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Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the cause of toxoplasmosis, an infection with worldwide distribution. Considering the burden of congenital toxoplasmosis, opportunistic toxoplasmosis infection in immunocompromised patients, and the increasing of these patients, regarding the variety of weather conditions and social factors in Iran, evaluation and improvement of the methods of controlling and preventing toxoplasmosis is necessary in the country. The lack of a mandatory national program for the control and prevention of toxoplasmosis, the failure to implement a regular screening program during pregnancy, the lack of a national network for registering positive cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, and the need to improve the quality of educational programs are among the most important challenges in the future. In this regard, the researchers of the Toxoplasmosis Research Center have introduced and proposed new programs for the control and prevention of toxoplasmosis in Iran and presented solutions to the mentioned challenges to be given to the policymakers for the Ministry of Health and the universities of medical sciences in the current policy summary report. To develop a control and prevention program for toxoplasmosis in Iran, the following goals should be considered: prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis, regular screening during pregnancy and follow-up of seronegative cases, secondary prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis based on screening and treatment before the birth of the baby, follow-up of treatment in IgG and IgM positive infants to prevent ocular toxoplasmosis in the future, health education for women in reproductive age, examination of knowledge and awareness of pregnant women about toxoplasma and its transmission routes, prevention of toxoplasmosis in other patients, the establishment of a reference laboratory for toxoplasmosis diagnosis, prevention of infection in animals and disinfection in meat, reduction of environmental pollution and public education

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined by steatosis in more than 5% of liver cells, in the absence of a secondary cause such as drugs, alcohol, or other causes. The incidence of NAFLD is increasing every day; almost a quarter of the world's adult population is affected by this disease. The burden of NAFLD is affected by the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and therefore, we do not expect the prevalence of this disease to decrease in the future. The world is now in the process of passing on health to non-chronic diseases, like NAFLD. The most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. About 25 percent of the world's population is affected by the disease, and it ranges from simple steatosis to cirrhosis. 1 in 4 individuals with NAFLD is a person with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which is associated with complications and significant mortality and morbidity due to complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is closely related to metabolic syndrome, and it can be said that the liver is an integral part of obesity. Diagnostic methods for this disease include laboratory tests, imaging studies and liver biopsy. Although NAFLD is observed predominantly in obese persons or type 2 diabetes, an estimated 7% to 20% of people with NAFLD have lean body habitus. Recent studies have shown that fatty liver can occur in lean individuals, even without abdominal and visceral fat. Fatty liver in lean people (Lean NAFLD) is a relatively new concept that has attracted many people to find the differences between lean and obese people. The pathophysiological mechanisms of lean NAFLD are still poorly understood. Studies have shown that NAFLD without obesity is more closely related to factors such as environmental, genetic susceptibility, and epigenetic regulation. In addition to lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, diet and physical activity, only a few NAFLD-specific drug treatment options such as vitamin E and pioglitazone are considered. This article discusses the pathogenesis of fatty liver in lean individuals, its treatment, prognosis, and its relationship with metabolic syndrome.

Background and purpose: There are few treatment options available for treatment of toxoplasmosis and effective drugs have serious toxic effects. In this study, the in vivo and in vitro anti-toxoplasma activities of Heracleum persicum and Foeniculum vulgare fruits essential oils were investigated. Materials and methods: In vitro, Vero cells were incubated with different concentrations of essential oils or pyrimethamine (positive control) and the cellular viability was determined. Next, Vero cells were infected with T. gondii (RH strain) and treated with agents. Then, the CC50, IC50, and selectivity index (SI) were calculated. Moreover, in vivo, the effect of oils on survival times of Balb/c mice infected with T. gondii were determined. Results: In vitro results showed that the oils exhibited less cell toxicity than pyrimethamine. The selective index was 2.94, 6.96, and 3.06 for Heracleum persicum, Foeniculum vulgare, and pyrimethamine, respectively. Also, the infected mice treated with F. vulgare-pyrimethamine showed a better survival rate than others (P

This study aimed to determine sleep quality and its socio-demographic predictors regarding three trimesters of pregnancy. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 605 pregnant women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran, using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The mean±SD of the total sleep quality scores were estimated at 5.22±2.52, 5.82±3.07, 8.60±3.03, and 6.56±3.24 in the first, second, and third trimester, and during the whole pregnancy, respectively. Moreover, the study results showed that 81 (40.1%), 105 (53.0%), 172 (83.9%), and 358 (59.2%) mothers experienced sleep disorder in the first, second, and third trimester, and during the whole pregnancy, respectively. According to the results of this study, sleep quality predictors may help health providers identify high-risk pregnant women in terms of sleep disorder to provide them with appropriate interventional programs.

Background and purpose: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite. Toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent and has a great effect on public health, therefor, there is a need for vaccine and sensitive diagnostic procedures. This study aimed at cloning and investigating the expression of ROP13 gene of T. gondii. Materials and methods: In this study, the gene was cloned in pTG19-T vector and transferred to a TOP10 strain of E.coli following ROP13 gene amplification using PCR. Then the ROP13 gene was sub cloned in expression plasmid pcDNA3. Also, pcROP13 was transferred to CHO cells and the expression level was evaluated by IFA method. Results: Cloning and sub cloning of ROP 13 gene were confirmed by PCR, sequencing and enzymatic digestion. The gene sequencing showed complete homology with a recorded sequence in the gene bank. Moreover, the expression of ROP13 gene in CHO eukaryotic cells was confirmed by IFA method. Conclusion: The results showed that ROP13 gene was successfully sub cloned into the pcDNA3 expression vector and expressed in CHO cells. Therefore, it can be used in the development of vaccines and in diagnostic tests.

