mohammadkarim rahimi

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of oral and nasopharyngeal infections, with antibiotic-resistant strains posing significant health challenges. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a recommended alternative antimicrobial treatment.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effects of 660 nm laser irradiation in combination with phycocyanin and methylene blue (MB) on S. aureus colonies.

In this in vitro study, the effects of 660 nm laser irradiation (100 mW for 100 s) were analyzed on S. aureus colonies using varying concentrations of phycocyanin (0.00001 to 0.005 mg/mL) and MB (0.00001 to 0.02 mg/mL). Data were analyzed using the two-way random block design test.

The results demonstrated that laser irradiation combined with MB at concentrations of 0.005 and 0.002 mg/mL significantly reduced the number of S. aureus colonies compared to other treatments (P-value < 0.01). Methylene blue without PDT was effective in destroying all colonies at concentrations ≥ 0.01 mg/mL. Laser irradiation combined with MB at concentrations of 0.001, 0.0005, and 0.0002 mg/ml, or with phycocyanin at concentrations of 0.02, 0.01, and 0.005 mg/mL, reduced the number of colonies. However, laser irradiation alone, laser combined with phycocyanin at concentrations ≤ 0.002 mg/mL, or laser combined with MB at concentrations ≤ 0.0001 mg/mL, did not significantly reduce colony numbers (P-value > 0.05).

This study demonstrated that MB combined with laser irradiation was more effective in eliminating S. aureus . The findings suggest that adding photosensitizing agents enhances the antibacterial effects of laser irradiation.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Shigella flexneri, an important cause of Shigellosis, has led to extensive research to find alternative treatment approaches. Therefore, the current study investigated the antibacterial effects of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Spirulina platensis on S. flexneri and the expression of pathogenic genes ipaB, ipaD, ipaH, and qnrS.

After synthesizing AgNPs using S. platensis, its antibacterial effects on S. flexneri were studied using the microdilution method with 96-well plates. In addition, to determine the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), 10 µL of the contents of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) well and the like were swapped on the nutrient agar medium. After RNA extraction, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, and primer design, the expression levels of ipaB, ipaD, ipaH, and qnrS genes were evaluated using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The data were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 8.

The MIC of the green synthesized AgNPs was measured as 0.0625 μg/mL, and its MBC was 0.125 μg/mL. The results of RT-PCR analysis indicated a significant decrease in the expression levels of pathogenic genes ipaB, ipaD, ipaH, and qnrS in AgNP-treated S. flexneri.

The green synthesized AgNPs using S. platensis had strong antibacterial effects on S. flexneri, and the action mechanism was attributed to the downregulations of ipaB, ipaD, ipaH, and qnrS genes. In vivo and clinical studies are needed in this respect.

Bacterial nanocellulose as a natural hydrogel with unique properties such as high biocompatibility, and non-toxicity has been investigated as a modern dressing in recent years. Accordingly, this research aimed to improve the physical and chemical properties of this biopolymer for biomedical uses by eco-printing clove plant on bacterial cellulose.

For this purpose, the purified layers of bacterial nanocellulose were printed using different amounts of clove in an eco-print method, and consequently, the properties were investigated with ATR-FTIR, XRD, FEESEM, hydrophilicity, and antibacterial activity tests.

The characterization tests confirmed the chemical nature, crystal structure and nanofibrous substrate of bacterial cellulose. Also, the eco-print process did not have a negative effect on the surface hydrophilic properties of the finished samples, and in addition, the water absorption capacity of the sample treated with 10 grams of clove plant was increased by two times compared to the untreated sample. Additionally, all the samples showed antibacterial properties against two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, while increasing the amount of clove active substance on the samples intensified the antimicrobial properties of the layers. Accordingly, the treated samples with 10 gr of clove resulted in the formation of a 30-mm diameter inhibition zone for both bacteria mentioned above.

Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that the bacterial nanocellulose treated with clove plant has a high capacity as a modern environmentally friendly wound dressing.

