.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate anticancer activity of methanol extract (ethylacetate, n-buthanol and water partitions) and water extract from Sarang semut (local name), Myrmecodya pendens which is one of Rubiaceae family. Within Papua area (Indonesia), this medicinal plant has been used traditionally as alternative treatment for ulcer, tumor and cancer. In this study, the extracts of this plant were tested for their activities in some cancer cells (HeLa and MCM-B2 cell). The result showed that water extract of this plant has better anti cancer activity compared to other extracts. The IC50 value of water extract A is 27.61 ppm (HeLa) and 54.57 ppm (MCM-B2), while water extract B is 29.36 ppm (HeLa) and 74.20 ppm (MCM-B2). Our study concluded that polar extract (water) exhibited higher anticancer activity than non-polar extracts (ethylacetate and n-buthanol).

Dermatophytosis in Western Africa: a review.

Abstract: Dermatophytic fungal infections are one of the most common infectious diseases in the world and are among the most commonly diagnosed skin diseases in Africa. They are caused by several dermatophyte species made up of three genera: Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. The pathogen spectrum and the clinical manifestations are totally different from those seen in other continents. The hot and humid environment in Africa is probably the major reason for their high prevalence. In this era of rapid movement from one continent to another and the increasing mobility of humans, agents of dermatophytic infections can no longer be said to be restricted within a given geographical area. This implies that an infection contracted in one part of the world may become manifest in another country where the etiological agent is not normally found. Therefore, updating our knowledge of the geographical distribution of the predominant causative agents of dermatophytosis will provide a better understanding of the risk factors and future epidemiologic trends. This review discusses the clinical signs and manifestations of dermatophytoses and attempts to summarize the current epidemiological trends on dermatomycosis of glabrous skin in Western Africa.

The hypolipidemic effect of Citrullus colocynthis on patients with hyperlipidemia.

Abstract: Citrullus colocynthis is one of the medical herbs that traditionally have been used as an antidiabetic medication in tropical and subtropical countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypolipidemic effect of Citrullus colocynthis beyond the hypoglycemic impact on human. One hundred dislipidemic patients were randomly divided into two groups namely treated (n = 50) group and placebo (n = 50) group. The subjects were treated daily by powdered seeds of Citrullus colocynthis (300 mg) and placebo for 6 weeks. The serums, TG, Chol, LDL-C, HDL-C, SGOT and SGPT were measured with enzymatic methods at the beginning and the end of the project. The significance of differences within these groups was calculated by Paired T-test and by analysis of covariance between them. There were significant differences within and between treated and placebo groups during our treatment in TG and in Cholesterol after intervention (p < 0.05). A daily intake of 300 mg day(-1) of powdered seeds of Citrullus colocynthis can lower the triglyceride and cholesterol concentration significantly in nondiabetic hyperlipidemic patients.

Intestinal parasites infection among immunocompromised patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among immunocompromised patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fecal samples were collected from 136 immunocompromised patients (52 females and 84 males), aged 2 to 69 years. Specimens were fixed with 10% formalin for 30 min (2-3 g fecal(-1)) and then concentrated by a formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Samples were examined as wet saline mounts and in iodine preparation for detection of protozoan oocysts, cysts, helminthic eggs and larvae. Permanent stained smears were performed for intestinal coccidian parasites by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and the modified trichrome stain. Intestinal parasites were detected in 54 (39.7%) most of them (25.7%) were with diarrhea. More specifically the following parasites were detected Cryptosporidium parvum 11(8.1%), Giardia lamblia 9 (6.6%), Cyclospora cayetanensis 8 (5.9%), Blastocystis hominis 7 (5.2%), Entamoeba histolytica 7 (5.2%), Entamoeba coli 5 (3.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis 3 (2.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides 1 (0.7%), Hymenolepis nana 1 (0.7%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum 1 (0.7%) and Hook worm 1 (0.7%). The most common parasite associated with diarrhea in patients, was C. parvum (p < 0.001), followed by G. lamblia, C. cayetanensis and E. histolytica. However, differences between different age groups were statistically non-significant. Similarly, no significant difference in the infection rate were found between male and female patients.

