---

Background & aim: Due to the fact that lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, identification of biomarkers is of great importance for early detection. One of molecules which may be used as a diagnostic biomarker is Threose Phosphate Isomerase (TPI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum levels of Threose phosphate isomerase in patients with lung cancer. Methods: In this case-control study, 50 males with a mean age of 65.1±11.4 were included. Twenty-seven patients had squamous cell carcinoma, seven had small cell carcinoma and 16 had adenocarcinoma respectively. Meanwhile, 38 healthy men (mean age 65.1±11.4) were selected as the control group. ELISA technique was used to measure the TPI. Collected data were analyzed using ANOVA and t-test. Results: TPI serum levels of patients were not statistically significant compared with the control group (p =0.76). Moreover, a separate analysis of sub groups of lung cancer demonstrated that serum levels of TPI in the sub group of lung cancer group compared with the control group had no significant difference. Conclusions: No correlation between serum levels of TPI and lung cancer was observed. It probably indicated the TPI role in different types of cancer and its geographical distribution in human populations.

---

Background & aim: Healthy reproduction program help individuals maintain their health and improve family and community health by enabling them to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the healthy reproduction program in Isfahan province. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. 9600 married women aged 15-49 years enrolled study according to multi stage clustered stratified random sampling. Data collection was done via developed standard questionnaire by experts of ministry of health and medical education. Samples were been questioned by 177 trained health providers in their home. Data analysis was performed by SPSS 16 software using descriptive statistic. Results: Total coverage of contraceptive method use (modern and traditional) was 89.5% and modern contraceptive method coverage was 67.8%. The most and the least common used methods of contraception were condom (22%) and a-month contraceptive injection (0.6%).The most common cause of non-use contraceptive method was suspicious to pregnancy and pregnancy. The percentage of changing method over a year ago was 23.Unintended pregnancy and unmet need were 18% and 6.5%, respectively. Correct consumption of oral contraceptive pills and awareness of emergency contraception method were 57% and 52%, respectively.73.5% of women aged 15-49 years used governmental health care services and satisfaction rate was more than 90%. Conclusion: To decrease unwanted pregnancy and increase women’s knowledge about correct use of oral contraceptive and emergency contraceptive method, health care provider should pay special attention to contraceptive counseling to clients.

---

Abstract
 
Background and aims: Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) with Interleukin1-β (IL1-β) are inflammatory proteins that induced the inflammatory reactions due to insufficient of physical activity. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of high intensity interval training on Lipocalin-2 and Interleukin1-β gene expressions in fast- and slow muscles of rats.
 
Methods: In the present study, 20 Wistar rats were divided into HIIT and control groups. HIIT protocol was performed 60 min in each session for four sessions in each week. After warm-up, HIIT group was carried out 15 × 4 min bouts of HIIT with 85 to 90% of VO_2max that continued with three min recovery (between each bout of HIIT) with 70% of VO_2max. LCN-2 and IL1-β and their gene translations were evaluated by commercial kits and Real-Time PCR method, respectively.   
 
Results: Findings shown that VO_2max was significantly increased and serum levels of LCN-2 and IL1-β were significantly decreased (p<0.05). Also, LCN-2 and IL1-β gene translations in both fast- and slow muscles were significantly decreased (p<0.05).  
 
Conclusion: It seems that, current HIIT protocol has capability to significantly decrease both muscular and serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as LCN-2 and IL1-β in male rats. Particularly, results of current study shown that LCN-2 and IL1-β decreases are greater in EDL muscles.           
 
 

---

 
 
Background & aim: Obesity as an epidemic which is associated with excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that secretes many hormones such as applein. Applein is an adipocytokine that increases its level in obesity. Changes in the level of apelin in response to aerobic exercise are not well defined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of eight weeks of sub-maximal aerobic training with intensity of 50 to 60% of maximum heart rate on serum apelin-13 and insulin resistance in overweight men.
 
Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental research. A total of 26 male overweight subjects with a body mass index of 27-30 kg / m² were selected and randomly assigned to the subgroups and control aerobic exercise groups after the request was announced and adjusted to the entrance criteria. The aerobic training group under-maxed rrun out the training program for 30 sessions in an eight-week interval (3 sessions per week with an intensity of 50-70% of maximum heart rate).Body mass index, maximum oxygen consumption and blood sampling were performed and 24 hours after the last training session, the evaluations were repeated. Data were analyzed by statistical tests.
 
Results: The results of this study showed a significant decrease in body weight and body fat (p <0.05). Also, maximum oxygen consumption was significantly increased (p = 0.0001). However, indices of insulin resistance and Applein 13 did not show any significant changes. In addition, there was a direct and significant correlation between apelin 13 indices with anthropometric indices and glycosylated hemoglobin (p <0.05).
 
Conclusions: The internal factors of exercise practice, the intensity of aerobic exercise, have a significant effect on the anthropometric characteristics of overweight individuals, but not enough for significant changes in the levels of Applein 13 and insulin resistance. It is recommended that exercises be carried out over a longer period of time and more intensively so that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people with overweight is reduced and controlled.
 
 

---

Abstract
Background & aim:  Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in different parts of the world. Nowadays, nanoparticles, as an anticancer agent, have been considered in research on cancer treatment. Since the P53 gene has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in many cancers, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of P53 gene on AGS gastric cancer cells after the effects of palladium nanoparticles.
 
Methods: The present experimental study was conducted from April to September 2011 in Varamin Islamic Azad University. In this study, AGS and normal HEK293 cancer cells were treated for 48 hours at different concentrations of palladium (5700.570, 57.5, μg / ml) nanoparticles. The effect of nanoparticles on cell survival was measured by MTT method. Extracting RNA and synthesizing of cDNA was determined. Finally, expression of P53 gene was evaluated using Real Time PCR. The collected data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA.
 
Results: The results of cell toxicity indicated that in high concentrations of palladium nanoparticles, cell proliferation significantly lead to cell death  compared to the control group (P = 0.002). The results of the Real Time PCR test disclosed that P53 gene expression was not significantly increased in comparison with the reference gene during 48 hours (P = 0.09).
 
Conclusion: Palladium nanoparticles presented an ability to destroy the AGS cancer cell line compared to the normal HEK293 class, but this was not due to the increased expression of the P53 gene. More studies are desirable to determine the type of cell death caused by the toxicity of palladium nanoparticles.
 
 

---

Background & aim: Pregnancy at cesarean section is rare and delays in diagnosis and treatment are associated with maternal complications, but diagnostic and treatment methods are being studied due to its rarity and there is no standard protocol for pregnancy management at cesarean section. . The purpose of the present report was to provide a method of early diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy at the site of cesarean section.
 
Case Report: A 34-year-old woman with a second pregnancy, gestational age of 8 weeks and 3 days, and a history of a cesarean section complained of spotting and severe abdominal pain. The amount of β human placental gonadotropin (β-hCG) was reported to be 5600 mmol/ml. In transvaginal ultrasound, the gestational sac containing internal echoes without a embryonic pole was seen at the site of the previous cesarean section and the blood flow around the gestational sac. The patient was followed up for 3 days for spontaneous abortion of ectopic pregnancy or reduction of gestational sac size in the hospital. Due to the increase in β-hCG, dilatation and suction curettage and hysteroscopic resection were performed. Twenty-four hours after treatment, the first β-hCG, 191 mmol/ml, was reported. The next study was performed in two stages at 48-hour intervals and had a downward trend. Then, a week later, the β-hCG level was increased to 30 mmHg. The millimeter had arrived. After 11 days of follow-up, follow-up was stopped due to a decrease in β-hCG.
 
