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Background: Endophytic fungi live inside the plant tissue, and can produce bioactive compounds. Methods: Herein, the molecular identification, phenols metabolites analysis, and biological properties (enzymatic and antioxidant) of endophytic fungi isolated from the aerial parts of Tragopogon graminifolius were studied. The enzyme produced by endophytic fungi was tested by the formation of a clear zone/pink around the colonies. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method was used for the investigation antioxidant properties of isolated fungi. Moreover, the total flavonoid and phenol contents were studied using aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin–Ciocalteu methods, respectively. Furthermore, the phenolic acids analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: In this study, two isolates were identified (Talaromyces amestolkiae and Rhizopus oryzae). Evaluation of the enzymatic activities indicated that R. oryzae had the ability to produce amylase and pectinase, whereas T. amestolkiae exhibited extracellular activity for amylase, L-asparaginase, and pectinase. The result of the antioxidant property study indicated that T. amestolkiae had the highest antioxidant property and its IC50 value was 617 μg/mL. Moreover, these fungi had the highest flavonoids and phenols amounts. The phenolic acid analysis indicated that m-coumaric acid was the major phenolic acid which was determined by the studied fungi. Conclusion: This report was the first study of endophytic fungi from T. graminifolius, and the outcome of this study can be a way to produce m-coumaric acid at an industrial scale.

Background: Immune responses may be involved in the development of pseudoexfoliation (PEX), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG), and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of IL12B rs3212227 A/C and INFG rs1861494 T/C polymorphisms with the risk of PEX, PEXG, and POAG in an Iranian population. Methods: Totally, 55 POAG, 57 PEX, and 78 PEXG patient cases as well as 79 healthy controls were included in this study. Genotyping of the IL12B and INFG polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods using TaqI and FauI restriction enzyme, respectively. Results: Results indicated that IL12B AC genotype was significantly higher in POAG (36.4%; P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–10.0) and PEX patients (36.4%; P = 0.023; OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1–6.9) compared to the control group (12.6%). The C allele could be considered a risk factor for POAG (P = 0.002; OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 3.1–6.8) and PEX (P < 0.001; OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 3.4–7.3). INFG TC genotype was significantly higher in PEX (38.6%; P = 0.007; OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.3–6.3) and PEXG patients (37.2%; P = 0.009; OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1–6.9) compared to the control group (19.0%). The C allele seemed to be a risk factor for PEX (P = 0.002; OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4–5.7) and PEXG (P = 0.009; OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.7). Conclusion: Overall, IL12B was associated with susceptibility to POAG and PEX, and IL12B C allele increased the risk of POAG and PEX. In addition, INFG was associated with susceptibility to PEX and PEXG, and the INFG C allele seemed to be a risk factor for PEX and PEXG.

Background: Proline-glutamate (PE)/proline-PE (PPE) proteins play an important role in the development of mycobacterial pathogenicity by modulating the host immune system. In the present investigation, the structural changes in PE-polymorphic GC-rich sequences (PGRS) family protein Wag22 (Rv1759c), PE_PGRS31 (Rv1768), PE_PGRS32 (Rv1803), and PE_PGRS33 gene (Rv1818c) were compared and analyzed in exponential state and under in vitro model of latency in same clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Methods: MTB strains were isolated from clinically and laboratory-confirmed cases of tuberculosis (TB). The TB isolates were subjected to the Xpert MTB/rifampin test and then, further susceptibility testing using proportional methods was performed on them. The isolates were characterized using both 16S–23S RNA and hsp65 genes spacer polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Selected isolates studied at two experimental set–up at exponential phase OD 600 = 0.05 (5 cfu/mL × 106 cfu/mL) and under zero oxygen and nutrition for 26 months to selected isolates studied at two experimental setup in exponential phase OD600 = 0.05 (5 cfu/mL × 106 cfu/mL) and under zero oxygen and nutrition after 26 months. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on studied isolates and the protein structures were analyzed using a bioinformatics web server. Results: No deletion, insertion, or substation occurred in susceptible, mono-drug and multidrug resistant-TB isolates were observed at PE-PGRS family protein Wag22 (Rv1759c) and PE_PGRS31 (Rv1768) at exponential phase. Although, a large deletion (at Rv1759c; Rv1768) was observed in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and totally drug-resistant (TDR) TB isolates at the exponential phase. All studied TDR-TB isolates had a common deletion position from amino acid 1 (methionine) to amino acid 83 (glycine) and from amino acid 725 (proline) to amino acid 914 (threonine) at PE-PGRS family protein Wag22 (Rv1759c). At PE_PGRS32 (Rv1803), deletion occurred from amino acid 1 (methionine) to amino acid 212 (glycine) in latent TDR-TB bacilli. No changes in Rv1803 were observed in other studied isolates. In contrast, 66.6% of studied isolates had either insertion, deletion, substitution, or combination of changes at PE_PGRS33 (Rv1818c). However, the majority of changes at Rv1818c occurred in drug-resistant isolates. We also documented the region of deletion and insertion at PE_PGRS33 (Rv1818c) is different in active and latent TDR-TB isolates. Conclusions: Changes in these PE-PGRS family protein was associated with drug susceptibility patterns of individual isolates. Our result showed a total frameshift mutation of protein that had a different length in comparison to the original protein. These changes might disturb the interactions between XDR and TDR-TB isolates and immune responses, which needs further investigation.

