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Background: Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common bladder tumor that can be treated by surgery, BCG instillation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This study deals with urethral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a patient with history of transurethral resection (TUR-T) of bladder transitional cell carcinoma treated by BCG instillation. Case: A 68-year-old man was admitted with gross hematuria, lateral prostatic lobe kissing, and a pedunculated 2×3mm mass in bladder in cystoscopy. He had undergone TUR-T and BCG instillation and had been followed regularly every 3 months with cystoscopy. In the follow up, 9 months later, several pedunculated tumors in penile urethra that were of SCC type were indicated in pathological analysis. Conclusion:: Since membranous urethra is the most common site and TCC is the most common type of urethral cancers in this site, SCC in penile urethra was unexpected. This could be because of chronic inflammation due to treatment and cystoscopic follow ups.

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Background: Bartter syndrome is renal tubular disorders that inhibit salt transport and increased renal salt wasting. Type II Bartter syndrome is caused by mutations in the KCNJ1 gene which encodes the inwardly rectifying ATP-sensitive potassium channel Kir1.1 (ROMK). They play a vital role in secretion of potassium into the tubule lumen. The effects of mutation at position 338 of ROMK2 (Kir1.1.b) was investigate. Materials and Methods: Site-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute of threonine for methionine at position 338 of ROMK2 (Kir1.1.b). M338T mutant ROMK2 expressed in oocytes of Xenopus laevis, and in a non-polarized mammalian cell line (MDCK). Two electrode voltage clamp and were used to measure oocyte ROMK-dependent currents. Confocal microscopy of EGFP-tagged ROMK2 determined express and distribution of these channels in MDCK cells. Results: The M338T mutant ROMK2 protein expressed in oocytes was functionally identical to wild type. Its cellular distribution was different in polarized and non-polarized MDCK cells. Conclusion: The M338T mutation is altered residue interactions within the carboxyl terminus of ROMK2 channels. Thus mistargeting of ROMK2 in vivo reduces the driving force for potassium secretion in the TAL and reduces salt reabsorption by this nephron segment.

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Background: Brucellosis is an endemic disease in Iran and its treatment is a medical problem. This study was performed to observe the influence of the administration of corticosteroid on symptomatology of subjects with acute, subacute, and chronic brucellosis. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 48 patients with brucellosis were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group (N=30) received the standard regimen plus dexamethasone (4 mg t.d.s for 5 days) and the second group (N=17) received only the standard regimen. The results of corticosteroid administration were evaluated according to such factors as clinical status of the patient, duration of hospital stay, duration of illness, pain score, and use of analgesics. The results were analyzed by Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, independent sample t-test, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: No significant differences were seen in the mean of hospital stay, duration of illness, and use of oral and injectable analgesics between the two groups (P<0.05). Also, there was not a significant difference in mean pain score reduction between groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Noticing the findings of this study, corticosteroid does not seem to alter the clinical course of brucellosis significantly. Nevertheless, further controlled clinical trials with larger sample sizes are recommended

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Background: Brucellosis is one of the most common bacterial zoonotic infections in the world. The incidence of this infection is quite high and is endemic in several countries. According to WHO report, the prevalence of zoonotic and human brucellosis is on the rise in the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and west Asian countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the usage of silver nanoparticles in treatment of brucellosis. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the activity of silver nanoparticles against Brucella meltensis 16M was determined by agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of silver nanoparticles were determined by macrodilution method. Also, the antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles was studied in mouse model. Results: The results showed that silver nanoparticles in low concentrations can kill Brucella melitensis 16M in laboratory conditions. MIC and MBC of silver nanoparticles were 4 ppm and 6 ppm in macrodilution method, respectively. The anti-brucella effect of silver nanoparticles was also observed in mouse model. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that silver nanoparticles can be used against brucellosis.