Background & Aim: Couples face many problems in pregnancies following In vitro fertilization (IVF) compared to normal pregnancies. The majority of studies have focused on women, and men have received less attention. So, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of men awaiting the first child following IVF. Methods & Materials: This qualitative study was carried out in Shahid Motahari hospital in Urmia during 2017-2018. Data were collected using 19 individual in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected among men whose wives got pregnant by IVF, through purposeful sampling, until data saturation was reached. Data were analyzed through conventional content analysis approach using the MAXQDA software version 10. Results: Four categories of "hope and fear of treatment outcome", "fear of social stigma", "financial concern", and "need for participation and training" were emerged from data analysis. Conclusion: Men whose wives got pregnant through IVF have expectations and needs that must be addressed. On the one hand, the men are concerned about the social stigma of infertility and donation, the outcome of treatment, and the economic problems of treatment, and on the other hand they expect to be involved in the process of treatment and prenatal care.

Introduction: Postpartum is a vulnerable period in terms of mental problems. Herbal medicine may be an effective intervention for improving the mothers’ mental health.This study was performed with aim to determine the effect of Lavender cream with or without footbath on anxiety, stress and depression. Methods: This randomized clinical controlled trial was conducted on 141 women aged 18-40 years with first to three pregnancies at 25-28 weeks of pregnancy in Tabriz-Iran during 2013-2014. The subjects were placed in three groups; receiving Lavender cream and footbath, Lavender cream, and placebo. Immediately after delivery, women applied locally 2 gr (two segments of hand finger) cream (Lavender or placebo) to the legs, 1.5 hours before sleep, for 6 weeks. The group of footbath immersed their legs in warm water. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks after delivery using DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, stress scales-21). Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 14) and One-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. P0.05). Conclusion: Lavender cream with or without footbath can decrease stress, anxiety and depression of women at postpartum period.

Background and purpose: Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are potential reservoirs for a lot of zoonotic diseases, so it is possible to transmit these infections to wild and domestic animals and also humans. This research aimed to survey the protozoan prevalence of Sus scrofa in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran. Materials and methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study a total of 21 wild boars was captured beween December 2012 and March 2014. Faeces collected from the intestinal tracts of each animal was placed in appropriate fixative. Temporary staining with Lugol’s solution was performed in order to find the protozoan cysts and trophozoites. The stool samples were further studied using sedimentation and flotation methods. Then, fixed stool smears were examined by trichrome and Ziehl–Neelsen staining. Results: There were 21 samples of which 12 (57.14%) were found to be infected with one or more protozoan species. The prevalence of contamination with intestinal protozoan was as follows: 33.33% trophozoites and cysts of Balantidium coli, 28.57% oocysts of Eimeria spp., and 9.52% cysts of Giardia spp. Conclusion: According to current findings, wild boars in Mazandaran province are infected with a lot of zoonotic protozoan, which create potential risks for other animals and people in the region.

In this research, the effects of different basal medium and plant growth regulators on in vitro establishment and growth of hazelnut were investigated. For this, the spring apical and auxiliary buds of cv. Fertile were sterilized and cultured on NRM, MS and 1/2MS basal media containing 0.01 mg/l IBA and different levels of BAP. The results indicated that percentage of explant growth (shooting), number of leaves per explant and shoot length influenced significantly by basal media and concentration of plant growth regulator. Based on orthogonal contrasts analysis, although the highest percentage of shooting was obtained on MS medium, shoot length of explants cultured on NRM basal medium were significantly higher than those of MS and 1/2MS. The best growth response of explants in establishment stage (50% shooting, 5.33 leaves per shoot and 1.6 cm shoot length) were obtained with NRM medium supplemented with 0.01 mg/l IBA and 1 mg/l BAP. Shoots derived from establishment stage were cut to single-node explants and transferred on NRM medium supplemented with 0.05 mg/l IBA and different levels of BAP and TDZ. The highest percentage of explants growth with lowest callgenesis and explnt browning were obtained on NRM medium containing 0.05 mg/l IBA and 5 mg/l BAP.

Background and purpose: So far, several studies have been done on the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Mazandaran province, Iran, but no comprehensive study used Geographic Information System (GIS) to investigate all effective factors on the epidemiology of these parasites. The aim of this study was to investigate the intestinal parasites in people residing in West of Mazandaran province using GIS. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 1120 individuals attending the health centers in West of Mazandaran province. The samples were analyzed using direct methods, formalin - ether, trichrome staining, and modified acid fast. Data analysis was done in SPSS V18 and Arc GIS 9.3. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 12.8% in the population studied. The most prevalent protozoa were Blastocystis hominis (5.8%) and among helminthic infections Strongyloides stercoralis (0.53%) were found to be more prevalent. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the prevalence of intestinal parasites and geographic and demographic risk factors including location, drinking water, income level, temperature, and altitude. Prevalence mapping showed Tonekabon as a high-risk region for intestinal parasites. Conclusion: Temperature and altitude along with demographic factors play an important role in the spread of parasitic diseases. Water purification system, improving sanitation in high-risk areas, and basic health training especially in rural areas can help in decreasing the rate of this public health problem.

Background and purpose: Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica are common liver flukes which affect both human and livestock worldwide. In this study we evaluated the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection and discrimination of Fasciola species. Materials and methods: Fifty adults of Fasciola worms were isolated from sheep and cattle liver form abattoirs in Mazandaran province. A total of 8 primer sets for LAMP was designed to amplify the 28S ribosomal RNA gene of Fasciola sp. Conventional LAMP was carried out in a 20µI reaction mixture under isothermal condition at 60°C for 90 minutes. Amplification result was observed by monitoring the turbidity by naked-eye, using fluorescent dye and gel electrophoresis. The specificity of LAMP method for detecting Fasciola sp. was tested by amplification of Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Echinococcus granulosus DNA templates. To evaluate the detection limit of LAMP assay in detecting Fasciola genus, serial dilution of the extracted DNA was used. Results: A positive LAMP reaction by the specific primers of two species produced many bands of different sizes in 600C after 90 min. The optimal assay conditions were established with no reaction with other parasites’ DNA. The detection limit of this LAMP assay was 1 pg DNA/tube. The result of turbidity and fluorescent dye detection were consistent with agarose gel electrophoresis. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that LAMP is a rapid, cost-effective, highly specific, easy, and reliable method for differentiation of Fasciola sp. in epidemiological and clinical researches on human and domestic animals in endemic regions of fasciolosis.

