Showing 24 results for Azari
Alireza Shoae Hassani, Negar Ordouzadeh, Amir Ghaemi, Rashed Nazari, Kasra Hamdi, Davoud Hekmatpour,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (6-2008)
Abstract
Introduction: Extracts of leaves from Camellia sinensis L contains polyphenolic components with antimicrobial activity. In this investigation biofilm inhibitory effects of black and green tea extracts were defined for five members of enterobacteriacea family including: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Because tea is the most widely drunk beverage in Iran, therefore investigation of its effects on enterobacterial biofilm formation and colonization is very important. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study after extraction of samples with Soxhlet extractor in water/ methanol solution, further extraction took place in Ethyl acetate phase. The extracts preserved in 4oC refrigerator after sterilization by 0.44 µ filters. Well diffusion (Kirby Bauer) and broth dilution methods were used for evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentration of biofilm formation in black and green tea extracts treated cultures. Evaluation of biofilm formation was assayed by observation of colony forming unit of cultured bacteria per milliliter by sampling from Erlenmeyer flask wall scratching onto Tripticase soy agar medium and comparing the results with controls. Analysis of data was done using analysis of variance. Results: Biofilm inhibitory effects of black tea were greater than green tea. The concentration of 4.5 mg/ml of black tea and 5mg/ml of green tea had bactericidal effects against examined bacteria. On Mueller Hinton agar, Proteus mirabilis was more sensitive to black tea EPEC was more sensitive to green tea and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed more resistance to both extracts. Conclusion: Due to the fact that gastrointestinal tract is directly affected with consumed beverage, the high concentration of tea entered in lumen can reduce the number of enterobacteriaceae and can reduce their carcinogenic amine products. Thus it plays an important role in inhibition of gastrointestinal lymphoma and colon carcinoma. Also application of tea polyphenols as a food preservative can be useful.
Mahmoud Kamani, Hamid Abtahi, Ghasem Mosayebi, Razieh Nazari, Masode Karimi,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2011)
Abstract
Background: In pyoderma infections, the density of pus is related to desoxiribo-nucleoproteins. The use of streptodornase (DNase) in combination with streptokinase can help dissolve purulent secretions of infections which results in healing the wound through the discharge of pus from the necrotic tissue. The aim of this study was to produce recombinant streptodornase from group A strain of Streptococcus pyogenes which is highly efficient in terms of active streptodornase production using expression vector. Materials and Methods: In this applied-fundamental study, genomic DNA of streptodornase gene (sd) was extracted by phenol-chloroform. Then by using specific primers of streptodornase gene, it was amplified through PCR. The resulting streptodornase gene was cloned in pGEX4T1-sd transformer for expression and the pGEX4T1-sd plasmid was transferred to the sd. E.coli BL21. Protein production was done by induction via IPTG and optimization of the conditions. The recombinant protein was purified using the glutathione sepharose 4B kit. Results: The nucleotide sequence of PCR and group A streptodornase Streptococcus was totally the same. The production of the streptodornase recombinant protein was done by inducing pGEX4T1-sd plasmid via Isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside. Protein purification was done through affinity-chromatography by using glutathione sepharose 4B. The recombinant protein was reacted with anti-streptodornase mouse serum through Western-Blot method. Conclusion: Recombinant streptodornase can be produced by pGEX4T1 in E. coli. The recombinant protein maintains its antigenic property desirably. Noticing the domestic need in Iran, low rate of production, and pathogenesis of streptococci, production of this recombinant product is feasible.
Raziyeh Khalesi, Jafar Salimian, Shahram Nazarian, Zahra Ehsaei , Ali Asghar Rahimi, Nafiseh Amini, Seyed Mohammad Moazzeni,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (April-May 2012)
Abstract
Background: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli bacterium is the most important bacterial agent causing diarrhea. Specific virulence factors, such as enterotoxins and colonization factors, distinguish ETEC from other classes of diarrheagenic E.coli. In this study, heat-labile toxin was purified which could be utilized for anti-toxin assay in GM1 gangelioside receptor-ELISA based method and for identification of ETEC producing toxin.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, bacterial strain producing heat-labile toxin was first cultivated for production and purification of toxin. Then supernatant soluble proteins were precipitated with ammonium sulfate and purified using biochemical methods. Finally, purified protein was dialyzed against Tris 0.02 mM pH 8 and analyzed on gel electrophoresis. GM1 gangelioside receptor-ELISA based method was used for detection and assessment of the purified toxin. Through this method, the effect of anti-recombinant heat-labile toxin B subunit neutralization on heat-labile toxin was investigated.
