Koomesh
Year:2021 | Volume:23 | Issue:1 (81)|Papers Count:21

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is common musculoskeletal disorder in today's societies, which lead to inducing chronic pain and consequently pathological changes in brain function in most of the patients. Therefore, using effective intervention for controlling chronic pain in patients with LBP is very important. According to the evidence, some studies indicated that pain intensity is decreased by application of trans-cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the patients with CLBP. On the other hand, some studies showed that there were no significant effects on pain intensity in these patients. The aim of this study was to systematically review the studies which investigated the effects of tDCS intervention on pain intensity in patients with CLBP. Materials and Methods: The search was performed in databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, WOS, Proquest, MedLine, Scopus, Ovid, Chocrane and Science Direct with from 2000-2019. The quality of articles was assessed by Pedro scale. Results: Finally, from 177 articles, 7 articles were included in this systematic review study. The results indicated that using concurrent central and peripheral intervention or the condition of using tDCS alone was a key factor in the reporting of different findings among the included studies. The review of articles indicated that using tDCS alone has not significantly affected pain intensity, while tDCS along with peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) or training have a significant and lasting effects on pain intensity in patients with CLBP. Conclusion: TDCS along with peripheral interventions have positive and lasting effects on pain intensity in patients with CLBP. Therefore, it is suggested that tDCS will be used along with peripheral interventions to control pain intensity in patients with CLBP.

Introduction: Anxiety is highly comorbid in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), contributing to considerable impairments. In this account, the aim of study was to explore the explanations of anxiety in children and adolescents with ASD in relevant literature. Materials and Methods: This study is an integrative literature review and 3 electronic databases-Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed – from 2000 to 2019 were searched using a comprehensive search strategy. As a result of this search, 576 articles retrieved. According to a PRISMA method and use of an inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 research papers were selected to enter the research. Results: According to the results of studies, 3 explanation have been found: The core symptoms of autism such as lack of social skills and Sensory Over-Responsivity underlie the anxiety in autism, Emotion regulation impairments underlie the anxiety in autism, and intolerance of uncertainty is a central factor in the emergence of anxiety in autism. Conclusion: Children with autism spectrum disorder have some cognitive deficits and different cognitive architecture. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to these features and defects in explaining anxiety in autism and to present a conceptualization of anxiety in autism based on cognitive features.

Lanthanides are a family of elements, commonly known as rare earth elements. Metal samarium as one of the most important member of this family, which plays very important roles in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, especially cancer. Several lanthanide complexes, samarium in particular, have shown anticancer effects on tumor cells. This paper is tried to review the biological properties and applications of Samarium salt and Samarium nanoparticles. Samarium is also used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to its paramagnetic properties. Samarium-containing compounds have also been used in osteoblastic metastases radiotherapy, a causative agent of cancer-induced bone pain, as an effective treatment agent for the treatment of bone marrow cancer, for drug delivery in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as a tracer in the drug delivery system in colon, as a therapeutic agent in patients with prostate and breast cancers, in radiotherapy of malignant liver cancer, and many other therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Antimicrobial (anti-bacterial and fungal) properties have also been observed in Samarium nanoparticles. According to excellent properties of samarium nanoparticle, it might be suggested that in future, the new drug delivery systems or diagnostic systems will be designed for treatment of various diseases.

Introduction: Simultaneously with the changes of techniques and skills, and the emergence of new phenomena in information communication technology, e-learning as a knowledge acquisition tool, rapidly is expanding, developing and evolving. On the other hand, due to environmental conditions and crises, the traditional education is encountered with serious threat, electronic (e)-learning is considered as a solution for the current challenge, but it is also an ideal opportunity for transforming the traditional training metho Materials and Methods: The present research aimed to formulate a conceptual pattern for e-learning for universities of medical sciences. This study was a qualitative using a grounded theory approach. The study population included university experts and faculty members in the field of educational technology, distance learning and medical education. A total of 30 participants were selected for this study through purposive sampling, the data was collected through semi-structured interviews. The systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin was conducted in three stages of open, axial and selective coding. The validity and reliability of the data were achieved through Lincoln and Guba criteria. Results: The results revealed that e-learning pattern for universities of medical sciences involved 4 main dimensions: academic, spatial regions, national (macro) and international. Also 22 components and 222 indicators have been extracted, and the final pattern was presented according to the mentioned factors. Conclusion: According to the findings, it is hope that by applying this pattern to meet the new needs of education and e-learning and take an effective step towards developing the e-learning and realizing the transformation and innovation plan in medical education. However, decent and large-scale government investment is necessary from the infrastructure, legal and support perspective for e-learning according to global developments in the near future.

