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Mahdieh Safarzad,1 Abdoljalal Marjani,1 Marie Saghaeian Jazi,1 Durdi Qujeq,2 Seyed Mostafa Mir,2 Majid Marjani,3 Abbas Nezhadebrahimi Kaldehi1 1Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Gorgan Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; 2Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran; 3Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta 99628, TurkeyCorrespondence: Abdoljalal MarjaniMetabolic Disorders Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan Province 4934174515, IranTel +98 171 4421651Fax +98 171 4440225Email abdoljalal@yahoo.comIntroduction: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of Rubus anatolicus on glucose metabolism in HepG2, CRI-D2 and C2C12 cell lines.Materials and Methods: R. anatolicus was collected in Golestan province, Iran. Three different cell lines HepG2 (human liver cell), CRI-D2 (mice pancreatic cell) and C2C12 (rat myoblast) were used for cell culture experiments. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Cells were treated with various concentrations of the extract (6.25– 400 μg/mL) and then the extracellular glucose level and intracellular glycogen content were measured using colorimetric methods. The insulin level of the culture medium was measured using the ELISA method.Results: Our findings showed that R. anatolicus extract enhances glucose uptake and consumption by all three cell lines. The R. anatolicus extract exposure also elevated cellular glycogen content in HepG2 and C2C12 cells (for 200 and 100 μg/mL) significantly. We found a significant increase in glucose uptake and consequently higher stimulation of insulin secretion in CRI-D2 cell pancreatic cells treated with R. anatolicus extract.Conclusion: The R. anatolicus appears to activate glucose uptake and cellular glycogen synthesis probably by activating the glycogenesis or inhibition of glycogenolysis pathways. The extract enhances insulin secretion in the pancreatic cells by increased glucose uptake.Keywords: Rubus anatolicus, glucose metabolism, HepG2, CRI-D2, C2C12, cell lines

Maryam Sadegh Shesh Poli,1 Safoura Khajeniazi,2 Nasser Behnampour,3 Mohammad Reza Kalani,4 Abdolvahab Moradi,5 Abdoljalal Marjani6 1School of New Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; 2Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; 3Health Management and Social Development Research Center, Gorgan, Iran; 4Molecular Medicine Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; 5Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran; 6Abdoljalal Marjani Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IranCorrespondence: Abdolvahab MoradiGastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan 4934174515, IranTel +98 9111772107Email abmoradi@yahoo.comAbdoljalal MarjaniMetabolic Disorders Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan Province 4934174515, IranTel +98 171 4421651Fax +98 171 4440225Email abdoljalal@yahoo.comBackground and Aims: MicroRNAs including miR146a have a regulatory role on the expression of genes and act with binding to 3ʹ-UTR region of the genes. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in carcinogenesis as an inflammatory marker, and microRNA-146a (miR-146a) as a negative regulatory factor. We aimed to evaluate miR146a expression as a prognostic or diagnostic biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and also an association between miR146a and COX2 expression.Materials and Methods: We quantified the level of miR-146a and COX-2 expression in cancerous and adjacent normal tissue samples obtained from 34 patients with ESCC, using real-time–PCR. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-sample t-test. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan–Meier analysis were applied to assay miR146a as a diagnostic and prognostic marker, respectively, during 4 years of the study. Furthermore, the Cox regression model was performed to assay the hazard ratio (HR). The association between miR-146a and COX2 expression level in ESCC patients was evaluated by nonparametric Spearman’s rho analysis.Results: The results revealed a reduction of miR-146a expression in 50% of cancerous tissue when compared with adjacent normal regions (P-value=0.127). COX-2 expression in 80% of ESCC patients was higher than in the controls (P-value=0.001). Overall, in 60% of cases, direct association was seen between microRNA-146a and COX-2 expression level (correlation coefficient= 0.438, P-value=0.011). COX2 can be considered as a diagnostic biomarker (AUC=0.834, sensitivity=72%, specificity =83%, P-value< 0.0001) but miR146a cannot be considered as a diagnostic biomarker (AUC=0.553, sensitivity=88%, specificity =28%, P-value=0.453). Survival analysis by Kaplan–Meier method showed miR146a and COX2 expression can be probably considered as prognostic biomarkers for ESCC because patients with high expression of miR146a had 7 months shorter life span and patients with low expression of COX2 had 8 months shorter life span.Conclusion: COX2 expression is a diagnostic biomarker. MiR-146a and COX2 expression can probably be considered as prognostic biomarkers for survival in ESCC.Keywords: miR-146a, cyclooxygenase-2, esophageal cancer

