فهرست مطالب

Novelty in Biomedicine
Volume:3 Issue: 4, Autumn 2015

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1394/08/05
  • تعداد عناوین: 10
|
  • Mohammad Mehdi Ranjbar, Sedigheh Nabian, Nayeb Ali Ahmadi*, Khodayar Ghorban, Alireza Sazmand, Maryam Dadmanesh, Seyed Hosseinhekmatimoghaddam Page 161
    Background
    Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus are house dust mites (HDM) that they cause severe asthma and allergic symptoms. Tropomyosin protein plays an important role in mentioned immune and allergic reactions to HDMs. Here, tropomyosin protein from Dermatophagoides spp. was comprehensively screened in silico for its allergenicity, antigenicity and similarity/conservation.
    Materials And Methods
    The amino acid sequences of D. farinae tropomyosin, D. pteronyssinus and other mites were retrieved. We included alignments and evaluated conserved/ variable regions along sequences, constructed their phylogenetic tree and estimated overall mean distances. Then, followed by with prediction of linear B-cell epitope based on different approaches, and besides in-silico evaluation of IgE epitopes allergenicity (by SVMc, IgE epitope, ARPs BLAST, MAST and hybrid method). Finally, comparative analysis of results by different approaches was made.
    Results
    Alignment results revealed near complete identity between D. farina and D. pteronyssinus members, and also there was close similarity among Dermatophagoides spp. Most of the variations among mite's tropomyosin were approximately located at amino acids 23 to 80, 108 to 120, 142 to 153 and 220 to 230. Topology of tree showed close relationships among mites in tropomyosin protein sequence, although their sequences in D. farina, D. pteronyssinus and Psoroptes ovis are more similar to each other and clustered. Dermanyssus gallinae (AC: Q2WBI0) has less relationship to other mites, being located in a separate branch. Hydrophilicity and flexibility plots revealed that many parts of this protein have potential to be hydrophilic and flexible. Surface accessibility represented 7 different epitopes. Beta-turns in this protein are with high probability in the middle part and its two terminals. Kolaskar and Tongaonkar method analysis represented 11 immunogenic epitopes between amino acids 7-16. From comparative analysis of predicted probable consensus epitope regions by machine learning approaches these epitopes were gained: AA23-48, AA59-80, AA91-110, AA114-143, AA154-168, AA182-200, AA208-225, and AA254-272. Prediction of allergenic proteins by AlgPred server showed 10 matches for IgE epitope, and prediction by hybrid approach showed that IgE epitope is undoubtedly the major allergen.
    Conclusion
    Immunoinformatic approaches in allergenic protein analysis are now reliable tools for explanation/interpretation of clinically observed complexities. Results of present study, would help in HDM immunotherapy against several species of parasites as a wide range epitopic desensitization or prevention (vaccine) regime.
    Keywords: House dust mite, Tropomyosin, Allergenicity, Antigenicity, Similarity
  • Masoumeh Hajirezaei, Mojtaba Darbouy, Manoochehr Rasouli, Bahram Kazemi Page 171
    Background
    The homologous recombination (HR) is one of the conventional cloning methods for the production of recombinant DNA. It is a quick method for in vivo DNA cloning without using the high cost restriction enzymes. A few modifications in the cloning procedure can increase the efficiency of this method.
    Materials And Methods
    In this study, effect of heating on the rate of the IgG1 heavy chain gene cloning was investigated in the HR method and then it was compared with HR method without heating and traditional cloning method. For doing this comparison, three cloning methods including HR, HR with the heat treatment, and traditional cloning were used to clone the human IgG1 heavy chain into the pcDNA3.1(+) plasmid.
    Results
    The results showed that adding heat in the HR method converts insert and vector from the double strand DNA to the single strand DNA. This allows them to copulate with each other better and faster than the two other methods. The heat addition also helps the cell enzyme system for a faster and easier recombination and moreover it increases the cloning efficiency of the HR method in case of in vitro processing.
