International Journal of Medical Laboratory

6-16

Authors: Rajabi1, 2 Ph.D., Majid Pourentezari1,2* Ph.D., Hengameh Dortaj1, 3 Ph.D., Abbas Shahedi1,2 Ph.D., Maryam Yadegari1,2 Ph.D., Sepideh Izadi 1,2 M.Sc., Fatemeh Zakizadeh1,2 M.Sc., Zeinolabedin Sharifian Dastjerdi1, 4 Ph.D.

Recently, it has been proven that cartilage healing is difficult. The most commonly used treatments are autogenously cartilage grafting and allogeneic bone grafting, but grafts cannot fully meet treatment goals because of source, price, safety, and other concerns. Thus, a combination of biological materials and tissue engineering technology has become a recent trend in studies. Among the studies performed on tissue engineering cartilage materials are hydrogels that exhibit biological activity, postdecomposition adsorption, flexibility, and easy preparation. Cellcontaining hydrogels are often used in cartilage tissue engineering because of their biocompatibility, ease of use, and ability to adapt to different defects. Hydrogels are used to mimic extracellular matrices. Although multiple materials can configure and form hydrogels, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives are distinguished. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an extracellular molecule with several physical and biological functions found in many tissues, including cartilage. HA is formed in several biomaterial systems and scaffolding. HA hydrogels have many interests, including increased adhesion, cell proliferation, and wound healing. In addition, they represent adequate biological acting for stimulating a microenvironment for the survival of cells. However, their disadvantages include a slow degradation rate and low mechanical properties. Here, HA-based hydrogels and their applications in cartilage tissue engineering are briefly reviewed.

26-33

Authors: Alireza Torki 1,3 Ph.D., Mahlagha Zahedi 2 MD., Nour Amirmozafari 3* Ph.D.

Background and Aims: Due to a wide variety of causes, various bacteria can acquire resistance to antibiotics. This study investigated the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the etiologic bacterial agents of various infections in patients referred to three hospitals in Yazd city, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 336 clinical specimens including wound discharge, sputum, blood, bronchial fluid, pleural fluid, ascitic fluid, synovial fluid, stool, and trachea secretions were collected in three hospitals. Microbiological culturing in order to grow and identify the causative bacteria were performed. Antibiotic susceptibility determinations were done by the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. Result: Among all organisms isolated, Escherchia coli, Staphylococcus. aureus, Staphylococcus. suprophyticus, Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus. epidermidis and Entrococcus spp. were the most prevalent, respectively. The Escherchia coli isolates were the most antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacterium. It seems that the same organisms recovered from different hospital wards show different antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Conclusion: The increased prevalence of resistant organisms in different hospitals may reflect a lack of proper antibiotic usage policy, resulting in the prolonged and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents.

47-54

Authors: Amita R* MD., Arya AB PGDBBT., Sathyabhama S MBBS., Debasish Gupta MD.

Background and Aims: Leukoreduction of blood components has reduced the incidence of transfusion-associated adverse events. Leucofiltration is the most effective method of leukoreduction. We encountered haemolysis in a series of leucofiltered units. This stressed our precious inventory, added to financial loss, increased our turnaround time to issue leucofiltered blood units, and placed doubts on the safety of our leucofiltered products. A systematic root cause analysis was done to identify the reason for haemolysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 69 units were leucofiltered during the study period, of which 13 units showed lysis following filtration. Results: This study warranted a review of our existing leucofiltration standard operating procedures to keep strict adherence to manufacturer instructions to ensure quality in the end product. Conclusions: Among the leucofiltered units showing hemolysis, 62% were due to higher temperature, 23% due to increased time for filtration, and 15% due to increased holding time of red cell units.

65-72

Authors: Soheila Khaksari 1 M.Sc., Ehsan Aghaei Moghadam 2 M.D., Ahoura Nozari 1,3 Ph.D., Zahra Boroughani 4 M.Sc., Saghar Ghasemi Firouzabadi 1 Ph.D., Farkhondeh Behjati 1,5* Ph.D.

