Iranian South Medical Journal
Year:2014 | Volume:17 | Issue:4|Papers Count:31

Background: Epigenetic reprogramming of somatic cells into embryonic stem cells has attracted much attention, because of the potential for stem cell transplantation and compatibility with recipient. However, the therapeutic application of either nuclear transfer or nuclear fusion of somatic cell has been hindered by technical complications as well as ethical objections. Recently, a new method is reported whereby ectopic expression of embryonic specific transcription factors was shown to induce fibroblasts to become embryonic like SCs (induced pluripotent stem cells). A major limitation of this method is the use of potentially harmful genome integrating viruses such as reto- or lentivirus. The main aim of this investigation was generation of human hematopoietic stem cells from induced fibroblasts by safe adenovectors carrying embryonically active genes.Material and Methods: Isolated fibroblasts from foreskin were expanded and recombinant adenoviruses carrying human Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, cMyc genes were added to culture. After formation of embryonic like colonies and cell expansion, they were transferred to embryonic media without bFGF, and embryoid bodies were cultured on stromal and non-stromal differentiation media for 14 days.Results: Expression of CD34 gene and antigenic markers, CD34, CD38 & CD133 in stromal culture showed significant difference with non-differentiation and non-stromal media.Conclusion: These findings show high hematopoietic differentiation rate of Adeno-iPS cells in stromal culture and no need to use growth factors. While, there was no difference between non-differentiation and non-stromal media.

Background: New strategies are needed to protect against Brucella melitensis infection. Subunit vaccines offer a promising approach because they can stimulate both cellular and humoral immunity, so high production of recombinant protein with less content of endotoxin is desired. In present study, we described a method for expression and purification of B.melitensis recombinant DnaK(rDnaK) and Omp31(rOmp31) proteins while less content of endotoxins were detected in final product.Material and Methods: Recombinant pET-dnak and pDEST-omp31 plasmids were transformed into competent expression host E.coli BL21 (DE3). After induction by IPTG, bacteria were grown at 20◦C for 22h. Then recombinant proteins were purified by Ni-NTA Agarose. Purification was done while two methods using Triton X-114 in washing steps and standard protocol (without detergent) were used in parallel.Results: rDnak and rOmp31 were purified by using Urea. We could obtain 20 and 8 mg recombinant proteins from rDnak and rOmp31 from 1 liter medium, respectively. The amount of endotoxins in final products was less content of 0.05 EU/mg. Furthermore, recovery of protein was up to 80% as compared to the standard protocol.Conclusion: The method used in this study, gives a product with very low extent of endotoxin, but 20% of recombinant proteins were lost. So we think the method described here can be used for purification and endotoxin removal of other recombinant proteins with similar physiologic properties.

Background: Progesterone as a reproductive hormone is studied in the brain structure. New studies are mainly about systemic injection and have shown that the progesterone has different effects on memory. But it is not clear if hippocampus is mediator of progesterone in reinforcement of memory and learning. So, the effects of intra-hippocampal injection of progesterone on passive avoidance memory and learning was studied in male Wistar rats.Material and Methods: Animals were divided in eightgroups as a control, saline, almond oil (as a vehicle) and progesterone groups (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 mg/Kg. body weight). All groups except the control were cannulated in left CA1 area by stereotaxic device. One week after recovery, all groups were trained by shuttle box and immediately after training different doses of progesterone in the volume of 0.5μL were injected through the cannula in CA1 of hippocampus and control groups received saline and almond oil at the same volume and condition respectively. After 48 hours passive avoidance memory and learning was evaluated.Results: Statistical analysis showed that 0.5, 1.5, 2 mg/ml progesterone groups had significantly improved passive avoidance learning and memory compared with saline group (p<0.001), but 1 and 3 mg/ml progesterone groups did not show significant effect on passive avoidance learning and memory compared with saline group. Also almond oil increased passive avoidance learning and memory compared with saline group (p<0.001).Conclusion: It seems that effects of progesterone as a neurosteroid on memory and learning depend on its dose. Also almond oil contains vitamin E, omega 3 and oleic acid that has beneficial effects on learning and memory.

