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Abstract Background The role of bacterial contamination in the development and progression of endometriosis lesions is currently a hot topic for gynecologists. In this study, we decided to compare the endometrial cultures of women affected by endometriosis with those of non-endometriotic women, focusing on specific microbial pathogens. Material and method In this cross-sectional case-control study, 30 women with endometriosis in stages 4 of the disease whose endometriosis was confirmed based on clinical, ultrasound, and histopathological findings, and 30 women without endometriosis who were candidates for surgery due to benign uterine diseases with regular menstrual cycle, underwent endometrial biopsy with Novak Kort in sterile conditions before starting their operation, and the results of their endometrial culture were analyzed and compared. Results Results of the study indicate that there were no significant differences in terms of age, BMI, smoking, education level, place of residency, use of the intrauterine device, or vaginal douche, and age of menarche between the case and control groups. The only demographic difference observed was in parity, where the control group had a significantly higher parity than the case group (P = 0.001). Out of the 60 cultures, only 15 samples were positive in the endometriosis group, and E. coli was the most prevalent species, with 10 (33.3%) samples testing positive for it. Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacteria spp. were also detected in 3 (10.0%) and 2 (6.7%) samples, respectively. The comparison between the two groups showed that only E. coli had a significant association with the presence of endometriosis (P = 0.001). There was no significant relationship between the location of endometriosis in the pelvic cavity and culture results. It was observed that parity among the E. coli negative group was significantly higher compared to the E. coli positive group (P

Urban regeneration is a comprehensive program that provides the basis for improving the sustainability of economic, physical, social and environmental conditions and mainly seeks to resolve the problems of worn-out urban structures through enhancement by public participation; furthermore, the objective of this act is the use of potential and genuine capabilities in urban contexts. For this purpose, a number of 386 questionnaires have been distributed and evaluated among the residents of a neighborhood in Bojnourd, in which urban regeneration is proceeding. The research method of the present study is based on a descriptive-analytical and experimental-survey method; also, the statistical analysis tool applied is the SPSS software. Based on the research findings, the average of the indicators excluding the physical and environmental dimensions, is less than 3, that demonstrates the indicators related to the act of regeneration are not in a good state. In order to analyze the data, the ANP method has been used, which among the economic criteria and sub-criteria of economic opportunities, in social and cultural criteria and sub-criteria of crime reduction, in physical and environmental criteria and sub-criteria of housing and infrastructure and finally in the governing criteria and sub-criteria of local community participation have achieved the highest values. To explain the problems of residents and better implement urban regeneration, more extensive studies are required integrated with a systemic approach at the micro and regional level. Moreover, decision-makings should be accomplished with the participation and involvement of the residents of the mentioned areas. Research aims: 1- Creating the grounds for a favorable management system in the field of regeneration in Bojnourd city. 2- Creating conditions for improving the level of citizens' participation with organizations and city managers in the field of upgrading and recreating the worn-out structures of Bojnourd city. Research questions: 1- Is urban regeneration in Bojnourd based on sustainable development? 2- Are physical, economic, social and environmental aspects considered in urban regeneration in Bojnourd city?

Pragmatic rating is considered one of the novel and crucial aspects of second language education which has not been maneuvered upon in the literature. To address this gap, the current study aimed to inspect the matches and mismatches, to explore rating variations, and to assess the rater consistency between the holistic and analytic rating methods of the speech act of agreement in L2 by non-native English teachers. In this regard, 12 discourse completion tests (DCTs) for agreement accompanied by EFL learners’ responses to each situation were rated by 50 non-native English teachers. Initially, they were asked to rate it holistically, and the content analysis of raters’ comments revealed twelve agreement criteria. Grammatical structure was the prominent criterion which suggested that the raters were predominantly concerned with pragmalinguistics. In particular, the results of descriptive statistics demonstrated that there was a degree of divergence in the frequency of the criteria applied. Additionally, the teachers were asked to rate the pragmatic outputs analytically which showed that the raters were more consistent in the analytic phase. Finally, the findings indicated that there was a convergence between the two rating methods. The results of the present study implicated the necessity of rater training with regard to the rubric-based pragmatic rating. This study offers crucial pedagogical implications for syllabus designers, materials developers, language testers, and some suggestions for further research studies.

