Association between the Hopkins Falls grading scale and motor function tests in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Introduction: One of the main complications of multiple sclerosis (MS) is imbalance and walking problems that can lead to falls. This study investigated the association between a fall measurement scale called the Hopkins Falls Grading Scale (HFGS) and motor function tests in patients with MS. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling on 85 patients referred to the MS Association of Mashhad, Iran, in 2023. The HFGS examined falls during the past year and divided them into 4 degrees, and the function test included the timed 25 foot walk (T25FW) test and the timed up and go (TUG) test. Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. Results: A statistically significant association was obtained between HFGS and functional tests (T25FW and TUG) (for both P < 0.0001). A significant association was observed between the variables of age (P = 0.006), duration of the disease (P = 0.03), the use of mobility devices (P = 0.05), and HFGS. Conclusion: Considering the association between HFGS and motor function tests in MS patients, clinical experts should pay attention to patients who have slower movement and evaluate them in terms of falling status when performing motor function tests.

Association Between Serum Levels of Anti-heat Shock Protein 27 Antibody and Liver Cell Injury in Chronic Hepatitis B.

Heat Shock Protein 27 (HSP27), an anti-HBV factor, exists in the intracellular and extracellular spaces. As an inflammatory modulator, serum HSP27 (sHSP27) is associated with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and a higher likelihood of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis. SHSP27 results in natural antibody production (anti-HSP27-Ab) that is more stable and easily detectable compared to sHSP27. We aimed to investigate any potential association between anti-HSP27-Ab level and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) progression and inflammation indicated by liver cell injury and HBV replication. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 91 patients with CHB and 92 individuals without CHB. Following demographic data collection, anti-HSP27-Ab, serum lipids including total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, HDL-C, and aminotransferase levels were measured using enzymatic assays in participants' serum samples. HBV DNA was also measured by quantitative PCR in CHB patients. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed a significantly higher mean level of anti-HSP27-Ab in CHB than in healthy individuals (0.304 vs. 0.256AU/ml, P value = 0.015). These levels held significant differences in the CHB subgroups of male patients, at the age of 50 years and above, with non-smoking status, elevated aminotransferase levels, and hypotriglyceridemia (P value < 0.05). However, no difference was found between the antibody levels and HBV DNA copies (P value > 0.05). This study provides evidence that anti-HSP27 antibody levels can reflect the degree of liver necrosis indicated by aminotransferase levels. Regarding the higher incidence rate of HBV-associated complications in 50 to 60-year-old men, monitoring the antibody can be beneficial in managing this group of CHB patients, which deserves further investigation.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on the Sonographic Grade of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease at 12-Month Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease across the globe. One of the most effective treatments for this disease is weight loss. This study aimed to determine how metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) affects MAFLD sonographic grades. METHODS: In 2021, a pre-post study was conducted on 73 patients who underwent MBS. The study collected demographic information and ultrasound grades of MAFLD before and after MBS. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients underwent MBS, with 58 females and 15 males. The patients had a mean age of 39.8 ± 8.88 years and a mean BMI of 42.12 ± 5.98 kg/m2. Of these patients, 53 (72.6%) underwent SG, while 20 (27.4%) underwent RYGB. The preoperative BMI for females and males decreased significantly at the 12-month follow-up (P = 0.0001). However, males experienced more prominent weight changes (P = 0.009), but there was no statistically significant difference in fatty liver grade changes after MBS between males and females (P = 0.056), which suggests that the effect of MBS on fatty liver grades is not gender-specific. There was a significant reduction in BMI and fatty liver grade for patients under and over 40 years old after surgery (P = 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in fatty liver grade and BMI changes after MBS between the two age groups. RYGB was found to be more effective than SG in reducing fatty liver grade, BMI, and %TWL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery can play a vital role in reducing the weight and severity of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

Rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in human saliva samples using glycan based nanozyme: a clinical study.