Background: In recent years frequency of skin allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and urticaria is reported to be high in the region. Identification of reactive allergens in different areas are very important in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of common allergens in patients with skin allergies in province of Bushehr with regards to eczema and urticaria.Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 234 patients with urticarial and eczema were enrolled. The participants reacted to at least one allergen with SPT. Skin prick test with standard inhaled and food was performed on patients according to the herbal geography of the area.Results: Among 837 patients referred to allergy clinic, 91 patients had eczema and 143 had urticaria. The frequency of both eczema and urticaria was significantly higher in females than in males. The most common food allergens in patients with eczema were almond (56.6%), walnut (47.7%) and soybean (46.1%). And in patients with urticaria were almond (58%), walnut (53.1%) and tomato (48.2%). Also, aeroallergens in the subjects were house dust mite (HDM) (63.7%), Russian thistle (57.7%) and Alternaria alternara (51.6%). Meanwhile, the common aeroallergens in the patients were HDM (66.4%), Russian thistle (52.4%) and date palm (51%).Conclusion: Our findings indicated that almond and walnut are important food allergens in participants with eczema and urticaria. Moreover, SPT reactivity was positive with aeroallergens such as HDM and weeds.

Background: H. pylori infection is associated with gastritis and marked infiltration of the gastric mucosa by inflammatory cells secreting of several cytokines that contribute to maintain and expand the local inflammation. Different clinical expressions of the infection may reflect different patterns of cytokine expression. Interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17, IL-23, and IL-18 have been reported to be involved in H. pylori-induced gastric mucosal inflammation, but the details and relation to different patterns of inflammation remain unclear.Materials and Methods: Analysis of IL-18 RNA transcripts was performed by real-time PCR. Total RNA was extracted from gastric biopsies of 56 H. pylori-infected patients, 50 H. pylori-negative patients with gastritis, by biozol reagent according to the manufacturer's instructions. CDNA was synthesized from 1 mg of total RNA using First Strand cDNA Synthesis Kit (fermentas) and 3 μL cDNA was amplified by PCR using the 2x Rotor-Gene Probe PCR Master Mix (QIAGEN) and specific primers for each cytokine and β-actin.Results: IL-18 mRNA expression was significantly increased in biopsies of H. pylori-infected patients compared to H. pylori-uninfected individuals.Conclusion: IL-18 may play an important role in the inflammatory response and promoting gastric Th1 responses to H. pylori colonization, and may ultimately influence the outcome of H. pylori-associated diseases that arise within the context of gastritis.

Background: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most prevalent thyroid neoplasm which includes papillary and follicular cell carcinoma. Exposure to ionizing radiation is a predisposing factor for developing DTC. Non Homologous End Joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway is important one among DNA repair pathways which rejoins ends of broken DNA strands. XRCC4 gene is one of the most important genes in this pathway and G>A polymorphism in acceptor site of splicing site of its intron, causes truncated protein production. The aim of this study was assay presence any relationship between this polymorphism and differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).Material and Methods: In this case-control study, by using PCR-RFLP method, rs1805377 SNP of XRCC4 gene was analyzed in total of 172 DTC patients and 195 cancer free individuals who admitted in Shariate Hospital of Tehran. The frequencies of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in case and control groups were compared. Also, risk ratio of having DTC in genotypes was assyed using regression analysis.Results: Current results showed no significant differences in genotypes between case and control groups (p-value: 0.588, OR= 1.52, 95% CI: 0.3349-6.9638). Also, dichotomized genotypes in DTC and control groups showed no significant results.Conclusion: Although the results showed potential association of A genotype with DTC risk, but these findings should be replicated in other studies with larger sample sizes.

Background: Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease and is considered to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. LigB is an immunogenic outer membrane protein. The leptospiral ligB gene expressed only in pathogenic Leptospira spp. The aim of this study was molecular diagnosis of pathogen Leptospires by PCR based on ligB gene.Materials and Methods: Five pathogenic Leptospires: L. canicola, L. grippotyphosa, L. pomona, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. serjoe hardjo and saprophytic L. biflexa were used in this study. The bacteria were inoculated into the selective culture medium and extraction of the genomic DNA was performed by standard Phenol-Chlorophorm method. The specific primers for proliferation of ligB gene were designed. The specificity and sensitivity of PCR method was evaluated.Results: PCR product was 1041bp which indicated proliferation of ligB gene which was supported using electrophoresis. The PCR based on ligB gene detected all pathogenic reference serovars of Leptospira spp. tested. No PCR products were amplified from the non-pathogenic L. biflexa.Conclusion: Considering the spread of Leptosperosis in moderate and hot areas which have high rate of fall, a proper molecular diagnostic test with high specificity and sensitivity such as PCR is essential. PCR assay with high specificity and sensitivity may prove to be a rapid method for diagnosing acute leptospirosis. The results suggested that the PCR based on ligB gene can be used for detection of pathogenic leptospires.

