Showing 154 results for Ola
Sa Bazargan , B Fatholahzadeh , B Tabraiie , N Moazammiie ,
Volume 54, Issue 2 (30 1996)
Abstract
In our investigation, rabbit hyper-immune serum to V.cholerae ogawa was absorbed with V.cholerae inaba whole-cells and vice versa. Applying ammonium sulphate precipitation method, mono-specific g globulins were purified and concentrated from the absorbed whole serum. These antibodies were fixed on staphylococcus cowan 1 NCTC-8325 whole-cells, using different chemical fixatives. It was observed that maximum fixation of g globulin to protein-A was achieved by 1-propanol 50% at 3 hours, which revealed through single radial immuno-diffusion techniqe. The rectal swab samples were cultured in an enrichment bile-peptons broth. After 5 hours 37°C while agitations, one drop of each sample was mixed with one drop of vibrio-cholerae bivalent mono-specific coagglutination reagent (VBCR). The results were read after 2 to 3 minutes. Finally though statistical analysis sensitivity and specificity of coagglutination test were calculated to be 95.1% and 99.2% respectively, when compared to positive & negative controls and conventional culture methods. Using VBCR, coagglutination test can be therefore considered as a simple, reliable and rapid method to detect V.cholerae O1 in the stool of patients in endemic area and less equipped laboratories
P Tootoonchi , H Mahmoodzadeh , Kh Neamatolahzadeh ,
Volume 56, Issue 3 (1 1998)
Abstract
To determine circumcision prevalence and complications in under 5 year old boys. We assessed 181 boys in a cross sectional study at a rutal area in Tehran suburbs, in Jan 1997. Data were collected by an interview about age, circumcision age and method, type of complications, nationality and parent literacy. 126 boys (69%) were circumcised, (mean 12 months). Only 27 of them (21.4%) were circumcised in neonatal period. 62 boys (49.2%) were circumcised with ring methods (plastibell or clamp), 54 boys (42.9%) with surgical methods and the others (7.9%) with nonmendical methods (traditional). Complications were 9.5% (16) and the higher circumcision age was related significantly with higher complications (P<0.04). In our study was no complication in the boys who circumcised under six months. Complications prevalence were high (9.5%). In neonatal period 34% (9) and in postneonatal period 53% (52) of boys were circumcised with inappropriate methods with age. The most common complications were local infection (43%)
H Sadeghipoor Rodsari , H Maaref , K Holakooie Naeeni ,
Volume 56, Issue 6 (9 1998)
Abstract
Increase in the rate of elderly population have persuaded the people and governments of the most developed countries to evaluated and confront the complexity of social, economic, and health issues involved. Increase in the number of aging people is commonly called the aging of society. Currently, in the countries of Western Europe (Germany, France, England, Sweden), the figure of the people over 60 years old comprises 12-15 percent of total population, and according to the forecasting estimate will reach to 25% up to the year 2020. In our country, based on censuses that have been carried out during the years of 1355, 1365, 1375 this figure is 5.12%, 5.25% and 7.67%, respectively. The number of 60 years old persons or over under the supervision of Tehran University of Medical Sciences was 135379 persons, in the year 1376. Due to these demographic changes that is arising from the phenomenon of aging of society, a considerable increase in the incidence of chronic diseases and health requirement of the elderly living in the society happens. This can be translated in terms of more demands in the affiliated fields of nursing, health care and treatment. This study has been proposed to clarify and evaluate the afore mentioned requitements. In this study, the following results can be concluded. Contrary to physical and psychological problems of adulthood, only 25% were aware of assisting economic, health and treatment institution that were available to them. These people were usually suffering from a single to multiple ailments that happen concurrently and ladies were complaining more in this respect. The interesting point in this study is the answer to the question of most basic problems of their life. Many elderly mentioned financial problems the most influential factor in their life. The figures concerning the responses to the question of basic problems of elderly for economic and physical problems were 37.7% and 18.3%, respectively.
