Prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus among incarcerated people in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Incarcerated people are at higher risk for HIV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections. This review systematically summarized the evidence on the prevalence of these infections among incarcerated people in Iran.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsychInfo, Iranian databases, including IranMedex, Magiran, Scientific Information Database (SID), and IranDoc. A grey literature review was conducted to find unpublished reports from the Ministry of Health and experts throughout the country. Included studies reported data on the prevalence of HIV, HBV, or HCV infections. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence. A meta-regression analysis was also conducted.

RESULTS

Of 1461 screened records, 23 records were eligible (total participants = 199,855). The pooled prevalence of HIV (17 studies), HBV (6 studies), and HCV (10 studies) was 2.77% (95% CI: 1.96, 3.70), 2.89% (95% CI: 2.28, 3.56), and 21.57% (95% CI: 13.62, 30.76), respectively. Meta-regression analyses showed that HIV (P-value = 0.05) and HCV (P-value = 0.02) were reduced over time using survey year as the interested variable in the model. Also, lifetime history of drug injection had a significant association with the HIV infection (P-value = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that the prevalences of these infections are relatively considerable among Iranian incarcerated people. These findings support developing interventions to reduce the risk of the acquisition and circulation of these infections among incarcerated people, and continued harm reduction programs among most at-risk incarcerated people, as well as HCV treatment.

Sex out of marriage and condom use among homeless youth in Iran

OBJECTIVES

Sexual behaviors of homeless youth in Iran have not been well studied. This study aimed to measure the frequency and associated factors of sex out of marriage and condom use among homeless youth in Kerman, Iran.

STUDY DESIGN

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 202 homeless youth (age: 15-29 years who experienced 30 or more days of homelessness in the last 12 months) from 11 street locations between September to December 2017.

METHODS

Of 202 participants, 169 (83.7%) reported sex in the last 12 months and were include in this analysis. We assessed the prevalence of sex out of marriage in the last 12 months, condom use in last sex, and then evaluated their covariates in multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sex out of marriage was 19.6% (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 13.8%, 26.3%) and the prevalence of condom use was 43.8% (95% CI: 36.2%, 51.6%). Sex out of marriage was significantly correlated with male gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 24.38; 95% CI: 3.1-192.1) and being unmarried (AOR: 5.94; 95% CI: 2.3-15.5). Condom use was significantly correlated with male gender (AOR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.1-4.2) and higher educational status (AOR: 4.30; 95% CI: 2.1-8.8).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that one in five homeless youth had sex out of marriage, and less than half did no use condom. These should be addressed by adapting education and harm reduction programs targeting this specific population in Iran.

Medication errors in hematology-oncology ward by consultation: The role of the clinical pharmacologist

Background

The aim was to describe, evaluate and document the prevention of medication errors by clinical pharmacologist consultations in patients with cancer.

Methods

We assessed the effect of clinical pharmacologist consultation by the acceptance of interventions recommended due to dosage, frequency, duration of therapy errors and drug-drug interactions (DDIs). All medication errors detected by clinical pharmacologist were reported in the format of medical consultation. A documentation template was designed to collect the patient's data (sex, age, and diagnosis), prescriptions written, and drug-specific recommendations. For the descriptive analysis of medication errors, the unit of analysis was the number and percentage of errors.

Results

A total of 296 patients included in this study with a median age of 48.67±19.76 years of which 47.30% were females. 936 prescribing errors were detected and recommended for their correction. The specialist physicians accepted 897 of prescribed errors. DDIs that were detected in 66.22% of patients, were the most errors in this group of errors (47%). Improper dose (17.41%) wrong frequency (16.67%) and drug-food interaction (10.26%) were after that.

Conclusion

Pharmacological consultation in the hematology-oncology ward revealed many medication errors. The trust of physicians in the views of the clinical pharmacologist led to a large part of these errors being accepted and resolved.

