Showing 65 results for Jan
Samira Oladazimi, Parvin Farzanegi, Mohammad Ali Azarbayejani,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2020)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and activin receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) are considered as important factors contributing to knee osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. Here, we compared therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), ozone and exercise training alone and combined on expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 in rats with knee OA.
Methods: Knee OA was induced by a surgical method. Rats with OA were then randomly divided into several groups, including model, MSCs, ozone, exercise, MSCs + ozone, MSCs + exercise, ozone + exercise and MSCs + ozone + exercise groups. Expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 genes was evaluated using RT-PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS software at significance of 0.05.
Results: Expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 differed significantly between the study groups (P<0.0001). Knee OA was significantly associated with overexpression of MMP-13 and ALK5 in the cartilage tissue of rats with knee OA. Combined therapy with MSCs, ozone and exercise significantly decreased the expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 in the cartilage of rats with OA (P<0.001). Although MSCs, ozone and exercise training were effective to mitigate expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 genes, ozone therapy was more effective compared to the other two therapies.
Conclusion: Although ozone, MSCs and exercise training alone could decrease the expression of MMP-13 and ALK5 genes, combined therapy with MSC, ozone and exercise is more effective.
Keywords: Osteoarthritis, O3, MSCs, exercise, MMP-13, ALK5.
Kazem Ranjbar, Hassan Matin Homaie, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani, Maghsoud Piri,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2020)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Liver is one of the vital organs of the human body. Antioxidants have been shown to play important roles in reducing liver injuries. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of gallic acid supplementation and resistance exercise on liver damage biomarkers in male rats intoxicated by steroid anabolic.
Materials and Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six equal groups: control, sham, steroid anabolic (5 mg/kg), steroid anabolic (5 mg/kg) + gallic acid supplementation (50 mg/kg), steroid anabolic (5 mg/kg) + resistance exercise, and steroid anabolic (5 mg/kg) + gallic acid supplementation (50 mg/kg) + resistance exercise. Except for control and sham groups, all groups received (injection) steroid anabolic at a dose of 5 mg / kg body weight once a week. The resistance exercise protocol was comprised of three weekly exercise sessions by 5 rep/3 set of climbing ladder for eight weeks. Data were analyzed via ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test at a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: The hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) and bilirubin (total and direct), "In the gallic acid supplementation group (P<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.02, and p<0.05, respectively), resistance training group (p<0.02, p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.01, and p<0.05, respectively), and the gallic acid supplementation group with resistance exercise (P<0.02, p<0.01, p<0.01, p<0.01, and p<0.01, respectively)" were significantly reduced compared to the anabolic steroid group.
Conclusions: Gallic acid supplementation and resistance exercise significantly reduce liver damage biomarkers. However, the simultaneous use of resistance exercise and gallic acid supplementation has no increasing effects on these biomarkers.
Keywords: Anabolic Agents, gallic acid, Resistance Training.
Naficeh Sadeghi , Mohammad Reza Vafi , Behrooz Jannat , Masoomeh Behzad , Mohammad Reza Oveisi , Mannan Hajimahmoodi ,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2020)
Abstract
Background: Tahini (sesame paste) is a kind of food obtained from sesame seeds. To our knowledge, this is the first study to measure total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds in tahini brands available in Iranian market.
Methods: In this study, 111 tahini samples were collected and purchased from the Iranian Market, including 37 commercial brands (three samples for per brand). The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method was used to measure total antioxidant activity in each sample. Total phenol contents were measured by the Folin–Ciocalteau method in tahini brands.
Results: Current study showed Mino-dates brand (119.93 µmol/ml ±0.159), Trang-Chocolate brand (56.30 µmol/ml ±0.056), Barsam-coffee (45.13µmol/ml±0.094), and Chocolate-barsam brand (53.23 µmol/ml ±0.112), respectively, have more total antioxidant activity than other brands (p< 0.001). Moreover, Mino-dates brand (2057.33 µmol/ml ±0.094), barsam-coffee (805.51 µmol/ml ±0.041), Chocolate-barsam brand (807.42 µmol/ml ±0.095), and Trang-Chocolate brand (685.75 µmol/ml ±0.086), respectively, have more total phenolic compounds than other brands (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Tahini brands with higher polyphenol contents antioxidant capacity also had higher antioxidant capacity. It can be concluded that Tahini in the Iranian market is one of the most valuable foods in terms of antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents.