Conclusion: In the present patient, pregnancy at the cesarean section was diagnosed with transvaginal ultrasound in the early stages and appropriate treatment was performed with dilatation and suction cortex and hysteroscopic resection. In pregnant women, with the complaint of vaginal spotting and a history of previous cesarean section, the possibility of miscarriage at the cesarean section should always be considered to prevent further possible complications and the possibility of uterine removal.

 
 

---

Background & aim:  Regarding to the importance of S. aureus colonization in bovine mastitis and the role of biofilm in its pathogenesis, the aim of this study was to determine the phenotypic production of biofilm and subsequently identify genes related to biofilm production in isolates of S. aureus from bovine with subclinical mastitis.
 
Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, a total of 502 milk samples were collected from bovine with subclinical mastitis in Boyerahmad and Dena townships. After isolation of bacteria was completed, the detection of nucA gene by PCR method was conducted for the final confirmation of S. aureus. Congo Red Agar plate was used for the assessment of biofilm production. The PCR method was used for the detection of icaA, icaD, fnbA, clfA, cna and bap genes. The collected data was analyzed by the SPSS software version 15 and chi-square test. 
 
Results: A total of 80 (15.9%) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated, of which 55 (68.7%) isolates were able to form biofilms. The highest frequency of icaD gene was identified in 87.5% of isolates and bap gene with the lowest frequency (5%). Significant association were observed between biofilm production and presence of icaD(p=0.0001),  icaA(p=0.003), fnbA(p=0.0001) and clfA(p=0.0001).
 
Conclusion: Considering the important role of biofilm in development of antibiotic resistance and high frequency of biofilm producer isolates, this finding should be considered as an alarm. Hence, the biofilm production helps the bacterial colonization and the pathogenesis could lead to economical and healthcare burden on the community.   
 

 

---

Background and aim: Podophyllotoxin is used as one of the main treatments for genital warts. It is a precursor of etoposide and teniposide, which is used in the treatment of various cancers. Despite a large number of cancer studies, the exact mechanism of podophyllotoxin remains unknown. Suppression of enzymatic activity of adult caspases occurs in cancer cells in the presence of specific members of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) family such as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (cIAP1), and Survivin. By specifically binding a second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases-mimetics (Smac-mimetics) to negative apoptosis regulators, inhibition of IAPs-mediated caspases is eliminated and apoptosis is induced. The aim of the present study was used to determine the mechanism of action of podophyllotoxin as an inducer of apoptosis using molecular docking method.
 
Methods: The present bioinformatics study was conducted in 2020. Molecular docking method was used to calculate the molecular interaction of podophyllotoxin with proteins associated with initiator and effector caspases including baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR3) of XIAP / cAIP1 and Survivin, as well as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The theoretical binding site of podophyllotoxin on these anti-apoptotic proteins was determined as an inhibitor to obtain information on the initial interaction, free binding energy and inhibition constant by molecular docking method. The collected data were analyzed using different software and compared with the results of related articles.
 
Results: The proapoptotic activity of podophyllotoxin as an apoptotic-inducing agent is associated with the signaling pathways of caspases 3, 7, 8, and 9. The key activation mechanisms of these caspases may be due to podophyllotoxin binding and induction of conformational changes at active sites of the XIAP / cAIP1-BIR3 and Survivin located near or at the same Smac-mimetics binding site. Three strong hydrogen bonds with the amino acids Tyr108, Ser117 and Glu118 play important roles in the stabilization of the Bcl-2-podophyllotoxin complex. Podophyllotoxin, similar to EGFR inhibitors, forms several hydrophobic interactions and two strong hydrogen bonds with Thr830 and Met769 with a bond-free energy of -7.85 kcal / mol and an inhibition constant of K_i = 1.76 µM.
 
Conclusion: Induction of apoptosis in cancer cells by podophyllotoxin can be attributed to several different mechanisms. Predicted binding conformations showed that podophyllotoxin had valuable inhibitory potential. Therefore, podophyllotoxin may be considered as an effective anticancer agent for further research into drug development.

