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Background and Aim: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) cause a wide spectrum of infections, such as diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic–uremic syndrome. Considering the risks associated with antibiotic therapy against EHEC infection, vaccines can be a promising method for prevention of infections. Recombinant chimeric proteins containing multiple immunogens could induce immunity against bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunogenecity of trivalent chimeric antigen EspA -Stx2b -Intimin against E.coli O157 H7 infection. Material and Methods: In this descriptive-laboratory study,recombinant chimeric protein was expressed in E.coli BL21 DE3 by use of IPTG. The protein expression was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis. The recombinant protein was purified using Ni–NTA affinity chromatography. The immunization was conducted in mice with purified protein and antibody titers were determined by ELISA. Following immunization, mice were infected with E.coli O157:H7 and evaluated for bacterial shedding and mortality. Using SPSS software, statistical analysis was performed by Duncan's test and T-test. Results: The protein was expressed in E.coli BL21 (DE3) and SDS-PAGE analysis showed expression of recombinant protein with molecular weight of 63kD. Western blot analysis confirmed presence of chimeric protein. ELISA results showed that immunogenic properties of chimeric protein induced humoral response to EspA, intimin and Stx2b. Bacterial shedding in immunized mice decreased to 102 cfu/ml and mortality rate was reduced to 60%. Conclusion: The results showed that the chimeric protein induced humoral response and protected the mice against E.coli O157:H7.

Recently, infinite and finite dimensional generalized Hilbert tensors have been introduced. In this paper, the authors further introduce infinite and finite dimensional generalized Cesfiaro tensors as a generaliza- tion of Cesfiaro matrices and discuss the properties of these structured tensors. Next, some upper bounds of Z1-spectral radius of generalized Cesfiaro tensors and generalized Hilbert tensors are given, which improves the existing ones. Finally, we obtain conditions under which a generalized Cesfiaro tensor is column suficient tensor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banks have faced increasing attention regarding their ability to balance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, operational efficiency, and credit risk management, particularly in the wake of global financial challenges. This study examines the interplay between CSR, efficiency, and credit risk in 131 US banks from 2010 to 2018. Using the Choquet integral, two-step Data Envelopment Analysis, and a dynamic panel with the Generalized Method of Moments, the findings reveal a virtuous circle between CSR and credit risk, where CSR enhances credit risk profiles. Similarly, efficiency and risk exhibit mutual reinforcement. However, a vicious circle is identified between CSR and efficiency, indicating trade-offs between CSR objectives and operational efficiency. These insights guide policymakers and bank managers in optimizing this balance.

Abstract In this study, a CoO–Fe2O3/SiO2/TiO2 (CIST) nanocomposite was synthesized and utilized as an adsorbent to remove methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG), and copper (Cu) from aqueous environments. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Input parameters included pH (3–10), contact time (10–30 min), adsorbent amount (0.01–0.03 g), and pollutant concentration (20–60 mg L−1). The effects of these parameters on the removal process efficiency were modeled and optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken design (BBD). The RSM-BBD method demonstrated the capability to develop a second-degree polynomial model with high validity (R2 ˃ 0.99) for the removal process. The optimization results using the RSM-BBD method revealed a removal efficiency of 98.01%, 93.06%, and 88.26% for MB, MG, and Cu, respectively, under optimal conditions. These conditions were a pH of 6, contact time of 10 min, adsorbent amount of 0.025 g, and concentration of 20 mg L−1. The synthesized adsorbent was recovered through five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles using hydrochloric acid. The results showed an approximately 12% reduction from the first to the seventh cycle. Also, MB, MG, and Cu removal from real water samples in optimal conditions was achieved in the range of 81.69–98.18%. This study demonstrates the potential use of CIST nanocomposite as an accessible and reusable option for removing MB, MG, and Cu pollutants from aquatic environments.

In this paper, the ablation of pure gold target in distilled water (DW) using Nd:YAG laser of wavelength 1064 nm and different laser energies (480, 680, 880) mj, with repetition frequency of 6Hz and number of pulses 300 pulse were studied. The optical properties were studied by UV-VIS spectroscopy, and the spectra showed the appearance of sharp peaks as a result of the plasmonic absorption surface at (529, 531, 532) nm corresponding to the above mentioned energies. The results of the atomic force microscope (AFM) test also showed that the average size of gold nanoparticles decreases with the increase of the energy of the pulsed laser, that gold nanoparticles possess a cube crystalline phase (FCC) according to x-ray diffraction (XRD) test whereas the results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the gold nanoparticles have an almost spherical shape. Laser skimming of solids in liquid has opened up unique prospects for the manufacture of nanostructures and as a result there has been rapid growth of studies in the composition of nanostructures by this new technology in recent years. The resulting nanoparticles are somewhat crystallized, and can be obtained in an easy and one-step way without any subsequent heat treatment. Due to the high potency of the cut-off parts, pure colloidal solutions of nanoparticles can form a product that accumulates in the colloidal solution obtained in a very easy way. Colloidal gold is very attractive to many applications in biotechnology and biomedicine because of its unique physical and chemical properties

