Seroepidemiological survey of helminthic parasites of stray dogs in Sari City, northern Iran

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of helminthic parasites in stray dogs' population especially zoonotic infections and to identify potential risk factors in the different areas of Sari city in Caspian area, north of Iran. During the period from April to September 2007, 50 stray dogs were collected from urban areas of Sari city. Recovered parasites were fixed in alcohol and stained by carmine then observed by microscope. The taxonomic study was carried out by measuring different parts of the body of helminthes and statistical tests were performed using the Chi-square test. A total of 27 adult and 23 juvenile stray dogs were collected and the overall prevalence rate of infection was 90%. The three most common helminthes were Toxocara canis (60%), Ancylostoma caninum (46%) and Dipylidium caninum (36%). Other parasites were Uncinaria stenocephala (12%), Taenia hydatigena (6%), Spirocerca lupi (6%), Dirofilaria immitis (6%), Toxascaris leonina (2%), Rictularia sp. (2%), Taenia ovis (2%) and Taenia taeniformis (2%). Five species of zoonotic helminthes recovered were T. canis, A. caninum, U. stenocephala, D. caninum and D. immitis. Hookworm infections (58%) were more common significantly in the young stray dogs (p < 0.01). In regard to prevalence ofA. caninum, T. canis and U. stenocephala, there was significant difference between juvenile and adult dogs (p < 0.05). The results highlight the potential role of stray dogs for transmission of helminthic parasites particularly zoonotic parasites that are a significant risk to human health.     

Biochemistry of pyrethroid resistance in German cockroach (Dictyoptera, Blatellidae) from hospitals of Sari, Iran

BACKGROUND: The German cockroach is an important household insect pest mechanically involved in transmission of a variety of diseases to humans. Different classes of insecticides have extensively been used for its control leading to insecticide resistance development. Hence, for an optimal control of this pest, the status and underlying mechanisms of insecticide resistance should be studied in this group of insects. METHODS: Adult German cockroaches were collected from Imam and Bouali Cina Hospitals (Sari, Iran) and subjected to bioassay using jar test method. The results were compared to those of a susceptible laboratory strain. Biochemical assays of esterases, monooxigenases and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels were undertaken on German cockroaches from Imam and Bouali Cina Hospitals and the results were compared to a susceptible laboratory strain. RESULTS: The LT50 values of the three strains were 20.24+/-2.2, 19.87+/-2.3 and 8.89+/-0.26 for permethrin; 19.3+/-3.05, 17.6+/-0.68 and 8.8+/-0.99 for deltamethrin; 19.64+/-2.9, 18.66+/-3.45 and 8.64+/-0.62 min for cypermethrin, respectively. The mean -esterase activity of Imam and Bouali Cina Hospitals and susceptible strains were 6.941x10(-4), 6.940x10(-4) and 8.01x10(-5) nmol/min/mg protein; the mean -esterase activity in those strains were 5.8x10(-4), 4.25x10(-4) and 7.28x10(-5) nmol/min/mg protein; the mean content of p450 in the above-mentioned strains were 5.64x10(-6), 1.89x10(-6) and 1.2x10(-6) nmol/mg protein; the mean GST activity were 6.66x10(-2), 0.102 and 5.72x10(-2) mol/min/mg protein, respectively. CONCLUSION: The LT50 values and also the mean activity of all enzyme groups in field strains were significantly different from those of the susceptible strain, indicating a vigour tolerance to insecticides and pyrethroids in particular. Hence, insecticide resistance monitoring techniques should be put in place and also resistance management strategies and measures should be considered implementing in the area.     

The role of the procalcitonin in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and correlation between procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in these patients

The goal of this study was to investigate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and its correlation with C-Reactive Protein (CRP). One hundred and seventeen neonates with the gestational age > or = 35 weeks with clinically suspected diagnosis of neonatal sepsis were studied during one year from 2007 in Tabriz Children's Hospital. Conventional sepsis workup was done in all cases and the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis was proved based on the results of blood culture. The serum procalcitonin was measured by quantitative Chemo-luminance methods and the results were compared with CRP levels between the neonates with and without proven sepsis. The results showed among in 117 neonates with suspected sepsis 27 (23.1%) cases have positive blood culture (proven sepsis). The mean levels of PCT in neonates with and without proven sepsis was 4.42 +/- 6.66 vs. 2.06 +/- 4.03 ng mL(-1) and CRP 33.98 +/- 36.81 vs. 12.30 +/- 20.42 mg L(-1) were significantly higher in neonates with proven sepsis (p = 0.026 and p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PCT (more than 2 ng mL(-1)) were 66.7, 50, 28.6, 83.3 and CRP (more than 3.5 mg L(-1)) were 70.4, 72.2, 43.2 and 89%, respectively, in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. There was a meaningful correlation between the level of PCT and CRP in the sepsis group (r = 0.797, p < 0.001). The results of the current study showed that more relying on the level of PCT and CRP for planning the management of neonates with suspected sepsis is not logical, but a negative result may be helpful in ruling it out.     

