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Introduction: Candidiasis is a disease with serious problems in women. With the increasing drug resistance and risks of the drugs, we investigated the effect of different cone extracts of Pinus eldarica and Pinus longifolia against Candida species isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis patients. Materials and Methods:: Candida species isolated from 50 patients were identified by routine mycological methods, including morphology of corn mil agar, chromium agar, germination, and biochemical methods. The anti-candida properties of the extracts and essential oils of Pinus eldarica and Pinus longifolia were investigated using agar diffusion and microdilution test. The essential oil was then analyzed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: The major constituents of Pinus longifolia essential oil included 23.16% alpha-pinene, 2.59% beta-caryophyllene, 23.61% delta-3-carene, 0.24% carcin-4-hydroxy, 13.56% m-cymene, 0.45% alpha-humulene, and 2.12% junipene. The major constituents of Pinus eldarica essential oil included 29.13% alpha-pinene, 14.22% beta-caryophyllene, 11.70% delta-3-carene, -14.22% carcin-4-hydroxy, 4.29% beta-pinene, 3.59%, alpha humulene, and 8.86% junipene. The results of antifungal tests showed that aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts had a weak anti-candida effect. By changing the solvent and using petroleum ether solvent, it was found that petroleum ether extract and cone essential oil of Pinus longifolia and Pinus eldarica exhibited a relatively strong anti-candida effect. Discussion and Conclusion: Comparison of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of four extracts of Pinus longifolia and Pinus eldarica against different Candida showed that the lowest MIC and MFC were related to essential oil, petroleum ether extract, methanolic extract, ethanolic extract, and aqueous extract, respectively.

Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal, dyeing activity and optimization of carotenoid production by Rhodosporidium babjevae. Background: Rhodosporidium red yeast is one of the natural alternative sources of carotenoids. Carotenoids are produced by a wide variety of bacteria, algae, fungi ,and plants. These pigments serve a vital function as antioxidant protectors and have lately caught a lot of attention because of their positive impact on human health. Methods: In this experimental-laboratory study, Rhodosporidium was isolated from different environmental sources in Isfahan. After carotenoid extraction based on the Davis method from Rhodosporidium, cell biomass, and the total amount of carotenoids were measured, and the carotenoid light absorption spectrum was determined. To optimize carotenoid production, one-factor and Taguchi methods evaluated incubation time factors, pH, nitrogen, and carbon source. Then, yeast carotenoid antifungal activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC),and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined. The stability of dye against washing, rubbing, and light was investigated to evaluate the carotenoid dyeing activity. Results: The optimum condition for carotenoid production was 96 hours of incubation, 2 g L-1 peptone, pH 5.5, and 30 g L-1 glucose. The optimal conditions of Taguchi were performed, and production of 11.67 mg L-1 was obtained. The carotenoid pigment isolated from Rhodosporidium babjevae showed no anti-candida properties but has antifungal activity against A. flavus and A. niger. Woolen fabric had washing fastness of 2 and cotton fabric had a washing fastness of 3. The staining grade on woolen and cotton fabrics was 4. The grade of color fastness of woolen and cotton fabrics against dry rubbing was 5, while the grade of color fastness against wet rubbing was 2 and 4, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results, Rhodosporidium babjevae carotenoid is a suitable option for dyeing woolen and cotton fabrics with antifungal properties that can be used in industry. It is hoped that it can be used for the commercial production of carotenoids.

Background: The frequency of observed invasive Aspergillosis has increased in recent years. Infection with other molds happens but does not lead to a large proportion of invasive infections. The present study aims to isolate Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M13-RW0 from soil and evaluate its antifungal effects against some saprophytic fungi, such as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Mucor hiemalis. Materials and Methods: In this research, a total of 150 samples (from the soil, air, and surfaces) were prepared from different parts of Isfahan, Iran. Isolation and purification of growing bacteria were conducted using the nutrient agar medium. The inhibitory effects of 100 isolated bacteria were evaluated against the growth of A. niger, A. flavus, and M. hiemalis, 4 bacteria were isolated with inhibitory effects against the selected fungi, and consequently, one of the bacteria isolated from the soil samples was found to show the highest inhibition of fungal growth. Quantitative evaluation of the growth inhibitory effect was performed using linear culturing of fungal suspension (104 spore/ml) at distances of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30mm from bacterial isolate (0.5 McFarland) on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium. Results were checked 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours later. The bacterial isolate with the most inhibitory effect was identified by phenotypic and molecular tests. Results: According to the results, among the 4 inhibitory bacterial isolates, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain M13-RW01, isolated from the soil samples, was identified as the bacterium with the most significant potential antifungal activity. The strong inhibitory effect was revealed after 48 hours for all distances of 15mm and more between the fungi and the bacterium. Conclusion: The identified bacterium could not only be considered an inhibitor bacterium against saprophytic fungi but could also be put forward to help produce new antifungal drugs for controlling fungal diseases.

