Abstract

         Background and Objectives: Concentration low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is one of the strongest indicators of atherosclerosis and predicts the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. LDL measurement accuracy is very important. LDL can be measured directly, such as enzymatic and nephelometry methods or can be calculated using Friedewald's formula. Despite the development of enzymatic methods and LDL nephelometry still in most laboratories is calculated using Friedewald's formula. The aim of this study was an investigation of correlation coefficient between two methods of measuring LDL- cholesterol levels.

         Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, performed on the 1141 patients. Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL all patients assayed by enzymatic method. For patients with triglyceride levels of less than 400 mg/dl had LDL levels were calculated by Friedewald's formula. Normal levels of LDL/HDL ratio of less than 3.5 were considered.

          Results: Of the 1141 patients participating in this study, 38.3 % men and 61.7 % women. The mean patient age was 46.3 ± 16.1 years. Mean serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL were 177.9 ± 41.1, 132.9 ± 73.2 and 45.8 ± 13.2 mg/dl, respectively. Average direct and calculated LDL concentration was 82.1 ± 23.1 and 105.5 ± 35.8, respectively. The direct measurement of LDL, LDL/HDL levels in 97.1% of cases was normal, while 85.1 % of the calculation of LDL were normal. Pearson correlation coefficients were obtained by two methods: 0.869 (p <0.001).

         Conclusion: Despite the favorable correlation between two methods of measurements of LDL, the results of a calculation method is more than direct method. This can have a negative impact on the judgment of the treating physician.

           Key words: LDL, Enzymatic Method, Friedewald's Formula.

Abstract

       Background and Objective: the Formation of urinary infection by uropathogenic E.coli needs   numerous virulence factors and biofilm formation is among these factors. Bacteria that form biofilms express phenotype traits that appear according to the bacteria type. Cellulose is an important compound on the outside of E.coli causing bacterial cell-cell reactions and connection to nonliving surfaces. Curli pili cause the reaction between cell-cell and surface-cell in biofilms and lead to bacteria aggregation. Microorganisms’ ability to form biofilm on a surface depends on the surface nature and its conditions. This study aimed at determining the production ability of cellulose polysaccharide and curli pili in UPEC strains, and its correlation with formation and intensity of biofilm.

       Methods: In this study carried out to compare the ability of cellulose and pili curli production ability in  40 uropathogenic E.coli isolates ,by morphotype  method in Congo Red medium (CR), each isolate was incubated at 37 ^oC, for 24 hours. After 24 hours, all colonies’ morphology characteristics were studied

     Results: It was shown that 67.5% of strains produced cellulose and 72.5% produced curli pili. In addition, 92.6% and 89% of isolates that produce cellulose and curli, respectively, had a moderate to strong biofilm. Moreover, it was shown that there is a significant correlation between cellulose and / or curli pili production with biofilm intensity.

       Conclusion: About 70% of E.coli isolates from patients' urine are able to produce cellulose or curli pili; therefore, it can be concluded that the production of these two combinations is effective in amount and intensity of biofilm formation.

       Keywords: Escherichia coli; Cellulose Polysaccharide; Curli Pili; Biofilm.

ABSTRACT

       Background and Objective: Herpes simplex encephalitis is a life-threatening consequence of the central nervous system (CNS) infection with Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although it is a rare disease, mortality rates reach 70% in the absence of therapy and only a minority of individuals can return to normal function. The aim of this study was to determine possible correlation between HSV infection and the incidence of encephalitis in patients with neurological signs.

        Methods: Overall, 152 CSF samples were tested from patients with neurological signs referred to Mahdieh Clinical Laboratory in Isfahan from 2010 to 2013. After cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection, DNA was extracted and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for HSV detection.

          Results: Of 152 patients tested, 50 were diagnosed with encephalitis. HSV DNA was present in the CSF of 13 patients with encephalitis. HSV was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in patients with encephalitis, which shows the significance of infection as an etiological factor of this disease. About 60% of the encephalitis cases were in age range of 1-24 months.

         Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, Cesarean section is recommended for HSV-positive mothers. A routine real-time PCR test is suggested for HSV detection in patients with encephalitis to avoid unnecessary antiviral treatments.

       

ABSTRACT
       Background and Objectives: Cellulose is a major component of plant biomass, which can be converted into biofuels and valuable chemicals. The key step in utilization of this organic material is its hydrolysis into soluble sugars. This study evaluated cellulase production by Trichoderma harzianum under different pH values, temperatures and incubation periods with the aim to increase enzyme production and decrease its costs.
Methods: The amount of protein production and the hydrolytic activity of cellulase enzymes including exoglucanase, endoglucanase and β-glucosidase produced by T. harzianum were evaluated using various substrates such as avicel, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellobiose, Whatman grade 1 filter paper under different pH values (4, 4.8, 5.5 and 6.5), temperatures (25, 28 and 34 °C) and incubation times (48, 72, 96 and 120 h).
Results: The optimum condition for cellulase production by T. harzianum is 120 hours of incubation at 25 °C and pH of 6.5.
Conclusion: T. harzianum can be used for the production of all three classes of cellulase. This fungus is suitable for the efficient production of cellulolytic enzymes and reducing the cost of consumables.
Keywords: Cellulose, Trichoderma harzianum, Hydrolytic enzymes, Optimization.

ABSTRACT
       Background and Objective: Nanobacteria are nanometer-scale particles with different shapes, which have been a subject of debate in modern microbiology. They belong to a proposed class of living organisms, specifically cell-walled microorganisms with a size much smaller than the generally accepted lower limit for life. Since some microorganisms are able to continue growth at high temperatures, we aimed to isolate thermophilic bacteria from Gheinarcheh hot spring in Ardabil (Iran) and identify the characteristics of these microorganisms.
       Methods: Microbial mats were found in cultures from Gheinarcheh hot spring in North West of Iran. Synthetic media were prepared and used for isolation of protease-producing thermophilic bacteria, and identification of the features of microbial mats. Cultures were incubated at temperature range of 60-120 oC. Scanning electron microscopy, DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction were used to further identify characteristics of the microbial biofilms.
        Results: Microbial biofilms of nanoparticles were detected in our samples. Growth of the bacteria increased at all temperatures tested. Results of scanning electron microscopy showed nano-sized particles in the scale of 60 nm. No band was visible in gel electrophoresis of polymerase chain reaction products.
Conclusion: This study is the first to report the presence of hyperthermophilic nanobacteria in Iran.
      Keywords: Nanobacteria, Hyperthermophile, Microbial Mat.