Dysregulated microRNAs in prostate cancer: In silico prediction and in vitro validation

Objectives

MicroRNAs, which are micro-coordinators of gene expression, have been recently investigated as a potential treatment for cancer. The study used computational techniques to identify microRNAs that could target a set of genes simultaneously. Due to their multi-target-directed nature, microRNAs have the potential to impact multiple key pathways and their pathogenic cross-talk.

Materials and Methods

We identified microRNAs that target a prostate cancer-associated gene set using integrated bioinformatics analyses and experimental validation. The candidate gene set included genes targeted by clinically approved prostate cancer medications. We used STRING, GO, and KEGG web tools to confirm gene-gene interactions and their clinical significance. Then, we employed integrated predicted and validated bioinformatics approaches to retrieve hsa-miR-124-3p, 16-5p, and 27a-3p as the top three relevant microRNAs. KEGG and DIANA-miRPath showed the related pathways for the candidate genes and microRNAs.

Results

The Real-time PCR results showed that miR-16-5p simultaneously down-regulated all genes significantly except for PIK3CA/CB in LNCaP; miR-27a-3p simultaneously down-regulated all genes significantly, excluding MET in LNCaP and PIK3CA in PC-3; and miR-124-3p could not down-regulate significantly PIK3CB, MET, and FGFR4 in LNCaP and FGFR4 in PC-3. Finally, we used a cell cycle assay to show significant G0/G1 arrest by transfecting miR-124-3p in LNCaP and miR-16-5p in both cell lines.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that this novel approach may have therapeutic benefits and these predicted microRNAs could effectively target the candidate genes.

Impact of curcumin on ferroptosis-related genes in colorectal cancer: Insights from in-silico and in-vitro studies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related fatalities worldwide. Researchers are investigating the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis, a type of iron-dependent controlled cell death, in the context of CRC. Curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric, exhibits anticancer properties. This study explores the effects of curcumin on genes related to ferroptosis (FRGs) in CRC. To gather CRC data, we used the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, while FRGs were obtained from the FerrDb database and PubMed. We identified 739 CRC differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CRC and discovered 39 genes that were common genes between FRGs and CRC DEGs. The DEGs related to ferroptosis were enriched with various biological processes and molecular functions, including the regulation of signal transduction and glucose metabolism. Using the Drug Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb), we predicted drugs targeting CRC-DEGs and identified 17 potential drug targets. Additionally, we identified eight essential proteins related to ferroptosis in CRC, including MYC, IL1B, and SLC1A5. Survival analysis revealed that alterations in gene expression of CDC25A, DDR2, FABP4, IL1B, SNCA, and TFAM were associated with prognosis in CRC patients. In SW480 human CRC cells, treatment with curcumin decreased the expression of MYC, IL1B, and EZH2 mRNA, while simultaneously increasing the expression of SLCA5 and CAV1. The findings of this study suggest that curcumin could regulate FRGs in CRC and have the potential to be utilized as a therapeutic agent for treating CRC.

Therapeutic potential of decoys for prostate cancers: A review of recent updates

Prostate cancer is ranked second among the most common male cancers. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has long been the first-line treatment and the basis for all other therapies, reducing circulating androgens to castration levels and preventing disease development. Nevertheless, ADT monotherapy may not always limit disease development, and even at low testosterone levels, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer will become castration-resistant. Recent research demonstrates that prostate cancer can have a range of potentially actionable genetic abnormalities; no medications that target these variations have yet been shown to elicit therapeutic advantages. Despite their established efficacy in the management of other cancers, advanced genetic or immunological approaches are not regularly used to treat prostate cancer patients. As a result, there is an unmet demand for medicines that offer a better chance of survival than the existing castration-resistance prostate cancer (CRPC) therapy regimens. The use of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) and peptides in decoy technology have been developed as novel therapeutic approaches. Decoy ODNs bind to a particular transcription factor with high affinity and may suppress gene transcription. Peptide decoys bind to specific ligands with high specificity and inhibit signaling pathways. Recent evidence supports the notion that these techniques are promising and attractive in the fight against cancer. In the present review, we discuss the use of decoy technology as a novel therapeutic approach against prostate cancer.

Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides for Cancers: State of the Art

Despite significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment, cancer remains a serious global health concern that takes thousands of lives each year. Still, drug resistance and adverse effects are the main problems in conventional cancer therapeutic approaches. Thus, the discovery of new anticancer agents with distinct mechanisms of action is a critical requirement that offers significant obstacles. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which can be found in various forms of life, are recognized as defensive weapons against infections of microbial pathogens. Surprisingly, they are also capable of killing a variety of cancer cells. These powerful peptides can cause cell death in the gastrointestinal, urinary tract, and reproductive cancer cell lines. To emphasize the anti-cancer properties of AMPs, we summarize the research that examined their impact on cancer cell lines in this review.

In vitro attrition wear resistance of four types of paste-like bulk-fill composite resins

Background

Recently, the application of bulk-fill composite resins has increased significantly. Attrition wear and the consequently increased surface roughness of composite resins are among the causes of restoration failure in the posterior teeth. This study aimed to compare the attrition wear and surface roughness of four types of bulk-fill composite resins compared to a conventional composite resin.

Methods

EverX-Posterior, X-tra fil, SonicFill 2, and Filtek Bulk-Fill composites (bulk-fill) and Z250 composite (conventional resin composite) were evaluated. Thirty cylindrical specimens (n = 6) were weighed and monitored for 24 h until their weight was stabilized. The primary surface roughness of the specimens was measured by a profilometer. The specimens were then subjected to attrition wear in a chewing simulator. Next, the specimens were weighed, and the surface roughness was measured again. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test at P < 0.05 significance level.

Results

According to one-way ANOVA, the difference in weight loss was significant among the groups (P = 0.004) but the difference in surface roughness of the groups was not significant after the attrition wear (P > 0.05). Tukey’s post-hoc test showed that the weight loss of bulk-fill composites was not significantly different from that of Z250 conventional composite after the attrition wear (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it appears that the tested bulk-fill composite resins are comparable to the conventional composite regarding their attrition wear, increased surface roughness, and weight loss.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02393-x.

The Evalutation of the Effect of 12 Weeks of Water Aerobic Exercise and Atrovastatin Drug on Apolipoproteins A1 Changes, ANP, BNP and CRP in Older Men with Cardiovascular Disesaes

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of of 12 weeks of water aerobic exercise and atrovastain drug on apolipoproteins changes A1, ANP, BNP and CRP in older men with cardiovascular disesaes.

Methods

In this study, we chose 40 patients with cardiovascular disease that were divideded in to four groups. Experimental groups selected exercise 3 times per weeks during 3 months with the method ofwalking on the water and carnal swimming.

Results

The results were expressed as the mean ± sd, and all statistical comparisons were made by means of a one-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey'sPost-Hoc analysis.

Conclusion

The effect of exercise and intervention taking Atorvastatin increased Apolipoproteins A1changes, but reducedANP, BNP, and CRP, followed by the reduction of disease cardiovascular and improve cardiovascular function.

Effects of Interval Training Intensity and Curcumin on expression of Endothelial Progenitor Cells mRNA and C Reactive Protein in Elderly Rats Heart

INTRODUCTION

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a role in preventing endothelial dysfunction and increasing the angiogenesis process. Regular training increases these cells. Turmeric Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties.

ANIMAL, MATERIALS AND METHODS

49 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (C), Saline (S), curcumin (cur), moderate interval training (MIT), high interval training (HIT), MIT+curAndHIT+cur. The training groups trained 8 weeks,3 sessions per week and 40 minutes each session at 28 and 34 m / min. 48 hours after the last training, The gene expression of the CD34 and KDR was measured by Real-time PCR and CRP usesthe ELISA method.

FINDINGS

CD34 and KDR mRNA in cur, MIT and HIT groups showed a significant increase compared to C and Sgroups.The highest levels of CD34 and KDR mRNA were observed in HIT+curgroup. While the increase of CD3 mRNA in HIT group was greater than the cur and MIT groups(P = 0.0001). KDR showed a significant increase in MIT and HIT groups compared to C, S, cur and MIT+cur groups. Serum CRP means significantly decreased in all experimental groups compared to C and S groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The rate of increase in EPCs mRNA in response to aerobic training is dependent on training intensity. HIT training is likely to be more effective in the repair and development of coronary arteries. These findings can be useful for cell therapy and improve cardiovascular regeneration after injury and myocardial disor-der, especially in elderly conditions.