Background: Candida species are the most important fungal pathogens and are sometimes considered the fourth most common cause of infection in hospitals. Today, research needs to be conducted on the antifungal effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) due to toxicity, side effects, and drug interactions of antifungal chemical drugs. Objective: Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal activity of AgNPs on Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida guilliermondii. Methodology: Antifungal activity of AgNPs on Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida guilliermondii was assessed by agar and macrodilution diffusion methods in an in-vitro investigation. Structural changes were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Then, the obtained data were evaluated by SPSS statistical software. Results: Based on the results, the mean diameter of growth inhibition halos by AgNPs was equal to 20, 20.2, and 40.7mm for Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida guilliermondii, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) equal 62.50, 31.25, and 15.62 mg/ml for Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida guilliermondii, respectively. The minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were equal to 125, 62.50, and 31.25 mg/ml for Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida guilliermondii, respectively. Conclusion: Our results revealed that AgNPs inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida guilliermondii. SEM observations also showed that NPs disrupted cell membrane/wall. Changes in yeast levels from smooth to uneven were also observed.

Background: Trichophyton spp., as pathogenic species to humans and animals, cause different forms of dermatophytosis through the production of particular enzymes, playing an essential role in tissue invasion. Among these, herein, keratinase was investigated, for the specific case of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, as a target of the effects of Allium hirtifolium and Allium jesdianum extracts, thus pharmacological potential of these plants was studied against keratinase activity. Methodology: Sampling was carried out on 20 bald patients from medical diagnostic laboratories and mycology centers, with suspected dermatophytosis of scalp. For confirming the presence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes in the specimens, different laboratory procedures were applied. Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates were cultured on a screening medium containing keratin to verify production of the keratinase enzyme. The best enzyme-producing isolate was selected by measuring diameter of transparent halo around colony to be used in subsequent stages. Afterwards, the optimized conditions maximizing enzyme production and activity were determined. Finally, the inhibitory effect of different dilutions of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Allium jesdianum and Allium hirtifolium on extracellular keratinase activity was studied. Results: Sixteen out of 20 fungal isolates were identified as the Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The most desirable reduction on keratinase activity was reported for dilution values of 50 and 100 mg/ml of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A.jesdianum, though much more significant decrease belonged to the latter, and for dilution values of 25 and 100 mg/ ml of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of A.hirtifolium. Conclusion: Concerning our results, it is suggested that paying special attention to these natural compounds for the treatment of dermatophytosis could be remarkably effective, considering significant production of keratinase observed in T. mentagrophytes, and they are beneficial, as they have no side effects and offer an alternative to currently available medications, which are under the restriction of drug resistance.

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Background: Candidiasis is a serious problem in women's health that is caused by Candida species, especially Candida albicans. In this study, the effect of carotenoids in carrot extracts on Candida species including Candida albicans ATCC1677, Candida glabrata CBS2175, Candida parapsilosis ATCC2195, and Candida tropicalis CBS94 was investigated. Methods: In this descriptive study, the carrot plant was prepared from a carrot planting site in December 2012, and then the characteristics of the plant were determined. After extracting carotenoids from carrots, the susceptibility of different Candida species to carotenoids in carrot extract was determined. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum lethal concentration of the extracts were measured by the macro-dilution method. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS software using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney post-hoc test with Bonferroni adjustment. Results: The highest growth inhibition zone was obtained for carrot extract at a concentration of 500 mg/ml for C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. The MFC of carrot extract on Candida species was 62.5 mg/ml for C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis, and 125 mg/ml for C. tropicalis. The MFC of carrot extract on Candida species was 125 mg/ml for C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis, and 250 mg/ml for C. tropicalis. Conclusion: The present study can be the starting point for research activities in this direction and promises new therapies based on the use of carotenoids.

Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen, has emerged globally with high morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised individuals and COVID19 hospitalized patients. Five major clades of C. auris have been previously described. The fifth clade is exclusively found in Iran where C. auris isolates are genetically distinct from other clades by > 200,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. The origin of C. auris remains unclear, and limited clinical data are available at present regarding clade V infection or colonization. Herein, another case of otomycosis in Iran caused by an isolate of C. auris belonging to the fifth clade is reported. Genotyping revealed that the obtained C. auris isolate from Isfahan clustered with earlier clade V isolates from Babol, cities around 600 km separated, which indicates that C. auris clade V is established in Iran. C. auris is thought to exist more commonly in Iran, given that limited diagnostic capacity in the country has probably curbed the identification of more C. auris cases. Therefore, surveillance of the environment, patients and healthcare facilities in different geographical regions in Iran is urgently required.

