Medical Laboratory

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer of women and one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In spite of major advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the incidence of breast cancer remains high and the treatment of metastatic breast cancer remains challenging. This review presents an overview of breast cancer with a particular focus on its clinical aspects and therapies.

Background and Objectives: Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder pose a high burden among the general population. Etiological factor(s) of such disorders remain unknown. Borna disease virus (BDV) is a neurotropic virus that has been suggested as an etiological agent for psychiatric disorders. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of BDV among patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of schizophrenic (n=75) and bipolar (n=55) patients and healthy blood donors (n=125) were extracted form whole blood samples. RNA was extracted from PBMCs and the presence of BDV P40 RNA was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: The BDV genome was not detected in any of the subjects. Positive family history of disease was significantly more frequent among patients (P=0.0001). There was a significant association between contact with animals and psychiatric illnesses (P<0.05). Moreover, education level differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate no evidence of BDV genome among patients with psychiatric disorders. Serological examination for BDV antigens or antibodies could provide further information in this regard. In addition, contact with cats is significantly more prevalent among patients with mental illnesses, which might be due to infection with Toxoplasma gondii.

Background and objectives: Nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria is a life threatening health challenge. This study aimed to determine the frequency of antibiotic resistance genes in clinical isolates from hospitals of Zahedan, southeast of Iran. Methods: Overall, 818 isolates were collected from different hospital wards. The isolates were identified using conventional microbiological and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was assessed by agar disc diffusion method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration of a number of antibiotics. Multiplex PCR was performed using specific primers for the detection of resistance genes. Results: The most common species were Staphylococcus aureus (25%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (22%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%). The rate of methicillin resistance among S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. saprophyticus was 60%, 43% and 24%, respectively. In addition, 28.5% of enterococci isolates were vancomycin resistant. Among gram-negative bacteria, 45% of A. baumannii and 24% of P. aeruginosa were identified as ESBL. A high level of resistance to ampicillin (96%), cefotaxime (89%), gentamicin (89%) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprime (60%) was observed in K. pneumoniae. Our results highlight the urgent need for an eradication program and a surveillance plan for preventing increased emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the study area.

Tinea capitis is a common infection especially in poor resource settings. The prevalence of Tinea capitis among selected primary schools in Ogbaku community, Mbaitoli L.G.A, Imo State was carried out. One hundred and eighty (180) primary school children through random sampling of consented volunteers attending central school Ogbaku, Lawa Primary School and Okwu primary School were recruited into the study. A questionnaire was administered and cultures of scalps, skin scrapping/hair stubs samples were performed and the etiological agents identified and confirmed. The overall prevalence in this study was found to be 30.0% that were positive for Tinea capitis. The prevalence in relation to age showed a higher prevalence of 14.4% among the age bracket 11 – 13 years as opposed to age bracket 8-10 years that showed a prevalence of 8.89% and 5 – 7years that showed the least prevalence of 6.67%. In relation to gender, the higher prevalence was found in females at 18.89% as opposed to males that has a prevalence of 11.11% and this is statistically significant (p < 0.05). The most prevalent dermatophyte isolated was the anthropophilic dermatophyte, Micosporum audouinii .Other a dermatophytes isolated Micosporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophyte. Micosporum audouinii was the most prevalent dermatophyte isolated (56.11%) while Micosporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophyte was (23.33%) and (5.56%) respectively. The study demonstrated a high prevalence of Tinea infections with Micosporum audouinii as the dominant etiological agent in primary school children in Ogbaku community, Mbaitoli L.G.A, Imo state. Clinical implication of the prevalence of hand Tinea capitis and also the student’s knowledge of the infection and transmission was discussed.

Background and Aim: The system of architectural design, space and installation of facilities and equipment in the medical laboratory is based on a multifaceted structure. Considering these conditions increases the productivity and profitability to all the involved groups. The present study sought to understand and design of this structure. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was carried out studying the literature. Results: According to the results, the adequate architectural design for a medical laboratory includes the following points: observing the separation of physical spaces, proximity of the spaces in the laboratory, the principle of flexibility in designing physical space and the ability to develop and expand the physical space, the space design and requirements to meet the mobility needs of the people with disabilities, desk designing for the disabled and the elderlies, observing the minimum standards of general space and total spaces, and the number of staff considering their safety. Conclusion: The design of medical laboratories, considering the cases mentioned in this report, will lead to the construction of a place that will not only meet the needs of clients but also provide comfort and safety for the staff. Such a laboratory will be more profitable by increasing the productivity, which will ultimately lead to a comprehensive profit. The errors and mistakes in the design and execution of any of these cases can cause minor and major damages.