Background: Telemedicine has been used for cystic fibrosis (CF) in a wide range of signs and symptoms even before the COVID 19 pandemic, however, little is known about the health consequences and use of specific health care for cystic CF. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of clinical trends and data related to mobile based monitoring activities in CF patients at home for 3 years. Methods: This is a semi experimental single group study. Forty five CF patients under 7 years' old who were referred to the Masih Daneshvari Hospital between 2018 and 2021 were selected. A mobile phone_based customized Short Message Service (SMS) application used to monitor patients. Remotely monitored variables included the amount and color of sputum, cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath at rest. SPSS using Chi square and Friedman tests. Results: The condition of patients based on the number and type of cough increased sputum, decreased appetite, fatty stool, fever and dyspnea, headache, noninvasive ventilation, and drug comfortably remained almost unchanged in the study of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years, and the studied parameters did not show a significant difference (P > 0.05). Of course, the number of outpatient visits decreased significantly (P value: 0.02). The respiratory rate and arterial oxygen saturation variables were almost the same in three consecutive annual measurements (P values: 0.544 and 0.639, respectively). Conclusion: Telemedicine is a method that is useful in the follow up of chronic diseases such as CF and improves the quality of life and reduces the deterioration of lung function; therefore, there is less need for invasive treatments in the long run, and a fundamental change in referral motivation brings to the hospital.

Background: Pili producing genes in different life cycles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) were assessed. M. tuberculosis has two life cycles: dormant and active states. We aimed to assess the pili producing genes such as curli pili of M. tuberculosis (mtp) encoded by the mtp gene (Rv3312A) and fimbrial low-molecular-weight protein encoded by flp gene (Rv3656c) which were compared and analyzed. Methods: Two hundred M. tuberculosis isolates were investigated both at active and dormant states for production and expression of pili. The dormant M. tuberculosis was achieved by incubation in a sealed tube (modified Wayne method). The susceptibility of M. tuberculosis was evaluated on genes, rpob, inh, katg, and gyra by using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and single-strand conformational polymorphism methods. The PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to express pili genes mtp and flp and then the PCR products was digested using restriction enzyme Fnu4HI, XmaI, and MspJI and AciI, TagII, and HaeII, respectively. The transmission electron microscopy was also used to detect pili in different isolates. The result was compared and analyzed using H37RV as a gold standard. Results: The mtp and flp PCR products were 263 and 122 bp in the studied strains irrespective of M. tuberculosis different life cycles, respectively. The PCR products were analyzed on 8% Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and in the 180/200 (20%), producing five fragments of 25,40,45,63,90 bp with the Fun4HI and two fragments of 126,138 bp with the XmaI and uncut with the MspJI for mtp gen were obtained at the dormant and active states of M. tuberculosis (P < 0.05). Similarly in flp gene producing three fragments of 22,35,65 bp with AciI and two fragments of 35.87 bp with TagII and two fragments of 38.84 bp with HaeII were obtained (P < 0.05). In contrast to genotyping analysis, the electron microscopy examination showed protruding of pili from M. tuberculosis, especially in dormant mycobacterium (15/100; 15%), that was multidrug resistance and extensive drug resistance isolates (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Pili were shown by electron microscopy, although at the gene expression, the insignificant difference was observed at the dormant strains in comparison to active states. Therefore, we may conclude that other genes might be involved in pili production of M. tuberculosis that needs further investigation. Although, the resistance phenomena might influence the pili producing gene expression that showed in our results.

