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ObjectivePatients with malignancy suffer from a compromised immune system due to either the effects of malignancies or treatments. Cancer patients are at higher risk of different infections particularly SARS-CoV2 and usually produce weaker response to vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (Sinopharm, BBIBP-CorV) in patients with malignancy.Material and MethodIn total 364 patients with cancer (median age: 54 years old, F/M ratio: 217/147) who received two doses of Sinopharm vaccine were enrolled in this study. Vaccine related side effects was assessed by a questionnaire and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-Spike protein (S) IgG and neutralizing antibody two months following vaccination were measured by immunological methods.ResultsInjection site pain and fever were the most common local and systemic side effects in vaccine receivers. Two months after the first dose, anti-S IgG and neutralizing antibody were detectable in 77.1% and 80.7% of all participants, respectively with an overall response to either or both measured in 86.9% of patients The rate of seroconversion was lower in older age, those with hematological malignancies and chemotherapy receivers.ConclusionThe result of study confirmed the safety and short-term efficacy of Sinopharm inactivated vaccine (BBIBP-CorV) in patients with different type of malignancies.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder accompanied by activation of auto-reactive B cells, autoantibody production, and consequently insulin-producing beta cell destruction. Some evidences support the value of autoantibodies such as anti-islet cell antigen (IA-2) auto-antibody in T1DM diagnosis and prognosis. The present study investigated the presence of IA-2 antibody in T1DM patients and their first-degree relatives as well as T2DM patients and healthy people to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of anti-IA-2 in T1DM. In total 264 cases including 38 T1DM patients, 36 first-degree relatives, 88 T2DM patients, and 102 age-/sex-matched healthy controls participated in this study. After venous blood collection, sera were isolated and the level of IA-2 antibody was measured by ELISA method. Routine hematologic and biochemical tests including complete blood count (CBC), fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), urea, creatinine, as well as lipid profile and liver function tests were analyzed. Upregulated level of IA-2 antibody was observed in 47.4 and 5.6% of T1DM and their relatives, respectively; however, the level was significantly higher in T1DM compared to T1DM first-degree relatives (p

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) is a growing problem in aquatic ecosystems. Despite increased research on MPs in the last decade, their potential threat to freshwater ecosystems remains an open question. In the present study, the negative impacts of MPs were investigated on blood biochemical parameters in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Pond turtles were distributed into three experimental groups (n = 9 for each group) and were fed diets containing 250, 500, and 1000 mg MPs (PE100 polyethylene) per kg of food for 30 days, and a control group fed with a standard uncontaminated diet. The results indicated that exposure to 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 MPs caused a significant increase in the activities of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, and in the levels of cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, urea, and calcium (Ca+2) compared with the control group. On the contrary, the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase and the levels of total protein, albumin, total immunoglobulins, and phosphorus were significantly reduced in E. orbicularis exposed to 500 and 1000 mg kg-1 MPs when compared with the controls. In all the MP-exposed groups, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and globulin and magnesium (Mg+2) levels were significantly reduced; while creatine phosphokinase and alkaline phosphatase activities were increased with respect to the control turtles. A significant decrease in triglyceride levels was reported in E. orbicularis exposed to 1000 mg kg-1 MPs. MPs intake induced notable alterations in blood biochemical parameters of E. orbicularis. These results suggest that changes in the blood biochemical parameters could be an appropriate bio-indicator to evidence the existence of tissue damage in E. orbicularis.

Background Both home and school are important places where children are exposed to various indoor allergens. This study aimed to identify the profile of indoor allergens in schools and its impact on asthma development. Methods A total of 104 classrooms from 52 schools were selected for dust collection during the fall of 2017. The levels of indoor allergens including dust mite (Der f1, Der p1), cat (Fel d1), cockroach (Bla g1) and mouse (Mus m1) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The diagnosis of asthma was made in all students of the selected classes by the allergist. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results Out of 2816 students in the selected classes, 180 students were involved with asthma. Students were mostly exposed to Bla g1 (83.1%), followed by Der f1 (51.5%), Mus m 1 (45.5%), Der p1 (8.9%) and Fel d1 (7.9%) in the dust collected from 101 classrooms. Although levels of all studied allergens in the settled dust of the classrooms were low, there was a relationship between Fel d1 in the classroom dust and development of asthma. Conclusion This study showed considerable levels of cockroach allergens in schools. Exposure to cat allergen in our schools played an important role in asthma development; further school-based investigations require evaluating the role of classroom allergen on asthma development.

