مجله دانشگاه علوم پزشکی ایلام
سال بیست و هفتم شماره 2 (پیاپی 115، خرداد 1398)

Trichomonas vaginalis infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Moreover, there are reports indicating the increasing rate of refractory trichomoniasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Ferula gummosa on T. vaginalis. To this end, the chemical compositions of Ferula gummosa essential oil were identified in this study.  The essential oil, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extract of F. gummosa were prepared and subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and growth inhibitory percent (GI%) determination against two in vitro axenic cultured T. vaginalis isolates in comparison to metronidazole. Moreover, the chemical compositions of F. gummosa essential oil were identified using gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Ethics code: IR.UMSHA.REC.1396.885 After 24 h incubation, the MIC of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extract was 125 µg/ml and for that of essential oil was 500 µg/ml. The GI% values were 50% and 70% for the extracts at a concentration of 62.5 µg/ml and the essential oil at a concentration of 250 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, the metronidazole MIC values were 12.5 and 6.2 µg/ml for T. vaginalis isolates. According to the results obtained from the chemical identification of F. gummosa essential oil composition, three main compounds of its essential oil include β-Pinene (28.7%), α-Pinene (10.7%), and β-Eudesmol (6.5%). The results showed that the compounds in the essential oil and extracts of F. gummosa had a significant antitrichomonal activity. Therefore, it is necessary to isolate these compounds and conduct further research on their effects on T. vaginalis parasites.

Health literacy plays a remarkable role in determining the status of people who smoke. In recent years, the smoking rate has been increased among university students. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy skills and adoption of preventive smoking behaviors among university students. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 347 students living in dormitories affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, were selected through single-stage cluster sampling in 2016. The data were collected using the health literacy inventory for adults and a researcher-made questionnaire in order to assess the adoption of smoking preventive behaviors. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (Version. 16) through descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient. Ethics code: IR.TMU.REC.1394.172   The mean scores of health literacy and the adoption of preventive smoking behaviors were 70.52±14.12 and 39.01±19.96, respectively, regarding the total score of 100. Moreover, there was a direct and significant relationship between health literacy (r=0.146) and dimensions of decision making and application of health information (r=0.161), reading (r=0.14), and appraisal (r=0.112) with the adoption of preventive smoking behaviors. However, this association was not statistically significant (P<0.05). The results show that special attention should be paid to health literacy and its influencing factors, especially in dormitories, in order to promote the adoption of preventive smoking behaviors among university students.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is accompanied by abdominal pain and intestinal discomforts. A line of evidence shows that the immune system plays important roles in the pathogenesis of the disease. Two main cytokines directing the immune system are IL-6 and TNF-α which may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of this disease. The present study aimed at investigating the serum levels of these cytokines in patients suffering from IBS. This comparative case-control study was conducted on 40 patients suffering from IBS (case group) and 40 people who were affected by the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders but not suffering from IBS (control group). The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The amount of the above-mentioned cytokines was compared using independent-t-test in both groups. Ethics code: EC/92/H/132 The results showed significantly higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in IBS patients, compared to those in the control group (P=0.0001). According to the results obtained from the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, there was a strong correlation between the serum levels of IL-6 (Ρ=0.799, P=0.000) and TNF-α (Ρ=0.788, P=0.000) cytokines with IBS development. This study shows that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines are significantly higher in the case group with IBS. Moreover, there is an association between serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α with the pathogenesis of IBS.

