Crescent Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences
Year:2020 | Volume:7 | Issue:3|Papers Count:22

Today, when the women are located in work life more often, the age of getting pegnant becomes older. However, the fertility declines more rapid by the age of 35. In addition, ovarian reserve and response decrease with progressive aging. Every passing day, the couples referred to centers for assisted reproductive technologies increase and in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an expensive treatment for both the couples and the country. We encounter more failed IVF cycles and repeated implantation failure especially in older aged women. Therefore, clinicians try new therapies to improve reproductive success. . . .

Objectives: Excessive belching is a common complaint that may be observed alone or with other diseases such as indigestion and reflux. In addition, it has adverse effects on patients’ social life. Due to the insufficient evidence regarding the successful treatment of this disorder, the present study reviewed the medical views of Avicenna in order to find a better solution in this regard. Methods: This literature review was done by searching for “ belching” and its MeSH heading term, namely, “ eructation” in databases such as Google scholar and Pub Med and their synonyms in Iranian traditional medicine “ Josha” in Avicenna’ s “ Canon of Medicine” . Results: The definition of belching in modern medicine was the same as “ Josha” but its classifications and treatments were different. Modern scientists have divided excessive belching into gastric and supragastric based on its source although Avicenna classified it into three kinds based on its smell. In recent studies, specialists have come to a link between the brain and the stomach due to the inadequacy of their therapies while Avicenna has along pointed out the relationship between belching and certain organs. He further recommended three main approaches for its treatment, including lifestyle modification, herbal medicines, and physical manipulations. Conclusions: In general, considering the lack of effective treatment for excessive belching, it is important to present a better classification and management. This might be possible with regard to Avicenna’ s “ Canon of Medicine” . Thus, clinical trials are suggested to assess the efficacy of Avicenna’ s recommendations as a complementary method.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the perception of medical students in the College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University about the integrated medical and the traditional medical programs and to compare the two programs from the students’ perspectives. Materials and Methods: The study samples were selected from the students in the academic year of 2016-2017, which included the second-and third-year students that had signed up for the integrated program and additionally fourth-and fifth-year students who had participated in the traditional programs. They were asked to fill out the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) forms and take part in the research. Results: The mean DREEM total score was significantly higher among the students who enrolled in the integrated program compared to those in the traditional program (104. 06 vs. 98. 69, P = 0. 006). The subscales of the students’ perceptions of teachers (P < 0. 001) and the environment (P = 0. 039) were statistically significant when compared to the data from traditional programs. Conclusions: In general, students who enrolled in the integrated program had an overall higher DREEM score compared with those who entered in the traditional program. Nevertheless, the students still had a poor perception of the learning environment and subsequently the curriculum.

Objectives: Recombinant products play an important role in improving health conditions. In addition, human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGM-CSF) is considered a cytokine which stimulates many differentiated myeloid cells in order to produce granulocytes, macrophages, and monocytes. Considering the clinical application of the human GM-CSF, the current study aimed to produce the recombinant human GM-CSF (rhGM-CSF) in the prokaryotic system and then evaluated its biological activity. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the hGM-CSF was synthesized under a specific promoter. Then, it was cloned in HindIII restriction enzyme sites of the pcDNA3. 1 (+). The hGM-CSF gene cloning was assessed by polymerase chain reaction, restriction enzyme digestion, and sequencing. Subsequently, recombinant plasmids were transformed in Escherichia coli and the expression of recombinant hGM-CSF was analyzed by electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Then, the rhGM-CSF was purified using S-tag affinity chromatography and the concentration of the purified rhGM-CSF was determined by ELISA. Finally, the biological function of the rhGM-CSF on TF-1 cells was performed by MTT proliferation assay. Results: The cloned fragment on gel agarose was detected. Further, the restriction enzyme digestion and recombinant plasmid sequencing results confirmed pcDNA3. 1 (+)/hGM-CSF cloning. Furthermore, the results of the expression analysis of rhGM-CSF by SDS-PAGE and western blot showed a specific protein band. The concentration of the purified protein was 0. 54 μ g/mL. Moreover, the proliferation index demonstrated that the treated cells were proliferated (P < 0. 05). The mean values of the proliferation index were 7. 8. Conclusions: In general, the production of recombinant hGM-CSF protein in the prokaryotic system was simple, rapid, and inexpensive. Therefore, the functional rhGM-CSF can be expressed under gene-specific promoter without any need for the chemical inducer.