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Background: Brucellosis is caused by brucella which is a facultative intracellular pathogen invading both professional and nonprofessional phagosytic cells. Eucalyptus globulus is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in folk medicine throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of Eucalyptus globulus extracts on intramacrophage Brucella melitensis 16M. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, after preparing aquatic, ethanolic, and acetonic extracts of Eucalyptus globules, the effect of the extracts on intramacrophge survival of B. melitensis 16M obtained from cell culture of Balb/c mice peritoneal macrophages was studied. In order to do this, after lysis of macrophages, through preparation of serial dilutions and culture on Mueller Hinton agar medium, the number of colonies grown was counted. Results: The maximum antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus globulus extracts on intramacrophage B. melitensis 16 M were in 1:40 dilution (21.62 mg/ml) of the aquatic extract, 1: 640 dilution (1.26 mg/ml) of the ethanolic extract, and 1:320 dilution (2.59 mg/ml) of the acetonic extract after 24h. Conclusion: Aquatic, acetonic, and ethanolic extracts of Eucalyptus globulus possess antimicrobial properties against intramacrophage B. melitensis 16M and ethanolic extract has the most effective antimicrobial activity on intramacrophage Brucella melitensis therefore, these extracts can be useful in treatment of brucellosis.

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Human Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by Brucella bacteria. An average of 150 cases of brucellosis among 330 million people is reported in the USA each year. This bacterium is small, gram-negative rods that grow in phagocytes. They primarily cause diseases among different animals and humans become infected when is in contact with animals or their products. Brucella can cause various symptoms in humans which is similar to human influenza. Brucellosis is diagnosed in a laboratory by finding Brucella organisms in samples of blood or bone marrow or to detect antibodies against the bacteria in two blood samples, collected 2 weeks apart. Depending on severity of illness, recovery may take as long as several months. There is no vaccine available for human except live vaccines and that should be consulted to a health care provider. DNA findings for Brucella species in the index patients focused our attention on revealed human cancers. Also, granalomatous inflammation of testes and medulloblastomas has been linked to chronic Brucellosis infection which could be similar to Helicobacter pylori that is associated with gastric tumor formation. More scientific investigation is needed to properly address the connection of Brucella with other human malignancies.

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Background: Prevention, control, or eradication of brucellosis in a country or region needs policy-making, decision-making, and possessing accurate epidemiological data and information. Therefore, this study was done to review the epidemiology and some factors affecting the interval between the onset and diagnosis of brucellosis in Markazi Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data on patients diagnosed with brucellosis during 2010-2011 in Markazi Province were studied. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics as well as chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test using SPSS software. Results: Out of all cases (907), the interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was more than a month in 363 cases (41.7%). The interval between the onset and diagnosis was significantly associated with location (urban or rural) (P=0.001), city of residence (P=0.001), career (P=0.002), and type of disease (new or failure case) (P=0.008). Conclusion: Since the interval time between the onset and diagnosis of brucellosis among rural residents, ranchers, housewives, and farmers is more, greater attention should be paid to this new class.

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Background: Brucellosis is an endemic infectious disease in Iran. The neurological involvement of the central nervous system in brucellosis patients is about 3 to 5 %. Case: The case was a 25-year old Afghan man with weakness and arthralgia for one year as well as terrible headache, vertigo, vomiting, cough, sputum, and disequilibrium. Brain CT-Scan indicated communicating hydrocephalus in four ventricles. Since hydrocephalus was idiopathic and noticing the prevalence of tuberculosis among Afghan immigrants that can also cause hydrocephalus, ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was inserted for the patient. Pressure in CSF increased and had a turbid appearance. Glucose value of CSF decreased (35 mg/dl), whereas protein value increased (724 mg/dl). Leukocyte count was 10 mm3 with 80% neutrophils and 20% lymphocytes. The presence of brucella species in CSF culture confirmed that subacute meningitis had caused hydrocephalus due to delay in diagnosis and treatment. The patient was treated for brucellosis and discharged after 10 days with oral medications. Conclusion: Noticing this case and other studies, it is recommended that patients with neurological symptoms, such as hydrocephalus, be evaluated for neuro-brucellosis in endemic areas for brucellosis.

