Archives of Advances in Biosciences

    Ethanol known as ethyl alcohol is being widely used around the world. Many serious diseases are related with its consumption.  Alcohol posses many divers effects on human body including risk of cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, analysis of this component is prominent. Fibroblast cells were cultured in various dosages of ethanol. The effective dosage was then investigated by proteomic methods.  Separated proteins of fibroblast cells by Two-Dimensional Gel (2DG) Electrophoresis method based on pI and MW were analyzed based on spots alteration by Same Spot Software. Furthered analysis was carried out with vigorous statistical analysis based on significant folding changes and one-way ANOVA. About 372 protein spots were identified and among them 65 of them were having significant expression profile, which is evaluated as p <0.05. Therefore, ethanol can induce a great impact on protein profile of fibroblast. It is concluded that altering morphologic features and viability, as well as protein expression changes, confirm toxic properties of ethanol in human body.

 

Helicobacter Pylori is the main cause of gastric ulcer, adenocarcinoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Up to now, different regimens have been used for Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) eradication to find the most potent and cost-effective regimen with less side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of standard triple therapy versus quadruple therapy for eradication of H. pylori. In a randomized clinical trial, 110 patients with H.pylori infection were randomly assigned into two groups of triple or quadruple therapy. The first group received standard triple therapy regimen with clarithromycin, amoxicillin and omeprazole and the second group received bismuth-based quadruple therapy regimen. At the end of study, stool antigen assay was used to confirm H.pylori eradication.

The mean age of patients was 41.58 ± 11.98 years and 50.9% of them were male. Side effects of treatment with triple therapy were observed in 49.1% of cases. H.pylori eradication rate with triple and quadruple therapy regimen was 54.5% and 72.7% respectively but the difference was not statistically significant.Results showed that the efficacy of triple therapy was comparable to that of bismuth-based quadruple therapy regimen. However, due to the better compliance of triple therapy regimen, it is recommended for the first line treatment. Quadruple therapy could be used as an alternative treatment when triple therapy fails.

 

Medical X-rays are the largest man-made source of public exposure to ionizing radiation. While the benefits of computed tomography (CT) are well known in accurate diagnosis, those benefits are not risk free. CT is a device with higher patient dose in comparison with other conventional radiation procedures. So it is important to avoid conditions where the amount of radiation used is more than that needed for the procedure. Since that there is not any report on the radiation doses received by patients in CT scan wards in hospitals under control of Eastern and Western Azerbyjan medical sciences university, in the North West of Iran; this study was a part of national project to establish and optimize local and national diagnostic guidance levels. This work intends to calculate CT Dose Index (CTDI) and Dose Length Product (DLP) in common CT procedures in two north western provinces of country. Two hospitals got involved in the present study. CTDI and DLP measurements were done according to AAPM report no. 96 for head, chest and abdomen CT procedures. The mean CTDI_w for head (base), sinus, chest and abdomen were 12.22, 13.13, 13.3 and 7.6 mGy, respectively.Patient dose levels in CTDI and DLP in our study aren't higher than those in developed countries.

 

       Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is the light harvesting and photoactive proton pump found in the membrane of a salt marsh bacteria. This protein has significant potential to use in optical computing and memory devices due to unique intrinsic physical properties of photo and bioelectric. All these features make BR one of the most promising protein candidates in protein memories. Protein memory is a kind of optical memory with a large storage capacity and high speed processing features. BR protein was used with the polymer film in order to create better stability. In order to investigate immobilization of electrostatic self-assembly of BR on glass and polycarbonate as protein memories was used. Polycarbonate is a layer of compact disc (CD) structure which considered dye immobilized on its surface and have reading and writing abilities of information via 0,1 bites. In this study, surfaces of polycarbonate modified by the mixture of 5% sulfuric acid and 20% acetic acid; furthermore, by using of PEI as cationic resin the surface of polycarbonate was charged and BR immobilized on it electrostatically. The modified surfaces were characterized by AFM technique. Also, light activity for reading data is retained. This is an appropriate method for optimal stability and activity assay of the protein and also is suitable for preparation of protein memories.

 

A number of studies have investigated the effect of age, trauma, disease and fatigue on cervical joint position sense. However, there is an absence in data regarding the role of posture on proprioception. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of Forward Head Posture (FHP) on cervical joint position sense. Twenty Forward Head Posture volunteers (14 women, 6 men), with the mean age of 23.94 (SD=3.26) years, and 17 normal head posture volunteers (8 women, 9 men) with the mean age of 23.50 (SD=2.68) years were asked to perform the Cervicocephalic relocation test (CRT) to the neutral head position (NHP). The aim of this test was to evaluate the participants' ability to relocate the head to neutral position after they actively rotated it to left and right sides. Three trials were performed for each rotation to the left and right. In order to assess cervical joint repositioning accuracy, Absolute, Constant and Variable errors were used. No significant difference in repositioning errors was observed between experimental and control group in absolute and constant errors (P>0.05); however, compared to normal group, Forward Head Posture subjects manifested significantly higher levels of variable errors (P<0.05). Forward Head Posture can significantly affect the positioning consistency of cervical proprioception. Nonetheless, further investigation on the effect of Forward Head Posture on cervical proprioception in altered situations is recommended.

