Koomesh
Year:2020 | Volume:22 | Issue:3 (79)|Papers Count:24

After the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China, and its spread to other countries, confrontation with it as an international emergency in all countries was seriously on the agenda of governments. Our country was not immune to this outbreak. Effective measures to combat this new virus would be certainly based on a proper understanding of the epidemiological pattern and its evaluation in the community. Under these circumstances, proper understanding and use of epidemiology-based indicators or approaches are more than ever needed by authorities and decision-makers. One of the most important and commonly used indices that have been used in most epidemics, including the COVID-19 outbreak, is the Basic Reproduction Number (R_0). Given the increasing need for the medical community and health care staff to deepen their understanding of the epidemiological concepts in dealing with epidemics, this article aimed to define R_0 and its application in the evaluation and monitoring of the COVID19 epidemiological pattern in society.

Introduction: SPATA19 gene is expressed in developmental stages of testis and some organs, but so far its function has only been examined in the testis. In this study, we provided an effective pathway for the generation of these mice using new CRISPR / Cas9 nickase method while generating Spata19 knockout mice for future studies in other organs. Materials and Methods: CRISPR / Cas9 nickase plasmids were synthesized using pX335 vector and designed gRNAs. So, each plasmid was transformed into E. coli and clonal selection was performed. The plasmids extracted from the bacteria were mixed in equal proportions and injected into the male pronucleus. Correspondingly, the zygotes carrying the plasmid were transferred to Oviduct of Foster mice. After pregnancy extent, born mice were analyzed. Results: We generated global knockout mice using CRISPR/Cas9 nickase technology. This deletion was examined at three levels of DNA, RNA and protein. Generated 2 nucleotides deletion was confirmed by sequencing at three levels of DNA, RNA and protein. By translating the mutated RNA sequence, it was determined that this deletion could cause premature stop codon. Phenotypic analysis confirmed infertility of male homozygous mice (Spata19-/-). Conclusion: By generating Spata19 knockout mice, we present a protocol for generation of knockout mice. These mice could be applied as the infertile male mice and also for further characterization of Spata19 gene.

Introduction: One of the effective drugs in the treatment of cancer is dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is known as one of the safest glucocorticoid, but there is still side-effects, due to its hydrophobicity and low bioavailability. The purpose of the present study is to design a controlled release carrier for dexamethasone in order to overcome constraints and reduce side effects. Materials and Methods: In the current experimental study, electrospun fibers were prepared in three Polylactic acid concentrations of 10% (w/v), 14% (w/v) and 18% (w/v) containing 5% (w/v) dexamethasone and were broken by aminolysis process using 1. 6 diaminohexan / isopropanol. The morphology of the fibers and broken fibers was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The amount of drug loaded and cumulative percentage of drug-released from the broken fibers was determined in 144 h. Results: The result of fiber morphology evaluation showed that fiber diameter of 18% (w/v) compared to 14% (w/v) and in 14% (w/v) compared to 10% (w/v) increased by 13. 1% and 17. 5% respectively. Length of broken fibers in sample 18% (w/v) compared to 14% (w/v) and in the sample 14% (w/v) compared to 10% (w/v) decreased by 24. 07% and 7. 8%, respectively. The drug loading efficacy in broken fibers was 85%. The cumulative release of dexamethasone from the broken fibers increased with increasing polymer concentration. Conclusion: The design of a polylactic acid non-spherical controlled-release release system with a zero-degree release model can be useful for increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing the side effects of high-dose dexamethasone.

Inflammatory cytokines increase in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome. This review focuses on inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α ), and adiponectin, a cytokine produced by adipose tissue and associated with insulin sensitivity. Despite the major role of cytokines in the development of T2D, in the case of adiponectin still is a matter of debate as the best strategy to change proper inflammatory response.