A highly sensitive colorimetric method (glycan-based nano(e)zyme) was developed for sensitive and rapid detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on N-acetyl neuraminic acid (sialic acid)-functionalized gold nanoparticles (SA-Au NZs). A number of techniques were used to characterize the prepared nanomaterials including XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis, DLS, and TEM. DLS analysis indicates an average hydrodynamic size of 34 nm, whereas TEM analysis indicates an average particle size of 15.78 nm. This observation confirms that water interacts with nanoparticle surfaces, resulting in a large hydrodynamic diameter. The peroxidase-like activity of SA-Au NZs was examined with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses (influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B). UV-visible spectroscopy was used to monitor and record the results, as well as naked eye detection (photographs). SA-Au NZs exhibit a change in color from light red to purple when SARS-CoV-2 is present, and they exhibit a redshift in their spectrum. N-acetyl neuraminic acid interacts with SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, confirming its ability to bind glycans. As a result, SA-Au NZs can detect COVID-19 with sensitivity and specificity of over 95% and 98%, respectively. This method was approved by testing saliva samples from 533 suspected individuals at Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing the results with the definitive results. The positive results were accompanied by a color change from bright red to purple within five minutes. Statistical analysis was performed based on variables such as age, gender, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and lung involvement. In clinical trials, it was demonstrated that this method can be used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 in a variety of places, such as medical centers, hospitals, airports, universities, and schools.

Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Viruses Types 1 and 2 in a Population, Age 15-35 Years, of Mashhad City.

Background: Considering the high prevalence and clinical importance of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection worldwide, we aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in a population aged between 15 and 35 years in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 916 cases composed of 288 (31.4%) men and 628 (68.6%) women. Using ELISA method, the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 was assessed. Results: Among the population studied, 681 (74.3%) cases were positive for anti-HSV antibodies, while 235 (25.7%) cases were negative. Moreover, no IgMs were found and all positive subjects had IgG antibodies. Age (p < 0.001), occupation (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.006), smoking (p = 0.029), and BMI (p = 0.004) demonstrated a significant association with HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection. Conclusion: Our study indicates a high seroprevalence of HSV infection; however, there was no cases positive for IgM antibodies, suggesting the high prevalence of latent infection.

A Preliminary Study on the Therapeutic Effects of Hydroxychloroquine on Generalized Vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a recalcitrant depigmentary autoimmune skin disorder. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an effective immunomodulatory drug which is widely used in treatment of autoimmune disorders. HCQ-induced pigmentation has been previously found in patients taking HCQ due to other autoimmune diseases. The present study aimed to determine whether HCQ improves re-pigmentation of generalized vitiligo. HCQ was orally administered 400 mg daily (6.5 mg/Kg of body weight) by 15 patients with generalized vitiligo (more than 10% involvement of body surface area) for three months. Patients were evaluated monthly and skin re-pigmentation was assessed using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI). Laboratory data were obtained and repeated monthly. Fifteen patients (12 women and 3 men) with a mean age of 30.13±12.75 years were studied. After 3 months, the extent of re-pigmentation on all the body regions, including the upper extremities, hands, trunk, lower extremities, feet, and head and neck was significantly higher than the baseline (P value <0.001, 0.016, 0.029, <0.001, 0.006, 0.006, respectively). Patients with concomitant autoimmune diseases had significantly more re-pigmentation compared with others (P=0.020). No irregular laboratory data were observed during the study. HCQ could be an effective treatment for generalized vitiligo. The benefits are likely to be more evident in case of concomitant autoimmune disease. The authors recommend additional large-scale controlled studies to draw further conclusions.

A novel formulation of Mtb72F DNA vaccine for immunization against tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), an intracellular pathogen, causes 1.5 million deaths globally. Bacilli Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is commonly administered to protect people against M. tuberculosis infection; however, there are some obstacles with this first-generation vaccine. DNA vaccines, the third generation vaccines, can induce cellular immune responses for tuberculosis (TB) protection. In this study, optimized DNA vaccine (pcDNA3.1-Mtb72F) entrapped in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) was used to achieve higher immunogenicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasmid Mtb72F was formulated in PLGA NPs using double emulsion method in the presence of TB10.4 and/or CpG as an adjuvant. Female BALB/c mice were immunized either with NP-encapsulated Mtb72F or naked Mtb72F with or without each adjuvant, using the BCG-prime DNA boost regimen. RESULTS: These NPs were approximately 250 nm in diameter and the nucleic acid and protein encapsulation efficiency were 80% and 25%, respectively. The NPs smaller than 200 nm are able to promote cellular rather than humoral responses. The immunization with the formulation consisting of Mtb72F DNA vaccine and TB10.4 entrapped in PLGA NPs showed significant immunogenicity and induced predominantly interferon-É£ (IFN-É£) production and higher INF-É£/interleukin-4 (IL-4) ratio in the cultured spleen cells supernatant. CONCLUSION: PLGA NPs loaded with Mtb72F DNA-based vaccine with TB10.4 could be considered as a promising candidate for vaccination against TB. These results represent an excellent initial step toward development of novel vaccine for TB protection.

