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Background and Objectives: Dermatophytosis induced by Trichophyton mentagrophytes is a major human and animal fun- gal contamination. Antifungals like terbinafine and fluconazole are widely used to treat dermatophytosis; nevertheless, the prevalence of drug resistance has increased. Hence, novel curative strategies are needed. In the present study, we compared the efficacies of conventional and nanoform of antifungals agents in guinea pig model of dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: Guinea pigs (n=36) were injected (the posterior dorsal portion) with Trichophyton mentagrophytes conidia. The guinea pigs were divided into 6 groups (positive control, negative control, fluconazole 0.5% treated group, na- no-fluconazole treated group, terbinafine 1% treated group, and nano-terbinafine treated group), then were scored both clin- ically (redness and lesion intensity) and mycologically (microscopy and culture) until day 40 of inoculation. The treatment started 5 days after the inoculation and continued until day 40 of inoculation. Results: Assessment of the mean score of clinical lesions in groups treated with nano-drug forms of fluconazole and terbin- afine on the first day of treatment showed a score of 3 (significant redness with large scaling) and for the conventional form of terbinafine and fluconazole had a score of 4 (ulcer and scar). The decrease in lesion score in nano-drug treated groups was observed between days 15 and 20 and continued until day 40. On day 40, all groups had zero scores except the positive control group. Conclusion: This study indicated that nano-drugs are more suitable for the treatment of dermatophytosis and could be con- sidered as future alternatives for the treatment of dermatophytosis.

In this study, we report a novel and facile colorimetric assay based on silver citrate-coated Au@Ag nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) as a chemosensor for the naked-eye detection of morphine (MOR). The developed optical sensing approach relied on the aggregation of Au@Ag NPs upon exposure to morphine, which led to an evident color variation from light-yellow to brown. Au@Ag NPs have been prepared by two different protocols, using high- and low-power ultrasonic irradiation. The sonochemical method was essential for the sensing properties of the resulting nanoparticles. This facile sensing method has several advantages including excellent stability, selectivity, prompt detection, and cost-effectiveness.

Fusarium genus is a filamentous ascomycete fungi with the ability to produce toxins. Sampling was carried out between 2015-2016 in three tea courses from Mazandaran and Gilan provinces. At intervals of 3, 7 and 15 days, the plates were examined and the colonies grown in each plate were identified and their macroscopic characteristics were recorded. Finally, 150 colonies were selected. Samples cultured in a plate were cultured in liquid medium sB + ME and sB + yE. The environments were examined for successive days and slides were prepared and stained with lacto phenol. This is to ensure the inactivation of fungi exposed to plasma or the removal of spores from the sample surface. There is a significant relationship between the DON produced in the potato medium containing yeast extract and DON contained in the sample taken from the same medium that was exposed to plasma jet for 60 seconds This feature was statistically significant in comparison between changes in the toxicity of T2 and toxin after 60 seconds of treatment with jet plasma and T2 reducibility severity to DON. Plasma treatment results showed a significant reduction in time-dependent toxin concentrations. These results indicate that the plasma system has a high potential not only to destroy mycotoxins, but also toxins produced from fungi, which can be greatly reduced and can be used effectively in the food industry.

Abstract Candida is a common yeast in opportunistic fungal diseases around the world and is usually colonized on the skin and mucosal membranes. The purpose of this study was to synthesize chitosan–silver–copper nanocomposite and to investigate its antifungal effects on Candida albicans. Silver, copper and chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized individually. Then, copper–silver–chitosan nanocomposite was synthesized. These nanoparticles are approved by transmission electron microscope, and nanocomposite structure was also confirmed by scanning electron microscope. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal of these nanostructures were examined on C. albicans. The results of this study indicate that the properties and effects of the investigated nanocomposite are comparable to amphotericin B as standard material. The results show that this effect was higher for copper–silver–chitosan nanocomposite than for other nanoparticles studied. Antifungal effect of copper nanoparticles and chitosan nanoparticles was not established separately, but it was found that their composition had antifungal effects that were effective. The combination of nanoparticles of chitosan with silver has been shown to have some antifungal effects. The most antifungal effect for the nanoparticles studied is related to copper–silver–chitosan nanocomposite and, which has had a significant effect on the growth of C. albicans in the laboratory environment compared to other nanoparticles. Graphic abstract