Background: Nowadays, ionic polymer–metal composites are widely used in various industries. They are in the group of electroactive polymers and smart materials with electromechanical properties. By applying a small amount of voltage, the nonlinear stress inside them will happen and their deformation can be seen. The energy transformation from electrical to mechanical is observable during the process of giving voltage to a specimen. The aim of this study is to investigate a novel experimental static deflection equation for specific cantilever beam made of ionic polymer–metal composite. Methods: In this paper, an ionic-polymer-metal composite is provided; the main core is based on an electroactive Fluoropolymer named Nafion, and the coated electrodes are made of Platinum. The length of the specimen is 27.131 mm and its width is 5.728mm. Voltage from 1.5 to 4.3V was applied to the specimen used in this study; the y-directional displacement of the IPMC at each step is measured and recorded; then, a finite element analysis was performed. Curve fitting of the data for the experimental analysis was also done. Moreover, the governing relations of IPMC according to the Nernst–Planck equation were investigated in this study. Results: The results have been validated in two forms of finite element method and experimental analysis. The results of finite element analysis showed that the ion flux in the polymer is calculated by the equation: [INSIDE:1]. In other words, this equation, which is called Nernst–Planck, is the basic equation of this type of material. This equation is the main governing equation to describe the transfer phenomena of IPMC materials. Furthermore, in order to calculate the deflection of IPMC membrane, 19 equations designed in this study were used. In the next step, the results of the experimental analysis showed that, based on the field emission scanning electron microscope images, the Nafion surface is completely sandblasted and its area is completely uniform. The right image taken by Dino-Lite shows the thesis effect on the electrode. Furthermore, the results showed that IPMC has high-quality coated electrodes. Conclusions: It is shown that a nonlinear equation governs the behavior of IPMCs' deflection versus voltage.

Background: Salsola vermiculata is an annual plant which is broadly distributed in southwest of Asia. Due to the lack of data regarding the biological properties of different parts of S. vermiculata, the present research focused on their biological activities. Methods: Different parts of plant were harvested, and phytochemical assay of S. vermiculata parts was performed to determine the presence of phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, fixed oils, and volatile oils. Then, their antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of the extracts and fractions were evaluated according to DPPH and MTT assay, respectively. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of the extracts and fractions were determined by the disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. Results: According to the results, the antioxidant activity and the phenolic contents in leaves and flowers crude extracts of S. vermiculata were high, and their ethyl acetate fractions had higher activities compared to other fractions. The cytotoxic study indicated that the seeds and roots crude extracts significantly exhibited cytotoxic activities with IC50 values of 33.88, 42.92 μg/mL, respectively, and only the fixed oil fractions had cytotoxic activity. Antibacterial activity showed that the fixed oil fraction of roots had the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus, followed by fixed oil fraction of seeds and volatile oil fraction of the roots. Conclusions: Different parts and fractions of S. vermiculata contain various bioactive compounds with different biological activities, and the results of this study could provide useful information to guide the application of S. vermiculata parts in food and pharmaceutical fields.

In December 2019, there was an outbreak of pneumonia with an unknown cause in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Within less than 3–4 months, the virus has spread to more than 200 countries. The virus rapidly transmitted from different places of the world with various cultural traditions. Thereby, the question is remained to be resolved about the main intermediate carrier of diseases in different animals. Studied showed that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was originated from horseshoe bats, but its intermediate hosts are still largely unknown. Therefore, the possibility of horseshoe bat infection by ticks is high during the flight between plants or when resting in these places. Female ticks can either feed on horseshoe bat blood for 5–7 days before shedding or can form large aggregations by laying several thousand eggs in the right places or on them. Once they feed on horseshoe bat blood containing SARS-CoV-2, they can transfer the infection to the next generations without the need to reuse infections from the reservoir host. With all the potential features that this creature has, it is mandatory to investigate the presence or absences of SARS-CoV-2, especially when we know that ticks co-exist with that horseshoe bats. These factors highlight the importance of studying the viral epidemiology in the tick population. Thereby, based on the wide distribution of ticks and their co-existence with horseshoe bat, we suggest further studies on ticks that might act as one of the main intermediate hosts in different animals.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the COVID-19 infectious disease. Despite the high level of quarantine control in many well-developed countries, the disease has spread to more than 113 countries all over the world, creating a global pandemic. This emerging situation raises many questions. Can the infection be just through human-to-human transmission or are other sources, for example, animal to human or other environmental sources, also involved? We reviewed the previous literature and assessed the potential risk of transmitting the coronavirus from pets to humans. The pets (dogs and cats), especially dogs, have a habit of licking themselves in the buttocks, or smelling others in the buttocks. In such a way, they may get the virus into their respiratory or digestive tract. In return, once they lick people in the face, they may transmit the diseases. In this study, we not only reviewed the literature on pets and their relationship to the coronavirus but we also tested 22 stray dogs and cats, collected from nearby areas that were used for hospitalization of COVID-19 patients. Although no direct connection was found between these pets and the hospital, we found that 14 (63.6%) out of the 22 pets were positive for COVID-19 with the molecular test. Among them, seven (31.8%) had coughing and sneezing symptoms. The studied cases were stray pets, but the question that remains to be clarified is whether home pets are engaged in a chain of transmission or not? This needs further investigation.

