Alborz University of Medical sciences Alborz University Medical Journal 2322-3839 14 1 2025 1 1 Investigating the effects of silver nanoparticles synthesized by the green method on the expression of biofilm genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains 1 16 FA Amir Mirzaii Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran Kambiz larijani Department of Chemistry, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Nastaran Parkan Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Introduction: "Klebsiella pneumonia" is an opportunistic human pathogen known for its ability to form biofilms, which contribute to multidrug resistance. This study investigates the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their effects on the expression of biofilm-related genes in "Klebsiella pneumonia" strains. Material and method: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 60 urine samples were collected and subjected to biochemical verification tests. Ethanolic extract of garlic ("Allium sativum") was prepared for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was performed, and "Klebsiella pneumonia" biofilm formation was assessed by measuring color intensity associated with biofilm presence. The resistance pattern of the bacteria was determined using the disk diffusion method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of silver nanoparticles against biofilm-forming strains was evaluated using the microdilution method. Multiplex PCR was conducted to identify the genes "mrkD", "sugE", and "luxS", and the expression levels of these genes were analyzed using Real-Time PCR. Result: Among the 60 samples, 36 were confirmed as "Klebsiella pneumonia", and all strains tested positive for biofilm formation. Most isolates were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR). The synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape, black color, and an average size of 60 nm. They demonstrated antibacterial activity against all isolates, with MIC values ranging from 6.25 to 100 μg/ml. The highest frequency of the "luxS" gene was found in 30 isolates (83.33%), while "sugE" and "mrkD" were present in 23 isolates each (63.88%). Notably, the expression of "mrkD", "sugE", and "luxS" genes significantly decreased in cells treated with silver nanoparticles compared to the control group. Conclusion: The study concludes that silver nanoparticles effectively inhibit biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in "Klebsiella pneumonia" isolates, suggesting their potential utility in managing multidrug-resistant infections in hospitalized patients.  

Alborz University of Medical sciences Alborz University Medical Journal 2322-3839 14 1 2025 1 1 The effect of web-based educational intervention regarding "Oral Health and Tobacco" on the knowledge and attitude of dental students in the field of smoking control and cessation 17 30 FA Zahra Momeni Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Mohammad Hesari Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Azadeh Babaei Community Oral Health Department, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Introduction The oral cavity is one of the first areas affected by smoking, with numerous harmful effects. To enhance dental students' understanding of these impacts, an optional course titled “Smoking and Oral Health” was introduced in the revised national dental curriculum. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of this educational intervention on dental students' knowledge and attitudes regarding the side effects of smoking and smoking cessation. Materials & Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 31 sixth-year dental students from Alborz University of Medical Sciences participated in the online "Smoking and Oral Health" course. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire that addressed demographic information, knowledge, and attitudes about the side effects of smoking (7 and 13 questions, respectively) and smoking cessation (6 and 10 questions, respectively). Participants completed the online questionnaire before and after the course. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-22, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Among the 31 participants, 16 (51.6%) were female and 15 (48.4%) were male, with a mean age of 24.7±3.1 years. After the intervention, the knowledge score regarding the side effects of smoking significantly increased (before: 81.54±2.18, after: 93.10±1.14; p=0.002). The attitude score also improved significantly (before: 76.82±8.89, after: 86.15±6.83; P<0.001). Additionally, knowledge regarding smoking cessation showed a substantial increase (before: 23.65±9.15, after: 40.23±5.86; p<0.001), with the increased score after the intervention (65.6±5.36) being significantly higher than before (62.6±2.14; P=0.042). Conclusion: The “Smoking and Oral Health” course is essential for dental students. The intervention significantly enhanced their knowledge and attitudes toward smoking control and cessation.  

