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Industrial activities present a significant threat to the environment and natural ecosystems like water and soil due to the release of toxic metals. This article primarily concentrates on the identification and isolation of bacteria, with the goal of effectively eliminating pollutants from industrial wastewater. In order to achieve this goal, the study was conducted to assess the ability of bacterial strains to tolerate copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), as well as their antibiotic resistance and ability to tolerate elevated metal concentrations. The resistance of the isolates to various metals and antibiotics were assessed using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and disc diffusion (DD) method, respectively. The technique of colony PCR was employed to determine the identity of the bacteria that were separated. Resistance to multiple antibiotics was assessed, including Penicillin, Sulfamethoxazole, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin, Cefoxitin, Streptomycin, Chloramphenicol, Vancomycin, Gentamycin, Cephalothin, Rifampicin, and Novobiocin. In the current investigation, a total of 5 bacteria with a positive gram stain and 7 bacteria with a negative gram stain were identified. The study found that the effluent from the wastewater treatment plant in Razi industrial town showed resilience to copper ions, especially at a concentration of 7mM. The effluent wastewater from the refinery unit exhibited the greatest level of tolerance towards zinc, with a concentration as high as 6mM. The rise in copper and zinc levels in industrial wastewater treatment plants causes microorganisms to develop resistance to these heavy metals. The study of Gram-positive resistant bacteria conducted in this research focused on the examination of their susceptibility to zinc and copper. Notably, Staphylococcus hominis displayed resistance to a majority of the antibiotics evaluated. However, Kocuria rosea demonstrated sensitivity to all antibiotics. Agrobacterium fabrum exhibited susceptibility to all antibiotics as opposed to other Gram-negative bacteria resistant to zinc and copper. The findings of this study indicated that some strains displayed a degree of resistance to both antibiotics and heavy metals. The presence of heavy metals in bacteria isolated from a wastewater treatment plant exhibited the capability to restrict antibiotic resistance.

Background and aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been considered one of the most common serious parasitic diseases. Some cities in Iran are known as the center of this important parasitic disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines CL as an infectious parasitic disease in the tropics, which can be challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of CL (the identification of parasite, vector, and reservoir) in Ardestan. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed in 2015-2016. Overall, 121 patients with CL who referred to Ardestan Dermatology and Leishmaniasis Center were sampled, and the Leishmania species were determined in the samples using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, following the amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region in the parasite genome. Finally, the vector and reservoir species were detected by zoology experts according to identification keys. Results: The incidence of the disease had the highest (57.8%) and lowest (4.1%) levels in summer and spring, respectively. The disease was prevalent in both women and men but was more common in men (51.2%). The majority of patients (27.3%) were in the age group of 21-30 years, and most of the wounds (71.1%) were nodules. More than one wound on the body was observed in 54.5% of patients, and the disease was prevalent in 13.2% of patients and their family members. Occupationally, students showed the highest disease frequency (32%). The response to treatment with meglumine antimoniate (glucantime) was more effective than the other treatments. The species of the Leishmania vector in the Ardestan region was identified as Phlebotomus papatasi, and the species of the reservoirs in this region were Rhombomys opimus and Meriones libycus. Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine the carriers and reservoirs of the disease in other regions in order to reach a constructive decision for appropriate strategies to control the disease.

