JOURNAL OF ADVANCED BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Year:2020 | Volume:10 | Issue:3|Papers Count:28

Dear Editor in chief Medicinal plants are a rich source of phenolic acids, flavonoids and other secondary metabolites, therefore much research is being done on their anti-inflammatory effects (1). Evaluation of inflammatory responses and immune cells behavior is one of the most important areas of anti-inflammatory activity of herbal extracts. That is usually done in cell culture experiments. Cell culture actually provides an artificial microenvironment to study the immune cells responses and their behavior. The anti-inflammatory effects of herbal extracts in the suppression of signaling pathways and...

Background & Objective: Recognition of peripheral nerve variations plays a crucial role in therapist or surgeon evaluations. In human arm, ulnar nerve is one of the three principal nerves that move from the neck down to the hand and provide sense and function of the hand. Case: Present article reports a scarce finding, the unusual branch of the ulnar nerve along with the main trunk originated under the flexor carpi ulnaris near the cubital region. After descending along the medial side of the forearm flexor surface about 5 cm proximal to the wrist has been divided into 2 cutaneous branches. Conclusion: Awareness and ability in recognition of position and variations significantly influence the result of ulnar nerve improvement. Sufficient knowledge of all possible variations may be helpful for surgical improvement and effective nerve blockage.

Background & Objective: One of the most common causes of decreased level of consciousness has many causes, especially in young patients, is drug poisoning. Baclofen is used to reduce muscle spasm and acts through the presynaptic inhibition of motor neurons. Oral intoxication with this drug is not common, if seen, it is due to excessive drug use or underlying renal dysfunction. Case: A 25-year-old woman was brought to our emergency department by her husband with complaining of decreased level of consciousness. The urine sample was sent for toxicology examination and then brain CT scan was done which was normal. After 36 hours she regained consciousness. During a retrospective history taking she stated the baclofen use repeatedly five times a day for two days because of severe muscle spasms before she came to the hospital. Conclusion: The most common cause of severe baclofen poisoning is arbitrary use of drugs, and accidental use of the drug causes fewer symptoms. Side-effects of baclofen include drowsiness, convulsions, severe cardiac disorder and coma. What is essential for an emergency medicine specialist is to know that, regardless of the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms, the patient must first be stable and pay attention to maintaining the patient's airway.

With the daily advancement of science and the use of different sciences in medicine, new achievements are made for the treatment of human beings. One of the pioneering sciences in this field is polymer engineering, these magical macromolecules can be designed to be used in a variety of fields. They can be used as a prosthesis, drug carrier, gene delivery, etc. In recent years, they have come to the service of medicine to diagnose and treat cancers. Polymers are a good candidate for the release of anti-cancer drugs. Timely release, non-toxicity, and biodegradability are important features of a carrier. These properties are found in many synthetic and natural polymers and can be used by designing their structure for a unique application. This study summarizes cancer statistics in the United States and Iran, and introduces several polymer-carriers such as dendrimer, chitosan, and micelle used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Background & Objective: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease that has affected people in several countries around the world. COVID‐ 19 has been announced a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Unfortunately, in some cases, COVID-19 diagnosis tests are confirmed positive again after the recovery of patients and or discharge from the hospital. This study aimed to evaluate the symptoms of patients in whom coronavirus testing was recurrent positive. Materials & Methods: The search was conducted in articles from electronic and scientific literature databases such as Pub Med, EMBASE, Scopus and Medline, published from January 2020 to August 2020 using keywords of COVID-19, Recurrent Positive, Readmitted, Novel Coronavirus, RT-PCR test. Results: Studies have shown that in some patients, after a coronavirus test is negative and after the patients are discharged from the hospital, the RT-PCR test is positive again without contact with another patient. Conclusion: Studies reported that in a small number of patients recovered from the COVID-19, the RT-PCR test is positive again. Various factors are involved in this process for example sampling method, sample processing, re-infection of patient, virus re-grow, patient's immune system and etc.