Lipid metabolism disorders, especially raised levels of cholesterol and triglycerides increases the risk of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of training type including submaximal continuous and high-intensity interval training on hepatic gene expression of Apolipoprotein A‐I, and Apolipoprotein A‐II in male Wistar rats. This experimental study conducted on 24 male Wistar rats with 8 weeks of age and weight range of 200-250 g. They were randomly assigned into three groups of control (n=8), high-intensity interval training (n=8), and continuous submaximal training (n=8). High-intensity interval training protocol included 30-min interval running 3 days a week for 8 weeks (each interval took 4 min with 85-90% of VO2max and 2-min active recovery with 50-60% of VO2max).  In addition, submaximal continuous training group (30-60 min) was subjected to 50-55% intensity activity with maximum oxygen consumption. Finally, gene expressions of Apolipoprotein A‐I and Apolipoprotein A‐II were measured in this study.
Ethics code: IR.SSRI.REC. 1396, 134. The findings of this study showed an increase in the gene expressions of Apolipoprotein A‐I in the high-intensity interval (P=0.034) and continuous submaximal training groups (P=0.047), compared to the control group. Moreover, the results of the Bonferroni post-hoc test showed that there was no difference between high-intensity interval and continuous submaximal training groups (P=0.9). In addition, the results of this study showed that there was no significant difference among the three groups in terms of the gene expression of Apolipoprotein A‐II. High-intensity interval and continuous submaximal training can play important roles in reducing cardiovascular disease risks, such as atherosclerosis. This is done by increasing hepatic gene expression of Apolipoprotein A‐I and the main factor taking cholesterol from the liver and ultimately the high-density lipoprotein receptor.

Obesity is a complex disorder, which is characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Leptin is a peptide hormone, which is basically secreted by adipose tissue and is effective in the regulation of body weight and fat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training on the level of Leptin and liver enzymes in obese and overweight males. In this semi-experimental study, 22 males with the mean age, height, weight, and body mass index of 12-14 years,164.43±5.11cm, 74.02±12.34 kg, and 29.27± 4.09, respectively, were selected voluntarily and randomly divided into experimental (n=11) and control groups (n=11). The experimental group was subjected to 8 weeks training program (three 40-min sessions each week) which included 10 sets of cycling on a cycle ergometer for 60 seconds with 80 % intensity of the reserve heart rate. Blood samples were taken 24 and 48 hours before and after the training, respectively, in a fasting condition. Leptin, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured using specific methods. Body fat percentage, body max index,  and maximum volume of oxygen were evaluated before and after the training. ANOVA was utilized to analyze data.


According to the results, there was a decrease in the levels of ALT and  body fat percentage as well as an increase in the maximum volume of oxygen in the experimental group, compared to the control group (P<0.05(. Moreover, the levels of Leptin, AST, and ALT decreased; however, the difference was not statistically significant) P<0.05(. Ethics code: IR.IAUETB.1395.52005 High-intensity interval training on a cycle ergometer can be an appropriate exercise strategy to reduce the plasma concentration of ALT and body fat percentage in obese and overweight males. However, the intervention should be longer to achieve desired results.

Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience difficulty with balance and walking, which can make daily activities difficult. Recent studies in rehabilitation procedures emphasize on functional suspension training using body weight resistance against gravity by unstable tools and equipment that are similar to daily activities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of total body resistance exercise (TRX) suspension training on functional balance in patients with MS. This study included 34 females with MS and expanded disability status scale of 1-4 as well as the age range of 20-50 years who referred to Isfahan MS Society. The participants were intentionally selected and assigned nonrandomly into two groups of control (n=15) and experimental (n=19). The training protocol included 8 TRX movements with four difficulty levels from simple to difficult for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, and each session lasting 45 minutes. The functional balance was measured through using Timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT), and forward and lateral functional reach tests. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA. P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Ethics code: IR.UI.REC.1396.014, Clinical trial: IRCT20180521039762N1 The results obtained from the posttest showed a significant improvement in functional balance of the experimental group, compared to the control group in terms of the TUG test (P=0.001), 10MWT (P=0.001), and lateral functional reach tests to the left and right (P=0.013). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding forward functional reach test (P=0.053). According to the results, it can be concluded that TRX suspension training improves functional balance, walking speed, and balance during walking in patients with MS. Therefore, it is recommended to perform TRX training as a functional training intervention to improve functional balance and walking in MS patients.