Introduction: Electronic wastes are the remnants of electronic devices buried in the soil without processing and contain toxic substances such as heavy metals. Lead is one of the heavy metals in many electronic goods that, if not properly processed, can cause toxicity in the soil and may harm living things in very low concentrations. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the biosorption of lead metal by Bacillus tropicus isolated from soils containing electronic wastes in Isfahan.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, sampling of contaminated soils in several areas of the Zainal Pass hills of Isfahan, which is the landfill of electronic wastes, was performed. After measuring the temperature, pH, TOC, and the amount of metals in the soil sample, lead-resistant bacteria were isolated. The growth rate of bacteria was evaluated at concentrations of 5 to 35 mM of lead. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The morphology, antibiogram, and molecular identification of the bacteria were performed by colony-polymerase chain reaction method and bioabsorption of bacteria was evaluated by ICP-OES. Finally, XRD, SEM images, and EDS were evaluated to investigate the fabrication of lead nanoparticles. The raw data were analyzed by SPSS software, using an independent t-test.Results: Based on the findings of this study, the pH of the evaluated soil was 9.4, its temperature was 27.8 ° C, the TOC of the sample was 1.8%, and the amount of soil lead was measured at 658.4 ppm based on ICP-OES analysis. It was significantly higher than normal. The lead-resistant bacterial strain isolated to lead had 99/69% genetic affinity with Bacillus tropicus, which had a high biological removal potential (56.35%) of lead metal. The XRD, SEM, and EDS results showed the conversion of adsorbed lead metal to nanoparticles.Discussion and Conclusion: Considering that Bacillus tropicus showed high resistance and adsorption to lead metal, it can be a suitable option for the bio-removal of lead from electronic and other industrial wastes in the future after the removal of antibiotic resistance genes.

Introduction: High blood glucose results in high levels of matrix metalloproteinases. Clinical and histopathological effects of the kombucha ointment on the healing of diabetic wounds were evaluated. Materials and methods: This study was conducted at research Lab, Department of Micobiology, Falavarjan of Branch Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran from October 2019 to September 2020. A 6 mm diameter ulcer was aseptically created on the back of forty-eight rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: the group that was treated with base ointment, the group that was treated with 10% kombucha ointment, the group that was treated with 20% kombucha ointment, and the group that received no ointment treatment. Then the rats in each group were divided to 4 sampling groups that were sampled on the second, fifth, tenth, and fourteenth days. Microscopic features, inflammation and vasculature and fibroblast infiltration, as well as the matrix metalloproteinase 1(MMP1) were evaluated on days 2, 5, 10, 14 after wound healing. Results: 20% kombucha ointment let to inflammation and an angiogenesis decrease compared to those in the basic group and 10%-kombucha-ointment group. Also 20% kombucha ointment led to an increase in vascular remodeling and penetration of fibroblasts. MMP1 levels increased on the second (p < 0.001) and fifth days after wounding when treatrd with 10% and 20% kombucha ointment (p > 0.05). The expression of MMP1 decreased on the ten and fourteenth days when using 20% kombucha ointment compared to the control, placebo, and 10% kombucha ointment groups (p > 0.05). Discussion: The histopatological finding indicated that both quantity and time duration of the treatment had significant effects on a degree of inflammation and angiogenesis. Сonclusion: Ointment prepared from 20% scoby improved the healing of diabetic ulcers within 14 days.

Objective(s): With emergence of drug resistance, novel approaches such as phage therapy for treatment of bacterial infections have received significant attention. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify effective bacteriophages on extremely drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria isolated from burn wounds. Materials and Methods: Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from hospitalized patient wounds in specialized burn hospitals in Iran, and their identification was performed based on biochemical testing and sequencing of the gene encoding 16S rRNA. Bacteriophages were isolated from municipal sewage, Isfahan, Iran. The phage morphology was observed by TEM. After detection of the host range, adsorption rate, and one-step growth curve, the phage proteomics pattern and restriction enzyme digestion pattern were analyzed.Results: All isolates of bacteria were highly resistant to antibiotics. Among isolates, Acinetobacter baumannii strain IAU_FAL101 (GenBank accession number: MW845680), which was an XDR bacterium, showed significant sensitivity to phage Pɸ-Bw-Ab. TEM determined the phage belongs to Siphoviridae. They had double-stranded DNA. This phage showed the highest antibacterial effect at 15 °C and pH 7. Analysis of the restriction enzyme digestion pattern showed Pɸ-Bw-Ab phage was sensitive to most of the used enzymes and based on SDS-PAGE, protein profiles were revealed 43 to 90 kDa.Conclusion: Considering the potential ability of the isolated phage, it had an antibacterial impact on other used bacterial spp and also strong antibacterial effects on XDR A. baumannii. Also, it had long latency and low burst size. This phage can be a suitable candidate for phage therapy.

