Antimicrobial resistance, ß-lactamase genotypes, and plasmid replicon types of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from different animal hosts.

AIMS: The primary objective of this study was to analyze antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a particular focus on ß-lactamase genotypes and plasmid replicon types of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains originating from various animal hosts. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 84 STEC strains were isolated from cattle (n = 32), sheep/goats (n = 26), pigeons (n = 20), and wild animals (n = 6) between 2010 and 2018 in various regions of Iran. The Kirby-Bauer susceptibility test and multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels were employed to elucidate the correlation between AMR and plasmid replicon types in STEC isolates. The predominant replicon types were IncFIC and IncFIB in cattle (46.8%), IncFIC in sheep/goats (46.1%), IncA/C in pigeons (90%), and IncP in wild animals (50%). STEC of serogroups O113, O26, and O111 harbored the IncFIB (100%), IncI1 (80%), and IncFIC + IncA/C (100%) plasmids, respectively. A remarkable AMR association was found between ciprofloxacin (100%), neomycin (68.7%), and tetracycline (61.7%) resistance with IncFIC; amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (88.8%) and tetracycline (61.7%) with IncA/C; ciprofloxacin (100%) with IncFIB; fosfomycin (85.7%) and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (80%) with IncI1. IncI1 appeared in 83.3%, 50%, and 100% of the isolates harboring blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaOXA ß-lactamase genes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of O26/IncI1/blaCTX-M STEC in cattle farms poses a potential risk to public health.

Challenges and solutions of medical residency: the example of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Medical residency constitutes a highly demanding and taxing phase in the professional journey of physicians. Factors such as low income, excessive workloads, and uncertainty regarding their career trajectory can contribute to diminished job satisfaction among residents. Neglecting this issue can have enduring negative effects on the quality and quantity of healthcare services provided. This research aims to explore the challenges encountered during medical residency and propose viable solutions. METHODS: In this qualitative study conducted in 2023, interviews were employed to identify challenges, facilitators, barriers, and potential solutions associated with transitioning from residency to a job. In the qualitative section, a purposive selection process led to the inclusion of 26 interviewees, and for the Delphi method, 17 experts were purposefully chosen at three hierarchical levels: macro (Ministry of Health), intermediate (university), and executive (hospital). Qualitative data underwent analysis using a conceptual framework, while Delphi data were subjected to quantitative analysis. RESULTS: The qualitative analysis revealed five general themes with 13 main categories and 70 sub-categories as challenges, two general themes as facilitators, and barriers to the transition from residency to a job. Additionally, eight main categories with 52 interventions were identified as solutions to overcome these barriers. In the Delphi stage, the number of proposed solutions was streamlined to 44 interventions. The most significant challenges identified in this study included high workload during residency, low income, career-related uncertainties, issues related to welfare services, and challenges in education and communication. CONCLUSION: The decline in residents' willingness, coupled with the substantial work and financial pressures they face, poses a serious threat to the healthcare system, necessitating significant reforms. Transitioning from residency to a full-fledged job emerges as a potential avenue to address a substantial portion of the expressed needs. Implementing these reforms demands resolute determination and collaboration with sectors beyond the healthcare system, integrated into a comprehensive national healthcare plan that considers the country's capabilities.

Andrographolide induced heme oxygenase-1 expression in MSC-like cells isolated from rat bone marrow exposed to environmental stress.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-like cells) are the most important stem cells that are used in transplantation clinically in various applications. The survival rate of MSC-like cells is strongly reduced due to adverse conditions in the microenvironment of transplantation, including environmental stress. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a member of the heat shock protein, as well as a stress-induced enzyme, present throughout the body. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of andrographolide, an active derivative from andrographolide paniculate, on HO-1 expression in mesenchymal stem cells derived from rat bone marrow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-like cells) were extracted and proliferated in several passages. The identity of MSC-like cells was confirmed by morphological observations and differential tests. The flow cytometry method was used to verify the MSC-specific markers. Isolated MSC-like cells were treated with different concentrations of andrographolide and then exposed to environmental stress. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT colorimetric assay. A real-time PCR technique was employed to evaluate the expression level of HO-1 in the treated MSC-like cells. RESULTS: Isolated MSC-like cells demonstrated fibroblast-like morphology. These cells in different culture mediums differentiated into osteocytes and adipocytes and were identified using alizarin red and oil red staining, respectively. As well, MSC-like cells were verified by the detection of CD105 surface antigen and the absence of CD14 and CD45 antigens. The results of the MTT assay showed that the pre-treatment of MSC-like cells with andrographolide concentration independently increased the viability and resistance of these cells to environmental stress caused by hydrogen peroxide and serum deprivation (SD). Real-time PCR findings indicated a significant increase in HO-1 gene expression in the andrographolide-receiving groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that andrographolide creates a promising strategy for enhancing the quality of cell therapy by increasing the resistance of MSC-like cells to environmental stress and inducing the expression of HO-1.

