seyedmasoud hosseini

The purpose of this article is to review and evaluate the legal jurisprudence of the economic sanctions of the Security Council based on Article 39 of the United Nations Charter.

This article is descriptive and analytical. Materials and data are also qualitative and data collection was used in collecting materials and data.
Ethical Considerations: In this article, the originality of the text, honesty and trustworthiness are respected.

In Islamic jurisprudence and history, based on the verses of Surah Baqarah and Yusuf, economic embargo has been used and emphasized as a pressure lever, but it should be used with cruelty in the media. In Article 39 of the United Nations Charter, the Council is empowered to determine cases of threats against international peace and security, violations of international peace and security, and acts of aggression. As the case may be, the Security Council can make recommendations or decisions to implement its findings. Therefore, Article 41 of the United Nations Charter foresees that the Council can adopt measures that do not involve military force, including sanctions, against the guilty country. Therefore, it can be said that from the legal point of view, the Security Council, according to the articles mentioned above, has the authority and permission to accept resolutions that include sanctions.

The effects of the implementation of sanctions on third countries, the right to development, as well as its destructive results on basic human rights, including the right to health, and in general the negative humanitarian effects of international sanctions on the most vulnerable people of the target country, is always one of the major concerns of the international community, which requires an intelligent evaluation.

Rabies is a fatal disease that may be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by a virus called rabies virus (RABV), which is a kind of RNA virus belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae and the genus Lyssavirus. Current rabies vaccines, while effective, require multiple doses for adequate protection, which presents significant financial and logistical challenges, especially in low-resource settings. Additionally, the risk of reversion to virulence in live-attenuated vaccines limits their use. This study aims to design and optimize the rabies virus glycoprotein (G protein) using in silico methods to address these challenges and develop a more effective and accessible rabies vaccine. The nucleotide sequences of the rabies virus glycoprotein were acquired from GenBank (accession number LT839616) and optimized to improve expression in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells using bioinformatics tools. PSIPRED was employed for secondary structure prediction, and SWISS-MODEL was used for 3D structure modeling. The optimized gene was synthesized and inserted into the pcDNA3 vector. CHO cells were transfected with the recombinant plasmid, and the presence of the expressed gene was confirmed using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Optimizing the codons significantly enhanced the synthesis of the G protein derived from the rabies virus in CHO cells. Structural analyses confirmed the stability and proper conformation of the protein. The gene was successfully subcloned into the pcDNA3 vector, and its expression in CHO cells was verified using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, demonstrating the effective production of the recombinant glycoprotein. This study successfully utilized bioinformatics and experimental methodologies to optimize the rabies virus G protein, demonstrating its potential as a viable vaccine candidate. The results provide a strong foundation for developing an advanced rabies vaccine that is both effective and accessible, particularly in regions where rabies remains prevalent.

The occurrence of specific mutations within the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome is associated with the progression of chronic hepatitis B infection towards more severe outcomes.

This study aimed to investigate mutational patterns in the X -gene and their influence on the outcome of chronic HBV infection (CHB) across three generations in a family.

Ninety CHB patients, meeting the inclusion criteria, were recruited from cases referred to the Center of Hepatology at Golestan University of Medical Sciences between September 2020 and January 2021. The HBx gene was amplified using semi-nested PCR from serum samples and then subjected to sequencing.

A comparison of the sequences from CHB patients indicated that children and mothers in the two-generation group exhibited the highest similarity (79.3%) in the X -gene, with the lowest mutation rate (20.7%). The N-terminal region of the X -gene showed the highest mutation frequency in the three-generation group, including C1491G (25%), G1613T (23.9%), C1500T (43.4%), and G1658T (33.4%). The mutation rate was notably higher in HBeAg -negative patients across the three groups compared to HBe- Ag-positive CHB patients, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.03). A1762T/G1764A mutations were observed in 15.6% of patients, and their presence showed a significant difference (P = 0.03). Additionally, in the three-generation group, a silent mutation (A1727G, 10%) and a missense mutation (A1727T, 30%) were detected.

