Showing 28 results for Hashemi
F Habibi Nava, M Hashemi Karouei, Sh Shafahi,
Volume 7, Issue 5 (supplement Issue( Bacteriology)[PERSIAN] 2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Resistance of Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) to antibiotics is the main cause of relapse into Helcobacterial infections. With the use of several antibiotics that have synergistic effect, we can inhibit this antibiotic resistance. Thus, we aimed at determining resistance patterns and assessing the synergy of combining multiple antibiotics on H. pylori.
Material and Methods: Biopsy specimens were taken from 100 patients with gastric ulcer referred to Imam Reza hospital in Amol, north of Iran. After isolation and identification of H. Pylori, antibiogram was performed with different antibiotic disks containing one antibiotic, a combination of two antibiotics (metronidazole + clarithromycin) and three antibiotics (metronidazole + Claritromycin + Ciprofloxacin).
Results: In this study, H. pylori were isolated from 53 (53%) biopsy specimens. Of these, 49 (5.92%) were resistant to metronidazole, 14 (26%) to amoxicillin, 10 (19%) to clarithromycin, 7 (13%) to tetracycline, 13 (5/24%) to furazolidone and 7 (13%) to ciprofloxacin. In survey of synergistic effect, an increase in inhibition zone diameter around of combined disks was seen up to 5mm compared to the most effective antibiotic.
Conclusion: The inhibition zone diameter of discs containing two and three antibiotics was large, in comparison with one antibiotic.
Key words: H. Pylori Antibiotic Resistance Synergy Effect
T Ghelich, M Hashemi Karouei, I Gholampor Azizi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (summer 2014[PERSIAN] 2014)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Because of increased resistance to antibiotics, side effects of chemical drugs and importance of medicinal plants, we aimed to assess the antibacterial effects of methanolic extract of the Polygonumbistorta plant on the E. coli (ATCC 15224), Ps. aeruginosa (ATCC 25619), B. subtilis (ATCC 6633) and Stap. Aureus (ATCC 25923). Material and Methods: After preparing the extract, its antibacterial effect was assessed via gel diffusion method, using disk / well diffusion methods to determine MIC and MBC Results: MIC of methanolic extract was 78 µg/ml for E. coli, 63×103 µg/ml for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 39 µg/ml for Bacillus subtilis and 31×102 µg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus Conclusion: In spite of resistance of gram-negative bacteria to chemical agents, polygonum bistorta methanolic extract could inhibit the growth of E.coli and P. aeruginosa. Key words: Antibacterial, Bistorta, Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
N Hashemi, Y Yazdani,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (Autumn[PERSIAN] 2014)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Mucosal feeding of myelin basic protein binding to the cholera toxin B subunit can reduce the intensity of the immune response in MS patients. Expression system, the domain composition of the fusion protein, accessibility of two domains, codon adaptation index (CAI) and GC contents are very important for the large scale production of fusion protein.
Material and Methods: we used DNA2, PSIPRED and ProtParam softwares for designing the best form to produce fusion protein. Moreover, the correct open reading frame of myelin basic protein was also considered. First the coding sequence was verified and then synthesized. For confirmation of the recombinant vector, PCR test was carried out using T7 primers. Finally it was inserted into the cloning site of pET28 expression vector.
Results: After coding optimization, the CAI rate was increased from 64 % to 80% and GC content from 41 % to 49%. The presence of a band near 700bp resulted from PCR amplification test demonstrates the correct cloning of recombinant vectors in the cloning site of pET28 expression vector.
Conclusion: According to software and experimental analysis, the designed sequence probably in the best form could be used for production of recombinant protein.
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, Cholera Toxin, Myelin Basic Protein
Pashaie Naghadeh, A, Dabirzadeh, M, Davoodi, T, Hashemi, M,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (may,jun 2015[PERSIAN] 2015)
Abstract
Background and objective: Bioindicators of drinking water are always influenced by physical and chemical factors such as turbidity and chlorine. Considering the assessment of drinking water quality is based on residual chlorine, E.coli, heterotrophic bacteria and turbidity. We aimed to evaluate the effect of pH, chlorine residual and turbidity on the microbial bioindicators.
