Effect of Zataria multiflora Extract on Total and Differential White Blood Cell Count and Endothelin Level in Blood of Ovalbumin Sensitized Guinea Pigs

Objective: To investigate the effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on endothelin level, total and differential white blood cells (WBC) count of sensitized guinea pigs. Methods: Five groups of guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) were given drinking water alone (group S), drinking water containing three concentrations of Z. multiflora (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/mL as groups S+Z1, S+Z2 and S+Z3) and dexamethasone (group S+D), n=6 for each group. The endothelin levels as well as total and differential WBC count in blood of sensitized and control guinea pigs were evaluated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, and hemocytometer and Wright-Giemsa''s staining of blood sample smear respectively. Results: Blood endothelin levels, total and most differential WBC count were increased but lymphocytes decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (all P<0.01). In groups S+D, S+Z2 and S+Z3 endothelin level, total and differential WBC counts were significantly improved compared with group S (P<0.01). Although, all measured parameters in group S+Z1 was lower than group S+D (P<0.01), some parameters in group S+Z3 were greater than in group S+D (P<0.05 to P<0.01). Conclusion: The results showed an anti-inflammatory effect of Z. multiflora extract in sensitized guinea pigs, which may suggest a therapeutic potential for the plant on asthma.     

A retrospective evaluation of iatrogenic dental root damage with predrilled vs drill-free bone anchor screws for intermaxillary fixation

Abstract – Aims: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate iatrogenic dental root damage, caused by two different techniques that utilized bone anchor screws, for intermaxillary fixation (IMF) in orofacial trauma. Materials and methods: The techniques used included either predrilled or drill‐free bone anchor screws. A total of 123 patients who required IMF were evaluated (97 men and 26 women). Sixty‐four patients were treated in the predrilled group, and 59 patients were treated in the drill‐free group. The data were collected over an 8‐year period and were analyzed using crosstabs and Fisher’s exact test. Results: Injuries to dental roots were found only in the predrilled group. Twenty‐nine patients (45.3%) were injured at the time of surgery. One year after surgery, 10 patients (15.6%) had permanently injured dental roots. There was a significant difference in injury rates between the predrilled and drill‐free groups 1 year after surgery (P < 0.001). Conclusion: There is an increased potential risk of iatrogenic injury and permanent damage to the dental roots when a technique that involves predrilled holes for bone anchor screws is used.     

Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance and Antioxidized LDL Antibody Level Values and Cardiac Function in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Objectives: We studied the association between the prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), anti-malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (oxidized LDL, ox-LDL) IgG antibody and indices of cardiac function (systolic and diastolic function) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Fifty-five patients with established CAD were selected, and serum levels of anti-ox-LDL IgG and PAB values were measured and compared with 40 matched healthy controls. Systolic and diastolic functions were determined for all patients. Results: PAB values were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001), whilst serum anti-ox-LDL concentrations were not statistically different between the 2 groups (p = 0.821). However, after adjustment for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the patients had higher anti-ox-LDL levels (p = 0.04). Total PAB values were inversely associated with ejection fraction (r = -0.326, p = 0.031), but this was not the case for anti-ox-LDL in either group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Serum concentrations of a marker of oxidative stress (PAB values) are inversely associated with cardiac function. PAB is a relatively simple index that could be incorporated into risk assessment in CAD patients. Anti-ox-LDL IgG antibody concentration does not appear to reflect total oxidative stress as assessed by PAB.     

Asymptomatic seminal infection of herpes simplex virus:impact on male infertility

In more than half of infertile men,the cause of their infertility is unknown.Several studies revealed the role of viral infections in male infertility.The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 in semen from asymptomatic infertile male patients,and its association with altered semen parameters.A total of 70 semen samples were collected from infertile men who attended the Research and Clinical Center for Infertility in Yazd,Iran.Semen analysis and diagnostic real-time PCR using specific primers and probes for HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA were performed.Comparison of semen parameters between virally infected and non-infected samples were performed with independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test.Semen analysis showed that infertile men fell into two groups,the male factor group and the unexplained group.HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA was detected in 16 (22.9%) and 10 (14.3%) of 70 semen samples,respectively.All HSV-positive samples had abnormal semen parameters (the male factor group).Although HSV infection was not associated with sperm motility and morphological defects,it was correlated with lower sperm count in the seminal fluid.The findings suggest that asymptomatic seminal infection of HSV plays an important role in male infertility by adversely affecting sperm count.     

Abattoir survey on goats hydatidosis in Kerman area, southeast of Iran: prevalence and some biotic and abiotic factors

A cross-sectional survey was carried out on goats slaughtered at the Kerman abattoir from September 2010 to September 2011 to determine the prevalence of cystic hydatidosis. Postmortem examination, hydatid cyst characterization were conducted. Out of the total of 2,002 animals examined (889 females and 1,113 males), 74 (3.69%) were found harboring one or more hydatid cyst. The result obtained from postmortem examination indicated that a total of 91 visceral organs were found harboring one or more hydatid cysts. The involvement of lung, liver, and muscles was found to be 43.95%, 42.85%, and 13.18% respectively. From the total of 575 cysts counted, 214 (37.21%), 186 (32.34%), 63 (10.95%), and 112 (19.47%) were small, medium, large, and calcified cysts, respectively, and 120 (20.86%) and 343 (59.65%) were fertile and sterile cysts, respectively. Out of the 120 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 116 (96.66%) were viable.     

Relationships between sex steroids of the seminal fluid and milt quality parameters of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus Borodin, 1897

To investigate the role of sex steroids of the seminal fluid on sperm quality, the relationships between sex steroids and milt quality parameters (sperm motility and sperm production) were investigated in the Persian sturgeon. The seminal fluid levels of 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20βs), and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) had positive relationships with sperm motility characteristics (percentage and duration of motility) and sperm density. Also, no relationships were found between other sex steroids including: Testosterone (T), progesterone (P), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (OHP), and milt quality parameters. The good correlation of 20βs and 11-KT of the seminal fluid with sperm motility and sperm density suggests that these steroids may be important hormones involving in final maturation of the Persian sturgeon spermatozoa.