Recently, hydrogel drug delivery systems based on natural polymers have received a lot of attention and in this regard, various polymers have been used individually or in combination to achieve more desirable properties. In this study, different concentrations of lidocaine hydrochloride (LidoHCl) with different percentages of gelatin / sodium carboxymethylcellulose were dissolved in water and then dispersed in paraffin medium. Hereby, microcapsules were formed and they were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde finally. Optical and electron microscope images (SEM) showed the formation of spherical microcapsules with slight surface roughness. The formation of crosslinking in the hydrogel and the lack of interaction between the drug and the polymers were investigated and confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Evaluation of the effect of independent parameters including glutaraldehyde (GTA), drug and sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and their interaction on dependent parameters including swelling percentage, efficiency of drug loading and mean particle size by response surface method (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) and three replications for the center point was performed. Statistical results showed that the linear effects of independent parameters have the greatest effect on dependent parameters. Based on the statistical analysis, the optimal concentration values for glutaraldehyde 5%, sodium carboxymethylcellulose 10% and drug 40% create the maximum release efficiency of the loaded drug (63.6%). Overall, the results showed that gelatin / carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel microcapsules have the potential to be used as drug carriers.

Brucellosis is one of the most important diseases of zoonosis and is very important in many countries, including Iran, from a health and economic point of view. In this study, the Genotyping of Brucella bacteria isolated from samples of patients suspected of brucellosis was evaluated by PCR RFLP in Tehran.

Out of 453 Blood samples suspected of brucellosis of patients who had referred to laboratories in Tehran were inoculated in Castanida culture media and stored at 37 ° C for 21 days. DNA was extracted from colonies that had grown on the surface. Brucella omp2a gene was amplified by PCR using a specific primer. PCR products were analyzed with Pst1 restriction enzyme, digestion and RFLP patterns.

Out of the total samples, it grew in 10 colonies and was confirmed by Brucella by PCR method. In RFLP test, in 8 specimens, Brucella melitensis and in 2 specimens, Brucella abortus were detected.

There is brucellosis in our country,infections are also observed in some villages,and among these cases, Brucella melitensis is more common than other species and with the help of molecular methods, in the shortest possible time, high accuracy and sensitivity and with less risk, the presence of different diseases and species of Brucella can be detected.

Vaginal candidiasis is a common cause of vaginal infections. Currently, for treatment of these infections, fluconazole is prescribed more than other drugs; so determining the drug resistance of Candida to fluconazole and comparing it with itraconazole as a substitute has been one of the main objectives of this study.

Of 180 patients with symptoms of vaginal candidiasis, clinical examination, sampling and culture were performed. Candida albicans were identified by morphological and physiological methods and non-Candida albicans candida isolates by PCR-RFLP method. Susceptibility testing for antifungal drugs was performed by disk diffusion method based on CLSI M44-A protocol.

Out of 180 patients, 93 patients with positive culture and 98 strain of Candida were isolated. The mean age of patients was 30±0.73 years and the most common clinical complaints was itching (>98%) and vaginal discharge (88%). Candida albicans (80.61%) was the most common causative agent. The resistance of Candida albicans to fluconazole and itraconazole was 45.6% and 16.5%, respectively, and for non-albicans candida isolates were 53% and 42%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.0001).

The results of this study suggest that culturing of vaginal samples have essential role for diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis, and treatment with antifungal drugs should be performed after antifungal susceptibility tests.

Nanomicrobial cellulose is an important biopolymer with a three-dimensional structure that is produced by some microorganisms and has been widely used in medicine. One of the unique properties of microbial cellulose is its very high water absorption, which can be used to produce modern wound dressings. But after drying, it’s three-dimensional structure collapses and the amount of water reabsorption decreases. Accordingly, the aim of this project was to preserve the three-dimensional structure of nanomicrobial cellulose by networking it and improving the water reabsorption properties of this biopolymer. In addition, the cell viability, proliferation, and cell growth of the modified structure and untreated microbial cellulose were also studied.

In this study, microbial cellulose was produced, purified, and neutralized using stationary culture. The samples were then treated with different concentrations of citric acid/sodium hypophosphite and crosslinked. Finally, the characteristics of treated and raw samples were studied by various tests including ATR-FTIR, MTT, SEM, water absorption and in vitro and in vitro tests.

According to the results, it was found that the cross-linking operation prevents the collapse of the structure and not only does not cause toxicity, but in addition to increasing water uptake, it also increases viability, adhesion, and cell proliferation in the modified cellulose.

Cross-linked nanomicrobial cellulose has high potential as a modern wound dressing.

