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Currently, traditional paper methods may not effectively be used in education due to lack of access, outdated content, and poor graphics. Education through mobile-based applications is one of the alternative solutions. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate LabSafety educational application and its effect on promoting the knowledge of pharmacy students. In this interventional study, the LabSafety application was first developed and evaluated for educating students about the safety measures in laboratories. Then, all pharmacy students from Kerman University of Medical Sciences (n = 316) were selected and randomly enrolled into one of three groups using simple random sampling: control (n = 106), traditional (n = 105), and application (n = 105) groups. To assess students' knowledge before and after the intervention, two valid and reliable (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.94 and 0.93, respectively) questionnaires were used. The results of the study showed no significant differences among the mean scores of the participants' knowledge before intervention (p = 0.82). After the intervention, the mean scores of the application group were 5.52 higher than the scores of the traditional group and 7.3 higher than the scores of the control group (p [less than] 0.0001). Age had no significant effect on the posttest scores of the participants (p = 0.52). As a result, the use of this educational application can effectively increase the knowledge of all age groups of pharmacy students regarding safety measures in pharmaceutical laboratories. The mobile-based applications with online and offline access, interactive features, and user-friendly interfaces are more engaging and they can be used complementary to traditional training methods.

Background: The prevalence of obesity is a growing global public health concern. Certain dietary amino acids have been shown to have a potential therapeutic role in improving metabolic syndrome parameters and body composition in individuals with obesity. However, some amino acids have been linked to an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between dietary amino acid patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 335 participants with obesity (57.9% males and 41.5% females) from Tabriz and Tehran, Iran. The participants were between the ages of 20–50, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher, and free from certain medical conditions. The study examined participants' general characteristics, conducted anthropometric assessments, dietary assessments, and biochemical assessments. The study also used principal component analysis to identify amino acid intake patterns and determined the association between these patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obesity. Results: Upon adjusting for potential confounders, the study found that individuals in the third tertiles of pattern 1 and 2 were more likely to have lower LDL levels (OR = 0.99 and 95% CI (0.98–0.99)) for both. Additionally, a significant decrease in total cholesterol was observed in the third tertiles of pattern 2 in model II (OR = 0.99, 95% CI (0.98–0.99)). These findings suggest a potential cardioprotective effect of these amino acid patterns in managing cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obesity. Conclusions: This study found that two identified amino acid patterns were associated with lower serum LDL and total cholesterol levels, while a third pattern was associated with higher serum triglycerides. The specific amino acids contributing to these patterns highlight the importance of targeted dietary interventions in managing cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this descriptive research was to identify hot and emerging topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Iran and to map the intellectual structure of this field in a ten-year period. The intellectual structure of the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Iran was studied by analyzing co-occurrences of keywords and cited references. The research population of this study was all research and review papers of Iranian researchers published in journals indexed by the Web of Science database from 2008 to 2017. The collected data from Web of Science were analyzed by the Cite Space Software in order to map the intellectual structure of this field. The results showed that the keywords such as gene expression, protein, in vitro, oxidative stress, binding, apoptosis and cell were among the hot research topics in Iran and terms such as chitosan, nanocomposite, antibacterial activity, dynamics molecules, stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and immobilization have been indicative of the emerging topics in Iranian research in the studied time period. Increasing publications in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology in Iran at the international level and its inclusion in the country’s research priorities led us to conduct a scientometric study of this research area. Therefore, due to the hot and emerging topics identified in this research, such studies can be used as a road map for the country’s large-scale scientific planning and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have shown that the minor allele (C allele) for melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) rs17782313 may be associated with depressed mood. Moreover, dietary patterns have potentially adverse effects on depression. This study investigates the interactions between the MC4R gene variant (rs17782313) and dietary patterns on depression among Iranian obese and overweight women. Methods: A total of 289 Iranian overweight and obese women, aged 18–50 years, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Biochemical, anthropometric, and body composition