The Protective Effect of N-acetylcysteine against Deltamethrin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice.

Background: Exposure to pesticides is of concern to public health officials worldwide. Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide which is widely used in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Deltamethrin poisoning is always one of the concerns in medical centers due to the deltamethrin induced hepatotoxicity. This study evaluated the hepato-protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against deltamethrin induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Methods: A total of 40 BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into four groups; the first group was used as a control (0.5 ml normal saline); Groups 2-4 were treated with NAC [160 mg/kg Body Weight (BW)], deltamethrin (50 mg/kg BW), and NAC plus deltamethrin. At 1 and 24 hr after treatment, the animals were sacrificed and blood and liver samples were obtained for analysis and the liver/body ration, hepatic enzymes as Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Glutathione (GSH) content and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) level were measured. For comparison between more than two experimental groups, one-way ANOVA following Tukey test was used by SPSS software. Results: The deltamethrin significantly increased AST, ALT, ALP, and the level of ROS level at the end of 1 and 24 hr after treatment; while the LDH level and GSH content were decreased. Mice in the deltamethrin treated group had a higher liver/body weight ratio than in other treated groups after 24 hr. On the other hand, NAC in combination with deltamethrin significantly reduced the activities of AST, ALT, ALP, and increased GSH levels. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that NAC has a hepatoprotective role against deltamethrin-induced toxicity.

Characterization of genotypes and antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinical isolates of Shigella from patients in the southern region of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Shigella spp., which are facultative anaerobic bacilli within the Enterobacteriaceae family, present a significant public health burden due to their role as prominent contributors to diarrheal diseases worldwide. A molecular analysis can facilitate the identification and assessment of outbreaks involving this bacterium. So, we aimed to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern and clonal relatedness of clinical Shigella spp. isolates obtained from patients with diarrhea in Hormozgan province, South of Iran. METHODS: From 2019 to 2021, a cross-sectional investigation was conducted on 448 stool samples obtained from patients who were experiencing diarrhea, in the southern region of Iran. Shigella spp. isolates were identified based on biochemical and serological tests. All Shigella species were verified using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by susceptibility testing to antimicrobial agents. Subsequently, genotyping of all Shigella species was conducted using ERIC-PCR. RESULTS: Out of a total of 448 stool samples, the presence of Shigella was detected in 62 cases, accounting for a prevalence rate of 13.84%. Among the identified isolates, the majority were attributed to S. flexneri, representing 53.23% of the cases. This was followed by S. sonnei at 24.19% and S. boydii at 22.58%. Notably, no instances of S. dysenteriae were found. The highest prevalence of Shigella isolates was observed in infants and children under the age of five. A significant proportion of the identified isolates demonstrated resistance to various antibiotics. Specifically, high resistance rates were noted for ampicillin (90.78%), piperacillin-tazobactam (87.1%), cefixime (83.87%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (83.87%), cefotaxime (82.26%), and ceftriaxone (80.65%). In addition, a substantial number (87.1%) of the isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype. Using the ERIC-PCR method, a total of 11 clusters and 6 distinct single types were identified among all the Shigella isolates. CONCLUSION: A notable occurrence of antibiotic-resistant Shigella species has been noted, with multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains presenting an increasing challenge for treating shigellosis worldwide, and this includes Iran. Techniques such as ERIC-PCR are useful for assessing the genetic variation and connections between Shigella strains, which indirectly contributes to understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns. Further research is needed to explore the specific correlation between resistance genes and ERIC genotyping patterns in Shigella strains.

The effect of Trolox on the rabbit anal sphincterotomy repair.

INTRODUCTION: Fecal incontinence (FI) is caused by external anal sphincter injury. Vitamin E is a potential strategy for anal sphincter muscle repair via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and protective properties against myocyte loss. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the water-soluble form of vitamin E efficacy in repairing anal sphincter muscle defects in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty-one male rabbits were equally assigned to the intact (without any intervention), control (sphincterotomy), and Trolox (sphincterotomy + Trolox administration) groups. Ninety days after sphincterotomy, the resting and squeeze pressures were evaluated by manometry, and the number of motor units in the sphincterotomy site was calculated by electromyography. Also, the amount of muscle and collagen in the injury site was investigated by Mallory's trichrome staining. RESULTS: Ninety days after the intervention, the resting and squeeze pressures in the intact and Trolox groups were significantly higher than in the control group (P = 0.001). Moreover, the total collagen percentage of the sphincterotomy site was significantly lower in the Trolox group than in the control group (P = 0.002), and the total muscle percentage was significantly higher in the Trolox group compared to the control group (P = 0.001). Also, the motor unit number was higher in the Trolox group than in the control group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Trolox administration in the rabbit sphincterotomy model can decrease the amount of collagen and increase muscle, leading to improved anal sphincter electromyography and manometry results. Therefore, Trolox is a potential treatment strategy for FI.