A comprehensive review of online resources for microRNA-diseases associations: the state of the art

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as small 19- to 24-nucleotide noncoding RNAs regulate several mRNA targets and signaling pathways. Therefore, miRNAs are considered key regulators in cellular pathways as well as various pathologies. There is substantial interest in the relationship between disease and miRNAs, which made that one of the important research topics. Interestingly, miRNAs emerged as an attractive approach for clinical application, not only as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis or in the prediction of therapy response but also as therapeutic tools. For these purposes, the identification of crucial miRNAs in disease is very important. Databases provided valuable experimental and computational miRNAs-disease information in an accessible and comprehensive manner, such as miRNA target genes, miRNA related in signaling pathways and miRNA involvement in various diseases. In this review, we summarized miRNAs-disease databases in two main categories based on the general or specific diseases. In these databases, researchers could search diseases to identify critical miRNAs and developed that for clinical applications. In another way, by searching particular miRNAs, they could recognize in which disease these miRNAs would be dysregulated. Despite the significant development that has been done in these databases, there are still some limitations, such as not being updated and not providing uniform and detailed information that should be resolved in future databases. This survey can be helpful as a comprehensive reference for choosing a suitable database by researchers and as a guideline for comparing the features and limitations of the database by developer or designer. Short abstract We summarized miRNAs-disease databases that researchers could search disease to identify critical miRNAs and developed that for clinical applications. This survey can help choose a suitable database for researchers.

Joint application of biochemical markers and imaging techniques in the accurate and early detection of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is a primary brain tumor with the most metastatic effect in adults. Despite the wide range of multidimensional treatments, tumor heterogeneity is one of the main causes of tumor spread and gives great complexity to diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Therefore, featuring noble noninvasive prognostic methods that are focused on glioblastoma heterogeneity is perceived as an urgent need. Imaging neuro-oncological biomarkers including MGMT (O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) promoter methylation status, tumor grade along with other tumor characteristics and demographic features (e.g., age) are commonly referred to during diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic processes. Therefore, the use of new noninvasive prognostic methods focused on glioblastoma heterogeneity is considered an urgent need. Some neuronal biomarkers, including the promoter methylation status of the promoter MGMT, the characteristics and grade of the tumor, along with the patient's demographics (such as age and sex) are involved in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Among the wide array of imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging combined with the more physiologically detailed technique of H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be useful in diagnosing neurological cancer patients. In addition, intracranial tumor qualitative analysis and sometimes tumor biopsies help in accurate diagnosis. This review summarizes the evidence for biochemical biomarkers being a reliable biomarker in the early detection and disease management in GBM. Moreover, we highlight the correlation between Imaging techniques and biochemical biomarkers and ask whether they can be combined.

Decoys as potential therapeutic tools for diabetes

Current therapeutic approaches for diabetes are focused on improving glycemic control to prevent diabetes-related complications, but such approached are not completely successful. Decoy technologies such as decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and decoy peptides have emerged as therapeutic tools in diabetes. Decoy ODNs carry a DNA recognition motif for the binding of transcription factors in order to trap them and block their effects, whereas decoy peptides mimic the binding structure of the receptor protein, bind to the docking site of the target ligand, and prevent the interaction of the ligand and receptor. This review summarizes the technologies that have been developed to date and the studies that have investigated the therapeutic effects of decoy ODNs and peptides in diabetes.

Effects of therapeutic probiotics on modulation of microRNAs

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that exist within the human gut, and which are also present in different food products and supplements. They have been investigated for some decades, due to their potential beneficial impact on human health. Probiotics compete with pathogenic microorganisms for adhesion sites within the gut, to antagonize them or to regulate the host immune response resulting in preventive and therapeutic effects. Therefore, dysbiosis, defined as an impairment in the gut microbiota, could play a role in various pathological conditions, such as lactose intolerance, gastrointestinal and urogenital infections, various cancers, cystic fibrosis, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, and can also be caused by antibiotic side effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that can regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner. miRNAs are biochemical biomarkers that play an important role in almost all cellular signaling pathways in many healthy and disease states. For the first time, the present review summarizes current evidence suggesting that the beneficial properties of probiotics could be explained based on the pivotal role of miRNAs.

