Background. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited recessive disorder characterized by recurrent and persistent pulmonary infections, resulting in lung function deterioration and early mortality. ...Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on the bacterial profile and antibiotic resistance pattern of 103 respiratory specimens from CF patients with signs of pulmonary exacerbation. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were performed by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method and microtiter plate assay, respectively. Molecular typing of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates was carried out by spa typing and repetitive extragenic palindromic element PCR. Results. In a total of 129 isolates, the most prevalent organisms were S. aureus (55.3%) and P. aeruginosa (41.7%). Other less prevalent bacterial isolates include coagulase-negative staphylococci, Escherichia coli, klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., and Achromobacter xylosoxidans. The highest rate of resistance for S. aureus was observed to azithromycin and erythromycin (80%), ciprofloxacin (52.3%), clindamycin (44.6%) and tetracycline (43%). Twenty percent of S. aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 47.6% were MDR S. aureus. For P. aeruginosa isolates the highest resistance was to cefepime (38.3%) and levofloxacin (33.3%) and 20% showed MDR phenotype. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated a significant decline in the prevalence of P. aeruginosa infections in comparison to previous studies. We found S. aureus to be more prevalent in younger patients, whereas mucoid P. aeruginosa showed a shift in prevalence toward older ages. Molecular typing methods showed great diversity between isolates.
Full text
Available for:
FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Summary Background The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from the patients, staff, air and environments of an ICU in a hospital ...in Tehran. Materials and methods During this study, 37 S. aureus isolates were collected and analyzed via the spa typing method. Results Of the 37 S. aureus isolates, 35 (94%) were methicillin resistant (MRSA), 28 (76%) were identified as SCC mec types III or IIIA, four (10%) were identified as SCC mec types I or IA and three (8%) were identified a SCC mec type IV. All of the MRSA isolates were resistant to oxacillin and contained mecA. The isolates were all spa typed and found to comprise 11 spa types, including t7688, t7689, and t7789, which have not previously been reported. The spa type t7688 was isolated from the hands of two ICU personnel. The spa type t7689 was observed among five isolates from the air and the environment. The spa type t7789 was observed among three isolates from the patients, ventilators and the air. The majority of the isolates (43%) belonged to spa types t030 and t037. Conclusion Our results revealed that MRSA strains that were isolated from the air, the environment of the ICU and the patients who were colonized or infected with MRSA often exhibited the same spa and SCC mec types. These results also reveal that the isolates from the patients and environment were usually indistinguishable.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
We compared the therapeutic effects of autologous and nonautologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADMSC), in ameliorating the renal function in a rabbit model of acute pyelonephritis. The ...difference of perirenal and neck subcutaneous ADMSCs were also evaluated. Twenty female rabbits were apportioned to 5 groups. In group I (n = 4), the rabbits were injected direct inoculation of
Escherichia coli
(
E. coli
) into the right kidney. In group II (n = 4), autologous ADMSCs obtained from nape adipose tissue were injected into the subcapsular space 1 week after
E. coli
injection, while nonautologous ADMSCs of the same origin (from male rabbits) were applied in group III (n = 4). In group IV (n = 4), autologous perirenal ADMSCs were applied with the same method, while perirenal nonautologous ADMSCs from male rabbits were used in group V (n = 4). Technetium-99m-DMSA renal scan was performed 1, 2 and 4 months post-injection in all groups. Kidneys were excised for the evaluation of histopathological changes in the same time points. PCR examination for detection of Y-chromosome (in group III and V) and fluorescent evaluation (in group II and IV) were also performed to determine the fate of injected cells. Injection of autologous ADMSCs resulted in more satisfactory outcomes in reduction of interstitial fibrosis, tubular, and glomerular atrophy as compared to nonautologous groups. However, histopathological ameliorations were significantly better in group IV in which autologous perirenal ADMSC was applied. Remarkably, two months after the injection, Technetium-99m-DMSA renal scan showed that right kidney reached to near normal cortical function (48 and 45%) in group IV and V, respectively as compared to groups II (41%) and III (37%). Autologous ADMSCs may have better results in cell therapy as compared to nonautologous cells. However, more satisfactory outcomes may be obtained when the cell source is selected from the surrounding adipose tissue.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
In the aftermath of bone injuries, such as cranium and sternum, bone wax (BW) is used to control bleeding from the bone surfaces during surgery. Made up of artificial substances, however, it is ...associated with many complications such as inflammation, increased risk for infection, and bone repair delay. We, therefore, in this study set out to design and evaluate a novel BW without the above-mentioned side-effects reported for other therapies.