Fasting is one of the most basic religions in Islam. The body considers fasting as a stress and tries to cope with it through a path called self-regulating stress. The effects of fasting on various diseases and different physiological conditions have been evaluated and its positive effects have been shown in many diseases. The effects of fasting on the immune system of healthy people in general indicate the effect of fasting moderator on the chemokine network, oxidative stress and intrinsic and acquired immune system. Correspondingly, fasting reduces the pre-inflammatory cytokines, the chemokines, the antibodies, the CRP and the immune system cells, and increases IFN-γ , TNFα , iNOS, Endorphine and endocannabinoids. In addition, fasting does not have an effect on oxidative stress markers such as Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels. Fasting also has beneficial effects on autoimmune diseases and, in most cases, moderates the disease. Various studies have shown that fasting with chemotherapy can reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy without even reducing the anti-cancer effect of chemotherapy drugs, and even reduce the growth of some cancers in vitro. Although, chemotherapy with fasting is a better option for cancer treatment for prognosis, there are very precise clinical trials prior to using it as a standardized method. In this review article, we discuss the significance of fasting effects on various diseases and different physiological conditions and their physiological elements on the chemokine network, oxidative stress and intrinsic immune system in cancer development.

Introduction: The present study aimed to compare analgesic effects of IV lidocaine vs. IV morphine on the management and relief of acute pain caused by the extremity trauma. Materials and Methods: The present study was a triple-blind randomized clinical trial that was conducted in the emergency department of Peymanieh Hospital of Jahrom. Patients aged 16 to 65 with acute extremity traumas and the need for pain control were eligible for the study. Meaningly, one group received IV Lidocaine (1. 5 mg/kg) and another group received IV Morphine (0. 1 mg/kg). Pain scores, side effects, and vital signs were evaluated in the admission, and 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the injection. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical tests in SPSS software at a significant level of P< 0. 05. Results: 60 patients with a mean age of 35. 31 ± 11. 10 years were included in the study. Correspondingly, demographic characteristics and pain scores were similar in both groups. Median pain was higher in the intravenous morphine group than the Lidocaine group at the 15th minute after the injection (P= 0. 035), but it was higher in the Lidocaine group than the IV morphine group at the 60th minute after the injection (P= 0. 045). There was no significant difference between research groups at other times. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between IV Lidocaine and morphine in terms of pulse rates during the drug injection (P= 0. 012), but no significant difference was seen in terms of their side effects (P>0. 05). Conclusion: Based on the research results, IV Lidocaine could be considered as an appropriate alternative for the emergency pain management in the emergency department.

Introduction: Epilepsy is one of the most known and prevalent functional disorders of the nervous system that greatly affects patients' lives. In this account, this experimental research aimed to examine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on improvement of the quality of life and its components in a group of drug refractory epileptic patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial design by pre-test, post-test and 2-month follow-up with control group was applied. Population of the study consisted of all drug-refractory epileptic patients of the Tehran Epilepsy Association. After the clinical interview by a neurologist, 20 patients with drag-refractory diagnosis were selected and randomly divided to two experimental (n=10) and control (n=10) groups and inclusion/exclusion criteria were controlled for. Two groups were matching by age, education and gender. The research informed consent provided from all subjects. Experimental group participated in 8 sessions of 90 minutes of group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while the control group had only simple meetings with the therapist. The quality of life in epilepsy questionnaire (QOLIE-31-P) were administered for both groups in 3 stages. Results: Significantly differences were found in the posttest and follow-up stages between the means of two groups for Quality of Life and its components (P<0. 001). Conclusion: It could be concluded that, the acceptance and commitment therapy was an effective intervention on improving the quality of life and its components in drug refractory epileptic patients could be recommended as adjunct therapy along with their medication.