Material and methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 324 and 32 water samples were collected from rural and urban water distribution network of Aq Qala city in 2013, respectively. All steps were performed according to standard methods.
Results: In rural water supply, 5%, 9% and 33% of the samples were contaminated with fecal coliform, fecal streptococcus and the heterotrophic more than 500CFU / ml. In urban network, coliform contamination was not seen and other bioindicators were less than those of rural networks were. Turbidity of above 5 NTU in urban and rural samples was 3 and 9 percent, respectively. Bioindicators had significant relationship with residual chlorine, fecal coliform bacteria with pH and turbidity with heterotrophic bacteria (P ≤0.05).
Conclusion: The presence of fecal streptococcus bacteria in some samples without fecal coliform cannot confirm the safety of drinking water. Microbial contamination in the presence of residual chlorine implies that just chlorination is not enough for having healthy water.
Keywords: Chlorine, Turbidity, Biological Factors, Drinking water
Hashemi, M, Amin Zare, M, Naghibi, S, Raeisi, M, Hasanzad Azar, H,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (Jul,Aug2015[PERSIAN] 2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical composition, antibacterial and antifungal effect and antioxidant property of Salvia officinalis, Mentha piperita and Mentha Longifolia.
Material and Methods: At first, chemical analysis of essential oils was determined using GC/MS. Then the antibacterial and antifungal effect of tested essential oils on L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, S. typhimurium and E. coli and two fungal strains including A. niger and A. flavus were determined using disk diffusion agar and broth microdilution methods. The antioxidant property of essential oils was evaluated using DPPH assay.
Results: Linalool (14.38%), l. menthone (19.03%) and δ-terpinene (21.78%) were the major components of Salvia officinalis, Mentha piperita and Mentha Longifolia, respectively. all tested essential oils had antibacterial effect on foodborne pathogens, which was comparable with tetracycline’s effect. In addition, all essences had appropriate antioxidant potential compared with BHT.
Conclusion: based on the results, Salvia officinalis, Mentha piperita and Mentha Longifolia can be introduced as appropriate natural preservatives.
Keywords: Salvia officinalis; Mentha piperita; Mentha Longifolia, Antibacterial Agents.
Hamid Reza Joshaghani , Saeid Parvizi , Khodaberdi Kalavi , Naser Behnampour, Hadi Joshaghani , Nader Hashemi, Sahar Alijanpour,
Volume 9, Issue 5 (Nov,Dec-2015 2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Normal hemoglobin (Hb) is formed of a heme group and a protein group known as globin. Globin is made of four polypeptide chains and in hemoglobinopathies, the structure of one of these four polypeptide chain becomes abnormal. Cellulose acetate method is a common way to differentiate haemoglobinopathies. Inability to identify the components of Hb low concentrations and incapability to isolate all Hb types are among the disadvantages of this method. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in the North of Iran by capillary electrophoresis method.
Methods: All patients with suspected hemoglobinopathies, referred by physicians for electrophoresis, have been studied in a private center in the city of Gorgan, Iran. The level of HbA2, HbA, HbF and other Hb was recorded.
Results: Overall, 725 blood samples were analyzed using the capillary method. HbE was reported in 2 patients, HbH was observed in 2 patients and Hb Barts was reported in 3 patients. Using the capillary method, among patients with the SDG area, only 4 of 38 (10.52%) had HbS and the majority of them (89.48%) had HbD.
Conclusion: HbD is the most common hemoglobinopathy in the North of Iran.
