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With the broad applications of two-dimensional transition, metal dichalcogenides in gas sensing prompt us to investigate the adsorption and gas sensing properties of the bare and metal-decorated tungsten disulfide (WS2) interaction with nonanal and octanal gas molecules by using first-principles methods. In this regard, first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) have been employed to study the detection of nonanal and octanal as well-known breast cancer biomarkers. The results showed that the pristine WS2 monolayer is not appropriate to develop gas sensors for the target. Based on the detailed DFT calculations, decoration of the WS2 surface with Ni and Pt could enhance gas detection and sensitivity and tune the energy bandgap. The present results suggested that the adsorption energy of nonanal and octanal has been increased to −2.59 and −2.34 eV after interaction with Ni-decorated WS2. In addition, sensitivity has been enhanced significantly, and the recovery time of 7.76 s for Ni-decorated WS2 was achieved after interaction with octanal gas. As a result, the decorated WS2-based nanosensor might be an auspicious platform for gas detection. Undoubtedly, this work can open up a prospect for the use of excellent Ni-/Pt-decorated WS2 materials to achieve high-efficiency detection of nonanal and octanal gas molecules.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated, bone-resorbing giant cells derived from monocyte–macrophage cell lines. Increased bone resorption results in loss of bone mass and osteoporosis. Osteoclast and bone marrow macrophages have been shown to express three TG enzymes (TG2, Factor XIII-A, and TG1) and TG activity to regulate osteoclast differentiation from bone marrow macrophages in vitro. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the deletion of TG2 causes increased osteoclastogenesis and a significant loss of bone mass in mice (Tgm2−/− mice). Here, we confirm that TG2 deficiency results in increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro and show that this increase can be reversed by a TG inhibitor, NC9, suggesting that other TGs are responsible for driving osteoclastogenesis in the absence of TG2. An assessment of total TG activity with 5-(biotinamido)-pentylamine, as well as TG1 and FXIII-A activities using TG-specific Hitomi peptides (bK5 and bF11) in Tgm2−/− bone marrow flushes, bone marrow macrophages, and osteoclasts, showed a significant increase in total TG activity and TG1 activity. Factor XIII-A activity was unchanged. Aspartate proteases, such as cathepsins, are involved in the degradation of organic bone matrix and can be produced by osteoclasts. Moreover, Cathepsin D was shown in previous work to be increased in TG2-null cells and is known to activate TG1. We show that Pepstatin A, an aspartate protease inhibitor, blocks osteoclastogenesis in wild-type and Tgm2−/− cells and decreases TG1 activity in Tgm2−/− osteoclasts. Cathepsin D protein levels were unaltered in Tgm2−/−cells and its activity moderately but significantly increased. Tgm2−/− and Tgm2+/+ bone marrow macrophages and osteoclasts also expressed Cathepsin E, and Renin of the aspartate protease family, suggesting their potential involvement in this process. Our study brings further support to the observation that TGs are significant regulators of osteoclastogenesis and that the absence of TG2 can cause increased activity of other TGs, such as TG1.

Abstract Background Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is increasing in the world and Phlebotomus papatasi as a proven vector was considered in different aspects for disease control. Sandfly saliva contains proteins which provoke host immune system. These proteins are candidates for developing vaccines. Objectives The main purpose of this research was comparing evaluation of salivary glands proteomes from wild P. papatasi. Extracting these proteins and purifying of original SP15 as inducer agent in vector salivary glands from endemic leishmaniasis foci were other objectives. Methods Adult sandflies were sampled using aspirators and funnel traps from three endemic foci in 2017–2018. Each pair of salivary glands of unfed females was dissected and proteins were extracted using thermal shocking and sonication methods. Purification was performed through RP‐HPLC. All equivalent fractions were added together in order to reach sufficient protein concentration. Protein content and profile determination were examined with SDS‐PAGE. Results The protein concentration of whole‐salivary glands of specimens was determined approximately 1.6 µg/µl (Isfahan) and 1 µg/µl (Varamin and Kashan). SDS‐PAGE revealed 10 distinct bands between 10 and 63 kDa. Analysis of proteomes showed some similarities and differences in the chromatograms of different foci. SDS‐PAGE of all collected fractions revealed SP15‐like proteins were isolated in 24 min from Varamin, 26 to 30 min from Kashan and 29.4 min from Isfahan and were around 15 kDa. Conclusions Isolation of salivary components of Iranian wild P. papatasi is very important for finding potential proteins in vaccine development and measuring control strategy of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran and this could be concluded elsewhere in the world.