The therapeutic properties of Olibanum have been considered in traditional medicine since ages past. Recent studies indicated the effect of Olibanum on memory enhancement and prevention/treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Fragile X mental retardation protein is the product of the FMR1 gene that mediates memory formation through the development of communications between nerve cells. MAP1B is the FMRP target mRNA and its translation is inhibited by the effect of FMRP. Disturbance in the expression of FMR1 causes fragile X syndrome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Olibanum on the expression of FMR1 and MAP1B genes in hippocampal tissue samples of rats. This study was conducted on 18 rats which were divided into groups of control (n=6) and two treatment groups with 75 (n=6) and 150 mg/kg (n=6) concentrations of aqueous extract of Olibanum. The hippocampus of rats was isolated after eight weeks of treatment by Olibanum extract.  Total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized in this study. Subsequently, the expression of FMR1 and MAP1B genes was evaluated by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Ethics code:IR.TBZMED.REC.1396.1000 According to the results, the aqueous extract of Olibanum at a concentration of 75 mg/kg increased the expression of FMR1. In addition, MAP1B gene expression decreased in a dose-dependent manner following treatment with Olibanum extract. However, these changes are not statistically significant (P>0.05). The FMRP is a negative translation regulator that mediates synaptic neuronal transmission through inhibition translation of target mRNA, such as MAP1B. Olibanum probably leads to synaptic flexibility and memory improvement through increasing the expression of FMR1 in neuronal cells. This study could pave the way on the use of Olibanum in the treatment of patients with fragile X syndrome in the future.

Biofilm is a collection of microbial cells that are irreversibly suppressed and mildly washed away. The aggR gene is located on the main plasmid (pAA), which codes for many actuator factors. The pathogen strains of EAEC have an aggR gene, the gene has been identified in six classes of pathogenic E. coli. In the present study, 60 stool samples from children with an average age of 4 to 7 years were collected and after biochemical examinations such as catalase, oxidase, and TSI environment were identified. Ethics code: IR.IAUS.REC.1397.016 The aggA gene was in 7 samples 11.6%, agg4A 9 samples 15%, aggR 5 positive 8%. It was also found that 28% of isolated isolates had at least one of the factors of aggressiveness, aggR, aggA, and agg4A. The typical EAEC strains have a high prevalence of aggR genes in isolates isolated in this region and are heterozygous according to the pattern of virulence factors. By limiting the infections of this bacterium, it is a vaccine against a strain of the pathogen.

  Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women. Variations in the BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, STK11 and TP53 genes increase the risk of developing breast cancer. In addition to specific genetic changes, environmental factors may influence an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer. Lead is one of the most dangerous chemicals in the air as well as many products, such as cosmetics. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate BRCA1 gene mutations in 9 rats receiving different doses of lead in the lipstick, compared to the control group.   In this case-control study, 12 female Wistar rats with mean weight of 250 g were randomly divided into 4 groups of control (1) and the rats receiving low (2), average (3) and high doses (4) of lead in lipstick according to the measurements by the American  Food and Drug Administration. Groups 2, 3, and 4 received lead acetate in their drinking water for 2 months on a daily basis. Afterward, DNA from blood samples was extracted and the BRCA1 gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. All PCR products were sequenced to investigate the genomic changes. Ethics code: IR.UMZ.REC.1397.48 The results of the sequencing showed no nucleotide changes in the BRCA1 sequences in the experimental and control groups.

According to the results, none of the doses of lead in lipstick change the BRCA1 gene. There may have been changes in other parts of the gene that have not been investigated in this study. Moreover, it is also possible that the same amounts of lead in the long run cause changes in the gene sequence.

