Background & Objectives: The lateral nasal osteotomy is an integral part of cosmetic surgery (rhinoplasty). A reproducible and predictable technique with the least complication is a significant contributor to operation success. Regarding the different techniques and instrumentation for osteotomy, this study was carried out with the aim of comparison of ecchymosis severity due to lateral osteotomy in internal continuous and external perforated techniques in Tehran from 2004 to 2005.
Materials & Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients ( 15 males and 15 females ). The entire patients had the same situation pre and post operation. In each patient both internal and external osteotomy were performed, and ecchymosis severity due to operation was measured using a ruler on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th day following the operation. The data were analysed through SPSS (Smirnov & kolmograph, repeated measure and Wilks tests).
Results: The study results indicated that the ecchymosis severity was far lower in external method than internal method (P=0.01)and it was higher in lower eyelids than in upper eyelids (P=0.01) . Ecchymosis severity was higher on the 3rd day than the other days and it gradually declined from 3rd to 7th days. Age had no significant association with ecchymosis severity while its rate was higher in men than in women (P=0.01).
Conclusions: External osteotomy causes less ecchymosis severity compared to internal technique and has other advantages confirmed by other researchers. Thus, it can be introduced as a preferable educational technique.

Background & Objective: Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosome aneuploidies causing mental retardation which occurs in approximately 1/230 pregnancies. It is usually caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21. The aim of this study was to evaluate the simple PCR based DNA diagnostic method and also to determine the parental origin of the extra chromosome 21 in trisomal Down syndrome.
Materials & methods: To determine the polymorphism rates of chromosome 21 microsatellite markers, 50 people from Eastern Azarbayjan were randomly selected and studied for the microsatellites. The results were statistically analyzed. Thirty affected Down syndrome patients, diagnosed by specialists were referred to the lab for further molecular analysis. After genetic counseling and getting consent, blood samples were obtained. Seven pairs of chromosome 21 microsatellite markers were amplified using PCR in all the samples.
Results: Five highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were selected from a total seven markers, studied in 50 normal people. Out of 30 Down syndrome’s patients, trisomal 21 was diagnosed in 21 families (70%). In which non-disjunction errors were determined to be of maternal origin in 86% and of paternal origin in 9% of the cases. The mean maternal and parental age was 33/3 and 36/2, respectively.
Conclusion: The three microsatellite markers, D21S1910, D21S1411 & D21S11 could diagnose a high percentage of trisomal 21 in Down syndrome’ patients. The parental origin of an extra copy of chromosome 21 could be exactly determined.

The Evaluation of the Survival Rate and Motility of Freeze-Thawed Mouse Sperm -Frozen in and out of the Epididym. Saki GH, Hashemitabar M, Ghavvamizadeh B, Safikani Z, Bijannejad D, Sobhani A Corresponding Authoŕ s Address: Department of Anatomy, Tehran,University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Email: Sobhania@Tums.ac.ir Background & objectives: Direct contact between a sperm cell and cryopreservation solution has detrimental effects on the cell. In this study the role of the epididymal tissue in the preservation of direct contact between sperm cell and cryopreservation solution during a freeze–thaw process was studied by assessing motility and vitality of the sperm. Material & methods: About 30 male mice were killed and the right caudal epididymis were removed and placed in cryo-preservation solution for two minutes. The samples were exposed to liquid nitrogen vapor for ten minutes and then immersed in liquid nitrogen. The left caudal epididymis were similarly removed and placed in T6 medium. In order to extract sperm, samples were needled and incubated for 1 hour at 37ºC. Subsequently, sperm motility and vitality were assessed as control group and then the remaining solution was transmitted into a tube containing cryopreservation solution. For thawing, samples were picked up from a liquid nitrogen tank and kept in room temperature for 20 seconds and then immersed in warm water (37ºC) for 2 minutes. Thereafter, sperm motility and vitality were assessed. Results: The survival rates of the three groups (control, outer and inner epididym) were 78.75±13.01, 34.67±7.86 and 9.97±7.08, respectively. The statistical analysis has shown that the difference between the inner and outer epididym was significant (P<0.05). The progressive motility of sperms in the three groups was 30.29±15.33, 3.29±3.55 and 0.00±0.00, respectively. The progressive motility of sperms in the inner and outer epididym was less than the control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the inner and outer groups (P=0.344). The non-progressive motility of sperms in the three groups was 34.72±12.21, 29.21±10.37 and 6.78±4.94, respectively. The statistical analysis has shown that the difference between the control and outer groups and also between the control and inner groups was significant (P<0.05) but the difference between the inner and outer groups was not significant. Conclusion: The quality of cryopreserved–thawed sperm in the outer epididym group was significantly better than in the inner epididym group. In this study we can conclude that the epididym has no protective effect on sperm during cryopreserved processing.