Background and Aims: Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common type of congenital disability. Copy number variations (CNVs) have been found as one of the genetic etiology of nonsyndromic CHD, and researchers have detected several pathogenic CNVs in patients with cardiac defects. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 70 patients with familial (20 patients) and sporadic (50 patients) non-syndromic CHD were evaluated to find whether CNVs in the GATA4, NKX2-5, TBX- 5, CREL, BMP4 genes, and 22q11.2 region contribute to the pathogenesis of non-syndromic CHD. We have used the Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) technique as a molecular method to identify CNVs in predefined loci. Results: Normal MLPA results were demonstrated for GATA4, NKX2-5, TBX-5, CRELD, and BMP4 genes for all sporadic and familial cases. However, we found three patients with imbalances for the 22q11.2 region. One patient with 22q11.2 deletion showed tetralogy of fallot, and the other had ventricular septal defects/ pulmonary atresia/ multiple aortopulmonary collateral arteries. A duplication of the 22q11.2 region was detected in one patient with patent ductus arteriosus. Conclusion: Identifying genomic imbalances in 6% of the nonsyndromic sporadic patients indicates that recurrent CNVs could be associated with non-syndromic CHD. It seems that it is the first CNV analysis using MLPA carried out in Iranian patients with cardiac defects. We suggest that 22q11.2 imbalances should be considered in patients with cardiac lesions to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate genetic counseling in affected families.

272-277

Authors: Archana Garg 1 M.D., Lakshmi Agarwal 2 M.D., Mamta Gupta 3 M.D., Manmohan Agarwal 4* M.D.

Background and Aims: Emerging antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health threats worldwide. It can result in increased morbidity and mortality rates along with increased treatment costs and hospitalization stays. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a global challenge. It is a major cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Its prevalence varies with country and within hospitals within a country. The current study estimates the prevalence of MRSA. Materials and Methods: A total of 162 Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated from various clinical specimens, and antibiotic susceptibility tests and identification by cefoxitin disc (30 μg) were performed as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: Among 162 Staphylococcus aureus 92 isolates were found to be MRSA. The highest rate of resistance was detected for penicillin (100), followed by erythromycin (97%), clindamycin (57%), tetracycline (13%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT) (55%), ciprofloxacin (23%), and gentamicin (2%). All of the isolates were susceptible to linezolid and vancomycin. Conclusions: Treatment of multi-drug resistant MRSA is still problematic because of the limited choice of antibiotic. This analysis will assist clinicians to choose an appropriate course of action for MRSA infections.

286-294

Authors: Esmaeil Sarani 1 M.Sc., Maryam Hataminejad 2 Ph.D., Hakim Azizi 3* Ph.D.

Background and Aims: Toxocariasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease with worldwide distribution caused by the larval stage of ascaridoid nematodes of dogs (Toxocara canis) and cats (Toxocara cati). The study was accomplished to determine the sequence variation in ITS2 and COX1 genes within isolates of Toxocara canis. Materials and Methods: Two hundred Stool samples were collected randomly from dogs in public parks and streets from different regions of Zabol. Thirty samples containing eggs were isolated from the feces using Formalin ether 10% and centrifugal flotation. Genomic DNA was extracted, and COX1 and ITS2 were amplified by PCR-RFLP and sequenced. Sequence data were aligned using the BioEdit software and BLAST program and compared with published sequences in GenBank. The phylogenetic relationship between isolates of T. canis from Zabol city with other regions based on sequences obtained from COX1 and ITS2 genes and using MEGA7.0 software was investigated. Results: For all samples, amplicons of about 388 and 422 base pairs were produced by PCR for ITS2 and COX1, respectively. Drawing the phylogenic tree of ITS2 and COX1 sequences of isolates of T. canis showed that the identified genotypes are not only different from each other but also from other parts of the world. Conclusions: Our result showed that genetic variation among isolates of T. canis from Zabol is very low. For a deeper understanding of genetic diversity among populations of Toxocara, it is recommended to analyze more isolates from various geographical areas and variable genetic markers.

304-310

Authors: Seyed Ali Salari 1 M.Sc., Seyed Mohsen Miresmaeili 1* Ph.D., Mahta Mazaheri Naeini 2 Ph.D.