Chronic wounds contribute to the majority of clinical cases, associated with significant morbidity, and place a massive financial burden on healthcare systems. Thus, various bandage mats have been designed to facilitate wound healing in clinical applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers, as suitable drug carriers, are highly desirable to prepare a controlled environment for wound healing in dressing tissue. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles as an effective antibacterial agent for wound treatment prevent bacterial invasion and wound infection.

In this project, for the first time, a new (PLA)/(ZnO) nanofibrous nanocomposite loaded with tranexamic acid (TXA) has been introduced as a useable dressing in wound healing. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties, coagulant assay, and wound healing assays of nanocomposite are evaluated.

PLA/ZnO nanofibrous nanocomposites were loaded with tranexamic acid fabricated by electrospinning method at distinct concentrations. The prepared structure was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, antimicrobial properties of tissue were investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Also, the coagulation assays, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vivo skin wound healing model in mice were evaluated.

Morphological analysis of the prepared nanofibrous nanocomposites showed uniform bead-free nanofibers with an average size of 90 nm diameter. The structure exhibited proper antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and a good blood clotting effect. In vitro cytotoxicity assay of the structure approved that this mat has no cytotoxic effect on human dermal fibroblast cells. In vivo wound healing examination in mice observed over 7 and 14 days showed a faster rate of wound healing over the control.

Novel electrospun PLA/ZnO nanocomposites loaded with tranexamic acid can be prepared by the electrospinning method and used for wound treatment. This structure displayed the effect of two agents in wound healing, including antibacterial nanoparticles and antifibrinolytic drugs to accelerate wound closure.

Denture induced stomatitis occurs in 24-60 percents of edentulous people who have dentures.Up to now some etiologic factors have been introduced for denture stomatitis but there are some controversies.In some literatures some other microorganisms have been isolated besides candida albicans as main reasons. According to the incidence of denture induced stomatitis and the resistance and recurrence to treatment with antifungal drugs in some of these cases
this research was done to evaluate the role of actinomycets in these lesions In this case control study the samples were collected from15 persons with removable full dentures without any denture stomatitis and 15 persons with removable full dentures with denture stomatitis lesions. Both groups were matched according to age, gender،duration of denture wearing، systemic diseases ,oral hygine, smoking,xerostomia,use of medicines and The samples were transported to the lab in thyo culture and incubated in  37 C for 1 week and then transported to Brain and Heart infusion culture .After sample processing for microscopic evaluation for detecting actinomycets ،the results were  analyzed with chi-square test by using spss soft ware version14. The results shows that 5 of 15 (33.3%)  in control group and 11 of 15 (73.3%) in case group  were actinomycets positive. (p <0.03) It seems that, actinomycets can play a role in denture stomatitis، besides candida albicans.

Gum Tragacanth (GT) obtained from Astragalus gossypinus is one of the most widely used natural gums which has found applications in many areas because of its attractive features such as biodegradability, nontoxic nature, natural availability, moisture absorption and creating a network of Hydrocolloid. It also has properties like maintenance and delivery of drugs, higher resistance to microbial attacks and long shelf-life. In this study, nanofibers were prepared by mixing of 50 wt% Bassorin (extracted from Gum Tragacanth), 50 wt% Polyethylene Oxide and 0.01 wt% Ofloxacin (Ba/PEO/Ofx) through electrospinning. Nanofibers were coated on cotton gauze. The properties of Bassorin and produced nanofibers were examined via XRD, FTIR and SEM microscopy. The Antibacterial activity of nanofibers against Staphylococcus aureus as gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli as gram-negative bacteria was also investigated. Nanofibers are capable of easily absorbing wound’s exocrine liquid due to their high specific area which is 4 to 5% more than that of cotton gauze without nanofibers. When nanofibers are turned to gel by moisture sorption, the release of loaded Ofloxacin would be enhanced. The Antibacterial assay showed the cotton gauze coated with Ba/PEO/Ofx nanofibers could inhibit the growth of the both bacterial strains on burn wounds about 90%.