    Conclusion
    The results showed that giving heat in the HR method increases cloning rate 7.5% and this increase reaches 10% in comparison with the traditional method.
    Keywords: Homologous recombination, Gene cloning, Heat, pcDNA3.1, IgG1
  • Hamid Reza Jalali, Ali Pourbakhsh, Fatemeh Fallah, Gita Eslami Page 177
    Background
    Escherichia coli is the most causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Apart from all human infectious diseases, UTI have a high prevalence and in most cases, Escherichia coli is a dominance bacterium which can cause pyelonephritis and cystitis. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of some virulence genes expressing fimbriae, production of hemolysin and aerobactin among a hundred Escherichia coli isolates obtained from in-and outpatients of Karaj Shahid Rajaii hospital, showing clinical and laboratory signs of UTI.
    Materials And Methods
    In this investigation we isolated Escherichia coli strains from urine samples of patients with UTI during the period of July to December 2012 and studied them for the presence of the virulence genes by PCR.Results and
    Conclusion
    The most abundant virulence factor in this study was fimH. The prevalence of the virulence factors for fimbriae type 1 (fimH gene), pyelonephritis associated pili (pap gene), S-family adhesions (sfa gene), hemolysin (hly gene) and aerobactin (aer gene), was 73%, 46%, 32%, 47%, 57%, respectively.
    Keywords: Escherichia coli, Urinary tract infection, Virulence factors, PCR
  • Samira Dodangeh, Maryam Niyyati, Mohammad Kamalinejad Page 182
    Background
    Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is potentially a sight-threatening infection and its treatment is challenging. This is mainly due to presence of resistant cyst form. Indeed, cysts are highly resistant to current available drugs. Chemical drugs are toxic to human keratocytes. It should also be mentioned that most available anti-Acanthamoeba drugs are poorly cysticidal, In Iran and worldwide, AK cases continue to rise and therefore, novel effective drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of AK.
    Materials And Methods
    In the present study, the in vitro activity of serial dilutions (10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/mL) of chloroformic fractions including primary chloroformic fraction (minimum amount of chloroform), middle chloroformic fraction and remaining chloroformic fraction (most amount of chloroform) of Trigonella foenum graecum seed were evaluated against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. Cytotoxic assay of fractions at different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mg/ml) of test material was identified on mice Macrophage cells using MTT method.
    Results
    The obtained results revealed that the tested fractions presented anti-amoebic activities in a time and dose dependent cycle. Anti-Acanthamoeba activity of remaining chloroformic fraction was more than other fractions. Trophozoites/cysts were eliminated when incubated with 15 and 20 mg/ml concentrations of remaining chloroformic fraction after 24 hours. Viability of macrophage cells was noted 100 % with 25 and 50 mg/ml concentration of remaining chloroformic fraction. Our results indicate that the plant fractions are safe for mammalian cells.
    Conclusion
    Further studies should be performed in order to detect the active chemical compounds which could be used for the development of novel therapeutic approaches against Acanthamoeba infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the activity of chloroformic fractions of Trigonella foenum graecum (seed) against Acanthamoeba spp.
    Keywords: Acanthamoeba, Chloroformic fractions, in vitro, Therapy
  • Maria Reyes, Batlle, Maryam Niyyati, Carmen M. Mart, Iacuten., Navarro, Atteneri L., Oacute, Pez, Arencibia, Basilio Valladares, Enrique Martinez, Carretero, JosÉ E. Pinero, Jacob Lorenzo, Morales* Page 189
    Background
    Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa that are widely distributed in the environment mainly in water and soil related habitats. Thermophilic amoebae are among the most common FLA in water bodies, being Vermamoeba vermiformis one of the most common species reported worldwide from these sources. Interestingly, V. vermiformis has often been reported to survive at high temperatures and osmotic pressure worldwide.