Mojtaba Raeisi, Kamal Mirkarimi, Behrooz Jannat, Bahman Rahimi Esboei, Abdol Sattar Pagheh, Zahra Mehrbakhsh, Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Oghlniaz Jorjani, Masoud Foroutan,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania. In this study, we aimed at investigating the in vitro anti-leishmanial effect of essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha pulegium, Foeniculum vulgare, Lippia citriodora and Pelargonium graveolens.
Methods: The essential oils were prepared from freshly dried and powdered plants with steam-distilled water. Iranian strain of Leishmania promastigotes was cultured in RPMI medium and the inhibitory effects of different concentrations (25, 32, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 μg/ml) of the essential oils were investigated at 24, 48 and 72 hours. The number of live parasites before and after treatment with the essential oils was counted by trypan blue 10% staining and using neobar lam.
Results: The essential oils significantly decreased the number of promastigotes in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). However, the inhibitory effects of F. vulgare and R. officinalis essential oils were more profound compared to other essential oils. Moreover, concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/ml of these two essential oils exerted equal and more anti-leishmanial potency compared to glucantime, the first-line drug used for treatment of leishmaniasis.
Conclusion: Based on the results, it is recommended to evaluate the in vivo anti-leishmanial effects of the tested essential oils, particularly F. vulgare and R. officinalis.
Seyedeh Tahereh Haeri, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani, Maghsoud Peeri,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Prolonged exercise can reduce physiological capacities and cause DNA damage by inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of cancer by activating DNA repair enzymes and reducing oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of eight weeks of aerobic exercise with and without vitamin D supplementation on DNA damage.
Methods: Forty-eight adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups: control (C), H2O2 (H), H2O2 and vitamin D (HD), H2O2 and exercise (HE), H2O2,, vitamin D and exercise (HDE), and dimethyl sulfoxide. Cancer was stimulated through intraperitoneal injection of H2O2 (2 mmol/kg). Animals in groups HE and HDE ran on treadmill for eight weeks. Concentration of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analysis of data was carried out using SPSS 22 at significance level of 0.05.
Results: Vitamin D supplementation significantly lowered the level of 8-OHdG expression compared to the control group (P=0.0001). The 8-OHdG expression in the exercise group was slightly lower than control group (P=0.063). Combination of exercise and vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on expression of 8-OHdG (P=0.281). Both exercise and vitamin D supplementation significantly increased MGMT expression compared to the control group (P=0.0001 and P=0.040). However, combination of exercise and vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on MGMT expression (P=0.326).
Conclusion: The results showed that aerobic exercise and vitamin D supplementation can have protective effects against DNA damage, possibly by increasing antioxidant capacity and DNA repair.
Mohtaram Yazdanian, Mahtab Moazzami, Mohammad Shabani, Sadegh Cheragh Birjandi,
Volume 14, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2020)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Cerebral ischemia causes irreversible structural and functional damages in certain areas of the brain, especially the hippocampus. Evidence indicates that physical exercise may reduce the damages caused by cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8-week exercise preconditioning on the expression of NT-3 and TrkC genes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus after the cerebral ischemic-reperfusion in male rats.
Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 gr were randomly selected and divided into three groups (healthy control, control + ischemia and exercise + ischemia). Rats in the exercise group ran on a treadmill 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Ischemia by occlusion of both common carotid arteries (CCA) was created for 45 minutes. In order to evaluate the gene expression, Real time PCR technique was used.
Findings: NT-3 gene expression was significantly different between exercise + ischemia with control + ischemia groups and control + ischemia with healthy control groups (P <0.05), and TrkC gene expression was significantly different between exercise + ischemia with healthy control groups and control + ischemia with healthy control groups (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that exercise before the induction of ischemic stroke increased the NT-3 gene expression but did not influence the TrKC gene expression.
Farnaz Aminian, Mahmood Hejazi, Sadegh Cheragh Birjandi,
Volume 14, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2020)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Evidence suggests that decrease in the serum concentration of myostatin (MSTN) may reduce age-related decrement in muscle mass, especially in older individuals. This study aimed at investigating the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on MSTN and muscular strength (MS) of elderly women.
Methods: Thirty elderly women were randomly assigned into three groups of resistance training with blood flow restriction (n=10), resistance training without blood flow restriction (n=10) and control (n=10). The resistance training intervention was carried out three sessions a week for 12 weeks. Body composition, MS and serum concentrations MSTN were assessed at baseline and 48-36 hours after the last training session.