Alborz University of Medical sciences Alborz University Medical Journal 2322-3839 14 1 2025 1 1 Calculating the costs of general dentistry doctorate in Alborz University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2021-2022 based on the activity-based costing model (ABC) 31 48 FA Morteza Nazari Department of Healthcare Services Management, School of Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Somayeh khoramian Tusi Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Arezo Aghakouchakzadeh Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Parichehr Jahangiri pashaki MSc in Health Services Management, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Abstract Background and Aim: In recent years, universities have faced the challenge of increasing costs while increasing demand, which is seen in most countries of the world. Universities are facing problems such as the lack of educational facilities, suitable space for faculty members and staff, and their low salaries. Therefore, the proper management of costs is one of the priorities of managers and policymakers, along with planning current affairs. The aim of this research, Calculating the costs of general dentistry doctorate in Alborz University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2021-2022 based on the activity-based costing model (ABC) Research Method: This research is descriptive and analytical and In terms of time, the work is carried out cross-sectionally-longitudinally. In terms of results, it is applied research. The data were collected using data collection forms and analyzed using EXCEL software and The total price of the general dental doctorate training course was calculated. Results: In total, 321 general dental doctorate students were studying in Alborz University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2021-2022. The total direct personnel costs were 98,170,300,898 Rials and the total indirect personnel costs were 81,498,947,536 Rials. The total cost of consumables for the students of the 5th semester and later, according to the type of practical unit and the equipment needed for the students, was estimated at 55,111,406,200 rials. In addition, the total support costs, such as transportation of employees and students, student feeding, building and facilities maintenance, etc., were set at 66,162,256,119 and the depreciation cost was calculated at 17,492,431,115. Finally, the total cost of educating one student was calculated as 992,010,408 Rials. Conclusion: The total cost for training a student in general dental doctorate course at Alborz University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2021-2022 was calculated to the amount of 992,010,408 Rials. It is necessary for the policy makers and managers of the Ministry of Health and Universities of Medical Sciences to use the activity-based costing model (ABC) to extract and calculate the cost of training in the medical department and include appropriate strategies to reduce costs while maintaining the quality level of education. Keywords: Activity based costing (ABC), Cost of services  

Alborz University of Medical sciences Alborz University Medical Journal 2322-3839 14 1 2025 1 1 Prevalence and Pattern of Nosocomial Infections in a Hospital in North East of Iran during 2017-2021 49 58 FA Maliheh Ziaee Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran Reza Ahmadi Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran Abdoljavad Khajavi Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran Alireza Moadel Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran Farnoosh Sharifi Mood Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran Mitra Tavakolizadeh Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran Background: Nosocomial infections represent a significant healthcare challenge worldwide, leading to increased treatment costs, extended hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. Effective control of these infections is essential for improving patient health and reducing healthcare expenses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nosocomial infections at a hospital in northeastern Iran from 2017 to 2021. Methods:  In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, data were collected for 574 patients with nosocomial infections hospitalized in the selected hospital during the specified period. This information was extracted from the national nosocomial infection surveillance system and analyzed using SPSS v25 with appropriate statistical tests, considering a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of nosocomial infections during the study period was 0.76%. The mean age of affected patients was 60.25±34.37 years, with an average time of 14.67±28.32 days between admission and infection, and a mean length of stay of 29.02±31.15 days. Women represented 55.6% of the cases, with the highest prevalence recorded in 2021 at 36.7%. The most commonly identified pathogens were "Staphylococcus aureus" and "Escherichia coli". Tracheal tube and urine samples were the most frequently tested specimens. Conclusion: The study highlights a higher prevalence of nosocomial infections in intensive care units and internal wards, particularly among patients with tracheal tubes and urinary catheters. These findings emphasize the need for implementing targeted preventive measures to mitigate the risk of nosocomial infections in hospital settings.

Alborz University of Medical sciences Alborz University Medical Journal 2322-3839 14 1 2025 1 1 Design, synthesis and formulation of niosomes containing acetaminophen: structural properties, anticancer effects and apoptotic gene expression analysis 59 81 FA Amir Mirzaie Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran Maryam Abbasi Department of Biology, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Background: Niosomes are innovative targeted drug delivery systems that enhance the biological properties of drugs. This study aimed to synthesize acetaminophen-containing niosomes, investigate their structural characteristics, assess cytotoxicity, and analyze the expression of apoptotic genes. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, various formulations of acetaminophen-loaded niosomes were synthesized. Their structural characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The cytotoxic effects on the colon cancer cell line (HT29) were assessed via the MTT colorimetric method. Additionally, the expression levels of apoptotic genes Bax and Bcl2 were evaluated. Results: The synthesis results indicated that the Nio1 formulation was the optimal variant, exhibiting a size of 289.6 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed successful niosome synthesis. Drug release tests revealed that the release rate of acetaminophen in niosome form was significantly slower than that of the free drug, with only 28% released over 8 hours. Furthermore, niosomes containing acetaminophen demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects against the HT29 cell line. The expression of the apoptotic gene Bax increased significantly by 2.14±0.34 (P<0.01), while the expression of Bcl2 decreased by 0.46±0.11 (P<0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that acetaminophen-loaded niosomes exhibit significant cytotoxic effects against the HT29 cell line and enhance the expression of apoptotic genes. These results suggest that niosomes could be a promising drug delivery system, warranting further research to optimize their application in cancer treatment.  