Training needs assessment of hospital CEOs in a developing country: the example of Iran.

BACKGROUND: It is essential to identify the necessary competencies of hospital CEOs in order to improve the quality and efficiency of services they provide. Expert leadership skills and competencies can have a significant impact on the success of an organization, benefiting both patients and staff. This study aimed to assess the competencies and training needs of hospital CEOs in Iran public hospitals. METHODS: We conducted this cross-sectional analytical study through a self-assessment questionnaire, which was a web-based platform developed by the WHO country office in Iran, between July 2018 and September 2018. The questionnaire was completed by 180 hospital CEOs and included a core set of 81 items based on Assessing the Competency of Hospital CEO. These items were categorized into five superordinate categories: leadership, personality and quality of individual behavior, knowledge and business skills, social responsibility, and healthcare environment. In addition, we conducted focus groups with 30 hospital CEOs, supervisor assessments with 10 hospital managers, and interviews with 10 supervisors. RESULTS: Of the 180 questionnaires distributed, 78% were returned, and most respondents were medical specialists. The need for leadership competencies such as individual behavior skills and change management received the highest priority. Most respondents required training in management skills, including financial management, governance, strategic thinking, quality improvement, and disaster management. CONCLUSION: Providing needs-based education is crucial, especially in developing countries. In this study, leadership and strategic thinking were found to be the most needed competencies among hospital CEOs in Iran. These findings serve as reference points for developing countries with similar backgrounds and healthcare environments as Iran.

A systemmatic literature review on indirect costs of women with breast cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The rising incidence of breast cancer places a financial burden on national health services and economies. The objective of this review is to present a detailed analysis of the research and literature on indirect costs of breast cancer. METHODS: English literature databases from 2000 to 2020 were searched to find studies related to the objective of the present review. Study selection and data extraction was undertaken independently by two authors. Also, quality assessment was done using a checklist designed by Stunhldreher et al. RESULTS: The current study chose 33 studies that were eligible from a total of 2825 records obtained. The cost of lost productivity due to premature death based on human capital approach ranged from $22,386 to $52 billion. The cost burden from productivity lost due to premature death based on friction cost approach ranged from $1488.61 to $4,518,628.5. The cost burden from productivity lost due to morbidity with the human capital approach was reported as $126,857,360.69 to $596,659,071.28. The cost of lost productivity arising from informal caregivers with the human capital approach was $297,548.46 to $308 billion. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the existing evidence revealed the indirect costs of breast cancer in women to be significantly high. This study did a thorough review on the indirect costs associated with breast cancer in women which could serve as a guide to help pick the appropriate method for calculating the indirect costs of breast cancer based on existing methods, approach and data. There is a need for calculations to be standardised since the heterogeneity of results in different domains from various studies makes it impossible for comparisons to be made among different countries.

Designing and Evaluating a Mobile-based Self-care Application for Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer to Manage Chemotherapy Side Effects.

