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Several side effects and drug resistance accompany the current therapies for Leishmaniasis. Nanoliposomal curcumin is applied as a new therapy approach instead of current therapy. In this study, nanoliposomal curcumin was prepared using thin-film hydration method and characterized based on encapsulation efficiency, size, and zeta potential. Curcumin was successfully loaded into nanoliposomes with an encapsulation efficiency of 92%. The surface charge of the nanoparticle was neutral, and the size of nanoparticle was 176.5 nm. Nanoliposomal curcumin is in spherical shape without any agglomeration. Cell viability assay was performed on HFF cell line to show biocompatibility of liposome nanoparticles. Anti-Leishmanial effect of different concentrations of liposomal curcumin (0.05-30 μg mL-1) and amphotericin B (25 μg mL-1) were studied on Leishmania major [MRHO/IR/75/ER] at various hours (24, 48, and 72) using hemocytometer technique. Nanoliposomal curcumin inhibitory concentration (IC50) at hours 24, 48, and 72 were 6.41, 3.8, and 2.33 µg mL-1, respectively. As prepared nanoliposomal curcumin showed a significant antileishmanial effect and induced a better and more tangible effect on the survival of L. major promastigotes and could be suitable candidates for further investigations.

Leishmaniasis, a cosmopolitan parasitic infection, is a sandfly-borne parasitic disease caused by different species of Leishmania. Many attempts have been made to discover effective and safe vaccines against leishmaniasis, but most of them are not accompanied by promising results. During the last decade, the characterization of new antigens for potential vaccine candidates based on classical and molecular protocols has been a hot research topic in immunological science. The present review focuses on the development and the status of various vaccines and potential vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis. Here, molecular approaches to leishmaniasis vaccine development are described. Also, implications and restrictions are discussed.

Leishmaniasis is considered as an important health problem in the world. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is epidemic in all of places of Iran, this disease begins as small swells and then they gradually grow and turn into wounds. Since the epidemiological study of this problem is effective in preventing and controlling it. The current research was conducted to study the epidemiological study of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Yazd province during the past 5(2014-2018) years. This cross-sectional study has been conducted on registered information and documents of the patients having problem in Yazd province remedial and health care centers over the past 5 years. First, the registered demographic and epidemiological data of the patients were extracted and then they were analyzed by using SPSS 18 software with chi-square test and descriptive statistics.897 patients included 457 males (51.06%) and 439 females (48.94%). The majority of the patients were between nine 20-29 years old and the minority of them were over the range of 5-9 years old. Most lesions were on the hand and leg of the patients. It was also found that there was a significant relationship between age groups and types of Leishmaniasis (P

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, infecting a wide range of warm-blooded vertebrates. It is important for T. gondii to balance the response between cellular and humoral immune system for various aspects of its own survival. The aim of this study was to determine the level of IFN-γ and IL-4 production by murine peritoneal leukocytes stimulated with T. gondii lysate antigens (TLAs), excretory/secretory antigens (ESAs), and a combination of them (TLAs:ESAs). TLAs, ESAs, and TLA + ESA, considered as the experimental groups, were prepared and used to stimulate murine peritoneal leukocytes. The level of the IFN-γ and IL-4 secreted by the stimulated leukocytes was measured. In addition, untreated and phytohemagglutinin-treated groups were considered as negative and positive controls, respectively. As compared to the negative control, the level of IL-4 was lower in each of the experimental groups (P 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant difference for the level of IFN-γ between each of the experimental groups and both negative and positive controls (P

This paper reports a new approach for the simultaneous extraction of individual analytes based on the simultaneous application of multiple magnetic sorbents using a simple automated system. A mixture of toxic metals including Cd(II) and Cr(III) was selected as model analytes and two selective magnetic nano-sorbents were prepared for each analyte by modification of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with specific ligands cadion and ferron, respectively. The prepared sorbents were held using an external magnet in two parts of a loop. The sample solution was then passed through the loop leading to selective extraction of each analyte on the specified sorbent. Finally, the two sections of the loop were separated and each analyte was separately eluted and quantified using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The factors affecting the designed system and the extraction efficiency were investigated and optimized. A preconcentration factor of 80 and detection limits of 0.7 and 6.8 ng L−1 were achieved for Cd(II) and Cr(III), respectively. The method was successfully applied to the simultaneous extraction and determination of the target analytes in natural water samples.

Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania major is one of the main infectious diseases that infected populations in developing countries around the world. We assessed the effectiveness of berberine chloride nanoliposomes (BcNLs) against L. major promastigotes in vitro. Nanoliposomal berberine chloride was prepared using thin film hydration method and characterized based on encapsulation efficiency, size and zeta potential. Anti-Leishmania effect of different concentrations (0.05-60 μg/ml) of BcNLs as studied in L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) at 24, 48 and 72 h using the hemocytometer technique. Berberine chloride was successfully loaded into nanoliposomes with encapsulation efficiency of 85.54%. The surface charge of nanoparticle is neutral and the morphology of nanoliposomal berbrine chloride is spherical without any agglomeration. Cell viability assay was performed on HFF cell line to show biocompatibility of liposome nanoparticles. IC50 of BcNPs at 24, 48 and 72 h against L. major were found to be 7.6, 5.96 and 3.19 μg/ml, respectively. BcNLs showed a significant anti-Leishmania effect and induced a better and more tangible effect on the survival of L. major promastigotes and could be suitable candidates for further investigation. The results showed that the BcNLs agent is effective against L. major promastigotes and may be a promising alternative to current treatments.

Introduction: In the petrochemical industry, there are various harmful factors that lack of attention and proper management will have adverse consequences for the organization and employees. The aim of this study was to Identifying and assessment the health hazards of the petrochemical industry using the localized JHA method. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study that conducted in one of Iran's petrochemicals, in order to assess the health risk caused by harmful factors was used from localized JHA method. First, after determining the desired job and dividing it into job duties, the number of tasks was specified. Then, in order to calculate the Risk Priority Number (RPN), from multiplication of 3 factors of probability of occurrence, severity and frequency of exposure was used. All calculations were performed by Excell. Results: The results showed that from 353 calculated risks, 93.48% of the total risks are at the acceptable risk level, 4.82% of the risks are at the low importance level and 1.7% is at risk level with medium importance. Also, at between the studied hazards, ergonomic harmful factors with 22%, had the highest frequency and biological harmful factors with 1% had the lowest frequency of hazards. Conclusion: Regarding to importance of health hazards, in addition to identifying and evaluating them, it is necessary to determine and implement appropriate management measures to reduce and control of risk levels to prevent from accidents and related occupational diseases and the heavy costs.

Background and Aims: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a significant health problem in many parts of Iran. Management of the disease and its treatment is a global dilemma. In this study, the status and the proportions of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis induced by Leishmania major and tropica among suspected patients referred to the Health Centers of Abarkouh, Ardakan, Bafgh, and Khatam cities, Yazd Province, Iran were investigated. Materials and Methods: The lesion was diagnosed using direct smear microscopy and conventional polymerase chain reaction. Results: A total of 90 samples were prepared of which 64 (71.1%) were male and 26 (27.9%) were female. Also, 30 (33.3%) samples came from Ardakan, 29 (32.2%) samples from Bafgh, 21 (23.3%) samples from Abarkouh, and 10 (11.1%) samples from Khatam city. Ninety samples with 112 lesions were recruited and parasitologically examined. The results showed that, in macroscopic examination, 90 of the patients had 59 lesions: patients with lesion(s) induced by Leishmania major = 52 (M=35, 67.3%, F=17, 32.7%), lesion(s) induced by Leishmania tropica =4 (M=2, 50.0%, F=2, 50.0%), and lesion(s) induced by false positive =33 (36.4%). Basides, in microscopic method, 90 of the patients had 59 lesions: patients with lesion(s) induced by Leishmania major =44 (M=29, 65.9%, F=15, 34.09%), lesion(s) induced by Leishmania tropica =9 (M=8, 88.8%, F=1, 11.2%), and lesion(s) induced by false positive =37 (M=28, 75.7%, F=9, 24.3%). Conclusion: Although travel history to an endemic area is important for diagnosis, parasitological confirmation is necessary to initiate treatment.

Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic parasite causing hydatidosis in humans and animals. This study has been done in order to investigate the effect of albendazole nanocrystals on the viability of E. granulosus protoscolices. The average size and hydrodynamic diameter of albendazole nanocrystals were 976±218 and 1334±502 nm, respectively. Fertile hydatid cysts were isolated from the liver of slaughtered sheep. The isolated cysts were further identified using morphological and molecular techniques. The nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that the genotype of the protoscolices was E. granulosus sensu stricto with 100% similarity. The parasites were examined precisely for susceptibility to albendazole nanocrystals. The results revealed that albendazole nanocrystals are effective in removing protoscolices. It was observed that 1 μg/ml albendazole nanocrystals and albendazole completely inhibited the viability of the protoscolices within 17 and 23 days, respectively. The results suggested that albendazole nanocrystals can be used as an alternative effective treatment for E. granulosus infection.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an eight-week combined exercise training program with sweet almond supplementation on plasma levels of leptin and orexin in overweight women. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study. The statistical population consisted of 60 overweight women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m2 who were randomly divided into four groups of training, training-sweet almond supplement, supplement, and control. The participants participated in three training sessions weekly and consumed sweet almond supplementation for eight consecutive weeks. The participants' blood samples were taken 24 hours before the first session and after the last session, in a 12-hour fasting state. Liptin concentrations were measured using Pishtaz Teb Inc. kits. Orexin levels were determined through enzymatic method using the Virro Inc. kit. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to analyze the inter- and intra-group variance. The overall alpha significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05 for all the statistical analyses. Results: Eight weeks of combined exercise training with sweet almond supplementation Showed a significant reduces in serum level leptin concentration and increased the plasma orexin levels. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study It can be used from combined training and sweet almonds to reduce appetite and lose weight in overweight women.

Background and aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a major health issue in many parts of Iran. Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a non-endemic area is not as simple as that in endemic foci. The management and treatment of this disease are global dilemmas. The purpose of this study was to identify Leishmania species isolated from human cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions in patients referred to health centers of Golestan province, Iran. Methods: Cutaneous leishmaniasis patients with suspected lesions were clinically examined. History of journey to the endemic areas of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis and/or anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis and the characteristics of their lesion(s) were recorded. Diagnosis of the lesion was done by using direct smear microscopy and conventional polymerase chain reaction. Results: Out of 360 patients, 202 (57.4 %) were male and 158 (42.8 %) were female. A total of 360 samples were selected from different cities. The number of infected samples in the cities is as follows: Azad Shahr [3 (1.5%)], Aq Qala [11 (5.7%)], Ali Abad [4 (2.1%)], Bandar Turkmen [3 (1.5%)], Bandar Gaz [2 (1%)], Ramian [3 (1.5%)], Kalaleh [23 (12.1%)], Kord koy [1 (0.5%)], Galikesh [7 (3.7 %)], Gomishan [12 (3.6 %)], Gorgan [13 (6.8 %)], Gonbad Qabus [99 (52.1 %)], Marave Tappe [7 (3.6%)] and Minoodasht [2 (1%)]. In the molecular investigations, 186 (96.8%) samples were observed to acquire rural cutaneous leishmaniasis, 4 (2.1%) to acquire urban cutaneous leishmaniasis and 170 (47.2%) to be uninfected. Conclusion: Although history of visiting endemic areas is an important factor to be considered in diagnosis, parasitological confirmation is necessary for the initiation of treatment.

