Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of Aqueous Extract of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. in Mice

Background: Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. is a widely used plant in Iranian traditional medicine. It has long been used as an anxiolytic herb. The aim of this work was to investigate the anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. in mice. Materials and Methods: For evaluation of anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of the plant, different doses (500, 1000, 1200, and 1400 mg/kg) of the extract were used in the mouse models of elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST), respectively. The possible anxiolytic mechanism of the extract was determined by using pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (10 mg/kg), propranolol (0.2 mg/kg), and atropine (0.5 mg/ kg). Sedative effect of the extract was evaluated by ketamine sleeping time test, and rotarod was used to determine the effects of the extract on motor function. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results showed that the percentage of time spent and number of entries is significantly increased (P < 0.05) with doses of 1000 and 1200 mg/kg of the extract. PTZ but not propranolol or atropine reversed the effects of the extract (1000 mg/kg) on EPM. Neither doses of the extract could decrease the immobility of the mice in FST (P >0.05). Motor coordination was impaired (all doses) by the plant. Conclusion: This study confirms the anxiolytic properties of aqueous extract of S. lavandulifolia and suggests that its effects are mediated through GABAA receptors. The extract does not have sedative properties but the results are indicative of a coordination impairing potential of the extract

The impact of bismuth adding to rabeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin on eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori

Background: High prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and induction of resistance as a result of consumption of antibiotics necessitates an ongoing effort for evaluation of new regimen to overcome this phenomenon. Intensive efforts are being made to identify such an optimal regimen, but there are many obstacles hindering the achievement of this goal. This study aimed to investigate the impact of adding bismuth to rabeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin on rate of H. pylori eradication. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 60 patients with dyspepsia and positive gastric biopsy for H. pylori in endoscopy were recruited. The first group (A) received rabiprazole for 6 weeks, amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 2 weeks either with bismuth for 2 weeks and the second group (B) received rabiprazole for 6 weeks, amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 2 weeks either without bismuth. Four weeks after the treatment, the compliance and eradication were evaluated using stool antigen of helicobacter. The patients who could complete the therapeutic regimen were assigned for analysis. Results: H. pylori eradication rates were 70% and 56.6% in two groups A and B (with and without Bismuth), respectively and the difference was significant. There is a significant relationship between the studied groups and the results of fecal antigen of H. pylori. Conclusions: The bismuth had a significant effect on the success of eradication rate of H. pylori and its impact adding to the treatment regimen containing clarithromycin was effective on eradication success rate

Evaluation of Gelatinolytic and Collagenolytic Activity of Fasciola hepatica Recombinant Cathepsin-L1

Background: Cysteine proteases of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, participate in catabolism of proteins, migration of the fluke through host tissues and combat host immune system. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated proteolytic activity of F. hepatica recombinant cathepsin L1 (rCL1) against gelatin and collagen as common substrates. Material and Methods: The coding sequences of F. hepatica CL1 were cloned and expressed in E. coli, in our previous study. The rCL1 was purified by nickel affinity chromatography with a HisTrap Column. The protein concentrations of the purified fractions were determined by Bradford assay. Rat collagen type-1 was treated with distinct amounts of rCL1 at 37 °C, overnight, and the byproduct was analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, we used bovine skin gelatin as zymography substrate to evaluate the gelatinolytic activity of the purified rCL1. Results: Recombinant CL1 was capable to digest intact type-1 collagen within 24 h and the gelatinlytic activity of rCL1 was visible at approximately 37 kDa region, with optimal activity at acidified conditions (pH 4). Conclusion: Findings provide a possible mechanism by which a major secretory molecule of F. hepatica could be involved in parasite survival as well as its pathogenesis

Synthesis, docking and evaluation of in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of novel morpholine capped β-lactam derivatives

This study reports the synthesis and biological investigation of three series of novel monocyclic β-lactam derivatives bearing a morpholine ring substituent on the nitrogen. The resulting β-lactam adducts were synthesized via Staudinger's [2+2]-ketene-imine cycloaddition reaction. New synthesized products were fully characterized by spectral data and elemental analyses, and then evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity toward human inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cell line. The compounds 3e, 3h, 3k, 5c, 5f, 6c, 6d and 6f showed higher activity with anti-inflammatory ratio values of 38, 62, 51, 72, 51, 35, 55 and 99, respectively, in comparison to the reference compound dexamethasone having an antiinflammatory ratio value of 32. Hence, these compounds can be considered as potent iNOS inhibitors. They also exhibited IC50 values of 0.48 + 0.04 mM, 0.51 + 0.01 mM, 0.22 + 0.02 mM, 2 0.12 + 0.00 mM, 0.25 + 0.05 mM, 0.82 + 0.07 mM, 0.44 + 0.04 mM and 0.60 + 0.04 mM, respectively, in comparison with doxorubicin (IC50 < 0.01 mM) against HepG2 cells, biocompatibility and nontoxic behavior. In silico prediction of drug-likeness characteristic indicated that the compounds are compliant with the Lipinski and Veber rules. Molecular docking experiments showed a good correlation between the experimental activity and the calculated binding affinity to human inducible nitric oxide synthase, the enzymatic target for the antiinflammatory respons

