Showing 258 results for Ari
Samaneh Sabouri, Darioush Hamidi Alamdari, Sanaz Salaramoli, Seyyed Isaac Hashemy,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2023)
Abstract
Samaneh Sabouri 
,
Darioush Hamidi Alamdari ,
Sanaz Salaramoli ,
Seyyed Isaac Hashemy
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelination disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), which is believed to be associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, researchers try to find reliable biomarkers to monitor the disease and predict its prognosis. Cholesterol and lipids in the myelin sheath are vital for nerve cells. Serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is susceptible to lipid peroxidation induced by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress markers in the serum of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and examine their correlation with lipid markers.
Methods: A total of 18 MS patients (14 women and 4 men) and 18 healthy subjects (matched by age and sex) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The serum samples were collected in both relapsing and remitting phases. The prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) were measured as markers of oxidative stress.
Results: The mean age of participants was 29.21 (22-42) years. In the comparison between the patient and control groups, the most differences were increased levels of PAB in the patient group (P < 0.05), no difference between relapsing and remitting phases (P = 0.995), increased MDA levels in the relapsing phase (P = 0.013)––but no change in the remitting phase (P = 0.068), no difference in LDL and oxLDL levels in the patient group (P > 0.05), and MDA, LDL, and oxLDL levels did not have any significant correlation with PAB (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: High levels of oxidative stress markers were present in both phases of the disease. Lipid peroxidation markers (such as MDA) increased in the acute phase, but oxLDL did not change. Also, there was no significant correlation between oxidative stress and cholesterol markers.
Marzieh Niakan, Habib Alla Johari, Mehrdad Shariati, Davood Moghadamnia, Ebrahim Talebi,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2023)
Abstract
Marzieh Niakan1 ,
Habib Alla Johari 2,
Mehrdad Shariati1 ,
Davood Moghadamnia3 ,
Ebrahim Talebi4
Background: Research has shown that the extract of some plants has an effective protective effect on liver cells against toxins and oxidants. In this research, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of ginger against hepatotoxicity caused by doxorubicin (Dox) in adult male rats was investigated.
Methods: In this experimental study, 63 adult male rats were divided into 7 groups (n = 9 per group). The experimental treatments included the control and placebo groups without the use of medicines, experimental group I that received Dox at a dose of 20 mg/kg, experimental groups II and III with 300 and 600 mg/kg of ginger hydroalcoholic extract, and experimental groups IV and V that received 20 mg/kg Dox + 300 and 600 mg/kg of ginger hydroalcoholic extract, respectively. After the end of the test period, serum levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were measured. In addition, the histological changes in the liver were examined after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.
Results: Serum levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in the Dox group showed a significant increase compared to the control group. In contrast, serum levels of total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in Dox + ZIN 600 and Dox + ZIN 300 had a significant reduction compared to the Dox group (P < 0.05). Ginger extract prevented apoptosis and Dox-induced liver tissue damage in dose-dependent designs.
Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of ginger improves the changes of serum bilirubin and liver tissue after receiving Dox due to its antioxidant compounds.
Ehsan Ameri, Ali Farhadi Mahali, Mojtaba Tabari,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2023)
Abstract
Ehsan Ameri 1,
Ali Farhadi Mahali2 ,
Mojtaba Tabari3
Background: Improving the quality of visit services in laboratories of medical-teaching centers of universities of medical sciences plays a major role in providing better services to patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the policy of improving the quality of visit services of the reform plan in laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province.
Methods: The present research was cross-sectional and had a descriptive-analytical type. A total of 384 staff in the diagnostic laboratories were selected for the study using a simple random sampling method. The data collection tool included a 35-item researcher-made questionnaire.
Results: There was a gap between the current and desired status of the fourth axis of the health system reform plan. The gap was about -0.01, indicating that there was a gap between the current and desired status and it was related to the supervision department according to the respondents in the target statistical population.
