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Abstract : Scorpion Stingin Izeh, Iran: An Epidemiological Study During 2009-2011
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Abstract:Background:Izeh is one of the counties of Khuzestan province that its people suffer from scorpion sting. So according to the high prevalence of scorpion sting in this area and the lack of a reduce cases of scorpion stings, timely treatment and prevention of mortality and morbidity resulting from this phenomenon using results of the current epidemiological investigation. Methods: This cross-sectional and retrospective study has been conducted based on statistics of scorpion sting of Izeh Health Center during 2009-2011. The data including: age, sex, season and month of stings, location of event (urban or rural), location and time of the sting, the stung organ and scorpion species were collected and recorded in the official forms and transformed into the tables and graphs for presentation. The species of scorpions were recognized using Iranian scorpion key. Results: During 2009 to 2011 a total of 5804 cases of scorpion sting referred to health and medicine centers. Most cases of scorpion sting were females (55.53%). The age range was 15- 24 year olds and the highest incidence rate of scorpion sting was on August. Totally 6 species of scorpions were recognized during the current study and Androctonus crassicaudawas the most frequent spcies which caused the scorpion sting. One of the most important results of the present study was to report Compsobuthus matthienseni as the 2nd dominant scorpion sting cause and Mesobuthus eupeus as the least cause of scorpion sting in the region, in contrast to other parts of Khuzestan which this species has been reported as the most frequent cause of scorpion sting inKhuzestan province. Conclusions:Since there is a large number of cases with a history of previous scorpion stings, it appears we can reduce the incidence of this occurrence using education of preventing and control ways from this phenomenon to persons referred to treatment in the studied area and repeat those in similar regions with high range of scorpion sting. Furthermore with focuse on the educational activities in the warm seasons, when is the peak time of scorpion activity it will be more effective in reducing this phenomenon Keywords: Scorpionism prevalence, south west Iran. Download Full Article |
Abstract : Insulinotropic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Mesua ferrea Linn.
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Abstract:Mesua ferrea flowers have been used in the Indian traditional medicine for treating various diseases. In present study, the Mesua ferrea flowers methanolic extract (MFME, 200 mg/kg bw) was studied for anti diabetic activity and underlying mechanisms for its activity. In Streptozotocin induced diabetes rats model, MFME treatment enhanced plasma insulin levels by 69.53% (P<0.0001) than the diabetic control rats. In diabetic rats, MFME treatment significantly restored body weight and blood glucose levels to normal. In Insulin release studies on MIN6 beta cells, insulin release was potentiated in a dose dependent manner of extract and glucose. The insulin stimulatory effect of MFME was stimulated by 3-isobutyl-1-methyl xanthine, Glibenclamide and elevated extracellular calcium. In distinction, the stimulatory effect was inhibited with diazoxide, nifedipine, EGTA and K+ depolarized media. These results indicate MFME anti diabetic activity might be a result of insulin secretagogue effect through beta cell physiological pathways. Keywords: Diabetes, Insulin secretagogue, MIN6 - β cells, KATP channel, Calcium, Nifedipine. Download Full Article |
Abstract : Personalized Medicines: Reforming Diagnostics and Therapeutics
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Abstract:Since the first use of the term ‘Personalized Medicine’ (PM) in 1990, many research and review articles have coined this term. Nevertheless, this topic has not been widely researched about till now. The PMs are the application of genomic and molecular data for developing therapies with unprecedentedly higher efficiencies, better safety, lower ADR’s, and reduced costs of therapies. PMs are developed through molecular level knowledge of the drug targets and diseases, which leads to the promise of the right treatment for right patient at the right time. This paper gives a comprehensive view of PMs. For this purpose, this paper is divided into following sections: defining personalized medicines; the history and evolution of personalized medicines; the human genome project; drug discovery & development process; merits of personalized medicines; applications of personalized medicines; challenges on the road of personalized medicines; regulatory evolution in the generation of personalized medicines; role of US FDA in the era of personalized medicines and, conclusion. Keywords: Pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics, biomarkers, precision medicines, targeted medicines. Download Full Article |
Abstract : Feline Cancer Prevalence in South Africa (1998 – 2005): Contrasts with the Rest of the World
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Abstract: A paucity of information exists on the relative proportions, incidences or outcomes of diagnosis and treatment of feline cancer in South Africa. Standard texts of veterinary oncology quote data from the Northern hemisphere, and geographic differences are apparent. In this retrospective analysis, the electronic medical database of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital was analysed for feline cancer felines admissions for the period 1998 – 2005 (n = 100 out of N = 12,893 feline admissions, or 0.78% of total feline admissions). The average and median age of feline cancer felines was 7 and 9.5 years respectively. In contrast to published reports of US, Australian and European data where lymphosarcoma is the most common cancer affecting cats, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) forms the predominant neoplasm (48% of all tumours). White or part-white cats were overrepresented in this group, which is consistent with greater ultraviolet light exposure. Lymphoma was the second most common diagnosis, followed by various carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. A large proportion (54%) of felines received some form of treatment. Keywords: Feline, cancer, prevalence, South Africa, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphosarcoma. Download Full Article |
Abstract : Demographic and Anthropometric Variables Related to Longevity: Results from a Greek Centenarians’ Study
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Abstract: Centenarian research contributes to expanding our knowledge on longevity and healthy aging. In Greece, a variety of studies have been conducted in order to explore exceptional longevity. This is a retrospective study of 106 centenarians employing both quantitative and qualitative measures in order to explore centenarians own perspective on longevity. Basic socio demographic and life style variables where associated with centenarians beliefs and perceptions about their longevity. The majority of centenarians attributed their longevity to God and to living a good life overall. God and social networks were reported as their main source of strength in order to continue living. Gender differences were also evident as male centenarians reported non abusive behaviors and a sense of having a measure in daily living, as well as nutrition as their main source of longevity, while female emphasized on God and social networks. Gender differences on Body Mass Index and Smoking are also evident. Centenarians own perception of longevity could be further explored and findings could be incorporated in future research and intervention programs aiming at healthy longevity. Keywords: Centenarians, longevity, Greek Population, aging. Download Full Article |