Mycobacterium tuberculosis Detection based on mpt64 amplification by Nested-PCR in Sputum samples

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an old problem that is currently considered as a great challenge, mostly in developing countries. It may be a lethal disease. Thus, rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection plays a critical role in controlling the spread of TB, whereas conventional methods may take up to several weeks or longer to diagnose the infection. Hence, nested polymerase chain reaction (NCR) assay was applied for direct identification of the MTB DNA presence in sputum samples. The aim of the study was the development of a direct NCR method using mpt64 specific primers for rapid diagnosis of MTB infection. Materials and Methods: To development of study, eight positive and negative sputum specimens obtained from Masih Daneshvari hospital pulmonary TB center, were studied. After smear preparation genomic DNA was extracted and mpt64 was amplified using NCR method. While doing work we paying attention to PCR standardization and precautions to avoid sample contamination. Results: After evaluation gained appropriate results from purified genomic DNA by AGE and biophotometer, the standardized NCR products were evaluated by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis. Five of 7 positive samples were positive, and one of the negative samples was negative using our NCR assay. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, we could be successful in the NCR technique’s optimization to our system for disese detection, while it can be apply as a more rapid, accurate, inexpensive, and specific diagnostic assay for direct detection of MTB DNA

The Role of Index and Ring Fingers in Gender Identification and Height Estimation

Background: It is a challenge in forensic medicine to identify deceased bodies when body dismembered from remaining body parts, such as hands, arms, and feet. We aimed to determine gender and the correlation between stature, and index and ring fingers in an Iranian population.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 Iranian students aged between 18 and 25 years were included (2016-2017). The length of the nondominant index and ring fingers were measured from proximal crease to the tip. The exclusion criteria were a history of heavy physical work by hand, hand vocational sports, anatomical musculoskeletal deformities, and chronic internal diseases (diabetes, thyroid disorders, renal failure, etc.). The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS. t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and correlation and regression models were used to analyze the achieved data.Results: The mean height was 179 cm in males and 164 cm in females. The mean index and ring fingers lengths were 73 mm and 74 mm in males, and 68 mm and 68 mm in females, respectively. The mean sum of index and ring fingers lengths were 147 mm in males and 136 mm in females. Height, index and ring fingers length, and the sum of them significantly differed between genders (P<0.0001). The accuracy of gender determination was 92%, 71%, 73% and 74.5% in terms of stature, index finger length, ring finger length, and the sum of index and ring fingers length, respectively. The correlation between height and index finger length, as well as the height and ring finger length, were significant in males, females, and total cases (P<0.0001).Conclusion: Based on this study, index and ring fingers lengths can be used to predict height and determine gender.

Derivation of new human embryonic stem cell lines (Yazd1-3) and their vitrification using Cryotech and Cryowin tools: A lab resources report

Background: Cell banking initial outgrowths from newly derived human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) requires an efficient freezing method. Vitrification is used for the preservation of gametes and early embryos in assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Moreover, vitrification was applied for cryopreservation of hESCs using open pulled straws. Objective: To derive and characterize new hESC lines and then use Cryotech and Cryowin tools for their vitrification. Materials and Methods: Human ESC lines were generated in a microdrop culture system using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as the feeder layer; this was later scaled up using both MEFs and Yazd human foreskin fibroblasts batch 8 (YhFF#8). To bank the cell lines, master cell banks of 100 Cryotech and Cryowin tools were produced for each individual cell line using the vitrification method; flasks of hESC lines were also cryopreserved using a conventional slow-freezing method. Results: The pluripotency of cell lines was assessed by their expression of pluripotency-associated genes (OCT4/POU5F1, NANOG, and SOX2) and markers such as SSEA4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-2-49. Their in vitro capacity to differentiate into germ layers and germ cells using embryoid body (EB) formation and monolayer culture was assessed by screening the expression of differentiation-associated genes. The chromosomal constitution of each hESC line was assessed by G-banding karyotyping. Conclusion: Cryotech and Cryowin tools used to vitrify new hESCs at an early stage of derivation is an efficient means of preserving hESCs. Key words: Derivation, Human embryonic stem cells, Human foreskin fibroblast, Microdrop, Vitrification

Evaluation of the Quality of Clinical Education Based on the Perspective of Medical Students of Shahroud University of Medical Sciences

