Protective Effect of Ozone against Hemiscorpius lepturus Envenomation in Mice / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Scorpion (Hemiscorpius lepturus) stings are a public health concern in Iran, particularly in south and southwestern regions of Iran. The gold standard for the treatment of a scorpion sting is anti-venom therapy. However, immunotherapy can have serious side effects, such as anaphylactic shock (which can sometimes even lead to death). The aim of the current study was to demonstrate the protective effect of ozone against toxicity induced by Hemiscorpius lepturus (H. lepturus) venom in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight hours after the injection of ozone to the experimental design groups, the male mice were decapitated and mitochondria were isolated from five different tissues (liver, kidney, heart, brain, and spinal cord) using differential ultracentrifugation. Then, assessment of mitochondrial parameters including mitochondrial reactive oxidative species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP level, and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Our results showed that H. lepturus venom-induced oxidative stress is related to ROS production and MMP collapse, which is correlated with cytochrome c release and ATP depletion, indicating the predisposition to the cell death signaling.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In general, ozone therapy in moderate dose can be considered as clinically effective for the treatment of H. lepturus sting as a protective and antioxidant agent.</p>

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus among Iranian soldiers

Background: Hepatitis A virus [HAV] is highly contagious in individuals living in crowded conditions such as military centers

Objectives: This study try to investigate the seroprevalence of HAV immunity among Iranian soldiers and determine whether vaccination should be used for military draftees

Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 1554 soldiers were recruited through random clustering sampling. Serum anti-HAV antibody was measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA].Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS

Results: A total of 1554 male soldiers with age ranged from 18 to 34 years [mean age: 21.2 +/- 1.9 y] at baseline were evaluated. Overall, 80.3% of the analyzed specimens were anti-HAV seropositive. The seroprevalence rates increased significantly with the age

Conclusion: Our results suggest that generally vaccination for HAV is not necessary for Iranian military draftees. But the vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups including anti-HAV seronegative soldiers

Molecular detection and antimicrobial resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae from house flies [Musca domestica] in kitchens, farms, hospitals and slaughterhouses

Identifying disease vectors and pathogens is one of the key steps in controlling vector-borne diseases. This study investigated the possible role of house flies [Musca domestica] as vectors in the transmission ofKlebsiella pneumoniae in Chaharmahal VA Bakhtiari and Isfahan provinces of Iran. House flies were captured from household kitchens, cattle farms, chicken farms, animal hospitals, human hospitals and slaughterhouses. Isolation of K. pneumoniae from external surfaces and guts of the flies was performed using MacConkey agar [MA] and thioglycollate broth [TGB]. Identification of the isolates was performed with phenotypic techniques and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. A total of 600 house flies were sampled during the study period from different locations in four different seasons. Overall, 11.3% of the captured house flies were positive for K. pneumoniae. In Chaharmahal VA Bakhtiari province, the prevalence was 12.7%, while in Isfahan province, 10.0% of the sampled house flies were infected with K. pneumoniae. Season-wise, the highest prevalence of infections among the house flies was in summer. The organisms were highly resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, cefotaxime and piperacillin. A lowest level of resistance was observed for imipenem/cilastatin. The findings of this study demonstrated that house flies are potential vectors of antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae in Isfahan and Chaharmahal provinces, Iran. Control efforts for infections caused by this particular bacterium should takeM. domestica into account

Comparison of cyp141 and IS6110 for detection of mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinical specimens by PCR

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem throughout the world. TB's worldwide patterns of prevalence coupled with the increase in incidence of HIV infection threaten the health and lives of humans worldwide. Rapid detection of TB and the rapidly initiation of the administration of medication are important strategies for stopping the transmission of this disease transmission and its resistance to anti-TB drugs. Molecular methods are advantageous relative to conventional techniques due to their greater speed and sensitivity in the detection of TB. In this study, we targeted the cyp141 gene for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinical specimens [n = 123] by PCR and compared the sensitivity and specificity of this new target with those of IS6110 gene. Targeting of the cyp141 gene is more sensitive [97.1% for cultured isolates and 85.7% for direct specimens] than the targeting of the commonly used IS6110 gene [95.1% for cultured isolates and 42.9% for direct specimens], and the specificities of these two target genes were equal [100%]. The cyp141 gene can be used as a new target for the direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that seems to be superior to IS6110

An overview of travel-associated central nervous system infectious diseases: risk assessment, general considerations and future directions

Nervous system infections are among the most important diseases in travellers. Healthy travellers might be exposed to infectious agents of central nervous system, which may require in-patient care. Progressive course is not uncommon in this family of disorders and requires swift diagnosis. An overview of the available evidence in the field is, therefore, urgent to pave the way to increase the awareness of travel-medicine practitioners and highlights dark areas for future research. In November 2013, data were collected from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge (1980 to 2013) including books, reviews, and peer-reviewed literature. Works pertained to pre-travel care, interventions, vaccinations related neurological infections were retrieved. Here we provide information on pre-travel care, vaccination, chronic nervous system disorders, and post-travel complications. Recommendations with regard to knowledge gaps, and state-of-the-art research are made. Given an increasing number of international travellers, novel dynamic ways are available for physicians to monitor spread of central nervous system infections. Newer research has made great progresses in developing newer medications, detecting the spread of infections and the public awareness. Despite an ongoing scientific discussion in the field of travel medicine, further research is required for vaccine development, state-of-the-art laboratory tests, and genetic engineering of vectors.