Keywords: Hemoglobinopathy; hemoglobin D; Capillary Electrophoresis; Iran
Ali Mohammadi , Maryam Hashemi , Masoud Hosseini ,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (Mar,Apr2016 2016)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Considering the increasing tendency of public towards green consumption and the dangers of artificial additives, this study aimed to assess antibacterial activity of essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Mentha piperita L., Zataria multiflora Boiss and Thymus vulgaris against three important pathogenic and spoilage bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Erwinia carotovora and Escherichia coli).
- After obtaining the essential oils from Magnolia Co., their antimicrobial activity was assessed using broth microdilution method by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50, MIC90) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). All experiments were performed in triplicate and the data were analyzed using the GraphPad software and Duncan's new multiple range test.
- All essential oils showed antimicrobial activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Increasing the concentration of essential oils from 0.01% to 4% (v/v) significantly enhancing the antibacterial activity. The statistical calculations and comparison of data showed that the essential oils of C. zeylanicum and Z. multiflora performed better compared to the other two essential oils, due to having lower values of MIC50 (≤0.1%), MIC90 (≤0.4%) and MBC (≤1%) (P <0.05).
- Considering the high antimicrobial activity of essential oils of C. zeylanicum and Z. multiflora, they can be used as effective food additives with fewer side effects. However, further studies are being conducted on the effectiveness of essential oils on the growth of other microorganisms and their results will be published soon.
- Essential Oils, Antimicrobial, Pathogenic Bacteria, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Zataria Multiflora Boiss.
Mansour Dabirzadeh , Abbas Pashaie Neghadeh , Tahere Davoodi , Mohammad Hashemi ,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (Mar,Apr2016 2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease and a health problem in different parts of Iran, especially two cities of Mashhad and Chabahar. Due to morphological similarities of most Leishmania species and difference in reservoirs of L. major and L. tropica, it is necessary to determine the parasite specie to combat the disease. Thus, this study used gene sequencing and genotyping of 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) to differentiate the two species of Leishmania.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, microscope slides and cultures were prepared from 43 patients suspected of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Chabahar and Mashhad. PCR was performed after genomic DNA extraction and then PCR products were sequenced and analyzed.
Results: Of the 43 patients studied, 32 direct smear and culture (74.4%) were positive and 11 (25.6%) showed negative results, and were therefore excluded from the study. Using HSP70-specific primers, 1962 bp and 1152bp bands were observed for HSP70 of L. major in Chabahar and L. tropica in Mashhad, respectively. Based on the results, there were 18 nucleotide differences between HSP70 of L. major in Chabahar and L. tropica in Mashhad.
Conclusion: Due to the morphological similarities between Leishmania species and inability to differentiate species through parasitological methods, the HSP70 gene can be used for identification of the species, and prevention and treatment of the disease.
Esmaeil Samadian, Ayyoob Khosravi , Roghaye Gharae, Mostafa Mir, Seyed Ahmad Sajjadi , Fahimeh Mohammad Abadi, Nader Hashemi, Sahar Alijanpour, Hamid Reza Joshaghani,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2016 2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Genetic variations in the gene encoding endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme affect the susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Identification of the way these changes affect eNOS structure and function in laboratory conditions is difficult and time-consuming. Thus, it seems essential to perform bioinformatics studies prior to laboratory studies to find the variants that are more important. This study aimed to predict the damaging effect of changes in the coding region of eNOS using homology- and structure-based algorithms (SIFT and PolyPhen).
Methods: First, the single nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding region (cSNPs) of the human eNOS gene were extracted from dbSNP. Resulting amino acid changes were reported as primary data required for the study. Then, position and type of amino acid changes along with the complete amino acid sequence were separately entered into the SIFT and PolyPhen tools for analysis.
Results: Of 144 single nucleotide changes, 38 changes by the SIFT, 47 changes by the PolyPhen and 18 amino acid substitutions by both tools were predicted as damaging.