Intraoperative search for the sentinal node using patent blue is considered a non risk procedure. We emphasize the highly exceptional nature of this adverse effect previously observed in other disciplines using this coloring agent. We present a case of allergic reaction to patent blue in a patient who underwent left mastectomy with sentinel lymph node. About 25 min after the dye injection, the patient developed increased heart frequency and allergic skin reaction. The patient was treated successfully with decreased inspired fraction of inhaled anesthetic and fluid replacement. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the PACU 3h after the end of surgery without skin changes and was discharged from hospital on the morning after surgery. Allergic reactions with the use of patent blue are far superior to the hypersensitivity reactions seen with anesthetic and adjuvant drugs. Therefore, the anesthesiologist must be aware of cardiovascular instability associated with skin changes during the use of patent blue, for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this hypersensitivity reaction to this dye. Skin tests done later confirmed allergy to patent blue dye; the tests induced a small syndrome reaction. Surgical personnel who use patent blue dye should be made aware of the risk of allergic reactions, sometimes severe, to this dye.

In this study we tried to detect the determinants of non-performing loans for a sample of 85 banks in three countries (Italy, Greece and Spain) for the period of 2004-2008. These countries have faced financial problems after the subprime crisis on 2008. The variables used are macroeconomic variables and specific variables to the bank. The macroeconomic variables are included the rate of growth of GDP, unemployment rate and real interest rate with respect to specific variables opted for the return on assets, the change in loans and the loan loss reserves to total loans ratio (LLR/TL). After the application of the method of panel data, we found the problem loans vary negatively with the growth rate of GDP, the profitability of banks’ assets and positively with the unemployment rate, the loan loss reserves to total loans and the real interest rate.

This study examines the impact of board characteristics on Research and Development (R&D) investment decisions in 102 French companies from 2010 to 2021. Employing generalized least squares, the Newey-West estimator, and weighted least squares methods, we comprehensively analyze the relationships between board size, independence, gender diversity, meeting frequency, CEO duality with R&D expenditure. Our findings highlight significant associations between certain board characteristics and R&D investment. Specifically, smaller boards, gender-diverse boards, and more frequent board meetings positively correlate with R&D spending, underscoring the role of diverse perspectives and active board engagement in fostering innovation. Moreover, our study integrates multiple econometric techniques, reinforcing the robustness of our findings. We reveal the importance of board composition in shaping strategic decisions regarding R&D investment, offering nuanced insights into their influence in the French context. Our results emphasize the critical role of corporate governance structures in driving R&D investment behavior, contributing to firms’ long-term performance and competitiveness through enhanced innovation and knowledge development.

A patient with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (M2) FAB classification developed a differentiating syndrome upon receiving Decitabine therapy given with palliative intent. The patient presented with high grade fever, constitutional symptoms and severe chest symptoms with no underlying lung condition. Chest x-ray (CXR) showed diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. Septic work up followed by intravenous broad spectrum antimicrobials did not improve his condition. Pan cultures’ results were repeatedly negative. Treatment with high dose Dexamethasone (DXM) resulted in marked clinical and radiological improvement. Our patient initially presented with relapsed AML (M2) Fab classification with t (8; 21); negative FMS-like tyrosine kinase -internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) which are all good prognostic factors, yet the patient had an atypical clinical course with early frequent relapses, differentiation syndrome associated with Decitabine therapy and late in his disease, he developed a granulocytic sarcoma.

Primary illness with cytomegalovirus leads to latent infection with possible reactivations especially in the immunocompromised patients. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is an immune mediated cytotoxic reaction. A fifty years old female diabetic hypertensive patient with end stage renal disease was admitted with fever of unknown origin, constitutional symptoms, vague upper gastrointestinal symptoms and skin rash. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy confirmed her diagnosis with cytomegalovirus esophagitis and duodenitis. Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G levels were negative but polymerase chain reaction showed fulminant viremia. Biopsy of the skin rash was consistent with toxic epidermal necrolysis. Despite treatment with Ganciclovir, intravenous immunoglobulins, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated and she died due to multiorgan failure, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and overwhelming sepsis. Probably there is a true association linking toxic epidermal necrolysis to fulminant reactivation of cytomegalovirus. The aim of this anecdote is reporting a newly recognized presentation of cytomegalovirus.