A study was conducted to examine how supplementation using probiotics and whey powder affects microflora population, ileum morphology, and growth performance in broilers. In this experiment, 400 one-day-old male chickens were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group (CON), the probiotics group (0.2%) (PRO), the whey powder group (4%) (WHP), and a group that received a combination of probiotics (0.2%) and whey powder (4%) (PRO-WHP). Microflora populations as well as ileum morphology were assessed on day 42 and growth performance parameters were measured at the end of the rearing period (day 42). The findings indicated that the PRO-WHP group had the largest Lactobacillus count (P .05) for villus:crypt ratio. The largest feed intake and body weight gain were observed in the PRO-WHP group. In addition, the PRO-WHP group had the best feed conversion ratio, but was not significantly different from the PRO and the WHP groups. Our experiment indicated that adding whey powder alone or in combination with probiotics can improve broiler performance by modifying intestinal microflora and changing intestinal morphology.

High salinity is an environmental problem affecting seed germination, seedling growth and seed yield in plants. The experimental design was factorial arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD), with four replications. The first factor was soil electrical conductivity levels (1.1, 2.4, 4.9 and 6.7 dS.m-1) and the second factor was mung bean cultivars (Parto and Pakistani). Soil electrical conductivity increasing, decreased mung bean dry weight, shoot height, photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll a and b content, K+content and K/Na ratio but increased cell membrane damage, antioxidants enzymes activates and Na+ content. In the both cultivars minimum shoot weight obtained from Parto cultivar and 6.7 dS.m-1 .The highest Na+ concentration was observed in Parto cultivar under 4.9 and 6.7 dS.m-1treatment. Stress condition increased cell membrane damage and maximum lipid peroxidation obtained from Parto cultivar under 6.7 dS.m-1. 2.4, 4.7 and 6.7 dS.m -1 soil electrical conductivity, decreased K/Na ratio to 1.1, 0.6 and 0.13 in Parto cultivar. At highest soil electrical conductivity level, Pakistani cultivar had maximum shoot dry weight , photosynthetic rate and K/Na ratio and these results indicated Pakistani cultivar was salt tolerant cultivar compared to Parto cultivar.

سنگدانه‌ها از پرمصرف‌ترین مصالح ساختمانی هستند که بخش اصلی حجم بتن را تشکیل می‌دهند. یکی از مهم‌ترین منابع تأمین سنگدانه‌های طبیعی، مخروطه‌افکنه‌ها هستند. با گذشت زمان و افزایش سن مخروطه‌افکنه‌ها، رسوبات سطح آنها بیشتر در معرض تغییر و هوازدگی قرار گرفته و بنابراین کیفیت سنگدانه‌ها کاهش می‌یابد. در این تحقیق، بر اساس ویژگی‌های فیزیکی و شاخص بار نقطه‌ای، کیفیت سنگدانه‌های سطح سه مخروطه‌افکنۀ متروک و قدیمی و جدید در شمال شرق ریوند ارزیابی شد. تفکیک مخروطه‌افکنه‌ها بر اساس شاخص‌های ژئومورفولوژیکی؛ مانند مورفولوژی سطح مخروط، میزان هوازدگی و الگوی زهکشی انجام شد. به علت وجود لیتولوژی متفاوت سطح مخروط‌ها، در قسمت بالادست و پایین هر مخروط، تعداد 18 نوع سنگ مشترک انتخاب گردید و آزمایش بار نقطه‌ای در آنها انجام شد. خصوصیات فیزیکی سنگ‌ها مانند چگالی، تخلخل و درصد جذب آب در هر مخروط در قسمت بالا و پایین‌دست آن انجام شد. نتایج این تحقیق نشان می‌دهد که شاخص بار نقطه‌ای و چگالی از مخروط‌هافکنه جدید به مخروطه‌افکنه‌های قدیمی و متروک کاهش می‌یابد. میزان تخلخل و درصد رطوبت اشباع نیز رابطۀ مستقیمی با سن مخروطه‌افکنه‌ها دارد به طوری که قدیمی‌ترین مخروط (متروک) بالاترین میزان تخلخل و درصد رطوبت اشباع را دارد. نتایج نشان می‌دهد که در سطح تمام مخروط‌ها، مقاومت سنگدانه‌ها در رأس مخروطه‌افکنه‌ها بیشتر از قاعدۀ آنها است که این موضوع ناشی از سن کمتر و بنابراین هوازدگی کمتر ذرات واقع در بالادست مخروطه‌افکنه‌ها است. به طور کلی، بررسی تحقیق حاضر نشان می‌دهد که تغییرات در مقاومت سنگدانه‌های سطح مخروط‌ها ناشی از سن مخروطه‌افکنه‌ها و میزان هوازدگی آنها است به‌طوری که سنگدانه‌های با کیفیت کمتر در مخروط‌های متروک و قدیمی، به علت هوازدگی طولانی مدت آنها است.