Feeling guilty and anxiety are part of the most important human experiences, especially in the elderly, which can affect their mental health. Hence, identifying the factors that affect them is of particular importance. Therefore, this study aimed to predict feeling guilty and anxiety based on existential concerns in the elderly. The present study was a descriptive study, of correlational type. The statistical population included non-resident elderly in the nursing homes of districts one, three, and five of Tehran, Iran in 2019, among which a sample of 150 people were selected using convenience sampling method. The research tools included existential anxiety questionnaire (Massoudi Sani et al.,) guilt inventory (Kugler & Jones) and Anxiety Inventory (Cattle). The collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that sense of responsibility and death anxiety had positive and significant relationship with feeling guilty, existential concerns (meaninglessness, sense of responsibility, loneliness and death anxiety) were positively and significantly related to anxiety. The results of multiple regression analyses also revealed that 11% of the variance of feeling guilty and 22% of the variance of anxiety was explained by existential concerns. Therefore, according to the findings, it can be said that using strategies to reduce the existential concerns of the elderly seems to be an effective measure to reduce their feeling guilty and anxiety. References Andreescu, C., & Varon, D. (2015). New Research on Anxiety Disorders in the Elderly and an Update on Evidence-Based Treatments. Current Psychiatry Reports, 17(7), 53. Carlos, T. O., David, A. C., &Julia, W. F. (2010). Definition and measurement of guilt: Implications for clinical research and practice. 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Background and aims: Attention to safety of process plants adjacent residential area, especially in the big cities is extremely importance from the perspective of the safety engineering and risk management. This study was carried out whit the aims of identification of hazard points of explosion in Town Border Station (TBS) and qualitative and quantitative analysis of their occurrence causes and estimation of leak probability in this station. Methods: Hazard points of the explosion and qualitative analysis of the failures conducted by means of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method. Occurrence probability of related accidents was estimated by means of Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method. To determine of the basic event occurrence probability of the fault tree used form the expert opinions and the related data banks. Results: Hazard points identified of the explosion in the TBS stations were ten. A total of 67 failures in gas leak of the Sensing that had highest the Risk Priority Number (RPN=24) were identified. Also Earth System of the Station had the lowest the Risk Priority Number (RPN=4). The results show that the leak probability of the Sensing was equal to 0.52 per year. Process failure (FP =0.334) and Mechanical failure had the highest and the lowest failure probability of the Sensing gas leakage. Conclusion: Prevention and control of the Sensing gas leak and the prevention both of the occurrence process failures and unsafe behavioral had considerable importance in the explosion risk reduction of TBS.

Background: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the most wide-spread human diseases that can impair liver function and sometimes progresses to cir-rhosis. Recently NAFLD has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardio-vascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of fatty liver disease and its sonographic severity on the resistance of the intracranial arteries. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study of 55 patients referred from Gastroen-trology clinic with diagnosis of NAFLD to Sonodoppler department of Iranian Center of Neurological Research. Pulsaltile index as a Hemodynamic parameter of Middle Cerebral (MCA) and basilar Arteries of NAFLD Patients was measured by Trans Cra-nial Doppler (TCD) sonography and the measurements were compared with normal values. Also the association of these indices with serum liver enzymes and sonographic grading of liver involvement was assessed. The analysis was done by SPSS 16. Fre-quency distribution, mean and standard deviation were used in descriptive analysis and statistical test 2 to compare qualitative variables. Results: Pulsatile Index (PI) were normal (MCA, P= 0.166, Basilar, P= 0.053) and there was no significant difference with relation to severity of fatty liver based on so-nography findings (P= 0.789), but serum liver enzyme levels were inversely correlated with basilar artery PI (P= 0.014). Conclusion: Considering the increase of cerebral arteries PI in advanced liver disease, absence of increase in vascular PI of patients in the present study could be attributed to the short duration of disease from diagnosis to perform TCD, lack of advanced liver involvement (absence of liver dysfunction) and the response effect to treatment before the TCD. Therefore, to assess vascular changes over time, repeating the TCD with assess other parameters such as Fibroscan and K18 factor that has more compatibility of liver function, could help to understand the pathophysiology of liver diseases and its effect on vascular resistance.

Organizations at every stage of their life and affected by the competitive atmosphere of the existing environment know that they must make optimum use of resources. Workplace organizing system, 5s, is one of the approaches that make organizational productivity and excellence possible. The advantages and benefits of applying this system in the economic, cultural and social dimensions of the human system at micro ad macro levels indicate the important status of this new managerial design. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the establishment of 5s along with the necessary measures to pave the way for it. Managers and employees by understanding the conceptual points of 5s in reducing all kinds of wastage, improving the procedures, and optimizing the systems, have contributed with increasing interest to the establishment of the system. Analysis of the findings obtained from one-sample t-test of the researcher-made questionnaire indicated that both managers and employees have confirmed the establishment of 5s. Optimal use of resources, timely elimination of unnecessary materials, successful spotting of the root causes of pollutions, revision of the existing standards, increasing managers and employees’ commitment, improving people’s communication systems, placing importance to the identification of any kind of wastage with the aim of reducing its types have been the instances observed at Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch based on the establishment of 5s system.

Purpose: This research studies the library and information science students’ entrepreneurial personality characteristics in Tehran University in the academic year 2009-2010. Method: A survey method was employed using an indigenous and standard questionnaire for data collection. Due to the small population size, no sampling was done. The questionnaires were distributed among 151 research respondents. Finally, 133 questionnaires were completed and handed back. The data were analyzed by single-sample T-test and Friedman Variance. Findings: The findings showed that only 38.4% of library and information science students of Tehran University had intended entrepreneurial personality characteristics. In the case of most characteristics, students were far from desirable situation. Of course, in control focus characteristics, students had a better situation, and in ambiguity tolerance characteristics, they had a very good situation. Originality/Value: Focusing on the results of this research, enables the authorities to train entrepreneur librarians, while maintaining strong entrepreneurial characteristics and targeting poor ones on the purpose of strengthening them.

