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Background and purpose : The effect of physical activity of pregnant women on the pregnancy outcome has been studied previously. There are several reports about adverse affects of maternal work on the fetus in the medical literature. This study was designed to assess the pregnancy outcome in farmer women in comparison with howsewives in Gilan.
Materials and Methods : This case – control study was performed on 230 farmer women with a singleton alive fetus who reached 20th week of gestation , and 230 pregnant howsewives (as control group) matched for age and parity. The frequency of some antepartum and postpartum complications (Pre-eclampsia , Placental abruption , PROM . uterine atony , pre and post-term delivery , LBW , ect) were assessed.
Results : There was a decreased incidence of abnormal and post-term pregnancy in the study group as compared with controls (P<0.05). The incidence of postpartum uterine atony in farmer women was significantly more than housewives (P<0.05). The higher incidence of preterm delivery and low birth weight neonates in tarmer women in comparison with howsewives was not statistically significant.
Conclusion : According to the results , working in the farm during third trimester of pregnancy could affect the outcome of pregnancy

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Background and purpose: Nowadays, more attention is paid to emotional intelligence as an important factor influencing different aspects of human's life such as education, occupation and social environment. Self-esteem as one of the characteristics of normal person can change the level of emotional intelligence. Due to the important role of self-esteem and emotional intelligence, this research has been conducted with the goal of determining the self-esteem and emotional intelligence level among nursing and midwifery students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in 2010. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we have implemented MSEIS test and Cooper smith Self-Esteem Inventory for 145 nursing and midwifery students of Mazandaran university of Medical sciences. These samples were selected through Census methods. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and chi-square test using SPSS16. Results: In this study, emotional intelligence of 13.8%, 71.7% and 14.5% of students were high, medium and low, respectively. In addition, 91% of students had high self-esteem. The results showed that emotional intelligence has a significant correlation with self-esteem (P<0.001). Conclusion: As the emotional intelligence of most students was medium it seems that more attention to emotional intelligence is needed to enhance students’ mental health and success. Therefore, developing educational programs in the dimension of emotional intelligence of nursing and midwifery students is essential.

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Background and purpose: The role of health system managers has always been emphasized in the efficient running of system of hygienic and remedial services and much attention is paid to the selection of the best persons to do that. The main purpose of this study was to design the managers' competency model of health sector and evaluate them from the standpoint of middle managers of health system. Material and methods: The study population included all the health system managers in Iran. The questionnaires were distributed among 385 people. The data were collected through the researcher's questionnaire which was used to assess the model proposed by applying library and field studies (interviewing with 30 person of health system managers of Iran). The questionnaire contains 8 main categories in competency criteria of managers and includes 63 questions. It was validated in terms of construct validity and Cronbach' alpha was used to ensure its internal consistency reliability. (more than 0.79 for each category). Inferential statistics (confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations model by specifying T-Value) and "LISREL" software was used to analyze the data collected from the questionnaire. Results: 280 filled out questionnaires of the participants (75.1%) were analyzed in this study. Based on the collected data, T. values for knowledge of and professional awareness competencies, behavioral and intellectual, personal traits, service, responsibility, and considering the ideological and moral (ethical) values equal 11.90, 11.06, 8.39, 10.68, 6.55, 9.31, 3.43, and 2.17 Conclusion: Considering and applying the presented criteria in proposed competency model of health system managers which are ranked by the middle managers can be one of the way of improving the quality of management in the health system of Iran.

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Background and purpose: The increasing emergence of multidrug resistance among Klebsiella pneumoniae nosocomial isolates has limited the therapeutic options in treatment of infections caused by these bacteria. The beta-lactamases, efflux pumps and porins constitute the major defense mechanisms of antibiotic resistance of these bacteria. The aims of the present study were detection of OqxA and OqxB genes, evaluation of expression level of OqxA efflux pump and also determining the genetic basis of resistant K. pneumoniae strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Mofid and Taleghani hospitals during 2011-2012. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 100 K. pneumoniae isolates from Taleghani and Mofid hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by Kirby- Bauer disc diffusion and Broth Microdilution methods according to CLSI guidelines. Detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamases was done by a kit developed by MAST group. The Modified Hodge Test (MHT) was used to identify carbapenemase production among the isolates. The OqxA and OqxB genes were detected by PCR and sequencing methods and oqxA gene expression was analyzed using realtime RT–PCR. PFGE typing was then performed for further analysis of the resistant isolates. Results: Among 100 K. pneumoniae isolates, 5(5%) were KPC positive and 48(48%) were ESBL positive. In this study, fosfomycin, colistin and tigecycline were found more effective than other antibiotics. The prevalence of both oqxA and oqxB genes detected among the K. pneumoniae isolates was 50 (50%). RT– PCR revealed higher expression (2.3-fold) in isolates with reduced susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin. Isolates belonged to three clusters and some of them belong to a particular clone. Conclusion: The prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes identified in this study highlights the need for more infection control measures including antibacterial management and identification of resistant isolates.