Metal oxide nanoporous materials and nanoparticles have main potential uses in several different fields such as nanoelectronics, biomedical science, renewable solar energy, drug-gene delivery, thermal insulation, and so on. On the other hand, it is vital for scientists to understand that agricultural waste biomass-assisted synthesis is less costly, environmentally friendly and renewable strategy, and therefore, agricultural wastes are ideal renewable resources for production of nanostructures as a substitute for toxic chemicals. This present review includes significant recent improvements concerning the synthesis of agricultural waste biomass-assisted metal oxide nanostructures and their application. The goal is to provide a vision for the use of non-extracted agricultural waste, especially lignocellulosic biomass an inexpensive, green, differentiated resource and policy for the synthesis of valuable nanoporous materials and nanoparticles.

Pyrazolopyridine and pyrazoloquinoline derivatives were obtained by a one-pot, three-component reaction of arylglyoxals, 3-methyl-1-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-amines and cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of tetrapropylammonium bromide at 80°C in water through Knoevenagel and Micheal reactions, followed by intramolecular condensation, unexpected dearoylation and oxidation. Mild reaction conditions, high yields, simplicity of work up procedure, starting materials availability and clean product formation are some of the main advantages of this synthetic strategy.

Background. Subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) is a condition defined by elevated TSH values with normal levels of free thyroid hormones. Altered metabolic status is one of the consequences of sHT which can affect serum levels of FPG, lipid profile, and nitric oxide which propounds cardiovascular consequences per se. The aim of this study was to determine the possible effects of sHT on nitrite/nitrate levels, as a marker of endothelial performance.

Introduction. The role of progranulin in individuals with metabolic syndrome is not exactly clear.We aimed to assess the serum level of progranulin in type 2 diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome and compare them with healthy controls.

Abstract Nanoparticles have emerged as a critical catalyst substrate due to their exceptional features, such as catalytic efficiency, high stability, and easy recovery. In our research, we have developed an innovative and environmentally friendly magnetic mesoporous nanocatalyst. Using the co-precipitation method, we produced magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) and coated them with Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) to enhance their surface area and chemical stability. The resulting substrate was functionalized with 1-aza-18-crown-6-ether and nickel metal. Our prepared catalyst has been rigorously evaluated using advanced techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), elemental mapping analysis (EMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By synthesizing acridine derivatives, we have demonstrated the exceptional efficiency of our catalyst in organic compound synthesis. Through optimization, we have established the ideal parameters for catalytic processes, including catalyst amount, temperature, time, and ultrasonic use. Our catalyst has been proven to exhibit remarkable physical and chemical properties, such as porosity, temperature resistance, and recyclability. Notably, our heterogeneous nanocatalyst has shown outstanding performance and can be recycled six times without any loss in efficiency, affirming its potential in acridine.

Increasing plant productivity to increase sugar production can be done by developing new superior varieties from crossing superior sugarcane clones. The research aimed to obtain clones from crossing with higher sugar yields than the female parents. The study was done at IP2TP Karangploso, Malang, Indonesia, from December 2020 to November 2022. As many as 24 clones from polycross and one female parent were arranged in a Randomized Block Design with 2 replications. The results showed that 11 polycross clones (19/P3/2, 19/P3/4, 19/P3/7, 19/P3/10, 19/P3/13, 19/P3/16, 19/P3/17, 19/P3/20, 19/P3/28, 19/P3/32, and 19/P3/34) produced sugar 15.54-105.04% higher than the female parent (6.19 t/ha).

Abstract This study presents the development and characterization of a novel nanocomposite wound dressing material based on polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers incorporating chitosan nanocapsules loaded with chamomile extract and cellulose nanoparticles. The nanofibers were fabricated using a three-step synthesis and electrospinning techniques, resulting in uniform, bead-free fibers with an average diameter of 186 ± 56 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of all components, while tensile strength tests demonstrated improved mechanical properties by adding nanoparticles. Water contact angle measurements revealed enhanced surface wettability of the PLA-Cellulose-Chitosan complex compared to pure PLA nanofibers. In vitro biocompatibility assessments using MTT assays showed excellent cell viability and proliferation, with the optimized composite exhibiting the best performance. Scanning electron microscopy imaging confirmed robust cell adhesion and interaction with the nanofibers. The nanocomposite demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, with a 20 mm inhibition zone observed for chamomile extract-loaded samples. Additionally, the material showed superior hemostatic ability compared to commercial gauze and high hemocompatibility. These comprehensive results indicate that the developed nanocomposite is a promising candidate for advanced wound management applications, offering a multifunctional approach to wound healing by combining antimicrobial activity, cell compatibility, and hemostatic properties.

