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Abstract Background and objectives: In this research, the formation of chitosan-TiO2 nanocomposite and its antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus was investigated Material and Methods: to study the results, we used Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transition electron microscopy (TEM) images, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible. Optical Density (OD) was also measured by spectrophotometer then the effect of this nano composite, in the vicinity of aforementioned bacteria, on the sterilized gauze in solid Muller Hinton Agar and TSB liquid mediums was assessed Results: The mentioned nanocomposite was formed with the composition of 4mg/ml Chitosan concentration and 2% titanium dioxide concentration. Finally, we observed that this nanocomposite near 100% could prevent bacterial growth and in the presence of this material did not grow any bacteria. Conclusion: chitosan-Tio2 Nanocomposite can be useful on culture medium and sterilized gauze to control pathologic bacteria. Key words: nanocomposite, nanochitosan, titanium dioxide, antibacterial, sterilized gauze

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Abstract Background and objectives: Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease resulting in disability and premature death. The Etiology of diabetes mellitus is complex, but factors such as genetic, immunological and environmental are involved .The aim of this study was to investigate the association between diabetes and blood type. Material and Methods: In this cross - sectional study blood group of 500 patients with diabetes type 2 was determined and compared with the distribution of blood groups in 11,461 healthy people in Ahwaz. Statistical analysis was performed by independent T test, using SPSS Software (version 17) Results: the Patients’ age is between 35 and 80 years. Their Blood groups are A (106 20.3 %) B (144 27.5%) AB (97 18.5%) and O (176 32.7%). One hundred seventy-nine (34.2%) cases are Rh+ and the rest (344 65.8 %) Rh- . Conclusion: Regarding to the distribution of blood group AB and Rh- ,which respectively are 7.3% and 8.4%, the chance of developing diabetes in theses people is higher than that in other people (P<0.05). Hence, they should follow a healthy lifestyle from early years of life to reduce the risk of diabetes. Key words: Diabetes type 2, blood group, risk factors

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Abstract Background&Objectives: High prevalence of parasitic infections can be the result of the subclinical infections. Some regular and ongoing epidemiological studies are needed to combat and control these infections. This study was conducted on elementary school students to achieve an overview of the spread of parasitic infections in Gorgan. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using random cluster sampling, 800 of 7-12 year-old students were selected from 18 primary schools in Gorgan. The stool samples taken on three consecutive days were examined by two methods including direct smear and formalin-ether concentration. Results: Overall, 230 (28.8%) are infected by intestinal parasites. The protozoa are Blastocystis hominis (122 15/2%), Entamoeba coli (93 11/6%), Giardia intestinalis (79 9.9%), and Entamoeba histolytic (8 1%). The Helminthes are Hymenolepis nana (12 1.5%), Entrobius vermicularis (10 1.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides in 4 (0.5%) and hook worms (3 0.4). Conclusion: Based on the results, the prevalence of intestinal parasites is quite high among primary school students especially in families with low education level, income and sanitary level. Hence, it is a necessity to promote the hygienic knowledge of the students . Key words: Prevalence, Intestinal parasites, Primary schools students, Gorgan

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Abstract Background and objectives: Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is one of the most common reproductive disorders, generally considered to be the loss of three or more pregnancies before viability. One of the causes of this disorder is the immunological factors such as autoantibodies associated with anti-phospholipid syndrome. Material and Methods: this case-control study was conducted on 80 pregnant women divided into two equal groups of healthy and RM women in Gorgan. The subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire and examined by a gynecologist to distinguish their condition, healthy or RM. The blood samples were kept at -20c and assessed by both ELISA 96 and automated ELISA processor with single dose ready-to-use test to measure β2GP1 autoantibodies of IgM and IgG. Results: the results indicate that % 7.5 of RM patients are seropositive for Anti-β2GP1 IgG, and % 5 for Anti-β2GP1 IgM , but in healthy pregnants , % 7.5 are seropositive for Anti-β2GP IgG , and %7.5 for Anti-β2GP1 IgM. Family history of abortion in RM group (33.5%) is significantly higher than healthy one (17.5%). Conclusion: based on the results, the difference between the level of Anti-β2GP1 IgM and Anti-β2GP IgG in case and control groups is not significant, but the production of this autoantibody is associated with pregnancy. Key words: Autoantibody, Antiphospholipid syndrome, Recurrent Miscarriage