Identification and Determination of the Geographical Distribution of Freshwater Snails in Lorestan, Iran

Snails are creatures present in various ecosystems that, in addition to being present in human surroundings, some of them are also important in veterinary medicine and medicine as the intermediate hosts of Digenean trematodes. The present study was conducted to identify and determine the geographical distribution of freshwater snails and investigate the relationship of variables, such as season and geographical region, with snail species and dispersion in Lorestan in the west of Iran. A total of 4400 samples of freshwater snails were collected using the multistage sampling method (i.e., stratified, cluster, and randomized) from 110 points in five geographical regions in four seasons and then identified based on their morphological characteristics by diagnostic keys. The ArcGIS software (version 10.3) was used to evaluate the spatial distribution of the freshwater snails. In this study, seven species of freshwater snails were identified in six families belonging to six genera, namely Melanopsis doriae (6.30% of the variation in species), Theodoxus doriae (5.55%), Bithynia tentaculata (43.22%, the dominant species), Physa acuta (24.98%), Lymnaea truncatula (9.75%), Gyraulus euphraticus (8.18%), and Lymnaea gedrosiana (2.02%). The geographic distribution of freshwater snails was recorded across five regions in 22 points per region for every season. The spatial distribution maps showed that the distribution of freshwater snails varies according to region and season (P<0.001). The obtained results revealed the effects of season and geographical region on the distribution and population density of snails in the province. These data can be used for the implementation of control programs against parasitic diseases in the region, including trematodes.

Prevalence of antibiotic resistance and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli isolates in HIV and thalassemia patients in southeastern Iran

The present study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolates from HIV and thalassemia patients and to determine the phylogenetic group distribution and to genotype the isolates in southeastern Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed in E. coli isolates taken from fecal and urine samples of 43 HIV and 62 thalassemia patients. The E. coli isolates were examined for 13 antibiotic resistance genes and determine the phylogroups. The Rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting method was utilized to determine the genotype of the isolates. Among the 105 E. coli isolates, 66.7% isolates were positive for qnrS, 55.2% for dhfrI, 40.9% for sulI, 33.3% for sulII and 31.4% for bla_TEM genes. A bla_CTX-M-15 gene was detected in 20.9% isolates, aac(3)-I in 14.3% isolates and aadA in 12.4% isolates, whereas bla_SHV and qnrB genes were identified in 10.5% and 8.6% isolates, respectively. Out of the isolates, only 2.8% isolates possessed the bla_OXA-1 gene, and no IMP and VIM genes were detected. The significant phylogroup was A (37.2%), B2 (15.3%), B1 and unknown (each 14.3%), D (13.4%) and C, F and clade I (each 2%). Phylogroup A accounted for the highest antibiotic resistance. The results of Rep-PCR indicated that the isolates were closely related. These results showed a high prevalence of genes encoding antibiotic resistance in the E. coli isolates. The majority of E. coli isolates distributed among phylogroup A, whereas positive isolates for antibiotic resistance genes were disseminated among various phylogroups (A, B2, and D).

HSP90 inhibitor enhances anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of celecoxib on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells via increasing BAX/BCL-2 ratio

Due to the high prevalence and mortality rate of colorectal cancer (CRC), new treatment approaches like combination therapy seem to be necessary. The relationship between chronic inflammation and colorectal cancer development and progression has been shown to be important. Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, is the only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been approved for cancer therapy and prevention. Because of cardiovascular side effects of COX-2 inhibitors, combination therapy may improve the therapeutic profile. 17-Demethoxy-17-allylamino geldanamycin (17-AAG), a heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor, shows anti-inflammatory effects via down-regulation of the key mediators of inflammation such as Nuclear Factor κB (NF-kB), JAK/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT). Thus, we studied the effect(s) of combination of 17-AAG and celecoxib on HT-29 cells viability and apoptosis induction. Based on MTT results, we showed an increase in the inhibitory effect of celecoxib when combined with 17-AAG, especially at low a concentration of celecoxib.  Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that apoptosis induction is probably the mechanism of additive inhibitory effects of 17-AAG and celecoxib combination. To explore the possible mechanism of apoptosis induction by 17-AAG and celecoxib combination, levels of BAX and BCL-2 proteins were determined by western blotting. The BAX/BCL-2 ratio in the combination group was increased compared to 17-AAG or celecoxib alone, mainly via decreasing BCL-2 levels. In conclusion, 17-AAG, increased inhibitory effects of celecoxib on HT-29 cells, probably by induction of apoptosis.

Tick diversity and detection of Coxiella burnetii in tick of small ruminants using nested Trans PCR in Southeast Iran

Ticks are obligatory bloodsucking arthropods, and probably the most harmful ectoparasites that may cause some tick born diseases. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, diversity and seasonal distribution of ticks and using a nested Trans PCR to identify Coxiella burnetii in ticks collected from small ruminants in Sistan and Balouchestan province, southeast Iran. A total 1305 ticks were collected from 272 Sheep and 253 Goats during May 2014 to April 2015. Prevalence of ixodid tick infestation in small ruminants was 58.4%. Of all examined ticks, nine tick species were identified as follow: Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (30.3%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (21%), Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum (19%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (9%), Rhipicephalus bursa (6.7%), Hyalomma detritum (4.7%), Hyalomma dromedarii (4.4%), Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum (4.4%) and Hyalomma marginatum (0.5%). The nested Trans PCR examination of ixodid ticks revealed that Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus were infected with C. burnetii. The results of the present study revealed that ixodid ticks infestation was widespread and shows their role as putative vectors and reservoirs for this pathogenic agent in southeast Iran. Hence; Q fever should be considered a significant public health threat in this region.

