Search

Background and objectives: Current leishmaniasis treatment shows limitations such as side effects, low efficacy, and resistance. Thymus species are well-known as medicinal plants. This study evaluated antileishmanial efficacy and cytotoxicity of Thymus kotschyanus hydroalcoholic extract in in vitro experiments. Methods: Aerial parts of T. kotschyanus were extracted by maceration method with 70% ethanol. The hydroalcoholic extract was evaluated against Leishmania major promastigote and amastigote stages by directly counting the number of parasites in a macrophage model. Cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated by MTT assay. The infectivity rate and amastigote numbers in macrophages were determined compared to control and glucantime (as a reference drug) groups. Results: The crude extract inhibited the growth of promastigotes and amastigotes with the highest effect observed at 48 h. The IC50 values of T. kotschyanus on uninfected macrophages were 381.8 and 392.9 μg/mL at 48 and 72 hours, respectively. The extract of 300 and 350 μg/mL showed a significant reduction in the percentage of infected macrophages (p=0.042, p=0.001, respectively) and intra-macrophage amastigote numbers (p

Abstract Background Due to the increasing emergence of antibiotic resistance in Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), it indicated as potentially opportunistic pathogen causing various healthcare-associated and life-threatening diseases around the world. Objective The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the weighted pooled resistance rates in clinical E. faecalis isolates based on over time, areas, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and infection source. Methods We searched the studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (November 30, 2022). All statistical analyses were carried out using the statistical package R. Results The analysis encompassed a total of 74 studies conducted in 28 countries. According to the meta-regression, the chloramphenicol, fosfomycin, imipenem, linezolid, minocycline, norfloxacin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, and tetracycline resistance rate increased over time. Analysis revealed statistically significant differences in antibiotic resistance rates for ampicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, penicillin, rifampicin, teicoplanin, tetracycline, and vancomycin across various countries. Conclusions Globally, the prevalence of drug resistant E. faecalis strains are on the increase over time. Daptomycin and tigecycline can be an effective agent for the treatment of clinical E. faecalis infections. Considering the low prevalence of antibiotic resistance in continents of Europe and Australia, it is suggested to take advantage of their preventive strategies in order to obtain efficient results in other places with high prevalence of resistance.

Background: Heart transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage heart failure. This study investigated the intra-operative risk factors affecting post-transplantation mortality.Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study examined 239 heart transplant patients over eight years, from 2011-2019, at the oldest dedicated cardiovascular center, Shahid Rajaee Hospital (Tehran, Iran). The primary evaluated clinical outcomes were rejection, readmission, and mortality one month and one year after transplantation. For data analysis, univariate logistic regression analyses were conducted.Results: In this study, 107 patients (43.2%) were adults, and 132 patients (56.8%) were children. Notably, reoperation due to bleeding was a significant predictor of one-month mortality in both children (OR=7.47, P=0.006) and adults (OR=172.12, P