Results: There was a significant time × group difference in MS following 12 weeks of exercise intervention (P=0.001). However, there was no significant group and time × group difference in MSTN concentrations (P=0.2).
Conclusion: Low intensity BFRT does not decrease MSTN concentrations in elderly women. However, low intensity BFRT can increase MS values in these individuals.
Alireza Nikonajad, Sadegh Ali Azimi, Abbas Allami, Reza Qasemi Bargi, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2021)
Abstract
Objectives: Although extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is a secondary target for national TB control programs, its significance has increased worldwide. In order to study the epidemiology of EPTB in the Northeast of Iran, this survey was conducted.
Methods and Methods: A population-based, retrospective analysis of all cases of EPTB during 2012–2015 reported to the TB Unit of the Golestan was performed. Socioeconomic and environmental variables, sites, admission, mode of diagnosis and outcome status were collected. Data analyzed through SPSS 25.0 by descriptive and analytical statistical methods.
Results: A total of 741 cases of EPTB were included. Patients were mainly female (59.1%), age of 0 to 40 years old (57.6%), less than five years of education (46.7%) and mainly Fars (39.6%). Non-native ethnicities significantly acquired EPTB more than native ethnicities (p<0.001). Mortality rate was 5.1%. Smoking detected more frequently in EPTB patients (p<0.001). HIV status of most EPTB patients (89.3%) were unknown. The most common forms were pleural (30.5%) and lymphadenopathy (22.0%). Cultures and PCR performed in only about 10 percent of EPTB patients in our study.
Conclusions: EPTB was more prevalent in non-native population. Improvement of socioeconomic conditions and screening program may be successful in reducing the problem among immigrant
Aghil Sadighi, Ahmad Abdi, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani, Alireza Barari,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Jan-Feb 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cardiac apoptosis is one of the most important cardiovascular complications of diabetes. We aimed to investigate the changes of Bax, Bcl2 and caspase 3 in cardiac tissue of diabetic rats after six weeks aerobic exercise.
Methods: Thirty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into healthy control, diabetes control and diabetes + exercise groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin solution (55 mg/kg). Two weeks after the injection, fasting blood glucose levels were measured to confirm induction of diabetes. The exercise program was performed five days a week for six weeks. Variables were evaluated by ELISA and western blot analysis. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS (version 22) using ANOVA and at significance of 0.05.
Results: The induction of diabetes in the control groups resulted in a significant increase in Bax, Bax/Bcl2 ratio and a significant decrease in Bcl2 levels (P=0.024). The six-week training exercise in diabetic groups significantly decreased Bax and Bax/Bcl2 ratio and significantly increased Bcl2 (P=0.018).
Conclusion: Our finding showed that diabetes could increase apoptosis in cardiac tissue. In addition, the six-week aerobic exercise can be used as a non-pharmacological strategy to reduce diabetes-related apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.
Shiva Bahram Vash Shams, Parvin Farzanegi, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjany,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Oxidative stress is the most important pathophysiological cause of diseases. Studies have shown that exercise and supplementation with medicinal plants have limited side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of aerobic exercise and ethanolic extract of purslane seed on ATP, O-6-Methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) levels in the heart tissue of rats poisoned with hydrogen peroxide.
Methods: In this experimental trial, 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups: (1) control + H2O2 , (2) aerobic exercise, (3) aerobic exercise and 50 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (4) aerobic exercise and 200 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (5) aerobic exercise and 400 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (6) 50 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (7) 200 mg/kg purslane seed extract, (8) 400 mg/kg purslane seed extract, and (9) healthy control. Oxidative stress was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 1 mmol/kg hydrogen peroxide three times a week for eight weeks. Aerobic exercise was performed three sessions a week for eight weeks, and the purslane seed extract was intraperitoneally injected daily at the mentioned doses.
Results: Aerobic exercise and purslane seed extract alone or combined significantly increased ATP, MGMT and significantly reduced MDA and PAB levels in cardiac tissue of rats exposed to hydrogen peroxide (P<0.05). Moreover, the effect of purslane seed extract was dose dependent.
Conclusion: It seems that aerobic exercise and purslane seed extract supplementation have synergistic cardioprotective effects under oxidative stress.