    Materials And Methods
    In this study, snow samples were collected from Mount Teide, Tenerife, Canary Islands during the winter season of 2014. The samples were culture on non nutrient agar plates and checked daily for the presence of FLA. After a week, V. vermiformis amoebae were observed in the plates incubated at room temperature and 37ºC.
    Results
    Molecular characterization was carried out by amplifying the 18S rDNA gene and DNA sequencing, confirmed that the isolated strain belonged to Vermamoeba vermiformis species.
    Conclusion
    To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Vermamoeba vermiformis isolation from such an inusual habitat (low temperatures and high altitude) and the first report of these species in the Canary islands.
    Keywords: Vermamoeba vermiformis, snow, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
  • Haleh Kangari, Ali Abedini, Talemi *, Alireza Akbarzadeh, Bagheban, Saeed Rahmani Page 193
    Background
    Artificial tears have been among the first line of therapy in management of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). This study was conducted to compare a local artificial tear with an imported one in reduction of DES. This comparison would help to evaluate the cost and benefits of each drop in the proper management of DES.
    Materials And Methods
    In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, a total 65 students meeting our inclusion criteria for DES entered the study. The OSDI questionnaire, TBUT, corneal and conjunctival staining and Schirmer test, were performed. The patients were divided into two groups by block randomization. Group 1 received first drop and group 2 received second drop. Both groups were instructed to use the drops 4 times a day for 14 days. The same tests were performed by the same examiner who was blind to the treatment type after two weeks. Repeated measured ANOVA was used to analyze the data.
    Results
    A total of 58 patients completed the study. In both groups, after the intervention, the OSDI scores (P<0.001), TBUT score (P=0.041), corneal (P<0.001) and conjunctival staining scores (P<0.001) showed improvement in compare to those before the intervention. However, the Schirmer test score did not show significantly difference before and after intervention. In comparing two groups the OSDI scores, the TBUT score, the corneal and conjunctival staining scores and the Schirmer scores did not show statistically significant difference.
    Conclusion
    The two artificial tears equally reduced the symptoms and signs of DES in two weeks.
    Keywords: Artificial Tear, Dry Eye Syndrome, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
  • Rafat Mohebbifar, Sonia Khosravi, Fatemeh Moghimi, Mehdi Goudarzi, Hoda Pourkarim, Mehdi Azad Page 200
    Background
    In spite of being vital to save the patient's life, blood transition may be dangerous and even fatal, too the aim of this study was to investigate the side effects (complications) of blood transfusion in the educational hospitals of Qazvin.
    Materials And Methods
    This is a descriptive cross sectional and practical study that was carried out in 2010. In this study, all the patients of four health training centers in Qazvin, that have had blood transfusion and complications, were considered as a part of the statistical community. The instrument for data collection was checklist which was filled through an interview with blood bank manager and some other responsible individuals and scrutinizing files of patients who had blood injection among the blood products consumption, request for the packed cells was the most and for fresh frozen plasma was the least.
    Results
    75% of these people had only one blood injection and the maximum injection volume was 100cc which was done mostly in the evening. Most of the transfusion history belonged to 21-30 year olds in our statistical community. 56% of all Patients that had transfusion, possessed background of some disease such as heart problems (21.9%). More than half of them (2.56%) had a chill feeling complication transfusion and there was a significant relationship between the blood transfusion volume and itching complication.
    Conclusion
    Existence of a continuous association between blood transfusion organization and hospitals is indispensable. Therefore, it seems that Hemovigilance system or computer connected network to send reports, between hospital centers and blood transfusion organization of Iran, can be an appropriate solution.
    Keywords: complication, blood transfusion, Hemovigilance, hospital
  • Kambiz Abachizadeh Page 207
    Background
    Happiness as one of the main positive health indicators has drawn more attention in recent years among policy makers and health system managers. There are few studies performed to measure happiness in population-based settings in Iran. In response to this need, our study tends to assess Iranians subjective happiness in Tehran, Capital city of Iran.