Short-Term Treatment with Silymarin Improved 6-OHDA-Induced Catalepsy and Motor Imbalance in Hemi-Parkisonian Rats

PURPOSE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by disabling motor abnormalities, which include tremor, muscle stiffness, paucity of voluntary movements, and postural instability. Silymarin (SM) or milk thistle extract, is known to own antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we investigated the effect of intraperitoneal (i.p) administration of SM, on 6-OHDA-induced motor-impairments (catalepsy and imbalance) in the rats.

METHODS

Experimental model of PD was induced by unilateral infusion of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 8 μg/2 μl/rat) into the central region of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Catalepsy and motor coordination were assessed by using of bar test and rotarod respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant (p<0.001) increase in catalepsy of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats whereas; in SM (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, i.p for 5 days) treated hemi-parkinsonian rats catalepsy was decreased markedly (p<0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.001) increase in motor-imbalance of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. SM improved motor coordination significantly (p<0.001) in a dose dependent manner and increased motor balance.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we found that short-term treatment with SM could improve 6-OHDA-induced catalepsy and motor imbalance in rats. We suggest that SM can be used as adjunctive therapy along with commonly used anti-parkinsonian drugs. However, further clinical trial studies should be carried out to prove this hypothesis.

The CLRX.1/NOD24 (NLRP2P) pseudogene codes a functional negative regulator of NF-κB, pyrin-only protein 4

Pseudogenes are duplicated yet defunct copies of functional parent genes. However, some pseudogenes have gained or retained function. In this study, we consider a functional role for the NLRP2-related, higher primate-specific, processed pseudogene NLRP2P, which is closely related to Pyrin-only protein 2 (POP2/PYDC2), a regulator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the inflammasome. The NLRP2P open-reading frame on chromosome X has features consistent with a processed pseudogene (retrotransposon), yet encodes a 45-amino-acid, Pyrin-domain-related protein. The open-reading frame of NLRP2P shares 80% identity with POP2 and is under purifying selection across Old World primates. Although widely expressed, NLRP2P messenger RNA is upregulated by lipopolysaccharide in human monocytic cells. Functionally, NLRP2P impairs NF-κB p65 transactivation by reducing activating phosphorylation of RelA/p65. Reminiscent of POP2, NLRP2P reduces production of the NF-κB-dependent cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 following toll-like receptor stimulation. In contrast to POP2, NLRP2P fails to inhibit the ASC-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, beyond regulating cytokine production, NLRP2P has a potential role in cell cycle regulation and cell death. Collectively, our findings suggest that NLRP2P is a resurrected processed pseudogene that regulates NF-κB RelA/p65 activity and thus represents the newest member of the POP family, POP4.

Effect of Chronic Administration of Buspirone and Fluoxetine on Inflammatory Cytokines in 6-Hydroxydopamine-lesioned Rats

Neuro-inflammation in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with glial cell activation and production of different inflammatory cytokines. In this study we investigated the effect of chronic administration of buspirone and fluoxetine on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats.6-OHDA (8 μg/2 μl/rat) was injected unilaterally into the central region of the substantia nigra pars copmacta (SNc) and after 21 days lesioned rats were treated with buspirone and fluoxetine intraperitonealy (i.p.) for 10 days. CSF samples were collected at tenth day of drugs administration and were analysed by ELISA method to measure TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels.The results showed that the CSF levels of TNF-α was increased 3 weeks after 6-OHDA injection while there was a significant decrease in TNF-α levels of parkinsonian animals treated with buspirone (1 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (1 mg/kg). IL-1β and IL-6 both were decreased in parkinsonian rats, while their level was increased in buspirone (1 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (1 mg/kg) treated parkinsonian rats.Our study indicates that chronic administration of buspirone and fluoxetine in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats restores central concentration of inflammatory cytokines to the basal levels. We suggest that serotonergic agents can be used as adjuvant therapy along with commonly used anti-parkinsonian drugs by modulation of cerebral inflammatory cytokines. We suggest that the further clinical investigations may be carried out to prove this hypothesis.