Background and Objectives: Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is an important regulatory event in spermatogenesis. Abnormally accelerated apoptosis in germ cells, may lead to an imbalance between cell proliferation and death, resulting in impairment in spermatogenic. Some studies have  shown that glucocorticoids affect testialar homeostasis by decreasing of testosterone level. In the present study, the influence of dexametasone (Dex), a widely used glucocorticoid agent, on expression of FasL (Fas-Ligand) protein (a proapoptotic protein) in mouse testicular germ cells is investigated.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult male (6- 8 weeks) mice were randomly divided into 3 groups. The first and second test groups received 2 and 7 mg/kg Dex per day, respectively, for 7 days. The control group received only saline daily for 7 days. One day after the final injection, the mice were sacrificed and the test groups were placed in formalin solution for immunohistochemistry studies. Positive immunoreactivity was calculated by H-score method.
Results: The results revealed that expression of FasL in seminiferous epithelium is spermatogenic stage dependent, and the stage VII was the most susceptible to Dex. FasL expression was observed only at stages VII-VIII of spermatogenic cycle in 2 mg/kg Dex treated group (P<0.05). H-score was significantly increased in all stages of 7 mg/kg Dex treated group (P<0.05). The number of spermatocytes decreased significanhy in this group.
Conclusions: It appears that glucocorticoid agents such as Dex, induces apoptosis by affecting proapoptotic proteins.

Background and Objective: Effects of electeromagnetic exposure on different parts of neruous system and memory of humans and animals has been established. In spite of important human studies, animal studies have been more precise and comprehensive. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF, <300Hz), have been reported to induce a variaty of behavioral and physiological function changes in animals. The object of present study was to determine the delay and durartion time of convulsions induced by co- exposure of ELF and strychnine. Materials and Methods: The effects of ELF on convulsions induced by strychnine (1mg/Kg) were investigated in 60 albino mice. Animals were devided into 6 groups (n=10), including control (I), 100Hz and 20Volt (II), 25Hz and 20Volt (III), 25Hz and 260Volt (IV), 100Hz and 260Volt (V), and 100Hz and 260Volt (VI). Delay time (Det) and duration time (Dut) of convulsions were measured respectively. Increase and decrease in Det and Dut were determined and were compared in control and five ELF exposed groups. Results: There was no significant difference in Det and Dut parameters between control (I) and III, IV and VI groups. In all these groups the convulsions terminated in animal death after a low Dut. In contrast there was a significant difference (P<0.001) in Det parameters between control (I) and the other groups (II and V). No deaths happened in groups (II and V). Conclusion: Co-exposure of higher ELF frequency and strychnine may decrease the epileptic effects of the drug.

Background and Objective: Metformin is a widely used medicine for treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this study, the effect of various doses of metformin on the mouse islets of langerhans volume was investigated.
Materials and methods: Twenty four C57BL/6 adult male mice weighting 30±5 gr were randomly divided into 4 groups. Normal saline was given to the control group (group 4) and the experimental groups (groups 1-3) received 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg metformin daily by intraperitoneal injection for seven days. One day after the last injection the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and their pancreases were fixed in 10% formalin for histological studies. The volume of the islets of langerhans was estimated by using Cavalieri method.  
Results: Volume of the islets of langerhans in doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg Metformin showed a non-significant difference in comparison to control group (P>0.05). 300 mg/kg metformin treated mice showed a significant increase in islets of langerhans volume compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Metformin increases in the islets of langerhans volume in a dose-dependent manner. Increasing effects of Metformin on the islets of langerhans volume may be due to proliferation or hypertrophy of beta cells.