Background: Improving the quality of clinical education requires a continuous review of the existing situation to identify strengths and weaknesses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of clinical education based on the perspective of medical students of Shahroud university of medical sciences. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted at1397-98. Participants were 230 medical students and interns in Shahroud university of medical sciences who were enrolled in the study. The data were collected using the clinical education quality assessment questionnaire, with a range of 0-66 points and divided into three levels: weak, moderate and desirable. T-test was used for data analysis. The Significanl level was set at 0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean of the standard deviation of clinical education quality in terms of goals and curriculum (12.95), teacher performance (10.23), and student treatment (4.09) was desirable from medical students' point of view. (Given that the significance level is less than 0.05, these averages are desirable) while in terms of educational environment (4.60) and supervision and evaluation (4.01), it is not desirable. Conclusions: According to the findings, clinical quality status is desirable in most aspects, but it is necessary to eliminate the weaknesses to improve the quality of clinical education in this university in terms of the educational environment, monitoring and evaluation according to the students' viewpoints. Keywords: Quality, Clinical education, Medical students

Evaluation of the Quality of Clinical Education Based on the Perspective of Medical Students of Shahroud University of Medical Sciences

Background: Improving the quality of clinical education requires a continuous review of the existing situation to identify strengths and weaknesses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of clinical education based on the perspective of medical students of Shahroud university of medical sciences. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted at1397-98. Participants were 230 medical students and interns in Shahroud university of medical sciences who were enrolled in the study. The data were collected using the clinical education quality assessment questionnaire, with a range of 0-66 points and divided into three levels: weak, moderate and desirable. T-test was used for data analysis. The Significanl level was set at 0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean of the standard deviation of clinical education quality in terms of goals and curriculum (12.95), teacher performance (10.23), and student treatment (4.09) was desirable from medical students' point of view. (Given that the significance level is less than 0.05, these averages are desirable) while in terms of educational environment (4.60) and supervision and evaluation (4.01), it is not desirable. Conclusions: According to the findings, clinical quality status is desirable in most aspects, but it is necessary to eliminate the weaknesses to improve the quality of clinical education in this university in terms of the educational environment, monitoring and evaluation according to the students' viewpoints. Keywords: Quality, Clinical education, Medical students

Genetic linkage analysis of DFNB39 locus in families with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) from Khuzestan province

Background and aims: Hearing loss (HL) is a most common sensory deficit in humans and approximately one in 1,000 newborns has severe-to-profound HL. About 50% of HL cases are inherited and approximately 70 percent of HL cases are Non-syndromic that about 80 percent of this type of HL is inherited in recessive manner (ARNSHL). This is a heterogeneous disease and its prevalence is higher in developing countries. In Iran due to high rate of consanguinity has high frequency, too. The purpose of the present study was to investigate genetic linkage analysis of DFNB39 locus in families with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic HL from Khuzestan province. Methods: In this descriptive laboratory study, to determine type and frequency of HGF mutations 300 individuals of 25 families from Khuzestan province with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss were examined. Selected families in this study had consanguinity and had at least 2 patients and also they were negative for GJB2 gene mutations. Linkage analysis was performed by 6 markers STR (Short tandem repeats) which were located in or were tightly linked to DFNB39 locus conventional PCR and PAGE. Results: After examining different families, it was revealed non of the families did not show linkage to the DFNB39 locus. Lack of HGF gene mutations in mentioned family suggests that the HGF's mutations probably have no role in causing HL in the studied families. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, DFNB39 locus may not be important role in causing hearing loss of population studied. However, further studies are necessary to determine more precisely the role of this locus in hearing loss in Iranian population

Combined training in addition to cortisol reduction can improve the mental health of girls with precocious puberty and obesity