The accurate occurrence rate of C. auris infections is still not clear, mainly due to the defects in detection and identification tools routinely used. In this study, we used conventional PCR and real-time PCR assays for sensitive and specific detection/identification of C. auris from either yeast isolates or clinical specimens collected from various patients in different parts of Iran. Our survey is the first large-scale study rating the incidence of C. auris infections in Iran.A total of 439 yeast isolates and 590 clinical specimens were screened by specific C. auris-PCR, targeting the ITS region. The validity of positive samples was assessed by sequencing.Four out of 590 clinical specimens (0.68%) were positive by conventional PCR, while in real-time PCR performed on 100 clinical samples, including those four samples positive in conventional samples, 6 samples were positive. A complete agreement of the identification of positive cases with sequencing results was documented. Among 439 culture isolates, none was positive for C. auris. After following up and resampling of the patients with positive PCR, only one specimen showed positive culture for C. auris, which was confirmed by sequencing.C. auris is not a common cause of systemic or superficial fungal infections in Iran, and a few detected positive cases can be considered as a commensal, coloniser or infecting yeast which may potentially emerge in some clinical and therapeutical conditions. Mycological and phenotypical assays are not sensitive approaches for isolation/identification of C. auris, unless a specific and sensitive molecular-based method is applied.

The multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris has been associated with healthcare. We need to address COVID-19 pandemic as well as the ongoing global fungal epidemic caused by C. auris, a multi-drug-resistant fungus spreading rapidly throughout the world. This study was conducted on patients admitted to an ICU in Isfahan, Iran, from November 2020 to February 2021 to determine the spectrum of C. auris colonization in immunocompromised patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, clinical swabs were collected from 32 immunocompromised patients for C. auris detection upon ICU admission after 7 to 14 days. A rich culture medium was used to evaluate C. auris growth at a higher temperature (40°C) and salinity (10% wt/vol) in Sabouraud dextrose agar, which can be used in combination with a C. auris-specific polymerase chain reaction method. C. auris was not isolated in the clinical samples of patients. The most common colonizer was Candida albicans, followed by C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. Candida glabrata was the only species with noticeable growth in the Salt SDA, with D-Mannitol as a carbon source. Currently, C. auris is not a common cause of systemic or superficial fungal infections in Iran. The screening of patients admitted to the ICU for C. auris could aid in the identification of colonized patients and could simplify the application of infection control measures.

Background and Purpose: Bacillus species create several kinds of metabolites, which contain cyclic lipopeptide-type antibiotics, consisting of three major families: fengycin, surfactin, and iturin. Iturin demonstrates powerful biocontrol characteristics and can restrain the growth of a diversity of plant fungal pathogens. Objective: The current study aims at investigating the identification of iturin A from Bacillus atrophaeus using HPLC and Mass spectrometry analysis and evaluating its antifungal effects. Materials and Methods: In this study, the lipopeptide antibiotics were isolated by HPLC and characterized by MS. Then, the lipopeptides were examined for their ability to antagonize the growth of different pathogenic fungi. Antifungal performance of the lipopeptides was determined against Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Mucor hiemalis according to well diffusion and percentage of growth inhibition. Results: Bacillus atrophaeus HNSQJYH170, isolated from Isfahan soil, offered strong fungicidal activity by producing cyclic lipopeptide-type antibiotics. Inhibition zones were 17.55, 17, 18.50, and 20.99mm, and the percentages of growth inhibition were 78.54, 62.55, 83.11, and 84/95 for Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Mucor hiemalis and Aspergillus niger, respectively. The spectrum represented the iturins family in retention times of 32.423–33.893min. MS demonstrated molecular ion peaks (M+H) + for iturin at m/z 1029.55, 1043.60, 1051.55, 1065.60, 1079.60 and 1093.65. The inhibition rate against all fungi on the seventh day of incubation was higher than 80%. Among them, Aspergillus niger was the most sensitive fungal species with an average of 84.95% inhibition. Conclusion: According to the results, Bacillus atrophaeus HNSQJYH170 could operate as a biocontrol agent against a wide spectrum of pathogenic fungi.