Background: Dermatophytosis is one of the most common fungal infections in humans. Antifungals such as fluconazole are effectively used for treating dermatophytosis; however, drug resistance was observed in many cases. Therefore, a newer treatment strategy is essential. Methods: This study (Conducted in the Laboratory of the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran in 2018) evaluated the antifungal susceptibility of nano fluconazole compared to conventional fluconazole on dermatophyte isolates using CLSI M38-A2guidelines. Dermatophyte species isolated from clinical cases of dermatophytosis were identified using PCR sequencing techniques. Zeta potential and size of the nano particles containing fluconazole were measured; scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine nano particle structure. Results: The size of liposomal fluconazole obtained was 88.9 12.14 nm with –20.12 3.8 mV for zeta potential. The encapsulation rate for fluconazole was 75.1 4.2%. MIC50 for the three tested species was 32, 16, and 8 μg/ml for Trichophyton interdigitale, T. rubrum, and Epidermophyton floccosum isolates, respectively. The corresponding values for nano fluconazole were 8 μg/ml for the three tested species. Conclusion: MIC value for nano-fluconazole was lower than conventional fluconazole in all dermatophytes species tested; therefore, nano-fluconazole could inhibit the growth of dermatophytes better than fluconazole at a lower concentration of the drug.

This study focuses on optimization and validation of an Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous analysis of 11mycotoxins: Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2), Ochratoxin A, Deoxynivalenol, Fumonisins (B1 and B2), Zearalenone, T-2, and HT-2toxin, in wheat matrix. Sample extraction and cleanup procedure is based on a single extraction step using acetonitrile/water/acetic acid mixture (79.5/20/0.5 v/v/v) and rapid clean-up of samples were performed with the Myco6in1+ Immunoaffinity column. Electrospray ionization at positive mode was operated to the simultaneously analysis of selected mycotoxins in a single run time of 15 min. Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode was selected for quantification and detection of the mycotoxins. The analysis method was validated for selected mycotoxins at different spike levels (2-150 ngg-1 for AFs, T-2, OTA; 20-1500 ngg-1 for ZER, HT-2 toxin; and 100-1500 ngg-1 for DON and FB1+B2) in wheat. Calibration curves were plotted based on the area of peak analyte in spike samples. Limits of detection (LOD) ranged from 0.7 to 33.3 ngg-1 and limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 2 to 100 ngg-1. Recovery values were between 70 and 120% for all the mycotoxins, except for AFG2 (72-123%) and T-2 toxin (77-122%) with good repeatability. The recoveries and repeatabilities were in accordance with the criteria determined by European Union (EU) Recommendation 519/2014.

Aflatoxin and ochratoxin are among the most resistant and severe toxins produced by Aspergillus spp. The aim of this study was an evaluation of eliminatory effects of cold argon plasma jet on aflatoxin B1. Sampling of wheat, corn, oatmeal, flour and rice products from northern cities of Iran was carried out. The fungal species were cultured on CHAPK medium and next to sabouraud dextrose broth + malt extract (SB + ME) and also SB + yeast extract (SB + YE) media to obtain aflatoxin B1. The ELISA test was conducted to measure the aflatoxin level. The mean initial concentration of the aflatoxin from charts analysis in the SB +ME medium was 16.106 μg / kg (10.4, 8.32 and 7.55 μg / kg at 30, 60 and 360 sec, respectively), and in the SB +YE medium from 23.699 μg / kg (12.82, 9.93 and 9.54 μg / kg, respectively), at the same time. Furthermore, the mean concentrations of aflatoxin B1 by tables analysis in the SB+ ME medium changed from 20.02 μg / kg to 6.87, 10.46 and 7.55 μg / kg, at 30, 60 and 360 sec, respectively, and in the medium SB +YE from 28.85 μg / kg reached 6.56.6, 8.43 and 7.02 μg / kg, respectively, at the same time. In this study, the change or decrease in the concentration of aflatoxin B1, from Lin/Log and Log/Lin analyses of charts was significant (p

