مجله فیض
سال شانزدهم شماره 4 (پیاپی 64، مهر و آبان 1391)

Cannabinoids exert widespread effects on cognitive functions. An overlapped distribution of GABA receptors and cannabinoid receptors has been reported in some brain structures (e.g. dorsal hippocampus). Thus, the present study was undertaken to examine the possible role of the dorsal hippocampus GABAA receptors on ACPA induced amnesia and ACPA state-dependent memory. This experimental study was conducted on 250 adult male NMRI mice. Muscimol and ACPA were used as agonists of GABAA and the cannabinoid CB1 receptors, respectively. Mice were anaesthetized and cannulae were implanted bilaterally into the CA1 regions of the dorsal hippocampus. Seven days after post-surgery recovery, the behavioral testing was performed using an inhibitory avoidance task and the step-down latency of the animals was used to assess memory retention. Post-training administration of ACPA (3ng/mouse) impaired the memory retrieval. The memory impairment induced by ACPA was fully reversed by pre-test administration of ACPA or muscimol. The results suggest that the GABAA receptors of the dorsal hippocampal may play an important role in ACPA-induced amnesia and ACPA state-dependent memory.

Neuronal connections change during the memory formation process. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Cannabis sativa leave on the neuronal density of CA1, CA2 and CA3 regions of rat hippocampus. In this experimental study, 24 male Wistar rats (300-350 g) were divided into two experimental and one control groups. Cannabis sativa seed was extracted using Soxhlet apparatus and then was injected in different doses (50 and 25 mg/kg, i.p, respectively) once a week for three weeks. After one month, rats were decapitated and their brain dissected, fixed in formalin (10%), sectioned (7μm thickness) and then stained with H & E. By applying dissection techniques and systematic random sampling scheme, the neuronal density of CA1, CA2, CA3 regions of hippocampus were estimated. Statistical analyses showed a significant decrease in the neuronal density of CA1 region, while there was a significant increase in the neuronal density of CA2 and CA3 regions of hippocampus in the experimental group (25 mg/kg alcoholic extract) compared to the control group (P=0). It seems that the normal dose of alcoholic extract of Cannabis sativa leave induces neuronal degeneration in CA1 region of the hippocampus, while a low dose of it induces a neurogenesis in other hippocampal regions.

Studies show that antioxidants are beneficial for male infertility. Considering that sesame seed contains several important antioxidants, this study was designed to examine the effect of a sesame seed regimen on the testicular structure and sex hormones in adult rats.

This experimental study was conducted on 30 adult male Wistar rats (200 g) prepared from Physiology Research Center at Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Rats were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The control group received the standard regimen, while the experimental group received a special regimen (70% standard food+30% sesame seed) after weaning for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the weight and volume of the testis and seminiferous tubules, the lumen epithelium diameter, LH, FSH and testosterone levels were evaluated.

No significant difference was found between the two groups in body weight, the weight and volume of the testis and the volume percentage of vessels in seminiferous tubules, while the mean number and motility of sperms in epididymis, the number and volume percentage of epithelial cells, lumen and interstitial space as well as the diameters of the tubules were significantly different in the experimental compared to the control group (P<0.0001). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two groups in LH level (P=0.03).

Sesame seed intake improves the testicular parameters, fertility and sperm production in male rats.

Application of quantitative real time PCR has evolved as a sensitive, specific, and rapid method for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of real time PCR method, using B1 gene, for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in the experimentally infected rats. Parasites were cultured in peritoneal cavity of mice and then the DNA was extracted in tachyzoite stage. The B1 gene of T. gondii was amplified by PCR and detected by real time PCR method based on the molecular beacon probe. Finally, real time PCR was evaluated for the quantization of T. gondii in the blood of the experimentally infected rats. The B1 gene of T. gondii which was successfully amplified by PCR yielded an amplicon with an approximate length of 116 bp. Using this gene was evaluated highly appropriate for the quantization of T. gondii by real time PCR method. Application of real time PCR method is shown to be highly efficient in terms of sensitivity and rapidity for the detection of B1 gene as well as the quantization of T. gondii in blood of rat.

Severe or lethal damages of toxoplasmosis clearly indicate the need for the development of a more effective vaccine. Immunization with recombinant plasmid encoding protective proteins is a promising vaccination technique. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the immunization with plasmid encoding GRA5 antigen of Toxoplasma gondii in BALB/c mice.