The pastes (new BW(s)) were prepared in the laboratory and examined by MTT, MIC, MBC, and degradability tests. Then, 60 adult male Wistar rats, divided into six equal groups including chitosan (CT), CT-octacalcium phosphate (OCP), CT-periostin (Post), CT-OCP-Post, Control (Ctrl), and BW, underwent sternotomy surgery. Once the surgeries were completed, the bone repair was assessed radiologically and thereafter clinically in vivo and in vitro using CT-scan, H&E, ELISA, and qRT-PCR.
All pastes displayed antibacterial properties and the CT-Post group had the highest cell viability compared to the control group. In contrast to the BW, CT-Post group demonstrated weight changes in the degradability test. In the CT-Post group, more number of osteocyte cells, high trabeculae percentage, and the least fibrous connective tissue were observed compared to other groups. Additionally, in comparison to the CT and Ctrl groups, higher alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as decreased level of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and OCN in the CT-Post group was evident. Finally, Runx2, OPG, and RANKL genes' expression was significantly higher in the CT-Post group than in other groups.
Our results provide insights into the desirability of pastes in terms of cellular viability, degradability, antibacterial properties, and surgical site restoration compared to the BW group. Besides, Periostin could enhance the osteogenic properties of bone tissue defect site.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
The microbiome of the intestinal system is well-known as a modulatory factor. Having a balanced status of microbiota could help to prevent diseases, especially cancers related to the gastrointestinal ...system. We investigated the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr) and capecitabine on tumor size and physiologic features, such as bodyweight, liver enzymes, and blood profile, in a subcutaneously induced cancer model using CT-26 murine colon carcinoma cells. We divided 48 male Balb/c inbred mice into six groups. Lr had been orally pre-inoculated to the mice for 14 day consecutively. CT-26 cells were implanted subcutaneously into the mice's flank. Following the injection of cancer cells, Lr was inoculated to the mice three times per week for four weeks. Capecitabine was inoculated in the third week after the induction of cancer. The tumor size was significantly decreased in treated groups in comparison to the cancer group (1174.5 ± 63.8, 1119.2 ± 86.3, and 985.6 ± 48 mm
3
vs. 1674.2 ± 66 mm
3
, P < 0.0001). Data showed that Lr and capecitabine enhanced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 level compared to cancer group (p < 0.0001). White blood cells (WBCs) were significantly decreased in the capecitabine group compared to probiotic group (P < 0.05). Measurement of bodyweight, liver enzymes, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) level showed that Lr, in addition to preventive and therapeutic effects, might have protective effects against chemotherapy side effects. Preventing WBCs' reduction, protecting mice from losing weight, induction of apoptosis, and enhancing the serum level of IL-6 indicated that Lr might be associated with better management of colorectal cancer and chemotherapy side effects.
Full text
Available for:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Staphylococcus aureus
is the most common pathogen contributing to diabetic foot infections (DFI). Nasal transmission of
S. aureus
potentially increases the risk of endogenous infection. The aim of ...this study was to determine the genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance profile of
S. aureus
isolates in nasal and wound samples from diabetic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to September 2019.
S. aureus
was isolated from the anterior nares and wounds of diabetic patients. All
S. aureus
isolates were characterized by detection of resistance and virulence genes (
mec
A,
erm
A,
erm
C,
hla
,
hlb
,
hlg
,
sea
,
luk
DE,
pvl
),
staphylococcal
cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
)-typing and
staphylococcal
protein A (
spa
)-typing. A total of 34
S. aureus
were isolated from the wounds of 115 diabetic patients with DFI. Twenty-four
S. aureus
isolates were collected from the anterior nares of patients, and thirteen patients had concurrent
S. aureus
in nasal and wound specimens. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) in nasal specimens was noticeable (41.7%), and the most common
spa
-type in nasal and wound specimens was t14870. Nearly half of the patients with concurrent
S. aureus
in wound and nasal specimens had similar isolates from both sites. Our data suggest that detection and screening of
S. aureus
colonization in the nasal cavity may prevent subsequent endogenous infections, particularly with MRSA strains.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Background: Biofilm-associated protein (Bap) in Acinetobacter baumannii is an essential factor in biofilm production and persistence in the hospital environment. Objectives: This study aimed to ...detect the bap gene in A. baumannii by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from clinical specimens in Khorramabad, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed during April 2017 - April 2018 on 43 A. baumannii strains from clinical samples collected and identified by microbiological and biochemical tests. The expression of the bap gene was evaluated by real-time PCR. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 24. Results: Out of 43 A. baumannii strains, 23, 8, 3, 3, 3, and 3 samples were isolated from chest sputum, wounds, urine, tissues, blood, and, respectively. According to the PCR results, all isolates had the bap gene except one. Real-time PCR showed significant differences in the expression of the bap gene between A. baumannii isolates from diverse clinical samples. The highest expression of the bap gene was found in chest sputum and wound samples and had a significant difference with other samples (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: We observed the bap gene in most strains, with the high expression of this gene in chest sputum and wound samples. Therefore, further studies are recommended to find strategies to inhibit the expression of this gene and biofilm formation, which help treat infections caused by biofilm-forming A. baumannii strains.