Background and Aims: One of the most important genes involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the presenilin2 (PSEN2) gene, which is one of the main constituents of the gamma-secretase complex. Mutations in this gene promote the formation of amyloid plaques resulting in AD. The study aimed to evaluate the mutation variant in exon 6 of the PSEN2 gene in patients with Late-Onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Due to the important role of the PSEN2 gene in the formation of beta-amyloid aggregates and the investigation involves an association between PSEN2 mutations and their pathogenicity in LOAD progression, we presented this exon as a more efficient alternative. Materials and Methods: The thirty patients with LOAD and 16 healthy subjects as a control group were involved in this experimental study. DNA was extracted from blood samples and purified. The desired gene fragment was propagated using polymerase chain reaction and the products were electrophoresed and the results were analyzed. Result: A novel mutation was found in PSEN2 IVS6 + 30 G → C at the intron region of exon 6 in 20 cases of patients suffering from LOAD and 12 subjects in control cohort. In this mutation a guanine base was substituted by cytosine base which this position was 30 nucleotides separated from coding region. Conclusions: The novel mutation was identified in both studied groups. These findings reveal no relationship between PSEN2 mutation and pathogenicity of LOAD disease. However, further studies are required to find the role of PSEN2 mutation in LOAD progression.

169-186

Authors: Mohammad Tollabi, Navid Ghasemzadeh , Ali Dehghani Firoozabadi *

Background and Aims: Substantial damage to the kidney tissue and diabetic nephropathy (DN) can be caused by chronic hyperglycemic conditions and exposure to a high level of blood glucose. In the current study, we explored the capability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and Toll-like receptor-4-primed mesenchymal stem cells (TLR4-primed MSCs) on kidney regeneration, resolution of inflammation, and alleviation of diabetic nephropathy in DN in the rats. Materials and Methods: STZ-induced diabetic rat models were divided into 5 subgroups, including 1) DN group, 2) DN group received insulin, 3) DN group received human foreskin fibroblast (DN-HFF), 4) DN group received single pulse of 1×106 cells of MSCs and 5) DN group received single pulse of TLR4-primed MScs. Thereafter, biochemical and histological analysis was performed on DN-model groups. Biochemical analysis exhibited a blood urea nitrogen level recovery in both MSCs and TLR4-primed MSCs-treated groups. Administration of MSCs also up-regulated mRNA expression of Bcl-xL, while the expression of Bax was significantly down-regulated. Results: Histological and molecular results showed that TLR4-primed MSCs have an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect on inflamed kidneys and effectively reduced DN indicators in the TLR4-primed MSCs group compared to the unprimed MSCs group. Conclusion: Priming with LPS improves the therapeutic effects of MSCs in the rat model of DN, consequently lessening the symptoms of DN rats. This study proposes that primed MSCs can be served as a potential therapeutic approach in diabetes mellitus and DN management.

198-208

Authors: Ali Nosrati Andevari , Soheila Moein , Durdi Qujeq * , Zoleika Zmoazezi , Karimollah Hajian-Tilaki

ackground and Aims: Atorvastatin may alter glycemic traits and lipid profiles. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on biochemical variables in patients with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes (borderline diabetes). Materials and Methods: This study included 80 individuals divided into five groups. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes used atorvastatin 20 mg/day for three months. After three months, variables such as serum fasting blood glucose (FBS), cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured to assess the status of diabetes and pre-diabetes condition. Linear regression was applied to determine the association between atorvastatin uses and alters of biochemical variables levels. Results: The serum FBS and HbA1c levels in patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes who use atorvastatin were significantly lower than in patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes who did not use atorvastatin (p=0.001). Serum cholesterol and LDL-C levels decreased in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients who used atorvastatin in comparison with diabetic and pre-diabetic patients who did not use atorvastatin (p=0.001). In patients with pre-diabetes, the use of atorvastatin slightly increased serum HDL-C levels. However, in patients with diabetes, the use of atorvastatin slightly decreased serum HDL-C level (p= 0.001). Diabetic and pre-diabetic patients who use atorvastatin significantly decreased serum triglyceride levels (p=0.016), while in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients, using atorvastatin slightly increased the serum insulin level (p= 0.003). Conclusions: Atorvastatin using alters fat and sugar indices in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients.