In this experimental study, three groups of BALB/c mice (n=10 in each group) were selected using simple random sampling. GRA5 gene was cloned into pcDNA3 plasmid and purified by plasmid purification kits and then the product was injected (IM). To determine the status of cellular and humoral immunity, the Il-4, IFN-y and IgG, IgG2a, IgG subtypes were evaluated respectively using the ELISA-based assay.

The group immunized with pcGRA5 indicated a significant augmented response in humoral and cellular immunity (P≤0.05) which was confirmed by MTT test. The mean survival time for the experimental and control groups were 9 and 6 days, respectively.

The immunized mice by pcGRA5 produce the higher titers of IFNγ indicated a Th1 response which is confirmed by the high level of IgG2a. Findings of this study demonstrate that GRA5 gene of T. gondii can be a potential vaccine candidate against the toxoplasmosis.

In dialysis patients, insufficient exertion of amyloid particles can cause beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2M) to deposit in periarticular structures and consequently complications like carpal tunnel syndrome. This study was conducted to evaluate the plasma beta 2M level in hemodialysis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in Kashan. This cross-sectional study was performed on 60 hemodialysis patients, with more than 10 years history of hemodialysis with low flux membrane through an AV fistula, referred to dialysis center in Kashan. Samples of venous blood (5cc) were taken from each patient to measure the beta 2M level using the ELISA method. The carpal tunnel syndrome establishment was made through EMG/NCV under the supervision of a neurologist. The mean age of participants was 59.3±13.2 years. A total of 44 subjects (73.3%) had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. There was a significant difference in plasma beta 2M level in hemodialysis patients with and without carpal tunnel syndrome (52.2±6.2 and 44.8±6.1, respectively; P=0.002). There is a significant relation between beta 2M level and the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in hemodialysis patients. Thus, performing serial beta-2 microglobulin measurement is recommended in these patients.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most prevalent primary immunodeficiencies characterized by impaired antibody responses, defect in T-cell proliferation and secretion of cytokines, especially IL-2. This study aimed to evaluate the function of cellular immune system in CVID patients based on Il-2 level, as a cell-mediated immune index, as well as the clinical and paraclinical evaluation of such patients. This case-control study was conducted on 20 CVID and 10 healthy participants referred to the Immunology and Allergy Department at Children Medical Center in Kashan. The clinical and paraclinical findings of the patients were collected using the questionnaire. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with PHA in both groups and then the supernatants were collected for quantification of IL-2 secretion using the ELISA method. CVID was seen in 85% of the cases hospitalized with infection. The most common infection was respiratory tract infection; the opportunistic infections and autoimmunity were seen in 5-10% and 40% of the cases, respectively. Delayed-type hypersensitivity response was negative in 65% of the patients. Moreover, IL-2 level was zero in15 patients and lower than that of the control group in 5 patients (P<0.05). All patients showed deficiency in T-cell function with decreased IL-2 production. The manifestations of this deficiency are a high incidence of autoimmunity, granulomatosis, bronchiectasis and recurrent infections in the patients in spite of monthly IVIG injections.

Working memory impairment is one of the most important cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients that affect the quality of life even in the early stages of the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the working memory and the quality of life in MS patients.

This case-control study was performed on 35 (case) and 28 healthy (control) participants. Working memory and quality of life were assessed using Wechsler adult intelligence scale and the MS quality of life 54 (MSQOL-54) inventory, respectively.

Results showed a significant difference between the two groups in the means of working memory in both auditory (P<0.001) and visual span (P<0.0001) as well as physical quality of life (P<0.04). Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that MS disease had an impact on both physical (OR=. 679 and CI=. 889-.519) and mental (OR=. 929 and CI=. 857-.998) components of the quality of life.

Findings of the study indicate that cognition is an effective factor to engage in activities of daily living. Moreover, the relation between the working memory impairment and the quality of life in MS patients highlights the importance of the early recognition of cognitive deficit.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can cause severe dehydration and death within the hours of its onset. Considering the importance of the disease, this study was carried out to assess the antibiotic resistance pattern of Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) strains isolated from the stool of cholerae patients in Kashan during 1998-2009.

This cross-sectional study was carried out on stool specimens obtained from acute diarrhea cases referred to health care centers in Kashan. The samples were identified according to the guidelines established by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) and then the biotype and serotype of V. cholerae isolates were identified using the enzymatic method. Finally, antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method.

Resistance to all antibiotics except erythromycin was seen in all isolates of V. cholerae (58 isolates). The highest antibiotic resistance rate was seen for ampicillin (31%) and the lowest ones for doxycycline, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline (7.1%), respectively. Moreover, among different V. cholerae serotypes, the lowest and highest levels of antibiotic resistance were seen for Inaba and Ogawa serotypes, respectively. There was no significant difference in resistance pattern between the different age and gender groups.

