The Efficacy of Licorice Root Extract in Decreasing Transaminase Activities in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study was performed to investigate the effects of licorice on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 66 patients were divided into case and control groups. All patients had elevated liver enzymes and had increased liver echogenicity (lipid accumulation) on sonography. The case group was treated with one capsule containing 2 g aqueous licorice root extract per day for 2 months while the control group was treated in the same manner with a placebo. Weight, body mass index (BMI) and liver transaminase levels were measured for each patient before and after the study. In the case group, the mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level decreased from 64.09 to 51.27 IU/mL and the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level decreased from 58.18 to 4

Does Agriculture Price Index Respond to Exchange Rate Fluctuations in Iran?

Since some raw materials, semi manufactured, intermediate and capital goods in agricultural sector are imported, the exchange rate fluctuations can affect the cost price of products in this sector. Recently, we are facing considerable fluctuations in exchange rate that has an important impact on all sectors including the agriculture. As a result of an increase in import prices in agricultural raw materials, the exchange rate fluctuates. In other words, this relationship is strengthened by lower domestic supply due to the stimulation of the exports of agricultural products induced by an increase in exchange rate. The present study deals with the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on agricultural price index in Iran using MGARCH method. The results show that the past shocks of exchange rate have a positive impact on agriculture price index at the 1% significance level. Moreover, despite the fact that the current fluctuations of agriculture price index do not relate to its past fluctuations, the past fluctuations of exchange rate have a positive impact on current fluctuations of exchange rate

Co-occurrence of upper respiratory tract disorders with gastrointestinal infections of helicobacter pylori in patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection and respiratory tract infection at the same time cause pathogenicity increase and death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the co-occurrence of upper respiratory tract disorders and gastrointestinal infections of H. pylori. Methods: The present study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis, from August 2019 to Agusut 2020, at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. Articles in the international databases (April 2001-December 2018) on the coexistence of upper respiratory tract disorders with H. pylori gastrointestinal infections were examined. The random effect model with a 95% confidence level was used to analyze the data. Results: The highest prevalence of respiratory disorders co-occurrence associated with adenoid tissue (33%), nasal polyps (100%), chronic rhinosinusitis (71%) and gastrointestinal infections of H. pylori was reported in 2006 in Turkey, 2011 in Poland and 2015 in Egypt .Concurrent prevalence of the disease, according to the type of upper respiratory tract disorders in all studies, the estimated effect size according to the random model was 53% in chronic rhinosinusitis, 63% in nasal polyps, 62% in adenoid tissue and 60% in total, which was significant (P=0/000). The prevalence of co-occurrence of upper respiratory tract disorders with gastrointestinal infections of H. pylori in patients was estimated to be 61% at the age of more than 27 years and 60% at the age of fewer than 27 years. Pooled estimation of the concurrent prevalence of infection (in total) was estimated to be 60% and was significant among the studies (P=0/000). Conclusion: The concurrent prevalence of upper respiratory tract disorders with gastrointestinal infections of H. pylori was observed to be almost equal and significant in elderly and young patients. Due to the fact that the simultaneous occurrence of two types of infections and diseases in people is very dangerous, screening of patients with each of these infections is necessary to identify the other infection and prescribe appropriate drugs

Effects of Exosomes Derived From Helicobacter pylori Outer Membrane Vesicle-Infected Hepatocytes on Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis Induction

Liver fibrosis is a multifactorial disease with microbial and non-microbial causes. In recent years, Helicobacter pylori infection has been thought to play a critical role in some extragastrointestinal manifestations especially liver disorders. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are one of the most important discussed H. pylori virulence factors. In the current study, four different clinical strains of H. pylori were collected and their OMVs were purified using ultra-centrifugation. To investigate their effects on liver cell exosomes, co-incubation with hepatocytes was applied. After a while, hepatocyte-derived exosomes were extracted and incubated with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to investigate the HSC activation and fibrosis marker induction. The expression of a-SMA, TIMP-1, b-catenin, vimentin, and e-cadherin messenger RNAs (mRNA) was assessed using real-time RTPCR, and the protein expression of a-SMA, TIMP-1, b-catenin, vimentin, and e-cadherin was evaluated by Western blotting. Our results showed that infected hepatocyte-derived exosomes induced the expression of a-SMA, TIMP-1, b-catenin, and vimentin in HSCs and e-cadherin gene and protein expression was downregulated. In the current study, we found that H. pylori-derived OMVs may aid the exosome alternation and modified exosomes may have a possible role in HSC activation and liver fibrosis progression