Conclusion: The implementation of this plan was effective in improving the quality of visit services in laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province but this effectiveness did not meet the goals of the fourth axis of the reform plan. Therefore, the factors, which caused a lack of supervision among the executive departments of laboratories of medical-teaching centers in Golestan province, should be removed for increasing the effectiveness of this plan.
Arvin Shajeie, Mehrnaz Rad, Mahdi Askari, Kamran Sharifi, Gholamreza Hashemi Tabar,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2023)
Abstract
Background: Colistin is the most significant last-line antibiotic for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, especially the Enterobacteriaceae family. The emergence and rapid spread of the plasmid-mediated resistance gene, mcr-1 (mobilized colistin resistance), in some isolates of Escherichia coli in recent years provoked public health concerns since it has been shown that mcr-1 with other resistance genes, such as ESBLs (extended-spectrum beta-lactamases) and carbapenemases, could be carried on a single plasmid concurrently. The excessive consumption of colistin, particularly in the livestock industry, and the transmission of these resistant bacteria from livestock to humans may potentially increase the risk of the spread of resistance in humans. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the prevalence of mcr and carbapenem resistance genes among neonatal calves in Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran.
Methods: In the current study, 200 fecal samples from healthy and diarrheic neonatal calves (≤35 days old) were collected in Mashhad (190 E. coli strains were isolated). Antibiotic susceptibility to ceftazidime, cefepime, cefixime, meropenem, colistin, and ciprofloxacin was examined. The double-disk diffusion method (ceftazidime + ceftazidime/clavulanic acid) was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) media to phenotypically distinguish the ESBL producers. Afterward, the Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used to detect colistin resistance genes (mcr-1, mcr-2, mcr-3, mcr-4, and mcr5), NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase 1), and OXA-48 as carbapenemases.
Results: The results of the resistance rate to antibiotics were cefepime, ceftazidime, cefixime, meropenem, and colistin. Based on the findings, 33.7% were phenotypically ESBL producers, 4.21% harbored mcr-1, and no NDM-1 or OXA-48 was detected. Among the mcr-1-positive isolates, 5 strains showed the ESBL phenotype.
Conclusion: The results highlight the need for continued monitoring of antibiotic resistance in livestock and the potential for transmission to humans. The findings also underscore the importance of responsible antibiotic use in both human and animal health to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Seyedabdullah Mosavi, Alireza Barari, Asie Abbassi Daloii,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2023)
Abstract
Background: Significant economic consequences can lead to various problems and complications, including medical complications. Coronary artery disease (CAD), a serious health threat with increasing prevalence, is a major cause of death and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a special training program on cytochrome P450 (CYP) gene expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in patients with coronary artery bypass surgery.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 16 patients who underwent coronary artery surgery in Babol City, Iran. The patients were selected using a random sampling method and divided into 2 groups: experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in an exercise program consisting of 3 sessions per week for a duration of 8 weeks. The expression levels of CYP and ROS genes were measured by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The analysis was performed by comparing covariances and means.
Results: ROS gene expression levels significantly decreased in the experimental group than in the control group (P=0.003). However, there was no significant difference in P450 levels between the experimental and control groups (P=0.99).
Conclusion: Special exercises reduced ROS expression and increased P450 expression in patients who had coronary bypass surgery. There is a probability that special exercises, can effectively prevent heart damage by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing ROS.
Mahnoosh Fatemi, Fereshte Ghandehari , Danial Salehi, Parastoo Torabian,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2023)
Abstract
Background: Discovering new cytotoxic compounds has received significant attention due to the rise in drug resistance and the adverse effects associated with chemotherapy drugs. In this study, the cytoplasmic extract of Lactobacillus casei was used to produce iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2o3 NPs), and the cytotoxic effects of NPs were investigated on MCF-7 and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells.
Methods: The cytoplasmic extract of L. casei was mixed with 103M iron sulfate solution and incubated for 3 weeks at 37 °C and 5% CO2. The coprecipitation method was used to synthesize chemical Fe2o3 NPs. The synthesis of NPs was studied by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the cytotoxic effects were evaluated with dilutions (10, 100, and 1000 µg/mL) on MCF-7 and HEK cells.