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is one of the most common causes of hearing loss (HL) in children. It has been reported that several factors such as eustachian tube dysfunction, insufficiencies in the aeration of the mastoid cells, allergies, immunity, and infections play an important role in the etiology of the disease. Little is known about the role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in extragastric diseases. Because of the near location of the nose, sinuses, tonsils, and adenoids to the eustachian tube and middle ear, we believe it is possible to have H. pylori in the middle ear. The present study was designed to investigate the presence of H. pylori by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the middle ear effusion of patients with OME. The study was performed on 21 patients, 19 patients were affected bilaterally, and 2 patients were affected unilaterally, from which 40 specimens were collected. OME was diagnosed through findings by otoscopic examination and tympanogram. The middle ear fluid samples were collected under sterile conditions. A total of 40 samples was stored at -80°C until analyzed by PCR assay. From 40 specimens, 2 specimens were serosal and 38 specimens were mucoid. PCR results of the study in assays for Helicobacter pylori were not positive in all collected specimens. Overall, probably there was no H. pylori organism in free-floating form and thus could not be detected by PCR.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a technique by the help of which the optical characters are identified automatically by a computer. There are many methods for OCR, one of which is neural network that we use. Unfortunately, the long training and testing time of these networks is disturbing, but we healed this problem by mapping our network on graphics card by using Jacket which is the product of Accelereyes group. By so doing, we achieved the speedup of up to twelve factors. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have parallel structure containing many cores capable of running thousands of threads in parallel. We train a multi-layer perceptron network using back propagation rule which has a degree of parallelism that is suitable for implementation on new graphics card. We examine the Persian characters that are typed on the new system of Farsi license plates to make a database of characters uses in this system and apply them as train and test data for our network.

