Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016227234ENProfessor of Immunology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences IUMS, Isfahan, Iran.Laboratory Technician, IUMS, Isfahan, Iran.200612152007082320070906<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: Culturing and working with wild type HIV virions may produce contamination and infection. The main<br /> objective of this study was to design a non-infective HIV-1 strain that can be used safely in research laboratories for<br /> various research topics on HIV life cycle and pathogenesis.<br /> <strong>METHODS</strong>: Non-infective HIV-1 strain (mzNL4-3) was designed by deleting a 2 Kb sequence of HIV-1 (NL4-3 strain)<br /> genome that codes reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) enzymes.<br /> <strong>RESULTS</strong>: The deletion removed 95% of RT and 34% of IN peptide sequences and abolished the functions of these enzymes<br /> totally. This deletion didn&rsquo;t produce any other alteration in HIV genome, not only in mRNA level but also in<br /> transcription or translation levels. We named this strain, mutated z NL4-3 (mzNL4-3).<br /> <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong>: Our mutated HIV-1 virions can be produced by transforming any mammalian cell line with mzNL4-3<br /> vector (pmzNL4-3) but these virions can not replicate in any competent target cell. Hence, it can be used for many of<br /> the HIV-1 researches in a level 2 lab. mzNL4-3 has also the major antigen markers of HIV-1, NY5 and LAV strains,<br /> which are the most common strains of HIV-1. Therefore, mzNL4-3 can also be considered as a choice for HIV-1 vaccine<br /> investigation. Probably mzNL4-3 could be used for lab research and vaccine investigation.<br /> <strong>KEYWORDS</strong>: HIV-1, mzNL4-3, non-infectious, mutant, safe research, vaccine.http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/502http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/502/518

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016235240ENAbia Staate University, UturuAbia State UniversitgyKampala International UniversityNnamdi Azikiwe University, NNewi2007012420070810<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: The use of plants in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is a well-established practice in traditional medicine.<br /> Viscum album has been recommended for the treatment of several diseases. This study evaluated the glucose lowering<br /> effect of leaf extracts of this plant in normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.<br /> <strong>METHODS</strong>: Leaf extracts of Viscum album were prepared with 80 % ethanol and administered to normal and diabetic<br /> New Zealand white rats. The LD50 was determined by the Karbar method. The glucose lowering effect was assessed in<br /> these animals in comparison to normal saline and glibenclamide. Blood glucose was estimated with the aid of a glucose<br /> sensor.<br /> <strong>RESULTS</strong>: The LD50 was 1520 mg/kg. A dose dependent lowering effect of the fasting blood glucose was observed in<br /> both the normal and diabetic rats, with maximum lowering occurring 6 hours after extract administration. The patterns<br /> of effect were similar to that produced by glibenclamide.<br /> CONCLUSIONS: Leaf extracts of Viscum album showed a significant glucose lowering effect in normal and diabetic rats.<br /> Extracts from this plant could therefore, be useful in controlling blood glucose level.<br /><strong> KEY</strong> <strong>WORDS</strong>: Animal models, diabetes mellitus, Viscum album, hypoglycemic effect, streptozotocin.http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/564http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/564/512

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016241245ENDepartment of Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.200702252007082620070826<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: Astrocytic Tumors are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. These tumors have an inherited tendency to progress and recurrence. The histopathological examination and grading do not always identify the subset of these tumors especially when the tumor sample is small or inadequate. This study was undertaken to answer the question whether MIB-1 expression could assist in discrimination between low grade and high-grade glioma and gliosis especially when the biopsy sample is small, such as stereotactic brain biopsy.<br /> <strong>Methods</strong>: This descriptive analytical study was performed on 114 glial and gliotic paraffin-embedded tissues. KI67 immunohistochemistry was also used on paraffin section using the monoclonal antibody MIB-1. The results were analyzed by ANOVA test.<br /> <strong>Results</strong>: Based on light microscopic findings 89 (78.07%) were astrocytomas and 25 (21.9%) were reactive gliosis. The mean Ki67 labeling index (LI) was 25.2% (&plusmn;30 SD) for astrocytomas&nbsp;&nbsp; in general and 1.92 (&plusmn;1.2SD) for gliosis. In other words, it was 1.8 (&plusmn;1SD) for grade I, 14.5% (&plusmn;4SD) grade II and 64.5 % (&plusmn;19.3) for (grade III, IV) astrocytomas. The MIB-1 labeling index for astrocytic tumors was significantly higher than that for gliosis (P&lt;0.001) and it increased with increasing tumor grade. However, MIB-1 labeling index was the same for pilocytic astrocytoma and gliosis so there was no meaningful difference between grade 1 astrocytoma and gliosis (P&gt;0.005).<br /> <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong>: Given the conventional microscopic examination and KI67 (MIB-1) method for grading astrocytomas, MIB-1 is more reliable and a complementary method for definitive diagnosis. <strong>KEY WORDS</strong>: Astrocytoma, gliosis, monoclonal antibody, MIB-1, proliferating index.<br />http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/962http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/962/513