In this research, the fabrication of aptasensor prepared by immobilization of Penicillin aptamer on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) electrodeposited onto electrospun carbon nanofiber (ECNF) mat was reported to detect Penicillin antibiotic in the milk. The AuNPs/ECNF mat electrode was firstly produced using the electrospinning, heat treatment and electrodeposition process, respectively. Then, the Penicillin aptamer (pDNA) was immobilized on the AuNPs/ECNF mat electrode. The effects of layer thickness of AuNPs, amount of immobilized pDNA, incubation period of pDNA and Penicillin, temperature and pH of experiment solution on the electrochemical response were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The results revealed that the suitable thickness of AuNPs was achieved at 3mM HAuCl4concentration. An enhancement in the electrochemical current response was also observed with increasing pDNA in the electrolyte. Moreover, the increment of incubation time led to improvement of CV peak currents. Meanwhile, the maximum peak currents of CV were obtained in the solution with pH of 7 at 35 °C.

Abstract Background Ceftriaxone is one of the most common types of antibiotics used to treat most deadly bacterial infections. One way to alleviate the side effects of medication is to reduce drug consumption by changing the ordinary drug forms into nanostructured forms. In this study, a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) containing hydrophilic ceftriaxone sodium drug is developed, and its effect on eliminating gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli death is investigated. Methods Double emulsion solvent evaporation method is applied to prepare NLC. Mathematical modeling based on the solubility study is performed to select the best materials for NLC preparation. Haftyzer-Van Krevelen and Hoy’s models are employed for this purpose. Drug release from optimized NLC is examined under in vitro environment. Then, the efficacy of the optimized sample on eliminating gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli is investigated. Results Mathematical modeling reveals that both methods are capable of predicting drug encapsulation efficiency trends by chaining solid and liquid lipids. However, Haftyzer-Van Krevelen’s method can precisely predict the particle size trend by changing the surfactant types in water and oily phases of emulsions. The optimal sample has a mean particle size of 86 nm and drug entrapment efficiency of 83%. Also, a controlled drug release in prepared nanostructures over time is observed under in-vitro media. The results regarding the effectiveness of optimized NLC in killing Escherichia coli bacteria suggests that by cutting drug dosage of the nanostructured form in half, an effect comparable to that of free drug can be observed at longer times. Conclusion Results confirm that NLC structure is an appropriate alternative for the delivery of ceftriaxone drug with a controlled release behavior.

Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) is a transglutaminase of major therapeutic interest for the development of anticoagulants due to its essential role in the blood coagulation cascade. While numerous FXIIIa inhibitors have been reported, they failed to reach clinical evaluation due to their lack of metabolic stability and low selectivity over transglutaminase 2 (TG2). Furthermore, the chemical tools available for the study of FXIIIa activity and localization are extremely limited. To combat these shortcomings, we designed, synthesised, and evaluated a library of 21 novel FXIIIa inhibitors. Electrophilic warheads, linker lengths, and hydrophobic units were varied on small molecule and peptidic scaffolds to optimize isozyme selectivity and potency. A previously reported FXIIIa inhibitor was then adapted for the design of a probe bearing a rhodamine B moiety, producing the innovative KM93 as the first known fluorescent probe designed to selectively label active FXIIIa with high efficiency (kinact/KI = 127,300 M−1 min−1) and 6.5-fold selectivity over TG2. The probe KM93 facilitated fluorescent microscopy studies within bone marrow macrophages, labelling FXIIIa with high efficiency and selectivity in cell culture. The structure–activity trends with these novel inhibitors and probes will help in the future study of the activity, inhibition, and localization of FXIIIa.