Acinetobacter baumannii is known as the most frequent species in clinical samples that is responsible for a large number of nosocomial infection outbreaks. The colistin-resistance of this bacterium has been found to be increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the immune response to colistin-susceptible and colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates in a mouse model. Samples were prepared from the wounds of patients suspected of A. baumannii admitted to the intensive care unit of Namazi Hospital in Shiraz. Antibiotic susceptibility was studied by disk diffusion and broth microdilution according to CLSI and EUCAST criteria. Among the isolates, one colistin-sensitive isolate and one colistin-resistant isolate were injected intraperitoneally to BALB/C mice. Blood samples were collected after 4 h and cytokines (IL1-β, IL-12, IFN γ, and IL-10) and surface markers (CD4, CD8, CD3, and CD45) were determined by ELISA and flow cytometry. Then, hematologic and histopathological factors were analyzed, and colony count in lung, liver, kidney, and spleen tissues were also performed. The results showed that levels of cytokines (IL1-β, IL-12, IFN γ, and IL-10) and markers (CD4, CD8, CD3 and CD45) were higher in mice receiving colistin-resistant A. baumannii isolates than in mice receiving colistin-sensitive A. baumannii isolates, indicating that colistin-resistant isolates 4 h following the intraperitoneal injection stimulated host innate immune system better and produced a stronger immune response. On the other hand, histopathological findings showed inflammatory cell infiltration, hyperemia, and tissue damage. In addition, the bacterial load and tissue damage in the lung was higher than other tissues. The results of this study can have promising potential for the development of a prevention and treatment strategy based on cellular immune response for infection caused by colistin-sensitive and colistin-resistant A. baumannii.

Background: Mutations in bacteria frequently occur that display a crucial need for new antimicrobial agents. Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are a growing threat to maintaining the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics. Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics is one of the most common types of antibiotic resistance, which causes the ineffectiveness of antibiotics. Objectives: This study aimed to identify a novel inhibitor using molecular dynamics simulations to inhibit VIM-2 Metallo-β-lactamases and overcome carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Methods: Computational biology tools were employed for this study, including molecular dynamics, binding free energy, virtual screening, and docking. Natural compounds were taken from the ZINC databank and prepared. At the next stage, the prepared compounds were screened based on docking energy in the active site of VIM-2 MBL by Schrödinger (Maestro) software, and better compounds were selected. Captopril was chosen as a positive control inhibitor for VIM-2 MBLs. Ultimately, molecular dynamics simulations were performed using GROMACS software, and outputs were analyzed. Results: Maestro software's screening results showed that ZINC00517765 was the best inhibitor with -12.29 kcal mol-1 docking energy. The ADME investigations revealed that ZINC00517765 had an appropriate range of pharmacokinetics, lipophilicity, and drug-likeness features as an inhibitor of VIM-2 MBL. Molecular dynamics outcomes explicated that VIM-2 MBL in the presence of ZINC00517765 had better stability during simulation. The results of the MM-PBSA study illustrated that ZINC00517765 with -72.29 kJ mol-1 binding free energy was more potent than Captopril with -23.39 kJ mol-1. Conclusions: This study showed that VIM-2 MBL in the presence of ZINC00517765 has suitable stability during simulation. Also, more hydrogen bonds and stronger binding free energy than Captopril confirm that ZINC00517765 is a proper candidate for further studies and laboratory investigation.

A major obstacle to biodiesel commercialization is supplying feedback which increases production costs. The potential of some oleaginous yeast for conversion of waste materials to biodiesel feedstock can overcome this problem. In this study, a potential oleaginous yeast strain was used for single-cell oil (SCO) production. Two sets of experiments were designed for the optimization process. According to the results obtained from the first experiment, lipid production and lipid content of this strain increased from 1.96 g/L and 22.6% to 3.85 g/L and 35.18% by optimization of grass hydrolysis, respectively. The results of the second experiment indicate an increase in SCO production and lipid content to 7.28 g/L and 56.39%, respectively. These results were obtained when HNO3 was used for substrate pre-treatment. Lipid analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed a suitable and high potential of fatty acid profile for biodiesel production, which was then confirmed by evaluating the physicochemical properties of the biodiesel obtained in compliance with the US and EU standards. Consumption of microbial oil and low-cost substrate can compensate the high costs of feedstock in biodiesel production.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a number of biological agents such as extracts from various parts of the plants have garnered remarkable attention recently. The aim of the study was a green synthesis of AgNPs using stems and flowers of Felty germander (Teucrium polium L.). After collection and preparation of the aqueous extract, production of AgNPs was performed. In the study, effect of parameters including AgNO3 concentration (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 50 mM), aqueous extract (100 µl, 150 µl, 300 µl, 600 µl and 900 µl), pH value (between 0 and 14), incubation time (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min), and temperature (30 °C, 60 °C, and 90 °C) were investigated in the synthesis of AgNPs. The sufficient production was achieved at the room temperature (30 °C), duration of 15 min, pH of 6 and concentration of 7.5 mM of AgNO3. Finally, the antifungal activity of these nanoparticles was also studied on Fusarium oxysporum by colony formation assay. The production of AgNPs was identified by an absorption peak at approximately 450 nm using UV–Visible spectroscopy. According to XRD, DSL, FESEM, and PSA results and analysis of SEM, nanoparticles have almost spherical shape and size of 10 to 100 nm. The SEM images also revealed that the prepared AgNPs are particles with no agglomeration. Furthermore, the TEM images exhibited that the AgNPs were well dispersed and there was no evident aggregation. Absorption peaks at 3391.55, 2917.00, 2848.83, 1640.15, 1384.65, 1243.37, 1069.07 and 614.54 cm−1 were observed for the AgNPs using FTIR analysis. On the other hand, the antifungal analysis revealed that these AgNPs have antifungal activity. For the first time, the biosynthesis of AgNPs was successfully performed using the aqueous extract of Felty germander which is a rapid, inexpensive and safe approach. Furthermore, the resulting AgNPs has antifungal activity.