Introduction: Sleep disorders are one of the most important problems in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methylphenidate has different effects on the sleep parameters of affected children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sleep status of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) before and after methylphenidate use. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 34 children (5 to 12 years) diagnosed with ADHD who referred to Ibne-Sina hospital in Mashhad city (Iran). The children were treated with methylphenidate for four weeks. Parents completed sleep status of children before and after the treatment by Children’ s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). The mean score of children's sleep status in 8 subscales was compared. Results: The results showed that most of the children were boys (60%) and their mean age was 8. 35± 2. 83 years. The mean score of sleep status of children before the treatment was 54. 47± 7. 22 and after the treatment with methylphenidate was 50. 38± 6. 19 which was significant (P<0. 001). The sleep status of children improved after treatment with methylphenidate on the subscales of resistance to sleep (P<0. 001), anxiety habits (P=0. 001), waking up at night (P=0. 002), and daytime sleepiness (P=0. 001). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that although methylphenidate consumption improves the sleep status of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, it is not effective in all sleep subscales. Conclusively, assessing the child's characteristics and sleep status before starting the treatment can be help to physicians to adjusting the dose to improve child's sleep and using the other methods of improving sleep.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the burden of breast cancer (DALY Index) trend in Iran and compare it with the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) and finally to predict the burden of this disease. Materials and Methods: Equalization of breast cancer burden trend in Iran and the EMR during the years 1990 to 2017 was tested using Cochrane Armitage method. The trend of changes in breast cancer burden in Iran and the EMR during this period was examined by three regression models and the best model was determined based on the model utility indicators. DALY index prediction between 2018 and 2027 was performed using exponential smoothing procedure. Results: Statistically, DALY index trend in Iran and the EMR did not differ significantly. In Iran, the DALY index in 2013 increased from equivalent index in the EMR. The trend of DALY index in Iran has increased rapidly from 2000 to 2015 and then, until 2017, the growth rate of this index decreased and according to the forecast from 2018 to 2027, a slight increase in this index will expect. In the EMR, the growth rate of the DALY index increased from 1990 to 2006 with a steady slope, then, by 2017, the slope of growth had slowed slightly and according to the forecast model, the trend of the DALY index until 2027 will be similar to the 2006 to 2017 period. Conclusion: Due to the increasing trend of breast cancer over the past years, as well as increasing prediction of this trend, preventive measures such as designing a regular screening program and training and lifestyle modification are recommended.

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in radiation treatment (RT) planning as well as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging owing to its superior soft-tissue contrast. Due to the fact that there is no direct transformation from voxel intensity in MR images into electron density, it's crucial to generate a pseudo-CT (Computed Tomography) image from MRI for the task of MR-guided attenuation correction and RT planning. This study set out to investigate the performance of two state-of-the-art atlas-based pseudo-CT generation approaches from MR brain images. Materials and Methods: Bone segmentation was performed on 43 brain CT and MR pairs using atlas-based local weighting (Atlas-LW) and atlas registration combined with pattern recognition (AT-PR) techniques. The accuracy of bone extraction performed by these two approaches was investigated for the entire bony structures as well as cortical bone using standard segmentation metrics such as Dice similarity (DSC). Moreover, the accuracy of the CT value estimated from MR images was evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE), and root mean square error (RMSE) metrics. Results: Overall, Atlas-LW technique exhibited higher segmentation accuracy resulting in DSC=0. 79± 0. 61 and 0. 84± 0. 03, while AT-PR method led to DSC=0. 72± 0. 8 and 0. 77± 0. 05 for cortical and total bone, respectively. Moreover, Atlas-LW approach estimated CT values for the total bone tissue with MAE=17. 6± 138. 0 HU and RMSE=466. 2± 75. 0 HU compared to MAE=-10. 9± 147. 0 HU and RMSE=522. 5± 89. 7 HU obtained from AT-PR approach. Conclusion: The Atlas-LW exhibited superior the performance in this study which demonstrates its potential to be employed in PET/MR attenuation correction (AC) and MR-only RT planning.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of open and closed kinematic chain exercises on the elbow joint proprioception in healthy teen-female volleyball players. Materials and Methods: Forty-five teen-female volleyball players participated in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups: open-kinematic chain (OKC), closed kinematic chain (CKC), and untrained (control) groups. The elbow joint position sense (JPS) was assessed at 30º of elbow flexion using a system comprise of skin markers and digital photography. The absolute angular error was calculated employing AutoCAD software before and after training programs. Results: The mean absolute error was not significantly different between three groups (P=0. 412) before trainings. However, there was a significant difference in absolute error between the groups after trainings (P=0. 042), and the higher absolute error difference in controls compared to the open kinematic chain group was found (P=0. 012). Conclusion: Although, both OKC and CKC were effective on elbow joint proprioception, it seems that OKC exercises would be more influence on improvement of the elbow joint proprioception accuracy and probably the better way for prevention of upper extremity sport injuries in volleyball players.

