مجله مطالعات علوم پزشکی
سال سی و چهارم شماره 5 (امرداد 1402)

Today, attention has been paid to the enzymes of halophilic microorganisms and their biotechnological applications. One of the most important applications of halophilic microorganisms is their use in the production of hydrolytic enzymes that can perform reactions in harsh conditions. This study was conducted to isolate halophilic bacteria producing phytase, glucanase, cellulase and glutaminase from the saline soil of Semnan province, Iran.

In this research study, samples were taken from the saline soil of Haj Aligholi and Biyarajmand in Semnan province, Iran. First, isolated halophilic bacteria were cultured and screened for producing hydrolytic enzymes including phytase, cellulose, glutaminase, and beta-glucanases using enzyme-specific media. The enzymatic activities of the bacteria were then determined based on the formation of a clear halo or the formation of sediment around the colonies after adding the relevant reagents. Afterward, enzyme-positive isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. Finally, the best activity and stability of the enzymes produced at different pH and temperatures were investigated.

Results showed that the isolated halophilic bacteria were able to produce hydrolytic enzymes. The halophilic bacteria producing cellulose, glutaminase, and beta-glucanase enzymes belong to the Bacillus genus. The optimum pH and temperature for the highest activity of cellulase were 8 and 40 °C, respectively, and the enzyme stability occurred in pH= 8 at 60 °C. In addition, the optimal activity of glutaminase occurred at pH= 8 and 50 °C, and the best pH and temperature for glutaminase stability were 8 and 60 °C, respectively. Halophilic bacteria that produce beta-glucanase showed favorable growth at pH=9 and 50°C.

The results of the study showed that the bacteria isolated from the soil are of the genus Bacillus which can produce all three enzymes, beta-glucanase, cellulose, and glutaminase, and can be good sources for the production of enzymes necessary for research and industrial work.

CD166 is an Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (ALCAM) which acts as a cell-to-cell adhesion molecule. CD166 has an important role in the growth, survival and invasion of the tumor cells. The aim of the present study was to produce polyclonal antibodies against CD166.

The selected peptide was synthesized from the CD166 molecule and after conjugation with KLH protein, in an emulsion with Freund's complete adjuvant, it was injected subcutaneously to two female New Zealand rabbits several times. Then the antibodies in rabbit serum were purified by FPLC method and their amounts were determined by indirect ELISA method. By CNBr gel purification method, specific antibodies against CD166 peptide bound to KLH were isolated, and the concentration of produced antibody against peptide or KLH-peptide was determined by ELISA method.

After repeated injection of CD166 peptide bound to KLH, antibody against CD166 peptide was produced, but it had a low titer. Most of the antibody produced was directed against the KLH-peptide binding site. Also, the tendency of produced antibodies to bind to KLH-peptide was higher compared to the peptide alone.

The produced antibodies were mostly against the antigenic index of KLH peptide. The synthetic and small size of the injected peptide can be the reason for the low titer and affinity of the antibody to it.

Oligozoospermia or reduced sperm concentration is often associated with abnormal motility and morphology, reflecting abnormal spermatogenesis in the testes. The sperm DNA integrity plays an important role in embryo development, and fertility. Therefore, we aimed to assess sperm DNA integrity in a population of oligozoospermic and normozoospermic men.

In this cross-sectional study, 967 oligozoospermic samples (sperm count lower than 39 million per ejaculation), and 967 normozoospermic samples according to World Health Organization criteria were included. Sperm DNA damage was assessed by SCSA and TUNEL assays. Statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS version 22 software and a significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.

Mean sperm DNA damage and also DNA stainability were significantly higher in oligozoospermic individuals than them in normozoospermic individuals (Ps<0.001). Unlike semen volume and sperm count which was significantly lower (P<0.001), the mean of sperm abnormal morphology was significantly higher in oligozoospermic men compared to normozoospermic men (P<0.001).

In individuals with oligozoospermia, in addition to the count, morphology and motility of sperm can also be abnormal according to the WHO threshold. Also, sperm DNA damage is significantly high, which can indicate abnormal spermatogenesis and epididymal immaturity. Therefore, depending on the severity of the damage, it is preferable to manage therapeutic interventions, such as drug therapies or assisted reproductive techniques, in order to make the best decisions regarding treatment.

Diabetes and obesity are among the main problems of societies, and the main preventable causes of death all over the world. Also, type 2 diabetes is more common in obese people, and obesity itself causes some degree of insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of an eight-week aerobic training plus a supplement of Portulaca Oleracea seed on metabolic syndrome factors in middle-aged men with Diabetes Type 2 on the threshold of obesity.