One of the important mechanisms of injury in patients with severe burn trauma is an inflammatory response. The results of several studies showed that methods trying to reduce the levels of pivotal proinflammatory factors in such patients may enhance survival and decrease the occurrence of early and late complications. Pentoxifylline is a well-known medication in terms of acting against proinflammatory factors. It is still unknown whether the administration of this drug in patients with burn injuries may have beneficial outcomes or not. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate this hypothesis in patients with burn injuries over 40%.  In this randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 80 patients with burn injuries over 40% of body surface area were randomly assigned into groups of experimental (receiving oral pentoxifylline 400 mg/three times a day) and placebo. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were compared between the two groups on days 3, 5 and 7. Other variables included the duration of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, mechanical ventilation, and patient’s outcome during hospitalization. Ethics code: 94/3-12/15, Clinical trial: IRCT2017050133737N1 According to the results, the two groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and the extent of burn injuries. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the mean duration time of hospital stay, ICU stay, or outcome during hospitalization. However, the mean duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly shorter in the experimental group (1.42 days vs. 2.85 days, P=0.03). Although a significant decrease was observed in serum levels of IL-6 and TNFα in two groups during the hospital stay, the drop in IL-6 level was significantly more prominent in the experimental group, compared to control group(P=0.01). Pentoxifylline may decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation and hasten the drop of IL-6 serum level in patients with burn injuries over 40%.

Medicinal plants, such as flaxseeds play an important role in the health of individuals and communities. Regarding the phytochemical properties of flaxseed, this study aimed to investigate the hydroalcoholic effects of this plant on the genetic toxicity of cyclophosphamide in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The flaxseed extract was initially prepared by maceration using ethanol solvent in two rounds. After one hour of incubation with different concentrations, the blood samples were incubated with 750µ M in a bain-marie at 37° C for 24 h. To evaluate the production of micronucleus in dual nuclear lymphocytes suppressed in cytokines, the slides were prepared and evaluated using light microscopy. The data were analyzed in SPSS software and the mean values were compared using Tukey's test and.
Ethics code: 30.96.3.1002 The incubation of blood samples with cyclophosphamide leads to induced additional genotoxicity in lymphocytes. Moreover, flaxseed extract pretreatment significantly reduced the micronucleus frequency (P<0.0001). In addition, the results showed the effective role of flaxseed extract as a protective agent in reducing the genotoxicity of the pesticide cyclophosphamide. According to the obtained results, flaxseed is a potent antigenotoxic agent against cyclophosphamide-induced DNA damage. Since the flaxseed extract does not have cytotoxic effects, it can be used as a protective agent against the toxic effects of cyclophosphamide.

Violence against women is more observed in families with some unique structures and conditions. This study aimed at exploring the impact of social capital and its components on violence against women with reference to the nature of family relationships. This descriptive-correlative study was conducted on all married females with the age range of 15-50 years in Ilam. According to the information from the statistical center of Iran, there were 40846 females. Out of these women, 400 cases were selected based on Cochran's Formula, Strauss method, and multi-stage clustering technique. The data were collected using a questionnaire of violence against women developed by Strauss et al. (1996) and a researcher-made questionnaire of social capital and its components. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (Version 22) through the Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariable regression. Ethics code: IR.IAU.SRB.REC.1395.127 According to the results, women experienced mental, emotional, and economic violence more than other forms of violence against women. The findings also indicated that violence against women correlated significantly with women's age, the couple education, family income, the number of children, the spouses' socio-economic status, and the women's power in the family structure (P=0.001). The results of regression analysis revealed that 62% of the changes in violence against women can be explained by social capital and its components, including interpersonal trust, social support, social participation, family cooperation, social relations and interactions, social leniency, social consolidation, social solidarity ,life satisfaction, and legal awareness, P=0.001). Women enjoyment of social capital and its components, including social supports, social participation, social ties and relations, social trust, social awareness, and life satisfaction leads to the improvement of married life and decrease in the phenomenon of domestic violence.

Acne is a pathological disorder and a chronic inflammation in the sebaceous follicles, and one of the most popular dermatology damages that has affected millions of people worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify Candida species in patients with acne as well as determine the drug susceptibility of these species.
 