---

Background & aim: Due to the resistance of microorganisms to antibacterial agents, efforts are being made by researchers to replace the plant natural substances with antimicrobial properties and lower side effects. The aim of this study was hydro alcoholic extract of malva sylvestris as a food preservative with some microorganisms, which further cause contamination of food products
 
Methods: The present experimental laboratory study was conducted in 2016. Several experiments, such as gel diffusion and MIC and MLC measurements were performed to evaluate the storage properties of nutrients by a number of microorganisms that are more likely to contaminate food with malva sylvestris extract. After preparing the hydro alcoholic extract, it was applied to the culture medium containing tomato juice, grapefruit juice, pineapple juice and wheat flour, which were infected with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Aspergillus Niger. Correspondingly, the minimum growth inhibitory concentration and the minimum lethal concentration of extract as well as sodium benzoate were measured on above microorganisms and then the diameter of the growth inhibition zone of extract was compared with standard antibiotics. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, i.e. the average of tables and graphs.
 
Results: The present study indicated that at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg/mm of the extract, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone for S. aureus is equal to; 6, 12, 15, 18, and 20 respectively but growth aura was observed for E. coli. On the hand  the MIC and MBC  of extract  at concentrations of  1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 against Aspergillus Niger and Candida Albicans was 25, 31, and 125 mg/ml. however, the growth of all microorganisms against sodium benzoate at a concentration of 2 mg / mm was stopped and the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was observed from 20 to 28 mm..
 
Conclusion: The results indicated that this extract in combination with chemical additives contaminated with S. areus revealed a high retention effect, but substances contaminated with E. coli had no effect on them. Also, this extract had a good effect on foods contaminated with fungi, but compared to sodium benzoate, this extract had less effect on all microorganisms. However, we hope that in the future, with more work being done on this plant can be used as a suitable alternative to food storage instead of chemical additives.
 
 

---

Background & aim: Estrogens play a key role in the growth, development and maintenance of a wide range of tissues. Physiological responses to estrogen in specific tissues are mediated by at least two isoforms of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ). Currently, medicinal plants are widely used in the treatment and control of diseases due to their lower cost and fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, including Hypericum perforatum L. and Anethum graveolens L. Hypericum perforatum L. is effective in premenstrual syndrome, and Anethum graveolens L. as a regulator, effective in sex hormones and dysmenorrhea. The main purpose of the present study was to compare the molecular interaction of phytoestrogenic compounds of the studied plants with these two isoforms of estrogen receptor through molecular docking.
 

Methods: This molecular docking study was performed in 2021. The Molecular docking method was used to calculate the molecular interaction with the aim of additional investigation of the possible hormonal effects of phytoestrogenic compounds in the studied plants. Evaluation of theoretical binding site of flavonoid phytoestrogenic compounds fisetin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, tetramethyl stilbene, trans-Anethole, limonene, resveratrol, and genistein as an agonist or antagonist was performed by ERα and ERβ. The amino acid residues involved in the interaction, the free binding energy and the binding constant were determined. The collected data were analyzed using different software and compared with the results of related articles.

 
Results: By examining the binding energy and different conformations of phytoestrogenic compounds into ERs, fisetin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and resveratrol were selected as the best potential ligands. The results confirm that these compounds were quite sterically compatible with the location at the active site occupied by the 17β-estradiol endogenous agonist as full agonist and partial agonist genistein. The results of molecular docking provided evidence of the binding of phytoestrogenic compounds to ERα and ERβ with a bond-free energy of -5.26 to -8.47 kcal/mol and a binding constant of 131.62 µM to 614.61 nM and their interaction with key residues of active site including Glu353, Arg394 and His524 of ERα and Glu305, Arg346 and His475 of ERβ as partial agonist.
 
Conclusion: The interaction of the best phytoestrogenic compounds with the key amino acids of active site ERs such as the partial agonist of genistein was desirable. Valuable results of molecular docking in identifying the most important phytoestrogenic compounds can be considered as a starting point for optimization in the rational design of drugs in the treatment of estrogen-sensitive diseases.
 
