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In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) were prepared by the green synthesis method and loaded inside niosomes as a drug release system and their physicochemical and biological properties were determined. Zn-NPs were prepared by the eco-friendly green strategy, the structure, and morphological properties were studied and loaded into niosomes. Subsequently, different formulations of niosomes containing Zn-NPs were prepared and the optimal formulation was used for biological studies. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to investigate the morphology and size of nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV–Vis were used to confirm the synthesis of Zn-NPs. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) determined the elemental analysis of the Zn-NPs synthesis solution and the crystalline structure of Zn-NPs was analysed by XRD (X-Ray diffraction). Furthermore, Zn-NPs were loaded inside the niosomes, and their structural characteristics, entrapment efficiency (EE%), the release profile of Zn-NPs, and their stability also were assessed. Moreover, its antimicrobial properties against some microbial pathogens, its effect on the expression of biofilm genes, and its anticancer activity on the breast cancer cell lines were also determined. To study the cytocompatibility, exposure of niosomes against normal HEK-293 cells was carried out. In addition, the impact of niosomes on the expression of genes involved in the apoptosis (Bcl2, Casp3, Casp9, Bax) at the mRNA level was measured. Our findings revealed that the Zn-NPs have a round shape and an average size of 27.60 nm. Meanwhile, UV–Vis, FTIR, and XRD results confirmed the synthesis of Zn-NPs. Also, the EE% and the size of the optimized niosomal formulation were 31.26% and 256.6 ± 12 nm, respectively. The release profile showed that within 24 h, 26% of Zn-NPs were released from niosomes, while in the same period, 99% of free Zn-NPs were released, which indicates the slow release of Zn-NPs from niosomes. Antimicrobial effects exhibited that niosomes containing Zn-NPs had more significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects than Zn-NPs alone, the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects increased 2 to 4 times. Cytotoxic effects indicated that when Zn-NPs are loaded into niosomes, the anticancer activity increases compared to Zn-NPs alone and has low cytotoxicity on cancer cells. Niosomes containing ZnNPs increased the apoptosis-related gene expression level and reduced the Bcl2 genes. In general, the results show that niosomes can increase the biological effects of free Zn-NPs and therefore can be a suitable carrier for targeted delivery of Zn-NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Rotavirus and Hepatitis A virus are responsible for causing gastroenteritis and jaundice. The current vaccination approaches have proven insufficient, especially in low-income countries. In this study, we presented a novel dual-vaccine candidate that combines the rotavirus VP8 protein and the hepatitis A virus VP1. Materials and Methods: The VP8*-rotavirus+AAY+HAV-VP1 fusion protein was produced using an Escherichia coli expression system. The recombinant protein had a molecular weight of approximately 45.5 kDa and was purified through affinity chromatography. BALB/c mice were injected subcutaneously with the recombinant protein, VP1, VP8 and vaccines for rotavirus and hepatitis A virus, both with and without ALUM and M720 adjuvants. ELISA assays were used to measure total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and short-term and long-term IL-5 and IFN-γ responses. Results: The fusion protein, when combined with adjuvants, elicited significantly higher total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 responses compared to VP1 and VP8 alone, as well as the rotavirus and hepatitis A vaccines. Furthermore, it induced a higher short-term IL-5 and IFN-γ response while demonstrating a higher long-term IL-5 response compared to the rotavirus and hepatitis A vaccines. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the VP8*-rotavirus+AAY+HAV-VP1 fusion protein is a promising dual vaccine candidate for immunization against hepatitis A and rotaviruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The human gut microbiota plays a crucial role in mental health through the gut-brain axis, impacting central nervous system functions, behavior, mood, and anxiety. Consequently, it is implicated in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess and compare the gut microbiota profiles and populations of individuals with bipolar disorder and healthy individuals in Iran. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 60 participants, including 30 bipolar patients (BPs) and 30 healthy controls (HCs), following rigorous entry criteria. Real-time quantitative PCR was utilized to evaluate the abundance of 10 bacterial genera/species and five bacterial phyla. Results: Notably, Actinobacteria and Lactobacillus exhibited the greatest fold change in BPs compared to HCs at the phylum and genus level, respectively, among the bacteria with significant population differences. Ruminococcus emerged as themost abundant genus in both groups,while Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes showed the highest abundance in BPs and HCs, respectively, at the phylum level. Importantly, our investigation revealed a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, potentially serving as a health indicator, in HCs compared to BPs. Conclusion: This study marks the first examination of an Iranian population and provides compelling evidence of significant differences in gut microbiota composition between BPs and HCs, suggesting a potential link between brain functions and the gut microbial profile and population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rotaviruses (RV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are pathogens responsible for more than 2 million hospitalizations, especially in developing countries, due to transmission through the fecal-oral route. Currently, there are several FDA-approved RV and HAV vaccines available which are based on killed or attenuated viruses. However, these vaccines often have side effects and low efficacy in eliciting specific immunity. Therefore, the design of a vaccine based on a recombinant protein, composed of RV and HAV antigens seems essential. Methods: We used bioinformatics tools to design and analyze the properties, predict the structure and evaluate the function, immunogenicity, antigenicity, and truncated sequences of HAV VP1 and RV VP8 as a dual vaccine platform. The predicted epitopes were expressed as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli BL21 where half of the VP1 protein was fused with the Rota protein VP8 using pET24a expression vector,. Results: The expressed protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Subsequently, high-scale expression, purification, refolding and determination of the protein concentration (~2.4 µg/µl) were obtained. Conclusion: Upon completion of the future immunogenicity evaluation through injection into mice, the present fusion protein can potentially serve as a candidate for a recombinant vaccine against both RV and HAV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research has focused on isolating and identifying different thermoacidophilic bacteria from a Sarcheshmeh low-grade copper ore and evaluating their ability to copper bioleaching from the mineral tailing. After the isolation of the bacteria, molecular identification was carried out based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences and drawing the phylogenetic tree. Then, the effect of the pH, pulp density, and composition of the media on the copper bioleaching was determined using the identified bacteria. The isolated strain (Strain SCM1) belonged to Delftia acidovorans with a 95.73% of identity. The optimal condition for the copper bioleaching was reported in a medium consisting of sulfur (10 g/L), glucose (10 g/L), yeast extract (2 g/L), and mineral tailing (5% wt/vol) at the pH of 2.00 at 50°C. Under this condition, the highest amount of copper (83%) was bioleached. It proves that the lately isolated strain can be effectively employed in the copper bioleaching process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high levels of carbohydrates in some microalgae make them a promising feedstock for bioethanol production. The pretreatment of microalgal biomass is one of the most important stages to improve cell disruption for increasing the accessibility to the intracellular compounds. The isolation and identification of newly isolated microalgae that produce high biomass and carbohydrate production were done in this research. Among six isolates, Chlorella S-4 and Picochlorum D-8 showed the highest specific growth rates of 0.189 and 0.215 (µ day−1), respectively, from which the former showed a suitable self-precipitation property. A combination of cell disruption methods, including acid-thermal, acid-thermal/sonication bath, and acid-thermal/freeze & thaw pretreatment was applied to disrupt the cell wall of isolated microalgae on a laboratory scale. The effectiveness of cell disruption methods was evaluated based on total carbohydrate measurement. The maximum carbohydrate content of 22% and 27% of dry weight with the productivity of 7 and 6 mg/L/d was obtained from Chlorella S-4 and Picochlorum D-8, respectively, using acid-high thermal pretreatment (121°C for 20 min). This study is trying to demonstrate the Persian Gulf native microalgae potential for possible bioethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) reasons extreme infections, can resist various conventional antimicrobial agents, and cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vaccination seems to help modulate MRSA infections. Nanovaccine is considered a novel strategy in vaccine technology. The primary purpose of the present study was to develop a conjugate vaccine based on recombinant PBP2a and MRSA autolysin formulated in PLGA as a nanoparticle capable of enhancing protective responses against MRSA in the murine model. Materials and Methods: Recombinant PBP2a and autolysin have been expressed and purified by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) affinity column and