Survival Rate and Prognostic Factors among Iranian Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: Survival time is one of the indicators used for evaluation of the quality of care in different types of malignancies, including breast cancer. The present study aimed to estimate the survival rate of breast cancer and its related factors among Iranian patients. METHODS: Overall, 3148 cases of breast cancer who referred to the Cancer Research Center in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran during 1994-2017 participated in this longitudinal study. Survival estimates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Bayesian generalized Birnbaum-Saunders model with cure rate from geometric distribution. Clinical, pathological, and biological variables as potential prognostic factors were entered in univariate and multivariate analyses.In order to identify the significant prognostic factors, 95% highest posterior density (HPD) intervals were used. RESULTS: The overall 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25-year survival rate were 95%, 75%, 60%, 47%, 46% and 46%, respectively. A significant relation was observed between survival time and the variables such as age, size of tumor, number of lymph nodes, stage, histological grade, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and lymphovascular invasion. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study might help the health managers to plan long-term programs considering regional determinants, public education, and screening for early detection of breast cancer cases which can eventually influence the overall survival rate of these patients.

The Association Between Facial Proportions and Patient Satisfaction After Rhinoplasty: A Prospective Study.

HYPOTHESIS: Rhinoplasty is one of the most common aesthetic surgeries. The aim of the study was to evaluate facial proportions and patient satisfaction with the appearance of their nose after rhinoplasty compared to preoperatively. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch. Eighty-two candidates with indications for primary cosmetic rhinoplasty were selected. Facial proportions and patient satisfaction with their nasal appearance were evaluated before and 6 months after rhinoplasty. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients referred for cosmetic rhinoplasty (13.4% men and 86.6% women) with a mean age of 28.5 (6.4) years underwent open rhinoplasty and were evaluated. Facial proportions, including nasofrontal, nasolabial, and nasomental ratios increased significantly, while the nasofacial ratio, nasal tip projection, columellar show, alar base, and nasal length reduced significantly after rhinoplasty (P < .05). Furthermore, patient satisfaction with the appearance of their nose increased significantly after surgery (P < .001). CONCLUSION: All of the facial proportions changed significantly following rhinoplasty. Although patient satisfaction with nose appearance increases significantly after the operation, there is no significant association between patient satisfaction and facial proportions. As beauty is a subjective, relative and qualitative issue, facial proportions may not be a proper tool to determine facial beauty and predict the satisfaction rate following rhinoplasty.

HYPOTHÈSE: La rhinoplastie est l'une des chirurgies esthétiques les plus courantes. La présente étude visait à évaluer les proportions faciales et la satisfaction des patients face à l'apparence de leur nez après la rhinoplastie et les comparer à la situation préopératoire. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont réalisé la présente étude transversale à l'antenne de Mechhed de l'université islamique Azad; ils ont sélectionné 82 candidats à une rhinoplastie esthétique primaire. Ils ont évalué les proportions faciales et la satisfaction des patients face à l'apparence de leur nez avant leur rhinoplastie et six mois après l'intervention. Ils ont évalué la satisfaction des patients à l'aide du questionnaire d'évaluation des résultats de la rhinoplastie. RÉSULTATS: Les chercheurs ont évalué 82 personnes d'un âge moyen de 28,5±6,4 ans (13,4 % d'hommes et 86,6 % de femmes) qui ont subi une rhinoplastie esthétique ouverte. Leurs proportions faciales, y compris les ratios nez-front, nez-lèvres et nez-menton, ont augmenté sensiblement, alors que le ratio naso-facial, la projection de la pointe nasale, la columelle, la base du cartilage alaire et la longueur du nez ont plutôt diminué nettement après la rhinoplastie (P < .05). La satisfaction des patients envers les résultats de la rhinoplastie s'est également accrue de manière significative après l'opération (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Toutes les proportions faciales ont changé considérablement après la rhinoplastie. Même si la satisfaction des patients a beaucoup augmenté après l'opération, il n'y a pas d'association majeure entre cette satisfaction et les proportions faciales. Comme la beauté est subjective, relative et qualitative, les proportions faciales ne sont peut-être pas un outil convenable pour évaluer la beauté faciale et prédire le taux de satisfaction après une rhinoplastie.