Farnaz Aminian, Seyyed Mahmood Hejazi, Sadegh Cheragh Birjandi,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has gained substantial interest due to the lower required intensity, which may be beneficial for individuals who are not able to lift heavy weights. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating effects of 12 weeks of resistance training with and without blood flow restriction on follistatin (FST) concentrations and physical performance in elderly females.
Methods: Thirty elderly female were randomly assigned into the following groups: resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFRT; n=10), resistance training without blood flow restriction (WBFRT; n=10) and control ( n=10). The resistance training was carried out three session a week for 12 weeks. Serum concentrations of FST, muscular endurance and dynamic balance were assessed at baseline and after the 12week intervention.
Results: Significant main effects of time were observed for FST (p =0.03, η2 = 0.15), muscular endurance (p = 0.00, η2 = 0.59) and dynamic balance (p=0.00, η2 = 0.57). FST [BFRT= 1.4 ng/ml (effect size Cohen’s {d} = -0.8) significantly increased only in BFRT group. However, muscular endurance [BFRT= 95 (d= -4.1) and WBFRT = 32 (d= -0.9)] significantly increased in both intervention groups (P<0.05). In addition, dynamic balance [BFRT= -0.5 seconds (d= 2.2)] significantly increased only in the BFRT group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: BFRT was able to increase FST concentrations. Due to its mechanistic role in muscle mass alterations, elderly females can incorporate our BFRT protocol to improve anabolic conditions for muscular adaptations.
Ahmad Hamta, Maliheh Hosseinpour, Majid Komijani,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women. Cytokines regulate the intensity and continuity of immune response by balancing cell-mediated immunity and humoral responses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between two polymorphisms of the interleukin-16 (IL-16) gene and risk of breast cancer.
Methods: Blood samples were collected from 80 breast cancer patients and 80 healthy individuals. Polymorphisms rs11556218 T/G and rs4072111 C/T were investigated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR). Then, genotype and allele frequency distributions were evaluated in each group using the SPSS software (version 24).
Results: The frequency of genotype rs11556218 differed significantly between the patients and controls (P=0.007). The TG genotype (odds ratio [OR]= 2.471, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.229-4.965, P= 0.001) and total TG+GG genotypes (OR= 3.095, 95% CI: 1.624-5.899, P= 0.001) had a significant relationship with increased risk for breast cancer. The allele and genotype frequencies of rs4072111 C/T polymorphism did not differ significantly between the patients and controls.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the rs11556218 T/G polymorphism of the IL-16 gene may be associated with susceptibility to breast cancer.
Maryam Janitermi, Esmail Fattahi, Seyed Gholam Ali Jorsaraei,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Developing scaffolds is important for tissue engineering and repairing damaged tissues. The present study aimed to investigate effects of pre-incubation of an electrospun silk fibroin scaffold in complete and serum-free media on proliferation and survival of cells seeded on the scaffold.
Methods: After removing sericin from the silk cocoon and preparing the fibroin solution (3% w/v), the electrospun silk fibroin scaffold was fabricated and its morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The scaffolds were pre-incubated in complete and serum-free Dulbecco's Modified Eagle media for one hour (short-term) and 10 days (long-term), and the hydrophilicity of scaffolds was evaluated by measuring the water contact angle. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto the scaffolds, and cell survival and genomic DNA concentration were evaluated after 21 days.
Results: The short-time pre-incubation of electrospun silk fibroin scaffolds in the complete medium increased the proliferation of seeded cells because of serum protein adsorption. In addition, long-term pre-incubation of the scaffolds in the complete and serum-free media increased cell proliferation due to the increased hydrophilicity of the scaffold (p<0.05). However, only long-term pre-incubation of the scaffolds in the complete medium had a significant effect on cell survival.
Conclusion: The results demonstrated that long-term pre-incubation of the scaffolds in the complete medium have more profound positive effects on cell survival and proliferation compared to short-term pre-incubation.
Afieh Samimi, Oghol Niaz Jorjani, Zohreh Sharifi, Faramarz Koohsar, Khodaberdi Kalavi, Fatemeh Mesgarian, Beniamin Talebi ,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in most areas of Iran, and the diagnosis of its species is essential for controlling the disease. Leishmania major is the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. Molecular methods are generally more sensitive than microscopic methods. The present study aimed to use a polymerase chain reaction-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) technique for detecting live L. major from wounds of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Methods: In the present study, a standard strain of L. major promastigotes was used as the positive control for purification of DNA. The Novy–MacNeal–Nicolle and RPMI-1640 media were used for reproduction of parasites. DNA was isolated from specimens taken from 35 patients with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis whose disease was confirmed by direct smear method. The PCR-ELISA technique was later applied by using the standard strain, patient specimens, and primers specific for the 18s rRNA.