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Background: Brucellosis is one of the zoonotic diseases that has always been considered a health problem in Iran. Since this disease is endemic in Arak and Markazi Province, this study was done to investigate its epidemiology during 2001-2010. Materials and Methods: In this epidemiological study, data on patients with brucellosis were obtained from the medical records in Arak Health Center during 2001-2010. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16. Results: During this period, 3880 new cases were reported. The mean incidence rate of brucellosis was 60 per 100000 people during 2001-2010. The greatest incidence was in 2004 (111.5 per 100000 people), whereas the lowest incidence was in 2006 (40.5 per 100000 people). Overall, 72% of the patients lived in villages, and 60% of them were male. The majority of the patients were in the second decade of their lives (10-19 years old). The majority of the patients had Wright test titer=1:320 and 2ME titer=1:80 in serology titration. Conclusion: Arak is one of the regions with high incidence of brucellosis. In this region, the patients are mostly male, live in villages, and age 10-19.

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Background: Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. The prevalence of this disease has decreased in developed countries however, in developing countries, it is still prevalent. The aim of study was to determine the effect of a health belief model (HBM) based educational program on the empowerment of rural women in Zarandieh in prevention of brucellosis. Materials and Methods: In a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test/post-test design, 141 rural women were randomly selected and assigned to experimental and control groups. The educational program was implemented for the experimental group. Data were gathered by a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS software version 16. Results: Demographic variables of the two groups were similar before education. In addition, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups with regard to mean knowledge, HBM constructs, and performance however, the post-test revealed significant differences in terms of the mean of variables between the two groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: The HBM based educational program is effective in women’s empowerment and also promoting women’s beliefs and performance regarding brucellosis therefore, the findings of this study may be used as a framework in designing zoonotic diseases prevention programs

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Background: Brucellosis, especially if caused by Brucella melitensis, remains one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide with more than 500,000 human cases reported annually. In Iran, brucellosis was first recognized in 1932 and control of small ruminant brucellosis began in 1963. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the National Sheep and Goat Brucellosis Control Program in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from Iran Veterinary Organization over a period of 45 years. The national control program was based on kid and lamb vaccination and testing and slaughtering infected animals. Results: B.melitensis biotype I in sheep, goat, and man was the predominant local infective biotype. This disease was reported in sheep, goat, cattle, horse, camel, and human. In addition, the prevalence of small ruminant brucellosis was estimated around 2.1%. Conclusion: Prevention of brucellosis is dependent upon increasing public awareness of ranchers through health education programs and more active co-operation between health and veterinary medicine organizations as well as animal movement control in the borders.

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Background: Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in the world which imposes a great financial burden on the endemic regions. Diagnosis of the human brucellosis is mainly based on blood culture and serological tests. PCR, however, is recommended for diagnosis at greater specificities and sensitivities. This study aims to compare the diagnosis of human brucellosis by PCR method using l7/l12 and 16srRNA genes and serological tests. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 700 blood samples were collected from patients suspected to brucellosis who had referred to the hospitals and laboratories of Ilam, Iran. The samples were selected through Rose Bengal test. Then 50 positive samples diagnosed by Rose Bengal test were assayed by Wright, Coombs Wright, and PCR using l7/l12 and 16srRNA genes and 50 negative samples diagnosed by PCR using these two genes were tested. Results: Of the total 700 samples assayed by Rose Bengal test, 125 were positive and the rest 575 were negative. The 50 positive Rose Bengal samples in PCR were shown to be positive by both genes and 50 negative Rose Bengal samples were shown negative by both samples. 47 samples in Wright test and 49 samples in Coombs test had titration levels above 1:60. Conclusion: PCR method has a higher sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of human brucellosis in comparison with serological tests. Sensitivity of PCR by l7/l12 gene is similar to16srRNA and can be used for diagnosis of human brucellosis.

