Merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) and merozoite surface protein-2 (MSP-2) were used to develop vaccines and to investigate the genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Iran. Nested polymerase chain reaction amplification was used to determine polymorphisms of block 2 of the MSP-1 and the central domain of MSP-2 genes. A total of 67 microscopically positive P. falciparum infected individuals from a major endemic region, southeast Iran, were included in this trial. Nine alleles of MSP-1 and 11 alleles of MSP-2 were identified. The results showed that amplified product from these surface antigen genes varied in size and there was specific pattern for each isolate. Besides, regarding this pattern, 23 multiple infections with at least 2 alleles were observed. While the endemic regions of malaria in Iran is classified in low to moderate group, but extensive polymorphism was observed for each marker and the MSP-2 central repeat was the most diverse that could be considered in designing malaria vaccine.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Antigens, Protozoan/*genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Endemic Diseases ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Humans ; Iran/epidemiology ; Malaria, Falciparum/*epidemiology/*parasitology ; Male ; Merozoite Surface Protein 1/*genetics ; Middle Aged ; Plasmodium falciparum/*genetics/immunology/isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Protozoan Proteins/*genetics

Merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) and merozoite surface protein-2 (MSP-2) were used to develop vaccines and to investigate the genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Iran. Nested polymerase chain reaction amplification was used to determine polymorphisms of block 2 of the MSP-1 and the central domain of MSP-2 genes. A total of 67 microscopically positive P. falciparum infected individuals from a major endemic region, southeast Iran, were included in this trial. Nine alleles of MSP-1 and 11 alleles of MSP-2 were identified. The results showed that amplified product from these surface antigen genes varied in size and there was specific pattern for each isolate. Besides, regarding this pattern, 23 multiple infections with at least 2 alleles were observed. While the endemic regions of malaria in Iran is classified in low to moderate group, but extensive polymorphism was observed for each marker and the MSP-2 central repeat was the most diverse that could be considered in designing malaria vaccine.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Antigens, Protozoan/*genetics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *Endemic Diseases ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Humans ; Iran/epidemiology ; Malaria, Falciparum/*epidemiology/*parasitology ; Male ; Merozoite Surface Protein 1/*genetics ; Middle Aged ; Plasmodium falciparum/*genetics/immunology/isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Protozoan Proteins/*genetics

Background: Respiratory masks can provide healthcare workers with protection from biological hazards when they have good performance. There is a direct relationship between the visual specifications of a mask and its efficacy; thus, the aim of this study was to develop tools for qualitative assessment of the performance of masks used by healthcare workers. Methods: A mixed-methods design was used to develop a qualitative assessment tool for medical face masks (MFM) and particle filtering half masks (PFHM). The development of domains and items was undertaken using observation and interviews, the opinions of an expert panel, and a review of texts and international standards. The second phase evaluated the psychometric properties of tools. Finally, the validated Mask Qualitative Assessment Tools (MQAT) were used to assess six samples from 10 brands of the two types of masks. Results: MQAT-MFM and MQAT-PHFM shared 42 items across seven domains: “cleanliness,” “design,” “marking, labeling and packaging,” “mask layers,” “mask strap,” “materials and construction,” and “nose clip.” MQAT-MFM included one additional item. MQAT-PHFM included another nine items associated with an eighth “Practical Performance” domain, and the valve version had another additional “Exhalation Valve” domain and six items. The evaluation indicated 80% compliance for MFM and 71% compliance for PFHM. “Marking, labeling and packaging” and “Layers” were associated with the least compliance in both types of masks and should be checked carefully for defining mask quality. Conclusion MQAT can be used for immediate screening and initial assessment of MFM and PHFM through appearance, simple tools, and visual inspection.

INTRODUCTIONTo evaluate the perceptions of the graduates of our medical school regarding the quality of their educational programme.

MATERIALS AND METHODSA total of 183 questionnaires, each containing 262 questions, were completed anonymously by medical students upon their graduation from the medical school.

RESULTSAbout 77% of the respondents felt that Basic Science courses lacked clinical relevance. Many of the students (61.2%) believed that physiology, amongst other Basic Science courses, was the most clinically relevant course. Assessment of the students about their clinical clerkship and internship rotations was not very favourable. Overall only 28.4% of the respondents were generally satisfied with the medical training they received. Respondents indicated many deficiencies in the curriculum, and in their competences. Exposure to numerous activities was rated by respondents as being inadequate: "geriatrics and gerontology education" (87.5%), "office management" (86.4%), "alternative medicine" (85.8%), "healthcare quality improvement" (85.7%), and "rehabilitation" (83%). Around 70% of the respondents reported that they have not been taught sufficient clinical skills in preparations for their future clinical practice. Only 33.3% of the respondents felt that they had acquired adequate knowledge and skills to start residency training.