A patient with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (M2) FAB classification developed a differentiating syndrome upon receiving Decitabine therapy given with palliative intent. The patient presented with high grade fever, constitutional symptoms and severe chest symptoms with no underlying lung condition. Chest x-ray (CXR) showed diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. Septic work up followed by intravenous broad spectrum antimicrobials did not improve his condition. Pan cultures’ results were repeatedly negative. Treatment with high dose Dexamethasone (DXM) resulted in marked clinical and radiological improvement. Our patient initially presented with relapsed AML (M2) Fab classification with t (8; 21); negative FMS-like tyrosine kinase -internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) which are all good prognostic factors, yet the patient had an atypical clinical course with early frequent relapses, differentiation syndrome associated with Decitabine therapy and late in his disease, he developed a granulocytic sarcoma.

Primary illness with cytomegalovirus leads to latent infection with possible reactivations especially in the immunocompromised patients. Toxic epidermal necrolysis is an immune mediated cytotoxic reaction. A fifty years old female diabetic hypertensive patient with end stage renal disease was admitted with fever of unknown origin, constitutional symptoms, vague upper gastrointestinal symptoms and skin rash. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy confirmed her diagnosis with cytomegalovirus esophagitis and duodenitis. Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G levels were negative but polymerase chain reaction showed fulminant viremia. Biopsy of the skin rash was consistent with toxic epidermal necrolysis. Despite treatment with Ganciclovir, intravenous immunoglobulins, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated and she died due to multiorgan failure, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and overwhelming sepsis. Probably there is a true association linking toxic epidermal necrolysis to fulminant reactivation of cytomegalovirus. The aim of this anecdote is reporting a newly recognized presentation of cytomegalovirus.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine what activities and skills interprofessional health science preceptors (IHSPs) perform and value as a part of their pedagogical practice in order to support the development of a preceptor self-assessment tool and assist in preceptor training., Methods: We administered an online survey to identify core preceptor activities across health sciences disciplines that interact with nursing. The initial survey items were developed based on the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies as well as a search of literature on expected preceptor competencies and activities across individual health sciences professions. Items were refined and then finalized using a modified Delphi technique and the final survey instrument reflected the four IPEC core competencies: (a) roles and responsibilities, (b) values and ethics, (c) communication, and (d) teams and teamwork. The survey asked professionals to separately rate the frequency and importance of performing each item to support learners in the clinical setting., Results: Survey respondents ( N  = 260) indicated that 41% of activities across all domains were both of high priority and performed frequently. Activities were categorized into a six category IHSP self-assessment and reflection tool: (a) Prepare Learner for Clinical Environment and Rotation; (b) Prepare Learner for Clinical Day and Encounters; (c) Promote Engagement, Critical Thinking and Self-Reflection; (d) Coaching and Feedback; (e) Foster Growth and Independence and (f) Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes to intentionally Role Model., Conclusion: Core competencies for IHSPs have been identified, resulting in the development of a preceptor self-assessment tool. The tool can assist nursing and other health sciences training programs to develop preceptor orientation materials and training to optimize the learner experience and promote standardization in the development of clinical practice competencies., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Background: The efficacy of lung cancer screening (LCS) to reduce lung cancer specific mortality is heavily dependent on adherence to recommended screening guidelines, with real-world adherence rates reported to be drastically lower than rates described in clinical trials. There is a dearth in the literature on reminder processes and clinical workflows used to address adherence and robust data is needed to fully understand which clinical set-ups, processes, and context enhance and increase continued LCS participation. This paper describes a protocol for an environmental scan of adherence and reminder processes that are currently used in LCS programs across the United States., Methods: This study will triangulate data using a 3-step explanatory sequential mixed methods design to describe mechanisms of current adherence and reminder systems within academic and community LCS programs to pinpoint clinic or system barrier and facilitator combinations that contribute to increased adherence. In step 1, surveys from a nationally representative sample of LCS programs will yield quantitative data about program structure, volume, and tracking/reminder processes and messages. After completion of the survey, interested LCS program personnel will be invited to participate in an in-depth interview (step 2) to explore current processes and interventions used for adherence at the participant and program level. Finally, in step 3, triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data will be completed through qualitative comparative analysis to identify combinations of components that affect higher or lower adherence., Discussion: This research advances the state of the science by filling a gap in knowledge about LCS program characteristics and processes associated with better adherence which can inform the development and implementation of interventions that are scalable and sustainable across a wide variety of clinical practice settings., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal disease causes high morbidity and mortality worldwide, however, there is no anti-Shigella vaccine. The use of antibiotics in shigellosis treatment exacerbates antibiotic resistance. Antibodies, particularly egg yolk antibody (IgY), offer a promising approach to address this challenge. This study aimed to investigate the prophylactic effect of IgY produced against a recombinant chimeric protein containing the immunogens IpaD, IpaB, StxB, and VirG from Shigella., Methods: The chimeric protein, comprising IpaD, IpaB, StxB, and VirG, was expressed in E. coli BL21 and purified using the Ni-NTA column. Following immunization of chickens, IgY was extracted from egg yolk using the PEG-6000 method and analyzed through SDS-PAGE and ELISA techniques. Subsequently, the prophylactic efficacy of IgY was assessed by challenging of mice with 10 LD50 of S. dysenteriae and administering different concentrations of IgY (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) under various time conditions., Results: The recombinant protein, weighing 82 kDa, was purified and confirmed by western blotting. The IgY concentration was determined as 9.5 mg/ml of egg yolk and the purity of the extracted IgY was over 90 %. The results of the ELISA showed that at least 19 ng of pure antibody identified recombinant protein and reacts with it. The challenge test employing IgY and Shigella demonstrated a direct correlation between the survival rate and antibody concentration, with increased concentrations leading to decreased mortality rates. Treatment of mice with 10 mg/kg IgY leads to 80 % survival of the mice against 10 LD50 S. dysenteriae., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that IgY may offer therapeutic potential in treating Shigella infections and combating antibiotic resistance., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare that we have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Brucellosis vaccines are designed to induce cellular immunity. An effective brucellosis vaccine could induce both cellular and humoral immunity. Serum Bactericidal Assay (SBA) is an important method for determining vaccine humoral immunity. This study is the first to observe humoral immunity in brucellosis by SBA., Methods: Extracted Brucella abortus ( B. abortus ) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Outer Membrane Proteins (OMPs) were injected into rabbits. Group 1 was injected with 25 μg of LPS, Group 2 was injected with 50 μg of OMPs, and Group 3 was injected with 1 ml of combined vaccine, 3 times every 2 weeks. The groups were challenged with B. abortus 544 in the second injection. Sera were separated 2 weeks after the last injection. SBA was performed, and each well was streak-cultured into a plate of Brucella agar. A colony count was done for each plate., Results: Results have shown, the third injection of the combined vaccine had the highest titer of 1 64 , and the efficacy of the vaccine was 87.71%., Conclusion: As a conclusion, the results of this study showed that LPS and OMP's from B. abortus can provide acceptable immunity., (Copyright© 2024 Avicenna Research Institute.)