The gastric cancer (GC) is biologically and genetically heterogeneous with a poorly understood carcinogenesis at the molecular level. Herein, we studied the effects of probiotics (Lactobacillus ...rhamnosus) on subcutaneous implantation of xenograft GC. Moreover, the effect of probiotics (L. rhamnosus) was compared with the capecitabine drug as known used drug against GC. Human GC tissue was obtained from patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and grafted into mice armpit. Probiotic (L. rhamnosus) was given to animals by gavage 2 weeks prior to GC and 4 weeks after GC induction. Also, capecitabine was orally added through feeding tube at the last week of treatment procedure. All grafted animals received cyclosporine a day before the surgery and during the study period to prevent graft rejection. Capecitabine-probiotic complex reduced the size of the axillary implanted GC when compared with control group. Furthermore, combination of capecitabine and probiotic increased apoptotic and necrotic responses in the grafted tumor, blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet counts) in comparison with capecitabine. Probiotic (L. rhamnosus) administration effectively improved the therapeutic index and outcomes, and also, improved the therapeutic effects of the capecitabine.
Full text
Available for:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ
Lactobacilli are the most common probiotic bacteria found in the human gut microbiota, and the presence of acquired antibiotic resistance determinants carried on mobile genetic elements must be ...screened due to safety concerns. Unnecessary and inappropriate antibiotic therapy, as well as ingested antibiotic resistance bacteria (originating from food or food products), influence the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in human guts, with serious clinical consequences. The current study looked into the antibiotic resistance of lactobacilli isolated from the guts of sepsis patients on long-term antibiotic therapy. The broth microdilution method was used to investigate the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics such as imipenem, meropenem, erythromycin, tetracycline, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, and gentamycin, and the molecular genetic basis of resistance was studied based on the MIC values. The isolates were phenotypically resistant to tetracycline (20%), fluoroquinolone (20%), and macrolide (5%). Following that, resistance genes for tetracycline tet(L), tet(O), tet(K), and tet(M), macrolide erm(B) and erm(C), and beta-lactams bla(CMY) were investigated. Tetracycline or macrolide resistance genes were not found in the isolates, and only one isolate possessed the bla(CMY) resistance gene. The findings suggested that tetracycline and macrolide resistance may be linked to other resistance genes that were not investigated in this study. Because tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides are commonly used in clinics and animals, there has been concern about the spread of resistance in humans. If acquired antibiotic resistance is passed down through mobile genetic elements, it may serve as a reservoir of resistance for gut pathogens and other microbiome environments.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Introduction: It has been four years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to medical professionals, medical students have also been at the forefront of the fight against this ...pandemic and, like them, have been highly susceptible to the virus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of Iranian medical students about COVID-19, preventive behaviors, and their perception of risk in the second year of this pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted from January to October 2021 (during the fourth and fifth waves of COVID-19) on Iranian medical students who were undergoing clinical courses in university hospitals. In this study, an online questionnaire consisting of 48 questions in Persian was provided to the students. Results: After sending an electronic questionnaire to the students, 401 medical students from Lorestan University of Medical Sciences participated in the survey. Of these, 62.8% were studying medicine in the medical field. About 66.1%, 69.1%, and 54.9% of medical students considered common antiviral drugs, traditional medicine, and the flu vaccine to be ineffective in preventing COVID-19, respectively. To effectively prevent the transmission of COVID-19, 72.6% of medical students used 3-layer surgical masks, 18.7% relied on hand washing and personal hygiene alone, 73.6% advocated for mask usage by all members of the community, and 47.4% believed in using N95 masks during intubation, suction, bronchoscopy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In terms of information sources, 65.1% of medical students trusted the opinions of doctors and nurses, and 40.6% obtained necessary information about the disease from these healthcare professionals. Conclusions: The basic and clinical knowledge of medical students was at an average level, indicating the need for retraining courses to update their information and impart current knowledge. The normalization of epidemic conditions for medical staff and the students under their supervision was not prevalent among the students. This not only increases the likelihood of individuals contracting the disease multiple times but also poses a potential source of contamination for society. Therefore, conducting educational workshops in this field can significantly impact compliance with health protocols.
PDF