Introduction: Environmental pollution with heavy metals is increasing with the development of the industry. The aim of the present study was to examine the isolation and molecular identification of chromium-resistant bacteria from contaminated wastewaters to investigate the bioremediation of chromium by them. Materials and Methods: Chromium-resistant bacteria were isolated from tannery and leather factory effluents. The temperature, pH, BOD, COD, and the amount of heavy metals in each sample were determined. Bacterial isolation was performed by the agar dilution method in the presence of different concentrations of chromium from 1 to 128 mmolL-1. Then, the MIC and MBC for the selected strains were determined. The molecular identification of the resistant strains was done by colony PCR. The biological removal of chromium was evaluated by the selected strains under in vitro conditions. Results: The results of the study showed that the temperature, pH, BOD, and COD in the leather factory effluent were 28.7 ° C, 7.10, 100, and 330 mgL-1 and in the tannery effluent were 26.03 ° C, 6.84, 110, and 480 mgL-1, respectively. In this study, Bacillus subtilis H1F and Bacillus sp. H1D were isolated from leather wastewaters and Bacillus cereus H2C was the selected strain from tannery effluents. Among them, B. subtilis H1F showed the highest chromium resistance with an MIC value of 64 mM. Chromium removal of this strain was 68.5 ppm and it had the highest capacity among the three selected isolates. Discussion and conclusion: Considering that B.subtilis H1F had the highest resistance and adsorption of chromium compared to other two bacteria, it is a suitable candidate for the biological removal of chromium from polluted effluents.

Background: Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by various species of the Leishmania parasites. An effective vaccine or drug to prevent the infestation or a suitable medication to cure the disease without side effects has not been provided yet. Objectives: The use of medicinal herbs in the treatment of many diseases, especially parasitic ones, dates back to prehistoric times. This article is a review study on these herbs used for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Methods: In this regard, we searched PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases. We prepared this review on the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with medicinal plants because of the prevalence of this disease, chemical drugs’ failure to fully control it, increase in the number of reports on drug resistance, and contradictory research on the side effects of synthetic drugs. Results: In general, the use of medicinal herbs for the treatment of various diseases has a long history. Because of Iran’s diverse climate and flora, we have the potential to identify the active herbal ingredients in different indigenous plants of the country and extract them to produce them on an industrial scale. Conclusion: In this article, several herbs used to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis from the past to today in Iran and other countries are studied and evaluated.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a high incidence rate in many parts of the world due to the presence of various hosts for the pathogenic Leptospira. Tropical, subtropical and humid regions are suitable for long-term survival of the bacterium. Because of the temperate and humid climate, northern areas of Iran are suitable for pathogenic Leptospira and outbreak of the disease. Therefore, identification of infected areas is important from a public health and economic point of view. Previous studies show that the incidence rate of leptospirosis is increasing every year. Therefore, accurate diagnosis, control and prevention of this disease seem necessary through vaccination and raising public awareness, especially among high-risk groups. Today, diagnostic methods including immunofluorescence assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are used to diagnose the leptospirosis. MAT is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis with extensive applications in Iran. Due to the importance of this disease and its high prevalence in recent years, the present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and diagnosis of leptospirosis in Iran.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of Kombucha extract (tea) on the normal intestinal microflora and histological structures in rabbits. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical investigation. Thirty-two male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups as follows: Normal diet (I), high-cholesterol diet (II), normal diet plus Kombucha extract (II), and high-cholesterol diet plus Kombucha extract (IV). Microbial cultures were taken from feces of rabbits before and after the applied treatments. The rabbits' blood was collected from the heart to determine the level of cholesterol, glucose and iron in the blood. Aorta and coronary heart microtome cut samples were prepared for detection of histological changes. Results: Rabbit stool cultures before treatment with Kombucha extract included Enterobacter aerogenes, Providencia rettgeri, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella oxytoca. However, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, klebsiella pneumoniae and Hafnia alvei were found in stool cultures after treatment with Kombucha extract. Group IV had significantly lower blood cholesterol levels. Animals that received Kombucha extract only had lower fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels. Healthy rabbits that received Kombucha extract only and group (IV) showed a significant increase in iron (Fe) levels and a significant decrease in total iron binding capacity (TIBC) levels. In both groups III and IV, the right and left coronary arteries were completely normal and no lesions were observed in the intima. Conclusion: The results of this study showed minor changes in the intestinal microflora of rabbits after treatment with Kombucha extract and positive effects of this tea on some risk factors (hypercholesterolemia, arteriosclerosis, and FBS).