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Abstract Background and objectives: the increasing use of antibiotics, especially the third generation cephalosporins, is an important factor in the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The main reason for the development of resistance phenotype such as Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamas (ESBL) is the extensive use of broad-spectrum cephalosporins. In phenotypic survey, the Phenotyping confirmatory test and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) are used. In this study, the prevalence of the isolates resistant to third generation cephalosporin (cefotaxime) was determined based on MIC. Material and Methods: form September 2010 to September 2011, 75 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were collected from the infections of inpatients and outpatients, referred to state and private laboratories of Gorgan. For all of the Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, MIC determination using E-test (company Liofilcheme-Italy) was performed. Results: According to the MIC results, 26 samples (34.6%) are resistant to cefotaxime 22 isolates are completely resistant to concentration of 256μg. Conclusion: Because of the importance of risk of becoming ESBL, further studies are needed to clarify the ESBL in the region. Keywords: ESBL, MIC, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Cephalosporin

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Abstract Background and objectives: Giardiasis is a parasitic infection of small intestine, with a worldwide distribution and the prevalence of Giardia in different parts of the world varies between 1 to 25%. Plants have the vast range of antimicrobial and antifungal activity that can be identified as alternative treatments for bacterial and parasitic pathogens, the same as Giardia. In this study, the methanol extracts of eucalyptus plants, Satureia hortensis and Heracleum glabrescens, on Giardia cysts were studied in vitro. Material and Methods: The cysts were isolated from the feces using a modified Bingham. After counting by Hemusytumetr, they were placed near by 200 mg / ml, 100 mg / ml and 10 mg / ml of the extracts prepared by DMSO for 30 and 60 minutes. Then, the number of dead and live cysts was counted under a microscope. Results: the fatality effect of the extracts in 60 minutes is higher than those of 30 minutes. The methanol extracts of Satureia hortensis, Eucalyptus and Heracleum glabrescens with the dilution of 200 mg/ml in 60 mins have the fatality effect of 84/3%, 63/3% and 44%, respectively. The highest fatality(84.3%) on Giardia cysts is related to Satureia hortensis with the dilution of 200 mg/ml in 60 mins and the Lowest(27%) is related to Heracleum glabrescens with the dilution of 10 mg/ml in 30-minute period. The significant relationship between the plant type and the fatality of methanol extracts is observed. Conclusion: the methanol extracts of Eucalyptus, Heracleum glabrescens and especially Satureia hortensis have anti-parasitic effects in the laboratory conditions. Thus, they can be used in the future, instead of the chemical antiparasitic drugs. Key words: Antibacterial Giardia lamblia cysts, Eucalyptus, Satureia hortensis, Heracleum glabrescens, Tonekabon

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Abstract Background and objectives: Meningitis is one of the most common infectious of the central nervous system (CNS), defined as an inflammation of the meninges. LIF is a potent pro-inflammatory factor. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contains the growth factors and cytokines whose concentrations have been changed in most neurological diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the LIF concentration of serum and CSF in the children with bacterial meningitis. Material and Methods: In this study, the total protein concentration (TPC) and LIF in the serum and CSF of normal subjects and children with bacterial meningitis were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: the Values of serum TPC for children with meningitis (74.17±7.73 g/L) and controls (73.50±7.28 g/L) are not different significantly (P=0.7), and the TPC in the CSF of children suffering from meningitis and controls are 35±0.03 and 0.34±0.05 g/L, respectively (P=0.65). The concentration of serum LIF for children with meningitis( 253±19.14 ng/ml) is higher than that of controls (49.75±8.97 ng/ml), and also the concentration of LIF in the CSF of the children with meningitis (116.25±8.60 ng/ml ) is significantly higher than that of controls which is 9.04±1.83ng/ml (P<0.001). Conclusion: The LIF concentration in the CSF and serum may provide additional information in the differential diagnosis of meningitis. It is also concluded that LIF could be significantly involved in the pathophysiology of meningitis. Key words: Serum, Cerebrospinal fluid, Leukemia inhibitory factor, Children, Bacterial meningitis