Background & Objective: Immunoglobulins (Igs) have a vital role in body protection against germs. Igs contain heavy and light chains. Ig light chains consist of two isotypes: Kappa and lambda. Remarkable alterations in kappa to lambda proportion could occur in monoclonal growth of malignant B cells. Anti-human light chain monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have medical implication in diagnosis and immunotherapy of B-cell proliferative disorders. In current study, prediction of continuous epitopes in constant part of human Ig light chain by immunoinformatics is explained. Materials & Methods: Amino acid sequence and third structure of reference human IgG light chain was obtained in PDB database. Second IgG structure was identified by Phyre 2 software. Continuous epitopes of Ig light chains were delineated by Bepipred and Ellipro software programs. Results: Four continuous epitopes situated to constant domain of human Ig light chain were predicted by Bepipred software. These continuous epitopes were located at amino acid sequences 110-130, 150-160, 160-175 and 180-205 of Ig light chain. The prominent epitope was sited at amino acids 160-175. Also, one continuous epitope situated in 198-203 amino acid sequences was predicted by Ellipro software. Conclusion: In present study several continuous epitopes sited to constant part of human Ig light chain were determined. These epitopes are valuable for making specific monoclonal anti-Ig light chain antibodies and could have plausible implication in generation of specific diagnostic kits for human Ig light chain, monitoring the monoclonal light chain diseases, treatment of associated B cell malignancies and epitope mapping of Ig light chain.

Background & Objective: Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse is one of the major problems in many kinds of sports, especially bodybuilding. The present study aimed at investigating the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse, knowledge and attitude of their side effects, and attitude toward them among the female bodybuilding athletes in Kermanshah. Materials & Methods: The present study is a descriptive one. The target population included all female bodybuilding athletes in Kermanshah. The measuring instruments were self– reported AAS questionnaires, including 25 questions (7 questions on background information, nine questions related to knowledge, and four questions related to attitudes, and five questions related to the prevalence of abuse) (Cronbach Alpha 0. 84) which were distributed among 150 female bodybuilding athletes in Kermanshah. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient test, t-test) was used for data analysis. Results: The results of data analyses indicate that anabolic androgenic Steroids are used currently by 36. 66% of the athletes. The main reason for using these drugs is the increase in muscular tissues and strength. There was a significant negative relationship between the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids consumption and attitude, awareness, and educational level. Also, there was a significant relationship between sports history with the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids consumption, attitude, and awareness. Conclusion: The female bodybuilder awareness of drug complications was significantly low. Increasing the rate of AAS consumption seems to become a public health concern that implies the need to implement educational programs by health care professionals and sports specialists.

Background & Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with higher plasma levels of androgens, LH/FSH ratio and lower activity of aromatase and dopaminergic signaling pathways. In the present study, the effects of L-DOPA and dopamine receptor antagonists were investigated on aromatase (Cyp19) gene expression and LH concentration in PCOS rat model. Material & Methods: Following PCOS induction by estradiol valerate, The PCOS rats received saline, L-DOPA(100mg/kg) or simultaneous injections of sulpride (10mg/kg)/ SCH23390 (1mg/kg)/ L-DOPA (100mg/kg). Five intact estrous rats were used as a control group. Mean serum LH concentration and aromatase relative gene expression was evaluated by radioimmonoassay and real-time-PCR method respectively. Results: Mean aromatase mRNA levels significantly decreased in the hypothalamus and ovary of PCOS model rats compared to intact ones. Mean serum LH concentration significantly increased in PCOS group in comparison with intact rats. The L-DOPA significantly increased mean hypothalamic and ovarian aromatase gene expression compared to PCOS rats while it significantly declined serum LH concentration compared to PCOS rats. Dopamine receptor antagonists including sulpiride and SCH23390 blocks the stimulatory or inhibitory effects of L-DOPA on hypothalamic aromatase or serum LH levels respectively. But the sulpride and SCH23390 did not inhibit the stimulatory influences of L-DOPA on ovarian aromatase gene expression. Conclusion: L-DOPA may be involved in the controling of PCOS condition via decreasing LH secretion and increasing the aromatase gene expresion.