In the wisdom orientation era, building a learning organization as an effective plan to earn competitive advantage is a new approach that is observed frequently in management references. In these organizations two elements, human and knowledge, have a vital role. On these grounds, building or development of organizational learning process is the most important process, the process that causes the increase in employees' knowledge, their and organization's development and changing the organization to a dynamic and excellent system. Therefore, it is necessary to use the necessary tools for measuring organizational learning. Following this will be the necessary procedures for building or developing organizational learning. In this research Armstrong-Foley questionnaire has been used for measuring the organizational learning process with the goal of transferring Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch to a learning organization. The hypotheses have been planned in accordance with the four basic elements of the questionnaire. The statistical analysis of the hypotheses, based on the inferential tests X2 one dimension, T-test and Friedman, show that this university has begun the trend of transforming to a learning organization, but it encounters obstacles in the dimension of transforming learning to practice. Suggestions mostly have been presented for changing learning to practice.

To obtain superior genotypes from 30 advanced spring bread wheat cultivars a field experiment in RCBD was carried out in 1388. Traits like yield, yield components, harvest index, peduncle length, awn length, number of leaf, plant height, flag leaf area, penultimate leaf area, days to booting, days to spike emergence, days to flowering and physiological maturity were recorded. Analysis of variance showed significant difference among genotypes for the traits measured at %1 probability level. This indicates considerable genetic variations among the lines evaluated. Cluster analysis of traits measured, grouped lines into three categories. Eight lines were located in third cluster with respect to some traits including grain yield and other important traits like biological yield, number of seed per spike, spike length, peduncle length, plant height, flag leaf area, and number of spike per m² were found to be superior. By using factor analysis, five factors determined 78.99% of total variation. In this analysis, the first factor could account for 35% of total variation and nominated as effective factor on grain yield. Line with accession number of N-75-5 was found to be highest yielding (289.5 g/m2 (as compared with the other lines.

To obtain superior genotypes from 30 advanced spring bread wheat cultivars a field experiment in RCBD was carried out in 1388. Traits like yield, yield components, harvest index, peduncle length, awn length, number of leaf, plant height, flag leaf area, penultimate leaf area, days to booting, days to spike emergence, days to flowering and physiological maturity were recorded. Analysis of variance showed significant difference among genotypes for the traits measured at %1 probability level. This indicates considerable genetic variations among the lines evaluated lines. Cluster analysis through Ward method, by using all of the traits, grouped lines into three clusters. Eight lines located in third cluster with respect to some traits including grain yield and other important traits like biological yield, number of seed per spike, spike length, peduncle length, plant height, flag leaf area, and number of spike per m² were superior. Factor analysis, five factors discriminated 78.99% of total variation. In this analysis, the first factor could determine 35% of total variation and nominated as effective factor on grain yield. Line with accession number N-75-5 was found to be highest yielding (289.5 g/m2 (as compared with the other lines.

Experience of countries development and studies of internationalorganizations such as the World Bank have proven that the businessenvironment has a direct influence on entrepreneurship development.A discouraging environment can cause more problems to Small andmedium sized enterprises than larger ones. Consequently payingattention to the business environment has been recently regarded asone of the prerequisites of entrepreneurship development. Meanwhile,to rank the countries’ business environments, various internationalreports are annually being published. The goal of this research is to assess Iran’s business environment, from the viewpoint of Iranian specialists. After reviewing various models, finally the World Bank's Doing Business model was chosen as our basis. Then, using a descriptive survey method, opinions of 101 specialists were collected and analyzed. The results indicate that Iran’s business environment isnot suitable for investment; and these results are in accordance with the rankings of the World Bank and other models.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1":*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Duplex Doppler ultrasonography (US) has newly suggested, being an important diagnostic technique in the non-invasive evaluation of hepatic vasculature and some hepatic parenchymal diseases. New findings suggest that diffuse fatty infiltration of liver can alter normal hepatic vein and artery doppler indices. The following study has been performed to evaluate the effect of fatty infiltration on hepatic artery resistance index and hepatic vein waveform patterns."n"nMethods: Sixty patients with various degrees of fatty infiltration on liver biopsy and twenty normal subjects without any sign of hepatic fat infiltration in ultrasonography examined using standard colour and spectral doppler sonography. The waveforms of Hepatic Vein were classified into three groups: regular triphasic waveform, biphasic waveform without a reverse flow, and monophasic or flat waveform. The hepatic artery resistance index was calculated as the mean of three different measurements."n"nResults: The mean BMI in Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease group and normal subjects was 26.9(SD=3.3) and 22.4(SD=1.7) Kg/m2, respectively with a range of 22 up to 44 Kg/m2. Abnormal Hepatic Vein waveforms (biphasic and monophasic) were found more frequently in doppler sonography (p

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Due to the relationship between small bowel parasites and dyspepsia, investigation on the prevalence of such parasites among dyspeptic patients seems to be important. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of small bowel parasites within a group of dyspeptic patients who have been referred to endoscopy ward of selected hospitals in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: This analytical study was performed on 130 patients who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in endoscopy ward of Baghiatollah, Valiasr and Imam Khomeini hospitals of Tehran during 2004-2006. Duodenal aspiration, duodenal biopsy, and stool exam (S/E) were hired to find any infection with such parasites. Moreover, rapid urease test was used in order to find infection with Helicobacter pylori. These patients had no history of malignancy, genetic and/or metabolic diseases, and any history of treatment with antibiotics at least for 3 consecutive days within past month. FINDINGS: Stool exam was obtained from 105 patients, however all 130 patients had undergone duodenal aspiration and duodenal biopsy giardia was isolated from 4 patients (3.9%). Duodenal aspiration and biopsy were positive for giardia among 2(1.5%) and 1(0.8%) patients respectively. No infection with cryptosporidium, isospora, and cyclospora was detected. According to rapid urease test 61 patients (46.9%) were infected with Helicobacter pylori. Those with giardiasis were simultaneously infected with helicobacter pylori. CONCLUSION: It seems that giardiasis and infection with other small bowel parasites are not so important among dyspeptic patients, while Helicobacter pylori play an important role among such patients. In addition, larger number of stool exam infected with giardia can be diagnosed with formalin ether concentration method.