K Fooladsaz , M Rasaei , M Ansari ,
Volume 57, Issue 4 (9 1999)
Abstract
Nowadays immunochemical techniques have played a very important and valuable role in quantitative and qualitative assays of liquid compounds of the body. Producing antibody against immunogenes is the first step to make immunochemical kits. In this study production and purification of polyclonal antibody against melatonin has been considered. This hormone which has several important functions in physiological conditions such as migraine, cirrhosis, mammary gland cancer and other diseases, is the most important pineal gland secretion. This gland is a circumventricular organ of brain and according to histological and anatomical studies, it is a high secretory organ, that secretes active biological substances like melatonin, oxytocin, serotonin and ect. In this study, melatonin has been considered as hapten and has become an immunogen by being linked to the bovine serum Albumin. Then, by the immunization of three white New Zeland rabbits that had the booster injections in regular intervals, the antibody titer was detected to be 1/2000, by using checkboard curves, and with the use of melatonin linked to penicillinase as a labeled antigen, the titer was detected 1/200. Finally an antibody with high purification rate has been obtained, which can be used in immunochemical assays like RIA, ELISA, and EIA.
B Oladi ,
Volume 58, Issue 1 (6 2000)
Abstract
A 28 years old woman, gravida 2 and para 0 was admitted in labor with 39 week gestation. She had primary infertility for 8 years and she had an abortion in 1st trimester. The 2nd pregnancy occurred after 3 months use of bromocripin because of hyperprolactinemia. At admission, FHR was not detected. She delivered a full term dead newborn. Placenta was not separated and retained. Because of poor obstetric history conservative management with methotrexate was planned for the adhered placenta. After 10 days the retained placenta expelled out. She had her next pregnancy 15 months later. At last she delivered healthy full term male infant and the placenta was separated completely.
Ataei N, Madani A, Falakolaflaki B,
Volume 61, Issue 4 (15 2003)
Abstract
The nephrotic syndrome is the most common chronic renal disease of childhood.
Materials and Methods: In this study the clinical course, risk factors for relapse and the predictors of long-term outcome of 502 patients (median age 5 years)with primary nephrotic syndrome were followed for an average of 60 months (3.5 to 240 months) from 1981 to 2000.
Results: Among the 502 patients 5 (1%) achieved spontaneous remission and 313 children were initial responder. One hundred eighty four patients received at least 1 kidney biopsy (78 prior and 106 after initiation of treatment). Of 104 children with frequently relapsing steroid sensitive and steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome, levamisole induced prolong remission in 33 ( 31.7%) of patients. Cyclophosphamid and cyclosporine A induced prolong remission in 49 (50%) of 98 and 28 (41.3%) of 68 patients respectively. At the time of the final clinical evaluation, 73 patients (14.5%) were on remission 301 (59.9%) had relapsing 43 (8.6%) had persistent nephrotic syndrome 33 (6.6%) of patients evolving to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and 6 (1.2%) of them with chronic renal failure died (infection and cardio respiratory were the cause of death in 5 and 1 patient respectively). Young age (1-5 y) at onset of disease and atopy were identified as an independent risk factors for relapse (P0.05). Patients with steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) or MCNS had better response to cyclophosphamide or cyclosporin than children with steroid resistance nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) or FSGS (P0.05). Persistent proteinuria, hypertension, microscopic or macroscopic hematuia, glucosuria were associated with progression to chronic renal failure (PO.05).
Conclusion: Steroid dependency and histopathology of MCNS in patients with nephrotic syndrome were significantly associated with good long-term prognosis. In contrast persistent proteinuria, histopatholoy of FSGS, hypertension, macroscopic or microscopic hematuria, and glucosoria were significantly correlated with unfavorable long-term outcome. Additionally our study showed a positive correlation between young age and atopy with higher rate of relapse.
Noorolahi Moghaddam H, Naphisi Sh,
Volume 61, Issue 6 (15 2003)
Abstract
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in diabetics can occur apart from peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy and sometimes leads to complaints which may be diagnosed by electrodiagnostic methods. Moreover glycemic control of these patients may prevent such a complications.
Materials and Methods: 30 diabetic patients were compared to the same number of age and sex-matched controls regarding to electrophysiologic findings of autonomic nervous system. Symptoms referable to autonomic disorder including nightly diarrhea, dizziness, urinary incontinence, constipation, nausea, and mouth dryness were recorded in all diabetic patients. Palmar and plantar SSR and expiration to inspiration ratio (E: I) and Valsalva ratio were recorded in all diabetics and control individuals by electromyography device. In addition NCS was performed on two sensory and two motor nerves in diabetic patients.
Results: There was no relation between age of diabetics and abnormal D: I ratio, Valsalva ratio and degree of electrophysiologic autonomic impairment. Also no relation between peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy and electrophysiologic autonomic impairment was found. Plantar SSR was absent in 80% of diabetics with orthostatic hypotension (p~ 0.019). Palmar and plantar SSR were absent in many diabetics in comparison to control group (for palmar SSR p~ 0.00 and for plantar SSR p< 0.015). There was no relation between diabetes duration since diagnosis and electrophysiologic autonomic impairment.