 

      The interest in plants antimicrobial properties has been revived because of the current problems associated with the use of antibiotics. Nowadays, the fact that microorganisms tend to develop drug resistance, besides the side effects of certain antibiotics has offered considerable potentials for the development of new effective antifungal and antioxidant agents; medicinal plants are prolific sources. Avicennia marina, commonly known as grey mangrove, is a species of mangrove tree classified in the plant family Acanthaceae. The aim of this experimental study is determination of antifungal effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Avicennia marina on Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium italicum ”in vitro”. In this study, quantitative bioassay was done using disc diffusion method, Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was carried out using broth dilution methods. The results showed that the ethanol extract of Avicennia marina leaves with “antimicrobial activity method” in 2000 μg/ml, were inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium italicum. In “disk agar diffusion test” the mentioned   extract were shown inhibiti on effect on pathogenic molds growth (p<0.05). The result showed that MIC of ethanolic extract of Avicenna marina leaves for Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium italicum was 16 and 8 mg/ml respectively. The results showed that MFC of ethanolic extract of Avicenna marina for Aspergillus flavus was 32 mg/ml, and for Penicillium italicum was 16 mg/ml. Ethanolic extract compared to the aqueous extract was more effective and has a greater inhibition effect. This study showed that the extract of Avicennia marina had antifungal effects that justify their traditional use as medicinal plants. Finally, the data suggested that Avicennia marina extracts could have notable antifungal effects.

 

    The µ (mu) opioid receptors, which mediate the effects of morphine, are widely distributed in brain. The purpose of this study was to design a simple expression system for rat µ-receptor in Escherichia coli (BL21). In this laboratory study, rat µ-receptor cDNA was isolated from pcDNA3 vector using Xba1 and Hind3 restriction enzymes. pET-15b was digested by Nco1 restriction enzyme. µ-receptor cDNA and pET-15b formed a recombinant DNA that was transformed to Escherichia coli (BL21). The insert presence was proved by Rsa1 restriction enzyme and the induction of its expression was performed using IPTG. Finally, the presence of desired insert was confirmed using RSA1, and the colonies that had correct orientation in gene containing plasmid were used for further studies. On the SDS-page gel electrophoresis, a 33 kDa band was observed when IPTG was used at 0.5 and 1 mM concentrations, that is equal to calculated molecular weight of rat µ-receptor. At the end of this project, the expression of rat µ-receptor by IPTG induction was successfully performed.

 

Repeating X-ray radiographs, as a common problem in radiology units, represent additional, non-billable costs due to increased film, chemistry, and equipment use as well as increased personnel time. Furthermore, patients receive additional radiation exposure from repetitions and must remain on the premises until the second exam is completed. Compounding the overt negative financial impact on the department is an increased burden on the waiting room and support staff, and a decrease in service quality. This study was designed to measure the radiograph repeat rate for Beesat and Farshchian hospitals in Hamadan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study the repeat rate was documented over the course of  3 months in Beesat and Farshchian hospitals. Regarding to personnel code, repeat rate were measured weekly for each staff and a questionnaires including sex, age, work experience, education level as well as shift numbers during 3 months were completed for each one. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS#20 using Chi-Squar and two sample T-test. Based on our results. The x-ray repeat rate was 3.8% for both studied hospitals. Repeat rate was also calculated for each hospital which showed 3.6% for Beesat and  5.4% for Farshchian. The highest repeat rate was documented for students and male personnel. The repeat rate for Beesat and Farshchian hospitals were acceptable according to published ones. The highest repeat rate in students and the negative relationship between work experience and the repeat rate suggests the need for close monitoring and more training for new staff especially students.

     Evaluation of the factors associated with treatment process of leukemia and comparison with current related approaches in developed countries can present a good indicator to assess the weak and strong points in healthcare system of our country in leukemia treatment. The objective of this research is general and specific description of the challenges and shortcomings in Iranian healthcare system and monitoring of hematologic malignancies as well as comparison with developed countries. Our study is a descriptive-cross-sectional study. 100 hemato-oncologist , pathologists, and faculty members throughout the country were selected by random cluster sampling. Data collected using questionnaires with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.76 . SPSS and Chi-square test were used for data analysis. According to the specialists, lack of advanced diagnostic facilities as well as cell and BM banks together with high treatment expenses are the main factors contributing to poor treatment processes in Iran, which are far from worldwide standards.The use of novel currently methods used in developed countries for leukemia treatment, financial and psychological support of patients under treatment , making underprivileged provinces well-equipped ,balanced  specialist service distribution relative to capital city either in diagnosis or treatment are factors which makes system standardized. Moreover, integrated institutional work in relation to leukemia incidence and statistical analysis of mortality and morbidity rate can pave the way for reducing and eliminating the problems in diagnosis and treatment of leukemia patients.