Introduction: Tamoxifen may have secondary adverse effects on the endometrium. The aim of this study was to investigate the endometrial evaluation in women with breast cancer under tamoxifen therapy with Saline infusion Sonohysterography (SIS). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 40 breast cancer patients under adjutant tamoxifen (20 mg/day for at least 6 months) therapy referred to Amir-al-Momenin hospital in Semnan, Iran, gynecological clinic, by oncologist during 2018 to 2019. Requested data including individual characteristics and results of vaginal sonography, Sonohysterography, Pathology and hysteroscopy were recorded in checklist. Results: The mean± SD age of patients was 46. 0 ± 6. 4 years. 39 patients (97. 5%) had amenorrhea. The mean± SD duration of breast cancer was 3. 1± 1. 3 years and the duration of tamoxifen use was 26. 3 ± 13. 7 months. Sonohysterography was performed without any complication in all patients. The most important findings in the Sonohysterography were endometrial thickness ≥ 5 mm in 6(15%), echogenic lesion in uterine cavity in 4(10%) and subendometrial cysts in 13 (32. 5%) patients. Notably, vaginal sonography found endometrial thickness ≥ 5 in 16 cases, while Sonohysterography had abnormal findings just in 8 (50%) patients. Overall agreement of Sonohysterography with pathology, hysteroscopy and vaginal sonography was 80%, 80% and 75% respectively. Conclusion: The findings showed that patients under adjutant tamoxifen therapy are at risk for endometrial pathologies such as polyps and hyperplasia. Sonohysterography is well tolerated and has a good overall agreement with pathologic findings and in comparison with vaginal sonography reduces unnecessary invasive interventions.

Introduction: Following the drug use pattern is among the important factors in treating hypertension. Elderly people often have low adherence to blood pressure medication. Forgetfulness seems to be one of the most important reasons for non-adherence to medication and ultimately for lack of control of blood pressure in the elderly. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sending drug use reminder SMS on controlling the blood pressure in elderlies. Materials and Methods: The present randomized-clinical trial study was conducted on 100 elderlies suffering from hypertension who referred to blood pressure clinics in Kerman city (Iran) in 2017. Blood pressure of the subjects was measured before the intervention. In the first, second, and third months, a drug use reminder SMS was sent to intervention group twice a day, twice a week, and once a month, respectively. In the control group, no SMS was sent. Before the intervention, and after the first, second, and third months of intervention, the blood pressure of subjects was controlled and recorded. Results: The mean age of subjects was 64. 72 years old and the mean age of morbidity was 6. 46 years. Before the intervention, no significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of blood pressure. Relatively, one month after the intervention, a significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of diastolic blood pressure (P=0. 0001). In the second and third months after the intervention, there was a significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P=0. 0001). Conclusion: Sending drug use reminder SMS to elderlies can control the systole and diastolic blood pressure.

Introduction: The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behaviour therapy on emotional states (depression, anxiety, & stress) and quality of life (physical health and mental health) of adults with multiple sclerosis. Materials and Methods: The studied population included all patients who referred to Kerman MS society among them 30 patients were selected using purposive sampling method and they were divided by random into the intervention group of MiCBT and a control group. Depression, Anxiety, stress scale (DASS-21) and quality of life of people with MS [MSQOL-54] questionnaire was employed as the measurement tool. Results: Results showed that physical health, mental health and quality of life, in general, was significantly increased and depression, anxiety, stress were significantly decreased in the MiCBT group when compared with the control group. Conclusion: As a result, mindfulness-integrated cognitive behaviour therapy is suggested as an effective intervention in decreasing psychological problems of people with MS, including depression, anxiety and stress and in improving their quality of life.

Introduction: Stressful factors in nurses include a lack of job opportunities and a connection to death issues. The efficacy of low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) on mood and emotion has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of present study was to investigate the impact of LCD adherence score on perceived stress score (PSS) among nurses. Materials and Methods: For the assessment of LCD adherence score, all 270 nurses completed three, separate, 24-hour food recall questionnaires. The ten-item PSS questionnaire was also completed. The mean differences in measured parameters between tertiles of LCD adherence score and linear association was checked between LCD score and PSS. Results: Findings showed that higher adherence to LCD score was associated with lower PSS among enrolled nurses (P= 0. 023). In addition, hip circumference was significantly different in tertiles of PSS (P= 0. 01); whilst linear regression showed a significant negative association between LCD adherence score and PSS (β =-0. 229; P value = 0. 048). Conclusion: The present study suggests that higher LCD adherence score could be associated with lower perceived stress among nurses.