Conclusion: According to the above mentioned findings diabetic autonomic neuropathy develops apart from peripheral sensorimotor polyneuropathy and probably with different mechanisms. Remarkable absence of palmar SSR in diabetics with orthostatic hypotension can be due to its sympathetic origin. Absence of any relation between diabetes duration and electrophysiologic autonomic impairment can be due to late diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or no pathophysiologic relation between chronic hyperglycemia and autonomic neuropathy.
Fooladsaz K, Ansari M, Javad Rassaie M,
Volume 62, Issue 1 (12 2004)
Abstract
Background: Migraine is a chronic hereditary and relapsing headache. With regard to the prevalence of this ancient disease and its economic complications in country, in this study , nocturnal serum melatonin of migraine patients and control subjects have been evaluated and compared by ELISA kit.
Materials and Methods: Fifty migraine patients (mostly women) were compared to a control group (mostly men) matched according to age.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed a decrease in nocturnal serum melatonin levels for migraine patients (32.9 28.4) compared to the control one (75.6 56.8). With using of t-test by ELISA kit showed significant difference (p=0.0064).
Conclusion: With regard to this, the pineal gland has the main role in the synchronization of the organism with the environmental conditions and migrainous headaches.
Sazegar A A, Karimi Yazdi A, Amanpoor S, Doolabi K,
Volume 62, Issue 1 (12 2004)
Abstract
Background: Tympanic membrane perforation as a sign of different otologic disorders have multiple causes, for example trauma .Traumatic perforations heal spontaneously in most cases but in large and stable perforation otolarngologist intervention is necessary . In the stable perforation of tympanic membrane , if there isn’t infection in the tympanic cavity , the paper patch or myringoplasty may be used. These procedures need remedy charge and time and may be with morbidity and other complications. Recently materials like hyaluronic acid and epidermal growth factors has been used to speed healing of tympanic membrane perforation, and their effect has been proved. Pentoxifylline an anti-thrombotic drug has positive effect on increasing perfusion and wound healing in pathological conditions. Alike we have used pentoxifylline to show it’s effect on the healing of guinea pig perforated tympanic membrane.
Materials and Methods: This study has been done prospectively, on 32 guinea pig ears.
Results & Conclusion: Final otomicroscopic study after three weeks showing no significant difference in the healing rate of tympanic membrane in pentoxifylline group versus control group.
Abdolahzadeh S M, Jafary M,
Volume 63, Issue 2 (12 2005)
Abstract
Background: Drivers are exposed to whole body vibration, which shakes and strains the disks of the spine. A number of research studies have investigated possible association between driving and low back pain. Generally there studies have found significant results.
Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among drivers in Tehran. We evaluated low back pain in 125 bus drivers and 115 non-drivers in the year 2001.
Results & Conclusions: Low back pain was more common in bus drivers (70.4%). Combination of long–term vibration exposure from driving, smoking and not exercising increased the chance of low back pain. There was a significant relation ship between bus driving and low back pain (P<0.05)
Gh Mohamad-Khani, A Molasadeghi Roknabadi, H Majidi, Z Jafari, S Asadmalayeri, Sh Jalaee, N Noorbakhsh,
Volume 64, Issue 1 (30 2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Auditory and visual stimuli are the most important factors in communication. It seems during the brain maturation, decrease of visual inputs causes enhancement of somatosensory and auditory cortical responses. In this research latency and amplitude of auditory middle latency responses (AMLR) are studied in blinds and normally sighted subjects.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 40 congenitally blinds and 40 normally sighted subjects in the range of 14-20 years. All of cases had normal hearing sensitivity and acoustic reflexes without any middle ear disorders. The reason of this age range is the maturation of auditory middle latency responses. Sampling was randomized.
Results: There was significant difference between amplitude of Na, Pa & Nb waves and latency of Na while no significant difference between latency of Pa & Nb in blinds and normally sighted subjects.
Conclusion: Increase of amplitude and decrease of latency of AMLR in blind subjects were due to sensory compensation phenomenon, probably. It seems rate of processing and auditory perception in blinds is better than normally sighted subjects.
A. Pash Meysamie, B. Faramarzi, K. Holakouie Naieni,
Volume 64, Issue 5 (1 2006)
Abstract
Background: addiction and drug abuse have many risk factors in community and individual attitude also causes much diversity in community perception and attitude toward addiction.