Background: The role of bacterial contamination in the development and progression of endometriosis lesions is currently a hot topic for gynecologists. In this study, we decided to compare the endometrial cultures of women affected by endometriosis with those of non-endometriotic women, focusing on specific microbial pathogens. Material and method: In this cross-sectional case-control study, 30 women with endometriosis in stages 4 of the disease whose endometriosis was confirmed based on clinical, ultrasound, and histopathological findings, and 30 women without endometriosis who were candidates for surgery due to benign uterine diseases with regular menstrual cycle, underwent endometrial biopsy with Novak Kort in sterile conditions before starting their operation, and the results of their endometrial culture were analyzed and compared. Results: Results of the study indicate that there were no significant differences in terms of age, BMI, smoking, education level, place of residency, use of the intrauterine device, or vaginal douche, and age of menarche between the case and control groups. The only demographic difference observed was in parity, where the control group had a significantly higher parity than the case group (P = 0.001). Out of the 60 cultures, only 15 samples were positive in the endometriosis group, and E. coli was the most prevalent species, with 10 (33.3%) samples testing positive for it. Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacteria spp. were also detected in 3 (10.0%) and 2 (6.7%) samples, respectively. The comparison between the two groups showed that only E. coli had a significant association with the presence of endometriosis (P = 0.001). There was no significant relationship between the location of endometriosis in the pelvic cavity and culture results. It was observed that parity among the E. coli negative group was significantly higher compared to the E. coli positive group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on The high occurrence of E. coli in women with endometriosis, along with its potential involvement in the progression and/or recurrence of this condition, the researchers propose that treating women with endometriosis and recurrent IVF failure, as well as those with endometriosis recurrence after surgical treatment, with suitable antibiotics and repeated culture until the culture becomes negative, could be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Rising methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a global health threat, contributing to serious infections with high mortality rates. Integrons are recognized as significant genetic elements in disseminating multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. This study focuses on assessing the prevalence of integron classes 1, 2, and 3 in S. aureus strains from four major cities in Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed 183 S. aureus isolates from Shiraz, Tehran, Isfahan, and Yazd in Iran. The isolates were identified using specific biochemical and molecullar tests. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and microbroth dilution method were employed to determine the susceptibility of the isolates to relevant antibiotics and vancomycin, respectively. The macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance phenotype was also evaluated using the D-test. All isolates were sought for presence of the intI1, intI2, and intI3 genes. Results Among 183 S. aureus isolates, high resistance rates were noted: 86.3% for erythromycin, 66.1% for ciprofloxacin, and 61.7% for clindamycin, while all isolates were susceptible to linezolid and vancomycin. Of the 183 isolates, 59.6% were identified as MRSA and 78.1% as MDR. According to the D-test results, 112/183 (61.2%), 29/183 (15.8%), 25/183 (13.7%), and 17/183 (9.7%) of S. aureus isolates showed constitutive resistance-MLSB, inducible resistance-MLSB, sensitive, and resistance to macrolide-streptogramin B (MS) phenotypes, respectively. The intI1 gene was found in 14 out of 183 S. aureus isolates (7.6%), while none were positive for the intI2 or intI3 genes. Notably, 11/14 (78.5%) and 13/14 (92.8%) intI1-positive isolates were MRSA and MDR, respectively. Conclusions The distribution of MRSA and MDR S. aureus isolates in Iran seems concerning. Although the prevalence of intI1 was not as high as in prior studies, almost all S. aureus harbored the intI1 gene were MRSA and MDR.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is responsible for most cases of food poisoning all around the world. These carriers and manipulated foodstuffs are the main sources of bacteria transmission to ready-to-eat food. This study aims to determine the genetic affinity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from cream pastries and workers, nasal of Shiraz city confectioneries. Methods: 30 MRSA strains (7 nasal carriers, 23 food isolates) were selected from the bank of bacteria at Shiraz medical faculty. To determine the genetic affinity of the isolates, RAPD-PCR technique was performed using OLP6, OLP11, and OLP13 primers. RAPD-PCR patterns were analyzed using the software GelJ. Results: By using primer OLP6 only 5 RAPD-PCR patterns were produced from DNA ampliqons of creamy pastry isolates and were not enough to compare the genetic affinity of all the isolates. Based on 100% similarity, OLP13 primer produced 20 different patterns with some bands in the range of 1 to 11, and the OLP11 primer produced 22 patterns with some bands from 3 to 11 bands. At closely and possibly genetically related levels, the isolates are categorized into (13-15) and (1-5) clusters. In general, all the isolates are classified into human and food isolates. Conclusions: There was no genetic affinity of MDSA isolates regarding human and food samples; but, a high percentage of close genetic relationship between the isolates increases the possibility of bacteria transfer from humans to pastries and food poisoning

