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The Epstein-Barr viwrus (EBV) is a common herpesvirus that affects more than 90% of people worldwide. Even while EBV infections are frequently asymptomatic, they can cause autoimmune diseases and a number of cancers, especially in those with impaired immune systems. The intricate relationships between EBV and other coinfecting pathogens, including as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus (HPV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Plasmodium species, are examined in this study. We investigated the fundamental processes of these coinfections, their effects on the course of the disease, and their practical ramifications. The study reviewed how co-infections with EBV might modify immune responses, promote oncogenesis, and make treatment plans more challenging. In this review, we also discussed current therapeutic strategies, such as targeted molecular interventions, EBV vaccines, and adoptive T-cell therapy. The review underscores the need for more research to provide more focused and effective therapies that address the mutually reinforcing effects of numerous infections in disorders linked with EBV.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance patterns and prevalence of carbapenemase genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in different clinical samples from Tabriz city, northwestern Iran. Results This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Ahar Branch, Iran, in 2020. K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from different clinical samples, including blood, wounds, sputum, and urine. The isolates were identified using a series of standard bacteriological tests. Antibiotic resistance was determined by the disc diffusion method. The presence of bla VIM, bla NDM, bla KPC, bla OXA, and bla IMP genes were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 100 non-duplicated K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from 57 urine samples, 27 blood samples, 13 wound samples, and 3 sputum samples. Overall, 70.0% of the samples were from inpatients, while 30.0% were from outpatients. The most resistance rate was related to ampicillin (94.0%), while the lowest resistance rate was related to imipenem (18.0%) and meropenem (20.0%). Overall, 25.0% of the isolates were carbapenem-resistant, of which 13.0% were resistant to both imipenem and meropenem. The PCR showed the total prevalence of 23.0% for carbapenemase genes, including 18.0% for bla KPC, 3.0% for bla VIM, 1.0% for bla IMP, and 1.0% for bla OXA gene. The bla NDM gene was not detected in any isolate. The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates was relatively lower in northwestern Iran than in other regions of the country. However, special attention should be paid to the proper use of antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, to prevent further spread of antibiotic resistance and its related genes.

Monitoring aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in dairy products and milk-based foods is very important. The main purpose of this research was to investigate and determine the amount and human health risk assessment of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in the most famous and widely used brands of infant dried powder milk (IDPM) consumed in Iran. For this study, 45 imported IDPM (IM-IDPM) samples and 45 domestically produced IDPM (DO-IDPM) samples (a total of 90 samples) were selected randomly. All samples were analyzed for AFM1 using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. The mean level and the percentage of positive samples for AFM1 in DO-IDPM were 9.2 ± 5.4 ng/kg and 73.3%, and for IM-IDPM, they were 5.1 ± 3.8 ng/kg and 33.3%, respectively. The average level of AFM1 in all samples was lower than the EU and Iranian national standards (25 ng/kg). AFM1 intake through IDPM consumption by Iranian infants less than one-year-old was lower than the allowable level, but the hazard quotient for infants less than 6 months was higher than the allowable level. Although the concentration of AFM1 in IDPM consumed in Iran is not hazardous, since Iranian infants may be exposed to AFM1 through other sources, including baby food, breast milk, raw and pasteurized milk, continuous monitoring of IDMP quality in Iranian markets should be taken.

Background and objectives: Today, with the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance, treatment of bacterial infections has become challenging. Therefore, it is essential to find suitable alternative antibacterial compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro effects of silver nanoparticles and ethanolic extract of Aloe vera alone and combined on standard strains of some pathogenic bacteria. Methods: After collection and verification of A. vera plants, extraction was performed by the Soxhlet extractor method. Antibacterial effects of ethanolic extract of A. vera and silver nanoparticles on standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated by agar well diffusion and tube dilution methods, respectively. Results: The ethanolic extract of A. vera and silver nanoparticles had antibacterial effects on the tested bacteria in a dose-dependent manner. The ethanolic extract of A. vera was more effective against S. aureus and B. cereus compared to gram-negative bacteria. However, silver nanoparticles were more effective against gram-negative bacteria (P. aeruginosa and E. coli). The effect of combination of ethanolic extract of A. vera and silver nanoparticles was much greater than the effect of either alone. This combination showed the greatest and lowest effect on P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. Conclusion: For the first time, this study showed that the combination of ethanolic extract of A. vera and silver nanoparticles is effective against potentially pathogenic bacteria. Given the high rate of antibiotic resistance and side effects of conventional antibiotics, it is recommended to identify active compounds of this plant and evaluate the antimicrobial effects of this combination of fungi and other pathogenic bacteria both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract Objective Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common causes of gastric infections in humans. It is estimated that approximately 50% of people around the world are infected with this bacterium. This study aimed to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern, as well as the frequency of cagA and vacA genes in H. pylori isolates obtained from patients in the clinical centers in Tabriz city, Iran. Results The culture method detected 100 (45.25%) H. pylori isolates from 221 biopsy samples during 3 years. The results showed that 63% and 81% of the isolates were positive for cagA and vacA genes, respectively. The highest resistance of isolates was seen against metronidazole (79%) and amoxicillin (36%), respectively. Also, the isolates showed the least resistance to tetracycline (8%).

