Quadriceps force production during straight leg raising at different hip positions with and without concomitant ankle dorsiflexion

Objective

Due to the significant prevalence of knee disorders and patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as the importance of quadriceps strengthening in knee rehabilitation programs, it is necessary to specify the best method to activate and strengthen the quadriceps muscles. The current study aimed at comparing the maximum generated isometric force during an active straight-leg-raising (SLR) maneuver in a sitting position by changing the hip rotational position with and without the simultaneous contraction of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles.

Evaluation of Alum-Naltrexone Adjuvant Activity,on Efficacy of Anti-Leishmania Immunization with Autoclaved Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) Antigens in BALB/C Mice

Background

Naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist shifts the immune response toward a Th1 profile. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of the mixture of NTX and alum, as a new adjuvant, to enhance immune response and induce protection against Leishmania major in a mouse model.

Methods

BALB/c mice were immunized three times either autoclaved L. major promastigotes’ antigens alone or in combination with the adjuvant alum, naltrexone or the alum–naltrexone mixture. Both humoral and cellular immune responses were assessed two weeks after the last immunization and compared with control mice.

Results

The administration of alum- NTX in combination with the parasite antigen, significantly increased production of IFN-γ IFN-γ /IL-5 ratio, lymphocyte proliferation and improved DTH response against L. major. There was no significant difference in survival following challenge among groups.

Conclusion

Immunization with the alum– naltrexone mixture as an adjuvant, in combination with the autoclaved L. major promastigotes antigens, can enhance cellular immunity and shift the immune responses to a Th1 pattern.     

Incidence of Giardia lamblia Subspecies by PCR-RFLP in Stool Specimens of Hospitalized Children at Urmia Mutahhari Hospital,West Azerbaijan Province,Iran

Background

Giardia lamblia is one of the most prevalent intestinal flagellate protozoa that infects a wide range of vertebrate hosts causing severe intestinal disorder in children.This study was performed to determine subspecies of G.lamblia by the PCR-RFLP method, targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase(gdh)locus, in hospitalized children at Urmia Mutahhari Hospital, West Azerbaijan Province,Iran and determining the infection transformational storages in this area.

Methods

Overall, 720 stool specimens were collected from the hospitalized children, 34 samples were positive and Giardia cysts were detected under the microscope. Cysts were partially purified by the sucrose density gradient method and then washed with sterile distilled water to remove effectively the PCR inhibitors. Genomic DNA of G. lamblia isolates was extracted by freeze-thaw cycles followed by phenol/ chloroform/isoamyl alcohol method. The single step PCR-RFLP assay was used to differentiate the assemblages between A and B, which were found in humans. In this method, 432 bp expected size was amplified, and then for detection of subspecies, specific restriction RsaI and BspLI enzymes were used.

Results

Totally 34 samples were positive in terms of Giardia cyst out of 720 examined samples microscopically, so the parasite spread rate is reported 4.72%. Analysis PCR-RFLP on these samples revealed that 28 samples (93.3%) have the genotype BIII and 2 samples (6.7%) belong to the subgroup BIV.

Conclusion

PCR-RFLP is a proper analytical method for determining the genotype among parasite types, using the glutamate dehydrogenizes zone’s genes. Based on the results, an animal origin of infection cycle is suggested.     

Translation,cultural adaptation,and validation of the Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) in Persian-speaking patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Purpose

The aim of this study was the translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) in Persian-speaking patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Ninety-six patients with OSA completed a series of questionnaires including SAQLI, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS),10-item Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ-10), and Medical Outcome Survey Short form 12 (SF-12) for assessment of reliability, validity, and responsiveness of Persian version of SAQLI.

Results

The Persian version of SAQLI had a very good internal consistency and also demonstrated good test-retest reliability. Concurrent validity was confirmed by significant correlations with ESS, FOSQ-10 and SF-12 subscale scores. Comparison of SAQLI scores in groups of patients categorized by ESS showed the high discriminative power of this instrument. However, there was no significant difference in the SAQLI scores of patients with mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea. The results of sensitivity to change verified that the SAQLI was able to detect changes after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that the Persian version of SAQLI is a reliable, valid, and responsive measure for evaluation of quality of life in patients with OSA.

     

The influence of feeding linoleic,gamma-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acid rich oils on rat brain tumor fatty acids composition and fatty acid binding protein 7 mRNA expression

Background  

Experimental studies indicate that gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may inhibit glioma cells growth but effects of oral consumption of these fatty acids on brain tumor fatty acid composition have not been determined in vivo.