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The problems of drug resistance in bacteria have become one of the daily challenges of the clinical treatment of patients, which inevitably forces us to use agents other than common antibiotics. Among these, we can take help from different properties and applications of nanoparticles (NPs). In this work, we evaluate the antibacterial activity of biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against standard strains of multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The production of biosynthesized SeNPs was proved by ultraviolet‐visible, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffractometer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic light scattering, and Zeta potential methods. The cytotoxicity effect of SeNPs was investigated by MTT assay. Disk diffusion agar (DDA) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests were performed on the mentioned bacteria using different classes of standard antibiotics and SeNPs separately. The impact of SeNPs combined with the desired antibiotics for better treatment of these infections was evaluated by checkerboard assay to determine the synergism effect. After the confirmation results based on the biosynthesis of SeNPs, both standard bacterial strains were susceptible to SeNPs and had a zone of inhibition using the DDA test. Also, the results of MICs showed that biosynthesized SeNPs in lower concentrations than antibiotics cause no growth of bacteria. On the other hand, according to the checkerboard assay, SeNPs had a synergistic effect with conventional antibiotics. The antibacterial sensitivity tests demonstrated the inhibition of bacterial growth in the presence of lower concentrations of SeNPs than common antibiotics. This property can be exerted in future applications to solve the drug resistance obstacle of microorganisms in bacterial diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biological nanoparticles (NPs) can be considered as a way to overcome the problem of antifungal resistance in pathogenic fungi. This study takes a new approach to biosynthesized NPs influence on the expression of CYP51A and HSP90 antifungal resistance genes in Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus, and comparison with antifungal agents. Selenium NPs (Se‐NPs) were biosynthesized using Aspergillus strains and their production was proved by several methods including, UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and EDX techniques. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Aspergillus strains were determined using the CLSI M38‐A2 broth microdilution method. The differences in expression levels of CYP51A and HSP90 genes were examined between untreated and treated of A. fumigatus and A. flavus using itraconazole and amphotericin B and biosynthesized Se‐NPs through real‐time PCR. After confirming the results of NPs synthesis, the MIC of itraconazole and amphotericin B against A. fumigatus and A. flavus was 4 μg/ml. Based on the real‐time PCR results, the obtained ∆∆CTs for these strains were −0.18, −1.46, and −1.14. Whereas the MIC values for treated samples with Se‐NPs have decreased to 0.5 μg/ml, and the ∆∆CTs for these were −0.25, −1.76, and −1.68. The expression of CYP51A and HSP90 genes was significantly down‐regulated through the use of Se‐NPs against A. fumigatus and A. flavus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles stands as an uncomplicated, biocompatible, inexpensive, and secure approach for replacing the available chemical and physical methods. In this paper, Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were biosynthesized using Nepeta and Berberine plant extracts, respectively. UV–Vis, FT-IR, and FESEM/EDAX techniques were applied for confirming the synthesis of nanoparticles. In addition, the method of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was utilized to perform a sensitivity test on fungal species' leachates through the usage of Duplicate. The application biosynthesized Se-NPs and Ag-NPs at concentrations of 1 µg/mL and below caused no growth of fungal agents. However, antifungal drugs at concentrations higher than 1 µg/mL and even up to 64 µg/mL inhibited the growth of these drug-resistant fungi. A comparison of the results showed that even these nanoparticles in some cases have a better effect than the group of antifungal drugs. Therefore, the usage of biosynthesized nanoparticles is considered to be more convenient and economical due to the increasing drug resistance of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms towards the exerted target drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles can replace the available chemical and physical methods by offering new procedures as green syntheses that have proved to be simple, biocompatible, safe, and cost‐effective. Recently, antifungal resistance has been reported against different species of Aspergillus and Candida opportunistic fungi. Selenium nanoparticles (Se‐NPs) were biosynthesized using standard strains of A. flavus and C. albicans. The presence of NPs was confirmed by UV‐Vis, FT‐IR, FESEM, EDX, XRD, and Zeta potential. Common fungal strains were cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar medium to perform the sensitivity test based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method in duplicate. The utilization of Se‐NPs at concentrations of 1, 0.5, and 0.25 μg/mL or in some strains even more minor than 0.125 μg/mL resulted in zero growth of fungal agents. However, antifungal drugs inhibited their growth at concentrations of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 64 μg/mL itraconazole (ITC). Also, MIC breakpoints for amphotericin B (AMB) and anidulafungin (AFG) were 2 μg/mL for defining resistance in some isolates. Based on the obtained results, biological NPs produced by Aspergillus and Candida at different concentrations exhibited favourable inhibitory effects on the growth of fungal strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii have emerged as a major problem in many hospitals and intensive care units. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern and the prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase genes among nosocomial A. baumannii isolates from Qom/ Iran. Methods: For this study, a total of 108 A. baumannii isolates were collected from hospitalized patients in four teaching hospitals of Qom/ Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of isolates was tested by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and distribution of MBL genes among carbapenemresistant isolates was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: According to the results, 97 (89.81%) isolates of 108 A. baumannii isolates were resistant to carbapenem. All isolates carried bla oxa-51like gene. Among carbapenem resistant isolates, 79.38% carried bla VIM and 1.03% had bla IMP genes. Among the MBL- producing isolates, 7 isolates were MDR, 73 ones were XDR and 5 isolates were PDR. Conclusion: This study also revealed that suceptibility to carbapenems in the population of A. baumannii isolates reduced and the bla VIM gene was the most prevalent metallo-beta-lactamase genotype among carbapenem resistant A. baumannii isolates in this area. MBL-producing A. baumannii in recent years has become a serious concern. Rapid identification and good infection control are requiered to reduce their impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iran has a high incidence rate for gastric cancer among the Middle East countries. In addition to gastric cancer, peptic ulcer is also life-threatening; thus, investigating the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and other risk factors are essential. The present study was aimed to assess the frequency of H. pylori and the cagA-positive strains in patients with gastric cancer or peptic ulcer at a teaching hospital in Qom, one of the most populated cities of Iran. Materials and Methods: The presence of H. pylori was investigated in gastric cancer and peptic ulcer biopsy specimens using the standard culture method. PCR analysis was performed to detect the presence of the cagA gene. Results: The frequency of H. pylori isolates among 86 investigated biopsies was 20 (23.2%). Likewise, the rate of H. pylori was the highest when samples were examined from patients with gastric cancer (25.8%), while it was 21.8% when obtained from peptic ulcer patients. The frequency of the cagA gene in H. pylori isolates was 9 (56.2%), as confirmed by PCR. Conclusion: Our results indicated that H. Pylori infection and its virulent strains are frequent and widely spread in Qom city. The cagA gene was present in almost half of H. pylori isolates from peptic ulcer or gastric cancer patients. Therefore, it is necessary to screen it in all cases with H. pylori infection for early detection of gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: The prevalence of the infections caused by Candida species has led to a significant increase in their resistance to antifungal compounds. The aim of this study was to i) investigate drug resistance ii) evaluate the incidence of Candida albicans drug resistance pattern in the vaginal samples of women referring to health centers of Qom province, and iii) examine the effect of Zn nanoparticles combined with fluconazole against C. albicans isolates. Methods: This experimental, descriptive study was performed on 120 patients of candidiasis. In order to identify Candida albicans, direct experiments, differential culture, Germ tube test and sugar assimilation test (API20C kit) were conducted. The effect of different antifungal drugs and zinc nanoparticles and the synergistic effect of fluconazole with zinc nanoparticles were investigated by disk diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) of all cases was further specified. Results: Of the 120 samples, 50 (41.6%) were identified as Candida albicans. These strains were resistant to certain antifungal drugs while others were semi-sensitive and sensitive. The lowest and the highest mean diameter of inhibition zone in all Candida albicans isolates belonged to ketoconazole (15.64 mm) and fluconazole nano-ZnO (26.76mm), respectively. The lowest and the highest MICs were observed in fluconazole- nano-ZnO and nano-ZnO, respectively. Conclusion: The synergistic effect of Zn nanoparticles with fluconazole can be conducive to the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward osmosis (FO) has gained attention recently due to its low cost and energy consumption while it happens naturally. However, finding a proper draw agent for this process is a challenging task. Magnetic nanoparticles, especially with modified surfaces, have been reported as a promising draw agent, which can be easily recovered by using a magnetic field. Here, an attempt was made to study the effect of different superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) surface engineering on the osmotic pressure, hydrophilicity, degree of agglomeration of nanoparticles and also water flux. In this study, the osmotic potential of naked Fe3O4, silica-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION@SiO2), hyperbranched polyglycerol/carboxylate-functionalized SPION (SPION@SiO2@HPG and SPION@SiO2@HPG-CO2H) were evaluated for FO process. The effect of ionized SPIONs on the water flux has been studied for the first time, too. The SPIONs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, vibrating sample magnetometer and thermogravimetric analysis. The average of water flux in a long-term performance of FO for the introduced draw agents increased in the order of SPION < SPION@SiO2 < SPION@SiO2@HPG2@HPG-CO2H due to higher hydrophilicity and lesser agglomerations and precipitation. It was surprisingly observed that water flux of ionic magnetic draw solution behaves differently comparing with the non-ionic ones. It was revealed that ionic SPIONs at high concentration led to the formation of non-ideal polyelectrolyte solution that produces a high osmotic pressure. However, by the permeation of water, a transition from non-ideal to ideal solution at some point was observed during FO process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Helicobacter pylori infection occurs worldwide, but the prevalence of this infection varies greatly among different countries and population groups. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Helicobacter pylori and anti-cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) antibodies in asymptomatic healthy population in the center of Iran and to investigate the relation with different parameters. Materials and Methods: Totally, 525 individuals aged 17-60 years were enrolled in study. The serum samples of participants were tested for anti-H. pylori IgG and anti-CagA IgG by enzymelinked immunosorbent method (ELISA). ABO blood grouping was also done by hemagglutination test. Results: The seroprevalence of anti-H. pylori IgG was 74.2% and their rates increased with age. The seroprevalence of anti-H. pylori IgG was higher in males (74.6%) than in females (71.6%). There was statistically inverse association between H. pylori infection and education level (P=0.04) and marital status (P=0.000). The most prevalent blood group was type AB with positive Rhphenotype (82.4%). In H. pylori infected individuals the seroprevalence of anti-CagA antibody was 46.9%. The seroprevalence of anti-CagA IgG was in males 48.6% and in females 31.6%. There was no statistically significant association between anti-CagA IgG positivity and age, occupation, socioeconomic status, ABO blood groups and Rh status. Conclusion: These results showed that H. pylori infection was common in the asymptomatic individuals. Almost half of the infected individuals acquire CagA-positive strains of H. pylori. Moreover, it seems that males are more susceptible to infection with CagA-positive strains compared to females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis (T.vaginalis) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N.gonorrhoeae) are two most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the world. No data are available regarding the epidemiology of genital infections in women of Qom, central Iran. Objective: Epidemiological investigation of sexually transmitted infections in genital specimens of women referred to the referral gynecology hospital in Qom, central Iran. Materials and Methods: Genital swab specimens were collected from women volunteers and used for identification of bacterial and protozoal infections by conventional microbial diagnostics, porA pseudo gene LightCycler® real-time PCR (for N.gonorrhoeae) and ITS-PCR (for T.vaginalis). Results: Of 420 volunteers, 277 (65.9%) had genital signs/symptoms, including 38.3% malodorous discharge, 37.9% dyspareunia, and 54.8% abdominal pain. Totally, 2 isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae were identified. Five specimens (1.2%) in Thayer-Martin culture and 17 (4.1%) in real-time PCR were identified as N.gonorrhoeae. Fifty-four specimens (12.9%) in wet mount, 64 (15.2%) in Dorset's culture, and 81 (19.3%) in ITS-PCR showed positive results for T.vaginalis. Five mixed infections of T.vaginalis+ N.gonorrhoeae were found. The risk of T.vaginalis infection was increased in women with low-birth-weight (p=0.00; OR=43.29), history of abortion (p=0.00; OR=91.84), and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p=0.00; OR=21.75). The probability of finding nuclear leukocytes (p=0.00; OR=43.34) in vaginal smear was higher in T.vaginalis infection. Conclusion: The significant prevalence of trichomoniasis and gonorrhea emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and effective surveillance to prevent serious reproductive complications in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen worldwide. Early detection and treatment of C.trachomatis genital infection prevent serious reproductive complications. Objective: Performances of enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and major outer membrane protein (MOMP)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of genital C.trachomatis infection in women were compared. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 518 women volunteers were included (33.67±8.3 yrs) who had been referred to Gynecology clinics of Qom province, Iran, were included. Endocervical swab specimens were collected to detect lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen in EIA and to amplify MOMP gene of C.trachomatis in PCR. Results were confirmed using ompI nested-PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for performance of the tests. Odds ratios were determined using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: In total, 37 (7.14%) cases were positive by EIA and/or MOMP-PCR. All discrepant results were confirmed by nested-PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values of EIA were 59.46%, 100%, 100% and 96.98%, and those of MOMPPCR were 97.30%, 100%, 100%, 99.79%, respectively. Reproductive complications including 2.7% ectopic pregnancy, 5.4% stillbirth, 5.4% infertility, and 10.8% PROM were recorded. The risk of developing chlamydiosis was increased 4.8-fold in volunteers with cervicitis (p<0.05; OR 4.80; 95% CI 1.25-18.48). Conclusion: C.trachomatis infection should be regarded in women of reproductive ages especially those with cervicitis. Primary screening of women by using the low cost antigen-EIA is recommended; however, due to the low sensitivity of Ag-EIA, verification of the negative results by a DNA amplification method is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Brucellosis, a zoonotic infectious disease, is a worldwide health issue affecting animals and humans. No effective human vaccine and the complications caused by the use of animal vaccines are among the factors that have prevented the eradication of the disease worldwide. However, bio-engineering technologies have