Hepatoprotective effects of ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in rats

Abstract: The study was designed to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective effect of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius on paracetamol poisoning in rats. Twenty five male Wistar rats were used in this study. They were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats. Groups I and II received normal saline (0.9% physiological saline). Animal in groups III-V were administered Cnidoscolus aconitifolius at 100, 500 and 1,000 mg kg(-1), respectively for 7 days. All animal in groups II-V were given paracetamol at 3 g kg(-1) by gastric gavage on days 8 and 9. Animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on day 10 after an overnight fast. Paracetamol overdose caused significant (p<0.05) increase in the plasma Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), triglycerides (TAG) with total cholesterol (TC) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol) and significant (p<0.05) decrease Total Protein (TP) and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) in rats treated with paracetamol alone when compared with rats pre-treated with extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius. Pre-treatment with ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius led to significant (p<0.05) decrease in serum ALT, ALP, AST, LDL and BUN when compared with the paracetamol treated rats in dose-dependent manner. The extract also similarly caused significant (p<0.05) increase in HDL values compared with paracetamol treated group. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that Cnidoscolus aconitifolius can ameliorate paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Significant hepato-protective activity was observed in rats treated with the dose of 1000 mg kg(-1) b.wt.

Silymarin ameliorates cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: histopathological and ultrastructural studies.

Abstract: The benefit of silymarin, a plant extract with strong antioxidant activity against hepatotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats was investigated in this study. Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs, yet it alone does not achieve a satisfactory therapeutic outcome and at high doses it can produce undesirable side effects. Five equal-sized groups (18 rats each) of male Sprague Dawley rats [control, vehicle; cisplatin; silymarin 2 h after cisplatin injection; and silymarin 2 h before cisplatin injection] were used. Histopathological and ultrastructural observation of livers were carried out using light and electron microscopy. Results documented that cisplatin produced behavioral, external features animal changes, as well as hazard pathological picture changes in liver where most hepatocytes appeared diminutive with vacuolated cytoplasm, sinusoids dilated and organelle disorganized. These results revealed that cisplatin may be toxic and terminates in complex liver damage. Administrations of silymarin 2 h after cisplatin, significantly increase the body weight returning it to normal, yet it failed in complete protection against the pathological alteration caused by cisplatin. Pretreatment with silymarin 2 h before cisplatin significantly decreased the pathological changes induced by cisplatin and appeared highly protective. These results suggested that silymarin possess protective effects against cisplatin hepatotoxic action in animal models. Since, no significant toxicity of silymarin is reported in human studies, this plant extract can be used as a dietary supplement by patients taking anticancerous medications and might serve as a novel combination agent with cisplatin since it plays a significant role in reducing its toxicity.

An overview of German cockroach, Blattella germanica, studies conducted in Iran.

Abstract: The control and elimination of German cockroach, the most important worldwide pest species, has been an economic and public health success. Too many studies have been conducted in Iran, whereas these researches was scattered in form of national and international articles that has needed to add up of them in an overview article. With doing of this work the way is smooth to future studies and the strategies of these studies will be distinguished. This article is outlook in direction of above aims. The susceptibility level and insecticide resistance mechanisms of German cockroach to organochlorated, organophosphate, carbamate and pyrethroid insecticide groups have been studied. The new insecticidal compounds include fipronil and avermectins acting at GABA and glutamate receptors in proximity to chloride channels, diacylhydrazines mimicking the action of ecdysone, indoxacarb acting at a novel site in sodium channels and imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and spinosad acting at novel sites on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, several promising products acting at new target sites, which are currently not affected by resistance that will be used for pest control specially Blattella germanica. Attentive to resistance of B. germanica to current consuming insecticides and ever-increasing add to intensity of it, the researchers have been considering the susceptibility level of B. germanica and efficiency estimation of them to above-mentioned insecticides for control of this pest. The strategies of future researches are study of the susceptibility level of B. germanica and efficiency estimation of them to above-mentioned insecticides for control of this pest in Iran.

Antifungal activity of some plant extracts on Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of alternaria leaf spot of potato.