Conclusion: It is predicted that 18 amino acid changes may have damaging phenotypic effects on the structure of the eNOS enzyme that may affect its performance by potentially affecting the enzyme’s various functional regions. Therefore, computational prediction of potentially damaging nsSNPs and prioritizing amino acid changes may be useful for investigating protein performance using targeted re-sequencing and gene mutagenesis experiments.
Mohammad Mohammad Mostakhdem Hashemi , Afsaneh Tabandeh , Hamidreza Tajari , Nasser Behnampour, Azadeh Aliarab, Hamid Reza Joshaghani,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2016 2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: sperm motility mainly depends on aerobic glycolysis, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a key enzyme in the last step of this process. On the other hand, fructose is considered as the main energy source for sperm motility. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the LDH activity and fructose levels and their correlation with sperm motion parameters in normospermic and asthenozospermic males.
Methods: In this case-control study, 96 normospermic and 96 asthenozospermic males were enrolled. The semen samples were analyzed by computer assisted semen analysis to identify sperm motion parameters. Seminal plasma fructose levels were measured using Seliwanoff's test. LDH activity in the samples was evaluated using commercially available kits. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16).
Results: The levels of LDH activity and fructose concentration were not different between the two groups. There was no correlation found between LDH activity and fructose concentration or sperm motility parameters. However, LDH was significantly correlated with sperm concentration in both groups.
Conclusion: Although LDH activity and fructose levels seem to be influenced by sperm motility, other factors such as sperm concentration and total sperm count can also affect their seminal plasma levels. Thus, when the sperm concentrations are equal in study groups, the level of these factors are expected to be equal.
Keywords: Lactate Dehydrogenase, Fructose, Sperm Motility, CASA.
Seyyede Zolaikha Hashemi Chashmi, Valiollah Dabidi Roshan, Sohail Azizi,
Volume 10, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct-2016 2016)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anticancer drug. It has been shown that a short-term exercise performed prior to DOX-treatment has no effect on cardiotoxicity in young rats. In the present study, old and young rats were evaluated to determine the protective effects of pre-treatment with short-term exercise on DOX-induced oxidative damage in cardiac tissue.
Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups of young and old, and later divided into three sub-groups of young+DOX, young+training+DOX, young+training+salin, old+DOX, old+training+DOX and old+training+salin. The training protocol included treadmill running for 25-39 min/day at 15-17 m/min, 5 days/week for three weeks. All treatments were carried out 24h after the last exercise bout. The rats were sacrificed 48h
after DOX administration.
Results: Although DOX injection significantly affected the cardiac tissue of old rats compared to young rats, pretreatment with endurance training in DOX-treated rats caused an increase in Heat shock protein (3.02% vs. 23.36) and superoxide dismutase (30.12% vs. 31.12), and a decrease in malondialdehyde (10.92% vs. 19.60) in both old and young rats.
Conclusion: Although DOX-induced production of free radicals and cardiotoxicity in aged rats is more than that in young rats, the short-term aerobic exercise reduced the damaging effects of free radicals in the old rats more than in young ones. The concentration of antioxidant enzymes also increases with exercise in the old rats compared to young rats.
Keywords: Cardiotoxicity, Doxorubicin, Oxidative Stress, Aerobic Exercise.
Mishar Kelishadi , Mohammad Mojerloo, Pezhman Hashemi , Sobhan Samadi, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2017)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common viral cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients
. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of active CMV infection in hemodialysis patients in Gorgan, Iran.
Methods: Plasma samples were obtained from 149 hemodialysis patients at Hemodialysis Unit of Panje-Azar Medical Centre in Gorgan, Iran. Presence of
CMV-DNA in plasma samples was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (
PCR) using specific primers for highly conserved regions of major capsid protein gene of HCMV. In addition, level of CMV-IgM antibody was measured by serological testing. Demographic information and past medical history of patients were also recorded. Data was analyzed by SPSS software (version 18).
