Biological properties the novel application of N-trimethyl chitosan nanospheres as a stabilizer and preservative in tetanus vaccine

Purpose@#Chitosan is a natural polymer that has excellent properties include biocompatibility, biodegradability, no cytotoxicity, high charge density, low cost, mucoadhesive, permeation enhancing (ability to cross tight junction), and immunomodulating ability that makes the spectrum of its applicability much broader. This study was conducted to investigate the stabilizing, preservative and immunogenicity properties of N-trimethyl chitosan nanospheres (N-TMCNS). @*Materials and Methods@#The tetanus toxoid (TT) was encapsulated into N-TMCNS and then characterized by scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and dynamic light scattering. For stabilizer assay of N-TMCNS after storage of TT-N-TMCNS at different temperatures for 3 weeks, they were used for immunization of mice and different temperatures groups’ anti-TT-N-TMCNS production compared with other groups. Finally, the immunized mice were challenged with tetanus toxin. The preservation activity of TT-N-TMCNS against Escherichia coli was compared with thimerosal formulated TT. @*Results@#Our results revealed that heat-treated TT-N-TMCNS could induce higher titer of neutralizing immunoglobulin G in compared to TT vaccine and was able to protect the mice better than TT vaccine in challenge test. Furthermore, N-TMCNS as a preservative inhibited the growth of E. coli more effective than thimerosal. @*Conclusion@#Overall, the obtained results indicated that the N-TMCNS is one of the best stabilizer and preservative agent that can be used in the formulation of TT vaccine.

A Therapeutic Oral Vaccine Candidate against Propionibacterium acnes: Preparation and Immunological Evaluation of Nanoparticles Encapsulated Sialidase-CAMP Fusion Protein

Abstract Acne Vulgaris is a common skin disease caused by Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobic microbiota of human skin that plays a vital role in the pathology of acne. The aim of this study was to prepare nanoparticles containing an acne recombinant protein and determine its ability as an oral acne vaccine in mice. The recombinant Sialidase-CAMP gene was expressed and purified in a prokaryotic host. The chitosan nanoparticles containing the recombinant protein were prepared, encapsulated, and administered by both oral and subcutaneous routes to Balb/c mice. Sera IgA and IgG and stool IgA titers were measured by ELISA, and the immunized mice were challenged against P. acnes. A 65 kDa recombinant protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blot. The size and zeta potential of nanoparticles were 80 nm and +18 mV, respectively. After oral immunization, the serum IgG and IgA titers were 1:3200 and 1:16, respectively, and the stool IgA titer was 1:8. In the subcutaneous route, the serum IgG titer was 1:51200. Immunized mice showed no inflammation in the ear of challenged mice. It is the first study that examines a chitosan-nanoparticulated acne fusion protein as an applicable acne vaccine candidate with appropriate immunogenicity potential. Further studies are required to validate the clinical usefulness of this vaccine candidate.

Evaluation of specific germ cell genes expression in mouse embryonic stem cell-derived germ cell like cells treated with bone morphogenetic protein 4 in vitro

Background: bone morphogenetic protein 4 [BMP4] is a significant signaling molecule that involves in initiating of differentiation and performs multifunctional effects on embryonic stem cells [ESCs] and embryos

Objective: the goal of the present study was to evaluate an in vitro differentiation model of mouse embryonic stem cells into germ cells, using BMP4

Materials and Methods: in this experimental study, we used Oct4-GFP mouse ESCs to form embryoid body [EB] aggregations for two days. Then, single cells from EB were cultured for four days with BMP4. Using MTT assay and gene expression levels for evaluation of Mvh and Riken by real-time RT-PCR of six concentrations, 12.5 ng/ ml BMP4 was determined as an optimized dose. Then, the expression level of Fkbp6, Mov10l1, 4930432K21Rik, Tex13, Mvh, Scp3, Stra8, Oct4 were evaluated. Flow cytometry and immunostaning were used to confirm the findings of the real-time RT-PCR

Results: in the +BMP4 group, the genes encoding Riken [p

Conclusion: down-regulation of Oct4, expression of germ cells genes and meiosis markers expression raise this hypothesis that ESCs were differentiated by BMP4, and may be introduced into the first meiosis as germ cell-like cells

Incidence pattern and spatial analysis of breast cancer in Iranian women: Geographical Information System applications

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cancer in Iranian women, but no studies have yet been conducted on the distribution and pattern of its incidence.