    The aim of this study was to compare three routine precipitation methods, including: acetone, TCA/acetone wash and TCA/acetone. 30 plasma samples were precipitated using above mentioned three methods. Pellets were dissolved in rehydration solution and protein quantification was done for this solution. According to statistical analysis using SPSS ver 16.0 software and one-way ANOVA test, the protein yield of acetone method was greater than two other methods and was statistically different from TCA/acetone precipitation method (p-value: 0.006). The acetone method is more efficient than two other methods in protein precipitation.

 

     The plethora of studies indicated that there is a cross talk relationship between harmaline and serotonergic (5-HT) system on cognitive and non-cognitive behaviors. Thus, the purpose of this study is assessment the effects of CA1 5-HT4 receptor on memory acquisition deficit induced by harmaline. Harmaline was injected peritoneally, while 5-HT4 receptor agonist (RS67333) and antagonist (RS23597-190) were injected intra-CA1. For memory measurement,a single-trial step-down passive avoidance apparatus was used. The data revealed that pre-training injection of higher dose of harmaline (1 mg/kg), RS67333 (0.5 ng/mouse) and RS23597-190 (0.5 ng/mouse)decreased memory acquisitionprocess in the adult mice. Moreover, concurrent pre-training administration of subthreshold doseof RS67333 (0.005 ng/mouse) orRS23597-190 (0.005 ng/mouse)with subthreshold dose of harmaline (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.)intensify impairment of memory acquisition. All above interventions did not change locomotion and tail flick behaviors. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the synergistic effect between both CA1 5-HT4 receptor agonist and antagonist with impairment of memory acquisition induced by harmaline, indicating a modulatory effect for CA1 5HT4 receptor on Harmaline induced amnesia.

 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prospective data on risk factors for CKD are few. Hypertension is one of the risk factors for CKD. In the past serum creatinine concentration was used as marker of kidney function but it proffers a late reflection of reduced glomerular filtration rate(GFR), which limits its ability to detect impaired kidney function. Cystatin C and NGAL have recently been proven useful to quantitate CKD. Therefore in this study, we assessed the effect of some risk factors on reduction of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with high blood pressure. This study was performed on 42 hypertensive patients and 30 healthy volunteers, both with normal serum creatinine and urea concentration. In this study, we measured serum cystatin C and Plasma NGAL. Serum creatinine and urea levels of the patients were measured after an overnight fasting.  . Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was considered as the gold standard method .Serum cystatin C and plasma NGAL were measured using commercially available human ELISA kits. Logistic   regression and T-test were used for statistical analysis. The results of logistic regression showed that among the variables studied, plasma levels of NGAL, age and duration of hypertension were significantly associated with the eGFR<78(P<0.05). Our findings suggest that, increased levels of NGAL, age and duration of hypertension predicts a higher odds of impaired renal function

     By producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, metal-induced toxicity and carcinogenicity alter DNA bases, increase  lipid peroxidation, and change calcium and sulfhydryl homeostasis. The purpose of the study was to investigate putative effects of Lemon balm and Cinnamomum zeylanicum on the blood markers of welding workers. We measured nickel and chromium levels, biochemical parameters, blood oxidative stress markers, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and DNA damage. The study was conducted on 55 male workers who worked in an industrial subjects exposed to Nickel Welding Fumes. The participants were administered Lemon balm and Cinnamon extract infusion 1.5 (0.12 extract) and 0.25(0.013 extract) g/100 mL, respectively, they have drunken twice a day for 30 days at 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM every day. In order to analyze the achieved data, paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient have been used. After using the extract infusion, a significant increase revealed in TAC (p= 0.007). Also, administration of infusion decreased DNA damage but it was not statistically significant. After administration of infusion, a decrease in LPO and MPO were observed (p= 0.014, p=0.000 respectively). Also there is positive correlation between ALP and Ni with 8-oH-dG and also, between Ni and TAC. The results indicate that using infusion causes to raise in a TAC and reduce in DNA damage.

      Due to the increasing presence of electromagnetic radiation in advanced societies, investigation of the effects of this radiation on humans has attracted the interest of many researchers. The non- ionizing radiation can induce numerous effects through biomolecules in the tissue and cells. In the current study, effects of 12 Hz electromagnetic waves investigated on neuronal hormone levels in rat animal model in 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after exposure.  The levels of Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Adrenaline, melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R), corticostrone, α1-receptor and D-Glucose were evaluated by ELISA methods. Exposure with 12 Hz electromagnetic waves did not alter in glucose and MC2R levels in rats compared with control groups. Plasma ACTH and adrenaline concentrations as two important stress-related hormones increased significantly 1 and 3 days after irradiation respectively. Also corticostrone and alpha a1-receptor decreased significantly at some days during the period of study in irradiated rats.  Our data demonstrated that faced with 12 Hz electromagnetic wave could be considered as a stress inducer and also time of exposure have critical role in stress induce.