Background: Controlling and managing the side effects of chemotherapy is one of the most serious challenges that patients with gastrointestinal cancer encounter. A promising technique to overcome these challenges is using informative mobile-based applications. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a mobile-based application to help patients with gastrointestinal cancer to manage the possible side effects caused by chemotherapy. Methods: This descriptive-applied study was performed in 2 stages. In the first stage, a needs assessment was performed where the opinions of 4 oncologists and 27 patients with gastrointestinal cancer were obtained by use of a researcher-designed questionnaire. In the second stage of the study, based on the identified needs from the first stage, an application prototype was designed and later evaluated. Participants were asked to use the application for 1 week to evaluate the usability of the application. The Questionnaire for User Interaction Satisfaction Version 5.5 was used for evaluation. The results of the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS software Version 22. Results: Of the 34 data elements obtained in the first step, 30 gained a mean above 3.75 and were considered in designing the application. The following features were included in the application: demographic data, history, clinical data, managing psychological and psychiatric challenges, lifestyle information, management of side effects, communication possibility, and other application features. Also, the evaluation results showed that the users gave a mean of 7.12 to the application and believed its usability was good. Conclusion: This application and its capabilities can help patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing chemotherapy to better perform self-care processes, improve their health status, and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

Integrated and People-centred Hospital toward Universal Health Coverage in WHO- European Countries.

Background: Ensuring integrated people-centred health services (IPCHS) that offer universal access, social equity, and financial protection within a primary health care method is important toward universal health coverage and health sustainable development goals. Hospitals are part of this ambitious agenda. The purpose is to review the health system and to list and summarize hospital interventions. Methods: Document review. As part of our review, we selected health systems reports for conceptualizing IPCHS frameworks at the country level as well as those focusing on the hospital sector. Our research team collected and analyzed data including governance, financing, human resource, provision service, and reforms based on the health system report of 14 countries. Results: The review showed 26 challenges, most of which were in Eastern European countries, with 48 interventions in 3 themes and 13 subthemes. Conclusion: Due to the paradigm shift, there is a need for change. However, a much better positive view is needed to determine the role of hospitals in the service delivery system. The IPCHS framework provides guidance for countries in setting priorities, and formulating, implementing, and evaluating national policy/strategic plans for their hospital sector. Although the vision and interventions should be adapted to local context, different policy instruments may be needed to specifically tackle the most pressing local issues. Recognizing differences in countries' contexts will help to develop realistic and applicable solutions.

Effect of L-carnitine and conjugated linoleic acid supplements on haemoglobin levels and haptoglobin genotype in chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of L-carnitine (LC) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements on haemoglobin levels and inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with different haptoglobin (HP) genotypes. METHODS: This clinical trial study was conducted at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardabil, and Labbafinejad Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from March 2014 to March 2015, and comprised male patients with CKD and anaemia. Anthropometric factors were recorded and demographic data was collected using general questionnaires. LC (1 g/day) and CLA (2.4 g/day) supplements were given to the patients for a month. Blood samples were taken to measure haematological and inflammatory markers at the beginning and end of the study. Haptoglobin genotypes were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Among the 40 patients in the study, HP2-2 genotype was the most prevalent genotype (62.5%). The level of haemoglobin was significantly increased in the patients at the end of the study (p< 0.05). No significant changes were found in the weight, body mass index and serum levels of Interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity and iron (p>0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: Regular diet supplementation with LC plus CLA can improve haemoglobin levels in CKD patients with anaemia.

The effect of probiotic yoghurt consumption on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in young females after exhaustive exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of probiotic yoghurt consumption on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in young females after exhaustive exercise. METHODS: TThis study included 27 healthy participants with an age range of 18-25. For two weeks, 450 grams of probiotic yoghurt and 450 grams of ordinary yoghurt were given to the supplement and control groups, respectively. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of study. At the end of the intervention, the participants were given one exhaustive exercise and then fasting blood samples were taken to test for blood antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory markers, and oxidative markers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as paired and independent samples t-test. RESULTS: In supplement group, the glutathione peroxidise (GPX) blood levels and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) significantly increased at the end of two weeks of intervention (p<0.05). After intense physical activity, the blood levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), GPX and serum levels of TAC significantly increased, whereas the serum level of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-?), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly decreased in the supplement group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Besides, there were no significant changes in other biochemical factors. CONCLUSIONS: Regular probiotic yoghurt consumption significantly modulated MMP2, MMP9 and some inflammatory factors, and thus guarded against exhaustive exercise-inducing oxidative injury in young healthy females.

Strategies for reducing expenditures in Iran's health transformation plan: A qualitative study.