Specific mutational patterns in the HBx gene may be valuable in predicting clinical outcomes in CHB patients and could serve as warning indicators for increased susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

The bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an important infectious agent transmitted from cattle to humans. It is considered one of the oncogenic viruses in breast cancer, so an accurate detection of this virus is important. The study aimed to design a specific and sensitive method based on TaqMan® real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for BLV detection. Probes and primers were designed using bioinformatics software for a 108 pairs region of the BLV tax gene. Criteria employed for determining analytical sensitivity were prepared using in-vitro RNA transcriptions. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) databases various viral panels and genomic samples from healthy individuals (Qom Province, Iran in 2023) were used to verify analytical specificity and clinical specificity, respectively. This method can measure a minimum of 10 copies of DNA and RNA mL-1. Moreover, the assay is linear in the range of 100 - 109 copies mL-1. By testing negative specimens, the method specificity was 100%. The reproducibility results of the reaction were examined at the intra- and inter-assay comparison. In fact, 10 technical replicates of each concentration of the control sample were analyzed in each working reaction. Due to the locally made kit, exact sensitivity and specificity, rapid analysis, and relatively low cost, as compared to commercial kits of other countries, the method introduced in the present study could be suitable for accurate detection of the BLV. Also, the TaqMan® real-time PCR method could be detected in cattle and human and before malignant changes of breast cancer which could reduce infection and breast cancer.

Polyomaviruses are a group of small, double-stranded DNA viruses that are known to be associated with the development of certain human diseases, but there is evidence that these viruses might be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Several polyomaviruses have been identified, such as JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) and recently Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Although the direct effects of polyomaviruses on transformation of human cells and cancer development are not clearly recognized, their association with certain human diseases including GI cancers has been proposed through several molecular and epidemiological studies. For example, JCPyV and BKPyV have been linked to colorectal cancer, as there is growing evidence of finding viral genomes in cancerous tissues. Nevertheless, the major role of JCPyV, BKPyV and MCPyV in colorectal cancer progression is still under extensive investigation, and further surveys is required to establish a conclusive cause-and-effect relationship. Understanding the role of these viruses in cancer development has significant implications for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. It seems that proving a causal link between polyomaviruses and GI cancers might provide a novel path for targeted therapies or design and development of specific therapeutic vaccines. In addition, performing research on the possible link can provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, potentially leading to the identification of novel biomarkers. This review focuses on polyomaviruses, in particular a recently discovered polyomavirus, MCPyV, and their possible link with human gastrointestinal disorders.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world particularly among Iranian women. Although the mortality rate decreased in developed countries, there were increased changes in breast cancer incidences. The study aimed at evaluating the correlation between BLV infection and breast cancer in Iran.

In the cross-sectional study, a total of 85 breast cancer tissue samples and adjacent tumor samples (normal tissue) were collected during the year 2022 from women referred to general hospitals in Qom Province, Iran. The nested PCR technique was performed to determine the presence of tax and gag genes of BLV in the collected samples. To confirm the presence of the tax gene of BLV, PCR products of some BLV-positive samples were subjected to direct sequencing.

Based on nested PCR technique, tax and gag genes of BLV were detected in 12.9% (11.85) and 3.4% (3.85) of breast cancer tissue samples, respectively. Also, the tax gene was present in 4.7% of the control samples, but the presence of the gag gene was not observed. Most malignant samples of BLV were III grade. The constructed phylogenetic trees for the tax gene of BLV showed most BLV isolates had similar sequences to Iranian isolates.

The results of the study by using nested PCR technique, demonstrate a possible relationship between human breast cancer and bovine leukemia virus infection in women of Iran. BLV is one of the main risk factors for breast cancer.

Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic pathogen, is related to hospital-acquired infections and increased mortality. This study aimed to develop the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for the fast-de- tecting of A. baumannii isolates as well as determining genetic relatedness for these isolates via the REP-PCR technique.