Abstract: Pure methanol (m) and methanol water (mw) extracts of 5 plants namely: peppermint, eucalyptus, lavandula, Russian knapweed and datura were screened for their antifungal ability against Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of Alternaria leaf spot of potato at 5, 10 and 15% concentrations in vitro. Fungicide mancozeb 0.2% was also used for better comparison. Poisoned food technique and spore germination assay method were used to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of plant extracts. Present findings showed that methanol extracts of eucalyptus, peppermint and lavandula had impressive antifungal effects in inhibiting the mycelial growth as well as spore germination of the pathogen. It was also found that methanol extracts were quite more effective than methanol water extracts in this regard. Methanol extracts of peppermint (15%), lavandula (15%), peppermint (10%) and eucalyptus (15%) demonstrated promising ability in inhibiting the mycelial growth of A. alternata by 0.13, 0.40, 0.43 and 0.50 cm, mycelial growth respectively, while majority of methanol water extracts had either less or no effects in this connection. Spore germination of A. alternata was prominently reduced by methanol extracts, while those of methanol water extracts had very less effects in this regard. Mancozeb (0.2%), methanol extracts of eucalyptus (15%) and peppermint (10%) by 2, 6 and 7% spore germination were best, while methanol water extracts of datura 10, 15 and 5%, lavandula 15 and 10% and also Russian knapweed 5% represented no effect and by 91, 89, 87, 87, 85 and 85% spore germination were at par with control. Findings from this study confirmed that plant extracts can be used as less hazardous natural fungicides in controlling plant pathogenic fungi, thus reducing the dependence on the synthetic fungicides. Methanol extracts of peppermint, eucalyptus and lavandula might be promising materials for natural formulations in controlling Alternaria leaf spot of potato in the field.

Effect of defoliation and drought stress on yield components and chlorophyll content of wheat.

Abstract: In order to examine the effects of source restriction and drought stress on yield components, flag leaf chlorophyll content and Relative Water Content (RWC) of wheat cultivars, a greenhouse experiment was carried out at Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, during 2009-2010. The wheat cultivars including Shiraz, Bahar, Pishtaz, Sistan and Yavaros were sown in 5 kg plastic pots. The source manipulation treatments including control (C), defoliation of all leaves (D1), defoliation of all leaves except the flag leaf (D2) and defoliation of all leaves except the flag leaf and penultimate leaf (D3), were imposed at anthesis. Results showed that source restriction decreased number of grain per spike significantly in Shiraz cultivar under drought stress condition. Maximum 100-grain weight was observed in C treatment of Yavaros and Shiraz under well-watered condition. Among the defoliation treatments under drought stress condition, D2 in Pishtaz and D1 in Shiraz had the highest (3.66 g) and lowest (2.71 g) 100 grain weight, respectively. In all cultivars drought stress decreased main shoot yield significantly but in Pishtaz and Sistan decreasing rate was less than the other cultivars. RWC in Shiraz decreased sharply from 92.1% in well-watered to 66.7% (27.5% reduction) under drought stress at 10 DAA. After anthesis, Pishtaz and Sistan maintained higher content of flag leaf chlorophyll (from 49.4 to 56.8 SPAD unit) under drought stress condition. Generally, selection and culture of cultivars that had small responses to defoliation might be a useful strategy in yield improvement of wheat in areas where the water availability is low.

Responses of different wheat genotypes to drought stress applied at different growth stages.

Abstract: Environmental stress especially drought stress can play an important role in the reduction of plant growth and development. In order to study the effects of drought stress on different growth stages of wheat, an experiment was conducted with five Iranian variety included Atrak, Red-Seed, Cross-Flat, Hirmand and Darab. A split plot design was used with drought treatment being the main plot and cultivar the subplot with three replications. Poorest yield were when drought stress was applied at flowering. It was shown that the most sensitive crop stage in terms of the total number of spikelets is at early stem elongation. Onset of the drought stress at flowering had the greatest damaging effect on seeds per spikelet. The most damaging to seed size was drought stresses applied at and just after flowering. Significant interactions occurred because Darab the highest yielding cultivar and Red-Seed the lowest yielding cultivar both showed an equal and great reduction in seed size under the drought stress while Hirmand was much less responsive. Morphological characters are likely to be affected by water stress. The results of this study indicate that if water for irrigation is scarce and needs to be conserve any saving should not be at the risk of causing drought stress around anthesis. Hirmand, while not the highest yielding cultivar is more stable over the range of moisture stresses applied and it could be considered as a parent to combine its stability with the higher yield potential of say, Darab.