Background & Objective: Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a life-threatening factor all around the world. Identifying the features of the infected population contributes to detecting risk factors and determining more effective treatment goals. The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic features, clinical symptoms, and radiologic findings of hospitalized patients infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Vali-Asr hospital affiliated to Fasa Medical University, located in south of Iran. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study that was conducted in one of Iran southeast hospitals, 50 patients hospitalized in COVID-19 ward were selected through consensus sampling. The study's instrument included a researcher-made checklist. Then, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22 and statistical descriptive (distribution of frequency and Mean± SD ) and analytical methods (t-test). Results: The mean and standard deviation of patients’ age was 52. 88± 19. 04. The majority of the most common clinical symptom was fever and the most common CTs finding was the GGO (Ground-Glass Opacity) engagement of both lungs. There was no meaningful difference between age, gender, and infection with coronavirus, respectively (P=0. 87 and P=0. 79). Among the underlying diseases, there was a significant relationship between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and coronavirus infection (P=0. 003). Conclusion: Old age and background diseases (diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are factors that endanger people to COVID-19 more. It is suggested to carry out more studies to investigate the effect of the characteristics of different communities on the infection with COVID-19.

Background & Objective: Non-Suicidal Self-injury has a high frequency in adolescence, and several studies have pointed to the role of temperamental variables in the occurrence of these behaviors. This study aimed to predict self-injury behaviors in secondary high school students based on the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Model. Materials & Methods: This study was descriptive-correlational and its statistical population was all secondary high school students in Namin in Ardabil province, in which 205 students were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling method and were examined by Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament questionnaires and self-injury questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20, Pearson correlation test, and stepwise regression. Results: The dimensions of Emotional Temperament with a stepwise correlation coefficient of 37%, can predict about 13% of the changes related to self-injury behaviors and volition negatively and inhibition positively were able to significantly predict self-injury behaviors. In addition, the dimensions of Affective Temperament can explain and predict with a correlation coefficient of 395%, about 16% of the changes related to self-injury behaviors and depressive, volatile and disinhibited behaviors negatively and euthymia positively could predict self-injury behaviors. Conclusion: The results showed that the AFECT model can explain and predict self-injury behaviors in students. Therefore, the results of this study have important implications for use of the AFECT model intending to identify groups exposed to self-injury behaviors and can be used to design preventive interventions for these behaviors.

Background & Objective: Actinoporins from sea anemones are potent pore-forming toxins. Fragaceatoxin C belongs to this family with a molecular weight of 20 kDa that mainly binds sphingomyelin in membranes and forming 2nm in diameter cation-selective pore. The aim of this study was the examination of recombinant toxin activity against peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Material & Methods: For recombinant expression of toxin, E. coli Bl21 was employed. The toxin purified by Ni2+-NTA Sepharose affinity chromatography. The purity of toxin was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis ) SDS-PAGE(. Various dilutions of the toxin were applied on red blood cells, and their hemolytic activity was analyzed by spectrophotometer by recording OD700. To examine the cytotoxic activity of purified toxin, PBMCs were treated with its different concentration. Cytolytic activity of FraC protein on PBMCs was measured using MTT and neutral red uptake assays. Results: Hemolytic assessment indicated that the toxin had retained its activity after purification. Analysis of PBMCs tests showed that low doses of toxin did not change the viability of cells compared to control cells. The metabolic activity of living PBMCs was only significantly decreased at the higher concentration (800 and 1000 NM) of the toxin. Despite the results of trypan blue tests, obtained data indicated that the Neutral red uptake assay was significantly reduced in PBMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Despite toxicity against RBCs, FraC is not toxic to the peripheral blood mononuclear cells at lower doses.