Objectives: The larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus in the internal organs of a human causes cystic hydatidosis. Thus, the identification of excretory/secretory (E/S) proteins from E. granulosus protoscoleces may help to discover new candidates for drug targets, along with immunodiagnostic and vaccine products. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of albendazole and mebendazole on protein spots of E/S products of hydatid cyst protoscolices which can be helpful for detecting some target proteins for therapeutic purposes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, protoscoleces were divided into three groups in order to assess the effects of the drug. The first and the second groups were treated with albendazole/mebendazole, respectively, and the third group was considered as control. To determine the proteome spots, E/S proteins were precipitated with trichloroacetic acid/acetone and loaded on the isoelectric focusing gel, resulting in gel differentiation on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with the 20 mA constant current. In addition, the gels were stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue. Finally, the protein spots resulted from 2-DE gels were analyzed using the Progenesis SameSpots software. Results: The comparison between the proteome gels of the treated groups and the control group showed that 35 protein spots are paired among which, 11 spots had significant differences in their expressions (P < 0. 05). Conclusions: In general, the comparison between the expression levels of protein gel spots indicated the increasing expression of some protein spots while the suppression of the others. This suppression can be considered as a specific effect of the drugs on the E/S product of the protoscoleces of hydatid cyst.

Objectives: Mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) are metals found in the environment from natural and anthropogenic sources. They are highly toxic to humans and other living beings. Most human exposures come from the consumption of contaminated seafood or occupational exposure. It has been accepted that exposure to heavy metals leads to damage the male reproduction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Hg and Cd in infertile men. Materials and Methods: In general, 62 men were included in this study among whom, 31 cases were infertile and within the age range of 23-38. The blood samples were collected to measure the concentrations of Cd and Hg in the serum using atomic adsorption spectrophotometry. In addition, semen analyses were performed according to the World Health Organization criteria, followed by sperm characteristics such as motility, head morphology, validity, and total count for at least 200 spermatozoa of each sample. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS software, version 17. Finally, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for parametric distribution. Results: A considerable level of Hg and Cd was detected in the serum of infertile men compared with the control and there was a statistical difference between them and the control group (P ≤ 0. 05) Based on the results, there was a correlation between the high level of heavy metals and impairments in seminal quality. Further, the DNA damage was evaluated using chromatin condensation staining assay and the results showed a high percentage of DNA damage for infertile men in accordance with the levels of Hg and Cd (P ≤ 0. 05). Conclusions: According to our results, Cd and Hg cooperate in affecting the sperm and leading to the DNA damage of the sperm.

Objectives: Apart from the functional problems that disability creates for the disabled, it has negative effects on parents as well. Thus, identifying these problems plays a decisive role in the health of the family. In this regard, the present study aimed to determine the psychosocial problems of the parents of intellectually disabled children (IDC) receiving services from the Iranian State Welfare Organization in Khorramabad. Materials and Methods: Participants consisted of the parents of IDC receiving services from the State Welfare Organization of Iran, in Khorramabad during 2015. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire including demographic items and items related to psychological and social problems. The parents of 144 IDC participated in the study and completed the questionnaire via interviews at home. Results: All parents suffered from psychosocial difficulties although, on average, mothers had more problems due to their different roles in families. Finally, a significant relationship was found between parents’ education and the gender of the IDC (P < 0. 05). Conclusions: The impact of disability on parents depends on the severity of the disability and parents’ coping skills, abilities, and capabilities.

Objectives: The present study aimed to adapt the strategic plans of medical science universities to the components of the third millennium universities. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included all the faculty members of 5 top universities of Tehran Province in Iran. To collect data, a reliable and valid researcher-made questionnaire was developed based on the characteristics of higher education institutions in the third millennium (content validity index >0. 79, content validity ratio > 0. 62, α = 0. 88). Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS. Results: The highest mean score of the population’ s attitude was related to the visions of the universities (mean =3. 44). Moreover, the highest mean score (the components of university headquarters) of the attitude belonged to environmental indicators (3. 53) while the lowest mean score was related to administrative and financial indicators (3. 4). Based on the results, there was a significant difference between the attitudes of faculty members (P < 0. 01). Conclusions: Concerning the accordance between mission and headquarter activities, medical sciences universities were somewhat far from the third millennium universities and should be accountable for the quality of their actions. Finally, they need to show their merits and should work to promote themselves by acquiring necessary certificates and quality assurance.

Objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) is created by various mechanisms mainly including the production of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) and other class A, B, and D beta-lactamases (e. g., OXA-48). The present study was undertaken to assess the occurrence of blaKPC and blaOXA-48 genes among K. pneumoniae isolates. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 110 K. pneumoniae strains were collected from clinical samples from 2 teaching hospitals in Khorramabad, Iran. Susceptibility testing and modified-Hodge test (MHT) for K. pneumoniae isolates were performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute procedures, followed by carrying out the detection of blaKPC and blaOXA-48 genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, genetic similarity among the tested strains tested was determined by the repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR) method. Results: Up to 110 K. pneumoniae, the highest resistance and susceptibility rates pertained to ampicillin and ertapenem, respectively. In addition, 10 (9%) isolates were considered as carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae by the MHT. Although 13 (11. 8%) isolates were blaOXA-48-positive, none of them were harboring blaKPC. Eventually, 13 and 44 clusters were distinguished in hospitals A and B by rep-PCR, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that resistance to carbapenems among K. pneumoniae isolates were relatively common in our region. Moreover, the disseminated clones in our hospitals had mainly diverse origins.

Objectives: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci are important causes of nosocomial infections. Due to the presence of these bacteria in hospitals as a significant challenge in hospital infection control, the identification of effective disinfectants against methicillin-resistant staphylococci is necessary. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of common hospital disinfectants against methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the effectiveness of 4 surface disinfectant cleaners (Deconex 50 AF, Microzed GP-H, Peranacid M1 and Surfocept quick) against methicillin-resistant staphylococci (10 Staphylococcus aureus, 10 Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and 55 Staphylococcus epidermidis) was evaluated using broth dilution method, disc diffusion assay, and cell viability assay. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of Peranacid and Surfocept against the isolates were higher than those of Deconex and Microzed. The results of disk diffusion assay showed that staphylococcus strains exhibited greater inhibition zone diameter than other disinfectants at different concentrations of Deconex and Microzed. According to the results of cell viability assay, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. saprophyticus isolates did not grow at three concentrations (0. 5%, 1% and 2%) of Deconex, Microzed, and Peranacid, respectively. Conclusions: Deconex and Microzed had more antimicrobial properties than the 2 other agents and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus isolates had a higher resistance to both Peranacid and Surfosept.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of dry needling (DN) on pain and function in patients with concurrent carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and forearm muscles myofascial trigger point (MTrP). Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial evaluated fifty affected hands with the clinical and electrodiagnostic diagnosis of mild and moderate CTS with the presence of MTrP in their forearm muscles. Patients were randomized to intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, one session forearm MTrP DN was performed in addition to wrist splint. Then, pain and function were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) at the baseline, one week, and six weeks after the intervention in both groups. The outcomes in this study were pain reduction (VAS) and improvement in hand function (BCTQ). Results: The co-occurrence of mild and moderate CTS with forearm muscle MTrP was observed in 61% of cases. In addition, improvement in pain severity, VAS, a mean difference of 1. 44 (with a 95% CI of 0. 96, 1. 92, P < 0. 001), the BCTQ total score, and a mean difference of 0. 21 (with a 95% CI of 0. 10, 0. 32, P < 0. 001) were observed in the DN group compared with the control group at one-week follow-up. Conclusions: In general, forearm MTrP should be considered when examining patients with CTS since MTrP therapy in patients with CTS can enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy on symptom improvement in short terms.