Background: Some of the studies showed that related to memory and Hippocampus- dependent learning, relation after take Bromocriptine (as D2 agonist) and Haloperidol (as D2 antagonist), there is no investigation concerning the effects of these two drugs on Hippocampus size and number of Asterocyt’s cell . The aim of this study is to investigation the probable effects of Bromocriptine and Haloperidol on learning activities and Hippocampal size and number of Asterocyte in male Rats.Materials and Methods: 45 male Rats of Sprague-Dawley race with the body weight of 220±20 gr have been selected randomly and divided to 5 groups (each one consists of 9 rats). The studied groups have been received 5 and 10 mg/kg/day and 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day Bromocriptine and Haloperidol respectively and as daily Intra peritunial injections for one month. At the end of this period, spatial memory of different groups has been tested by Morris water maze. Then, the rats were anesthetized, and their brains have been fixed by intra cardiac fixator injection and then the brain was removed. The hippocampus serial sections of 7 mm have been prepared. 10 samples have been chosen systematically from 100 and were evaluated. Volume estamination was done by Cavalier principle method.Results: for the groups which received maximal dose of Haloperidol and Bromocriptine, it took long time and high distances to reach Morris water maze which indicated of week learning ability of these two groups. Furthermore, comparing to control, these two groups had small sized right Hippocampus. It took short time and low distances for the groups which received low dose of Haloperidol and Bromocriptine which indicated bether learning ability of these two groups and comparing to control one, these two groups had large sized Hippocampus. At the other hand, consumption of Haloperidol and Bromocritine with low and high dose in comparison with control group had increase and reduces in asterocytes cell respectivly.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the low dose consumption of Haloperidol & Bromocriptine not only affects the learning positively, but also increases the Hippocampus volume and the number of asterocytes.

Background: Diabetes is associated with many metabolic disorders such as changes in adipokines like Vaspin and Chemerin. Effects of aerobic training on these adipokines in diabetic women is less studied. So, the aim of the present study was to survey effects of two aerobic training protocols on Vaspin, Chemerin and lipid profile in women with type 2 diabetes.Material and Methods: In a semi-experimental research design 36 women with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into three groups: daily aerobic training group, five weeks training (n=12), every other day aerobic training group, 10 weeks training (n=12) and control group. Aerobic training was conducted with an intensity of 60%-70% of maximum heart rate for 30-60 min. per session. Measurements and blood sampling were taken before, after 5 weeks and 10 weeks of training protocol. Data were analysed using a repeated measures analysis of variance and one-way ANOVA. The test significance level was taken as p<0.05.Results: Our measurements did not have a significant effect on weight (P=0.05), body fat percent (P=0.54), BMI (P=0.65) and Vaspin (P=0.59). Also, 10 weeks of every other day aerobic training did not have a significant effect on weight (P=0.35), body fat index (P=0.30), BMI (P=0.27), Vaspin (P=0.67) but significantly reduced Chemerin concentration (P=0.001). However, five weeks of daily aerobic exercise training did not have a significant effect on any indicators were mmeasured.Conclusion: Five weeks of daily aerobic training and 10 weeks of every other day aerobic training does not have a significant effect on of Vaspin concentration and lipid profile in women with type 2 diabetes. It seems that for the effectiveness of aerobic training, these patients should perform these trainings within a prolonged duration.