Antioxidant activity of oak (Quercus) leaves infusions against free radicals and their cardioprotective potential

Abstract: The aim of present study was to evaluate antioxidant capacity and cardioprotective potential of leaves infusions and partially purified fractions of Quercus sideroxyla and Q. eduardii (red oaks) and Q. resinosa (white oak). Consumption of polyphenol-rich beverages derived from plants, such as oak may represent a beneficial diet in terms of cardiovascular protection. Infusions from Oak leaves were obtained and probed for total phenolics by Folin-Ciocalteu, DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging by DPPH test and Deoxy-D-ribose method, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated by FRAP and ORAC tests, inhibitions of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) activity were measured. A HPLC analysis was performed by HPLC-MS. Bioactive polyphenols such as gallic and ellagic acids, catechin, quercetin and derivatives: naringenin and naringin were detected in Quercus infusions. A distinctive HPLC profile was observed among the red and white oak samples. Q. resinosa infusions have exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in comparison with the other species, although in the inhibition of LDL oxidation no differences were observed. In the inhibition of the ACE, Q. resinosa was more effective (IC50, 18 ppm) than Q. sideroxyla, showing same effect as the control Captopril. From the results it is possible to postulate that not only chelating activity is important in these infusions, especially in Q. resinosa.

Antifungal activity of extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis and Thymus vulgaris against Aspergillus flavus and A. ochraceus.

Abstract: The antifungal activity of ethanolic extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis and Thymus vulgaris were tested against strains of Aspergillus flavus and A. ochraceus, since these two species are common contaminants of cereals and grains and are able to produce and accumulate mycotoxins. The methodology used is based on measuring the inhibition halos produced by discs impregnated with the extracts and establishing their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) as well as the Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC). The results obtained suggest that the assayed extracts affect the proper development of A. flavus and A. ochraceus; leading to a lower MIC (1200 ppm) and MFC (2400 ppm) for T. vulgaris extract against A. ochraceus than against A. flavus. The results show, that the extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis and Thymus vulgaris used at low concentrations could have significant potential for the biological control of fungi in foodstuffs.

The influence of tourniquet use and timing of its release on blood loss in total knee arthroplasty.

Abstract: In surgical practice, hemostasis is used to minimize postoperative bleeding in total knee arthroplasty. We performed a prospective randomized study to determine the influence of tourniquet use and the timing of its release on amount of bleeding. Eighty four patients (96 knees) were scheduled for total knee arthroplasty and randomly divided into three groups. Posterior cruciate retaining bicompartmental total knee prostheses were used in all. In group I, no tourniquet was used. In group II, a tourniquet was used and was deflated for hemostasis once all components had been inserted. In group III, the tourniquet was deflated after wound closure and application of a compressive dressing. Mean blood drainage, mean volume of blood transfusion, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) values and operative time were compared between the three groups. Mean blood drainage was 810 mL (300-1300) in groups I 720 mL (240-1200) in group II and 705 mL (250-1150) in group III (p = 0.062). The Hb and Hct values, tourniquet time (for groups II and III) and volume of blood transfusion were similar. The operative time was significantly longer for first group (p = 0.012). Using tourniquet and its intraoperative release with hemostasis, does not reduce blood loss in total knee arthroplasty, but using tourniquet reduces operation time significantly.