LAMP primers and multiplex PCR primers were designed for recognizing A. baumannii isolates harboring the bla SHV-1 , bla PER-1 , bla , AMPC, qnr, and aac (6)-1 genes, were collected (October 2020 to February 2021) from Shahid Motahari Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Combination disc test (CDT) results were used to assess the phenotypic iden- tification of isolates from ESBL producers. The sensitivity of the LAMP method was evaluated using a range of serial dilu- tions of genomic DNA. Results were compared between the LAMP technique, and multiplex PCR. The genetic diversity of clinical isolates was determined by REP-PCR.

Among one hundred A. baumannii samples and based on the combined disc test, 56% of isolates were ESBL pro- ducers. The sensitivity of the LAMP technique for the identification of A. baumannii was 4.06 ng/μl whilst the multiplex PCR was (16.2 ng/μl). Regarding multiplex PCR, (68%) of the isolates were bla SHV-1 positive, (40%) bla , (85%) aac (6́)-1, AMPC (67%), bla TEM-1 (63%), and (15%) qnr respectively. While in LAMP, (69%) of isolates were bla positive, (86%) aac (6')-1, and (20%) qnr. The results of AMPC, bla TEM-1 , and bla PER-1 genes showed 100% compatibility between multiplex PCR and LAMP assays. The results of REP-PCR indicated there were 17 clones, clone A at 14% was the most prevalent of the isolates.

Wherever equipment and financial constraints are crucial, the LAMP test offers a better and more potent detec- tion rate for the identification of A. baumannii isolates than multiplex PCR. Furthermore, the genetic diversity of A. bauman- nii in these clinical isolates showed frequent commonality of genotypes.

Viral clearance studies are an essential part of a manufacturer's plan to ensure the safety of an injectable biologic product. In this way, viral safety is a critical quality attribute for biologics such as monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Evaluation of virus purification by downstream processes is a key component of risk mitigation. In this study, the capability of continuous monoclonal antibody purification steps was evaluated in the process of instant monoclonal antibody purification in different stages of purification, and the amount of reduction or inactivation of each step was determined.

Four enveloped and non-enveloped viral models VSV, Reovirus, EMCV, and HSV1 were used for spiking in selected samples in the designated tests, to have a comprehensive examination of the ability to clear the virus such as the type of genetic material, chemical resistance, and particle size. A TCID and qPCR methods were used to measure viral reduction. Two cell lines, Vero (African green monkey kidney) and L929 (Mouse fibroblast) were used for 4 model viruses propagation. The steps that were evaluated included 4 steps monoclonal antibody purification; cation exchange chro- matography, acidic pH treatment, affinity chromatography, and nanofiltration.

The nano-filter stage showed the highest viral reduction and cation exchange chromatography showed the lowest reduction. The cumulative decrease using TCID is equal to 19.27 [log10] for all steps and for the qPCR method is equal to 12.47 [log10] in three steps of nano-filter, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography.

The overall average reduction coefficient for all four model viruses is significantly high, which indicates the high capacity of the monoclonal antibody production process in inactivating and removing viruses leads to reducing the load of all four model viruses.

Papillomaviruses are found in many different types of infections and in a wide range of animals and humans. They can cause health problems, including benign and malignant tumors. In the present study, the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and breast cancer (BC) in Iran was investigated.

In this cross-sectional study, the presence of the HPV genome was investigated in BC-suspected tissues for the first time in Qom Province, Iran. A total of 400 samples (including 200 BC-suspected tissue samples and 200 blood samples of women without BC) were collected from women referred to two cancer-specific general hospitals. To determine the presence of the L1 gene of HPV in the collected samples, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Then, HPV-positive samples were tested by PCR using high-risk specific HPV-16 and 18 primers.