Abstract We have developed an innovative mesoporous nanocatalyst by carefully attaching a 2-aminothiophenol-Cu complex onto functionalized MCM-41. This straightforward synthesis process has yielded a versatile nanocatalyst known for its outstanding efficiency, recyclability, and enhanced stability. The structural integrity of the nanocatalyst was comprehensively analyzed using an array of techniques, including BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) for surface area measurement, ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) for metal content determination, EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) for elemental mapping, XRD (X-ray Diffraction) for crystalline structure elucidation, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), EMA (Elemental Mapping Analysis), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), and CV (cyclic voltammetry). Subsequently, the catalytic properties of the newly developed MCM-41-CPTEO-2-aminothiophenol-Cu catalyst was evaluated in the synthesis of biphenyls, demonstrating outstanding yields through a Suzuki coupling reaction between phenylboronic acid and aryl halides. Importantly, this reaction was conducted in an environmentally friendly medium. Note the remarkable recyclability of the catalyst, proving its sustainability over six cycles with minimal loss in activity additionally hot filtration test was prepared to examine the stability of this nanocatalyst. This outstanding feature emphasizes the catalyst's potential for long-term, environmentally conscious catalytic applications.

Abstract Fireproof coatings are the simplest, most efficient, and oldest method for protecting a wide range of flammable products, such as wood. Furthermore, surface ignition is the initial phase, so surface protection is essential to reduce fire propagation. Furthermore, delaying the spread of flames can help to save someone when a fire starts. This project synthesized flame-resistant resin starting from tetraallyloxysilane monomer as a halogen-free monomer, an intrinsic flame retardant co-curing agent. The following step synthesized polyester resin using terephthalic acid as a heat-resistant resin. Unsaturated polyester was used by bulk radical polymerization. FT-IR and 1H-NMR analysis showed the successful synthesis of the desired monomer and polymeric compound. The thermal degradation and flame retardancy of pure unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) and allyloxysilane-unsaturated polyester (AUPE) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG/DSC). The burning test and the thermal stability of the coating layers were evaluated using standard UL 94. Physical properties of resins were evaluated using Heat Deflection Temp tests (HDT) ISO 75-A, ASTM 648, Hardness ASTM D2583, Volumetric shrinkage ASTM 3521, and Water absorption ASTM D570. The results of the tests show the successful synthesis and their flame retardant properties.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are essential compounds because of their wide applications in many fields. They are cyclic oligosaccharides with lipophilic internal cavities and hydrophilic external surfaces that link the α-D-glucopyranose portion. β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) is a non-toxicity, cheap, green, and renewability macrocycle with excellent performance in organic transformation. β-CD is a green catalyst with satisfactory catalytic activity in diverse organic changes. Regarding green chemistry’s goals, β-CD opens the way to effective catalysts for various reactions. Heterocyclic compounds are among the most prominent organic compounds in numerous organic materials, pharmaceuticals, and natural products. Heterocyclic compounds are essential in pharmaceutical products and show different biological activities in multiple illnesses. Thus, there is a tendency to develop novel, green, and helpful syntheses of heterocyclic systems, which has been a big challenge in synthetic organic chemistry. Using β-CD as catalysts for synthesizing heterocyclic compounds makes the procedure milder, easier, and less toxic, making it an eco-friendly substitute compared to the reported approaches. This review underlines the applications of β-CD-based catalysts for synthesizing heterocyclic compounds covering 2019–2023. This study will be helpful to researchers in the investigation areas of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, synthetic materials, and pharmacological medicine..

Abstract In recent years, using nanomaterials based on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) through the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) has attracted more attention to the degradation of organic pollutants. This research presented a new route for the synthesis of MWCNT/CoMn2O4 nanocomposite for the degradation of picric acid using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Firstly, CoMn2O4 nanoparticles were prepared and then loaded on MWCNT using ultrasonic waves. The results of various analyzes confirmed the successful loading of nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes. As the degradation process proceeds through oxidation processes, the high electronic conductivity of MWCNT and the active sites of Mn and Co in the nanocomposite play an essential role in activating PMS to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). An investigation of the reaction mechanism in different conditions showed that the highest speed of picric acid decomposition in the presence of nanocomposite (98%) was in 47 min. However, the scavenger test showed that HO· and SO4 ·− radicals are more important in the degradation process. Meanwhile, the results showed that removing picric acid using MWCNT/CoMn2O4 was more effective than CoMn2O4 alone and confirmed the interaction effect of MWCNT nanotubes with AB2O4 nanocatalyst.