Materials & In this cross-sectional study, 70 clinical specimens were taken from the skin of patients suspected of acne by the sterile swab. Subsequently, the specimens were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar containing chloramphenicol. The plates were incubated for 48 h at 37˚C. The suspected colonies were investigated through microscopic examination and subsequent passages were evaluated according to standard operating procedures and specification of the type of colony color on CHROMagar for the isolation of the yeast. The sequencing method was utilized (ITS2, ITS4) to approve C.species. In addition, the susceptibility testing was performed to assess drug-resistant isolates C. species based on the clinical and laboratory standards institute method.
In total, 11 C. species were identified and isolated that include 8 C.parapsilosis (72.73%), 1 C.krusei (12.5%), 1 C.lusitaniae (12.5%), 1 C.kefir (12.5%), and a Trichosporon asahi. According to the investigation of C. parapsilosis isolates susceptibility to various concentrations of the anti-fungal agents to isolates Cp1and Cp8,  the isolated Cp5 with MIC 50 was equal to 32,0.5,0.25 and with MIC 90 of <64, <1, <0.5 μg/ml were resistant to fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole, respectively. Apart from the isolation of Cp1 and Cp8, which had relative resistance, almost all other species of C. parapsilosis isolates were susceptible to these drugs.
 
Discussion & Several studies showed that bacterial agents are involved in causing acne in most cases. According to the results of this study, it can be suggested that the yeast C. species can be introduced as an agent in the etiology of this disease. C. species isolates can also be resistant to antifungal drugs and this could be one of the causes of the treatment failures.

Nowadays, osteoarthritis is not considered as a degenerative disease. Regarding the side effects, such as peptic ulcers, liver toxicity, and renal complications due to the use of corticosteroids and non-steroid drugs, it is recommended to utilize medicinal plants as an alternative treatment. Alhagi Maurorum. L is commonly used in traditional medicine as a treatment for rheumatic diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2 gene expressions and decreased production rate of PGE2 and NO in chondrocytes of monocyte/macrophages by the aqueous extract of Alhagi maurorum.L. The aqueous extract of Alhagi maurorum. L was prepared from genetic reserves. For the preparation of the cells, the joint and the subcutaneous fluid of the anatomical metacarpal of the 8-month-old fully healthy Holstein calf were sent in a sterile bag to the laboratory immediately after the slaughter. The THP-1 cells were prepared in a flask containing 6x106 and 60 ml of enriched culture media from Pasteur Institute. Each cell type was cultured in appropriate conditions and the viability was evaluated by trypan blue. After proliferation, they were treated with lipopolysaccharide to increase the level of cytokines. After re-culture of the cells at 37 ° C in a CO2-incubator with a moisture content of 90%, they were stored for the next steps. After the RNA priming and cDNA preparation, RT-PCR and PCR were performed and then the real-time- polymerase chain reaction method was used to determine the expression of the desired genes. According to the results, the COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α gene expressions reduced by 36.59%, 50%, and 51.86%, respectively, using the aqueous extract of Alhagi maurorum. L. In addition, there was a reduction in the production rate of No and PGE-2 by 48% and 52%, respectively. The aqueous extracts of Alhagi maurorum. L reduced CoX-2 and iNOS gene expression in LPS-stimulated synoviocyte cells. In addition, there was a decrease in the production of NO and PGE2 in THP-1 cells.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is among the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Given the powerful antioxidant effects of the saffron extract on the removal of free radicals, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of the saffron extract on reducing oxidative stress in a rat model of Parkinson's disease pretreated with saffron. In this experimental study, 35 male rats weighing approximately 250±50 g were assigned randomly into five groups, namely control, sham (ascorbate-saline), Parkinsonian rats induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, Parkinsonian rats pretreated with saffron extract (5 μg/rat for 5 days), and Parkinsonian rats pretreated with saffron extract (10 μg/rat for 5 days). The rat models were subjected to intracerebroventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (2.5μg/μl). Moreover, Total Antioxidant Activity (TAC), Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) were measured in the midbrain using a special kit.
Ethics code: 52.13267 According to the results, there were differences between the control group, the groups pretreated with saffron and Parkinsonian rats regarding the level of TAC (P<0.01). In addition, saffron extract significantly reduced the level of MDA production (P<0.01). Moreover, there was an increase in the activity levels of SOD and GPX in the midbrain (P<0.05). It seems that a part of the protective effect of the saffron extract against 6-hydroxydopamine can be attributed to the property that increases the capacity of antioxidant enzymes and decreases the production of free radicals.