Results: Toxin purification was revealed by the presence of 12 and 28 KD protein bands. This study demonstrated that anti-recombinant heat-labile toxin B subunit antibody can detect the purified toxin and can inhibit its binding to GM1 receptor up to 80%.
Conclusion: Purification of heat-labile toxin and gangelioside receptor-ELISA assay can be used for accurate detection and epidemiological study of clinical isolates.
Somayeh Moukhah, Ziba Mazari, Azita Goshtasbi, Sakene Moaed Mohseni,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (August 2012)
Abstract
Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the leading causes of poor quality of life and iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age. This study was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effect of tranexamic acid (TA) on menorrhagia. Materials and Methods: In this before and after clinical trial, 46 women with menorrhagia were selected and, after a control cycle for evaluation of the volume and duration of primary bleeding, were subjected to tranexamic acid treatment (500mg every 6 hours from day 1 to 5 of bleeding) for 3 consecutive cycles. Data on the duration of bleeding, amount of bleeding (PBAC chart), quality of life (SF-36 and MQ questionnaires), and hemoglobin and ferritin values were checked and compared before and after treatment using SPSS software. Results: Tranexamic acid reduced mean PBAC score from 242.86 (160.47) in control cycle to 101.50 (72.67) after the third cycle (p<0.001). Hemoglobin increased from 11.85 (0.84) to 13.08 (0.97) g/dl and ferritin increased from 15.9 (20.39) to 22.13 (2.03) ng/dl (p<0.001). Duration of menstrual bleeding decreased from 7.6 (1.23) days to 6.86 (0.84) days (p=0.001). Tranexamic acid reduced mean MQ score from 70.26 (17.64) to 11.64 (6.49) (p<0.0001). Quality of life scores increased in all aspects (except for bodily pain scale) (p<0.001). Conclusion: TA due to its short course of prescription, fewer side effects, especially on the pattern of bleeding and menstrual cycle, and not having hormonal effects, seems to be an effective drug for menorrhagia in women of reproductive age.
Adeleh Hoseinizadeh, Hamid Abtahi, Mana Shojapour, Majid Akbari, Razieh Nazari, Masoomeh Sofian,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (November 2012)
Abstract
Background: Enterococcus is known as an important pathogen in Iran like all around the world. The increasing use of vancomycin makes vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) an important nosocomial pathogen. Vancomycin in combination with an aminoglycoside can provide effective treatment for severe enterococcus infections, while resistance to vancomycin antibiotic is increasing in enterococci. In this study, the pattern of antibiotic resistance and prevalence of vancomycin resistance enterococci have been explored. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, after isolating and identifying 150 strains of enterococci from clinical specimens, the antibiotic resistance pattern of these strains to erythromycin, teicoplanin, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, gentamicin, co-trimoxazole and linezolid was examined. The MIC test by using micro dilution broth method was performed for the vancomycin resistance enterococci specimens with the vancomycin and teicoplanin antibiotics. Results: Antibiotic susceptibility test showed 14% and 5.3% of the samples were resistant to vancomycin and teicoplanin respectively. Resistant to erythromycin, co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, linezolid and gentamicin were 64, 40, 38.6, 6.6, 0, 38.76 percent respectively. Fourteen samples had high resistance to vancomycin which MIC were ≥ 256 µg/ml. Conclusion: Based on the results of present study, there are vancomycin-resistant enterococci in Arak as well as other parts of the world. The percentage of vancomycin resistance enterococci is high in Arak and appropriate treatment of infections caused by enterococcus is essential
Behnam Rafiee, Nader Mosavari, Ali Asghar Farazi, Razie Nazari, Rouholah Keshavarz, Keyvan Tadayon,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (November 2012)