Several side effects and drug resistance accompany the current therapies for Leishmaniasis. Nanoliposomal curcumin is applied as a new therapy approach instead of current therapy. In this study, nanoliposomal curcumin was prepared using thin-film hydration method and characterized based on encapsulation efficiency, size, and zeta potential. Curcumin was successfully loaded into nanoliposomes with an encapsulation efficiency of 92%. The surface charge of the nanoparticle was neutral, and the size of nanoparticle was 176.5 nm. Nanoliposomal curcumin is in spherical shape without any agglomeration. Cell viability assay was performed on HFF cell line to show biocompatibility of liposome nanoparticles. Anti-Leishmanial effect of different concentrations of liposomal curcumin (0.05-30 μg mL

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common causes of parasitic infections in humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates that have worldwide spread. The purpose of this study was to determine the mean level of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG, IgM in young couples in the verge of marriage attending marriage preparation programs in Yazd Counseling Center, 2017. Methods: In this study, 200 couples, who referred to Yazd Health Center were randomly selected. Samples were taken from the statistical populations and the presence of Toxoplasmosis infection was investigated in them. Later, the results were evaluated with specific IgM and IgG antibody kits and the data were analyzed by SPSS 18 software. Results: Of a total of 200 Young Couples, 100 girls and 100 boys were studied, 25 girls (25%) showed positive results for IgG and 75 (75%) had negative results. In 6 boys (6%), IgM was positive and in 94 (94%) boys the results were negative. IgM was positive and negative in 4 (4%) and 96 (96%) girls, respectively. Regarding IgG, 12 (12%) and 88 (88%) girls showed positive and negative results, respectively. No significant relationship was found between hair loss (0.614), job (0.470), level of education (p = 0.488), blood group (p = 0.618), and p = 0.663. Conclusions: The prevalence of Toxoplasma infection is lower among young couples in the verge of marriage compared to similar studies. No significant relationship was observed in the main factors, such as keeping cats as pet; however, the prevalence of Toxoplasmosis infection was higher in people with lower education.

Introduction: Professional belongingness is one of the most important aspects of students' clinical work experience. An understanding of the relation between students’ belongingness on clinical setting and their professional behavior can significantly aid in promoting their professional behavior. This study determined the correlation between nursing students’ dependence on the clinical setting and their professional behavior. Methods: This research is a descriptive analytical study in which 110 third and fourth year nursing students ‌ at Islamic Azad University, Yazd Branch, were included in the study as a sample. Sampling was done by census method. Data were collected using questionnaires of demographic with 9 items, Levett-Jones clinical belongingness with 34 items and Goze professional behavior with 27 items. These questionnaires have been used in several studies and their validity has been assessed using content validity and reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. After completion, the data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson, t-test) by SPSS software version 16. Result: The total score of professional behavior and clinical belongingness on clinical setting were 111.06 ± 16.38 and 118.69 ± 16.38, respectively. The subscales of efficiency (71.98 ±13.19), self-esteem (61/99 ± 11.56), and connectivity (42.62 ± 17.00) had the highest weight in the scores of clinical belongingness, respectively. Besides, there was a direct significant correlation between “belongingness on clinical setting and its dimensions” and “professional behavior”, based on Pearson correlation test (r = 548 and P = 0.000). Conclusion: The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between belonging and professional behavior. This means that with increasing belonging, professional behavior improves. Thus, educational decision-makers and instructors/educators can enhance nursing students’ professional behavior through using appropriate educational strategies and creating a supportive environment to increase feelings of belongingness clinical setting.

The crucial functions of chemokine/receptors in numerous parasitic infections, including leishmaniasis, are well documented. This study aimed to assess the serum levels of CC ligand (CCL) 2, CCL5, and CCL11 in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients. 64 patients, suffering from CL and 100 healthy people were selected, and their blood serum concentrations of CCL2, CCL5, and CCL11 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results demonstrated that while the mean serum levels of CCL5 and CCL11 increased significantly in CL patients, the mean serum levels of CCL2 decreased, compared to the control group. Despite the sufficient production of CCL5 and CCL11 in CL patients, they suffered from CCL2 deficiency, as the defense mechanism against parasitic infection. These findings suggest a mechanism that might partially explain the patients’ susceptibility to persistent infection and their inability to clear the parasites.

