bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive interpolation based on optimization of the decision rule in a multidimensional feature space
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Gashnikov M.V. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: March 2020

An adaptive multidimensional signal interpolator is proposed, which selects an interpolating function at each signal point by means of the decision rule optimized in a multidimensional feature space using a decision tree. The search for the dividing boundary when splitting the decision tree vertices is carried out by a recurrence procedure that allows, in addition to the search for the boundary, selecting the best pair of interpolating functions from a predetermined set of functions of an arbitrary form. Results of computational experiments in nature multidimensional signals are presented, confirming the effectiveness of the adaptive interpolator.
Methods for early recognition of OFDM data
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Yuzkiv R.R. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Fedoseev V.A. ,   Samara National Research University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Myasnikov V.V. ,   Samara National Research University,   IPSI RAS - Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS,   Samara National Research University, Sergeyev V.V. ,   Samara National Research University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: March 2020

A technique of early recognition (recovery) of data transmitted using OFDM technology by an incompletely received signal is considered. Theoretically, this approach is able to increase the speed of information transfer, as well as the resistance of the de-encoder to the loss of part of the transmitted signal. The article proposes a mathematical formulation of the OFDM signal early recognition problem, and also discusses several methods for solving it: a regularization method, an iterative method based on the fast Fourier transform, a gradient method based on learning, and an inverse operator method. The possibility of simultaneously using several methods to improve the accuracy of information recovery is considered. The results of numerical experiments presented in this work confirm the practical potential of the proposed approach.
A method of generating a random optical field using the Karhunen-Loeve expansion to simulate atmospheric turbulence
Authors:   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Khonina S.N. ,   Samara National Research University, Volotovskiy S.G. ,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Kirilenko M.S. ,   Samara National Research University
Published: March 2020

