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A comprehensive meta-analysis of antibiotic resistance pattern among biofilm production strains of Acinetobacter baumannii recovered from clinical specimens of patients
No full textAcinetobacter baumannii can persist and circulate in the hospital environment due to multiple resistance mechanisms including biofilm formation. This study aimed to determine the pattern of antibiotic resistance, the biofilm formation rate, and the correlation between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance. We performed a comprehensive search in different international and Iranian databases according to PRISMA protocol. We searched for English studies addressing drug resistance and biofilm formation from January 2000 to 31th December 2019. The Mesh terms used were; �A. baumanii� OR �Acinetobacter baumannii� AND �Multidrug resistance� OR �MDR� AND �antimicrobial drug resistance� OR �Antibiotic resistance� AND �biofilm formation� OR �Biofilms� AND �clinical samples� AND �hospital settings� AND �prevalence� AND �patients� AND �Iran�. The search process was done by two researchers independently. Data analyzed using CMA software. The combined Biofilm formation rate was 69.1 (95 CI 53.9�81). 39.1, 31.5, and 38.5 of strains had weak, moderate, and strong-adherence activity, respectively. The pooled prevalence of MDR isolates was 96.1. The highest combined antibiotic resistance was against to Ceftazidime (95.5). The least resistance was against colistin, followed by Tigecycline with frequencies of 4.1 and 5.7, respectively. Four out of 11 studies showed a significant correlation between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Our study reported a high combined biofilm formation rate. So, this research can help control and implement appropriate strategies against infections mediated by MDR A. baumannii strains. Also, our findings showed that effective antibiotics were colistin and Tigecycline against infections caused by A. baumannii. © 2020 Elsevier Inc
Ex vivo-generated dendritic cell-based vaccines in melanoma: The role of nanoparticulate delivery systems
No full textMelanoma is a poor immunogenic cancer and many treatment strategies have been used to enhance specific or nonspecific immunity against it. Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccine is the most effective therapies that have been used so far. Meanwhile, the efficacy of DC-based immunotherapy relies on critical factors relating to DCs such as the state of maturation and proper delivery of antigens. In this regard, the use of nanoparticulate delivery systems for effective delivery of antigen to ex vivo-generated DC-based vaccines that also poses adjuvanticity would be an ideal approach. In this review article, we attempt to summarize the role of different types of nanoparticulate antigen delivery systems used in the development of ex vivo-generated DC-based vaccines against melanoma and describe their adjuvanticity in mediation of DC maturation, cytoplasmic presentation of antigens to MHC class I molecules, which led to potent antigen-specific immune responses. As were represented, cationic liposomes were the most used approach, which suggest its potential applicability as delivery systems for further experiments in combination with either adjuvants or monoclonal antibodies. © 2020 Future Medicine Ltd
Effect of Lactobacillusplantarum containing probiotics on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Full text linkPrevious studies have recommended that probiotics may have blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects. However, they examined all probiotic strains (multi/single probiotics) simultaneously. In respect to strain specificity properties of probiotic, the aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the role of Lactobacillus plantarum as an anti-hypertensive agent by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were used from inception until October 2018 to identify eligible trials. We used random-effects model as the preferable method to assess the combined treatment effect. We further conducted sensitivity analysis and stratified analysis. Seven studies with 653 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) with the random effects model showed a significant effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on improvement of SBP with no statistically significant heterogeneity (WMD: -1.58 mmHg, 95 CI: -3.05 to 0.11) (heterogeneity P = 0.14; I² = 36 ). The overall effect in the DBP showed significant pooled estimates (WMD: -0.92 mmHg, 95 CI: -1.49 to -0.35) with a complete homogeneity between the studies (heterogeneity P = 0.46; I² = 0 ). The findings of the present meta-analysis study support the use of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation for lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The clinical significance of blood pressure-lowering effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum supplementation is not considerable; however, given the overarching benefits evident and concurrent lack of specific side effects, further trials are warranted to clarify the effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum probiotics particularly for hypertensive patients. © 2020 Elsevier Lt
The prevalence of staphylococcus aureus contamination in the ambulances and on-call emergency medical service personnel of kashan city in iran