Abstract Background Acinetobacter baumannii resistant strains lead to increased mortality, treatment costs, and an increase in the length of hospitalization. Nowadays, nanoparticles are considered a substitute for antibiotics. This study aimed to determine the MIC of Silver (Ag) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Nanoparticles (NPs) on Biofilm-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii and determine the relationship between MIC and frequency of efflux pump genes in cutaneous specimens in Shiraz, Southwest Iran in 2021–2022. Methods In this study, specimens were collected from April 2021 to June 2022 at Namazi and Faqihi Hospitals in Shiraz. Investigation of biofilm production in multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates was done by the microtiter plate method. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectrum, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. The MIC of AgNPs and ZnONPs for isolates was done using the method described in the CLSI guideline (2018). The antibacterial effect of MIC of NPs on inanimate objects was done by colony counts. The prevalence of efflux pump genes (adeR, adeC, adeA, abeM, adeK, adeI) was also investigated by PCR technique. Results The highest ceftriaxone resistance (68%) and lowest colistin resistance (7%) were identified. 57% of isolates were MDR. In addition, 71.9% could produce biofilm and 28.1% of isolates could not produce biofilm. The average size of AgNPs and ZnONPs in the present study is 48 and

Abstract Extensive research in countries with high sociodemographic indices (SDIs) to date has shown that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be directly associated with more severe outcomes among patients living with haematological disorders and malignancies (HDMs). Because individuals with moderate to severe immunodeficiency are likely to undergo persistent infections, shed virus particles for prolonged periods, and lack an inflammatory or abortive phase, this represents an overall risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. In cases suffering from HDMs, further investigation is needed to achieve a better understanding of triviruses and a group of related variants in patients with anemia and HDMs, as well as their treatment through vaccines, drugs, and other methods. Against this background, the present study aimed to delineate the relationship between HDMs and the novel COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Besides, effective treatment options for HDM cases were further explored to address this epidemic and its variants. Therefore, learning about how COVID-19 manifests in these patients, along with exploiting the most appropriate treatments, may lead to the development of treatment and care strategies by clinicians and researchers to help patients recover faster. Video Abstract

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections of all ages and sexes. Escherichia coli is reported as the most common predominant pathogen. Urinary tract infection treatment leads to abundant antibiotic application in hospitals and communities, continuously developing multidrug resistance (MDR). This study aimed to determine the sensitivity and resistance pattern to common antibiotics among E. coli isolates from patients with UTIs at Nemazee Hospital in Shiraz. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional survey studied 1910 positive urine samples with E. coli bacteria from patients referred to Nemazee Hospital from 2018 to 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 12 commonly used antibiotics for UTIs. Results: A total of 1910 E. coli isolates were gathered during these 2 years. The most highlighted resistance was observed against quinolones and cephalosporins at 86.9% and 89.7%, respectively. Cephalexin (87.9%) and nalidixic acid (86.1%) have shown the lowest activity against E. coli isolates. Also, the highest susceptibility was determined for amikacin (88.3%), nitrofurantoin (76.8%), and gentamicin (70.6%). In addition, 1624 (85%) isolates were MDR. Conclusion: In conclusion, resistance to antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, tetracycline, cefotaxime, and nitrofurantoin) is increasing. Therefore, it is vital to follow an appropriate antimicrobial stewardship program.

Abstract Introduction Toxoplasma gondii infection is considered as one of the most important opportunistic infections and cause of death in HIV patients. Methods In this cross‐sectional study, 334 HIV positive patients were included. The molecular test was performed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism–polymerase chain reaction method. Allelic frequency, haplotype analyses, and linkage disequilibrium were calculated. The odds ratio was calculated. The linear regression model was used to analysis of interleukin (IL)‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐6 single‐nucleotide polymorphism genotypes in HIV patients with and without toxoplasmosis. Results In total, 95 tested'patients (28.4%) were positive for toxoplasmosis. The risk of toxoplasma infection in the current study did not correlate with IL‐17 and IL‐6 polymorphism and the risk of contracting toxoplasma was also not significantly correlated in this study. There was no association between the frequency of alleles and the risk of toxoplasma infection in IL‐17 haplotype analysis. Conclusion The findings of this study revealed that there were significant differences in the serum levels of IL‐6 and IL‐17A, but not IL‐17F, between the case and control groups in various genetic models. However, these polymorphisms did not show a significant relationship with toxoplasma infection in HIV‐positive patients. This study represents the first investigation in Iran to explore the role of IL‐6 and IL‐17 polymorphisms in toxoplasma infection among HIV‐positive patients.