Introduction: Postural deviations are one of the musculoskeletal disorders. It seems that some exercises and body mass index could affect postural conditions. Therefore, the purposes of the present study was to determine and compare the postural deviations in obese and overweight powerlifting athletes. Materials and Methods: The male powerlifting athletes aged 18 to 35 years old entered to one of two groups based on their body mass index, 25 athletes for obese group (BMI: ≥ 30) and 50 athletes for overweight group (BMI: 2529. 9). The Sagittal and Frontal planes were photographed using a plumb line and a symmetrograph® , and then deviations of the postural key points were investigated on the images. Results: Athletes in both groups only had normal posture in the head, cervical and lumbar vertebral levels in the frontal plane, and also the deviations in obese athletes in the sagittal plane at the level of the thoracic vertebral (P=0. 008), and in the frontal plane at the level of the leg (P=0. 019) and the scapula (P=0. 029) were significantly lower than those of overweight athletes. Conclusion: It is demonstrated that Postural deviations in powerlifting athletes with higher body mass index were lower in some levels. Interestingly, it seems that, the obese athletes may be protected against the injurious forces due to the greater muscle mass.

Introduction: Considering the increasing pace of population ageing, health maintenance of the elderly is one of the top priorities of governments. Depression and malnutrition are very common problems with various consequences for the elderly population. The purpose of the present national study was to determine the relationship between malnutrition and depression in an Iranian elderly population in 2017. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study was perfomed in 2017, data were extracted from the Iran National Health Survey of the Elderly, evaluating 1133 elderly people. Relatively, this national survey focused on the health status of individuals aged 60 years or above, who were selected from 106 health centers in 66 cities of Iran via cluster sampling. For data collection, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Geriatric Depression Score (GDS15) were used. Results: Nearly 47% of the participants were male. The mean± SD of the participants’ age was 69. 11± 7. 22 years. The prevalence of depression was 35. 7% (28. 5% in men vs. 42. 3% in women), while the prevalence of malnutrition was 6. 1% (5. 4% in men vs. 6. 7% in women). The results of multivariate logistic regression showed that the risk of depression was three times higher in people at risk of malnutrition compared to normal people (P< 0. 001, OR= 3. 45, CI (4. 60-2. 59)). Conclusion: Considering the relatively higher prevalence of depression in the elderly population of Iran compared to some other countries, besides the increasing number of elderly people at risk of malnutrition, use of proper interventions can be helpful. Despite the association between malnutrition and depression, healthcare professionals should consider both physical and mental aspects in the treatment of elderly people with depression, malnutrition, or both.

Introduction: Test anxiety is common among university students. On the other hand, listening to the recitation of the Holy Quran may relieve symptoms of anxiety. Thus, this study was designed to examine the effects of the length of listening time to the recitation of the Holy Quran on test anxiety levels of students before starting the test. Materials and Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental design which performed between two groups of psychology students of Semnan University (Iran). The data amassment instruments included demographic questionnaire and the Spielberger Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI). In this way, two groups of students participated in two separate tests. For the first group of students, the Quran was recited for 2. 5 min before starting the test. For the second group of students, the Quran was recited for 5 min before starting the test. The test anxiety questionnaire was completed before and after listening to Quran by students. Results: The results showed that the average of test anxiety score were 45/6 and 48/3, for students who recited 2. 5 and 5 min of the Qur'an before starting the test, respectively which this difference was not significant. While, test anxiety score was decreased to 40. 7 and 46. 8 after reciting of the Holy Quran between the two groups of students who recited 2. 5 and 5 min of the Qur'an, respectively; which was statistically significant (P=0. 003). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the Holy Quran recitation for 2. 5 min before starting the test execution was more effective than a 5-min recipe to reduce test anxiety. Therefore, it is recommended that managers and policy makers of educational programs use from playing the sound of Quran in a short time at the beginning of each test.