Abstract Background Leishmaniasis as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) is caused by the inoculation of Leishmania parasites via the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. After an infected bite, a series of innate and adaptive immune responses occurs, among which neutrophils can be mentioned as the initiators. Among the multiple functions of these fighting cells, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were studied in the presence of Leishmania major promastigotes and salivary gland homogenates (SGH) of Phlebotomus papatasi alone, and in combination to mimic natural conditions of transmission. Material & methods The effect of L. major and SGH on NETs formation was studied in three different groups: neutrophils + SGH (NS), neutrophils + L. major (NL), neutrophils + L. major + SGH (NLS) along with negative and positive controls in 2, 4 and 6 h post-incubation. Different microscopic methods were used to visualize NETs comprising: fluorescence microscopy by Acridine Orange/ Ethidium Bromide staining, optical microscopy by Giemsa staining and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the expression level of three different genes NE, MPO and MMP9 was evaluated by Real-Time PCR. Results All three microscopical methods revealed similar results, as in NS group, chromatin extrusion as a sign of NETosis, was not very evident in each three time points; but, in NL and especially NLS group, more NETosis was observed and the interaction between neutrophils and promastigotes in NL and also with saliva in NLS group, gradually increased over times. Real-time reveals that, the expression of MPO, NE and MMP9 genes increased during 2 and 4 h after exposure, and then decreased at 6 h in most groups. Conclusion Hence, it was determined that the simultaneous presence of parasite and saliva in NLS group has a greater impact on the formation of NETs compared to NL and NS groups.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most prevalent microsporidia species, responsible for more than 90% of human and animal microsporidiosis. Microsporidia species, particularly E. bieneusi, are frequently reported from waterborne and foodborne outbreaks. Therefore, early detection is crucial in clinics and outbreak investigations. This study aimed to design a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid detection of E. bieneusi. Total DNA was extracted from 30 E. bieneusi –positive samples, which had been confirmed with nested PCR. LAMP primers were designed based on the identical fragment of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. LAMP reactions were performed at 63 °C for 60 min. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were analyzed and the results of amplification were compared to real-time PCR. Our results showed that the LAMP assay successfully amplified 25/30 (83.3%) samples. The specificity results indicated no false positive with other microorganisms. Furthermore, the LAMP method exhibited a sensitivity (limit of detection, LoD) as low as 34 ag/μL of total DNA. Compared to the LAMP assay, real-time PCR was able to detect all 30 nested PCR-positive samples. Our findings showed that the LAMP assay was able to detect 83.3% of E. bieneusi-positive samples. Although the current assay was not able to detect all nested PCR-positive samples, the lack of need for specific instruments, rapid processes, and high specificity makes LAMP assay a suitable tool for screening.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Vitamin D levels and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) such as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and angina.Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected as part of the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing (NeLSA) between 2016 and 2018. The effect of Vitamin D on CVDs was analyzed in conjunction with socioeconomic and medical history variables. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and logistic regression in the R.Results: Vitamin D levels were evaluated in 3414 participants (1527 men and 1889 women), with over two-thirds of participants showing insufficiency or deficiency of Vitamin D. Among them, 362 participants had self-reported diagnosed CADs. The study did not find a significant association between serum 25OH Vitamin D levels and the risk of CADs. Adjusted logistic regression revealed that male gender was a risk factor for MI (OR=4.7; 95% CI: 3.125-6), stroke (OR=1.75; 95% CI: 1.08-2.85), and angina (OR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.03-2.7). Additionally, having one or more medical conditions other than hypertension and diabetes was associated with angina (OR=7.14; 95% CI: 3.7-14.7), MI (OR=5; 95% CI: 2.97-8.3), and stroke (OR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-4.7). Participants aged over 70 years were more likely to experience angina (OR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.36-4.5) and stroke (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.35-4.5).Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. While the protective role of Vitamin D against CADs was not supported in this study, it does not discount the potential benefits of Vitamin D supplementation for overall health in older individuals.

Abstract Background Spontaneous miscarriage, a leading health concern globally, often occurs due to various factors, including infections. Among these, Coxiella burnetii and Brucella spp. may have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. While previous research has established a link between infections and spontaneous miscarriage, our study aimed specifically to investigate the presence of these two pathogens in abortion samples from women who experienced spontaneous miscarriages in Iran. Our study can add to the existing knowledge by focusing on Iran, a region with a high prevalence of C. burnetii and Brucella spp. As a result, it could provide a better understanding and unique insights into the relationship of these pathogens with spontaneous miscarriages in endemic regions. Methods From March 2021 to March 2022, a total of 728 abortion samples (including placenta and cotyledon) were collected from 409 women who had experienced spontaneous miscarriages in the provinces of Tehran, Fars, and West Azerbaijan in Iran. The specimens included 467 Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) and 261 fresh frozen samples. After DNA extraction from abortion samples, the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay targeted a specific fragment of the IS1111 and IS711 elements for molecular identification of C. burnetii and Brucella spp., respectively. Furthermore, the qPCR assay employing specific primers for different species was used to determine the species of Brucella. Results Among the studied women, 1 out of 409 (0.24%) samples tested positive for Brucella spp., specifically Brucella melitensis. There were no positive specimens for C. burnetii. Conclusions Our study contributes to understanding the potential involvement of Brucella species in spontaneous infectious abortion within endemic regions. The identification of B. melitensis in this study highlights the need for further research in this area. However, while our results suggest a relatively low or zero identification of these pathogens in our sample population, this does not rule out the possibility of undetected infections. Therefore, it is critical to acknowledge the limitations of the molecular techniques used (qPCR), which may have potential limitations such as sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, because 64.15% of our samples were FFPE, the sensitivity of the qPCR test may be reduced. These raise concerns about the accuracy of the reported prevalence rates and the potential for false positives or negatives.