Results: X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy presented the mean of NPs synthesized by the green method to be about 15 nm and their shape to be spherical, as well as the average of chemically synthesized NPs to be about 20 nm with cubic structure. Chemical and green synthesized NPs only at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL were able to significantly reduce the survival rate of normal HEK-293 cells; chemically synthesized NPs decreased MCF-7 cell survival only at 1000 µg/mL and green synthesis at 100 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL.
Conclusion: Generating Fe2o3 NPs is biologically safe using the green synthesis method and the cytoplasmic extract of L. casei, which may be a suitable candidate for the treatment of cancer cells.
Ali Ehsan Shahbazi, Nastaran Barati, Eissa Soleymani, Pegah Khandan Del, Abolfazl Khandan Del, Nemat Azizi , Behjat Ranjouri , Mehran Bakhtiari , Seyedmousa Motavallihaghi ,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (Nov-Dec 2023)
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease pandemic and a major global health problem that can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Previous studies have shown an inverse link between toxoplasmosis and COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the association between COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis infection.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, samples were taken from 360 patients, 50% of whom were men and 50% were women. Of the patients, 180 were determined to be COVID-19-positive by the ELISA kit, and 180 were in the control group. Some demographic characteristics, such as sex, age range, and occupation, were also recorded.
Results: This study was conducted on 180 COVID-19-positive patients, of whom 26.7% were in the 16-30-year age group, 25.1% were self-employed, and 31.7% had anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Among the 180 control patients, 21.1% had antibodies for T. gondii. Of the 57 patients who were co-infected with both COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis, men had higher infection rates (63.2%) than women (36.8%). There was a significant relationship between co-infections with COVID-19 and toxoplasmosis with occupation, but not with age.
Conclusion: The study found that people with toxoplasmosis infection have a 1.73 times higher risk of contracting COVID-19. The findings suggest that infectious agents could be a predisposing factor, possibly due to changes in cytokine levels.
Sedigheh Shirkhani, Alireza Barari, Asieh Abbasi Daloii, Mehrdad Saravi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2024)
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases, especially coronary artery problems, are the main causes of death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of NOs and NOX2 in coronary artery patients after aerobic exercise and omega-3 intake.
Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental study in which 32 men with coronary artery disease in the age range of 55 to 65 years were selected and randomly divided into 4 groups: control, exercise, omega-3, and omega-3 + exercise. The training program consisted of 8 weeks of intermittent running training, 3 sessions per week, with an intensity of 55 to 65% of the subjects' heart rate reserve and with an emphasis on gradual overload. Subjects consumed 1000 mg of omega-3 daily.
Results: There was a significant increase (P <0.0001) in the mean expression of the NOS gene in the exercise + omega-3 group compared to the control group. The mean ratio of NOX gene expression changes in the exercise group, omega-3, and the combination of exercise + omega-3 was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P <0.0001).
Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the ability of exercise and omega-3 supplementation to reduce the level of oxidant stress and increase homeostasis control in coronary artery insufficiency shows an important molecular mechanism that underlies the benefits of these interventions.
Mohammad Fayaz, Vahid Tajari, Mohammad Hosein Taziki Balajelini, Abdolhalim Rajabi, Seyed Mehran Hosseini,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2024)
Abstract
Background: The outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is predictable according to demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging risk factors. We aimed to determine the best outcome predictors and their trends during 30 days of hospitalization.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on moderate to severe hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 26 January 2020 to 13 January 2021. The length of stay in the hospital was considered as the time interval between admission and discharge, and the patient's final condition was defined as either dead or alive. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from the hospital information system. The generalized additive model and the Cox regression model were used to model data.
Results: Of the 1520 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 232 (15.26%) died and 1288 survived or reached the end of 30 days of hospitalization. We selected demographic, clinical, and 131 independent laboratory variables. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) had a nearly double average in the dead group (44.603 [± 25.408] mg/dL) than the survived group (21.304 [± 13.318] mg/dL), and the lymphocyte (Lymph) count showed the opposite trend. The estimated hazard ratio (HR) of these 2 factors was higher than 1 and was statistically significant. In daily stay trends, the hazard function of them also increased rapidly after 15 days.