According to the results of this study, an increased antibiotic resistance in V. cholerae has been observed which can result in the emergence of multidrug resistance and therapeutic complications.

Genital cancers are the second most common cancer among women (after breast cancer) in some countries. The aim of this study was to determine the trend of the age-standardized incidence rates for female genital cancers in Fars province during 2003-2009. In this descriptive study, using Fars province cancer registry data, the crude incidence rate per 100,000 people and the age-standardized incidence rates were calculated through direct standardization method and using the world standard population. In addition, to evaluate changes in incidence rate trend, the Cochran-Armitage linear trend test was used. Results showed that ovarian cancer was estimated as the most common cancer of female genital cancers. Age-standardized incidence rate of all female genital cancers during 2003-2009 were 3.7, 3.77, 5.52, 6.62, 9.75 and 12.4 cases per 100,000 people, respectively. It seems that the incidence rate of female genital cancers in Fars province is the same as the other regions in Iran which exhibits an ascending trend.

Kawasaki disease (KD), a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology with an increasing incidence in childhood, can be the leading cause of the acquired heart diseases. This study aimed to describe the demographics and clinical features of KD patients referred to Bandar-Abbas children hospital. This descriptive case series study was performed on 83 KD patients referred to Bandar-Abbas children hospital during 2008-2011. Diagnostic criteria were fever, skin rash, bilateral noninfectious conjunctivitis, erythema and desquamation of extremities and alterations in the mouth and pharyngeal mucosa. Age, sex, clinical and paraclinical changes of the patients as well as the seasonal prevalence of the disease were evaluated. Among 83 cases, 60 (72.3%) were male and 23 (27.7%) female and. The age range was from 3 months to 13 years. The KD disease occurred more frequently in spring and winter. Fever was seen in 100%, extremity involvement in 54.1% (45), conjunctivitis in 46.1% (39), skin rash in 55.4% (46), and neck lymphadenopathy in 25.3% (21) of the cases. Moreover, the laboratory findings included leukocytosis in 80%, thrombocytosis in 43.6%, abnormal ESR in 73.6 % and cardiac sequelae in 11% of the cases. To prevent cardiac sequelae of KD disease, diagnostic work up is suggested in children with prolonged fever unresponsive to antibiotics.

Sport injury is a matter of concern for both athletes and coaches. Due to a public tendency for martial arts and its traumatic nature, prevalence for injury is high in such sports. The aim of the present study was to review the epidemiology of high prevalent injuries in taekwondo, karate and judo. Searching in specific scientific citations was carried out for relevant articles with the subject coverage of three martial arts (taekwondo, karate and judo) during 1943-2008. Findings showed an average prevalence of the total body injuries (57.06%, 38.27% and 25.93%) for hand, neck and torso in karate, taekwondo and judo, respectively. Comparing the injury incidence percent revealed the high rate of lower limb, head and neck injuries for taekwondo; head, neck and then inferior limb for karate; superior limb and then inferior limb for judo, respectively. The highest percentage of injury types in taekwondo and karate were for contusion and sprain; in judo firstly sprain and then contusion. Injuries in hand, neck and torso account for a high rate of bodily injuries in martial arts. Among the factors involved are the technical errors in the maneuvers made on victims and the mis-performance of the techniques. Determining the predisposing factors for injuries have a significant role in the prevention of forthcoming competitive injuries.

Infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The immunosuppressed patients might be at risk for serious influenza-associated complications. In this case report, a man with severe novel H1N1 pneumonia with no mortality and a good prognosis is introduced.Case Report: A 37-year-old man with a medical history of SLE, antiphospholipid syndrome, cerebrovascular accident and recurrent deep venous thrombosis presented with complaints of the rapid progressive fever, severe dyspnea, productive cough and progressive hemoptesis admitted to Kashan Shahid-Beheshti hospital in November 2009. The chest x-ray revealed a bilateral alveolar infiltration. Based on epidemiological evidence among some hospitalized patients compatible with H1N1 influenza as well as their unresponsiveness to antibiotic therapy, a nasopharyngeal specimen was obtained for RT–PCR and treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents and Oseltamivir was started. After 4 days of antiviral treatment, fever was removed and dyspnea was decreased. Moreover, RT-PCR was positive for H1N1 and after 10 days the patient was discharged with a good condition. According to the results, prompt diagnosis and treatment of H1N1 pneumonia in an immunosuppressed condition can prevent the morbidity and mortality of disease.