The prostate gland is often described as walnut-shaped organ that surrounds the beginning of the urethra in the male. [1] The most commonly occurring disorders of prostate include prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatic carcinoma. [2] Prostate cancer is the most common visceral cancer in males, ranking as the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men older than 50 years of age, after carcinoma of the lung. [3] Genetic factors have also been implicated, based on the increased risk of the disease among first-degree relatives of prostate cancer. [4]

Background and Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a public health problem caused by the protozoan Leishmania. Pentavalent antimonials are currently used for treatment of leishmaniasis, but they have serious side effects. Nerium oleander L. has been used in traditional medicine due to its various health-protective properties. This study aimed to investigate anti-leishmanial activity of N. oleander L. leaves extract against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes in vitro. Methods: L. major promastigotes were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplied with 10% fetal bovine serum. Different concentrations were prepared from the extract and added to L. major promastigotes seeded in 96-well plates. Viability percentage was evaluated by direct counting and MTT assay after 24, 48 and 72 hours. To investigate the cytotoxic effect of N. oleander L. on L. major amastigotes, the plant extract was added to amastigotes cultured in intraperitoneal macrophages. The mean number of amastigotes was calculated by direct counting after 24 and 48 hours. Results: All concentrations of the extract significantly reduced the viability of promastigotes when compared with the controls. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration was estimated to be 22.21 µg/ml after 24 hours. Percentage of cytotoxicity in amastigotes exposed to 20 μg/ml of the extract was 53.61% and 53.27% after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. In addition, percentage of cytotoxicity in amastigotes exposed to 80 μg/ml of the N. oleander L. extract was 53.77% and 55.48% after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Conclusion: The N. oleander L. extract exerts anti-leishmanial activity on L. major promastigotes in a time-and dose-dependent manner.

The establishing of reference intervals is an important task of any clinical diagnostic laboratory. It can be effectively solved using indirect approaches by analyzing the patient database.

Objectives: to study the determining possibility of erythrocyte parameter reference intervals based on patient data analysis using the Bhattacharya method

Materials and methods. We used the database of patient samples results obtained using a Sysmex XT-4000i hematology analyzer. Reference intervals Hb, RBC and MCV were investigated using the Bhattacharya method. At the next stage, the records of patients whose results went beyond the obtained reference intervals were excluded from further analysis. After that, RDW-CV, RDW-SD, Hct, MCH, MCHC were analyzed using the standard non-parametric method. This allowed us to exclude the effect of pathological components along the edges of the reference distribution on the results obtained. An Optimization of the sample mean and standard deviation calculation by the Bhattacharya method for use with MS Excel software was proposed.

Results. The proposed design of the study allowed us to obtain reference intervals for erythrocyte parameters. We supposed it was reasonable to use only one lower reference limit for the MCHC (5th percentile) and only one upper limit for the RDW (95th percentile). The heterogeneity of the reference distribution of the RDW indices was identified due to the ability of the Bhattacharya method to divide the total sample into Gaussian components.

Conclusion. The suitability of the Bhattacharya graphical method for determining reference intervals of erythrocyte parameters as well as the rationality of combining it with standard statistical methods has demonstrated. From a practical point of view, the applied approach was a rational and objective way of establishing working reference intervals for the laboratory of a multidisciplinary hospital, which does not have the potential for mass involvement of healthy outpatients.

Keywords: Reference intervals, patient data, erythrocytes, Bhattacharya method, indirect approach, MCHC, RDW.

Drug-screening Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) may be offered as an unlimited cell source for the hepatocyte generation. The generation of hepatocytes from stem cells in vitro would provide an alternative cell source for applications in drug discovery and cell transplantation. In this review, we discuss different approaches to generate pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes, advantages, limitations for each method and finally, how three-dimensional (3D) strategy can improve the maturation of PSCs -derived hepatocytes.