Gum Tragacanth (GT) obtained from Astragalus Gossypinus is one of the most widely used natural gums which has found applications in many areas because of its attractive features such as biodegradability, nontoxic nature, natural availability, moisture absorption and creating a network of Hydrocolloid. It also has maintenance and delivery of drugs, higher resistance to microbial attacks and long shelf-life properties.In present study, preparation nanofibers of 50 wt% Bassorin (extracted from Gum Tragacanth) has been mixed by 50 wt% Poly Ethylene Oxide and 0.01 wt% Ofloxacin (Ba/PEO/Ofx) for Electrospinning. Nanofibers coated on cotton gauze. The properties of Bassorin and produced nanofibers were examined via XRD, FTIR and SEM microscopy. The Antibacterial of nanofibers activity against Staphylococcus aureus as gram positive bacteria and Escherichia coli as a gram-negative bacteria also were investigated. Nanofibers are capable of absorbing wound’s exocrine liquid easily due to their high specific area of nanofibers which 4 to 5% more than cotton gauzes without nanofibers. When it is turned to gel by moisture sorption, the release of loaded Ofloxacin would be enhanced. The Antibacterial assay showed the cotton gauze coated with Ba/PEO/Ofx nanofibers could inhibit about 90% growth both bacterial strain on burn wound. Also, the therapeutic effect of nano-bassorin in restoring superficial second-degree burns in rats showed an accelerated effect on wound healing.Based on the results of this study, it is possible to use cotton gauzes coated with bassorin nanofibers as a suitable candidate for the treatment of second-degree superficial burns.

The purpose of this research is to provide nanofibers from cellulose with Wheat bran as an agricultural residue and its antimicrobial activity by dipping ciprofloxacin hydrochloride on Staphylococcus aureus. In this experimental study, cellulose disks were prepared from nano-impregnated fiber. Subsequently, these disks were placed on Staphylococcus aureus with standard paper disks and the results were measured as a non-growth zone after 24 hours. The amount of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride adsorbed in cellulose by comparing the effect of cellulosic discs containing different concentrations of antibiotics and standard ciprofloxacin disks was determined. Subsequently, the evaluation of the time of recovery of the ulcer in the skin of the rats was carried out with the drug-mediated formulation and without drug.
Findings: The disk (nano alpha-cellulosic) dipped by ciprofloxacin hydrochloride created a non-growth zone in Staphylococcus aureus. Measuring the size of the wound was done by digital imaging and the ImageJ software. The results of the recovery process were analyzed by ANOVA and pathological tests in five days. The results showed that the nano-fibers disk could be useful in controlling bacteria in the culture medium, and the area of the wounds in rats (rats) dressed with nano-fibers impregnated with the drug was significantly less than the control group (p <0.05)

Advanced wound dresses are antimicrobial materials that can keep the wound surroundings moist and do not stick to wound. Therefore, in this research, the purpose is to coat a antimicrobial nanoemulsion on a polypropylene(PP) substrate to achieve the mentioned characteristics. non-woven samples of PP were coated with nanoemulsion (2g lipid, 0.3g carboxymethyl cellulose, 10 ml nanosilver) and drug containing nano emulsion (0.25g mupirocin, 0.25g lidocaine and 0.025g betamethasone). The specimens were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy to examine morphological structure, projectina microscopy, antimicrobial tests, water absorption and water maintenance teste. Scanning electron microscopy and projector microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy results confirmed the subsidence of nanoemulsion (EL-CS) and drug containing nano emulsion in the PP substrate, both coated samples ( EL-CS and EL-CSグ) completely inhibited growth of both gram-negative (E-Coli) and positive ( S-Areus) bacterias. The results of water absorption and water maintenance experiments showed that EL-CS coated samples had more absorbtion time (30 min) and water storage (60 min) comparing to non wrapped samples, but the EL-CSグ specimen did not show a significant difference in the two above-mentioned factors comparing to EL-CS. the prepared nanoemulsions and wound dresses obtained from them can have acceptable properties from use in medical appliations.