Results: Total prevalence of CMV infection was 6.7% (10/149) among the patients receiving
hemodialysis. CMV-DNA and anti-CMV IgM antibody were detected in 2.68% and 4.69%, of the samples, respectively. One case was found positive for both CMV-DNA and anti-CMV IgM antibody. CMV infection did not have any correlation with gender, age, ethnicity, duration of hemodialysis, and history of blood transfusion.
Conclusion: A notable proportion of hemodialysis patients in Gorgan have active CMV infection. Accurate detection of these individuals is important for preventing infection spread, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Simultaneous diagnosis of CMV infection using serological testing and PCR assay could help reduce the risk of infection spread.
Keywords: HCMV, Hemodialysis, PCR, Iran.
Zahra Salimizadeh, Seyed Masoud Hashemi Karouei , Farzaneh Hosseini,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2018)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: The present study was conducted to detect class 1 integrons and evaluate antibiotic susceptibility patterns among clinical isolates of
P. aeruginosa.
Methods: Sixty clinical samples from blood, tracheal wounds, burns and urinary tract infections were collected from three general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Culture of specimens was performed on common bacteriological culture media. Bacteria were identified based on mobility, pigment production, growth at 42
oC, and oxidase and catalase tests. Overall, 21
P. aeruginosa strains were isolated
. Antimicrobial susceptibility of was evaluated via the disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) according to the CLSI guidelines. Presence of the
intI1,
sul1,
aadA2 and
aadB gene cassettes was investigated using PCR. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21).
Results: The most effective antimicrobial agents against
P. aeruginosa isolates were tetracycline and gentamicin. All
P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug resistant. Moreover, the
intI1,
sul1,
aadA2 and
aadB genes were found in 90.5%, 90.5%, 47.6% and 19% of the
P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the presence of
aadB, aadA2 and
sul1 gene cassetes may play an important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants.
Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, integron, multidrug resistance.
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: The present study was conducted to detect class 1 integrons and evaluate antibiotic susceptibility patterns among clinical isolates of
P. aeruginosa.
Methods: Sixty clinical samples from blood, tracheal wounds, burns and urinary tract infections were collected from three general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Culture of specimens was performed on common bacteriological culture media. Bacteria were identified based on mobility, pigment production, growth at 42
oC, and oxidase and catalase tests. Overall, 21
P. aeruginosa strains were isolated
. Antimicrobial susceptibility of was evaluated via the disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) according to the CLSI guidelines. Presence of the
intI1,
sul1,
aadA2 and
aadB gene cassettes was investigated using PCR. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21).
Results: The most effective antimicrobial agents against
P. aeruginosa isolates were tetracycline and gentamicin. All
P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug resistant. Moreover, the
intI1,
sul1,
aadA2 and
aadB genes were found in 90.5%, 90.5%, 47.6% and 19% of the
P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the presence of
aadB, aadA2 and
sul1 gene cassetes may play an important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants.
Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, integron, multidrug resistance.
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: The present study was conducted to detect class 1 integrons and evaluate antibiotic susceptibility patterns among clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.
Methods: Sixty clinical samples from blood, tracheal wounds, burns and urinary tract infections were collected from three general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Culture of specimens was performed on common bacteriological culture media. Bacteria were identified based on mobility, pigment production, growth at 42 oC, and oxidase and catalase tests. Overall, 21 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated. Antimicrobial susceptibility of was evaluated via the disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) according to the CLSI guidelines. Presence of the intI1, sul1, aadA2 and aadB gene cassettes was investigated using PCR. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21).
Results: The most effective antimicrobial agents against P. aeruginosa isolates were tetracycline and gentamicin. All P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug resistant. Moreover, the intI1, sul1, aadA2 and aadB genes were found in 90.5%, 90.5%, 47.6% and 19% of the P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the presence of aadB, aadA2 and sul1 gene cassetes may play an important role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance determinants.
Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, integron, multidrug resistance.
