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Genotyping of Listeria monocytogenes isolates by high-resolution melting curve (HRM) analysis of tandem repeat locus
No full textListeria monocytogenes is responsible for causing listeriosis, a type of food poisoning with high mortality. This bacterium is mainly transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated foods. Detection of L. monocytogenes through molecular methods is crucial for food safety and clinical diagnosis. Present techniques are characterized by low discrimination power and high cost, as well as being time-consuming and taking several days to give the final result. In our study, MLVA-HRM (Multiple-Locus Variable-number tandem repeats Analysis - High-Resolution Melting) was investigated as an alternative method for a fast and precise method for the genotyping of L. monocytogenes isolates. Forty-eight isolates of L. monocytogenes obtained from the microbial bank of Department of Microbiology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, were typed by MLVA-HRM analysis using five Variable Numbers of Tandem Repeat (VNTR) loci. A total of 43 different types were obtained. This research demonstrated the usefulness of the MLVA-HRMA method and its ability to discriminate L. monocytogenes isolates. Since this method is easier and more efficient than existing methods, it can be widely used in food processing plants and diagnostic laboratories as a fast and accurate method.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. on behalf of Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Determination of B and T Cell Epitopes in Neospora caninum Immune Mapped Protein-1 (IMP-1): Implications in Vaccine Design against Neosporosis
No full textPrevention of neosporosis is advantageous for cattle health and productivity. Previously, several vaccine candidates were nominated for vaccination against Neospora caninum. This study was premised on in silico evaluation of N. caninum IMP-1 in order to determine its physicochemical features and immunogenic epitopes. We employed a wide array of network-based tools for the prediction of antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, posttranslational modification (PTM) sites, physicochemical properties, transmembrane domains and signal peptide, secondary and tertiary structures, and intrinsically disordered regions. Also, prediction and screening of potential continuous B cell peptides and those epitopes having stringent affinity to couple with mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) receptors were accomplished. The protein had 393 residues with a molecular weight of 42.71 kDa, representing aliphatic index of 85.83 (thermotolerant) and GRAVY score of -0.447 (hydrophilic). There were 47 PTM sites without a signal peptide in the sequence. Secondary structure comprised mostly of extended strand and helices, followed by coils. The Ramachandran plot of the refined model showed 90.1, 9.9, 0.0, and 0.0 residues in the favored, additional allowed, generously allowed, and disallowed regions, correspondingly. Additionally, various potential B cell (linear and conformational), CTL, and MHC binding epitopes were predicted for N. caninum IMP-1. The findings of the present study could be further directed for next-generation vaccine design against neosporosis
Comorbidities and mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with hematological malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textIntroduction The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It seems that there is an association between blood cancer and an increased risk of severe COVID-19. This study aimed to review the literature reporting the COVID-19 outcomes in patients with hematological malignancies. Material and methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched using the following keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, blood cancer, myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. All the published articles in English from January 1, 2019, until March 10, 2021 were collected and evaluated. Results In total, 53 studies with 2395 patients were included based on inclusion criteria. Most of these studies took place in Spain (14.81), followed by the USA (11.11), China (9.26), and the UK (9.26). More than half of COVID-19 patients with hematological malignancy were male (56.73). Oxygen therapy played an important role in COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, anticoagulant therapies such as enoxaparin and heparin were two great assists for these patients. Fever (74.24), cough (67.64), and fatigue (53.19) were the most reported clinical manifestations. In addition, hypertension and dyslipidemia were the most common comorbidities. The mortality rate due to COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies was 21.34. Conclusion This study demonstrated that hematologic cancer patients were more susceptible to a severe COVID-19 than patients without blood cancer. Thus, the management of COVID-19 in these patients requires much more attention, and their screening should perform regularly
Melatonin in cryopreservation media improves transplantation efficiency of frozen-thawed spermatogonial stem cells into testes of azoospermic mice