Aim: To perform a spatial analysis and determine the incidence pattern of breast cancer in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, pathology-based study of all new female patients with breast cancer registered in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2011 [n=10 233]. Initially, crude incidence rates were calculated for each province and the whole country per 100 000 person–years. Then, a direct standardization method and World Health Organization standard population were used to adjust for age effects on a geographical scale. Stata and Arc GIS software were used to calculate incidence rates and conduct spatial analysis.

Results: The mean [standard deviation] age of the patients was 50.9 [12.6] years. The national age-standardized incidence rate for breast cancer in women was 29.88 per 100 000 person–years, with a range of 5–72 in different provinces. The clustering incidence pattern was observed in Mazandaran, Tehran, Alborz, Isfahan and Markazi Provinces [P < 0.01]. There was a significant cluster of high incidence of breast cancer in Iranian women.

Conclusion: These findings may help to establish etiological hypotheses of cancer causation and identify spatial anomalies in cancer incidence or registration in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our findings may also aid further research on the possible explanations for these clusters and associations

Risk factors for heart failure in a cohort of patients with newly diagnosed myocardial infarction: a matched, case-control study in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors for heart failure (HF) have not yet been studied in myocardial infarction (MI) patients in Iran. This study was conducted to determine these risk factors. METHODS: In this nationwide, hospital-based, case-control study, the participants were all new MI patients hospitalized from April 2012 to March 2013 in Iran. The data on 1,691 new cases with HF (enrolled by census sampling) were compared with the data of 6,764 patients without HF as controls. We randomly selected four controls per one case, matched on the date at MI and HF diagnosis, according to incidence density sampling. Using conditional logistic regression models, odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: The one-year in-hospital mortality rate was 18.2% in the cases and higher than in the controls (12.1%) (p<0.05). Significant risk factors for HF were: right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.95 to 4.19), stroke (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.39 to 2.89), and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.09). Diabetes, hypertension, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and age were determined to be the factors significantly associated with HF incidence (p<0.05). The most important factor in women was diabetes (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.88). Age, hypertension, PCI, CABG, and RBBB were the most important factors in men. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may help to better identify and monitor the predictive risk factors for HF in MI patients. The pattern of risk factors was different in men and women.

Sleep quality in medical students; the impact of over-use of mobile cell-phone and social networks

Background: poor sleep quality is closely associated with lifestyle habits including use of mobile cell-phones. This study aimed to identify the relationship between sleep quality due to abuse in mobile cell-phones and engagement in social networks

Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted on 380 undergraduate students selected by proportional stratified sampling in Qom, Iran in 2015. Data were collected by two statndard questionnaire including Cell-Phone Over-Use Scale [COS] and Pittsburgh sleep quality questionnaire beside the status of usage in cell-phone social networks. T-test, chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate logistic regression were used in data analysis

Results: the mean age of participants was 21.8 +/- 3.2 yr, 69.1% were female, and 11.7% were married. The mean of COS and sleep quality scores were 48.18 +/- 17.5 and 5.38 +/- 2.31, respectively. The prevalence of over-use of cell phone was 10.7% [CI 0.95; 8.8%, 12.6%] and the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 61.7% [CI 0.95; 57.1%, 66.3%]. The mean of all aspects and total score of sleep quality showed a direct significant association by cell-phone addiction score except sleep duration score that was inversely. Based on multivariate analysis affected to cell-phone addiction, being male gender and studying in general physician level are the most important predictors of poor sleep quality

Conclusions: over use of internet and social networks via smart phones is related to poor sleep quality and quantity. Predefined sport programs, educational, cultural, and interesting entertainment are the essential needs for all medical students. These interventions are more important especially for male students who have longer educational

[Prevalence of food allergens in patients with atopic dermatitis referring to the asthma and allergy clinic in Tehran in 2014]

Background and Aim: Atopic dermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease the skin. Food allergy is one of the main factors affecting the onset and severity of the disease. Recognition of the pattern of sensitivity to food allergens in the community can play an important role in the public awareness and prevention of recurrence of atopic dermatitis. The aim of this study was to recognize the prevalence of common food allergens in the patients with atopic dermatitis by means of skin prick test in Tehran during 2014

Material and Methods: In this cross sectional study, we examined all the patients for the signs and symptoms of allergies in the Asthma and Allergy Clinic during 2014. Skin prick test was performed for common food allergens in the patients with atopic dermatitis. SPSS version 20, was used for data analysis