    Materials And Methods
    Present study was conducted in Tehran, Capital of Iran, with more than 7 Million populations in January 2013, using a two-step approach. In first step c conceptual framework of Iranians’ happiness was developed. In the second phase of study, a survey recruiting 700 participants was conducted. Stratified cluster sampling method was employed. Participants were recruited from all the 22 municipal divisions of Tehran as strata, proportional to the population size and its gender and age distribution. Happiness was measure by a 40-item questionnaire with scores ranged among 40 to 200.
    Results
    Conceptual framework of Iranians’ happiness based on reviewed documents and consensus building process was the product of first step. At second step, from a pool of 700 persons, 696 (97%) agreed to participate and filled out the questionnaire completely. The mean of happiness score was 143.9 (95% confidence interval, 142.5 to 145.4). The results show that the happiness score of jobless people (135.1, 95%CI: 128.1-142.0) and widowed singles (126.6, 95%CI: 113.0-140.2) were significantly lower than other corresponding groups. There was no significant association between gender, age group, educational level as determinants and happiness.
    Conclusion
    Happiness level of Tehranians is somewhat higher than the moderate level. This finding is consistent with findings of other conducted studies in country. However, it is not consistent with some of international reports of happiness, For instance, Happy Planet Index. Due to inadequate information, it is necessary to conduct more research to measure subjective happiness and its determinants, specially, in a nation-wide approach.
    Keywords: Happiness, Iran, Subjective, Measure, Scale
  • Ebrahim Badparva, Shirzad Fallahi *, Zahra Arab, Mazar Page 217
    Background
    Blastocystis is a zoonotic protozoan parasite habit in intestinal tract of humans and wide range of animals. Because of the mysterious nature and unknown or less-known aspects of Blastocystis, comprehensive information about epidemiology of this parasite is not available. The objective of this study was to investigate the available parasitology studies during the last decade in Iran and determine the prevalence of Blastocystis and its position among other intestinal parasites. As well as, investigate the effective factors in its prevalence.
    Materials And Methods
    All available studies related to the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Iran during the recent decade were collected using information databases. After determinant the mean prevalence of each parasite, the most common parasites, and effective factors on their prevalence were assessed and analyzed.
    Results
    Different studies showed that the most common intestinal parasite at this period of time was Blastocystis spp. with 14.6% prevalence rate. Additionally, in 44.5% of cases Blastocystis spp. allocated the first and in 100% of cases, the first to third rank of the most common intestinal parasites in Iran. Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba coli were in the next category.
    Conclusion
    To our knowledge, the present study is the first survey in which the Blastocystis spp. introduces as one of the most common intestinal parasites in human. Various factors, including the low sensitivity of routine diagnostic methods, hosts multiplicity, easy transportation and unknown impressive factors are effective in the increased prevalence of this parasite. The results of this study could improve the attitude of teachers and researchers towards Blastocystis spp.
    Keywords: Blastocystis spp., Intestinal parasites, Iran
  • Massomeh Mirza, Moradi, Zahra Heidar*, Massomeh Saleh Page 222
    Background
    Pelvic organ prolapse is a common gynecologic condition in women that rarely occur in pregnancy and can complicate the pregnancy. A woman with prolapsed uterus in second trimester of pregnancy and her follow up are presented here.Case Report: A 35-years old G2P1 woman with history of last normal pregnancy and successful vaginal delivery attended to emergency ward of hospital. She was in 14th week of pregnancy and had complain of acute urinary retention and vaginal bulge. She successfully is managed by application of pessary till an uneventful normal vaginal delivery.
    Conclusion
    Management of pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy is based on patient symptoms. Application of pessary is treatment of choice in such patients. They need to regular follow up during pregnancy in order to control pessary and monitor the pregnancy complications.
    Keywords: POP, uterine prolapse, vaginal pessary