This study has been performed to determine cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of mannan containing vaccine formulations were assessed to evaluate the safety and efficacy. In this study, cytoxicity and immunogenicity were assessed to guarantee safety and efficacy. The cytoxicity of the extracted mannan on MDA-MB-231 cell lines and normal cell lines was evaluated employing MTT assay. To assess the in vivo toxicity, was performed conforming to Pharmacopoeia. The in vivo and in vitro cytoxicity assays, no significant difference was observed between the control and test groups in the terms of cell growth and animals survival. The cost-effectiveness of utilizing mannan purified from Mycobacterium bovis is an economically satisfactory method. The extracted mannan is also free of cytotoxicity.Revealed a safe/cost-effective while efficient tools as an adjuvant in vaccine studies.

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi that can invade the keratinized tissues of humans and other animals, thereby causing dermatophytosis. The high cost of treatment, side effects of drugs, and sometimes resistance of pathogens to synthetic drugs are some of the factors that have led to search attempts for new drugs. This study aimed to investigate the anti-dermatophytic effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Romex acetosella, Teucrium polium, and Glycyrrhiza glabra against dermatophytes of Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes and to determine the amount of phenol in these plants.In this descriptive comparative study, after collecting and identifying Rumex acetosella, Teucrium polium, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, they were washed and dried in the shade. Then, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of these plants were prepared using the Soxhlet apparatus. The antifungal activity of these extracts was investigated in vitro against Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes through diffusion and agar dilution method according to CLSI guideline. Further, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the extracts were determined in comparison with griseofulvin. In addition, the amount of phenol in these extracts was determined by an optical spectrophotometer.The highest inhibition zones of Trichophyton mentagrophytes PTCC 5054, Microsporum canis PTCC 5069, and Microsporum gypseum PTCC 5070 were related to the methanolic extract of Teucrium polium at 200 mg/ml and were 23.41, 23.45, and 25.30 mm, respectively. In agar dilution method, the highest growth rates of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum were observed in 2.5 mg/ml of Glycyrrhiza glabra ethanolic extract and were 19.07, 18.32, and 17.81 mm, respectively. The minimum growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum were observed in the plate containing 40 mg/ml of the methanolic extract of Teucrium polium with 5.62, 3.72, and 5.41 mm diameters, respectively. MIC was less than 6.25 mg/ml for methanolic extract of Teucrium polium. Tannic acid in the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Teucrium polium, Rumex acetosella and Glycyrrhiza glabra were 227.33 and 482.89 μg/ml, 94 and 475.48 μg/ml, and 27.33 and 60.67 μg/ml, respectively.Based on the results, methanolic extracts of the studied plants, specially Teucrium polium had a greater inhibitory effect than ethanolic extracts. Methanolic extracts of these plants after extensive testing for toxicity and in vivo studies can be a suitable treatment option as adjunctive drugs or alternatives to chemical drugs.

Background and Purpose: Due to the fact that fungal species such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus produce carcinogenic and mutagenic aflatoxins and have the potential to produce fungal secondary metabolites, fungal contamination should be avoided. This study was conducted using the HPLC method and was aimed at examining the fungal contamination of Isfahan hazelnuts in order to identify the presence of Aflatoxins. Materials and Methods: One hundred samples of hazelnuts were randomly collected from supermarkets in Isfahan. The samples were then cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) media and analyzed to determine fungal contaminations. The aflatoxin analysis was carried out using the HPLC method. Results: It was discovered that nine genera of fungi, namely Aspergillus, Penicillium , Rhizopus, Ulocladium, Alternaria, Drechselera, Trichothecium, Scopulariopsis, and Mucor were identified in 78% of the samples. Samples contaminated with Aspergillus flavus (22 samples) were studied to determine the presence of aflatoxin. The results showed that 16 (72.72%) of the samples were contaminated with AFB1, AFB2 and AFG2 and the mean concentrations were 0.926, 0.563 and 0.155ng/g, respectively. Conclusions: Some parameters that affect mycotoxin production are temperature, food substrate, strain of the mold and other environmental factors. Due to the toxigenic quality of some of these fungi and their hazard to human health, it is crucial that fungal contamination and aflatoxin identification tests are carried out before certain products are made available to the mass market.

The resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii to most antibiotics is increasing. The presence of metallo-beta-lactamase and carbapenemase enzymes has led to the resistance of these bacteria to carbapenems as one of the major classes of broad-spectrum antibiotics and has raised concerns in human societies. This research evaluated the presence of bla

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) are colloidal systems with particles ranging from 10 to 100 nm in diameter. Because of their large surface-volume ratio, NPs are biologically active materials that could interact with biomolecules and microorganisms, enter into the cells, and affect the metabolic functions. The study aimed to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from Capparis spinosa fruit aqueous extract, and evaluate their Ag nanostructure characterization and antifungal activity. Materials and Methods: Capparis spinosa fruit aqueous was prepared with the percolation method. Then, silver NPs were synthesized using 0.01 M silver nitrate solution, and their formation was validated by color changing of the solution from green to dark brown . The NPs were purified using centrifugation and then dried in an oven for further analyses. Ag-NPs nanostructure characterization was determined by various techniques such as Fourier Transforms Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Antifungal activity of Ag-NPs against three pathogenic fungi of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Kluyveromyces marxianus was also evaluated using the microdilution method. Results: Synthesis of Ag-NPs from aqueous extract of C. spinosa fruit was done successfully. UVVis spectrum of Ag-NPs showed an absorbance peak around 420 nm, revealing Ag-NPs surface plasmon resonance (Kmax). FTIR analysis showed that functional groups correspond to plant bioactive components, promoting the formation of Ag-NPs. Furthermore, spherical uniformity of the synthesized Ag-NPs from plant extract was confirmed by SEM analysis within the 50-80 nm size range. Our results showed that the produced Ag-NPs were spherical and in a suitable form and size (50-80 nm). The biosynthesized Ag-NPs had an inhibitory effect against all tested fungi with the minimum inhibitory concentration of 2500, 5000, and 625 μg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration of 10000, 10000, and 156.25 μg/mL for C. albicans, C. glabrata, and K. marxianus, respectively. Conclusion: According to the UV-Vis spectrum, FTIR, and SEM results, we succeeded in synthesizing Ag-NPs from C. spinosa fruit aqueous extract. This research was the first report of Ag-NPs synthesized from aqueous extract of C. spinosa fruit. Our simple, quick, and inexpensivemethod for biosynthesis of a nanoparticle, which showed antifungal activity, provides a new potential antifungal agent for therapeutic applications.

Background: Drug resistance is a major concern in the treatment of burn wounds. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of silver crystalline nanofibers on the bacteria isolated from burn wounds at Imam Musa Kazim Hospital in Isfahan, Iran and compare the findings with the samples collected from the skin of healthy adults with standard collection bacteria. Methods: Agicoat nanosilver dressing was used as the antibacterial agent. The antibacterial effects of the silver nanoparticle solution and silver crystalline nanofibers were assessed using the well diffusion method. In addition, the macrodilution method was applied to determine the MIC and MBC of the silver crystalline nanofibers. Results: No significant difference was observed in the growth inhibition zone of the silver nanoparticle solution and crystalline nanofibers. Comparison of the effects of silver crystalline nanofibers on wound infection bacteria and healthy skin bacteria (MBC=0.128 mg/ml) were similar although the effects were more significant than the effects of tetracycline. Moreover, the standard bacterial strains were more sensitive to the nanofibers (MBC= 0.032). The antibacterial properties of the silver crystalline nanofibers reduced after the washing process (10 times; P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, the silver crystalline nanofibers had significant antibacterial properties on burn wound infection bacteria.

The present study aimed to remove tetracycline (TET) antibiotic molecule from an aqueous medium using adsorbents prepared from Rhizopus oryzae biomass. The TET adsorption process was discontinuous and the adsorbent biomass was crude and NaOH-sonication–modified Rhizopus oryzae fungi. Specific active surface area for crude and modified Rhizopus oryzae was 10.38 m2/g and 20.32 m2/g, respectively. The results showed that the maximum TET adsorption efficiency was determined at pH 4, temperature 25 °C, initial TET concentration 10 mg/L, contact time 80 min, and biomass quantity 2 g/L. The equilibrium behavior showed that the Langmuir model suitably described the process. The maximum TET adsorption capacity was determined to be 38.02 mg/g and 67.93 mg/g, respectively, indicating that the method of biomass modification promoted the bio-adsorption capacity. A higher correlation coefficient (R2) and lower RMSE for the pseudo-first-order kinetic than other models showed its ability to describe the behavior of TET bio-adsorption. The enthalpy thermodynamic parameter (ΔH°) for the TET adsorption process was determined − 63.847 kJ/mol and − 85.226 kJ/mol for the raw and modified Rhizopus oryzae, respectively. Therefore, it can be suggested that the biomass of Rhizopus oryzae especially the modified version can be effectively used for the TET removal from aqueous environments.