Background & Objective: Leishmaniasis is taken into account as a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania genus. A major challenge of the leishmaniasis is associated with the occurrence of treatment failure after drug treatment. Target identification is a significant factor to reach a drug development. Hence, protein kinases play an important role in drug designing (e. g, LmxMPK and CRK3). This study is developed to predict and assess the three-dimensional structure for E9BJT5 protein in Leishmania and its binding affinity for different calcium channel blockers. Materials & Methods: The three-dimensional structure was predicted and assessed for the protein by the I-TASSER and Procheck servers, respectively. In the molecular docking method, interactions between different calcium channel blockers and the predicted model of E9BJT5 were investigated using the Autodock vina in PyRx 0. 8 software. Thereafter, the interaction results were analyzed by Chimera software, and thus the stronger potential interactions were identified. Results: Docking results showed that the lidoflazine and lercanidipine (the values were-8. 3 and-7. 6 kcal/mol, respectively) were obtained as the top-ranked drugs in the binding to the active site of the protein. Conclusion: In this study, using in silico approach, the E9BJT5 protein could be a viable target for designing the novel drugs against the Leishmania parasite. The docking results demonstrated that two drugs (i. e., lidoplasin and lercantipine) may be considered as anti-leishmanial drugs. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the interactions between these drugs and the target.

Background & Objective: Exercise is a well-known strategy to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and chronic disease. However, the concurrent effect of aerobic training with vitamin D supplementation on anthropometric indices and lipid profile are somewhat unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation (AT+Vit D) on anthropometric indices and lipid profile in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. Materials & Methods: Forty-six postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to four groups: AT+Vit D (n=11), AT (n=12), Vit D (n=12), and control (C; n=11). The training protocol was incrementally conducted for 8 weeks, 20-40 min of training, with 60-75% HRmax, 3 sessions per week. The intervention groups received capsules of 5000 IU vitamin D or placebo. The data were analyzed through paired t-tests and two-way ANOVA analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test with SPSS 24 at the signification level of P<0. 05. Results: All three groups (AT+Vit D, AT, Vit D groups) showed a significant decrease in BW, BMI, BFP, WC, TC, TG, LDL, MAP, and glucose and an increase in HDL. Also, the results showed that AT+Vit D group compared with AT, Vit D, and C groups led to significant reductions in BW, MAP and Glucose TC, TG, and LDL and an increase in HDL (P<0. 001 for all three variables). Conclusions: AT+Vit D is more effective in the improvement of lipid profile in patients with NAFLD than AT or Vit D alone.

Background & Objective: One of the most important elements in SPICES model is student-centered education. Taking notes is one of the simplest ways to increase student interaction and participation in learning. The purpose of this project was to design, implement, and evaluate an active-interactive education model in teaching the bacteriology course. Materials & Methods: This project was carried out in three stages including design, implementation and evaluation. At the design stage, the outline of the program was determined through meetings with faculty members from Microbiology and Infectious Diseases departments; the curriculumbased workbook was designed based on a mind map form; then, teaching was based on the workbook and student participation in the classes. Finally, project evaluation was done by completing the evaluation form by students and then statistical analysis was performed. Results: Statistical results comparing the students of Medicine and Laboratory Science showed the highest student satisfaction with using book and suggestion of using book for other courses, and least satisfaction with graphical suitability and structural design in both groups. Significant differences between the two groups were found to be statistically significant for the students of Medicine compared to the students of the Laboratory Science (p = 0. 049). Conclusion: The use of filling-out form textbooks has an important role in enhancing students' interaction and participation in Medical Bacteriology education. It is suggested that a similar structure to this book be explored to teach other Microbiology courses.