Background: Escherichia coli is the most common etiological agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Meanwhile, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) is reported in E. coli isolates producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Furthermore, the reservoirs and mechanisms of acquisition of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are poorly understood. On the other hand, UTIs are common in pregnant women and the treatment challenge is alarming., Methods and Results: In the present study, 54 pregnant women with acute cystitis were included. A total of 108 E. coli isolates, 54 isolates from UTI and 54 isolates from faeces of pregnant women (same host) were collected. In the antimicrobial susceptibility test, the highest rate of antibiotic resistance was to nalidixic acid (77%, 83/108) and the lowest rate was to imipenem (9%, 10/108). Among the isolates, 44% (48/108) were ESBLs producers. A high frequency of PMQR genes was observed in the isolates. The frequency of PMQR genes qnrS, qnrB, aac(6')-Ib-cr, and qnrA was 58% (63/108), 21% (23/108), 9% (10/108), and 4% (4/108), respectively. Meanwhile, PMQR genes were not detected in 24% (20/85) of isolates resistant to nalidixic acid and/or fluoroquinolone, indicating that other mechanisms, i.e. chromosomal mutations, are involved in resistance to quinolones, which were not detected in the present study. In ESBL-producing isolates, the frequency of PMQR genes was higher than that of non-ESBL-producing isolates (81% vs. 53%). Meanwhile, UTI and faeces isolates mainly belonged to phylogenetic group B2 (36/54, 67% and 25/54, 46%, respectively) compared to other phylogenetic groups. In addition, virulence factors and multidrug-resistant (MDR) were mainly associated with phylogenetic group B2. However, predominant clones in faeces were not found in UTIs. Rep-PCR revealed the presence of 85 clones in patients. Among the clones, 40 clones were detected only in faeces (faeces-only), 35 clones only in UTI (UTI-only) and 10 clones in both faeces and UTI (faeces-UTI). We found that out of 10 faeces-UTI clones, 5 clones were present in the host's faeces flora., Conclusion: This study revealed a high rate of resistance to the quinolone nalidixic acid and a widespread distribution of PMQR genes in MDR E. coli strains producing ESBLs. The strains represented virulence factors and phylogenetic group B2 are closely associated with abundance in UTI and faeces. However, the predominant clones in faeces were not found in UTIs and it is possible that rep-PCR is not sufficiently discriminating clones., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: Shigella is one of the major causes of dysenteric diarrhea, which is known shigelosis. Shigelosis causes 160,000 deaths annually of diarrheal disease in the global scale especially children less than 5 years old. No licensed vaccine is available against shigelosis, therefore, efforts for develop an effective and safe vaccine against Shigella as before needed. The reverse vaccinology (RV) is a novel strategy that evaluate genome or proteome of the organism to find a new promising vaccine candidate. In this study, immunogenicity of a designed-recombinant antigen is evaluated through the in silico studies and animal experiments to predict a new immunogenic candidate against Shigella., Methods: In the first step, proteome of Shigella flexneri was obtained from UniProtKB and then the outer membrane and extracellular proteins were predicted. In this study TolC as an outer membrane protein was selected and confirmed among candidates. In next steps, pre-selected protein was evaluated for transmembrane domains, homology, conservation, antigenicity, solubility, and B- and T-cell prediction by different online servers., Result: TolC as a conserved outer membrane protein, using different immune-informatics tools had acceptable scores and was selected as the immunogenic antigen for animal experiment studies. Recombinant TolC protein after expression and purification, was administered to BALB/c mice over three intraperitoneal routes. The sera of mice was used to evaluate the IgG1 production assay by indirect-ELISA. The immunized mice depicted effective protection against 2LD 50 of Shigella. Flexneri ATCC12022 (challenge study)., Conclusion: Therefore, the reverse vaccinology approach and experimental test results demonstrated that TolC as a novel effective and immunogenic antigen is capable for protection against shigellosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Shigella is a major problem in developing countries. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) can be used for prophylaxis and neutralize bacteria. The aim of this study was to produce IgY against the chimeric protein containing IpaD, StxB, and TolC antigens from Shigella , investigate its prophylactic and neutralizing effects against Stx and Shigella dysenteriae . The nucleotide sequence corresponding to the chimeric protein was cloned into pET28a plasmid and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Protein expression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and the recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The 150 μg of chimeric protein was mixed with Freund's adjutant and injected into laying hens (Leghorn). IgY was purified using PEG6000 precipitation. Antibody titer in the serum and egg yolk was evaluated by ELISA. IgY challenge against 1,10 and 50 LD 50 of Stx and S. dysenteriae was investigated. A 60.6 kDa recombinant protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. ELISA showed that the antibody titer was significantly increased. MTT assay [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] showed that at 16 μmol/L, IgY protected HeLa cells against Stx. Treatment of mice with 1000 and 1500 μg IgY leads to complete survival of the mice against 1LD 50 toxin and 4000 μg of IgY led to complete survival against 1LD 50 , also 70% and 30% survival against 10 and 50 LD 50 S. dysenteriae . This study showed that IgY produced against Stx and Shigella virulence factors could cause high protective effects against bacteria and toxins., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:Javad Fathi reports financial support and equipment, drugs, or supplies were provided by 10.13039/501100004320Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Javad Fathi reports a relationship with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences that includes: board membership and employment. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background: SARS-CoV-2 as the cause of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a member of the family Coronaviridea that has generated an emerging global health concern. Controlling and preventing the spread of the disease requires a simple, portable, and rapid diagnostic method. Today, a standard method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 is quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, which is time-consuming and needs an advanced device. The aim of this study was to evaluate a faster and more cost-effective field-based testing method at the point of risk. We utilized a one-step RT-LAMP assay and developed, for the first time, a simple and rapid screening detection assay targeting the Envelope ( E ) gene, using specific primers., Methods: For this, the total RNA was extracted from respiratory samples of COVID-19 infected patients and applied to one-step a RT-LAMP reaction. The LAMP products were visualized using green fluorescence (SYBR Green I). Sensitivity testing was conducted using different concentrations of the designed recombinant plasmid (TA-E) as positive control constructs. Additionally, selectivity testing was performed using the influenza H1N1 genome. Finally, the results were compared using with conventional real time RT-PCR., Results: It was shown that the RT-LAMP assay has a sensitivity of approximately 15 ng for the E gene of SARS-CoV-2 when using extracted total RNA. Additionally, a sensitivity of 112 pg was achieved when using an artificially prepared TA-E plasmid. Accordingly, for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the RT-LAMP had high sensitivity and specificity and also could be an alternative method for real-time RT-PCR., Conclusion: Overall, this method can be used as a portable, rapid, and easy method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in the field and clinical laboratories., (Copyright© 2024 Avicenna Research Institute.)