Background and Objectives: In humans, during the recent years, several factors have increased the risk of fungal infections, like broad spectrum antibiotics, immune compromised patients, cytotoxic chemotherapy and transplantations. Among all fungal pathogens Candida species remain the most common cause of invasive fungal infections. The aim of the current study is extraction of lipopeptides from Bacillus atrophaeus HNSQJYH170 isolated from Isfahan, and the study of its antifungal effects against Candida species. Methods: After 72 h of incubation, a cell-free supernatant of Bacillus atrophaeus was collected by centrifugation and acidified by adding HCl. The precipitate obtained was collected by centrifugation and dissolved in the methanol solution (50 ). Then antifungal activity of lipopeptides was evaluated by well diffusion method against Candida species. Also inhibition effect of lipopeptide on germ tube production for Candida albicans was studied. Results: There was no Inhibition zone for Candida species by cyclic lipopeptides. Inhibition of germtube production in %95 of C.albicans cells was showed by Bacillus atrophaeus lipopeptides. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that, although lipopeptides extracted from Bacillus atrophaeus were not able to inhibit Candida spp but inhibition of germtube production in %95 of C.albicans cells was showed. The ability of lipopeptides in inhibition of germtube production in C.albicans was showed, that these compounds can prevent biofilm formation on catheters and other substrate. Therefore, these compounds are important in preventing the invasion C.albicans of mucosal. Keywords: Bacillus atrophaeus, cyclic lipopeptides, Candida

Whereas hospitals have been assumed as the sites for spreading infection at level of world health, therefore, the current descriptive study has been conducted on 248 inpatients and outpatients who were suspected to fungal infection or disease. Samples were collected from several wards along with radiographic and endoscopic analyses in three hospitals, including urine, blood, skin, nail, wound (burning, surgery, eye and injury), lung, phlegm, ascites, bronchoaveolar lavage, (cerebrospinal, abdominal, and knee) fluids, peritoneum, fistula, ear tests and biopsy and sent to reference mycological center. The fungal species were identified by studying their macroscopic and microscopic and using PCR-RFLP technique. Among total studied patients, 180 cases had fungal elements; among which, there were 53 (29%) nosocomial infection and 127 (71%) community-acquired infection cases out of which inpatients and outpatients suffered from fungal diseases. The highest incidence of nosocomial infection belongs to intensive care units (ICU) ward in 16% of patients. The most common isolated fungi were Candida spp. The statistical results of this study suggest nosocomial fungal infections as the most important problems in the course of treatment among hospitalized patients who are more likely to be infected.

Introduction: Artemisia dracunculus L. (Tarragon) is one of the plants that uses as meal and remedy for a long time, and possesses many medicinal properties. In traditional medicine also has mentioned to its beneficial properties. A number of researches through in vitro and in vivo studies showed the pharmacological properties of this plant. This study was done for determining the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of A. Dracunculus L. on some hematological parameters among mice. Materials and methods: In this study, 40 male mice were divided into five groups: a control, a placebo, and three treatment groups that were injected with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg doses of hydro-alcoholic extract of tarragon every other day for 20 days. At the end of injections, the levels of WBC, RBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils were measured. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Results: The obtained results showed that there was no significant difference in amounts of WBC, RBC, and monocytes in the treatment groups in comparison with the control group. Lymphocytes showed significant decrease in groups of 100 and 200 mg/kg doses than the control group. The level of neutrophils showed significant increase in two treatment groups (100 and 200 mg/kg) than the control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the hydro-alcoholic extract of tarragon stimulates the production of neutrophils in this study which can be used as an immunostimulating agent.

Micro-organisms such as bacteria (Bacillus), yeasts, molds and algae that can accumulate lipid more than 20% of their biomass are called oleaginous microorganisms. Microbial lipid has similarity with the plant’s oil in type and composition. Lipid accumulation in oleaginous micro-organisms occurs with starvation of the cell in nitrogen or other nutrients except carbon, such as phosphorus, zinc, iron and magnesium. Lipid body’s formation starts at the end of logarithmic phase and continues during station phase until carbon source begins to reduce. Microbial oil has potential for application in biodiesel production because of their similarity to plant’s oil in composition and structure of fatty acids. The main effort is biodiesel production from low cost substrats. At the current time rice straw and corn stalk are burned in farms and increase air pollution, affect on public health and waste energy sources. If biodiesel can be produced from plant and forestry residues, have environmental benefits beyond economical benefits. Generally there are three steps for production of microbial oil and ultimately use of this oil as the substrate for biodiesel production and other products. These steps are: 1- screening of oleaginous micro-organisms with high potential of lipid production. 2- increasing of lipid content by optimizing environmental parameters and also using mutation. 3- application of byproducts for lipid production. This review is covering different researches about single cell oil production by oleaginous yeasts, different parameters which affect optimized production and also potential of this oil for biodiesel production.