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis is an old problem that is currently considered a great challenge. Noticing Iran’s borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are among the 22 high burden countries around the world, the present study was conducted to analyze the current molecular epidemiology of TB and survey genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Markazi province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 57 sputum specimens from smear positive patients admitted to health centers in Markazi province were cultured on specific mycobacterial culture media. Genomic DNA was extracted by standard protocols of WHO and digested separately by PvuII and AluI. Electrophoresis was performed and DNA fragments were transferred to positively charged nylon membrane by southern blotting method and hybridization by PGRS probe. The hybridized strains were subsequently detected by enzymatic reaction and analyzed. Results: Genotyping of the isolates by PGRS-RFLP with Pvu II and AluI displayed a wide range of genetic diversity so that 50 and 45 genotypes were identified, respectively. Conclusion: Noticing the great diversity of PGRS in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, it can be concluded that in the study population, the majority of the patients hadtuberculosis with different etiologies. Therefore, it seems that reactivation of latent infection has had the main role in the spread of tuberculosis
Hamid Nomani, Ali Aidy, Lida Hagh Nazari, Dariush Reissi,
Volume 16, Issue 9 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background: End stage renal disease or ESRD is a progressive and irreversible deterioration in renal function in which the body’s ability to maintain metabolic and fluid and electrolyte balance fails. Glutathione s-transfrase P1 is member of multigenic family which have essential role in cells as an antioxidant. In this study we investigated the polymorphism of GSTP1 genotypes and oxidative stress in ESRD patients and compare with control subjects to determine the possible relation between polymorphism of this enzyme and ESRD.
Materials and Methods: We select 136 ESRD patients and 137 control cases (without kidney disease). GST P1 polymorphism were determined with PCR-RFLP. Level of MDA was measured by HPLC apparatus.
Results: Genotypes distribution of GSTP1 A/G polymorphism to AA, AG and GG genotypes in control group were 70(51.1%), 56(40.9%) and 11(8%) and In diabetic group 74(55.6%), 50(37.6%) and 9(6.8%), respectively (p=0.744). MDA levels in ESRD patients was higher than control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: GSTP1 A/G polymorphism between two groups and each groups was not statistically significant with ESRD, probably this enzyme has a protective role in the risk of ESRD.
Reza Dehghanzadeh, Navid Safavy, Seyed Jamal Ghaem Maghami Hezaveh, Mojtaba Pourakbar, Shahram Nazari,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (9-2014)
Abstract
Background: Drugs residual discharge into the environment through municipal and hospital wastewaters is one of the emergent environmental problems. Imipenem as a professional hospital antibiotic is widely used against gram- positive and negative bacteria and with entrance to the aquatic environments could prompt a lot of risks such as bacteria resistance, allergies, spoiling alga and daphnia and interrupting in wastewater treatment processes. Therefore there is a command to develop a method for extraction and determination of Imipenem from hospital sewage.
Materials and Methods: Solid phase extraction (SPE) was used to extract Imipenem from samples. Recovery percentage calculated at different pH of 3 and 7. The extracted samples analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) equipped with UV detector. HPLC operated using borate buffer/methanol as mobile phase at flow rate of 0.7 ml/min, column temperature of 20 °C, and UV wavelength of 280-300 nm.
Results: Maximum recovery percentage was obtained 68% at pH=7. The best condition for HPLC was 80:20 ratio of borate buffer/methanol with pH=7.5 and at UV wavelength of 300 nm. Linearity calculated 0.9829, primary and intermediate precision both were more than 95%. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 3 and 10 µg/l respectively.
Conclusion: The method could simply and with significant reliability be applied to extract and determinate Imipenem in complex hospital wastewater matrixes.
Mohammad Reza Dayer, Nooshin Azari, Nematollah Razmi, Mohammad Saeid Dayer,
Volume 17, Issue 7 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background: Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders which ultimately results in the death of their victims. They are caused by structural transformation of cellular prion (PrPC) to its &beta-rich and anomalous isoform (PrPSc) and the accumulation of amyloid fibrillar deposits in the central nervous system. The precise mechanism underling this conversion is yet to be well understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of non physiological temperatures on the misfolding mechanism of the human prion protein.