Background: Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholera ( V. cholera ). The development of antibodies against specific V. cholerae may have a therapeutic effect. In the present research, we investigated the protective effect of egg yolk Immunoglobulin (IgY), which was produced by immunizing hens with formaldehyde-killed V. cholerae O1 and subsequently the isolated IgY was orally administrated to the V. cholerae O1 infected mice for evaluation of its immunizing capability., Methods: In the current study, hens were immunized three times with formaldehyde-killed V. cholerae O1 (1.5×10 7 CFU/ml ) and an equal volume of adjuvant. The IgY was isolated from egg yolk by polyethylene glycol method. The validity and activity of isolated IgY were confirmed with SDS-PAGE and ELISA methods, respectively. Subsequently IgY was orally administered to suckling mice following challenge with V. cholerae O1. ELISA results showed high antibody titer in the serum and egg yolk. Also, SDS-PAGE analysis showed successful purification of IgY and anti- V. cholerae IgY prevented the death of mice infected with V. cholerae O1. The anti- V. cholera IgY was administered at 2, 4, 6 hr intervals after 3 hr of inoculation of mice with V. cholerae O1., Results: Results showed that the rate of surviving mice (2 mg/ml of IgY) were 60% after 4 hr and 40% after 6 hr and the rate of surviving mice (5 mg/ml of IgY) was 70% after 4 hr and 60% after 6 hr ., Conclusion: The findings suggested the egg yolk-driven IgY as a natural antibacterial protein, could be effective in the prevention and treatment of cholera disease., (Copyright© 2023 Avicenna Research Institute.)