Background and objectives: Leishmania major is a flagellated parasitic protozoan that causes cutaneous leishmaniasis. Pentavalent antimony compounds are considered the first-line drugs in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the use of these drugs is associated with numerous limitations and side effects. Therefore, there is a need for herbal and natural alternatives for these compounds with fewer side effects. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro activity of methanol extract of Quercus infectoria (oak galls) against promastigotes and amastigotes of L. major. Methods: In this experimental study, the effect of 10, 100, 500 and 1000 µg/ml of methanolic extract of oak galls and 100, 500, 1000 and 10000 µg/ml of Glucantime was evaluated against L. major promastigotes using direct cell counting and MTT assay. Moreover, the effect of different concentrations of the extract and Glucantime was investigated on the mean number of amastigotes in macrophages after 24 and 48 hours. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the oak gall extract and Glucantime was 75 µg/ml and 221 µg/ml after 24 hours, respectively. After 24 hours, the mean number of amastigotes per macrophage was lowest at concentrations of 1000 µg/ml of the extract (0.9) and 10000 µg/ml of Glucantime (0.85). Conclusion: Considering the inhibition of intracellular and extracellular growth of L. major, the oak gall extract might be used as an efficient and safe agent for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Background and objectives: Contamination of food products with mycotoxins is a public health problem. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified mycotoxins as hepatotoxic and carcinogenic agents to humans (Group 1). The Kurdistan Province is the ninth largest producer of wheat in Iran. We aimed to determine the level of contamination with total aflatoxin (TAF), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in 66 wheat samples randomly selected from 11 wheat flour factories in spring and summer. Methods: The level of toxins was measured by microtiter plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a microtitre plate ELISA reader and total AF, AFB1 and OTA commercial kits. Results: Overall, the level of TAF and AFB in 16.67% of the samples exceeded the maximum tolerable limit set by the Institute of Standard and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). However, the level of OTA contamination did not exceed the maximum tolerable limit set by the ISIRI. In addition, the level of TAF, AFB1 and OTA exceeded the maximum tolerable limit set by the EU in 68.18, 90.91 and 36.36% of the samples, respectively. The level of contamination with these mycotoxins differed significantly in spring and summer (P<0.05). Conclusion: The level of mycotoxin contamination in wheat samples produced in the Kurdistan Province is alarmingly high and appropriate measures should be taken to eliminate the causes of this issue.

Background and objectives: The increase of ESBL producing E.coli can create a tremendous difficult y for the health system. These isolates leads to rapid transmission of causative genes to other clinically important bacteria and synchronously increased resistant to other antibiotics. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of this isolate and related genes in Gorgan, North of Iran. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 218 isolated E.coli from urinary tract infection of outpatients referring to six medical laboratories in Gorgan, during 2010-11. The resistance to Cefotaxim (Mast Co.) was assessed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The confirmatory test for detection of resistant isolates was carried out by double disk method at the presence of Cefotaxim and clavulanic acid. The presence of β lactamase gene of blatem, blactx and blashv in ESBL was assessed by PCR method. Results: of 218, 70 isolates (32.1%) are resistant to Cefotaxim. Sixty-two (88.6%) o...

Background and Objectives: More Candida albicans strains are reported resistant to fluconazole in patients with AIDS, cancer and organ recipients. Fluconazole resistance can be attributed to changes in pathways of sterol biosynthesis, mutation in or overexpression of ERG11 and the expression of CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1. This study aimed to compare the expression of CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1 in C. albicans resistant and susceptible to fluconazole. Methods: MIC testing for fluconazole was performed on C. albicans isolates isolated from patients with oral and vaginal candidiasis to determine resistant and susceptible strains. Then real time PCR was performed on the resistant and susceptible isolates and the expression of CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1 was compared in C. albicans. Results: Of 46 Candida albicans isolates, 20 susceptible isolates, 12 semi-susceptible isolates and 14 resistant isolates were identified by MIC. After real time PCR was performed, Candida albicans isolates susceptible to fluconazole showed moderate expression of CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1 genes, while resistant isolates showed slight or no expression. Conclusion: Increased expression of CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1 had less and insignificant role in resistance to fluconazole.

Background and Aims: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult human leukemia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Research has shown that in CLL, microRNAs can have function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Some studies demonstrated that the expression of microRNA-93 (miR-93) and microRNA-330 (miR-330) have been changed in several cancers, including lung, prostate, and colon cancer. We aimed to elucidate the changes in miR-93 and miR-330 expression in CLL patients in comparison with controls. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the expression levels of miR-93 and miR-330 was evaluated in 30 CLL patients who had referred to Omid Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, and 30 controls in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Results: The expression of miR-93 and miR-330 were found to significantly increase in CLL patients compared with controls (p&lt;0.0001). Conclusions: ...

Although the importance of quality management in the medical laboratory has been emphasized, we are unaware of any interventional studies demonstrating benefits of implementation of recommendations of the International Standards Organization (ISO). In the following 5-year follow-up study, we implemented quality management as stipulated by the ISO, received a certificate of approval, and determined how the program affected customer complaints. From 1997 to 2001 there was only a slight decrease in the number of customer complaints, but a significant continuing downward trend in the proportion of justified complaints (chi-squared test, p<0.001). In fact in 2001 the proportion of justified complaints had decreased by nearly 80% (relative risk, 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.52)), to only 10.9% of the total complaints. We conclude that the use of the ISO 9000 along with good laboratory practice resulted in a significant decrease in the proportion of justified complaints.

Background and Objective: Ochratoxin is a fungal toxin produced by Penicillium verrucosum and some Aspergillus species. Ochratoxin is usually found in grains, cereal products and also animal feed of livestock. The aim of this study was to measure the level of Ochratoxin in pasteurized milk samples of Golestan Province, Iran. Methods: Overall, 38 milk samples were collected from East and West of the Golestan province in accordance with standards 326 and 419 of the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran. The level of Ochratoxin was measured by ELISA method. Results: The mean level of Ochratoxin A in 20 raw milk samples collected from the West of the Province was 3.32 ± 3.76 ng/ml. The mean level of Ochratoxin A in 18 raw milk samples collected from the East was 6.02 ± 4.42 ng/ml. Ochratoxin A levels in most samples were higher than the limits established by the European standards. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, Ochratoxin level of 84.2% and 52.6% of the samples from the West and East of the province are higher than the allowed limits (2 ng/ml), respectively.

