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Background and purpose: Bladder cancer includes four percent of all cancers and its incidence is increasing. The most effective preventive way of occupational urinary tract cancer is avoidance of exposure to known carcinogen agents. This study aimed at exploring the incidence of bladder cancer in car painters working for more than 10 years. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study urinalysis (UA) was performed for all participants. Cases with hematuria were examined using ultrasound, intra venous pyelography (IVP) and cystoscopy. Results: A total of 202 cases were studied whose mean age was 37.9±8.89. Microscopic hematuria was found in 10 (5%) cases and three cases were observed with mass in ultrasound. The incidence rate of bladder cancer in the studied population was 1.5% and among those with hematuria it was 30%. Conclusion: According to high proportion of hematuria in car painters and high incidence of bladder cancer in patients with hematuria screening through urinalysis is necessary in car painters with high experience.

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Human fungal diseases are largely a 20th and 21st century’s phenomenon. Due to use of corticosteroids and antibacterial drug, medical developmenta are associated with increased risk for number of fungal disease. These nosocomial developments in invasive mycosis were paralleled over the last two decades by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic, which has resulted in an even larger number of patients at risk for fungal diseases. In the past, the differentiation of fungal pathogens was based on the characteristics of morphology and physiology. Today, by the use of molecular biology and conserved nucleotide sequences of subunits and the spacer regions of ribosomal DNA identification of the species level is possible. Rapid, accurate and sensitive methods are important tools in treatment of fungal infections. Unfortunately the classical diagnostic method based on morphology and staining is stable, the transitional of medical mycology into the molecular era has probably been more important for fungal epidemiology than for any other area inside the field of clinical mycology. The most challenging tasks ahead consist of how to apply our knowledge of pathobiology and new identification systems obtained in the recent molecular era to the prevention of and therapeutic intervention for fungal diseases and management of patient.

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Background and purpose: Fluoride is one of the most important elements in the composition of teeth and bones. Itcan enter the body through different ways. The main means of absorption is drinking water. This study was done to determine the amount of fluorine in drinking-water resources of rural areas in Mazandaran province. Material and methods: This retrospective descriptive study was carried out in rural drinking waterresources in 15 cities of Mazandaran province, Iran, 2011. A total of 642 samples was analyzed in four seasons. In each season, about 160 water samples were taken from ground or elevated reservoirs. The maximum and minimum numbers of seasonal water samples were 183 and 144, respectively. All samples were transferred to various laboratories affiliated withWater and SewageCompany and were analyzed according to standardreferences. Results: Out of 642 samples, 94.23% was less than the standard level and 5.77% was in standard level. The meanof fluorine concentration inruralareas of Mazandaran province was significantly different. The highestamount of fluorine in drinking water at rural areas was 0.6 mg/l in spring and the lowest level was observed in summer (0.06 mg/l). The mean concentration offluorine in drinking water of the rural areas of Mazandaran province was 0.31 mg/l. Conclusion: The amount of fluorine in all water resources of rural areas in Mazandaran province is lower than the recommended minimum value, so it is an urgent necessity to plan for solving this problem.

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Post-intubation tracheal rupture is a rare and potentially fatal complication. Usually fraction of post-intubation tracheal injuries are undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or underreported, therefore, the actual incidence and outcomes of such injuries are unknown. The incidence of reported cases is approximately 1 in every 20,000 intubation attempts. The most common causes are cuff over inflation and repetitive attempts of orotracheal intubation in emergency situations. Diagnosis is based on clinical and radiological suspicion, confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Both conservative and surgical treatments are used, and the decision is made based on patient’s profile (comorbidities, respiratory stability), characteristics of the lesion (size and location) and the time elapsed between the occurrence of the injury and the diagnosis. Surgical repair has traditionally been considered to be the treatment of choice although the current trend is conservative management. We report the case of tracheal membrane rupture due to traumatic orotracheal intubation and management with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