Background: Iranian health system underwent a series of reforms entitled Health Transformation Plan (HTP) in 2014. The plan started with packages that have imposed financial burden and increased expenditure in the health system. This study aimed to identify strategies and solutions to reduce expenditures in HTP in Iran. Methods: To conduct this qualitative study, the researchers held 15 semi-structured interviews with prominent experts in the research arena in 2018. Content analysis was used to analyze the data using MAXQDA 10 software. Results: Data collection yielded 9 main topics, including purchase and provision medicine, prescription, purchase and use of equipment, diagnostic medical services, referral system, human resources, physical space, payment system, and modifying and increasing base salaries. Conclusion: In Iran's health system, some aspects of HTP wasted resources, eg, the waste of resources in the service delivery system; thus, policymakers should consider proper strategies to control the costs based on the nature of their implementation.

Anti-inflammatory effects of conjugated linoleic acid on young athletic males.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on some inflammatory factors in young healthy males during exhaustive exercise. METHODS: The randomised double-blind controlled study was conducted at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from December 2012 to March2013, and comprised healthy male athletes 18-24 years of age. The subjects were randomly distributed into control and intervention groups. About 5.6 g/day conjugated linoleic acid supplement and oral paraffin (placebo) were given to intervention and control groups respectively daily for two weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of the two weeks of intervention. The subjects underwent exhaustive exercise and then fasting blood samples were taken. Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinases-2 and 9 were measured. RESULTS: There were 23 subjects in the study, with 13(56.5%) in the supplemented group and 10(43.4%) in the control group. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and tumour necrosis factor alpha were significantly decreased in the supplemented group (p<0.05). After exhaustive exercise, serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases-2, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor alpha significantly decreased in the supplemented group compared to the control group(p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Two-week administration of conjugated linoleic acid reduced the inflammatory factors following exhaustive exercise in young healthy males.

Association between hepcidin, haemoglobin level and iron status in stage 4 chronic kidney disease patients with anaemia.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the probable association of serum hepcidin and haemoglobin levels with iron and inflammation statuses in patients of chronic kidney disease stage 4 with anaemia. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from March 2011 to October 2012, and comprised patients of chronic kidney disease stage 4 with anaemia. Serum biochemical factors as well as hepcidin, ferritin, interleukin 6, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and iron levels were measured using standard methods. Statistical correlations were established using regression analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: There were 40 patients among whom 15(37.5%) were males and 25(62.5%) were females with an overall mean age of 55.68±14.4 years. There was a significant inverse relationship between hepcidin and haemoglobin levels (p<0.05). There were significant correlations between hepcidin with iron status, nutritional and inflammatory markers such as ferritin, Total iron binding capacity, albumin and interleukin 6 (p<0.05 each). CONCLUSIONS: Hepcidin had negative correlation with haemoglobin level in stage 4 chronic kidney disease patients with adequate iron stores, which could be effective in the development of anaemia in such patients.

Effect of pomegranate juice supplementation on matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 following exhaustive exercise in young healthy males.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of pomegranate juice supplementation on matrix metalloproteinases2 and 9 serum levels and improving antioxidant function in young healthy males during exhaustive exercise. METHODS: The study was conducted at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2010-11 and comprised 28 healthy subjects in 18-24 age bracket. They were randomly divided into control and supplemented groups. One cup of pomegranate juice and one cup of tap water were given to supplemented and control groups daily for two weeks respectively. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of two weeks of intervention. The subjects were given one exhaustive exercise and then fasting blood samples were taken for testing blood glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein, zinc, ceruloplasmin, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity. Data was analysed using descriptive statistical tests, paired and independent sample t-test. RESULTS: The blood levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity after exhaustive exercise in the supplemented group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the content of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, ceruloplasmin and malondialdehyde showed a significant decrease in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Besides, there were no significant changes in other biochemical factors. CONCLUSION: Regular intake of pomegranate juice significantly modulates matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9and serum levels of some inflammatory factors and thus protects against exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative injury in young healthy males.

Enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite scaffolds by magnesium and titanium oxides for bone tissue applications.

