Background: Amphibian skins possess various antibacterial compounds that are effective against some microbial pathogens and are mostly released in response to environmental stress. In fact, the skin of Rana ridibunda, a large green frog, is a rich source of antimicrobial compounds that can be developed for therapeutic use. In the present study, the skin extract of Iranian Rana ridibunda was evaluated for its antimicrobial, hemolytic and cytototoxic activities. Methods : The frog specimens were collected from Minoodasht located in Golesten province in Iran, during 2009. Subsequently, their skins were removed and the intended compounds were extracted. The crude extract was partially purified by gel filtration chromatography. The antimicrobial effects of skin extract were assessed against various microorganisms such as Escherchia coli, methicillin-resistant and -sensitive Staphyloccus aureus, vancomycin-resistant and -susceptible Enteroccus fecalis, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Candida albicans. In addition, its minimum inhibition concentration, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities were determined. Results : The crude extract of Rana ridibunda skin had valuable antimicrobial effects against methicillin-resistant and -susceptible S. aureus in comparison with E.coli and vancomycin-resistant and -susceptible E. fecalis. Besides, no antimicrobial activities were seen against P. aeroginosa or C. albicans. Moreover, the hemolytic and cytotoxic activities of the skin extract were minimal. Conclusion: The antimicrobial activity of Iranian Rana ridibunda was comparable to those isolated from other Rana species. In conclusion, the skin extract of Rana ridibunda had the potential for a new therapeutic agent against the emerging drug-resistant bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant and -sensitive S. aureus.

Antibiotic Resistance --- Antimicrobial --- Activity --- Rana Ridibunda --- Skin Extract

Background: Human amniotic membrane (HAM) forms the inner wall of the membranous sac that surrounds and protects the embryo during gestation. The main advantages of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in the treatment of bacterial keratitis are its epithelial bandage properties. Previous studies have documented the presence of some antimicrobial proteins and peptides in amniotic fluid such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, bactericidal or permeability increasing protein, calprotectin (MRP8/14 protein complex), LL37, and neutrophil defensins (Human Neutrophil Peptides, HNP 1-3). Furthermore, the amniotic membrane does not express HLA-A, B, C or DR surface antigens, which may help avoid rejection after its transplantation. Thus, it can be used as a biological immune barrier. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the amniotic membrane's healing properties in rabbits with pseudomonas keratitis.Methods : By using an animal model, 14 rabbits were divided into two groups of controls and cases. A syringe was used to inoculate the corneal stroma of the animals by Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853. After 20 hours pseudomonas keratitis was created and amniotic membrane was transplanted to the cornea of the case group. The infiltration size were observed on the first, third and seventh days after the experiment.Results : Corneal perforation was seen in the controls (P<0.001) but amniotic membrane prevented perforation in the case group (P=0.02).Conclusion: Transplantation of amniotic membrane in the primary stages of pseudomonas keratitis treatment remarkably prevents corneal perforation and it can be used to control the disease process.

Human Amniotic Membrane --- keratitis --- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is essentially considered as hepatotropic, but virus sequences have also been found in other important extrahepatic sites, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This study was done to investigate the presence of mixed infection and the differences between hepatitis C virus genotypes in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and liver biopsy specimens in patients with hepatitis C virus infection.Methods : One hundred and fifty two patients with established chronic hepatitis C infection attending Firouzgar Hospital, affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, from September 2008 to April 2010 were enrolled in the present study. After collecting plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cell, and liver biopsy specimens, RNA was extracted from the samples and hepatitis C virus genotyping was performed using INNO-LiPATM HCV II kit. The hepatitis C virus genotyping was confirmed by sequencing the RT-nested PCR product of 5'-UTR fragments.Results : The mean age of the participants was 31.2±16.9 years. Multiple hepatitis C virus genotypes were detected in 4 (2.6%) out of 152 plasma samples, 10 (6.6%) out of 152 peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples, and 9 (18.8%) out of 48 liver biopsy specimens. Hepatitis C virus genotypes were different in the plasma, PBMC, and liver biopsy specimens of 21 (13.8%) patients.Conclusion: The present study shows that a significant proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection are infected by multiple hepatitis C virus genotypes which may not be detectable in their plasma specimens.

Genotype --- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) --- Mixed Infection

Background: Anterior knee pain is one of the most common complaints of patients in orthopedic clinics. The first step in the treatment of this problem is conservative treatment which includes administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise and changes in life style. Many patients respond well to these measures in about six months, but a small number of patients may not respond to the conservative treatment; therefore, surgical procedures such as Maquet osteotomy or lateral retinacular release may be needed in these cases. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of intraosseous drilling and decompression of patella in the treatment of chronic anterior knee pain.Methods : This study was performed as a case series on ten patients with chronic anterior knee pain attending the Orthopedic Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital, in Tehran, Iran in 2009-2010. Eight of the patients were male and the rest were female. The patients met the inclusion criteria and were followed up for at least 12 months after the surgery. Results : The mean age of the patients was 27.8±4.66 yr and their mean BMI was 22.5±1.71 kg/m2. The mean pain severity before the interventions was 8.2±0.78 based on VAS but it decreased to 2.5±1.26 post-surgically. An average reduction of 5.7 scores were noticed in pain severity depicting a significant reduction of pain (P<0.0001).Conclusion: It may be concluded that intraosseous drilling and decompression of patella is a safe and effective method in the treatment of chronic anterior knee pain not responding to conservative treatment.

Anterior knee Pain --- Chondromalacia --- Intraosseous Drilling --- Patella

Background: Oral metronidazole has been previously demonstrated to decrease postoperative pain after open hemorrhoidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical metronidazole in reducing postoperative pain of hemorrhoidectomy.Methods : In this double-blind, clinical trial forty 20- to 40-year old male patients were scheduled for hemorrhoidectomy under spinal anesthesia at the Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia, Iran from April to September 2010. The participants were assigned to receive topical metronidazole (n=20) or placebo (n=20). Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), the time of first narcotic request and morphine administrations were also recorded. Results : The VAS scores were lower in metronidazole than the control group but this difference was not statistically significant, except after 24 hr post-surgically. Morphine administration in the first 24 hr was lower in the metronidazole group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Although metronidazole could not prolong the time of first analgesic request, but application of metronidazole gel is associated with lower analgesic requirement.

Hemorrhoidectomy --- Pain --- Topical Metronidazole