Background and Objective: Infertility refers to the failure in achieving pregnancy of a couple after one year of regular sexual intercourse without using a protection method. The purpose of this research work was to evaluate the current status of the test and quality control performance in semen analysis in selected laboratories.

Background and Aims: Assessment of the extend role of dominant serotyprs of Listeria monocytogenes in spontaneous abortions, using isolation methods and PCR(Polymerase Change Reaction) analysis for the presence of dominant serotypes such as 1/2a, 4b. Materials and Methods: A total of 258 samples comprising placental bits, vaginal swabs and blood were collected from out of 123 patients with spontaneous abortion. Listeria monocytogenes was identified and confirmed by culture, biochemical, serological tests, API system, CAMP (Christie, Atkins, Munch and Petersen), hemolysis on sheep blood agar. PI-PLC (Phosphatidyl Inositol specific Phospholipase C) assay, followed by Multiplex PCR to detection of serotypes 1/2a and 4b. Result: Out of 258 samples, 28 isolates of Listeria monocytogenes were identified   by different methods. All of the isolates were confirmed by PCR. Our search indicated that from 123 patients, 28 of isolated (46.6%)  Listeria monocytogenes strains, 14(50%) belonged to ...

Background and Objective: Normal hemoglobin (Hb) is formed of a heme group and a protein group known as globin. Globin is made of four polypeptide chains and in hemoglobinopathies, the structure of one of these four polypeptide chain becomes abnormal. Cellulose acetate method is a common way to differentiate haemoglobinopathies. Inability to identify the components of Hb low concentrations and incapability to isolate all Hb types are among the disadvantages of this method. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in the North of Iran by capillary electrophoresis method. Methods: All patients with suspected hemoglobinopathies, referred by physicians for electrophoresis, have been studied in a private center in the city of Gorgan, Iran. The level of HbA2, HbA, HbF and other Hb was recorded. Results: Overall, 725 blood samples were analyzed using the capillary method. HbE was reported in 2 patients, HbH was observed in 2 patients and Hb Barts was reported in 3 patients. Using the capillary method, among patients with the SDG area, only 4 of 38 (10.52%) had HbS and the majority of them (89.48%) had HbD. Conclusion: HbD is the most common hemoglobinopathy in the North of Iran.

Objective: This study was done to assess the accuracy of Accutrend GCT meter in determining blood cholesterol levels in our setup, with an aim to recommend its use in clinical practice
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 251 healthy volunteers from April to May 2013. Capillary whole blood samples were obtained using sterile lancets and cholesterol levels were measured using Accutrend GCT meter (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) using the standard technique. Three ml whole blood was also collected in plain tubes by the same operator without applying a tourniquet. Serum cholesterol levels were determined using Merck Microlab 300 Automated Clinical Chemistry Analyser the same day. The laboratory technician performing this test was blinded to results obtained with Accutrend GCT meter. The seven patients with readings beyond the analytic range of the Accutrend GCT meter were excluded, meaning that data analysis was performed on 244 results only.
Results: Results of 182 males and 62 females having a mean age of 38.54± 15.25 years were analysed. There was a significant difference in mean cholesterol levels measured by Accutrend GCT and Microlab-300 (4.73± 0.74mmol/l and 4.67± 0.86 mmol/l; p=0.021), producing a measurement bias of 1.43% with Accutrend GCT meter. A strong positive correlation was found between the results of the two techniques (r=0.852 ,p<0.001).
Conclusions: Accutrend GCT meter provides accurate measurement of blood cholesterol levels and its use should be encouraged for point-of-care measurements.

Background and Aims: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are a well-known source of multipotent adult stem cells. Despite using different methodologies of MSCs preparing for clinical applications, the top safest procedure to manipulate these cells, has not yet been determined. Recently, ex-vivo expansion of MSCs for their subsequent implantation, using some biological product, is suggested instead of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Previous studies have shown the effect of follicular fluid (FF) (a dynamic fluid in ovarian follicle) as an additive component in cell culture. Hence, this study aimed to decipher its role on the human BM-MSC proliferation.Materials and Methods: In this study, BM-MSCs at 3rd passage were cultivated in the presence of 20% FF (group I), 10% FF+ FBS 10% (group II) and FBS 20% as control group. The capacity of proliferation as calculating population doubling times and gene expression levels of stem cell factor, stromal cell-derived factor 1, and tr...