Background and Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells are promising sources of stem cells for tissue repair because of their ability to differentiate into different cells, easy proliferation and culture, and immunomodulatory properties. Despite extensive research on the immunophenotype of mesenchymal stem cells, a lack of specific markers comprises challenges for researchers. The aim of this research was to isolate and expand murine lung and adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells and to compare their expression of surface protein markers. Materials and Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from murine lung and adipose tissues. Specific differentiation media were added for differential investigations. Finally, the expression of surface antigens were measured by flow cytometry and compared in both cell populations. Results: Mesenchymal stem cells from both tissues were proliferated well and adipocyte and osteocyte differentiations were observed. Moreover, they showed CD73, CD105 and CD90 expression, but no expression of CD34, CD45 and CD11b was observed. In this study, lung CD105+ mesenchymal stem cells possessed lower percentage than those in adipose tissue. Conclusion: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from lung similar to adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells and expressed common markers associated with adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells.

Background and Objective: Some evidence about the relationship between heme oxygenase and many cancers is available. Heme oxygenase has anti-apoptotic effects and contributes to tumor growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heme oxygenase on melanoma tumor cells mitosis and tumor size in C57BL/6 mice. Materials and Methods: B16F10 melanoma cells were injected subcutaneously to 18 C57BL6 mice with 8 weeks of age. Mice were randomly divided into three groups: the first group received Zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp), heme oxygenase inhibitor (n = 6), the second group, hemin (heme oxygenase activator) (n = 6) and the third group((control group) (n = 6)) received diluent injection. They received their injection every other day from the first day of study for 16 days. Tumors were extracted in the 16th day of study. Length and width of tumors were measured and mitotic cell activities were evaluated using immunohistochemistry staining and counting Ki-67 posetive cells. Results: Our study results showed that size and weight of tumor and mitotic index in treated mice by Hemin were higher than two other groups. (P≤0.05). But mitotic index, tumor size and tumor weight in the recipient Znpp group and the control group were not statistically different. Conclusion: Stimulation of Hemeoxygenase-1 pathway by hemin injection can increase melanoma tumor growth. However, inhibition of this pathway by Hemeoxygenase -1 inhibitors may not be effective in reducing tumor growth and size. References 1- Elwood JM, Jopson J. Melanoma and sun exposure: an overview of published studies. Int J Cancer. 1997 73: 198-203. 2- Chang KW, Lee TC, Yeh WI, et al. Polymorphism in heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) promoter is related to the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma occurring on male areca chewers. Br J Cancer. 2004 91: 1551-5. 3- Halliwell B. Oxidative stress and cancer: have we moved forward? Biochem J. 2007 401: 1-11. 4- Brigelius-Flohe R, Flohe L. 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Characterization of heme oxygenase 1 (heat shock protein 32) induction by atrial natriuretic peptide in human endothelial cells. Endocrinol. 2003 144: 802-12. 11- Henry F, Bretaudeau L, Barbieux I, Meflah K, Gregoire M. Induction of antigen presentation by macrophages after phagocytosis of tumour apoptotic cells. Res Immunol. 1998 149: 673-9. 12- Jozkowicz A, Was H, Dulak J. Heme oxygenase-1 in tumors: is it a false friend? Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 2007 9: 2099-118. 13- Tiligada E. Chemotherapy: induction of stress responses. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2006 13 Suppl 1: S115-24. 14- Fang J, Sawa T, Akaike T, Greish K, Maeda H. Enhancement of chemotherapeutic response of tumor cells by a heme oxygenase inhibitor, pegylated zinc protoporphyrin. Int J Cancer. 