High heel shoes affect the knee joint and can cause arthritis in the tibiofemoral (TFJ) and patellofemoral joints (PFJ). There is a dearth of research investigating the contact forces of TFJ and PFJ. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of high heel shoes on muscle forces as well as TFJ, and PFJ contact forces during walking.
 
Materials & A total of nine young females with mean age, height, and body mass of 21.34±3.83 years, 1.49±0.14 m, and 60.54±1.76 kg, respectively, were randomly included in this study. The walking variables in each case were measured while walking with 6-cm-heels, 3-cm-heels, and without shoes. All measurements were conducted on the right legs. The Qualisys motion analyzer and Kistler Force Plate were utilized to record data. The data were collected using OpenSim software to obtain muscular and joint contact forces. In addition, the data were analyzed in SPSS software. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 
The internal and external TFJ contact force during walking with 6-cm-heels was 3.66±4.07 N/BW, which was significantly higher than that during walking without shoes (P=0.05). The anterior-posterior PFJ contact force was obtained at 1.71±0.27N/BW, which was significantly greater than that during walking without shoes by 0.61 N/BW (P=0.001). Moreover, the vertical force of PFJ contact forces during walking with 6-cm-heels (6 cm) was significantly greater than that during walking without shoes (P=0.025). However, there were no significant differences between walking with 6- and 3-cm-heels regarding anterior-posterior, internal-external, and vertical TFJ and PFJ forces (P>0.05).
 
Discussion & Walking with high heel shoes increased joint contact force in the medial compartment of TFJ and PFJ during the stance phase of the gait cycle. This increase in forces as cumulative forces can put the joint at the high risk of degeneration and arthritis. The TFJ and PFJ pain are warning signs of walking with high heel shoes. Given the harmful effect of high heels on TFJ and PFJ, it is recommended to use low heel shoes or flat ones.

Recent findings revealed the biological effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on the central nervous system. Moreover, the brain cholinergic system plays a role in the modulation of anxiety behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of dorsal hippocampal muscarinic cholinergic receptors of the CA1 area on anxiety induced by iron oxide nanoparticles in adult male rats. This experimental study was conducted on adult male Wistar rats with a weight range of 200-250 g. All animals were cannulated in the CA1 area using stereotactic surgery. One week after the recovery the intracerebroventricular injection followed by intraperitoneal (IP) injection after 5 min were administered. Anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity were performed by elevated plus maze apparatus one week after the injections. The groups were divided into control (saline), iron oxide nanoparticle (5, 7.5 mg/kg,IP), pilocarpine (1,2 µg/rat, intra-hippocampal injection), pilocarpine (1µg/rat, intra-hippocampal injection)+iron oxide nanoparticle (7.5mg/kg, IP) ,and pilocarpine (2µg/rat, intra-hippocampal injection)+iron oxide nanoparticle (7.5mg/kg, IP). Ethics code: EE/96.24.3.88369/SCU.AC.IR Iron oxide nanoparticles (7.5 mg/kg) increased the anxiety level, compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, pilocarpine injection (1μg/rat) before iron oxide nanoparticles (7.5 mg/kg) improved the anxiety induced by iron oxide nanoparticle (P<0.05). It seems that probably the anxiogenic effect of iron oxide nanoparticles is mediated through the reduction of dorsal hippocampal muscarinic cholinergic receptor functions in CA1area.