High level of resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin among Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates in Qazvin province, Iran

resistance. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and mechanism of antibiotic resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin in H. pylori isolates collected from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in Qazvin, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, antibiotic susceptibility testing to clarithromycin and metronidazole was performed among 80 clinical strains isolated from H. pylori-positive dyspeptic patients referred to Qazvin hospital from July 2018 to November 2018. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing tests were performed to determine the type of mutations in the rdxA gene in metronidazole-resistant isolates, and the 23SrRNA gene in clarithromycinresistant isolates. Thirteen (40.6%) and Twenty-one (65.6%) isolates were resistant to clarithromycin and metronidazole, respectively. 37.5% and 59.4% of clarithromycin and metronidazole resistant isolates had MIC>256. In clarithromycin-resistant isolates, mutations in the 23SrRNA gene was seen at A2143G (15.6%), A2142G (9.4%), C2195T (6.3%), C2244T (3.1%), and G2212A (3.1%) locations. In one isolate, three simultaneous mutations were recorded in locations A2143G, G2110A, and C2121T. Mutations in the rdxA gene in metronidazole-resistant isolates, were missense. High resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin antibiotics were seen in H. pylori isolates in Qazvin province. This is the first report of new mutation sites G2212A, G2110A, and C2121T on the 23SrRNA gene in clarithromycin-resistant isolates. It is necessary to evaluate the current situation in terms of resistance and identify the mechanisms involved in its occurrence for the successful treatment of infections caused by this organism

High level of resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin among Helicobacter pylori clinical isolates in Qazvin province, Iran

The treatment of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection has many limitations, especially because of antibiotic resistance. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and mechanism of antibiotic resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin in H. pylori isolates collected from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in Qazvin, Iran. In this cross-sectional study, antibiotic susceptibility testing to clarithromycin and metronidazole was performed among 80 clinical strains isolated from H. pylori-positive dyspeptic patients referred to Qazvin hospital from July 2018 to November 2018. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing tests were performed to determine the type of mutations in the rdxA gene in metronidazole-resistant isolates, and the 23SrRNA gene in clarithromycinresistant isolates. Thirteen (40.6%) and Twenty-one (65.6%) isolates were resistant to clarithromycin and metronidazole, respectively. 37.5% and 59.4% of clarithromycin and metronidazole resistant isolates had MIC>256. In clarithromycin-resistant isolates, mutations in the 23SrRNA gene was seen at A2143G (15.6%), A2142G (9.4%), C2195T (6.3%), C2244T (3.1%), and G2212A (3.1%) locations. In one isolate, three simultaneous mutations were recorded in locations A2143G, G2110A, and C2121T. Mutations in the rdxA gene in metronidazole-resistant isolates, were missense. High resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin antibiotics were seen in H. pylori isolates in Qazvin province. This is the frst report of new mutation sites G2212A, G2110A, and C2121T on the 23SrRNA gene in clarithromycin-resistant isolates. It is necessary to evaluate the current situation in terms of resistance and identify the mechanisms involved in its occurrence for the successful treatment of infections caused by this organism

Prevalence of foodborne and zoonotic viral pathogens in raw cow milk samples

Foodborne and zoonotic viral pathogens are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. These viruses can be transmitted through foods such as dairy products to humans and cause several acute and chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and profile of different foodborne and zoonotic viruses in raw cow milk samples. We collected 492 raw cow milk samples from local dairy markets in Qazvin, Iran. Then, we evaluated the presence of hepatitis A virus, noroviruses, rotavirus, astrovirus, bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in samples using conventional and nested RT-PCR methods. We found that 34.95, 7.72, 25.81, 14.63, 66.86, 12.80, and 21.34% of raw milk samples were contaminated with norovirus GI, norovirus GII, hepatitis A virus, rotavirus, astrovirus, BLV and TBEV viruses, respectively. Interestingly, the samples collected from the city's south area revealed a higher prevalence of foodborne and zoonotic viruses. Astrovirus and its combination with norovirus GI were the most prevalent virus profiles. Also, the highest correlations were observed among the presence of rotavirus and hepatitis A viruses (0.36) and TBEV and norovirus GII (0.31). Considering the prevalence rate and virus profiles of different foodborne and zoonotic viruses in raw milk samples, hygiene practices and the pasteurization process are strongly suggested to be conducted throughout the cow milk production chain and in dairy industries to prevent infections with these pathogens