Introduction: Non-specific chronic low back pain is a large and costly musculoskeletal problem. It is affected by biological and psychological factors. There is preliminary evidence that mindfulness based cognitive therapy might be benefi cial in chronic low back pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Mindfulness based cognitive therapy in combination with stability exercise on thickness of the lumbar multifidus muscle, disability, fear avoidance beliefs and metacognitive beliefs in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 40 non-specific chronic low back pain participants aged between 18-45 years. The participants were randomly assigned in two intervention and control groups. The scores of fear of pain, fear of movement, disability and metacognitive beliefs questionnaires were recorded. Correspondingly, the thickness of the lumbar multifidus muscle at the level of the L5 vertebra was measured by ultrasonography. The control group performed 8 sessions of stability exercises within 8 weeks (3 repetitions per week). The intervention group received stability exercises as mentioned above and mindfulness based cognitive therapy for 8 weeks (2 repetitions per week). At the end of the 8 weeks intervention, the variables immediately were assessed in both groups. Results: The results showed that there was no significant between-group difference on effect lumbar multifidus muscle thickness (P=0. 76); but there were significant reduction in the avoidance of fear (fear of pain and fear of movement), disability, and meta-cognitive beliefs in the intervention group compared to the control group. (P= 0. 000) Conclusion: Psychological factors associated with pain is one of the factors of low back pain continuation. The combination of mindfulness based cognitive therapy and stability exercises can help to further improvement of low back pain.

Introduction: PGC-1α gene plays an important role in regulating cellular energy metabolism and stimulating the increased cell mitochondrial mass. Understanding the status of this gene polymorphism in non-athletic male adolescents may be helpful in choosing and identifying the sport talented male adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to investigate possible association between PGC-1α gene polymorphisms and physical performance in nonathletic male adolescents of Urmia (Iran). Materials and Methods: The research was quasi-experimental in a field manner in which 124 non-athletic male adolescent of Urmia (age mean: 11. 14± 0. 69 years old; weight mean: 41. 09± 10. 97 kg; height: 143. 18± 7. 78 cm and BMI: 19. 85± 4. 16) participated in the saliva tests to determine PGC-1α polymorphism and in the field tests of Andersen, standing broad jump, Aalakov jump, counter-movement jump and 20-m sprint. Gene polymorphisms was performed were determined using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: Among the three different types of exercise performance (endurance, power, speed), PGC-1α polymorphism only had a significant effect on the endurance performance of the subjects and remarkably, the group with the dominant Gly/Gly genotype had a better endurance performance. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that PGC-1α polymorphism of non-athlete adolescents was a determinative factor in their endurance performance, but not a determinative one in their speed and power performance.

Introduction: Most beta and gamma radiation radioisotopes used for treatment are not suitable for imaging. The bremsstrahlung images on a conventional gamma camera helped to localize the radionuclide within and outside of the lesion. Secondary scattering of gamma rays of higher energy and bremsstrahlung causes contamination in the energy window and reducing the contrast and resolution of the images and the quantization validation of the images cannot be performed. Therefore, the accuracy of scatter correction methods is of great importance. The method involves the use of energy window, empirically selected broad bremsstrahlung energy to enhance the signal to noise ratio and a wiener restoration filter to compensate for system blur. Materials and Methods: To simulate and validate the system, a water bottle containing Phosphorus-32 (P32) radio was taken. GATE package was used to determine the spectrum of bremsstrahlung radiation from P32 inside the liver and Zubal phantom was used to model a liver. Importantly, simulations were performed in the presence of a collimator without collimator and the collimator function was calculated. Zubal Phantom was also used to model liver imaging. The Wiener filter was used as a resolution adjuster. Results: Despite the small number of electrons reaching the collimator, a considerable spectrum is produced. Collimator function and simulated liver image were calculated. No significant change in resolution was observed after using the Weiner filter. Conclusion: The energy spectrum of the beams was altered after collimation to the collimator. Also, the shape of the energy spectrum was influenced by the type of tissue and size of the patient. The results had shown that planar gamma camera imaging and quantitation of P32 can be done. There is no compelling reason to suggest that the Wiener filter is useful in planning a Plane.