Materials and Methods: The crystal structure of human prion protein (90-231), (PDB code: 2Lej) in pdb format was used as a starting structure in this study. Three model structures of this coordinate structure were used separately to simulate PrPC at 27 , 37 and 47 . Molecular dynamic simulations were then performed using double-precision MPI version of GROMACS 4.5.5 for 10 ns and the results were analyzed using SPSS software, SPDBV and VebLab programs.
Results: The change of temperature from 37 to 27 or 47 induced significant structural changes to PrPC. These tempratures caused PrPC to attain a more folded and less flexible tertiary structure compared to its native structure at 37 . They, also, reduce protein-solvent hydrogen bonds and therefore increasing access of hydrophobic solvent to PrPC which may be behind the lower water solubility of PrPC and its increased resistance to proteolytic degradations.
Conclusion: This study shows that changes of temperatures accelerate structural changes of PrPC and reduce its solubility while rendering it vulnerable to transition into PrPSc.
Hassan Izanloo, Mohammad Ahmadi Jebelli, Shahram Nazari, Navid Safavi, Hamid Reza Tashayoe, Gharib Majidi, Mohammad Khazaei, Vahid Vaziri Rad, Behnam Vakili, Hussein Aghababaei,
Volume 17, Issue 9 (12-2014)
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to examine the antibacterial effect of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer on Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the antibacterial effects of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer were studied by disc diffusion and micro-dilution method. Different concentrations of Polyamidoamine-G4 inoculated onto blank disks and were placed in Mueller-Hinton agar media. Zone of inhibition was investigated by bacterial inoculation according to the McFarland standard 0.5. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer were determined by micro-dilution method in nutrient broth culture.
Results: Zone of inhibition in concentration 500 &mug/ml of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimers for Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were 14, 0, 35 and 29mm, respectively. Concerning the Zone of inhibition in gram negative bacteria with gram positive ones was p<0.05 and had significant difference. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer for Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were 1250, 2.5, and 1 &mug/ml, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration of Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer belonged to Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were 2500, 5 and 5 &mug/ml, respectively. Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer had not bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on Enterobacter cloacae.
Conclusion: According to the results, Polyamidoamine-G4 dendrimer can eliminate Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis effectively. It is suggested in the rest of this study that the probable toxicity of nanostructured compounds examined in drinking water and, economic studies is done for synthesis and their applications in case of prevention of using.
Maryam Nazari, Mohammad Reza Kordi, Siroos Choobineh,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (4-2015)
Abstract
Background: The current study aims to investigate the impact of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of CK and LDH as the muscle damage indicators and on Gelatinase-A (MMP-2) serum levels as the tissae inflammatory marker among young sedentary girls.
Materials and Methods: For this quasi-experimental study, 14 sedentary female college students were selected and randomly divided into two groups including the exercise HIIT group (means and standard deviations of age: 21.28 ± 2.56 (years) weight:52.86 ±4.95 (kg) and height: 163.1±3.7 (cm)) and the control group (means and standard deviations of age: 20.25 ±7.50 (years) weight:52.64 ±3.67 (kg) and height: 162.4±4.5 (cm)). The experimental group performed six repetitions of one-minute runs at 90%- 95% of HRmax. The blood samples were collected before and 30 minutes after the exercise protocol. The serum CK, LDH and MMP-2 levels were measured using corresponding kits. The data were analyzed through the independent t-test at the significance level of 0.05 (p<0.05).
Results: After collecting and analyzing Data, the results showed that CK and LDH levels increased significantly after performing HIIT, while there was no significant change in MMP-2 due to the HIIT.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the HIIT protocol will lead to an increase in some indicators of muscle damage such as CK, LDH, and that no significant changes could be observed for MMP-2 as the body's inflammation response.
Zahra Hadi Chegeni, Shahrbanoo Oryan, Abbas Zare Mirak Abadi, Azam Bakhtiarian, Somayyeh Akbari, Giti Ghamami, Khadijeh Nazari,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (6-2015)
Abstract
Background: There have been numerous reports of snake venoms being employed as analgesics in attempts to relieve severe pain associated with cancer, immune dysfunction and viral infections. This study investigates the antinociceptive effects of iranian cobra snake venom (Naja naja oxiana) in comparison with morphine and lidocain on laboratorial femal mice.