Silymarin improved 6-OHDA-induced motor impairment in hemi-parkisonian rats: behavioral and molecular study

Background

Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress has been shown to be associated with the development of Parkinson disease (PD). In the present study, we investigated the effect of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of silymarin, on 6-OHDA-induced motor-impairment, brain lipid per-oxidation and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of inflammatory cytokine in the rats.

Results

The results showed that silymarin is able to improve motor coordination significantly (p < 0.001) in a dose dependent manner. There was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in MDA levels of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats whereas; in silymarin (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, i.p. for 5 days) pre-treated hemi-parkinsonian rats MDA levels was decreased markedly (p < 0.001). Furthermore the CSF levels of IL-1β was decreased (p < 0.001) in silymarin (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) pre-treated rats up to the range of normal non-parkinsonian animals.

Conclusion

We found that pre-treatment with silymarin could improve 6-OHDA-induced motor imbalance by attenuating brain lipid per-oxidation as well as CSF level of IL-1β as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. We suggest a potential prophylactic effect for silymarin in PD. However, further clinical trial studies should be carried out to prove this hypothesis.

Polypharmacy-induced drug-drug interactions; threats to patient safety

Patient safety is an increasingly recognized challenge and opportunity for stakeholders in improving health care delivery. Because of extensive use of medicines, life expectancy is increasing and elderly as well as comorbidities need polypharmacy, and therefore the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) increases.We searched PubMed and ScienseDirect for epidemiology of articles describing the frequency of potential DDIs published up to 2011 in title, abstract, keywords and text.Studies show that the rate of DDIs both in outpatients and hospitalized patients is high. The elderly, <5 year-old children and women are at higher risks for it. Also, the rate of DDIs in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as heart failure (HF) and hypertension (HTN) and cancers is significant.Physicians, for lowering the risk of DDIs, should take precise drug history, prescribe appropriate and lowest drugs and ultimately counsel with clinical pharmacologist as a key strategy in order to insure the patient safety. This article reviews the existing data concerning this problem to provide an aid for choosing the appropriate drugs and prescribe the most effective with the lowest DDIs for providing patient safety.

A cross-sectional study of the seroprevalence and flock-level factors associated with ovine and caprine brucellosis in southeastern Iran

This cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate seroprevalence and to identify flock-level factors associated with seropositivity to brucellosis in small ruminants in Kerman province, southeastern Iran. In October-November 2011, serum samples were randomly collected from 1767 sheep and 1233 goats, older than 18 months, from 300 flocks. The sera were initially screened for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose-Bengal test; those found to be positive were then examined by Wright and 2-mercaptoethanol Brucella agglutination tests. A questionnaire was used to collect data on flock-level factors likely associated with the within flock seroprevalence of brucellosis. The associations were statistically evaluated for significance in multivariable logistic models. Sixty three flocks (21.00%; 95% CI: 16.80-26.60) had at least one seropositive animal. The mean within-flock seroprevalence was 3.10% (95% CI: 2.60-3.90). The presence of newly purchased animals (OR=3.42; 95% CI: 1.35-8.65) was significantly associated with seropositivity. Our findings highlight the role of animal movement among flocks in the epidemiology of brucellosis in this region. Thus, a control program for brucellosis in the region is suggested to impose appropriate restrictions on animal trade and improve knowledge of livestock owners about quarantine principles for newly purchased animals.

8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A agonist) Attenuates 6-Hydroxy- dopamine-induced catalepsy and Modulates Inflammatory Cytokines in Rats

OBJECTIVE(S)

Neuroinflammation in Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with glial cells activation and production of different inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic administration of 8-OH-DPAT on 6-OHDA-induced catalepsy and levels of inflammatory cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Catalepsy was induced by unilateral infusion of 6-OHDA (8 μg/2 μl/rat) into the central region of the sabstantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) being assessed by the bar-test, 5, 60, 120 and 180 min after intraperitoneal (IP) administration of 8-OH-DPAT (5-HT1A receptor agonist; 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/kg, IP for 10 days). CSF samples were collected on the tenth day of 8-OH-DPAT administration and analyzed by ELISA method to measure levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6.