Methods: in this study we assessed attitude toward an addict in 42 addict men and asked about problems in their community and recreational behaviors. They were residents of a rural area in Babol city. In the control group we assessed the same parameters in 268 non addicts in the same area. All of the addicts have been using opium more than many times a week at least for recent 6 months. Data collected via a semi structured questionnaire through conversation.
Results: There was a significant difference between addicts’ attitude toward toward addiction compare to non-addicts’. Both addicts and non-addicts indicated that the first three community problems in their area were unemployment, lack of recreational facilities and addiction, in respective order. Answering questions about recreational activities, both groups indicated that there were no recreational facilities in the community.
Conclusion: In planning a preventive approach, there is a major role for attitude toward addiction in any community. The conflict seen in this study between addicts’ attitudes toward an addicted person and addiction as a community problem has it’s interesting feature. Recreation and physical and cultural facilities need to pay more attention as indicated by our study participants. This seems to have an important impact in prevention of many community problems as well as addiction.
Gharegozl Ki, Abbasi Siar F, Kolahi A.a, Bolhari J, Zaman Gh, Keyhanidoost Zt, Poortaherian P,
Volume 64, Issue 8 (13 2006)
Abstract
Background: Despite advances in medical science and modern technology, epilepsy remains as a stigmatized condition and negative public attitude toward epilepsy is a common phenomenon especially in developing countries such as Iran. It is the major factor causing serious social discrimination against people with epilepsy which in turn may be more devastating than the disorder itself. Thorough understanding of the knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy is essential to modify these negative attitudes.
Methods: We conducted a face-to-face questionnaire interview survey in crowd locations of Tehran in August, 2004-April 2005. A total of 1079 persons all more than 15 years old were asked to fill the questionnaire.
Results: Eighty eight percent of respondents had heard about epilepsy before, 42.2% of them knew one person with epilepsy. However, out of responses about the causes of epilepsy, 52/4% said it was caused by brain damage, 26.4% said it was an inherited disease,, 14.3% said it was due to fever, 34.8% believed stress as the cause of it and1.1% said evil spirits was the cause. 56.9% considered pregnancy to be appropriate for epileptics. 94% believed children with epilepsy could go to school and have normal education.
Conclusion: According to this survey, public knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy in study population is not satisfactory. It is suggested that additional efforts must be made to increase the knowledge of the general population through education programs especially among school children.
Mahjoub F, Farahmand F, Molavi S,
Volume 64, Issue 8 (13 2006)
Abstract
Background: Celiac is one the most common causes of malabsorption and is an autoimmune disorder resulting in damage to intestinal epithelial cells by self T lymphocytes. The main culprit is gluten. The aim of our study was to assess the histopathologic findings of patients suspicious to have celiac disease in their first admission and compare them with serologic findings (endomyosial antibody test: EMA).
Methods: The study is a prospective descriptional type and 95 patients suspicious to have celiac disease were included who went under upper endoscopy and sampling and also serologic studies. Histopathologic findings were grouped by Marsh classification. Specimens in Marsh stage 0 and 1 were also stained for leukocyte common antigen by immunohistochemistry
Results: Ninety five patients, 49 males and 46 females, ranging from 9 months to 17 years (mean: 6.3 ys) were included in the study The most common complaint was abdominal pain. EMA test was positive in 43 patients. Most specimens were categorized as Marsh stage IIIA (51 cases) by histopatholgic examination, which can be seen in many other conditions. Only 16 patients were categorized as Marsh stage IIIB & IIIC, which are seen in established celiac patients No significant correlation was found between histopathologic and serologic findings. No difference was found between H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining in counting of intra- epithelial lymphocytes.
Conclusion: Most of our patients had mild partial villous atrophy which is also seen in many other disorders and also EMA test was negative in this group. It appears that current assessment of celiac disease has many drawbacks and necessity of more specific methods is highly appreciated.
Peyvandi H, Talebpoor M, Begam Orang Z, Ahmadi Amoli H, Motalebi N, Hallaj Mofrad H.r, Molavi B, Asheri H,
Volume 64, Issue 9 (1 2006)
Abstract
Background: Performing traditional autopsy mostly seems to be unpleasant in dead persons' relatives' opinion. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of laparoscopic examination of intra abdominal organs in comparison to the traditional autopsy in trauma victims.
Methods: From December 2004 to September 2005, 50 fresh cadavers of blunt trauma victims were studied in less than 24 hours from death time. Intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal organs were first evaluated by laparoscope and then the traditional autopsy was performed as gold standard. The organs were assessed regarding impairment and its grade in both ways. Diagnostic accuracy of laparoscope was determined for each case with 95% confidence interval using Fisher's exact test.