Coronavirus (COVID-19), a type of RNA virus, has a positive, single, sense stranded RNA. Studies of coronaviruses have shown high mutations in the virus's RNA. The more the virus infects people, the more the genome will mutate. In addition, evolutionary and genetic studies have the potential to recombine and easily jump from one host to another host. This means flexibility to adapt to new conditions and proliferation in new host cells. Examination of the hosts of this virus shows their extent. Studies show that the virus closely resembles hosts such as bats and pangolins. Genomic studies on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 and bat coronavirus (RaTG13) showed 96.2% genetic similarity although there are differences in the nucleotides of different hosts. The importance of examining mutated areas in coronaviruses for diagnosis and treatment is necessary because molecular methods such as RT-PCR, although having a specific probe, may not cause a connection between the primer and the specific probe and cause a false-negative response be reported. This issue has led various countries to sequence SARS-CoV-2 for their own countries, eventually leading to the identification of specific drugs and vaccines for their country.

Background: Cold plasma is shown to inhibit the cancer cell growth. Manipulation of different plasma parameters might have influence on the production of major reactive species which leads to killing of the cancer cells. Antiproliferative activity of cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet was investigated on small-cell lung carcinoma BHY cell line (squamous cell carcinoma) under different in vitro conditions. Methods: A homemade plasma jet was designed and created using pure helium gas. To identify the species created by the plasma jet, optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was employed. Next, the effect of plasma jet was examined on lung cancer cell survival by MTT assay and the effects of main parameters were evaluated on plasma performance. In this favor, various treatment times including 60, 90, 120, 180, and 300 s in combination with different voltages of 5, 11, and 14 kV were investigated, and the results were analyzed at 2, 24, and 48 h after exposure to plasma. Results: Predominant species of OES spectra were O, OH, N2+, and N2. Results of MTT assay indicated a dramatic reduction in cell viabilities in both dose- and time-dependent manners, and more than 75% of cancer cells were died after 48 h at 180 s of plasma treatment. Conclusion: The homemade plasma jet can chiefly contribute to the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species) and can induce apoptosis in small-cell lung carcinoma BHY cell line.

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious illness that has been considered a worldwide health danger. Existence inside macrophages is a main characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence and essential to make a perdurable infection in the human body. Recently, a pivotal cytotoxicity determinant of M. tuberculosis in macrophages was discovered and named channel protein with necrosis-inducing toxin (CpnT). CpnT includes an N-terminal channel domain and a C-terminal domain (CTD). The CTD is a secreted toxin and can induce a necrotizing process in the macrophages. The CTD has strong nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-glycohydrolase activity that empties NAD+ reservoirs of cells, resulting in human cell necrosis. In this study, the structural and functional properties of the CTD were reviewed. Besides, to predict local similarity between the CTD and other protein sequences and infer the functional and evolutionary relationships, the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool was used. Several protein sequences of the Mycobacterium showed >50% similarity to the CTD, indicating species specificity of the CTD. However, some prokaryotic and eukaryotic sequences showed 20%–45% similarity to the CTD, indicating that the CTD belongs to an uncharacterized protein family including nonbacterial proteins.

Bacteria show a plenty of cellular shapes and can alter their forms. The bacterial cell shape is functionally important. Bacteria have a number of options to select their shapes in order to uptake more nutrient, motility, attachment to surface, symmetrical division of chromosomal elements, and localization of complex secretion apparatuses. Some factors including peptidoglycan and cytoskeleton-like proteins can regulate and keep the bacterial shape. In the case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the reported morphological variation in the pathogen are classified into two categories; those which frequently seen at exponential phase of growth that is rod, V, Y-shape, branched, or buds, and those that are seen occasionally under stress or environmental conditions which are round, oval, ultra-virus, spore-like, and cell wall defiant or L-forms. Growth conditions and age of the cells can influence on the shape and size of the pathogen in a range from coccobacilli to long rods. Under unsuitable conditions including starvation or oxygen deprivation, tubercle bacillus assumed a swollen shape without making the vacuolar or globoid bodies. The physical circumstances and nutritional feature will control the temporary lifestyle of the pathogen.