An overview of travel-associated central nervous system infectious diseases: Risk assessment, general considerations and future directions

Nervous system infections are among the most important diseases in travellers. Healthy travellers might be exposed to infectious agents of central nervous system, which may require in-patient care. Progressive course is not uncommon in this family of disorders and requires swift diagnosis. An overview of the available evidence in the field is, therefore, urgent to pave the way to increase the awareness of travel-medicine practitioners and highlights dark areas for future research. In November 2013, data were collected from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge (1980 to 2013) including books, reviews, and peer-reviewed literature. Works pertained to pre-travel care, interventions, vaccinations related neurological infections were retrieved. Here we provide information on pre-travel care, vaccination, chronic nervous system disorders, and post-travel complications. Recommendations with regard to knowledge gaps, and state-of-the-art research are made. Given an increasing number of international travellers, novel dynamic ways are available for physicians to monitor spread of central nervous system infections. Newer research has made great progresses in developing newer medications, detecting the spread of infections and the public awareness. Despite an ongoing scientific discussion in the field of travel medicine, further research is required for vaccine development, state-of-the-art laboratory tests, and genetic engineering of vectors.

Chlamydia pneumoniae in the atherosclerotic plaques of coronary artery disease patients

An association between Chlamydia pneumoniae [C. pneumoniae] and cardiovascular disease has been demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to study this potential relationship in 105 Iranian patients. Coronary artery specimens from 105 Iranian patients undergoing CABG were analyzed by PCR method for C. pneumoniae. Serological evaluation for C. pneumoniae IgG and IgM was performed using ELISA. 53 specimens from mamillary artery were also investigated. C. pneumoniae PCR test result was positive for 23 [21.9%] of patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis, but none of the specimens from the mamillary artery was positive for C. pneumoniae when it was evaluated by the PCR [P<0.001]. Coronary artery disease patients with and without a history of unstable angina or myocardial infarction were comparable in C. pneumoniae PCR test positive rates [P=0.618]. Relevance of IgG and IgM positivity were also studied by correlating it to the study parameters, but no difference was found. CRP was significantly higher in the IgM positive group [P<0.001]. A significant proportion of coronary atherosclerotic plaques are infected with C. pneumoniae while no infection was found in the normal mamillary artery specimens. No association was found between acute coronary syndromes and serological and PCR positivity. Further prospective randomized controlled studies with large patient population are needed to confirm our findings

Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from burned patients hospitalized in a major burn center in Tehran, Iran

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important life-threatening nosocomial pathogen and plays a prominent role in serious infections in burned patients. The current study was undertaken to characterize P. aeruginosa strains isolated from burned patients in Tehran, Iran. The study was conducted in a major burn center in Tehran, Iran in 2007. A total of seventy specimens obtained from different clinical origin with positive culture results for P. aeruginosa were included in the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed according to the standard CLSI guideline. The relationship between the strains was also determined using antimicrobial drug resistance pattern analysis and plasmid profiling. All strains were multi drug resistant. The percentage of resistance to tested antibiotics was: imipenem 97.5%, amikacin 90%, piperacillin 87.5%, ceftizoxime 72.7%, gentamicin 67.5%, ciprofloxacin 65%, ceftriaxone 60%, and ceftazidime 57.5%. Thirteen resistant phenotypes were recognized, R3 [TET, IPM, AMK, CIP, PIP, GM, CAZ, CRO, CT] was the predominant resistance pattern seen in 27.5% of isolates. Results obtained from Etest showed that 100% of P. aeruginosa strains were resistant to cefoxitin, 97% to cefotetan, 93% to ticarcillin, 89% to ticarcillin/clav, 76% to gentamicin and imipenem, 63% to piperacillin, 49% to tetracycline, and 20% to meropenem. Nine different plasmid profiles were observed among the strains. The current study showed an increase rate of resistance for some antibiotics tested among P. aeruginosa strains isolated from burned patients in Tehran. A combination of antibiotic susceptibility testing and profile plasmid analysis, which are relatively cheap and available methods, showed to be useful to characterize the clinical strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from burned patients in Iran