Economic Burden of HIV/AIDS in Iran: A Modelling Approach.

Background: HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Low-and-Middle-Income-Countries (LMICs). It might potentially lead to an economic burden on the health system. There is no certainty about the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Iran. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the cost of illness of HIV/AIDS in Iran. Methods: We applied a societal perspective to capture the direct and indirect costs attributed to HIV/AIDS in Iran. We used data for age-standardized prevalence produced by the country HIV/AIDS Surveillance System for 2018. The study estimated both direct and indirect costs for a hypothetical cohort of the Iranian adult population (here equates to all registered cases with Surveillance System). For mitigating the uncertainty around the estimations, we have used an optimistic and pessimistic analysis. Results: The base case scenario showed that total direct costs and indirect costs attributed to the HIV/AIDS were US$7,946,530 and US$ 1,288,586 at the end of 2018. Moreover, the total cost is 8,785,116 US$. Conclusion: Direct costs have formed approximately 85% of total costs. The policymakers and planners should consider that these costs are only related to diagnosed or registered infected populations. These costs will be raised dramatically with increasing the diagnosed patients.

Molecular Method Is Essential to Identify Asymptomatic Malaria Reservoirs: A Successful Experience in the Malaria Elimination Program in Iran.

Background: The accurate diagnosis of malaria cases, especially asymptotic and low-parasitemia patients, using robust molecular methods (nested-PCR) have been emphasized. The goal of this study was to detect active cases of malaria in areas with a history of local malaria transmission focusing on the use of molecular tools to ensure that the malaria elimination program has been implemented successfully. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 816 blood samples were taken from immigrants and local residents of malaria-endemic areas in Hormozgan province, Iran. In order to identify asymptomatic malaria parasite reservoirs, the samples were examined using microscopic, RDT, and nested-PCR techniques. Results: About twelve positive asymptomatic malaria cases were identified when the molecular method (nested-PCR) was used. The positivity rates among immigrants and local residents were 2.07% and 0.93%, respectively. No positive cases were detected using microscopic and RDT methods. Conclusions: The finding of the research emphasize that in addition to microscopy and RDTs methods, sensitive molecular tools as a standard and essential strategy are needed in the diagnosis and detection of asymptomatic parasite reservoir.

Schistosomes in the Persian Gulf: novel molecular data, host associations, and life-cycle elucidations.

Avian schistosomes, comprise a diverse and widespread group of trematodes known for their surprising ability to switch into new hosts and habitats. Despite the considerable research attention on avian schistosomes as causatives of the human cercarial dermatitis, less it is known about the diversity, geographical range and host associations of the marine representatives. Our molecular analyses inferred from cox1 and 28S DNA sequence data revealed presence of two schistosome species, Ornithobilharzia canaliculata (Rudolphi, 1819) Odhner, 1912 and a putative new species of Austrobilharzia Johnston, 1917. Molecular elucidation of the life-cycle of O. canaliculata was achieved for the first time via matching novel and published sequence data from adult and larval stages. This is the first record of Ornithobilharzia from the Persian Gulf and globally the first record of this genus in a potamidid snail host. Our study provides: (i) new host and distribution records for major etiological agents of cercarial dermatitis and contributes important information on host-parasite relationships; (ii) highlights the importance of the molecular systematics in the assessment of schistosome diversity; and (iii) calls for further surveys to reach a better understanding of the schistosome diversity and patterns of relationships among them, host associations, transmission strategies and distribution coverage.

Prevalence of anal fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Anal fistula refers to a clinical condition with local pain and inflammation associated with purulent discharge that affects the quality of life. Due to the lack of studies, the presence of bias, and high heterogeneity in the studies, the present systematic review is the first to be performed on the population-based database in this field. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to MOOSE guidelines. After systematic searching in electronic databases, only four articles met the inclusion criteria. After preparing a checklist and extracting data from the relevant articles, a meta-analysis was performed. All studies on the prevalence of anal fistula are related to Europe, and so far, no study has been conducted on other continents. The overall prevalence of anal fistula in European countries was 18.37 (95% CI: 18.20-18.55%) per 100,000 individuals, and the highest prevalence was reported for Italy (23.20 (95% CI: 22.82 to 23.59) per 100,000 people). From the present population-based (224,097,362) study results, it can be concluded that there is a prominent knowledge gap in this context. Because all the studies included in the current study relate only to Europe, the need for further research in this field in other countries is inevitably sensible.