Background: Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is a main enzyme which plays a major role in activating and detoxifying many xenobiotics, carcinogens and drugs. Available studies suggest that CYP2E1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are involved in the risk of developing certain cancers after exposure to carcinogens. The purpose of the present study was to assess genotype and allele frequencies of polymorphic CYP2E1*5B in the Iranian population.Material and Methods: This study was performed on 200 healthy individuals (female: 100, male: 100) in medical laboratories of Ahvaz during 2011. The CYP2E1 *5B (rs3813867; G-1293C) assessment was carried out using PCR-RFLP method. The data were analyzed with ĸ2 and hardy-Weinberg Equation statistically methods.Results: The frequency of *1A/*1A (c1/c1), *1A/*5B (c1/c2) and *5B/*5B (c2/c2) genotypes was computed 97, 3 and 0 percent, respectively. The frequency of *1A (c1) and *5B (c2) alleles was computed 98.5 and 1.5 percent, respectively. No statistically significant difference was between two genders (p>0.05).Conclusion: The genotype distribution and allele frequencies of CYP2E1*5B polymorphism were similar to Turkish and some of the European populations. However, there are significant interethnic differences when the Iranian population is compared with the Eastern Asian, American and some of the European populations. The allelic distribution of this polymorphism did not vary with gender.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection may contribute to the development of extra-gastrointestinal manifestations like cardiovascular diseases. Detection of Helicobacter pylori in Athrosclerotic plaques is a strong evidence for this association which may play a role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with classic cardiovascular risk factor such as hypertension and lipid profile. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of H. pylori infection on lipid profiles in a large community- based study.Material and Methods: A total of 1754 (50.8% Female & 49.2% male) subjects (age >25 years old) were selected randomely from Monica Healthy Heart Study project. H. pylori status was determined by IgG ELISA method. Subjects with titers > 30 Iu/ml were cansidered seropositive. Data were analazed by using statistical software Spss version 18 and probability values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: In multiple logistic regression analyses H.pylori infection did not show significant association with Lipid profiles (low HDL- cholesterol and High LDL- cholesterol) after controlling for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, smoking and circulating hsCRP levels.(P>0.05). Conclusion: According to this large – scale population- based study in large northern cities of Persian Gulf, there was no significant association between H.pylori IgG seropositivity and lipid profiles in both men and women.

Background: RFLP-IS6110 standard technique to genotyping M. tuberculosis.The aims of this study were to identify the genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis population in Markazi province and to recognize the mode of disease transmission in this region.Material and Methods: The RFLP results of 42 isolates of M. tuberculosis deposited in the Mycobacterial Centre from Markazi province were analyzed. DNAs isolated from these isolates were enzyme digested with Pvu II, and hybridized with a PCR amplified DIG-labeled IS6110 probe.Results: The isolates were classified into four groups, based on the copy numbers, as follows: (1) lacking IS6110 element; (2) low copy numbers (1-2); (3) intermediate copy numbers (3-5); and (4) high copy number (6-17). Copy numbers higher than 17 however were not observed in any of the isolates studied, 72 percent of the isolates showed high copy numbers of IS6110, 13 percent intermediate copy numbers,10 percent low copy numbers, whereas 5 percent isolates lacked IS6110 element. Conclusion: IS6110 DNA fingerprinting assisted us to find epidemiological links between some TB cases, and this technique estimates from reactivation of latent infection transmission of the disease in Markazi province. The low rate of clustering indicates that tuberculosis among studied population is resulted mainly from reactivation of latent infection in this region.

Background: Toxic fumes generating during soldering contains various contaminants. The aim of the study was to determine toxic effects of solder fumes in thickness of semniferous tubule in Rat.Materials and Methods: 48 male adult rats were randomly divided into experimental (n=30) and control (n=18) groups. Based on exposure time, each group was further divided into three subgroups such as 2, 4 and 6 weeks. The concentrations of toxic fumes were measured by standard method. Rats of experimental group were exposed to solder fumes for 1 hour/day. According to time table rats of experimental and control subgroups were killed. After fixation of testis, paraffin sections were stained by Hematoxylin & Eosin. The thicknesses of germinal epithelium were measured and data were analyzed by SPSS software version 17 with Mann Whitney test.Results: The results showed that the concentration of fumes was 0.193 mg/m3 for formaldehyde, 0.35 mg/m3 for Stanum (Sn) and 3 mg/m3 for Pb. Although there was no significant difference for weight of rats’ testis between control and experimental subgroups, there was only a significant difference for the thickness of germinal epithelium between 6 week experimental and control subgroups ( p<0.02).Conclusion: The results of study showed that solder fumes can change the structure and thickness of seminiferous epithelium in experimental groups in a time dependent manner.