Background and objectives: Hemin is a porphyrin compound derived from hemoglobin, the precursor of other porphyrin hemoglobin derivatives and the raw material of Hematin. Since hemin is widely used in medicine, we decided primarily to synthesize this substance in Laboratory and to determine the best way of hemin extraction from untransfused and expired blood units. Materials and Methods: In the first method, Glacial acetic acid and sodium chloride were added to citrated blood and hemin crystals were extracted by means of cooling. Finally, the obtained product, by visible spectrophotometer and Infrared Spectrophotometer, was compared to standard samples. Fur thermore, citrated blood, citrated blood hemolysed by distilled water and citrated blood washed by normal saline were used comparatively as a raw material to produce Hemin. The second method was performed by adding Strontium, acetic acid and acetone to blood samples and then after precipitating Hemin crystals they were washed and dried with acetone. Results: The presence of functional groups in Hemin samples, analyzed by infrared Spectrophotometer, indicates the production of this compound. The results of visible Spectrophotometer in comparison with control samples and the results of samples weighting demonstrates high efficiency of extraction stages and the purity of obtained compound. Conclusion: The use of intact citrated blood produces more Hemin than the other kind of Citrated blood samples. Moreover, acetic acid with citrated blood, without any processing on blood, is the best way for Hemin production.

Bachground and Objective: most of environmental microorganisms have the genes resistance to antibiotics and metals. The aim of the current study was to survey resistance pattern to some antibiotics and heavy metals in three pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from different ecological areas. Material and Methods: first, the isolates were identified by biochemical methods and phylogenetic analysis. Then, the evaluation of antibiotic resistance was conducted by disc diffusion and that of Heavy metal resistant by agar dilution, in a range of 50-500 μg/ml. Results: The results showed that all three isolates were resistant to beta lactam antibiotics. Although these isolates were highly resistant to heavy metals, no relationship was observed between ecological sources and the resistance pattern in ICT1 and Abt2 strains. However, strain Q isolated from digestive system of ParmacellaIberica showed high resistance to antibiotics and low resistance to heavy metals. Conclusion: given that environm...

Results: the most common isolates were klebsiella ( 40.5%) , Enterobacter (26.1%) , pseudomonas (13.5%) , proteus( 6.3%) , acinetobacter (1.8% ) and other gram negative bacteria ( 18.3%) .The highest antibiotic resistance was seen to clindamycin (99.1%), and the most sensitivity to Carbapenems (94.6%).Multi drug resistant was seen in 68.5% of isolates. In inpatients, all of the citrobacter species had resistant to multi drugs simultaneously.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Centre, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Department of Diagnosis, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, East-Azerbaijan, Iran Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratories Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, East-Azerbaijan, Iran

Background and Objective: Flavonoids play an important role in nonenzymatic reaction against oxidative stress. These are polyphenolic compounds in tea structure that could be reacted with free radicals and neutralized them. In this study, we investigated the anti-oxidant impact of Camellia Sinesis on the liver of thioacetamide-injected male albino mice. Material and Methods: In this study, 40 male mice were categorized in five groups of eight. The first group was control. The second and the third group received 100mg/kg and 150mg/kg of thioacetamide, respectively. The fourth group received 100mg/kg thioacetamide followed by black tea (5 gr/100) and the fifth one received 150mg/kg thioacetamide followed by black tea (5 gr/100). Tioacetamide was given via intraperitoneal. After that, for 30 days, they were only fed on black tea (5 gr/100). At the end, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were measured. Results: Based on the results, catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GPx) activity were significantly increased in the groups of Thioacetamide and black tea compared to those of only Thioacetamide groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The increase of these enzymes in tea groups shows the antioxidant effect of black tea that can be caused by Catechin.

ِلبقه عسدآ ُذقً یئبؿبپ ، ُداصشیثد ،م یدٍاد ،ط یوؿبّ م &quot; وػلاپَؼکَت یطَلَیهذیپاٍشػ صَ غجع شْؿ سادسبث ىبًص سد &quot; مَلػ ِلده شیت ٍ دادشخ ،یّبگـیبهصآ 94 ُسبوؿ( نًْ ُسٍد ، 2 :) 119 126 ُذقً یئبؿبپ عبجع ذؿسا عبٌؿسبک یػبٌؿ لگًا ذسبق ٍ یػبٌؿ لگًا ٍُشگ ، ،لثاص یکؿضپ مَلػ ُبگـًاد ،یکؿضپ ُذکـًاد ،یػبٌؿ ىاشیا ُداصشیثد سَصٌه ذسبق ٍ یػبٌؿ لگًا ٍُشگ ،یکؿضپ یػبٌؿ لگًا سبیدبتػا ،لثاص یکؿضپ مَلػ ُبگـًاد ،یکؿضپ ُذکـًاد ،یػبٌؿ ىاشیا