Out of 200 BC-suspected tissue samples, 172 were malignant (in terms of pathology). Based on the nested PCR method, the L1 gene of HPV was detected in 12% (24/200) of the BC-suspected tissue samples and in 1.5% (3/200) of the blood samples from women without BC. The high-risk HPV genotypes (which were the predominant types) were present in 75% of the samples.

The results of the current study show a high frequency of HPV-16 and 18 genotypes in human BC in Iranian women. This is almost certainly due to poor rates of HPV vaccination, and it is strongly recommended that health organizations (such as the World Health Organization [WHO]) ensure adequate coverage of highly effective HPV vaccination in Iran.

According to numerous research related to learning styles and also the difference of these styles in students, this study was designed in order to determine the status of learning styles in medical students in Iran.

This study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis. Searching for articles in this study was done from September 24 to October 15, 2022 in databases: Proquest, PubMed, Iran medex, Scopus, Sid, Magiran, Google Scholar, Eric and medical education journals. The research environment of Iran has been Mashhad. Using the PICOTS model, the keywords: learning styles, clubs, medical students were used to search the mentioned databases. OR, AND operators and possible combinations of keywords were used when searching for articles in databases. The extracted articles were first evaluated in terms of the research title, then the abstract of the article, and finally the text of the article using the "PRISMA Checklist". In each stage, repetitive articles and articles that did not mention the percentage of learning styles were excluded from the study, and the articles that met the inclusion criteria were stored in the (EndNote software, version 20, Clarivate, USA), and at the end, 53 articles were analyzed.

The results of the study showed that the most used learning styles among students of medical sciences in Iran was convergent learning style (32% with 95% confidence interval). In the investigation of the adaptive learning style in the fields of basic sciences during the years 2006 to 2021, the percentage of using this style increased and this trend was statistically significant (P=0.0078).

According to the findings of the study, the most used learning style in medical sciences in Iran is convergent learning style, and considering the characteristics of convergent people, it is necessary to provide effective and efficient training in medical sciences to Students' learning styles should be given special attention so that training can be guided based on their learning styles.

Hypoxia context is highly specific for tumors and represents a unique niche which is not found elsewhere in the body. Clostridium novyi is an obligate anaerobic bacterium. It has a potential to treat tumors. The aim of this study was to produce the C. novyi nontoxic spores and to investigate its oncolytic effect on breast cancer in mice model.

Primarily, the lethal toxin gene in C. novyi type B was removed. Colonies were isolated using PCR testing. To assure the removal of alpha-toxin, plasmid extraction and in vivo assay were conducted. Next, to treat breast cancer model in different sizes of tumors, a single dose of spores of C. novyi nontoxic was tested.

The results denoted that C. novyi nontoxic lost lethal toxin and a ppeared to be safe. For smaller than 1000 mm3 tumors, a single dose of C. novyi nontoxic was able to cure 100% of mice bearing breast tumors. Hence the mice remained free of tumor relapse. Tumors larger than 1000 mm3 were not cured by a single dose of C. novyi nontoxic treatment.

The experiment concluded that the C. novyi nontoxic might be a suitable and safe candidate, a novel therapeutic approach to encounter such hypoxic regions in the center of tumors. Research also showed that bacteriolytic therapy by C. novyi nontoxic could lead to regression in small tumor.

Infection with hepatitis B, C, and delta viruses (HBV/HCV/HDV) caused by mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is still a serious health problem worldwide. Coinfection with HBV/HDV or HCV has been shown to accelerate the progression of chronic HBV infection, resulting in higher mortality.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anti-HCV, anti-HDV, and anti-HIV antibodies in mothers with chronic HBV infection and their infants.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 mothers with chronic HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen-positive [HBsAg+]/hepatitis B core antibody-positive [HBcAb+]) and their infants between 2020 and 2021 in northeastern Iran. The presence of serological markers of HBV, anti-HCV, anti-HDV, and HIV antibodies, as well as the liver function tests, were evaluated in all mothers. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and the level of the statistical significance was set at a P-value < 0.05.

