Background: Gene editing technology has created a revolution in the field of genome editing. The three of the most famous tools in gene editing technology are zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and CRISPR-associated systems. As their predictable nature, it is necessary to assess their efficiency. There are some methods for this purpose, but most of them are time labor and complicated. Here, we introduce a new prokaryotic reporter system, which makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of gene editing tools faster, cheaper, and simpler than previous methods. Materials and Methods: At first, the target sites of a custom ZFN, which is designed against a segment of ampicillin resistance gene, were cloned on both sides of green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene to construct pPRO-GFP. Then pPRO-GFP was transformed into Escherichia coli TOP10F' that contains pZFN (contains expression cassette of a ZFN against ampicillin resistant gene), or p15A-KanaR as a negative control. The transformed bacteria were cultured on three separate media that contained ampicillin, kanamycin, and ampicillin + kanamycin; then the resulted colonies were assessed by flow cytometry. Results: The results of flow cytometry showed a significant difference between the case (bacteria contain pZFN) and control (bacteria contain p15A, KanaR) in MFI (Mean Fluorescence Intensity) (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: According to ZFN efficiency, it can bind and cut the target sites, the bilateral cutting can affect the intensity of GFP fluorescence. Our flow cytometry results showed that this ZFN could reduce the intensity of GFP color and colony count of bacteria in media containing amp + kana versus control sample.

Background: The present study tries to compare the unintended outcomes of the Catania stent versus Xience stent in patients undergoing angioplasty. Materials and Methods: In a three month, follow-up, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 83 patients undergoing angioplasty, who met the inclusion criteria were entered into the study. After randomization 43 patients were treated with the Xience stent and 40 patients with the Catania stent. Stent-related outcomes such as Cardiac and Non-Cardiovascular Death, Myocardial Infarction (MI), Target Lesion Revascularization (TLR), Stent Thrombosis (ST), Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Peripheral vasculopathy, and Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) were compared between the groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of complications and clinical outcomes between the two treatment groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of MI, TLR, CABG operation, peripheral vasculopathy, or CVA was not observed in any patient and there was no statistically difference in mortality (4.7% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.527) and stent thrombosis (2.3% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.735). Conclusion: All in all, the present study could not find the significant differences between the Catania stent and Xience stent in terms of clinical outcomes during the follow-up period.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effect of some factors, including birth weight, sex, age, waist circumference, family history of obesity, as well as some lifestyle factors as frequency of breakfast days and physical activity, on the body mass index among a nationally representative sample of Iranian children and adolescents by using bootstrapping regression. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as the third survey of a school-based surveillance system (CASPIAN-III study). Total participants were 5570 school students, aged 10-18 years, selected by multistage random cluster sampling from urban and rural areas of 27 provinces of Iran. Multiple linear regressions was used to evaluate the effect of various factors on obesity, but in our data the assumptions of this model violated, and possible solutions were not appropriate, therefore the bootstrapping regression based on the observations and errors resampling approaches was used as an alternative. Results: The tests of significance showed that the effects of sex, age, waist circumference, family history obesity and frequency of breakfast days were clearly significant (P < 0.001). The effect of vigorous level of physical activity was significant in comparison to mild physical activity (P = 0.01). In comparison to low birth weight, medium and high birth weight had significant effect on obesity. Conclusions: Bootstrap method is preferable in linear regression because of some theoretical properties like having any distributional assumptions on the residuals and hence allows for inference even if the errors do not follow normal distribution or constant error variance.

Background: Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematous is one of the most serious complications. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of treatment decisions based on clinical symptoms and renal biopsy on the outcome of patients with recurrent lupus nephritis. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in 2012–13 in the Alzahra hospital on patients with lupus nephritis who had referred to the rheumatology clinic of this center due to lupus nephritis relapse. All lupus nephritis patients were diagnosed with renal biopsy and had gone into remission by treatment but due to the discontinuation of treatment and other causes had relapsed. The patients were divided randomly into two groups of 26, the first group was treated without renal biopsy and based on clinical and laboratory symptoms and the second group was re-biopsied through considering the ethical points. Then their relationship with laboratory findings (BUN, Cr, ANA, ds-DNA, C3, C4, CH50, U/A, cast, and proteinuria), treatment and recurrence outcome were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean of SLEDAI-2K index before initial treatment, after the first round of treatment and after the second round of treatment in single biopsy group and twice biopsy group is not significantly different (P = 0.27). Conclusions: Treatment decisions based on clinical and laboratory findings or re-biopsy of the kidney in patients who relapsed after initial treatment had no significant effect on the recovery of patients. Adoption of a treatment plan in patients with lupus nephritis is recommended based on clinical and laboratory finding and the discretion of the physician and if possible, kidney re-biopsy should be avoided.

