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Background Aspergillus species are the reason for the wide range of infections especially invasive fungal infections. The aim of this study was defined to evaluate the antifungal activity of plants and compounds including thyme, Aloevera, Thyme, carvacrol, and nano-encapsulation of carvacrol on growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. Methods and Results The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of extracts, carvacrol, nanocarvacrol, and fluconazole as control were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) by serial microdilution method. Then, the effect of inhibitory concentrations of the studied compounds on the amount of aflatoxin B1 production was evaluated by real time PCR and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Our results indicate that the Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavusare sensitive to selected plants and compounds. Conclusion our result showed that we can be used the extracts of plants and their compounds with the help of nanotechnology to control the production of aflatoxin.

Background: Candida albicans as an opportunistic fungus is one of the most important causes of late-onset morbidity and mortality in patients with major burns and severely impaired immune system. In recent years, the emergence of resistance to opportunistic fungi and toxicity of antimicrobial drugs make it necessary to develop new drugs. Methods: In the present study, we investigated anticandidal effects of indolicidin, as a representative of host defense peptide, conjugated with gold nanoparticles in fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of C. albicans. After characterizing the conjugation of indolicidin using biophysical methodologies, the cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of the nanocomplex were examined. In addition, the expression level of ERG11, responsible for antifungal resistance, and the immunomodulatory effect of peptide-nanomaterial conjugates were assessed. Results: Our data indicated that the nanocomplex was nontoxic for the fibroblast cells and erythrocytes. Treatment with the nanocomplex significantly reduced the expression levels of the ERG11 gene in fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates and the iNOS gene in macrophages. Conclusion: The study data provides a chance to develop innovative therapies for the treatment of C. albicans burn infections. However, further investigation is required to examine the efficiency of the nanocomplex.

Chitosan (CS) is a polycation with a pka of about 6.3 with a charge density dependent on pH and the %DA-value which can interact with polyanions to form complex and gels. Nanoparticles (CNPs) in addition can increase the antifungal potential of bioactive compounds like essential oils by increasing cellular interactions between them and the fungal as a result of the very small size that enhances cellular uptake. In this study, was set to investigate the encapsulation of the Gymnema sylvestre essential oils (G.EOs) using Chitosan and Myrestic acid made Nanogel in order to enhance its antifungal activity and stability to the oil against C. albicans strain (ATCC 10231). To procedure this, the self-assembled process of Chitosan and Myrestic acid Nanogel (CS-MA) through the 1- ethyl - 3- (3 dimethyl aminoprophyl) carbodiimide (EDC) was designed. Its physicochemical properties were determined by Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and microscopic methods by Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 18.7 to 37.5 µg/ml and 2.3 to 4.6 µg/ml and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) at 75 µg/ml and 5.38 µg/ml using by broth micro dilution (BMD) method for G. sylvestre oils (G.EOs) and oil-loaded Nanogels (G.OLNPs) were measurement. The susceptibility of C. albicans biofilm to fractions was examined by 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[8phenylamino) carbonyl] - 2H - tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) quantitatively.The concentration of G.OLNPs required to inhibit 50 % biofilm formation was 4.68 µg/ml, while that to remove 90 % biofilm growth was 18.07 µg/ml. In addition, it was observed that cell uptake of G.OLNPs was much higher compared with free G.EOs. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed to determine the effect of sub-MIC concentrations of G.EOs and G.OLNPs on expression of the biofilm–related gene ALS1 / ALS3, and indicated the G.OLNPs down-regulated the expression of hypha-specific gene ALS3. Furthermore, the data strongly suggested that G.OLNPs more effective suppressed C. albicans planktonic cells and reduction biofilm biomass.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease. In patients with lung tissue damage, fungal colonization leads to persistent infection. It is expected for there to be an association between fungal agents and etiology of IPF. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and molecular identification of fungal species isolated from IPF patients for the first time in Iran. Also, in vitro anti-fungal susceptibility testing of isolates was demonstrated. Methods: Forty nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were obtained from Iranian patients with IPF, who were diagnosed by a sophisticated practitioner from year 2015 to 2016 (Tehran, Iran). Direct examination of samples was carried out using hydroxide potassium (KOH) for detection of fungal elements. The specimens were cultured on Sabauroud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium. Conventional methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, were carried out for identification of fungal species. Indeed, antifungal susceptibility testing of yeast isolates was conducted according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI M27- S3 and S4) protocol. The data was analysed using SPSS sofware version 20. Results: Of 40 IPF patients, 22 (55%) were female and 18 (45%) were male. Seven (17.5%) of IPF patients were positive for fungal species as follows; four (10%) Candida albicans (C. albicans), two (5%) Candida glabrata (C. glabrata), and one (2.5%) Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) were identified using the culture and PCR technique. A significant correlation was found between C. albicans colonization in upper respiratory system tract and presence of underlying disease in IPF patients (P < 0.05). Antifungal susceptibility testing showed that all C. albicans isolates were resistant to itraconazole, whereas three (75%) C. albicans were resistant to amphoterecin B. It was found that three (75%) and one (25%) C. albicans isolate were susceptible dose dependantly and resistant to fluconazole, respectively. Morever, C. glabrata isolates were resistant to fluconazole, itraconazole, and amphotricin B. Conclusions: Taken together, fungal species were detected in 17.5% of IPF patients. Resistance of Candida species to antifungal agents is growing, therefore isolation, identification, and antifungal susceptibility testing of fungal elements in IPF patients are necessary for appropriate treatment. However, determining an association between the fungal agents and devasting form of pulmonary fibrosis requires further investigation in the future.