No full textBackground Cryostorage of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) is an appropriate procedure for long-term storage of SSCs for fertility preservation. However, it causes damage to cellular structures through overproduction of ROS and oxidative stress. In this study, we examined the protective effect of melatonin as a potent antioxidant in the basic freezing medium to establish an optimal cryopreservation method for SSCs. Methods SSCs were obtained from the testes of neonatal male mice aged 3-6 days. Then, 100 mu M melatonin was added to the basic freezing medium containing DMSO for cryopreservation of SSCs. Viability, apoptosis-related markers (BAX and BCL2), and intracellular ROS generation level were measured in frozen-thawed SSCs before transplantation using the MTT assay, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry, respectively. In addition, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the expression of proliferation (PLZF and GFR alpha 1) and differentiation (Stra8 and SCP3) proteins in frozen-thawed SSCs after transplantation into recipient testes. Results The data showed that adding melatonin to the cryopreservation medium markedly increased the viability and reduced intracellular ROS generation and apoptosis (by decreasing BAX and increasing BCL2) in the frozen-thawed SSCs (p < 0.05). The expression levels of proliferation (PLZF and GFR alpha 1) and differentiation (Stra8 and SCP3) proteins and resumption of spermatogenesis from frozen-thawed SSCs followed the same pattern after transplantation. Conclusions The results of this study revealed that adding melatonin as an antioxidant to the cryopreservation medium containing DMSO could be a promising strategy for cryopreservation of SSCs to maintain fertility in prepubertal male children who suffer from cancer
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 rs2285666 polymorphism and clinical parameters as the determinants of COVID-19 severity in Iranian population
No full textHost genetic factors may be correlated with the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a vital role in viral cell entrance. The current study aimed to evaluate the association of ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphism and clinical parameters with COVID-19 mortality. The ACE2 rs2285666 polymorphism was genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 556 recovered and 522 dead patients. In this study, the frequency of ACE2 rs2285666 CC was significantly higher than TT genotype in dead patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein and the low levels of uric acid, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, real-time PCR Ct values, and ACE2 rs2285666 CC genotype were associated with increased mortality rates after COVID-19. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated a possible link between COVID-19 mortality, clinical parameters, and ACE2 rs2285666 CC. Further research is required to confirm these results
Molecular Epidemiology, Species Distribution, and Zoonotic Importance of the Neglected Meat-Borne Pathogen Sarcocystis spp. in Cattle (Bos taurus): A Global Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
No full textBackground Sarcocystis species are diverse apicomplexan parasites, though only two zoonotic species (S. hominis and S. heydorni) circulate between cattle and humans. Due to the importance of cattle in the human food chain and to prevent the consequences of parasitosis in humans, the first global systematic review and meta-analysis on molecular epidemiology, species distribution, and zoonotic significance of Sarcocystis infection in cattle was performed. Methods For this aim, four international English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) were systematically searched till 20th September 2021, and random-effect models were drawn to calculate total estimates and their 95 confidence intervals (CIs). Results Finally, 44 papers from 21 countries were qualified for this review which examined 8526 cattle regarding Sarcocystis infection, rendering a total prevalence of 62.7 (95 CI 53-71.5). Globally, 12 Sarcocystis spp. have been reported from cattle, including S. cruzi, S. hominis, S. hirsuta, S. rommeli, S. heydorni, S. bovifelis, S. bovini, S. sinensis, S. gigantea, S. fusiformis, S. hjorti and S. tenella. Among them, S. cruzi (37 studies), S. hominis (22 studies) and S. hirsuta (19 studies) were the 3 most common species, with 76.4 (95 CI 64.8-85), 30.2 (95 CI 19.3-44) and 8.7 (95 CI 3.8-18.6), respectively. However, molecular identification was not performed in 48.4 (95 CI 27.3-70.1) of the positive samples. Conclusion Despite the zoonotic significance of Sarcocystis spp., particularly S. hominis, the epidemiology and distribution of Sarcocystis infection in cattle remains unclear and demands more extensive researches around the world
Nurse preceptors' perceptions of benefits, rewards, support, and commitment to the preceptor role in a new preceptorship program
No full textBackground: Nurse preceptorship is a new concept emerging in the Iranian health care system. The purpose of this research was to assess preceptor nurses' perceived benefits, rewards, support, and commitment to the role in a new nurse preceptorship program in Iran and to examine the relationships between these concepts. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was employed, and using total population sampling method, 45 preceptor nurses were recruited from a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Iran. Data were collected using the Preceptor's Perception of Benefits and Rewards Scale, the Preceptor's Perception of Support Scale, and the Commitment to the Preceptor Role Scale. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis were used to analyse data. Results: Preceptors' commitment to their role was positively and moderately associated with their perceived benefits and rewards (r= 0.503, p= 0.001) and perceived support (r= 0.430, p= 0.003). None of the examined demographic and practice variables showed statistically significant association with commitment to the preceptor role. Conclusions: Commitment to the preceptor role was associated with benefits, rewards and support that preceptor nurses perceive in relation to their role. To optimise the effectiveness of nurse preceptorship programs, benefits, rewards, recognition, and support should be integral to planning of these programs
Evaluation of a novel integrated membrane biological aerated filter for water reclamation: A practical experience