Evaluation of antibiotic prescription pattern for prophylaxis of surgical site infection in the surgical wards of Fatemi hospital in Ardabil, During the Second 6 month of 1398

Introduction: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the major surgical problem. Antibiotic prophylaxis recommendation which provided by international guidelines such as American Society of Health-System Pharmacists(ASHP) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), offer an effective way for reducing postoperative infections. Prevention of SSI can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative infections, Length of hospital stay, adverse drug reactions, microbial resistance, and ultimately the cost of the patient and the health system. Present work evaluate the pathern of antibiotic application for SSI prophylaxis and its compliance with ASHP guideline, in the surgical section of Fatemi hospital , Ardabil,Iran. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was performed on patients who underwent surgery in orthopedic, neurosurgery, ENT and general surgery wards during the second half of 2016 in Ardabil Fatemi Hospital.Demographics data and data regarding antibiotic prophylaxis eg. rout of administration, antibiotic type, dosing, frequency of administration, time of administration and duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, recorded and analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: Out of 200 patients studied, antibiotic prescribing indications, appropriate antibiotic selection, time of first dose administration,proper dosing, duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, time intervals between two administrations are 89.4% _78.8% _62.7% _32.9% _53.4%_49.6% of the cases, respectively was in accordance with guideline recomendastion. Conclusion:In accordance with the previous studies, our result show mismatch between guideline recomendation and clinical practice for antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical ward patients, which necessitate revising and updating hospital protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis

The Study of Treatment Outcomes by Peritoneal Dialysis in Patients with Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning (Rice Tablet)

Background: Aluminum phosphide, known in Iran as the "Rice Tablet", is used as one of the most dangerous pesticides for storing rice and other grains in warehouses and during transportation. In the last 35 years, many cases of high-mortality poisoning have been reported by contact with aluminum, zinc, and calcium phosphides. Severe drop in blood pressure and heart poisoning are the most serious complications of this poisoning, with a high mortality rate. Aim: Because the use of pesticides such as rice tablets has become commonplace in recent years and the number of people infected with the tablet has increased in medical centers, information on the effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis as a treatment for patients with rice tablet poisoning has been reported. We decided to study the effect of peritoneal dialysis in these patients. Matherials and Methods: In this study, 27 cases of patients poisoned with aluminum phosphide were investigated. Information on age, sex, the amount of tablets taken, clinical signs and early tests such as vital signs, gastrointestinal, respiratory, neurological and final status of the poisoned were extracted from their files and processed by SPSS software. For each step, in addition to calculating the mean and standard deviation, the T-test was used to compare the means, and in all stages, the probability of error less than 5% is considered significant. Results: In the study we performed, there was no significant difference between temperature and respiration rates during admission and clearance, and in PH, PCO2, bicarbonate, open base, blood pressure and electrolytes (K +, Na +) There was a significant relationship between acceptance and discharge. Also, the frequency of male poisoning is higher than that of women and the highest frequency of poisoning is related to the age range of 21-30 years. Conclusion: Peritoneal dialysis with improved acidosis and hypothetical elimination of toxins may lead to the restoration of various organ functions. There are few theories about how PD is effective in treating severe metabolic acidosis. PD can be used as the main treatment along with conservative and common treatments for aluminum phosphide poisoning in the treatment of severe metabolic acidosis

Evaluation of the protective effect of linalool compound in inhibiting renal damage caused by carbon tetrachloride in rats

introduction: Studies have demonstrated that carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many tissues including the kidney and liver. The aim of the current study is to determine the protective effects of linalool against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6): Normal control (a regular diet); Linalool control (25 mg/kg linalool daily); CCl4 group (1 ml/kg CCl4 dissolved in olive oil, intraperitoneally at 14th day); pretreatment group (25 mg/kg linalool daily+CCl4 14thday); Silymarin group (100 mg/kg of silymarin as the standard drug). On the fourteenth day, all animals were sacrificed, tissue and blood samples were collected to analysis. Results: Administration of CCl4 resulted in a marked increase in renal (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) markers. Also, CCl4 resulted in pathological damages, a significant increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde and a significant decrease in the levels of serum total protein, serum albumin, and antioxidants. However, in pretreatment group, linalool significantly inhibited CCl4- induced kidney damages. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that linalool has protective effects in an in animal model of CCL4-induced kidney injury, proposing linalool as a potential therapeutic agent against chemical and drug induced nephrotoxicity