Introduction: Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common genital tract infections among women, especially in diabetic patients. The increasing prevalence of recurrent infections caused by drug-resistant non-albicans species necessitates further studies on diabetic patients and the identification of causative agents by reliable molecular techniques. The obtained results can assist in adopting proper treatment procedures and prevention of recurrent vulvovaginitis (RVVC). Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 150 vaginal discharge samples were collected from diabetic women suspected of candidiasis referring to health centers in Tehran province. Following the culture of samples on SDA, CHROMagar Candida and PCR-RFLP were used for presumptive and definitive identification of Candida species, respectively. Results: Out of 115 positive patients, 105 showed infection with one species, and 10 had a mixed infection with two species. The frequency of Candida glabrata isolated from non-mixed and mixed infections in RVVC group was higher than Candida albicans (27.8% vs. 9.6%), which contradicted the results of the VVC group (6.1% vs. 24.3%). In the RVVC group, therefore, the patients were more infected with non-albicans species than C. albicans (47.8% vs. 9.6%), while in the VVC group the non-albicans were of lower frequency (18.3% vs. 24.3%). Conclusion: Our findings showed a statistically significant correlation (P

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a phenomenon in which epithelial cells lose their cell to cell adhesion and detach from the base of the membrane. EMT is a fundamental process which occurs during tumor progression and metastasis. Cancer genomics is a complex network which involves a variety of factors such as transcription factors (TFs), coding genes and microRNAs (miRs). Both TFs and miRs are trans-regulatory elements that crosstalk. Due to a wide range of targets, TF-miR interaction provides a feedback or feedforward loop and cross-gene regulation consequently. In this review, we focused on the structure and function of two TF families involved in EMT, zinc finger and β helix loop helix and p53. Subsequently we analyzed recent findings on TF-miR interaction in EMT.

Fungal polysaccharides are well-known for the medicinal properties such as antitumor and immunomodulating effects. Hence, this study evaluated antitumor effects of polysaccharide extracted from Fusarium sp. isolated from soil samples of Karaj district, Alborz, Iran along with its taxonomic study. The filamentous fungus strain FK1 was isolated from the soil sample of Karaj, Iran. The strain was identified based on cultural, morphological and 18 S rRNA gene parameters as Fusarium. Further, the strain Fusarium was cultured in fermented broth of modified (PDB) for 10 days at 25 °C. The polysaccharide of strain FK1 was extracted from the mycelium free supernatant by boiling water method and evaluated for antitoxicity effect on two human cancer cell lines: HeLa cell line and Lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) by MTT method. Findings revealed that water-extracted from mycelia polysaccharide of strain FK1 had the highest cytotoxicity effect against LCL which is the cause of B lymphocyte cancer, at 50 μg/ml concentration dose (114 ± 1.63) followed by 100 μg/ml (105 ± 0.57) and 10 μg/ml (104 ± 0.57), while it did not have a considerable effect on HeLa cell line. Fusarium could be alternative sources as an antitumor component. Keywords: Polysaccharides, Anti-tumor, Lymphoblastoid cell line, HeLa cell line, Fusarium

The presence of subtilisin genes (SUBs) coding for serine proteases with activities keratinolytic on dermatophyte species gives them the ability to adhere and degrade keratin during infection process. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of SUBs in Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum canis from dermatophyte infections. In the current study, dermatophytes were isolated from human and animal with dermatophytosis. Isolates were identified by direct microscopic and laboratory examination; then, the isolates were examined for the presence of the SUB gene family by PCR with specific primers. This study showed the most frequency of SUB gene families (11/17). At least one virulence gene was observed for 94% (16/17) of the isolates. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between SUB presence and isolates, origin of isolates (animal or human infection) and infection type (skin, hair, and nail) (P

Background: Inflammation or infection of the ear that refers to as otitis is a common ear disorder. The otitis externa infection involves outer ear and ear canal. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be pointed out as the common causative agents of this infection. Due to the detrimental effects of chemical drugs on humans, utilizing the new formulation of herbal essential oils, such as nano-encapsulation is considered owing to the more efficient and reduction of adverse effects resulting from the direct application of essential oils. In this in vitro study, the antimicrobial effects of 4 nano-essences were compared to pure essential oils against four major microorganisms involved in otitis externa (namely, S. pyogenes, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa). Methods: To evaluate the antibacterial effects of nano-essences, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) quantitative determination and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were first carried out, and then qualitative disk diffusion tests were conducted. Results: The MIC quantitative test results demonstrated that among the evaluated essential oils, garlic nanoessence had the most antimicrobial effect at the lowest concentration. Besides, the results showed that nanoessences had lower effect compared to pure essential oils. Diffusion disc test results revealed that nano-essences could not be released from paper discs diffusion in solid media. Conclusions: Results suggested great antibacterial effects of nano-essences of garlic, thyme, peppermint, and chamomile on 3 strains of bacteria involved in otitis externa and it can be promised to produce new drugs, with lower side effects in eliminating these pathogens.

