فصلنامه یافته
سال بیست و دوم شماره 3 (پیاپی 85، پاییز 1399)

Primary infection with the BK virus occurs in the tonsils and is transmitted to other tissues and organs, especially the kidneys, by infecting monocytes. Infection with this virus is rarely associated with clinical disease but reactivating the virus in people who have a suppressed immune system can cause kidney or bladder damage. Due to the importance of activating the BK virus in status of immunodeficiency and providing such conditions during pregnancy, the purpose of this study was to summarize the literature on the role of BK virus and its transmission in congenital infection. The results of serological, molecular and studies that have simultaneously performed serological and molecular studies in the field of vertical transmission of BK virus were discussed. Studies of the BK virus on the prevalence and risk of recurrence during pregnancy have yielded conflicting results, with some studies suggesting that the virus is involved in the vertical transmission of the virus due to the presence of the virus in the tissues of the aborted fetus. The results of a number of studies have been opposed to vertical transmission of the virus, and the prevalence and vertical transmission during pregnancy have not yet been well established. So, more research is needed to get a better understanding about BK virus vertical transmission

Diabetes may be associated with an imbalance between the protective effects of antioxidants and increased production of free radicals. Oxidative stress also appears to contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. In this study the effect of endurance exercise with cinnamon bark extract on antioxidant activity levels and cardiac index in streptozotocin- (STZ) induced DM in male rats were investigated.

In this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats weight: 200-232 g were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10): 1. Healthy control (CO), 2. Diabetic control (CD), 3. Diabetic + cinnamon extract treatment (D+CZ), 4. Diabetic + exercise training (D+EX), 5. Diabetic + cinnamon extract treatment + exercise training (D+EX+CZ). In D+EX+CZ group, the animals practiced endurance training for 8 weeks after becoming diabetic, and at the same times each rat has received 200 mg/kg cinnamon hydro alcoholic extract by gavage daily for 8 weeks.

Exercise training in D+EX and D+EX+CZ significantly prevented the decrease in heart weight compared to DC and D+CZ groups. The activity of the antioxidant enzyme (catalase) in the D+EX+CZ group increased significantly compared to the control group. Superoxide dismutase also increased significantly in all groups compared to the control group. Also, the activity of GPX enzyme (glutathione peroxidase) in D+EX+CZ and D+CZ groups showed a significant increase compared to the control group.

The increased GPX, CAT and SOD activity and prevented the decrease in heart weight induced by combined intervention of cinnamon extract and endurance training may attenuate oxidative stress in diabetic rats

In general, a healthy work environment can be closely related to the mental health of its employees. All jobs, even the seemingly easy ones, have breathtaking moments of responsibility and expectation. Prolonged job stress and work pressures will eventually lead to mental disorder. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of social skills training and group therapy based on commitment and acceptance on self-esteem and social phobia disorder.

The research method was quasi-experimental and pre-test-post-test design was equal to the control group. The statistical population of the study was all employees working in government offices in Arak in the second half of 1397. Among the statistical population, available and targeted sampling method for 1300 eligible people (age 25 to 60 years, no history of mental illness) Connor (2000) and Cooper-Smith (1967) self-esteem questionnaire were administered to this number. Of these, 45 people who had the lowest score in the tests were randomly selected into two experimental groups and one control group (15 people in each group). Then, intervention was performed for the volunteers of the experimental groups (social skills training and group therapy based on commitment and acceptance). Data were analyzed by SPSS software and multivariate analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post hoc test at a significance level of 5%.

The results showed that social skills training and treatment based on commitment and acceptance significantly increased self-esteem and decreased social fear (p <0.001). Also, no significant difference was observed between the two treatments (p <0.001).

According to the research findings, social skills training methods and treatment based on commitment and acceptance can be used as an effective method to reduce social fear and increase self-esteem in employees.

We aimed in this study to evaluate the acute and repeated dose toxicity of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff (Kelussia) identified as a rare medicinal plant species which grows in western parts of Iran with potential nutraceutical applications.

To determine the clinical, hematological, biochemical, necropsy and histopathological effects of the herb’s essential oil, aerial parts of this plant were collected from Shahrekord in spring 2019. After careful evaluation and issuing the Herbarium Code Number, herb’s dry powder was provided and the essential oil was prepared by Clevenger apparatus. Acute and repeated dose toxicity tests were performed by OECD 423 and 407 guidelines through intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections to female rats.