Mojtaba Raeisi , Fatemeh Ghorbani Bidkorpeh , Mohammad Hashemi , Bektas Tepe , Zahra Moghaddam , Masoud Aman Mohammadi, Seyyed Mohammad Ali Noori ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Utilization of essential oils instead of chemical preservatives has received significant attention in recent years. The present study aims to evaluate chemical composition and antibacterial and antioxidant properties of essential oils of Zataria multiflora, Artemisia deracunculus and Mentha piperita.
Methods: Chemical profile of the essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The microwell dilution and agar disk diffusion methods were used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the essential oils. Total phenolic content, β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching test and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were carried out to determine the antioxidant properties.
Results: Menthol (39.18%) and mentone (21.64%) were the main components of the essential oil of M. piperita, while estragol (34.75%) and limonene (15.72%) were the major components of the essential oil of A. dracunculus. The main components of the essential oil of Z. multiflora were carvacrol (36.81%) and thymol (33.04%). The essential oils of M. piperita and Z. multiflora showed greater antimicrobial effects. Moreover, Z. multiflora showed the greatest antioxidant activity among the essential oils. The total phenolic content of Z. multiflora was 228.14±0.45 mg gallic acid equivalent/g.
Conclusion: Given their favorable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, the essential oils of Z. multiflora, A. deracunculus and M. piperita can be used as natural food preservatives.
Keywords: Zataria multiflora, Artemisia deracunculus, Mentha piperita, antibacterial effect, antioxidant effect.
Mishar Kelishadi, Pezhman Hashemi, G.hossein Ashrafi , Naser Behnampour, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 13, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is necessary for the prevention and treatment of a variety of life-threatening injuries and diseases. However, viral contamination of these products is a great threat to recipients. Screening donors for GB virus C by nucleic acid testing is not routinely implemented worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prevalence of GBV-C RNA in whole blood/red cell components.
Methods: In this cross sectional pilot study, we collected 153 units of packed RBCs from blood banks of two public hospitals in Gorgan (northeast of Iran), between October and November 2014. The samples were screened for the presence of GBV-C RNA in plasma by nested RT-PCR using specific primers targeting highly conserved regions of 5' UTR of GBV-C. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 18).
Results: Overall, 48 (31.37%) whole blood or red cell components were positive for GBV-C viremia. The GBV-C RNA was detected in 31/88 citrate phosphate dextrose-adenine 1 (CPDA1) RBC, 16/50 washed RBC and 1/13 reduced-leukocyte RBC. However, whole blood CPDA1 was negative for GBV-C viremia. Direct sequencing of PCR products confirmed GBV-C contamination.
Conclusions: Transmission of GBV-C infection was observed in blood products. Thus, efforts should be made to develop new strategies for assuring blood transfusion safety.
Keywords: Molecular testing, Epidemiology, Transfusion-transmissible infections, GB Virus C.
Mehrdad Rezaeian, Saeid Khanzadi, Mohammad Hashemi, Mohammad Azizzadeh,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Chitosan is a preservative that is commonly used in food packaging due to forming a film with antimicrobial activity. Many antimicrobial agents have been used to control the growth of different bacteria, fungi and yeasts in food products using chitosan coating. The present research was conducted to examine inhibitory effects of a coating incorporated with the essential oils of Zataria multiflora (ZEO) and Bunium persicum (BEO) on the growth of Pseudomonas artificially inoculated onto salmon fillets over a period of 12 days at 4 °C.
Methods: The antibacterial activity of BEO against P. aeruginosa was evaluated using the microdilution method via determining minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. For the food model investigation, three P. aeruginosa strains were inoculated onto trout fillets as culture cocktail to assess their survival over 12 days of storage.
Results: The results indicated that ZEO and BEO had stronger inhibitory effect on P. aeruginosa in trout fillets when applied along with gel type nano-emulsion of chitosan solution. The separate use of each of these substances also significantly inhibited the growth of these pathogenic bacteria compared with the control. In addition, the use of chitosan coating without any antimicrobial agent affected the growth of P. aeruginosa.