Results: Out of 35 patients, 17 (48.6%) were male and 18 (51.4%) were female. In addition, 8.6% of the patients lived in the Gonbad-e Kavus County, while all patients had been infected in villages around Gonbad-e Kavus. Of 35 patients with confirmed cutaneous leishmaniasis according to the direct smear method, 31 patients (86.31%) had leishmaniasis based on the PCR method and the PCR-ELISA methods.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the PCR-ELISA method is more sensitive and accurate for detecting L. major.
Ali Nouri, Parvin Farzanegi, Mohammad Ali Azarbayjani,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (Jul-Aug 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in the world. Here, we evaluated effects of resveratrol supplementation alone and combined with exercise on blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, apoptosis biomarkers, and expression of farnesoid X receptor (Fxr), liver X receptor (Lxr), and sirtuin 1 (Sirt 1) genes in the liver of type 1 diabetic rats.
Methods: Streptozotocin was used to induce type 1 diabetes in Wistar rats. The rats were randomly assigned into seven groups. After treatment with resveratrol alone or combined with exercise training, the animals were sacrificed and lipid profile and levels of blood glucose and insulin were measured. Hepatocyte apoptosis was assessed by measuring the level of Bax and Bcl2 proteins using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Expression of Fxr, Lxr, and Sirt1 was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Comparison of the mean levels of all variables between different groups was performed using one-way analysis of variance, at statistical significance level of 0.05.
Results: Resveratrol significantly reduced the level of blood glucose and insulin compared with the control groups (p<0.001). It also significantly affected the lipid profile (p<0.001). Diabetes was significantly associated with decreased expression of Sirt1, Lxr, and Fxr and increased hepatocyte apoptosis. Resveratrol significantly improved the expression of all three genes (p<0.01). Overall, resveratrol supplementation combined with exercise was more effective than other methods.
Conclusion: The results indicate that that combination of resveratrol therapy with exercise could be beneficial for diabetic patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Khodaberdi Kalavi, Mohammad Ali Faghihi, Ogholniaz Jorjani , Zolikha Tatari,
Volume 16, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2022)
Abstract
Dear Editor,
There are several reports about the modulatory effects of intracellular pathogens, such as Leishmania spp., to help survival and replication inside host cells. They alter host cells' defense and offence mechanisms, and in case of leishmaniasis, the pathogen creates a hostile environment inside macrophages. We performed an RNA sequencing analysis of transcriptome changes in Leishmania major-infected human macrophages at four hour post infection. In this study, we investigated gene expression pattern of the infected macrophages against microbead (4.16 µm) polystyrene particles phagocytized and non-polarized macrophages as controls. Monocytes with high purity were isolated from healthy donors by magnetic-activated cell sorting and then differentiated into macrophages after 6-9 days of incubation at 37 ˚C.
In this study, we focused on some key interaction events between host cell and the pathogen; so some feature steps resulting from dictation strategies of the pathogen are presented below.
Rajendra Zope, Prachi Kate, Janice Jaison, Shalaka Saraf, Smita Bhide, Digant Gupta,
Volume 16, Issue 6 (Special issue (Nov-Dec) 2022)
Abstract
Background and objectives: In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), white blood cell (WBC) abnormalities have been found worldwide with significant inter-regional differences. In the present study, we evaluated WBC parameters concerning COVID-19 positivity and severity.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, total WBC count, absolute count of each type of WBC, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) were compared between 150 COVID-19 patients and 150 non-COVID-19 patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms. Also, COVID-19 patients were divided into severe and non-severe cases.
Results: The severity of the disease had no significant association with age or gender (p>0.05). Total WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, and NLR were significantly lower (p<0.05), while LMR was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients (p<0.05). Total WBC count, absolute neutrophil count, and NLR were significantly higher (p<0.05), while absolute eosinophil count and absolute lymphocyte count were significantly lower (p<0.05) in severe COVID-19 patients compared to non-severe patients.