Background and objective: In recent years, with the increase in resistance due to the indiscriminate use of synthetic antibiotics, it seems necessary to find alternative drugs that have both antibacterial properties and have the least side effects for humans. The purpose of this study is to review the antibacterial properties of some medicinal plants. Material And Method In this review study, the content related to the antibacterial properties of Thymus vulgaris, Mentha pulegium, Crocus sativus, and Salvia officinalis were studied within Magiran, SID, PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Scopus databases from 1981 to 2019. Previously published specialized articles and systematic meta-analysis were used as a supplementary source for identifying relevant articles. Finally, data from 46 articles were pooled and analyzed. Result: Extracts and essential oils of Thymus vulgaris, Mentha pulegium, Crocus sativus, and Salvia officinalis had a good antibacterial properties against a variety of pathogenic bacteria and their infections. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the studied plants can be considered as a suitable option for treating infections caused by pathogenic bacteria and helping to Return the sensitivity of antibiotics in these bacteria, and this requires more comprehensive research on medicinal plants.

On December 31, 2019, the Wuhan-China Health Commission reported a case of pneumonia in the city. The first symptoms began in mid-December 2019. Clinically isolated specimens identified the coronavirus as the cause of the disease. It was first shown as 2019-nCoV, and as the number of victims of the coronavirus crossed the border of thousands of people, the World Health Organization chose the official name COVID-19 for its illness. Although it appears to be of animal origin, it is rapidly transmitting from person to person around the world. The World Health Organization released a statement calling the outbreak of the new Corona virus a Public Health Emergency Situations that poses a threat to the whole world, not just China. In this study highlights how the virus is transmitted, the clinical signs, the laboratory characteristics, the pathogenicity of the virus, Vaccines, and the prevention and control of the spread of the virus.

Background and objectives: As much as people become aware of the dangerous side effects of synthetic antibiotics, the demand for natural alternatives to these drugs increases. Natural ingredients, lower risk of complications and even have beneficial side effects. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial effect of herbs Reum ribes L and hyssop Hyssopus officinalis is on some pathogenic bacteria. Methods: After collecting and confirming the scientific name, the methanolic extract of R. ribes L. and H. officinalis plants was prepared and the antimicrobial effects of the extracts by agar well diffusion and disk diffusion , as well as the determination of The minimum bactericidal concentration and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC / MBC) were dilution test on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results: The highest growth inhibitory zone in S. aureus, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli at concentrations of 400 mg / ml, respectively, in the disc method of 13.21, 13.41, 11.2 and10.74 mm and the well method, respectively 13.64, 13.11, 10.67 mm, and 9.38 mm for the R. ribes L extract, and the disc method of 11.74, 10.2, 10.71, and 9.1 mm, and the well method of 12.41, 11.6, 10.2, and 9.9 respectively. 4.3 mm was observed for H. officinalis extract. The results of MBC / MIC showed that the extract of medicinal plants had the highest susceptibility to B. cereus bacteria and the least susceptibility to E. coli. Conclusion: R. ribes L. and H. officinalis plants have significant inhibitory effects on the growth of pathogenic bacteria in vitro. Therefore, it can be expected that these extracts can be used for the treatment of bacterial infections and are a good alternative to the usual chemical treatments for the treatment of infections.

Background and Objective: Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is a common cause of hospital infections. Resistant strains of this bacterium are a major pathogen in causing disease and death in Iran and the world. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of mecA methicillin resistance gene and determine antibiotic resistance patterns in S. aureus strains isolated from clinical specimens. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 100 strains of S.aureus from Tabriz hospitals and treatment centers were collected. The isolates were identified by standard laboratory methods and cultured in a specific Culture Media. The identification of MRSA strains was done by phenotypic and molecular methods. The PCR method was used to determine the frequency of mecA gene. In order to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility patterns of strains, a disk diffusion method based on CLSI protocol was performed. Results: Of the 100 samples examined, 75 samples of methicillin-resistant S.aureus were found. The phenotypic evaluation of the antibiotic resistance pattern of methicillin-resistant S.aureus showed that the highest resistance to penicillin antibiotics was 100% and Co-Amoxiclav was 91.66%. Molecular examination revealed the presence of 68% of the mecA gene in isolates. Conclusion: In this study the prevalence of the antibiotic resistance pattern of methicillin-resistant S.aureu was high. This recent study suggests increased resistance to methicillin-resistant S.aureus in compare to other antibiotics, which is a serious warning for the treatment of S.aureus infection in the region. Therefore, in order to prevent the increase of resistance to other antibiotics, it is essential to avoid the administration of uncontrolled and unnecessary antibiotics.