Acute test didn’t show any sign of toxicity in doses up to 2000 mg/kg and in delayed acute toxicity assessment no sign of toxic reaction was recorded. In repeated dose test all animals in two different dose groups (5 and 50 mg/kg) survived healthy according to the clinical, biochemical, hematological, necropsy and histopathological studies. Significant weight increase in high dose group (50 mg /kg/day) was accompanied with hepatotoxic reactions compared to vehicle control group (distilled water). Low dose group (5 mg/kg /day) showed significant biochemical changes in relevant nephrotoxicity related biomarkers which were not accompanied with histopathological evidence.

The results of this study showed that oral long term administration of Kelussia essential oil could be considered as a safe herbal remedy in doses up to 5 mcg/kg/day for human medical and nutritional purposes.

Vitamin D deficiency is common during pregnancy and childbirth. Recent findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study was performed to determine the association between low levels of maternal serum vitamin D and some adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature rupture of embryonic membranes.

73 pregnant women with premature rupture of embryonic membranes as a case group 73 healthy pregnant women as control group were randomly selected from 18 to 35 pregnant women with a gestational age of 28 to 41, who had been referred to Asalian Hospital within 6 months, were selected. Blood levels of vitamin D were measured in both groups. Demographic information as well as data from laboratory results and patient histories were collected using a researcher checklist. Finally, patients were statistically evaluated for vitamin D levels and study factors.

The mean vitamin D level in patients with PROM was 22.49 7 ±7.25nm/lit and the mean vitamin D level in patients without PROM was 28.73 ±8. 8.72nm/l with p = 0.00. There was a significant relationship between vitamin D and PROM levels.

Based on the results of data analysis, it was found that there was a significant relationship between vitamin D levels and premature rupture of the amniotic sac. To examine more closely the relationship between maternal vitamin D levels and the occurrence of premature rupture of embryonic membranes, further research with a larger sample size and complete control of interfering factors is recommended.

 Prevalence of co-existence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), metallo-beta-lactamase (MBLs) and AmpC-β-lactamases producing isolates in these bacteria is a serious problem in treatment of infections. The aim of this study was to characterization co-existence of ESBLs, AmpC and MBLs in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Khorramabad hospitals.

 In this descriptive cross-sectional study, totally 130 clinical isolates including E. coli (n=45) and K. pneumoniae (n=85) were collected from hospitals of Khorramabad. Disk diffusion method used for determination of susceptibility of isolates to antibiotics. ESBLs, MBLs and AmpC-β-lactamases producing isolates detected by combined disk methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detection of blaTEM, blaSHV and blaVIM genes.

 Out of the 130 clinical isolates, 41(31.5%) and 37 (28.4%) of them considered as ESBLs and AmpC producing, respectively. The blaTEM and blaSHV detected in 24(18.4%) and 23(17.6%) of isolates, respectively.

 Prevalence of ESBLs, AmpC and MBLs in Khorramabad is lower than from other region of Iran. Outbreak of co-producer  ESBLs, AmpC and MBLs isolates in Khorramabad can cause serious problems in  treatment of infections.

 Recently, there has been growing efforts to elucidate the molecular mechanism of amyloid formation and investigating effective compounds for inhibiting of amyloid structures. Investigation of the fibrillation process through its induction and inhibition using specific compounds such as aromatic derivatives provide useful information for stabilizing the protein structure. In the present study, the in vitro anti-amyloidogenic and destabilizing effects of Salvia officinalis were investigated using bovine insulin as a model protein.

 To induce fibrillation, the bovine pancreatic insulin was incubated for 10 days in 50 mM glycine buffer at pH = 2.2 at 57° C. Amyloid formation was examined using CR absorption spectroscopy, ANS and THT fluorescence and Field-emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) methods. Then, the effect of different concentrations of Salvia officinalis extract (ratios of 0.1, 1, and 5 extracts to 1 protein) on inhibition of fibrillation and destabilization of pre-formed insulin fibrils was investigated.

 Results indicated a significant decrease in the accumulation of amyloid fibrils in drug-incubated samples compared to control. It also found that Salvia officinalis extract in all concentrations, especially in the 1: 1 ratio of drug to protein, has a strong inhibitory effect on fibrillation and defibrillation of insulin protein.

The results of this study showed that by purification and isolation of effective compounds of Salvia officinalis and its effect on amyloid fibrils, this plant could probably be used to treat amyloid diseases.