Background & Objective: Acute toxicity assessment is the first priority in the determination of any related risk to the biologically unknown chemicals to human and animals. LD50 determination as an accepted model of acute toxicity assay in animal models for a new drug in clinical trials is one of the important requirements of the drug launching process. Prodigiosin is a substance extracted from Serratia marcescens and has antitumor and antifungal activities. Thus, in this study, acute toxicity of prodigiosin was determined using the lowest number of laboratory animals. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, different doses of prodigiosin were administered intraperitoneally in male mice. Twenty four hours after injection, alongside examining behavior of the animals receiving the prodigiosin, some organs including the heart, liver, kidney, spleen, intestine and lung were sampled, and after paraffin block preparation and microtome cutting, they were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and examined by light microscopy. Results: The results of this study indicated that LD50 for prodigiosin is 4500 mg / kg, when administered intraperitoneally and histopathological findings indicate very slight and minor damage to the liver, kidney and spleen, while no remarkable damage on other organs including the heart, lung and intestine was observed. Conclusion: Based on the results of current study and estimated LD50 level, it is suggested that prodigiosin can be categorized as a safe compound with the least histopathological impact on the vital organs.

Background & Objective: L-arginine-induced experimental pancreatitis was evaluated as a distinct and new form of experimental pancreatitis with particular consideration to the therapeutic role of lipase-pancreatin and its effects on testicular tissue structure. Materials & Methods: Fifty mice were classified into: 1) control; 2) induced pancreatitis (IP) by administration of L-arginine solution (300 mg/100g); 3) IP by L-arginine solution (300 mg/100g) along with lipase-pancreatin; 4) IP group with L-arginine solution (400 mg/100g); 5) IP group by Larginine solution (400 mg/100g) along with lipase-pancreatin. L-arginine solution was administered only once at the beginning of the course by intraperitoneal injection and lipase-pancreatin treatments were twice daily for 14 consecutive days and started 72 hours later after L-arginine administration. Finally, tissues samples were prepared for stereological analysis by SPSS 23 software and one-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA). Results: The results showed that after experimental pancreatitis with different doses of L-arginine, the mean area and diameter of seminiferous tubules and the area of spermatogonia cells in the treated groups were significantly decreased or increased in comparison with the control group, However, no significant difference was observed in the area of spermatid cells and primary spermatocytes between the treatment and control groups. It was also observed that in the lipasepancreatin-treated groups, the tissue changes caused by L-arginine-induced pancreatitis were significantly compensated. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the L-arginine-induced pancreatitis has caused testicular tissue changes and the use of lipase-pancreatin solution has been shown to be partly effective in reducing these changes.

Background & Objective: Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes raise blood glucose levels by breaking down complex polysaccharide units into absorbable monosaccharide units. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of compounds extracted from Descurainia sophia flowers on the activity of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes in silico. Material & Methods: This study was performed using descriptive-analytical method. For this purpose, first the compounds extracted from Descurainia sophia flower in the previous study were taken from PubChem databases and then the files related to alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes were obtained from PDB database. The Lipinsky rules and physicochemical properties of the compounds were then predicted by the Zink database and the Swiss ADME server, respectively. Finally, Molegro Virtual Docker 6. 0 and Molegro Molecular Viewer 2. 5 were used to perform molecular docking tasks. Results: The results showed that most of the compounds present in D. sophia flower had favorable physicochemical properties, and these compounds inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. But among these compounds, the Valtrate composition with-83. 45 kJ/mol had the most inhibitory effect on the α-amylase enzyme. Similarly, Palatinol and Valtrate compounds had the highest inhibitory effect on the α-glucosidase enzyme with-122. 19 and-152. 88 kJ/ mol, respectively. Conclusion: From the results of this descriptive-analytic study, it can be concluded that the combination of Valtrate due to the appropriate filled in activat site of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes was more effective than the other compounds in D. sophia flower.

Background & Objective: Ethephon is one of the most important organophosphorus pesticides that has an adverse effect on the reproductive system and can impair the semen quality and decline the fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ethephon on sperm parameters, characteristics and in vitro fertilizing potential in male mice. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 90 adult male mice were divided into 6 control and experimental groups. The experimental groups received ethephon at low, medium and high doses and the positive control group received neostigmine bromide (0. 1 mg/kg). After treatment, animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation and sperm samples were collected from cauda epididymis to evaluate sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization. The level of p<0. 05 was considered significant. Results: A decrease in sperm motility and viability was observed between the experimental groups compared to the control group. Nonetheless, ethephon can remarkably increase DNA damage and lack of nuclear maturation. In vitro fertilization results showed that ethephon significantly reduced embryonic quality and stages of embryological development compared to the control group. Also, the percentage of arrested embryos in the experimental groups was significantly enhanced compared to the control group (p<0. 05). Conclusion: The present results showed that oxidative stress induced by ethephon causes damage to sperm DNA and subsequently decreases the quality of sperm and in vitro fertilizing potential in a dose dependent manner.