The specific immune-reaction between the anti-citrinin antibody immobilized on the surface of magnetic/silica core–shell (MSCS) and the citrinin–Rho123–BSA conjugate brings the Rho123 fluorophore as an acceptor and the QDs as a donor in close spatial proximity and causes FRET for occurring upon photo-excitation of the QDs. The novelties of this study include: (1) immobilization of the MSCS; (2) large amount of the immobilized QDs, and (3) immobilization of a large amount of Rho123 on the BSA macromolecule. Cd/Te QDs were synthesized by the simultaneous reduction of cadmium chloride and tellurium in the presence of sodium borohydride. Magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized using FeSO4 and FeCl3. The prepared magnetic nanoparticles shelled by silica using tetraethoxysilane in the presence of ammonia. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was used for investigating shape and monodispersity of the nanoparticles. EDC/NHS was used as a cross linking agent for immobilization of the QDs, conjugation of citrinin to amino groups of BSA, labeling of BSA with Rho123 and also for immobilization of the amino-functionalized MSCS on the immobilized QDs. Immobilization of the anti-citrinin antibody on the surface of the amino-functionalized MSCS was performed by Schiff-base mechanism. By using these three effective strategies, sensitivity of the designed nanobiosensor was incredibly enhanced as a very low limit of detection (up to 0.1 pM). The feasibility of this technique was tested by the detection of citrinin in the spiked human serum. Results showed that there was a linear correlation between the decreased fluorescence intensity of the Rho123 and increased fluorescence intensity of the QDs with increasing concentration of citrinin in the spiked samples in the range of 1–6 pM. According to obtained results, we conclude that this highly sensitive detection scheme is a easy, quick and impressive method that can be used in optical-based nanosensors.

Background and aims Despite the use of antifungal drugs, the visceral candidiasis is associated with a high mortality rate. The aims of this study were an evaluation of intrinsic and acquired immune cells infiltration in kidney and spleen of the mice infected with systemic candidiasis and treated with chloroform fraction of Zataria Multiflora Boiss. Materials and methods Candida albicans (C. albicans) ATCC10231 clinical standard strain was isolated. C. albicans LD50 was determined. The laboratory animal (BALB/C mouse) infection with the visceral candidiasis was performed. The kidney and spleen tissues were stained with PAS and prepared for confirmation under the microscope. The Zataria Multiflora Boiss (Shiraz thyme) was prepared and the effects on the infected group were assessed. The kidney and spleen mononuclear cells (MNCs) were prepared and the flow cytometry technique was performed for the assessment of Th1, Th17, and Treg cells. Results The LD50 and LD totals were 1.5 × 108 and 2 × 108 Yeast/0.1 ml, respectively. In mice which had a drug intervention, including chloroform fraction of Zataria Multiflora Boiss, thymol, carvacrol or fluconazole, fungal purification was greater in the spleen than in the kidney. Among those mice without medication intervention, fungal clearance was higher in the kidney. The highest percentage of TH1 cells was in group 1 and then group 4 and in groups 2 and 3 respectively. Moreover, there was a significant difference between groups 4 and 5 and also 6 and 7. The percentage of TH1 cells in the spleen MNCs was higher than that of the kidney cells, which is the difference between the groups except for group 7. The percentage of TH17 cells in the kidney and spleen of all drug-receiving groups exhibited a significant increase compared to groups 6 and 7. The percentage of Treg cells in the kidney and the spleen only in the extract-receiving group had a significant decrease compared to the non-drug receiving group and the other groups receiving group depicted no significant difference in the percentage of Treg cells. Conclusion In addition to the direct effect on the fungus proven in vitro, the extract exhibits immunosuppressive effects, and thus can degrade the fungus through this way. The results demonstrated that the fraction of Zataria Multiflora Boiss can be considered as a powerful alternative to C. albicans therapy along with other therapies.