Background: This research aimed to assess the effect of kombucha tea on reducing cholesterol (HCH) uptake and ameliorating biochemical and physiological side effects of high cholesterol diets. Objectives: The aim of this research was evaluate the effectiveness of Kombucha tea in reducing cholesterol uptake as well as pathological and immunological side effects from high cholesterol diets in Rabbit. Methods: A total of 32 rabbits were assigned into four groups: 1. Control, fed with standard pellets; 2. HCh+St, fed with high cholesterol diet; 3. HCh+Kom, fed with high cholesterol diet and orally received kombucha beverage; and 4. Kom+St, orally received kombucha beverage along with standard diet. Then, the blood Cholesterol (CHO), Triglycerides (TG), Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL), Malondialdehyde (MDA), ferritin, Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and liver enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [ AST]), as well as liver histopathological features, were evaluated in all groups. Results: CHO and TG showed the highest level in the blood of the HCh+St group, whereas those gavaged with HCh+Kom displayed no change in TG and LDL. Conversely, the HCh+Kom group showed a significant increase in HDL when compared with HCh+St and Kom+St groups. MDA ferritin and CPK in the Kom+St group was significantly higher than the other groups, followed by HCh+Kom. No significant difference was observed in the values of IL-1 and IL-6 as well as ALT and AST between the experimental groups and the control group. Histopathological observations of the liver tissues revealed foam cells with an acidophilic appearance in the HCh+St group and hyperemia in the sinusoid of HCh+Kom and Kom+St groups. Degradation in pancreatic acini was observed in the HCh+St rabbits. Conclusion: The data suggest that kombucha consumption is effective in preventing problems caused by high cholesterol diets.

Background and Objectives: Prevalence of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) leads to the development of antibiotic resistance and mortality in burn patients. One of the alternative strategies for controlling ESBL bacterial infections is clinical trials of bacteriophage therapy. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize specific bacteriophages against ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in patients with burn ulcers. Materials and Methods: Clinical samples were isolated from the hospitalized patient in burn medical centers, Iran. Biochemical screenings and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were determined. The phages were isolated from municipal sewerage treatment plants, Isfahan, Iran. TEM and FESEM, adsorption velocity, growth curve, host range, and the viability of the phage particles as well as proteomics and enzyme digestion patterns were examined. Results: The results showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae Iaufa_lad2 (GenBank accession number: MW836954) was confirmed as an ESBL-producing strain using combined disk method. This bacterium showed significant sensitivity to three phages including PɸBw-Kp1, PɸBw-Kp2, and PɸBw-Kp3. Morphological characterization demonstrated that the phage PɸBw-Kp3 to the Siphoviridae family (lambda-like phages) and both phages PɸBw-Kp1 and ɸBw-Kp2 to the Podoviridae family (T1-like phages). The isolated bacteriophages had a large burst size, thermal and pH viability and efficient adsorption rate to the host cells. Conclusion: In present study, the efficacy of bacteriophages against ESBL pathogenic bacterium promises a remarkable achievement for phage therapy. It seems that, these isolated bacteriophages, in the form of phage cocktails, had a strong antibacterial impacts and a broad-spectrum strategy against ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from burn ulcers.