218-225

Authors: Seyed Hamidreza Mirabutalebi, Mohammadreza Dehghani, Nasrin Ghasemi , Mohammad Yahya Vahidi Mehjardi , Mojtaba Movahedinia , Seyed Mehdi Kalantar *

Background and Aims: One of the neurotransmitters in the brain is Histamine which acts as several biological mechanism regulators like inflammation, gastric acid secretion, and neuromodulation. Inactivation of Histamine occurs by histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) enzyme. The HNMT transfers a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to Histamine and is the main process for the termination of neurotransmission actions of Histamine in the mammalian central nervous system. Materials and Methods: In this case, a family was referred to the genetic clinic to diagnose the cause of their disorder. The clinical form, pedigree, and questionnaire were completed for the family, and the parents gave their written consent for all tests and photographs publication. Both siblings have moderate learning and intellectual disability. Whole exome sequencing was performed and Sanger sequencing for co-segregation was used. Results: Bioinformatics analysis revealed a homozygous missense variant in HNMT (c.623T>C p.Leu208Pro) which causes non-syndromic autosomal recessive intellectual disability in this consanguineous family. Analysis of segregation confirmed this mutation. P.Leu208Pro mutation reduces the stability of the protein, which reduces the inactivation of Histamine. Conclusion: HNMT should be considered an important gene in the genetic evaluation of consanguineous families with intellectual disability.

237-247

Authors: Mohammed Mehdi Saghafi , Ahmad Tavakoli , Shahnaz Ahmadi , Seyed Hamidreza Monavari *

Background and Aims: Currently, there are antiviral chemicals used to treat viral infections accompanied by limitations such as high levels of toxicity and adverse effects in humans, the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains, low numbers, and limited diversity. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate new photochemical to obtain new therapeutic methods. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antiviral activity of Arnebia Euchroma (A. Euchroma) extract, amniotic membrane, a mixture of A. euchroma extract and amniotic membrane and its carrier (comprised of Sesam and ostrich oil) against three different viruses, including Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), influenza A, and rotavirus in-vitro. Materials and Methods: A methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the above compounds on Vero, MDCK, and MA-104 cell lines. After the determination of non-toxic concentrations, Tissue culture infection dose 50 (TCID50) test was performed to determine antiviral activity. Results: Among all the above-mentioned compounds, the combination of A. euchroma extract and amniotic membrane at the highest non-toxic concentration for the cells had the highest antiviral activity against all three viruses, leading to 1 log10 TCID50 reduction in influenza A and HSV-1 titers and 0.6 log10 TCID50 reductions in rotavirus titer when compared to the virus control. Conclusions: The combination of A. euchroma and amniotic membrane can be considered a new antiviral agent to treat viral infections.

10-16

Authors: Niayesh Mohebbi, Sara Pakzad Karamad, Keyvan Gohari Moghadam, Mohamadreza Jafary, Poorya Rajabi, Afsaneh Nejat, Amir Kasaeian, Mona Talaschian

Background and Aims: In 2019, a novel coronavirus called SARS-COV-2 spread throughout the world, causing a pandemic a few months later. As the virus is not well-known and highly contagious, it is important to observe patients for all possible symptoms and comorbidities. This study aimed to demonstrate some demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features of the deceased patients with COVID-19 in Iran. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was designed to demonstrate the clinical and paraclinical features of deceased patients who had a positive real time-polymerase chain reaction test result for COVID-19. The study included all COVID-19 patients who visited Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from February 20th until May 20th, 2020. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 (Mann-Whitney or Fisher’s test). Results: The patients had a mean age of 63.86 ± 16.428, and most were males (59.65%). Diabetes and hypertension were the most frequent comorbidities. The most common symptoms among the patients were dyspnea (64.91%), weakness (61.40%), fever (60.71%), and having ground-glass opacities in the CT scans (85.96%). There was also a rise in lactate dehydrogenase, serum ferritin, D-dimer, and procalcitonin. Conclusions: Older COVID-19 patients are more likely to get more severe forms of the disease. Most of the deceased COVID-19 patients had ground-glass opacities in their CT scans. Dyspnea, fatigue, and fever were the most frequent symptoms. Hypertension and diabetes were the most important comorbidities. There was almost no significant difference between the two genders regarding clinical and paraclinical symptoms.