Evaluation of health-related quality of life before and after total hip arthroplasty in the elderly in Iran: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the direct impact of total hip arthroplasty (THA) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the higher prevalence of THA in the elderly, this study aimed to compare HRQOL before, and after THA in the Iranian elderly. METHODS: The present prospective cohort study was performed on 161 THA candidates. Demographic data were extracted from records of patients. Before, 6, and 12 months after THA, a Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36) was used to assess HRQOL. Before THA, 6 and 12 months after THA, Physical (PCS), and mental component scores (MCS) were obtained from a hundred separately for each subscale of the questionnaire. The Paired t-test was used to compare HRQOL before and after THA. RESULTS: Both 6 and 12 months after THA, HRQOL was significantly increased compared to previous THA (P = 0.001). In the first half-year after THA, vitality and emotional state were not different from pre-surgery. However, 12 months after THA, these two subscales also were significantly improved. Although, 6 months after THA, the PCS has dramatically gone up compared to the previous THA (P = 0.012), despite MCS was remained steady. Nonetheless, by comparison with the before surgery, 12 months after THA, MSC notably improved (P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: HRQOL was appreciably improved by the THA in the elderly after 12 months. The improvement in HRQoL in the first 6 months after THA is related to the promotion in the physical aspect (PCS score), and in the second 6 months after THA is related to the promotion in the psychological aspect (MCS score).

Bacteriological characteristics of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae rmpA gene (hvKp-rmpA)-harboring strains in the south of Iran.

Background and Objectives: To provide data on the occurrence of classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) strains harboring the gene encoding regulator of mucoid phenotype A (rmpA) and evaluated characteristics of virulence biomarkers, carbapenemase, extended-spectrum-ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing, and capsule serotypes among K. pneumoniae clinical isolates collected in the south of Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected. First, the K. pneumoniae isolates were screened for rmpA gene by PCR, and then they were characterized for the presence of the virulence genes (pagO, iucA, iroB, luxR), capsular serotype genes (K1, K2, K5, K20, K54, and K57), carbapenemase (bla NDM, bla IMP, bla VIM, bla KPC, bla SPM, bla OXA-48, and bla OXA-181) and ESBL (bla CTX-M, bla SHV and bla TEM) genes. For all K. pneumoniae isolates phenotypic tests include of string test and disk diffusion test were performed. Results: In total, 16 (4%) hvKp-rmpA+ and 384 (96%) cKp were observed. Of hvKp-rmpA+ strains, 16 (100%) were carried pagO, iroB, and luxR genes, and 13 (81.3%) strains harbored iucA gene. The most prevalent capsular type genes were K1 (62%) and K2 (19%) in hvKp-rmpA+ strains. The incidence of bla SHV gene in hvKp and cKp was 94% (15/16) and 87.5% (336/384), respectively. The cKp isolates carried bla NDM (30/384; 7.8%) gene. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the incidence of hvKp was low. Also, hvKp-rmpA+ strains have less antibiotic resistance than cKp isolates. Serotypes K1 and K2, and bla SHV gene were strongly associated with hvKp-rmpA+.

Combined application of chondroitinase ABC and photobiomodulation with low-intensity laser on the anal sphincter repair in rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation with low-intensity laser (LIL) and chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) can repair damaged muscle tissue, so the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of co-administration of these two factors on anal sphincter repair in rabbits. METHODS: Male rabbits were studied in 5 groups (n = 7): Control (intact), sphincterotomy, laser, ChABC and laser + ChABC. 90 days after intervention were evaluated resting and maximum squeeze pressures, number of motor units, collagen amount, markers of muscle regeneration and angiogenesis. RESULTS: Resting pressure in the Laser + ChABC group was higher than the sphincterotomy, laser and ChABC groups (p < 0.0001). Maximum squeeze pressure in the all study groups was higher than sphincterotomy group (p < 0.0001). In the laser + ChABC and ChABC groups, motor unit numbers were more than the sphincterotomy group (p < 0.0001). Collagen content was significantly decreased in the laser (p < 0.0001) and laser + ChABC groups. ACTA1 (p = 0.001) and MHC (p < 0.0001) gene expression in the Laser + ChABC group were more than the laser or ChABC alone. VEGFA (p = 0.009) and Ki67 mRNA expression (p = 0.01) in the Laser + ChABC group were more than the laser group, But vimentin mRNA expression (p < 0.0001) was less than the laser group. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of ChABCs and photobiomodulation with LIL appears to improve the tissue structure and function of the anal sphincter in rabbits more than when used alone.