This case study describes the library's experience of collaborating with an undergraduate Psychology Department at Touro College to integrate open textbooks into their program. We discuss the pedagogical changes as well as explore the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) on students' savings, their academic outcomes and perceptions of OER. Furthermore, we highlight the successes and shortcomings in having the library as a central OER partner. To measure the results, we surveyed students and conducted a faculty survey and a focus group, in addition to analyzing the students' final grades. This pilot program delivered strong results. The students' perception was very positive, and faculty's opinions on the textbooks used were mixed. Some professors felt that the textbook lacked important content, but because of its openness, they added their own content to the book. Students enrolled in OER courses performed better than those enrolled in the same courses using a commercial textbook.

Advancements in material science and engineering, especially in the field of porous nanomaterials lead to new types of therapeutics and technologies. Among different types of porous nanomaterials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been considered the most promising inorganic nanomaterials due to their significant stability and ease of functionalization. To date, very limited research has been done on developing nanocomposites based on MOFs and MXenes. The current experiment has been performed to design a novel UiO-66 MOF and MXene nanocomposite, modified with Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) leaf extracts for co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX)/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). The synthesis procedure was completed with the assistance of a high-gravity system and a rotating packed bed (RPB) device for the first time, and the characterization results showed the successful synthesis of the nanomaterials. Based on the drug release and loading results, the DOX payload efficiency of about 46% was recorded, and sustained drug release at acidic pH values (same as the cancerous cells) was observed. However, the presence of leaf extracts slowed down the drug release and have a minor effect on the release profiles, the cellular internalization results on the MCF-7 and HT-29 cell lines showed considerably dependent images. The gene transfections result by using two nanosystems of UiO-66@MXene@RO@DOX@pCRISPR, and UiO-66@MXene@RO@DOX@RO@pCRISPR showed about 18.3% and 22.1% transfection efficiency on the A549 cell lines. Those results showed no heavily dependent results on the presence or absence of the leaf extracts. Therefore, this study revealed that the green modification of nanocomposites does have a major effect only on the cellular internalizations of DOX, rather than CRISPR.

Background: Thyroid nodule is a common finding of the endocrine system. Despite thyroid nodules in most cases being symptom-free and mostly benign, there are always malignancy risks. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of types of thyroid nodules according to histopathology characteristics in Ahvaz hospitals. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on patients with thyroid nodules with histopathological diagnosis referred to the educational hospitals of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and private endocrine clinics in Ahvaz from 2018 to 2021. Demographic characteristics, clinical history, histopathological results, ultrasonographic findings, and the presence of lymphadenopathy were collected from the patient’s medical records. Results: A total of 380 patients with thyroid nodules with a mean age of 41.2 ± 12.28 years, 79.37% of whom were female were included in the study. A total of 267 (70/3%) cases were benign. Malignancy was found in 113 (29.7%) patients in which papillary thyroid cancer was the commonest histological diagnosis (n = 99; 87.61%). Age between 30 and 45 years (P = 0.001), bilateral involvement (P = 0.028), nodules size (P = 0.004), and lymph node involvement (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with malignancy of thyroid nodules. However, there was no significant relationship between malignancy with gender (P = 0.450), BMI (P = 0.258), and history of head and neck radiotherapy (P = 0.200). There was no significant relationship between high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the type of malignancy (P = 0.059). Conclusion: Malignant thyroid nodules were associated with factors including age between 30 and 40 years, bilateral nodules, and lymphadenopathy. Therefore, it is important to consider these risk factors in the management and risk assessment of thyroid nodules.

Nowadays, convolution/superposition(C/S) is used to calculate absorbed dose distribution by using the absorbed dose kernel(ADK). ADK describes the absorbed dose distribution per number of interaction at a small volume around the point of photon interaction. The purpose of this study is to calculate ADK and investigate its angular and radial behavior. In this study, ADK is calculated in a homogeneous water phantom in the polar coordinates by using the Monte Carlo Geant4 toolkit for monoenergetic photons with energies in the range 0.3MeV-5MeV. To study accurately, ADK is divided into several groups in order of produced charged particle set in motion at each photon interaction. Our result shows ADK rapidly decreases as the polar angle, with respect to the incident photon direction, is increased. As the radial distance from the interaction point increases, ADK is raised and then strongly decreased. ADK is symmetrically distributed around the point of interaction for low incident photon energy while forward distributed for high incident energy photons.