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016246250ENDepartment of Anesthesiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Anesthesiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.2007063020070831<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: The oculocardiac reflex (OCR), which is most often encountered during strabismus surgery in children,<br /> may cause bradycardia, arrhythmias and cardiac arrest following a variety of stimuli arising in or near the eyeball. The<br /> main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various anesthetic regimens on modulation of the cardiovascular<br /> effects of the OCR during strabismus surgery.<br /> <strong>METHODS</strong>: Three hundred ASA physical status I-II patients, scheduled for elective strabismus surgery under general<br /> anesthesia, randomly allocated in a double blind fashion to one of the three anesthetic regimens: group P: propofol (2<br /> mg/kg), alfentanil 0.02 mg/kg and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg at induction; group K: ketamine racemate (2 mg/kg), alfentanil<br /> 0.02 mg/kg and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg at induction; group T: thiopental (5 mg/kg), alfentanil 0.02 mg/kg, and atracurium<br /> 0.5 mg/kg at induction. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded just before induction, at<br /> 1, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after induction. OCR was defined as a 20 beats/minute change in HR induced by traction<br /> compared with basal value.<br /> <strong>RESULTS</strong>: Mean HR (&plusmn; SD) during total period of surgery in group P was significantly slower than that in group K<br /> (111.90 &plusmn; 1.10 vs. 116.7 &plusmn; 0.70, respectively; P&lt;0.05). Mean HR changes (&plusmn; SD) in group K was significantly higher<br /> than that in group P (11.2 &plusmn; 1.44 vs. 8.7 &plusmn; 1.50 respectively, P&lt;0.05). MAP changes (&plusmn; SD) was significantly lower in<br /> patients in group P compared with patients in group K or T (12.5 &plusmn; 1.13 vs. 19.3 &plusmn; 0.80 or 18.9 &plusmn; 0.91, respectively;<br /> P&lt;0.05). Incidence of OCR was significantly lower in patients in group K compared with patients in group T or P (9%<br /> vs. 16% and 13%. Respectively; P&lt;0.05).<br /> CONCLUSIONS: Induction of anesthesia with ketamine is associated with the least cardiovascular changes induced by<br /> OCR during strabismus surgery.<br /> <strong>KEY WORDS</strong>: Oculocardiac reflex, strabismus surgery, ketamine, propofol, thiopental.<br />http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/1122http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/1122/514

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016251256ENDepartment of Anesthesiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Anesthesiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Anesthesiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Anesthesiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.2006053020070515<strong>Background</strong>: Differences in airway anatomy make the potential for technical airway difficulties greater in infants than in<br /> teenagers or adults. Endotracheal intubation by direct vision using a laryngoscope is frequently associated with an increase<br /> in arterial blood pressure and heart rate. In different studies, the time to intubation with a video laryngoscope was<br /> longer than with direct laryngoscopy using Macintosh, and this longer duration may be accompanied by more hemodynamic<br /> responses.<br /> <strong>METHODS</strong>: Sixty-four infants who were scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia with orotracheal<br /> intubation were randomly assigned to intubation by direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh size 1 blade or to intubation<br /> using a video laryngoscope. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded at the<br /> following time points: (1) before induction, (2) after induction and before intubation, and (3) 1 minute and (4) 5 minutes<br /> after intubation.<br /> <strong>RESULTS</strong>: No significant differences were found either between the two groups or among the different study periods.<br /> The duration for laryngoscopy and intubation with a video laryngoscope was 20.87 &plusmn; 7.95 seconds (mean &plusmn; standard<br /> deviation) and that with Macintosh was 15.41 &plusmn; 4.1 seconds (P &lt; 0.01).<br /> <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong>: Similar hemodynamic responses in both groups suggest that laryngoscopy and intubation with a video<br /> laryngoscope, although with longer duration and therefore resulting in more stimulation, has no significant effect on<br /> hemodynamic status and oxygen saturation in infants.<br /> <strong>KEY WORDS</strong>: Video laryngoscope, laryngoscopy, blood pressure, heart rate<br />http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/238http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/238/522

