Medical Laboratory Journal
Volume:8 Issue: 2, 2014

Imbalance Between antioxidant defensive system and increased production of free radicals leads to oxidative stress that can be effective in making cellular damage and causing some diseases such as diabetes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of eight-week purslane extract consumption on some peroxidant and antioxidants indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes. The Participants were 16 women with type 2 diabetes who had not the history of once a week regular physical activity program, in previous five years. They were randomly divided into two groups of experimental, purslane supplementation for eight weeks, and control. Blood sampling was performed in two stages. After eight weeks of purslane consumption, resting levels of MDA, SOD and CAT in Supplementation group showed a significant decrease compared to those of control group. Purslane consumption can improve peroxidant/antioxidant balance in women with type2 diabetes.

Ciprofloxacin is a synthetic antibacterial agent belonging to Fluoroquinolone drugs affecting effectively on gram-negative bacterial infectious. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ciprofloxacin in the spermatogenesis period. The subjects were 20 male wistar rat randomly divided in to control (n=10) and experimental group (n=10), given 12.5mg/kg ciprofloxacin (soluble in drinking water) in spermatogenesis period. On the day of 28, the sperm was collected from cauda epididymis and sent for analysis. Based on light microscopic observation and statistical analysis, the majority of seminiferous tubules of control group were healthy, in Sc 8-9 stage. But in test group, sertoli cell degeneration and absence of sex cells were confirmed, and in some parts, just basal layer of seminiferous tubule was remained in Sc 3-5 stage. Sex hormones (LH and FSH) and spermatogenesis (sperm count, motility and viability) were significantly decreased in test group compared to those of controls (P<0.05). Ciprofloxacin has some adverse effects on sperm related variables in 28 day period.

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a chlorinated hydrocarbon used as a solvent in many industrial processes. In contaminated water and soil a great deal of PCE is found. This study aimed to determine the rate of decomposition of PCE occurred after advanced oxidation. In this descriptive-analytic study conducted (2011) in public health faculty of Tehran University of medical sciences, gas chromatographic was used to measure PCE and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry for intermediate products. Chemical oxidation involves ultrasonic waves, ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide. PCE was effectively decomposed by advanced oxidation processes. In these processes, the reaction rate was based on the equation of the first order and the rate of decomposition was proportional to the concentration. The higher was hydrogen peroxide, the more was decomposition, and the removal rate was higher at acidic PH. The intermediate products formed in the oxidation process were trichlorethylene, dihlorethylene, trichloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid and chloroacetic acid. The toxicity of intermediate products formed by degradation of Perchloroethylene compared to its initial toxicity is low. But it is a necessity to elongate the processes for having complete destruction of intermediate compounds and preventing from their adverse effects on the environment and human health.

Culture, microscopic method is a gold standard method for identification of Lishmania parasite. The use of Molecular methods such as RT- PCR compared to microscopic methods has a higher sensitivity and specificity; however, it is not widely used due to its expensive equipment and the time requested. The use of nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA) method is highly valuable for diagnosis of live parasite because there is no need for to use Thermo cycler. We aimed to assess sensitivity and specificity of NASBA for molecular detection of cutaneous Leishmaniasis. First, the RNA was extracted from 28 skin biopsies suspected cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Then, by means of specific primers designed for 18srRNA region, this region was amplified using NASBA isothemal amplification. To increase the sensitivity, the product was electroforesed in TBE (IX) buffer, using Syber Gold Flourecent probes. Using specific primers, RT- PCR was conducted on the samples too. For diagnosis of Leishmania parasites, NASBA and RT-PCR had the sensitivity of 81% and 51%, respectively, and specificity of 100%. NASBA isothermal method with high sensitivity and specificity can be applied for identification of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The emergence of a novel H1N1influenza A virus of animal origin with transmissibility from human to human poses pandemic concern. Current subtypes of Seasonal influenza A viruses spread in human are influenza A H1N1 influenza A H3N2 and influenza type B viruses. The aim of this study was to determine current strains of the H3N2 and new H1N1 subtypes of influenza A virus from patients suspected influenza infection in 2009 flu pandemic in Golestan province, Iran. In this descriptive study, respiratory samples (n = 153) from patients with acute respiratory symptoms were collected in 2009 flu pandemic applied during 2009 pandemic influenza in Golestan province. After reverse transcription of extracted viral RNA, PCR was developed for both H1N1and H3N2subtypes using CDC specific primers. The mean age of patients was 16.59. Of them 45.1% were male. Thirteen (8.49%) were infected with seasonal influenza H1N1 and 25(16.33%) with seasonal H3N2influenza. The rate of infection with seasonal H1N1and H3N2is similar to other studies reported from Iran, but lower than the rate reported from other parts of the world.

