ABSTRACT
            Background and objectives: Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth of conjunctival tissue that can extend onto the corneal surface. The presence of some oncogenic viruses in pterygium and the neoplastic nature of these lesions led us to the postulated involvement of the viruses in the etiology of pterygium. Given the association of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) with ocular diseases, we aimed to investigate presence of this virus in pterygium.
            Methods: Fifty tissue specimens were collected from patients with pterygium who underwent pterygium surgery between February 2013 and May 2015. The specimens were tested by real-time PCR using Maxima SYBR Green/ROX qPCR Master Mix (2X) kit. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using SPSS software (version 18).
            Results: Six (12 %) specimens were positive for HHV-6 DNA. There was no statistically significant correlation between pterygium and presence of HHV-6.
            Conclusion: Based on the results, a direct association between HHV-6 and development of pterygium seems less probable, which suggests that other etiologic agents must be involved in the multistep process of the disease.
            Keywords: Human Herpesvirus 6; pterygium; Real-time PCR.

ABSTRACT
           Background and Objective: Strongyloides infection is usually asymptomatic in healthy individuals; however, immunocompromised patients are subject to potential hyperinfection involvement. Hereby, we report disseminated and hyperinfection strongyloidiasis in two immunosuppressed patients from north of Iran, an endemic region for Strongyloides stercoralis.
           Case description: After assessment of clinical symptoms, disseminated strongyloidiasis            was identified in the first case with pemphigus vulgaris by the presence of abundant larvae in direct stool smears and gastric biopsy. The second patient had metastatic carcinoma and was hospitalized with complicated symptoms. The infection was diagnosed by detection of numerous first-stage larvae in wet mount stool smears and agar plate analysis. Despite antiparasitic treatment, both patients died during the hospitalization.
           Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis of active strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients can lead to hyperinfection syndrome. Thus, screening for S. stercoralis infection in these patients is recommended in endemic regions to reduce mortalities.
           Keywords: Strongyloides stercoralis, Disseminated strongyloidiasis, Hyperinfection.

ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic hepatic disease characterized by fat accumulation inside hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of exercise training and resveratrol supplementation on activin A and follistatin levels in rats with NAFLD under a high-fat diet.
Methods: Fifty-six old (40-50 weeks) male Wistar rats were assigned to a healthy control group and seven experimental NAFLD groups: 1. high-fat diet, 2. saline, 3. resveratrol supplementation, 4. continuous exercise, 5. interval exercise, 6. continuous exercise+ resveratrol supplementation and 7. interval exercise+ resveratrol supplementation. Rats in the resveratrol supplementation groups were given 25 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneal injection of resveratrol daily. Exercises were performed five days a week for eight weeks. Data were analyzed with SPSS (version 21) using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc test at significance of 0.05.
Results: Exercise training and resveratrol supplementation significantly decreased plasma activin A level and increased activin A expression (P<0.05). Plasma level of follistatin was significantly higher in rats under a high-fat diet compared to healthy control animals. All exercise and supplementation groups alone and combined lowered follistatin levels. However, follistatin mRNA expression increased significantly after resveratrol supplementation alone, continuous exercise+ resveratrol supplementation, and interval exercise+ resveratrol supplementation.
Conclusion: Resveratrol has a beneficial effect on activin A and follistatin levels in rats with NAFLD. In addition, resveratrol supplementation combined with exercise training may have greater health benefits for NAFLD patients compared to resveratrol supplementation or exercise training alone.
Keywords: Exercise, Resveratrol, Activin A, Follistatin, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Background and Objectives: Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a widespread virus with various manifestations depending on the immunologic and hematologic status of the host. Infection with the virus can cause a wide range of complications in fetus of infected pregnant women, especially those with hemoglobinopathies. This study aimed to determine association of hemoglobin electrophoretic patterns and risk of B19V infection in pregnant women.
 
      Methods: Blood samples were collected from 200 pregnant women attending University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. The samples were screened for anti-B19V IgM and IgG. Hemoglobin patterns were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and Minicap Flex Piercing Electrophoresis system. Structured questionnaires were used to collate sociodemographic variables and associated risk factors of B19V.
 
      Results: Of 200 participants, 12 (6.0%) were positive for B19V IgM, 45 (22.5%) were positive for IgG and two (1.0%) were positive for both antibody, while 145 (72.5%) had no detectable B19V antibody. Twenty-six subjects (28.3%) with HbAA hemoglobin pattern had B19V IgG of whom, nine (12.5%) had HbAS and 11 (30.6%) had HbSS electrophoretic patterns. There was a significant association between prevalence of anti-B19V IgG and hemoglobin electrophoretic pattern of participants (P=0.037). However, no association was found between prevalence of B19V IgM and hemoglobin electrophoretic pattern, age and parity of pregnant women (P>0.05).
 