RESULTS

Chronic injection of 8-OH-DPAT decreased catalepsy in a dose dependent manner when compared with the control group. The most anti-cataleptic effect was observed at the dose of 1 mg/kg of 8-OH-DPAT. Levels of TNF-α in CSF increased three weeks after 6-OHDA injection while there was a significant decrease in TNF-α level of parkinsonian animals treated with 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg, IP for 10 days). IL-1β and IL-6 decreased and increased in parkinsonian rats and in 8-OH-DPAT-treated parkinsonian rats, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that chronic administration of 8-OH-DPAT improves catalepsy in 6-OHDA-induced animal model of PD and restores central concentration of inflammatory cytokines to the basal levels. 5-HT1A receptor agonists can be suggested as potential adjuvant therapy in PD by modulation of cerebral inflammatory cytokines.

Characterization of tumor heterogeneity using dynamic contrast enhanced CT and FDG-PET in non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT (DCE-CT) quantifies vasculature properties of tumors, whereas static FDG-PET/CT defines metabolic activity. Both imaging modalities are capable of showing intra-tumor heterogeneity. We investigated differences in vasculature properties within primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors measured by DCE-CT and metabolic activity from FDG-PET/CT.

METHODS

Thirty three NSCLC patients were analyzed prior to treatment. FDG-PET/CT and DCE-CT were co-registered. The tumor was delineated and metabolic activity was segmented on the FDG-PET/CT in two regions: low (<50% maximum SUV) and high (≥50% maximum SUV) metabolic uptake. Blood flow, blood volume and permeability were calculated using a maximum slope, deconvolution algorithm and a Patlak model. Correlations were assessed between perfusion parameters for the regions of interest.

RESULTS

DCE-CT provided additional information on vasculature and tumor heterogeneity that was not correlated to metabolic tumor activity. There was no significant difference between low and high metabolic active regions for any of the DCE-CT parameters. Furthermore, only moderate correlations between maximum SUV and DCE-CT parameters were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

No direct correlation was observed between FDG-uptake and parameters extracted from DCE-CT. DCE-CT may provide complementary information to the characterization of primary NSCLC tumors over FDG-PET/CT imaging.

Dose-Dependent Effect of Flouxetine on 6-OHDA-Induced Catalepsy in Male Rats: A Possible Involvement of 5-HT1A Receptors

PURPOSE

Progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) in Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to impairment of motor skills. Several evidences show that the role of serotonergic system in regulation of normal movement is pivotal and mediates via 5-HT1A receptors. Our previous study has shown that fluoxetine in acute injections able to attenuate catalepsy in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats. Since drugs are used chronically in clinic, in this study we attempted to evaluate effect of chronic administration of fluoxetine on 6-OHDA-induced catalepsy.

METHODS

Catalepsy was induced by unilateral infusion of 6-OHDA (8 µg/2 µl/rat) into the central region of SNc and assayed by using bar-test. Fluoxetine (1, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitonealy (ip) for 10 days and its anti-cataleptic effect was assessed at the 10th day.

RESULTS

Fluoxetine in high doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) worsened 6-OHDA-induced catalepsy while it had anti-cataleptic effect at the dose of 1mg/kg. The anti-cataleptic effect of fluoxetine (1mg/kg) was reversed by co-administration with NAN-190 (0.5 mg/kg, ip), as a5-HT1Areceptor antagonist.

CONCLUSION

According to the results it can be concluded that fluoxetine has anti-cataleptic effect in parkinsonian rats only at low doses, whereas at higher doses it worsens catalepsy. It's anti-cataleptic effect is exerted through affecting on 5-HT1Areceptors. However, at high doses other mechanisms may be involved. Further clinical studies are needed to prove it's possible clinical application as an adjuvant therapy in reducing catalepsy of PD.

Modulation of the hepatocyte rough endoplasmic reticulum single chloride channel by nucleotide-Mg2+ interaction

The effect of nucleotides on single chloride channels derived from rat hepatocyte rough endoplasmic reticulum vesicles incorporated into bilayer lipid membrane was investigated. The single chloride channel currents were measured in 200/50 mmol/l KCl cis/trans solutions. Adding 2.5 mM adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) did not influence channel activity. However, MgATP addition inhibited the chloride channels by decreasing the channel open probability (Po) and current amplitude, whereas mixture of Mg(2+) and ADP activated the chloride channel by increasing the Po and unitary current amplitude. According to the results, there is a novel regulation mechanism for rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) Cl(-) channel activity by intracellular MgATP and mixture of Mg(2+) and ADP that would result in significant inhibition by MgATP and activation by mixture of Mg(2+) and ADP. These modulatory effects of nucleotide-Mg(2+) complexes on chloride channels may be dependent on their chemical structure configuration. It seems that Mg-nucleotide-ion channel interactions are involved to produce a regulatory response for RER chloride channels.