The mean age in all individuals was 37.45 ± 17.95 years. In mothers with chronic HBV and their infants, 3, 11, and 15% were serologically positive for anti-HCV, HCV/HDV, and anti-HDV, respectively. Also, all participants were serologically negative for anti-HIV. A statistical analysis showed a significant correlation of anti-HDV (95% CI, 0.113 - 0.332) with education, place of residence, and anti-HCV (95% CI, 0.313 - 0.416) in mothers with chronic HBV. The percentages of mothers and infants with simultaneous infection HBV were reported to be 1, 2, and 1% when anti-HCV, anti-HDV, and anti-HCV/HDV antibodies were measured, respectively.

Intellectual strategies in the diagnosis of HCV, HIV, and HDV in patients with chronic HBV have challenged public and global health, and preventing viral infections in newly born infants is the most effective way to control the HBV/HCV or HDV epidemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by an infection in the respiratory tract leading to extrapulmonary manifestations, including dysregulation of the immune system and hepatic injury.

Given the high prevalence of viral hepatitis and a few studies carried out on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and hepatitis B virus (HBV), this study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in the northeast region of Iran.

In this cross-sectional study, the blood samples were collected from 93 CHB patients registered in the Patient Detection Data Bank of Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran, and 62 healthy individuals as controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was adopted to detect COVID-19 infection in all the participants’ nasopharyngeal samples. All the participants were subjected to anti-hepatitis C virus, anti-hepatitis delta virus, and liver function tests. Then, HBV deoxyribonucleic acid load was detected in CHB patients. The collected data were analyzed by statistical tests using SPSS software (version 20). A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

In this study, 14% (13/93) and 32.25% (20/62) of CHB patients and control individuals were infected with COVID-19, respectively. The mean age of CHB patients was 39.69 ± 19.58 years, and 71% of them were female. The risk of developing COVID-19 in healthy controls was observed to be 2.3 times higher than in patients with CHB (0.95% confidence interval: 1.242 - 4.290). On the other hand, the mean values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in CHB patients superinfected with COVID-19 were higher than other participants. Out of 35.4% of patients with viral hepatitis B that were taking antiviral drugs, only 5.4% had COVID-19.

Although CHB infection did not predispose COVID-19 patients to more severe outcomes, the data of this study suggest that antiviral agents also decreased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Alternatively, careful assessment of hepatic manifestations and chronic viral hepatitis infections in COVID-19 patients can lead to more favorable health outcomes.

The aim of this study was to increase the shelf life of traditional yogurt, to improve its consistency and to prevent whey syneresis by adding tarragon essential oil. Yogurt was produced by industrial procedures and then the essential oil was inoculated into yogurt in different concentrations (10, 25, 30 ppm). Samples were examined for water storage capacity and microbial evaluation during 3 weeks of storage at two temperatures (refrigerator temperature and room temperature). The results showed that different concentrations of tarragon, temperature and storage time had a significant effect (p <0.05) on water holding capacity as well as the number of starter bacteria, molds, and yeasts. Tarragon essential oil reduced the number of bacteria, molds, and yeasts that spoil yogurt. The final results showed that the use of tarragon was not effective in water retention of yogurt samples, but it affected the number of initiator bacteria and yeast. Yogurt samples with high concentration of tarragon had the highest score in terms of consistency and sour taste. While samples with low concentration of tarragon, in terms of yogurt taste, had the highest sensory score.

We report a 66-year-old male patient with severe right lower extremity swelling resulting from diffuse pelvic mass with compression on right external iliac vein. The patient had papillary urothelial carcinoma of bladder seven years ago and radical cystectomy and ureterostomy was performed. Recurrence of malignancy had occurred five years after the operation. The patient had also bilateral diffuse lung metastasis. The external iliac vein had severe stenosis and invasion of pelvic mass into the vein was evident on venography. Venoplasty of external iliac vein was performed throughout the stenosis. A venous stent of 80 mm length and 12 mm diameter was introduced over the guidewire and deployed in the external iliac vein. Dramatic clinical response was evident since postoperative day two. Swelling of right lower extremity was resolved dramatically on three-month and six-month follow-up visits. We believe that endovascular venous recanalization of iliac veins is feasible and safe in patients with unresectable and diffuse pelvic masses.