Alborz University of Medical sciences Alborz University Medical Journal 2322-3839 14 1 2025 1 1 Assessment of the Cannabidiol on the Lethality of Protoscolexes of Hydatid Cyst 82 91 FA Mahdis Sharifian zade Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Azadeh Khalili Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Mohammad Zibaei Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Abolfazl Miahipour Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Background and Objective: Hydatid cysts are significant zoonotic diseases, with surgical intervention being the most effective treatment, particularly for large cysts located in critical areas such as the brain or heart. However, the use of chemical scolicidal agents to prevent protoscolex leakage during surgery has been limited due to their adverse side effects. Consequently, there is increasing interest in exploring new antimicrobial compounds, particularly from plants, as promising alternatives. This study aimed to investigate the lethal effects of cannabidiol, a well-known cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant, on hydatid cyst protoscolexes. Methods: Protoscoleces were extracted from the livers of animals infected with hydatid cysts and subsequently exposed to various concentrations of cannabidiol (1, 5, and 10 μg/ml) for 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes. The viability of the protoscoleces was assessed using 0.1% eosin staining, with albendazole serving as a standard control for comparison. Results: Cannabidiol exhibited significant scolicidal activity across all tested concentrations, demonstrating a direct relationship between concentration and effectiveness. While albendazole produced a scolicidal effect of 30.82 ± 0.5% after two hours, cannabidiol at concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/ml achieved scolicidal effects of 42.52 ± 0.2% and 51.04 ± 0.44%, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cannabidiol effectively induces significant destruction of protoscolexes, with efficacy positively correlated to concentration. These findings suggest that cannabidiol could be a valuable candidate for further research as a potential therapeutic agent in the management of hydatid cysts, warranting additional studies to explore its applicability in clinical settings.  

Alborz University of Medical sciences Alborz University Medical Journal 2322-3839 14 1 2025 1 1 Investigation of frequency of genetic causes of intellectual disability in Alborz province 92 98 FA Sayyed Yaser Sayyedin Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Malihe Farid Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Roshanak Jazayeri Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Objective: Intellectual disability has genetic causes in over 50% of cases. This study aimed to determine the frequency of genetic causes of intellectual disability and to assist in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of this condition in Karaj city. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 390 cases with at least one instance of intellectual disability among first-degree or more distant relatives were examined. Information regarding the probable inheritance pattern, gender, family history, parental consanguinity, clinical diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis, type, and results of genetic testing was extracted. Data were entered into SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics, including central tendency and dispersion measures, along with tables and charts, were used for analysis. Results: The highest frequency of inheritance patterns was observed in sporadic cases that do not follow any of the common and recognized patterns (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, and chromosomal). Following this, the most common inheritance pattern was autosomal recessive, accounting for 143 individuals (36.7% of participants). The number of individuals with chromosomal, autosomal dominant, and X-linked inheritance patterns were 11 (2.8%), 10 (2.6%), and 3 (0.8%), respectively, indicating that X-linked inheritance had the lowest frequency. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, intellectual disability is highly heterogeneous, with autosomal recessive inheritance being a common genetic cause of intellectual disability in Karaj County. Therefore, genetic counseling is crucial in preventing intellectual disabilities in families with a history of disabilities.

Alborz University of Medical sciences Alborz University Medical Journal 2322-3839 14 1 2025 1 1 The status of health tourism within the legal framework and policy documents of the Islamic Republic of Iran 99 113 FA Mohammad Abid Humanities Research and Development Institute , Tehran, Iran Nezam Armand Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Mohammad Ejtehadi Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Fahima Taheri Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Introduction: Health tourism, as a significant branch of the tourism industry, has gained substantial attention from numerous countries in recent years. This industry not only contributes to economic development and job creation but also improves access to quality healthcare services. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, despite possessing considerable capabilities in various medical and therapeutic fields, health tourism has not received the dedicated attention of lawmakers, and there is a lack of specific legislative frameworks in this area. Methods: This study utilizes descriptive and analytical research methods to analyze the status of health tourism within the legal framework of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Content analysis was employed to extract and review relevant high-level documents and regulations pertaining to health tourism. The study commenced with the collection of legal documents and regulations related to health tourism, followed by a comprehensive content analysis of these resources to assess the extent to which existing laws support health tourists. Results: The findings reveal that health tourism has not been explicitly addressed in Iran's legal system. While the term "health tourism" is not directly mentioned in the laws, it is possible to provide legal protections for health tourists by referencing general principles and legal norms. Additionally, this study examines the economic implications of health tourism, including its impact on job creation and revenue generation. Conclusion: The study concludes that for the successful development of the health tourism industry in Iran, it is essential to reinforce the legal infrastructure and establish specific legal protections. It is recommended that laws and regulations be formulated explicitly to anticipate and provide the necessary support for health tourists, ensuring their legal security as travelers in this sector.