Significant attention has been devoted to bioactive implants for bone tissue applications, particularly composite scaffolds based on hydroxyapatite (HaP). This study explores the effects of Magnesium and Titanium oxides on the characteristics of HaP-based composite (HMT) scaffolds. The ceramic nanopowders were synthesized using in situ sol-gel, and then the scaffolds were fabricated by gel-casting technique, followed by heat treatment at 1200 °C. The thermal, microstructural, and structural properties of the samples were investigated by different characterization techniques. It was observed that the formation of the MgTiO3 phase in the composite scaffold was likely the key factor contributing to the improved mechanical properties. Finally, to evaluate bioactivity and biodegradability, scaffolds were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) buffer and analyzed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and the viability of human fibroblast cells was assessed using the MTT assay. The composite scaffolds containing the MgTiO3 phase showed greater HaP layer formation on the scaffold surface, indicating enhanced biocompatibility.

Molecular serotyping of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) of animal origin in Iran reveals the presence of important non-O157 seropathotypes.

The present study reported the first serotyping (O:H typing) data documented in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains of animal origin in Iran in isolates recovered between 2008 to 2016. A total number of 75 STEC strains previously isolated from fecal samples of cattle, sheep, goats, pigeons, humans, and deer were assessed by different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays detecting the major virulence genes of STEC and phylogroups. Then, the strains were tested for the 16 important O-groups by PCR. Finally, twenty strains were selected for H-genotyping by PCR plus sequencing. The predominant serogroup was O113 which was detected in nine isolates (five cattle, 55.50%; two goats, 22.20%; two red deer, 22.20%) followed by O26 (3/3, 100%) in cattle, O111 (3/3, 100%) in cattle, O5 (3/3, 100%) in sheep, O63 (1/1, 100%) in pigeon, O75 (2/2, 100%) in pigeons, and O128 in goats (2/3, 66.60%) and pigeon (1/3, 33.30%). The most important recognized serotypes were O113:H21 in cattle (2/3) and goat (1/3), O113:H4 in red deer (1/1), O111:H8 in calves (2/2), O26:H11 in calve (1/1), O128:H2 in goats (2/3) and pigeon (1/3), and O5:H19 in sheep (3/3). One cattle strain carrying stx1, stx2, eae, and Ehly genes belonged to O26:H29 serotype. Most strains with determined O-groups were from the bovine source that highlighted the importance of cattle as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic serovars. The present study suggested that the top seven non-O157 serogroups should be assessed along with O157 in all future research and clinical diagnostics of STEC in Iran.

Combined dandelion extract and all-trans retinoic acid induces cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among women worldwide. Recently, natural compounds have been widely used for the treatment of breast cancer. Present study evaluated antiproliferative and anti-metastasis activities of two natural compounds of dandelion and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. We also evaluated the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-1ß, p53, NM23 and KAI1 genes. Data showed a clear additive cytotoxic effect in concentrations of 40 µM ATRA with 1.5 and 4 mg/ml of dandelion extract in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells, respectively. In both cell lines, compared with the untreated cells, the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1ß were significantly decreased while p53 and KAI1 expression levels were increased. Besides, MMP-2 and NM23 had different expressions in the two studied cell lines. In conclusion, dandelion/ATRA co-treatment, in addition to having strong cytotoxic effects, has putative effects on the expression of anti-metastatic genes in both breast cancer cells.

Global prevalence of nosocomial infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are significant problems as public health issues which need attention. Such infections are significant problems for society and healthcare organizations. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review and a meta-analysis to analyze the prevalence of HAIs globally. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science between 2000 and June 2021. We found 7031 articles. After removing the duplicates, 5430 studies were screened based on the titles/ abstracts. Then, we systematically evaluated the full texts of the 1909 remaining studies and selected 400 records with 29,159,630 participants for meta-analysis. Random-effects model was used for the analysis, and heterogeneity analysis and publication bias test were conducted. RESULTS: The rate of universal HAIs was 0.14 percent. The rate of HAIs is increasing by 0.06 percent annually. The highest rate of HAIs was in the AFR, while the lowest prevalence were in AMR and WPR. Besides, AFR prevalence in central Africa is higher than in other parts of the world by 0.27 (95% CI, 0.22-0.34). Besides, E. coli infected patients more than other micro-organisms such as Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In hospital wards, Transplant, and Neonatal wards and ICU had the highest rates. The prevalence of HAIs was higher in men than in women. CONCLUSION: We identified several essential details about the rate of HAIs in various parts of the world. The HAIs rate and the most common micro-organism were different in various contexts. However, several essential gaps were also identified. The study findings can help hospital managers and health policy makers identify the reason for HAIs and apply effective control programs to implement different plans to reduce the HAIs rate and the financial costs of such infections and save resources.