Introduction: Hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) is the second most commonly reported hospital infection and the most common infection in the intensive care unit (ICU). Identification of risk factors and determinants of prognosis in the occurrence of HAP and ways of prevention can be effective in reducing the incidence and mortality of these infections. In this way, we investigated, the incidence of HAP, its prognostic risk factors in adult patients admitted in intensive care unit of the Kosar Hospital in Semnan, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 283 patients over 18 years of age hospitalized in intensive care units of Kosar Hospital, Semnan, Iran during the period of 2018 years with the inclusion criteria for pneumonia were studied. Patients who were infected with infectious diseases at the time of admission to ICU and Patients who died or were discharged before 48 hours were excluded. Results: 59% of patients were male. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 64. 3 ± 20. 0 (18 to 96 years). 8. 5% had abdominal surgery, 6. 7% chest surgery, 27. 2% diabetes and 38. 9% had high blood pressure. 15. 9% ( 95%CI: 11. 720. 1%) were infected with pneumonia. Interestingly, Pneumonia was not associated with age, abdominal surgery, chest surgery, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The duration of having a nasogastric tube (P<0. 001) and connection to ventilator was significantly higher in patients with pneumonia (P<0. 001). Overall mortality in patients was 53. 4%. Mortality rate was 73. 3% in patients with pneumonia and 49. 6% in patients without pneumonia, and this difference was significant (P=0. 003). 62% of patients, with NG tube and 22. 6% of patients, without NG tube died and this difference was significant (P<0. 001). Increasing age also increases the risk of death (P<0. 001). Conclusion: The findings indicate a high incidence of pneumonia and mortality in hospitalized patients, which has a direct relation with the duration of the nasogastric tube, the connection to the ventilator and age. Therefore, special attention to such patients, especially older patients, is necessary to reduce the duration of nasogastric tube and connection to ventilator.

Introduction: Executive dysfunction has shown to be the shared property of many cognitive symptoms seen in autism. The Home Playtime Program (HPP) is a home-based tele-cognitive rehabilitation for targeting executive dysfunction in children with autism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and effectively of this intervention. Materials and Methods: This study followed a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design without group control. Seventeen parents of children with autism aged 24-55 months (Mean=37, SD=9. 1) were selected from Tehran Autism Center using available sampling method. Correspondingly, they received the HPP for 10 weeks. Preschool Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-parent form and A-Not-B test were used to measure executive function in the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Also, the Therapy Attitude Inventory (TAI) was completed by parents to assess their satisfaction with therapy. Persian version of Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test was applied to the children at the onset of the study. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analyses. Results: The findings indicated that the components of executive functions: inhibition, working memory, planning/organizing, inhibition self-control, flexibility and metacognition were significantly improved at post-test (P<0. 05). These positive changes, were not only sustained until follow-up, but also, some emotional control and change were even improved during the follow-up stage (P<0. 05). The parents were highly satisfied with the intervention. Conclusion: The current work provides some evidence in favor of the acceptability, feasibility and affectivity of the HPP on the executive functions of children with autism. In addition, it can easily be used under the current Coronavirus outbreak. Our service is ongoing, while the center is closed. Like many home-based interventions, the HPP shown to be ecologically valid and economically affordable. Thus, the HPP could be considered as a valuable inversion for executive dysfunction seen in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Introduction: Neuropathic pain has no definitive treatment and the socio-economic status and personality of patient is severely affected. Since the exercise and/or progesterone effect on Chronic Constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain has been studied and each individually have been able to improve neuropathic pain and as a part of its etiology is related to TNF-α production, we tried to test these factors on TNF-α production and electrophysiologic responses of sciatic nerve in neuropathic pain model in rat. Materials and Methods: 50 male Wistar rats were used in 5 groups. Experimental groups were including: 1-Sham, 2-CCI + Vehicle (VEH), 3-CCI + VEH + Exercise, 4-CCI + Progestrone and 5-CCI + Progestrtone + Exercise. The sciatic nerve CCI model of rat was used to induce chronic neuropathic pain in the respective groups. Some groups of animals treated by progesterone injections (6 mg/kg) or its vehicle from day 1 to day 12 after surgery. The exercise was started two weeks before surgery and again, one-week after that and lasted to day 12. Electrophysiological tests and blood sampling were done on day 13. Results: The results showed that co administration of progesterone for 12 days and moderate intensity exercise for 3 weeks before complete neuropathic pain evolution could prevent significantly TNF-α production and electrophysiologic (Tibial and sural nerve conduction velocity) abnormality compared to the CCI group as well as compared to the exercise or progesterone group alone. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that co-administration of progesterone and forced exercise before neuropathy development may prevent TNF-α production and neuropathic disease. Also, the results showed that the effects of co-administration of progesterone and forced exercise in preventing electrophysiologic abnormality may be additive.