Critical problems such as high price of fossil fuel and climate change have stirred up growing interest in providing suitable alternatives such as biodiesel and ethanol, although these alternatives have presented us with problems as a result of global competition in human food supply. Environmental problems, depletion of fossil fuel and industrialization inevitably highlight the demand for substituting a viable and renewable energy resource. Accordingly, isolation of oleaginous yeasts and optimization of lipid production proves to be invaluable. A total of 67 yeasts, from which 9 were oleaginous yeasts, were isolated for the purpose of this study. After lipid extraction, the best strain was selected and then identified through PCR. Optimization was done using M32 design by Qualitek-4 (W32b) software for analyzing the experiments. The results showed that Cryptococcus heimaeyensis proved to comprise lipid, dry biomass and lipid productivity of 6.75 g L −1 , 12.71 g L −1 and 53.10% in optimized conditions. The extracted lipid was analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The study revealed considerable potential of oleaginous yeasts as biodiesel feedstock and also the efficiency of Taguchi design in the optimization process.

The deep bark canker of the walnut is a serious threat to walnut plants that had an increasing verge since recent years. This disease is caused by Brenneria rubrifaciens bacteria. Therefore, this research was carried out with an aim to identify the deep bark canker agent. The suspected samples having symptoms were collected from the bark and branches of walnut trees. After purification, the phenotypic and biochemical specification of separations was assessed. Even the genetic diversity of pathogen population was conducted with BOX-polymerase chains reaction (PCR) technique and BOXAIR primer. Based on the phenotypic and biochemical specifications, 30 isolates were identified as B. rubrifaciens. In PCR reaction, the specific amplicons of size 537 and 671 bp in the case study strains were amplified via specific primer pairs. The present study is a prime report on outbreak of this disease in Iran and bacterial pathogenicity evidence of B. rubrifaciens on fruit in the world.

Purpose MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the progression of breast cancer (BC). miR-9 has been reported to be correlated with either favorable or unfavorable events in BC. This study was aimed to evaluate the expression level of miR-9 in human breast tissues, including benign and malignant tumor samples and also healthy tissue. Materials and methods The expression level of miR-9 was analyzed in 10 normal breast tissues, 30 malignant, and 30 benign breast tumor tissue samples using RT-PCR and qPCR. In addition, bioinformatics assessment upon miR-9 functionality in BC cells was performed. Results and discussion The miR-9 expression level was downregulated in tumor tissues, including benign and malignant compared to the healthy tissue was observed (P value, < 0.0001; fold change, -1.37). In addition, miR-9 expression level was reduced in benign tumors compared with malignant tumors (P value, < 0.0001; fold change, -1.35). Moreover, according to the AUCs (area under curve) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, miR-9 showed significant capability for distinguishing benign from healthy, malignant from healthy, benign from malignant, and tumor from health tissues. Furthermore, pathways in cancer, p53 signaling pathway, and focal adhesion were manifested by computational analysis as miR-9 related signaling pathways which have logical association with experimental observations. Conclusion In conclusion, downregulation of miR-9 in benign tumors vs healthy tissue and its overexpression in malignant tumors vs benign tumors suggest paradoxical functionality for this miRNA. Our results shed additional information on controversial expression pattern of miR-9 depending on different progression level of BC.

Application of microorganisms with ability of using environmental wastes such as lignocellulosic materials for converting them to high-value products is important from economical point of view. Valuable products such as single cell oil (SCO) have a high potential to be used in various industrial fields including biodiesel production. Other important products are polyalcohols like xylitol, which are applicable in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, Rhodotorula yeast was isolated from the leaves of Benjamin. Afterward, SCO production was evaluated in a nitrogen-limited medium, and the obtained oil was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometery. Moreover, xylitol was produced in a media containing xylose and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography technique. The yeast strain was identified using polymerase chain reaction method. SCO and xylitol production was also evaluated in a medium containing lignocellulosic materials and other forestry residues. This strain produced SCO and dry biomass of 9.7 and 16.14 g/L, respectively. In addition, in a medium with 140 g/L of xylose, xylitol production was found to be 49.28 g/L. Among waste materials, lipid content of 49 % on grass hydrolysate was found to be incredible. The obtained strain was identified as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The results of this study show that by the isolation of yeast with the potential of making use of waste materials, high-value products can be obtained. Therefore, it can be concluded that the mentioned bioprocess has not only environmental benefits but also is very important from economical view.