Background: The members of the genus Acinetobacter are Gram-negative cocobacilli that are frequently found in the environment but also in the hospital setting where they have been associated with outbreaks of nosocomial infections such as meningitis, endocarditis, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infection, conjunctivitis, burn wound infection and bacteremia. This organism has been shown resistance to different antimicrobial agents. The aim of this study was to determination antibiotic resistance profile of Acinetobacter strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Taleghani hospital (Ahvaz, Iran).Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 43 Acinetobacter strains isolated from hospitalized patients. Clinical specimens were cultured on microbiological media. Subsequently, drug susceptibility test was performed using the disc diffusion method according to CLSI recommendations. Results: Acinetobacter strains were isolated from different specimens consisting biopsy 24 (55.8%), wound 13 (30.2%) and blood 6 (14%). In antimicrobial susceptibility testing, colistin exhibited the greatest activity (60.5%) against isolated strains. 33 (76.7%) isolates demonstrated resistance to imipenem.Conclusion: In outbreak situations, surveillance cultures of patients involved in the outbreak or who are deemed at risk for colonization/infection with the outbreak organism are often parts of the planned intervention.

Background: This study was carried out to determine the oil content and of fatty acids in stem, leave and seed of halophyte plant (Suaeda vermiculata ) locally called “Tahma” growing along the shorelines of the Persian Gulf in Bushehr Province.Material and Methods: The total oil and fatty acid contents of leaves, stem and root were extracted in n-hexane using Soxhlet and the fatty acid compositions were determined by FID- Gas chromatography. Results: The amount of oil content ranged from 0.68 to 1.74% by dry weight. The lowest present was for in stem and the highest for leave respectively. A total of 11 fatty acids were detected in leave, stem and root of which 8 were saturated and 3 unsaturated. The major saturated fatty acid in leave and stem was palmitic but in the seed was margaric acid. Also, the major unsaturated fatty acids in leave, seed and stem were oleic, linoleic and linolenic respectively. Our results also showed the presence of fatty acids such as plargonic, palmitic and stearic in all of the above organs, which the plargonic was dominant in leave but palmitic, linoleic and stearic in stem.Conclusion: Analysis of results showed that in the seeds of S. vermiculata the major saturated fatty acid is margaric and the major unsaturated fatty acid is linoleic. Also it was shown that the amount of saturated fatty acids in the seed were more than unsaturated fatty acids.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections are a major challenge to patient. A range of gram-negative organisms are responsible for hospital-acquired infections, the Enterobacteriaceae family being the most commonly identified group overall. Infections by ESBL producers are associated with severe adverse clinical outcomes that have led to increased mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and rising medical costs. The aim of this study was to survey profile of antimicrobial susceptibility isolated microorganisms from hospitalized patients in PICU ward and detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and ESBL-producing bacteria by phenotypic methods.Material and Methods: In this study participants were patients hospitalized in PICU part of Bahrami Hospital, Tehran, with attention to involved organ. For isolation of bacteria from patient’s samples, culture performed on different selective and differential media. After confirmation of bacteria by biochemical tests, susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion method. Phenotypic detection of MRSA strains was performed using cefoxcitin disc. ESBL producing strains were detected by ceftazidime (CAZ) and ceftazidime/clavulanic acid (CAZ/CLA) discs.Results: Among all isolated organisms from clinical samples, the most common isolated organisms were Escherichia coli (24 cases), Pseudomonas areoginosa (9 cases) and Staphylococcus aureus (8 cases), respectively. Among eight MRSA isolated strains from different clinical samples, six strains (75%) were MRSA. Among 52 isolated gram negative organisms, 5 strains (9/6%) were ESBL.Conclusion: Standard interventions to prevent the transmission of antimicrobial resistance in health care facilities include hand hygiene, using barrier precautions in the care of colonized and infected patients, using dedicated instruments and equipment for these patients. The colonized or infected patients should be isolated in single rooms, multibed rooms or areas reserved for such patients. Active surveillance screening is necessary to identify asymptomatically colonized patients who may serve as undetected reservoirs.