Maternal sexuality after child birth among Iranian women.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual function of mothers at one year postpartum and associated factors. Four hundred and ninety Iranian women were recruited randomly at four time periods from child birth: first 3 months, 4 to 6, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12 months, from January to July 2008. All mothers were married, literate and agreed with participation. The exclusion criteria were, (a) loss of baby, (b) living far from their partner, (c) psychological problems and (d) serious medical diseases. Data on socio-demographic factors, obstetric, medical, last delivery and postpartum history was obtained. The sexual function was evaluated by the 19th item questionnaire of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The mean resumption of intercourse was 57.17 +/- 27.95. Twenty-four had no sexuality. The most common reasons were fear of pain, no interest, worrying about another pregnancy, feeling tired and bleeding. All dimensions of women's sexual function were at the lowest level in early postpartum. Sexual activity had significance correlation with an older maternal age, a longer marriage duration and higher number of children. Mothers diseases, neonate problems and tuboligation were associated with lower scores of sexual function. There was no association with delivery type and perineal injuries. Sexual parameters decrease at the first 3 months of postpartum and recovery during the following months. More consultation and direction of postnatal sexuality recurrence is needed.

Rooting response of five pomegranate varieties to indole butyric acid concentration and cuttings age.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of cutting age and Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) treatments on five pomegranate varieties propagation by stem cuttings. The experiment was carried out in a partially controlled glasshouse conditions at Mutah University, Jordan. The treatments comprised of two types of cuttings, i.e., hardwood and semi-hardwood; five concentrations of IBA, i.e., 3,000, 6,000, 9,000 and 12,000 ppm as quick dip (10 sec) as well as five Jordanian pomegranate varieties (Kdaree Hello, Hmadee Hmaree, Kdaree Sfaree, Zeklabi, Maleese). In this study, the percentage of cuttings that rooted, the number of roots produced per cutting, root length and diameter and root weight per cutting were recorded. It was obvious that the rootability of pomegranate is influenced by the interactive effect of cuttings age, IBA concentration and variety as well as by the single effect of either. The cuttings taken from hardwood stems had higher rooting percentage than those taken from semi-hardwood stems with a considerable differences in rootability between varieties under this study. The highest percentage of cuttings that rooted was observed in Hmadee Hmaree (70%), Zeklabee (69%) and Malesse (73%), while the lowest rooting percentage in Khdaree Hello (58%) and Kdaree Sfaree (49%) varieties. Zeklabee and Hmadee Hmaree varieties when compared with other varieties gave more favorable results at 6000 to 9000 ppm IBA in terms of the percentage of cuttings that rooted, the number of roots produced per cutting and root weight per cutting using both semi- and hard-wood cuttings. It was concluded that the increasing dose of IBA could be useful in increasing rooting potential and other root characteristics in pomegranate.

Lipid peroxidation alterations in type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract: It was studied that type 2 diabetes mellitus is connected with increased plasma lipid peroxidation (lipid peroxidation expressed as malondialdehyde). This review aimed to evaluate the state of lipid peroxidation among type 2 diabetic subjects. Present finding showed that lipid peroxidation increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Increased lipid peroxidation maybe is associated with some diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Lipid peroxidation has an important role in the pathogenesis and the complications of diabetes. Antioxidants have been found to prevent the progression and occurrence of diabetes. There are several mechanisms that may cause lipid peroxidation affront in diabetic subjects, although, their precise contributions are not completely clear. We proposed that production of free radicals can be reduced by preventing high blood glucose levels and by the control of instabilities in blood glucose levels. A contributor to these instabilities in blood glucose is glycaemic control by using of fast blood sugar test. Furthermore, the earlier assessment of the advancement of diabetes that firmly control of blood glucose can be obtained; the greater will be the decrease in diabetic complications. Patients with type 2 diabetes may have very high physiological antioxidants requirements.

Effect of flax seeds and date palm leaves extracts on serum concentrations of glucose and lipids in alloxan diabetic rats.

Abstract: The aim of the present investigation was to examine the effect of Flax Seeds (FS) and Date Palm Leaves (DPL) extracts on the concentration of serum glucose and lipids in alloxan diabetic rats. Rats were divided into six groups, normal control rats (without treatment with either FS or DPL), normal control rats treated with either FS or DPL extract for four weeks, diabetic control rats and diabetic rats treated with either FS or DPL extract for four weeks. The concentration of glucose in diabetic rats treated with FS (D+FS) for four weeks was significantly decreased from 17.20 +/- 2.33 to 8.14 +/- 0.54 mmol L(-1) (p < 0.001). Serum total cholesterol concentration (TC) of diabetic rats treated with either FS or DPL extract showed significant decrease by 40 and 31% respectively in the fourth week. Also, serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration was significantly decreased after two weeks of treatment (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). However, no significant changes were obtained in serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. Results of the present study showed that FS extract has a hypoglycaemic effect against alloxan diabetic rats. Present findings also showed that treatment of alloxan diabetic rats with either FS or DPL extract significantly decreased serum concentration of TC and LDL-C. Present findings suggest that both of FS and DPL extracts could have a protective effect against diabetes complications as well as against hyperlipidemia through improvement of lipid profile.