Background and Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease and a health problem in different parts of Iran, especially two cities of Mashhad and Chabahar. Due to morphological similarities of most Leishmania species and difference in reservoirs of L. major and L. tropica, it is necessary to determine the parasite specie to combat the disease. Thus, this study used gene sequencing and genotyping of 70-kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) to differentiate the two species of Leishmania. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, microscope slides and cultures were prepared from 43 patients suspected of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Chabahar and Mashhad. PCR was performed after genomic DNA extraction and then PCR products were sequenced and analyzed. Results: Of the 43 patients studied, 32 direct smear and culture (74.4%) were positive and 11 (25.6%) showed negative results, and were therefore excluded from the study. Using HSP70-specific primers, 1962 bp and 1152bp bands were observed for HSP70 of L. major in Chabahar and L. tropica in Mashhad, respectively. Based on the results, there were 18 nucleotide differences between HSP70 of L. major in Chabahar and L. tropica in Mashhad. Conclusion: Due to the morphological similarities between Leishmania species and inability to differentiate species through parasitological methods, the HSP70 gene can be used for identification of the species, and prevention and treatment of the disease.

Background and Aims: Thalassemia is one the most prevalent genetic anemia in the world; homozygote patients usually suffer from severe disturbances. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are of various types of thalassemia complications which are increase in rate in patients with iron overload conditions. Sclerostin is a protein which enhances bone loss by inhibiting osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to measure sclerostin protein and its association with iron overload in major thalassemia patients. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with major beta-Thalassemia and 40 healthy control individuals were includedin the study; Sclerostin protein and ferritin were evaluated using ELISA method. Results: Mean sclerostin protein was 100.7 pg/ml, in the case group; it was 143.1 pg/ml in the control group.There was a significant differences between sclerostin protein in case and control groups (p= 0.015). The association of sclerostin and ferritin was not significant in the case group (p= 0.7), w...

The purpose of this cross sectional study was to determine the frequency of under-collected 24 hours urinary samples. Diabetic patients who visited our clinic from June 2012 to November 2012 were explained the procedure for collection verbally in addition to being given written instructions. Adequacy of collection was assessed by measuring creatinine excretion rates. Out of the 112 patients enrolled, 16(14.29%) collected their samples inadequately. The education level (p< 0.001) and urine volume (p= 0.003) were lesser in these 16 patients as compared to others. Inadequate collection was common in the younger patients (22.22% patients aged less than 60 years, 6.90% aged 60 years or older ; p= 0.021). Gender (15.00% men, 12.50% women; p= 0.733) did not impact the collection of samples. Considering the high frequency of under-collections, adequacy of samples should always be checked first before proceeding further with laboratory analysis.

Background and Aims: Hemophilia is a rare autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies directed in the majority of the cases against clotting factor VIII (FVIII). FVIII is extracted from human plasma or engineered from mammalian cell cultures using recombinant DNA technology. In Iran, most of the used FVIII is prepared from human plasma in Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. It was seen important to estimate its stability and activity from bleeding time until product preparation.Material and Methods: In the analytical study, 60 healthy male donors (20-50 years old), 15 donors from each blood group, were selected after obtaining informed consent.…

Background: The laboratory testing process consist of five analysis phases featuring the total testing process framework. Activities in laboratory process, including those of testing are error-prone and affect the use of laboratory information systems. This study seeks to identify error factors related to system use and the first and last phases of the laboratory testing process using a proposed framework known as total testing process-laboratory information systems. Methods: We conducted a qualitative case study evaluation in two private hospitals and a medical laboratory. We collected data using interviews, observations, and document analysis methods involving physicians, nurses, an information technology officer, and the laboratory staff. We employed the proposed framework and Lean problem solving tools namely Value Stream Mapping and A3 for data analysis. Results: Errors in laboratory information systems and the laboratory testing process were attributed to failure to fulfill us...

Background and Objective: Scientific evidence reveals that the density of skeletal muscle microcirculations decreases in the patients with chronic heart failure. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the impact of submaximal aerobic exercise training on restoration of fast/slow-twitch muscle fibers microcirculation in rats with myocardial infarction. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male infarcted Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups of sham (N=10), control (N=10) and exercise (N=10), four weeks after surgery (blockage of anterior descending artery). Daily aerobic exercise included running on a treadmill for 10 weeks (5 times a week) at a speed of 17 m/min within 10 to 50 minutes. The animals were anesthetized and then sacrificed with chloroform, 48 hours after the last training session. The microcirculation density of soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius (Gw) muscles was evaluated by immunohistochemistry assay. Results: Capillary density and capillary to SOL muscle fiber ratio significantly increased in response to exercise training. However, capillary density, capillary to Gw muscle fiber ratio and Gw muscle arteriolar density of Wistar rats with chronic heart failure were not significantly affected by the exercise program. Moreover, arteriolar density of Gw muscle increased significantly after the exercise program. Conclusion: The ten-week aerobic exercise might non-uniformly improve the SOL and Gw muscles microcirculation in rats with chronic heart failure by increasing capillary density and capillary to fiber ratio in the SOL muscle and increasing the arteriolar density of the Gw muscle.