Background: Chemical gas, especially sulfate mustard (SM) was used against Iranian forces repeatedly during the Iraq war. Gas effects on various tissues within the body depend on amount and duration of exposure. According to the prevalence of oral lesions, this study was conducted in Zahedan city on the chemical warfare.Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 70 patients. After obtaining the patient's consent form, a demographic questionnaire was completed by patients and the patients were examined. If there was soft tissue lesions, the cases were examined more closely. All data were collected on special forms and statistical analysis was performed by the SPSS computer program.Results: Among the 82 patients, 52 patients were with oral lesions and 18 patients were with healthy oral mucosa. The most common oral lesions seen in the study were pigmentation (52.8 %), ulcer (42.8%) and bleeding and gingival enlargement (34.2 %) and white lesions [picking (28.5 %) and Peel off (22.8 %)], respectively.Conclusion: The most common lesion sites were in the gums and tongue. Many patients referring were not informed of the lesions in their mouth and this problem emphasizes that the periodic oral examinations are required by specialists.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating disease of the CNS in which autoimmunity to myelin plays a role in pathogenesis. Infection with common viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is postulated to contribute to the pathobiology of MS. Epidemiological studies suggest an association between infection with EBV and risk of MS. To characterize the IgG antibody to the EBV capsid antigen (EBV VCA), we investigated in a group of 21 patients with MS and 105 age and sex matched controls from Kahrizak.Material and Methods: The prevalence of anti-EBV VCA IgG was measured by three tests that comprise two Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and one Indirect Immunfluorescence assay (IFA). The data as mean, percentages and graphs were reported and Student t-test analysis was performed. SPSS software, 15th version, was used for this purpose.Results: By Indirect Immunfluorescence assay (IFA), the seropositivity rate of anti-EBV VCA IgG in MS patients was 100%, compared with 93.5% in controls. Both our home made ELISA VCA IgG and commercial ELISA VCA IgG kit display in MS patients group 95.2%, compared with 90.4% and 91.4% respectively by two ELISA test in controls group. In ELISA tests, optical density of serum samples was significantly higher in MS patients than in controls. In addition to, in the IFA assay the percentage of positive fluorescent cells with serum samples from MS patients was greater compared to the control group.Conclusion: The results suggest that EBV has a significant seroepidemiologic association with MS.

Background: Urinary tract infection, as a risk factor for adverse maternal and prenatal outcomes, is one of the most common bacterial infections during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of urinary tract infection and its associated risk factors in pregnant women.Material and Methods: In a cross-sectional analytical study a total 2496 pregnant women who were underwent prenatal care through July 2011 in three rural and six urban health centers of Ardabil city, were selected by multistage sampling. Data collection was performed using a self designed questionnaire from women's prenatal care records, 240 pregnant women with positive urine culture were considered as a case group and the remaining as a control group. Data were analyzed through Kruskal – Wallis, Chi-square and Stepwise Logistic Regression statistical tests using SPSS version 16.Results: The incidence of urinary tract infection was 9.7%. Low socioeconomic status ( p=0.021, OR= 2.338, CI= 1.138-4.766),distance between pregnancies less than 3 years( p=0.026, OR= 2.137, CI= 1.093-4.141),and hyperemesis gravidarum( p=0.039, OR=2.06, CI= 1.038-4.098)were determined as risk factors that significantly contribute to urinary tract infection in pregnant women.Conclusion: We conclude that appropriate distance between pregnancies, intensive care of pregnant women with low socioeconomic status and hyperemesis gravidarum may significantly prevent urinary tract infection and its related adverse health effects among pregnant women.

Background: People who live or work in high background radiation areas are subjected to high background radiation dose for long time, with low dose. The biological effect of low dose of radiation in long time and also background radiation is unknown and the mechanism of biological responses to these radiation doses has remained largely unclear. To investigate chronic radiation effects, parameters should be noticed; those have a little but important change in biological system. Body trace element in this regards have an important roles. Trace element plays an important role in vital processes and acceptable ranges of these elements for physiological process are limited.Material and methods: In this study 30 participants of hot springs permanent employee area in mahalat (mean background dose : 21.6 mSiv) were selected as a sample group and 30 persons with similar social class and normal background dose, not engaged in any type of radiation work, selected as control group. Five ml of blood sample was taken from each participant and after preparation of samples, the concentration of elements: copper, iron, zinc and magnesium were measured with atomic absorption spectrometry. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.Results: The average concentration of copper, iron, zinc and magnesium in employee group was 0.67±0.11, 1.54±0.41, 1.76±0.34, 19.78±1.42 and in control group was 0.78±0.06, 1.06±0.15, 0.85±0.05, 20.34±0.57, respectively. Copper concentration in employees was lower than that of control group, although zinc and iron had significant increase in employee group. Magnesium average concentration in employee was lower than that of control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Statistically (p<0.05) increase in Fe and Zn ratio and decrease in Cu ratio in employee group was found.Conclusions: Although the value of radiation doses of hot springs Permanent employee (chronic doses) is low, but it can change the concentrations of body trace elements, which are important from biological points of view. In this study increases in average concentrations of Zn and Fe and decreases in Cu of employee was observed compared to control group. The genetic diversity, nutritional factors and case sensitivity may be important factors in this regards. This study showed that the lifelong exposure to high background levels of radiation can affect the trace element concentrations and each value of radiation doses can be dangerous.