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Abstract Background and objectives: The presence of pathogenic bacteria and the factors causing food spoilage are the great challenge for public health. Attention to natural additives instead of chemical preservatives resulted in conducting several studies on plant essential oil and extracts. We aimed at evaluating the antibacterial effect of carboxymethyl cellulose coating enriched by Zataria multiflora essential oil and grape seed extract on rainbow trout meat. Material and methods: In this study, two concentrations of Zataria multiflora essential oil (1% and 2%) and two concentrations of grape seed extract (0.5% and 1%) were used both alone and in combination with Carboxymethyl cellulose coating. Antibacterial effect of these treatments was evaluated by enumeration of bacteria in special culture media. Results: The results obtained in this study demonstrate that Zataria multiflora essential oil in combination with grape seed extract significantly can decrease the number of bacteria and delay the spoilage of the samples (p<0.05). Conclusion: Coating enriched by Zataria multiflora and grape seed extract can properly delay the growth of spoilage microorganisms and prolong the shelf life of meat products. Key words: Carboxymethyl cellulose coating, Zataria multiflora essential oil, Grape seed extract, Microbial flora

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Abstract Background and Objectives: Concurrent with the development of new chemical drugs and antibiotics, their harmful effects are gradually emerged. Due to lack of harmful effects, herbal medicines have been used in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study was the use of lavender essential oil as an herbal medicine for the replacement of antibiotics and chemicals. Material and Methods: In this study, the plant essential oil was isolated by drying and distillation method using Clevenger apparatus. The antibacterial effect of this plant was evaluated by using disc diffusion method and successive dilutions. In order to control the standard of the method, antibiotic discs and standard bacterial strains were used. Results: Based on the results, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis are , respectively , the most sensitive and most resistant bacteria to dilutions of 1, 1/2 and 1/4. Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, respectively, are the most sensitive and most resistant bacteria to the dilution of 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 and 1/64. MIC and MBC methods also show that all bacteria have the same minimum inhibitory and fatality concentrations except Enterococcus faecalis with minimum inhibitory concentration of 16/1 and minimum concentration fatality of 8/1. Evaluating the results of the disk diffusion method with antibiotic discs, we can observe the better effect of this plant in comparison with gentamicin and streptomycin discs on the growth of five strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC1885, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 2405, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC2321, Escherichia coli ATCC 1652 and Proteus mirabilis ATCC 2601. Conclusion: the essential oil of Lavender can be used instead of chemical drugs to treat bacterial infections. Keywords: Lavandula, Anti-bacterial effects, Essential oils, Bacterium

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Abstract Background and objectives: ABO phenotyping is one of the essential tests in Immunohematology. Incompatible blood group transfusion leads to acute hemolysis reactions and other serious complications. Anti A1 is a cold Antibody with no clinical significance, but if it is reacted at 37˚c can be clinically significant, which will be happened rarely. At the present, we report a Case with anti A1 having clinical significance and Anti C. Material and methods: The patient was suffering from Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and received repeated blood transfusion. The tests performed for this patient were blood grouping, Antibody screening, panel test and cross match. Result: the patient’s blood group is AB (A2B) with anti A1. The presence of anti C is verified by applying Panel test. Conclusion: to prepare appropriate blood, Cross mach test was performed on A2B blood bags without C Antigen. During laboratory tests and blood transfusion, no reaction was observed. This report indicates that being aware of anti-antigen antibodies is an important point. Key words: Anti C and Anti A1 with Clinical importance, PNH, Ab Screening

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Abstract Background and Objective: Enterococci are Gram-positive members of human gastrointestinal flora,in Dairy products and environment. they have emerged as important causes of opportunistic nosocomial infections in recent years. In this study we aimed to investigat and compare the efficiency of MALDI-TOFmass spectroscopy method through Biochemical and Molecular methods for detecting Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. Materials and Methods:seventhy five clinical samples were collected for biochemical, molecular and mass spectroscopy investigations. Samples were treated with Esculin hydrolysis, Catalase, Pyrrolidonylaminopeptidase, 6.5% NaCl solution, motility, 0.04% Tellurite, L-Arabinose and Sorbitol. Using specific primesallele specific PCR was used.The samples were then analyzed by MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy and Biotyper 3 software. Results:Enterococcus faecium andEnterococcus faecaliswere detected in thirty and forty two samples, respectively whereas three samples showed both bacterial infections. Using biochemical analysis, two E.faecium isolates were Arabinose negative and one E. faecalis isolates was Telliurite negative. All sampleswere showed correct bands in PCR results but twoof them didn't show clear bands(on agarose gel). In mass spectroscopy analysis all strains were correctly detected and well defined. Conclusion: According to our results, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in comparison with Molecular and Biochemical Methodscould be a reliable and accurate method that can easily and quickly identify and differentiate Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalisin clinical samples. Key words:Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, MALDI-TOFmass spectrometry,PCR