Prevalence of hypertension among Iranian hemodialysis patients and associated risk factors: a nationwide multicenter study

The aim of this study is to document the prevalence of HTN and characterize risk factors associated with HTN in Iranian hemodialysis patients. Three hundred and thirty seven HD patients from 5 university based HD centers around Iran were enrolled in the study. Urea reduction ratio was calculated using formula: 100 * (1-(urea before HD/urea after HD)). Pearson Chi-square test, independent sample t-test and one way ANOVA were used for evaluations, where appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression model was used for defining independent risk factors. Two sided p < 0.05 were considered significant. Patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension as causes of ESRD significantly were more likely to have hypertension before and after dialysis (p < 0.05). Patients with conventional thrice weekly dialysis (compared to twice), hemodialysis duration of more that 6 months, acetate type of dialysate, ESRD cause when diabetes mellitus and hypertension, were significantly associated with having pre-HD hypertension. We also found that hemodialysis center of the capital city had a significant better measures compared to other cities (p < 0.05). This study revealed a relatively acceptable prevalence of hypertension in our HD population. Nevertheless, because of higher prevalence of HTN in HD centers out of capital city, it seems necessary that we should urgently pay more attention in promotion of these centers toward achieving better outcome with implementing strict guidelines to follow.     

Evaluation of energy balance and greenhouse gas emissions in rice cultivation in Guilan province,northern Iran

Paddy and Water Environment - The agricultural sector as a supplier of nutritional needs is becoming increasingly dependent on energy consumption. The present study was carried out to investigate...     

Investigation of the land subsidence and its consequences of large groundwater withdrawal in Rafsanjan, Iran

Land subsidence is a phenomenon that involves the lowering or settling of the earth's surface due to various factors. The land subsidence due to groundwater withdrawal over the world has been seen in many areas. A decrease in ground water level would cause an increase in effective stresses at clay layers which results consolidation of lower layers. Since about 1980, it has been proven that Kerman Province subsidence in Iran is due to extensive ground water withdrawal. Overdraft of groundwater, an increasing of about 6 times since 1969 to 1999, has caused a decline of about 28 m in groundwater level. The rate of subsidence recently is about 5-15 cm. for decline of about one meter in groundwater level. In Rafsanjan area, many problems such as increase in the salinity of groundwater, land subsidence and consequently earth fissures and cracks in buildings are caused by groundwater withdrawal.     

The residual level of isoprothiolane in paddy field surface water and its acute toxicity level on freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium lanchesteri

Paddy and Water Environment - The application of isoprothiolane in rice cultivation may give a risk to the aquatic ecosystem. The present study was undertaken to determine the level of...     

气象因子对大豆主要贮藏蛋白组分及亚基含量的影响

以20个大豆品种为材料，同年同地点分六个播期种植，考察了整个生长期以及营养生长和生殖生长两个时期的气象因子(总积温、总日照时数、总降水量、日均温差和日均相对湿度)，对春大豆和夏大豆籽粒总蛋白以及主要贮藏蛋白组分、亚基相对百分含量的影响。结果表明：(1) 大豆籽粒总蛋白含量以及组分、亚基相对百分含量会随播期的改变而变化。(2)整个生育期间，5个气象因子极显著影响20份大豆总蛋白含量，对春大豆总蛋白含量的影响也达极显著水平，仅总积温、总日照时数和总降水量对夏大豆总蛋白含量影响达显著水平。(3)整个生育期的总积温和总日照时数与20份大豆蛋白11S相对百分含量和11S/7S比值显著负相关，总积温与20份大豆蛋白7S含量显著正相关；但气象因子对春、夏大豆的7S、11S相对百分含量和11S/7S比值的影响不显著。(4)整个生育期间气象因子对各组分亚基的影响程度存在差异；夏大豆各蛋白组分亚基的相对百分含量受两个生育时期的气象因子的影响皆不显著，而春大豆许多蛋白亚基相对百分含量受两个生育时期的气象因子的影响达到显著或极显著水平。     