Background and Nosocomial infections are a growing problem in many health centers. Cell phones used by the medical staff can act as a vector for nosocomial transmission of microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the role of cell phones of senior medical students in the spread of nosocomial bacterial infections in Amir-al-Momenin general hospital in Tehran in September 2015..
Thirty medical students were enrolled using convenience sampling method. Demographic data, perspectives, attitudes, phone type, and frequency of cleaning of mobile phones were collected by questionnaires. Samples were taken from the phones using a sterile swab moistened with a nutritive medium in order to assess the possibility of bacterial growth..
A total of 53.3 percent of mobile phones were infected. Isolated bacteria were: Staphylococcus epidermidis (26.7%), Non-albicans Candida (16.7%), Bacillus PSP (13.3%), Micrococcus PSP (10%), non-hemolytic Streptococcus and Enterococcus (each 6.7%), and Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus (each 3.3%)..
Mobile phones can act as potential carriers of nosocomial infections which are significantly higher in male students’ phones and in smartphones. So, some restrictions should be applied to their use in sensitive areas of hospitals. Also, due to the significant impact of cleaning mobile phones in reducing the frequency of bacterial contamination, attention to their regular cleaning should be considered..

Aim and Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are widespread health concerns which differ according to geography and regions. Bacterial Urinary tract infections associated with an enlarged antimicrobial resistant species are found in all age groups.The aim of this study was to ascertain the antimicrobial resistance pattern of strains isolated from patients with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and the emergence of multidrug resistant bacterial strains. Midstream urine samples were collected from 2235 patients and analyzed for isolation and identification of Multidrug Resistant (MDR) strains. The MDR strains were recognized by the Kirby Bauer method according to National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standards. Female patients constituted 308 (62%) in the study. This result indicates that E.coli is the predominant pathogen causing UTI, followed by Klebsiella, Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Proteus and Pseudomonas. Bacterial isolates from patients with UTI showed high levels of single and multiple antimicrobial resistances against commonly prescribed drugs. The present study confirms that bacterial resistance would be a serious problem in the country. Therefore, antimicrobial surveillance and in vitro susceptibility testing with strict adherence to antibiotic policy may facilitate to control the spreading of drug resistant microbes.

Today, the use of enzymes and antibacterial protein fibers is greatly favored by researchers to protect textile against microbial attacks, spots, discoloration and to increase shelf life of silk carpets in museums. This study investigates the effect of protease and nanosilver on silk yarn. Silk yarn with 140 Tex as a carpet pile treated with protease and nanosilver in different conditions and their antimicrobial properties against two bacteria, i.e. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was studied and compared. Also, some characteristics of products including weight loss, whiteness index and color indices, have been investigated in SEM images. Using nanosilver alone showed excellent antimicrobial properties against microbes with different concentrations while reduced the whiteness of silk yarn. However, using 2% protease led to enhanced antibacterial properties, and whiteness. On these bases, concurrent use of protease and 30 ppm of nanosilver produced silk yarn with excellent antibacterial properties i.e. 100% bacterial reduction.

One of the modification processes on Iranian wool fibers is reducing its fineness and creation of silky-like handling properties. This process is usually accompanied with decrease in tensile strength. Moreover, making wool fabrics antibacterial is a considerable task for protection of fabrics and consumers against microbial attack and growth. In this research nano-silver was synthesized using reduction of silver nitrate by sodium bisulfite along with increasing the fiber fineness using tensile. This process was successfully introduced Iranian coarse wool yarns with loading of nano-silver through in situ synthesis and consequently, suitable antibacterial properties along with some other improved properties such as yarn tenacity and improvement of yarn count were obtained. Subsequently, SEM and EDX analyses confirmed the nano-silver synthesis on the wool yarns and indicated the importance of test conditions on antibacterial properties of the fibers.

Nickel-titanium (nitinol) can be used in various biomedical prosthetic devices. Microorganism adhesion properties of nitinol may be decreased by oxidizing agents and surface heat treatment. In this study, we compared the microorganism adhesion and cytotoxic effects of the thin film and bulk form of nitinol. In this analytical comparative study, thin film and bulk forms of nitinol were treated by microorganism suspension in different culture flasks. Adherence activity of these forms was studied by electron microscopy. The number of microorganisms was counted before and after adoption to the surface of alloy. On the thin film, a decrease rate of 14% for Ecoli, 44% for P.aeroginosia, 30.1%for S.aureus, 22% for B.cereus and 6.4% for C.albicans were noticed. In the bulk form, decrease rate of cells were 39% for E.coli, 62% for P.aeroginosa, 61.9% for S.aureus, 49% for B.cereus and 31% for C.albicans. There found lower decrease rate of cells of thin film compared with the bulk form (mean decrease rate of 39% for thin film and 62% for bulk form; P value<0.05). The thin film of nitinol has less cytotoxic effects in comparison with the bulk form. The lower adherence activity of the thin film can be attributed to smoothness and better biocompatibility of the thin film. This may be a promising alloy for development of medical prosthetic devices.