Acute and subacute toxicity tests for chlorpyrifos and glyphosate were performed on the crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus. The crayfish were divided into a control group and four experimental groups with exposure from 50.18 to 301.11 μg L−1 of chlorpyrifos for 96 h under semi-static test conditions. In the same experiment, the crayfish were exposed to different concentrations of glyphosate (from 0.0, 8.14 to 13.05 mg L−1) for 96 h. Mortality was recorded, and the median lethal concentrations (LC50) were calculated using probit analysis. The 96 h LC50 values of chlorpyrifos and glyphosate to A. leptodactylus were 49.55 ± 4.66 μg L−1 and 7.83 ± 0.50 mg L−1, respectively. The results showed that chlorpyrifos was a few hundred times more toxic than glyphosate for the crayfish. Then, the crayfish were exposed to different subacute concentrations of chlorpyrifos (12.5 and 25 μg L−1) and glyphosate (2 mg L−1 and 4 mg L−1) for seven days, and their toxicity was evaluated through several hemolymph biochemical parameters. Chlorpyrifos and glyphosate exposure caused a significant (P

Allergic disorders are among the most common diseases around the world especially in children. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic disorders, but early events during the pregnancy are very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of cord blood immunoglobulin E (CB-IgE) and its association with maternal in a group of Iranian newborns. In a cross-sectional study, 163 pregnant women randomly selected and information about pregnancy and atopy were taken by questionnaire. Blood samples of mothers and matched cord blood were collected and total serum IgE levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. To rolling out the possibility of contamination with maternal blood, total IgA was checked for all the cord blood samples. Sixteen percent of mothers had the history of atopic diseases and the mean IgE level was significantly higher in an atopic than nonatopic mothers (241 vs 102, P 0.001). About 73.9% of cord blood samples, had high IgE level (0.9 IU/mL). The level of cord blood IgE (CB-IgE) was not significantly different in male and female newborns (2.14 vs 2.15 IU/mL). There was no significant correlation between maternal factors such as age, pregnancy variables, allergens exposure, smoking, and maternal IgE with cord blood IgE. The results of this study showed that CB-IgE is high in a remarkable number of samples; independent of maternal or fetal factors. Further studies need to evaluate the reasons for the high level of IgE in cord blood in our area.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is an ongoing global health emergence, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis to comprehensively characterize transcriptional changes in bronchial epithelium cells (NHBE and A549 cells) during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our analysis identified a network highly correlated to COVID-19 pathogenicity based on MX1, IFIT1, ISG15, IFI6, DDX60, IRF9, PARP9, PGLYRP4, IL36G, SAA2 and IL-8 hub genes. The results also indicated a unique transcriptional signatures of infected cells including IFI6 and IRF9 as novel gene candidates and suggested their prospective mechanism in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The result of hub genes enrichment showed that the most correlation topic in biological process and KEGG were type I interferon signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, cytokine mediated signaling pathway, and defense response to virus categories which all play significant roles in restricting viral infection. Also according to the drug-target network, we recognized 54 FDA-approved drug candidates for other indications could potentially use for the treatment of COVID-19 patients through regulation of six hub genes of the co-expression network. Our findings also showed that the 19 experimentally validated miRNAs regulated the co-expression network through 5 hub genes (SLC19A3, FAM13A, PLA2G16, and HRASLS5). In conclusion, these hub genes had potential roles in the translational medicine and might become promising therapeutic targets further in vitro and in vivo experimental studies are needed to evaluate the role of above mentioned genes in COVID-19.