In this study, histometrical and histopathological effects of celery and spearmint essences which were mixed as lotion were evaluated on the process of wound healing following surgical skin trauma in the rat. Forty five female Wistar rats were selected and after anesthesia with xylazine and ketamine, four full thickness wounds were created on their dorsum using number 7 biopsy punch. The rats were then randomly divided to three equal groups and numbered. In group one the herbal lotion was administered at the lower dose of 2ml /cm2 twice a day, in group two the higher dose was administered at 2ml /cm2 four times a day while group three or the control group received placebo (distilled water). The treatment continued for 21 days during which daily digital images were taken from the wounds and the wound area calculated using digital image analysis software. Also on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 after trauma, the wounds were biopsied for histopathological evaluations (3 rats/group) and these rats were omitted from the rest of the study. Histometrical and histopathological findings indicated the stimulatory effect of the herbal lotion on wound healing during the epithelialization phase and this stimulatory effect was more effective and prominent in the treatment group which received the lower dose and the results were statistically significant (p

A high percent of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) experience non intestinal symptoms. Many studies demonstrated that hepatobiliary disorders are the most common. Corresponding disorders consist of primary sclerosing cholangitis, non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), biliary stones, pericholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, liver amyloidosis, liver abscess, liver granuloma, hepatocellular carcinoma and primary biliary cirrhosis. However most studies concentrate on identifying primary sclerosing cholangitis, the most dreadful complication of IBD, other disorders like NASH and biliary stones are common and because of the similarity of symptoms to the primary disease may be ignored. In this article we review these disorders.

Background and purpose: Toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. In addition to economic losses, this disease is transfer able to human and regarding the special ecological conditions of this parasite in nature of Mazandaran province, it is necessary to determine the situation of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of antibodies against T. gondii in cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered in official slaughterhouses in Mazandaran province, in 2004.Materials and Methods: To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in slaughtered animals, in a descriptive cross-sectional study, 639 blood samples were obtained from cattle, sheep and goats between December 2004 and April 2005, from the three main geographical zones of Mazandaran province, Iran. Nine slaughterhouses were randomly selected in Western, Central and Eastern regions. Sera were extracted from 5mL venous blood samples, by centrifugation at 2000xg for 10 min, and were stored at –20º C prior to testing. Sera were screened for T. gondii antibodies by immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and serum samples showing a titre of 1:16 were further diluted to determine the end point. Data were analyzed using Chi-square (X2) test.Results: Of the 639 serum samples examined, 27.5% (176/639) showed positive titers equal or higher than 1:16 by IFAT. The highest frequency of antibody titres (1:16 titre) were found in sheep and the least in cattle (9%). The highest infection rates in cattle were seen in western region with 5.5 % antibody titres of 1:16. In three regions, 35% of sheep sera showed positive titers with high frequency of 1:16 antibody titre (17.3%) in Western region. Thirty percent of goat sera in 3 regions were seropositive and the highest infection rate was seen in 1:16 titre (18.5%) in Western region.Conclusion: The results of this study show that the presence of T. gondii specific antibodies for sheep and goats in Northern Iran is high, and the consequent risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis from human consumption of sheep and goat meat may be greater in this region.

Helicobacter pylori infection causes gastric and duodenal ulcer. However recurrence of"ninfection after eradication would suggest the existence of other reinfecting sources in the gastrointestinal"ntract (Gl). The aim of this study was to assess the existence ofhelicobacter pylori in dental plaques of"npatients harboring Helicobacter pylori in their GI tract. Antral biopsies were taken from 40 patients with"nGl problems and cultured. Samples were also taken from dental plaques of patients with positive"nHelicobacter pylori culture under microaerophilic conditions and evaluated by polymerase chain reaction"n(PCR) reamplification. The mean age of patients was 40 years; 24 (60%) male and 16 (40%) female. The"nresults obtained from dental plaque cultures, which analysed by PCR were all negative, however 7"n(17.5%) cases were found positive by PCR reamplification. The results showed that Helicobacter pylori"ncould exist in dental plaque and PCR reamplification could be used for its detection as a more sensitive"ntechnique. More research should be conducted to examine any relation between the existence of"nHelicobacter pylori in dental plaques and recurrent GI disorders.

Hepatomegaly, decrease in the liver paranchymal echo and increase in the gallbladder wall thickness has been shown in acute viral hepatitis. The present study was done to determine sonographic changes in acute viral hepatitis. We performed liver and bile ducts sonography and specific tests on 42 patients (mean age: 31.5 and 61% male) with acute viral hepatitis. Gallbladder wall thickness was seen in 45.2% and hepatomegaly in 33.3% of patients and liver paranchymal echo was decreased in 19.3%. Age, sex, type of hepatitis, cholecystitis like symptoms, aspartate aminotransfrase, alanine aminotransfrase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin did not significantly corralate with these changes. Only raised prothrombin time was strongly correlated to the thickening of the gallbladder and decrease in the liver paranchymal echo and cholesistic like symptoms we can postulate that thickening of the gallbladder and decrease in the liver paranchymal echo is not dependent on the severity and speed of the paranchymal necrosis (as considered with ALT and AST) but they depend on the liver function disturbance (as considered with PT) because the thickening of the gall bladder is present in 45% of the patients and 10% of the normal population have gallbladder stones, one should not perform the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, only on the basis of sonographic report without attention to the clinical and laboratory data.