CTX-M type extended spectrum beta-lactamases is a rapidly expanding group of enzymes encountered with increasing fre‌quency, especially, in Escherichia coli (E. coli). There are a few reports on phylogenetic background of E. coli isolates from clinical sources of under five-year- old children in Iran. The purpose of this study was phylotyping of E. coli isolates having blaCTX-M and blaCTX-M-15 genes from under five-year- old children with diarrhea and urinary tract infection (UTI). A total of 121 E. coli isolates (75 diarrheas and 46 UTI) were obtained and identified as E. coli based on standard bacteriological tests. DNA was extracted from E. coli isolates by alkaline lysis method. PCR assay was used because of high frequency of blaCTX-M and blaCTX-M-15 genes in the isolates and also determination of phylogenetic group/subgroups by detection of yjaA and chuA genes and fragment TspE4.C2. The isolates belonged to four phylogenetic groups A (48.77%), B1 (14.04%), B2 (11.57%), and D (25.62%). In the diarrheic isolates,17.37% were positive for blaCTX-M and 14.04% of isolates possessed both blaCTX-M and blaCTX-15genes.Out of 46 UTI isolates, 21.73% were positive for blaCTX-M and 15.21% for blaCTX-M and blaCTX-M-15 genes. A rather high prevalence of E. coli isolates with blaCTX-M and blaCTX-M-15 genes was observed in fewer than five-year- old children in Khoramabad city. Phylotyping of isolates possessing blaCTX-M and blaCTX-15genes showed that most of them belonge to A and D phylo-groups.

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). After preparing the extract, its antibacterial effect was assessed via gel diffusion method, using disk / well diffusion methods to determine MIC and MBC. 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. 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.

Stenotrphomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen with high mortality in immunocompromised cases. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Stenotrphomonas maltophilia in the hospitals’ environment and wards. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1108 samples were collected from environment of two hospitals during 12 months. Identification of isolates was performed using biochemical, phenotypic (intrinsic resistance to carbapenems) and molecular methods (amplification of 23S rRNA gene). Of the studied samples, 186 (16.78%) nonfermentative gram negative bacilli (NFGNB) were identified. Amongst NFGNB, 18 (1.62%) isolates were identified as S. maltophiliaby using biochemical tests. Of 18 biochemically identified isolates, 15 (83.3%) were confirmed via PCR. Sinks (40%) and men surgery ward (33.3 %(were the most contaminated sites and wards of hospitals, respectively. S. maltophilia is repeatedly isolated from sink which shows that the moist hospital environments need to be considered as a source for dissemination of bacteria.

Honey is a healthy and nutritious food that has been used for a long time as a treatment for different diseases. One of the applied properties of honey is its antimicrobial effect, which differs between different types of honey due to variation of phenolic and antioxidant compositions. This study aimed to assess antimicrobial effect of honey on Bacillus cereus, considering its chemical properties. Three samples of honey (A1 and A2 of Khorasan Razavi Province and A3 of South Khorasan province (were prepared and studied in terms of chemical parameters. The antibacterial effect of honey was surveyed throughTurbidimeter using spectrometer with incubator time of 2, 4, 6, and 8hrs. the level of turbidity caused by bacterium growth was measured at different times with a wavelength of 600nm. According to the study, the samples containing higher concentration of polyphenol has more antimicrobial activity. The samples of A2, A3, and A1 had the highest concentration of polyphenol, respectively. The results indicate the prebiotic effect of honey that can be justified by the presence of fructo-oligosacharids and vitamin B.

Cream pastry, because of their ingredients, making process and preserving conditions are susceptible to many types of microbes. This study was conducted to determine the level of contamination of pastry cream in Gorgan. The randomly selected samples (N = 450) were tested according to national standards for microbial tests and then the data was analyzed. The level of contaminations for Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus was 56% and 43.3%, respectively. The highest contamination occurred in summer with Enterobacteriaceae (N= 113) and the lowest in spring with Staphylococcus aureus (N= 40). Also microbial contamination in different types of cream pastries showed the maximum level in cream puff (90%) and the minimum level in roll pastry (30.6%). There is a significant difference in infection rate between different samples. The infection rate in this study is more than the prevalence of past studies.

