Molecular Detection and Identification of Theileria Species by PCR-RFLP Method in Sheep from Ahvaz,Southern Iran

Background

The present study was carried out to investigate the accurate status of ovine Theileria infection in sheep from Ahvaz and surrounding region, a tropical area southwest Iran.

Methods

A PCR-RFLP method based on 18S ribosomal RNA gene was designed which could detect and differentiate Theileria and Babesia spp. and also differentiate main Theileria species in sheep at the same time. 119 sheep blood samples were collected from Ahvaz and surroundings.

Results

Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed 69.7% (83/119) infection with Theileria spp. Of the total samples subjected to PCR, 89% (106/119) were found to be positive, all of which were identified as Theileria by RFLP analysis using enzyme Hind II. In enzymatic digestion of PCR products by Vsp I, 91.5% (97/106) of Theileria positive samples were identified as T. ovis while mixed Theileria infections were found in 9 samples. The samples with mixed infections were analyzed with an additional nested PCR-RFLP method, by HpaII enzyme digestion. 3 samples with T. lestoquardi infection, 1 sample with T. ovis and T. annulata, 1 sample with T. lestoquardi and T. annulata, and 4 samples with T. ovis, T. lestoquardi and T. annulata mixed infections were detected.

Conclusion

Ovine theileriosis caused by T. ovis is highly prevalent in southwest Iran while T. lestoquardi and T. annulata infection can be detected in a lesser propor-tion of sheep in this region. The new PCR-RFLP method that was designed in this study, can serve as a beneficial diagnostic tool, especially in T. ovis prevalent re-gions.     

Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial

This triple-blind trial examined the effects of Calendula officinalis vaginal cream on the treatment of vaginal Candidiasis (primary outcome) and sexual function (secondary outcome). Married women aged 18–45 years with vaginal Candidiasis (n = 150) were recruited from April to October 2014 and randomized into Calendula and clotrimazole groups, using 5-g vaginal cream every night for seven nights. Clinical and laboratory assessments were conducted at 10–15 and 30–35 days after intervention and the female sexual function index was assessed at 30–35 days. Six women were lost to follow-up. The frequency of testing negative for Candidiasis in the Calendula group was significantly lower at the first (49% vs. 74%; odds ratio (OR) 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16–0.67) but higher at the second (77% vs. 34%; OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.5–6.2) follow-up compared to the clotrimazole group. The frequency of most signs and symptoms were almost equal in the two groups at the first follow-up, but were significantly lower in the Calendula group at the second follow-up. Sexual function had almost equal significant improvement in both groups. Calendula vaginal cream appears to have been effective in the treatment of vaginal Candidiasis and to have a delayed but greater long-term effect compared to clotrimazole.     

Fucosidosis and anesthesia

Fucosidosis is a rare, autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a severe deficiency of a-L-fucosidase. Patients usually have some problems with glycoprotein storage in the brain and other organs, and some structural abnormalities that need special consideration in anesthesia. It has 2 types, the early onset or infantile, and the juvenile. Here we present an 8-year old girl with deformities in the maxillofacial region, with big tongue, small and retracted chin, saddle nose, and short neck that could not be extended, causing difficult intubation, and congenital cardiac problems requiring a special anesthetic strategy.     

Structure–properties relationships in dental adhesives: Effect of initiator,matrix monomer structure,and nano-filler incorporation

Objectives

This is a confirmatory study to evaluate the effect of photoinitiator type and concentration, matrix monomer chemical structure, and nanoparticle incorporation on the physical and mechanical properties of an experimental dentin bonding agent.

The evaluation of hepatitis C virus core antigen in immunized BALB/c mice

Background

Hepatitis infection represents one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, however there is not any effective vaccine against hepatitis C which is one of the significant problems in vaccine project.

Objectives

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of HCV core protein in inducing IFN-Gamma secretion and TCL activities as a vaccine in Balb/C mice.

Material and Methods

Our previous cloned plasmid (HCV Core gene into pETDuet-1) applied for protein expression in bacteria. The expressed and purified recombinant protein together with Freund’s adjuvant was injected to 15 Balb/c mice. The total IgG and IgG2a of immunized mice sera were evaluated after a week. Two weeks after booster injection, we studied the proliferation and IFNγ secretion of spleens, inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes lymphocytes by ELISA and ELISPOT.

Results

The FSFC (Frequency of spot forming cells) of secreting cells of immunized mice with HCV/Core protein and sera IgG2a were considerably higher than the control groups.

Conclusions

The core protein together with proper adjuvant can be a candidate vaccine against of HCV infection.     

The efficacy of Back School on chronic low back pain of workers of a pharmaceutical company in a Tehran suburb. COPCORD stage II study

Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is the second most frequent reason for seeking medical advice. Various treatments are proposed from no intervention, to analgesics, rest, exercises, local interventions and surgical procedures. Results and outcomes are differently reported. Back School (BS), a combination of patient education and physical exercises, seems to have good results. The aim of this study was to check the effect of BS in factory workers. Patients and Methods: All (70) workers were interviewed and 26 of them (37.1%) had chronic LBP. Secondary causes were excluded. Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics of the spine, correct postures at work and back exercises were taught. Pain on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0–100, and Short Form (SF)‐36 health survey were applied, before, at the end of BS sessions, and 3 months after BS. Analysis was done by t‐test, Wilcoxon and Pearson’s correlation test. Results: The mean VAS on pain before BS was 43.4 ± 22.3, improving to 38.6 ± 17.5 at the end of BS. The difference was not significant (P = 0.19). The mean VAS improved to 27.5 ± 20 at 3 months after BS. The difference was significant compared to before BS (P = 0.001). The quality of life measured by the SF‐36 questionnaire, did not improve significantly, except for two of its eight subgroups (Role Physical, Social Functioning) at the end of BS, and two of its subgroup (Mental Health, Social Functioning) at 3 months after BS. Conclusion: Among industrial workers, BS is mainly effective on pain, but is less evident on SF‐36.