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In the present study, a metal–organic framework ([Zn(bim)2(bdc)]n, MOF‐ZBB) compound was prepared and applied as an adsorbent for the removal of strontium ions from aqueous solutions. The influences of several variables such as pH, contact time, and temperature were studied in batch experiments. The effect of interfering cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+) on the adsorption behavior was also investigated. The Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models were used for the analysis of equilibrium data. The maximum adsorption capacity by applying the Langmuir equation was 123.451 mg g−1 at 75°C with a pH of 7. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. The results showed that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model for adsorption strontium ions onto MOF‐ZBB better described the adsorption process. Finally, the fixed‐bed column experiments were carried out at different feed flow rates to investigate the dynamic capacity of the adsorption process. The results revealed a decrease of about 80% in the efficiency of the column by increasing the flow rate from 1 to 4 ml min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent in northern Iran and immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to this infection. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, parasitism and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy in northern Iran. Methods A total of 350 serum samples obtained from cancer patients were collected from laboratory centers in northern Iran. Immunodiagnosis and DNA detection were accomplished by ELISA and PCR. Thereafter, multiplex-nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for the genotyping of T. gondii. Results In general, out of 350 patients, 264 (75.4%) and 9 (2.57%) cases were positive for anti- T. gondii IgG and IgM, respectively. Moreover, 19 (5.43%) samples contained T. gondii DNA. From 19 positive samples, 10 high-quality samples with sharp and non-smear bands were selected to determine the genotypes of T. gondii. Accordingly, the samples were classified as genotype #1 (type II clonal; n=4, 40%), genotype #2 (type III clonal; n=3, 30%), genotype #10 (type I clonal; n=2, 20%) and genotype #27 (type I variant; n=1, 10%). Conclusions As evidenced by the results, due to the high prevalence of T. gondii , cancer patients in northern Iran are at serious risk of severe toxoplasmosis and its complications. Therefore, oncologists need to regard this critical health problem as a matter requiring urgent attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis. The genetic characterization of T. vaginalis isolates shows notable genetic variation in this parasite. In the present study, we aimed to identify the T. vaginalis genotypes based on analyzing of actin gene in women specimens referred to health centers of Ilam city, southwest Iran. Methods: A total of 1765 female samples were collected from gynecology clinics in the city of Ilam. DNA was extracted from positive samples and nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR) was used to amplify the actin gene. Then, partial sequencing and genotyping of the actin gene was performed. A phylogenetic tree was drawn using the detected genotypes of T. vaginalis and reference sequences. Results: Twenty-one of the 1765 urine and vaginal samples were positive for T. vaginalis. All infected individuals were married and their age in years was between 25 to 34. Further, the majority of infected women had cervical lesions, patchy erythema, and white color discharge. According to sequencing analysis, the isolates were identified as genotype G (n= 8) and genotype E (n= 2). Conclusions: From the collected samples, we were able to distinguish at least two genotypes (G and E) of T. vaginalis. However, lesser is known about these genotypes in the city of Ilam. Further studies with a higher number of isolates should be performed in order to understand the implications of these results in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On October 31, 2002 the Columbus Dispatch published a story about a rotating stone ball titled 'Goodness, Gracious, Great Ball of Mystery.' It was Halloween so it was reasonable to [...]

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous network compounds that result from the reaction between a transition metal and organic ligands. In this work, cesium ions were removed by the use of a synthesized MOF, zinc benzimidazole benzene dicarboxylic acid [Zn(bim)2(bdc)]n (ZBB) in aqueous solution. Removal of cesium ions occurred with an ion-exchange mechanism. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize ZBB complex. Bach technique was used for adsorption experiments and the effect of pH, time, temperature, and adsorbent dosage were studied. The study of adsorption isotherms indicated that the sorption process best fits Langmuir isotherm. Radiation studies indicated that this synthesized MOF could be used in medium-active wastewaters treatment. The column experiments were also investigated in order to obtain the dynamic capacity of the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Curcumin (CUR) is a bright yellow chemical and it is used as an additive in foods. Recently CUR and its associated bioactive compounds have received much attention in the literature review. The aim of this systematic review is to overview the antileishmanial properties of CUR and its mechanism; perhaps the results of this study will be used for therapeutic and preventive purposes., Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, international databases were systematically searched for studies published until September 2019. Articles related to the subject were selected and included in this systematic review., Results: A total of 15 articles met our eligibility criteria. Then, the effect of CUR and its associated bioactive compounds on Leishmania species was evaluated. In most studies, CUR/derivatives were tested on L. major and in vitro condition. Most investigations were conducted on the promastigote rather than the more relevant intracellular amastigote stage. Our results showed that CUR overcomes the inhibitory effect of nitric oxide (NO) on Leishmania parasites., Conclusion: This review indicated that CUR derivatives, instead of CUR alone showed a high potential to serve as an effective herbal drug against leishmaniasis. Moreover, we concluded that the antileishmanial activity of CUR/bioactive compounds is mostly due to increased oxidative stress and apoptosis., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Recently, herbal medicine has received much attention in the literature. Several essential oils or plant extracts have been found to have anti-Acanthamoeba properties against trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba spp., Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to introduce anti-Acanthamoeba properties of some essential oils or plant extracts; perhaps the results of this research will be used to prevent and treat infectious diseases., Methods: All published papers in English and Persian databases were systematically searched for some specific keywords to find articles that have influenced plant compounds on Acanthamoeba up to April 2018. Articles related to the subject were selected and studied., Results: A total of 51 articles including 136 experiments (128 in vitro and 8 in vivo) between 1999 and 2018, met our eligibility criteria. Totally, 110 species of plants belonging to 34 families, mainly Lamiaceae (15 plant species) and Asteraceae (13 plant species) were studied against trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoba in in vitro and in vivo. Most of the plant's species were Citrus (6 species), Allium (5 species), Peucedanum, Piper, Lippia, and Olive (4 species). The most frequently used parts were leaves, aerial parts, flowers, bark, rhizomes, and seeds., Conclusions: Recent studies have shown that many natural compounds have high anti-parasitic properties and low toxicity. Our research team hopes that the information provided in present systematic review can improve new experimental and clinical trials and herbal combination therapy. Further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms in the anti-amoebic reactions of plant species and ocular toxicity of extracts in animal models., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objectives: Giardiasis is one of the human parasitic diseases by a flagellate protozoan named Giardia lamblia. This parasite is one of the most common organisms causing diarrhea in humans and a common gastrointestinal parasite in vertebrates. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the molecular epidemiology of Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) by PCR-RFLP method in the Mazandaran Province and to investigate the possible relationship between parasite genotype and clinical symptoms., Methods: In this study, 50 stool samples were collected from human cases of G. lamblia. referred to health centers in Sari, Babol, Nowshahr cities. The samples were examined by formalin-ether concentration procedure. DNA extraction was carried out on samples containing adequate Giardia cysts, and then PCR-RFLP was done on glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) marker., Results: In these patients, the most common signs were abdominal pain (42.9%), and diarrhea (47.6%); and least marked common sign was malaise (4.7%). Of all 21 isolates, 9 samples (42.8%) were found as genotype mixed AII and BIII, 6 samples (28.6%) belonged to genotype BIII and 6 (28.6%) were of genotype AII. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between AII genotype and clinical symptoms (P <0.05). According to the statistical tests, there was a significant relationship between abdominal pain and the intensity of infection (P<0.05)., Conclusion: However, genotype AII and mixed AII and BIII genotypes were more common, respectively. The relatively high prevalence of mixed infection of these genotypes indicated the potential of zoonotic source of giardiasis among patients in Mazandaran Province., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)