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Background and purpose: Chronic immobilization stress induces the production of free radicals and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of royal jelly (RJ) as an antioxidant against oxidative stress induced by chronic immobilization stress in liver of male mice. Material and methods: In this research 30 male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6) including: 1.control group 2. rats subjected to 40 days of 2 hour immobilization stress daily, and groups 3, 4and 5 that were subjected to immobilization stress and also received royal jelly orally at the dose of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 40 days, respectively. At the end of the treatment, blood was taken for biochemical analysis, and liver tissue was removed for histological studies and lipid peroxidation analysis. Data was analyzed by one way ANOVA and Tukey test in SPSS software. Results: In mice subjected to immobilization stress and royal jelly, the lipid peroxidation and levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) significantly decreased compared to the stress level in group 4. In histopathological studies royal jelly at dose of 50 and 100 improved immobilization stress induced by histopathological changes. But the dose of 200 mg/kg was not found very effective. Conclusion: The results indicate that administration of RJ at dose of 100 mg/kg promote histopathological changes in liver induced by immobilization stress.

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Abstract Background and purpose: Diabetes affects the function of many organs in the body. It predisposes an environment for colonization of different microorganisms including Candida species which are normal floral of the skin, vagina and digestive system and increases their susceptibility to fungal infections. This study aimed at isolating different species of candida in diabetic patients attending Valiasr Hospital in Qaemshahr, Iran. Materials and methods: In this cross sectional study, during one year, sampling was performed in the skin, mouth and vagina in 300 diabetic patients. Based on the measurement of HbA1c (Glycated heamoglobin) the participants were divided into two groups controlled (HbA1c <7) and uncontrolled (HbA1c >7) diabetes mellitus. The identification of Candida isolates was done by direct microscopy and culture on chrome agar and confirmed by PCR-RLF method. Results: A total of 111 (37%) cases were positive for candida species and C. albicans was the most common isolated species (104 cases, 93.7 %). HbA1c level was lower than 7 in 52 (17.3%) patients and in 248 (82.7%) patients it was higher than 7. The majority of Candida species (88.3%) were isolated from patients whose HbA1c level was higher than 7. Conclusion: The results showed that diabetes is a favorable condition for growth of Candida albicans and none albicans species. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes are more susceptible to Candida colonization.

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Background and purpose: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with decreased immune status. Aspergillus flavus is the second most common species causing invasive aspergillosis after A. fumigatus. According to limited information on the antifungal susceptibility test against A. flavus in Iran, in this study we aimed at evaluating the antifungal susceptibility of two antifungal agents including itraconazole and voriconazole against clinical and environmental isolates of A. flavus.

Materials and methods: Four hundred clinical and environmental samples were collected from Mazandaran, Tehran and Khorasan Razavi provinces. The identification of A. flavus isolates were confirmed by sequencing of β-tubulin gene. The MICs of itraconazole and voriconazole for all isolates of A. flavus were determined by the guidelines proposed by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A2 for filamentous fungi.

Results: Ninety isolates of A. flavus were identified from clinical (n=30) and environmental (n=60) samples. MIC results of all A. flavus isolates showed susceptibility to antifungal agents, except for two environmental isolates that demonstrated MIC= 2 μg/ml for itraconazole. MIC₅₀, MIC₉₀ and Geometric mean of itraconazole for A. flavus isolates were 0.25, 0.5, and 0.21 μg/ml, respectively. The MIC₅₀, MIC₉₀ and Geometric mean of voriconazole were 0.25, 0.5 and 0.27 μg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion: In comparison to determined epidemiological cutoff value of A. flavus, our data have shown a probable resistance in two isolates of A. flavus against itraconazole which draws attention on emergence of full resistance A. flavus isolates from Iran.

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Background and purpose: Today, the use of natural preservatives in increasing meat products shelf life has gained much attention. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the effects of eucalyptus and cuminum essential oils on microbial quality of Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Materials and methods: In an experimental study the eucalyptus and cuminum essential oils were prepared and their antibacterial activities were evaluated against Shigella dysenteriae, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Salmonella typhi by micro dilution method. Then, the effects of eucalyptus and cuminum essential oils were examined on microbial quality of Oncorhynchus mykiss at 8±1 °C in zero, 3 and 6 days in different forms and concentrations (alone: eucalyptus 0.25% and cuminum 0.5%, combined: 0.5% + 0.5%, and also incorporated with chitosan: 0.25% and 0.5%). Data analysis was performed in SPSS ver.16 applying ANOVA and Duncan test.

Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for the essential oils ranged between 0.351 and 11.25, and 1.406 and 11.25 mg/ml, respectively. Eucalyptus essential oil at 0.5% concentration was found to have the best effect on decreasing the total count of bacteria, enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophic bacteria in fish. Also, combination of chitosan and the essential oils decreased the total count of bacteria, enterobacteriaceae and psychrotrophic bacteria (P<0.05). The antibacterial effects of essential oils (alone) were lower compared to synergistic antibacterial activities of essential oils with chitosan (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Eucalyptus and cuminum essential oils could be used as alternative for chemical preservatives and also in active packaging in meat industry.

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Background and purpose: Cyclophosphamide (CP) as a teratogen can lead to congenital abnormalities in animals and humans. Many reports have shown the influence of antioxidant drugs in reducing the adverse effects of CP. Galbanum has antioxidant effects and Mesna (Sodium 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate) is used for decreasing the side effects of CP, especially hemorrhagic cystitis.  This study aimed at investigating the effects of galbanum and mesna on cyclophosphamide-induced teratogenicity in rat fetuses.

Materials and methods: This study was performed in 33 pregnant rats that were divided into five groups. A control group received normal saline and test groups received CP (15 mg/kg), CP plus mesna (100 mg/kg), CP plus galbanum (200 mg/kg) and CP plus mesna (100 mg/kg) plus galbanum (200 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on the 13th day of gestation, respectively. Fetuses were extracted on 20th day of gestation. Then, the weight and length of fetuses were measured and staining was done using Alizarin red - Alcian blue method. The teratogenic effects were investigated by stereomicroscope.

Results: The results showed that the incidence of cleft palate, exencephaly, micromelia, and omphalocele were 37.50%, 62.50%, 16.62%, and 9.37% in fetuses that received only CP which decreased to 28.57%, 28.57%, 3.57%, and 7.14% in the group that had received CP plus mesna (75 mg/kg) and to 18.51%, 14.81%, 3.7%, and 0% in the group which received CP plus galbanum (200 mg/kg), respectively. In treatment group that received CP plus mesna and galbanum the incidence of aforementioned abnormalities decreased to 18.64%, 11.86%, 3.38%, and 0%, respectively.

Conclusion: In this study galbanum significantly decreased teratogenicity induced by CP.

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Background and purpose: Shadegan wetland as the largest wetland in Iran is constantly exposed to hydrocarbons entering through the main entrance of the lagoon including Jarahi River, outbursts of seasonal rivers from upstream, Persian Gulf tides from downstream, atmospheric deposition, and possible leaks from oil pipelines. The aim of this study was to investigate toxicity and identifying the sources and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in surface sediments of the study area for its appropriate management.

Materials and methods: Sediment samples were collected (in 2015) from 202 stations at the top 5 cm of the sediment according to a systematic-random sampling design. The concentrations of PAHs were analyzed by GC–MS.

Results: The total PAHs (sum of 30 PAH compounds) ranged from 593.74 to 53393.86 ng/g dw. The results of diagnostic ratios indicated that the study area was highly contaminated by petrogenic hydrocarbon sources. The concentrations of PAHs in this research were substantially higher than those found in many other aquatic systems and significantly more than current sediment quality criteria (ERL).

Conclusion: High levels of petrogenic contamination were found in sediments of Shadegan wetland. A vast majority of the study area (90%) is subjected to chronic pollution of oil contaminants that could adversely affect benthic biota.

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Background and purpose: Antibiotic resistance has prompted the use of medicinal plants with low side effects instead of common drugs. The aim of this study was to identify the contamination level of industrial hamburgers to salmonella, detecting their antibiotic resistance pattern, and their sensitivity to Ferula gummosa, Citrus limon, Rosmarinus officinalis, Pelargonium roseum, Zataria multiflora, Bunium persicum, Mentha piperita, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula angustifolia, Rosa damascene, Artemisia dracunculus, and Ocimum basilicum essential oils.

Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, 100 samples were randomly purchased from local markets in Kashan and evaluated for occurrence of Salmonella by culture media. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was evaluated using disc diffusion. Also, susceptibility of the isolates to 12 plant essential oils was evaluated by disc diffusion and microdilution methods.