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Background and purpose: Today Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) are widely applied in Islamic countries according to religious rules. This study aimed at investigating the attitudes of infertile women towards oocyte donation who referred to an infertility clinic in Sari. Materials and methods: Oocyte Donation Questionnaire was used to collect the data from infertile women attending Imam Khomeyni IVF Centre in 2012-2013. Results: There was a significant difference between the level of education and positive attitude in accepting oocyte donation. Among the participants 78.4% were willing to receive oocytes from anonymous donors and 22.3% said that they would tell the truth to the baby born via egg donation. There were 73.3% who found this technique contrary to Islamic beliefs. Conclusion: More attention is needed on social and economic issues affecting the attitudes of people towards oocyte donation. Significant correlation between the level of education and positive attitude towards oocyte donation calls for holding more educational classes and conferences and informing the public through mass media. These, could also increase the religious knowledge of people towards the benefits of this technique.

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Background and purpose: Pre-eclampsia is one of the most common syndromes associated with pregnancy. Severe hypertension, eclampsia and other pathological disorders are the predictable outcomes of this syndrome among high risk pregnant women. Pre-eclampsia accompanied by bleeding and infection is considered as a leading cause of death in pregnant women worldwide. Early diagnosis of this syndrome can help physicians in choosing more effective treatment options. Materials and methods: In a prospective research we aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity and the relationship between different factors in utrine artries among high risk pregnant women. G50 Ultrasound was used on 100 pregnant women fitting our inclusion criteria. Data was analyzed in SPSS V….. . Results: The mean age of patients was 23.2±4.1 years old and their mean BMI was 23.2±5.4. There were four patients (4.7%) with history of pre-eclampsia and one (1.1%) with diabetes. Pre-eclampsia occurred in 10 patients which was severe in two and mild in eight cases. The sensitivity and specificity of PI and RI values were found to be higher in first trimester and second trimester, respectively. Conclusion: This study found Doppler Ultrasound as an effective standard diagnostic method in diagnosis of pre-eclampsia in high risk pregnancies. These findings need to be assessed in different samples before we can generalize it to other population.

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Background and purpose: Aloe vera is an anti-diabetic herb in traditional medicine. In the present study, the protective effect of aloe vera gel was studied on function of thyroid gland in diabetic rats.

Materials and methods: Fifty healthy male Wistar rats weighing 200-250g were randomized into 5 groups (n=10 per group). The animals in a control group were kept in normal conditions. In second group diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). In another group the streptozotocin induced diabetic rats received 400 mg/kg aloe vera gel once a day for 15 and 30 days. The next group included STZ-induced diabetic rats that received 10-15 units insulin once a day for 15 and 30 days. The Sham group included healthy normal rats that received 400 mg/kg aloe vera gel once a day for 15 and 30 days. By the end of days 15 and 30, the blood samples were taken. Then the animals were euthanized and the thyroid gland was removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. The semi-thin sections were prepared and stained using haematoxylin and eosin, and were observed under light microscope.

Results: Mean number and size of follicles significantly decreased in diabetic group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Histomorphometrical findings showed significant increase in mean number and size of follicles in the group receiving aloe vera gel compared to the diabetic group (P<0.05). There were significant decreases in concentrations of T3 and T4 hormones in diabetic group compared to those of the control group (P<0.05). Aloe vera treated animals showed significant increase in concentrations of T3 and T4 hormones compared to those of the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Aloe vera gel could improve regeneration of damaged thyroid gland tissue in diabetic rats.

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Background and purpose: Okra plant has different properties and some studies reported that this plant can lower the complications of diabetes. Herein, we studied the effects of okra powder on histomorphometry and histochemitry of the thyroid gland, lipid profile, as well as T3 and T4 hormones in HDF/STZ diabetic Wistar rats.