Circular RNAs: New players in thyroid cancer

The prevalence of thyroid cancer the most frequent endocrine malignancy, is rapidly increasing. Most of thyroid cancers are relatively indolent, however, some cases still possess a risk of developing into lethal types of thyroid cancer. Regarding its multistep tumorigenesis, the determination of the underlying mechanisms is a vital issue for thyroid cancer therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNAs with a closed loop structure. Numerous circRNAs have been identified in cancerous tissues. Mounting data recommends that the biological activities of circRNAs, such as serving as microRNA or ceRNAs sponges, interacting with proteins, modulating gene translation and transcription, suggesting that circRNAs will be potential targets as well as agents for the prognosis and diagnosis of diseases, including cancer. Given that circular RNAs acts as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in the thyroid cancer. Several studies documented that circular RNAs via microRNA and protein sponges could regulate a sequences of cellular and molecular mechanisms e.g., apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumor growth, and invasion that are involved in thyroid cancer pathogenesis. Herein, we summarized the role of circular RNAs as therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers in the thyroid cancer. Moreover, we highlighted the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of various cancers.

The effects of yoga in women with generalized anxiety disorder

Introduction

GAD is one of the most common disorders in psychiatry, usually observed twice in women than in men.

Aims

Considering the side effects of drugs and their financial burden, the purpose of this research was to study the effects of yoga as a complementary treatment on GAD in women.

Methods

In a single blind clinical trial the effects of yoga on GAD was studied in 40 women who were diagnosed with GAD by psychiatrist interview, SADS questionnaire and spilberger's anxiety scale in psychiatric clinics. The participants were randomly divided into two intervention and control. All the participants took the usual drugs (SSRIs). The intervention group was given Hata yoga instruction for six weeks, while the control group was only watching movies. At the end of the six week period the spilberger anxiety scale was refilled for both groups. Finally the comparison was done by statistical methods for both groups.

Results

The mean ages of intervention and control groups were 37.7 ± 9.87 and 37.65 ± 10.42 respectively. Improvement was observed in both groups after the six week period. The grades of state and trait anxiety were declined according to spilberger anxiety scale but no statistical difference was observed in two groups regarding improvement.

Conclusions

In the present study no statistical difference was observed between two groups however the participants of intervention group were inclined to continue their yoga sessions due to sense of well being. So it is concluded that yoga can have a positive effect on anxiety in long terms.

Peptide decoys: a new technology offering therapeutic opportunities for breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Absence of hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone) and lack of overexpression of Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 (HER2) make triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is resistant to conventional therapies. Peptide decoys have emerged as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer. Decoy peptide technology entails the use of soluble proteins or peptides, including binding proteins or inactive cell surface receptors. Peptide decoys bind to certain ligands (e.g., inflammatory cytokines) with high affinity and specificity as receptors but cannot initiate any signaling pathway that is involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. In this review, we discuss the use of decoy peptides as a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer treatment.

Curing Depth and Degree of Conversion of Five Bulk-Fill Composite Resins Compared to a Conventional Composite

Background:

Limited curing depth and its effect on the degree of conversion are among the challenges of working with light-cure composite resins. The use of bulk-fill composites is one strategy to overcome these limitations.

Methods:

Ever X Posterior (EXP), Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior (FBP), Sonic Fill 2 (SF2), Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill (TNB), and X-tra Fil (XF) bulk-fill and Filtek Z250 conventional composite were evaluated in this in vitro experimental study. Six samples for the assessment of microhardness and three samples for the evaluation of DC were fabricated of each composite. After light curing and polishing, the samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Microhardness was measured by a Vickers hardness tester three times and the mean value was calculated. DC of the top and bottom surfaces was determined using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test.