2004 109: 1-8. 15- Yoshida C, Yoshida F, Sears DE, Hart SM, Ikebe D, Muto A, et al. Bcr-Abl signaling through the PI-3/S6 kinase pathway inhibits nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Bach2, which represses the antiapoptotic factor heme oxygenase-1. Blood. 2007 109: 1211-9. 16- Fang J, Sawa T, Akaike T, Greish K, Maeda H. Enhancement of chemotherapeutic response of tumor cells by a heme oxygenase inhibitor, pegylated zinc protoporphyrin. International Journal of Cancer. 2004 109: 1-8. 17- Mayerhofer M, Gleixner KV, Mayerhofer J, et al. Targeting of heat shock protein 32 (Hsp32)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in leukemic cells in chronic myeloid leukemia: a novel approach to overcome resistance against imatinib. Blood. 2008 111: 2200-10. 18- Mayerhofer M, Florian S, Krauth MT, et al. Identification of heme oxygenase-1 as a novel BCR/ABL-dependent survival factor in chronic myeloid leukemia. Cancer Res. 2004 64: 3148-54. 19- Nowis D, Legat M, Grzela T, et al. Heme oxygenase-1 protects tumor cells against photodynamic therapy-mediated cytotoxicity. Oncogene. 2006 25: 3365-74. 20- Fang J, Sawa T, Akaike T, et al. In vivo antitumor activity of pegylated zinc protoporphyrin: targeted inhibition of heme oxygenase in solid tumor. Cancer Res. 2003 63: 3567-74. 21- Hirai K, Sasahira T, Ohmori H, Fujii K, Kuniyasu H. Inhibition of heme oxygenase-1 by zinc protoporphyrin IX reduces tumor growth of LL/2 lung cancer in C57BL mice. Int J Cancer. 2007 120: 500-5. 22- Amjadi F, Javanmard SH, Zarkesh-Esfahani H, Khazaei M, Narimani M. Leptin promotes melanoma tumor growth in mice related to increasing circulating endothelial progenitor cells numbers and plasma NO production. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2011 30: 21. 23- Nowis D, Bugajski M, Winiarska M, et al. Zinc protoporphyrin IX, a heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor, demonstrates potent antitumor effects but is unable to potentiate antitumor effects of chemotherapeutics in mice. BMC Cancer. 2008 8: 197. 24- Devadas K, Dhawan S. Hemin activation ameliorates HIV-1 infection via heme oxygenase-1 induction. The Journal of Immunology. 2006 176: 4252-7. 25- Cesarovic N, Jirkof P, Rettich A, Nicholls F, Arras M. Combining sevoflurane anesthesia with fentanyl–midazolam or s-ketamine in laboratory mice. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science JAALAS. 2012 51: 209. 26- Jensen MM, Jørgensen JT, Binderup T, Kjær A. Tumor volume in subcutaneous mouse xenografts measured by microCT is more accurate and reproducible than determined by 18F-FDG-microPET or external caliper. BMC Medical Imaging. 2008 8: 16. 27- Diehn F, Costouros N, Miller M, et al. Noninvasive fluorescent imaging reliably estimates biomass in vivo. Biotechniques. 2002 33: 1250-5. 28- Yang G, Nguyen X, Ou J, Rekulapelli P, Stevenson DK, Dennery PA. Unique effects of zinc protoporphyrin on HO-1 induction and apoptosis. Blood. 2001 97: 1306-13. 29- Murali R, Scolyer RA. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and mitotic index in metastatic melanoma as predictors of patient survival. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 107(13): E46 author reply E7. 30- Motterlini R, Foresti R, Bassi R, Calabrese V, Clark JE, Green CJ. Endothelial heme oxygenase-1 induction by hypoxia. Modulation by inducible nitric-oxide synthase and S-nitrosothiols. J Biol Chem. 2000 275: 13613-20. 31- Shibahara S, Muller RM, Taguchi H. Transcriptional control of rat heme oxygenase by heat shock. J Biol Chem. 1987 262: 12889-92. 32- Lin F, Girotti AW. Hyperresistance of leukemia cells to photodynamic inactivation after long-term exposure to hemin. Cancer Res. 1996 56: 4636-43. 33- Gueron G, De Siervi A, Ferrando M, et al. Critical role of endogenous heme oxygenase 1 as a tuner of the invasive potential of prostate cancer cells. Mol Cancer Res. 2009 7: 1745-55. 34- Hill M, Pereira V, Chauveau C, et al. Heme oxygenase-1 inhibits rat and human breast cancer cell proliferation: mutual cross inhibition with indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase. The FASEB Journal. 2005 19: 1957-68. 35- Glanemann M, Schirmeier A, Lippert S, Langrehr J, Neuhaus P, Nussler A, editors. Cobalt-protoporphyrin induced heme oxygenase overexpression and its impact on liver regeneration. Transplantation proceedings. Elsevier 2005.