      Conclusion: Our findings revealed a high prevalence of B19V infection among pregnant women in the studied area. In addition, acute B19V seems to be associated with hemoglobin electrophoretic patterns of pregnant women. It is recommended to follow up newborns of anti-B19V IgM positive pregnant women.

Background and objectives: Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. It is estimated that around 3.5 billion people are infected with intestinal parasites. Human intestinal parasites (HIP) are clinically important due to broad epidemiological distribution, reinfection and drug resistance. In the last decades, bioactive compounds from herbs were used against a wide variety of microorganisms including parasites. We aimed to perform a systematic review on studies on the effects of medicinal herbs on HIPs in Iran.
 
      Methods: Relevant scientific publications until April, 2015 were extracted from five English databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, Science Direct and Scopus) and four Persian databases (Magiran, Irandoc, IranMedex and the Scientific Information Database).
 
      Results: A total of 18 papers and two dissertations met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 22 different plant extracts were used against Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium and Hymenolepis nana. Based on the results, the extracts could exert time- and dose-dependent inhibitory effects against the tested HIPs. Five plants types including Allium, Chenopodium botrys, Carum copticum, F. asafoetida and Artemisia annua were able to completely inhibit the tested parasites, while Thymus vulgaris and A. paradoxum showed the lowest inhibitory effect (7%).
 
      Conclusions: Given the findings, it is recommended to conduct in vivo studies on medicinal herbs with favorable in vitro effects against HIPs.

Background and objectives: Cardiac apoptosis is one of the most important cardiovascular complications of diabetes. We aimed to investigate the changes of Bax, Bcl2 and caspase 3 in cardiac tissue of diabetic rats after six weeks aerobic exercise.
Methods: Thirty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into healthy control, diabetes control and diabetes + exercise groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin solution (55 mg/kg). Two weeks after the injection, fasting blood glucose levels were measured to confirm induction of diabetes. The exercise program was performed five days a week for six weeks. Variables were evaluated by ELISA and western blot analysis. All statistical analyses were performed in SPSS (version 22) using ANOVA and at significance of 0.05.
Results: The induction of diabetes in the control groups resulted in a significant increase in Bax, Bax/Bcl2 ratio and a significant decrease in Bcl2 levels (P=0.024). The six-week training exercise in diabetic groups significantly decreased Bax and Bax/Bcl2 ratio and significantly increased Bcl2 (P=0.018).
Conclusion: Our finding showed that diabetes could increase apoptosis in cardiac tissue. In addition, the six-week aerobic exercise can be used as a non-pharmacological strategy to reduce diabetes-related apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.

Background: The understanding of blood group phenotypes is currently limited to the ABO and Rh blood group systems. This study aimed to determine the frequency of Rh system antigens (D, C, c, E, e) and the phenotypes of the system in blood donors. Identifying the blood group phenotypes of donors in any population is important for improving healthcare services and better serving patients.
Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 575 donors (Turkmen and Fars) in blood transfusion centers in Golestan Province, Iran. A cell suspension (3-5%) from each sample was prepared in normal saline and exposed to Rh system antisera using the haemagglutination technique. The Rh phenotype was then determined based on the most common genotype.
Results: For the Rh system, the antigen frequencies of D, C, c, E, and e were 87.76%, 73.6%, 72.1%, 30.83%, and 93.59%, respectively. The most common phenotypes among the Turkmen and Fars donors were R1R1, R1r, and rr, respectively, while the least common phenotypes were R2Rz and ryry. The phenotypes r'r' and ryry were not detected in the Turkmen donors, and the phenotype r''r' was not identified in the Fars donors.
Conclusion: Identifying the prevalence of blood group antigens in donors from each region is crucial for organizing negative antigen blood units, preparing compatible blood for multitransfused patients, and preventing the development of alloantibodies in these patients.
 