Objectives: Less than 5% of eligible U.S. individuals undergo lung cancer screening (LCS). A significant barrier is lack of awareness; more effective outreach and education strategies are needed to achieve greater population LCS uptake. Tobacco Treatment Specialists (TTSs) are an untapped resource to assist and understanding TTS knowledge and perspectives about LCS and readiness and capacity to assist is a critical first step., Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design was conducted to understand LCS knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of TTSs. A cross-sectional survey (N = 147) was conducted supplemented with 3 focus groups (N = 12)., Results: TTSs lacked good working knowledge about LCS in general and screening guidelines, but think it is important for their patient population and open to routinely assessing and adding this educational component into their current workflow., Conclusions: Tobacco treatment offers a unique venue for LCS awareness and is a setting where there are experienced specialists trained in tobacco use assessment and treatment. Results highlight the unmet training needs required to facilitate integration of tobacco treatment and LCS., Practice Implications: TTSs are an expanding healthcare workforce. There is a strong need for current TTSs to receive additional training in the benefits of LCS., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There are no financial or non-financial competing interests for any of the authors., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We tested an assessment model, by which teacher self-efficacy, perceived school climate, and psychological wellbeing at work, might predict teaching enjoyment. We invited a convenience sample of 355 teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) to respond to four online questionnaires. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to check the scales' construct validity and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test associations among the variables. Our results showed that teacher self-efficacy, perceived school-climate, and psychological wellbeing were direct predictors of foreign language teaching-enjoyment (FLTE). Teacher self-efficacy affected FLTE indirectly, as induced by psychological well-being. School climate also indirectly influenced FLTE, as mediated by teacher self-efficacy and psychological wellbeing, with school climate a direct predictor of teacher self-efficacy and psychological wellbeing. Teacher self-efficacy directly affected psychological wellbeing. We discuss implications of these findings for teacher-education programs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Backgrounds: Shigella spp. causes bloody diarrhea and leads to death, especially in children. Chimeric proteins containing virulence factors can prevent Shigella infection. The purpose of this study is to investigate the immunogenic and protective effect of trivalent chimeric protein containing IpaD-StxB-TolC antigens against shiga toxin, S. dysenteri and S. flexneri in vitro and in vivo conditions., Methods: Recombinant vector was transferred to E. coli BL21. The expression of the chimeric protein was confirmed by SDS PAGE and purified using the Ni-NTA column. Mice were immunized with recombinant protein and antibody titer was evaluated by ELISA. 10, 25 and 50 LD 50 of Shiga toxin neutralization was evaluated in vitro (Vero cell line) and in vivo conditions. Also, the challenge of immunized mice with 10, 25 and 50 LD 50 of S. dysentery and S. flexneri was done., Results: The expression and purification of the recombinant protein with 60.6 kDa was done. ELISA showed increased antibody titer against the chimeric protein. MTT assay indicated that 1/8000 dilution of the sera had a 51% of cell viability against the toxin in Vero cell line. The challenge of mice immunized with toxin showed that the mice had complete protection against 10 and 25 LD 50 of toxin and had 40% survival against 50 LD 50 . Mice receiving 10 and 25 LD 50 of S. dysenteri and S. flexneri had 100% protection and in 50 LD 50 the survival rate was 60 and 50%, respectively. Organ burden showed that the amount of bacterial colonization in immunized mice was 1 × 10 4  CFU/mL, which was significantly different from the control group., Conclusion: This study showed that chimeric proteins can create favorable immunogenicity in the host as vaccine candidates., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Because of the importance of positive emotions in second language (L2) acquisition, researchers have undertaken studies to investigate L2 learners' emotions. Nevertheless, L2 teachers' emotions still require more scholarly attention. Against this backdrop, we sought to test a model of teachers' growth mindset, teaching enjoyment, work engagement, and teacher grit among English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers. To this end, 486 Chinese EFL teachers volunteered to partake in an online survey and completed the questionnaires of the four constructs in question. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to ensure the construct validity of the used scales. Then structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized model. SEM results indicated that teaching enjoyment, teacher grit, and growth mindset directly predicted EFL teachers' work engagement. In addition, teaching enjoyment affected work engagement indirectly via the mediation of teacher grit. Likewise, teacher grit mediated the effect of growth mindset on teachers' work engagement. Finally, the implications of these findings are discussed., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Liu, Fathi, Allahveysi and Kamran.)