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016257261ENDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Guilan University of Medical Science, Guilan, Iran.Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Guilan University of Medical Science, Guilan, Iran.Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran.2006082620070520<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>: The usefulness of determination of endometrial thickness and pattern by ultrasound for pregnancy prediction<br /> has been confirmed as well as questioned in the literature. In an effort to help clarify this controversial issue and<br /> to find the relation between endometrial thickness and pattern and pregnancy rates, this study was undertaken.<br /> <strong>METHODS</strong>: This was a cross-sectional study. One thousand and thirty infertile couples with ovulatory factor infertility<br /> that underwent 1,030 cycles of induction of ovulation were included in this study. All patients charts were reviewed for<br /> endometrial thickness (&lt;7, 7-14 and &gt;14 mm) and pattern (triline versus homogenous) on the time of HCG administration.<br /> Age, duration of infertility and number of follicles were evaluated in all patients. Treatment outcome was clinical<br /> pregnancy rate. The SPSS 10 software and chi-square t-test and ANOVA were applied for statistical analysis. P&lt;0.05<br /> was determined as statistical significant.<br /> <strong>RESULTS</strong>: The overall pregnancy rate was 25.8% (266 from 1030). There was no statistically significant difference in<br /> pregnancy rates in three groups of endometrial thickness (&lt;7, 7-14, &gt;14 mm) and two groups of endometrial patterns<br /> (trilene and homogenous).<br /> <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong>: This study showed that there is no significant relation between endometrial thickness and pattern and<br /> pregnancy rate. Further studies are recommended.<br /> <strong>KEY WORDS</strong>: Endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, pregnancy, ultrasound.http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/389http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/389/523

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016262268ENDepartment of Neurology, Kerman University of Mdical Sciences, Kerman, Iran200609292007052620070220<strong>BACKGROUND</strong>:To study the dimensions of fatigue in multiple sclerosis, its pathophysiology, the efficacy, tolerability and safety of drug and non-drug treatments and measurement of fatigue. <strong>METHODS</strong>: Relevant articles from PubMed and Google scholar search engines from January 1987 until September 2006 were studied to compose a short clinical update (not a systematic review) and make the required clinical information available for the clinicians. <strong>RESULTS</strong>: There is evidence that fatigue is very common in all types and stages of multiple sclerosis, but its pathophysiology is not well explained. Consequently, few drug options have been offered for its treatment. Amantadine is the bestknown drug, though its efficacy and duration of action are limited. Pemoline and modafinil are alternatives and have<br /> some effects on fatigue. DAP (diaminopyridine), ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), methylphenidate and fluoxetine are other possible options but await further confirmation. Neurorehabilitation, regular exercise and cooling are confirmed to be of value in MS treatment. Measurement of fatigue is a complicated issue. At present fatigue does not have a laboratory marker. <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong>: The results of this short clinical update provide guidelines for diagnosing MS-related fatigue and differentiating<br /> it from other similar physical and psychological conditions. It also examines prescription drug options and other therapies for MS patients with fatigue.<br /> <strong>KEYWORDS</strong>: Multiple sclerosis, fatigue, pathophysiology, treatment, measurement.<br />http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/420http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/420/517

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016269270ENDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Pathology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.200701162007090620070514<p style="text-align: justify" class="MsoNormal">Choriocarcinoma arises in the ovary from gestational or nongestational origin. Nongestational choriocarcinoma of the ovary is extremely rare and the pure type is less frequent than the mixed type with other germ cell tumors. We report a pure nongestational choriocarcinoma primarily arising in a 47-year-old woman&rsquo;s ovary. Following abdominal operative procedure, careful examination of the tumor revealed choriocarcinoma without combination of other germ cell tumors. Multiple courses of the chemotherapy with and EMA/CO regimen were effective for this case. <strong>KEY WORDS</strong>: Choriocarcinoma, nongestational, ovary.<br /> </p>http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/545http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/545/521

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016271274ENDepartment of Pathology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.2007021820070728Fibrolipomatous hamartoma of nerve (neural fibrolipoma) is a tumor-like lipomatous process principally involving<br /> young persons. The median nerve is most commonly affected. The lesion is characterized by a soft slowly growing<br /> mass surrounding and infiltrating major nerves and their branches. It may cause symptoms of compression neuropathy<br /> and is associated with macrodactyly in one third of cases. Here, we present a case of neural fibrolipoma in the ankle<br /> region and dorsum of foot of a young man arising from superficial peroneal nerve.<br /> <strong>KEY WORDS</strong>: Fibrolipomatous hamartoma, neural fibrolipoma, macrodactyly, superficial peroneal nerve.http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/942http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/942/520

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199512520071016275276ENProfessor of Comparative Cultures at Asia Pacific University in Japan and co-creator of Multiversity in Malaysia and India2007090420070904http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/1237http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/1237/519