Background and Objective: Diabetes mellitus is the most common risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) TaqIB polymorphism is associated with changes in lipid profile and may be a risk factor for CAD in patients with diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the association of CETP TaqIB polymorphism with CAD in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this case-control study, 292 diabetic patients were divided into two groups based on angiography reports (150 participants with normal angiogram as the control group and 142 participants with more than 50% stenosis of at least one coronary artery as the case group). The CETP TaqIB genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP analysis. Fasting blood glucose was measured using glucose oxidase and lipid profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol) by an enzymatic method. Results: There was no significant difference in the f...

Background and Objective: Dermatophytes are the fungi that have the ability to attack the keratinized tissues such as the skin, hair and nails. Infections caused by these organisms are named dermatophytosis. We aimed to compare Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Crude extracts of Active Actinomycete Isolates with Terbinafine, Griseofulvin, Ketoconazole and Fluconazole Drugs against Microsporum Canis, Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Background and Objective: Bacterial infections are of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in ICU patients with underlying immunodeficiency. This study aimed to determine the frequency of microorganisms in patients admitted to the ICU of Panje Azar Hospital in Gorgan. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the patients admitted in three wards, each having at least 48, of ICU in Panje Azar Hospital in Gorgan. All microbial cultures requested by patients' physician were recorded. Results: In ICU positive cultures were 53.9%. The number was 16 for Staphylococcus coagulase negative, 15 for Enterococci , 11 for Yeast, 11 for E.Coli, 9 for Enterobacter , 8 for streptococcus, 5 for staphylococcus aureus. The highest percentage was related to coagulase-negative staphylococci (16.5%) and the lowest to Alcaligenes, Diphtheroids, Acremo bacteria , Serratia with one positive case. Conclusions: the incidence of bacterial contamination in ICU patients compared to other parts of country is not different significant. While it is far from world standard, it is essential that many efforts be done to reduce the level of infection.

Background and Objective: Agr is the most important regulatory system for the expression of Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors in different conditions. Agr acts as a quorum sensing system in this bacterium which is activated by increased cell concentration during the transition from exponential growth phase to stationary phase. Its role is to upregulate the secretory virulence factors such as alpha-hemolysin and inhibit the transcription of surface proteins including protein A-encoding gene. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the agr system expression and some virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus in Brain-heart infusion (BHI) broth. Methods: The expression level of agrA and RNAIII genes from the agr locus along with the expression of hla, spa and mecA genes in BHI broth were assessed in different growth phases using Real time-PCR. Also, gyrB was used as an internal control in this study. Results: The growth curve of the five tested isolates in BHI broth at 24 hours showed that all the isolates had relatively similar growth patterns. AgrA gene expression in the stationary phase was decreased by 0.89-fold compared with the exponential phase. Although the expression of RNAIII gene increased by 3-fold, hla expression decreased by 0.47-fold. Conclusion: An inactive agr system is observed in the BHI broth medium. BHI broth medium contains high amounts of suitable nutrients for the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, thus the bacteria do not require the activity of the agr system for the regulation of the virulence genes in these conditions.

Background and Aims: Diabetes is one of the most important endocrine disrupters and is associated with various hormones, including those that can lead to diabetes. Glucocorticoid use may lead to insulin resistance. Dexamethasone is one of these glucocorticoid compounds. Glutamate dehydrogenase plays a key role in the production of glutamate in the secretion of insulin. Based on these hormonal interactions, the aim of this study was to determine the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase and insulin secretion in dexamethasone-exposed mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty eight mice were divided into 4 experimental groups. Group 1 received standard normal saline as a control. Group 2 received standard food and received 1 mg / kg dexamethasone per day. Group 3 received standard diet and dexamethasone 3 mg / kg / day and group 4 with standard diet 5 mg / kg dexamethasone per day. After 21 days, the animals were killed, the pancreas and glutamate dehydrogenase, insulin, and serum glucose leve...

Background and Aims: There is now an increasing body of evidence that survivin is a protein, expressed highly in breast cancer. The signaling interaction of protein survivin in breast cancer is still unclear, but physiological regulation of survivin seems to be linked to the breast cancer occurrence and severity of it. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were obtained from April 2015 to November 2017 out of women enrolled in a group undergoing annual breast cancer testing. Routine blood samples were analyzed at the Biochemical Laboratory of Rouhani Babol University Hospital . Results: Serum levels of survivin in patients with breast cancer group increased compared to the healthy controls [207.520±110.284 (mean±SD) vs. 126.212±53.130, ng/L, p&lt;0.001]. Also, we detected a positive correlation between elevated serum survivin level and clinical characteristics of patients with breast cancer. Conclusions: Serum survivin measurement was shown to discriminate patients with breast cancer...