Materials and methods: In this experimental study twenty-five adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided into five groups of control group, healthy rats without any treatment (G1), control group receiving 200 mg/kg of okra daily for four weeks (G2), diabetic rats without any treatment (G3), diabetic rats receiving 200 mg/kg of metformin daily for four weeks (G4), and diabetic rats receiving 200 mg/kg of okra daily for four weeks (G5). For inducing diabetes, the rats were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for four weeks. Then, streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) was injected intravenously. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken for measurement of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), as well as T₃, and T₄ hormones levels. The animals were euthanized and the thyroid glands were removed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. 5-6 μ slices were made from paraffin section and stained by H&E and aldehyde fuchsin.

Results: Compared to the control group, the number and size of large follicles of the thyroid gland decreased significantly in the diabetic group, while the number of small follicles increased significantly (P<0.05). There were significant reductions in concentrations of T₃ and T₄, whereas triglyceride and LDL-c levels elevated in the diabetic group (P<0.05). These changes were improved using metformin and okra compared to the diabetic group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Okra powder can be effective in preventing, managing, and attenuating the complications of diabetes.

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Background and purpose: Hearing impaired children with cochlear implant experience many problems as they have developmental language impairments with impaired working memory. The aim of this study was to develop a working memory test and investigating the working memory in children with cochlear implant.
Materials and methods: In this cross sectional study, a Persian working memory scale for children was developed. Content validity (n=9), face validity (n=9), and reliability (n=30) of the test were evaluated. Then, the auditory working memory test was performed in 30 Persian speaking children with normal hearing and in five with cochlear implant.
Results: The content validity was 100%. The performance of children confirmed face validity of the scale. Test-retest reliability was 0.938 (P <0.05). There was a significant difference in the mean scores between the group with normal hearing (78.06±27.017) and those with cochlear implants (28.2 ±25.547) (95% CI, [P <0.05]).
Conclusion: The Persian working memory scale for children was found to have content validity, face validity, and reliability. Children with cochlear implants performed weaker than normal children on working memory tasks.
 

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Background and purpose: Sleep and stress are linked in a bidirectional manner. Immobilization stress is a simple model that could be used easily in animal studies for understanding the neurobiology of stress-sleep relationship. Cinnamaldehyde as a herbal medicine with antioxidant activities could be investigated in modulating sleep-stress interaction.
Materials and methods: In the present study, we examined the effects of immobilization stress combined with physical stress on sleep stages in male Wistar rats. Sleep stages were evaluated through EEG and EMG signals before and after stress induction during three consecutive days. The rats received Cinnamaldehyde orally by gavage at the dose level of 20 mg/kg/day. The treatment was started one week before surgery and lasted for 18 days.
Results: Findings showed that immobilization stress decreased the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (P= 0.01). In the stress exposed group treated with Cinnamaldehyde not only there were no decrease in REM sleep but also there were increase in REM and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Conclusion: Cinnamaldehyde could improve sleep and repair REM sleep disturbance induced by stress.  
 

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Background and purpose: Some native species of medicinal plants are abundantly found in Iran. High incidence of ulcers in diabetic patients necessitates research on herbal medicines with fewer side effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the histological variables of the Fumaria parviflora extract on the repair of ulcers in diabetic rats.
Materials and methods: The study was carried out in 48 adult male Wistar rats at 14-15 weeks of age, weighing 200 ± 10 gr. Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups (n= 12), including negative control group (healthy without any treatment), positive control group (diabetic with no treatment), experimental group I (diabetic treated by eucerin cream), and experimental group II (diabetic treated by a cream containing 3% F. parviflora). Histopathological examination was done at the end of days 3, 7, 14, and 21. The size of the scars and tissue indices were measured in these groups.
Results: There was a significant difference between the experimental group II and other groups in the rate of recovery (P <0.001). Compared to experimental group I, the scores for some microscopic parameters were higher in experimental group II.
Conclusion: According to current study, topical use of F. parviflora could diminish inflammation and accelerate wound healing. It was also found to be highly efficient in accelerating the transition from inflammatory to fibroblast hyperplasia phase. Therefore, F. parviflora as an efficient low-cost herbal medicine could be used in accelerating wound healing.