The effect of chronic administration of buspirone on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced catalepsy in rats

PURPOSE

Several evidences show that serotonergic neurons play a role in the regulation of movements executed by the basal ganglia. Recently we have reported that single dose of buspirone improved 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and haloperidol-induced catalepsy. This study is aimed to investigate effect of chronic intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of buspirone on 6-OHDA-induced catalepsy in male Wistar rats.

METHOD

Catalepsy was induced by unilateral infusion of 6-OHDA (8 μg/2 μl/rat) into the central region of the SNc and was assayed by the bar-test method 5, 60, 120 and 180 min after drugs administration in 10th day. The effect of buspirone (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p. for 10 days) was assessed in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats.

RESULT

The results showed that chronic injection of buspirone (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p. for 10 days) decreased catalepsy when compared with the control group. The best anticataleptic effect was observed at the dose of 1 mg/kg. The catalepsy-improving effect of buspirone was reversed by 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)- 4-[4-(2-phthalimido) butyl]piperazine hydrobromide (NAN-190), 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.,as a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that chronic administration of buspirone improves catalepsy in a 6-OHDA-induced animal model of parkinson's disease (PD). We also suggest that buspirone may be used as an adjuvant therapy to increase effectiveness of antiparkinsonian drugs. In order to prove this hypothesis, further clinical studies should be done.

Common methods to treat addiction in treatment- rehabilitation centers in tehran

BACKGROUND

This study was to determine common methods to treat addiction used by patients checked into Outpatient Treatment and Rehabilitation Clinics in Tehran.

METHODS

The study was conducted in Social Security affiliated outpatient clinics including three governmental and several private centers in 22 districts of Tehran. Demographic data, personal information, social characteristics and information regarding prevention, treatment, and follow-up records of 1,372 patients were obtained and analyzed.

RESULTS

A majority of cases referring to the treatment centers were male (95.2%). Patients were 14 to 75 yr (mean 35.48 ± 10.57 yr); 61.7% were married and lived in rented homes in the city; 938/1372 (68.4%) had at least one previous attempt failure when seeking re-treatment. A majority of them (77.8%) had a history of 1 to 4 quit attempts; a number 63.1% had an abstinence period of 1 week to 6 months.

CONCLUSION

The majority of our understudy subjects had a history of previous attempts to treat their addiction with a maximum abstinence period of 6 months.

Prevalence of smoking among high-school students of Tehran in 2003

This study in 2003 determined the prevalence of smoking and its associated factors among high-school students in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. Out of 1095 students aged 14-18 years, 29% (31% boys, 26% girls) were occasional and 5% (6% boys and 2% girls) daily smokers. Among occasional smokers, 21% had family members who also smoked, whereas for students who had never tried smoking, no family members smoked. Of 316 occasional smokers, 12% lived with a single parent compared with only 5% of never smokers. Regression analysis showed that significant risk factors for daily smoking were: having a brother or sister who smokes (OR = 8.58) and having more than 1 family member who smokes (OR = 6.33).

Bovine subclinical ketosis in dairy herds in Iran

Subclinical ketosis (SCK) is defined as elevated concentrations of ketone bodies in the absence of clinical signs of ketosis. It is an important metabolic disease in dairy cattle during early lactation and is associated with losses in milk production and several other periparturient diseases. Limited information is available regarding the prevalence of SCK in dairy herds in Iran. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the incidence of SCK in the dairy herds in Kerman province of Iran using serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations, and (ii) to investigate the relationship between serum concentrations of BHB and glucose of cows with SCK. In the present study, 90 multiparous Holstein cows (4-6 years old) from 11 commercial dairy herds were evaluated 3-4 weeks after calving. The distribution of blood BHB concentrations seemed to suggest a cut-off point of 1200 micromol/L between cows with and without SCK. At this cut-off point, 14.4% of tested cows (13/90) were classified as subclinically ketotic, with the prevalence rate within herd ranging from 10% to 20%. Cows with SCK were detected in all the investigated dairies except one. Blood glucose concentrations in cows with SCK were significantly lower (p < or = 0.05) than in cows without SCK, and serum BHB and glucose concentration were inversely correlated (r = -0.43, p < or = 0.05). The results suggest that, using a cut-off of 1200 micromol/L, BHB concentrations can be used during early lactation for diagnosis and to make management decisions for prevention and treatment.