Mobile phones communicate with base stations using 900 MHz microwaves. The current study was aimed to survey the effects of long-term 900 MHz microwave exposure of mice on experimentally induced cutaneous candidiasis. Forty inbred, male, BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups. Cutaneous lesions with Candida albicans were experimentally induced on the lateral-back skin of the 20 mice. One group of the diseased mice were exposed (6 h per day and 7 d per week) to 900 MHz microwave radiation, while the other groups were not exposed. Two unexposed control groups were also included. The skin lesions were regularly monitored and the live candida cell density was enumerated using the colony-forming unit (CFU) assay. The process was repeated after a one week resting interval. One week later, all mice were challenged through intra tail veins using LD90 dose of C. albicans. Mortality of the mice was recorded and the candida load of the kidney homogenates from died animals was counted. 900 MHz microwave exposed mice had 1.5 day and 3.7 day delays on wound healing in stages two. Live Candida inoculated Wave exposed (LCW) mice also showed higher yeast loads in skin lesions at days 5, 7 and 9 post inoculation. Survival analysis of live candida challenged mice showed the radiation exposed group is prone to death induced by systemic infection and candida enumeration from the kidney homogenates showed radiation exposed animals have had significantly higher yeast load in the tissue. In collection, long-term 900 MHz radiation exposure of mice led to longevity of skin wounds and susceptibility of the animals to systemic challenge and higher incidences of microorganisms in internal tissues.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, los1 encodes a nuclear tRNA exporter. Despite the non-essentiality, the deletion of los1 has been shown to extend replicative life span in yeast. Here, we characterized AfuXpot, the los1 homologue in human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and found that it is continuously expressed during fungal growth. Microscopic examination of an AfuXpot-GFP-expressing transformant confirmed the nuclear localization of the fusion protein. The targeted gene deletion affirmed the non-essential role of AfuXpot in hyphal growth and sporulation. However, the growth of the deletion mutant was affected by amino acid, but not glucose, deprivation. The susceptibility of the deletant strain to protein and DNA/RNA synthesis inhibitors was also altered. Using bioinformatics tools, some transcription factor binding sites were predicted in AfuXpot promoter. Expression analyses of potential AfuXpot-interacting genes showed a marked down-regulation of sfp1 and mtr10 homologues in ΔAfuXpot strain. Our data demonstrates some conserved aspects of AfuXpot as a tRNA exporter in A. fumigatus.

Chitosan (CS) is a polycation with a pka of about 6.3 with a charge density dependent on pH and the %DA-value which can interact with polyanions to form complex and gels. Nanoparticles (CNPs) in addition can increase the antifungal potential of bioactive compounds like essential oils by increasing cellular interactions between them and the fungal as a result of the very small size that enhances cellular uptake. In this study, was set to investigate the encapsulation of the Gymnema sylvestre essential oils (G.EOs) using Chitosan and Myrestic acid made Nanogel in order to enhance its antifungal activity and stability to the oil against C. albicans strain (ATCC 10231). To procedure this, the self-assembled process of Chitosan and Myrestic acid Nanogel (CS-MA) through the 1- ethyl - 3- (3 dimethyl aminoprophyl) carbodiimide (EDC) was designed. Its physicochemical properties were determined by Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and microscopic methods by Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 18.7 to 37.5 µg/ml and 2.3 to 4.6 µg/ml and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) at 75 µg/ml and 5.38 µg/ml using by broth micro dilution (BMD) method for G. sylvestre oils (G.EOs) and oil-loaded Nanogels (G.OLNPs) were measurement. The susceptibility of C. albicans biofilm to fractions was examined by 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[8phenylamino) carbonyl] - 2H - tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) quantitatively.The concentration of G.OLNPs required to inhibit 50 % biofilm formation was 4.68 µg/ml, while that to remove 90 % biofilm growth was 18.07 µg/ml. In addition, it was observed that cell uptake of G.OLNPs was much higher compared with free G.EOs. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed to determine the effect of sub-MIC concentrations of G.EOs and G.OLNPs on expression of the biofilm–related gene ALS1 / ALS3, and indicated the G.OLNPs down-regulated the expression of hypha-specific gene ALS3. Furthermore, the data strongly suggested that G.OLNPs more effective suppressed C. albicans planktonic cells and reduction biofilm biomass.

Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is a valuable plant which is native to Iran. Saffron is the dried stigmata of the flowering part of the plant that is usually contaminated with different bacteria and fungi through production process. Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles are well recognized. To survey the effects of nanosilver packaging on microbiological status of spiked, saffron samples over a six month period were chosen. Saffron samples from five regions of Khorasan province were purchased and de novo frequencies of microbial contaminants were determined using standard procedures. Totally 35g of saffron was spiked with known numbers of four bacterial and two fungal species and packaged into one gram packets. The packaging materials consisted of polyethylene polymers containing 0, 400, 800, 1200 or 4000ppm nanosilver (as Ag). Total and differential numbers of spiked microorganisms in the packaged saffrons were enumerated at initial and at six time points of seven, 14, 28, 64, 90 and 180days. Baird-Parker agar (BP agar), Kenner Fecal (KF), Salmonella–Shigella agar (SS agar), Violet Red Bile Glucose Agar (VRBGA), and Sabouraud Dextrose agar (SD agar) media were used for enumeration of the six spiked microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella Enteritidis, Enterobacter species and Escherichia coli, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. Direct antibacterial activity of the composites was also determined. De novo frequencies of microorganisms in five saffron samples were at acceptable levels with dominance of fungi species. Nanosilver embedded packages accelerated the reduction in live microbial numbers in saffron samples and the efficacy was the best in packages containing 4000ppm nanosilver particles. Nanosilver packaging can significantly reduce microbial burden of saffron.

Over the last decade, communication industries have witnessed a tremendous expansion, while, the biological effects of electromagnetic waves have not been fully elucidated. Current study aimed at evaluating the mutagenic effect of long-term exposure to 900-MHz radiation on alpha-Int1 gene sequences of Candida albicans. A standard 900MHz radiation generator was used for radiation. 10ml volumes from a stock suspension of C. albicans were transferred into 10 polystyrene tubes. Five tubes were exposed at 4°C to a fixed magnitude of radiation with different time periods of 10, 70, 210, 350 and 490h. The other 5 tubes were kept far enough from radiation. The samples underwent genomic DNA extraction. PCR amplification of alpha-Int1 gene sequence was done using one set of primers. PCR products were resolved using agarose gel electrophoresis and the nucleotide sequences were determined. All samples showed a clear electrophoretic band around 441bp and further sequencing revealed the amplified DNA segments are related to alpha-Int1 gene of the yeast. No mutations in the gene were seen in radiation exposed samples. Long-term exposure of the yeast to mobile phone radiation under the above mentioned conditions had no mutagenic effect on alpha-Int1 gene sequence.

Background Dermatophytes are a group of frequent cutaneous infectious agents with different clinical forms, which are highly adapted to invade the enriched keratin tissues, through secretion of different enzymatic and non- enzymatic virulence factors. Since the knowledge of the factors mediating invasion of Epidermophyton floccosum to host tissues is little known, we investigated the harborage of SUB genes family in clinical isolates of E. floccosum. Material and methods A total, 312 clinically suspected cases of dermatophytosis were investigated in Medical Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All the obtained specimens underwent direct examination and culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with Chloramphenicol and Cycloheximide. Molecular confirmation of dermatophytes was performed using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. Finally, the presence of SUB gene family in clinical isolates and the reference strain of E. floccosum were evaluated using specific primers. Results Considering our results, the presence of SUB2, SUB3, and SUB7 was demonstrated in 10 isolates of E. floccosum derived from different clinical forms of dermatophytosis, including tinea cruris (n = 7), tinea pedis (n = 2), and tinea corporis (n = 1). Also, SUB1 and SUB6 were only detected in 3 (3/10), and 2 (2/10) isolates of E. floccosum, respectively. Nevertheless, the results of the current study showed that there are no isolates to carry SUB4 and SUB5 genes. Conclusions In the current study, the presence of SUB2, SUB3, and SUB7 in all of the investigated isolates probably implies their indispensable role in infection elicitation. Further studies are needed to investigate the key role of subtilisin genes and check the conditions that affect the expression of SUB genes in vitro and in vivo.