Introduction: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most widely used hosts for the production of recombinant proteins. The main problem in getting high product yields and productivity is the accumulation of acetic acid (acetate) as an unwanted metabolic by-product. In this study, an antisense-based strategy as a metabolic engineering approach was employed to hamper the acetate excretion problem. Materials and Methods: A recombinant plasmid containing the encoding genes for human recombinant interferon beta (rhINF-β ) and three antisense oligonucleotides against acetate kinase, phosphotransacetylase and pyruvate oxidase B was designed. The effects of recombinant plasmid on the cell physiology, rhINF-β production and acetate excretion were studied in E. coli. Results: The mRNA levels of the targeted enzymes were lowered in antisense-regulated cells compared to the control cells. The concentration of acetate in culture media was decreased due to the constructed plasmid. The expression of antisense RNA did not affect the cell growth, negatively. Besides, the rhINF-β production was enhanced in antisense-regulated strain compared to the control plasmid without antisense genes. Conclusion: Application of an antisense strategy on the acetate pathway was successful in metabolically engineering E. coli. This enhancement of production yield by antisense technology suggests that this strategy may be successfully applied to high cell density fermentations of E. coli expression system to overexpress other recombinant proteins.

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance has been reported as one of the world's most critical public health problems. Recent investigations have demonstrated that venom of some species of snakes have antimicrobial and anticancer activities. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial and anticancer effects of Persian horned viper venom. Antibacterial activity was examined on Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and antitumor effect was analyzed on human hepatocellular liver carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Materials and Methods: Bactericidal-activity of crude venom in concentrations of 6. 25-400 μ g/ml was performed using MTT reduction, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), agar-well diffusion and disc diffusion methods. Tetracycline (50 μ g/ml) was used as standard antibiotic. Cytotoxic effect in HepG2 cell were measured by MTT reduction assay and confirmed with neutral uptake assay following exposure of cells with different concentrations of venom (50-400 μ g/ml). Apoptotic effect was investigated using comet assay. Results: Our findings demonstrated that venom displays higher inhibitory effects against Gram-positive bacteria as compared to Gram-negative. Furthermore, venom showed anticancer activity on HepG2 cell line through induction of apoptosis and necrosis. Conclusion: This study showed that raw venom of Iranian horned viper has antibacterial and anti-cancer activity. These properties make venom of this viper a potential source for isolation of effective molecule(s) having antibacterial and antitumor activity.

Introduction: The incidence rate of liver cancer is continuously increasing. Currently, gene therapy is applied to improve various medical issues such as cancer treatment approaches. Correspondingly, fibromodulin involves in many biological and physiological processes through interaction with growth factors and signaling pathway receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fibromodulin gene expression on NF-kB and TGF-β signaling pathways in liver cancer cells in order to investigate the molecular pathway genes involved in this cancer. Materials and Methods: Huh-7 human liver cancer cells were cultured and the effect of fibromodulin on cell growth and proliferation was assessed using MTT assay. Then, fibromodulin gene was transfected into cells using lipofectamine and the expression of SMAD2 / 3 and TGF-β genes were investigated by Real-Time PCR method. Results: The effect of fibromodulin on TGF-β and SMAD 2/3 expression genes was evaluated in liver cancer cell line. Fibromodulin down-regulated the TGF-β and NF-kB pathways in transfected cells, compared to the control. Also, MTT results demonstrated that treatment with fibromodulin increased growth and proliferation of Huh-7 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, fibromodulin significantly decreased the expression levels of TGF/β and NF/kB pathway genes in liver cancer cell line. Furthermore, growth and proliferation of liver cancer cells were increased after treatment with fibromodulin. It seems that fibromodulin gene has anticancer effects on liver cancer cells.