Hepatomegaly, decrease in the liver paranchymal echo and increase in the gallbladder wall thickness has been shown in acute viral hepatitis. The present study was done to determine sonographic changes in acute viral hepatitis. We performed liver and bile ducts sonography and specific tests on 42 patients (mean age: 31.5 and 61% male) with acute viral hepatitis. Gallbladder wall thickness was seen in 45.2% and hepatomegaly in 33.3% of patients and liver paranchymal echo was decreased in 19.3%. Age, sex, type of hepatitis, cholecystitis like symptoms, aspartate aminotransfrase, alanine aminotransfrase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin did not significantly corralate with these changes. Only raised prothrombin time was strongly correlated to the thickening of the gallbladder and decrease in the liver paranchymal echo and cholesistic like symptoms we can postulate that thickening of the gallbladder and decrease in the liver paranchymal echo is not dependent on the severity and speed of the paranchymal necrosis (as considered with ALT and AST) but they depend on the liver function disturbance (as considered with PT) because the thickening of the gall bladder is present in 45% of the patients and 10% of the normal population have gallbladder stones, one should not perform the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis, only on the basis of sonographic report without attention to the clinical and laboratory data.

Clostridium difficile toxin was checked in fecal extract of 62 ulcerative colitis patients and 62 normal controls, by Elisa and cell culture methods. Clostridium difficile toxin was found in 48.71 percent of ulcerative colitis patients in their acute exacerbations, and in 26.08 percent of cases in their remissions. This toxin was found in the fecal extract of only 3 percent of normal controls. Chi-2 analysis showed that the differences between normal individuals and patients with ulcerative colitis were significant (P0.05).

Helicobacter pylori (H.Pylori) is the most common human infection in the world. This agent has a strong role in pathogenesis of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer. Therefore introducing of simple and cost effective tests are important for diagnosis of H.Pylori infections. ELISA has been considered as an alternative test compare with biopsy, histological staining, culture and urease test in diagnosis of H.Pylori infection. In this investigation, 111 patients referred to GI endoscopy department of Imam Khomeini Hospitals for U.G.I problems which were evaluated for H.Pylori infection. Culture and histological staining (GIMSA and H & E) were used as a gold standard test compare with ELISA-IgG and urease test. Sensitivity and specificity for ELISA were 90%, 93% respectively. This report suggests that ELISA is a cost effect and valid test in diagnosis of H.Pylori infection

Alpha-interferon therapy has been approved for treatment of chronic hepatitis C and B. Candidates for treatment are patients with well-compensated liver disease and histologic evidences of chronic hepatitis who have demonstrated abnormal aminotransferase levels for more than 6 months. From 30 patients with chronic hepatitis with diseases prolonged more than 6 months, we selected only 16 patients with necessary criteria for interferon therapy (10 patients with chronic HBV and with evidence of viral replication, and 6 patients with chronic HCV). Dose of interferon used for hepatitis B was 5mu TIW for 16 weeks and for hepatitis C was 3mu TIW for 24 weeks. At the end of treatment, HbeAg was eliminated from 3 patients. From 10 patients chosen, from none of them the HBsAg was not eliminated at the end of 4 months treatment. In comparison with 10% elimination of HBsAg in treated groups that have been reported in other countries, our results demonstrated that interferon therapy is less effective in Asian patients in comparison with western patients.

The role of franchising for business growth, job creation, and economic development has been widely recognized around the world. To our knowledge, however, no research has been conducted to investigate franchise practices in Iran. The purpose of this study was to investigate franchisor franchisee relationship and franchisees’ buying behavior using structural equation modeling, in Tehran Province. The findings supported that system quality and environment were influential factors for franchise purchase intentions. While, several franchising benefits were supported, unmet needs were evident with respect to franchisor support services and marketing as promised by franchisors. The results of this research provide a framework for improving relationship between the Iranian franchisors and franchisees in order to attain a more sustainable and cooperative partnership.

Background and Aim: Helicobacter pylori is the etiologic agent of chronic –active gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers in humans, and a co-factor in the occurrence of gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tumors, Adhesion of H.pylori to the gastric mucosa is a critical and also initial step in the pathogenesis of the disease. Bacterial adhesion inhibitory agents provide a novel pharmacologic approach to the management of infectious diseases. Materials and Methods: 22 H. pylori strains, isolated from the antral biopsies of 49 patients with dyspepsia, gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer,…were assayed by ELISA (UPR)to investigate the diversity of attachment to 7 mamalian cell lines. Results: The concentration of H.pylori and cell suspention ,the condition and temperature, can alter the attachment rate.Best bacterial concentration was equal to 1 Mc farland,and for cell suspension was 5*10 cells/ml.90 minutes in 37C incubation period result in maximum attachment. H.pylori can attach to all 7 cell lines, there are no significant differences between 22 H.pylori strains in attachment to cells. The attachment pattern of H.pylori to the cells showed significant reduction respectly from HepII, HeLa, SW742, AGS,HT29/219, HT29 to Caco-2.Maximum attachment were seen to HepII, HeLa and SW742 cells, and among these HepII was the best cells for this purpose. Conclusion: Our studies suggest that Hep II, HeLa and SW742 cells could serve as a suitable in-vitro model for the study of H.pylori adhesions, attachment, inhibition of attachment and detachment assays and among these Hep II cell is prefer recommended.