Background and Objective: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) can effectively prevent the progression of HIV-1 replication and increase life expectancy. There are numerous causes of treatment failure and the leading one is drug resistance. Thus, we aimed to determine the HIV RT gene drug resistance mutations in patients treated with antiretroviral medications. Material and Methods: In this cross sectional study, venous blood was taken from 130 HIV-positive patients treated with antiretroviral medications. In order to determine drug resistance mutations, RT-PCR and PCR steps were performed using RT gene specific primers. Subtypes and mutations in the virus genome were determined using the Stanford HIV drug resistance sequence database. Results: In 122 treating patients, most of the major mutations were associated with nucleoside and non-nucleoside drugs. subtype A in 66.4%, subtype D in 26.2% and subtype B in 7.4% of the participants were reported. They were resistant to Nuc...

Background and Aims: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can induce latency and evade the immune system. The latent virus can reactive later in older ages and due to immunosuppressive conditions. Sexually transmitted diseases and viruses can influence the male reproductive system, and members of the Herpesviridae family are one of these important viruses. Regarding the importance of herpesviruses, specially HCMV, this research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HCMV in semen samples of infertile men. Materials and Methods: Semen samples were collected from infertility centers affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences. The chromatin state was assessed by DNA fragmentation index. Nucleic acids were extracted from the semen specimens, and a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to detect HCMV DNA. Results: Enrolled patients were 82 infertile men. The mean age of participants was 37.3 ± 6.1 years, and the mean motility and DNA fragmentation index of the samples were ...

Background and Objective: Superficial mycoses are increasing in special conditions. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the epidemiological parameters of Pityriasis versicolor and Erythrasma during 1994-2011. Material and Methods: In this study, we assessed the results of direct microscopic study and the other data of the patients for Pityriasis versicolor and Erythrasma in 1994-2011. Results: Of 2265, 1294 (57%) suffered from pityriasis versicolor, who were mostly males (60%). The highest frequency was related to 20-29 year old and the lowest to 0-9. High school and university students were the most infected groups (33%), September was the most common period and the most common site of involvement was chest and abdomen. The people infected with Erythrasma (971; 42%), were mostly 30-39 year old , males(58%) , urban (98%) , reported in July and involved in groin. Conclusion: The frequency of both diseases was high in active age group, males, and the hot months of the year, which are the most common predisposing factors.

Material and Methods: this case-control study was conducted on 80 pregnant women divided into two equal groups of healthy and RM women in Gorgan. The subjects were asked to fill out a questionnaire and examined by a gynecologist to distinguish their condition, healthy or RM. The blood samples were kept at -20c and assessed by both ELISA 96 and automated ELISA processor with single dose ready-touse test to measure β2GP1 autoantibodies of IgM and IgG.

Background and Objectives: Cellulose is a major component of plant biomass, which can be converted into biofuels and valuable chemicals. The key step in utilization of this organic material is its hydrolysis into soluble sugars. This study evaluated cellulase production by Trichoderma harzianum under different pH values, temperatures and incubation periods with the aim to increase enzyme production and decrease its costs. Methods: The amount of protein production and the hydrolytic activity of cellulase enzymes including exoglucanase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase produced by T. harzianum were evaluated using various substrates such as avicel, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellobiose, Whatman grade 1 filter paper under different pH values (4, 4.8, 5.5 and 6.5), temperatures (25, 28 and 34 °C) and incubation times (48, 72, 96 and 120 h). Results: The optimum condition for cellulase production by T. harzianum is 120 hours of incubation at 25 °C and pH of 6.5. Conclusion: T. harzianum can...

Introduction: Point of Care Glucometer device (POCG) is the most commonly applied method to monitor Diabetes Mellitus (DM) worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the prodigy glucose meter by using the hexokinase method as a reference. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was done on a total of 52 randomly selected DM suspected patients from March 22 to April 13, 2019, in the Department of Medical Laboratory, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. Glucose value was determined by using prodigy glucose meter and the hexokinase method and data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software. The minimum and maximum accuracy of the prodigy glucometer were determined based on ISO 15197:2003 and ISO 15197:2013 criteria. Results: The average serum glucose value measured by prodigy glucose meter and reference hexokinase methods was 132.52 mg/dl and 130.94 mg/ dl respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two methods (p-value &lt;0.001)...

1-800-2 with the reduced occurrence of many communicable, infectious diseases (generally through prophylactic-vaccination, public-health, and sanitation strategies), cancer incidence continues to rise—with a 2.4% growth rate projected for the next decade. 1 More than 75% ...