Background: Water-borne, indissoluble heavy metals are bioaccumulated in fish (human food source). In this research, chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) bioconcentration factors (BCFs) in the skin, gills, scales, livers and muscles of two widely-consumed fish species, scaled common carp Cyprinus carpio and scaleless catfish Pangasius hypophthalmus were compared.Material and Methods: Lethal concentrations of Cd and Cr (64.89 & 7.46, and 84.8 & 17.05 mg/L for the catfish and carp, respectively) were determined during 96 hrs (96 h LC50), and the fishes were exposed for 15 days. Then the tissue samples were chemically digested and the contents of Cd and Cr were determined using atomic absorption.Results: Total contents of Cr and Cd in the catfish's tissues were 2286.11 & 360.73, and those of Cr & Cd in carp were 734.71 & 725.67 mg/g.dw (excluding the scales), respectively. Metal concentrations in the water residues (day 15) revealed lower Cr and Cd (0.059 & 0.0036 mg/L) in the catfish than those in the carp media (0.1 & 0.0412 mg/L, respectively). In common carp, BCF of Cd was as liver > skin > gills > muscle > scales, and those in the catfish marked as liver>muscle >gills >skin. The BCF of Cr in common carp ranked as gills>liver>skin>scales>muscle, and the catfish showing a BCF pattern of Cr as liver> muscle>skin>gills.Conclusion: This study signifies that small amounts of cadmium and chromium with high BCFs especially in the muscles of scale less fish (catfish) threat consumers’ health.

Background: schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder in which a lot of cognitive functions including memory, attention, motor skills, executive functions and intelligence are compromised. Numerous empirical studies showed that schizophrenic patients have problem in sustain retention and memory activity. The objective of this study was a comparison between effectiveness of three types of music on memory activity and sustain retention in schizophrenic patients.Material and Methods: A total of 60 schizophrenic patients (30 males , 30 females) 18-48 years old were selected from available sampling frame. Participants were otherwise healthy except for schizophrenia. Wechsler Memory Scale and cognitive diagnostic battery Kay test were taken from all subjects. Then patients were randomly divided into three experimental groups (Iranian classic, western classic and pop music) and three control groups. There were 10 participants (5 male, 5 female) in each group. After taking these tests, music therapy course was performed on experimental groups. After music therapy sessions were completed, tests were taken again from groups.Results: Covariance analysis results indicated that music therapy is overall effective on memory activity. But type of music had no effect in improving memory activity. There wasn’t significant difference between groups considering type of music. Furthermore, covariance analysis showed that music therapy is totally effective on sustain retention and type of music is effective in this intervention. Pop music had the most effectiveness on schizophrenic patients in improving sustain retention.Conclusion: Performing music therapy improves memory and retention. More over, using pop music particularly has the most effect in improving sustain retention in schizophrenic patients.

Background: Quarterly Ammonium Compounds (QuAC) are the more effective antimicrobial agents in medicine and industry. It needs to produce the new compounds with the wider spectrum and less toxicity, because of microbial resistance. Aim of this study was microbiological Evaluation of the new Quarterly Ammonium Compounds produced by Structural modifications on some bacteria, yeast and fungi.Material and Methods: 16 Quat salts were designed and made in Ethanol or Aceto Nitril. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined by standard method on Nutrient Broth and Minimal agar culture media for bacteria, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for fungi and Nutrient Agar and Saboro Dextrose Agar (SDA) for yeasts.Results: Compounds 2,7,8,9,12,13 has the more antimicrobial effect ( minimum of MIC). Furthermore, it was shown that MIC was unrelated to culture compounds. In yeast culture it must to increases the concentration in enriched media. Compounds 9,12 and 13 has the more antibacterial effect as well as antifungal effect.Conclusion: In comparison of structure of produced compounds and results of the study, it was revealed that radical R3 has the most important role in antimicrobial properties of Quats and it could to be substitute any suitable group related to increasing anti microbial effects.

