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Aims Candidiasis is the most opportunistic infection with a high rate of recurrent infection. Salvia macrosiphon has an antibacterial effect; however, its antifungal effect was not studied. This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of essential oil from leaves of Salvia macrosiphon and its antifungal activity compared with fluconazole. Materials & Methods Salvia macrosiphon leaves, a native plant of Kogiluyeh and Boyerahmad province, were collected from Zagros Heights and used in this study. Then, the essential oil of this plant was tested for antibacterial and antifungal properties and compared with fluconazole. The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry), and the antifungal activity of the plant’s essential oil was compared with that of fluconazole. Findings The results of GC-MS analysis proved the presence of at least 29 compounds in the essential oil of Salvia macrosiphon. Amon these constitute butyl benzoate (49.16%), n-hexyl benzoate (7%), and isopatolenol (4.83%) were the main compounds. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oil (μl/ml) of Salvia macrosiphon and fluconazole (μg/ ml) were 0.44 and 0.7 for Candida albicans, 0.056 and 0.7 for C. glabrata, and 0.1 and 0.088 for C. parapsilosis, respectively. Also, statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference between the mean of fluconazole and essential oil in total Candida isolates (p=0.001). Conclusion The essential oil of Salvia macrosiphon has stronger antifungal activity than fluconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Investigating multidrug resistance and TEM and SHV broad-spectrum beta-lactamase genes in Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from patients with urinary tract infections is very useful to improve the treatment of infection and prevent the failure of treatment of urinary tract infections.The aim of this study was to investigate multidrug resistance and TEM and SHV broadspectrum beta-lactamase genes in Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. Materials & Methods: In this study, 188 strains of Escherichia coli, which cause urinary tract infections in Alborz province, were studied. Urine samples were cultured on EMB and Blood Agar media. Differential tests were performed for final identification. ESBL-producing strains were identified, PCR was performed to survey the abundance of ESBL-producing genes. Results: Based on the results of the disk diffusion and Double-disk synergy testS, 82 (43.6%) strains were determined as the final producer of ESBL. out of these isolates, the frequency of SHV, TEM, and CTX genes measured 64.3%, 55.9%, and 21.4%, respectively. These results showed that 12 (14.28%) of Escherichia coli isolated have all genes, 26 (30.95%) had 2 genes and 36 (42.85%) had one gene. Conclusion: According to the results, it was found that imipenem with the lowest resistance is the best drug in the treatment, and carbapenems are the best drug for treating diseases caused by Escherichia coli. The results of the current study may be useful in replacing ESBL enzyme resistance screening with more modern sensitivity measurement methods such as MIC and Etest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 12 week exercise training on the immune system of kidney transplant recipients. 23 kidney transplant recipients were randomly divided into two groups including control (n = 10) and training (n =13) groups. The training groups participated in the training for 10 weeks (three days a week; each day 60-90 minutes). The control group performed no regular exercise during this time. The blood samples were taken before and after 12 weeks. ELISA and Real-time PCR were used to evaluate cytokine profiles, including TNF-a, IL-6, IL-4, IL-31 and IL-35 as well as T-bet, GATA-3, RORYt and FOXP3, respectively. Finally, the data were analyzed, using paired T-test. ELISA results showed decreased levels of TNF- α, increased levels of IL-6 and no significant differences in the IL-35, IL-31 and IL-4 levels in the training group in comparison to the control group. Gene expression profiles showed significantly increased expression of T-bet and no changes in the GATA-3, RORYt and FOXP3 levels. According to these results, a moderate exercise including aerobic and resistance training could inhibit inflammatory cytokines and have beneficial effects on the immune system, but this issue needs further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of the Problem: Adolescents are at risk of obesity and caries due to various factors such as diet and poor health habits; these factors may affect their body mass index (BMI) and salivary components. Therefore, it is necessary to assess these factors and their relationship in this age group. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the association between decayed missing filled teeth index (DMFT), salivary alpha amylase (sAA) level and age-specific BMI in adolescent girls. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 81 females aged 13-15 years in 3 groups of BMI percentiles; “normal”, “at risk for overweight” and “overweight” (n=27). DMFT was calculated and unstimulated saliva samples were collected. The sAA level was measured with a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Kruskal- Wallis and Spearman correlation tests using SPSS (version 23) at p< 0.05. Results: The concentration of sAA and mean DMFT were estimated 1326.56±4.73 U/L and 2.77±2.36, respectively. There was no significant difference in sAA level and mean DMFT among BMI groups. A positive and significant correlation was found between sAA and DMFT in overweight group (r: 0.46, p= 0.014). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, higher levels of sAA may be considered as an indicator for dental caries in overweight adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is the most important species in dentistry and plays a significant role in the etiology of persistent apical lesions after root canal treatment. Up to date, the intracanal application of 2% chlorhexidine for 7 days is the best way to eliminate E. faecalis. However, due to the ability of this bacterium to persist and survive in harsh environments, many studies have been directed towards finding an alternative strategy for prevention or eradication of it. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of bismuth nanoparticles on E. faecalis, as an etiologic factor in recurrent root canal infections. Methods. Forty patients, referred to Endodontic Ward of Shiraz University of Medical Science for endodontic pretreatment, provided root canal samples. First, all samples were transferred in Enterococcosel broth and incubated. Then, samples which showed growth were plated on blood agar plates and incubated for further PCR procedure. Nanoparticle powder was dissolved in high-purity water, and the final concentration of bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) was measured by the spectrophotometer. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of BiNPs against E. faecalis was determined by microbroth dilution method according to methods for antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Also, bactericidal assays were conducted in Mueller-Hinton broth medium and reported as the concentration of BiNPs that reduced the viable bacterial count by 99.9%. Results. Of all samples, 77.5% revealed the presence of E. faecalis by PCR. Also, E. faecalis growth inhibition was observed at concentrations ranging from 0.625 μg/ml to 20 μg/ml (geometric mean: 2.337 μg/ml), and the MBC values were between 1.25 μg/ml and 40 μg/ml (geometric mean: 4.781 μg/ml), which in comparison with chlorhexidine, these values were about one-eighth of chlorhexidine. Conclusion. The experimental data suggest that bismuth nanoparticles could be an interesting alternative to combat E. faecalis, which, in view of the advantages mentioned for bismuth nanoparticle like inhibiting Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and higher antibacterial activity compared to chlorhexidine, can be suggested to be used in different fields of dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood serum concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in various bovine categories reared on industrial Holstein dairy farms. The study was carried out on 12 industrial Holstein dairy cattle farms in various region of Isfahan province, central Iran. Blood samples were collected from 240 dairy cows, 120 dry cows, 120 heifers and 120 calves. The Cu, Fe, and Zn contents were assessed in samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Dry cows and heifers showed the lower Cu concentrations in comparison with dairy cows and calves ( P < 0.05). Heifers and calves showed the higher Zn concentrations in comparison with dairy cows ( P < 0.05). The serum Fe concentrations were significantly higher in heifers than those in dairy and dry cows ( P < 0.05). Dairy cows showed higher Cu and lower Zn and Fe concentrations in comparison with the other categories ( P < 0.05). Cu deficiency was diagnosed in 68% of the examined dairy cows (67% herds), 82% dry cows (92% herds), 75% heifers (92% herds) and 61% calves (58% herds). Only a small number of cattle were Zn- and Fe-deficient while on all farms, Cu deficiency was diagnosed in at least one of the bovine categories. In conclusion, because of the different physiological states of various bovine categories reared on Holstein dairy farms, mineral supplements (Cu, Zn and Fe) should be provided based on physiological requirements of individual bovine categories and the results of those diet analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nature of heavy metals in chemical compounds and their solubility in soil is so important in the transition of these hazardous materials into plants and water resources and such compounds pose a serious threat to human health. This study was carried out to evaluate the stabilization and solubility of Pb, Cd and Zn in contaminated soil using different chemical compounds. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 36 soil samples were collected randomly from the industrial areas of Amol (Iran). Concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn in samples were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Moreover, solubility and removal of the heavy metals were investigated using potassium chloride, ammonium phosphate, ammonium acetate and DTPA. Results: Concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn in soil samples were 206±59.8, 11.6±1.8 and 1148±465mg/kg, respectively. The mean solubility concentrations for Pb, Cd and Zn with ammonium phosphate, DTPA, ammonium acetate and distilled water (control) were 11, 1.5 114.5; 191, 7.1, 648.5; 115, 6.2, 476 and 17, 3.4, 193, respectively. Conclusion: Ammonium phosphate plays an important role in the stabilization and DTPA and ammonium acetate in the solubility and removal of heavy metals in soil. Therefore, ammonium phosphate application can be useful to prevent heavy metal contamination of the underground water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Febrile convulsion (FC) is a common cause of seizure in young children, with an excellent prognosis. In addition to genetic predisposition and infections, FCs are generally thought to be induced by metabolic and elemental changes during fever such as Zinc (Zn) deficiency. Regarding the high prevalence of febrile convulsions and the role of Zn deficiency, we investigated the role of Zn in FC patients in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods In a controlled cross sectional study, 90 patients aged 9 months to 5 years were studied in a period of 12 months. They were assigned to three groups. Thirty patients were included in the Febrile Seizure group, thirty febrile children without convulsion or previous history of convulsion were included in the febrile group and thirty afebrile healthy ones were enrolled as controls. Venous blood was obtained and Zn concentration in serum was measured using Graphite Furnance Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometering (GF-AAS). Results Patients and the control groups had no difference in either mean age or sex distribution. No significant relationship was observed between serum Zn level and age or sex among patients in the FC group and two other control groups. Conclusion Our findings showed that Zinc level was significantly lower in the febrile seizure group compared to two other groups. We tried to categorize various conditions in a more practical form. Also, Zinc is in close relationship with socioeconomic level of the individuals which was well considered in the current survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty liver syndrome is a metabolic disorder that is caused by negative energy balance in high-producing dairy cows during early lactation. The diagnosis of fatty infiltration of the liver in dairy cattle is presently based mostly on biochemical analysis, biopsy, and histological analysis of hepatic tissue. In this study, a total of 287 dairy cows in early lactation (1-4 weeks postpartum) were randomly selected from 14 commercial dairy herds in southeast Iran. Blood samples from all of the cases, midstream urine samples from 46 of 287 cattle, and liver samples from 94 of 287 cows that were slaughtered due to other postparturient disorders were collected. A spectrophotometer was used to measure the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and glucose concentrations in the serum samples. Ketone bodies were detected by highly sensitive test strip method in the urine samples. The submersion of liver samples into water and copper sulfate solutions with specific gravities of 1.025 and 1.055 was used as a test to estimate lipid contents. Formalin-fixed liver samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and confirmed by the Sudan IV staining method on frozen sections. Fatty liver syndrome was detected in ten out of 14 dairy herds. Eleven (11.7%) postpartum cows were suffering from mild (13% < fat content < 25%) fatty liver, and ketone bodies were detected in five (11.11%) urine samples from a total 46 cows. All of the five cases were suffering from hypoglycemia (serum glucose concentrations <45 mg/dl) and mild hepatic lipidosis. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the prevalence of fatty liver syndrome in dairy herds in southeast Iran is considerable. Furthermore, proper nutritional programs for the early lactating cows will prevent the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the hypercholesterolemia (HC) and some sociodemographic factors related on it in adults people in the north of Iran during three months in 2006.Methods This is a crossectional-descriptive study based on the population and 1995 cases(997 men and 998 women) between 25-65 years old,were selected by cluster and stratify sampling in the north of Iran.We interviewed all of the cases and determined anthropometric and biochemical indexes .Plasma cholesterol and glucose measured in the morning after an 12-hour fast.Cholesterol and fasting blood glucose (FBS) were determined using laboratory kits (enzymatic methods),and spectrophotometery technique.The SPSS.15 software analyzed data.HC was defined by a serum cholesterol level over 200 mg/dl.Results Mean of the age was 39.2 year old and mean ±`SD of serum cholesterol in men and women was 196.7 ±39.11 and 209.4 ±42.9,respectively.Prevalence of HC was significantly differenced between men(44.7%) and women(57%),(P <0.05) and the mean of serum cholesterol significantly differenced among age groups,residential area,physical activity level,BMI level and central obesity,separately (P <0.001). Weekly consumption of fresh fruits,vegetables and fish were 4.84,3.65 and 2 times,respectively.Vegetable and fish were consumed in HC group more than non-HC group.Conclusion HC is one of the most health problems in the north of Iran and it is more in women than men.Life style and food behavior are the more common risk factors for it.Thereby modify of social behavior and diet can be decline incidence of cardiovascular disease . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There are some reports in which a condition of zinc deficiency and its associated outcomes with a change in concentration of serum copper among the thalassemic patients has been highlighted. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the serum zinc and copper levels in children with beta-thalassemia major. Methods: In this cross sectional study all children under 12 years affected by beta thalasemia major (40 patients) were evaluated for serum zinc and copper levels in Qazvin thalassemia center (Qazvin, Iran) in 2007. Serum measurements for zinc and copper were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Findings: The mean concentrations of serum zinc and copper levels were 67.35±20.38 and 152.42±24.17 µg/dl respectively. Twenty-six (65%) of thalassemic patients had zinc concentration under 70 µg/dl (hypozincemia). None of the thalassemic children had copper deficiency. No significant correlation between serum zinc level with age, weight, height, body mass index, duration of blood transfusion, desferrioxamine dose and ferritin level was observed in thalassemic patients (P=0.3). Conclusion: This study revealed that hypozincemia is common in thalassemic patients, but in contrast, there is no copper deficiency. Further evaluation in this regard is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the eventual association between copper deficiency in newborns with neural tube defects (NTD) in Northern Iran. A high prevalence of neural tube defects has been reported from this region. Methods: This hospital based case control study was carried out on 13 newborns having neural tube defects and 35 healthy controls in Northern Iran during 2005-2006. Serum copper was measured by spectrophotometery. Findings: Serum copper level in newborns with NTD and healthy normal newborns was 16.5 (±7.2) μmol/l and 16.7 (±6.6) μmol/l, respectively. In case group 38.5% of newborns and in control group 28.6% had copper deficiency. Logistic regression analysis showed no association between the presence of NTD and copper deficiency (OR:1.6, 95% Cl=0.3-7.1, P=0.5). Conclusion: This study showed no association between NTD and copper deficiency in newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss a cross-sectional study that examined the concentrations of heavy metals in wastewaster of the Dentistry School of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. Highlights include the use of direct air-acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrometry by a Hach DR5000 spectrophotometer, approval of the study by the Ethics Committee of Shahid Beheshti School of Dentistry, and the difference between the metal concentrations in the inlet water and wastewater.

This study was carried out on the workers of a lead refinery industry and two control groups in Zanjan city in Iran. The scalp hair samples were collected from 25 workers who were occupationally exposed to lead contamination as a case group and from 25 subjects among the staff of the same industry and 25 subjects among Zanjan citizens as the first and second control groups respectively. A flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer used to determine lead level in all of the samples. The age of all subjects in the three groups was matched. The mean concentrations of hair lead in the workers (case group), the staff (control groupA) and the citizens (control group B) were 131.7±93.4 μgr/gr, 21.1±13.2 μgr/gr and 27.9±14.1 μgr/gr respectively. The mean concentration of hair lead in the case group was more than hair lead of normal range found in humans (0–30 μgr/gr). The mean of hair lead level in the citizens who had used gas vehicles was statistically higher than who had not used it (36.9±12.2 μgr/gr vs. 16.6±4.9 μgr/gr, P<0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]