As teaching is a complex and demanding activity especially in university and higher education contexts, exploring the correlates of work engagement in university contexts seems to be a promising research area. As an attempt to further clarify this research area, this study sought to examine the significance of reflective teaching and academic optimism as correlates of work engagement among university instructors in Iran. Having been selected via convenience sampling, a sample of 289 Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) university instructors participated in this survey. The electronic versions of the scales of teacher academic optimism, reflective teaching, and work engagement were administered to the participants. Initially, the construct validity of the scales was verified for the university contexts via performing confirmatory factor analysis. Then the hypothesized structural relationships among the constructs were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results demonstrated that both reflective teaching and academic optimism significantly predicted work engagement among English university instructors. Some notable implications are finally discussed based on these findings., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses innate antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been considered the number one priority in the 2017 WHO list of antimicrobial-resistant crucial hazards. Early detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can circumvent treatment challenges. Various techniques have been developed for the detection of P. aeruginosa detection. Biosensors have recently attracted unprecedented attention in the field of point-of-care diagnostics due to their easy operation, rapid, low cost, high sensitivity, and selectivity. Biosensors can convert the specific interaction between bioreceptors (antibodies, aptamers) and pathogens into optical, electrical, and other signal outputs. Aptamers are novel and promising alternatives to antibodies as biorecognition elements mainly synthesized by systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment and have predictable secondary structures. They have comparable affinity and specificity for binding to their target to antibody recognition. Since 2015, there have been about 2000 journal articles published in the field of aptamer biosensors, of which 30 articles were on the detection of P. aeruginosa. Here, we have focused on outlining the recent progress in the field of aptamer-based biosensors for P. aeruginosa detection based on optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric signal transduction methods., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest There is no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) elicit humoral and cellular immune responses. Due to their high sequence homology, they can be developed as a new immunogen for cross prophylactic and vaccination effects against infectious agents such as Enteropathogenic and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EPEC and EHEC). This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and cross-protective efficacy of rGroEL of Salmonella typhi ( S. typhi ) encapsulated in poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles against EPEC and EHEC., Methods: Recombinant GroEL was expressed in Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The protein was encapsulated in PLGA by the double emulsion method, and the nanoparticles were characterized physicochemically. BALB/c mice were immunized, and the efficacy of the protein to elicit immune responses was assessed., Results: Over-expression in E. coli led to corresponding 64.5 kDa protein bands in Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Non-aggregated nanoparticles had a spherical shape with a mean diameter of 194.3±3 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 89.5±2.5%. Antibody isotyping revealed that GroEL immunization induced both IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies. Moreover, immunization of the mice with recombinant GroEL protein conferred 80 and 60% protection against lethal infections by EPEC and EHEC, respectively. Furthermore, organ burden studies revealed a significant reduction in infection in the immunized mice compared to the non-immunized ones. Passive immunization with anti-GroEL sera also protected 50% of the mice against the lethal doses of EHEC and EPEC strains., Conclusion: The findings indicated that immunization of the mice with recombinant GroEL of S. typhi elicited cross-protection against other bacterial infections. This represented the immense potential of GroEL to be developed as a single vaccine against multiple pathogens., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright© 2022 Avicenna Research Institute.)

