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Background: There is some evidence of antinociceptive effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Apium graveolens fruits in some recent studies. In present study, the possible mechanism of this effect of extract has been evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male mice were examined. To evaluate the antinociceptive effect of extract, formalin test was used. The possible mechanism of extract was investigated with interaction of 3 drugs [Naloxone (2mg/kg), Dextromethorphan (20 mg/kg), L-NAME (20 mg/kg)] and Hydroalcoholic extract of apium graveolens fruits.(400 mg/kg) Results: Administration of Naloxone had no effect on antinociception of Hydroalcoholic extract of apium graveolens fruits. There was no significant difference between Dextromethorphan Plus extract and extract group in first phase. Pretreatment with L-NAME, decreased antinociceptive effect of extract in second phase of formalin test(p<0.05) Conclusion: Dextromethorphan has analgesic effect in acute phase and its interaction with hydroalcoholic extract of apium graveolens fruits shows at least, part of antinoceceptive effect of extract is via NMDA receptors in acute phase. On the other hand, it seems part of antinoceceptive effect of extract is via inhibition of NO syntheses in chronic phase. Extract of Apium graveolens may be effect via other neural pathways such as dopamine, noradrenalin or serotonin that need more research.

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Background: In recent years Influenza viruses have caused widely spread moderate to severe infection in all around the world and there is no Influenza vaccine which can protect people only with one dose injection till now. Therefore , producing a universal vaccine based on virus like particle (VLP) could be ideal. In this study one of the molecular structures was considered for VLP based Influenza vaccine. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the human influenza virus (A /New Caledonia 20/1999/ (H1N1)) was propagated in MDCK cell culture. Viral RNA was extracted using RNX-plus solution. Complementary DNA synthesis was carried out using uni-12 primer and random hexamer as specific and general primers, respectively. Neuraminidase open reading frame (1413-bp) was amplified by PCR and cloned into pBlue-script SK. Neuraminidase coding frame sub cloned into pFastBac11 plasmid through SalI/XhoI sites. After verification of cloned Neuraminidase by restriction analysis, it was subjected to automated sequencing bi-directionally. The recombinant pFastBac Neuraminidase vector was transformed to E.coli DH10Bac cells which harbor bacmid DNA and helper plasmid to create Neuraminidase recombinant bacmid. Results: Neuraminidase recombinant bacmid was created by homologous recombination between pFastBacNA and bacmid and was verified by PCR using Neuraminidase specific and M13 universal primers. Conclusion: Recombinant baculovirus expressing Neuraminidase gene can be also used with other individual recombinant baculoviruses expressing HA and M1 genes in production of influenza VLPs or proteins resulting from this structure could be purified in specific insects for vaccine research studies.

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Background: Deaths due to cancer have been increasing in many countries in recent years. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial effects on consumer’s health. The aim of this study was to investigate antimutagenic and anticancer effects of Lactobacilli strains isolated from Tarkhineh in order to select potential probiotic strains. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 25 strains of Lactobacillus that had previously been isolated from Tarkhineh were used. Antimutagenicity test was performed based on proposed method of Ames. The results of the test were individuated after comparison between samples (suspensions of Lactobacilli) and positive (sodium azide) and negative (distilled water) controls. SPSS version 16 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Antimutagenic activity was observed only in four strains of Lactobacilli. The inhibitory percentage in the four strains of Lactobacilli, in its highest level was equal to 60.38 and in its lowest percentage equal to 39.37%. Also, the inhibitory percentage of mutation among the four strains in the presence of microsome were significantly different (P<0.05) than the absence of microsome. Adding the microsome of rat liver (S9) proved the anticancer effects of four Lactobacilli strains. Conclusion: Of the 25 strains of Lactobacilli, 4 strains which had the highest antimutagenicity effects were chosen as the potential probiotic strains.

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Background: Poly chlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) are the group of organic chemical materials that have a great chemical stability. These compounds are hazardous pollutants which pose various occupational and environmental problems. This study was conducted to determine the effect of microwave rays, hydrogen peroxide, Tio2 catalyst, and ethanol on the decomposition of PBCs. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a vessel reactor (250ml volume)that was connected with a tube connector to thecondensor system was used. A microwave oven with a fixed frequency of 2450 MHZ was used to provide microwave irradiation and ray powers used at 540, 720 and 900w. pH and temperature of the samples were continuously monitored and the experiments were repeated three times. Askarel oils were analyzed by GC-ECD. Results: The mean of total PCBS degradation at 540, 720, and 900w was 83.88±1.63, 89.27±2.44, and 95.98±0.81%, respectively. The mean of total PCBS degradation in terms of ratio to solvent with oil transformer in 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 was 53.8±3.26, 79.04±1.24, and 95.08±1.69%, respectively. The mean of total PCBS degradation in terms of not using H2o2/Tio2 and using H2O2 (20%) and 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 g of Tio2 concurrently was 71.47±0.81, 87.9±2.16, 89.48±1.69, 91.7±1.24, and 93.07±3.09 %, respectively. Conclusion: Using microwave irradiation in the presence of H2O2 oxidant and Tio2 catalyst leads to the reduction of PCBS.