Investigating the frequency of free-living amoeba in water resources with emphasis on Acanthamoeba in Bandar Abbas city, Hormozgan province, Iran in 2019-2020.

OBJECTIVE: These amoebas can cause dangerous illnesses when they accidentally enter the human body, so it is necessary to determine various forms of organisms in water resources to prevent the danger they can cause and risks to human health. Currently, in Bandar Abbas, there is no sufficient information about the distribution of Acanthamoeba, and we intended to study its frequency and determine the related genotypes. RESULTS: Out of 83 water samples collected from different resources in the city, 31 plates (37.3%) were found to be positive for free-living amoebae. Of these, five were identified as Acanthamoeba (6%) by culture method and 8 (9.6%) by molecular method. Positive sample sequence analysis enabled us to distinguish two genotypes of T4 (7 cases) and T15 (1 case) in this study.

Efficacy of adipose derived stem cells on functional and neurological improvement following ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The evidence on the efficacy of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the treatment of stroke is controversial. Therefore, the aim of present systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of ADSCs administration in the treatment of animal models of ischemic stroke. METHODS: An extensive search was performed on electronic databases of Medline, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL and Web of Science until December 31, 2018. Animal studies that used ADSCs in treatment of ischemic stroke were included. The data were recorded as mean and standard deviation and then a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was reported. RESULTS: Twenty articles were included in the present meta-analysis. It was observed that administration of ADSCs improves motor function (SMD = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.67 to 3.37, p < 0.0001) and neurological status (SMD = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.33 to 2.78, p < 0.0001) in animals following an ischemic stroke. Multivariate meta-regression showed the model of stroke induction (p = 0.017) and the number of transplanted cells (p = 0.007) affect the efficacy of ADSCs administration on motor function improvement following the stroke. CONCLUSION: Moderate to high levels of evidence indicate a strong efficacy of ADSCs transplantation on motor function and neurological improvement following ischemic stroke in animal models. However, no reports regarding the dose-response effect of ADSCs administration on stroke exist in the literature. As a result, further pre-clinical studies are recommended to be conducted on the matter.

Combination of laser and human adipose-derived stem cells in repair of rabbit anal sphincter injury: a new therapeutic approach.

BACKGROUND: Anal sphincter injury leads to fecal incontinence. Based on the regenerative capability of laser and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs), this study was designed to assess the effects of co-application of these therapies on anal sphincter recovery after injury. DESIGN: Male rabbits were assigned to equal groups (n = 7) including control, sphincterotomy, sphincterotomy treated with laser (660 nm, 90 s, immediately after sphincterotomy, daily, 14 days), hADSCs (2 × 106 hADSCs injected into injured area of the sphincter immediately after sphincterotomy), and laser + hADSCs. Ninety days after sphincterotomy, manometry and electromyography were performed, sphincter collagen content was evaluated, and Ki67, myosin heavy chain (MHC), skeletal muscle alpha-actin (ACTA1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and vimentin mRNA gene expression were assessed. RESULTS: The laser + hADSCs group had a higher resting pressure compared with the sphincterotomy (p < 0.0001), laser (p < 0.0001), and hADSCs (p = 0.04) groups. Maximum squeeze pressure was improved in all treated animals compared with the sphincterotomized animals (p < 0.0001), without a significant difference between treatments (p > 0.05). In the laser + hADSCs group, motor unit numbers were higher than those in the laser group (p < 0.0001) but did not differ from the hADSCs group (p = 0.075). Sphincterotomy increased collagen content, but the muscle content (p = 0.36) and collagen content (p = 0.37) were not significantly different between the laser + hADSCs and control groups. Laser + hADSCs increased ACTA1 (p = 0.001) and MHC (p < 0.0001) gene expression compared with laser or hADSCs alone and was associated with increased VEGFA (p = 0.009) and Ki67 mRNA expression (p = 0.01) and decreased vimentin mRNA expression (p < 0.0001) compared with laser. CONCLUSION: The combination of laser and hADSCs appears more effective than either treatment alone for promoting myogenesis, angiogenesis, and functional recovery after anal sphincterotomy.

Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Mental Retardation Center of Bandar Abbas, Southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among mentally retarded individuals and the staff of the center in Bandar Abbas, south of Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in central institution for mentally retarded in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, from 2016 to 2017. A triple fecal specimen was collected from each one of the 163 participants and were evaluated using wet mount and formalin-ethyl acetate methods. Trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen staining were used to confirm suspected cases of protozoa. As well as Baermann and Harada-Mori techniques and agar plate culture were implemented to diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis. RESULTS: Overall, 163 subjects were examined including 126 mentally retarded individuals and 37 personnel. Ninety (55.2%) cases of participants were infected with at least one of the intestinal parasites, 69 (54.7%) of mentally retarded and 21 (56.7%) of personnel. Twenty-six mentally retarded individuals were infected with S. stercoralis (20.6%), Blastocystis hominis 30.2%, Entamoeba coli 25.4%, Giardia lamblia 5.6%, Enterobius vermicularis 1.6%, Hymenolepis nana 0.8% and Iodamoeba butschlii 1.6%. Twelve staff (32.4%) harbored B. hominis, E. coli 27%, S. stercoralis 2.7%, G. lamblia 10.8%, H. nana 2.7% and Endolimax nana 2.7%. CONCLUSION: High rate of intestinal parasites particularly, S. stercoralis compared to the most recent studies of general population. Therefore, regular screening and tracking the positive cases, disinfection of the living environment, training and financing of the staff, increasing the number of the workers, recruiting of professionals and trained personnel in these centers are suggested.

Substitution of lysine for isoleucine at the center of the nonpolar face of the antimicrobial peptide, piscidin-1, leads to an increase in the rapidity of bactericidal activity and a reduction in toxicity.

Purpose: Piscidin-1 is an effective antimicrobial peptide (AMP) against a variety of microbes. However, its toxicity has been reported as a limitation for its potential therapeutic applications. The toxicity of piscidin-1 may be related to the long nonpolar face of this AMP. Here, we investigated different piscidin-1 analogs to reach a peptide with the reduced toxicity. Material and methods: In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity and toxicity of piscidin-1 analogs generated by replacement of isoleucine at the border (I9) or the center (I16) of the nonpolar face of piscidin-1 by alanine or lysine were investigated. Results: The results indicated that among all peptides, piscidin-1 with the highest HPLC retention time (RT) and I16K-piscidin-1 with the lowest RT had the highest and lowest cytotoxicity, respectively. Although I16K-piscidin-1 possessed the same MIC value as the parent peptide (piscidin-1) and other analogs, I16K-piscidin-1 exhibited a higher rapidity of bactericidal action at 5×MIC. The ß-galactosidase leakage and propidium iodide staining assays indicated a higher pore-forming capacity of I16K-piscidin-1 relative to the parent peptide (piscidin-1). Taken together, RT is suggested to have a direct association with the toxicity and an inverse association with the rapidity of bactericidal action and pore-forming capacity. After infection of mice with clinical colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii or clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, treatment with I16K-piscidin-1, but not piscidin-1 and other analogs, resulted in a significantly stronger bactericidal potency. Furthermore, I16K-piscidin-1 exhibited the lowest in vivo toxicity.  Conclusion: Overall, in vitro and in vivo comparison of piscidin-1 and its analogs together documented that replacement of isoleucine at the center of the nonpolar face of piscidin-1(I16) by lysine leads to not only a decrease in toxicity potential but also an increase in bactericidal potential.

Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Fecal Incontinence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the role of Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) in the control of Fecal Incontinence (FI). METHODS: Two independent reviewers extensively searched in the electronic databases of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus for the studies published until the end of 2016. Only randomized clinical trials were included. The studied outcomes included FI episodes, FI score, resting pressure, squeezing pressure, and maximum tolerable pressure. The data were reported as Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Five articles were included in the present study (249 patients under treatment with PTNS and 239 in the sham group). Analyses showed that PTNS led to a significant decrease in the number of FI episodes (SMD=-0.38; 95% CI: -0.67-0.10; P=0.009). Yet, it did not have an effect on FI score (SMD=0.13; 95% CI: -0.49-0.75; P=0.68), resting pressure (SMD=0.12; 95% CI: -0.14-0.37; P=0.67), squeezing pressure (SMD=-0.27; 95% CI: -1.03-0.50; P=0.50), and maximum tolerable pressure (SMD=-0.10; 95% CI: -0.40-0.24; P=0.52). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it seems that the prescription of PTNS alone cannot significantly improve FI.