Survival probability and prognostic factors of Iranian breast cancer patients using cure rate model.

Breast cancer, the major concern of the global health, is the fifth cause of death of women in Iran. In this longitudinal study, 3048 cases of breast cancer who visited and were treated at the Cancer Research Center in Shahid Beheshti University, were studied. During study, 518 patients died. The overall survival rate of 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20-year were 95%, 76%, 59%, 47% and 46%, respectively. A significant relation was observed between survival time and the variables such as age, size of tumor, number of lymph nodes, stage, grade, and lymphovascular invasion.

Comparison of the prevalence of enteroviruses in blood samples of patients with and without unstable angina.

BACKGROUND: Although the role of enteroviruses has been proved in heart diseases, extensive information is not available on the association between enteroviruses and unstable angina. In the present study, the authors compared the prevalence of enteroviruses in patients with and without unstable angina. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 51 patients with unstable angina and 55 patients without unstable angina or myocardial infarction that were admitted to Imam Reza and Ghaem hospitals (Mashhad, northeast of Iran). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using specific primers for the detection of the enteroviruses in blood samples of study subjects. RESULTS: Patients with and without unstable angina were similar in age with mean ± standard deviation of 62.6 ± 12.8 and 59.7 ± 12.7 years, respectively (P = 0.243) and there were no differences in gender in these two groups (P = 0.174). Prevalence of the enteroviruses in patients with unstable angina was higher only in 66-80 years age group compared to the control group (patients without unstable angina, P = 0.032). There was a higher prevalence of enterovirus RNA positivity in the blood samples of women with unstable angina (75.9%) than those without unstable angina (41.7%, P = 0.011), however, no significant difference was observed in men (P = 0.983). CONCLUSION: Our data showed that enteroviral RNA positivity was higher in patients with unstable angina compared to those without unstable angina. However, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant.

Personality Traits in Patients with Subjective Idiopathic Tinnitus.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a common complaint in patients referred to otorhinolaryngology clinics and is a condition where one hears a sound without any distinguishable external acoustic source or electrical stimulus. About 3-30% of adults experience different degrees of tinnitus during their life. This study aims to ascertain and compare personality traits between patients with tinnitus and a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a case control study, 66 participants were assessed. The case group consisted of 33 patients who suffered from tinnitus for at least two months, in addition to 33 healthy volunteers who were selected among their family (preferably of the same age and sex). A standard demographic questionnaire and an Eyzenck personality questionnaire were filled for both groups. A tinnitus severity index (TSI) questionnaire was only filled for the case group. Data from each group was compared by Mann-Whitney U and Chi-Square tests. SPSS V.18 was the selected software. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a meaningful difference in neuroticism (P=0.001) and extraversion (P=0.001) between the patients and the controls; however, there was no statistical difference between these groups regarding psychotism. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus can be associated with personality characteristics. This study showed that in patients with tinnitus, neuroticism increases and extraversion decreases. Considering the personality and psychotic traits observed in the patients with tinnitus, psychiatric consultation is recommended.