Iron status in female athletes participating in team ball-sports.

Abstract: Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in the world, affecting 20-50% of the world's population. It is estimated that 10 and 20% of male and female athletes are iron deficient, respectively. Iron deficiency has deleterious effects on the physical performance of athletes. It decreases aerobic capacity, increases heart rate and elongates the recovery time after exercise. In this cross-sectional study, 42 semi-professional female athletes who had been playing in basketball, volleyball and handball super league teams served as subjects. Data on socioeconomic and fertility status as well as the type of sport were obtained through a questionnaire. Nutritional data were gathered with a 3 day dietary recall. Total intake of calorie, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin C and B12 were also analyzed. In addition, ferritin and TIBC were measured and a CBC test was done for each subject. The results showed that the mean total calorie intake of women was 2049.79 +/- 735.12 kcal, where their iron intake was 22.33 +/- 9.24 mg day(-1). There was a significant difference between the iron intake of basketball and volleyball players (p = 0.036). Of our subjects, 33.33% had low ferritin levels (< 30 ng mL(-1)) and it was lowest in handball players. Higher than normal ferritin levels were seen in 12.5% of the subjects. We saw a significant difference in ferritin levels of basketball and handball players (p = 0.047). We conclude that the intake of calorie and iron is low in female athletes and therefore, their hematological indices such as ferritin level are below standard values.

Optimization of culture medium to increase the production of desferrioxamine B (Desferal) in Streptomyces pilosus.

Abstract: The aim of this study was optimization of culture medium in direction of increasing the production rate of desferrioxamine B. Streptomycetes are the most widely studied and well known genus of the actinomycete family. Streptomycetes usually inhabit soil and are important decomposers. The genus Streptomyces are Gram-positive and GC rich bacteria that are important for production of many antibiotics and secondary metabolites. These metabolites are important in industrial and medical fields. Deferoxamines (also known as desferrioxamine B, desferoxamine B, DFO-B, DFOA, DFB or desferal) are low-molecular-weight, iron-chelating compounds (siderophores) produced and secreted by many actinomycetes, including species of Streptomyces, Nocardia and Micromonospora. Streptomyces pilosus synthesizes the siderofore desferrioxamine B. Desferrioxamine B is used clinically to treat disorders related to iron overload and pathological iron deposition in human. Our results revealed that the use of soybean as a base medium plus additives such as Na2HPO4.12H2O, NaH2PO4, MgSO4.7H2O, ZnSO4.7H2O, FeSO4.7H2O, CaCl2.2H2O, NaCl, MnSO4, NH4Cl, KH2PO4, K2HPO4, some of the amino acids and vitamins increased the production of desferrioxamine B about 8 times in comparison with the control.

Biochemical changes of hemoglobin and osmotic fragility of red blood cells in high fat diet rabbits.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of hyperlipidemia on auto-oxidation rate of hemoglobin (Hb; absorbance at 630 nm versus time), Hb derivatives and osmotic fragility of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). These parameters were measured in twenty five 12-week-old male New Zealand white rabbits fed on a High Fat Diet (HFD) for a feeding period of 10 weeks. We found that Hb concentration and RBC count were significantly decreased while white blood cell and platelet counts were significantly increased in HFD rabbits compared with control rabbits. The Total Cholesterol (TC) was significantly increased (p < 0.01) in HFD rabbits compared with control rabbits with percentage normalized change of 1198% and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDLC) significantly increased (p < 0.01) in HFD rabbits compared with control rabbits with percentage normalized change of 1591%. In HFD rabbits, oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) percentage was significantly decreased while met-hemoglobin (Met-Hb) percentage was significantly increased compared with control rabbits. The auto-oxidation rate was significantly higher in HFD rabbits compared with controls. Hyperlipidemia induced an increase in the osmotic fragility of RBCs and a decrease in their membrane elasticity compared with controls. This study suggests that hyperlipidemia may produce reactive oxygen species and other free radicals which increase the auto-oxidation rate of Hb and promote the conversion of HbO2 and the fractions of unstable Hb molecules to Met-Hb and carboxyhemoglobin. Increased platelet activation in hyperlipidemic rabbits may be of pathophysiological importance for the progression of atherosclerosis and thromboembolic complications. The increase in osmotic fragility of RBCs may be attributed to the disturbance of ionic motion through the membrane and the change in molecular properties of the membrane macromolecules.