27-34

Authors: Vahid Nasiri

Background and Aims: In most of the studies, Toxoplasma gondii is maintained in laboratory mice or studied in vitro using non-lymphoid cell lines or primary mouse macrophages. The target of our research was to design a new axenic culture of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites to providing a sufficient quantity of them. Material and Methods: Theileria annulata-infected lymphoblastoids, which had been maintained up to 260 sub-cultures to attenuate the Theileria annulata, were evaluated for their suitability to the cultivation of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. This cultivation process was carried out continuously for up to 10 passages, and after each 5 sub-culture, 0.1 ml of culture suspension (1×106 tachyzoites) was inoculated to each BALB/c mouse. Results: It was observed that the tachyzoites have attacked the lympho-blastoids, multiplied inside them, and many fresh tachyzoites with typical shape and gliding movement were present in the culture suspension. In all processes of cultivation, the pathogenesis of parasites remained stable, and they were able to proliferate in mice and eventually lead to the death of the animals. Conclusions: We describe here a new protocol for prolonged maintenance of tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii, which is more efficient (both in terms of yield and cost (it does not need fetal calf serum)) than other traditional methods for maintenance of the parasite.

44-54

Authors: Hamid Reza Jamshidi , Sina Negintaji

Background and Aims: Hepatotoxicity induced by Co-amoxiclav has been indicated in multiple studies. Thymol is the main constituent of the Thymus vulgaris essential oil that has antioxidant properties. Even though thymol can exhibit antioxidant activity in vivo models, there is a lack of evidence about the thymol’s effectiveness in drug-induced liver injury. Thus, the present study was conducted to explore the thymol anti-hepatotoxic effects. Materials and Methods: Thirty male rats were randomly divided into five groups of six. The control group received corn oil (0.25 ml/100 g body weight). CoA group was given only co-amoxiclav in doses of 10 mg/kg daily by gastric tube. CoA+T50, CoA+T150, and CoA+T300 groups orally received Co-amoxiclav at the same dose as the second group along with thymol at a daily dose of 50, 150, and 300 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days. At the termination of the treatment, all animals fasted overnight, and then blood samples were collected to determine alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, glutathione S-transferases, and bilirubin. Results: Administration of thymol at the dose of 300 mg/kg with co-amoxiclav resulted in a significant decrease in direct and total bilirubin levels. Findings also revealed that the concomitant administration of thymol at the 150 mg/kg dose caused a significant reduction in the total bilirubin level. Additionally, the concomitant administration of thymol at the doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase serum activities along with increased plasma Glutathione S-transferase activity compared to co-amoxiclav group. Conclusion: Administration of thymol can cause a significant ameliorative effect against co-amoxiclav-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

62-69

Authors: Atefeh Sharifi, Ata Ghadiri, Anayatallah Salimi, Pegah Ghandil, Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili

Background and Aims: Asthma is a complicated chronic inflammatory disease associated with pulmonary inflammation, severe immune responses of the respiratory tract, and change or destruction in the respiratory tract structure. Several factors, especially genetic and environmental factors, contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. Interlukin (IL)-13 is considered the most important inflammatory mediator of asthma that play an effective role in the different stages of B cell maturation and differentiation. It also increases the expression of major histocompatibility complex II and CD23 and is effective in IgE isotypes switching. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) cause the wide genetic diversity in the genome, and SNP analysis helps evaluate and diagnose disease-related genes. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of -1112C / T and + 2044 G /A polymorphisms in the IL-13 gene with asthma. Material and Methods: Blood samples (5 ml) from asthma patients (167) and controls (172) after spirometry test were collected into tubes, and then DNA was extracted to determine the genotype of asthma patients. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed by the Taq Man method, and the results were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: There was a significant difference between the genotype of IL-13 -1112C / T polymorphism in the patient group and the control group (p = 0.028). The IL13 + 2044G / A polymorphism results showed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.319). Conclusions: The present study showed that IL-13 -1112C / T polymorphism positively correlates with the induction of asthma, but there was no significant association between the polymorphism + 2044G / A IL-13 and the risk of asthma.

247-255

Authors: Zivar Zangeneh, Alireza Andalib, Gholamreza Khamisipour *, Hamid Saadabadimotlagh, Sareh Zangeneh, Niloofar Motamed