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Background: Depression is one of the most commonly observed problems in menopausal women. This study was conducted to determine the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on menopausal depression in women referring to No. 1 Health Clinic of Ahvaz, Iran, in 2010.

Materials and Methods: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was done on 70 menopausal women experiencing various levels of depression. After administering the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-21), the participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into intervention group (n=35) receiving a 2gr omega-3 capsules and control group (n=35) receiving 2 gr placebo capsules. After 8 weeks of intervention, data were collected and analyzed by Chi-square, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA with repeated measures using SPSS software version 17.

Results: Mean depression scores decreased significantly (p<0.001) in the intervention group (13.36±2.23 to 8.72±3.71). Also, mean depression scores decreased (p>0.05) in the control group (13.25±2.04 to 11.78±2.93) however, it was not significant. The comparison of depression scores did not indicate a significant difference regarding the reduction of depression after intervention between the two groups (p=0.08).

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, administration of omega-3 capsules (2gr/daily) for 8 weeks decreased menopausal depression. However, there was not a significant difference between omga-3 and placebo groups in this study. For a more precise observation of the effects, further studies with longer periods of intervention are needed.

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Background: Gastric ulcer treatment with chemical drugs is associated with a multitude of side effect. One of the most important groups of probiotics is lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the healing effects of Lactobacillus pentosus on gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 45 male Wistar rats were divided into experimental, control 1, and control 2 groups. After one day of fasting, the rats were operated and gastric ulcer was induced by acetic acid. One day after surgery, the groups were treated with the 1010 cfu/day bacteria, dissolved in one ml of milk sterilizer, 1 ml of milk sterilizer, and 1 ml of normal saline, respectively, via gavage. On days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 after the induction of gastric ulcer, the animals were killed and the wound size (mm2) and the effect of the bacteria on the healing of wounds were measured for each rat.

Results: The treatment with Lactobacillus pentosus strains significantly decreased wound size in the experimental group compared with control groups. Significant increases in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, significant decreases in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, and increased numbers of fibroblasts were observed in the experimental group compared to the control groups. Also, significant reductions in the number of neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts were seen in the experimental group compared with the other two groups.

Conclusion: Lactobacillus pentosus has healing effects on gastric ulcer induced by acetic acid.

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Background: Risky behaviours are defined as behaviours that cause bad and unpleasant outcomes. Risky behaviours result in the incidence of accident in the workplace. The aim of this study was to determine workers’ risky behaviours associated with safety and health in SAIPA Car Manufacturing Company, Iran.

Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study using randomized quota sampling, 302 workers exposed to the incidence of accidents were selected. Data were collected concurrently by trained safety experts using self-fulfilment researcher-made questionnaire and direct observation. Validity and reliability of the data collection tool was determined prior to the study.

Results: The findings revealed that low back pain, hand pain, leg pain, and respiratory diseases as the most common diseases with 86.4, 58.9, 40, and 33% prevalence rates, respectively. The maximum prevalence rates of unsafe and unhealthy behaviours were 66 and 57% , respectively. In general, unsafe behaviours were higher among shift workers, especially night shift workers (p<0.001). Unhealthy behaviours were higher among assembling line staff, welders, retouching staff, technicians, wet painters, and production line workers (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of unsafe and unhealthy behaviours necessitates intervention for controlling and preventing work injuries and, as a result, reduction of musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases, especially with regards to more prevalent behaviours and related sectors and high risk subgroups.

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Background: Brucellosis is a debilitative disease that imposes heavy costs on the economy and society. Therefore, using the most accurate and efficient method to diagnose this disease is essential. In Iran, Brucella melitensis is the common causative agent for brucellosis and BP26 protein of this bacterium has a good level of antigenicity. Thus, the aim of this study is to produce Brucella melitensis recombinant BP26 protein with a PET28a expression vector.