Results: Two samples (2%) were contaminated with Salmonella that one was Salmonella serogroup C2 (antigen O8) and the other isolate was not in any serogroup. Disk diffusion method showed that the two isolates were 100% resistant to at least one antibiotic or more. The isolates were resistant to most of the antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, kanamycin, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. The inhibitory effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil on growth of Salmonella was the highest with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 0.39 and 0.78 mg/mL, respectively, and the mean zone of inhibition growth of 23.67±1.18 mm.

Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance of Salmonella isolated from hamburgers was high. The essential oils used in this study exhibited high anti-Salmonella properties compared to common antibiotics and could be used as a beneficial medicinal plant.

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Background and purpose: Metoclopramide is frequently used in emergency departments to control nausea, vomiting, and headache. This study aimed at comparing the effects of two rates of intravenous infusion of metoclopramide (slow and fast bolus) on the incidence of akathisia in patients with cancer in an emergency department.
Materials and methods: In a double blind clinical trial, 112 patients with cancer hospitalized in Sari Imam Khomaini emergency department were included. The participants were randomized to receive either 20 mg metoclopramide as a bolus and normal saline infusion over 20 min (bolus group), or normal saline bolus and 20 mg metoclopramide infused over 20 min (infusion group). Patients were assessed for akathisia using the Prince Henry Akathisia Rating Scale. Nausea, sedation, pulse, and blood pressure were measured in both groups at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min after drug administration.
Results: The mean ages of patients in bolus and infusion group was 59.4 ± 16.1 and 60.3 ± 14.2, respectively. Frequency of women in bolus and infusion group was 48.3 and 56.1%, respectively. Objective akathisia in patients receiving bolus metoclopramide was 4 times more than that in infusion group. (P=0.000) (RR: 4, CI: 95%: 1.8-6.5). Trend of sleepiness was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.625). But, the trends of nasaue, pulse, and hypertension showed significant differences between blouse and infusion groups. (P=0.000 and P=0.000, respectively).
Conclusion: Current findings showed that intravenous infusion of metoclopramide could reduce objective akathisia and nausea.
 
(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20170808035565N2)
 

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 Background and purpose: Sodium enoxaparin is used in cardiac patients to prevent the progression of coronary artery obstruction. Its injection causes pain and bruises due to acidification and nurses should reduce these in patients. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of EMLA cream and lavender oil on reducing the pain caused by injection of enoxaparin in cardiac patients in Kashan, Iran 2018.
Materials and methods: This clinical trial was performed in 75 patients with heart disease hospitalized in Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital. The patients were randomly divided into three groups to receive EMLA cream (n=25), lavender oil (n=25), and no treatment (control group, n=25). A researcher-made checklist including two parts (demographic information and pain scale) was used. The severity of pain was measured immediately and 5 minutes after two intermittent injections, in 24 hour, using visual scale. Data were analyzed in SPSS V21 applying ANOVA and Chi-square test.
Results: The findings showed no significant differences between the two groups in demographic characteristics (age, sex, weight, height, and BMI). Compared to the control group, the severity of pain was significantly lower in groups that received lavender oil (P = 0.005) and EMLA cream (P= 0.01).
Conclusion: According to this study, lavender oil and EMLA cream could reduce the pain caused by enoxaparin injection.
 
 (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20100829004655N9)

 

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 Background and purpose: Appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal pain requiring surgical intervention. Diagnostic tests with high accuracy could lead to immediate diagnosis and timely surgery could prevent further complications. This study was performed to assess the diagnostic value of serum fibrinogen level in diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional diagnostic study was performed in patients (n=165) attending the emergency department in Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital with an initial diagnosis of appendicitis and available histopathologic examination results in 2016-2017. Fibrinogen levels were measured before surgery. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test, and Chi-square were used to examine the relationship between fibrinogen level, demographic and clinical variables, acute appendicitis, and complicated/uncomplicated appendicitis. ROC Curve test was also performed and indicators associated with diagnostic accuracy were calculated.
Results: The mean fibrinogen level in patients with normal appendices was 278.0±50.5, while it was 349.4 ± 68.7 in those with appendicitis (P<0.0001). The area under the curve was 0.794 (CI = 0.724-0.853). Moreover, at the optimal cut-point of fibrinogen level of 344 mg/dl, the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 51.7%, 90.4%, 94.4%, and 37.6%, respectively. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 5.43 and 0.53, respectively.
Conclusion: This study showed that measuring serum fibrinogen levels, as an acute phase reactant, is useful for diagnostic screening of acute appendicitis and for predicting complicated appendicitis.
 