Results: Out of 1012 patients with allergy, 282 cases [approximately 28%] were diagnosed as atopic dermatitis. 87[52 female and 35 male] patients with atopic dermatitis, were sensitive to at least one food allergen [positive prick test]. In patients with atopic dermatitis the prevalence rates of asthma, allergic rhinitis and urticaria were 6.8, 11.4 and 4.5 %, respectively. There was no relationship between gender and food allergy in the patients with atopic dermatitis. The most prevalent food allergens were egg yolk [38.4%], egg white [36.5%], hazelnut [33.3%], and peanut [28.7%], and the least prevalent allergens were found in rice [4.6%], barley [5.7%], and meat [6.9%]

Conclusion: The prevalence rate of atopic dermatitis in allergic patients in this study was more than expected. Sensitivity to egg and nuts as the most common allergens should be taken into consideration by families and allergy specialists

rare case of gestational gigantomastia with hypercalcemia: the challenges of management and follow up

Background: Gigantomastia is a breast disorder marked by exaggerated rapid growth of the breasts, generally bilaterally. Since this disorder is very rare and has been reported only in sparse case reports its etiology has yet to be fully established. Treatment is aimed at improving the clinical and psychological symptoms and reducing the treatment side effects; however, the best therapeutic option varies from case to case

Case Presentation: The present report described a case of gestational gigantomastia in a 30-year-old woman, gravida 2, parity 1, 17 week pregnant admitted to Pars Hospital, Tehran, Iran, on May 2014. The patient was admitted to hospital at week 17 of pregnancy, although her breasts initially had begun to enlarge from the first trimester. The patient developed hypercalcemia in her 32nd week of pregnancy. The present report followed this patient from diagnosis until the completion of treatment

Conclusion: Although gestational gigantomastia is a rare condition, its timely prognosis and careful examination of some conditions like hyperprolactinemia and hypercalcemia is essential in successful management of this condition

[Evaluation of antibodies produced against lipopolysaccharides of vibrio cholerae for rapid detection of cholera]

Objective: Cholera is an endemic disease in Iran. Early detection, especially in times of disease outbreaks, is of vital importance. The antibody against the lipopolysaccharide [LPS] is an important method for bacterial detection. This study intends to extract and purify the LPS of Vibrio cholerae and evaluate the cholera antibody for detection purposes

Methods: Vibrio cholerae was cultured in tryptone extract medium. LPS was extracted by the hot phenol water method, purified, and dialyzed. We measured the LPS protein and sugar content, purity, and biological activity. Antibodies were produced by injection of the killed bacteria with Freund's complete adjuvant into rabbits and then the LPS was injected three times with Freund's incomplete adjuvant. After the last booster, blood samples were taken. We used ELISA to determine the antibody titers against the Inaba and Ogawa serotypes, the LPS of these serotypes, and several other similar bacteria

Results: The amount of protein in the purified LPS was approximately zero and sugar was 0.5 mg/ml. The LPS had a titer activity of 1024, and consisted of three bands [5.2, 4, and 5.14 KD]. Antibodies produced by the rabbits identified the bacterial Inaba and Ogawa serotypes, and the purified LPS. Ogawa and Inaba serotypes cross-react with each other but not with other species of Vibrio and other bacteria. The LPS antibody titer against the Ogawa serotype was 1:32000, whereas for Inaba it was 1:16000

Conclusion: Due to the low cost of production, high sensitivity, and importance of cholera diagnosis in Iran, the antiserum produced in this study can be used as a tool for early screening of cholera and discrimination of O1 strains from non-O1 strains in immunologic tests

Detection of Human papillomavirus 16 and 18 types in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients in Yazd, Iran :a case-control study

The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of human papillomavirus [HPV] 16/18 in oral squamous cell carcinoma [OSCC] and normal oral mucosa in Iranian individuals with OSCC and their association with various risk factors. The investigation followed a hospital-based case-control design. Cases were individuals with diagnosed OSCC, age- and sex-matched with controls. Sixty-six paraffin embedded tissue samples [39 OSCC and 27normal oral mucosa] were studied. DNA was purified to amplify HPV-DNA using HPV type specific primers-mediated polymerase chain reaction [PCR] method. Mean age was 64.2 +/-14 years in cases [range 25-81 years], and 63.5 +/-13.5 years in controls [range 22-78 years]. Forty-three percent [17/39] of OSCC but none of normal oral mucosa were positive for HPV 16/18 DNA [p = 0.001]. The most frequent type in patient group was HPV-16 type. The prevalence rate was high older in age [>50 years] and gender [male] and tongue tissue but no significant association was found [p=0.7, p=0.5 and p=0.42 respectively]. We found a significant association of HPV16/18 with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Also, HPV16/18 is a co-factor in oral carcinogenesis. In addition, also it is suggested that HPV is as a risk factor independent of alcohol and tobacco can be effective in creating OSCC