Materials and Methods: This study has been done on 48 NMRI female mice of 18-20 g in weight. Antinociceptive activeity of snake venom was evaluated by formalin test. In this test, the animals were divided into 6 groups (each group consisting of 8 mice): Sham, positive Control (receiving morphine at dose of 5 mg/kg, and receiving lidocain at dose of 20 mg/kg), and experimental groups receiving venom at doses of 1, 3 and 4.5 µg/mice. In all groups, the formalin test was recorded for 60 min after administration of venom and drugs in mice. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey test.
Results: The results showed that the venom of Naja naja oxiana decreased nociception meaningfully in both acute and chronic phases. We also showed that this venom revealed even a better analgesic activity in comparison with morphine and lidocain.
Conclusion: This study showed that the antinociceptive effect of the venom was mediated through central nervous system and peripheral mechanisms. Although details of the mechanism remain unclear, and further studies should be considered to demonstrate its therapeutic effects.
Hasan Izanloo, Shahram Nazari, Mohammad Ahmadi Jebelli, Soodabeh Alizadeh Matboo, Hamid Reza Tashauoei, Behnam Vakili, Mohammad Rajabi, Hosein Aghababaei, Gharib Majidi,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background: Dendrimers are a subset of branched structures that have certain structural order. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of Polypropylenimine-G2 (PPI-G2) dendrimers in removal of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus from aqueous solution .
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study , initially dilution of 103 CFU/ml was prepared from each strain of bacteria . Then , different concentrations of dendrimers (0.5, 5, 50 and 500 µg/ml) was added to water . In order to determine the efficiency of dendrimers in removal of bacteria, samples were taken at different times (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min) and were cultured on nutrient agar medium . Samples were incubated for 24 hours at 37 ° C and then the number of colonies was counted .
Results: By the increasment of dendrimer concentration and contact time , the number of bacteria in aqueous solution decreased. In times of 40 , 50 and 60 minutes, and the concentrations of 50 and 500 µg/ml, all kinds of bacteria in aqueous solution were removed . 0.5 µg/ml of dendrimer concentration had not effect in reducing the number of Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis . The effect of dendrimer on gram-negative bacteria was weaker than gram-positive bacteria.
Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that PP I -G2 dendrimer is able to remove Escherichia coli , Proteus mirabilis , Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis in aqueous solution. However, using dendrimers can be considered as a new approach for drinking water disinfection but it requires further wide range studies.
Shahram Nazari, Sajjad Ashkani, Hadi Yousefzadeh, Fazel Agaei, Gharib Majidi, Aziz Kamran, Payman Azghani, Ayyob Rastegar, Zohreh Nazari, Soudabeh Alizadeh Matboo,
Volume 18, Issue 12 (3-2016)
Abstract
Background: Dendrimers are macromolecules with regular three-dimensional structure that have many branches. The aim of this study was to investigate the fficiency of Nano Polyamidoamine–G5 (NPAMAM-G5) dendrimers in removal of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus from aqueous solution.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, initially, dilution of 103 CFU/ml was prepared from each strain of bacteria. Then, different concentrations of dendrimers (0.025, 0.25, 2.5 and 25 µg/ml) in the ambient temperature (23-25°C) was added to water. In order to determine the efficiency of dendrimers in removal of bacteria, samples were taken at different times (0, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 60 min) and were cultured on nutrient agar medium. Samples were incubated for 24 hours at 37 ° C and then the number of colonies was counted.
Results: There is a direct relation between antibacterial properties of dendrimers in aqueous solution and increasing the dendrimer concentration and contact time. At a concentration of 25 μg/ml and 60 minutes, all kinds of bacteria except Staphylococcus aureus, and at 30 minutes, E. coli and Klebsiella bacteria, were removed by 100% The concentration of 2.5 μg/ml at 60 minutes of bacteria, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Proteus mirabilis, 100% Were removed. All concentrations of dendrimer at different times were reduced bacteria.
Conclusion: Results of this study indicated that NPAMAM–G5 dendrimer is able to remove Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus from aqueous solution.
Paria Nikpey, Tahereh Nazari, Shadi Khalili, Ahmad Ebrahimi,
Volume 20, Issue 4 (7-2017)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Uterine myomas are benign tumors of the uterus which are derived from smooth muscle cells of the myometrium. Genetic factors play a major role in the progression of the disease. One of the most important genes which have impression in the mechanism of formation of the myoma is epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that plays a basic role in the process of cell growth, differentiation, proliferation and mitogenesis. The aim of this study is survey of EGFR gene common mutations in Iranian women with uterine myomas. In this test, the common mutations of the exon 21 and 19 in the EGFR gene were surveyed.
Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 80 women with myoma and 80 healthy women were studied as control. For checking deletion mutation of the Exon 19 (rs121913438), the Tetra ARMS/PCR method has been used and also for checking point mutation of the exon 21(rs121434568), the ARMS/PCR method has been used and results of the experiments were analyzed via χ 2 test.
Results: The comparison of the genotypes frequency of exon 21 (TT, TG, GG) and exon 19 (WW, WD, DD) related to EGFR gene in two groups of patients and control with using statistical test respectively represents the significant difference (p=1.320e-16) and (p=3.053e-13) in the different genotypes frequency among the patients and control groups.
Conclusion: The results of research indicate a significant relationship between EGFR gene mutations in exon 19 and exon 21 and potential for myoma in the studied population.
Sajjad Tezerji, Fatemeh Nazari Robati,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (December & January - Special Issue on COVID-19 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Food security at individual, family, national, regional and global levels can be achieved when all people at all times have physical and economic access to adequate and healthy food to meet their nutritional needs and priorities for a healthy and active life. This study aims to investigate the status of food security and its related socioeconomic factors in households during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-9) pandemic in Kerman, Iran.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 households selected randomly from five comprehensive health centers in five districts of Kerman city in Iran. A demographic/socioeconomic questionnaires and the Persian version of the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey (HFSS) were used for collecting data.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles are considered in this article. The participants were informed about the purpose of the research and its implementation stages. They were also assured about the confidentiality of their information and were free to leave the study whenever they wished, and if desired, the research results would be available to them.
Results: There was a significant relationship between the socioeconomic factors (household size, house size, and number of amenities) and the food security. There correlation between the household size and food security was positive (R= 0.142, P<0.001), while the correlation of house size (R= -0.093, P<0.005) and number of amenities (R= -0.73, P<0.001) with food security was negative.
Conclusion: By increasing the awareness of people and improving their economic situation, it is possible to improve the food security situation of households in Kerman city.
Zohreh Karimi Taheri, Mohammad Hosein Aarabi, Ali Nazari Alam, Majid Nejati, Mohammad Shayestehpour, Hamid Reza Gilasi, Afshin Salehi, Mohammad Esmaeil Shahaboddin,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (April & May 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite the anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties of licorice extract and lavender essential oil, some factors, such as low bioavailability and biodegradable, limit their therapeutic use. Using nanoparticles is a method to overcome these restrictions. This study aimed to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil on cancer cells; we also evaluated its antimicrobial properties in vitro.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, nanoemulsions, containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil were developed by the spontaneous emulsion method. The anti-proliferative effect of nanoemulsion was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric method on two cell lines HepG2 and SK-MEL-3. To measure the antimicrobial effect of 4 standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method was used.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.KAUMS.MEDNT.REC.1396.106).
Results: The results of MTT test on HepG2 cells indicated that the concentrations of 630, 1250, and 2500 μg/mL nanoemulsions caused toxicity to the cell and led to the death of >50% of the cells (IC50=401μg/mL; P<0.05). Evaluating SK-MEL3 cells revealed that except for 75 μg of nanoemulsion, other concentrations induced death in >50% of the cells (IC50 = 82 μg/mL; P<0.05). In addition, nanoemulsions, with antimicrobial properties, were studied in 4 strains of bacteria; the highest antimicrobial properties were observed in Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Conclusion: Nanoemulsion containing licorice extract and lavender essential oil presents antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects on the two cell lines studied. The current study results indicated that the nano emulsification of lavender essential oil and licorice extract can enhance their biological impact; thus, they can be used as a drug formulation.