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Background and purpose: Morphine as an opioid compound has different and sometimes conflicting effects on memory and learning process. Bile duct ligation causes cholestasis, which disrupts liver function. It is known that opioid systems are involved in cholestasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of morphine on the memory of cholestatic rats.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the cholestatic model in male Wistar rats (weighing 200-250 g) was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). The animals were injected with morphine (4 and 6 mg/kg, ip), naloxone (0.6 and 0.8 mg/kg, ip), and morphine and naloxone in different groups. Passive avoidance memory was evaluated on day 7 after BDL by shuttle box test.  Data were analyzed by PRISM software and ANOVA.
Results: Naloxone (0.6 and 0.8 mg/kg), 30 min before the test, did not show significant changes in the memory of the cholestatic rats compared to the BDL group, whereas, morphine (4 and 6 mg/kg) showed significant increase in step-through latency (P<0.05). Also, naloxone (0.6 mg/kg, ip) 15 minutes before injection of morphine (6 mg/kg( showed a significant increase in acquired memory on day 7 after BDL (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: According to findings, morphine had a protective effect on memory impairment induced by cholestasis.

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Background and purpose: Dental plaque is a biofilm that is formed on the surface of the tooth. Carious lesions are caused by inappropriate ecological changes in microbial flora of the plaque biofilm. In this study, the effect of Lactobacillus casei bacteriocin, isolated from dairy products, was investigated on Streptococcus salivarius biofilm formation.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, MRS Broth and MRS Agar medium were used to isolate three strains of Lactobacillus casei probiotic from milk samples under microaerophilic conditions. The initial identification of Lactobacillus casei was performed by sugar fermentation and other biochemical tests. Then, 16SrRNA encoding gene was confirmed by PCR and sequenced. At last, Bacteriocin was isolated by ammonium sulfate sedimentation and its molecular weight was measured by SDS-PAGE and the antimicrobial activities were investigated. The Streptococcus salivarius were isolated from dental plaque and phenotypically and biotypically identified. Molecular confirmation of the isolates was performed using gtfK specific gene by PCR. The ability to form Streptococcus salivarius biofilm and the effect of bacteriocin on biofilm formation were measured by microtiter plate.
Results: After partial purification of Lactobacillus casei probiotic from dairy products, two LC3 and LC1 protein samples formed bands (35-40 kDa and about 75 kDa, respectively). The supernatant fluid from the cultivation of Lactobacillus casei and bacteriocins showed antibacterial effects against Streptococcus salivarius isolates from dental plaque and the formation of biofilm by this bacterium.
Conclusion: According to this study, bacteriocin and supernatant fluid from Lactobacillus casei cultures could inhibit the growth of Streptococcus salivarius and also reduced biofilm formation, so, it could be used in oral care products.

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Background and purpose: The present study aimed at exploring the effects of eight-week high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on gene expression factors involved in cholesterol reverse transport in liver tissue of ischemic rats.
Materials and methods: In this study, 28 Wistar Rats (250 ±20 g) were randomly divided into four groups: Ischemia (n=8), Placebo (n=8), Training (n=8), and Ischemia plus Training (n=8). Myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 30 minutes. High intensity interval training program (4 min of running at 85-90% VO2max and 2 min active recovery at 50-60% VO2max) was performed using treadmill for 8 weeks (three times a week /40 minutes).
Results: The expression levels of ABCG1 receptor gene and Apolipoprotein A1 significantly increased in high intensity interval training group compared to Ischemia group (P=0.008) and placebo group (P= 0.037). Also, the expression of Apolipoprotein 2 receptor gene showed significant increase in HIIT+ Ischemia group compared to Ischemia group (P=0.041) and placebo group (P=0.04). In addition, the expression of SR-BR receptor gene was found to increase in HIIT+ Ischemia group compared to the placebo group (P=0.028).
Conclusion: High intensity interval training in ischemic rats increases the key factors involved in reverse cholesterol transfer process and ultimately leads to an increase in HDL, which has a positive effect on prevention of atherosclerosis and ischemia.
 