Materials and Methods: In this applied-fundamental study, genomic DNA was isolated from bacterial culture through proteinase K (pK) and phenol/chlorophorm protocol. Then, two pairs of primers were designed based on the known sequence in the gene bank for amplification of Brucella melitensis bp26 gene and PCR reaction was set up and optimized. The PCR product was cloned first into PTZ57R/T vector and accessed on the PET28a vector and sequenced. The recombinant vector was transformed and expressed into E. coli BL21 (DE3). Then, the recombinant protein was purified with Ni-NTA column of chromatography against His tag.

Results: The size of PCR product was in accordance with the part of bp26 gene size in the gene bank. The bp26 gene without adding IPTG had little expression and 3 hours after adding IPTG with a 1 Mm concentration to culture media, extreme expression was observed.

Conclusion: The production of recombinant BP26 protein from isolated Brucella melitensis native to Markazi province was done. Noticing the importance of BP26 protein and its significance for future studies on providing brucellosis diagnosis kits, its production was made possible.

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Background: Sleep behavior and movement disturbance (SBMD) is of a relatively high prevalence in children and has a significant impact on their performance in daily activities and quality of life. Snoring, on the other hand, is considered one of the main causes of sleep disturbance in children. This study aims to assess the relationship between snoring and SBMD in 2 to 12 years old children in Qom city.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 100 children with snoring and 100 healthy children were studied over 3 months. The parents took Berlin questionnaire on snoring and childhood sleep questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 18.

Results: There was a significant correlation in mean SBMD between case (13.78) and control (11.45) groups (p<0.001). Independent t-test indicated a significant difference between the case and control groups in the mean of SBMD (p<0.001). Also, significant relationships were seen between snoring and adenotonsilar hypertrophy (p<0.001) and apnea and SBMD (p=0.036), but there was not any relationships between SBMD and age, children less than 7 and more than 7 years old (p=0.231), and severity of snoring and SBMD (p=0.202).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of sleep disorders, especially snoring and SBMD and their relationship, in children. Sufficient attention to this issue can raise parents and physicians awareness and pave the way for early diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

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Background: There is abundant evidence indicating that inflammatory mechanisms within the central nervous system contribute to cognitive impairment via cytokine-mediated interactions between neurons and glial cells. BAT1, a member of the DEAD-box family of RNA helicases, appears to regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines associated with AD pathology. In the current study BAT1 -22 promoter polymorphism was analyzed in AD and control subjects.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, genomic DNA from peripheral blood samples of 153 Alzheimer’s patients and 153 healthy controls was extracted using salting-out method. DNA analysis was performed by PCR-RFLP method and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: After genotyping and statistical analysis the results failed to show any association between BAT1 -22 promoter polymorphism and sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion: BAT1 -22 is not associated with Alzheimer’s disease in Iranian population and so has no effect on predisposition to sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.

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Background: Giardiasis is the most common infectious diseases of medical parasitology and public health in our country and in many countries is important. Accourding the importance of treating the disease, particularly parasite resistance to drugs. Thus, the aim of present study was investigated the effect of gold nanoparticles on Giardia lamblia cyst stage of the in vitro.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Giardia cysts from contaminated fresh feces were collected and concentrated with use 0.85 M sucrose methods for isolation of cysts. Samples after counting with Noubar slide were stored at 4°C. The gold nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.3 mg/ml prepared and verified, the particle size was determined. The effect of different concentrations of the nanoparticles at 5, 15, 30, 60 and 180 minutes was evaluated and compared to control groups (metronidazole). Data from the study were recorded and analyzed with T-test and Chi-square by used SPSS software.

Results: The results of the cytotoxic effect of nanoparticles on the different concentration and time of Giardia lamblia cysts in vitro compared with the positive control (Metronidazole) shows mean percent of effect gold nanoparticles increased with increasing concentration and exposure time, so that the concentration of 0.3 mg/ml from 62% at 5 min to 96% at 180 min increased (p<0.05). Also, the survey results show Giardia cysts with increasing exposure time , killing effect of gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 78% in 0.05 mg/ml to 96% at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml greatest increased (p<0.05). As a result, the concentration of gold nanoparticles in comparison with Metronidazole has the most effect gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3 mg/mL, almost the same effect of Metronidazole as the drug of choice in the treatment of Giardia lamblia.

Conclusion: Therefore, the results of this study, gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml as an effective combination for killing Giardia lamblia cysts in vitro can be used. Thus, future studies on laboratory animals (In vivo) are recommended.

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Background: Sudden visual loss is one of the emergent problems that it may be a sign of a life-threatening disease. It should be quickly evaluated and identified the treatable causes.

Case report: A young man without any history of certain disease was referred to the emergency department with complaints of sudden blindness. He was presented with fever, coriza symptoms and progressive blurring of vision that ultimately led to his visual loss. After carefully evaluation, finally suspected diagnosis of acute fulminant multiple sclerosis was made.

