fatemeh namdar

 Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an ulcerative skin disease caused by some species of the genus Leishmania. Evidence shows that Perovskia abrotanoides is an important herbal medicine against Leishmania. This study was conducted to investigate the killing effect of terpenoid-rich fractions on promastigotes of L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER).

 The eluates of reverse phased medium pressure liquid chromatography (RP-MPLC) of the extract were subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and categorized into six final fractions. Primary proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR) spectroscopy confirmed fractions' nature. Fractions 4, 5, and 6 (F4, F5, F6) were identified as terpenoid-rich content. Two concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/ml were prepared to test leishmanicidal activity. Followed by treating promastigotes of L. major by the fractions in incubation times of 12, 24, and 48 hours, their viability was determined using a cell proliferation MTS ((3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay.

 F4, F5, and F6 showed significant killing activity on promastigotes of L. major in a concentration-dependent manner. The viability of promastigotes was significantly reduced at a concentration of 100 μg/ml compared to 50 μg/ml (P-value <0.05). Also, over time a significant decreasing trend in the viability of promastigotes confirmed the time-dependent manner of the fractions (P-value <0.01). Furthermore, F5 had the highest leishmanicidal activity at the first incubation time compared with other fractions.

 Terpenoid-rich fractions of the P. abrotanoides have a leishmanicidal activity that depends on time and concentration. Among them, F5 has the highest potency that may contain potent terpenoid constituents.

The present article with the title "Description of apocalyptic events and events in Jamasb-nameh" deals with the investigation of apocalyptic events in Jamasb-nameh. Jamasab Nameh is a book that describes events and events of the end of time from the language of Jamasab, the wise minister of Ghastasab. Zoroastrians believe that the history of the world lasts twelve thousand years. After the battle between good and evil, evil is defeated and goodness covers the whole world. But before the reconstruction of the world, events will take place during the period of each of the founders and saviors, which will cover the whole world with despair and hopelessness. Suchians is the last savior who has enemies and many events happen in his time, but in the end he is defeated by Brahariman.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic renal diseases is an important factor for physicians to select a dialysis modality. The present study aimed to compare the HRQoL in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

In this cross-sectional study, a sample of HD patients and a sample of age- and sex-matched PD patients with at least six months dialysis were recruited. Then, the quality of life was assessed using the Short Form Health survey (SF-36). Demographic and disease-related information was also recorded. Then, data were analyzed using the SPSS software (ver. 21).

Totally, 172 HD patients and 86 age- and sex-matched PD controls were entered into the study. Overall the PD patients had more dialysis per week (P < 0.001). Comparing quality of life between two groups showed significant differences in physical functioning, role-physical, role-emotional and physical component summary observed (P < 0.05). In addition, role physical in HD patients and bodily pain in PD were the worst and best dimensions of quality of life, respectively.

The findings suggest that patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis had a better quality of life in most measures. It seems that we need to educate and encourage patients to choose peritoneal dialysis in order to enjoy a better quality of life.

Leishmaniasis is a complex infection against which no confirmed vaccine has been reported so far. Transgenic expression of proteins involved in macrophage apoptosis-like BAX through the parasite itself accelerates infected macrophage apoptosis and prevents Leishmania differentiation. So, in the present research, the impact of the transgenic Leishmania major including mLLO-BAX-SMAC proapoptotic proteins was assayed in macrophage apoptosis acceleration.  The coding sequence mLLO-Bax-Smac was designed and integrated into the pLexyNeo2 plasmid. The designed sequence was inserted under the 18srRNA locus into the L. major genome using homologous recombination. Then, mLLO-BAX-SMAC expression was studied using the Western blot, and the transgenic parasite pathogenesis was investigated compared with wild-type L. major in vitro and also in vivo.  Western blot and PCR results approved mLLO-BAX-SMAC expression and proper integration of the mLLO-Bax-Smac fragment under the 18srRNA locus of L. major, respectively. The flow cytometry results revealed faster apoptosis of transgenic Leishmania-infected macrophages compared with wild-type parasite-infected macrophages. Also, the mild lesion with the less parasitic burden of the spleen was observed only in transgenic Leishmania-infected mice. The delayed progression of leishmaniasis was obtained in transgenic strain-injected mice after challenging with wild-type Leishmania.  This study recommended transgenic L. major including mLLO-BAX-SMAC construct as a pilot model for providing a protective vaccine against leishmaniasis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of photo-activation methods on the shrinkage behavior of bulk-fill resin composites.

Three bulk-fill resin composites (Tetric N-Ceram bulk-fill, Xtra fill, and Filtek flowable) were compared in terms of polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage stress, and degree of conversion (DC). Two curing methods were used: 1) conventional and 2) soft-start curing. Five disk-shaped specimens of each bulk-fill composite were fabricated. The deflection disk method and custom-made linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) device evaluated the dimensional changes during polymerization. Universal testing machine was used to measure shrinkage stress. To evaluate DC, the absorbance peaks were obtained using Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.