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  Background and purpose: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world after cardiovascular disease. In relation to cancerous diseases in developed countries, the prevalence of breast cancer is increasing. Treatment in early stages is of great importance in the recovery of patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of bacterial fractions of Salmonella typhimurium on growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, the breast cancer cell line MCF7 was used. Different bacterial fractions were prepared by ammonium sulfate method. Interactions between cancer cells and different concentrations of Salmonella typhimurium fractions were studied at 24 and 48 hours. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay.
Results: According to MTT test, bacterial fractions and 80% protein deposition at 24 and 48 hours showed the highest cytotoxicity effect at 24 hours and in 100 μg/ml bacterial lysates and 40 μg/ml of 80% protein deposition. Following the treatment of cancer cells with bacterial lysate, the rate of induction of apoptosis was 67% and necrosis was 7%.
Conclusion: Bacterial fractions of Salmonella typhimurium have high toxicity and lethal effect on breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Purification of these compounds could reveal new information on the mechanisms of cell death and cell signaling that could be suggested in the future as a basis to develop alternative cancer treatments.

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Background and purpose: Despite advances in oral health and dental industry, tooth decay remains one of the most common oral diseases. One of the new methods to combat dental plaque, which is the main cause of caries, is using specific lytic bacteriophage. This study aimed to investigate the effect of isolated specific lytic phage against growth and biofilm inhibition of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis isolated from decayed dental plaque samples.
Materials and methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, dental plaque samples were cultured in MSA-specific medium to isolate S. mutans and S. sanguinis. Suspicious isolates were examined by biochemical tests and finally confirmed molecularly by PCR. The ability to form biofilm was measured by crystal violet colorimetry on a microtiter plate. Lytic bacteriophage was isolated from urban raw sewage using double layer agar method and phage morphology was examined by TEM electron microscopy. The effect of lytic phage on the growth of S. mutans and S. sanguinis was measured by agar spot and well diffusion and its inhibition effect on biofilm was assayed by microtiter plate method.
Results: Out of 150 plaque samples, S. mutans and S. sanguinis strains were isolated from 65 (43.33%) and 40 (26.67%) samples, respectively. S. mutans isolates showed stronger biofilm formation (OD= 0.43). The results of TEM showed lytic bacteriophage belonging to Siphoviridae family with a good inhibitory effect on the growth of S. mutans and S. sanguinis that was able to inhibit biofilm formation up to 96%.
Conclusion: Due to the small size of the phage particles that can have good penetration power to enter the biofilm layers, it can be concluded that the phage has the ability to fight dental plaque.
 

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Background and purpose: One of the most complications of diabetes are chronic skin wounds. Recently Human Amniotic Membrane Scaffold (HAMS) used as a wound dressing. In this study, the impact of HAMS on the rate of wound closure and the number of mast cells in the granulation tissue of diabetic rats was evaluated.
Materials and methods: 45 diabetic rats were divided into 3 groups: healthy wound, diabetic wound, and diabetic wound transplanted with HAMS. 30 days after diabetes induction via injecting 55mg/kg of Streptozotocin, a circular wound with a diameter of 15mm was created. HAMS was transplanted to the wound and the percentage of wound closure and the density of type 1, 2 and 3 mast cells in the granulation tissue were evaluated on days 7, 14 and 21.
Results: HAMS transplantation significantly enhanced the wound closure compared to diabetic group (P<0.05). Comparing to healthy group, the number of all types of mast cells and their total number in diabetic group was significantly decreased on day 7 (P<0.001) and significantly increased on days 14 and 21 (P<0.001). However, these changes modulated in HAMS transplanted group, in which in all cases except for type 3 mast cell on day 7 there were significant differences compared to diabetic group (P<0.01). Moreover, in HAMS transplant group, the number of type 1 and 3 mast cells on day 14 reached the level of healthy group.
Conclusion: These results suggested that HAMS improves the diabetic wound healing via modulating inflammatory reactions by affecting the mast cells density in the granulation tissue.
 