Carpets are commonly used in our lives and are in contact with microorganisms. Antimicrobial agents should be used for the prevention of unwanted effects of microorganisms and control of their transmission. In this study, antimicrobial suspension of nano- silver was used for covering of nylon carpets. Different concentrations of nano- silver suspension were used by spraying method for covering of nylon carpets. In different examinations, small pieces of carpets (0.5 ´ 1 cm2) were treated with bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Before and after examination, the numbers of bacteria were counted and decreasing rate of them was determined. In nylon carpet with 25 ppm nano silver, decreasing rate of bacteria was 73.3%, while in carpets with 50 ppm and more, decreasing rate was 99.9%. Silver stability was assessed after 1 to 10 times of standard washing in 60 ºC with household bleach for 20 min. Silvers of carpet surface were established and saved their antibacterial effects after washing. Spraying nano- silver solution on commodities and factory products can prevent transmission of many microorganisms and infection diseases.

One of the most important causes of death due to tuberculosis is drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Rifampin is one of the most important drugs that are commonly used for treatment of tuberculosis. Mutations in rpoB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cause rifampin drug resistant. The aim of this study was to investigate the type and frequencies of the mutation in this region in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from patients in Tehran. In this experimental study, 0 patients who did not respond to 6- month chemotherapy with anti- tuberculosis drugs were selected and tested for resistance to this drug. Patients’ sputum were obtained and cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen solid medium. After susceptibility testing, DNA of resistant strains was extracted and rpoB gene was amplified with PCR. Results were analyzed by computer using DNAMAN program. cases had mutations in this region of Mycobacterium tubrculosis. However, 6 isolates (0%) had no mutation in this part of the genome. The most frequent mutations occurred in codons (0%) and (0%). We report mutation of codon for the first time. Mutations in codons 6 (0%) and 0 (%) were found. Mutation in codon probably shows the different pattern of mutation in Tehran. Our data indicate 6 isolates without mutation in the 8bp region. According to this study, resistance to rifampin may have non genetic and genetic causes on genes outside of 8bp region.

There is high prevalence of pencicllinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae and antibiotic resistance in numerous areas of the world. The aim of this study was to investigate drug resistance of gonococci. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, vaginal discharge of 6 patients visited for vaginal discharge or suprapubic pain or admitted for periodic examination in Azad University hospitals were studied. Direct smear and gram stain of vaginal discharge was prepared and it was cultured into Tyer-Marthin media. Sensitivity to antibiotics was evaluated in positive cultures. Direct smear and gram staining of cervical discharge revealed 8 (8.%) gram negative kidney shaped diplococci, but in selective media, only (9.%) Nesseria gonorrhoeae was detected. From strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 8 (66.6%) were resistant to penicillin, 8 (66.6%) to spectinomycin and 8 (66.6%) to co-trimoxazol, but neither of specimens were resistant to ceftriaxone. Direct smear of vaginal discharge isnt enough for proper diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and it should be confirmed by culture. Ceftriaxone is the best choice for treatment of gonococcal infections, but there is resistance to spectinomycin, co-trimoxazol and penicillin.

Aim and Background. Patients with hematological malignancies are at higher risk for mycobacterial and many other opportunistic infections due to immunosuppression that resulted from dysfunctional blood cells and chemotherapy-induced depletion in cells of immune system. This study was performed to evaluate the frequency and contributing factors for mycobacterial infections in patients with hematological malignancies according to the both culture and PCR methods on bone marrow aspiration. Materials and Methods. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 96 patients with hematological malignancies attending to tertiary health care centers in 2009 and 2010 were enrolled. The bone marrow aspiration was cultured and also evaluated by PCR method. Results. The mean age of the patients was 39.49 years and 64.6 percent were male. Acute myeloblastic leukemia (23.3%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (19.2%), and multiple myeloma (17.8%) were the most common malignancies. The cultures of bone marrow aspiration were negative for mycobacterium species in all patients but nucleic acid of this bacterium was detected by PCR method in three cases (3.1%) including two patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and one patient with multiple myeloma. Aspergillus, streptomyces, and brucella species.were found in culture of two, one, and two patients, respectively. The age, sex, type of malignancy, and bone marrow transplantation had no effect on PCR results (P > 0.05). Conclusions. The frequency of mycobacterial infections in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma may be higher than other hematological malignancies. However for decreasing the morbidity and mortality in these patients monitoring of bone marrow aspiration for mycobacterial and other opportunistic infections is suggested.