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Abstract Background and objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases. It is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and alternation of bowel habits with no structural abnormality. The prevalence of this disease was estimated 10-20 percent in the world. However, the cause of IBS is still unknown. Regarding to intestinal absorption disorder of nutrients, the malabsorption of vitamin may occur. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum levels of vitamins A and E in IBS patients. Materials & Methods: This case - control study was done on 94 patients whom their IBS disease were confirmed by a gastroenterologist in Golestan province. The control group was selected from healthy people, who didn't show any signs of digestive problems in past two years. The age and sex were matched with the cases group. Using HPLC method, Fasting blood samples were collected .Followed by measurement of Serum levels of vitamins A and E. Results: the meanserum levels of vitamin A and E in patients and control group were 57.0 ± 114.8μg / dl and23.8 ± 55.9 μg / dl, and 0.50 ± 0.24 mg / dl and 1.93 ± 1.86 mg / dl, respectively. (P <0.05). in men, the deficiency of Vitamin A and E, were7.70 and 7.10 percent and 6.76 and 3.7 in women. (P <0.05).In general, 1.1percent of IBS patients showed Vitamin A deficiency and 93.6 percent of them had vitamin E deficiency (P <0.05). Conclusion: In this study, a significant decrease in vitamin E levels was observed in patients with IBS. Due to antioxidant activity of vitamin E, the deficiency of this Vitamin, can increase the oxidative factors leading to intestinal damages and it is expected to decrease the amount of vitamins, subsequently Keywords: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Gorgan

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Abstract Background and Objective: Some studies show that, there is a relationship between decrease of serum magnesium (Mg) level and the insulin resistance in diabetic type II patients. The aim of this study was to compare the Mg level in in type II diabetic with non-diabetic individuals. Materials and Methods: Diabetic patients(n=35) and control group (n=35),<35 years old, were randomly selected from the hospital of Imam Ali, Andimeshk. To compare diabetic patients and control group, the t-student statistical method and SPSS software, were used. Results: Mg levels in diabetic and non diabetic groups were 1.33±0.27 and 1.62±0.21 mg/dl, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.0000014). A reversed significant relationship was seen between FPG and Mg among type II diabetic patients, whereas no significant relationship was seen between Mg and other variables, (TG, Chol and HDL). In non-diabetics group, there was a reversed significant relationship between the Mg and Chol, Whereas, no relationship was seen between other variables and magnesium. Conclusion: In diabetic patients, with increased level of FPG, serum Mg levels were decreased significantly. Moreover, serum Mg levels in diabetic patients were significantly lower than non-diabetics. Keywords: Magnesium, Diabetes type 2, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, High density lipoprotein

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Abstract Background and Objectives: gasterointertidis is one of the most common forms of Salmonellosis, which is a worldwide problem. The invasive characteristic of intestinal bacteria is one of their pathogenicity Mechanisms , which can be easily investigated by cell culture technique. In this study ,the invasive characteristic of some Salmonella serogroup were investigated by using HEP-2 cell. Methods and Material: The rectals soap were prepared from 280 diarrhea patients referred to Imam Khomeyni and children medical centres , 140 with bloody diarrhea and 140 with watery diarrhea as a comparison group. The rectal soap was taken before patients taking any antibiotics, and 140 rectal specimens were taken from healthy people as a control group. All the samples were inoculated in differential and selective media, like Hektoen enteric agar and Xylose lysine deoxycholate (XLD) agar .After incubation at 37C for 24 hours, the colonies were examined and identified by conventional biochemical and serological tests. Using HEP-2, cellular invasion characteristic of Salmonella serogroups was assessed. Moreover, the antibiotic resistance patterns were performed according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Of all tested samples, 35(8.3%) are Salmonella strains. The frequency of Salmonella is reported for bloody diarrhea (5.2%) , watery diarrhea ( 1.7%) and control group( 1.4%) .The most abundant serogroups with invasive characteristic, using HEP-2 cell culture, are serogroup B ( 62.9%) and D (17.2%). Conclusion The results obtained in this study show that the majority of Salmonella isolates are without invasive characteristic. Key words: Salmonella, Diarrhea, Cell invasion, Cell culture