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Keratinase is an enzyme commonly used in the production of detergents, cosmetics, drugs, leather, and other industries. Considering the high cost of traditional methods for decomposition of feather, hair, hooves, nails, and wool that contain high levels of keratin, their biodegradation with keratinase-producing bacteria can be a valuable solution. The present study aimed for isolation and molecular identification of keratinase-producing bacteria in Qeshm Island and Peyposht village in Iran. Methods: Water and sludge samples from the Qeshm Island and Peyposht village were collected. The bacteria isolates were screened for keratinase production using the Lowry method. Effect of pH and temperature was assessed on the production of keratinase and on the growth of the isolates. Colony-polymerase chain reaction was used for molecular identification of the isolates. Results: Bacillus berevis and Enterobacter cloacae were isolated in this study. Keratinase production in B. berevis was highest at pH 7.5 and 35 °C. In addition, the highest level of enzyme production by E. cloacae was observed at pH 7 and 37 °C. Conclusion: It seems that the bacterial strains isolated from sludge in the study area have relatively favorable keratinase production capacity. Keywords: Bacteria, Colony PCR, Identification, Keratinolytic protein, Sewage.

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Development of ecofriendly processes for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great importance in the field of nanotechnology. Microorganisms such as bacteria could be suitable candidates for bioproduction of nanoparticles due to their simplicity and high compatibility with the environment. The aim of this study was to use bacteria isolates from the effluent of wastewater treatment plants to produce silver nanoparticles. Methods: For identifying silver-resistant microorganisms, we used the agar diffusion method using PHG II medium containing 0.5 mM silver to determine minimum inhibitory concentration. Bacterial identification was done with biochemical testing and polymerase chain reaction (colony PCR). Finally, silver nanoparticles were produced in the desired bacteria, and the properties of these nanoparticles were studied. Results: We found five silver-resistant bacteria among which Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain MS8 showed the highest resistance (MIC= 6 mM). The bacterium was able to synthesize silver nanoparticles in spherical shapes. The results obtained from visual observations using UV-VIS, TEM and XRD showed that the bacterium was able to reduce silver ions into silver nanoparticles with maximum size of 20 nm. Conclusion: Based on our findings, this bacterium could be useful for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. KEYWORDS: Bacteria, Biosynthesis, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration.

Background and Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates that produce K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) have become a grave concern for the treatment of infections. KPC-producing strains are not only able to hydrolyze carbapenems but are also resistant to a variety of β-lactam and non-β-lactam antibiotics. The present study evaluated the prevalence of blaKPC in K. pneumoniae infections and determined the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Materials and Methods: The K. pneumoniae isolates were identified by biochemical tests and confirmed by genotyping. The modified Hodge test (MHT) was performed to detect carbapenemases, and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined for all isolates by the disc diffusion method. Also, for MHT-positive isolates, supposed to carbapenemases isolates, broth microdilution method was used to measure the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of meropenem and colistin. Results: The blaKPC genotypic evaluation revealed that only 5 of 96 isolates carried blaKPC genes. Antimicrobial pattern showed that isolates carrying blaKPC were resistant to cefepime, ticarcillin/tazobactam, and aztreonam discs. Also, results of broth microdilution method showed that KPC-producing K. pneumoniae was resistant to meropenem and colistin, according to the CLSI and EUCAST. Conclusion: In this study nearly half the isolates showed carbapenemase activity as shown by MHT results, but only few of them were carrying blaKPC. Thus blaKPC gene is not the main cause of resistance spread to carbapenems in Isfahan, Iran.

