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Background and purpose: Giardia cyst and trophozoite have invariant morphologies, therefore, investigating aspects such as host specificity, transmission patterns and clinical behavior of the parasite in hosts requires molecular characterization of the parasites isolated from clinical samples. The aim of this study was to characterize giardiasis isolated from human fecal samples with symptomatic (with a history of chronic diarrhea) and asymptomatic giardiasis and investigating the correlation of parasite's assemblage with diarrhea. Materials and methods: Thirty one fecal samples containing Giardia cysts from individuals with symptomatic and asymptomatic giardiasis were used to characterize the parasites' genotype. Triose Phosphate Isomerase (TPI) gene was amplified by polymerase chain Reaction (PCR). Demographic information was recorded using a questionnaire and SPSS ver.16 and Fisher’s exact test were applied to analyse the data. Results: PCR showed a higher frequency of Giardia duodenalis assemblage B compared with assemblage A (51.6% vs. 35.5%). However, the frequency of Giardia duodenalis assemblage A in symptomatic giardiasis was significantly higher than that of the asymptomatic giardiasis (62.5% vs. 18.75%). The Fisher's exact test revealed a significant correlation between Giardia doudenalis assemblage A and diarrhea (p<0.005). Conclusion: Usually, duodenalis assemblage A is accompanied by clinical symptoms such as diarrhea. However, duodenalis assemblage B is more prevalent among those with diarrhea.

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Abstract Background and purpose: Escherichia Coli is one of the most common pathogens associated with nosocomial infection. Increasing use of beta Lactam Antibiotics in treatment of bacterial infections resulted in increments of drug resistance of such bacteria that is caused due to the production of B-lactamase enzymes. The beta lactamase – producing bacteria especially E.coli which is resistant to beta lactam antibiotics may pose great risks for patients. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of CTX B-lactamase in E.coli isolates collected from hospitals in sari and Qaemshaher, Iran. Materials and methods: In this study, 200 urine samples were collected from nephrology and infection departments in Qaemshaher Razi and Sari Imam Khomeini hospitals. The samples were cultured on EMB agar and incubated at 37oC for 24 hours. E.coli isolates were detected in 120 samples using standard bio chemical tests. ESBL production was determined by combination disk method. Then, the susceptibility of isolates towards antibiotics was determined by standard disk diffusion method. The presence of CTX gene was determined applying PCR. Results: From 120 samples identified as Ecoli 66 (55%) were ESBLs producing strains. PCR showed that from 66 isolates 40 (60%) contained CTX gene. Conclusion: Our study showed high frequency of CTX gene in ESBL producing isolates. This indicates the role of enzyme in resistance to beta lactam containing antibiotics. This issue poses a serious harm to public and all necessary actions should be taken to prevent and control this problem.

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Background and purpose: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide. Due to its chronic nature, patients are prone to mood disorders over time, which can lead to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicidal behaviors and related factors in patients with diabetes referred to teaching hospitals in Babol.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with diabetes who presented to medical centers in Babol. Sampling was performed using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using standardised questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), Perceived Stress Scale, and the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). Demographic information and clinical characteristics of the patients were also collected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: In this study, 800 patients with Type 2 diabetes were examined; 47% were female. The mean score of suicidal behavior was 29.2 ± 11.75, indicating an elevated level of suicidal behavior. Male sex (P = 0.017), being employed (P = 0.005), marital status (married) (P = 0.007), and smoking (P = 0.007) were significantly associated with higher suicidal behavior scores. The mean Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) score was 2.7 ± 0.07, which was within the normal range. The mean Perceived Stress Scale score was 14.2 ± 8.10, indicating slightly elevated perceived stress, and the mean Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) score was 5.1 ± 4.02, which was within the normal range. Approximately 99% of participants had elevated Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) scores, 61.8% had high stress levels, and 8.7% had high levels of anxiety and depression. In the multivariable analysis examining the association between the study variables and suicidal behavior, only PHQ-4 remained an independent predictor (β = 0.24, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that suicidal behavior was prevalent in the studied population, and anxiety and depression were the most important independent predictors in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Routine mental health screening is essential in these patients, and psychological interventions aimed at reducing anxiety, depression, and diabetes-related distress may help decrease the risk of suicide.