Results:

Microhardness and DC were significantly different among the groups (P<0.001). XF and Z250 equally showed the highest bottom-to-top surface microhardness ratio (0.97 ± 0.01) and significantly higher DC in the top (P<0.001) and bottom (P<0.005) surfaces compared to other groups. TNB showed the lowest microhardness ratio (0.88 ± 0.04) and DC (68.66 ± 1.52 and 61.00 ± 2.00); the difference in DC of the bottom surface was statistically significant (P<0.003).

Conclusion:

It appears that bulk-fill composites evaluated in this study are adequately polymerized at 4 mm depth. Their DC was optimal and within the range of conventional composites.

Electrochemical-based biosensors for microRNA detection: Nanotechnology comes into view

Nanotechnology plays an undeniable significant role in medical sciences, particularly in the field of biomedicine. Development of several diagnostic procedures in medicine has been possible through the beneficial application of nano-materials, among which electrochemical nano-biosensors can be mentioned. They can be employed to quantify various clinical biomarkers in detection, evaluation, and follow up stages of the illnesses. MicroRNAs, a group of regulatory short RNA fragments, added a new dimension to the management and diagnosis of several diseases. Mature miRNAs are single-stranded RNA molecules approximately 22 nucleotides in length, which regulate a vast range of biological functions from cellular proliferation and death to cancer development and progression. Recently, diagnostic value of miRNAs in various diseases has been demonstrated. There are many traditional methods for detection of miRNAs including northern blotting, quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR), microarray technology, nanotechnology-based approaches, and molecular biology tools including miRNA biosensors. In comparison with other techniques, electrochemical nucleic acid biosensor methods exhibit many interesting features, and could play an important role in the future nucleic acid analysis. This review paper provides an overview of some different types of nanotechnology-based biosensors for detection of miRNAs.

First records of long-legged flies (Diptera, Dolichopodidae) from Fars Province of Iran

This paper provides data on distribution of 9 long-legged fly species (Diptera, Brachycera, Dolichopodidae) belonging to 6 genera from Fars province, southern Iran. Four species, Asyndetus albifrons Loew, 1869, Asyndetus chaetifemoratus Parent, 1925, Medetera media Parent, 1925 and Sciapus adumbratus (Becker, 1902) are newly added to the Iranian insect fauna. In addition, available information for each species and comments on geographical distribution and taxonomy are also included.

Polymerization Shrinkage of Five Bulk-Fill Composite Resins in Comparison with a Conventional Composite Resin

OBJECTIVES

The polymerization shrinkage of methacrylate-based composites is among the most important causes of failure of composite restorations. The manufacturers claim that bulk-fill composites have a lower polymerization shrinkage than conventional composites. This study aimed to assess the polymerization shrinkage of five bulk-fill composites in comparison with a conventional composite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in-vitro experimental study, composite discs (n=30) were fabricated using everX Posterior (EXP), Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior (FBP), SonicFill 2 (SF2), Tetric N-Ceram Bulk-Fill (TNB), X-tra fil (XF), and Filtek Z250 conventional composite at the center of a metal ring bonded to a microscope slide and were covered with a coverslip. This assembly was transferred to a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). Light-curing (1200 mW/cm²) was performed from underneath the slide for 30 seconds. The deflecting disc method and LVDT were used to assess the dimensional changes of the samples (indicative of polymerization shrinkage) at 1, 30, 60, and 1800 seconds following the onset of light irradiation. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test.

RESULTS

The groups were significantly different regarding polymerization shrinkage (P<0.002). The polymerization shrinkage of the tested composites following the onset of light irradiation ranged from 0.19 to 3.03. EXP showed a significantly higher polymerization shrinkage than other composites at 30, 60, and 1800 seconds after light irradiation, while XF showed the lowest polymerization shrinkage at the aforementioned time points.

CONCLUSIONS

The tested bulk-fill composites had a polymerization shrinkage similar to that of the conventional composite.