Background and objectives: Today, due to the increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria, the use of medicinal plants as a suitable alternative to antibiotics has increased significantly; therefore, in this study, the antibacterial effects of methanolic extracts of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were evaluated. Methods: In this laboratory research, after collecting plants and confirming its scientific name, extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Root was prepared by Soxhlet extractor method at concentrations of 20 mg / ml to 400 mg / ml. Then the antimicrobial effects of this extract were investigated using Agar well diffusion and Dilution test methods. Results: The results showed that the methanolic extracts of G.glabra L. in both Agar well diffusion and Dilution test methods had antibacterial effects on the tested bacteria. The highest effect was observed on S.aureus and the lowest effect was observed in P.aeruginosa. Conclusion: According to the above results, it can be expected that the G.glabra L. extract can be used to treat bacterial infections and is a suitable alternative to commonly used chemical treatments for the treatment of infections.

Introduction:Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is commonly a cause of nosocomial infections. The increase in infection rates caused by this bacteriain developing countries has led to many problems. The aim of this study is to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern in methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains isolated from clinical specimens. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 256 isolates of S. aureus were collected from Tabriz hospitals and treatment centers. The isolates were identified by standard laboratory methods and cultured in a specific environment. Identification of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains was made through phenotypic method. In order to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility patterns of strains, a disk diffusion method based on CLSI protocol was also performed. Data was analyzed by Chi-square test and SPSS 16 software. Results:Out of 256 examined samples, 197 (76.95%) of them were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The phenotypic evaluation of the antibiotic resistance pattern of methicillin-resistant S. aureus showed that the highest resistance was for 100% penicillin antibiotics, 94.22% co-amoxiclav and 81.22% gentamicin antibiotics and the lowest resistance was observed as chloramphenicol (16.75%). There was no significant relationship between age, sex, and MRSA infections (P> 0.05). Conclusion: High resistance S. aureus to penicillin, co-amoxiclav, gentamicin and also the high frequency of isolation of MRSA of hospital studied samples are remarkable. The present study demonstrates the need for continuous monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility in S. aureus in order to determine the optimal drug regimens.

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Medicinal plants Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis), Atropa belladonna (A. belladonna), and Artemisia siberia (A. siberia) have been widely used in traditional medicine in Iran and other countries due to their numerous ethno-pharmacological effects. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to compare the sedative and pre-anesthetic effects of, M. officinali, A. belladonna, A. siberia and diazepam in rats. For this purpose, during an experimental study, 150 female Wistar rats which were allocated into different experimental groups received intra-peritoneal injections of 150, 300 and 450 mg per kilogram of A. belladonna extract, 50, 200 and 350 mg per kilogram of M. officinalis extract, 100, 200 and 400 mg per kilogram of A. siberia extract, 1.2 mg per kilogram of the drug diazepam and equal volumes of the chemical substance dimethyl sulfoxide as placebo. The obtained results showed a significant increase in the duration of sleep induced by ketamine, as well as a significant increase in the treatment groups with higher doses of the extract (pA. belladonna, A. siberia, and M. officinalis plant extracts respectively. According to the results, extracts of A. belladonna, A. siberia, and M. officinalis have significant sedative and pre-anesthetic effects.

Because of emerging opportunities for cancer immunotherapy, the capacity to suppress the immune system in order to cure and eradicate cancer is currently a topic of intense study. When the bone marrow microenvironment is exposed to immune suppression, leukemia cells result in the immune system's inability to eliminate malignant cells. To get a better understanding of the immunological possibilities associated with leukemia, clinical trials have explored immunotherapy techniques such as T cell activators, checkpoint inhibitors, antibody medicinal molecules, and cell treatments. One of the most important immune pathways is the programmed cell death 1 (PD1) protein. PD1 is expressed on the surface of T-cells and controls immune reactions. CD274, B7–H1, or PD-L1 are expressed by cells of the myeloid lineage, including macrophages, dendritic cells, effector CD8+ T cells, tumor cells, and tumor-associated suppressor cells. Expression of PD-L1 molecule in cancer has been associated to worse prognosis and resistance to anti-cancer therapies in several malignancies. In this review, we update on the expression of PD-1 molecule in malignant hematological tumor cells and describe these molecules which inhibit the immune response to cancer cells. We provide an overview of the current scientific advancements, the significance of immunotherapy strategies and highlighting the potential for further development in targeting this specific molecule. Additionally, ascertaining if PD-1/PD-L1 can be a reliable prognostic for blood cancer diagnosis.