 

---

Background & aim: Saliva is one of the most important body fluids. The lack of this fluid has many outcomes for the patient. The aim of the present study was to detect objective and subjective dry mouth in individuals with no oro-dental complications in Shiraz, Iran and compare these factors to depression level, medication intake and level of education.
 
Methods: In the present descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Shiraz Dental School in 2018, 450 samples were selected from the Patients' companions referred to Shiraz Dental School over 18 years. In the present study, the Fox questionnaire was used to mentally assess dry mouth (zerostomia) and the Zong self-assessment scale was used to assess depression. Spitting method was used to evaluate the amount of stimulated and unstimulated saliva (objective dry mouth or hyposalivation). When saliva was less than 0.1 g/min, objective dry mouth was stimulated and when saliva was less than 0.7g/min, objective dry mouth was considered non-irritating. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and chi-square test.
 
Results: In the present study, 399 patients (118 males, 280 females) were studied. Dry mouth (zerostomia) was found in 46% of the population. However, 18.5% had non-stimulated objective dry mouth and 12.3% had objectively stimulated dry mouth. Patients aged 30 to 45 years suffered more from mental and objective dry mouth compared to other age groups (p=0.048 and p=0.032). Depression, use of antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs and low level of education were significantly associated with objective dry mouth (p<0.01, p<0.01 and p=0.038).
 
Conclusion: Mental dry mouth can occur apart from objective dry mouth. Correspondingly, dry mouth as an objective and mental symptom can be seen not only in the elderly but similarly in the young peoples. Physicians and dentists must deal with the factors that cause this complication, such as; depression, medications, and education levels as a disabling and destructive condition that affects all age groups.
 
 

---

Background & aim: The role of artificial sweeteners in the occurrence of cancer risk has been widely discussed during the last few decades. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the dynamic and molecular simulation of the interaction of saccharin(SA) with human p53 protein.

Methods: The present bioinformatics study was conducted in 2023. The interaction of SA and sodium saccharin (SSA) with the human p53 gene promoter (Pp53g) has already been published in 2019 in two theoretical and experimental sections. But in the present study, the binding ability and the binding site of SA ligand as a synthetic sweetener with human p53 protein (receptor) as a tumor suppressor was theoretically performed. The amino acid residues involved in the interaction, energy free binding and binding constant were determined. Molecular docking was used for molecular interaction calculations. More detailed information about the binding method of the ligand-receptor complex was obtained by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The structure and topology file for the human p53 protein extracted from the protein database was created based on the AMBER 99 force field with the GROMACS 5.3.1 program. Acpype/Antechamber program with General AMBER Force Field (GAFF) was used to create structure file and ligand topology in MD simulation. This force field was compatible with the AMBER 99 force field. The simulation time in explicit solvent was 50 ns for SA-p53 protein complex. The collected data were analyzed using different software and compared with the results of related articles.

Results: The results of molecular docking indicated that the SA compound was bound to human p53 protein with a binding energy of -4.55 kcal/mol and a binding constant of 462.18 μM. A hydrogen bond was formed between SA and amino acid Leu137. The conformational changes resulting from MD simulation for the ligand-protein complex showed that SA can bind to Arg196 and His179 as key amino acids of p53 protein in the DNA binding region through two hydrogen bonds. SA can also be placed in the adjacent of amino acids Leu137, Ala138, His179, Asp184 and Met237 through hydrophobic bonds. The values of the plots of root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg) for free p53 protein and in the presence of SA ligand show the stable binding of SA to p53 protein.

Conclusion: The present study could provide valuable information about the binding mechanism of SA to human p53 protein as a macromolecule at the molecular level with subatomic details. The results can be useful in determining the potential carcinogenic risk of this sweetener due to its high consumption and the design and synthesis of newer and safer artificial sweeteners.