Objective: Muscle atrophy due to immobility is a common complication of many diseases and a consequence of therapeutic processes. Immobility and inactivity have been shown to be associated with increased inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of Wild Bitter Melon (WBM) (Momordica charantia Linn) on muscle atrophy due to immobility in a mouse model.Materials and Methods: This study was performed in two phases of atrophy and recovery on male BALB/c mice which were divided into 3 groups: control, immobilized, and experimental. The treatment period with WBM at a dose of 400 mg/kg daily by gavage was 17 days, including 7 days of being immobilized and 10 days of recovery. At the end of each phase, half of the mice from each group were examined regarding the four limb grip strength, and then histological and biochemical analyses were done.Results: The tissue level of malondialdehyde (MDA) oxidative stress index in the atrophy phase in the atrophy group (5.4567±0.522) nmol/g compared to the control group (3.455±0.065) nmol significantly (p 0.001)

Muscle atrophy due to limb immobilization and inactivity is a common consequence of many diseases and treatment processes. One of the systems activated in inflammatory conditions is the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of one of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, enalapril, on improving muscle atrophy caused by immobility. The study was conducted in three groups: a control, an atrophy, and an atrophy group treated with enalapril on Balb/c mice. After tying a splint to cause atrophy in one of the legs, daily treatment with enalapril intraperitoneally (dissolved in DMSO) at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day was done for 7 days. On the eighth day, the splint was opened and half of the mice were evaluated. Then, in the recovery phase, treatment with enalapril was continued in the remaining mice for 10 days without a splint. At the end of each phase, the mice were examined for the muscle strength of the lower limb muscles, and histological and biochemical analyses were subsequently carried out. The tissue level of the oxidative stress index MDA was evaluated, which showed a significantly lower level in the enalapril group compared to the atrophy group (*P

Abstract A novel pH/redox-responsive hyperbranched MeO-PEG-b-(NIPAAm-co-PBAE) nanoparticles (NPs) were designed with size shrinkage and charge-reversible potential for targeted delivery of docetaxel (DTX) to MDA-MB-231 cell lines. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), amine protonation induces charge reversal and disulfide bond cleavage under high TME GSH concentration causing size shrinkage, improved deep tumor penetration, and active targeting of the therapeutic agents. These nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs) significantly promoted cancer cell uptake (~ 100% at 0.5 h), facilitating site-specific delivery and deep tumor penetration. The MTT assay revealed significantly higher cytotoxicity (P value

Abstract This research investigated the utilization of graphene quantum dot/montmorillonite (GQD/MMT) as an effective nanofiller in a hydrogel composed of salep biopolymer. The semi-IPN hydrogel was synthesized using salep as the substrate, acrylamide (AAm) as the monomer, ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator in free radical polymerization, and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a cross-linking agent. The hydrogels were applied to remove safranin (SA), methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), methyl green (MG), congo red (CR), and malachite green (MG) dyes from the water. The diverse properties were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, fourier infrared spectroscopy, mapping, energy dispersive spectroscopy, weighing analysis, X-ray diffraction, and thermal stability analyses. The optimism of the prepared adsorbent in dye absorption was evaluated by measuring the swelling amount, pH impact, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. The adsorption calculations were described using kinetics and isotherm models. The results indicated that the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 99.6) and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 99.9) provided the best fit for the absorption process of MB. The presence of additional amounts of GQD/MMT had a reciprocal effect on the adsorption efficiency due to the accumulation of GQD/MMT in the semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN (structure. The findings revealed that the samples exhibited high thermal stability, and the absorption process was primarily chemical. Furthermore, the nanocomposite hydrogels demonstrated distinct mechanisms for absorbing anionic dye (CR) and cationic dye (MB). Under optimal conditions, using 7 wt% GQD/MMT at a concentration of 5 ppm, pH = 7, an adsorbent dosage of 50 mg, at room temperature, and a contact time of 90 min, the maximum removal efficiencies were achieved: MB (96.2%), SA (98.2%), MG (86%), CV (99.8%), MG (95.8%), and CR (63.4%). These results highlight the adsorbent's high absorption capacity, rapid removal rate, and reusability, demonstrating its potential as an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for removing dyes from water.