No full textThe use of treated wastewater in addition to solving the problem of water shortage, can increase soil fertility and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. We aim to provide a high-quality effluent to feed membrane system, reduce treatment costs and enhance the efficiency of wastewater recycling. All experiments were conducted on a novel integrated membrane biological aerated filter (IMBAF) consisting of a down flow cylindrical biological aerated filter (BAF) filled by silica and a novel sand-coated polystyrene granules (SCP), followed by ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. IMBAF reactor, with 73.6 L volume, was operated for 270 days (in three 90-day stages) with different conditions of returning backwash water. Accordingly, BAF generated high quality water for feeding UF membrane with 94.2, 68, 54.4, 91.2, and 99.95 of turbidity, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), oil and grease (O & G), fecal coliform (FC) removal, respectively. At the end of stage 3, 99.88 of influent was recycled by UF and only 0.12 was disposed of as sludge. The BAF and UF module efficiently promote the quality of water entering RO system. After 75 days of continuous operation, the increase in trans-membrane pressure (TMP) and also decrease in RO membrane permeability were about 14 and 9.4, respectively, indicating low clogging of the membrane. The use of BAF structure designed in this study increases the wastewater recycling rate, decreases membrane clogging and thereby reduces the costs of concentrate disposal and chemical cleaning
Intensity Dependent Effects of Interval Resistance Training on Myokines and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Males With Obesity
No full textObjectiveTo determine the effects of different intensities of interval resistance training (IRT) protocols on the levels of select myokines (decorin, follistatin, myostatin, activin A, transforming growth factor beta-1 TGF-beta 1), and cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity. MethodsForty-four obese males (age: 27.5 +/- 9.4 yr.; height: 165.4 +/- 2.8 cm; weight: 97.9 +/- 2.6 kg and BMI: 35.7 +/- 4.3 kg/m(2)) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n=11 per group): low-intensity interval resistance training (LIIRT), moderate-intensity interval resistance training (MIIRT), high-intensity interval resistance training (HIIRT) or control (C). The LIIRT group performed 10 exercises in 3 sets of 40% (20 repetitions), the MIIRT group performed 10 exercises in three sets of 60% (13 repetitions), and the HIIRT group performed 10 exercises in three sets of 80% (10 repetitions) of one maximum repetition (1RM), which were followed with active rest of 20% of 1RM and 15 repetitions. The resistance training groups exercised ~70 min per session, 3 days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of exercise training. ResultsBaseline levels of myokines, cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometry, body composition, and cardio-respiratory fitness were not different between the four groups (p>0.05). The group x time interactions for decorin, activin A, follistatin, myostatin, and TGF-beta 1, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL), anthropometry, body composition, and cardio-respiratory fitness were statistically significant (p<0.05). There were increases in post-test values for decorin, follistatin, HDL (p<0.05) and decreases in TC, TG, TGF-beta 1, LDL, and myostatin levels in the LIIRT, MIIRT, and HIIRT groups compared to pretest values (p<0.05). Changes in fat mass, VO2peak, HDL, TG, glucose, activin A, decorin were not significant in LIIRT compared to the control group, while changes in activin A, follistatin, and TFG-beta 1 levels were greater in HIIRT and MIIRT groups compared to the LIIRT group (p<0.05). ConclusionThe LIIRT, MIIRT, and HIIRT protocols all produced beneficial changes in decorin, activin A, follistatin, myostatin, and TGF-beta 1 levels, and cardiometabolic risk factors, with greater effects from the MIIRT and HIIRT protocols compared to LIIRT
Prescription trends of disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis in Iran over the past 30 years
No full textBackground: Iran, as a middle income country, is one of the places with high and rising prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Regarding the substantial economic burden, reviewing the trend in prescribed disease modifying treatments (DMTs) could be of help. Here we studied the DMT information of nearly 14000 MS cases and its trends change for 30 years to improve health services to patients.Methods: The population base of this descriptive-analytical (cross-sectional) study consisted of all MS patients in the nationwide MS registry of Iran (NMSRI), up to August 1, 2021. Registrars from 15 provinces, 24 cities, 13 hospitals,8 MS associations, 16 private offices, and 7 clinics had entered the data.Results: Overall, 14316 cases were enrolled. The majority (76.1) were female. The youngest and eldest patients were 5 and 78 years old, respectively. Diagnosis delay was under one year in most cases (median: 0, IQR: 0 - 1). Most (61.4) had RRMS. Generally, platform injectables (IFN beta, glatiramer acetate) were the most used DMTs until 2010. It seems that introduction of newer agents (antiCD20s and oral DMTs) resulted in a decrease in the use of former drugs since around 2015. Some unusual practices are prominent such as using not approved DMTs for PPMS over the years, or administering high efficacy drugs like natalizumab for CIS. The results indicate the remaining popularity of first line injectable DMTs in female and pediatric patients.Discussion: Mean age (SD) at onset in our study (29 +/- 8.8) is near the statistics in Asia and Oceania (28 +/- 0.7). Concerns about COVID-19 had a noticeable impact on administering high efficacy drugs like rituximab an