Global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Accidental ingestion of infective stages of helminths through consumption of contaminated vegetables and fruits causes a wide range of food-borne diseases in humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits. Several databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature published prior to November 2020. Overally, 184 articles (32 countries) met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 137 studies documented helminthic contamination in vegetables, 46 in cucurbits and 9 were in fruits. The pooled incidence (95% confidence interval) was 31% (26%–37%) for vegetables, 20% (14%–27%) for cucurbits and 20% (8%–37%) for fruits. The highest incidence rate was found in the Western Pacific WHO region (54%; 9%–95%). The most prevalent parasitic agents were Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (12%; 9%–15%) and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (12%; 8%–16%) in vegetables, S. stercoralis larvae (10%; 5%–15%) and Toxocara spp. eggs (10%; 3%–21%) in cucurbits, and Trichuris trichiura eggs (9%; 1%–22%) in fruits. The highest incidence rate was found to be associated with lower-middle income countries (34%, 28%–41%) and regions with a tropical rainforest climate (50%, 10%–91%). The potential role of vegetables, cucurbits, and fruits in the spread of helminthic parasites was revealed. Utilizing clean water for irrigation, proper washing and cooking of vegetables and improved sanitary practices can decrease the public health hazard regarding the consumption of vegetables, cucurbits, and fruits

Global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Accidental ingestion of infective stages of helminths through consumption of contaminated vegetables and fruits causes a wide range of food-borne diseases in humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the global incidence of helminthic contamination of vegetables, cucurbits and fruits. Several databases (Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature published prior to November 2020. Overally, 184 articles (32 countries) met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 137 studies documented helminthic contamination in vegetables, 46 in cucurbits and 9 were in fruits. The pooled incidence (95% confidence interval) was 31% (26%–37%) for vegetables, 20% (14%–27%) for cucurbits and 20% (8%– 37%) for fruits. The highest incidence rate was found in the Western Pacific WHO region (54%; 9%–95%). The most prevalent parasitic agents were Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (12%; 9%–15%) and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae (12%; 8%–16%) in vegetables, S. stercoralis larvae (10%; 5%–15%) and Toxocara spp. eggs (10%; 3%–21%) in cucurbits, and Trichuris trichiura eggs (9%; 1%–22%) in fruits. The highest incidence rate was found to be associated with lower-middle income countries (34%, 28%–41%) and regions with a tropical rainforest climate (50%, 10%–91%). The potential role of vegetables, cucurbits, and fruits in the spread of helminthic parasites was revealed. Utilizing clean water for irrigation, proper washing and cooking of vegetables and improved sanitary practices can decrease the public health hazard regarding the consumption of vegetables, cucurbits, and fruits. Keywords: Vegetable Cucurbits Fruits Helminthic contamination Public health Food safet

The prevalence of human trichuriasis in Asia: a systematic review and meta‑analysis

Trichuriasis is one of the most common soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, affecting populations globally. The condition is particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas with low levels of sanitation and poor living conditions. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection in Asia at the country and region level. Multiple databases/academic search engines (Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched for literature on T. trichiura prevalence in Asia published through January 2021. Pooled prevalence was determined using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). Out of 13,836 articles, 226 studies (5,439,500 individuals) from 26 countries met the inclusion criteria. Of the 226 studies, 151 were community-based studies that included individuals across the age spectrum, while 75 studies focused on school children (typically in the 5–16 years age range). The overall T. trichiura pooled prevalence was 15.3% (95% CI: 12.4–19.1%), with a pooled prevalence of 13.3% (95% CI: 10.0–17.1%) for the community studies and 20.9% (95% CI: 14.7–27.9%) for the studies only including school children. For studies including all age groups, individuals in the 1–15 years age group had the highest pooled prevalence at 23.4% (95% CI: 1.7–49.4%). There was a significant difference found in overall pooled prevalence by sex (p < 0.001) and community type (rural versus urban) (p < 0.001). Although prevalence appears to be decreasing, study findings suggest that T. trichiura infection continues to be a public health problem in Asia. Therefore, control programs focused on at-risk individuals in endemic areas are needed