3-Arylaminoisoxazol-5(2H)-ones, substituted on nitrogen with benzoxazole and benzothiazole groups react with triethylamine in ethanol under reflux to afford the corresponding indole and imidazobenzothiazole derivatives, respectively.

E. coli responsible for urinary tract infections (UTI) became resistant to obtainable therapies. So, nanotechnology appears currently as promising innovation among various strategies under development. In the present study we evaluate the antimicrobial effects of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles against E. coli isolated from UTI. Biofilm production and expression of quorum sensing genes luxS and motA were performed on E. coli treated with the nanoparticles. luxS and motA genes were detected in the tested E. coli. All isolates produced strong, moderate and weak biofilm. All isolates had a weak biofilm formation and decreased gene expression for luxS and motA genes after treatment with CuO, ZnO and their mixture. Besides, CuO and ZnO had non-toxic effects on Human Dermal Fibroblasts and neonatal normal cells. In conclusion, the mixture of CuO and ZnO had a role in decreasing the gene expression of luxS and motA genes more than each alone.

This study was aimed to examine the antibacterial activity of the T. aphylla leaves ethanolic extract in vitro against the locally strain heterogeneous vancomycin intermediated Staphylococcus aureus (hVISA) at different concentrations starting from 0.03 to 200 mg/ml. T.aphylla leaves were extracted by ethanol 96% in the Soxhlet extraction unit. Using both gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS), the results indicated that the composition of T. aphylla extract was oil and include a variety of chemicals, including 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (20.06%), followed by Phytol, acetate (18.93%) and Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (12.14%), were in leaves. The concentration of 1.5 (mg/ml.) was determined as a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for hVISA antibacterial activity. Gene expression was detected using the Quantitative Real-Time PCR technique; before and after treatment with T. aphylla leaves extracts; the gene expression was low after treatment with T. aphylla leaves extracts. In conclusion, T. aphylla leaves extract is a promising alternative medication that can treat the infection caused by hVISA.

Owing to the environmental and energy problems nowadays, one of the enormous challenges is expanding clean, renewable energy to reduce the destructive ecological effects of chemical industries. Compared with other traditional processes, the electrochemical method has some benefits, such as being selective, causing minor waste, and working under mild conditions with no external oxidizing or reducing reagents, making this approach more economical and eco-friendly. Electrochemistry represents a powerful tool within synthetic organic chemistry. The development part of chemistry intends the performance of organic reactions employing electrons, including adding or removing electrons. Using electric current as a reagent has some advantages, such as simplicity of reactions, accessibility of materials, replacing toxic oxidizing or reducing reagents, and applying an eco-friendly environment. During the last decades, there has been much effort to decrease the usage of fossil fuels, and electricity has emerged as a common energy source. The conversion of electricity energy into chemical energy leads to new synthetic paths, and this energy is naturally safe and environmentally friendly. Developing electrochemistry approaches for performing high-performance organic reactions is essential for chemical industries. The electrochemical reaction is a green strategy because of the utilization of electric current instead of stoichiometric oxidants or reductants. Due to its helpful and environmentally friendly ability to produce reactive intermediates, organic electrochemistry has advanced considerably in oxidative hydrogen evolution coupling and sacrificial anode electroreduction. New developments in organic electrochemistry focus on developing new electrolytic catalysts,photoelectrocatalysis, bioelectrosynthesis, optimizing electrode materials, paired electrolysis, and artificial intelligence-assisted electrosynthesis. Thus, organic electrochemistry is expanding daily because of the significant number of construction projects and the possibilities of applying organic electrochemistry. Electrochemical methods for constructing organic compounds have tolerated renewal for the past decades. Organic electrochemistry has a wealthy background in organic synthesis. We hope this review helps to attract more attention to organic electrochemistry from researchers by using electrochemical processes in the laboratory and the industrial centers, which decrease pollution and create an eco-friendly. In this review, the electrochemical coupling reaction of organohalides for synthesizing various coupling products has been summarized and discussed since 2000.

Summary: Human genetic studies of critical COVID-19 pneumonia have revealed the essential role of type I interferon-dependent innate immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conversely, an association between the HLA-B∗15:01 allele and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated individuals was recently reported, suggesting a contribution of pre-existing T cell-dependent adaptive immunity. We report a lack of association of classical HLA alleles, including HLA-B∗15:01, with pre-omicron asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated participants in a prospective population-based study in the United States (191 asymptomatic vs. 945 symptomatic COVID-19 cases). Moreover, we found no such association in the international COVID Human Genetic Effort cohort (206 asymptomatic vs. 574 mild or moderate COVID-19 cases and 1,625 severe or critical COVID-19 cases). Finally, in the Human Challenge Characterisation study, the three HLA-B∗15:01 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed symptoms. As with other acute primary infections studied, no classical HLA alleles favoring an asymptomatic course of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified.