Seyyed Mehrzad Shaddel, Masoud Bayat, Mojtaba Bayani, Vahideh Nazari,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (June & July 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the increasing use of dental implants in replacing lost teeth, the odds of failure over time in this treatment are inevitable, as with other dental treatments; thus, it requires careful and regular follow-up. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the awareness and attitude of general dentists about the follow-up of the dental implants to create baseline information to schedule future workshops concerning dental implants.
Methods & Materials: In this analytic cross-sectional study, 98 general dentists of Arak City, Iran were evaluated. Questionnaires were designed in 3 sections, as follows: demographic, awareness, and attitude. After checking the validity and reliability of the questionnaires, they were distributed among the research participants. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Chi-squared test, and Independent Samples t-tests. The significance level was considered 0.05.
Ethical Considerations: This article was approved by the Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.283).
Results: The average score of awareness of the questionnaires was equal to 10.8 (based on the score of 0-19); the mean score of attitude was measured as 12.8 (based on the score of 7-21). Fifty-Three of the explored dentists had performed implant treatment, whose awareness and attitude toward implants follow-up were significantly higher than those of the dentists who did not perform such treatment (P=0.0001). Work experience presented no significant effect on the examined dentists’ awareness and attitude (P>0.05).
Conclusion: General dentists have low awareness and attitude about implant follow-up. Follow-up plays an important role in the long-term success of implant therapy; therefore, dental education/retraining programs should be reviewed in this field.
Mohammad Bakhtavar, Seyed Mehrzad Shaddel, Ehsan Mmomeni, Vahideh Nazari,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (August & September 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Needlestick injury (NSJ) is a common occupational health problem among dental healthcare workers, putting them at significant risk for blood-borne infections. This study aimed to investigate occupational exposure to NSJ and the psychological factors associated with it among dentistry students.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on students in the Arak school of dentistry training curriculum in the last three years in 2018. The questionnaires included questions about students’ awareness of NSJ conditions, the frequency of vaccinations, and antibody titration tests. The SCL-90 (Symptom checklist-90) questionnaire assessed psychological factors after NSJ in four dimensions of anxiety, phobia, self-morbidity, and depression. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical methods and a chi-square test.
Ethical Considerations: The study was approved by the Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1397.269).
Results: Of the eighty students surveyed, 59 students had experienced NSJ at least once. However, only 25.4% of students had reported the NSJ occurrence. The highest incidence rate of NSJ was reported in the endodontics section. In addition, 80% of students had received hepatitis B vaccinations. Based on the SCL-90 test, the anxiety dimension was more affected by NSJ than the other dimensions.
Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of NSJ in dental students, the rate of reporting after the accident is very low. Also, due to the lack of attention to vaccination in some students, there is a need for more infection control training. Based on the SCL-90 test, the occurrence of NS is effective in causing psychological problems.
Doctor Vahideh Nazari, Octor Mojtaba Didehdar, Octor Fateme Golestanipour,
Volume 24, Issue 6 (February & March 2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim: A common infection in complete or partial denture wearers is denture stomatitis. One of the most important factors in the adhesion of Candida albicans is the surface and chemical properties of the denture base materials. The aim of this study was to investigate the surface roughness and adhesion of Candida albicans to two different types of acrylic materials.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 16 samples were prepared from each of Vertex and Ivoclar acrylic resin. The surface roughness of the samples was measured by a profilometer. The samples were then placed in a cell suspension of Candida albicans. After incubation and staining with acridine orange, the yeast cells attached to the acrylic samples were counted using a fluorescent microscope. Data were statistically analyzed by T-test.
Ethical considerations: This article is approved by the ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with the ethics code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.301.
Findings: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean of surface roughness between the two study groups (P = 0.311). However, Candida albicans colonization in ivoclar acrylic was significantly lower than vertex acrylic. (P = 0.000).
Conclusion: Differences in surface topography and physical and chemical properties of Vertex and Ivoclar acrylic resin affect the adhesion of Candida albicans.