Introduction: The high prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in today's societies indicates an urgent need for the development of methods that will help the early diagnosis of the disease. In this study, using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (1H-NMR) metabolomics, identification of altered and distinct metabolites in serum of the rat model of AD was performed compared with healthy controls with the aim of introducing potential markers and to further understand the mechanisms of the AD. Materials and Methods: Serum samples from 25 adult male rats (10 healthy and 15 AD) were collected and their metabolites were extracted and analyzed using 1H-NMR technique. Differential metabolite profile was then determined by multivariate statistical analysis. The behavioral screening of the model rats was performed by the paired-associated learning method. Results: The results of the behavioral study showed the impairment of memory abilities in AD rats. Differential metabolites between the two groups were identified by multivariate analysis methods such as OPLS and Random Forest. Importantly, the results showed that there were differences in the pathways related to energy and amino acid metabolism between the control group and the Alzheimer's model. Conclusion: This research opens new horizons to identify biomarkers and physiological pathways involved in Alzheimer’ s disease. The introduced metabolites must be confirmed by further studies and might be used as candidate biomarkers for early detection of the disease.

Introduction: There are various animal models to investigate neuropathic pain which the most usual one is chronic constriction injury method. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of neuropathic pain following chronic spiral suturing around the sciatic nerve without ligation as a new model. Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar male rats, weighting 180-220 gram randomly were divided into three groups as sham, chronic constriction injury (CCI), and chronic sciatic spiral suturing (CSS). CCI was performed by four loos ligation using catgut chromic suture around sciatic nerve. CSS was performed through spirally suturing of catgut chromic four times around the sciatic nerve without any ligation. In the sham group, muscle and skin were sutured after exposing the nerve. To determine mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, Von Frey filaments and plantar test devise were used respectively every four days during three weeks. Results: CCI led to significant mechanical allodynia (P<0. 01) and thermal hyperalgesia (P<0. 001) compared to sham group. On the other side CSS led to a transient mechanical allodynia (P<0. 05) but permanent thermal hyperalgesia (P<0. 001) in comparison with sham group. Considerably, the mechanical allodynia in the CCI group was reduced significantly (P<0. 01) against that in CSS group, however thermal hyperalgesia were the same in both of CCI and CSS groups. Conclusion: Chronic spiral suturing around the sciatic nerve without ligation led to thermal hyperalgesia as chronic constriction injury method, but unlike CCI method, led to a temporary mechanical allodynia.

Introduction: Bone marrow and immune cell transplants are a common method of treating some blood diseases around the world. However, due to the malfunction of the immune system, its use is not always effective. In this study, we evaluated the potential of culture stress in serum-free medium in regulating the immune system. Materials and Methods: Spleen immune cells were isolated from Balb/C and C57bl/6 mice using the Ficol gradient method. C57bl/6 mice splenocytes were cultured in serum starved and non-starved conditions at indicated time points. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Then the allogenicity of these cells was determined by mixed lymphocytic culture (in vitro model of bone marrow transplantation) with Balb/C mouse splenocytes and cell proliferation was then examined using MTT method and necessary photographs were prepared too. Results: The viability rate of starved immune cells after 72 h was 82. 1% of the control group. After 24h, the allogenicity of these cells decreased significantly compared to the control cells (P<0. 01). This decrease was more pronounced at 48h and 72 h (P<0. 0001). Even the response of Balb/C lymphocytes to stressed cells was less than that of background control, (P<0. 0001). Morphological findings clearly confirm this reduction. Conclusion: Serum starvation induced-stress decrease allogenicity and modulates immune cells allo-reactivity. In the future, the use of mouse model could shed light on the application of this technique in bone marrow transplantation.