Conclusion: The gel type nano-emulsion of chitosan coating containing ZEO and BEO can be applied on foodstuff, particularly fish and its products, as an antimicrobial agent.
Romina Saei Hamedani , Saeid Khanzadi, Mohammad Hashemi, Mohammad Azizzadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Neutralized electrolyzed water (NEW) is a novel natural disinfectant. It has been suggested that application of NEW can improve the shelf life of fish. This study aimed to investigate effect of NEW incorporated in alginate coating on growth of Escherichia coli O157: H7 on salmon fillets over a period of 12 days.
Methods: Fish fillets were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and divided into six different treatment groups: control (no coating), distilled water, alginate, EW, EW & alginate (Samples coated with alginate solution prepared by EW), and EW+ alginate (samples immersed in EW, then coated with alginate solution). The fillets were kept at 4 °C, and the bacterial count was determined on days: 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Data analysis was performed using repeated ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoctest at statistical significance of 0.05.
Results: Treatment with alginate coating and EW alone could significantly reduce E. coli O157: H7 count on the salmon fillets. However, maximum reduction (1.27 log CFU/g) of bacteria was achieved when using alginate coating combined with EW.
Conclusion: According to the results, the combination of alginate coating with EW can be applied as a natural antimicrobial for increasing safety of food products, especially fish, against pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli O157: H7.
Ayoub Hashemi, Rahman Soori, Ebrahim Banitalebi, Siroos Choobineh ,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Vascular senescence refers to specific aging-associated changes in the endothelial cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of 12 weeks of resistance training with elastic bands on circulating endothelial cell-derived microRNA-92a and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in elderly women with osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO).
Methods: In the present randomized clinical trial, 48 elderly women with OSO were randomly divided into a control group (n=22) and an experimental group (n=26). The subjects in the intervention group performed 12 weeks of resistance training with elastic bands three times a week. The participants became familiar with targeted number of repetitions and OMNI-resistance exercise scale to control exercise intensity.
Results: The mean age, body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), and bone mineral density T-score for the hip and L1-L4 lumbar spine of the subjects were 64.13±3.68 years, 45.4%±6.56, 33.1±3.71 kg/m2, and -1.86±1.42, respectively. After the 12-week resistance training, we observed a significant decrease in serum level of mir-92a in the experimental group compared to the control group (p=0.03). However, there was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, total cholesterol, and ET-1 (p≥0.05).
Conclusion: The 12-week resistance training program seems to modulate and decrease serum mir-92a expression in elderly women with OSO. The lack of a significant change in BMI, body fat percentage, and ET-1 levels following the exercise training might be due to the type and intensity of the exercises.
Mana Zakeri, Elham Alimoradi, Effat Seyyedhashemi, Shayan Marhamati, Vahid Tajari, Hamidreza Joshaghani,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, caused by abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) are reliable biomarkers for diagnosing SLE. Here, we aimed to investigate the serum levels of anti-dsDNA and ANA antibodies, their diagnostic utilities, and their relationship with disease activity and clinical/laboratory manifestations in patients with suspected.
Methods: We evaluated the plasma levels of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies in all individuals with suspected SLE (n=668) who had been referred to rheumatology clinics in Gorgan, Iran. The level of antibodies as well as C3, C4, and CH50 were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.
Results: The mean level of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies differed significantly between the ANA-positive and ANA-negative groups (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean values of C3 (p=0.233), C4 (p=0.415, and CH50 (p=0.482) between the two groups. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between ANA and anti-dsDNA levels (p<0.001, r=0.50).
Conclusion: Our findings indicate that anti-dsDNA levels are higher in ANA-positive individuals, and there may be a positive correlation between ANA and anti-dsDNA levels. It is recommended to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic values of ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies in future studies.
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.