Background: The ability of minor subpopulations among clonal populations to survive antibiotics is referred to as bacterial persistence. It is believed that persisters come from latent cells, where antibiotic target areas are less active and incapable of being affected. Objective: 112 clinical Escherichia coli isolates were acquired out of diverse medical samples and genetically identified using the uspA gene, which is part of the housekeeping genes. Methods: The examination of persister cells was carried out by subjecting isolates of E. coli in the exponential phase with high dose of ciprofloxacin (20 fold MIC) and calculating the surviving persister cells using CFU (colony forming units) counts. The detection and measurement of bacterial filament production was done using scanning electron and light microscopy. Results: Results showed that the bacterial filament cells kept on lengthen but cease to divide (no septa formation) at sub-minimal inhibitory doses of ciprofloxacin. Persistent isolates were shown to exhibit a wide range of form and size variations, with cells up to 4.5 times longer than usual. Conclusions: The results showed the importance of antibiotic stress on persisted cells that result in the production of filaments as a means of survival and the need to examine these rare phenotypic variations. These occurrences may be the beginning of the spread of bacterial resistance.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant opportunistic pathogen responsible for various nosocomial infections in humans. The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains poses a significant challenge in clinical settings, necessitating a deeper understanding of factors influencing antimicrobial resistance. Objective: This research aimed to investigate the impact of pH variation on the resistance patterns of multi-resistant K. pneumoniae isolated from Iraqi patients with urinary tract infections and wound infections against different antibiotics. Methods: Forty K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from urine samples and wound swabs, and their identification was confirmed using the VITEK ® 2 compact system and molecular identification of the rpoB housekeeping gene. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby Bauer’s disk diffusion method under varying pH conditions (pH 5, 7, 9, and 11) at 37°C for 18 to 24 hours. Results: The study findings indicated that K. pneumoniae isolates exhibited differential susceptibility to antibiotics based on pH conditions. Cefotaxime demonstrated increased efficacy under alkaline pH, while tetracycline showed optimal efficacy under acidic conditions. However, ciprofloxacin displayed resistant phenotypes at acidic pH 5 and either resistant or intermediate phenotypes at alkaline pH 9. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential influence of pH on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of K. pneumoniae isolates. Understanding the role of pH in antimicrobial resistance can inform strategies for better managing infections caused by multi-resistant pathogens. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and implications for clinical practice.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing healthcare costs worldwide. It has been suggested that serum lipin-1 (LPN1) may be associated with components of MetS. The aim of this study was to evaluate LPN1serum levels and its association with MetS components in subjects with and without MetS in this area. Materials and methods: We included subjects with MetS using the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. LPN1 levels were measured using the Eliza method. Results: The results showed that waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and triglyceride levels were significantly higher and high density lipoprotein cholesterol and LPN1 levels were significantly lower in subjects with MetS compared to subjects without MetS. There was a significant inverse correlation between LPN1 and FBG, SBP, and DBP in MetS patients. In subjects without MetS, there was no correlation between LPN1and MetS components. Conclusion: There appears to be a significant association between some components of MetS and serum LPN1 levels. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and possible therapeutic implications of this association for the prevention and treatment of MetS-related disorders.

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common bacteria infections. The incidence of urinary tract infections in school age is more common in girls than in boys. Children have to be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria before they reach to the state of renal damage. In our district no such study has been made to determine the prevalence of bacteriuria. Urine samples were collected from 642 school girls aged between 6-11 years, and were investigated by doing urine analysis and urine culture. 15 girls had significant bacteriuria, (>10^5 bacteria/ml). 11 children had pyuria (WBC>5), and 6 samples had both significant bacteriuria and pyuria. At the same time there were 5 cases with sterile pyuria. 6 girls had nitrite in their urine samples. All of the urine samples with positive nitrite test had significant bacteriuria. The study shows that there is a positive correlation between pyuria of nitrite and significant bacteriuria. Escherichia-coli is the most common microorganism in schoolgirls with significant bacteriuria. The incidence of screening bacteriuria was 2.3% which most of them were asymptomatic.