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa), as the fifth leading cause of death, is the second most common cancer diagnosis in men worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) can potentially contribute to PCa development and chronic inflammation. HPV infection leads to malignant and benign lesions in the genital areas of men and women. The data on the role of HPV in PCa development is contradictory. Objective: This study aims to investigate the frequency of HPV in PCa samples in hospitals in Tabriz City, Iran. Methods: This study was conducted in a cross-sectional descriptive manner. Paraffin tissue blocks including 50 patients with primary prostate adenocarcinoma and 50 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were selected from Tabriz hospitals. All samples were examined for the presence of HPV16/18 by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Findings: 3 out of 50 PCa patients are infected with HPV18. None of the benign and malignant prostate samples are infected with HPV 16. Therefore, in our study, no connection exists between HPV and PCa. The Mean±SD age of HPV positive samples was 61.33±11.50 years. Conclusion: The result of this research does not support the role of HPV in the development of PCa. Therefore, additional studies are necessary to clarify the possible role of HPV in prostate carcinogenesis.

Background and objectives: Microbial resistance to antibiotics is one of the most common problems in the health care system. Therefore, many efforts have been performed to find new compounds as antimicrobial compounds. This study carried out to investigate the in-vitro antibacterial effect of methanolic extract of peppermint on standard Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain. Methods: In this experimental laboratory study, after collecting and performing pharmacognosy evaluations, methanolic extract of the peppermint plant was prepared and its antimicrobial effects on several bacteria were determined at concentrations of 20 to 400 mg/ml using the agar well diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The test was repeated five times for each bacterium and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: It was revealed that the methanolic extract of peppermint had antimicrobial effects against standard Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest effect was observed in S. aureus and the least in P. aeruginosa. MIC and MBC of methanol extract on S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa were 6.5-15.5, 15.5-25, 50-100, and 100-200 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that peppermint can be considered as an antibacterial medicinal herb and that if the concentration of the extract is higher, its antibacterial properties will also increase. Thus, it can be used as an alternative to the usual chemical drugs in the treatment of infections after evaluating their effects in vitro.

Background & Objectives :Nowadays, development of drug resistance against chemical antimicrobial drugs has attracted attention using medicinal plants in treatment of infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of two species of Centaurea plant’s essential oil on drug resistant clinical isolates of three pathogenic isolates. Materials & Methods :The studied plants were collected from Marand city in East Azerbaijan, Iran and were confirmed as Centaurea Depressa M.B. and Centaurea Cyanus L. by botanists of Iran Agriculture Organization. The essential oil of these plants (Stems and leaf) were extracted via steam distillation method by Clevenger, and their antimicrobial effects were studied by well diffusion method in the abovementioned bacteria. The components of essential oil were identified by injection to gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (GC/M). Results :The results of this study prove that the essential oils from the abovementioned plants have bactericidal effects. The most antibacterial effect is observed in Escherichia coli strains. The results of GC/MS chromatography reveal that the essential oils of Centaurea Depressa M.B. and Centaurea Cyanus L. have 28 and 32 compounds, respectively. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the grasses could be used in medicinal plants group with antibacterial properties. However, their effects in vivo must be evaluated and the most effective component of them must be identified carefully so that they can be applied commonly as an alternative synthetic drug in treating infections.

Background & Objectives :Nowadays, development of drug resistance against chemical antimicrobial drugs has attracted attention using medicinal plants in treatment of infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of two species of Centaurea plant’s essential oil on drug resistant clinical isolates of three pathogenic isolates. Materials & Methods :The studied plants were collected from Marand city in East Azerbaijan, Iran and were confirmed as Centaurea Depressa M.B. and Centaurea Cyanus L. by botanists of Iran Agriculture Organization. The essential oil of these plants (Stems and leaf) were extracted via steam distillation method by Clevenger, and their antimicrobial effects were studied by well diffusion method in the abovementioned bacteria. The components of essential oil were identified by injection to gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry (GC/M). Results :The results of this study prove that the essential oils from the abovementioned plants have bactericidal effects. The most antibacterial effect is observed in Escherichia coli strains. The results of GC/MS chromatography reveal that the essential oils of Centaurea Depressa M.B. and Centaurea Cyanus L. have 28 and 32 compounds, respectively. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the grasses could be used in medicinal plants group with antibacterial properties. However, their effects in vivo must be evaluated and the most effective component of them must be identified carefully so that they can be applied commonly as an alternative synthetic drug in treating infections.