Various studies proposed virus infection is to be a possible cause of human breast cancer. However, the data argue the association between virus and cancer are inconsistent. This study was conducted to detect whether HPV-DNA is present in tissue samples of breast cancer in Isfahan province.

Paraffin embedded formalin fixed specimens were prepared from 40 breast tumor and 20 healthy tissues in women with breast cancer from Isfahan province. After DNA extraction and amplification of beta-actin housekeeping gene for evaluation of DNA purity, all DNA samples with appropriate purity were examined for detection of DNA-HPV by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using virus specific primers. Data was analyzed with Cramer test using SPSS16.0 software.

Presence of DNA-HPV 16 in 3 out of 40 cases (5.7%) and DNA-HPV18 in 8 out of 40 (20%) cases of breast cancer samples was observed and DNA-HPV18. DNA-HPV 16 and 18 were detected in none of the 20 control samples. Statistically, Cramerʹs index for HPV16 infection was 0.197 and Sig=0.077 in cancer samples, and Cramerʹs index for HPV18 infection was 0.333 and Sig=0.003 in cancer samples.

Therefore, in Isfahan province, HPV18 is meaningful associated with breast cancer in women and HPV16 is not meaningful associated with breast cancer in women. Further studies in other regions are needed to clarify the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms behind the association of HPV16, 18 infection and breast cancer

Obesity is the biggest public health challenge of the current century, and the health departments of most countries in the world are involved in the problems and complications of increasing obesity and identifying the mechanisms involved. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two months aerobic training and olive extract supplementation on IL-1β and NLRP3 in obese male rats.

In experimental research, twenty-four male rats with two months of age were fed high fat diet for 8 weeks to reach a mean weight of 320±30. Then they were randomly divided into four groups (control group, endurance training group, olive oil supplementation group and endurance training and olive oil supplementation group). Olive oil supplementation (Oos) and aerobic training (AE) (at 80% of VO2max) were conducted for two months. The IL-1β and NLRP3 levels were measured by ELISA method. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA at 95% confidence level.

Both AE and Oos and their combination reduced IL-1β levels with greater changes observed in both training groups (P<0.05). The NLRP3 was only decreased in the combination of AE and Oos groups and the Oos and ET were failed to change this factor level.

Exercise training and Olive oil consumption could be beneficial in lowering inflammation in obese subject, however; more research remains to be done because of the lack of similar evidence and also limitations in the study.

High intensity interval training (HIIT) is a kind of exercise training that suggested for individuals with any sufficient time for regular training.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a period of intense intermittent training on the expression of 3 enolase, 3 caveolin genes and plasma levels of SGOT enzyme in the cardiac tissue of male rats with fatty liver (steatosis model)

The statistical sample consisted of 48 male Wistar rats (in2 healthy models with fatty liver) aged 5 weeks and weighing 200-250 and the same conditions (12:12 darkness and light, temperature 22 ± 2 degrees Celsius (%50-%60) humidity (% 51 humidity) were kept in cages. Gene expression was assessed using Real Time PCR and SGOT enzyme was assessed using ZiestChem diagnostic kits. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Tukeychr('39')s post hoc test and the data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22.

According to the results, the expression of Enolase 3 and Caveolin 3 genes and also the expression of SGOT enzyme in the rats of the patient group increased compared to the rats of the healthy group (P <0/05), which according to the level of significance It was significant.

It seems that a period of intense intermittent training effects the expression of enolase3, caveolin 3 genes and plasma levels of SGOT enzyme in the cardiac tissue of male rats with fatty liver (steatosis model) and can serve as a marker for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Use cardiovascular, fatty liver, obesity as well as diabetes.

 Keratoconus is a common complication among corneal defects. As a result of expeditious and extensive progress of medical science in recent decades, corneal ring implantation has turned into a successful surgical procedure to correct the vision of Keratoconus patients; however, selecting the right patient is essential in the success of the operation. The prediction of corneal condition or, more precisely, the prediction of corneal topographic indices after implanting the ring has been taken into consideration in the present study.

Neural network framework is one of the optimal methods for the modeling and prediction. In this study, corneal topographic indices of patients have been predicted 6 and 12 months after the ring implantation for the first time using the multilayer feed forward neural network. The study has focused on predicting corneal topographic indices that are applicable to Keratoconus diagnosis and progression using MATLAB software. Therefore, the statistical data of a number of patients, including the effective indices of the cornea topography before and after implanting the ring, were collected.