Prevalence of burnout among nurses in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

This study aimed to summarize the available information in the literature to make an accurate estimate of the prevalence of burnout among Iranian nurses.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

Burnout is a work-related stress syndrome that has negative impact on healthcare providers, patients and healthcare delivery systems.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of literature using international [PubMed, Scopus and the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)] and Iranian scientific data bases [Scientific Information Database (SID), IranMedex and Magiran] was conducted to identify English and Persian language studies, published between 2000 and 2016, that examined the prevalence of burnout among nurses in Iran. The I-squared test and Chi-squared-based Q-test suggested heterogeneity of reported prevalence among the qualified studies; thus, a random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall prevalence of burnout among nurses in Iran.

RESULTS

Based on 21 selected articles with 4180 participants, the overall prevalence of burnout among Iranian nurses was estimated to be 36% [95% confidence interval (CI), 20-53%] in Iran. Meta-regression indicated that sample size and year of data collection, mean age of samples, female to male ratio and geographic regions were not statistically significantly associated with the prevalence of burnout. Also, based on Egger's test and funnel plot, there is no publication bias among studies included in the analysis.

CONCLUSION

Professional burnout affects more than one-third of nursing staff in Iran; thus, effective interventions and strategies are required to reduce and prevent burnout among nurses.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY

Due to the negative consequences of burnout on patients, nurses and organizations, nursing and healthcare managers should intervene to prevent and reduce burnout among nurses in Iran. Policy attention should focus on developing effective interventions to prevent and minimize the burden of burnout among nurses in Iran. Nurses' involvement in the policy-making process is crucial in the implementation of effective programs and initiatives tailored to address the higher prevalence of burnout among Iranian nurses.

Epidemiological status of dermatophytosis in Guilan, north of Iran

Background and Purpose:

The epidemiological features of dermatophytoses have been characterized in many geographical locations of Iran, but not in Guilan, North of Iran. This study was carried out to determine the distribution pattern of dermatophytoses and their relevant agents in Guilan, North of Iran, over a period of one year, from April 2010 to April 2011.

Materials and Methods:

The clinical samples of skin, hair, and nail from 889 outpatients (317 men vs. 572 women) were used for direct microscopy and culture. All the culture-positive samples were then subjected to amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear rDNA followed by a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay to verify the causative agents.

Results:

The infection was confirmed in 90 (44.3%) males and 113 (55.7%) females. The most common type of dermatophytoses was tinea cruris (42.9%), followed by tinea pedis (20.2%), tinea corporis (11.3%), tinea unguium (7.4%), tinea faciei (6.9%), tinea manuum (6.4%), and tinea capitis (4.9%). ITS-RFLP based of the identification of isolates, showed that the infections were significantly associated with anthropophilic species, of Trichophyton rubrum (41.9%), Epidermophyton floccosum (19.7%), T. tonsurans (5.4%), and T.violaceum (2%). Other causative agents were T. interdigitale (22.6%), Microsporum canis (4.9%), T. verrucosum (2.5%), and M. gypseum (1%).

Conclusion:

The higher prevalence of T. rubrum, as the agent of dermatophytoses, than other species has never been reported from Iran and is of public health concern because of the chronic nature of infections with anthropophilic species. To thoroughly investigate the epidemiological trend of dermatophytoses in Iran, further periodical and molecular-based studies are necessary.

Relative inequalities in geographic distribution of health care resources in Kermanshah province, Islamic Republic of Iran

This study aimed to evaluate inequalities in the geographical distribution of human and physical resources in the health sector of Kermanshah province, Islamic Republic of Iran. In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, data from the Statistical Centre of Iran were used to calculate inequality measures (Gini coefficient and index of dissimilarity) over the years 2005-11. The highest Gini coefficient for human resources was observed for pharmacists in 2005 (0.75) and the lowest for paramedics in 2010 and 2011 (0.10). The highest indices of dissimilarity were also for pharmacists in 2005 (29%) and paramedics in 2011 (3%). For physical resources, the highest and lowest Gini coefficients were for rehabilitation centres in 2010 (0.59) and health houses in 2011 (0.12) respectively. Generally, inequalities in the distribution of health care resources were lower at the end of the study period, although there was potential for more equitable distribution of pharmacists, specialists, health houses and beds.