Results: The values of overall and distinct accuracy of laparoscopic examination for intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal organs were significantly comparable with traditional autopsy. The accuracy of laparoscopic evaluation of intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal organs were 90% (95% CI of 81.7% to 94.8%) and 92% (95% CI of 84.7% to 96%) respectively in comparison to open autopsy. The overall accuracy of laparoscopic examination was 84% (95% CI of 74.3% to 90.5%).
Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of laparoscopic examination for intraperitoneal but not retroperitoneal organs were acceptable in comparison to open autopsy. Laparoscopic examination seems to be an eligible substitute for the traditional autopsy in assessment of intraperitonel organs.
Khalili H, Gholami Kh, Hajiabdolbaghi M, Sairafipoor Z,
Volume 64, Issue 12 (6 2006)
Abstract
Background: Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) studies are performed to define, determine, and finally improve the quality of drug usage. These types of studies are especially valuable for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index or specific indication, or for expensive medications. In Iran, vancomycin is only available by prescription for methicillin-resistant staphylococcal and enterococcal infections. It is obvious that extensive and irrational use of this drug can increase bacterial resistance to this antibiotic. The goal of this study was to assess vancomycin utilization.
Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study performed during the fall and winter of 2004, this vancomycin DUE was done in the Infectious Disease Department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. All of the patients receiving vancomycin were enrolled in this study. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) protocols have been used to perform this study.
Results: Of the 565 inpatients at this hospital, 39 subjects (7%) received vancomycin. Vancomycin utilization among these patients was compatible with CDC and ASHP protocols in only 28% and 35% of the patients, respectively.
Conculusion: Vancomycin is predominantly administered empirically, rather than being based on the antibiogram. This may be due to the routine protocol of the ward or the physician doubting the reliability of the antibiogram.
Feizy V, Ghazi P, Dolatshahi M, Hatmi Z N,
Volume 65, Issue 4 (3 2007)
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to assess the quality of life in vitiligo sufferers and its relationship with a number of variables such as age, gender, educational level, place of residence, marital status, disease duration, disease extension, visibility of lesions and skin phototype (SPT).
Methods: In this study we evaluate the quality of life in patients with vitiligo attending Razi Hospital in July and August 2005. Permission from Professor Finlay was obtained to use the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life. One hundred patients with at least one vitiligo patch (age range= 14–57) answered the question-naire. Other survey questions about mentioned variables were also answered. Scoring was done according to Finlay`s guidelines. The higher the score, the greater the impairment of quality of life.
Results: The mean DLQI score in our study was 8.16 (sd=5.423) with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 28. There were statistically significant relationships between DLQI scores and marital status, skin phototype and disease extension independently, but not between DLQI scores and other variables. The mean DLQI score was significantly higher in married compared to single patients. In fact this difference was significant in women. Married women had a statistically higher score than single women while single and married men had no significant difference. Patients with
Skin Phototype IV showed a higher DLQI score than other SPTs, which was statistically notable (p=0.000). The patients with more disease extension had higher score that was statistically significant (p=0.000).
Conclusions: This study shows that vitiligo has a major impact on the quality of life and indicates specific groups that are most affected by the disease. Hence, dermatologists should pay attention to the psychologic effects of this cosmetic disease and try to decrease its extension and disfiguring effects by various treatment modalities.
Poshtmashhadi M, Molavi Nojomi M, Malakout S.k, Bolhar J, Asgharzadeh Amin S, Asgharnejad Farid Aa,
Volume 65, Issue 4 (3 2007)
Abstract
Background: Psychosocial stressors and the quality of the support system are important factors in attempted suicide. This research has studied these stressors and the condition of the support system in suicide attempt cases in Karaj, Iran.
Methods: This is a part of the Iranian section of the widest multisite study on suicide prevention (SUPRE-MISS) proposed and directed by the WHO in eight countries, including Iran. Here we present data obtained from 632 suicide attempters presenting in emergency centers over a period of ten months.
Results: According to the time lapse from the stressor to the suicide attempt, proximal stressors are considered to be precipitating while distal stressors are considered to be perpetuating factors. Although, family conflicts were found to increase the risk of suicide one year after the conflict, conflicts with family (25%) and spouse (35%) were the most frequent stressors one month before the attempt, acting as proximal factors. Conflict with spouse was more prominent for people who had been married less than seven years. Conflict with family was the most important stressors for 15-25 year-old attempters. Though it is not clear which areas of conflict are more crucial in a suicide attempt, especially considering gender differences, educational and financial problems were more prominent one year before the suicide attempt. The support system was more crucial for female attempters: Although they received more practical support than males, females complained more of deficiencies in support.