Heracleum persicum Desf. (Apiaceae), a medicinal plant native to Iran, has been known to be a potent immunomodulatory agent in mice. In the present study, its immunomodulatory properties in common carp (Ciprinus carpio) were investigated. Fish were intraperitoneally injected with 6, 60 or 600 mg/kg body weight, of the water-soluble fraction. H. Persicum at medium and high doses (60 and 600 mg/kg BW, respectively) significantly (p

Vitiligo is the most common cause of skin, hair, and oral depigmentation which is known as an autoimmune disorder. Genetic and environmental factors have important roles in the progression of the disease. Dysregulation of gene expression, like microRNAs (miRNA), may serve as major relevant factors. Several biological processes are involved in vitiligo disease and developing a comprehensive approach helps us to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease. In this research, we describe how a weighted gene co-expression network analysis as a systems biology approach assists to define the primary gene modules, hub genes, and messenger RNA (mRNA)-miRNA regulatory network in vitiligo disease as the novel biomarkers. The results demonstrated a module with a high correlation with vitiligo state. Moreover, gene enrichment analysis showed that this module's genes were mostly involved in some biological activities including G protein-coupled receptors signaling pathway, lymphocyte chemotaxis, chemokine activity, neutrophil migration, granulocyte chemotaxis, etc. The co-expression network was constructed using top hub genes of the correlated module which are named as CXCL10, ARL9, AKR1B10, COX7B, RPL26, SPA17, NDUFAF2, RPF2, DAPL1, RPL34, CWC15, NDUFB3, RPL26L1, ACOT13, HSPB11, and NSA2. MicroRNAs prediction tool (miRWalk) revealed top miRNAs correlated with the interested module. Finally, a drug-target network was constructed which indicated interactions of some food and drug administration (FDA) approved drugs with hub genes. Our findings specified one important module and main hub genes which can be considered as novel biomarkers for vitiligo therapeutic purposes.

In this paper we have characterized the lineage of two traits associated with the coat proteins (CPs) of the tombusvirids: Silencing suppression and HR elicitation in Nicotiana species. We considered that the tombusvirid CPs might collectively be considered an effector, with the CP of each CP-encoding species comprising a structural variant within the family. Thus, a phylogenetic analysis of the CP could provide insight into the evolution of a pathogen effector. The phylogeny of the CP of tombusvirids indicated that CP representatives of the family could be divided into four clades. In two separate clades the CP triggered a hypersensitive response (HR) in Nicotiana species of section Alatae but did not have silencing suppressor activity. In a third clade the CP had a silencing suppressor activity but did not have the capacity to trigger HR in Nicotiana species. In the fourth clade, the CP did not carry either function. Our analysis illustrates how structural changes that likely occurred in the CP effector of progenitors of the current genera led to either silencing suppressor activity, HR elicitation in select Nicotiana species, or neither trait.

There is increasing evidence that maternal diabetes mellitus during the pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of neurodevelopmental and neurofunctional anomalies including motor dysfunctions, learning deficits, and behavioral problems in offspring. The cerebellum is a part of the brain that has long been recognized as a center of movement balance and motor coordination. Moreover, recent studies in humans and animals have also implicated the cerebellum in cognitive processing, sensory discrimination, attention, and learning and memory. Synaptogenesis is one of the most crucial events during the development of the central nervous system. Synaptophysin (SYP) is an integral membrane protein of synaptic vesicles and is considered to be a marker for synaptic density and synaptogenesis. Here, we review the manuscripts focusing on the negative impacts of maternal diabetes in pregnancy on the expression or localization of SYP in the developing cerebellar cortex. We believe that the alteration in synaptogenesis or synapse density may be part of the cascade of events through which diabetes in pregnant women affects the newborn's cerebellum.

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis C is a dangerous viral infection, which is the important cause of chronic liver diseases such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) has six major genotype of HCV identified for which are different in prevalence, carcinogenicity, persistency, and response to the treatment. Identification of HCV genotype and viral load are main factors for planning of the treat and prediction of response. There has not been any study regarding the viral load and genotype distribution of HCV in our area and this study was done to evaluate risk factors, viral load, and genotype of HCV among prisoners in East Iran. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 2,995 prisoners across the South Khorasan province were screened for the anti-HCV antibody by ELISA method. A total of 38 prisoners with positive results were selected for further evaluation. Demographic data as well as predisposing factors were obtained from the records. A total of 5 ml of venous blood was taken and after RNA extraction, viral load genotype and HCV were identified by using the commercial Real Time PCR and PCR method, respectively. Results: Among 2,995 prisoners, 34 cases (mean age 39 ± 8.8 years, M/F ratio: 13.1) were positive for HCV antibody. A total of 50% were married, 79.4% were urban citizens, and 97.1% of patients infected with HCV had drug addiction. In 28 cases (82.3%), the virus was detected by real time PCR method. Genotype 3a and 1a were the most prevalence genotypes (75% and 8.3%, respectively). The average of viral load was 123,798 IU/mL. There was no significant relation between age or sex with viral load and genotype. Discussion and Conclusions: This study showed that the predominant genotype in prisoners is the genotype 3a, which adds to the evidence of the predominant genotype in Iran. The genotype of injecting drugs prisoners is different to other groups infected with Hepatitis C in Iran.