Infection with Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is an important respiratory infection worldwide. Apoptosis is a physiological process of cell death that occurs as part of normal development and responds to a variety of physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. The identification of molecular mechanisms of action or inaction of key apoptotic proteins is important. This study aimed to investigate apoptotic related genes in the trachea tissue of infected (IBV variant 2, and APEC serotype O78: K80) SPF chickens group compared to the control group.

Forty SPF chickens was divided into 2 groups. Differential transcriptional profile in the infected SPF chickens trachea tissue was compared to those of control group in the early stage of infection by Illumina RNA-seq technique paired-end and strand-specific sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of transcriptome profiling of the trachea from the infected group were identified. Gene ontology category, KEGG pathway, and STRING analysis were analyzed to identify relationships among differentially expressed genes.

Twenty-eight apoptotic genes were identified. They consisted of six pathways related to cell death: the extrinsic pathway, intrinsic pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and cell death by NFkB and activates mTOR pathway and some regulator and apoptosis inhibitors.

All of the apoptotic genes in our study were up-regulated. Among these genes, the more fold change value was for TRADD and BCL2A1 genes, and the less fold change value was for MAP3K14, NFKB1, PIK3CB, and ITPR2 genes.

Values ​​predispose people to make the right and especially ethical decisions, and are important for good performance in medical sciences. Students’ lived experiences and the value-rich exposures during their education are some effective means of achieving professional values that help them build their own value frameworks. In this phenomenology of practice study, we aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of a sample of medical students in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences regarding their value-rich exposures. In-depth interviews, students’ written stories, recorded video interviews related to past trips and photographs were used to collect data. The data was analyzed based on Van Manen’s thematic analysis method. Five themes emerged from the data: “in the shadow of a supportive mentor”, “a well-orchestrated, value-rich program”, “human interactions in a value system”, “acquiring values in a real-life environment”, “and seeking values in oneself”. Our study identified different dimensions of value-rich exposure based on the lived experiences of medical students and pointed out some issues that medical education planners can consider to improve the quality of value-based education for medical students.

In the current work, reduced graphene oxide/Nano star platinum (rGO/Pt(NS)) nanocomposite is introduced as a novel hole transporting layer (HTL) to replace PEDOT:PSS in polymer solar cells (PSCs). The rGO/Pt(NS) nanocomposite was synthesized by in situ crystallization method, while formic acid and ethylene glycol vapor was used as the  reducing agent. Physical, chemical and electrochemical properties of the rGO/Pt(ns) nanocomposite was evaluated using different characterization techniques including FT-IR, XRD, TEM, EIS, CV and J-V tests. The rGO/Pt(NS) nanocomposite, appeared to have a desirable electrical conductivity  as a hole transporting material. Moreover, the prepared nanocomposite provided charge transfer resistance of 138Ω which was considerably lower than that obtained for PEDOT:PSS (208Ω). Also, by calculating the fermi level of rGO/Pt(NS) composite, it was found that the fermi level of rGO/Pt(ns) composite was in a more suitable place than the PEDOT:PSS. The photovoltaic performance of the rGO/Pt(NS) – based HTL PSCs was compared with those of the PEDOT:PSS – based HTL devices as standard PSCs. Results revealed that the rGO/Pt(NS) based PSCs can provide higher (about 13%) short circuit current (Jsc) and higher (18 %) power conversion efficiency (PCE).

Dried Black Curd (DBC), also known as Gharahghorut (Persian), is a dairy product produced from curd of yogurt or doogh. The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial contamination of industrially and traditionally produced DBC in Iran.