Over the last decade, communication industries have witnessed a tremendous expansion, while, the biological effects of electromagnetic waves have not been fully elucidated. Current study aimed at evaluating the mutagenic effect of long-term exposure to 900-MHz radiation on alpha-Int1 gene sequences of Candida albicans. A standard 900MHz radiation generator was used for radiation. 10ml volumes from a stock suspension of C. albicans were transferred into 10 polystyrene tubes. Five tubes were exposed at 4°C to a fixed magnitude of radiation with different time periods of 10, 70, 210, 350 and 490h. The other 5 tubes were kept far enough from radiation. The samples underwent genomic DNA extraction. PCR amplification of alpha-Int1 gene sequence was done using one set of primers. PCR products were resolved using agarose gel electrophoresis and the nucleotide sequences were determined. All samples showed a clear electrophoretic band around 441bp and further sequencing revealed the amplified DNA segments are related to alpha-Int1 gene of the yeast. No mutations in the gene were seen in radiation exposed samples. Long-term exposure of the yeast to mobile phone radiation under the above mentioned conditions had no mutagenic effect on alpha-Int1 gene sequence.

Background: Candida albicans as an opportunistic fungus is one of the most important causes of late-onset morbidity and mortality in patients with major burns and severely impaired immune system. In recent years, the emergence of resistance to opportunistic fungi and toxicity of antimicrobial drugs make it necessary to develop new drugs. Methods: In the present study, we investigated anticandidal effects of indolicidin, as a representative of host defense peptide, conjugated with gold nanoparticles in fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of C. albicans. After characterizing the conjugation of indolicidin using biophysical methodologies, the cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of the nanocomplex were examined. In addition, the expression level of ERG11, responsible for antifungal resistance, and the immunomodulatory effect of peptide-nanomaterial conjugates were assessed. Results: Our data indicated that the nanocomplex was nontoxic for the fibroblast cells and erythrocytes. Treatment with the nanocomplex significantly reduced the expression levels of the ERG11 gene in fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates and the iNOS gene in macrophages. Conclusion: The study data provides a chance to develop innovative therapies for the treatment of C. albicans burn infections. However, further investigation is required to examine the efficiency of the nanocomplex.