Background: Since thin and high-quality flaps produce more satisfactory surgical outcomes, flaps created by mechanical microkeratomes are more economical as compared with femtosecond lasers, and no Iranian study has concentrated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap peculiarities between Moria Sub-Bowman keratoplasty (SBK) microkeratomes and LDV femtoseconds, the present study compares and contrasts them. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on all patients who underwent LASIK surgery 1-month before this study. Thirty eyes were divided into per group. Flaps in the first group and second group were created, respectively, using Moria SBK microkeratome and LDV femtosecond laser. The other stages of LASIK were done equally in both groups. One month after surgery, the thickness of flaps was measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography in five regions of flaps. Corneal anterior density was calculated and recorded 1-month after surgery using pentacam and by employing optical densitometry in a distance in the limit range of 0–6 mm from cornea center. Densitometry measurements were obtained and expressed in standardized grayscale units (GSUs). Results: Postsurgery densitometry results reveal that anterior densities of cornea in limit range of 0–2 mm in groups of LDV femtosecond laser and Moria microkeratome are 21.35 ± 0.87 GSU and 22.85 ± 1.25 GSU, respectively. Accordingly, these two groups are significantly different in this regard (P < 0.001). Moreover, anterior densities of the cornea in the limit range of 2–6 mm in these groups are 19.66 ± 0.99 GSU and 20.73 ± 1.24 GSU, respectively. Accordingly, these two groups are significantly different in this regard (P = 0.04). There is a lower mean of flap thickness in the case of LDV femtosecond laser. Conclusion: Femtosecond laser method is greatly preferred as compared with Moria microkeratome because of greater homogeneity in flap thickness, smaller thickness, and lower density in optical zone.

Background: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychological problem during childhood. This study aimed to evaluate multiple intelligences profiles of children with ADHD in comparison with non-ADHD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was done on 50 children of 6–13 years old in two groups of with and without ADHD. Children with ADHD were referred to Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, in 2014. Samples were selected based on clinical interview (based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV and parent–teacher strengths and difficulties questionnaire), which was done by psychiatrist and psychologist. Raven intelligence quotient (IQ) test was used, and the findings were compared to the results of multiple intelligences test. Data analysis was done using a multivariate analysis of covariance using SPSS20 software. Results: Comparing the profiles of multiple intelligence among two groups, there are more kinds of multiple intelligences in control group than ADHD group, a difference which has been more significant in logical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference with the other kinds of multiple intelligences in two groups (P > 0.05). The IQ average score in the control group and ADHD group was 102.42 ± 16.26 and 96.72 ± 16.06, respectively, that reveals the negative effect of ADHD on IQ average value. There was an insignificance relationship between linguistic and naturalist intelligence (P > 0.05). However, in other kinds of multiple intelligences, direct and significant relationships were observed (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Since the levels of IQ (Raven test) and MI in control group were more significant than ADHD group, ADHD is likely to be associated with logical-mathematical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal profiles.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a severe challenge for antimicrobial therapy, due to the chromosomal mutations or exhibition of intrinsic resistance to various antimicrobial agents such as most β-lactams. We undertook this study to evaluate the existence of SME, IMP, AIM, and VIM metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) encoding genes among P. aeruginosa strains isolated from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients in Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study that was conducted between March 2012 and April 2013, a total of 48 strains of P. aeruginosa were collected from clinical specimens of bedridden patients in ICU wards. Susceptibility test was performed by disc diffusion method. All of the meropenem-resistant strains were subjected to modified Hodge test for detection of carbapenemases. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of blaVIM, blaIMP, blaAIM, and blaSME genes. Results: In disk diffusion method, imipenem and meropenem showed the most and colistin the least resistant antimicrobial agents against P. aeruginosa strains. Of the 48 isolates, 36 (75%) were multidrug resistant (MDR). Amplification of β-lactamase genes showed the presence of blaVIM genes in 7 (%14.6) strains and blaIMP genes in 15 (31.3%) strains. All of the isolates were negative for blaSME and blaAIM genes. We could not find any statistically significant difference among the presence of this gene and MDR positive, age, or source of the specimen. Conclusion: As patients with infections caused by MBL-producing bacteria are at an intensified risk of treatment failure, fast determination of these organisms is necessary. Our findings may provide useful insights in replace of the appropriate antibiotics and may also prevent MBLs mediated resistance problem.

Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is a globally widespread issue. Recent studies have reported a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in Middle-East countries. Studies have shown negative effects of Vitamin D deficiency on endothelium and related diseases such as ischemic brain stroke. Here, we assessed Vitamin D status in patients with different types of ischemic brain stroke and control group. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients (49.3% small vessel, 50.7% large vessel) and 75 controls, matched for age (68.01 ± 10.94 vs. 67.64 ± 10.24) and sex (42 male and 33 female) were recruited. 25(OH) D levels were measured by Chemiluminescence immunoassay. 25(OH) D status was considered as severely, moderately, or mildly deficient and normal with 25(OH) D levels of less than 5, 5-10, 10-16, and >16 ng/ml, respectively. Results: Mean ± standard error concentration of 25(OH) D in cases and controls were 17.7 ± 1.5 and 26.9 ± 1.6 (P = 0.0001), respectively. Mild, moderate, and severe Vitamin D deficiency were observed in 10.8%, 32.4%, 8.1% vs. 34.3%, 31.5%, 9.5% of small vessel and large vessel group, respectively. 21.7% of the controls were Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with higher risk for ischemic stroke, (P = 0.000, OR = 7.17, 95% confidence interval: 3.36–15.29). 25(OH) D levels were significantly higher in control group comparing to small vessel (26.9 ± 1.6 vs. 20.59 ± 2.6 P < 0.05) and large vessel (26.9 ± 1.6 vs. 13.4 ± 1.3 P < 0.001) stroke patients. Small vessel group had significantly higher levels of Vitamin D than large vessel (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke, favoring the types with the pathogenesis of large vessel strokes.

Background: Long-term anesthesia applied in some operations, especially in neurosurgical operations leads to unwanted complications. This study aimed to compare the effect of intraoperative labetalol and lidocaine injection on the rate of changes in postoperative blood pressure and heart beat in patients undergoing brain operation. Materials and Methods: This is a simple double-blind randomized clinical trial study conducted in Al-Zahra and Kashani Hospitals on 90 patients' candidate for craniotomy operation with the age range of 18–65 years, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≥13 before anesthesia, physical class of American Society of Anesthesiologists I, II, insensitivity to labetalol who were divided into two groups of 45 individuals in the random allocation method. To start anesthesia, fentanil 1.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight, midazolam 5 mg, propofol 2 mg/kg and then, atracurium 0.15 mg/kg and lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg were used. The rate of patients' bucking and blood pressure were checked at GCS time after operation and in patients' recovery in terms of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 min after arrival in the recovery room and 1 h later. Results: There was no significant difference in terms of hemodynamic parameters during the period of operation and recovery and at the time of extubation and during the study, no case of bradicardia, hypotension, tachycardia or hypertension was observed in the patients of both groups. Conclusion: Using labetalol in craniotomy surgery is helpful for two main reasons that are the proper control of intraoperative and postoperative blood pressure and prevention of postoperative reactions, especially cough and if there is no contraindication for using it, it is recommended.