Conclusion: Blood urea nitrogen and complete blood count provide strong predictive clues about the prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and rapid dynamic changes in the second week can predict a poor outcome in these patients.
Suresh Jaiswal, Bijay Subedi, Ashmita Sapkota, Pushpa Sharma, Manisha Timilsina, Maheshwor Timilsina, Bishnu Raj Tiwari,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2024)
Abstract
Background: Intestinal infections with Helicobacter pylori mainly occur during childhood. If contracted, these infections may cause chronic gastritis, frequently leading to peptic ulcer disease in later life. This study aims to detect the prevalence of H. pylori infections in patients with active gastritis.
Methods: The study included 150 participants who were consuming daily anti-gastritis drugs to reduce the gas and were considered active gastritis patients and were recruited from Lekhnath 12, now known as Pokhara metropolitan-30, from May 2018 to March 2019. They were screened for H. pylori antibodies for detection of infection by the immunochromatographic rapid detection kit, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 2016.
Results: Serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies were used to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in these participants. Among the 150 participants, 54 were males (36%) and 96 were females (64%). The results showed that 47 (31.3%) of the patients were positive for anti-Helicobacter pylori test. The age group 30 to 40 had the highest prevalence of 21 (14.0%). Using public water showed the highest prevalence with a P value of 0.04.
Conclusion: There should be an additional aspect required for the diagnosis and treatment of gastritis, which is the healthcare providers' and patients' awareness of the cause and most efficient treatments for this medical condition. Using only anti-gastritis drugs is not sufficient; treatment against Helicobacter pylori requires the right pathway of treatment by the use of several antibiotics.
Fereshteh Hematyar Tabatabaie , Ali Asghar Moshtaghie, Ali Asghar Rastegari, Hashem Nayeri,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2024)
Abstract
Background: Certain trace elements, like cerium, have the potential to disrupt iron metabolism. This study explored the impact of cerium on intestinal iron absorption, focusing on the initial stage of iron metabolism. We employed the rat everted gut sac (EGS) segments to assess the interference caused by cerium. The primary objectives of this study were to examine the absorption of cerium in the intestines and to compare iron absorption in the presence and absence of cerium.
Methods: For the EGS experiment, segments of the rat's duodenum, ileum, or jejunum were promptly excised, cut into 5-6 cm segments, and rinsed with a physiological solution. These freshly prepared rat EGS segments were then incubated in Earle's medium containing iron (III) and/or cerium (III). We examined the impact of ascorbic acid, glucose, and different time intervals on the intestinal absorption of cerium and iron. Specifically, we investigated how glucose (5 mM) and ascorbic acid (2.8 mM) affected the absorption of cerium and iron at various concentrations (ranging from 0 to 200 mg/L). Additionally, we assessed the interfering effect of cerium on iron absorption.
Results: The results indicated that the maximum intestinal absorption of Fe (III) and Ce (III) occurred at a concentration of 200 mg/L. Furthermore, it was observed that their uptake increased following the reduction by ascorbic acid. The absorption of these elements also rose in the presence of glucose, suggesting energy-dependent transport. Additionally, a consistent cerium concentration was found to decrease iron absorption by 24.3% (P ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, cerium likely reduces iron uptake by competing with iron. Cerium can also disrupt iron metabolism and lead to iron-related metabolic disorders. However, further studies at the molecular and intracellular levels are needed to gain a better understanding of this mechanism.
Aliehsan Karshenas, Ramak Yahya Raiat, Taghi Zahraiee Salehi, Babak Asghari, Maryam Adabi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2024)
Abstract
Background: Escherichia coli consists of a wide range of strains with huge diversity in their genome, distributed in nature and the alimentary tracts of animals and humans. This study analyzed the phylogenetic group determination and genetic diversity of E. coli strains isolated from domestic animals and human clinical samples.