Background and Objective: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most important causative agents both in form of hospital acquired and community-acquired infections. This bacterium is one of the most prevalent pathogens that is isolated from hospitals and is associated with high mortality rates. The uprising trend of multi drug resistance among Klebsiella pneumoniae has limited the treatment options. The objective of this study was to detect Metallo-beta-Lactamases, Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and outer membrane porins among Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Taleghani and Mofid hospitals. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from 2012 to 2013. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed via Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and Broth Microdilution methods according to CLSI guidelines. Metallo-beta-Lactamases, Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) producing strains were detected by phenotypic confirmatory test and Combination Disk Diffusion Test (CDDT), respectively. The blaAIM, blaSPM, blaDIM, blaIMP, blaVIM ، blaTEM، blaSHV and blaCTX-M genes were detected using PCR and sequencing method. The outer membrane porins including OmpK35 and OmpK36 were analysed throughSDS-PAGE, PCR and sequencing methods. Results: Out of 100 K. pneumoniae isolates, 48 (48%) and 3(3%) were ESBL and MBL positive, respectively. The presence of blaTEM-1, blaSHV and blaCTX-M-15 was detected in 24 (50%), 30(62.5%) and 28 (58.33%) isolates respectively, while other genes were not detected. Outer Membrane Porins, OmpK35, was detected among 30 (62.5%) of 48 ESBL-producing isolates while OmpK36 was found in 35(72.91%) of 48 ESBL-producing isolates. In this study, Fosfomycin and Tigecycline were more effective than other antibiotics. Conclusion: The high prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae detected in this study is of great concern which requires infection control measures including antibacterial management and rapid detection of beta-lactamases-producing isolates. References 1- Amraei S, Eslami G, Taherpour A, Goudarzi H, Hashemi A. Detection of FOXMOX, and ACT genes in ESBL- producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae strains. J Mazandaran Univ Med Sci. 2014 24: 11-20. 2- Fallah F, Taherpour A, Vala MH, Hashemi A. Global spread of new delhi metalo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1). Arch Clin Infect Dis. 2012 6: 171-7. 3- Fallah F, Vala MH, Goudarzi H, et al. Identification of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBLs), metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs), Amp-C and KPC ß-lactamases among Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from adults and pediatric patients in Iran. Afr J Microbiol Res. 2013 7: 3254-61. 4- Fallah F, Borhan RS, Hashemi A. Detection of bla (IMP) and bla (VIM) metallo-beta-lactamases genes among Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Int J Burns Trauma. 2013 3: 122-4 5- Hakemi Vala M, Hallajzadeh M , Hashemi A , et al. Detection of ambler class A, B and D β-lactamases among Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolated from burn patients. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2014 27: 8-13. 6- Fallah F, Taherpour A, Borhan R, Hashemi A, Habibi M, Nia RS. Evaluation of Zataria MultiFlora Boiss and Carum copticum antibacterial activity on IMP-type metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2013 26: 193. 7- Taherpour A, Hashemi A. Detection of OqxAB efflux pumps, OmpK35 and OmpK36 porins in ex-tended- spectrum-β- lactamase- producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Iran. Hippokratia. 2013 17: 355-8. 