Four DBC brands holding certification of the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI), Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education (IMHME) and ISO were purchased from a market in Tehran, Iran. Microbial monitoring for presence of coliform, Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, mold and yeast was performed using different basic, enriched, selective and differential media including peptone water agar, MacCankey agar, blood agar and brain heart infusion agar, etc. according to the ISIRI standards (No.13299).

None of the tested samples had microbial contamination. However, in one traditional DBC sample, the population of mold and yeast was higher than the acceptable level defined by the ISIRI standard.

We found no contamination with coagulase-positive S. aureus, E. coli and coliforms in four brands of traditionally and industrially produced DBC in Iran. This indicates that the hygienic practices designated by the IMHME are well-implemented in the industrial sector. However, the mold and yeast contamination in traditionally produced DBC should be prevented by applying hygienic practices during the process of manufacturing and distribution.

The main transmission route of hepatitis E virus (HEV) is fecal-oral by contaminated water and food. Besides, it can be transmitted through infected blood of persons with subclinical infection.

The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HEV infection as an emerging virus among thalassemic patients.

In this cross-sectional study, 110 thalassemia patients who were living in Tehran Province were selected. All serum samples were assessed for the presence of total anti-HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM). After RNA extraction from sera, cDNA was synthesized, and RT-PCR was used to determine the HEV-RNA.

The results of the ELISA test showed that 4.5% of thalassemia patients were positive for anti-HEV Ab. Also, the prevalence of HEV-RNA was 0.0% among thalassemia patients.

Our findings may confirm that the risk of HEV infection via blood transmission among thalassemia patients is low in Iran. However, to prevent the possibility of HEV transmission, precautionary measures should be considered in blood recipients.

Subclavian artery injury is an uncommon vascular trauma with potential morbidity and mortality. Management of subclavian artery trauma requires open and endovascular techniques and timely and efficacious decision is mandatory. We retrospectively reviewed traumatic subclavian artery injuries in a high-volume vascular surgery center in Iran.

In a retrospective study, we assessed subclavian artery injuries during 6 years in ShohadaTajrish Medical Center. Background characteristics, type of incision, type of operation and outcome of patients were evaluated.

A total of 14 patients had subclavian artery injury (mean age 29.9 ± 13.4 years, 92.9% male). Trauma was in left and right sides in eight (57.1%) and six patients (42.9%) respectively. Arteriorrhaphy, interposition and ligation of injured artery was done in 7 (50.0%), 3 (21.4%) and 4 (28.6%) patients respectively. Associated nerve injury was present in six patients (42.9%). Endovascular proximal control was obtained in six patients (42.9%) prior to vascular exposure. Time of patient referral did not have significant association with shock or type of operation (P > 0.05).

Although traumatic subclavian artery injuries are rare, its vascular exposures and reconstructions are of potential clinical concern. Endovascular interventions can facilitate proximal control. In addition, endovascular repair by covered stent is an alternative to open surgery.

This study was performed to assess the learning styles of a sample of Iranian residents through Kolb’s and VARK questionnaires.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 45 ophthalmology residents of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences were enrolled. Kolb’s and VARK questionnaires were provided, and residents were oriented and guided on how to complete them.

Forty-three out of the forty-five ophthalmology residents completed the questionnaire (95.5% response rate). The preferred learning style among ophthalmology residents was assimilative (51.2%), followed by convergent (37.2%), accommodative (7.7%), and divergent (4.7%), based on Kolb’s questionnaire. According to the results of the VARK questionnaire, most ophthalmology residents were auditory learners (34.9%), followed by multimodal learners (30.2%). In addition, there was no significant relation between genders, stage of residency, and Kolb’s and VARK learning styles (P > 0.05 for all).

The most preferred learning styles of ophthalmology residents were assimilative and auditory. Considering the dominant learning styles of learners and incorporating various teaching methods are recommended to enhance the learning among residents.