Background: Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan. Despite the significant frequency of cutaneous leishmaniasis, there is still no appropriate prevention, control and treatment. In recent years, a few studies have been performed on the effects of garlic extract for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Current drugs, such as glucantime, have several side effects and lead to direct cellular damage. If an herbal-based drug reduces Leishmania by augmenting the immune system, it has the potential to possess a wider margin of safety. This study aimed to investigate the effects of in vitro systematic review of the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) and its compounds on Leishmania major.
Methods: Five English databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched until the end of December 2022. The syntax and specific tags have been used for each database. The studies with poor methodology, inadequate information, inappropriate analysis, and confusing presentation were excluded from the current study. The quality of articles was assessed by eleven questions developed by the authors and the data were extracted from the selected articles and discussed.
Results: In this study, 198 articles were selected in the search step, of which five eligible articles were included for examination. The most commonly used solvent for the preparation of garlic extract was distilled water (60%), followed by methanol (40%). In these studies, the bulb of garlic is mostly used (80%). Cell type of J774 was used in only one study (20%), and murine peritoneal macrophages were used in the other studies (80%). The effect of garlic on Leishmania major was strong (80%). Studies have shown that garlic extract or its active compounds can increase cellular immune responses, which play an important role in inhibiting the Leishmania parasite. This is associated with the activation of macrophages and increased IFN-γ levels and NO production.
Conclusion: According to the studies, the effect of different combinations of garlic on the Leishmania parasite has been shown. However, the exact mechanism of the anti-Leishmanial effect of garlic has not been determined. Thus, this issue needs further investigation.
 

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ten weeks of combined training on the gene expression of nuclear factor-κB and sirtuin 1 in fast and slow twitch muscles of aged male rats.
Methods: Sixteen rats, each 24 months old, were randomly divided into two groups: combined training and control (Eight rats per group). Combined exercises were performed four sessions per week, including two days of endurance and two days of resistance. The exercises took place in a container measuring 50x50x100 cm, filled with water maintained at 30±1°C. On the first day, the animals swam for five minutes in water at a height equal to 100% of their body length, without weights. On the second and third days, the rats swam for 10 minutes with the water height equal to 120% of their body length. On the fourth and fifth days, they swam for 15 minutes with the water height at 140% of their body length, which remained constant during the study period. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with SPSS version 22 software, with the significance level at P≤0.05.
Results: After ten weeks of combined training, a significant difference was observed in the gene expression of nuclear factor-κB and sirtuin 1 between the training and control groups (P=0.001 for both).
Conclusion: According to the results of this research, performing combined exercises in water with appropriate intensity and duration can regulate inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, thereby strengthening muscles and reducing muscle wasting and atrophy in the elderly.
 

Pasteurella species are one of the most common pathogenic bacteria in domestic animals, and they are seen more in people with weak immune systems. This research aims to investigate a case of a patient with multiple sclerosis from whose sputum Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) was isolated. The patient was a 28-year-old man with multiple sclerosis who had persistent coughs due to food being stuck in his throat. The patient was a 28-year-old man with multiple sclerosis who had persistent coughs due to food being stuck in his throat. The primary diagnosis was pneumonia hydropneumothorax and complete collapse of the left lung. The patient's sputum culture after the first visit to the hospital was positive for P. multocida, which was not found in a second culture. In the subsequent cultures of the patient, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Citrobacter were found, which had extensive drug resistance to all antibiotics. In the secondary computerized tomography (CT) scan, mild pleural effusion on the left side, pneumothorax, and complete collapse with bronchiectasis was seen. Despite the treatments, the patient finally died of cardiac arrest and bradycardia. Infection with P. multocida was found in a patient with multiple sclerosis. Also, hospital-acquired infections with drug resistance caused by the weakness of the patient's system appeared in the patient who was hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU), and finally, the patient died. According to antibiotic patterns, the best antibiotic to which the bacteria is sensitive can be considered the primary treatment to avoid irrational antibiotic prescriptions.
 

Background: Thyroid hormones play a critical role in hematopoiesis, and thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect blood parameters. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of thyroid dysfunction on various blood parameters.
Methods: This case-control study included 194 subjects who were classified into three groups based on TSH levels: hypothyroid (n=70), hyperthyroid (n=56), and control (n=68). Conditions that affect blood parameters, including pregnancy, inherited or acquired red blood cell abnormalities, chronic inflammatory diseases, evidence of nutritional deficiencies, and underlying diseases such as cancer, as well as patients unwilling to participate in the study, were excluded. Hematological parameters were measured using a cell counter, and the results were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that 78% of the participants were female and 22% were male, aged 4 to 89 years. The analyses revealed that RBC, Hb, HCT, WBC count, and WBC differential count were significantly different between the three groups (P-value <0.05), but the differences were not significant for MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, and MPV (P-value >0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a significant correlation between TSH and Hb, HCT, WBC, PLT, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Since thyroid hormones play a critical role in hematopoiesis, thyroid dysfunction can affect many hematological parameters. Therefore, the management of patients with thyroid disease should include the CBC test. In addition, patients with poor responses to anemia treatment may have an underlying thyroid disorder.