Conclusions: Age is not a predictive factor for the severity of COVID-19. Routine WBC parameters are useful in predicting the severity of the disease in COVID-19 patients and can be used as prognostic indicators. Routine WBC parameters can also be used for repeat RT-PCR testing in COVID-19 suspected patients.
Maryam Rafiee, Alijan Tabarraei, Mahsa Yazdi, Alireza Mohebbi, Ezzat Allah Ghaemi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr 2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections. Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common Gram-positive bacterium that causes uncomplicated UTIs in women. The present study aimed to study the drug resistance pattern and phenotypic and genotypic variation of S. saprophyticus isolates from women with UTI in Gorgan, northern Iran.
Methods: This study was performed from May 2018 to September 2020. During this time, 35 S. saprophyticus strains were isolated from patients with UTI. The antimicrobial patterns of the isolates were determined by a conventional method. Phenotypic criteria such as pigment production, mannitol fermentation, urease production, and 16SrRNA gene valuation were studied.
Results: All isolates were sensitive to nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, and linezolid. S. saprophyticus isolates showed the highest level of resistance to penicillin (85.7%) and erythromycin (51.4%). A variation was detected among S. saprophyticus isolates in terms of pigment production i.e. about 51.4% showed yellow pigment in Muller Hinton agar, and 62.9% of the isolates were able to ferment mannitol sugar. Of 11 isolates that were sequenced for the 16SrRNA gene, only two isolates showed different patterns.
Conclusion: Nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of UTI caused by S. saprophyticus in the study area. Due to the phenotypic and genotypic differences among S. saprophyticus isolates, typing of S. saprophyticus at the subspecies level is recommended.
Sadaf Khursheed Baba, Abiroo Jan, Mohd Suhail Lone, Dalip K Kakru, Bashir Ahmad Fomda, Gulnaz Bashir, Nadeem Ahmad Bhat,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (May-Jun 2023)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Conventional culture and sensitivity methods take around 48 hours to generate antibiotic sensitivity results after a blood culture is flagged as positive by automated systems. However, it is imperative to initiate early targeted antibiotic therapy for effective management of sepsis and to reduce morbidity, mortality, and cost of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the direct sensitivity test (DST) as a potential tool to obtain quicker antibiotic susceptibility results from positive BacT/ALERT blood culture vials and the VITEK-2 system (the reference method).
Methods: Blood culture bottles flagged as positive by BacT/ALERT were Gram-stained. Cultures with polymicrobial growth were excluded from the study. The isolates were then simultaneously cultured and processed for the DST using the disk diffusion method. Agreements or errors were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s guidelines.
Results: Among 76 Gram-positive isolates, we observed 99.2% essential agreement between the DST and AST. The rate of minor and major errors was 4.04% and 1.18%, respectively. Among 75 Gram-negative isolates, we observed 98.99% essential agreement between the DST and AST. The rate of minor and major errors was 4% and 2%, respectively. No very major error was seen in either Gram-negative or -positive isolates.
Conclusions: The DST results are available earlier than the AST results, which can ultimately help in the early initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy.
Ali Vaez, Hadi Razavi Niko, Seyyede Delafruz Hosseini, Elham Mobasheri, Alijan Tabarraei,
Volume 17, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2023)
Abstract
Background: The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health problem worldwide. Vertical and horizontal transmission of HBV could affect neonates and partners. This transmission can vary in populations. Also, high-risk behaviors and clinical records affect the transmission of this virus. Due to the lack of information on vaginal discharge related to HBV in the north of Iran, we aimed to assess the presence of HBV in pregnant women's vaginal secretion referred to Sayyad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan City, north of Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 315 cervicovaginal lavages from pregnant women. Viral DNA was extracted, and the gene fragments of the virus were checked by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clinical, demographic, and behavioral data were entered into SPSS version 16. The chi-square tests were used to determine any association between categorical data.
Results: Hepatitis B virus DNA was detected in 2.2% (7/315) of samples. The age range of patients was from 14 to 43 years. Anal sex (P = 0.043) and not using a condom (P = 0.047) were significantly associated with HBV-positive cases. Abortion, unusual discharge, and some other clinical and demographic information showed no related statistical correlation.
Conclusion: The results showed a similar rate of infection in the general Iranian population. In pregnant women, the risk of HBV transmission and chronic HBV can be critical in newborns; therefore, it is strongly recommended to conduct screening and provide management for women during pregnancy.
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