Inhibitory effect of black and red pepper and thyme extracts and essential oils on enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and DNase activity of Staphylococcus aureus

In this study, extracts and essential oils of Black and Red pepper and Thyme were tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. Black and Red pepper and Thyme were provided from Iranian agricultural researches center. 2 g of each plant powder was added to 10 cc ethanol 96 degrees. After 24 h, the crude extract was separated as an alcoholic extract and concentrated by distillation method. Plants were examined for determining their major component and essential oils were separated. Phytochemical analyses were done for detection of some effective substances in extracts. The antibacterial activity against. Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus was tested and the results showed that all extracts and essential oils were effective and essential oils were more active. The extracts and oils that showed antimicrobial activity were later tested to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Dilution [MID] for those bacteria. They were also effective on the inhibition of DNase activity. This study was indicated that extracts and essential oils of Black and Red pepper and Thyme can play a significant role in inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus

[Translation and assessment of validity and reliability of the health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire, using factor analysis]

Public health promoting behaviors and lifestyle are quite important in adolescents and young adults. The present study aimed to translate and assess the validity and reliability of the health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire using factor analysis. In a descriptive study, 365 students at the Hamedan University of Medical Sciences were recruited by multistage randomized sampling method. The alpha Cronbach coefficient and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess the validity and internal consistency of the health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire which has 40 questions. Confirmatory factor analysis fit 6-factor structure was confirmed [RMSEA=0.05, CFI=0.94, x2 = 1989.10, df=410, p<0.001]. For all factors except social support, the Alpha Cronbach's coefficient was in agreement range of equal or above 0.74. The Persian version of the health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire can be used as a valid and reliable tool for investigating health behaviors in adolescents and young adults and specially medical students

Using recombinant chlamydia major outer membrane protein [MOMP] in ELISA diagnostic Kit

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the main causes of Sexually Transmitted Diseases [STDs] such as prostatitis and epididymitis in men and cervicitis, endometriosis, vaginitis and ureogenital tract infections in women. Serological tests with sensitivities related to specific antigens are commonly used as routine laboratory tests for diagnosis of Chlamydia. In this research the Chlamydia Major Outer Membrane Protein gene was coloned in order to prepare a specific recombinant protein for use in the ELISA diagnostic kit. DNA was extracted from cultured C. tachomatis. PCR reaction was carried out and the resulting PCR product was cloned into the pGemex-1 expression vector and induced by IPTG [Isopropyl beta-DThiogalactopyrano side]. Recombinant protein was confirmed by gel diffusion, dot blot and western blot, using patient's serum. The use of recombinant protein for diagnosis of Chlamydia by ELISA is therefore recommended