characterized by SDS-PAGE and western blot. PLGA was bound to recombinant proteins by using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) and adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH) as a linker and spacer, respectively. Conjugation of recombinant proteins to PLGA was confirmed by the AFM assay, zeta potential, and size distribution, and its efficacy was evaluated in mice. Total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgM titers were analyzed to assess immune responses. Lastly, the bioactivity of antibodies was tested by using the opsonophagocytosis assay. Results: Mice immunized with the r-PBP2a-r-autolysin–PLGA nanovaccine led to increased levels of opsonic antibodies and IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgM when compared with other experimental groups. Our results confirmed that vaccination with nanovaccine could reduce the mortality rate against the sub-lethal dose of MRSA challenge. Furthermore, the nanovaccine could eliminate MRSA from the kidney of infected mice. Conclusion: This study may provide valuable insights into the protective power of the r-PBP2a-rautolysin–PLGA conjugate vaccine against MRSA infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Attention to ice nucleation proteins has increased for more than two decades. Ice nucleation proteins have been utilized for artificial snow-making known as Snowmax™, cryopreservation of tissues and cells, and cloud condensation nuclei. There is a direct relationship between bacterial growth and ice nucleation activity. Therefore, the optimization of the culture medium seems necessary. Methodology and results: The effect of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the growth of a new native Pseudomonas sp. IRL.INP1 was evaluated by using fractional factorial design, the path of the steepest ascent experiment and central composite design. Ice nucleation activity, biomass and whole-cell protein were identified afterward. The model predicted by response surface methodology indicated that the maximum bacterial growth was observed when sucrose, ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] and manganese (II) (Mn2+) were utilized at 12.46 g/L, 321.97 mg/L and 938.09 µM, respectively. Also, 1.10 g/L biomass and 0.85 µg/µL whole-cell proteins were gained, and the isolate showed ice nucleation activity 31 sec sooner after optimization. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Ice nucleation proteins are growth-dependent and the growth condition optimization leads to higher bacterial cells growth. Therefore, best bacterial growth was obtained when proper carbon and nitrogen sources were used, and ice nucleation activity was observed in shorter time. This is the first study concerning ice nucleation activity optimization using different carbon and nitrogen sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is an important member of human gut microbiota with a critical function in the health of humans through the induction of inflammatory and immune responses leading to intestinal hemostasis. Microbiota-induced extracellular vesicles (EVs) were presented as a novel communication pathway between microbiota and the host that are capable of imposing positive effects on the host. Recently, EV-based treatments have been evaluated in different studies, and using EVs derived from microbiota has been recommended in recent studies as post-vaccination adjuvants. Accordingly, in the present study, the effects of various EV concentrations on the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and fasting-induced adipose factor (FIAF) genes were evaluated and optimized in the human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell line. Methods: The effects of the extracted EVs from F. prausnitzii on the PPARγ and FIAF gene expression were investigated in the Caco-2 cell line via cell culture and quantitative real-time PCR. The obtained outcomes were then compared with those of our previous study (concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/ml). Results: It was shown that F. prausnitzii EVs (150 μg/ml) significantly increased PPARγ and FIAF gene expression in the Caco-2 cell line, relative to previous studies conducted by our team. Conclusion: Considering the positive impact of F. Prausnitzii EVs on the studied genes' expression in the present study, the EVs of the bacterium will be proposed as new post-vaccination adjuvants in people suffering from intestinal barrier disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease patients. However, more studies should be performed in this respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease (ND) is known as the most common diseases of economic importance worldwide. Vaccination against virulent strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has failed during some outbreaks. Here, we aimed to assess the epitopes of NDV fusion protein as targets for a peptide-based vaccine. To explore the most antigenic epitopes on the F protein, we retrieved virulent strains of genotype VII from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Linear and conformational B-cell epitopes were identified. Moreover, T-cell epitopes with high and moderate binding affinities to human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II alleles were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Subsequently, the overlapped epitopes of B-cell and MHC class I and MHC class II were determined. To validate our predictions, the best epitopes were docked, to chicken MHC class I (B-F) alleles using the HADDOCK flexible docking server. Seven ‘high ranked epitopes’ were identified. Among them, ‘LYCTRIVTF’ and ‘MRATYLETL’ showed the highest scores. The other five epitopes including LSGEFDATY, LTTPPYMALK, LYLTELTTV, DCIKITQQV and SIAATNEAV obtained very encouraging results as well. SIAATNEAV had been recognized as a neutralizing epitope of F protein using monoclonal antibodies before. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the identified epitopes needed to be tested by in vitro and in vivo experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The microbial contamination of wastewater is associated with health risks. The aim of this study was to use the autochthonous Bdellovibrio potential to prey Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria as a bio-control agent to treat urban wastewater. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six raw sewage samples were collected for isolation of Bdellovibrio. Double layer plaque assay was used for isolation and the isolates were identified by microscopic examination and molecular analysis. To evaluate the predatory potential for decrease number of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, plaque perdition assay, reduction in host cells viability by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting, reduction in optical density (OD) in co-cultures and assay of killing efficiency were carried out. Also, the raw wastewater was treated by Bdellovibrio then the reduction in CFU counting and reduction in OD was evaluated. Results: Four strains of Bdellovibrio were isolated and were registered in Gene Bank. Clear plaques were observed after 3-6 days of incubation for all prey cells. The CFU enumerations of all preys were decreased after 48 hrs in co-cultures and raw wastewater. Also, OD was decreased down to 0.2 nm after 48 hrs. Conclusion: These autochthonous Bdellovibrio strains are proposed to use for bio-control of Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria in wastewater and reuse it for irrigation in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pharmaceutical and hygienic productivity of wastewater containing pollutants, especially heavy metals such as nickel, andmercury are brought into the nature. Recently, bio-removal of heavy metals has attracted significant attention as an eco-friendly approach for the research departments of the pharmaceutical companies. In the current study, removal of heavy metals including mercury and nickel was assessed using isolatediron-oxidizing bacteria from different sources. To this end, bacterial populations were isolated from a variety of aquatic ecosystems; including Mahallat Pond, mountainous rivers, iron industry wastewater, and treated industrial wastewater. The bacteria were cultured and purified in iron-oxidizing media after which the removal of mercury and nickel was measured through culturing the isolated bacteria in 3 different media of Luria-Bertani, PHGII, and iron-oxidizing media containing the heavy metals (2 ppm). The results proved LB as a suitable medium for all the isolated bacteria in removing the heavy metals.It was shown that approximately 100% of the mercury was removed through the bacterial cultured in LB medium. The removal of nickel also reached its maximum of 30% by bacterial culture in LB medium. Then, the phylogenetic study according to 16S rDNA gene sequences showed thatthe isolated bacteria from iron industry wastewater was Bacillus velezensis CR-502 (T).In summary, this study demonstrated the impressive ability of these bacteria for mercury removal and theeffects of different mediaon the removal of mercury and nickel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Serralysin is an extracellular metalloprotease from Serratia marcescens which has been the subject of extensive biological investigations. The goal of this study was to extract and purify serralysin from S. marcescens and to investigate its cytotoxic activity on the colorectal cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: The presence of the serralysin gene was confirmed using PCR. The supernatant of bacterial culture was collected and precipitated using ammonium sulfate. The precipitated protein was dialyzed and subjected to ion exchange chromatography for further purification. Casein assay and skim milk assay was used to confirm the enzymatic activity. SDSPAGE was used to visualize the presence of serralysin. Metalloprotease inhibition activity was performed using 50 mM EDTA. Cytotoxic activity of serralysin was assessed on MTT assay. Results: The PCR product corresponding to serralysin was estimated to be approximately 1500 bp. A transparent zone around the bacterial colonies on skim milk agar and casein digestion confirmed the proteolytic activity of serralysin. A 52 kDa band in SDS-PAGE corresponding to serralysin was