From mid-December of 2019 a newly diagnosed Corona virus with a highly human to human transmission rate was discovered in china which rapidly involved many countries and became pandemic. Although most infected cases are mild but this virus can cause severe lung injury which lead to severe mortality and morbidity. The mortality rate of this virus is high in immunosuppressed patient or with previous medical disorder. Many Inflammatory bowel disease patient are using immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents which has raised the concern of severe disease in these patients. In this review we are going to discuss about treatment challenges in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dyssynergic defecation disorder (DD) has recognized as the main factor for chronic functional constipation. This was a debilitating disease effective on diverse aspects of physical, psychological and social functions as well as patients' quality of life generally. Modern studies show positive impact of biofeedback therapy on dyssynergic defecation. This study was evaluated the efficacy of biofeedback on quality of life in patients with dyssynergic defecation. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients with dyssynergic defecation disorder visited tertiary care centers who were selected. Among them, 15 subjects underwent 8 biofeedback therapy sessions as experimental group and remaining subjects were placed into control group without biofeedback intervention. Both groups participated in pre-test and post-test of 36-item short form survey (SF-36) of quality of life. Data were analyzed and compared by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: Findings shows that biofeedback therapy was effective on quality of life patients with dyssynergic defecation (p= 0.001) Also, index effect suggested that 53% increased of QOL patients with dyssynergic defecation in experimental group can be related to biofeedback therapy. Also in 8 cases, results indicated that biofeedback therapy was effect on quality of life in patients with DD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Given the results in this study, biofeedback is a long-term effective method to treat with limited side effects in dyssynergic defecation and patients QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoon with worldwide distribution. In spite of increasing information about its biology, treatment of toxoplasmosis is restricted to a few drugs and unfortunately using of each of drugs is associated with significant side effects in patients. It seems that investigation on alternative drugs is necessary. Materials and methods: In case group, concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 μg/ml of ketotifen were prepared and added to RPMI (Roswell Park Memorial Institute) medium containing peritoneal macrophages. After 60 minutes, incubation and adding Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites to medium, the inhibitory rate of different concentrations of ketotifen on entrance of Toxoplasma tachyzoites into macrophages in 30 and 60 minutes were evaluated. Control group did not receive ketotifen. Results: The best efficacy of ketotifen in inhibition of entrance of Toxoplasma tachyzoites into macrophages was observed in 10 μg/ml and in 60 minutes (72.90 ± 1.70) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this research show that ketotifen is a suitable drug for inhibiting the entrance of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites into nucleated cells in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Sexual dysfunction is common in chronic diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life. The present study seeks to determine the relationship between sexual function and quality of life in patients with IBS. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 47 female patients with IBS who referred to the one of gastroenterologist clinics in Tehran and gastroenterologist clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital, selected via the available sampling method. Patients completed the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Quality Of Life questionnaire (IBS-QOL) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation models. Results: According to the IBS-QOL, patients' mean score for quality of life(121.9) was poor. The FSFI mean score was indicative of sexual dysfunction. We observed a significant correlation between sexual function and quality of life in patients with IBS (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between dyspareunia and quality of life in patients with IBS (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed the presence of a relationship between sexual function and quality of life in patients with IBS. Therefore appropriate strategies for education and counseling should be adopted, as well as referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist for sexual health promotion to improve the quality of life in patients with IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular protozoan that infects all warm-blooded vertebrates. Almost one-third of people throughout the world are infected by this parasite. Although toxoplasmosis is often lethal in HIV/AIDS patients, neoplastic disease, bone marrow or heart transplant recipients, it results in life-long protective immunity in healthy people. Hence, different antigens of T. gondii such as membrane, cytoplasmic and excreted-secreted antigens (ESA) can be potential candidates for immunization. Among these antigens, ESAs play an important role in induction of immune system responses. Dense granules, micronemes and rhoptries are secretory organelles in Apicomplexa protozoa. The contents of T. gondii are factors of recognition and attachment to cells, making parasitophorous vacuole (PV), and intracellular proliferation and survival, and pathogenesis. This article reviews different kinds of ESA released from these structures. It seems necessary to identify molecular aspects of ESA before diagnosis, treatment and immunization studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Nowadays the laboratory mice are frequently used in basic science research. However, these animals may be infected with some pathogens as parasites. The study of parasites infecting laboratory mice is important on account of two reasons: 1) zoonotic agents and 2) interference with the results of some studies such as immunology and pharmacology. Thus, we carried out this study to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, particularly zoonoses, in Swiss-Webster mice. Materials and methods: In this study, fifty Swiss-Webster mice were randomly purchased from Pasteur Institute of Iran (Amol branch). After euthanizing the mice, their intestinal contents were separately examined using standard parasitological methods. Results: The results showed that thirty-seven mice (74%) were infected with at least one parasite. The highest prevalence (83.78%) was with Rodentolepis nana and the lowest (2.7%) with Blastocystis sp. This is the first report of natural infection with Blastocystis sp. in laboratory mice. Moreover, our results indicated a high prevalence of two zoonotic parasites in laboratory mice: Rodentolepis nana (83.78%) and Giardia muris (27.01%). Conclusion: Considering the existence of zoonotic parasites in the mice and the interference of these parasites with some studies, it is necessary for those dealing with these animals to attend to the principles of the Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular parasite in different cells of human beings and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate presence and movement trend of T. gondii tachyzoites in different tissues of Balb/c, after immunization with Excretory Secretory Antigens (ESA). Materials and Methods This experimental survey has been performed on 24 Balb/c mice in case and control groups. For immunization of mice, two times, intervals two weeks, case group (n=12) received 40 μL ESA+40μL Adjuvant and control group got 40 μL PBS+40μL Adjuvant. Two weeks after the second immunization, mice were challenged with 1×104 alive and active tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain and on 1, 2, 3 days and the last day (before death), after challenge different tissues of 3 mice from each group were prepared and stained with Giemsa stain and the slides evaluated for presence or absence of parasites and parasitic load. Results: Toxoplasma after intraperitoneal injection, in both case and control groups were able to movement to various tissues. In the case group receiving Excretory Secretory Antigens (ESA), parasitic load in spleen, liver and heart was less than control group. Conclusion: Hence, ESA reduced the parasitic load, but could not inhibit the distribution