Background and Aims: Cells and secreted molecules by the innate immune system are the essential factors in the pathogenesis and determining the severity of inflammation in COVID-19 patients. Severe inflammation results from increased activity of neutrophils, macrophages, and other cells with their products. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) increases the severity and pathogenesis of the disease caused by the virus. Phagocytes are armed with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), that upon stimulation by proinflammatory cytokines augment an immune response against pathogens. Materials and Methods: Two groups of patients were included with COVID-19 infection from the intensive care unit (ICU, n=52) and (non-ICU-care, n=54). Blood samples were collected to measure cells and serum parameters, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelet counts, accompanied with C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, TNF-α and iNOS levels. Results: In the ICU group, increased white blood cells (p=0.048), decreased lymphocytes (p=0.0007), increased neutrophils (p=0.001), decreased platelets, increase serum levels for lactate dehydrogenase (p =0.0001), c-reactive protein (p=0.003), TNF-α (p=0.018), and iNOS (p=0.008) were statistically obtained. Positive correlations were calculated between TNF-α and iNOS (r=0.65, p=0.0002) and with c-reactive protein (r=0.52, p=0.003) and with lactate dehydrogenase (r=0.68, p=0.0001). Conclusion: Inflammation due to macrophages and neutrophils activity in COVID-19 patients and increased mediators correlate with disease progression. It seems that control of the cell activity and their inflammatory cytokines would be considered for therapeutic goals. Changing the polarization of inflammatory macrophages to anti-inflammatory macrophages with therapeutic applications could prevent the severity of the provocative course of the disease.

264-274

Authors: Abbas Dabbaghzadeh, Javad Ghaffari *, Jamshid Yazdani Charati, Marziyeh Mohammadi kordkheyli, Fatemeh Pouresmaeil

Background and Aims: Allergic disorders such as asthma, urticaria, eczema, and allergic rhinitis are common worldwide, and allergens are the most common etiology and exacerbating factors. So, This study aimed to find the allergens in these patients with skin prick tests. Materials and Methods: All the allergic cases referred to an allergic clinic in the north of Iran were visited by an allergist and clinical immunologist. Based on patient history, physical examination, and diagnosis, we select food allergens and aeroallergens. A standard skin prick test was performed on all patients, and all data was then analyzed SPSS 20. Results: Two thousand one hundred and twenty-eight cases entered the study with a mean age of 27.65 ± 15.52 years old. 1235 (58.04%) females and 893 males (41.96%) participated in this study. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, and eczema were 717 (33.7%), 611 (28.8%), 550 (25.8%), and 250 (11.7%), respectively. The most common aeroallergens were Dermatophagoides farinae (75.9%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (65.4%), feather (56.1%), and Candida (51.1%), respectively, in all patients. The most common food allergens were egg white (31.1%), cacao (29.7%), and egg yolk (28.9%), respectively, in all cases. Conclusion: Both aeroallergens and food allergens were the most common in all allergens by skin prick test. Therefore, it is important to find the relationship between sensitization and allergy.

284-290

Authors: Samira Hajimaghsoodi , Abbas Ali Jafari Nodoushan , Mohamad Hassan Akhavan Karbassi, Yasaman Yazdanparast *

Background and Aims: Candida albicans is the most prevalent opportunistic fungal species in the oral cavity. To date, several studies have been investigated the various factors associated with oral candidiasis. On the other hand, it has been proven that blood types antigens lead to some infectious factors. This study aimed to evaluate Candida albicans colonies in the saliva of dentistry students based on their blood type to detect a relationship between blood group and incidence of oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 200 dentistry students were selected by a simple sampling method, including 100 individuals with blood type O and 100 with other blood types. The unstimulated salivary samples of all the participants were collected by spitting, cultured on Sabouraud medium, and then the isolated Candida albicans colonies were enumerated and recorded. Results: In the present study, samples comprised 77 males and 123 females, of whom 15.5% (31 individuals) carried colony-forming units > 40. The mean of Candida albicans colonies in the individuals' saliva with blood type O was 21.55, and it was 10.68 in the other groups. Besides, the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.024). There was no significant difference in Candida albicans colony count between O positive and O negative blood groups. Conclusions: The result of this study showed a significant relationship between the number of Candida albicans colonies of saliva and the individual’s blood type.

304-315

Authors: Vijayalakshmi Kuttath * , Shyamily Mohan

Background and Aims: This study aims to identify the level of motivation among blood donors and their intention to donate again and suggest remedial measures to rectify de-motivating influences. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among donors to collect data on variables related to the objective. Results: Most donors were men aged 18-24 years, graduates, and employed. The statistical analysis indicated a significant correlation between socio-demographic variables and intention to donate. Fear is the major de-motivating factor, and waiting hours at the blood bank were rated as inconvenient. Conclusion: Recognition of the positive and negative motivation factors and measures to remove misconceptions of donors will go on a long way in the recruitment and retention of blood donors.