 

The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of infections, and infection with antibiotic-resistant strains can be dangerous. The aim of the present study is to investigate the presence of the exoS and exoU genes and the formation of biofilms in clinically isolated P.aeruginosa strains. A total of 126 samples were isolated, and P.aeruginosa was identified using biochemical tests. Bacterial genomic DNA was extracted, and the presence of the exoS and exoU genes were detected by PCR. Biofilms were formed by culturing P.aeruginosaon glass slides in rich medium. The exoU (76%) exoS (68%) genes were detected in of strains isolated from burn (burns caused by heat) patients, respectively. Among the 113 strains isolated from patients with burn infections. An improved understanding of virulence genes and biofilm formation in P.aeruginosa may facilitate the future development of novel vaccines and drug treatments.

 

 

     Colorectal cancer is the most common gastrointestinal cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus in patients with colorectal carcinomas and polyps in comparison with healthy people. In this analytical  case-control study, 15 patients with colorectal cancer and 20 patients with colorectal polyp were studied. From each patient two tissue samples were collected: one sample of the malignant tissue and one sample of normal colorectal tissue from an area located 15 cm away from the malignant tissue. Also the 35 patients without malignancy as controls were sampled. Biopsy specimens were frozen under sterile conditions at -20. After DNA extractions, analysis of PCR to detect EBV DNA in tissue samples was performed with chi square test. EBV DNA were found in 60% of tumor samples (9 of 15), in 35% of polyp samples (7 of 20) and 40% of the non-malignant control group (14 of 35). Two cancer patients (13.3%) and five polyp patients (25%) had EBV DNA detected in both the tumor and the matched normal tissue. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between the prevalence of EBV and incidence colorectal cancer and polyps according to the location of the sample in comparison with the control group (p = 0.44). The results of the present study demonstrate the presence of EBV sequences in differentiated cancer tissue, polyp and non-malignant by PCR method reflects the ability of the virus to infect of the different colon cells.

 

    The radioprotective effects of vitamin C and famotidine were investigated using the micronucleus test for anticlastogenic and cell proliferation activity. Various doses of vitamin C and famotidine were administered intraperitoneally 2 h before 2Gy gamma irradiation to NMRI adult male mice. Frequency of micronuclei in 1000 PCEs (MnPCEs) were scored for each sample. Cell proliferation ratio (PCE/PCE+NCE) was also calculated. Data were statistically evaluated using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. The results indicated that gamma irradiation alone caused a significant increase in the MnPCEs and reduced the cell proliferation ratio. Administration of various doses of famotidine and vitamin C before gamma irradiation reduced MnPCEs and therefore clastogenic effects of radiation. Famotidine didn’t change cell proliferation compared to the irradiation group but vitamin C significantly improved and increased cell proliferation to the control group’s level. The dose reduction factor (DRF) calculated, shows a DRF=2 for famotidine and a DRF=1.7 for vitamin C which is indicative of a high radioprotective property of these compounds. The way in which these compounds reduced the clastogenic effects of radiation might be via antioxidant property and free radical scavenging mechanism.

      The Protease enzyme breaks down protein into amino acids as its constructors. Protease immobilization onto appropriate support materials plays an essential role in various fields of technology including the food and detergent industries. Accordingly, improvement of protease immobilization has been highly regarded due to its applications in bio catalysis. Alginate and chitosan are natural polysaccharides that have been studied so extensively in enzyme immobilization.In this research, the physical immobilization of proteases in alginate-chitosan beads showed satisfactory activity and stability. These beads were prepared by adding protease-alginate dropping intoChitosan­ and Calcium chloride solution. Then proteases enzyme encapsulated in alginate-chitosan beads. In the end, the different conditions such as temperature, pH and stability of the enzyme were studied.  The immobilized protease was optimized in temperature of 47°C and at pH 8.5. The results demonstrated that the protease enzyme immobilized in alginate-chitosan beads exhibits reasonable stability and good activity. 

Keratoderma is a group of disorders characterized by abnormal thickening of skin. Acquired palmar keratoderma has many underlying causes. The association of thyroid disease and palmar keratoderma rarely reported. Hypothyroidism, although very rare association, must be suspected in patients with acquired PPK, particularly when it occurs in setting of systemic symptoms or predisposing conditions.We report first case of acquired plantar keratoderma associated with undiagnosed hypothyroidism in Down syndrome.