Introduction: Given to the fact that the high toxicity and side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs have limited their clinical use, it is not surprising that novel therapeutic drugs with less toxicity and more efficacy have entered into the novel protocols. Relatively, Melatonin, a main product of pineal gland, not only plays a key role in the regulation of circadian rhythm, but also exerts anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on a wide range of tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of melatonin in acute promyelocytic leukemiaderived cell line NB4. Materials and Methods: NB4 cells were exposed to the increasing concentrations of the melatonin drug (0. 5, 1, and 2 mM). Subsequently, metabolic activity, induction of apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, ROS production and apoptosis-related target genes were investigated using MTT assay, Annexin-V/PI staining, caspase-3 activity kit, cellular ROS assay kit and RQ-PCR analysis, respectively. Results: Our data delineated that melatonin resulted in the reduction of metabolic activity of NB4 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P<0. 05). Furthermore, melatonin increased the percentage of apoptotic cells (P<0. 05) probably through induction of caspase-3 activity, increment in the intracellular level of ROS and alteration in the expression level of Bcl-2, survivin and Bax. Conclusion: The results of this study clearly indicated the anti-leukemic effect of melatonin in NB4 cells and is a promising as a candidate drug in the treatment of APL.

Introduction: One of the important factors causing nosocomial infections is drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain, so correspondingly, having norA efflux pump is one of the bacterial's ability to generate drug resistance. Iron has been used as a nanoparticle with antimicrobial activity against bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from ziziphora plant extract on Staphylococcus aureus efflux pump genes expression. Materials and Methods: green iron nanoparticles were formed using ethanolic extract of ziziphora plant and iron salt solution and identified by SEM and TEM electron microscopy. The Staphylococcus aureus strains were collected and isolated from hospitals and laboratories in Tehran. Considerably, Antimicrobial activity of green nanoparticles against strains was investigated. DNA and RNA and cDNA were extracted and the relative expression of norA gene in Staphylococcus aureus isolates was evaluated by Real-time PCR method. Results: Different strains, under the influence of iron nanoparticles, showed different expression changes That were statistically significant compared to gmk gene expression (P<0. 05). The level of norA gene expression in different strains showed a significant decrease, which indicates the anti-pumping activity of efflux pump plant extract. Conclusion: the iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from ziziphora plant extract act as an inhibitor of efflux pump in Staphylococcus aureus isolates and have potential for use in pharmaceutical and biological industry.

Introduction: Narcotics Anonymous (NA) program includes some meetings to extend the continuity of giving up addiction in patients after detoxification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the attitudes of patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy in comparison with narcotics anonymous towards drug abuse. Materials and Methods: In this comparative-analytical cross-sectional study which was accomplished in Semnan, Iran, 90 single males 20 to 40 years old participated in the study as three balanced groups including Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT), NA and a group without past-history of drug use as controls were studied. To measure attitude, the questionnaire "Drug Attitude Questionnaire" was used. Results: Findings showed that the difference between the three groups was significant in terms of attitude score in general and subscales of effects, risks and consumption, so that in the MMT group it was more and in the NA group it was less unfavorable than the other two groups (P<0. 001). Conclusion: Comparing to MMT, participation in the NA meetings may promote or improve the attitude of the patents towards drug abuse more.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive dopamine depletion in the striatum, and leads to mitochondrial and motor disorders. The present study investigated the effect of moderate endurance training on motor disorder and mRNA expression of PPAR-γ , PGC-1α and BDNF in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD Materials and Methods: Thirty two male Wistar rats were divided into 4 eqaul groups: 1. Vehicle (Sham), 2. Vehicle + endurance training, 3. 6-OHDA and 4. 6-OHDA + endurance training. The PD model obtained by unilateral injection of 6-OHDA (8µ g/2µ l) into the medial forebrain bundle, and the sham group recevied vehicle alone. Two weeks after the surgery, endurance training groups ran on a treadmill 30 min per day for 30 days. Six weeks after the surgery, the rat’ s rotations due to apomorphine injection and hippocampal mRNA expression of PPAR-γ , PGC-1α and BDNF were analyzed using Real Time-PCR. Results: 6-OHDA lesioned rats showed increased rotations (P≤ 0. 001), decreased expression of PPAR-γ and BDNF mRNA and compensatory increased in PGC-1α mRNA. Edurance training improved both behavioural and molecular changes. Conclusion: It seems that endurance training can reduce motor disorder and defects in expression of the mitochondrial factors in Parkinson's disease.