Distribution of hepatitis delta virus genotypes in mashhad, northeast iran.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is dependent on the hepatitis B virus for transmission and propagation. Based on isolated HDV sequences from different parts of the world, at least three major different genotypes with different geographic distributions are suggested. Studies have shown that genotype 1 is the predominant genotype of HDV in different parts of Iran; however, the genotype distribution of this virus has not been identified in Mashhad, northeast Iran. OBJECTIVES: This current study determines the frequency of HDV major genotypes in Mashhad, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five participants were enrolled in this study. All samples were positive for HBsAg (determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) and anti-HDV. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis was performed. Then, PCR was performed and HDV genotypes were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS: Of 25 patients, 12 (48%) were positive for HDV RNA. Genotype analysis of HDV RNA revealed that the prevalence of HDV genotypes I and II was 83.3% (n = 10) and 16.7% (n = 2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the most prevalent genotype of HDV in Mashhad was genotype I. It was of interest that in contrast to other provinces of Iran, HDV genotype 2 was observed in Mashhad. Similar studies with larger sample sizes could provide valuable information regarding the molecular epidemiology and geographical distribution. It may also help control and prevent the spread of hepatitis D virus infections. In addition, the genotyping of HDV may predict the severity of the disease.

Effect of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of cochlear tinnitus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Many treatments for chronic tinnitus have been attempted, but the condition remains difficult to cure, especially in the case of cochlear tinnitus. We conducted a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the effect of low-dose laser therapy on chronic cochlear tinnitus. Our study population was made up of 66 patients-33 who received active laser treatment (case group) and 33 who received inactive dummy treatment (control group). Patients in the laser group received 5 mV with a wavelength of 650 nm for 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. The controls followed the same schedule, but they were "treated" with an inactive device. The degree of tinnitus was evaluated before and after treatment in each group in three ways: (1) the Tinnitus Severity Index (TSI), (2) a subjective 10-point self-assessment scale for tinnitus loudness, and (3) the Tinnitus Evaluation Test (TET). At study's end, we found no statistically significant differences between the case and control groups in the number of patients who experienced a reduction in TSI values (p = 0.589) or a reduction in subjective self-assessment scores (p = 0.475). Nor did we find any significant reductions in the loudness (p = 0.665) and frequency (p = 0.396) of tinnitus as determined by the TET. We conclude that 5-mV laser therapy with a wavelength of 650 nm is no better than placebo for improving hearing thresholds overall or for treating tinnitus with regard to age, sex, environmental noise level, and the duration of tinnitus.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 869T/C and 915G/C polymorphisms and risk of autism spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) has been found to play a crucial role in early central nervous system development. Several studies have illustrated decreased TGF-ß1 levels in sera and brains of autistic children. Two point mutations in the TGF-ß1 signal peptide at 869T/C and 915G/C have been reported to influence TGF-ß1 expression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation of TGF-ß1 polymorphisms and their haplotypes with autism. METHODS: This study was performed on 39 autistic patients and 35 age- and sex-matched normal controls in an Iranian population, using the sequence specific primed-polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) technique. Patients were divided into mild-to-moderate and severe groups according to the childhood autism rating scale. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed for allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies between the autistics and controls. Only a slight difference was observed in GC25 between the controls and all children with autism. CONCLUSION: Thus, these results indicate that the polymorphisms in TGF-ß1 gene may not play an important role in the development of autism.

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in pterygium tissue of atopic patients.

The exact pathogenesis of pterygium has not been completely elucidated. Growth factors have been considered to play a role in pterygium formation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the principal mediators of angiogenesis, fibroblast stimulation and tissue remodeling in allergic conditions. The aim of this study was to compare the association between pterygium and VEGF gene expression between atopic and non-atopic individuals. At first visit, all patients with pterygium underwent blood tests, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), serum cytokines including interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and peripheral blood eosinophil count. After obtaining informed consents, questionnaires were used to obtain demographic and clinical data from patients who underwent pterygium excision surgery. Skin prick test was performed to confirm or rule out atopy in 30 patients with (case group) and 30 patients without (control group) atopy. Pterygium tissues were then removed by surgery. A semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine VEGF gene expression in all patients. Our results illustrated that VEGF mRNA expression in atopic patients was significantly higher than in the non-atopic group (P = 0.01). Eosinophil count, serum IgE and IL-4 were also significantly higher in atopic patients than in the non-atopic group (P = 0.03, 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). However, no significant difference was noted in serum IFN-γ between the two groups (P = 0.06). The excessive expression of VEGF gene in pterygium tissue of patients with atopy suggests that growth factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of pterygium or accelerate its formation.