Background: Leishmaniasis is caused by the protozoan Leishmania spp. In some loci from Iran, some isolates have ITS1 like the one in Crithidia spp. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed molecular characters of the mentioned isolates. Methods: DNA was extracted from all clinical isolates harboring ITS1 like the one in Crithidia spp. Amplification was performed using the specific primer pair of 13A/13B and followed by sequencing. The sequences were assessed using BLASTn, multiple alignment, T-coffee, and Vector NTI. Phylogenic tree was used for grouping and analyzing the isolates. Findings: Sequencing analyzing showed low heterogeneity among the mentioned isolates, but high heterogeneity between the mentioned isolates and the ones in genbank, therefore the mentioned isolates were grouped separately. Moreover, although ITS1 from the mentioned isolates were homolog to the ones in Crithodia spp., but 13A/13B loci on mitochondria showed homology with Leishmania. Conclusion: As Crithidia is a monoxenous, and its natural host is flies, finding its genes in the agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis may show these parasites may meet each other in sandfly. Till now, no sexual reproduction has been reported in Leishmania spp., therefore it is likely recombinant.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polyurethane sheet (PUS) and polyurethane sheet impregnated with Arabinogalactan (PUSIAG) on the cell attachment and viability of Promastigotes and Amastigotes of Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER), and mouse macrophages, and its whole skin cells (WSCs). In a sterile condition, 10 mL of Arabinogalactan 5% w/v was poured into a falcon. Then, a piece of PUS was placed inside it, and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Next, it was washed, and cut. Then, one piece of PUS and PUSIAG was separately added to 1 mL of cell suspension (Promastigotes, Amastigote, and WSCs), and then incubated for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days at 37 °C. After incubation times, the quantity of adhered cells was counted, and cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Also, for WSCs and macrophages, the expression of integrin, fibronectin and GAPDH was investigated, and for Promastigotes and Amastigotes, the expression of GP63, Cpb, and 18s rRNA was measured. This study showed that with increase of exposure time, the percentage of attached cells was increased. There was a significant difference between attached cells to PUSIAG and PUS in case of Promastigotes and Amastigotes. It seems that Promastigotes and Amastigotes have higher interest to PUSIAG than WSCs and Macrophages. Also, this study showed with increase of exposure time, the percentage of viable cells was decreased. There were significant differences between cell viability of Promastigotes and Amastigotes when exposed to PUSIAG and PUS, especially in long time incubation. Also, when incubation time was increased the relative expression of integrin and fibronectin in WSCs and macrophages, and GP63 and HSP70 in Promastigotes and Amastigotes were increased.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a common condition that is recommended for the treatment and control of various therapies, such as the use of natural drugs and inactivity reduction.It has been reported exercise and herbs can possess synergistic effects to control diabetes side-effects. The purpose of the present study was investigation of the effects of high-intensity interval training and taking curcumin supplement on Concentration of glucose and insulin resistance, in diabetic rats. Methods: In a clinical trial Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided to four groups of curcumin, training, training- curcumin, and control. The subjects had being trained to perform high-intensity interval training on treadmill and in the fashion of increasing manner. Diabetes was induced via injection of 50 (ml/Kg rat weight) STZ. Fifty (ml/kg rat weight) curcumin had being nourished to the animals of the curcumin groups, by using the gavage technique, during a period of eight weeks (five days a week). The rats were anesthetized via intraperitoneal injection of ketamine, 24 hrs after the intervention. Then, The blood was taken from the heart of the rats to examine changes glucose and insulin resistance. Resultus: Concentration level of glucose and insulin resistance of the three groups of curcumin, training-placebo, and training-curcumin decreseded significantly than correspondent levels of the control group(P≤0.05). Though, no significant difference was observed, between those three groups (P≤0.05). Conclusion :The results of the present study have indicated that Despite the significant effect of training and curcumin Concentration of glucose and insulin resistance, but those two interventions would not strengthen the influences of each other