CONCLUSIONSThis study illuminates many aspects of the curriculum the faculty needs to address in order to prepare physicians effectively and efficiently for clinical work. It can be used as a tool to find the trends in our curriculum and the impact of curriculum revision activities which are currently underway in our School of Medicine.

Adult ; Consumer Behavior ; Data Collection ; Education, Medical ; standards ; Female ; Humans ; Iran ; Male ; Program Evaluation ; methods ; Schools, Medical ; standards ; Students, Medical

BACKGROUND: Hair loss is a prevalent medical problem in both men and women. Maintaining the potential hair inductivityof dermal papilla cells (DPCs) during cell culture is the main factor in hair follicle morphogenesis and regeneration. Thepresent study was conducted to compare the effects of different concentrations of human hair outer root sheath cell(HHORSC)and platelet lysis (PL) exosomes to maintain hair inductivity of the human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). METHODS: In this study, hDPCs and HHORSCswere isolated from healthy hair samples. Specific markers of hDPCs (versican,a-SMA) and HHORSCs (K15) were evaluated using flow cytometric and immunocytochemical techniques. The exosomes wereisolated fromHHORSCsand PL with ultracentrifugation technique.Western blot was used to detect specific markers of HHORSCsand PL exosomes. Particle size and distribution of the exosomes were analyzed by NanoSight dynamic light NanoSight DynamicLight Scattering. Different methods such as proliferation test (MTS assay), migration test (Transwell assay) were used to evaluatethe effects of different concentrations of exosomes (2,550,100 lg/ml) derived from HHORSC and PL on hDPCs. Expression ofspecific genes in the hair follicle inductivity, including ALP, versican and a-SMA were also evaluated using real time-PCR. RESULTS: The flow cytometry of the specific cytoplasmic markers of the hDPCs and HHORSCs showed expression ofversican (77%), a-SMA (55.2%) and K15 (73.2%). The result of particle size and distribution of the exosomes wereanalyzed by NanoSight dynamic light NanoSight Dynamic Light Scattering, which revealed the majority of HHORSC andPL exosomes were 30–150 nm. For 100 lg/ml of HHORSC exosomes, the expressions of ALP, versican and a-SMAproteins respectively increased by a factor of 2.1, 1.7and 1.3 compared to those in the control group. CONCLUSION In summary, we applied HHORSC exosomes as a new method to support hair inductivity of dermalpapilla cells and improve the outcome for the treatment of hair loss.

BACKGROUND: Hair loss is a prevalent medical problem in both men and women. Maintaining the potential hair inductivityof dermal papilla cells (DPCs) during cell culture is the main factor in hair follicle morphogenesis and regeneration. Thepresent study was conducted to compare the effects of different concentrations of human hair outer root sheath cell(HHORSC)and platelet lysis (PL) exosomes to maintain hair inductivity of the human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). METHODS: In this study, hDPCs and HHORSCswere isolated from healthy hair samples. Specific markers of hDPCs (versican,a-SMA) and HHORSCs (K15) were evaluated using flow cytometric and immunocytochemical techniques. The exosomes wereisolated fromHHORSCsand PL with ultracentrifugation technique.Western blot was used to detect specific markers of HHORSCsand PL exosomes. Particle size and distribution of the exosomes were analyzed by NanoSight dynamic light NanoSight DynamicLight Scattering. Different methods such as proliferation test (MTS assay), migration test (Transwell assay) were used to evaluatethe effects of different concentrations of exosomes (2,550,100 lg/ml) derived from HHORSC and PL on hDPCs. Expression ofspecific genes in the hair follicle inductivity, including ALP, versican and a-SMA were also evaluated using real time-PCR. RESULTS: The flow cytometry of the specific cytoplasmic markers of the hDPCs and HHORSCs showed expression ofversican (77%), a-SMA (55.2%) and K15 (73.2%). The result of particle size and distribution of the exosomes wereanalyzed by NanoSight dynamic light NanoSight Dynamic Light Scattering, which revealed the majority of HHORSC andPL exosomes were 30–150 nm. For 100 lg/ml of HHORSC exosomes, the expressions of ALP, versican and a-SMAproteins respectively increased by a factor of 2.1, 1.7and 1.3 compared to those in the control group. CONCLUSION In summary, we applied HHORSC exosomes as a new method to support hair inductivity of dermalpapilla cells and improve the outcome for the treatment of hair loss.