Discussion: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with acute attacks of neurological dysfunction. Some of these attacks are an emergent situation and need to early detection and treatment. There is a variant of Multiple sclerosis that called Acute Fulminant Multiple sclerosis which can cause sudden visual loss.

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Background: One of the acute effects of snakebite is injury to vital organs including kidneys. This study examines the effects of snake (Najanajaoxiana) venom on renal function.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, six male Dutch rabbits with average weight of 1.5± 0.3 kg were selected. Before injection of the venom, blood samples were collected for serum analysis and then the snake (Najanajaoxiana) venom (140µg/kg) was injected intramuscularly. Following venom injection, blood sampling from each rabbit was carried out at hours 1, 3, and 24. All serum samples were separated within two hours and the amounts of creatinine, urea, albumin, and glucose were determined by quantitative detection kits. Statistical analyses were carried out by SPSS software version 21. Obtained information was compared by one-way ANOVA and F and Tukey tests. p value<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Following venom injection at hours 1, 3, and 24, some serum parameters showed slight changes which were not statistically significant. However, glucose showed a significant increase (71%) at hour 1 (p<0.05). Following venom injection, this returned to normal at hour 24.

Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, it seems that the Najanajaoxiana venom, unlike the viper species, have no severe effects on the kidney.

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Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), also known as atypical mycobacteria or mycobacteria other than tuberculosis are environmental organisms that are normally found in soil and water. Many of the mycobacterial species that have been described in the past decade are involved in human diseases, especially in patients with AIDS and immunocompromised HIV-negative patients. In this study, pathogenicity and clinical significance of new species of mycobacteria were evaluated. A total of 63 new species of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, recognized in the past ten years (2003-2013), were classified in different Runyon groups. Approximately, 40 isolates were reported to infect human. Of these, 27 (67.5%) were non-chromogenic and 13 (32.5%) were scotochromogenic. The majority of the 40 isolates belong to the slow grower group. Photochromogenic species were not pathogenic to human. The most frequent infections included respiratory infections in elderly people and cervical lymphadenitis in children caused by Mycobacterium kyorinense and Mycobacterium mantenii, respectively. NTM also causes disseminated infections, the most frequent agents of which are M. boenickei, M. houstonense, M. neworleansense, and M. brisbanense in immunocompromised HIV-negative persons. Some of the NTMs, such as Mycobacterium riyadhense, are considered the primary pathogens for human. Considering the progressive spread of HIV co-infected mycobacteria in recent years, accurate identification of these agents’ pathogenicity, drug resistance, and appropriate treatment in epidemic regions, such as Iran, is essential.

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Background: Our Previous studics hane been shown that iron ions produce oxygen free radical reaction products in the erythrocytes. The present study is evaluating the oxidative effects of aluminum in erythrocytes and plasma proteins and decline of antioxidant power of plasma in operating room personnel.

Materials and Methods: Blood obtained from operating room personnel. Erythrocytes and plasma were incubated aerobically in aluminum containing metal catalyzed oxidation (MCO) system. Total antioxidant capacity of plasma was estimated by FRAP assay (ferric reducing ability of plasma), plasma protein oxidation by carbonyl assay and structural changes in Hb were followed by spectrophotometric analysis and assessment of oxy-Hb, met-Hb and hemichrome.

Results: There was a significant relationship between optical density of Hb in 340 and 420 nm and between oxy-Hb and optical density of Hb in 420 nm(p<0.05) On the other hand, 68 to 56% decrease in total antioxidant power of plasma in control group and operating room personnel, results oxidation in plasma protein and carbonyl concentration was increased three fold.

Conclusion: These findings may be helpful in evaluating the antioxidant status and structural changes in Hb and plasma proteins in people who are exposed to aluminum especially operating room personnel.

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Background: Streptococcus pyogenes produce extracellular hyaluronidase enzyme which is directly associated with the spreading of the organism during infection. Hyaluronidase enzyme is able to break hyaluronic acid or interstitial cement. This enzyme might be used in cancer treatment.The objective of the present study was to clone and express the nucleotide sequence of this enzyme which is involved in hyaluronidase enzymatic activity.

Materials and Methods: The enzymatic region of hyaluronidase gene was detected by bioinformatics methods. The polymerase chain reaction method was used to amplify the region. The amplified product was cloned into the expression vector pET32a. E. coli BL21 (DE3) pLYsS was transformed with recombinant plasmids. Then gene expression was induced by IPTG. The expressed protein was purified successfully via affinity chromatography by NiNTA kit. The integrity of the product was confirmed by western-blot analysis.