8- Hashemi A, Fallah F, Erfanimanesh S, Hamedani P, Alimehr S. Detection of β-lactamases and outer membrane porins among Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated in Iran. Scientifica. 2014 2014: 726179. 9- Tsai Y-K, Fung C-P, Lin J-C, et al. Klebsiella pneumoniae outer membrane porins OmpK35 and OmpK36 play roles in both antimicrobial resistance and virulence. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2011 55: 1485-93. 10- Landman D, Bratu S, Quale J. Contribution of OmpK36 to carbapenem susceptibility in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Med Microbiol. 2009 58: 1303-8. 11- Hashemi A, Shams S, Kalantar D, Taherpour A, Barati M. Antibacterial effect of Methanolic extract of Camellia Sinensis L. on Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains producing β-lactamases. J Gorgan Uni Med Sci. 2012 14: 136-42. 12- Hashemi A, Shams S, Barati M, Samedani A. Antibacterial effects of methanolic extracts of Zataria multiflora, Myrtus communis and Peganum harmala on Pseudomonas aeruginosa producing ESBL. Arak Med Univ J. 2011 14: 104-12. 13- Shakibaei M, Shah CF, Hashemi A, ADELI N. Detection of TEM, SHV and PER type extended-spectrum β-lactamase gene among clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burnt patients at Sbafa-Hospital, Kerman, Iran. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2008 2: 104-111. 14- Jafari M, Fallah F, Borhan RS, et al. The first report of CMY, aac (6′)-Ib and 16S rRNA methylase genes among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from Iran. Arch Pediatr Infect Dis. 2013 2: 109-12. 15- Vala MH, Nowroozi J, Ghazi F, Tabatabai PN, Haghighi S. Comparing invasive and non-invasive of isolated Shigella flexneri by electron microscopy of cell culture, SDS-Page and congo red method. Iran Biomed J. 2007 11: 47-52. 16- Mansouri S, Kalantar D, Asadollahi P, Taherikalani M, Emaneini M. Characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains producing extended spectrum beta-lactamases and AMPC type beta-lactamases isolated from hospitalized patients in Kerman, Iran. Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol. 2012 71: 81-6. 17- Ghafourian S, Bin Sekawi Z, Sadeghifard N, et al. The prevalence of ESBLs producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in some major hospitals, Iran. Open Microbiol J. 2011 5: 91-5. 18- Feizabadi MM, Delfani S, Raji N, et al. Distribution of bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX-M genes among clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae at Labbafinejad hospital, Tehran, Iran. Microb Drug Resist. 2010 16: 53-49. 19- Goudarzi H, Aghamohammad S, Hashemi A, Nikmanesh B, Noori M. Distribution of blaTEM, blaSHV and bla CTX-M genes among Escherichia coli isolates causing urinary tract infection in children. Arch Clin Infect Dis. 2013 8: e1b207. 20- Keramati N, Zeighami H, Haghi F. Frequency of class I and II integrons in metalobetalactamase producing clinical isolates of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. J Zanjan Univ Med Sci. 2014 22: 111-9. 21- Hemmati F, Soroori Zanjani R, Haghi F, Zeighami H. Determination of Antibiotic Resistance Profile and Frequency of Metallo-Beta- Lactamases in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolates. J Zanjan Univ Med Sci. 2014 22: 77-85. 22- Fallah F, Noori M, Hashemi A, et al. Prevalence of bla NDM, bla PER, bla VEB, bla IMP, and bla VIM genes among Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from two hospitals of Tehran, Iran. Scientifica. 2014 2014: 245162. 23- Hernández-Allés S, del Carmen Conejo M, Pascual A, Tomás JM, Benedí VJ, Martínez-Martínez L. Relationship between outer membrane alterations and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents in isogenic strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2000 46: 273-7.