Methods: Twenty E. coli isolates from domestic animals were analyzed for phylogenetic grouping. Also, 100 clinical samples and 20 animal samples were evaluated by the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus–polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) technique. The results and the similarity between the strains were determined based on the Dice similarity coefficient in the SAHN program of the NTSYS-pc software.
Results: The frequency of phylogroups among animal samples were A = 5%, B1 = 65%, B2 = 20%, and D = 10%. Based on the ERIC-PCR results, the clinical strains were allocated into 19 clusters. Most strains were in the E7 cluster. Fifty percent of the E. coli isolated from animal specimens belonged to the E4 group, and the lowest number of strains was in the E3 and E5 (1 strain) groups.
Conclusion: The results confirmed the efficiency and usefulness of the ERIC-PCR tool for the identification and classification of bacteria. Also, we demonstrated the most phylogroup among animal samples.
Samin Zamani, Sima Besharat, Nasser Behnampour, Armina Behnam, Negar Asgari, Nazanin Mortazavi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2024)
Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) caused by abnormal immune responses, leading to inflammation and scarring in the large intestine. The bacteria Prevotella melaninogenica, found in the intestine and mouth, may contribute to UC. This study focuses on the detection of P. melaninogenica in the saliva of UC patients and compares them with the healthy control (HC) group.
Methods: The present study was a case-control study including 40 UC patients and 40 healthy controls (HCs) with an average age of 43.0 3± 10.3. This study used a real-time PCR test to investigate the frequency and average number of P. melaninogenica from the 16S rRNA gene sequence of P. melaninogenica in both groups.
Results: P. melaninogenica was more frequent in UC patients (77.5%) than HCs (45%) (p = 0.003). The patient group had more bacteria (339.31 ± 1082.29) than HCs (61.29 ± 154.03) (p = 0.005). Women in the UC group had more P. melaninogenica (492.35 ± 1427.61) than the control group (56.98 ± 123.50) (p = 0.0342). Similarly, men in the UC group (262.85 ± 664.97) had more bacteria than the control group (72.62 ± 222.76) (p = 0.015).
Conclusion: The current study showed that dysbiosis in P. melaninogenica, a bacterium in human saliva, could be important in the development of UC. Further investigation is needed to evaluate its use as a potential biomarker in the UC.
Toukam Michel, Voundi-Voundi Esther, Bole Bernard, Mviena Nyimbe Louise, Sahmo Simon Stevensen, Nogue Raissa, Kasia Jean Marie,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2024)
Abstract
Background: Syphilis has serious consequences for human health and poses challenges for biological diagnosis. Techniques such as chemiluminescence are still poorly known in our context. Our objective was to compare chemiluminescence and hemagglutination assays with immunoblot as a reference test for detecting anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies.
Methods: Anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies were detected in serum samples. Comparison of chemiluminescence and hemagglutination assays was carried out with immunoblot as the reference test, based on sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa statistic, using IBM-SPSS version 24 software. The significance level was set at 5%.
Results: A total of 600 participants were recruited, with a prevalence of syphilis infection of 3%. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 96.2% for chemiluminescence, and 93.8% and 100% for hemagglutination, respectively. Cohen's kappa statistic between the two tests showed satisfactory agreement (0.768). Cohen's kappa agreements between chemiluminescence/immunoblot and plate hemagglutination assay/immunoblot were greater than 0.8, indicating excellent agreement with the reference test (p<0.0001).
Conclusion: Chemiluminescence is more sensitive but less specific than hemagglutination. The use of chemiluminescence as a first-line test for the diagnosis of syphilis should be considered.