Introduction: Rodents are reservoir hosts of various infectious diseases. Many species and subspecies of genus Rattus play a significant role as potential reservoir hosts of different emerging and re-emerging diseases, including leishmaniasis. Methods: Rodents were captured using live wooden traps from different localities of Khuzestan Province, southwest of Iran. To precise identification of two sister species of rats, including Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus, morphological, molecular, and biosystematics characters were examined using amplification of mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cytb) gene fragment. Results: Out of 119 captured rodents, 44 were R. rattus, 12 were R. norvegicus, and 63 belonged to other species (Tatera indica, Nesokia indica, Mus musculus). Partial Cyt b gene (≤624 bp) was amplified to characterize R. rattus and R. norvegicus, accurately. Three haplotypes of R. rattus (six samples) and a unique haplotype of R. norvegicus (three samples) were identified with some nucleotide variations. Conclusion: Mitochondrial results confirmed morphological disparity between the two Rattus species in Khuzestan Province. Therefore, we recommend applying an integrative approach to identify host reservoirs for infectious diseases, especially those suspected as reservoirs of cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

BACKGROUND: Many measures have been taken so far to minimize the outbreak of COVID-19, but it is still unclear to what extent people have understood the risk. Public participation plays a vital role in better and effective control of the coronavirus, and the importance of risk perception is effective in their preventive behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the pandemic risk perception of coronavirus disease after began of pandemic in Iranian society. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in spring 2020. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The questions were extracted through interviews with experts and summarizing the opinions of public interviews, etc., The questionnaire was made available to the public through social media. The information was collected within 3 months. Quantitative data were reported as mean ± standard deviation and the qualitative data were reported as number and percent. Multiple linear regression and cross were also used to examine the demographic factors associated with risk perception. Data Analysis was performed using the SPSS version 21 statistical software. RESULTS: In this study, 402 individuals from 28 provinces (Azarbaijan Gharbi, Azarbaijan Sharghi, Alborz, Ardabil, Bushehr, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars, Ghazvin, Gilan, Golestan, Hamedan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khorasan Razavi, Khorasan Shomali, Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Mazandaran, Semnan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, and Zanjan) of Iran participated. The risk perception score obtained from the sum of the scores of the questions was classified into quartiles. Accordingly, the risk perception score of (22.9) 92 people was very low, (26.6) 107 people low, (26.9) 108 people moderate, and (23.6) 95 people high. The results of multiple linear regression showed that the variables of gender (P = 0.008) and occupation (P = 0.013) had a significant relationship with risk perception. There was no significant relationship between risk perception and variables of age, marital status, and level of education (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study showed that the risk perception of the people is more in categories of moderate to high. Assessing the risk perception of a pandemic can be helpful for preventive measurements and planning, and also, according to the results of the research, can be done appropriate educational interventions. Given that 47.5% of respondents were employees, of course, it should be noted that in sending a questionnaire virtually, there is usually a lot of loss and this is a limitation of the research. The results of this study can be useful in making prevention decisions and maintaining safety and health in the workplace.

Introduction: Genital infection with papilloma virus is the most common sexually-transmitted disease (STD). It is recommended that individuals who have a sexual risk factor, should be screened for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B and C. However, this strategy is often not carried out in Iran. In the present study, patients with genital warts were screened for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. Methods: We evaluated 311 patients with anogenital warts visiting dermatology clinics from June 2016 to June 2017. In addition, demographic data were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Patients who presented to Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, were examined for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, urethral and vaginal discharge, and history of painful genital lesions, while patients presenting to Bahar Behavioral Disease Counseling Center of Tabriz were examined only for HIV. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests via SPSS software. Results: Out of 263 cases with genital warts presenting to Sina Hospital, 1, 1, and 2 cases were positive for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, respectively. At the same time, one of the patients presenting to Bahar Center showed HIV infection. Conclusion: We found two HIV-positive, two hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive, and one syphilis cases in 311 patients with genital warts, so it is recommended to assess these tests routinely in high-risk individuals with genital warts, including multi-partner and addicted patients.