Background: The great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), is widely distributed in Asia and is a natural reservoir for zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in many endemic areas, as well as Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, infection to Leishmania species was investigated by two methods, parasitological and molecular survey, in the small number of R. opimus collected from Jovain, a Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL) focus located in North East of Iran. Results: Parasitological observation showed infection in only one of five rodents. But, ITS2-Nested-PCR revealed Leishmania infection in three out of 5 gerbils, including the parasitological positive one. Based on the PCR amplified size, two cases of infections were Leishmania major and one Leishmania turanica, their sequences are accessible in GenBank. The results of sequence analysis were consistent with the results obtained based on the size of the PCR. Conclusion: These findings re-confirm the important role of R. opimus in the natural circulation of Leishmania spp and indicate the need to be concerned about the disease in the study area.

Background: Immune cells and their secreted cytokines are known as the first barrier against pathogens. Leishmania major as an intracellular protozoan produces anti-inflammatory cytokines that lead to proliferation and survival of the parasite in the macrophages. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate mRNAs expression. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the expression of TGF-β and a bioinformatically candidate miRNA, in leishmaniasis as a model of TGF-β overexpression. Methods: The miRNAs that target TGF-β -3´UTR were predicted and scored by bioinformatic tools. After cloning of TGF-β-3'UTR in psi-CHECK TM- 2 vector, targeting validation was confirmed using Luciferase assay. After miRNA mimic transfection, the expression of miR-27a, TGF-β, as well as Nitric Oxide concentration was evaluated. Results: miR-27a received the highest score for targeting TGF-β in bioinformatic predictions. Luciferase assay confirmed that miR-27a is targeting TGF-β-3'UTR, since miR-27a transfection decreased the luciferase activity. After miRNA transfection, TGF-β expression and Nitric Oxide concentration were declined in L. major infected macrophages. Conclusion: Bioinformatic prediction, luciferase assay, and miRNA transfection results showed that miR-27a targets TGF-β. Since miRNA and cytokine-base therapies are developing in infectious diseases, finding and validating miRNAs targeting regulatory cytokines can be a novel strategy for controlling and treating leishmaniasis.

Abstract Leishmaniasis is one of the main infectious diseases worldwide. In the midst of all the different forms of the disease, Cutaneous Leishmania (CL) has the highest incidence in the world. Many trial vaccines have been developed with the purpose of generating long-term cell-mediated immunity to Leishmania(L) major. As there is not any multi-epitope DNA vaccine with high efficacy against L.major, the aim of this study is to design a new multi-epitope DNA vaccine in order to have effective control upon this infectious disease through the immune bioinformatics. The L.major antigens: Gp63, LACK, TSA, LmSTI1and KMP11 were selected to design a multi-epitope DNA vaccine. The initial structure of the DNA vaccine was designed, benefiting from Gen Bank's website information. Epitopes of MHC-I antigens were predicted through the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), and the selected epitopes were used to make vaccines construct along with linkers. New multi-epitope vaccine including 459 nucleic acids designed, and inserted between BamH1 and HindIII restriction sites of pCDNA3.1 mammalian expression vector. 12 epitopes among the chosen antigens were selected by two servers (IEDB and ANTIGEN). They had high stability and high antigenic power. Physicochemical features of vaccine measured by ProtParam server, and this structure was thermostable and hydrophilic. it’s a suitable model to study on the animal and human phases. The designed vaccine is expected to be an effective candidate through development of (CL) vaccines. However, the effectiveness of this vaccine should also evaluate in vivo model.

Arthroscopy procedures for the knee are excellent and tend to be outpatient procedures. Pain control after arthroscopic surgery is an important aspect of patient satisfaction and quicker return to daily activities following surgery. The objective of this article was to review the current literature regarding pain management after knee arthroscopy using intra-articular (IA) injections. Our goal in this article is to review the drugs that have been suggested in various articles for IA injections following knee arthroscopy to control pain. In conclusion, the current evidence suggests that combining IA lidocaine and morphine with tranexamic acid (TXA), in addition to ketorolac, is effective for pain relief after arthroscopic knee surgery.