Background and Objective: Efflux pumps are one of the major resistance mechanisms in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that inhibit the accumulation of antibiotics in bacterial cells. The aim of this study was determining the effect of carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) and detecting the overexpression of pump MexCD-oprJ in P. aeruginosa isolated from burn patients in Shahid Motahari hospital during 2014 and 2015.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 100 P. aeruginosa isolates from burn patients in Shahid Motahari hospital. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods according to the CLSI guidelines. The effect of CCCP was determined using the broth microdilution method. The expression levels of MexD-oprJ (an efflux pump) was evaluated by Real-Time PCR and finally detection of nfxB mutations was carried out by PCR and sequencing techniques. 

Results: Antibiogram for 100 P. aeruginosa showed maximum susceptibility and resistance to colistin (100%) and ticarcilin (98%), respectively. The inhibitory effect of CCCP was apparently seen in 16 isolates. Real-time PCR results for these strains showed overexpression in range of 0.26-15.34 (mean: 4/1). The PCR and sequencing techniques showed mutations that converts lucin to prolin in position 14 of the protein sequence.

Conclusion: The increase in expression level of efflux pump MexCD-oprJ shows the prevalence of nfxB mutants in burn wound infections. Therefore, use of carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) can help disrupt the function of efflux pumps and improve the effects of antibiotics.

Background and Objective: Metabolic syndrome encompasses a series of metabolic disorders associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Currently, some studies are performed on the effects of physical activity as an alternative treatment for metabolic syndrome. To this end, the present study was set to assess the probable effects of continuous and interval aerobic trainings on metabolic syndrome among the elderly men.
Materials and methods: 60 eligible elderly men were selected and assigned to three groups of:  continuous training, interval training and the control. The initial blood samples were taken to record cardiovascular risk factors. After 48 hours, the subjects in the experimental group performed pre-designed training for 6 weeks and 3 sessions per week and the control group continued their daily activities. At the end of the training, further blood samples were taken again. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Scheffe post hoc and dependent t-test.
Results: Findings of this study revealed that after six weeks of continuous aerobic exercise training, systolic blood pressure, blood sugar and triglycerides significantly decreased. However, waist circumference and HDL did not show any significant change. The findings of this study showed significant changes in blood sugar, triglycerides and HDL in the interval training group. However, blood pressure and waist circumference did not indicate any significant changes.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this research, it can be asserted that both methods of aerobic training positively affect blood glucose and triglyceride signifying that interval aerobic exercise plays a major role in   increasing HDL, while continuous aerobic exercise reduces systolic blood pressure.

Background & Objective: Perovskia abrotanoides Karel locally known as Brazambal, is widely used in medical practice to treat various disorders. Burn is a common source of injury and Brazambal ointment has been extensively used in burn wound healing in North of Iran. The purpose of this study was to examine the healing effect of Brazambal ointment in experimental model of burn. In addition, in-vitro healing characteristics and antibacterial activity of P. abrotanoides was investigated.
Materials & Methods: Scald burn injury was produced by pouring 2.5cc of boiling water (95ºC) on the posterior surface of rat’s neck for 10 seconds. Twenty-eight adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (7 rats each) and followed for 7 days. Control group (no treatment); Silver sulfadiazine-treated group; Brazambal ointment-treated group; and vehicle-treated group received the complete ointment without Brazambal part. The effects of Brazambal aqueous extract on fibroblast cells and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated.
Results: Topical application of Brazambal ointment can accelerate wound healing process by initiating re-epithelialization and formation of granulation tissue. Proliferative activity of the aqueous extract on fibroblast cells was observed after 48 h in concentrations of 7.5% and 10% (P<0.0001). However, P. abrotanoides Karel extract had no significant antibacterial effect.
Conclusion: The presence of hair follicles, re-epithelialization and granulation tissue is suggestive of Brazambal ointment relative effectiveness on experimental scald burn in rats. However, further studies are warranted to reveal the healing mechanisms of P. abrotanoides.

From the first reported case of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on December 30, 2019 in Wuhan, China, the number of confirmed cases of the disease has been increased continuously and exponentially up to now. The event has emerged as a clear threat to global health such that the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the outbreak of the disease a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The disease has infected approximately 195,000 people and killed about 7,700 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. As COVID-19 is spreading globally, its economic consequences also mounting across all countries. This perspective research designed to examine briefly the economic consequences of COVID-19 on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region Countries.