5-Year Survival Rates and Prognostic Factors in Patients with Synchronus and Metachronus Breast Cancer from 2010 to 2015

Introduction: Currently breast (BC) cancer is a serious medical problem in all countries of the world. Survival depends on many factors. The present study focused on 5-year survival and its related factors in patients with BC in Iran. Material and methods. The present analytical retrospective study was performed (from March 2010 until March 2015) on patients with BC followed for at least 6 months. The main variables assessed were tumor size, grade of lymph node involvement, metastasis, stage, history, human epidermal growth factor receptor expression, and tumor origin. Analysis of survival was accomplished using the Kaplan- Meier method. Results: Some 351 (80.2%) of the total of 438 individuals had unilateral and 87(19.8%) had bilateral cancer, 28 (35.6%) of the latter being synchronous and 56(64.4%) metachronous. Mean duration of follow-up was 47.44±28.19 months, during which 61 (17.3%) patients with unilateral and 18 with bilateral cancer eventually died. The 5-year survival rate in patients with unilateral BC was significantly higher than those with bilateral BC (Log-rank Test chi2= 3.11, p=0.032). In addition, with metachronous cases, the survival rate was 64.2% in comparison with 51.6% for synchronous BCs. Survival rate was significantly (p value =0.038) higher with metachronous than with synchronous cancers (Log-rank Test chi2=3.54, p=0.038). The highest survival rate was reported for BCs originating from lobule tissue and the lowest rate examples of interstitial tissue origin (Log-rank Test chi2=11.54, p=0.0001). Patients with earl stage lesions (M1) survived longer than with other stages (Log-rank Test chi2= 9.55, p=0.001). Conclusion: In this study, most women with BC had a positive family history and were married. The 5-year survival rate was lower with advanced stages of cancer. According to our findings, survival rates might improve if patients undergo screening and diagnosis is made at an early stage of the disease.

Ecological and Parasitological Study on Cerithidea cingulata (Gastropoda) in Hormoz Strait Littoral, South of Iran.

BACKGROUND: "Cerithidea cingulata" is reported from south of Iran, may act as intermediate host of Heterophyes heterophyes and cercaria dermatitis. As parasitological aspects of this brackish snail were not studied in Iran, this study was conducted in 2016, in Hormoz Strait, south of Iran. METHODS: Totally 402 snails were collected from 36 locations of three main regions in Hormozgan Province, Iran in 2015. In each location, one square meter was checked, and snails were collected for parasitological study. Snails were crashed and cercariae were studied using light microscope, in some cases natural red staining was used for better resolution. RESULTS: Mean length of snails was about 20.33 mm, width 5.57 mm. The aperture length was 5.10 and spire was 15.22. Important founded cercaria was cysticercus cercariae, echinostoma cercaria, furcocercus cercaria, furcocystocercous cercaria, gastrostomy cercaria, gymnocephalus cercaria, monostome cercaria, pelurolophocercus cercaria and xiphidiocercaria. CONCLUSION: The presence of this snail is reported from Persian Gulf to western Pacific in China. Our study showed a pattern of infection in local area and was compatible with other studies. Importance of C. cingulata as intermediate host of some medically important disease should be considered and other complementary molecular studies for exact identification of cercaria are necessary.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Stimulates Apoptosis in RH and Tehran Strains of Toxoplasma gondii, in Vitro.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on apoptosis of tachyzoites of T. gondii, RH strain (type I) and the cyst-forming Tehran strain (type II) in vitro. METHODS: Toxoplasma strains were injected into the peritoneal cavity of BALB/c mice. The Tehran strain forms cysts in the brain of mice. Bradyzoites within the cysts are reactivated to proliferative tachyzoites, by dexamethasone. Tachyzoites were aspirated from the peritoneum of infected mice, and the percentage of viable parasites was estimated with trypan blue staining. Tachyzoites were inoculated into HeLa cells cultivated in DMEM medium. Different concentrations of CLA were evaluated on T. gondii in HeLa cells by the tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Differentiation between apoptosis and cell death was determined by flow cytometry using Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) double staining. The statistical analysis performed by GraphPad Prism version 6.00. RESULTS: CLA induces apoptosis in virulent (RH) and avirulent (Tehran) strains of T. gondii. The results of MTT indicated that CLA could decrease the proliferation of tachyzoites of both strains in HeLa cells. CONCLUSION: Conjugated linoleic acid has anti-toxoplasmacidal activity on tachyzoites of T. gondii. Therefore, we recommended further studies on this component in order to achieve a new drug against the parasite.