Group B streptococcus drug resistance in pregnant women in Iran: a meta-analysis

Streptococcus (S.) agalactiae colonizes in the female genitourinary and lower gastrointestinal tracts and is responsible for a wide range of infections in newborns, pregnant women and non-pregnant adults. Therefore, antibiotic prophylaxis and infection treatment against S. agalactiae is important. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of S. agalactiae antibiotic resistance in Iranian patients, especially among pregnant women. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Scientific Information Database (SID) databases by using related keywords and without any time limitation. A total of 26 studies reporting the prevalence of S. agalactiae antibiotic resistance in Iran met our predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the metaanalysis. High rates of S. agalactiae antibiotic resistance in pregnant women were found against tetracycline (96.2%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (84.7%), cefotaxime (41.3%), clindamycin (26.8%) and erythromycin (21%). Additionally, resistance to penicillin (4.2%), ampicillin (2.7%), cefazolin (7.6%), vancomycin (2.4%), ceftriaxone (12.5%), ciprofloxacin (13.6%) and nitrofurantoin (0%) was low. Our results revealed that penicillin and ampicillin among penicillin-tolerant Iranian pregnant women, and vancomycin and cefazolin among penicillin-allergic women are still drugs of choice in intrapartum prophylaxis for preventing S. agalactiae vertical transmission and early-onset neonatal disease

Efficiency of activated carbon prepared from scrap tires magnetized by Fe3O4 nanoparticles: characterisation and its application for removal of reactive blue19 from aquatic solutions

Huge quantities of different dyes are generated by various industries such as cosmetic, leather, printing and textile and food. This study aimed to generate and apply tire-derived activated carbon magnetised with the Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MAC) for the removal of reactive blue 19 (RB19) dye from aquatic solutions. FE-SEM, VSM, XRD, FTIR and BET analyses were used to determine MAC properties. Under optimal conditions of pH 3, the initial concentration of dye 100 mg/L, the composite dose 1 g/L and the reaction time of 45 min, the removal efficiency for RB19 was 93.22%. Isotherm findings illustrated that RB19 adsorption onto the MAC followed the Langmuir model. Moreover, the absorption kinetics is well interpreted by the pseudo-second-order model in low scrutinised concentrations. The SBET and total pure volume for the MAC were 421.11 m2 g−1 and 0.467 cm3 g−1. Under the optimum conditions, maximum adsorption capacity of the MAC in Langmuir model enhanced to the amount of 119.05 mg/g. Also, the reusability (with NaOH) of the MAC revealed about 21% decreases in the removal efficiency within five consecutive runs. It is concluded that the application of the magnetised activated carbon due to its high efficiency in removing RB19 from laboratory and actual samples can be evaluated in future studies to be utilised in real scales

A systematic review of emerging human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak: focus on disinfection methods, environmental survival, and control and prevention strategies

Recently, an outbreak of a novel human coronavirus which is referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO) was identified in Wuhan, China. To help combat the pandemic, a systematic review (SR) was performed to collect all available studies concerning inactivation methods, environmental survival, and control and prevention strategies. A comprehensive literature survey yielded 42 eligible studies which included in the SR. The results confirmed that the WHO recommended two alcohol-based hand rub formulations (ethanol 70–95% and 2-propanol 70–100%) had an efficient virucidal activity in less than 60 s by more and equal 4 log10 (≥ 99.99) approximately and could be used for disinfection in public health and health-care facilities. The findings indicated that SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 can survive under different environmental conditions between 4 and 72 h approximately. The results also demonstrate that temperature and relative humidity are important factors in the survival of SARS-CoV-2. The main strategies recommended by the WHO to avoid contracting SARS-CoV-2 are hand washing several times in the day and maintaining social distancing with others. It is important to note that the more studies require addressing, the more possible airborne transmission due to the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols for 3 h approximately. We hope that the results of the present SR can help researchers, health decision-makers, policy-makers, and people for understanding and taking the proper behavior to control and prevent further spread of SARS-CoV-2