indices were assessed in all participants. Moreover, MC4R rs17782313, by the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, and depression, using the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaire, were assessed. Food intakes were assessed by completing a 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: By the use of factor analysis, 2 major dietary patterns were extracted: healthy dietary pattern (HDP) and unhealthy dietary pattern (UDP). Binary logistic analysis showed that individuals with minor allele risk (CC) with high adherence to the unhealthy pattern increased odds for depression (OR: 8.77, 95%CI: -0.86-18.40, P: 0.07), after controlling for confounders. Also, a logical inverse relationship was observed between CT genotype and HDP on depression in the crude and adjusted models (OR: -0.56, 95% CI: -3.69-2.57, P: 0.72) (OR: -4.17, 95% CI: -9.28-0.94, P: 0.11), although this interaction was not statistically significant. Conclusion: According to the above findings, adherence to unhealthy food intake pattern increases odds of depression in MC4R risk allele (C allele) carriers. To confirm these findings, more studies are needed in the form of clinical trials and prospective studies with higher sample sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The high use of pesticides has increased the concern about its possible harm to individual and environment health. Chronic exposure to pesticides has serious effects on different body organs even before the onset of clinical symptoms. In this study, we aim to evaluate clinical and biochemical characteristics of male workers in a pesticide production factory in Guilan province, Iran. Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was conducted on 99 male workers exposed to pesticide and 107 people without exposure who were employed in a pesticide production factory in Guilan and selected using a convenience sampling method in 2020. Their demographical data as well as clinical characteristics such as respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, etc.), neurological symptoms (fatigue, tremors, cramps, muscle weakness, etc.), psychological symptoms (sleep disorders, anxiety, etc.) and skin symptoms (redness, itching, etc.) were collected from the occupational health records of the workers. Finally, the biochemical parameters were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software, version 16. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics committee of Guilan University of Medical Science, Rasht, Iran (Code: IR.GUMS.REC.1399.632). Informed consent was obtained from all participants in this study. Results The frequency of symptoms such as headache, itchy skin, cough, and sleep disorders was higher in the exposed group (P<0.05). Based on the biochemical findings, blood urea level, creatinine level, alkaline phosphatase, and fasting blood sugar level were significantly higher in the exposed group (P<0.05). Thrombocytosis was observed in 9.09% of exposed workers, which was higher in those with more than 11 years of work experience. Conclusion Chronic exposure to pesticide can cause thrombosis, changes in biochemical parameters, and clinical symptoms. It is recommended that biological monitoring should be conducted in exposed workers at a shorter interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The previous evidence shows that there is an association between total dietary polyphenols intake (DPI) and its subclasses and lower risk of metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate associations between DPI and cardiometabolic factors in Iranian women. Methods: A total of 404 Iranian women were included in this study. Dietary intakes and polyphenols intakes were measured using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the Phenol-Explorer database, respectively. Biochemical variables and blood pressure were evaluated using Pars Azmoon kits and mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: The mean intake of total polyphenol was 2533.96 ± 1223.67 g. While there were significant negative associations between stilbenes and lignans intake and body mass index (BMI) (P-value = 0.04; P-value = 0.02, respectively), beverages containing phenolic acids and hip circumference (HC) (P-value = 0.02), total polyphenols intake and weight to hip ratio (WHR) (P-value = 0.04). Also there was significant negative associations between stilbenes intake and cholesterol (CHOL) level (P-value = 0.03), other polyphenols intake and triglyceride (TG) ((P-value = 0.01), lignan intake and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P-value = 0.03). Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that dietary polyphenols were associated with cardiometabolic factors in Iranian women. Prospective and interventional studies in both genders, different populations and ethnicities need to be conducted to further the knowledge about examine associations between consumption of polyphenols and metabolic component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Many local dairy products in Iran contain lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify Lactobacillus brevis from the cottage cheese made in Bazoft city using biochemical and molecular methods and investigate its antimicrobial properties in vitro. Materials and Methods: In this study, ten local Bazoft city cheese samples were collected. After transferring to the Lab, serial dilution was obtained at 10-6 CFU/mL and cultured in MRS medium. Then bacilli and gram-positive bacteria were isolated and identified by biochemical methods. The identified Lactobacillus brevis genome was extracted and then amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the isolated strain. Finally, the PCR product was sent to Sinaclon for sequencing. The antimicrobial properties of Lactobacillus brevis supernatant were evaluated