Background & Objective: Asparaginase enzymes are effective in treating lymphoblastic leukemia cancer. This enzyme is isolated from bacterial sources and commercially available as an anticancer drug. The aim of this study was to isolate and purifiy L-asparaginase from persian gulf Streptomyces isolates and evaluate its cloned gene expression in E. coli by Real-Time and SDS-PAGE. Materials & methods: Streptomyces isolates were isolated from the Persian Gulf and identified by biochemical tests, then, L-asparaginase genes were isolated from streptomyces by PCR method. The amplified fragment was entered into vector pTG19 by the TA cloning technique. In the next step, the recombinant vector was transformed into E. coli using CaCl2 method and cloning confirmation using conventional methods. Result: The results of this study showed that Streptomyces isolates from the Persian Gulf were capable of producing L-asparaginase. Eventually, the gene of this enzyme was successfully transformed to E. coli by vector and produced high efficiency L-asparaginase. Conclusion: Finding new bacterial strains producing L-asparaginase and using gene engineering techniques can lead to better performance of these enzymes, thereby taking a big step in the direction of increasing and facilitating the production of L-asparaginase in the pharmaceutical industry.

Background & Objective: Periodontal disease, which can become a chronic condition, is an inflammatory disease that upsets the soft and hard structures supporting the teeth. The aim of the present study was to design and develop an in-house PCR Method, to detect putative periodontitisrelated bacterial pathogens. Materials & Methods: The PCR method was launched using specific primers of the five bacteria including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola. Then, the sensitivity and specificity tests were performed for each bacterium after cloning. Results: Basic specific Primer: hbp Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans، fimA Porphyromonas gingivalis، gene 16s rRNA Prevotella intermedia 16s rRNA Tannerella forsythensis gene and 16s rRNA Treponema denticola 161 bp، 162 bp, 282 bp, 280 bp, 173 bp and the sensitivity and specificity tests were performed for this gene. Conclusion: In order to evaluate and diagnose periodontal diseases using PCR technique, these factors can be identified with high specificity and sensitivity.

Background & Objective: CD34 is a prognostic factor in determining the prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Since the relationship between expression of the marker of the CD34 cell line and many cancers has been proven today, in this study, the measurement of the expression of this marker with leukemia was investigated. Materials & Methods: The present study is a case-control study performed on 30 healthy blood samples and 30 blood samples from blood donors. Lymphocytes were isolated using Ficole method. RNA was extracted. After synthesis of cDNA, expression regions were determined using Real Time RT-PCR with an internal control of GAPDH. Results: After performing the PCR reaction with specific primers in Real Time RT PCR and analyzing the results, the expression of CD34 gene in the blood of cancer patients was increased compared to healthy subjects (F = 21. 588, P-Val = 0. 002). Conclusion: Finding new biomarkers, which are a common indicator of cancer, can help with early diagnosis and recovery during cancerous illnesses. By reviewing these biomarkers, it is possible to develop new anti-cancer drugs that can target cancerous cells and prevent growth from growing into cancerous cells.