Background & aim Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic, progressive cutaneous and subcutaneous fungal infection clinically manifested by nodular, crusted and verrucose lesions appearing as a result of tissue proliferation around the site of traumatic inoculation of the exosaprophytic pigmented fungi. Up to now, little studies available documenting the presence of these organisms from environmental sources in Iran. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the presence of black fungi in the nature of Iran. Methods and materials A total of 400 environmental samples including: air, soil, wood, plant matters, grain and organic debris were obtained from different areas (public places) belonging to Babol city of the Mazandaran province in north of Iran during one year. The grown dark colonies were then isolated and exposed to DNA extraction. All culture positive isolates were identified to the species level by DNA sequencing of ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 rDNA region. Results Based on morphological appearances, 79 strains of dematiaceous fungi including 13 genera and 23 species were isolated from 400 included samples. Cladosporium herbarum (17/79) was the most predominantly identified species, afterward Alternaria spp., Curvularia spp. and Ulocladium spp. in descending frequency isolated as well. Summer season was documented as the time of highest fungal isolation rate. Conclusion Although, all the environmental black fungi isolated strains from current study are regarded as nonpathogenic. However, the rise in the reports of chromoblastomycosis cases in both healthy and immunocompromised hosts, caused by these fungi that gain entrance through the skin by traumatic implantation of natural sources, all over the world is alarming.

Background and objectives: Aflatoxins (AFs) are produced by fungi, which may remain in the cow’s milk even after pasteurization. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is specifically of great medical importance, as it is certainly carcinogenic for human. Several strategies have been suggested for its reduction, including the use of probiotics, especially Lactobacilli or lactic acid bacteria (LAB). As this method has not been confirmed as a routine treatment, yet, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of three LABs on reduction of AFM1 in traditional milk and cheese. Materials and methods: In this study, 45 milk samples and 40 cheese samples were purchased from marketplaces of Shiraz city during February 2018-June 2018. Of 50 LABs purchased, the results of antifungal property, and resistance to bile salts, resulted in 5 strains. These 5 strains were tested for mean after addition of 5 ppm AFM1, compared to natamycin. The strains with reduction in AFM1 level were sequenced and registered in NCBI database. Results: The results showed reduced AFM1 level in three LAB strains, sequenced as Lactobacillus fermentum CECT562 (T), Lactobacillus brevis ATCC14869 (T), Enterococcus faecium LMG 11423(T) to 0.05, 0.03, and 0.03, respectively. Conclusion: The three LABs selected in the present study have significant effect on reducing AFM1 level in the traditional milk and cheese.

Background: A wide use of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products, industry, pharmaceuticals, and medical sciences, including dermatology, has always caused concerns related to its adverse effects on the environment and human safety. Nano-sized particles can be uptaken by the body through various routes, especially the skin, which is the widest organ and the first contact surface for different nanomaterials and other foreign agents. Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to assess the viability of a vulnerable normal skin cell line to cytotoxicity of AgNPs with the same effective size and concentrations used for various microbial agents, such as Candida species. Methods: Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Different concentrations of the aqueous colloidal AgNPs (2.17 to 69.5 µg/mL) were tested on normal Human Skin Fibroblast (HSF) cell line using MTT assay after 24 and 48 hours of exposure. Results: The analysis demonstrated that the synthesized AgNPs were mainly spherical with an average size of 6.03 nm. The MTT findings showed a significant concentration- and time-dependent manner in the reduction of cell viability. The calculated IC50 values were 30.64 and 14.98 µg/mL for 24 and 48 hours of incubation, respectively. Conclusions: The cytotoxic effect of AgNPs was higher for Human Skin Fibroblast cells after 48 hours of exposure compared with 24 hours. According to the observed results, small nano-sized silver particles could potentially have cytotoxic effects on normal cells, especially at high concentrations and prolonged exposure times.

Objective The effect of candidemia on immunologic parameters in breast tumor bearing patients is not well studied. Here, we hypothesised that candidemia in the tumor background may change the outcome of immunologic parameters and tumor condition. Method Mice were divided into four groups, including normal, tumor, Candida infected (only Candidiasis) and tumor/Candidiasis groups. Tumor changes were recorded daily after tumor transplantation and induction of candidemia. Splenocytes of mice were harvested, cultured, and stimulated with PHA; afterwards, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TGF-β cytokines were assessed using ELISA kits. We also evaluated the population of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the tumor infiltrated and splenocytes. Results The results showed that infection with C. albicans decreased the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio in tumor/candidiasis and candidiasis groups versus their non-infected controls. IL-10, TGF-β and TNF-α levels increased in the candidiasis group. In addition, Candidemia led to an increase in the Treg population in tumor microenvironment and splenocytes of experimental groups compared with non-infected controls. Finally, candidemia increased tumor growth of tumor/Candidiasis group compared with the tumor group. Conclusion It seems that systemic infection with C. albicans could not only induce regulatory T cells but also result in dysregulation of cytokine network and thereby facilitate tumor growth.