 Using the collected data, neural network models have been developed and the corneal topographic indices have been predicted 6 and 12 months after the implantation of keraring and myoring rings. The mean error of 7.22% is achieved for the four trained neural network models. 

 Choosing the right surgical candidate is one of the primary concerns of ophthalmologists. The results indicate the great capability of neural networks in assisting ophthalmologists to select right surgical candidates through predicting corneal topographic indices after the ring implantation.

Large amount of solid waste is annually produced in Kuhdasht city. These waste materials are decomposed by anaerobic microorganisms after burying in disposal site and produce large amounts of gases (mainly methane and carbon dioxide). This study aimed to estimate the gas emission from solid waste disposal of Kuhdasht city using a tool known as LandGEM software.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three steps. In the first stage, physical analysis of the waste materials was carried out. In the second stage, the population of the city was calculated for different years of the plan based on growth rate factor and other influencing factors. In the third stage, the amount of methane emissions and the production potential was obtained. Finally, by entering the data into the software the amount of landfill gas emission was calculated.

The generated gases from Kuhdasht landfill was estimated based on the 50% as volume percentage for methanT, 202 m3 / Mg as a potential gas production and 0.045 y-1 as methane production rate. The results showed that the maximum emissions occurred in 2019. The total amount of LFGs, methane, carbon dioxide, non-methane materials were 7013, 1873, 5140, 80.52 Mg /y, respectively.

The results of this study showed that the proportional volumes of different gases are produced at Kuhdasht landfill. Based on these results, the gas generation in the landfill is in agreement with the classic pattern of gas generation in the landfills. So it is possible to apply some plans to use methane gas for energy production, as well as strategies for controlling the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

No proven effective treatment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) currently exist. Different drugs have different effects on patients with Covid-19, and the potential benefits or harms of the proposed drugs for the treatment of this disease need to be discussed more fully. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effectiveness of the proposed drugs in the treatment of patients with Covid-19. The present study is a systematic review that used SID, PubMed, Web Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and Science direct, Google Scholar, JAMA, WHO and CDC databases to access related articles. In order to search for articles, only English articles with the keywords Covid19, treatment, Remdesivir, Hydroxychloroquine, Ritonavir, Tocilizumab and all possible combinations of these words during 2019 and 2020 were examined. Out of 250 papers obtained, 20 papers had initial conditions and finally 9 clinical trial papers related to Covid-19 treatments were reviewed. Initial studies on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (with and without macrolides) were found to be effective in the treatment of Covid-19 patients, but further studies have shown that these drugs do not have a positive effect on Covid-19. Also, the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in patients led to an increase in their mortality. There were different results for lopinavir and ritonavir, some of which showed improvement in symptoms and in others exacerbation of symptoms and complications. Remdesivir causes side effects such as nausea, constipation, hypokalemia, hypotension and elevated liver enzymes. Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine have no effect on the recovery of patients with Covid-19. The positive or negative effect of lopinavir / ritonavir requires clinical trials and research. Remdesivir improves patients with Covid-19. It is recommended that caregivers and medical and nursing staff closely monitor patients receiving remdesivir for drug side effects.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is Gram-positive cocci of the staphylococcaceae family. S. lugdunensis despite having a clotting factor (wall coagulase), was classified in the coagulase negative staphylococcus group (CoNS) for lack of free coagulase. Although this bacterium is part of the human normal flora, in terms of virulence, S. lugdunensis is in second place after S. aureus. S. lugdunensis causes a wide range of cardiovascular, bone and joint infections, blood infections, skin and soft tissue infections, central nervous system infections, and urinary tract infections. This bacterium cannot produce S. aureus toxins, but it has various pathogenic factors such as delta hemolysin, lugdulysin, atlL autolysin, lysozyme resistance, MSCRAMM adhesins, ica opron, iron opron and ability to produce SCV colonies. These factors may explain the same pathogenic potential as S. aureus in S. lugdunensis. Fortunately, unlike other members of the Staphylococcaceae family S. lugdunensis has highly sensitive to most antibiotics and responds well to treatment. In the last decades, the rate of isolation of S. lugdunensis as a pathogen worldwide is increasing, but unfortunately, because most Iranian laboratories do not have a specific CoNS species identification on the laboratories agenda, these species were reported as CoNS or contamination. Therefore, no information is available on the prevalence and pathogenicity of this bacterium in Iran.