Introduction: Functional defect in immune cells is the prominent feature in hematological malignancies that lead to the expansion of tumor cells. Using immunostimulatory cytokines is one of the new therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to investigate the effect of IL-27 on the activity of bone marrow-NK cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients in vitro. Materials and Methods: 10 ml of bone marrow aspirate samples were collected from 5 patients with CLL and isolated monocular cells using Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient. NK cells were then purified by MACS technique. The mononuclear cells were cultured in RPMI with or without recombinant human IL-27 (100ng/ml) for 48 hours. Expression of CD69 was assessed on purified and unpurified NK cells (BMCs) using flow cytometry. Also, purified NK cells were adjacent to the target cells as the K562 cell line in E: T ratios of 2. 5: 1, 5: 1 and 10: 1, then the target cell survival was assessed by flow cytometry using Annexin V/7-AAD. Results: The levels of CD69 expression on purified NK cells increased in IL-27 treated group in compared to the control (P=0. 05). However, the expression level of CD69 in unpurified NK cells did not significantly increase with IL-27 treatment (P=0. 06). Moreover, in the ratio of E/T: 10, the NK cell cytotoxicity rate increased significantly (P=0. 03), but this difference was not significant in the E: T ratios of 2. 5 and 5. Conclusion: IL-27 cytokine increased NK cell function and cytotoxic activity against malignant cells in CLL. The results of this study can be used in clinical trials in the future.

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. Following endothelial damage and platelet aggregation in that area and the recruitment of monocytes and their conversion to macrophages, LDL gradually accumulates under the endothelial artery wall and gradually oxidized and convert to oxi-LDL. By swallowing it, the macrophages turn into foam cell and then atheroma formation. Medicinal plant extracts are used to treat diseases due to their low side effects. Cinnamon water extract modulates macrophage activation and lowers cellular cholesterol and is useful in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Therefore, in this study, the inhibitory effect of cinnamon in preventing the foam cell formation in platelets and monocytes co-culture was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The cellular toxicity of cinnamon cassia water extract was assessed by the MTT test on the U937 (monocyte) cell line and the best dose was selected. The formation of foam cells was measured by Oil Red O staining and the expression of cholesterol receptor genes in macrophages using Real time PCR. Results: The data showed that the formation of foam cell when treating macrophages and platelets with cinnamon water extract compared to control, had a significant reduction. The expression of LXRα , CD36, ABCA1, and PPARY genes, as the output receptor, input, and nucleus of cholesterol in macrophages, increased significantly compared to control in samples treated with cinnamon(P<0. 05). Conclusion: Cinnamon water extract reduces the formation of foam cells and can be recommended in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Introduction: Maternal separation (MS) can lead to learning and memory deficits, and also the risk of addiction. On the other hand, physical activities may lead to long-term changes in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway and the hippocampus. This study was designed to examine the effect of swimming exercise on the spatial learning and memory and voluntary morphine consumption in maternally separated male and female rats. Materials and Methods: Rat pups were separated daily from their mothers for 3h during postnatal days 2– 15. All pups were weaned on day 21. The exercising rats were exposed to swimming exercise for 1 hour per day during postnatal days 28– 57. At the end of this period, rats were tested for the spatial learning and memory in the Morris Water Maze, and voluntary morphine consumption using a two‐ bottle choice paradigm. Results: We found that the MS male and female pups showed longer escape latencies to find the platform as training progressed than No MS/no swim rats. Also, swimming exercise shortened the latency to escape in the male and female MS pups than MS/no swim pups. MS and swimming had no effect on spatial memory in the probe test. Also, voluntary morphine consumption was higher in the male and female MS/no swim than No MS/no swim pups, while swimming exercise decreased it. Conclusion: Our results have shown that swimming exercise during adolescence may be of benefit for prevention of drug abuse and recovery from cognitive deficits following neonatal MS.