Aim and Background. Listeria monocytogenes is the ethiologic agent of abortion, preterm labour, neonatal septicemia and meningitis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of listeriosis in aborted mothers or preterm labour. Two methods of indirect immunofluorescens (IF) and amniotic culturing also were compared. Material and Method. This is an analytical study for evaluation of laboratory tests. In this research, the blood samples were collected from mothers and their serum were tested by indirect IF for anti-listerial antibodies. Products of aborted fetus or preterm labour (amniotic fluid or a piece of placenta) were obtained as a specimen for culturing. Result. In this study, 518 mothers, 29 cases (5.59%) admitted with preterm labour, 125 cases (24.1%) with repeated abortion and 364 cases (70.31%) with first time abortion. Six cases (1.15%) had higher titer of anti-listeria antibody (1/800) in indirect IF but in 5 cases (0.96%) L.monocytogenes was detected in culture. Conclusions. Indirect IF should be confirmed by culturing of infected specimens. Determining of anti-listerial antibody in pregnant women and selection of listeriosis for antimicrobial treatment may prevent the spontaneous abortion, still birth and preterm labour. Therefore, we suggest monitoring L.monocytogenes seropositivity in pregnant women with high risk of threatened abortion, and also microbiological assessment of symptomatic women for detection of L.monocytogenes and insidious infection.

Aim and Background. To compare the diagnostic efficiency of adenosine deaminase, isoenzyme adenosine deaminase-2 and concentration of interferon-γ in patients with tuberculous pleural effusion. Materials and Methods. The prospective study was done on 114 patients who were divided into 3 groups: tuberculous, non-tuberculous infectious pleurisy, and malignant effusion. The adenosine deaminase, adenosine deaminase-2 and interferon-γ were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curves. Results. There was increase of all three markers in tuberculous pleural effusion but not in nontuberculous effusion. The cut-off values for adenosine deaminase, adenosine deaminase-2 and interferon-γ were 40, 26 U/l. and 299 pg/ml respectively. Adenosine deaminase, adenosine deaminase-2 activities were significantly higher in tuberculous effusion than in malignant pleural effusion (more than 5 times) and in non-tuberculous infectious pleurisy (more than 4 times). The median of interferon- γ concentration in pleural fluid of tuberculous patients was 1514.2 pg/ml (931.2-2187.5pg/ml) which was 10 times more than the median values of other groups of patients. There was no significant difference between patients with malignant effusion and those with non-tuberculous pleural effusion. Conclusions. ADA and ADA2 in pleural is a marker for diagnostic of pleural effusion and all three markers had higher diagnostic yield for tuberculous effusion with 95% sensitivity.

Collagen is a protein with specific importance in pharmacy and medicine. The aim of this study was extraction of collagen type I by optimum using of Iranian fishes of Persian Gulf and also debris of Shilat industry. Extraction of collagen type I from the proper specimens was performed by two methods of acidic and alkaline. In acidic method, first, the lipids separated, then, by using HCL 5%, calcium elements were extracted. The pH of medium neutralized and hydrolysis was performed in high stream water vapor. The material have been filtered and in the vicinity of heat in vacuum state collagen concentrated. Then the sheets of collagen, grinding was done. In the alkaline method, the specimens were treated by sodium hydroxid 4% for 3 weeks at room temperature. The rate of separated collagen from fish hasn’t significant difference between alkaline and acidic methods. For example, mean rate of 20.81% for collagen extraction from skin of fishes in alkaline method and mean of 19.76% in acidic method was detected. The collagen specimens extracted by these methods have equal or higher quality in comparison with specimens extracted from other sources. According to costless of primary materials, such as debris of fishes, in the production of collagen in Iran and import of collagen is expensive, domestic production is saving money.