using the disk and well diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. Antibiotic susceptibility was also assessed by the CLSI standard method. Results: Six species of Lactobacillus were identified from cottage cheese samples. Selected L. brevis showed good antimicrobial potency against five pathogenic bacteria. It showed the highest inhibitory effect against S. typhimurium during the well diffusion method with a mean diameter of growth inhibition zone of 19 mm and the least inhibitory effect against E. faecalis during the disc method with a growth inhibition zone diameter of 9 mm. It was also resistant to the antibiotics Vancomycin and Gentamicin, intermediate susceptible to Kanamycin and Nalidixic acid, and susceptible to Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Ampicillin, and Chloramphenicol. Conclusion: Isolated L. brevis strain from the local Bazoft cheese has a good antimicrobial ability. By performing extra in vitro and in vivo tests, this native strain can be used more in medicines and the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify the prevalence of SARS-CoV2 and its related factors among suspected health sector workers (HSWs) by conducting a descriptive analytical study on the SARS-CoV2 registered data in Shahroud region, Iran. Among the 267 suspected HSWs, 15.7% were confirmed vs. 29.1% of the suspected non-HSW cases, and the difference between two groups was significant. Among the related variables, after adjusting for age and sex, being asymptomatic (OR = 0.43), having fever (OR = 3.28), inpatient (OR = 7.14), and no history of flu vaccination (OR = 2.33) were significantly associated with the confirmed HSWs. It is recommended that all HSWs be screened and close contacts of confirmed cases be followed up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The most important problem in the production of recombinant proteins in prokaryotic cells is the disruption of the function of these proteins due to their altered natural structure. The aim of present study is to identify the best chemicals dialysis buffer additives in order to improve the protein structure of recombinant Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Methods & Materials In this experimental study, different chemicals additives were selected using relevant software. After adding these additives to the recombinant VEGF dialysis buffer, their effect on the refolding of recombinant proteins and the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells was assessed by flow cytometry method. Ethical Considerations This study obtained its ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: ARAKMU. REC.1394.199). Results : The results showed that the addition of arginine, cysteine and dithiothreitol (DTT) to dialysis buffer increases the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells. With the presence of sodium chloride (NaCl), cysteine, arginine and DTT in treated cells, the rate of specific Cluster Differentiation (CD) markers of endothelial cell (CD31/144) was at the highest level. Conclusion Adding cysteine, arginine, DTT and NaCl to the dialysis buffer of recombinant VEGF had the greatest effect on the mesenchymal cell differentiation into endothelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The widespread application of crude oil and its products has caused numerous environmental pollutions. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and determine a bacterial strain’s potential of oil degradation isolated form oily sludge. Methods & Materials After preparing the oily sludge in the sterile containers and cultivating in Bushnell-Haas medium, 24 distinct bacterial colonies were obtained. After performing biochemical and molecular tests, the “Acinetobacter radioresistens strain KA2” with the highest growth rate and crude oil degradation was selected. Then, degradation of various concentrations of crude oil at different PHs (5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons and emulsification index of the selected strain were measured. Total petroleum hydrocarbons were determined by gas chromatography. Ethical Considerations This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University of Kermanshah Branch (Code: 19250587962001 ). Results The results indicated that the removal efficiency of crude oil at concentrations of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% were 65.24, 76.14, 53.81, 31.84, and 25.21%, respectively. Crude oil removal at pH values of 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 was 42.4, 69.16, 65.24, 59.41 and 48.24%, respectively. Bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons and emulsification index of the isolated strain were calculated to be 13.69 and 59.14%. Conclusion The isolated bacterium is an efficient strain in treating the crude oil and petroleum compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three populations of Xiphinema primum n. sp. and two populations of X. pachtaicum were recovered from natural forests and cultural regions of northern Iran. Both species belong to the X. americanum-group and were characterized by their morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species, which was recovered in three locations, belongs to the X. brevicolle-complex and is characterized by 2124–2981 μm long females with a widely rounded lip region separated from the rest of the body by a depression, 103–125 μm long odontostyle, two equally developed genital branches with endosymbiont bacteria inside the ovary, which are visible under light microscope (LM), vulva located at 51.8–58.0%, the tail is 26–37 μm long with a bluntly rounded end and four juvenile developmental stages. It was morphologically compared with nine similar species viz. X. brevicolle, X. diffusum, X. incognitum, X. himalayense, X. luci, X. parabrevicolle, X. paramonovi, X. parataylori and