Biological control of citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) using coccinellid predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls.

Abstract: The coccinellid predator, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was used to control the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on the croton ornamental shrubs, Codiaeum variegatum L. at Giza governorate, Egypt. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 50 adults/Croton shrub, were released once on October 27, 2008 in the open field. Obtained results indicated that percentages of reduction among the egg masses, nymphs and adults of P. citri, one month after releasing the predator reached to 41.5, 42.3 and 57.5%, respectively. Two months later, the corresponding rates were 80.6, 86.5 and 91.5%. Finally, after three months of releasing the predator, reduction rates reached to 100% for all stages of the pest. The associated natural enemies in the field were consisted of three predaceous insects and one parasitic species. The insect predators secured were the hemerobiid predator, Sympherobius amicus Navas; the coccinellid predator, Scymnus syriacus (Mars.) and the chrysopid predator, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens). The parasitic species was the encyrtid, Coccidoxenoides peregrinus (Timberlake). The aforementioned natural enemies were found feeding on the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri infesting croton shrubs. In the second season, 2009 there is no mealybug, P. citri individuals were found on the croton shrubs.

Seroprevalence of toxocariasis in schoolchildren in Northern Iran.

Abstract: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1210 randomly selected schoolchildren, attending sixteen primary and secondary schools, during the period between November 2005 and June 2006. Parents who accepted to include their children were requested to be present at sampling time and to fill in a simple questionnaire with personal and epidemiological data. Three milliliter of venous blood were taken by vein puncture under sterile conditions from each subject for detection and titration of antibodies to T. canis and eosinophil counts. Total IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies was evaluated by T. canis IgG ELISA kit. According to the manufacture recommendations, an index positivity >11 U was considered positive. Of the 1210 serum specimens tested, an overall seroprevalence for Toxocara antibodies of 25% was obtained. There was no association between positive seroprevalence and age (p = 0.34). Boys and girls differed significantly with regard to Toxocra titre (p = 0.003). Eosinophilia in peripheral blood (> or = 5%) was detected in 24.5% (297/1210) of the population studied, 97/297 (32.8%) of whom were seropositive for toxocariasis. The findings of this study confirmed that infection with Toxocara is quite high and widespread in children in Northern Iran. Therefore, health promotion efforts must be directed at increasing the awareness of the population about the potential zoonotic hazards associated with the disease and how to minimize them.

Thyroid function tests during first-trimester of pregnancy: a review of literature.

Abstract: This literature review was conducted to summarize the main points of maternal thyroid function tests, with particular attention in the first trimester of pregnancy which accompanied with significant biochemical and metabolic alteration. The evaluation of thyroid function of either hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism should be assessed by determination of serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), Iodine and Thyroid Autoantibodies. Glomerular filtration rate is increased during pregnancy; therefore iodine deficiency should be evaluated during the pregnancy to prevent hypothyroidism. The role which can be played by Human Chronic Gonadotropin (hCG) on stimulating the thyroid gland to become over-active was investigated. Serum level of thyroglobulin (Tg) and Thyroxin Binding Globulin (TBG) should be assessed for proper assessments of thyroid gland during pregnancy. Thyroid function tests during first-trimester of pregnancy and particularly the reference interval for thyroid function tests for pregnant women in each region has to be established, to prevent mis-diagnosis and irreversible mental and physical adverse affect for growing fetus. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information.