Background: Invasive aspergillosis (IA), a serious and fatal disease, is caused by numerous opportunistic fungi including Aspergillus species. Lack of early diagnosis and delay in treatment lead to the rapid spread of the infection and relapse, increase treatment costs, and ultimately cause death. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the presence of Aspergillus species by Galactomannan EIA (GM) and TaqMan q PCR methods. Methods: Fluid samples of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were collected from 89 patients, who were at risk for IA and underwent a bronchoscopy at Shariati hospital in Tehran, Iran. The specimens were examined using direct examination, culture methods, and GM and TaqMan real-time PCR. Results: A total of 23 samples were found to be positive in direct examination, 7 were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, and 11 were positive as A. flavus in culture assays, 27 were GM positive, and 29 were positive with PAN Aspergillus probe. Moreover, 7 samples were positive with A. fumigatus probe and 11 were positive with A. flavus probe. Negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and specificity for a ≥ 1.0 BAL GM level were 98.4%, 94.4%, 62.9%, and 85.9%, respectively, and were 100% for TaqMan Real time PCR. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that TaqMan real- time PCR has a great value for detection of Aspergillus species in BAL specimen. Since early diagnosis has been highly considered to prevent the occurrence of drug resistance and mortality rate, it is necessary to use this method directly to detect Aspergillus species in BAL or blood specimens without culture. On the other hand, Galactomannan assay with a 98.4% NPV could be used to screen the patients with suspected invasive aspergillosis. Additionally, due to the lack of need for specialized devices, an appropriate diagnostic technique should be used in laboratories that do not have access to specialized procedures.

Objectives To assess the prevalence of anemia and VulvoVaginal Candidiasis (VVC) in women before and 3 months after copper Intra Uterine Device (IUD) insertion. Methods Longitudinal prospective study was performed with 101 women aged 15–45 year who wanted to use the IUD at six health centers in Tehran, Iran from November 2011 to August 2012. The pattern of bleeding, Hemoglobin and Hematocirt levels, and Candida colony count/cultures in the women were assessed before and after 3 months of IUD insertion. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and analytical statistics using the SPSS software for Windows. Results At the end of 3 months, a significant increase in menstrual blood loss and a significant decrease of Hb and HCT ( P = 0.047 and 0.001, respectively) were reported. Moreover, no difference in the prevalence of anemia before and after IUD insertion was observed. The mean ± SD Candida colony counts significantly increased ( P = 0.001), but positive Candida cultures were not significantly different before and 3 months after IUD insertion. Also, no clinical VVC was reported 3 months after IUD insertion. While BMI ≥ 29 had a positive relationship with Candida colony counts, the results remained unchanged after adjusting for potential risk factors. Conclusions Despite an increase in bleeding and Candida colony counts in copper IUD users in this study, clinical VVC or anemia cases were not increased, which indicates relative safety of this contraception method. The study findings can be helpful to healthcare professionals and midwives to counsel women who want to start using IUD and also current users who are contemplating IUD removal due to its complications.

We assessed the effect of β-Glucan on macrophages by Griess reagent and viability by MTT assay and cytotoxicity. Assay of macrophages culture supernatants were carried out on WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cell line as tumor necrosis factor-α bioassay were done. NO release was increased at the dose of 10 µg/ml (P = 0.001) of β-Glucan while the viability of macrophages in all concentrations was the same. In TNF-α bioassay, the supernatant of macrophages stimulated with β-Glucan had a significant cytotoxic effect on WEHI-164 cells (P = 0.023). β-Glucan had a positive effect on increasing tumoricidal activity of macrophages which may help in anti-cancer immune responses.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of the copper intrauterine device (IUD) TCu-380A, on copper and zinc serum levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS This longitudinal study enrolled 121 women attending Health Centres in Tehran between November 2011 and August 2012. A blood sample was obtained before use and three months after insertion of a TCu-380A IUD. Serum levels of copper and zinc were measured for the 101 women who had completed three months with the device in situ. Analyses of change included paired t-tests, McNemar tests and linear regression. RESULTS Significant elevations in mean serum levels were found for both copper (170.22 μg/dl at three months vs.160.40 μg/dl at baseline, p = 0.034) and zinc (107.67 μg/dl at three months vs. 94.61 μg/dl at baseline, p < 0.001) three months after IUD insertion. CONCLUSIONS A slight, but significant increase in copper serum levels, not reaching toxic levels, was observed three months after TCu-380A IUD insertion. Zinc levels too had risen significantly, which was quite unexpected, and warrants further investigation.