Faramarz Koohsar, Hamed Kalani, Fatemeh Livani, Oghol Niaz Jorjani, Ganesh Yadagiri, Alireza Ahmadi, Roghiyeh Faridnia,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2024)
Abstract
Background: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan. Despite the significant frequency of cutaneous leishmaniasis, there is still no appropriate prevention, control and treatment. In recent years, a few studies have been performed on the effects of garlic extract for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Current drugs, such as glucantime, have several side effects and lead to direct cellular damage. If an herbal-based drug reduces Leishmania by augmenting the immune system, it has the potential to possess a wider margin of safety. This study aimed to investigate the effects of in vitro systematic review of the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and its compounds on Leishmania major.
Methods: Five English databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched until the end of December 2022. The syntax and specific tags have been used for each database. The studies with poor methodology, inadequate information, inappropriate analysis, and confusing presentation were excluded from the current study. The quality of articles was assessed by eleven questions developed by the authors and the data were extracted from the selected articles and discussed.
Results: In this study, 198 articles were selected in the search step, of which five eligible articles were included for examination. The most commonly used solvent for the preparation of garlic extract was distilled water (60%), followed by methanol (40%). In these studies, the bulb of garlic is mostly used (80%). Cell type of J774 was used in only one study (20%), and murine peritoneal macrophages were used in the other studies (80%). The effect of garlic on Leishmania major was strong (80%). Studies have shown that garlic extract or its active compounds can increase cellular immune responses, which play an important role in inhibiting the Leishmania parasite. This is associated with the activation of macrophages and increased IFN-γ levels and NO production.
Conclusion: According to the studies, the effect of different combinations of garlic on the Leishmania parasite has been shown. However, the exact mechanism of the anti-Leishmanial effect of garlic has not been determined. Thus, this issue needs further investigation.
Deep Rajendrabhai Kothari, Nilesh Dutt, Palak Prajapati, Pankaj Garg, Mamta Patel,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2024)
Abstract
Background: The sputum smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is a diagnostic challenge for physicians. It has been shown that adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity increases in various body fluids of patients with tuberculosis (TB). A prospective clinical trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of ADA activity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in subjects who have sputum smear-negative PTB.
Methods: A total of 29 patients (M/F: 15/14), mean age (36.8 years), were enrolled in our study from October 2021 to August 2022 after providing written consent. The mean duration of symptoms was 41.66 days. Out of 29 patients, 21 patients had BAL ADA 4.81±1.68 unit??, for whom AKT treatment was started and cured, while four patients with BAL ADA 4.50±2.86 unit? did not improve, and four patients with BAL ADA 6.52±1.16 whose AKT treatment is ongoing at present but clinically improved. The sensitivity of BAL ADA with the outcome of 29 patients is 75%, while for BAL CBNAAT, it is 80%. When we apply a formula for combined sensitivity for the parallel test, then it comes to 95%, which indicates a great number of patients gets the benefit when we apply both tests simultaneously.
Results: We conclude that ADA activity was significantly increased in BAL.
Conclusion: BAL ADA is a useful and effective investigation for the diagnosis of PTB.
Mahsa Shad, Ayeneh Hagieh Pangh, Farideh Tohidi,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2024)
Abstract
Background: Soil contamination with parasites poses a significant and concerning risk for the transmission of parasitic infections to humans and animals. Considering the crucial role of soil as a potential source of parasite transmission, this study aimed to investigate the presence of helminth and protozoan parasites in the soil of public parks in Gorgan City.
Methods: In this study, a total of 80 soil samples were collected from 16 public parks in Gorgan City in 2022. The soil samples were collected from various areas within the parks, including flower-making, children's play areas, walking paths, sitting areas, and garbage dumps. To isolate the parasites from the soil samples, a saturated solution of sodium nitrate was utilized. The samples were carefully examined under a microscope, and all isolates were stained and subjected to further investigation using special acid-fast stain.
Results: Toxocara eggs were the most commonly detected parasite, present in 40% of the samples (n=32). Coccidia oocysts were found in 12.5% of the samples (n=10), which could potentially be Sarcocystis or Toxoplasma oocysts. Mites were also detected in 12.5% of the samples (n=10). Additionally, Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified using Ziehl-Neelsen's modified staining method, and they were found in 10% of the samples (n=8).