Background: Leishmania major is a causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the center of Iran, Abarkouh district. Molecular characterization and precise incrimination of Leishmania species was carried out to perform controlling measurements and to design treatment programs for zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods: All smears isolated from ulcers of suspected patients were examined under a light microscope and graded for amastigotes frequency. Extraction of DNA, PCR, RFLP and sequencing of ITS-rDNA genotype were done to increase the efficacy of Leishmania parasites identification at their species-specific level and to detect any Leishmania infections within. Results: Humans were found to be infected with L. major with high infection frequency and also Leishmania tropica was identified with low occurrence for the first time as non-native species using molecular analyses. The rates of infections was considerable with microscopic observation (n = 65, 73%) out of 89 smears prepared from suspected patients. Molecular analyses showed that the density of L. major was significantly higher (n = 48, 53.93%) than L. tropica (n = 4, 4.49%) (Mann–Whitney U test: p

Context: The long-term consumption of glucocorticoids (GCs) may induce serious adverse effects such as hypertension. There is sufficient evidence related to the benefit of walnuts on the cardiovascular system. Objective: This study assesses the effect of methanol extract of walnut [Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] on dexamethasone-induced hypertension and the possible mechanisms in Wistar rats. Material and methods: Animals were randomized into control, kernel extract (100 and 200 mg/kg/d, orally), dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/d, subcutaneously), dexamethasone + kernel (100 and 200 mg/kg/d, separately), and dexamethasone + captopril (25 mg/kg/d, orally) groups. Animals were treated with water, kernel extract or captopril by gavage 4 d before and during 11 d of saline or dexamethasone treatment. On the 16th day, blood pressure (BP) was recorded and blood samples were collected to measure nitric oxide (NO). Animal hearts were frozen for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Results: Dexamethasone increased the diastolic BP and MDA/GPX ratio in comparison with control group (128 ± 7 vs. 105 ± 3 mmHg, p

Background: We employed a highly sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) by targeting 18S rRNA gene to identify the rapid mass screening of Leishmania infections in captured sand flies of southwest Iran and In vitro culture. Methods: One hundred fifty sand flies were collected from 11 sites adjacent to Iraqi’s borders in southern parts of Khuzestan Province by using sticky sheets of paper and CDC miniature light traps during late May 2014 to Nov 2015. Following morphological identification of sand flies species, the DNA of infected samples was extracted and amplified by PCR and LAMP assays by targeting ITS-rDNA and 18S rRNA genes. The PCR amplicons were directly sequenced to conduct the phylogenetic analysis Results: Ten (6.6%) Leishmania infections were identified by LAMP assay (detection limit 0.01 parasites DNA) among infected Sergentomyia baghdadis, S. sintoni and Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies that was more sensitive than PCR (n=6.4%; (detection limit 101parasites DNA). LAMP can identify 101-106promastigotes/100 µl RPMI 1640 while PCR recognized104-106 promastigotes. The majority infection rate of sand flies was confirmed to L. major inferred by phylogenetic analysis. Conclusion: This is the first exploration characterized the Old World Leishmania infections by LAMP technique in both infected sand flies and In vitro conditions. The LAMP method because of its shorter reaction time, robustness, more sensitivity, lack of requirement of complicated equipment and visual discriminatory of positivity can be appeared a promising tool instead of PCR to identify low Leishmania loads and entomological monitoring of leishmaniasis in resource-limited endemic of the world.