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Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has several variant signs and it often presents as an acute monophasic paralyzing illness provoked by a preceding infection. Campylobacter jejuni infection is the most commonly identified cause of GBS while cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections have also been associated with GBS. Case: A 55-year-old villager man who was an animal keeper was admitted to Vali-Asr Hospital with symptoms of general weakness, fever, and night sweats. With positive serology of brucellosis (Wright=1:1280, 2ME =1:640), the patient was treated with rifampin, doxycyclin, and tereptomycin (1g/daily). Having received 9 injections of streptomycin, with weakness in the right extremity, the patient was hospitalized. Brain MRI and CT-Scan were reported normal. Within two days, however, the extremity weakness progressed and spread to 4 extremities (2.5 at the proximal and 3.5 in the distal). Generalized areflexia occurred and, three days later, impaired swallowing and facial weakness ensued. Streptomycin was discontinued upon admission. EMG indicated acute and severe demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. CSF analysis confirmed Guillain Barre Syndrome while Wright test for CSF was negative. The patient was admitted to the ICU and underwent intubation with progressed paralysis of four limbs, the patient died in 8 days after hospitalization. Conclusion: In endemic areas, brucellosis should be considered in patients with Guillain Barre syndrome.

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Background: Human brucellosis is a significant public health concern in many countries, including Iran. Therefore, the development of new diagnostic techniques, with high sensitivity and minimum risk of laboratory infection are of great importance. PCR is one of the procedures which has these advantages. However, PCR efficiency is largely dependent on DNA extraction methods. In this study, we studied the efficiency of three different extraction methods of brucella DNA in serum samples. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, microbial suspensions were initially prepared in saline that its turbidity was equivalent to 0.5 McFarland. Human serum samples were spiked with certain concentrations of Brucella melitensis in vitro. DNA was extracted by three methods and tested by a genus-specific PCR method. Results: Our results showed that the cinneagen kit protocol detected brucella DNA in lower serum concentrations compared with the other protocols. Cinnagen kit could detect brucella DNA in ten-fold dilution in comparison with the other two methods. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, cinnagen kit was the preferred assay method that yields a better sensitivity for isolation of brucella DNA in serum samples.

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Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease in humans and animals that its control is dependent on the prevalence of diseases in animal populations. The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of common diagnostic tests for brucellosis. Materials and Methods: In an analytical cross-sectional study, 297 serum samples from an infected herd that had a history of abortion were prepared and evaluated through standard tube agglutination, Rose Bengal, 2-Mercaptoethanol, complement fixation, and ELISA tests. In addition, microbial culture was done for positive serum samples, lymph nodes, and infected organs. Results: Based on the total 297 serum samples tested, the sensitivities for standard tube agglutination, Rose Bengal, 2-Mercaptoethanol, complement fixation, and ELISA tests were 89, 81.5, 75.3, 89.7, and 93.2% , whereas specificities were determined to be 97.4, 94, 96, 98, and 99.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the standard tube agglutination test, complement fixation test, and ELISA are more sensitive than other tests. Moreover, ELISA test was the most sensitive and specific serological test for diagnosis of brucellosis in the present study

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Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which is endemic in Iran. Infection with brucella species during pregnancy can have negative impacts on the outcome of pregnancy however, there is no consensus on its leading to abortion or other severe complications. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of brucellosis in pregnancy and to characterize the risk factors, clinical presentations, and immunology of brucellosis based on the existing reports. Materials and Methods: In this review article, we studied papers on Pubmed, Elsevier, Cohrane, SID, Ovid, ISC, and IranMedex through such keywords as brucellosis, abortion, intra-uterine fatal diseases, and preterm labor. Results: Among the original research papers, 51 were found to be related to the title of this study and dealt with the outcome of brucellosis on pregnant women and had discussed the complications of pregnant patients suffering from brucellosis. Conclusion: According to the investigations made in this study, brucellosis in pregnancy can manifest as normal delivery, increased incidence of spontaneous abortion, intra-uterine fatal diseases, and premature delivery. Therefore, in endemic areas, especially those with inhabitants of low socioeconomic class, educating girls and women of childbearing age about brucellosis and its dangers and risk factors and isolating pregnant women may help prevent the disease and its complications in pregnancy. Moreover, further immunological investigation on the role of immunological reactions following brucellosis infection in pregnant women is required.