Conclusion: Health education plays a vital role in raising awareness about preventive measures. Collecting reservoirs of parasites (Such as dogs and cats) and planning for the proper disposal of human waste also play an important role in prevention of this disease.
Hadi Yarahmadi , Mehdi Mogharnasi , Roya Askari , Akram Arzani ,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2024)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ten weeks of combined training on the gene expression of nuclear factor-κB and sirtuin 1 in fast and slow twitch muscles of aged male rats.
Methods: Sixteen rats, each 24 months old, were randomly divided into two groups: combined training and control (Eight rats per group). Combined exercises were performed four sessions per week, including two days of endurance and two days of resistance. The exercises took place in a container measuring 50x50x100 cm, filled with water maintained at 30±1°C. On the first day, the animals swam for five minutes in water at a height equal to 100% of their body length, without weights. On the second and third days, the rats swam for 10 minutes with the water height equal to 120% of their body length. On the fourth and fifth days, they swam for 15 minutes with the water height at 140% of their body length, which remained constant during the study period. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with SPSS version 22 software, with the significance level at P≤0.05.
Results: After ten weeks of combined training, a significant difference was observed in the gene expression of nuclear factor-κB and sirtuin 1 between the training and control groups (P=0.001 for both).
Conclusion: According to the results of this research, performing combined exercises in water with appropriate intensity and duration can regulate inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, thereby strengthening muscles and reducing muscle wasting and atrophy in the elderly.
Zaid Faris Hasan , Umut Safiye Şay Coşkun,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2024)
Abstract
Background: Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) has emerged as the predominant etiological agent responsible for bloodstream infections among hospitalized patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii isolates identified from blood cultures.
Methods: A retrospective cohort evaluation was conducted on 117 A. baumannii isolates obtained from blood cultures collected between 2018 and 2019 at the Microbiology Laboratory of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Hospital (Türkiye). The blood culture samples were incubated using the BACT-ALERT 3D system (bioMérieux, Durham, NC, USA). Microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed using the VITEK 2 (bioMérieux, France) automated system.
Results: Of the 117 samples, 59.8% were obtained from males and 40.2% from females. A total of 90.6% of blood culture samples were collected from the intensive care unit, and 88.9% of isolates were identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). The highest resistance was observed against meropenem (99.1%), while the lowest resistance was noted for colistin (17.1%) and tigecycline (27.3%). Resistance to amikacin was 74.4%, while resistance levels to gentamicin, tobramycin, cefoxitin, and cefotaxime were within the range of 80–90%. Resistance to imipenem, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, meropenem, and ertapenem exceeded 90%.
Conclusion: The increasing number of MDR A. baumannii isolates poses a significant threat to all hospitalized patients. However, colistin and tigecycline remain preferable options for the treatment of MDR A. baumannii infections. Considering the increasing prevalence of MDR A. baumannii isolates, periodic analysis of epidemiological data in healthcare centers is important for managing resistance to colistin and tigecycline.
Israa Elgaily, Abdelkarim A. Abdrabo,
Volume 18, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2024)
Abstract
Background: Various analytes are used to assess glycemic control in laboratory medicine. Glucose measurements show current glucose levels, but sample stability can be influenced by diet and stress. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is the best marker for long-term control but can be affected by elevated urea levels. This study compared glycated albumin (GA) and HbA1c in diabetic patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 280 volunteers. Among these, there were 115 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), 95 diabetic patients without ESRD, and 75 non-diabetic patients with ESRD. Laboratory measurements included HbA1c, GA, urea, and creatinine, assessed using standard laboratory techniques. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical software.
Results: Levels of HbA1c were lower in diabetic patients with ESRD compared to diabetic patients without ESRD. In contrast, GA levels were higher in diabetics with ESRD. A significant negative association was observed between HbA1c levels and urea levels. However, creatinine levels were not associated with either HbA1c or GA.
Conclusion: The estimation of glycated hemoglobin levels can be affected by high blood urea. Therefore, GA may be a better glycemic indicator for diabetic patients with ESRD.