This study aimed to compare the storage stability of tomato paste packaging of cans and a container with the brand name of "Robby" during 6 weeks. Four cans of tomato paste were prepared from brand A. Sample 1 was covered with the plastic lid after opening. Sample 2 was transferred into a container with the brand name of "Robby". Tomato paste of cans 3 and 4 were contaminated with Aspergillus flavus spore ssuspension (t 2×106spore/ml) and homogenized in a sterile container. Subsequently, an equal amount of contaminated tomato paste was transferred into the original can (sample 3) and the "Robby" container (sample 4). Samples were stored in a refrigerator at 4°C for 6 weeks. Samples 1 and sample 2 were evaluated regarding acidity, Brix, pH, vitamin C, as well as total bacteria, mold, and yeast count. However, samples 3 and 4 only were analyzed in terms of total bacteria, mold, and yeast count with two replications. All the experiments were individually repeated on another tomato paste with a different brand name. Ethics code: 395833   After the second week, there was a 62% decrease and a 4% increase in vitamin C and Brix levels in the tomato paste in the can. However, the reduction in vitamin C level (5%) and the Brix changes were not significant in the "Robby" container. The gradual increase of acidity was observed in both treatments. Nevertheless, there was an increase in the acidity of the tomato paste kept in the can (28%) and "Robby" container (22%) at the end of the sixth week (P<0.05). The "Robby" container had no significant effect on pH and microbial groups (P> 0.05). The "Robby" container definitely provides better conditions for preserving the chemical properties of tomato paste than common means of tomato paste storage.

Antibiotic-carrying nanoparticles have cytotoxic effects on drug-resistant bacteria. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of chitosan nanoparticles carrying amoxicillin and clavulanic acid on the viability of staphylococcus aureus strains.  In this study, chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method and were loaded by amoxicillin and clavulanic acid leading to the production of nanoparticles with dimension less than 100 nm. To evaluate the effect of different nanoparticle concentration on the bacteria, chitosan and amoxicillin concentrations of 0.25-8 and 1-128 µg/ml were prepared, respectively, using the microdilution method. Subsequently, 100 nm of different chitosan nanoparticle concentration with antibiotic was transferred to each well and 1 μl of bacterial suspension was added to the wells.  Turbidity in the wells was observed without armed eye and the light absorbance was read in the wavelength range of 630 nm by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that minimum inhibitory concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles carrying amoxicillin and clavulanic were 0.9 and 3.6 µg/ml in susceptible and resistant specimens, respectively.  Moreover, their minimum destructive concentrations were obtained at 1.8 and 7.2 µg/ml, respectively. According to the results, the obtained combination showed more antibacterial effectiveness, compared to chitosan and amoxicillin alone. This reveals the synergistic effect of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and chitosan.

Postmenopausal estrogen deficiency, disturbance of the antioxidant defense system, and free radical production lead to oxidative stress. This results in metabolic disturbances affecting the liver. Therefore, it is important to properly evaluate the benefits of antioxidant administration and exercise on oxidative stress in the liver. The main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic training with vitamin C and estradiol on oxidative stress in the liver among ovariectomized and normal rats. In total, sixty-four female rats were divided into two groups of normal (n=32) and ovariectomized (n=32). Each group was subdivided randomly into four subgroups consisting of sham, training, training+vitamin C, and training+estradiol. The experimental protocol was five 60-min running sessions for six weeks on a treadmill with average intensity and 55% Vo2max. Moreover, the rats were subjected to the injection of 250 mg and 0.25 mg/kg vitamin C and estradiol, respectively.  Liver oxidative damage was determined by the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). According to the results, ovariectomy resulted in vaginal atrophy. Moreover, it led to a significant increase in AST and ALT levels. In addition, the administration of estradiol decreased the serum level of these enzymes (P<0.05). However, aerobic training and vitamin C had no effect on the prevention of the increased levels of these enzymes in ovariectomized rats (P<0.05). In conclusion, the obtained results revealed that average intensity training had no effect on the prevention of increased levels of oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats. However, exercise training in combination with estradiol and vitamin C improved oxidative stress conditions in ovariectomized rats.