With the advent of positive psychology in second language (L2) learning, some researchers have undertaken empirical studies to explore emotional variables affecting L2 learning and how positive emotions can enhance the engagement of L2 learners. As an attempt to contribute to this research domain, this project sought to test a model of student engagement based on classroom social climate (CSC) and foreign language enjoyment (FLE) among English language learners in Iran. A sample of 386 intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners took part in this survey by completing the online battery of questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for the analysis of the gathered data. The results showed that both CSC and FLE were significant predictors of student engagement, with FLE acting as a stronger predictor. Furthermore, CSC exerted a slight influence on FLE. The findings of the present study verify the contributions of positive psychology to L2 pedagogy, implying that pleasant perceptions of learning context and positive emotions can lead to further student engagement., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Mohammad Hosseini, Fathi, Derakhshesh and Mehraein.)

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen that causes various infections. Aminoglycosides are broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections. Typing of S. aureus isolates by coagulase gene typing and PCR-RFLP coa gene is a fast and suitable method for epidemiological studies. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the resistance to aminoglycosides, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) types, coagulation typing and PCR-RFLP coa gene in clinical isolates of S. aureus . 192 S. aureus isolates were collected from Namazi and Shahid Faghihi hospitals. Antibiotic resistance was measured by disk diffusion method and MIC was determined for gentamicin. The presence of genes encoding aminoglycoside modifying enzymes ( AME ) and mecA gene were assessed by PCR. Also the coagulase typing, PCR-RFLP coa gene, and SCCmec typing were performed. Out of 192 isolated S. aureus isolates, 83 (43.2%) MRSA isolates were identified. In this study, a high resistance to streptomycin and gentamicin (98.7%) were observed. Among the AME genes, the aac (6')-Ie-aph (2″) gene was the most common. Based on the SCCmec typing, it was determined that the prevalence of SCCmec type III (45.8%) was highest. From the amplification of the coa gene, 5 different types were obtained. Also, in digestion of coa gene products by HaeIII enzyme, 10 different RFLP patterns were observed. According to this study, aminoglycoside resistance is increasing among MRSA isolates. As a result, monitoring and control of aminoglycoside resistance can be effective in the treatment of MRSA isolates. Also, typing of S. aureus isolates based on coagulase gene polymorphism is a suitable method for epidemiological studies., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: Shigella spp. is the cause of dysentery and is widespread worldwide. On the other hand, antibiotic resistance is increasing in this bacterium. Bioinformatics is a new approach to vaccine and drug design involving the selection of appropriate antigens. This study aimed to design a chimeric protein consisting of IpaD, StxB, and TolC proteins from Shigella through a bioinformatics approach as an immunogen candidate., Methods: The sequences of ipaD , stxB, and tolC genes were obtained. Additionally, the immunogenic regions of the associated protein, physicochemical characteristics, protein structures, B and T cells epitopes, and molecular docking were determined using in silico servers. Besides, the chimeric gene was synthesized following sequence optimization by utilizing the codon usage of Escherichia coli ( E. coli) . The expression of the recombinant protein was confirmed via SDS-PAGE and Western blot technique., Results: The residues 41-160 of IpaD, 21-89 of StxB, and 40-335 of TolC were selected. According to half-life, instability, and buried indices, IpaD-StxB-TolC was selected as the best arrangement. The Ramachandran plot showed that 97.077% of the amino acids were in the favored area. Linear and conformational epitopes were also present throughout the chimeric protein sequence. Moreover, the C-ImmSim server indicated that IgG and IgM titers could reach desirable values by the third injection. Furthermore, the stability of the mRNA-optimized gene was enhanced, increasing the Codon Adaptive Index (CAI) to 0.9. Finally, the chimeric gene was transferred to E. coli BL21, and the expression of the 60.6 kDa recombinant protein was confirmed., Conclusion: The results indicated that the recombinant protein could act as a proper immunogen candidate against Shigella spp., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright© 2022 Avicenna Research Institute.)

Because of the exacting nature of teaching, identifying factors affecting teachers' mental health and psychological wellbeing are of paramount importance. Parallel with this line of inquiry, the goal of this project was to test a model of psychological wellbeing based on teacher self-efficacy and emotion regulation in an EFL context. To this end, 276 Iranian English teachers participated in this survey. First, the measurement models for the three latent constructs were verified through performing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Then Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized model. SEM outcomes evince that both teacher self-efficacy and emotion regulation were the significant predictors of teachers' psychological wellbeing, with teacher self-efficacy being a stronger correlate than emotion regulation. The findings offer significant implications for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Xiyun, Fathi, Shirbagi and Mohammaddokht.)