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM), as a metabolic disorder, affects life quality through insulin insufficiency. Leptin and resistin are two adipokines that are mainly produced as internal secretory proteins by the adipose tissue. Considering that adipokines are strongly associated with insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers, any modification in their serum levels is probably assumed to contribute to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as well. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a population of diabetic children who were followed up during 2015 at the Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit of Tabriz University, Faculty of Medicine. In general, 50 children with T1DM and 50 healthy control were selected in this regard. The exclusion criteria included hypertension, hyperlipidemia, anemia, or infection. Resistin and leptin levels were measured in the serums of children over a one-year period. Then the serum levels of leptin and resistin were measured and matched for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI), followed by measuring the correlations (adjusted for age and gender) between the serum levels of adipokines and either BMI or glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c). Results: The distribution of age, sex, pubertal status, or BMI showed no significance between diabetic and control groups. On the other hand, resistin increased significantly in diabetic children compared to the control ones (24. 75± 10. 56 ng/mL vs. 3. 48± 1. 47 ng/mL, P<0. 001). Although resistin demonstrated no significant correlation with age, sex, and BMI, it indicated a significant relationship with the level of HbA1c. The increased level of leptin did not represent a significant criterion between the 2 groups of children. Conclusions: In general, resistin could associate with the pathophysiology of T1DM through the inflammatory pathway at the molecular level.

Objectives: Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have osteogenic potential. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an alternative natural replacement for osteogenic growth factors. The present study evaluated the combinatory effect of human PRP (hPRP) and collagen I (Col I) gels on the osteogenic potential of ASCs. Materials and Methods: In current experimental research, the extracted ASCs from the pararenal fat pad, at passage 3 were used for the experiments. The osteoinductive potential of ASCs was examined by culturing the cells in cell culture media supplemented with 10% hPRP, 10% Col I, and 10% hPRP/Col I. Finally, metabolic activity, osteoblast differentiation, and mineralization were assessed through the MTT method, alkaline phosphatase assay, Von Kossa method, and staining of osteocalcin (OCN) immunocytochemistry, respectively. Results: Based on the results, 10% hPRP gel, 10% Col I gel, and 10% hPRP/Col I gel increased the metabolic activity and proliferation of ASCs (P < 0. 05). In addition, the activity of alkaline phosphatase in ASCs, supplemented with 10% hPRP/Col I gel was extremely higher compared to the other groups on days 7 and 14 (P < 0. 05). Further, calcified nodules were evident on day 14 after the osteogenic stimulation of ASCs which were cultured in 10% hPRP/Col I gel. Eventually, positive OCN expression was detected in 10% hPRP/Col I gel on days 7 and 14. Conclusions: These findings indicated that the combination of hPRP and Col I gels provides a natural biomaterial for increasing the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of ASCs.

Objectives: Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is one of the most common shoulder injuries, especially in young and athletes, which has a significant effect on a patient’ s function. Therapeutic strategies include non-surgical and a variety of surgical methods. Each of the 2 therapies has some advantages and disadvantages and careful decision making regarding the appropriate therapeutic approach in these patients has not been achieved due to controversial results. Standard surgical treatment is not specified as well. In this regard, the present study was conducted to compare both row screw and hook plate. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 68 patients were enrolled after referring to the Shohada Medical Education Center of Tabriz during 2014-2017 with the dislocation of the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade ACJ dislocation. In this study, 44 and 24 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a screw and a hook plate, respectively. The retest workers, and the shoulder range of motion (ROM), as well as pain and device failure were compared between the 2 groups. Results: According to the results, there were no significant differences between 68 patients with acute dislocation of ACJ type 4, 5, and 6 in terms of work time and pain intensity in the 2 groups (P = 0. 78 and P = 0. 29), but in the examination of ROM, abduction, forward flexion, and external rotation had significantly higher limitations in hook plate compared to the screw (P = 0. 03, P = 0. 001, and P = 0. 02). The maximum motion limitation was observed in shoulder abduction, but the internal rotation between the 2 groups was not significantly different. Eventually, the device failure rate for the screw was significantly higher and approximately 18. 4% whereas there was no device failure in hook plate fixation. Conclusions: Based on the present results regarding acromioclavicular dislocation, surgical treatment using a screw showed better functional improvement in comparison to the hook plate although the probability of devise failure was higher.