Background: Angiogenesis which occurs mandatory in solid tumors, is a critical step in malignancy progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is mainly responsible for angiogenesis process and facilitates the formation of new vessels. Distribution of monoclonal antibodies against VEGF or VEGF receptor (VEGFR) into the solid tumors is limited because of their huge dimensions. Moreover, many investigations have demonstrated the usefulness of immunotoxins to halt angiogenesis in solid tumors. Materials and Methods: We designed, expressed and evaluated the cytotoxicity of a novel nano-immunotoxin composed of VEGF splice variant containing 121 amino acids (VEGF121) and truncated the exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PE38-KDEL). The fusion protein VEGF121-PE38 was successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, purified by Ni^{+ 2} affinity chromatography. The fusion protein was subsequently subjected to refolding using the reduced and oxidized glutathione. Results: The expression level of the fusion protein reached to 1 mg/ml. The VEGF121-PE38 immunotoxin showed a 59 KDa MW which had cytotoxic effect on HUVEC and 293/KDR cells as low and high expressing VEGFR2 cells, respectively. But the cytotoxicity on 293/KDR was 100 folds more than that of VEGFR2 low expressing cell HUVEC. Conclusion: The designed immunotoxin showed more selectivity for higher VEGFR2 expressing cells in vitro.

Background: Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-2 (msp-2) and associated parasite genetic diversity which varies between malaria-endemic regions remain a limitation in malaria vaccine development. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are important in immunity against malaria, understanding the influence of genetic diversity on cytokine response is important for effective vaccine design. Methods: P. falciparum isolates obtained from 300 Nigerians with uncomplicated falciparum malaria at Ijede General Hospital, Ijede (IJE), General Hospital Ajeromi, Ajeromi (AJE) and Saint Kizito Mission Hospital, Lekki, were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reaction of msp-2 block 3 while ELISA was used to determine the pro-inflammatory cytokine response to describe the genetic diversity of P. falciparum. Results: Eighteen alleles were observed for msp-2 loci. Of the 195 isolates, 61 (31.0%) had only FC27-type alleles, 38 (19.7%) had only 3D7-type alleles, and 49.3% had multiple parasite lines with both alleles. Band sizes were 275–625 bp for FC27 and 150–425 bp for 3D7. Four alleles were observed from LEK, 2 (375–425 bp) and 2 (275–325 bp) of FC27-and 3D7-types, respectively; 12 alleles from AJE, 9 (275–625 bp) and 3 (325–425 bp) of FC27-types and 3D7-types, respectively; while IJE had a total of 12 alleles, 9 (275–625 bp) and 3 (325–425 bp) of FC27-types and 3D7-types, respectively. Mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1.54. Heterozygosity (H_E) ranged from 0.77 to 0.87 and was highest for IJE (0.87). Cytokine response was higher among <5 years and was significantly associated with MOI (P > 0.05) but with neither parasite density nor infection type. Conclusion: P. falciparum genetic diversity is extensive in Nigeria, protection via pro-inflammatory cytokines have little or no interplay with infection multiplicity.

Background: To determine the effects of knee taping in combination with exercise and medical treatment on functional outcome and pain of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods: In a randomized single-blinded clinical trial, 36 patients with knee OA were randomly assigned to two study groups. Both groups received exercise and medical therapy for 6 weeks. In addition, the first group (20 patients) received taping in the first 3 weeks. Pain severity (assessed by visual analog scaling), weekly amount of analgesics consumption, timed get up and go test (TUG), and step tests were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks after the treatment and were further compared between two study groups. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in pain severity score (P = 0.228), step test score (P = 0.771), TUG test score (P = 0.821) and weekly amount of analgesics consumption (P = 0.873) at baseline. After 3 weeks, weekly amount of analgesics consumption (P = 0.006), pain severity (P < 0.001) was significantly lower in taping group whereas step test score (P = 0.006) was significantly higher in the taping group. After 6 weeks, patients in taping group had significantly lower pain severity (P = 0.011) and higher step test score (P = 0.042). However, there was no significant difference in TUG test score (P = 0.443) and weekly amount of analgesics consumption (P = 0.270) between two groups. Conclusion: Therapeutic knee taping may be an effective method for short-term management of pain and disability in patients with knee OA.