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Abstract Background and objective: The effects of lactobacillus Species and their metabolites on dairy products were proved as probiotics on pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to isolate the lactobacillus from dairy product (Yogurt, cheese, milk and whey …) and to determine the antimicrobial activity against some pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, E.coli, Helicobacter pylori. Material and methods: Samples of dairy products were collected and were serially diluted in peptone medium. To isolate lactobacillus, diluted sample were plated on MRS Agar medium and incubated at 37ºc for 48-72h in anaerobic condition. Identification of the lactobacilli was performed according to their morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics. The inhibitory effect of isolated lactobacillus strains were performed against pathogenic bacteria by Agar Well Diffusion Assay and Disc method. Results: of 50 samples of isolated Lactobacillus from dairy products (including 11 identified Lactobacillus), 19 samples have inhibitory effect on pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Helicobacter pylori. The most identified strains areLactobacillusbulgaris, Lactobacillus Salivarius and Lactobacillus delbrueki. Conclusion: According to this study, some lactobacillus strains isolated from dairy products are useful in the management of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases, and the use of these strains can be useful for prevention and treatment. Keywords:Lactobacillus, Dairyproducts, SalmonellaTyphimurium, E.coli, Helicobacter pylori

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Abstract Background and Objective: The high occurrence of early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common problems in children dentistry. Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli.spp are closely associated with the development of early childhood caries (ECC). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli.spp in 3-5 –year- old children with and without dental caries. Material and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 60 children aged 3 -5-years, without any history of systemic disease, who had not received any antibiotic therapy and fluoride usage during the last month. The cases were divided into three groups of early childhood caries, usual caries and caries-free. The infected dentin samples were collected from cervical and proximal in ECC and usual caries group, respectively. Also in all the three groups, the samples of dental plaque from buccal surfaces were collected and immediately immersed into Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth medium. After that, the diluted sample was plated onto MitisSalivarius agar (Difco) for detecting streptococcus mutans and Rogosa agar (Difco) for detecting lactobacilli.spp. Data were analyzed by Chi- Square and ANOVA. Results: of the samples taken from dental plaque, S. mutans is observed in 90% of ECC, 80% of proxymolcarries and in 25% of caries-free individuals. Based on the results, the presence of S.mutans in the group of caries is significantly higher than that of without caries, but there is no significant difference between the two groups of caries. In addition, lactobacill.spp is isolated from 60% ofthe samples, but there is no significant difference between two groups of caries and caries-free. The average of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index in the group with early childhood caries (6.95±1.572) and usual caries (5.80±1.105) is different significantly. Pearson correlation test shows that there is a significant relationship between caries experience and the amount of S.mutans, but there isn’t this relationship withlactobacill.spp. Conclusion: The findings show that the children with early decay have the higher level of S.mutans in their dental plaque. The most common strain isolated from dentin, without consideration of their location, is S.mutans. Key words: Early dental care, Dental caries, DMFT index, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli.spp.

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Abstract Background and Objective:Staphylococcusaureus is one of the important factors causing nosocomial infections. Typically 25-30 percent of healthy people carry the bacteria in their anterior nasal cavity. The physicians(50%), nurses (70%) and hospital staff (90%) are the carriers of this bacteria, leading to the infection of inpatients. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus strains to vancomycin and methicillin has brought about several problems in treatment of the infections caused by Staphylococcus strains. Hence, we aimed to study the frequency of staphylococcus aureus carriers and resistance pattern among medical personnel of the surgical ward in ShahidRajaee hospital, Tonekabon. Material and Methods: this analytic-descriptive study was conducted on the samples taken from nasal carriage of medical staff of surgical ward (N=120). Antibiotic- resistant of Staphylococcus strains was assessed by antibiogram and disk diffusion (DAD), in accordance with CLSI standards. Results: of 34 (28.33%) who are nasal carriers of staphylococcus, 12 are over 30 years old and 24 under 30. Based on antibiogram, 1.97% of specimens are sensitive to Gentamicin and Co-trimoxazole, 1.94% to Ciprofloxacin, 2.88% to Vancomycin and 6.20% to Methicillin. In addition, 100% of specimens are resistant to Ampicillin, 1.97% to Penicillin and 2.88% to Amoxicillin. Four isolates areresistant,both to methicillin and vancomycin. Conclusion:In this study, the spectrum of S. aureus resistant and sensitive strains to some antibiotics is similar to other studies, but a dramatic increase is seen in the rate of MRSA and non-susceptible cases to vancomycin. The Effectiveness of Penicillin, Amoxicillin and Ampicillin is still very low on S. aureus samples. Key words: Prevalance Resistance Pattern, Staphylococcus aureus, Medical Staff, Nasal Cavity, Tonekabon