Full text linkObjective: Emergency medical services systems are at the first line of dealing with patients who suffer from various infections. Conducting investigations on the bacterial contamination of emergency ambulances play a crucial role to improve the occupational health of staff as well as the quality of patient care. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and other life treating bacteria in the urban and rural ambulances and their on-call emergency medical service personnel. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 12 front line pre-hospital emergency urban and rural ambulances in Kashan, Iran, in 2015. A total of 18 sites were sampled in each ambulance and from the nose of personnel. Grown colonies were confirmed based on colony morphology on mannitol salt agar plates, gram stain reaction and biochemical characteristics reactions. Results: The S. aureus contamination was only isolated from the nose of on-call emergency medical service providers of 12 urban and road ambulances, while no sign of contamination was found in 18 sampling sites of these front-line ambulances. Also, further evaluation of these sampling sites revealed the contamination with coagulase-negative staphylococci in all of them and oxygen tank was introduced as the most contaminated site inside the ambulances. Moreover, the prevalence of equipment contamination was significantly higher in urban ambulances. Conclusion: Identifying the rate of pathogens in clinical settings like the pre-hospital ambulance setting is an important issue which should be carefully considered. © 2020 The Author(s)
Psychological factors of vulnerability to suicide ideation: Attachment styles, coping strategies, and dysfunctional attitudes
No full textBACKGROUND: Suicide ideation is one of the common mental health problems among university students. This study aimed to explain suicide ideation susceptibility by examining the relationships between psychological factors. METHODOLOGY: The population of the study included all female undergraduate students at the University of Isfahan in autumn 2018. A sample of 180 individuals were selected through multistage sampling from different faculties and majors. The scales used in this study included adults attachments inventory, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situation, Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale, and Suicide Ideation Scale. The statistical analyses included t-test, Pearson correlation, and path analysis. RESULTS: Suicide ideation was reported in 25 of the participants. The t-test analysis indicated that the mean scores for dysfunctional attitudes (P < 0.01) and problem-focused coping (P < 0.01) were significantly different in with and without suicide ideation groups. Suicide ideation significantly correlated with problem-focused coping (r =-0.42, P < 0.01), emotion-focused coping (r = 0.25, P < 0.05), and dysfunctional attitudes (r = 0.23, P < 0.05). Path analysis showed that dysfunctional attitudes and emotion-focused coping significantly influenced suicide ideation. Moreover, the indirect effect of insecure (ambivalent and avoidant) attachment styles by mediating role of dysfunctional attitudes and emotion-focused coping was statistically significant (P < 0.01) and the indirect effect of dysfunctional attitudes by mediating role of emotion-focused coping as well (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Insecure attachment styles and dysfunctional attitudes work as stress-diathesis model in predicting suicide ideation and increase suicide ideation susceptibility by affecting emotion-focused coping strategy. The hypothesized model in this study can help formulate, evaluate, and prevent suicide risk. © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved
RANKL/RANK/OPG Pathway: A Mechanism Involved in Exercise-Induced Bone Remodeling
Full text linkBones as an alive organ consist of about 70 mineral and 30 organic component. About 200 million people are suffering from osteopenia and osteoporosis around the world. There are multiple ways of protecting bone from endogenous and exogenous risk factors. Planned physical activity is another useful way for protecting bone health. It has been investigated that arranged exercise would effectively regulate bone metabolism. Until now, a number of systems have discovered how exercise could help bone health. Previous studies reported different mechanisms of the effect of exercise on bone health by modulation of bone remodeling. However, the regulation of RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway in exercise and physical performance as one of the most important remodeling systems is not considered comprehensive in previous evidence. Therefore, the aim of this review is to clarify exercise influence on bone modeling and remodeling, with a concentration on its role in regulating RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway. © 2020 Mohammad Tobeiha et al
Role of microRNAs in Staphylococcus aureus infection: Potential biomarkers and mechanism