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 Background and purpose: There are many studies on the health effects of dietary advice and physical activity in pregnancy while only a few reported the effects of simultaneous administration of motivational interviewing, dietary advice, and physical activity on neonatal outcome in pregnant women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study was designed to examine the effects of these interventions on fetal-neonatal outcome in pregnant women with MetS.
Materials and methods: A randomized, single‑blind, controlled clinical trial was performed in 120 pregnant women with metabolic syndrome at 15- 20 weeks of gestation in two hospitals in Babol, north of Iran, 2018. The participants were allocated into two groups (n= 60 per group) using blocking randomization and were followed up until the end of pregnancy. Fetal-neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups from week 32 of pregnancy. The interventional program included one motivational interview, two nutrition consultation sessions, and three sessions of physical activity (per week).  The control group received routine care. Demographic and fertility characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. Data analysis was done applying independent t test, ANOVA, and logistic regression.
Results: The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was found to be significantly lower in intervention group (3.7%) compared with the control group (14.5%) at the end of the pregnancy (P=0.01).
Conclusion: Dietary recommendations, motivational interviewing, and physical activity in pregnant women with MetS during prenatal care can be used as safe and practical interventions to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.

(Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT2017042333070N1)
 

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Background and purpose: There is an increasing rate of drug resistance to azole among Candida species, so, finding new compounds that are effective in laboratory conditions, such as 3,4-dihydropyrimidine derivatives are important. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal sensitivity of 3,4-di-hydropyrimidine-1- (H2) -L- H1-pyrrole derivatives in Candida isolates.
Materials and methods: Antifungal sensitivity of 102 Candida isolates with the origin of otomycosis to dihydropyrimidine derivatives and itraconazole were evaluated by broth microdilution according to CLSI-M27S4 guidelines. The serial dilution range of compounds and antifungal drug was 0.016-16 μg/ml. A concentration of compounds that showed at least 50% growth inhibition compared to the positive control group was considered as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS V16. 
Results: Findings showed that 3,4-di-hydropyrimidine-1-(H2)-L-H1-pyrrole derivatives have higher MIC than itraconazole against Candida species. Also, comparing the MIC values of 3,4-di- hydropyrimidine with each other (P1-P4), P1 derivatives were found with lower MIC values than the other three derivatives and almost all compounds showed more efficacy against Candida albicans than other Candida species.
Conclusion: Although the antifungal effects of 3,4-dihydropyrimidine-1-(H2)-L-H1-pyrrole derivatives against Candida species were lower than itraconazole, but, making structural changes in these compounds can increase their antifungal effects.

 

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Correction to: Effect of Motivational Interviewing, Dietary Advice, and Physical Activity on Fetal-Neonatal Outcome in Pregnant Women with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Farideh Mohsenzadeh-ledari¹,
 Zahra Motaghi²,
 Ziba Taghizadeh³,
 Afsaneh Keramat⁴,
 Ali Najafi⁵,
Mahmood Moosazadeh⁶,
Shahla Yazdani<sup>7

1</sup> Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
² Associate Professor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
³ Associate Professor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
⁴ Professor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
⁵ Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
⁶ Associate Professor, Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
⁷ Assistant Professor, Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran


Corresponding Author: Farideh Mohsenzadeh-ledari - Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.  (E-mail: mohsenzadh2008@gmail.com)




In the article published in volume 32, issue 214, 2022, the correspondence address of
Farideh Mohsenzadeh-ledari was published incorrectly, which is now corrected.
 