Low back pain and related factors among Iranian office workers

Low Back Pain [LBP] is likely the most common medical disorder among work population. In this survey, prevalence of LBP and pain severity and the association of them with occupational and non-occupational risk factors were specified among office workers in Baqiyatallah University Of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2006 In this way the point prevalence of LBP and pain severity among office workers, role of some personal and occupational factors, and self-reported pain severity were assessed. The instruments used included direct interview, a body discomfort assessment tool that consisted of a 10-centimeter color Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] and a questionnaire. Face to face, interview was done for measuring of weight and height of subjects. Of 1580 volunteers, 1436 persons were participated. About 80% [79.8%] of respondents were male. Mean age of responders was 35.08 years. More than 60% had at least one episode of LBP during their working life and 45.0% of pain sufferers' first attack was during their employment. Lifetime prevalence of LBP was 92.1% and this result for last 12 months was 37.3%. Increased age up to 40 years, increased weight, sitting work style more than 4 hours, computer use more than 5 hours a day also past history of LBP had a positive association with increased like hood of occurrence of LBP. LBP had a high prevalence in office workers. This study might help to estimate low back problems in office workers and emphasize healthy lifestyle, ergonomic measurement and control, good posture and holding educational programs

Molecular screening of staphylococcal enterotoxin B gene in clinical isolates

The role of staphylococcal enterotoxin B [SEB] in food poisoning is well known, however its role in other diseases remains to be explored. The aim of this study is the molecular screening and characterization of the SEB gene in clinically isolated strains. In this experimentally study, 300 Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus] strains isolated from clinical samples were assayed. The isolated strains were confirmed by conventional bacteriological methods. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] was used to determine the enterotoxin B [ent B] gene. Assessment of toxin production in all strains that contained the ent B gene was then performed. Finally, using specific antibody against SEB, a Western-blot was applied to confirm detection of enterotoxin B production. Results indicated that only 5% of the 300 clinically isolated S. aureus contained the ent B gene. All strains which contained the ent B gene produced a proteinous enterotoxin B. The results of sequence determination of the PCR product were compared with the gene bank database and 98% similarity was achieved. The results of the Western-blot confirmed that enterotoxin B was produced in strains that contained the ent B gene. The results of this study indicate that 5% of clinically isolated S. aureus strains produce enterotoxin B. Considering that the enterotoxin B is an important superantigen, it is possible that a delay in diagnosis and lack of early proper treatment can cause an incidence of late complications, particularly in staphylococcal chronic infections. For this reason, it is suggested that in addition to detecting bacteria, an enterotoxin B detection test should be performed to control its toxigenicity

Detection of Brucella abortus by alkB and IS711 based primers

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, which involves both animals and human. Although the conventional methods have been widely used for its laboratory diagnosis, the PCR techniques have proved to be useful due to specificity, sensitivity and the rapidness. Various target sequences of brucella bacterium such as OMP2, 16s RNA and IS711 have been used for the primer designing. All primer sets have shown different sensitivities and specificities. In present investigation, PCR protocol and primer designated based on IS711 and a fragment of chromosomal DNA all were optimized with standard genome and clinical samples. Numerous tissue samples [liver, kidney, lymph node, and uterus] were prepared and were cultured by the bacteriological standard methods along with the serology positive human samples. PCR protocol was optimized and the primer's sensitivity and the specificity were checked using pure genome of B. abortus. All samples were tested by the standard bacteriological methods. The samples were then subject to PCR amplification and the PCR product was confirmed using the RFLP technique. The culture results indicated a poor sensitivity as it was previously reported. The PCR product 157 bp was observed on the agarose gel indicating that significant number of clinical samples [human brucellosis cases] were positive by PCR but not by the culture method. Although B. abortus DNA was detected in all the culture positive veterinary specimens, some cross-reactions with close related bacteria were observed that might influence the interpretation of the results. The sensitivity of the present PCR protocol was significantly higher when alk B and IS711 based primers were used in compare to each of the alkB and IS711 based primers alone. More research will be needed to improve the specificity and sensitivity of the PCR protocol before recommending for routine laboratory works

Seroepidemiology of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in the local and imported sheep in Isfahan province, Iran, 2002

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever [CCHF] is an arboviral zoonotic infection with several reported cases in Iran. The present study was conducted with the aim of establishing effective ways to reduce exposure to the infectious agent and to organize appropriate policies for importing animals. Materials and methods: For this cross sectional study, 372 local and 372 imported sheep were randomly selected and the presence of CCHF-related 1gG antibody and tick on their body were investigated. Totally, 286 [76.9%] of local and 223 [57.8%] of imported sheep were seropositive, however, their difference did not reach a statistical significant level. Ticks were found on the body surface of 115 [31%] local sheep, but imported sheep lacked any tick on their body. Our results revealed the endemic spreading of CCHF in sheep in Isfahan province. Further studies in other parts of Iran may pave the way for better understanding of the CCHF epidemiology in Iran. Keywords: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, sheep, Iran