and presence of Toxoplasma in different tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic disease throughout the world and one-third of the population has antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. This disease causes serious medical problems in fetuses and immunocompromised individuals. As gene encoding protein GRA14 can be considered as a suitable target for DNA vaccine and designing diagnostic kits; the aim of this study was to do cloning and sequencing the gene encoding GRA14 protein of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. Materials and methods: DNA extraction was performed on harvested tachyzoites from mouse peritoneal fluid, then PCR carried out and amplification products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis. GRA14 gene was cloned in pTG19-T as a cloning vector, then recombinant plasmid confirmed by the colony-PCR and restriction enzyme digestion using HindIII and EcoRI, followed by sequencing. Results: Evaluation of PCR products by agarose gel electrophoresis and analysis of nucleotide sequencing of 1227 bp gene encoding the protein GRA14, revealed the complete homology with the recorded sequences in the gene bank. Furthermore, cloning of GRA14 gene in pTG19-T vector was confirmed with colony PCR and restriction enzyme digestion. Conclusion: The results showed that the GRA14 gene was successfully cloned into the pTG19-T vector and this plasmid can be used to design DNA vaccines and diagnostic kits in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genes carry instructions to make protein that affect body's cells and their physical activity. They also play an important role in the occurrence of various characteristics in the body. Recently, scientists in the new field of science known as genomics have studied the genetic instructions. Genomics deals with the discovery of all the sequences in the entire genome of organisms and is used to study the sequence, structure and function of the genome. In the parasitic infections there is a real need to genomics due to necessity of developing vaccines and new drugs (as a result of drug resistance), diagnosing infections, pathogenesis, diagnosing cell signaling, studying the unknown immunology pathways, control and prevention, and the relationship between parasite and host. Also, genomics offers novel insights into the phylogeny, parasite and host relationship, physiology, biochemistry, biology, taxonomy, etc. Considering these points, parasitology and genomics are closely related and it is necessary to use molecular techniques to achieve the aforementioned objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Trichomoniasis, is a protozon infection in lower urinary reproductive tract with various prevalence rate in different populations. In this study we investigated that as a neglected parasitic disease in Women's Clinic attending Teaching Hospitals affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Material and methods: This descriptive study was performed in 1900 samples during 2006-2014. Active and passive case finding was conducted at 400 patients and 1500 archived smears, respectively. After preparing a demographical check list, the wet smears of vaginal specimens and Pap smears were microscopically examined. For molecular confirmation of positive samples the nested PCR was performed. To analyze the data chi-square test was applied in using SPSS V.19. Results: A total of 1900 samples were analyzed in this study of which 21 (1.1%) were infected with Trichomonas vaginalis. The 1100 bp band corresponding actin gene T. vaginalis was successfully amplified. Also, 64.7% of positive samples had trichomoniasist candidiasis and bacterial co-infections. The prevalence of infection was higher in those aged 35-44 years of old. Conclusion: The results showed that prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis was relatively low in studied area. But, the disease is regarded as neglected among women aged 35 to 44 years of old. Therefore, further investigations are recommended among this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by an intercellular protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma has global expansion and its prevalence is different in regions according to geographical conditions, habits and history of contact with cats. The present study determined the seroepidemiology of toxoplasma in pregnant women attending health centers in two cities in north of Iran. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 289 pregnant women who referred to health centers in Ramsar and Tonekabon were randomly selected. After the debriefing questionnaire, blood samples were taken from the subjects. Then IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were examined by ELISA method. Finally the data was analyzed in SPSS Results: Positive IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibody were found in 170 (58.8%) and 7 (2.4%) expectant mothers, respectively. Among the participants four (1.4%) were positive for both IgM and IgG and 116 (40.1%) were negative for both types of antibodies. There was no significant relation between the possible risk of T. gondii infection and pregnant women's place of living, educational level, age, occupation, exposure to cats, and the consumption of raw meat. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of Toxoplasma among pregnant women in Ramsar and Tonekabon. Hence, more training are necessary to raise awareness especially in pregnant women [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Giardia lamblia (G.lamblia) is one of flagellated protozoan pathogens. Giardiasis is the most common human parasite infection in the world, causing a lengthy course of diarrhea. The aim of the present study was to compare five different methods of DNA extraction from G.Lamblia cyst and determining the most efficient DNA extraction method. Materials and methods: This study was carried out in 30 human fecal samples with Giardia infection. To diagnose giardiasis wet mount from feces and staining with Lougol's stain were performed. The cysts were purified and concentrated in a sucrose gradient. The isolated DNA from cysts was performed using different methods including freeze-thaw cycles, glass beads, and stool DNA extraction Kit (Accu prep); freeze-thaw cycles and Pheol-Cholorform-Isoamil alcohol (PCI); boiling and PCI; sonication and PCI; freeze-thaw and high salt. Then the gdh gene was amplified through single round PCR method. Results: The highest and lowest mean of OD were found in FGK and High salts, respectively. The highest and lowest means of concentration were seen in the freeze-thaw cycles and PCI and the FGK methods, respectively. Moreover, after using the FGK bands of PCR no smears were observed. Also, the lowest time of extraction was detected in FGK method. Conclusion: To remove problems of DNA extraction and decreasing the time of extraction, glass beads along with Accu prep stool DNA extraction Kit (Bioneer) could be suitable and the most efficient method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Identifying the various genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus as the agent of hydatid cysts in endemic areas can influence the disease control programs, particularly in humans. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the different genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus from paraffin-embedded tissues of hydatid cysts isolated from human by PCR-RFLP. Materials and methods: To identify the molecular characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus, tissue samples from 30 human patients infected with hydatid cysts were collected from hospitals across the province of Golestan. DNA was extracted and characterized by PCR-RFLP method. In this study, 3 restriction endonuclease enzymes were used. Results: PCR product obtained from amplification of Echinococcus granulosus rDNA-ITS1 from human hydatid cysts showed two different patterns of DNA bands in human isolates. In spite of the difference between human isolates in the size of DNA bands (1000 base pairs), the use of BD1/4S and EGF1/EGR2 primers showed that these isolates are to some extent similar in the size of band (391 base pairs). PCR products by RFLP method showed a different pattern of genotype or strain with Taq1 restriction enzyme in human isolates. No change in the size of DNA bands were observed with Msp1 and Alu1 restriction enzyme in human isolates. Conclusion: Therefore, genotypic differences and similarities between the size of DNA bands of Echinococcus granulosus from human isolates with PCR-RFLP method indicated the occurrence of different genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in different parts of Golestan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]