Appropriate analgesia after surgery helps patients feel more comfortable and increase the mobility of them. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of subcutaneous injection of Ketamine and Lidocaine in reducing postoperative pain in patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia surgery under general anesthesia.

This double blinded, randomized clinical trial study was done on 60 patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia under general anesthesia. Subjects were randomly assigned into three groups including control, Ketamine and Lidocaine groups. Subjects in Ketamine group were received infiltration of subcutaneous Ketamine 0.5 mg/kg/bw after closure of surgical incision. Subjects in Lidocaine group were received infiltration of subcutaneous Lidocaine 1 mg/kg/bw at the time of wound suturing. Subjects in control group did not receive Ketamine and Lidocaine. The visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and vital signs were continuously assessed. If VAS≥3, 100 mg diclofenac suppository was administered and if there were no response, 30 mg intravenous pethidine was also administered. The complications, including hallucination, nystagmus, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness in patients were also recorded.

The mean VAS at 1, 2 hours after surgery were significantly lower in the Ketamine and Lidocaine group in compared to control group (P<0.05). No significant adverse effect was observed in the Ketamine group.

For reduction of pain, administration of subcutaneous Ketamine is recommended due to no adverse effect and anti analgesic effect of Ketamine is similar to Lidocaine.

In recent years, active packaging has been introduced as a new method to better preserve food. Chitosan and nanoclay have been used for preparation of an active nanocomposite with respect to their antimicrobial properties to investigate its effects on the microbial limitation in Gouda cheese.

Nanoclay film, chitosan film, chitosan-based nanocomposites and nanoclay-based nanocomposites were prepared and their antimicrobial properties were evaluated to the microbial limitations of Gouda cheese consist of coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, mold and yeast by agar diffusion method.

The results indicated, the best antimicrobial effect belonged to nanocomposite film with the composition of chitosan 3 wt% by adding nanoclay 1 wt%, which can prevent microbial characteristics of Gouda cheese.

The chitosan and nanoclay nanocomposite had excellent antibacterial activity and performed well against microbial limitations (coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella spp., coagulase-positive Staphylococcus, mold and yeast) of Gouda cheese. Therefore, the nanocomposite may be possibly used as a surface coating in addition to Gouda cheese as well as similar cheeses and other food to enhance microbial characteristics and extend shelf life.

Rotavirus Group A is one of the most important causes of gastroenteritis as it is isolated from 30 to 50% of infant diarrhea from humans and other animals. G genotype of the virus is determined by gene sequence of a surface protein of the virus (VP7), one of the most important factors in inducing immunity against the virus which acts very specific to each genotype.

In the present study the presence of common bovine rotavirus genotypes A was examined in human rotavirus population.

A total of 100 stool samples from children under 2 years of age in Tehran and Varamin were collected and to track the presence of rotavirus A, were evaluated using ELISA method. Positive samples were isolated and cultured on the MA-104 cell line after several passages. The positive samples (49 samples) were determined to be the G type using semi-nested RT-PCR and primers specific for bovine common genotype.

From 100 samples, 49 were positive in ELISA. Eight samples in the first semi nested RT-PCR showed the desired rotavirus bands and in the second round, the results were positive for the presence of bovine VP7 in two samples taken from Varamin, in one sample, G6, and in another sample, two genotypes of VP7, G6 and G8 were detected, indicating infection with at least two strains of human rotavirus reassortant. Six of the ELISA selected positive samples that were taken to the cell line MA104, showed effects of cell damage (CPE) after 4-5 consecutive passages, demonstrating proliferation of the rotaviruses of this study and so, their viability was confirmed.

The results of this study indicate reassortment between bovine and human rotaviruses and show that in case of occurrence of bovine and human rotavirus infection and the emergence of new human type, due to reassortment strain differences in protein immunogen it is possible to overcome due to lack of maternal immunity in the human population and low efficiency of current vaccines and, ultimately, epidemic and considerable losses may occur. Hence, more research is warranted.