Tetric N-Ceram bulk-fill (conventional mode) showed the highest polymerization shrinkage rate. Filtek flowable resin composite showed least amount of shrinkage stress and highest DC, while Xtra fill (with conventional curing) showed the highest shrinkage stress.

Photo-activation method had no effect on decreasing the polymerization shrinkage except for Tetric N-Ceram; also, polymerization shrinkage stress in Filtek flowable composites with both curing methods was less than other groups. DC was product dependent.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. in different groups of immunocompromised patients admitted to the referral hospitals in center of Iran during 2015–2016.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 346 immunocompromised patients (HIV+/AIDS, Lymphoma, Leukemia and organ transplants) in referred hospitals from central parts of Iran including Isfahan, Markazi, Yazd and Chaharmahale Bakhtiari provinces. Stool samples were analyzed for Cryptosporidium species, modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining techniques followed by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequencing methods.

The total rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 3.46% (12/346) in the patients, however, the prevalence of the parasite, was 4.6% (4/87) in HIV+/AIDS patients, 3.6% (6/168) in patients with blood malignancy and 2.1% (2/91) in organ transplant recipients. The SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. in all microscopic-positive samples was effectively amplified by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequences, exposed the existence of two Cryptosporidium species, including C. hominis 91.6% (11/12) and C. parvum 8.3% (1/12).

The predominance of C. hominis in the present study may be certifies the importance of anthroponotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis in center of Iran.

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by an intracellular parasite of Leishmania and is transmitted through the female sandflies bite and may lead to severe skin lesions. Although drugs such as antimony compounds are available, their side effects such as toxicity, low efficacy, and emergence of resistance have raised the importance of effective replacement. Imatinib, as an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase (TK) of Leishmania, stops abnormal function of TK such as Bcr‑Abl through assembling into transmembrane pores in a sterol‑dependent manner. Hence, the evaluation of killing effects of different concentrations of imatinib against Leishmania major amastigotes and promastigotes in vitro were the objectives of the present study.

The killing effects of different concentrations of imatinib (25, 50, and 100 μg) and 25 μg amphotericin B (as positive control) were evaluated against RPMI 1640‑cultured promastigotes and the amastigote/macrophage model by MTS cell proliferation assay kit (ab197010) and Giemsa staining method during 24, 48, and 72 h.

The results showed anti‑Leishmania effect of imatinib in concentration and time‑dependent manner. The lowest number of live promastigotes and amastigotes were obtained due to treat with 100 μg/ml imatinib at 72 h. Furthermore, 100 μg concentration of imatinib had the same effect as 25 μg amphotericin B on both L. major promastigotes and amastigotes (P < 0.001).

The anti‑Leishmania effect of imatinib was confirmed by MTS and direct microscopy. Further study is recommended for evaluating possible therapeutic effects of imatinib on leishmaniasis in vivo.

We aimed to design a different method of drug delivery for increased transfer of the choice drug (meglumine antimoniate) within the host cells. Therefore, listeriolysin O (LLO), a bacterial product which is a member of pore-forming peptides was used as an enhancer factor with meglumine antimoniate in order to facilitate the transition of the drug across macrophage membrane.

LLO was produced in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2016, by expressing the hlyA gene in Escherichia coli and purified using affinity chromatography. Cytotoxicity of the purified protein was investigated in an in vitro model of macrophage Leishmania infection.

LLO was cytotoxic against murine macrophage cells (J774-A1) and amastigote forms of L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER). It was less toxic to macrophages (CC50=2.56 μg ml-1 ±0.09) than to the parasites (IC50=1.72 μg ml-1 ±0.07). Moreover, non-cytotoxic concentration of LLO (0.006 ug ml-1) potentiated the cytotoxicity induced by low dose concentration of meglumine antimoniate. Very little dose of meglumine antimoniate was needed when combined with the LLO (IC50=12.63 μg ml-1 ±0.13) in comparison with the cytotoxicity induced when the drug is used alone (IC50=46.17 μg ml-1 ±0.28).

The combination of pore-forming proteins with anti-leishmanial agents could increase the advantage of anti-leishmanial drugs. Since lower concentrations of anti-leishmanial drugs can reduce undesirable side effects of chemotherapy trials carried out in animal models and then in humans with this system.

Leishmania major is the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Because of the side effects of current drugs and the emergence of drug resistance in some areas, researchers have been seeking for more effective and non-complicated compounds, especially herbal medicines and natural compounds, for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antileishmanial effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ganoderma leucidum on Leishmania major compared to commonly used drugs. Iranian Leishmania major parasite species (MRHO/IR/75/ER) was cultured in Novy-Mac Neal-Nicolle (NNN) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute-1640 (RPMI)-enriched media, and in the metacyclic phase transferred to a 96-well plate at the time of preparation of the hydroalcoholic extracts. Then, concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 150, and 200 µg/ml were used at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The amount of live promastigotes was assessed by using a hemocytometer and MTT colorimetric assay. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Simonov, ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA tests, and P < 0.05 was considered as a meaningful level. The hydroalcoholic extract of this mushroom at high concentrations (150 and 200 µg/ml) inhibited the growth of the parasite significantly, and had a direct correlation with the increase of time (P < 0.001). Moreover, in the MTT method, it was a significant difference in the mean of optical absorption of different extract concentrations at 24, 48, and 72 hours (P < 0.001). The observed antileishmanial effect of Ganoderma leucidum extract on the number and growth of live promastigotes at high concentrations can be resulted due to its compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, triterophenides, and polysaccharides. It requires further research on the purification of its compounds and work on the animal model of Leishmaniasis.

The present in vitro study evaluated the recurrence rate of caries following cavity preparations with bur (conventional technique) and irradiation by Erbium:Yttrium–Aluminum–Garnet (Er:YAG) laser through micro hardness test.
A total of 72 human extracted molars were randomly divided into 3 groups and class 5 cavities were prepared on them with 3 different G1) conventional bur, G2) Er:YAG laser irradiation alone and G3) laser irradiation laser treatment. The specimens were immersed in the artificial caries solution with pH of 2.0 and 5.0 (12 days) and then immersed in re-mineralizing solution with pH of 7.0 (25 days). The specimens were longitudinally sectioned and their Vickers micro hardness was determined. Data were statistically analyzed by means of three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey multiple comparisons tests.
The micro hardness of the samples was affected by substrate type (enamel and dentin) and low values were achieved in dentin (P Due to the similar values of micro hardness following G1 and G2, it seems that Er:YAG laser alone is as much effective as the conventional bur to prevent recurrence caries. However, because of the high prices of laser instruments, bur preparations can be done commonly.

The purpose of this study is the evaluation of the amount of surface roughness (Ra) of Zirconia Ceramic following different surface treatments as well as the assessment of its shear bond strength to composite resin. 40 sintered zirconia ceramic block samples were randomly divided in 4 groups of 10 and underwent the following surface treatments:a) Control group without treatmentb) Air abrasion with Al2O3 particles (50um)c) Er:YAG laser with 2W power for 10sd) Nd:YAG laser with 1.5W power for 2minThen the mean surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated by profilometer. In the next step, Alloy primer was used on a section of 9mm2 on the samples following the manufacturer’s instructions. After that Clearfil AP-X composite resin in cylinder shape with an internal diameter and height of 3mm were cured on the sections mentioned. At the end, all samples were tested to assess the shear bond strength by the Universal Testing Machine at a speed of 0.5mm/min until fracture occurred. The mean shear bond strengths were calculated and statistically analyzed by One Way ANOVA. ANOVA analysis showed that roughness (Ra) was significantly different between the groups (P≤0.05). Ra was higher in the Nd:YAG group compared to the other groups (P≤0.05). The lower Ra was related to the control group. Air abrasion group showed highest amounts of shear bond strength and Nd:YAG laser group demonstrated lower amounts of shear bond strength (P≤0.05). Various surface treatments are differently effective on bond strength. Air abrasion is the most effective method to condition zirconia ceramic surfaces.

To date no product is available that have all the desirable properties of an ideal resilient material. Therefore, it is necessary to determine certain physical and mechanical properties of new soft liner materials that are introduced in the market. The aim of this study was to investigate several properties of Acropars compared to Molloplast B. Two groups of permanent resilient liner materials, a heat cured acrylic copolymer (Acropars; Marlik Medical Inc., Iran) and silicone based rubber (Molloplast B; Detax Ettlingern, Germany), were tested for hardness, elongation percentage, tensile and tear strengths.Ten dumbbell-shaped specimens were fabricated for each test group according to ASTM-D412 (Die-c) and ASTM-D638 (type 4) standards. The universal testing machine was used to test all specimens for tensile strength, elongation percentage. Ten cylinder shaped specimens of 31 × 10 mm (in diameter and height) were prepared for hardness test. This test was conducted, using a shore-A hardness instrument, according to ASTM-D2240 standards. Also the standard test method of ASTM-D624 for tear resistance of rubber material was performed. Ten bar shaped specimens of 60×10×2 mm, with a 45 degrees notch 6 mm in width on lower side were prepared. All specimens were forced to failure using a universal testing machine. All specimens were stored at room temperature for 40 hours before testing process started. The mean group differences and student-t test at α= 0.05 were used for statistical data analysis. Acropars showed statistically significant greater mean tensile strength (P<0.0001), tear strength (P<0.0001) and hardness (P<0. 0001) compared to Molloplast B. In addition Molloplast B showed a significant higher elongation percentage. (Pv<0.001) Within the limits of the present study, it was demonstrated that Acropars had higher tensile and tear strength, but harder than Moloblast B.