Distribution of IL-28B genotypes in patients with hepatitis C and healthy individuals in Jahrom city

The purpose of this study was to compare the distribution of interleukin [IL]-28B genotypes between Iranian healthy individuals and patients with chronic hepatitis C based on the genotype. Polymorphisms in the region of IL-28B gene have been identified as the strongest genetic pretreatment predictor of sustained virological response [SVR] in hepatitis C infection. In this study, 147 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 80 healthy individuals were included. The IL-28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP method and the frequency of IL-28B polymorphisms with respect to HCV genotypes was also determined. The frequencies of rs12979860 TT, CC and CT genotypes in the chronic hepatitis C patients and healthy individuals were as follows: 10.8% vs. 11.3%, 38.7% vs. 46.2% and 50.3% vs. 42.5%. Also, the frequencies of rs8099917 TT, GG and GT genotypes in the chronic hepatitis C patients was 61.9%, 6.1% and 32% and in controls was 47.5%, 11.2% and 41.3%. The differences in the distribution of rs12979860 genotypes and alleles between HCV genotype 1 and HCV genotype 3a infected patients were statistically significant. The rs12979860 C allele is the favorable allele for the spontaneous clearance of HCV. It seems that the impact of IL-28B polymorphism on the spontaneous clearance of HCV genotype 3 is more prominent than HCV genotype 1, which results in the observation of higher rs12979860 C allele frequency in chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 3 than HCV genotype 1

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among women referring to Shahid Beheshti hospital, Hamadan, Iran

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. The aim of this study was investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among young women who referred to check up for toxoplasmosis attended in Shahid Beheshti hospital, Hamadan during 2013-2014. This study was performed on 2523 pregnant women who referred to laboratory of Shahid Beheshti hospital in Hamadan province [western of Iran] during 2013-2014. Age, level of education and place of residence were recorded in the relevant forms. Antibodies serum levels for all samples were examined by ELISA. IgG titer equals and more than 1:200 was presumed as seropositive. Data were analyzed using by SPSS version 19.0 software. 26.1% of IgG seropositive persons were city residents while 32.3% of them lived at village and suburb of city. 1.4% and 1.1% of at risk persons [based on IgG titration] were city and village residents, respectively. 1.3% and 1.9% of IgM seropositives were city and village residents, respectively. The percentage of at risk persons of city and village [based on IgM titration] were 0.3% and 0.6%, in a row. 29.7% of IgG seropositives did not have academic education while 30.4% of them graduated from high school, at least. The seropositive IgM percentage of non-academic educated persons and graduated/academic ones were 1.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Our funding indicates the association between age of women and their level of education with percentage of contamination and prevalence. IgM seropositive is lesser than IgG. It means that toxoplasmosis is chronic or there is previous contact. To avoid the risk of toxoplasmosis infection particularly in pregnant women should be examined and the necessary preventive measures and training for young women should be presented

Immunoinformatics and Similarity Analysis of House Dust Mite Tropomyosin

Background: Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus are house dust mites [HDM] that they cause severe asthma and allergic symptoms. Tropomyosin protein plays an important role in mentioned immune and allergic reactions to HDMs. Here, tropomyosin protein from Dermatophagoides spp. was comprehensively screened in silico for its allergenicity, antigenicity and similarity/conservation.

Materials and Methods: The amino acid sequences of D. farinae tropomyosin, D. pteronyssinus and other mites were retrieved. We included alignments and evaluated conserved/ variable regions along sequences, constructed their phylogenetic tree and estimated overall mean distances. Then, followed by with prediction of linear B-cell epitope based on different approaches, and besides in-silico evaluation of IgE epitopes allergenicity [by SVMc, IgE epitope, ARPs BLAST, MAST and hybrid method]. Finally, comparative analysis of results by different approaches was made.