Background: One of the venomous fishes of Persian Gulf is a type of stonefish called blackfin stonefish (Pseudosynanceia melanostigma) that is very poorly-known. This fish lives on the muddy bottoms of marine shallow waters and have venomous spines on its stone like body. The envenomation usually is happened by unwanted contact of human body to its body and the proteinic venom is injected into the skin. Upon the venom entrance to the body various symptoms and signs will occur that their intensity depends on the venom amount.The aim of study is the understanding of some pharmacological impacts of blackfin stonefish for future studies.Material and Methods: A total of 18 male laboratory rats were divided into three groups of control, second and third and envenomed by sub lethal doses (1/3 LD50 and ½ LD50) intravenously and the serum enzymes namely Creatine Phosphokinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Glutamate-Oxaloacetate Transaminase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase , Alkaline Phosphatase and Amylase, serum electrolytes namely Sodium. Potassium and Calcium and also complete blood cells of control and experimental rats were measured.Results: The serum enzymes levels, potassium and calcium levels and withe blood cells count in envenomed rats by blackfin stonefish crude venom in compare with control rats had significant increase while the haemoglobin level, red blood cells count and also serum sodium level had significant decrease (p<0.001).Conclusion: The increase in hepatomascular enzyme levels, and the decrease in haemoglobin level can be a probable marker of the presence of rhabdomyolysis, haemolysis and also hepatotoxicity activities in the blackfin stonefish venom and that needs to the histopathologic studies in these systems.

In recent years, many progresses have been made in the field of the stem cell researches that is a promising novel therapeutic strategy for the incurable disease. These cells exist in all multicellular organisms, having an ability to divide and differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types and they also can replace the lost and damaged cells. Stem cell’s property of self-renewal and their potency have been proposed a promising usage of these cells in the future in regenerative medicine, cell therapy and drug researches. Recent technologies provide an unlimited source of autologous and non-autologous stem cells. Stem cell therapy has some restrictions so further research to improve our biological understanding is essential. In present paper, basic concepts, applications, limitations and the prospect of using stem cells for future use have been reviewed.

Background: The oceans as ‘mother of origin of life’ are a unique source that provide a various collection of natural products from sponges, tunicates, bryozoans, algae and molluscs as well as cyanobacteria and the other marine organisms. In the past few decades, a significant number of marine natural products with potent pharmacological properties have been discovered from these organisms. Here, we evaluate the history of drug discovery and theire development, from sea natural compounds, providing an outlook into the future.Material and Methods: For our aims, we collected the data for this review by searcheing pubmed (in 2014. 26.06), Marine Lit in addition to archives of ISMJ site through google. Search terms were “marine venoms to drugs” and “marine bioactive compounds” for pubmed, and a total of 69 papers were found, that 50 more related articles were selected. From Search terms of “marine bioactive compounds to drugs” and “marine bioactive compounds” in Marine Lit were obtained, 67 and 105 English-language papars, respectevily; that in the end 99 articles were selected. In addition from search for “marine bioactive compounds in bpums or ISMJ” 11 related publications were selected.Results: At the present time, specific bioactive compounds such as cytarabine are accessible in market; some of them are present in different phases of the clinical trials, Phase I, Phase II or Phase III , as wll as in the preclinical pipeline, or either expected to be approved soon. Many marine products are useful for cancer, chronic pains, infectious diseases, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), arthritis, inflammations, and the other therapeutic paybacks.Conclusion: The authors believe that the sea can be a promising drug discovery for patients who have disappointed and give up of land resources. History of these compounds shows that initial efforts that led to the isolation of active compounds; can be the start point for the next stage of their development. Therefore, any research with a certain purpose, though seemingly small, can be a preface to the discovery of a new drug. A comparison as the antiquity of a few decades the pharmaceutical science with marine resources, than their several thousand years antiquity in the mainland, Can guess “What has accelerated the speed of their progress”.

Background: Sound pollution causes kidney damage in adult but this effect of sound exposure on the fetus is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find the effect of noise on the structure and volume of fetal kidney.Materials & methods: A total of 32 pregnant mice were divided into four groups. Pregnant mouse in experimental groups were exposed to load 100 dB continuous noise stress, 2.5 hour per day. After birth, fetus kidneys were removed at days 7 and 14. Tissues processing were performed, and sections with 0.5 micron thickness were prepared with orientator method. Total volume and volume of cortex and medulla were calculated according to Cavalier principle. Amount of matrix, inflammatory reaction and necrosis were evaluated by Knodell Scoring system.Results: The results show that there was no significant difference between the volume of different parts of kidney in experimental and control groups (P<0.05). Microscopic evaluations also revealed that sound wave has no effect on the histological structure of kidney.Conclusion: It seems that sound wave has no effect on structure and volume of kidney.