Background: Mycobacterium farcinogenes and Mycobacterium senegalense are the causes of the bovine farcy, a chronic granulomatous disease of the skin of zebu cattle. The zoonotic potential of these bacteria is unclear. The high contamination rate of these bacteria (as species of nontuberculous mycobacteria) has been reported in environmental samples. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these bacteria in the water and soil environment in four suburbs of Tehran, Iran. Methods: A total of 4014 soil and water samples were collected from four areas of Tehran including Robat Karim, Firuzkuh, Shahr-e-Ray, and Varamin. In each city, at least one sample was collected per 1002 m. The sediment samples were cultured on the Lowenstein–Jensen medium. Twice a week was observed to study the growth of colony, morphology, and pigmentation. Colonies were studied using phenotypic tests. Molecular analysis was also carried out on colonies. Results: Among samples, the number of collected water samples was 48.48% (1946/4014), and the number of soil samples was 51.51% (2068/4014). Results of cultures from collected samples showed that 21.47% (862/4014) of them were positive. Among the studied areas, Rabat Karim has been identified as the most polluted region (169/480; 35%). The abundance of M. farcinogenes has been dominant in Ray. The least infection has been reported in Varamin. Conclusion: The results showed that the prevalence of these two strains was very high in water and soil. Due to these two strains are the main and effective factors of bovine farcy in zebu cattle (the most farmed cows in Iran), surveillance of the zoning potential of this disease is very important.

Background : Daily intake of air is 30 Ib as compared with 2-Ib of food and 4½ of water. Thereby, breathing-contaminated air is as harmful as drinking or eating contaminated water or food, respectively. Recent research has highlighted the extent of outdoor air pollution in large cities and warranted high-quality studies to clarify the magnitude of the problem. Here, we evaluated the possible association between tuberculosis (TB) development and exposure to outdoor air pollution in a metropolitan city of Tehran. Methods: Extraction and analysis of relevant data. Investigation performed on TB patients (n = 1167) that were residing in Tehran for the past 10 years. The average concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide (CO), and particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5μm (PM2.5) and ≤ 10.0 (PM10) was measured from Tehran Air Quality Control Corporation (TAQCC). Patient and ecological informations were analyzed using geographical information system. Results: Based on TAQCC, Tehran had an average of 180–250 polluted days per year for the last 10 years. The high incidence of pulmonary TB (18 to 31/100,000) was detected in populations which were exposed to high concentration of CO (2.7 to 5.2 parts per million, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.10 to 1.90) and PM2.5(35 to 42μg/m3; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.80). The level of SO2,NO, and PM10was also high but not significantly related to TB (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The long-term exposure to PM2.5 and CO was positively associated with TB development.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has been generally well defined throughout the world although its prevalence is very difficult to ascertain for a number of reasons, including the fact that the medical/scientific literature and patient registries vary in quality in different countries. In the present review literature (1938–2017), we found out the higher frequency of registered CF patients in the European Union. This could be due to strong clinical awareness and greater health facilities. In contrast, we found a very irregular report from Asian and African countries. In these countries, the national CF registration system is mostly lacking or it is individualized-based research. In this situation, the estimation of various risk factors such as ethnicity and/or races is remained to be resolved. Overall, this review outlines the urgent need for revitalization of national and global CF registration, worldwide.

Backgrand: For patients with long segment of tracheal stenosis, resection and replacement is necessary. Tracheal reconstruction associated with complications such as stenosis, insufficiency of blood supply and surgical complication. Methods: In this study, we prepared collagen-chitosan scaffold and sheep's decellularized trachea plus culture medium with nanocup contain growth factors for chondrocyte and fibroblast-epithelial cell culture in rotary bioreactor. After attachment of cells, engineered trachea put into the omentum. Peritoneal stem cell interact with the epithelial and chondrocytes with attendance of growth factors released from nanocup. The bioengineered trachea with omental pedicle transposed from behind the sternum and transplanted in the position of resected trachea. In third experiment, we introduce the in situ tracheal repair technique with injectable matrix for reconstruction of long-segmental stenosis of trachea in a 29-year-old woman. Results: Severe tortuosity in the first experiment and mild stenosis was seen in the second experiment. In third experiment, normal shape in tracheal diameter was seen at injection sites. The interior portion of the trachea at virtual computed tomography (CT) scan and bronchoscopy were similarity to normal after four month fallowing up of injection. Conclusions: Severe tortuosity, mild stenosis in whole length of trachea in this study and disadvantage of trachea transplantation include open surgery, fatal consequences of anastomosis leakage, and rupture besides large mediastinal vessels; hence, we decided to introduce the novel in situ tracheal repair technique. Injectable bioresorbable scaffolds may be used as a temporary scaffolding for transplanted cells and thereby allow the cells to secrete extracellular matrix of their own to enable, in the long term, a complete and natural tissue replacement.