X. taylori. The second species, X. pachtaicum, was recovered in two geographically distant points close to city of Amol. Molecular phylogenetic studies of the new species were performed using partial sequences of the D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rDNA D2-D3), the internal-transcribed spacer rDNA (ITS = ITS1+5.8S+ITS2), and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene (COI mtDNA) regions. The Iranian population of X. pachtaicum was also phylogenetically studied based upon its LSU rDNA D2-D3 sequences. Both species were also inspected for their putative endosymbiont bacteria. Candidatus Xiphinematobacter sp. was detected from two examined populations of the new species, whereas the second endosymbiont bacterium, detected from three examined isolates of X. pachtaicum, was related to the plant and fungal endosymbionts of the family Burkholderiaceae. The phylogenetic analyses of the two endosymbiont bacteria were performed using partial sequences of 16S rDNA. In cophylogenetic analyses, significant levels of cophylogenetic signal were observed using both LSU rDNA D2-D3 and COI mtDNA markers of the host nematodes and 16S rDNA marker of the endosymbiont bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe clinical findings, biochemical profile and genetic analysis in an Iranian kindred with hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH). Methods: Clinical examination and biochemical profile results and gene analysis of 12 members of a family of a patient previously diagnosed with HHRH due to SLC34A3 mutation. Ten healthy controls were also evaluated. Results: Of the twelve family members three were homozygote and seven heterozygote for the same SLC34A3 variant found in the proband while two others were unaffected. All patients had significantly increased risk of kidney stone formation, bone deformities and short stature compared with unrelated healthy controls. The heterozygous patients displayed milder clinical symptoms compared with homozygous patients. In particular they had mild or no hypophosphatemia and they did not develop skeletal deformities. Recurrent renal stones and hypercalciuria were the main presentations of the heterozygous patients which may be confused with familial hypercalciuria. In addition, biochemical analysis showed significantly low serum sodium and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels in these patients. Conclusion: Genetic counseling and screening for SLC34A3 mutations can be helpful in adult onset phenotype with unexplained osteoporosis, bone deformities and especial recurrent renal stones. In subjects with vitamin D deficiency the results should be interpreted cautiously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Myosin VI, encoded by MYH6, is expressed dominantly in human cardiac atria and plays consequential roles in cardiac muscle contraction and comprising the cardiac muscle thick filament. It has been reported that the mutations in the MYH6 gene associated with sinus venosus atrial septal defect (ASD type III), hypertrophic (HCM) and dilated (DCM) cardiomyopathies.Methods: Two patients in an Iranian family have been identified who affected to Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). The male patient, besides CHD, shows that the thyroglossal sinus, refractive errors of the eye and mitral stenosis. The first symptoms emerged at the birth and diagnosis based on clinical features was made at about 5 years. The family had a history of ASD. For recognizing mutated gene (s), whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for the male patient and variants were analyzed by autosomal dominant inheritance mode.Results: Eventually, by several filtering processes, a mutation in MYH6 gene (NM_002471.3), c.3835C > T; R1279X, was identified as the most likely disease-susceptibility variant and then confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the family. The mutation frequency was checked out in the local databases. This mutation results in the elimination of the 660 amino acids in the C-terminal of Myosin VI protein, including the vital parts of the coiled-coil structure of the tail domain.Conclusions: Our study represents the first case of Sinus venosus defect caused directly by MYH6 stop codon mutation. Our data indicate that by increase haploinsufficiency of myosin VI, c.3835C > T mutation with reduced penetrance could be associated with CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to explore the frequency of BRAFV600E mutation in Iranian patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as its association with clinic pathological characteristic of patients. Background: CRC is the third leading cause of cancer related death. There is a growing body of data showing the association of BRAFV600E mutation with malignant transformation and clinical outcome of different tumors, including CRC. These findings suggest that BRAFV600E mutation can be used as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for management of cancer patients. Patients and methods: A total of 85 patients with sporadic tumor were recruited. BRAFV600E mutation was investigated using sequencing of extracted DNAs from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues. Electropherograms were analyzed using Laser-gene 6 software. Results: More than 95% of patients were in stage I and II and none of them were in stage IV. Patients were mostly below 55 years old and tumors were dominantly located in the distal colon. Of note, no BRAFV600E mutations were detected in our population. Conclusion: Our results showed no V600E mutation in the BRAF gene in stage I and II of CRC patients. Further studies in multi-center settings are warranted to examine the prognostic and/or predictive value of this marker in different stages of colorectal cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]