Vitreosity,its stability and relationship to protein content in durum wheat

High quality requirements are set on durum wheat (Triticum durum) from semolina mills and pasta producers. For the production of semolina and pasta with good cooking quality, high grain protein content and vitreosity is required. The dependency of vitreosity on protein content as well as its stability under the influence of humidity was not well investigated up to now. We (1) compared two methods to determine vitreosity, (2) investigated the relationship between vitreosity and protein content, (3) developed a method to analyze vitreosity under humidity, and (4) examined the relationship between protein content and agronomical as well as quality traits in durum wheat. The results showed that the formation of vitreous kernels greatly depends on the protein content. To evaluate the stability of vitreosity under the influence of humidity a new method was elaborated and employed to assess the durum germplasm under study. This revealed that vitreosity of a durum wheat variety depends on the potential to form vitreous kernels but also to maintain this vitreosity under the influence of humidity. Our results further show that protein content is a central trait in durum wheat that strongly influences important traits like grain yield, vitreosity, and b-value.     

Evaluation of serum levels of essential trace elements in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis before and after treatment by age and gender

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of Zinc, Copper, Iron and Copper/Zinc ratio in the serum of adult patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Iran. Serum levels of Zinc and Copper were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer and scrum iron concentration was measured by using an Auto Analyzer. The study group consisted of 50 pulmonary tuberculosis patients before treatment and after 6 months of anti-tubercular therapy. Levels of scrum Zn (p < 0.001) and Fe (p < 0.001) in TB patients were significantly increased after 6 months of anti-tubercular therapy. However, serum Cu concentration (p < 0.01) and Cu/Zn ratio (p < 0.05) were decreased after 6 months of anti-tubercular therapy. Some studies indicated a strong association of Zn, Cu, Fe and the Cu/Zn ratio with TB. In this study, we found remarkable change in Cu/Zn ratio. Some researchers mentioned that serum Cu/Zn ratio could be used as an important laboratory marker for diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. They also mentioned that trace element levels must be closely monitored during the process of disease.     

The effects of low calorie diet with soy protein on cardiovascular risk factors in hyperlipidemic patients

Serum lipid abnormalities are an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease in hyperlipidemic patients. Because of the side effect of long-term medications in these patients, soy protein, as a part of healthy diet, may improve their lipid profile. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soy protein with low-calorie diet on lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic patient. Fifty two hyperlipidemic patients of both sex and age range of 25-65 years were participated. The patients received low-calorie diet based on 1400 kcal energy 18% protein, 24% fat and 58% carbohydrate per day for 4 weeks. The treatment group received low-calorie diet including (30 g day(-1)) of soy protein. Blood samples were obtained after an overnight (12 h) fasting period before the study and in the last day of the intervention period. Anthropometric indices and levels of serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein were measured before and after the intervention. In groups, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences were significantly reduced (p<0.05) after four weeks. In comparison with control group, the results of treatment of soy protein with low-calorie diet showed that at the end of 4th week serum low-density lipoprotein was significantly (p<0.05) decreased while an insignificant reduction was seen in total cholesterol. This study suggest that soy protein with low calorie diet for 4 weeks treatment may be safe and effective alternative therapy for diminished the cardiovascular risk factors in hyperlipidemic patients.     

Effect of wheat bran supplementation on blood sugar,glycosylated protein and serum lipids in NIDDM subjects

Wheat bran supplementation (11 gm per day) was carried out for a period of two months in 30 maturity onset diebetics. The efficacy of bran supplementation was monitored by measuring the fasting and 2 h post prandial blood sugar levels, glycosylated serum protein levels, glycosylated albumin levels and serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The results indicated a transient reduction in fasting and 2 h post prandial blood sugar levels after one month's bran therapy. No appreciable changes in the serum glycosylated protein levels, glycosylated albumin levels, serum lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol levels were observed during the period of supplementation.Abbreviations TC total cholesterol - HDL-C high density lipoprotein cholesterol - LDL-C low density lipoprotein cholesterol - VLDL-C Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol - TG triglycerides - PL phospholipids - FFA free fatty acids - G-Alb glycosylated albumin - GSP glycosylated serum proteins - NIDDM Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Melitus