Comparison of Culture and PCR Methods for Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Different Clinical Specimens.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis remains a global epidemic, especially in developing countries, including Iran. Rapid diagnosis of active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection plays a critical role in controlling the spread of tuberculosis. Conventional methods may take up to several weeks or longer to produce results. In addition to multiplicity of steps involved in conventional detection, including isolation, identification and drug susceptibility testing, the slow growth rate of M. tuberculosis is also responsible for this lengthy time. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture methods for the detection of M. tuberculosis in different clinical specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on different samples (urine, gastric aspirate, bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, ascetic fluid and joint fluid specimens) of tuberculosis suspected patients. M. tuberculosis DNA was extracted directly from different samples using two different protocols. Next, PCR was performed using three sets of specific primers to detect members of Mycobacterium genus, M. tuberculosis complex and non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria. The results were then compared with that of the culture method, which is considered as the gold standard method. RESULTS: The concordance rate between the three sets of primers was calculated and IS6110/buffer PCR method showed good agreement with the LJ culture method (κ = 0.627, P < 0.0001). The sensitivity of IS6110/buffer PCR was 58.33%, with specificity of 77.78%; the positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 78.26%, respectively. Buffer method for DNA extraction was proved to give a higher accuracy to PCR in comparison with the boiling method. CONCLUSIONS: PCR method is a valuable, cost-effective and alternative tool for quick diagnosis of active tuberculosis in different clinical specimens.

Effect of zinc supplementation on serum antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 in patients with thalassemia major.

Objective This current study was conducted to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 (anti-HSP27) in patients with beta-thalassemia major (ß-TM). Methods This was a double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at Dr Sheikh Hospital (Mashhad, Iran) from 2011 to 2012. Sixty-four patients (41 females and 23 males), aged between 8 and 18 years with transfusion-dependent ß-TM were randomly allocated to two age- and sex-matched groups. The zinc (case) group received 30 mg of daily zinc sulfate supplementation and the placebo (control) group received same shape and color placebo over 9 months period of the trial. Serum anti-HSP27 titers were measured at the third and ninth months of the trial, using an in-house enzyme-linked immune-absorbent assay. Result There was a significant difference in anti-HSP27 titers, between the groups after 9 months. The baseline value of anti-HSP27 was 0.44 ± 0.15 in zinc group and were significantly decreased to 0.40 ± 0.18 after 9 months on treatment, while the baseline value of anti-HSP27 were significantly increased from 0.43 ± 0.17 to 0.44 ± 0.18 in the placebo group (P = 0.01). Conclusion Serum anti-HSP27 titers were significantly reduced in patients with ß-TM treated with zinc supplements compared to a group treated with a placebo. It suggests that the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of zinc supplements may account for a reduction in anti-HSP27 titers in patients with ß-TM.

Genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus in Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Several types of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), with variations in different parts of the genome, have been isolated from different regions of the world. Based on heterogenic sequences in the isolated genome, HCV is classified into different genotypes and subtypes. Data on distribution of HCV genotypes in a certain region could be important to patient management. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the distribution of HCV in Mashhad, Northeast Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 103 patients with HCV infections in Mashhad. Among the participants, at least 22 (21.4%) were intravenous drug users. HCV seropositivity was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and was confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. HCV-positive samples were selected for HCV genotyping using genotype specific primers. RESULTS: Of 103 subjects, 43 (41.7%) and 34 (33.0%) had genotypes 1a and 3a, respectively. Other genotypes including 1b, 2a, 2b, 3b, and 5a were found in 4 (3.9%), 1 (1.0%), 3 (2.9%), 4 (3.9%), and 1 (1.0%), respectively. Coinfections with 2 genotypes were also observed in 11 (10.7%) patients. Genotyping for 2 (1.9%) of 103 samples did not produce any results. CONCLUSION: Genotypes la and 3a were found to be the most prevalent HCV genotypes in Mashhad, Iran.