This study was conducted to examine in vitro antibacterial potential from seed methanol extract of Peganum harmala (L) against some fish pathogenic bacteria including Lactococcus garvieae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Yersinia ruckeri and Pseuodomonas putida isolated from diseased rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The antibacterial activity of extracts was evaluated using disc diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). MICS were measured by serial dilution and the microplate assays. Results showed that the methanol extract of P. harmala was bactericidal for all test bacteria. The MICs of extract using serial dilution and microplate method were 0.6 mg mL -1 and 0.312 to 0.625 mg mL -1 against P. putida and 0.8 mg mL -1 and 0.625 to 1.25 mg mL -1 against L. garvieae, A. hydrophila, Y. ruckeri, respectively which was confirmed by MBC determination. Thus, the antibacterial activity of seed extract of P. harmala can be comparable as an alternative in the control of infectious by these microorganisms.

In the current study, laboratory evaluations were made to assess the immunomodulatory effect of cypermethrin on fingerlings of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Results showed that 96-h LC50 of cypermethrin in common carp was estimated at 0.85 μg/L. Fish were exposed for 21 days to cypermethrin at three sub-lethal concentrations of 0.042, 0.085, and 0.17 μg/L that represented 5, 10, and 20%, respectively, of the 96-h LC50 of the pesticide for this fish species. Blood samples were taken after 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure. Immunological indices and resistance against bacterial infection were determined. Compared to the control group, the fish exposed to cypermethrin showed a significant increase in neutrophil ratio but exhibited a significant decrease in leukocyte number and lymphocyte ratio in treatments exposed to 0.17 and/or 0.085 μg/L after 21 days of exposure (p

Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a noninvasive form of fungal rhinosinusitis with a prevalence of 6-9 % among all rhinosinusitis cases requiring surgery. The fungi causing AFRS have a great diversity and regional variation in the incidence of AFS has been reported worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AFS among rhinosinusitis patients in the north east of Iran. In a prospective cross-sectional study 127 patients with sinonasal polyposis who were candidates for surgery were recruited. All cases were evaluated by sinonasal CT scan, Prick test for common regional allergens, total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, and allergic mucin culture for fungi in suspected cases. Data analyses were done using SPSS version 13.0. Their mean age was 37.4 ± 11.6 years, the male-to-female ratio was 69/58. Eleven patients (9.45 %) met the AFS criteria. Nine cases had a positive culture for Aspergillus specimen and three for Alternaria. Prick test was positive for at least one allergen in 28 cases (22.05 %). The most common allergen was weed. The total IgE level was significantly higher in AFS patients. This study showed the prevalence of AFS among patients with nasal polyposis to be 9.45 %.

Nasal polyposis (NP) is a common inflammatory disorder with different proposed etiologies. There is some evidence that the local production of specific IgE against fungal allergens may contribute to the pathogenesis of this condition. The aim of this study was to compare local and systemic production of fungal-specific IgE among patients with NP. In a prospective cross-sectional study, 141 patients with sinonasal polyposis who were surgical candidates were enrolled. Total IgE and fungal-specific IgE antibodies in serum and tissue homogenates were measured by the ELISA and ImmunoCAP method, respectively. Twelve cases (9.45 %) met the allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) criteria while the remaining 129 patients showed histopathological features of chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis. Considering a cutoff point of 0.4 KUI/L for specific IgE as a positive reaction against fungal elements, seven and 62 cases showed positive results in serum and homogenate tissue, respectively. All serum positive reactions were seen among patients with AFRS. In conclusion, IgE antibody could be locally produced in the nasal polyp tissue while not detectable in the serum.