Introduction: Inflammatory processes has an important role in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS)’ s pathophysiology. Therefore, hampering the inflammatory factors could be an effective strategy in MS treatment. Piperine (the main alkaloid of black piper) has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study the pre-treatment effects of piperine on the gene expression level of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and myelin repair was investigated. Materials and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats (200– 250 g) in 4 experimental groups (1: Control, 2: LPC, 3: LPC+vehicle, 4: LPC+PP 5) were studied (n=8). The pre-treatment with piperine (5 mg/kg) started 2 weeks before demyelination induction by bilateral injection of lysolecithin into the CA1 regions of the hippocampus, until the end of experiment. Myelin repair process was analyzed with myelin specific staining. The evaluation of astrocyte activation was done by immunohistochemistry and the gene expression analysis for IL-1β , TNF-α , NF-kB, FOXP3, IL-10, BDNF and NGF in the hippocampal tissue was done by Real-time PCR technique. Results: Pre-treatment with piperine significantly decreased the extent of demyelination and increased myelin optical density. Moreover, glial activation and expression level of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β , TNF-α , NF-kB) were significantly decreased in the pre-treatment groups with piperine and the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines (FOXP3, IL-10) increased in the hippocampal tissue. The increased expression level of BDNF and NGF was also observed in the piperine pre-treated group. Conclusion: Piperine improved myelin repair process through reduction of inflammatory cytokines, glial activation and enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors.

Introduction: Metabolic disorders are affected by negative stress experiences in the early stages of life. Accordingly, in this study, the effects of stress during pregnancy on oxidative status and glucose homeostasis in pubertal male Wistar rats were investigated. Materials and Methods: After pregnancy, female rats (200± 30 g) were divided into 2 groups (6 rats per group) of stress and non-stress. Animals in the stress group received variable stress from the fourteenth day to the end of pregnancy. At the end of stress procedure (on the 22nd day of pregnancy), blood was taken from the tail of the dam and the plasma concentration of corticosterone was determined. Blood samples were also collected from male offspring of each group (6 rats per group), at 45 days of age, to measure plasma concentrations of corticosterone, malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose, and insulin, moreover HOMA-IR (an insulin resistance index) was calculated. Results: Stress during pregnancy increased the plasma concentrations of corticosterone in the dam and the pubertal offspring of these dams. Moreover, in these offspring, the plasma concentration of MDA increased, while without observing any change in plasma glucose concentration, plasma insulin concentration, HOMA-IR index, and food intake and body weight decreased. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that stress during pregnancy increased plasma corticosterone concentration and induced oxidative stress, which followed by decreased plasma insulin concentration in pubertal male offspring. Conspicuously, it is possible that the increase in plasma levels of corticosterone of dam, via changing the embryonic neuroendocrine, oxidative, and metabolic systems, induces these impairments.

Introduction: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are one of the main causes of food poisoning and diseases such as hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Food contamination mainly occurs through food of animal origin such as meat and dairy products. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence and distribution of virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from traditional cheese from Semnan city, using multiplex PCR method. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 100 traditional cheese samples were screened for E. coli strains through conventional microbiological tests. Then, screening for virulence genes (Stx1, Stx2, eaeA and hlyA genes) was carried out by using PCR method. Results: Fifty-nine Escherichia coli strains were identified among 100 cheese samples. Of these, 55 isolates exhibited for one or more virulence genes (93. 2%) which, 44 isolates carrying more than of one gene and 11 isolates were positive for the carrier of one gene. Stx2 showed the highest frequency of virulence gene in E. coli isolates. Conclusion: Therefore, due to the high prevalence of virulence genes in pathogenic E. coli isolates in traditional cheese, it is necessary to use molecular methods to control the microbial quality of these products.

Introduction: Mismatched-blood transfusions in the ABO-system may lead to severe of complications such as intravascular hemolysis. Case report: A 49-year-old man suffering from a right lower limb injury due to accident was admitted to hospital. Vital signs were normal. X-ray showed a femoral neck fracture. Before surgery, all of lab tests were in normal values and B+ blood-group was reported. During surgery and due to blood loss, the patient underwent blood transfusion. At the end of transfusion, a mismatched blood bag was observed. The patient had received about 400 cc mismatchedblood. Transfusion was promptly terminated and the patient received extensive IV fluids in addition to a single dose of furosemide. The patient had stable status without signs of overt hemolysis. After 3 days stay at intensive care unit, he was transferred to the ward with a stable status. Conclusion: In spite of mismatched blood transfusion, the patient did not experience severe adverse events. To prevent this problem, different steps of blood transfusion should be checked by anesthesiologist.