No full textStaphylococcus aureus is known as a common pathogen that colonizes 30 of healthy humans. Additionally, this bacterium can cause a number of serious infections, that is, endocarditis, bacteremia, pneumonia, wound, skin infections, and tissue abscesses. A variety of cellular and molecular pathways and targets are involved in response against S. aureus. Among them, microRNAs (miRNAs) have crucial roles in response against S. aureus. In this regard, it has been shown that these molecules exert their regulatory roles via modulating a wide range of events, such as inflammatory reactions, host innate, and adaptive immunity. Current works have provided insight into the crucial involvement of miRNAs in immune defense toward Staphylococcal infections. Herein, we highlighted the current findings on the deregulation of different miRNAs in S. aureus-infected cells. Moreover, we summarized the mechanisms and targets of miRNAs in S. aureus infections. © 2020 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biolog
Neuroprotective effects of Onion (Allium cepa) Ethanolic Extract on Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease Induced by 6-hydroxydopamine: A behavioral, biochemical, and histological study
No full textObjectives: Parkinson�s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Oxidative stress plays an important role in PD pathophysiology. Onion has antioxidant properties. In an experimental study, we have evaluated the effects of onion ethanolic extract (OEE) on animal models of Parkinson disease (PD) in male rats. Methods: Studied groups were sham group, Parkinson�s group (Parkinson rats without treatment), and three treatment groups including Parkinson rats that treated with OEE at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day. Animal model of PD was induced by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the right substantia nigra. The administration of all the extracts were started 14 days before the surgery and continued daily for seven days after surgery. Learning and memory were evaluated by a Morris water maze. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and histological parameters (density of neurons) were determined by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Nissl staining, respectively. Results: Our results showed that 6-OHDA led to cognitive dysfunction, increased MDA and neuronal damage compared sham group. However, the administration of OEE was improved cognitive dysfunction, decreased MDA and prevented neuronal damage in animal model of PD. Conclusion: The onion could be a new nutrition strategy and essential part of the food diet for preventing PD. © Copyright 2020 by Gazi University Medical Facult
Vascular deformation in human atherosclerotic carotid artery evaluated by 2D analysis of ultrasonography
No full textObjectives: Common carotid artery (CCA) remodelling in the atherosclerosis process is an inherent necessary element that decreases the progress of significant lumen compromise. The present study used a semi-automated method to assess relationships of intima-media thickness (IMT), lumen diameter (LD) and inter-adventitial diameter (IAD) using ultrasound B-mode images of atherosclerotic carotid artery. Methods: In the cross-sectional study, 120 male subjects (age range: 40�60 years) were classified into four research groups namely control, mild, moderate, and severe stenosis. The maximum near and far wall IMT, mean of both walls� IMT and IAD, and also LD of the left CCA were extracted for all participants. Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to investigate relationships of IMT, LD, and IAD. Results: Results revealed that the maximum far and near wall IMT, mean of both walls� IMT and IAD in the CCA were significantly different in stenosis patients and the control group (p< 0.001). However, there were no significant differences among the four studied groups in terms of LD of CCA (p = 0.65). There was a stronger correlation between mean of both walls� IMT and IAD in comparison with mean far wall IMT and IAD (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Results indicated that changes of IAD in the left CCA were associated with carotid deformation, and thus it can be considered as a predictor of atherosclerosis process. © The Author(s) 2020
Effect of mouthwash with Boswellia extract on the prevention of dental plaque formation in patients under mechanical ventilation
Full text linkBackground: Oral hygiene is a crucial nursing care in the intensive care unit (ICU) that can prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. Objectives: This study compares the effect of mouthwash with Boswellia extract and chlorhexidine on the prevention of dental plaque formation in ICU patients having an endotracheal tube. Methods: A clinical trial was performed on 90 patients under mechanical ventilation in the ICU of Ayatollah Kashani Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, in 2018. The study data were collected using a demographic information form, a checklist, and the O'Leary dental plaque index (ODPI). The patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive mouthwash using solutions containing Boswellia or chlorhexidine. Data were analyzed using the KolmogorovSmirnov test, analysis of variance, independent samples, and paired t-tests. Results: Most of the patients were male (76.67%), with a smoking background (60%) and in the age range of 18_38 years. The two groups did not significantly differ in terms of demographic characteristics (P > 0.05). The mean ODPI was 0.89 ± 0.07 at baseline in the Boswellia group and changed to 0.67 ± 0.05 after the intervention (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean ODPI was 0.93 ± 0.03 in the chlorhexidine group and change to 0.77 ± 0.09 after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Both Boswellia and chlorhexidine mouthwashes were effective in the prevention of dental plaque in patients under mechanical ventilation