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Background and purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most complex diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Nesfatin is an 82-amino acid effective polypeptide in CNS. In this study, we investigated the role of nesfatin in neuron protection in the process of diffuse concussion in rats and also its effect on the level of matrix metalloproteinase-9.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 56 Wistar rats were subjected to TBI by the Marmaru method. After 30 minutes, nesfatin was injected intraperitoneally at different doses, and repeated on second and third days. The results of Veterinary Coma Scale, beam walk and beam balance tests were recorded at Pre-TBI, immediately after TBI, 24, 48, and 72 hours after TBI. After 72 hours, CSF was collected from the cisterna magna and used for ELISA test to measure the matrix metalloproteinase-9.
Results: Intraperitoneal administration of nesfatin at 50 µg/kg and 10 µg/kg can reduce cerebral edema, destruction of the blood-brain barrier, and neurological and balance-motor scores (P<0.0001) compared with the control group (Sham and Intact) (P<0.0001). Nesfatin was not found effective at 20µg/kg (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Nesfatin has been able to affect the consequences of trauma and reduce brain edema, accelerate the improvement of blood-brain barrier and neurological and balance scores. Probably part of these neuroprotective effects is through reduction of MMP-9.

 

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 Background and purpose: Cancer diagnosis is a threatening and traumatic experience. Confusion caused by distressing thoughts about cancer can lead to additional suffering and, along with avoidance, can be a key factor in maintenance of traumatic reactions. The current research aimed at comparing the effectiveness of Unified Protocol (UP) of transdiagnostic intervention and mindfulness based schema therapy (MBST) on posttraumatic avoidance (PA) and chronic illness-related cognitive fusion (CICF) in patients with breast cancer (BC).
Materials and methods: A semi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design and a follow-up period of 45 days was performed. Statistical population included all female patients with BC in Mashhad, Iran 2018-2021. Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Chronic Illness (CFQ-CI) and Posttraumatic Avoidance Scale (PAS) were administered. Forty one patients were selected using purposive sampling and were randomly divided into two experimental groups and a control group. UP of transdiagnostic intervention and MBST were applied in intervention groups for 10 weekly sessions. The control group attended two educational sessions. Data analysis was done using multivariate covariance analysis and Bonferroni post hoc test.
Results: The mean scores for CICF and PA were significantly different between the intervention groups and the control group at post-test and follow-up (P<0.001). Findings showed no significant difference between the effectiveness of UP and MBST at post-test and follow-up (P>0.05).
Conclusion: MBST and UP are suggested to be applied in patients with BC to reduce their psychological problems.
 (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20211012128050165N1)

 

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Background and purpose: Oral candidiasis is one of the most common infections affecting the mucosal surfaces and skin, specifically involving the oral mucosa. This disease is primarily caused by various species of Candida, including Candida albicans. Current treatments with polyene and azole antifungal drugs can affect patient cells, and there are also several limitations in treating fungal infections. These limitations include the shortage and high cost of antifungal drugs, their side effects, and the increasing resistance to azole drugs among Candida species. Given these challenges, researchers are exploring new antifungal drugs, particularly heterocyclic compounds. Heterocyclic compounds are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Thiazolidinone derivatives can weaken the fungal and bacterial resistance caused by many antibiotics and drugs. Additionally, oxindoles show significant pharmacological and biological activity. Given these factors and the notable biological properties of thiazolidinones and oxindoles, their potential for developing new antifungal drugs has gained interest among researchers. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of synthetic indole-hydrazono-thiazolidinones on Candida isolates obtained from oral infections.
Materials and methods: Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted on 100 clinical isolates of Candida, including 53 Candida albicans isolates, 22 Candida tropicalis isolates, 17 Candida parapsilosis isolates, and 8 Candida glabrata isolates. The susceptibility of these isolates to 4a and 4b indole-hydrazono-thiazolidinone derivatives and nystatin was assessed using the broth microdilution method, based on CLSI-M27S4 guidelines for determining drug sensitivity in yeasts. Species identification was performed using phenotypic chrome agar and genetic PCR-RFLP methods. The compounds and antifungal drugs were tested at a dilution range of 0.016–16 μg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was defined as the concentration that resulted in at least 50% inhibition of growth compared to the positive control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software, with a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: The results showed a significant difference in MIC values between the indole-hydrazono-thiazolidinone derivatives 4a and 4b, and nystatin against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis. There was also a significant difference in the average MIC values of the derivatives. However, no significant difference was observed in MIC values between these derivatives and nystatin against Candida glabrata.
Conclusion: The antifungal activity of the indole-hydrazono-thiazolidinone derivatives was lower than that of nystatin against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis. However, the activity against Candida glabrata was comparable to that of nystatin. Further studies on the cytotoxicity and side effects of these derivatives may pave the way for the development of new antifungal drugs and treatment options.