Assessing of the relationship between renal function tests and retinopathy stage in patients with type II diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Retinopathy and nephropathy are long-term diabetes complications which are associated together. Renal dysfunction is a risk factor for progression and deterioration of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes causes damage to the small blood vessels in the retina and kidney which eventually resulted in diabetic nephropathy, renal failure and blindness. Due to the high cost for treating of these complications it is better to prevent them.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the patients' kidney function and retinal status in a group of diabetic patients to find probable association between nephropathy and retinopathy hence can prevent from serious renal complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study 253 patients with type 2 diabetes referring to ophthalmology clinics were evaluated. Eye examination was conducted by an ophthalmologist (vitreoretinal subspecialist) and disease stage was determined, then serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine tests and 24-hour urine collection for microalbuminuria were measured.

RESULTS

Mean of BUN and microalbuminuria had significant difference in three groups including proliferative retinopathy, non-proliferative retinopathy and patients without retinopathy. The mean (± SD) of serum creatinine in patients with proliferative retinopathy, non-proliferative retinopathy and patients without retinopathy had no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

The presence or absence of retinopathy in the early stages of diabetic kidney disease has not related to renal involvement, in fact, patients without retinopathy may have renal involvement. In periodic examination, diabetic patients should be evaluated for microalbuminuria in addition to renal function test examination.

Assessment of the efficacy of 8 weeks of primaquine for the prevention of relapse in vivax malaria patients using SSCP-PCR and sequencing in South and South-East Iran, 2008-2011

BACKGROUND

Treatment of vivax malaria with primaquine prevents the risk of relapse. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of 8 weeks of primaquine treatment in prevention of relapse in patients with vivax malaria in south and south-east Iran by SSCP-PCR and sequencing.

METHODS

A total of 163 symptomatic vivax malaria cases were followed up in Hormozgan and Sistan, Baluchestan provinces in south and south-east Iran between December 2008 and December 2011. DNA was extracted from primary and secondary positive samples. A variation region of PvMSP-1 gene was selected and amplified by PCR. The obtained fragments were processed in polyacrylamide gel for single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and then sequenced.

RESULTS

Among 145 patients treated with chloroquine plus primaquine who completed the study period, two patients (1.4%) experienced a secondary infection after the initial episode of Plasmodium vivax. The comparison between primary and secondary isolates by SSCP indicated different banding patterns and electrophoretic mobility. Alignment of nucleotide sequences between pair primary and secondary isolates revealed dissimilar homology. Secondary isolates of both patients were considered as reinfection. Five of the 18 cases (28%) treated with chloroquine only revealed secondary infection. Analysis of nucleotide sequences and SSCP patterns indicated the relapse in all of them.

CONCLUSION

This survey indicates that intake of primaquine, 0.75 mg/kg, weekly for 8 consecutive weeks, is effective for the prevention of relapse in vivax cases in Iran.

Epidemiological data, outcome, and costs of burn patients in Kermanshah

Burn injuries in both developed and developing countries cause long-term disability, mortality, and socio-economic costs that are imposed on patients, families, and societies. This study was carried out to investigate the epidemiology, outcome, and cost of hospitalization of 388 burn patients admitted to the Imam Khomeini Hospital Burn Center in Kermanshah, Iran, between 21 March 2011 and 20 March 2012. The data about demographics, cause of burns, degree of burns, outcome of burns, burned body surface (BBS), length of stay (LOS), and cost of hospitalization were collected by reviewing medical records and analysed by SPSS 16. The patients' mean age was 27 years. The male/female ratio in burn patients was 1.14/1. The mean BBS was 36.06%. The mean LOS was 9.04 days. Flame (67.0%) and hot liquids (21.9%) were the major causes of burn. Burn injuries were more common in the upper limbs (81.4%), lower limbs (70.9%), and head and neck (65.2%). 11.6% of patients had all the regions involved. The fatality rate was 18.8%. The mean cost per patient was 20,463,227 Iran Rials (IRR). The cost per one percentage of burn and one day of hospitalization was 562,632 IRR and 2,263,631 IRR, respectively. The main factors relevant to death were identified including the extent of burn, gender, age, causes, and degree of burn. In addition, LOS proved to have a higher impact on costs than burn percentage.