observed before and after purification processes. MTT assay showed IC50 values 24.78 μg/ml and 19.16 μg/ml after 24 h and 48 h exposure of Caco-2 cells to serralysin, respectively. Conclusion: Our results showed that native serralysin has anticancer potential and may be a candidate for further pharmaceutical research and development. Further in vivo and in vitro mechanistic studies are suggested to confirm the biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota is the complex community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals, including insects. The relationship between gut microbiota and human health is mutualistic and altered bacterial compositions in fecal and mucosal specimens of colon in patients with cancer compared to healthy subjects were observed. Thereby, studying the gut microbiota, their interactions with the host and their alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients could be helpful to diagnose and treat the disease in earlier stages. In CRC research, the most common samples are feces and tumor tissues. Interestingly, scientists have quite different views regarding gut microbiota composition of feces and tissues. Some believe bacterial populations in feces and mucosa are completely distinct and differ in composition and diversity while some others declare similar variations. Actually, both types of specimens have some advantages and disadvantages in survey of gut microbiota. Fecal samples serve as a noninvasive approach for screening tests while mucosal associated samples are more powerful for identification of bacteria with adenoma and CRC initiation and growth. Here we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of two type of specimens in CRC investigations and also discussed the similarities and differences of microbial composition between stool and tissue specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: One of the most important antibiotic-resistant bacteria is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm that has caused significant problems in treating the patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of expression of genes involved in biofilm formation in MRSA (ATCC 33591) while being treated by a combination of Artemisia aucheri and Artemisia oliveriana. Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ethanolic extract of A. aucheri and A. oliveriana and also the minimum inhibitory concentration of combination of both extracts were 512, 1024 and 256 μg/ml, respectively; then at concentrations lower than the MIC, expression levels of the desired genes were determined by Real Time PCR. Results: Based on results, using a combination of two ethanolic extracts had a significant effect on expression of genes involved in biofilm formation in MRSA. The expression level of icaA at 4, 8, 16 h after being treated by herbal extracts of A. aucheri and A. oliveriana was 0.293, 0.121, 0.044, respectively. The expression level of icaD was 0.285, 0.097, 0.088, respectively, while that of ebps was 0.087, 0.042, 0.009 at 4, 8 and 16 h, respectively. Conclusion: This study provided evidence that ethanol extract of A. oliveriava and A. aucheri can inhibit the biofilm formation of S. aureus. As a traditional Iranian medicine, A. oliveriava and A. aucheri extracts have a potential antibiofilm formation against MRSA strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research focused on the detection of nanobacteria in kidney stones of 30 Iranian patients without adding fetal bovine serum (FBS) to the culture media. Materials and Methods: Nanobacteria were isolated from a nephro-ureterolithiasis extract of the urinary tract and kidney of patients and were cultured in the laboratory. The growth of nanobacteria was monitored using a spectro- photometer, and with inverted microscopy technique, their crystallization was analyzed after two days. The images from atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the morphology and demonstrated the size of the cultured nanobacteria which is between 60 and 160 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the chemical composition, surface functional groups and crystal structure of the igloo-like nanobacteria shell. FTIR spectra in the region of 1000 to 1200 cm-1 and the XRD peaks provided evidence that the main components of the nanobacteria shell were apatite-based compounds. Results: Nanobacteria infected all the 27 patients with apatite kidney stone, and none of the three patients who had uric acid kidney stone were infected as confirmed by the cultivation of the stones samples. The results showed that nanobacteria might play a fundamental role in the formation of apatite-based kidney stones. Conclusion: The biomineralization ability of nanobacteria may lead to calcification of the soft tissues, which in turn may result in other diseases. It is also suggested that nanobacteria may be a factor in calcification-related diseases and disorders with poorly characterized etiologies. This research with its different approaches, clarified significant doubts that nanobacteria act as contaminant, warranting continued investigation of its role in other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]