Background and Aim: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease with high prevalence. Various medicines are used for treatment of Leishmaniasis but because of their side effects and drug resistance, the medical society seeks new effective compounds. The aim of this study was the evaluation of Zizyphus spina- Christi as source of new medicinal factor. Materials and Methods: The methanolic extract was prepared by percolation method. Leishmania major promastigotes cultured at 25±2°C in stationary phase in RPMI-1640 medium complemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) and antibiotic Penicillin-Streptomycin (10,000 U/mL). By using MTT assay, the biological activity of plant extracts was evaluated in comparison with Glucantime against L.major promastigotes and IC50 values (50% inhibitory concentrations) were also studied. All tests were repeated for three times. Results: Zizyphus spina- Christi extracts and glucantime inhibited the growth of promastigote forms of L.major in vitro after 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. IC50 of glucantime was 21.96μg/ml, and IC50 values for methanol and the aqueous extracts of Zizyphus spina- Christi were 60 μg/ml and 80 μg/ml, respectively. All plant extracts had profound effects on promastigotes of L.major. Conclusions: As regards, methanol and aqueous extract of Zizyphus spina-Christi have anti-leishmanial effects in vitro, further works are required to appraise the exact effect of these extracts on Leishmania agents in animal models.

Background & objectives: Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoa of Leishmania genus and is considered as a zoonotic disease. It is a major public health problem worldwide, with high endemicity in developing countries like Iran. Various chemical drugs are used for leishmaniasis treatment, but their side-effects and the emergence of drug resistance have led to look for new effective compounds. The aim of this study was to introduce purslane (Portulaca oleracea) as a traditional and medicinal herb which might act as a valuable source for designing new pharmaceutical drug/lead against Leishmania sp. Methods: This study was conducted in the laboratory of Seddigheh Tahereh Infectious Disease Research Center, Isfahan, Iran during the spring of 2015. The essence from the purslane plant was prepared through water distillation and the alcoholic extract was prepared through maceration method. The essence was dried, and diluted with DMSO (5%). Leishmania major promastigotes were cultured in 25 ΁ 2΀C temperature in the stationary phase of RPMI-1640 medium, enriched with 10% fetal calf serum and penicillin-streptomycin to yield higher quantity. The biological activity of herb essence was evaluated on L. major promastigotes and compared to glucantime reference drug using methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) colorometric assay. The optical density absorbance was measured with Eliza reader set, and the IC50 value was calculated at different time intervals. All tests were repeated thrice. Results were analyzed by using Tukey test and t-test. Results: The IC50 values after 48 h, for glucantime against standard parasite promastigotes and clinical strains were equal to 12 and 19 mg/ml, respectively, whereas for purslane herb leaves and stems essence; it was equal to 360 and 680 mg/ml, respectively. Although, the glucantime pharmaceutical drug was more efficient compared to the investigated herb essence, the essense had significant effect on L. major promastigotes with increasing density (p

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) have become a major therapeutic challenge because of its increasingly fast dissemination throughout the world. Accurate detection of KPC is essential for optimal treatment. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institutes (CLSI) for fast detection of KPC producers currently recommend Modified Hodge Test (MHT) and Carba NP test. MHT can directly detect carbapenemase production in Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The current study was conducted to evaluate the capacity of MHT with two carbapenem disks for accurate detection of KPC. MHT was performed according to guidelines of CLSI to identify isolates with carbapenem resistance. In doing so, two substrates of MHT were assigned into two groups for examination: meropenem and ertapenem groups. A total of 96 non-repetitive clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were tested. The presence of the blaKPC gene in each MHT-positive isolate was examined by PCR. A total of 54 isolates exhibited reduced susceptibility or resistance to carbapenems. Sensitivity of MHT with two carbapenem disks was similar. Specificity of the MHT with meropenem disk was 64% and with ertapenem disk was 53%. Detection of KPC by MHT with meropenem disk was found to be more effective than with ertapenem disk. Based on our results, the presence of KPC does not in itself influence the categorization of resistance. Therefore, the use of MHT with ertapenem disk for the rapid detection of KPC among K. pneumoniae for infection control should not be recommended.