Being exposed to different allergens, followed by the production of specific IgE, has an important role in causing atopic dermatitis, recognizing the allergens and applying immunotherapy for treatment. We aimed to determine the frequency of common allergens in the patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. In this descriptive- analytical study the serum level of total IgE and frequency of specific IgE were measured by Immunoblotting method against 20 common allergens in 150 atopic dermatitis patients in 2010-2011. The control group included the individuals who have been diagnosed healthy. The mean age was 30.02±14.79; the participants were male (77; 51.3%) and female (73; 48.7%). In 90% of patients, total IgE was more than the reference range with the mean of 227.51±103IU/ml. The most frequent allergens related to: Cultivated rye (48.6%), Timothy grass (42.9%), House dust mite (22.7%), Cat (16.7%), Horse (10%), Birch (11.33%), Potato (11.33%), Dog (16.7%), Egg white (8.7%), Cow milk (8.7%). The frequency of positive allergens in plants and fungus group was 54.34%, in animals was 26.8% and in foods was 19.56%. In control group, there was no total IgE elevation. Based on the recognition of common allergens in east Azerbayjan, Iran, we recommend avoiding of these allergens and providing immunotherapy.

Quality control of drinking water is important for maintaining health and safety of consumers, and the first step is to study the water quality variables. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and physical indicators, water quality variables and qualitative classification of drinking water stations and water sources in Boroujerd. This descriptive-cross sectional study was conducted on 70 samples of drinking water and 10 samples from sources in 2011-2012. Nine Water quality variables were measured and coded using STATISTICA10 Software. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed for qualitative classification of water samples and determination of water quality variables. Based on PCA, chemical variables such as fluoride, nitrate, total hardness and iron, and physical variables such as pH and TDS were paramount importance to water quality. According to T-test, the average concentration of fluoride and iron, and the turbidity in all samples were significantly less than the standard. But other variables were up to standard. For the large water quality data, the use of PCA to identify the main qualitative variables and to classify physical and chemical variables can be used as an effective way in water quality management.

Listeria bacteria with worldwide widespread are commonly found in soil, sewage, dust and water. Among which,Listeria monocytogenes can cause a serious food-borne disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Listeria species in ready-to-eat foods. The samples (n=235) including oloveyh salad (n = 64), Yogurt stew (n= 35), vegetable salad (n=52), macaroni salad (n= 48) and meat salad (n =36) were collected from the restaurants in Shahrekord, Iran. Enrichment and selective media were used to determine the prevalence of Listeria species.. The results showed that 8.5 % of the samples were infected by Listeria spp. The highest were isolated from vegetable salad (17.3%) and the lowest from macaroni salad (4.2%). Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from 7 samples (3.0%). Other isolated species were L.innocua (4.7%) and L.seeligeri (0.9%). It seems that eating ready-to- eat food or raw and undercooked foods has the potential risk of contamination to the Listeria species.

Ice cream is a suitable environment for microbial growth due to its chemical structure, ingredients, and its increased supply and demand. In the absence of hygienic considerations, it can cause poisoning. This study aimed to determine bacterial contamination in traditional ice cream produced in Arak city in 2011. The samples (n= 30) were randomly obtained from different parts of Arak in, 2011. The Samples were shipped in cold conditions and total count of microorganisms test was performed according to Iranian national standards. In 16.66%, the microbial contamination was below the limit of microbial load (5×104), and in 83.3% the contamination was more than allowed level. This study highlights the dire situation for bacterial contamination of traditional ice cream in Arak city.

Bacterial colonization in upper respiratory airways is one of the major risk factors for the development of the ventilator–associated pneumonia (VAP), which is the most common and serious hospital-acquired infection in intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of oropharyngeal microorganisms of patients with tracheal tube hospitalized in ICU. Of 39 patients hospitalized in ICU of panje Azar Hospital, the oropharyngeal cultures were taken after admission. The samples were evaluated for growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococcus, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, and E-coli. The mean age of the patients (21 men, 18 women) was 43.64±15.01. The culture was positive in 28.2% and the most common isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.3%). Pseudomonas, which is the main pathogen for ventilator- associated pneumonia, may be a potential threat for the patients hospitalized in intensive care units.