In this experimental study, 40 male patients with type 2 diabetes with an average age of 40-65 and BMI between 28 and 30, were selected and then randomly placed into four groups of control (10 people), exercise + placebo (10 people), supplement (10 people), and exercise + supplement (10 people). Lack of a history of regular sports activity and lack of consumption of Portulaca oleracea plant (for the previous 6 months) were controlled. Also, people who had chronic cardiovascular diseases or chronic inflammation, diabetic foot ulcers and hepatitis, as well as people who took vitamin supplements and smoked, were excluded from the study. The training groups had 3 training sessions per week, in the first week, each session lasted for 30 minutes, and in the eighth week, it was changed to 45 minutes of walking without rest with an intensity equal to 50 to 70% of the maximum reserve heart rate. Supplemental groups consumed 5.7 grams of purslane capsules after lunch and dinner daily. The control group was not subjected to any training or supplements during the 8 weeks. Correlated t-test was used to examine intra-group differences, and analysis of covariance was used to examine inter-group differences at a significant level of P<0.05 using SPSS version 26 software.

The results of covariance analysis showed a significant difference in lipid profile values and fasting sugar levels in the three experimental groups compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Probably, the consumption of Portulaca oleracea seed supplement and aerobic exercise improves the lipid profile and fasting sugar in middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended for middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes on the verge of obesity to take purslane seed supplement and aerobic exercise.

Elderly is a sensitive period of human life and paying attention to their movement and cognitive needs is a necessity. The aim of the current research was to compare the effect of mindfulness exercises and PETTLEP mental imagery on the balance and continuous attention of elderly women.

The present research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test design. The statistical population of the present study was the elderly of Yazd city, Iran, and the statistical sample included 45 elderly women with the age range of 60-75 years in a targeted and accessible manner, who were randomly assigned to three groups of mindfulness (15 people), PETTLEP mental imagery (15 people), and control (15 people) groups. First, a pre-test was performed for all three groups and then, the experimental groups trained according to the protocol for eight weeks and three sessions per week. At the end of the exercises, a post-test was taken from all three groups.

The results of analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni test showed that there was no significant difference between the mindfulness group and PETTLEP's mental imagery in static balance (P=0.001), but there was a significant difference between the control group with mindfulness (P=0.001) and with PETTLEP visualization (P=0.001). Also, there was a significant difference between the mindfulness group and PETTLEP mental imagery (P = 0.001), the control group with mindfulness (P = 0.03), and the control group with PETTLEP imagery in dynamic balance (P = 0.001). Also, there was no significant difference in the correct answer between the mindfulness-awareness group and the PETTLEP mental imagery group (P = 0.001). However, there was a significant difference between the control group with mindfulness (P=0.001) and the control group with PETTLEP visualization (P=0.001).

In general, the results of this research showed that the intervention based on mindfulness and mental imagery of PETTLEP has a significant effect on the movement functions of elderly women. Also, compared to the control group, the experimental groups had a significant improvement in static and dynamic balance factors of continuous attention. According to the results of the research, it is suggested to trainers and those involved in geriatric affairs to use mindfulness and visualization exercises to improve balance and attention in old age.

Divorce can have a bad effect on a person's psychological flexibility and self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of treatment based on acceptance and commitment on psychological flexibility and self-efficacy of divorced women.

The research method was semi-experimental with a pre-test, post-test design and follow-up with a control group. The research population included all the divorced women of Hamedan city, Iran who went to the family court of Hamedan city between 2017–2021 and got divorced. From which, 2 groups of 20 people were randomly selected to the experimental control groups. Then the number diminished to 17 people. They responded to the psychological flexibility questionnaire (acceptance and action) and the general self-efficacy questionnaire of Sherer et al. The subjects of the experimental group were trained in acceptance and commitment therapy in a group manner (in the form of training and skills), 1 session of 90 minutes per week. During this period, the control group had not take any training. The data were statistically analyzed with SPSS software and using the analysis of variance test with repeated measurements and a significant level of p < 0.05.

The analysis of the results showed that treatment based on acceptance and action leads to an increase in psychological flexibility and self-efficacy in divorced women. In the follow-up stage, the changes remained (P=0.010).

The therapy based on forgiveness and commitment can be used to increase the psychological flexibility and self-efficacy of divorced women.