Objective(s): This study aimed to address the gold nanoparticle(GNP)-dose and exposure duration effect on the kidney function of rats: in vivo. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 healthy male Wistar rats were used in this study. Animals were randomly divided into groups, three GNP-treated groups and control group. Group 1, 2 and 3 received. /5 cc of solution containing 5, 10,100 ppm Au via IP injection for 7 successive days, respectively. The control group was treated with 0.5% normal saline. Several biochemical parameters such as BUN (blood urea nitrogen), creatine and uric acid were evaluated at various time points (7 and 14 days). After 14 days, the tissue of kidney was collected and investigated. Results: There was no significant difference between the control and the intervention group regarding the amount of creatine-BUN and uric acid. The amount of creatine-BUN and uric acid showed increase in all the groups [except group1 (creatine) and group 2 (uric acid)] in the 7 and 14 days after intervention compared to the control group, but this difference was not significant. Results of histopatological tissue kidney showed: in group 1 and 3, complete destruction of the proximal tubules and distal cortical, in group 2, almost complete destruction of proximal tubules and distal. Conclusions: The induced histological alterations might be an indication of injured renal tubules due to GNPs toxicity that become unable to deal with the accumulated residues resulting from metabolic and structural disturbances caused by these NPs.

Background: Atherosclerosis is the major cause of morbidities and mortalities worldwide. In this study we aimed to review the mechanism of atherosclerosis and its risk factors, focusing on new findings in atherosclerosis markers and its risk factors. Furthermore, the role of antioxidants and medicinal herbs in atherosclerosis and endothelial damage has been discussed and a list of important medicinal plants effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis is presented. Methods: The recently published papers about atherosclerosis pathogenesis and herbal medicines effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis were searched. Results: Inflammation has a crucial role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The disease is accompanied by excessive fibrosis of the intima, fatty plaques formation, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and migration of a group of cells such as monocytes, T cells, and platelets which are formed in response to inflammation. The oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to Ox-LDL indicates the first step of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases. Malondialdehyde factor shows the level of lipoperoxidation and is a sign of increased oxidative pressure and cardiovascular diseases. In special pathological conditions such as severe hypercholesterolemia, peroxynitrite concentration increases and atherosclerosis and vascular damage are intensified. Medicinal plants have shown to be capable of interacting these or other pathogenesis factors to prevent atherosclerosis. Conclusions: The pathogenesis factors involved in atherosclerosis have recently been cleared and the discovery of these factors has brought about new hopes for better prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Background & objectives: Leishmaniasis has an annual incidence of 0.5-1.5 million new cases and is endemic in 88 countries throughout the world. About 90% of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are reported from seven countries including Iran. Evidence suggests the increased annual incidence of this disease in Iran. Intracellular protozoan parasite, Leishmania, is an obligatory parasite. Sandflies transfer infectious forms of the parasite or its metacyclic promastigotes to its vertebrate hosts such as humans by biting. In order to review the epidemiology of CL in Isfahan, Iran, factors such as incidence, disease causes, geographic features, age, and sex distribution, nationality, and occupation of patients, and the clinical spectrum of disease were evaluated. Methods: During the study, 1315 patients with CL, who referred to the Dermatology and Leishmaniasis Research Center at Isfahan, were evaluated. Results: The highest prevalence of CL was observed in fall (54%) and in northern areas of Isfahan (60.9%). Although CL was prevalent in both men and women, it had higher incidence in men (61.8%). The majority of patients (31.2%) aged 21-30 yr old. Most lesions were nodule-shaped (36.5%) and in upper extremities (48.3%) particularly in men (32.4%). While 81.2% of the subjects were Iranian, others were Afghani or with other nationalities. Most patients had multiple lesions on their bodies and 141 individuals (10.7%) had a previous history of disease. Among all occupations, the highest prevalence of CL was detected in students (18.1%). The response to treatment with compounds of meglumine antimoniate (glucantime) was better than other treatments. Interpretation & conclusion: Unfortunately, the results showed that the prevalence of CL has been increasing annually in some provinces of Iran, especially in Isfahan Province. Nevertheless, further studies are required to determine the vectors, reservoirs, and species of disease and to design appropriate strategies to control the disease.