Background & Objective: Klebsiella pneumonia is an opportunistic pathogen in nosocomial infections. Nowadays using plant-based drugs against drug resistant bacterial infections is gaining special importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing clinical isolates of Klebsiella pnemoniae and the antibacterial effects of aquatic and ethanol extracts of Eucalyptus and Medlar against these bacteria in Rasht. Materials & Methods: In this study, a total of 45 isolates of K. Pneumonia were collected from urinary tract infections. ESBL production was determined by the double disk diffusion and disk diffusion was tested and specific primers PCR method was used to detect TEM and SHV genes. To investigate inhibitory effect of Eucalyptus and Medlar leaf extracts against ESBLs harboring ESBL isolates, well diffusion method and broth macro dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. Results: 26 Out of 45 isolates, 57% phenotypically recognized as ESBL producing and based on the results of PCR, the prevalence of SHV genes among ESBLs-positive isolates was 42% SHV and 11% TEM positive isolates were detected. MIC of Eucalyptus extracts ranged between 17/5-31mg/ml and Medlar extracts ranged between 165-250 mg/ml. MBC of Eucalyptus extracts ranged between 600-1000mg/ml and Medlar extracts 500-1000mg/ml. Conclusion: The obtained results showed that Eucalyptus and Medlar extracts possess significant antibacterial activity against resistant bacteria. So these plant extracts may be used as an accomplishment in Klebsiella infection treatment, particularly in topical treatment of urinary tract infections.

Background & Objective: Cesarean section rates have increased significantly over the past decade. This increase has not been clinically justified. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of medical factors on the type of delivery. Materials & Methods: This prospective cohort study was done on 200 pregnant mothers. The main exposure in this study was the medical reasons for cesarean section and the main outcome of cesarean delivery. The relative risk index was calculated using the Cox regression model. Results: Of the 196 pregnant women remained in the study, 40. 31% had Cesarean section. Compared to non-medical factors, the risk of Cesarean section was higher (Relative Risk = 4. 64) in mothers with medical factors. Also, the risk of elective Cesarean section was higher in mothers with medical factors (Relative Risk = 2. 34). On the other hand, the risk of Cesarean section and elective Cesarean section was and higher in mothers with previous abortion (Relative Risk = 2. 11) and hard labor (Relative Risk = 3. 25), respectively. However, there was a significant relationship between maternal mental disorder during pregnancy and Cesarean section delivery (Relative Risk = 1. 49). Conclusion: Based on these results, there is an association between medical factors and type of delivery. Therefore, maternal preventable or controllable medical problems during pregnancy requires more attention.

Background & Objective: Nowadays, stress and job satisfaction in the workplace are important issues in ergonomics, this is more evident in jobs such as healthcare workers that deal with human life. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the level of stress, anxiety and depression and their relationship with job satisfaction of healthcare workers. Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 196 healthcare workers of Medical Sciences University of Fasa in 2020. participants were randomly selected. The data were collected through Depression, Anxiety, Stress Questionnaire (DASS-21), Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics and chi-square to determine the frequency and relationship between variables with correlation coefficient and analysis of variance. Results: In this study, it was found that about 43, 42 and 37 percent of participants suffer from various levels of depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. Also, more than 50% of participants had poor to moderate job satisfaction. The results also show that with increasing each of the variables of depression, anxiety and stress the job satisfaction score decreases. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that decreasing stress, anxiety and job depression can increase the level of job satisfaction of employees which leads to increase in productivity and quality of work.

Background & Objective: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Cellcycle is controlled by regulatory proteins called cyclins and Cyclin-Dependent Kinases. Aberrant activity of cyclins plays an important role in cancer development and progression. The Cyclin E gene, called CCNE1 or pCCNE1, is one of the four cyclins groups of the cell cycle, reported in a variety of cancers as well as breast cancer, and is a notice target in cancer research. In this regard, Cyclin E gene amplification in breast cancer patients was evaluated and investigated and its capacity as a molecular biomarker was assessed. Materials & Methods: Tumor tissue samples as well as adjacent healthy tissues, were excised and collected from breast cancer patients undergoing surgery in Al-Zahra hospital. Genomic DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. The extracted products concentration was normalized and applied in Real-time PCR technique. Amplification of aforementioned gene was determined by calculating Cts using 2-Δ Δ Ct method and was evaluated by Wilcoxon statistical test. Results: The Cyclin E gene amplification in breast cancer tissue was significantly higher than healthy tissue (p = 0. 002). Furthermore, the amplification of Cyclin E gene was investigated as a breast cancer biomarker by the ROC curve statistical analysis. Conclusion: The results revealed, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was close in 70 percent. As a result, the Cyclin E gene amplification in neoplasm dramatically increases and can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer.