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Background: Green tea due to its antioxidant properties can prevent some types of chromosomal damage. In this study, the effects of green tea on repressing chromosomal aberrations induced by cell phone waves in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of male Balb/C mice were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into five groups: control (natural conditions), sham exposed (no exposure to cell phone waves in vitro), experimental group 1 (exposure to cell phone waves), and experimental group 2 (intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg dose of green tea extract for 5 days and exposure to cell phone waves), and experimental group 3 (intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg dose of green tea extract for 5 days and exposure to cell phone waves). Micronucleus test was run in all groups. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests using SPSS software (p<0.05). Results: The mean number of micronucleus in polychromatic erythrocytes of the sham group (3.47± 0.253) compared with control group (3.43 ± 0.605) did not show a significant difference (p> 0.05), whereas the mean micronucleus frequency in the experimental group 1 (5.64±0.308) increased significantly. However, the mean micronucleus frequency in experimental group 2 (0.92 ± 0.129) and experimental group 3 (0.55 ± 0.046) compared with the control and sham exposed groups decreased significantly (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Cell phones microwaves (940 MHz) induce chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes of male Balb/C mice, but green tea has inhibitory effects and reduces chromosomal damage.

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Background: Since researchers were able to produce dendritic cells (DCs) from peripheral blood monocytes, many scientists have been in search of discovering the best way of producing dendritic cells and optimizing the DCs maturation processes in vitro to treat some diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the maturation of DCs for tumor immunotherapy. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, DCs were produced in two stages. In the first stage, monocyte cells were converted to immature DCs by GM-CSF and IL-4. In the second stage, immature DCs were made mature in the presence of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and PHA -activated T lymphocytes conditioned media and maturation factors. Results: The produced DCs with appropriate phenotype, phagocytosis ability, and proliferation of T lymphocytes stimulation traits could secrete high levels of cytokines. Conclusion: Endothelial cells and T lymphocytes conditioned media can produce Th1 and DC1 in vitro. Therefore, DCs produced through this method are suitable for immunotherapy treatment applications and cancer treatment through treatment cells.

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Background: Obtaining cells from the patient, expanding cell population on a scaffold, and, eventually, grafting the tissue to the patient is one of the tissue engineering techniques to create replacement tissue structures. Blastema tissue is one of the cellular sources in this regard. This study investigated the use of human gum tissue to prepare a scaffold and the interaction between the three-dimensional tissue scaffold and blastema tissue. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, human gingiva was prepared and through snap freezing method and the use of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100, went through cell bleaching. Then the provided scaffoldings were placed in 2-day-old blastema rings and stored in culture media for 25 days. Sampling of the blastema and scaffolding tissues was done once every five days. Results: The results confirmed the removal of the cells from the prepared scaffolds. Also, histological studies in the fifth and tenth days indicated cell penetration into the blastema scaffolds. In the fifteenth day, in addition to penetration, blastema cells division and differentiation as well as epidermis genesis were observed. In the twentieth and twenty-fifth days, infiltration, cell division, and differentiation processes continued. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated the possibility of creating a natural scaffold of human gingiva through this method. This scaffold can have an inductive effect on cell behaviors such as such as migration, adhesion, division, and probable differentiation. However, further studies for demonstrating the identity of the cells and other properties of such a scaffold as well as the possibility of using it in gingiva tissue engineering are recommended.

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Background: Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in Iran. In most cases, the diagnosis of brucellosis is difficult not only because of its clinical similarity to many infectious and noninfectious diseases, but also because diagnostic methods often fail to detect organisms. PCR is a rapid and safe diagnostic method applied to the diagnosis of brucellosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of PCR for diagnosis of human brucellosis by using serum samples. Materials and Methods: This study which was done to evaluate diagnostic tests included30 serum samples from patients with clinical presentation of brucellosis with positive Wright test and serum samples of30 healthy people with negative Wright test. These samples were examined by PCR. Results: PCR results were positive for 15 samples of the patients group in comparison with 4 samples from the 30 healthy subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR were 50% and 86.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Although in some studies, the preferred sample for diagnosis of brucellosis was serum, in this study, PCR on serum samples did not indicate high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis of brucellosis. Hence, using a combination of methods for diagnosis of human brucellosisis suggested.