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Abstract Background and Objective: Every organization requires ongoing evaluation of existing conditions. The purpose of this study is to assess and analyze the standards and criteria that each Laboratory system is required to observe and upgrade them, to determine the gap between the ideal and the current status and finally to present the strategy and executive plan in order to achieve the desirable status. Material and Methods: This study was performed in a medical diagnostic laboratory in Gorgan by using the quality system checklist related to medical diagnostic laboratories, which was revised in 2009. Internal evaluation matrix (Internal Factor Evaluation) was used to examine the main factors in the context of establishing a quality management system in a clinical laboratory.After examining the factors, determining the laboratory status, recording the results of monitoring (in terms of strengths and weaknesses) and determining the gap between existing and desirable status, we provided the appropriate and effective solutions in line with defined standard. Results: of 164 items thatshould have been done in the first assessment, 111 (67.7%) items are in performed group and 53 (32.3%) are not in. After compiling and running a plan, 147 (89.6%) are performed, 15 (9.2%) needed to be modified and 2 (1.2%) still not performed. It is evident that a significant difference (p< 0.05) and a tangible improvement in current problems are seen after establishing the qualitysystem in the laboratory. The lab equipment, lab space and facilities, pre-examination process, testing process and post-examination process are considered .Regarding the health and safety in the laboratory, lab equipment, lab space and facilities, pre-examination process, testing process and post-examination process, no significant difference is observed between before and after the implementation of the program. Conclusion:after establishing the quality system in laboratory, a significant difference and tangible improvement in the current problems are observed. It is implied the importance of pre-planned responses to problems and the performance of strategic planning. Keywords: Strategic Planning, Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Quality Control

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Abstract Background and objective: Hepcidin is a cystein-rich antimicrobial peptide, which is secreted by the liver. It fights against wide spectrum of bacteria, viruses and fungi and it is a major regulator of iron homeostasis. Today, scientists have made many efforts on the production of hepcidin. Baculovirus expression system is one of the best eukaryotic expression systems for production of recombinant hepcidin and production of the recombinant vector is one of the most important steps in this expression system. Material & Methods: First, the total RNA was separated from HepG2 cell line as a source of hepcidin expression. Then, after synthesis of total cDNA, human hepcidin sequence was amplified, using specific primers by PCR method. Next, hepcidin sequence was cloned into pTZ57R/T vector. After digestion of recombinant vector using ECoRI and BamHI restriction enzymes, recombinant pFastBac HT B vector containing human hepcidin cDNA was produced. Results: Coding sequence of human hepcidin is correctly cloned into pTZ57R/T vector and sub cloning into pFastBac HT B vector is performed successfully. The presence of a clear band near 274 bp resulted from PCR amplification and restriction enzyme are the confirmation of the cloning of human hepcidin. Conclusion: According to our knowledge, the present study is the first work that focuses on recombinant vector containing coding sequence of human prohepcidin. This recombinant vector can be used for human hepcidin production. Key words: Vector, Hepcidin, Iron

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Abstract Background and objective: In recent years, the resistance of opportunistic fungal strains to commercially available antifungal agents has been increased. The serious side effects of these compounds on mammalian cells forced the researchers to search for new antifungal substances. Thus we decided to investigate the antifungal properties of silver nanoparticles against Aspergillusfumigatus. Materials & Methods: To investigate the antifungal effect of the round silver nanoparticles with 10nm diameter against Aspergillusfumigatus, the diameter of colonies after 8 days as well as the number of colonies in different days was determined, using direct drop test. After that, to measure the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicide Concentration (MFC) values of silver nanoparticles and fluconazole, Micro Dilution Broth method was performed. At the end, the MIC and MFC values of silver nanoparticles were compared to MIC and MFC of fluconazole. Results: The results obtained from direct drop test confirm that the silver nanoparticles can decrease the diameter of fungal colonies in dose dependent manner. The data of silver nanoparticles on the number of colonies in different days shows that the number of colonies increases up to sixth day and then becomes fixed. Based on the results of Micro Dilution Broth method, the MIC and the MFC values of this component are 31.25 and 62.5ppm, respectively. Conclusion: The present study confirms that silver nanoparticles with 10nm diameter have antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigates. Key words: Silver nanoparticles, Aspergillusfumigatus, Antifungal activity.