ABSTRACT Background Leishmania major is a causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the center of Iran, Abarkouh district. Molecular characterization and precise incrimination of Leishmania species was carried out to perform controlling measurements and to design treatment programs for zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Methods All smears isolated from ulcers of suspected patients were examined under a light microscope and graded for amastigotes frequency. Extraction of DNA, PCR, RFLP and sequencing of ITS-rDNA genotype were done to increase the efficacy of Leishmania parasites identification at their species-specific level and to detect any Leishmania infections within. Results Humans were found to be infected with L. major with high infection frequency and also Leishmania tropica was identified with low occurrence for the first time as non-native species using molecular analyses. The rates of infections was considerable with microscopic observation (n= 65, 73%) out of 89 smears prepared from suspected patients. Molecular analyses showed that the density of L. major was significantly higher (n= 48, 53.93%) than L. tropica (n= 4, 4.49%) (Mann-Whitney U test: p< 0.05) and two samples (2.25%) remained ambiguous after several sequencing. L. major did not have diversity with two common haplotypes but L. tropica were found to exhibit high diversity with three novel haplotypes. Conclusion L. major was considered the causative agent of leishmaniasis in the region, but the identification of a non-native L. tropica revealed the importance of further isolation of Leishmania parasites following molecular analyses and confirmation, and also revealed the importance of further isolation of Leishmania parasites from patients of the field areas who do not have easily access to health care centers for specialized treatment strategies.

Over the past decade, studies on microRNA (miRNA) and cancer quickly became known. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play a vital role in regulation of gene expression. In the present study, the expression of miR-27b, miR-29a, and miR-155, their prognostic roles, and their potential targets in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and breast cancer (BC) by qRT-PCR were investigated. In two case-control studies, qRT-PCR was used to analyze the peripheral blood serum of 15 CLL patients and tissue samples of 15 BC patients for the expression of miR-27b, miR-29a, and miR-155. miRNA expression levels were calculated using the qRT-PCR method. The results revealed a significant increase in the expression of all miRNAs in patients with BC and CLL compared with respective healthy groups (p < 0.001). In BC patients, there was a significant difference between the expression of miR-155 and miR-29a (p < 0.05), miR-155 and miR-27b (p < 0.01), and miR-27b and miR-29a (p < 0.001). In CLL patients, a significant difference between expression of both miR-27b and miR-29a compared with expression of miR-155 (p < 0.001) was found. Furthermore, a significant association between miR-155 and prevascular invasion was found. Significantly, elevated circulating miRNAs were shown to be BC specific and could differentiate BC tissues from the controls. It was demonstrated that miRNAs used in this study and their expression profiles can be developed as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of CLL and BC. Further studies utilizing a larger test group of patients would provide identification of miRNAs as key players in intercellular interactions. Keywords: CLL, breast cancer, miRNAs, biomarker, qRT-PCR

Over the past decade, studies on microRNA (miRNA) and cancer quickly became known. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that play a vital role in regulation of gene expression. In the present study, the expression of miR-27b, miR-29a, and miR-155, their prognostic roles, and their potential targets in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and breast cancer (BC) by qRT-PCR were investigated. In two case-control studies, qRT-PCR was used to analyze the peripheral blood serum of 15 CLL patients and tissue samples of 15 BC patients for the expression of miR-27b, miR-29a, and miR-155. miRNA expression levels were calculated using the qRT-PCR method. The results revealed a significant increase in the expression of all miRNAs in patients with BC and CLL compared with respective healthy groups (p < 0.001). In BC patients, there was a significant difference between the expression of miR-155 and miR-29a (p < 0.05), miR-155 and miR-27b (p < 0.01), and miR-27b and miR-29a (p < 0.001). In CLL patients, a significant difference between expression of both miR-27b and miR-29a compared with expression of miR-155 (p < 0.001) was found. Furthermore, a significant association between miR-155 and prevascular invasion was found. Significantly, elevated circulating miRNAs were shown to be BC specific and could differentiate BC tissues from the controls. It was demonstrated that miRNAs used in this study and their expression profiles can be developed as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of CLL and BC. Further studies utilizing a larger test group of patients would provide identification of miRNAs as key players in intercellular interactions., (© 2020.)