BackgroundObesity and central precocious puberty (CPP) are associated with increased anxiety, depression, and anger in girls. The contribution of exercise as an efficacious component in decreasing anxiety, depression, and anger has been increasingly recognized.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the effects of combined training on cortisol, anxiety, depression, and anger in overweight and obese girls with CPP.MethodsThe study involved 30 girls aged 7–9 years diagnosed with CPP (undergoing triptorelin treatment) and dealing with obesity. In addition, these girls scored higher than the cut-off line for anxiety, depression, and anger. The participants were divided into two groups, with 15 individuals in each group. The exercise group engaged in 60 min of combined aerobic and resistance training three times per week for a duration of 12 weeks. On the other hand, the control group did not receive any training. Throughout the study, the serum cortisol levels were measured in both groups. Anxiety, anger, and depression questionnaires were also completed at three different stages, namely, baseline, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks (after a 4-week period of detraining).ResultsIn the exercise group, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in cortisol serum levels and anxiety, depression, and anger scores. These changes were observed consistently during detraining (P > 0.05). However, in the control group, only the depression score significantly decreased (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBased on the results, it can be concluded that combined training is a method to improve the mental health of CPP girls.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://en.irct.ir/trial/61990, identifier IRCT20170411033378N10

Correlation between Human Herpes virus 8 (HHV8-) and Plasma Cell Myeloma: a Systematic Review

Introduction: Plasma cell myeloma is the distortion of differentiated B lymphocytes which is associated with uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in bone marrow. Some studies propound a role for HHV-8 virus in pathogenesis of plasma cell myeloma. Yet the findings are inconsistent. In this article we reviewed the literatures to determine the HHV-8 virus role in plasma cell myeloma pathogenesis.Methods: In this systematic review, scientific databanks including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ISI, and Google scholar were searched. The search was based on the subsequent keywords and medical terms in title; different combinations of keywords were used, they were compatible with MeSH terms.Result: Four articles declared that there is no link between the HHV-8 and the pathogenesis of plasma cell myeloma; while five reported a connection between the virus and myeloma, arguing that virus infection will lead to disease progression.Conclusion: There are differences between the results of the studies. It is required to do further researches about the association of HHV-8 and plasma cell myeloma

BCR-ABL fusion genes and laboratory findings in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in northeast Iran

Background: A specific chromosomal abnormality, the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL fusion), is present in all patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The b2a2 and b3a2 fusion mRNAs encode p210 fusion protein p210 and e1a2 encode p190. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of BCR-ABL fusion transcript variants in Northeast of Iranian CML patients and to compare the laboratory results of our patients. Methods: This study was conducted in 85 peripheral blood and bone marrow samples of CML patients. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted by a commercial kit, RT- PCR for identifying BCR-ABL fusions was carried out by using designed primers and the PCR products were electrophoresed in agarose gels. Finally, statistical analysis was performed for variant frequency identification and their comparison was performed. Results: All patients examined were positive for BCR/ABL rearrangement. Fusion of b3a2 was detected in 53 (62.35%) patients, b2a2 in 25 (29.41), e1a2 in 1 (1.17%) and coexpression of b3a2 and e1a2 in 6 (7.05%) patients. There were significant differences between the mean age in patients with b3a2 positive ( 44.07 years) and in b3a2 negative group (50.35 years) however, no significant differences were seen between sex and b2a2 (P=0.61), b3a2 (P=0.79) and e1a2 (P=0.20). Conclusions: This study showed higher frequency b3a2 than b2a2 and e1a2 transcripts in CML patients in Northeast Iran and there was no association between e1a2 transcripts frequencies and monocytosis in peripheral blood

Stem Cell Therapy and Its Products Such as Exosomes: Modern Regenerative Medicine Approach

Regenerative Medicine is a developing and multidisciplinary field of science that uses tissue engineering, biology, and cell or cell-free therapy to regenerate cells, tissues, and organs to restore their impaired or lost function. Regenerative medicine uses a new element linked to stem cells, which call exosomes, introduces it to the healthcare market. Exosomes are present in almost all body fluids, such as synovial fluid and blood. Exosomes and microvesicles are very efficient mediators of cell-to-cell communication by transferring their specific cargo to recipient cells. Furthermore, the modification of extracellular vesicles is possible that can become an excellent choice for drug delivery systems and vaccines. Isolation of exosomes for their use as therapeutic, research, or diagnostic agents for a specific type of disease is of particular importance. Five techniques have been used to isolate exosomes from different sources, including ultracentrifugation-based, size-based, immunoassay, exosome sedimentation, and microfluidic techniques. The use of exosomes in medicine has many applications, including in Bone and cartilage, dental, immune system, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, nervous, heart systems, skin and wound, microbial and infectious, and also in cancers. This chapter focuses on stem cells, especially exosomes, as novel approaches in disease treatment and regenerative medicine