Results: Alignment results revealed near complete identity between D. farina and D. pteronyssinus members, and also there was close similarity among Dermatophagoides spp. Most of the variations among mites' tropomyosin were approximately located at amino acids 23 to 80, 108 to 120, 142 to 153 and 220 to 230. Topology of tree showed close relationships among mites in tropomyosin protein sequence, although their sequences in D. farina, D. pteronyssinus and Psoroptes ovis are more similar to each other and clustered. Dermanyssus gallinae [AC: Q2WBI0] has less relationship to other mites, being located in a separate branch. Hydrophilicity and flexibility plots revealed that many parts of this protein have potential to be hydrophilic and flexible. Surface accessibility represented 7 different epitopes. Beta-turns in this protein are with high probability in the middle part and its two terminals. Kolaskar and Tongaonkar method analysis represented 11 immunogenic epitopes between amino acids 7-16. From comparative analysis of predicted probable consensus epitope regions by machine learning approaches these epitopes were gained: AA23-48, AA59-80, AA91-110, AA114-143, AA154-168, AA182-200, AA208-225, and AA254-272. Prediction of allergenic proteins by AlgPred server showed 10 matches for IgE epitope, and prediction by hybrid approach showed that IgE epitope is undoubtedly the major allergen.

Conclusion: Immunoinformatic approaches in allergenic protein analysis are now reliable tools for explanation/interpretation of clinically observed complexities. Results of present study, would help in HDM immunotherapy against several species of parasites as a wide range epitopic desensitization or prevention [vaccine] regime.

Dyslipidemia Prevalence in Iranian Adult Men: The Impact of Population-Based Screening on the Detection of Undiagnosed Patients

PURPOSE: Dyslipidemia has been established as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Due to the higher prevalence of dyslipidemia in males, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia in Iranian urban men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A screening program was conducted in 845 Iranian men 25 years of age and older in 2014. A health interview survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported dyslipidemia and to collect demographic data, as well as serum lipid profile screening by a reference laboratory. Lipoprotein levels was categorized based on the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and the data were analyzed using the chi-square test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 51.8%, and the prevalence of various forms of dyslipidemia was as follows: hypercholesterolemia (> or =240 mg/dL), 11.4%; hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (> or =160 mg/dL), 9.6%; hypertriglyceridemia (> or =200 mg/dL), 25%; and hypo-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (<40 mg/dL), 34.3%. With the exception of hypo-HDL, all forms of dyslipidemia were significantly less common in men over 65 years of age (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypo-HDL and hypertriglyceridemia was higher than expected in Iranian adult men, with half of men 25 years of age and older affected by at least one form of dyslipidemia. A large gap in primary and secondary care was observed, because nearly 80% of patients with dyslipidemia were unaware of their status. Urgent preventive programs and lifestyle changes are necessary to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.

Detection of the Efflux-Mediated Erythromycin Resistance Transposon in Streptococcus pneumoniae

BACKGROUND: The present analysis focuses on phenotypic and genotypic characterizations of efflux-mediated erythromycin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae due to an increase in macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae worldwide. METHODS: We investigated the prevalence of efflux-mediated erythromycin resistance and its relevant genetic elements from 186 specimens of S. pneumonia isolated from clinical and normal flora from Tehran, Iran. The presence of erythromycin resistance genes was tested by PCR with two sets of primers, specific for erm(B) and mef(A/E), and their genetic elements with tetM, xis, and int genes. Isolates were typed with the BOX PCR method and tested for resistance to six antibiotics. RESULTS: Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that 100% and 47% isolates were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin, respectively. The erythromycin and clindamycin double-disc diffusion test for macrolide-lincosamide-streptograminB (MLSB) resistance phenotype showed 74 (84%) isolates with the constitutive MLSB phenotype and the remaining with the M phenotype. BOX PCR demonstrated the presence of 7 types in pneumococci with the M phenotype. Fourteen (16%) isolates with the M phenotype harbored mef(A/E), tetM, xis, and int genes. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest dissemination of polyclonal groups of S. pneumoniae with the M phenotype carrying resistance genes attributed to transposon 2009.

TP53 codon 72 polymorphism and risk of sporadic prostate cancer among Iranian patients

The TP53 gene is one of the most frequently mutated genes amongst human malignancies, particularly TP53 codon 72 polymorphism. Furthermore, an association between the TP53 codon 72 variants and prostate cancer has been reported in several studies. Although some studies have indicated an association between the TP53 Arg/Arg variant and an increased risk for prostate cancer, other studies have shown a positive correlation between the TP53 Pro/Pro genotype instead. Therefore, to clarify if this polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in Iranian men, we conducted a case-control study of 40 sporadic prostate cancer patients and 80 benign prostate hyperplasia cases. The TP53 codon 72 was genotyped using an allele specific PCR. A significant association between the TP53 codon 72 genotype and prostate cancer risk was found [OR = 6.8, 95% CI = [1.8-25.1], P = 0.005]. However, the results of this study did not support an association between age, the Gleason score nor TP53 genotype at codon 72 in prostate cancer patients. TP53 codon 72 polymorphism may have a great impact in the development of prostate cancer