Aims: Today, bacterial biofilms contribute to 65% of nosocomial infections worldwide. One of the most commonpathogens that can form biofilm is Pseudomonas aeroginusa. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate theantimicrobial effects of catechin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on planktonic and biofilm cells of P.aeruginosa standard strain.Methodology and results: Standard strains of P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) were cultivated in nutrient agar medium for24 h at 37 °C. The MICs values of EDTA, catechin and imipenem antibiotics on P. aeruginosa were determined withmicro dilution test. Then, the biofilm of this bacterium was grown and finally the influences of these agents on biofilminhibition were evaluated by colorimetric MTT and ATPase release assays. One way analyses of variance and thenFisher's least significant difference test were carried out to compare the different groups. The MIC values of catechinand EDTA on P. aeruginosa were 7.24 and 24.92 (μg/mL), respectively. Colorimetric assay with MTT showed thatEDTA, and catechin inhibited biofilm formation significantly. ATPase assay indicated that the amount of released ATPfrom EDTA and catechin groups were significantly lower than the control group. Also, there was a significant differencebetween the EDTA and catechin groups with respect to the amount of the released ATP.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Our findings showed that EDTA and catechin can inhibit the growth ofplanktonic and biofilm cells of P. aeruginosa. From the results of the present study, we suggest using these agents toreduce or inhibit bacterial contamination of medical devices.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin produced in cereals due to fungal infection. This study was conducted to determine FB1 contamination of rice and corn samples and its relationship with the rate of esophageal cancer (EC) in a high risk area in northeastern Iran.In total, 66 rice and 66 corn samples were collected from 22 geographical subdivisions of Golestan province of Iran. The levels of FB1 were measured for each subdivision by thin layer and high pressure liquid chromatographies. The mean level of FB1 and the proportions of FB1 contaminated samples were compared between low and high EC-risk areas of the province.The mean of FB1 levels in corn and rice samples were 223.6 and 21.6 μg/g, respectively. FB1 contamination was found in 50% and 40.9% of corn and rice samples, respectively. FB1 level was significantly higher in rice samples obtained from high EC-risk area (43.8 μg/g) than those obtained from low risk area (8.93 μg/g) (p-value=0.01). The proportion of FB1 contaminated rice samples was also significantly greater in high (75%) than low (21.4%) EC-risk areas (p-value=0.02).We found high levels of FB1 contamination in corn and rice samples from Golestan province of Iran, with a significant positive relationship between FB1 contamination in rice and the risk of EC. Therefore, fumonisin contamination in commonly used staple foods, especially rice, may be considered as a potential risk factor for EC in this high risk region.

Background: A cluster of genes are involved in the pathogenesis and adhesion of Candida albicans to mucosa and epithelial cells in the vagina, the important of which is agglutinin-like sequence ( ALS ) genes. As well as vaginitis is a significant health problem among women, the antifungal resistance of Candida species is continually increasing. This cross-sectional study investigates the expression of ALS1 and ALS3 genes and biofilm formation in C. albicans isolate isolated from vaginitis. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three recognized isolates of C. albicans were collected from women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis in Iran, cultured on sabouraud dextrose agar, and then examined for gene expression. Total messenger RNA (mRNA) extracted from C. albicans isolates and complementary DNA synthesized using reverse transcriptase enzyme. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific primer was used to evaluate the expression of ALS1 and ALS3 through housekeeping ( ACT1 ) genes. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess adherence capacity and biofilm formation in the isolated. Results: Forty isolates (75.8%) expressed ALS1 and 41 isolates (77.7%) expressed ALS3 gene. Moreover, 39 isolates (74%) were positive for both ALS1 and ALS3 mRNA by the RT-PCR. Adherence capability in isolates with ALS1 or ALS3 genes expression was greater than the control group (with any gene expression), besides, it was significantly for the most in the isolates that expressed both ALS1 and ALS3 genes simultaneously. Conclusion: The results attained indicated that there is an association between the expression of ALS1 and ALS3 genes and fluconazole resistance in C. albicans . A considerable percent of the isolates expressing the ALS1 and ALS3 genes may have contributed to their adherence to vagina and biofilm formation.