Results: The nucleotide sequence of amplified gene was consistent with the streptocuccal hyaluronidase gene. The concentration of recombinant protein calculated to 500 mg purified protein per liter. The enzymatic region of recombinant protein from Streptococcus pyogenes was recognized by all five patient’s sera with Streptococcus infection.

Conclusion: In general, it is possible to produce the enzymatic regions of the Streptococcus pyogenes hyaluronidase in Escherichia coli. The antigenic property of the produced protein is well retained. Considering the product's domestic demand and also low efficiency of production and pathogenicity of Streptococcus species, it is possible to produce it as recombinant product.

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Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplants are routinely used to treat patients with cancers and other disorders of blood and immune systems. Osteoblasts constitute part of the stromal cell support system in marrow for hematopoiesis by participating in the formation of the HSC niche. It is believed that interaction between hematopoietic cells and bone forming osteoblasts regulate each other’s function. It is established that acute blood loss in animal models activates bone formation and niche development because of EPO stimulation. In this experimental study we have examined the co-culture of HSCs derived from cord blood which treated with EPO in vitro, on osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study MSCs isolated from bone marrow and co-cultured with CD 34+ CD38- HSCs isolated from cord blood. These co-cultured cells were treated with different doses of erythropoietin for 14 days, after that RNA were extracted from MSCs and analysed with RT-PCR to evaluate the expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin. Alizarin red and alkaline phosphatase staining were done for osteoblastic differentiation.

Results: Osteopontin and osteocalcin were expressed in MSCs. Cellular staining were positive for osteoblastic differentiation. Differentiated cells expressed osteoblastic markers.

Conclusion: These data suggest that EPO regulates the osteoblastic differentiation from bone marrow MSCs in vitro.

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Background: Interleukin-16 (IL16) is an important regulator of T cell activation and was reported to act as achemo-attractant agent. There are evidences that IL16 can control the neuroinflammatory processes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study was performed to show whether the IL-16 genepolymorphism, rs11556218 is associated with the risk of sporadic AD in Iranian population.

Materials and Methods: Totally, 148 AD patients and 137non-dementia controls were recruited in this case-control study. Genotyping of rs11556218 T/Gpolymorphism was performed by PCR-RFLP method using the NdeI restriction enzyme.

Results: Statistical analysis of rs11556218 genotypes showed a protective effect against AD in the heterozygote genotype (p=0.001, OR=0.16(0.1-0.28)). Frequency of rs11556218 allele T was higher in patients than controls (p=0.001, OR=0.32(0.21-0.49)).

Conclusion: Our results indicate thatrs11556218 polymorphism has a protective role in the development of sporadic AD in Iranian population.

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Background: The emergence of antibiotic resistance, particularly resistance to methicillin in Staphylococcus aureus has made the treatment process more difficult. Therefore, producing of an effective vaccine seems to be necessary to prevent infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this study, a mixture of naloxone and alum has been used to improve the efficacy of a vaccine against MRSA.

Materials and Methods: MRSA 834 strain was grown on TSB medium and the grown cells were harvested and killed by sonication and were used as a vaccine model. Balb/c mice were divided into six groups and the vaccines were either injected alone, with naloxone, alum, or a mixture of naloxone - alum and control group received naloxone and PBS buffer. Total IgG antibody level was measured by ELISA method and finally, the challenge test of this bacterium was performed and the mice were examined regarding the degree of bacteria growth in their kidneys.

Results: The serum level of Total IgG antibody in the mixture of naloxone – alum with MRSA group was shown to be significantly increased (p<0.05). Furthermore, the lowest bacterial load was observed in this group.

Conclusion: It seems that a mixture of naloxone and alum as an adjuvant with the killed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus enhances the humoral immunity leading to a high level of protection against MRSA infections. Therefore, this seems to be a good option for improving the performance of this vaccine.

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Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease. Hypertension could occur as a result of chronic inflammation in RA patients. Some evidence demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects of alpha-lipoic acid in inflammatory diseases. However, a limited number of studies have evaluated the effects of alpha-lipoic acid in rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on blood pressure and some inflammatory factors.

Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 70 female patients aged 20–50 years were randomized to two groups to receive either alpha-lipoic acid (1200 mg/day) or placebo. The intervention duration was 8 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured before and after the supplementation period. Also, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS13 software.

Results: 65 RA patients completed the trial. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure in alpha-lipoic acid group was significantly decreased in comparison with placebo group (p<0.05). But, CRP and IL-6 serum levels did not indicate any significant within- and between group changes.

Conclusion: In the present study, alpha-lipoic acid supplementation resulted in significant blood pressure reduction in rheumatoid arthritis participants.