Background: Angiogenesis plays a major role in endometrial receptivity and thickening of the endometrium immediately before implantation. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the antiangiogenic properties of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) from green tea in angiogenesis of endometrium. Materials and Methods: In this study, forty adult female NMARI mice randomly divided into four groups. Control group received vehicle; human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin (HMG/HCG) group received 7.5 IU HMG intraperitoneal (IP) and 48 h later 7.5 IU HCG was injected (IP) for ovarian stimulation; HMG/HCG + EGCG group received HMG and HCG in the same manner as the previous group and also received 5 mg/kg EGCG at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after injection of HMG; and the group EGCG received 5 mg/kg EGCG. A male mouse was kept with two female animals in the same cage for mating. Mice were dissected 96 h after administration of HMG (immediately before implantation) and tissue processing was carried out for the uterine specimens. CD31-positive cells were counted by use of histological and immunohistochemical methods. Results: Angiogenesis in EGCG-treated group was less than that of control and gonadotropin group (P < 0.05). The number of endothelial cells was counted by CD31 marker under a light microscope and showed significant differences between all groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: EGCG significantly inhibited the angiogenesis in endometrium (in natural cycles) through antiangiogenic effects.

Background: A serious challenge to educate health staff for public health is to appear encouraging enough to persuade them for learning issues on this field and implementing new educational methods and innovative ways. Iran International Public Health Summer School (IPHS) made an effort to provide medical sciences students with a fortune to get familiar with and involved in public health. This study intended to evaluate the efficacy of this event. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in March–April 2015 by the help of an electronic self-administered questionnaire filled out by 49 Iranian participants 6 months after IPHS2014. The questionnaire assessed the main goals in seven main domains: Interest, activities, and general knowledge in the field of public health, general skills, educational methods, educational and executive schedules, and general satisfaction. Results: Average scores of all domains were >3 (the mean), and all were statistically significant. The highest average score belonged to educational methods (3.92) and the lowest was calculated for the item regarding participants' activities on public health (3.5). No significant difference was found between positive answers of individuals who were interested or active in public health prior to the event and those who had no background. Conclusions: We believe IPHS was a unique instance in Public Health Education in Iran. Considering the level of success of this program to reach its goals for both students' with or without any previous background on public health, it is recommended as a general model to be simulated in other developing countries.

Background: One of the most common orthopedic clinic visits involves direct and indirect knee trauma leading to rupture of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Endobutton and Rigidfix are most frequent treating methods that used by orthopedic surgeons. Thus the aim of this study was compare the clinical results of reconstructing arthroscopic ACL of the knee through two methods namely Rigidfix and Endobutton. Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial study, a total of 40 patients with rupture of ACL were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The groups were treated through fixation procedures either Endobutton or Rigidfix. Prior to surgery and then at least 2 years after surgery, the patients were under physical examination in terms of knee range of motion, knee stability, knee pain, ability to perform daily activities and exercises and compared between the two groups. Results: The knee range of motion in Endobutton and Rigidfix were 135.73 ± 2.63 and 129.87 ± 7.14° resprectively (P = 0.06). comparing two groups, during last month in Endobutton and Rigidfix the frequency of knee pain were 2.5 ± 1.4 and 3.4 ± 1.4 respectively (P = 0.08). Moreover, the pain intensity score were 2.9 ± 1.5 and 2.6 ± 1.1 (P = 0.49). But there was a significant difference observed in patients' satisfaction and ability to perform sports activities. Conclusions: The two fixation methods namely Endobutton and Rigidfix are not preferred over one another. But patients' satisfaction and ability to perform sports activities in Endobutton was better than the Rigidfix.

Background: Many previous studies showed that maternal forced exercise can reduce some central disorders in offsprings, but its clear mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the role of 5-HT₂ and D₂ receptors in neuroprotective effects of maternal forced exercise in offspring neurodevelopment and effect on some behaviors were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight pregnant rats were trained by forced exercise, and some behavioral assays in their offspring were performed in the presence and absence of 5-HT₂ and D₂ receptor antagonists in various experimental groups. Results: Our data showed that maternal forced exercise caused increase in latency of pain perception in offsprings in hot plate test, writhing test (WT), and tail flick test. Furthermore, a decrease in intensity was shown by WT. On the other hand, treatment of mothers by forced exercise in combination with 5-HT₂ and D₂ receptor antagonists could inhibit these effects of forced exercise and cause disturbances in pain perception and intensity. Conclusion: Our data suggested that maternal forced exercise causes protective effects on offspring pain perception and intensity, and in this effect, 5-HT₂ and D₂ receptors are probably involved.