Conclusions: The roles of different psychological stressors in attempted suicide vary according to the time lapse from the stressor until the suicide. Family and marital conflicts can be precipitating and perpetuating factors, while educational and financial problems appear to be perpetuating factors. Family is considered to be an important support system for a great number of attempted suicide cases, especially since it offers practical support. Support systems are crucial in preventive programs for suicide, especially among women.
Farhoodi A, Ahangari Gh, Chavoshzadeh Z, Ramyar A, Movahedi M, Ghareghozlou M, Heydarzadeh M, Fazlolahi M, Bemanian M H, Zandieh F, Mansori M,
Volume 65, Issue 7 (4 2007)
Abstract
Background: Mutations of ELA2, the gene encoding neutrophil elastase (NE) are known to be associated with cyclic neutropenia (CN) and severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). However, high variability of these mutations has been reported. This study was designed to describe the analysis of the ELA2 gene, clinical manifestations and demographic characteristics in patients with CN and SCN.
Methods: A series of 21 patients with CN or SCN were selected, based on SCINR criteria, from the immunology ward of the Pediatric Medicine Center, Tehran, Iran, from March 2004 to August 2005. The ELA2 gene, isolated from blood samples, was analyzed using RT-PCR and automated capillary sequencing. Informed consent was obtained under the tenets of the Helsinki Declaration and the Ethical Committee of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Results: Kostmann's syndrome and CN was diagnosed in three and 18 patients respectively. Of all the patients, one or two mutations were found in 18 cases (85.7%), including all three patients with SCN and 15 of the patients with CN. Exons two and four had the most mutations (eight and seven cases, respectively). Seven patients had double mutations in two distinct exons. Overall, 16 different mutations were found. At the time of presentation, the mean age of patients was 13.4 ±17.6 months, ranging from one month to seven years. Overall, 61.9% of patients had consanguineous parents. The mean absolute neutrophil count was 830.5 ±419.4 (150-2000)/mm3. On average, each patient had been admitted to the hospital 2.2 ±1.6 times. The neutrophil counts of the SCN patients were significantly higher than those of the CN patients. However, there was no significant difference in the neutrophil counts between patients with mutations and those without mutations. All patients with SCN had two or more infectious complications, although the prevalence of infectious or non-infectious complications did not correlate with ELA2 mutations or the neutropenic disorders.
Conclusion: Mutations in ELA2 appear to play an important role in the phatogenetic mechanisms of CN and SCN. Patients with CN had significantly higher neutrophil counts than SCN patients with CN. Although it possible for the gene encoding neutrophil elastase to have more than one mutation in distinct exons, we found no association between the mutations in ELA2 and their complications in CN and SCN patients.
Rahimifard N, Fatholahzadeh B, Pirali Hamedani M, Noory Z, Saadati Sh, Zavar M, Pirouz B, Asghari Sh, Khezripour M, Saberi S,
Volume 65, Issue 8 (3 2007)
Abstract
Background: Bacillus cereus spores distribute widely in nature and can be isolated from different kinds of foods. This bacterium can produce diarrhea and emetic enterotoxins and syndromes. As infants are known to be more susceptible to B. cereus infection due to their incomplete intestinal flora and fast growth of this bacterium during consumption, it is very important to investigate the presence of B. cereus in infant formula and possible pathogenicity of this microorganism in infants.
Methods: In this study, 60 samples of infant formula were examined for the presence of B. cereus. From a 1/10 dilution of each sample, a total amount of 1 ml was inoculated onto four phenol red agar plates containing mannitol, egg yolk emulsion and polymyxin B sulfate. The plates were incubated at 30°C for 24 hours. Confirmation tests were then performed on suspected colonies.
Results: Among the 60 samples, 11 samples had more than 10 cfu/g, four of which contained more than 102 cfu/g. The other 49 samples showed less than 10 cfu/g of B. cereus.
Conclusions: We suggest that for infant formula the maximum microbial limit be reduced to less than 10 cfu/g to control B. cereus contamination and to prevent infection in infants. For this purpose, infant formula should be tested by the method and confirmation tests used in this study. In addition, susceptibility to penicillin, ß-hemolysis and growth rate at 45ºC could also be performed.