Background Exposure to house dust mites (HDMs) is a major risk factor for the development of allergic symptoms. HDMs are worldwide in distribution. Assessing these allergens in each area is a critical step in evaluating the risk of sensitisation and controlling allergic symptoms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of major HDMs, Der p 1 and Der f 1, in various parts of Iran. Methods In 2009, 257 dust samples were obtained from living rooms’ carpets in seven cities throughout Iran with different geoclimatic conditions. The level of Der p 1 and Der f 1 was measured by commercial ELISA. Results Detectable level of Der p 1 and Der f 1 levels were only found in Gorgan and Sari, two cities near the Caspian Sea with moderate temperatures and high relative humidity. In both of these cities, Der f 1 was more frequent than Der p 1 (100% vs. 85%) and was found to be at a higher level than Der p 1 (geometric mean 3128 vs. 439 ng/g dust, P Conclusion The results of this study confirm that house dust mites in Iran are restricted to the Caspian Sea coastal areas, and in other parts, due to seasonal variations of temperature and humidity mites are not able to grow well and therefore are not an important risk factor for sensitisation and respiratory allergies.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the ability of Cupriavidus necator to produce poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) on various carbon sources in batch cultivation. These results show that C. necator produces poly-3-hydroxybutyrate from single carbon sources. The highest poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) content was achieved at growth on fructose in the exponential growth phase. The maximum yield of the P3HV content was obtained when fructose was mixed with acetate. The highest content P3HB-co-3HV was also achieved by C. necator when we supplied C-excess and N- and P-normal conditions. These results indicate that C. necator accumulates high polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) content by depleting these elements in the culture medium. Nitrogen and phosphorus limitation has no significant effect on the PHA production, whereas C-excess leads to an increase in PHA formation of up to 92% PHAs of cell dry weight after growth on 5 g/L acetate and 40 g/L fructose.

Background: Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disease with negative impacts on patients’ quality of life. The prevalence and pattern of sensitisation vary between different countries and populations. Identifi cation of the most prevalent aeroallergens in each area has a very important role in diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Iran is a fairly large country with different geo-climatic conditions and there are no data about the most prevalent aeroallergen in Mashhad City, which is the second largest city in Iran, with a semiarid climate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of positive skin test to various common aeroallergens among allergic rhinitis patients in the city of Mashhad. Materials and Methods: Skin prick tests were performed with 27 common regional aeroallergens including grass, weed, tree, mite and mould in 311 patients with allergic rhinitis. Results: The overall rate of sensitisation to any allergen was 81 %. 76 % of patients were poly-sensitised and weed and grass were the most prevalent allergens (77 % and 62 % respectively). Salsola Kali and mould were the most and the least prevalent individual allergens (72.5 % and 6.5 % respectively). Mean total IgE in patients with positive skin prick test was signifi cantly higher than in patients without any positive skin prick test (308 vs 128 IU/mL, P = 0.016). 97 % of atopic patients were sensitised to Salsola kali and or Fraxinus americana. Conclusions: Our work showed the importance of weeds, especially the Amaranthaceae and Chenopodiaceae families. Diagnosis of pollen allergy can be simplifi ed by using a combination of a few common aeroallergens.

Background: Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) are a small subset of T lymphocytes which are involved in a wide variety of immune responses. Human studies have reported a wide variation in the number of circulating iNKT cell among healthy donors as well as in some immunologic disorders while there is no or little data about the factors which affect the pool of circulating iNKT cells in human. Given the importance of iNKT cells in immunologic responses and variation in the number and phenotype of iNKT cells, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of circulating iNKT cells in a cohort of healthy Iranian adults. Methods: The number of circulating iNKT cells was measured among PBMC in a group of healthy Iranian adults by flow cytometry. iNKT cells were identified by using 6B11 monoclonal antibody or by coexpression of TCR Vα24 and Vβ11 chain. Results: The mean frequency of 6B11-iNKT cells and Vα24-Vβ11 iNKT cells among T lymphocytes, were 0.54% and 0.31%, respectively. Forty-five percent of 6B11-iNKT cells were CD4 positive, and there was a weak but significant inverse correlation between total 6B11-iNKT cells and their CD4-positive subset. There was no significant difference in the frequency of iNKT cells between males and females. Conclusions: Results of this study show that the frequency of iNKT cells is fairly high among the Iranian population and suggest matching of study population for age, sex, and ethnic background in iNKT-related research. More studies are necessary to understand the factors that can affect the variation in the number of iNKT cells in healthy humans. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society