The precise diagnosis of the acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and immunocompromsied patients has critical importance. Most of the commercially available assays use the whole Toxoplasma soluble extract as the antigen. However, the assays currently available for the detection of specific anti-Toxoplasma antibodies may vary in their abilities to detect serum immunoglobulins, due to the lack of a purified standardized antigen. The aim of this study was production and evaluation of the usefulness of the recombinant Toxoplasma gondii GRA7 antigen for the serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG by ELISA. A total of 70 T. gondii IgM positive sera, 74 T. gondii IgG positive sera, and 60 sera from subjects who were not infected with T. gondii were examined. These sera were shown different absorbance values in ELISA test. To control the specificity of the rGRA7 other parasitic diseases, for example, echinococcosis, malaria, leishmaniasis, fascioliasis, and strongyloidiasis were tested of which none showed positive results. Sensitivity and specificity of the generated recombinant IgG ELISA in comparison with commercial ELISA (com ELISA) were 89% and 90%, and the sensitivity and specificity of the generated recombinant IgM ELISA were 96% and 90%, respectively. The results obtained here show that this antigen is useful for diagnostic purposes.
Antibodies, Protozoan/*blood ; Antigens, Protozoan/*diagnostic use/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/methods ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G/blood ; Immunoglobulin M/blood ; Protozoan Proteins/*diagnostic use/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Recombinant Proteins/diagnostic use/genetics/isolation & purification ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Toxoplasma/*immunology ; Toxoplasmosis/*diagnosis

Toxoplasmic encephalitis is caused by reactivation of bradyzoites to rapidly dividing tachyzoites of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis of this life-threatening disease is problematic, because it is difficult to discriminate between these 2 stages. Toxoplasma PCR assays using gDNA as a template have been unable to discriminate between an increase or decrease in SAG1 and BAG1 expression between the active tachyzoite stage and the latent bradyzoite stage. In the present study, real-time RT-PCR assay was used to detect the expression of bradyzoite (BAG1)- and tachyzoite-specific genes (SAG1) during bradyzoite/tachyzoite stage conversion in mice infected with T. gondii Tehran strain after dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DXM) administration. The conversion reaction was observed in the lungs and brain tissues of experimental mice, indicated by SAG1 expression at day 6 after DXM administration, and continued until day 14. Bradyzoites were also detected in both organs throughout the study; however, it decreased at day 14 significantly. It is suggested that during the reactivation period, bradyzoites not only escape from the cysts and reinvade neighboring cells as tachyzoites, but also converted to new bradyzoites. In summary, the real-time RT-PCR assay provided a reliable, fast, and quantitative way of detecting T. gondii reactivation in an animal model. Thus, this method may be useful for diagnosing stage conversion in clinical specimens of immunocompromised patients (HIV or transplant patients) for early identification of tachyzoite-bradyzoite stage conversion.
Animals ; Antigens, Protozoan/*biosynthesis ; Brain/parasitology ; Female ; *Gene Expression ; Heat-Shock Proteins/*biosynthesis ; Immunocompromised Host ; Life Cycle Stages ; Lung/parasitology ; Mice ; Protozoan Proteins/*biosynthesis ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Toxoplasma/*genetics/physiology ; Toxoplasmosis, Animal

This prospective study was aimed to detect acute and chronic ocular toxoplasmosis by comparison of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibody levels and IgG avidity test. One hundred and seventeen patients with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) who referred to the Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran were included in this study. Of the patients, 77 cases were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG, and 8 cases were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM. IgG avidity test revealed 11, 4, and 102 cases were low, intermediate, and high, respectively, and 6.8% and 9.4% of cases were positive for IgM and IgG avidity tests, respectively (P=0.632). Agreement (Kappa value) between paired tests IgG-IgM, IgG-IgG avidity, and IgM-IgG avidity was 0.080, 0.099, and 0.721, respectively (P < 0.05). This study showed that conventional serologic tests (IgM and IgG levels) and IgG avidity correlate well each other and can be used to differentiate recent infections from old OT. It seems that reactivated old infections rather than recently acquired infections are majority of Iranian OT patients.
Antibodies ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Iran ; Prospective Studies ; Serologic Tests ; Toxoplasma ; Toxoplasmosis, Ocular

Objective: To investigate the biosorption potential of isolated bacteria as an alternative biosorbent material for the removal of zinc and nickel from aqueous solution in a bubble column bioreactor. Methords: In this study from four points of waste water treatment plant, some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria under heavy metal stress conditions were isolated by microbiological methods. Biosorption experiments were conducted in a bubble column containing waste water in high concentrations of nickel and zinc inoculated by isolated bacteria. A kinetic study was done to investigate the fitting of either pseudo first-order or second order equations. Results: The 96% removal of zinc and 54% removal of nickel were achieved by biosorption column experiment by the isolated bacteria. A comparison between a non-aerated and aerated column shows a higher removal percentage with the same contact time. The study of contact time in the experiments also confirmed that with more contact time, while the removal efficiency increases the capacity of microorganisms to absorb the metal ions decreases. Results of kinetic study showed pseudo-second-order equation with a coefficient of determination of 0.9648 and 0.9992 for zinc and nickel, and the pseudo-first-order equation with 0.2410 and 0.4794, respectively. Conclusions: It was be concluded that biosorbtion method is a suitable alternative method to remove metal ions for further study in large scale.