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Background and purpose: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating anticancer drug and one of the most successful drugs with a wide range of clinical activities. This drug has toxic effects on most organs, especially kidney tissue. Piperine, as a flavonoid, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the antioxidant effect of piperine (PIP) on nephrotoxicity following cyclophosphamide (CP) by tissue, serum, and histopathological biochemical evaluation.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult male BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks and weighing 30-35 grams were divided into 6 groups, the control group (C), the group receiving cyclophosphamide (CP) with a dose of 200mg/kg, the group receiving piperine (Pip) with a dose of 5mg/kg, the group receiving piperine (Pip) with a dose of 10mg/kg, the group receiving cyclophosphamide and piperine at a dose of 5mg/kg (CP+Pip) and the group receiving cyclophosphamide and piperine with A dose of 10mg/kg (CP+Pip) was used. CP was administered on the third day of the study. Piperine was prescribed for 7 days in the form of pre-treatment and post-treatment. On the eighth day of the study, histochemical (GSH and MDA), histopathology, and serum biochemical evaluations were performed. Then, the data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism software one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests.
Results: CP induced oxidative stress with a significant decrease in GSH level (P<0.001) and increased MDA level (P<0.0001). On the other hand, administration of PIP with two doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg in mice receiving CP could significantly reduce the amount of MDA (respectively: P˂0.001, P˂0.001) and increase the amount of GSH compared to the mice that only received CP (respectively: P˂0.05, P˂0.05). In mice receiving CP, a significant increase (P<0.05) in the amount of urea and creatinine was shown compared to mice in the control group. In contrast, groups treated with piperine (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight) before and after CP administration significantly (P<0.0001) improved the kidney damage towards normalization compared to mice treated with CP alone and histopathological evaluation confirmed this finding. The effect of piperine was seen in a dose-dependent manner in this study. Thus, in the group treated with cyclophosphamide, the loss of epithelial cells and the widening of the lumen of the distal and proximal convoluted tubules, the contraction of the glomerular network, and the expansion of Bowman's capsule between the visceral and parietal layers were seen. The administration of piperine improved these changes, and the 5 mg/kg dose showed a more effective role.
Conclusion: The general results of the present study showed that before and after the administration of piperine in rats treated with CP, it reduces nephrotoxicity caused by CP and has a positive effect on improving kidney function in connection with its antioxidant effect. Piperine can be suggested as a potential candidate for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
 

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Background and purpose: Antibiotics are crucial in various scientific fields, including human and veterinary medicine, and are widely utilized medicinal compounds. Ciprofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic in the treatment of infections, most of which is excreted unmetabolized and finally enters water sources through the discharge of sewage and effluents. Even at low concentrations, ciprofloxacin in sewage and effluents can cause ecological harm and pose significant risks to human health. It is crucial to devise effective solutions for the removal of this antibiotic. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are a promising method for the future removal of antibiotics, particularly in aquatic solutions, due to their potential to effectively remove ciprofloxacin. This study investigated the antibacterial and catalytic activity of synthesized magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) (Fe3O4) in removing ciprofloxacin.
Materials and methods: In this experimental research, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared using the co-precipitation method. The nanoparticles were then examined for their physical and structural characteristics using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and BET technique. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were initially synthesized, and their properties were determined. We performed separate investigations to assess the effectiveness of various methods for removing ciprofloxacin. This included evaluating ultrasound alone (US), hydrogen peroxide alone, magnetite nanoparticles alone (MNPs), and combinations such as ultrasound with hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide with magnetite nanoparticles, and magnetite nanoparticles with ultrasound. All tests were conducted under the same conditions. The first step assessed the catalytic activity of synthesized nanoparticles for ciprofloxacin through the Fenton process. In this study, experimental parameters such as Fe3O4 catalyst dosage, initial pH of the solution, Hydrogen peroxide concentration, reaction time, and initial antibiotic concentration were investigated. In the second step, the antibacterial efficacy of synthesized nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was determined via the Broth Macro dilution method.
Results: The examination of the characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles showed that the average size of magnetite nanoparticles is approximately 20-30 nm. TEM results confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles have a uniform size and structure. The combined process of MNPs/hydrogen peroxide/US exhibited the highest removal efficiency at 88.36%. This high efficiency can be attributed to the direct effect of the reaction between Fenton agents and ultrasonic waves, leading to the generation of numerous hydroxyl radicals. The maximum removal of ciprofloxacin was achieved in 0.5 g/L catalyst, pH=3, five mM hydrogen peroxide concentration, 550 W ultrasonic power, and 60 min reaction time. For Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the Minimum Inhibitory and Minimum bactericidal concentrations were 3.125, 6.25, and 1.56, 3.125 μg/mL, respectively.
Conclusion: Synthesized iron magnetite nanoparticles have high antibacterial properties against bacterial strains and many catalytic properties in the Sono Fenton process to remove ciprofloxacin, so this process can be an effective method for eliminating hospital and pharmaceutical wastewater.