Ameliorative effect of melatonin against contrast media induced renal tubular cell injury

Reactive oxygen species [ROS] is a mediator of renal damage. Melatonin is a potent-free radical scavenger. Our objective was to test whether melatonin would protect against the nephrotoxicity of contrast media. In an experimental study 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four equal groups including: 1] Control group [No drug], 2] Contrast media group [10 ml/kg iodixanol i.v. single dose], 3] Contrast media and melatonin [first 10 ml/kg iodixanol then 10 ml/kg/day melatonin by i.p. injection on days 3, 4 and 5] and 4] Contrast media and melatonin pretreatment group [melatonin 10 ml/ kg/day by i.p. injection on 1, 2 and 3 days, then 10 ml/kg iodixanol by i.v. injection on third day. The blood creatinine and BUN as well as the histological changes were evaluated for severity of renal injury [degeneration, vacuolization of tubular renal cells, dilatation of tubular lumen and presence of debris in the lumens], by scoring from one to four. Contrast media significantly increased the creatinine and BUN and renal injury [p < 0.05]. Melatonin prevented and reversed the injury induced by contrast media [P < 0.05]. Pretreatment with melatonin reduced the renal injury induced by contrast media [P < 0.05]. Melatonin is an effective drug to prevent contrast-induced renal injury. Therefore its usage [especially pretreatment] might be beneficial in patients who are planning to use contrast media agents

Cell-Penetrating Peptides [CPPs]: a tool in modern biotechnology

The major limitation in the application of bioactive molecule is their low permeation across plasma membrane. In 1988 it was discovered, that a natural polycationic protein, the trans-acting activator of transcription [TAT] of the human immunodeficiency virus [HIV-1], passed very efficiently through cell membrane of cultured mammalian cells. TAT became known as the first cell penetrating peptide [CPP]. CPPs have demonstrated themselves to be capable of delivering biologically active cargo to the cell interior and the vehicular capabilities of CPPs have already been harnessed for use as laboratory tools. Attached to a CPP, therapeutic cargo could be delivered to an intracellular target, thus overcoming the entry restrictions set by the plasma membrane. Since the discovery of TAT, the number of known peptides with cell-penetrating capabilities has grown and in 2003, the first CPP-based drug reached phase II clinical trials. In this review we introduce and discuss the current knowledge of CPPs

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus Infection by quantitative chemiluminescent in Tabriz [north west of Iran], 2010-2011

Hepatitis B is considered as one of the most common infectious diseases. The contamination of this virus has caused hygienic problems all over the world. Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are most important consequences of this disease. The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of infection in Tabriz North West of Iran. This study is carried out, on partial and short time basis between 2010 and 2011, on test results of 21421 examined individuals whom have visited clinics in Tabriz. HBsAg of the samples was analyzed with chemiluminescence apparatus and finally, SPSS software was used to conduct the statistical examination of the results. Among 21421 examined individuals [5021 cases in 2010 and 16400 cases in 2011], 594 samples [2.77%] were reported positive and 20827 samples [97.23%] were reported negative. According to the results, gender was not a determining factor affecting the susceptibility of patients. Our country is endemic to this disease, so diagnostic and preventive methods are crucial, more over comprehensive national vaccination can help to noticeably reduce the infectious cases caused by the disease

Comparison of culture and multiplex PCR technique for detection of brucella abortus and brucella melitensis from human blood samples

To compare culture methods with multiplex PCR technique for identification of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis from suspicious patients with clinical history of brucellosis and positive serological test [Rose Bengal test and serum agglutination test]. In this study, 160 blood samples from patients suspected of Brucellosis with high serum titers of 1/80 were studied. All samples were cultured in Brucella-specific media. Brucella species were identified by using microbiological methods. DNA was extracted with Phenol-chloroform DNA extraction method. IS711 was amplified simultaneously using three specific primers and obtained patterns were analyzed. From 160 samples, 47.5% [76] were culture positive cases from which 43 cases were B. melitensis and 33 were B. abortus With the PCR technique 108 were detected positive from which 45.3% were B. abortus and 54.6% were B. melitensis. It should be noted that all 76 samples with positive culture were also identified by PCR. Generally, use of the molecular technique multiplex PCR in addition to increased speed and accuracy and less false results than bacterial culture method, is able to identify different species of brucella. This will facilitate the treatment process