Objectives: Several studies have shown that major beta-thalassemia patients suffer from renal dysfunction. Genetic is one of the crucial factors in this phenomenon. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the correlation between renal dysfunction and Fok-I polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene of major beta-thalassemia patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty thalassemic patients and sixty healthy individuals were involved in this case-control study. Robust renal and urine analyzes were done in terms of performance evaluation. Finally, genotype assessment for Fok-I polymorphism was performed via the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: In general, renal dysfunction embracing proteinuria and hyperfilteration were observed in the thalassemic group. As regards patients’ genotype frequencies, 51. 6%, 36. 6%, and 11. 6% were homozygous for F allele (FF), heterozygous (Ff), and homozygous for f allele (ff), respectively. Eventually, the frequencies of FF and Ff alleles were 49. 1% and 50. 8%, respectively, in normal group l. Conclusions: Our data suggested that there is no correlation between renal dysfunction and Fok-I polymorphism in major beta-thalassemic patients. Thus, further studies are needed about plausible pathways involved in renal dysfunction, to demonstrate the motives of renal dysfunction in major beta-thalassemia patients.

Objectives: Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the world and one of the five most common cancers in Iran. The level of Ki67 biomarker is related to any of the factors affecting the grading of neuroendocrine lung tumors, which is used as one of the grading criteria and a criterion for assessing and predicting survival and prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Ki67 antigen incidence and mitotic count, necrosis, tumor size in the neuroendocrine tumors of the lung. Materials and Methods: The samples of this analytical descriptive study, including the neuroendocrine tumors of the lung in paraffin blocks were chosen from the pathology archive of Imam Reza hospital collected during the last 10 years. Ki67 antigen immunohistochemical procedures, along with mitotic count and necrosis were performed by a collaborator pathologist. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software and P-value less than 0. 05 was considered a statistically significant level. Results: The mean incidence of Ki67 antigen in the neuroendocrine tumors of the lung was 57. 7± 6. 5 and the lowest and highest incidence was 1% and 90%, respectively. In addition, the relationship between Ki67 antigen incidence and mitotic count and necrosis were significant while no significant relationship was observed between Ki67 antigen incidence and tumor size in typical carcinoid tumors. Conclusions: Overall, the Ki67 antigen is regarded as a useful and essential tool for grading neuroendocrine lung tumors.

Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effect of the decision-aid-based intervention on breast cancer screening behaviors in women based on the theory of change. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was conducted among 40-69-year-old women who were randomly selected from the healthcare centers of Tabriz. The intervention group received a decision-aid booklet and an individual counseling session. In addition, the data were gathered before and eight weeks after the intervention using demographic and obstetric questionnaires and a checklist of behavior change stages. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS24. Results: According to the sequential logistic regression test, women who received the decision-aid-based consultation underwent breast control, breast clinical examination, and mammography significantly more than the control group (P < 0. 001). Conclusions: In general, intervention programs with presenting decision-aid-based counseling could change women’ s screening behaviors because such programs increase their knowledge about the benefit and harms of a decision in relation to a choice such as doing mammography.

Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common multifactorial disease that deteriorates articular cartilage in the elderly. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells have been introduced as candidates for OA treatment but some researchers showed that implantation of stem cells into the lesion site of patients can lead to some side effects. Accordingly, many scientists switch their field of research to the application of stem cells supernatant. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether supernatant of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can result in the expression of cartilage-specific genes in chondrocytes. Materials and Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from adipose tissue and their supernatant was collected and added to chondrocytes. After 3 days, chondrocytes were prepared for expression of collagen type II, sox9, COMP and aggrecan genes using real-time RT-PCR. Results: Data analysis showed that in the presence of ASCs conditioned medium (CM), the gene expression level of collagen II, sox9, and aggrecan did not change but that of the COMP significantly increased after 3 days. Conclusions: The obtained results may be related to the unknown factors secreted by stem cells and more investigations are necessary for understanding the exact mechanisms underlying these findings.

Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) are one of the most important health-related issues in the world. Lifestyle plays a remarkable role in preventing or developing such diseases. Therefore, given the importance of lifestyle as an influential factor in the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the rise of these diseases in younger ages, the aim of the current research was to investigate and compare various aspects of patients’ lifestyles on developing CAD and subsequently to contrast them with non-affected patients. Materials and Methods: This study included 368 people who were equally divided into four groups of under 45-years-old coronary and non-coronary disease, as well as 45-years and older coronary and non-coronary disease. The participants were selected by means of the convenience sampling method from Madani heart center and Shohada hospital of Tabriz from March to June 2018. Non-coronary and coronary patients were matched in terms of gender and age (± 3 years) and data were collected using a 65-item lifestyle questionnaire through interviews. Results: The mean lifestyle scores were obtained as 103. 02 ± 12. 11, 123. 83 ± 10. 35, 99. 25 ± 0. 27, and 129. 02 ± 10. 65 for under 45-years-old coronary patients and their counterpart control group, as well as 45-years-old and older patients and their counterpart control group, respectively. Based on the results, there was a significant difference between coronary patients and non-coronary groups in both age categories (P < 0. 001). Finally, the comparison of the mean lifestyle scores between the under 45-year-old and the 45-year-old and older groups showed that the two groups only had a significant difference in the subscale physical activity and exercise (P < 0. 001) and dietary habits (P = 0. 009). Conclusions: In general, the risk factors for CAD in both age categories were similar except for lower physical activity and nutrition poorer in 45-year-old individuals. Accordingly, primary and secondary prevention, risk factor control, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle at family and society levels should start from childhood and adolescence.

Objectives: The principal mechanism of resistance in many clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus involves the inactivation of aminoglycoside antibiotics by aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs). The present study identified the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and the prevalence of AMEs among S. aureus strains. Materials and Methods: To carry out this cross-sectional research, a total of 100 S. aureus were gathered from the university hospitals in Khorramabad, Iran, from January to November 2017. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates was determined using the disk diffusion method according to the guidelines suggested by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. The samples were assayed to detect the presence of three AME genes by the use of a triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: The prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriage was 14.7% (50/340). In addition, 15%, 10%, 15%, and 8% of the total isolates were found to be resistant to gentamicin, amikacin, kanamycin, and netilmicin, respectively. Further, aac(6′)/aph(2′′), aph(3′)-IIIa, and ant(4′)-Ia genes were present in 17%, 12%, and 0% of the isolates, respectively. Based on the results, the double combination of aac(6′)/aph(2′′) and aph(3′)-IIIa genes were only observed among clinical-isolated strains (12/50, 24%), which predominantly were resistant to oxacillin (10/12, 83.3%). Eventually, the aac(6′)/aph(2′′) gene was found in all isolates that were phenotypically resistant to gentamicin and kanamycin. Conclusions: These findings indicated that resistance to aminoglycosides is significantly related to methicillin-resistance (P < 0.001). Due to the relatively high occurrence of the main genes modifying aminoglycosides in our region, it is recommended that clinicians combine aminoglycosides synergistically with other antibiotics such as beta-lactams in cases of empirical treatments.

Objectives: The stability and mobility function of dominant and non-dominant limbs are different. Considering the lack of any previous investigation in this regard, this study aimed to investigate the effect of limb dominancy on anticipatory postural adjustments and reaction time (RT) during gait initiation in healthy people. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy people with the right limb dominant participated in the study. The two stimuli of warning and response were used within a 2-second interstimulus interval. In addition, the participants were instructed to get ready to initiate walking as soon as they hear the warning stimulus and initiate gait immediately after hearing the response stimulus, followed by measuring the RT and duration of the anticipatory postural adjustment phase. Results: The RT was slower when a person initiated gait with the dominant limb as compared with the non-dominant limb and no significant differences were observed in anticipatory postural adjustment phase duration between the two limbs. Conclusions: In general, our findings demonstrated that information processing capacity for perception, motor planning, and selection of proper motor responses for movement initiation is affected by limb dominance.

Objectives: Sucralose is an artificial sweetener of sucrose, which is 600 times sweeter than sugar and produces low calories. Cipla is a commercial sweetener, which has sucralose and other various constituents. The present study evaluated the effects of Cipla on some biochemical factors of rats. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 24 male rats, which was randomly distributed to 4 groups of healthy control, diabetics control, treatment healthy, and diabetics treatment. Healthy and diabetic control groups were fed with a base diet. Healthy and diabetics treatment groups received sucralose through gavage 15 mg/kg daily for a month. Then, streptozotocin was administered intra-peritoneally (65 mg/kg one dose) to induce diabetes. At the end of the study, albumin, bilirubin, total protein, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of the serum were evaluated and the results were analyzed by SPSS 22. Results: The results indicated that the total proteins of the serum, albumin, and bilirubin, ALT, AST, and ALP were not different statistically in different groups (P>0. 05). Conclusions: In general, it was found that Cipla as a sweetener has not any side effects and has no negative effects on the liver function of the rat.