paved the way for designing new targeted and highly efficacious vaccines. In this regard, the study aimed to evaluate immunity induced by mannosylated niosome containing Brucella recombinant trigger factor/Bp26/Omp31 (rTBO) chimeric protein in a mouse model., Materials and Methods: rTBO as chimeric antigen (Ag) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and, after purification, loaded on niosome and mannosylated niosome. The characteristics of the nanoparticles were assessed. The mice were immunized using rTBO, niosome, and mannosylated niosome-rTBO in intranasal and intraperitoneal routes. Serum antibodies (immunoglobulin [Ig]A, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a) and splenocyte cytokines (interferon-gamma, interleukin [IL]-4, and IL-12) were evaluated in immunized mice. Finally, immunized mice were challenged by B. melitensis and B. abortus . A high antibody level was produced by niosomal antigen (Nio-Ag) and mannosylated noisomal antigen (Nio-Man-Ag) compared to the control after 10, 24, and 38 days of immunization. The IgG2a/IgG1 titer ratio for Nio-Man-Ag was 1.2 and 1.1 in intraperitoneal and intranasal methods and lower than one in free Ag and Nio-Ag. Cytokine production was significantly higher in the immunized animal with Ag-loaded nanoparticles than in the negative control group (p<0.05). Moreover, cytokine and antibody levels were significantly higher in the injection than in the inhalation method (p<0.05)., Results: The combination of mannosylated noisome and rTBO chimeric proteins stimulate the cellular and humoral immune response and produce cytokines, playing a role in developing the protective acquired immune response in the Brucella infectious model. Also, the intraperitoneal route resulted in a successful enhancement of cytokines production more than intranasal administration., Conclusion: Designing an effective vaccine candidate against Brucella that selectively induces cellular and humoral immune response can be done by selecting a suitable nanoniosome formulation as an immunoadjuvant and recombinant protein as an immune response-stimulating Ag., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (© Korean Vaccine Society.)

Background: Trichomonas vaginalis ( T.vaginalis ) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae ( N.gonorrhoeae ) are two most common non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the world. No data are available regarding the epidemiology of genital infections in women of Qom, central Iran., Objective: Epidemiological investigation of sexually transmitted infections in genital specimens of women referred to the referral gynecology hospital in Qom, central Iran., Materials and Methods: Genital swab specimens were collected from women volunteers and used for identification of bacterial and protozoal infections by conventional microbial diagnostics, porA pseudo gene LightCycler ® real-time PCR (for N.gonorrhoeae ) and ITS-PCR (for T.vaginalis )., Results: Of 420 volunteers, 277 (65.9%) had genital signs/symptoms, including 38.3% malodorous discharge, 37.9% dyspareunia, and 54.8% abdominal pain. Totally, 2 isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae were identified. Five specimens (1.2%) in Thayer-Martin culture and 17 (4.1%) in real-time PCR were identified as N.gonorrhoeae . Fifty-four specimens (12.9%) in wet mount, 64 (15.2%) in Dorset's culture, and 81 (19.3%) in ITS-PCR showed positive results for T.vaginalis . Five mixed infections of T.vaginalis + N.gonorrhoeae were found. The risk of T.vaginalis infection was increased in women with low-birth-weight (p = 0.00; OR=43.29), history of abortion (p = 0.00; OR=91.84), and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (p = 0.00; OR=21.75). The probability of finding nuclear leukocytes (p = 0.00; OR=43.34) in vaginal smear was higher in T.vaginalis infection., Conclusion: The significant prevalence of trichomoniasis and gonorrhea emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and effective surveillance to prevent serious reproductive complications in women., Competing Interests: Authors declare they have no conflict of interests.

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen worldwide. Early detection and treatment of C.trachomatis genital infection prevent serious reproductive complications., Objective: Performances of enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and major outer membrane protein (MOMP)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of genital C.trachomatis infection in women were compared., Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study a total of 518 women volunteers were included (33.67±8.3 yrs) who had been referred to Gynecology clinics of Qom province, Iran, were included. Endocervical swab specimens were collected to detect lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigen in EIA and to amplify MOMP gene of C.trachomatis in PCR. Results were confirmed using ompI nested-PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated for performance of the tests. Odds ratios were determined using binary logistic regression analysis., Results: In total, 37 (7.14%) cases were positive by EIA and/or MOMP-PCR. All discrepant results were confirmed by nested-PCR. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values of EIA were 59.46%, 100%, 100% and 96.98%, and those of MOMP-PCR were 97.30%, 100%, 100%, 99.79%, respectively. Reproductive complications including 2.7% ectopic pregnancy, 5.4% stillbirth, 5.4% infertility, and 10.8% PROM were recorded. The risk of developing chlamydiosis was increased 4.8-fold in volunteers with cervicitis (p<0.05; OR 4.80; 95% CI 1.25-18.48)., Conclusion: C.trachomatis infection should be regarded in women of reproductive ages especially those with cervicitis. Primary screening of women by using the low cost antigen-EIA is recommended; however, due to the low sensitivity of Ag-EIA, verification of the negative results by a DNA amplification method is needed.