Background & Objective: According to the Iranian Ministry of Health prevalence of registeridentified inflammatory bowel disease among Iranian patients increased. The functional role of the TLR4 gene as a mediator of innate immune responses to pathogenic microbes in the gastrointestinal tract and its relationship to epigenetic changes is important. Our goal is to investigate the promoter DNA methylation of TLR4 gene in inflammatory bowel disease and to evaluate TLR4 gene as a biomarker to diagnose the disease. Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 55 volunteers including 35 patients with IBD and 20 healthy controls. High resolution melting technique (HRM) was used to investigate the promoter methylation changes of TLR4 DNA sequence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy controls. Results: According to the results of this study, methylation level analysis of CpG regions of TLR4 promoter showed no significant difference between 35 inflammatory bowel patients and 20 healthy individuals (P = 0. 525). Also in this study, methylation changes were performed in relation to clinicopathological features that no significant relationship was observed. A significant assocation was observed between the levels of methylation in Fars compared to other ethnic groups such as Kurdish, Lor, Turk, Gilani, Arab, Mazandaran and Afghan (= 0. 035 P Value). Conclusion: This study showed that there is no significant relationship between the level of promoter methylation of TLR4 gene in the blood of patients with inflammatory bowel disease and healthy individuals.

Background & Objective: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is one of the ancient plants that has various medicinal effects. The main hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate the body's growth and development. Thyroid hormones have two receptors called TRα and TRβ in different tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of fennel aqueous extract on serum levels of thyroid hormones and the expression of thyroid receptors in ovarian tissue. Materials & Methods: In this study, 40 female Balb/C mice weighing 18-20 g were used. Mice were divided into 5 groups of 8 including control, sham and intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg aqueous fennel extract for 14 days. The blood samples were then taken from the heart to measure thyroid hormone. The ovarian tissue was also sampled for real time thyroid receptor expression by PCR. Results: Serum thyroid hormones, T3 and T4 were not changed by aqueous extract of fennel. The expression of receptor β did not have any significant change, but the expression of receptor α increased significantly by the 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of fennel. The weights of the rats in 200 mg/kg of fennel decreased significantly. Conclusion: Fennel may increase ovarian response to thyroid hormones in high dose.

Background & Objective: Obesity causes steatosis in the liver. PPARγ transcription factor of glucose and fat metabolism genes and AMPK cell energy sensor are considered as therapeutic targets in nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) patients. Despite the importance of exercise and medication in the treatment of chronic diseases, there is little agreement on the role of intense exercise (HIIT) in the treatment of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise intensity and adenosine on liver fat metabolism following a high-fat diet. Materials & Methods: 30 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 controls, high fat diet, high fat diet + placebo injection, high fat diet + adenosine injection, high fat diet-exercise + adenosine injection, high fat diet-exercise + placebo injection. Subjects first received 13 weeks of high-fat diet and then exercised 5 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Result: PPARγ gene expression increased in high-fat food groups (P = 0. 017), (P = 0. 007). There was no difference in AMPK expression between food groups (P = 0. 097). Exercise had a significant effect on increasing expression of AMPK, A2B (P = 0. 0001), (P = 0. 031) and a significant decrease on PPARγ (P = 0. 0001). In adenosine group, AMPK and A2b significantly increased (P = 0. 001), (P = 0. 012) and PPARγ decreased (P = 0. 0001). Simultaneous exercise and adenosine had a more significant increase in AMPK expression (P = 0. 039) and a more significant decrease in PPARγ (P = 0. 005) than the effect of each alone. Conclusion: It is possible to use high-intensity exercise with a certain amount of adenosine at the same time to prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver.