فهرست مطالب seyed hossein hekmati moghaddam

DNA methylation is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) which are encoded by DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B. DNMTs play a major role in the abnormal methylation of tumor suppressors and cancer-related genes. Herein, this study explored the expression profile of DNMTs in pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), before and after methotrexate (MTX)/mercaptopurine (6-MP) treatment.

This before-after prospective study included 30 matched children in sex and age (20 children with B-cell ALL and 10 healthy children used as a control or calibrator group). The expression profile of DNMTs was assessed at two-time points; at the diagnosis time and after MTX/6-MP treatment in the consolidation-maintenance phase of therapy. Notable, all pediatric patients included in this study continued the therapy without adverse events, except two children who were excluded from the study.

The average age of the patient group was 7.1 ± 1.3 years (in the range of 4-9 years), and the average age of the control group was 8.3 ± 1.7 years (6-10 years). The expression profile of DNMTs in B-cell ALL children was obtained completely different from that in the healthy group. After MTX/6-MP treatment of B-cell ALL children, the expression levels of DNMT1 and 3A were increased (p <0.01 & 0.04, respectively), and the expression level of DNMT3B was decreased (p <0.01), significantly.

In ALL, the expression profile of DNMTs would be changed whereby contribute to abnormal growth and maturation capacity of leukemic stem cells and MTX/6-MP treatment could reverse this profile from a cancerous phenotype to the normal one.DNA Methyltransferases (DNMTs), Methotrexate (MTX), Mercaptopurine (6-MP)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of education based on the protection motivation theory (PMT) on the promotion of protective behaviors in medical laboratories’ staff in Yazd, Iran. This interventional study utilized a census method to survey 90 stafffrom medical laboratories. Data were collected in two stages, before and after the intervention, using a researcher-made questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability that administered through self-reporting. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, as well as the constructs of PMT (91 items) and protective behavior (20 items). Following the pre-test, the intervention consisted of six one-hour sessions. The same questionnaires were completed three months after the education. Following the education, there was a significant increase in the constructs scores of perceived vulnerabilities (approximately 4 units), perceived self-efficacy (approximately 2 units), fear (approximately 3 units), protection motivation (approximately 3 units), and protective behavior (approximately 6 units) among the medical laboratory personnel. However, there were no significant differences observed in the constructs of perceived severity, response efficiency, response cost, and perceived reward before and after the intervention. Intervention interventions aimed at promoting protective behaviors can effectively help reduce laboratory hazards, particularly by focusing on increasing protection motivation. Therefore, the protection motivation theory can serve as a valuable framework for the development of education programs to enhance protective behaviors in medical laboratories.

Numerous studies in humans and animals hypothesize that gut microbiota dysbiosis is involved in the development of behavioral and neurological diseases such as depression, autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Some of the most salient works so far regarding the brain-gut axis are mentioned below. The current knowledge on the impact of gut microbiota on nervous system diseases is far from being directly used for pharmacologic or nutritional advice toward restoration of normal bodily functions. It seems that a more comprehensive approach should be followed so that the individual effect of each kind of intervention on the patient’s somatic or psychological status is determined. Future research must address global need for regimens which could re-establish normal composition of gut microorganisms after each neuropsychological disorder.

 

Oral Candidiasis is the most common opportunistic fungal infection that could affect the oral mucosa. Studies to date did not compare the colony count of candida of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the tongue. This study makes an attempt to compare the Candida spp. on the anterior and posterior surfaces of tongue among healthy denture and non-denture wearers.

Participants of the current cross-sectional study were 26 healthy denture wearers (DW) and 10 healthy non-denture wearers (NDW).  Oral specimens were collected from anterior and posterior tongue dorsa by swabbing for mycological examination. After 48 h incubation on Sabouraud dextrose agar (S) and chloramphenicol (SC) and chloramphenicol and Cycloheximide (SCC) ™ medium, C. Albicans and non-Albicans were identified by Germ Tube test. Isolated colonies were evaluated. Obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software version 17. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests were used for statistical comparison of data due to non-compliance with normal distribution.

The higher rate of isolated colonies was seen in DW group compared to NDW group (P-Value = 0.03). There was a significant difference between candida colonization of anterior and posterior surface of tongue (P-Value = 0.006). C. Albicans was the most common isolated candida species.

Mycological findings of this study revealed that the presence of denture can increase colonization of candida on the posterior surface of the tongue. It could be an important role in choosing the best form for medical management of oral candidiasis

Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum) is a species of flowering plant from the Solanaceae family and one of the indigenous plants of Eurasia. Given the biological activities of this plant, like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory ones, this study assessed its effects on the healing process of second-degree burn wounds in rats. We also evaluated its antibacterial activity against common pathogens of burn wound infection (i.e., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumanni).

S. nigrum fruit extract was prepared by percolation and reflux methods. The extract was applied for the treatment of animal models with second-degree burn wounds. Parameters of wound healing and maturation, including collagen deposition, epithelialization, reduction of neutrophil migration, and angiogenesis, were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity of S. nigrum fruit extract against common pathogens of burn wound infection was assessed by the agar well diffusion method via measurement of zones of microbial growth inhibition.

Histological analysis showed a significant reduction in neutrophil migration by the 20% hydroalcoholic extract vs. control group (normal saline). In addition, we found that the 20% hydroalcoholic extract was more efficient than silver sulfadiazine in augmenting collagen deposition. S. nigrum hydro alcoholic extract also showed an inhibitory effect on S. aureus.

S. nigrum 20% hydroalcoholic extract improved some of the wound healing parameters such as collagen deposition and inflammation. It also shows an inhibitory effect on S. aureus. So, it may have therapeutic effects on burns.

The post-harvest damage to fruits is estimated to be about 10-30% of the total products, which reaches up to 30-50% in some perishable fruits. About 25 species of fungi and bacteria including Botrytis spp. and in particular Botrytis cinerea are known to contaminate fruits, vegetables and ornamental greenhouse plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of different concentrations of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) against B. cinerea.

The ZEO was extracted through steam distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The strawberries packages were exposed to ZEO with different concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 ppm) and satarch nanoparticles. The exposed fruits were kept for 24 days at two temperatures of 20°C and 4°C.

The ZEO decreased mycelium growth even when only 200 ppm of it was added to each container. The response was dose-dependent, so that the 800 ppm dose of ZEO showed complete inhibitory effect. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values for ZEO against B. cinerea were 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, ZEO preserved the sensory characteristics.

The ZEO may be effectively used in packaging of strawberry to increase its shelf life by inhibition of B. cinerea.

Current medications used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) such as mercaptopurine target molecular factors involved in its onset and progression including DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) because these enzymes are implicated in methylation and therefore expression of genes which are related to cell proliferation. This study evaluated the effect of mercaptopurine on the DNMT3A gene expression.

The study was an analytical study of before and after type, performed on 8 children with B-cell ALL referred to children’s medical center of Tehran enrolled by convenience sampling. Their blood samples were taken in pre-treatment phase as well as 2 months after treatment with mercaptopurine. Ten healthy children referred to Yazd central medical laboratory were also sampled. RNA was extracted from the blood samples, and DNMT3A gene expression was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

DNMT3A gene expression in patients with B-cell ALL who received mercaptopurine was significantly higher compared with pre-treatment time (P < 0.05).

Increased expression of this regulatory gene occurred due to drug mercaptopurine. So, the mechanism of action of this drug may be through epigenetic processes due to higher methylation of DNA in leukemic cells.

Burn wounds are a worldwide health problem, leading to physical and psycholog-ical disabilities in all age’s groups. With regard to absorbent properties of Planta-go ovata mucilage which can decrease wound moisture, we aimed to compare the effect of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) 1% and powdered P. ovata on second-degree burn wound healing in rats.

This experimental study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats with second-degree burn in three groups. Group 1 (control) did not receive any treatment; group 2 and group 3 (treated groups) were dressed daily using SSD cream and P. ovata powder, respectively. The weight of rats, wound size (by applying ImageJ software) and percentage of wound healing on the 5th, 7th, 10th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd days (by diagnosing a plastic surgeon) and histological cutaneous changes at day 22 were evaluated. The Prism software was applied for data analysis. The Haematoxylin & Eosin as well as Massonchr('39')s trichrome staining were performed on wound skin biopsies.

On day 22nd, 20%, 50% and 60% of the rats had complete wound healing in the control, SSD and P. ovata groups, respectively. A significant decrease in wound size was shown in the treated groups compared to the control group (P<0.01), but no significant difference was shown between the treated groups (P>0.05).

However, the wound healing in P. ovata group or SSD was better than the control group, and the significant difference was not found with the treated group.

Niosome is a lipid carrier that can resolves some of the challenges facing the delivery of herbal medicines to tissues. The aim of the present study is to fabricate and evaluate the physiochemical properties of niosomal carriers containing Hedera helix extracts and evaluation of its toxicity to the HT29 cell line of colon cancer.

Two niosomal formulations F0 (30% cholesterol and 70% tween60) and F1 (30% cholesterol and 70% spin60) containing extract of Hedera hilix were made using the thin film method. Then, according to the amount of drug loading, one of the formulations was selected. The pattern of drug release under normal and cancerous cell conditions, size and surface charge of the nanoparticles (using DLS) and the appearance of the nanoparticles (using SEM) of the selected formulation were investigated. Finally, the toxicity of the niosomal system containing extracts and free extracts on HT29 cell line was evaluated by MTT assay and niosomal system entry into HT29 cells was evaluated by system and cell staining.

Extract loading percentage, size and zeta potential for the selected formulation (F1) containing the extract were 95/43±2/43%, 132/5nm and -41/47±2/69mV, respectively. Release of the extract from the niosomal system is slow within 48 hours in normal and cancerous cell conditions. The appearance of the nanoparticles was smooth and spherical and extract niosomal had more toxicity to HT29 cell line colon cancer than free extract.

The niosomal formulation of this study can be recommended for further research in colon cancer with respect to its physicochemical properties.

Applying of a new indicator in food packaging can be effective to inform consumers about the freshness and quality of the products.

In the current study, a new milk freshness label was investigated containing beetroot color and multi layers of polystyrene. The label characteristics were investigated by estimating color number, release test, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The total bacterial count, pH, lactic acid concentration in milk, and label color number were measured using standard plate count, pH meter, titration of acidity, color analysis software, and UV spectrophotometry on days 0, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 at refrigerator temperature (4 ± 0.2°C).

The label reacted to total bacterial count and pH changes with a visible color during milk spoilage. A positive correlation was found between the label color changes, total bacterial count, and pH. The color of label turned from dark red to light brown, which was related to the chemical changes and bacterial count of milk.

According to this simple, visible, and affordable label, the shelf life of pasteurized milk was estimated as five days.

Statins frequently cause myopathy especially in combination with fibrates, and physical activity is considered a trigger for the muscle disorder. Elevated plasma levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aldolase, are the main indicators of the severity of myopathy. Carvedilol is commonly used with lipid-lowering drugs in the management of heart failure, hypertension and dyslipidemia. It is not yet clear whether carvedilol, an alpha and β blocker, and anti-oxidant, may influence the development of myopathy when combined with statins and fibrates in cardiac patients. 

In this animal experiment, a 10 days regimen containing oral atorvastatin and gemfibrozil at doses of 80 and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively, was used to induce myopathy in rats. The animals were forced to swim in a pool on days 8, 9 and 10 into the study. Carvedilol (2.5 mg/kg/day) was added to atorvastatin and gemfibrozil during the 10-day study period, in addition to the exercise protocol given to the treatment groups only. The mean of swimming tolerance times and the serum levels of CK, LDH and aldolase were measured at the completion of the study. 

Carvedilol did not significantly alter the swimming tolerance time or the plasma levels of CK, LDH and aldolase in the rats receiving ATV, GMF and carvedilol plus the exercise protocol, compared with those that did not receive carvedilol (P>0.05).

Carvedilol may be used in combination with lipid-lowering drug in the management of patients with heart failure and hypertension, pending its safety approval by clinical studies in humans.

Decitabine (5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, DAC) is a deoxycytidine analog currently used as an effective drug against myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. Although various studies have pointed out the epigenetic effects of this drug, its epigenetic mechanisms in different leukemic cell lines are not specified. In this lab trial study, possible epigenetic effects of decitabine on leukemia cell lines Hl-60 (acute promyelocytic leukemia) and Nalm-6 (acute pre-B cell lymphoblastic leukemia) vs. normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are compared.

At the logarithmic phase of growth, the cultured cells Hl-60 and Nalm-6 obtained from Tehran Pasteur Institute, Iran, were treated for 24 hr with 1 μM of decitabine, a dose selected from literature and the MTT viability assay. Normal PBMCs were obtained from a pool of 3 healthy adult volunteer males, and cultured simultaneously in the same manner. The gene expressions of epigenetic enzymes DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) were assessed with the real-time PCR technique before and after treatment. The GAPDH gene expression served as the calibrator, while normal PBMCs were used for comparison.

The expressions of DNMT1 and DNMT3B in lymphoblasts were significantly (p=0.0017 and p=0.0489, respectively) decreased after treatment with decitabine, while the expression of DNMT3A was significantly (p=0.0022) increased. In leukemic promyelocytes the expressions of DNMT1 and DNMT3B in lymphoblasts were significantly (p=0.0222 and p=0.0452, respectively) decreased after treatment with decitabine, while the expression of DNMT3A was significantly (p=0.0013) increased.

One of the mechanisms by decitabine to inhibit the proliferation of both myeloid and lymphoid acute leukemia cells maybe by altering the gene expression of DNMTs.

Azoospermia is one of the challenging disorders affecting couples who are afflicted with infertility. Human testisderived cells (hTCs) are suitable candidates for the initiation of in-vitro spermatogenesis for these types of patients. The current study aimed to assess the proliferation of hTCs through the cell culture on the three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds. Cells harvested from the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) samples of the azoospermic patients were cultured on the 3D porous scaffolds containing human serum albumin (HSA)/tri calcium phosphate nanoparticles (TCP NPs) for two weeks. The proliferation/viability of the cells was assessed using the MTT assay, along with H&E histological staining method. The MTT assay showed that hTCs could stay alive on this scaffold with 50 and 66.66% viability after 7 and 14 days, respectively. Such viability was not significantly different when compared with cells grown on monolayer flask culture (P>0.05). Therefore, 3D HSA/TCP NPs scaffolds could be used for the reconstitution of the artificial human somatic testicular niche for future applications in regenerative medicine for male infertility.

6-thioguanine (6-TG) is one of the thiopurine drugs with successful use in oncology, especially for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 6-TG is proposed to act as an epigenetic drug affecting DNA methylation. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of 6-TG on the proliferation, viability and expression of genes coding for the enzymes DNA methyltransferase 3A and DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMTs) as well as histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in the human B cell-ALL cell line Nalm6.

In this experimental study, Nalm6 cells and also normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were grown in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. They were then treated with 6-TG at their exponential growth phase. Cell viability was monitored using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader. The expressions of the above-mentioned 3 genes were quantified using real-time PCR.

6-TG could inhibit the proliferation of Nalm6 cells and decrease their viability. In Nalm6 cells, as compared to normal PBMCs, 6-TG significantly decreased HDAC3 (p = 0.008) as well as DNMT3B (p = 0.003) gene expressions, but increased the expression of DNMT3A gene (p = 0.02) after normalization to GAPDH, as the housekeeping gene.

These findings suggested that the altered expression of DNMT3A, DNMT3B and HDAC3 genes was responsible for at least part of the antitumoral properties of 6-TG, providing an insight into mechanism of its action as an epigenetic drug.

The rainbow trout fish is susceptible to spoilage due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids. It should be kept at low temperature to reduce microbial, enzymatic, and oxidation reactions. The purpose of this study was to design a packaging that contains a pH indicator for monitoring freshness of the rainbow trout fish during storage at refrigerator.

The indicator contained agarose as the carrier, bromocresol green as pH indicator, and silica as surface provider. It was covered by polypropylene film and attached inside the package. Freshness of the trout stored in the refrigerator was assessed by chemical (total volatile basic nitrogen and pH) and microbiological (total viable count) methods.

The pH of fish gradually decreased after the third day since color of the indicator changed from yellow to green on day 3 and then to blue on day 6. The indicator's response was correlated with changes in the microbial population and also with levels of total volatile basic nitrogen and pH. The results showed that the designed indicator was sensitive to different pH levels and could be applied as part of the intelligent packaging system.

The freshness indicator worked well before the expiry date of fish, which makes it suitable for food quality assessment. So, this indicator can be used for real-time monitoring of packaged fish freshness

Intelligent packaging is a type of packaging which could control the environment around the food and inform consumers about food condition. The objective of present research was to design a simple pH-sensitive label in chicken package which show the spoilage by changing its color. The Bromocresol green, a pH-sensitive color indicator, has been used to detect chicken spoilage and attached to the inner side of the package. The analysis including chemical (pH and TVBN), microbial and sensory analysis were done at the intervals of 0, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10 days storage at 4 °C. The TVB-N was 19 mg/100g in the first day and measured 29 mg/100 g on the 8th day and 46 mg/100g of on the last day, respectively. According to achieved results, the changes of BCG color due to chicken spoilage were detectable by naked eye. The bacterial count was about 6.62 Log10CFU/g. On the last day, the indicator’s color became blue and the total count reached about 7.20 Log10CFU/g. There was a significant relationship between Total Volatile Nitrogen Base (TVBN), pH, microbial and sensory analysis in all studied samples with the changes in indicator’s color during storage. Due to increase in TVBN during storage, the Bromocresol Green (BCG) indicator’s color changed from yellow to blue. Thus, the BCG indicator can be employed as an inexpensive and simple label to show the freshness of chicken meat.

Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) and Listeria monocytogenes are considered as important foodborne pathogens. Pistachia atlantica sub sp. Kurdica, called wild pistachio, has been known as an antimicrobial compound. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of this essential oil (EO) on some of foodborne pathogens. The EO of Pistachia atlantica was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-MASS. The antibacterial effects of Pistachia atlantica were evaluated at two concentrations of 10 and 15 µL against Staphylococcus aureus, E. Coli, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes using disk diffusion method. The analysis was done by SPSS. In the current study, α-pinene (92.5%) and ß-pinene (1.62%) were the main components of Pistachia atlantica EO. The EO was most effective on Salmonella enterica, whereas, its effect on Listeria monocytogenes was the weakest. The results showed a significant difference in reducing Salmonella enterica in comparison to others (P < 0.05). The EO has inhibitory effects on the studied bacteria. Therefore, this EO can be used as a natural preservative to extend the shelf life of foods.

Recent achievements in stem cell biotechnology, nanotechnology and tissue engineering have led to development of novel approaches in regenerative medicine. Azoospermia is one of the challenging disorders of the reproductive system. Several efforts were made for isolation and culture of testis-derived stem cells to treat male infertility. However, tissue engineering is the best approach to mimic the three dimensional microenvironment of the testis in vitro. We investigated whether human testis-derived cells (hTCs) obtained by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) can be cultured on a homemade scaffold composed of electrospun nanofibers of homogeneous poly (vinyl alcohol)/human serum albumin/gelatin (PVA/HSA/gelatin). In this experimental lab study, human TCs underwent two steps of enzymatic cell isolation and five culture passages. Nanofibrous scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Attachment of cells onto the scaffold was shown by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and SEM. Cell viability study using MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl) -2, 5-diphenyl -2H- tetrazolium bromide] assay was performed on days 7 and 14. Visualization by H&E staining and SEM indicated that hTCs were seeded on the scaffold. MTT test showed that the PVA/HSA/gelatin scaffold is not toxic for hTCs. It seems that this PVA/HSA/gelatin scaffold is supportive for growth of hTCs.

The aim of this study was to assess the applied characteristics of wound covers containing nanoliposomic essential oil of ajwain, with suitable antimicrobial properties and lack of cytotoxicity. Liposomal formulations of the ajwain essential oil containing DSPE-PEG, cholesterol, span60 and SPC80 were prepared using a thin layer method. The rooting and spray methods on a cellulose fabric were used to produce skin wound cover. In addition to in vitro intracellular penetration and measurement of minimum inhibitory concentration of the product, textile characteristics, antimicrobial activity and 96 hours release of the essence in the wound cover were studied. Ethical Considerations: In this study, all principles of research ethics were considered. The loading efficiency of the liposomal formulation was more than 85%. The small particle dispersion index (PDI = 0.02) in the form of the PEGylated formulation indicates optimal dispersion of the particles which reduces the buildup of the drug in the cutaneous application. The standard AATCC microbial test showed inhibitory effect of the wound cover on bacteria, especially E. coli. Textile tests indicated acceptable properties of the produced wound cover, too. Altogether, this wound cover showed acceptable features in combating the two selected bacteria responsible for infectious skin ulcers.

Aspergillus flavus is a toxic contaminant in foods, which can induce mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects. In last decades, synthetic fungicides have been used for inhibition of fungal growth in plants. The public attention was also attracted to contamination of food chain by these chemicals. Therefore, in the current study, we decided to use Zataria multiflora (ZM) essential oil to inhibit the Aspergillus flavus growth. The essential oil from ZM was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of ZM essential oil were determined at different concentrations (0-1000 ppm). In this study, Carvacrol (33.45%) and Thymol (34.44%) were the most frequent compounds of the ZM essential oil. The minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations were 100 and 400 ppm, respectively. The presence of phenolic compounds such as Thymol and Carvacrol, as the major components of ZM essential oil inhibits the Aspergillus flavus growth. Furthermore, this essential oil has a very strong anti-bacterial effect. Considering these results, it seems that ZM essential oil is potentially an appropriate natural alternative for controlling Aspergillus flavus fungus.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an essential role in molecular imaging by delivering the contrast agent into targeted cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of magnetic nanoparticles containing iron oxide and silver (Fe3O4@Ag core-shell nanoprobe) as a contrast agent for the detection of ovarian cancer cell line ovcar-3.
Co-precipitation method was used for synthesis of Fe3O4Ag nanoprobe which was then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). To evaluate the ability of this nanoprobe in detection of the ovcar-3 cell line by MRI, the cells were exposed to different (5 to 50 µg/mL) concentrations of Fe3O4@Ag nanoprobe before contrast intensity calculation by MRI.
SEM images revealed that Fe3O4@Ag nanoparticles are spherical, about 100 nm. FTIR showed strong absorbance picks belonging to the stretching vibration of Ag and Fe-O. It was found that contrast intensity of Fe3O4@Ag nanoprobe decreases as concentration decreases. Statistical analysis revealed significant difference in concentrations of 30, 40 and 50 μg/mL, compared to control (p This novel magnetic nanoparticle can be used as an effective contrast agent for improving MRI in detection of ovarian cancer cells. The sensitivity of this contrast agent may be improved by binding to targeting molecules such as antibody and aptamer.

Benzopyrones are a group of compounds including coumarins and chromenes. Chromenes have a heterocyclic structure with gamma benzopyran which has anticancer activities. In this investigation we studied the effect of 4 new derivatives of chromene compounds on the human acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line MOLT4.
The structure of the new compound was established using spectroscopic method (1H NMR, 13C NMR). MOLT4 cells were cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 medium with 10% fetal bovine serum. The cytotoxic effect of different concentrations (0, 50, 250, 500 and 1000 nM) of novel synthetic compounds were evaluated by MTT assay and cell counting after different incubation times (24, 48, 72 h). Expression levels of 3 genes related to apoptosis (p53, Bax, Fas) were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
These compounds all decreased viability of the MOLT4 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Also meaningful difference was found between all concentrations and control groups (p

Onychomycosis, the fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails, is caused by three major groups of fungi including dermatophytes, yeasts and non-dermatophyte molds. The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence of onychomycosis and to identify the causative fungi during a one year period in Yazd, Iran.
From Apr 2013 to Apr 2014 a total of 273 patients with suspected dermatophytosis were included in this study. Nail-clipping specimens of 71 clinically diagnosed cases of onychomycosis were obtained for mycological examination (KOH preparation and fungal culture). Identification of mycelial isolates was based on morphological appearance and microscopic characteristic of the colony. Supplementary methods for identification of dermatophytes were employed. The species of yeasts were identified by germ-tube and chlamydospore test, as well as colony color on chromogenic CHROMagar Candida medium, and the assimilation profile in API 20C Aux system.
Of the 71 patients affected by nail disorders, 26 (36.6%) patients of onychomycosis including 54.9% male and 45.1% female (20 fingernails, 6 toenails) via direct examination and/or culture methods were diagnosed. saprophytic fungi were the most prevailing causative agents of onychomycosis and account for up to 69.2%(n=18) of cases, yeasts and dermatophytes were identified as causative agents of onychomycosis in 7 (26.9%) patients and 1 patient (3.8%), respectively. Distribution of fungal isolates was as follows: Aspergillus niger (26.9%), A. fumigatus (19.2%), Candida albicans (15.3%), A. flavus (11.5%), C. tropicalis (7.6%), Penicillium sp. (7.6%), C. dubliniensis (3.8%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (3.8%) and Fusarium sp. (3.8%).
Because of considerable prevalence of onychomycosis, necessity for a careful mycological examination in patients with nail disorders is highlighted.

Medical Laboratories are one of the major pillars of health care, and play an important role in health of people and society. Labs are hazardous workplaces in terms of acquisition and spread of many diseases due to occupational contact with different specimens from patients as well as other risks. This study evaluated protective behaviors of personnel of state labs in Yazd city based on the protection motivation theory.
In this cross-sectional study, 125 technical staff in four state labs of Yazd city were enrolled by convenience method. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, constructs of the protection motivation theory (91 questions) and protective behavior (20 questions) which was self-completed. Their responses to constructs of the protection motivation theory were scored using Likert 5-tier scale from strongly agree (score 1) to strongly disagree (score 5), but for evaluation of the behavior it was from always (core 0) to never (score 3).
The mean of age of the technical staff in the studied medical labs was 34.32±8.88 years. Women comprised 63.3% of the personnel. The personnel gained 75.27% of the protective behavior score. Protective behaviors showed significant positive correlation with all constructs of the theory except the perceived severity and the response efficacy. Protection motivation theory constructs explained 32.6 % of the variances in protective behavior, in which the perceived susceptibility was the most important predictor (β=0.326).
The results of the present study support the role of constructs of protection motivation, fear, vulnerability and perceived reward in increasing protective behaviors of medical laboratory technical staff. So, decreasing the perceived reward, increasing fear and acceptance of vulnerability can augment acquisition and implementation of protective behaviors in staff, and could be considered as a basis in educational programs in health care centers and laboratories.