Glutamine supplementation can reduce some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males.

OBJECTIVES: Glutamine can be beneficial to athletes for its antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of glutamine supplementation on some atherosclerosis markers after exhaustive exercise in young healthy males. METHODS: In an intervention study, 30 healthy males (case = 15 and control = 15) were randomly assigned into two groups. For 14 d, the intervention group received 0.3 g of glutamine per kilogram of body weight per day, with 25 g of sugar in 250 mL of water, and the control group received 25 g of sugar per 250 mL of water. At the end of the intervention, the participants completed one session of exhaustive exercise, and then fasting blood samples were taken to test serum levels of atherosclerosis markers. RESULTS: In the intervention group, the serum levels of leptin, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein were lower than in the control group after 2 wk of glutamine supplementation (P < 0.05). Interleukin-6 serum levels were lower in the intervention group compared to the control group after supplementation, but not significantly. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6, cholesterol, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, as well as the ratio of oxidized low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein, were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the control group after exhaustive exercise (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Glutamine supplementation has beneficial effects for athletes, particularly those doing strenuous physical exercise, through reducing atherosclerosis-related biomarkers and elevating serum adiponectin levels, and it can potentially play a role in decreasing the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.

Aflatoxin M1 in distributed milks in northwestern Iran: occurrence, seasonal variation, and risk assessment.

Aflatoxin is one of the dangerous fungal toxins that is produced in the presence of humidity and heat and lack of proper storage conditions and is considered as a dangerous substance threatening human health. The work aimed to determination of aflatoxin M1 (AFM) level in raw, pasteurized, and sterilized milks offered in the study area and to evaluate the risk of its consumption. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 60 samples of milk types supplied in the region were collected during two series of sampling (cold and hot seasons) and analyzed by ELISA method. LCR, MoE, and HI indices were used to assess the possible risk of consuming milk containing AFM. In all taken samples AFM was found, the toxin concentration range in the first and second series of sampling was 57.5-270.6 ng/L and 57-185.9 ng/L, respectively. The level of toxin in pasteurized and sterilized milks in both sampling series was higher than raw milks. Based on the obtained data and in order to assess the risk of milk consumption in the target population, associated values with EDI, LCR, MoE, and HI were also calculated and obtained in the range of 0.145-0.3 ng/k.d b.w, 0.0008-0.0017 additional case per one million population, 1892.9-3921.6 and 0.72-1.5 ng/kg b.w, respectively. According to the findings, all samples tested are contaminated and although it is within the range of the WHO recommendation, however, based on the calculated indicators, the risk of liver cancer threatens the consumers of these milks. Therefore, it is necessary to manage this issue through educational control and monitoring measures.

Zataria multiflora Boiss and Carvacrol Affect ß(2)-Adrenoceptors of Guinea Pig Trachea.

The stimulatory effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Labiatae) and carvacrol on ß-adrenoceptors was examined on guinea pig trachea. The effects of three concentrations of aqueous-ethanolic extract, carvacrol, and propranolol (ß-receptor antagonist) on ß-adrenoceptors were tested in nonincubated (group 1, n = 8) and incubated tracheal chains with 1 µM chlorpheniramine (histamine H1 receptor antagonist) (group 2, n = 5). Isoprenaline (ß-receptor agonist) curves obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract and carvacrol showed leftward shifts compared with that of saline in both groups. In both groups, the EC50 (the effective concentration of isoprenaline, causing 50% of maximum response) obtained in the presence of all concentrations of the extract and carvacrol was significantly lower compared to that of saline (P < .01 to P < .001). All values of (CR-1: (EC50 in the presence of active substances/EC50 obtained in the presence of saline)-1) obtained in the presence of concentrations of the extract and carvacrol in both groups were negative and significantly different from that of propranolol (P < .001 for all cases). The results indicated a stimulatory effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss extract on ß(2)-adrenoceptors which is perhaps due to its constituent, carvacrol.