Comparison of two techniques for evaluation of coronal leakage along of a glass fiber post

OBJECTIVE

Contradictory results have been reported over microleakage studies of restorative materials and methods. Despite the number of publications on leakage there are few evidences comparing the different microleakage evaluation methods. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clearing technique and longitudinal sectioning in the evaluation of dye penetration along a glass fiber post.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifteen single-rooted human teeth were endontically prepared and obturated with gutta percha points and a resin based sealer (AH26). A glass fiber post (Glassix) was cemented into each post space with a dual polymerizing resin cement (Varilink II) and the composite core (Tetric Ceram) was fabricated. Specimens were immersed in Indian ink solution for 72 hours after completion of 1500 cycles of thermal cycling. Then demineralized, cleared and evaluated for the deepest length of dye penetration using a stereomicroscope. Specimens were then cut longitudinally and the length of penetration was measured again by the same instrument. The mean difference of the penetrated length was analyzed by two methods using the paired t test and an analysis of correlation (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the mean microleakage measured by the two methods (P= 0.07). Significant correlation was found between them (P=0.0001, r= 0.9)

CONCLUSION

The clearing technique and longitudinal sectioning showed the same results in microleakage of Glassix post and composite core within the limitation of the present study.

Serological Evaluation of EgAgB16 kDa, a Recombinant Antigen from Echinococcus granulosus for Diagnosis of Human Hydatidosis

BACKGROUND

Regarding that accurate diagnosis of human hydatidosis still needs more investigations, the present study was conducted to clone, express, and evaluate the gene encoding AgB subunits (EgAgB16 kDa) from Echinococcus granulosus (Iranian G1 strain) and its evaluation by ELISA test.

METHODS

DNA was extracted from protoscoleces and was utilized by PCR for strain identification. Total RNA was prepared with RNeasy protect mini kit from E. granulosus (Iranian G1 strain) protoscoleces collected from naturally infected sheep with hydatid cyst. Recombinant AgB16 kDa was produced using pETDuet as vector and evaluated by ELISA method. A panel of sera including hydatid cyst-infected individuals (n=72), healthy individual (n=48), toxoplasmosis (n=4), strongyloidosis (n=4), kala-azar (n=5) and tuberculosis (n=5) were examined using this recombinant antigen.

RESULTS

Recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography using His-Tag column. After purification, recombinant protein was confirmed by western blot analysis using His Tag monoclonal antibody or hydatid positive human serum. The sensitivity, specificity; positive and negative predictive values were calculated as 93.5%, 95.6%, 96% and 92.9%, in that order. The cut-off point was detected 0.3 for rAgB16.

CONCLUSION

While the produced recombinant AgB16 kDa showed promising results in diagnosing human hydatidosis, but more investigations should be implemented to reach an accurate gold standard.

Molecular Monitoring of Plasmodium vivax Infection after Radical Treatment in Southeastern Iran

BACKGROUND

The aim was to evaluate the relapse risk of vivax malaria in patients who received radical treatment in Hormozgan Province, a malarious area located on southeast of Iran.

METHODS

A total of 95 symptomatic vivax malaria infected patients were enrolled in urban health centers of Bandar-Abbas, Minab, Bandar-Jask and Bashagard districts of Hormozgan Province, southeast of Iran from January 2008 to March 2009 for consideration as a case- series study. DNA was extracted from parasite infected whole blood samples. A polymorphic region of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (pvMSP1) was selected and a PCR method was employed for all the samples to amplify the specific variable gene fragment. The obtained fragments in primary and secondary samples were sequenced. Both nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the samples were investigated for returned patients.

RESULTS

3.2% of the patients experienced a second attack between 83-199 days after the initial episode of infection. Alignment of nucleotide and their deduced amino acid sequences between pair sequences of primary and secondary isolates revealed 8 and 6 dissimilarities respectively for the first case, and 9 and 7 dissimilarities for the second case. Although microscopical examination of recurrent thick blood smear of the third patient confirmed new P. vivax infection, the venous blood sample was accidentally missed. Sequencing results of primary and returned isolates 1P, 1S, 2P, 2S and 3P in this study showed an identity with BP13, T117, BP13, TC28 and Chesson genotypes respectively.

CONCLUSION

The returned (secondary) isolates may account to be for the sake of reinfection.