Background and Objective: In December 2019, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was observed in China, and it it spread rapidly throughout the world. Iranian traditional healers have applied different medicinal plants to prevent and treat COVID-19 based on their ethnopharmacological knowledge. This research aimed to investigate the ethnomedicinal knowledge of Iranian traditional healers to alleviate COVID-19 signs and symptoms.
Materials and Methods: Due to the limitations caused by COVID-19 pandemic, oral interviews were conducted by 26 traditional healers in Kerman and Zahedan cities in Iran. The names of recommended remedies for COVID-19 were collected, and their scientific names were authenticated. Next, a comprehensive research was carried out in the scientific databases. Finally, the herbs with any related proved properties to the respiratory system were listed; these herbs were probably useful for the COVID-19 prevention or treatment.
Results: Zataria multiflora, Althaea officinalis, Hordeum vulgare, Malva sylvestris, Matricaria chamomilla, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale are considered as the most popular herbs by Iranian traditional healers for prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19. Recent studies have demonstrated that the above-mentioned herbs can be considered as good sources for alleviating the respiratory disorders such as influenza. Moreover, they have antitussive and immune-modulatory properties.
Conclusion: Since there is no effective treatment for COVID-19, the capacity of different traditional medicine and ethnomedicine knowledge can be used as good sources for new drug discovery after accurate studies.

Background and Objective: Pain is one of the most common complications after thyroidectomy. Opioid administration can overcome this complication, however, it has some side effects, including nausea and vomiting. So, the use of local anesthetic instead of opioids is a good alternative. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) versus anatomic landmark (LM)-based SCPB on post-operative severity of pain after thyroidectomy.
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial 113 patients were selected through convenience sampling method. Patients were randomly divided in to three groups: a) control, b) LM-based nerve block, and c) ultrasound-guided nerve block. Data collection was performed by demographic checklist and visual analogue scale (VAS). After general anesthesia, nerve block was performed by 15 mL of 0.25% Bupivacaine solution. Postoperative pain was measured in post anesthesia care unit (PACU) at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 hours. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square and fisher exact tests and repeated measurements were used for data analysis (SPSS V.18 software).
Results: Patients of group c in comparison to other groups received lower analgesic dose during operation (p≤0.001); fewer of them needed post-operative analgesia (p≤0.001). The ultrasound-guided SCPB group had significantly lower pain severity in comparison to other groups in different time intervals (p≤0.001).
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block reduced the pain after thyroidectomy. However, the ultrasound-guided nerve block is a well-organized and expanding technique, but it needs more practice and training.

Background and Objective: Little is known about the association between dietary protein intake and clinical manifestations in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. We aimed to determine the correlation between dietary protein intake and pain severity, functional status, and body composition indices in patients with knee OA.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 220 OA patients, staged I to Ⅲon Kellgren and Lawrence scale. Patients were selected randomly via cluster sampling method from the health centers of Tabriz between October 2017 and October 2018. We estimated the participants' protein intakes using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Western Ontario and McMaster Index (WOMAC) was used to measure the functional status. We used the Visual Analogue Scale to measure pain severity. A bioelectric impedance device measured the patients’ body composition.
Results: Total dietary protein intake was 55.36±24.14 grams per day. Higher dietary total and animal-based protein intakes were associated with lower pain severity. There were reverse correlations between dietary protein intakes (total and animal-based) with the physical disability according to WOMAC total, WOMAC pain, and WOMAC stiffness scores in the subset of patients who didn’t meet the 75 percent of recommended dietary allowance. In these patients, higher total, plant-based, and animal-based protein intakes correlated with WOMAC functional scores. Higher total and animal-based protein intakes were associated with higher soft lean and lean body mass in women.
Conclusion: Dietary protein intake needs to improve in knee OA patients, and dietary protein intake might be an intermediation objective in these patients.