It is proposed to use the random field generation in the numerical simulation of the propagation of radiation through a random medium using method based on the Karhunen–Loeve expansion with various types of correlation operators to describe turbulence simulators. The properties of the calculated simulators of a random medium with a Gaussian correlation function were investigated in modeling the propagation of Laguerre-Gaussian vortex beams. The simulation results showed that an increase in the order of the optical vortex leads, as in the experiment, to lower stability of the phase singularity of the beams to random optical fluctuations. The similarity of the simulation results and the optical experiments indicates the promise of the proposed approach for the synthesis of random environment simulators.
Genome diversity and evolutionary characteristics of clinical isolates of Bordetella pertussis circulating in Iran
Authors: Saedi Samaneh , Safarchi Azadeh , Noofeli Mojtaba , Tadayon Keyvan , Yen Tay Alfred Chin , Lamichhane Binit , Rahimi Hamzeh , Shahcheraghi Fereshteh
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: The re-emergence of pertussis still is being reported all over the world. Pathogen adaptation and antigenic divergence of circulating isolates from vaccine strains are the main reasons of infection resurgence. Waning immunity is also an important factor contributing to resurgence of pertussis.
Materials and Methods: The genetic diversity and evolutionary characteristics of circulating Iranian isolates of Bordetella pertussis during February 2015 to October 2018 was investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and subse- quently ptxA, ptxP and fim3 alleles were characterized. The next generation genome sequencing was then used to compare the genomics of ptxP1 and ptxP3 of selected isolates from PFGE dendrogram.
Results: PFGE differentiated 62 clinical isolates and vaccine and reference strains into 19 PFGE profiles, indicating the higher level of heterogeneity in the population during 2015-2018. The predominant B. pertussis genotype harbored pertussis toxin promoter allele, ptxP3 and the expansion of ptxA1 isolates, were also observed in our population.
Conclusion: No changes in allelic profile of predominant clone in recent years was observed but antigenic divergence between recently circulating isolates and the vaccine strain has been progressed and significantly was higher than previous studies. The comparative genomic analysis of the ptxP3 and ptxP1 isolates indicate that changes in ptxP3 genome structure including 32 unique SNPs and three unique indels may have contributed to the expansion of the ptxP3 clone. We compared ptxP3 and ptxP1 isolates in pathogenicity-associated genes and found five of them were specific for the ptxP3 isolates. The polymorphisms in pathogenicity-associated genes suggest structural adaptations for these virulence factors.
Prevalence and capsular type distribution of group B Streptococcus isolated from vagina of pregnant women in Nghe An province, Vietnam
Authors: Hanh Tran Quang , Du Vu Van , Hien Pham Thu , Chinh Duong Dinh , Loi Cao Ba , Dung Nguyen Manh , Anh Do Ngoc , Anh Tran Thi Kieu
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Identification of GBS serotypes provides helpful information for appropriate the develop- ment of suitable vaccines; however, no reports from Vietnam have been published. This study has been performed to find the prevalence and serotypes of group B Streptococcus isolated from vagina of pregnant women in Nghe An province, Vietnam.
Materials and Methods: Vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant women at 35-37 weeks of gestation at the Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, Vietnam between May 2018 and July 2019. The swabs were cultured on 5% sheep blood agar for isolation of GBS. All isolates were identified using the Gram staining, CAMP test and specific PCR. GBS strains were serotyped using the multiplex PCR assays.
Results: The prevalence of vaginal GBS colonization was 9.20% of 750 participants. Among the isolates, serotypes III (39.13%) and V (31.89%) were the most frequent, followed by serotypes Ia (11.59%), VI (11.59%), Ib (2.90%), II (1.45%) and VII (1.45%), respectively. Serotypes IV, VIII and IX were not found.
Conclusion: The prevalence of GBS in the Nghe An province of central Vietnam was similar to reports from other parts of the world. The predominat GBS serotypes (III, V, Ia and VI) were slightly different from those previously described from other regions around the world. The high frequency of serotype VI was a notable feature of the strains from pregnant women in Vietnam.
Toxin A and B genes expression of Clostridium difficile in the sub-minimum inhibitory concentration of clindamycin, vancomycin and in combination with ceftazidime
Authors: Moradi Mohammad , Mansouri Shahla , Nakhaee Nouzar , Sarafzadeh Farhad , Rezazadeh Zarandi Ebrahim
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Antibiotics prescribed for infections have diverse effects on microbiota and the pathogen Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) as the most important antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This study aims to determine the gene expression of toxins A and B at the transcription level in the sub-MIC of vancomycin (VAN), clindamycin (CLI), and cef- tazidime (CAZ) alone and in combination.
Materials and Methods: The MIC and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of two C. difficile samples (a clinical isolate and ATCC 9689) were determined by microdilution and checkerboard microdilution methods, respectively. The total RNA was extracted from the medium inoculated with ~106  CFU/mL of fresh bacteria in the pre-reduced medium containing  ½ MIC of antibiotics alone and ½ FIC of antibiotics in combination. Real-time PCR was performed by sybrGreen methods in triplicate, and the data were analyzed by the comparative ∆∆CT  method.
Results: All antibiotics except CAZ (alone and in combination) decreased the gene expression of toxins A and B within 24 hours. VAN and CLI reduced toxin gene expression within 24 and 48 hours. However, CAZ alone and in combination with VAN as well as CLI increased the gene expression of toxins A and B.
Conclusion: The results confirmed toxin gene transcription and toxin production are associated with the type of isolates and antibiotics, as well as the combined form of antibiotics. This could be the reason which can explain the occurrence of C. difficile infection among patients who were treated with the third generation of cephalosporins alone and in combination with another antibiotic in the form of combinational therapy.
Detection and characterization of purified antigenic proteins from culture filtrate of Mycobacterium bovis strain AN5
Authors: Honarmand Kashi Malihe , Mosavari Nader , Salehi Mitra , Mojgani Naheed
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Bovine tuberculosis diagnosis is usually performed by various tests with specific limitations. Mycobacterium bovis culture filtrate contains antigenic proteins that could be used to improve the sensitivity of bovine tuber- culosis diagnosis. The objective of this study was to identify and purify antigenic proteins from culture filtrates of M. bovis strain AN5 for use in immunological assays.
Materials and Methods: Secreted proteins were purified from the heat-treated culture filtrate of M. bovis strain AN5. Pro- teins were precipitated with ammonium sulfate, fractionated by Sephadex G50 chromatography. The protein concentrations and the approximate molecular weight were determined by lowry method and 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), respectively. Immunological methods, including dot-blotting and western blotting, as- sessed the quality of the isolated proteins.
Results: The quantity of antigenic proteins in the culture medium was measured at far more than 15% of the amount of pro- teins secreted into medium. Three main chromatographic fractions obtained and showed concentrations of proteins ranging from 14 to 60 μg/μl with molecular weights in the 10 to 180 kDa range. The purified antigens showed positive reactions to the infected cattle serum throughout dot-blotting. Western blotting revealed a total of 15 to 70 kDa molecular weight proteins. Conclusion: Immunoblotting analysis made it possible to detect and recognize novel antigens that are useful for bovine tu- berculosis diagnosis improvement. This is significant since non-specific reactions were not observed when we utilized serum of cattle experimentally infected with M. bovis as a polyclonal antibody.
Mutations in nalc gene of Mex AB-OprM efflux pump in carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn wounds in Yazd, Iran
Authors: Akhavan Tafti Fatemeh , Eslami Gilda , Zandi Hengameh , Barzegar Kazem
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Burn wound infections have emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients due to prolonged hospital stay.  Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is the second cause of bacterial burn wound infections. Resistance mechanisms among P. aeruginosa are intrinsic or acquired. Intrinsic resistance mechanisms among P. aeruginosa isolates are inducible AmpC cephalosporinase, decrease of specific porin OprD, and overexpression of RND efflux pump. The aim of this study was detection of mutations in nalC gene in carbapenem resistant P. aeruginosa isolated from burn wounds.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 burn-wound specimens were collected. Suspected lactose-nega- tive colonies were identified by conventional biochemical methods. Kirby-Bauer and Etest methods were used for suscepti- bility testing. PCR and sequencing techniques were used for the detection of nalC mutation.
Results: Out of 180 specimens received in the laboratory, 54 of isolates were isolated and identified as P. aeroginosa (30%). Of these isolates 20 (37%) were resistant to at least two carbapenems simultaneously. From these carbapenem resistant iso- lates, 19 (95%), 14 (70%), 14 (70%), 19 (95%) and 16 (80%) were resistant to imipenem, cefepime, piperacillin, ceftizoxime and gentamicin, respectively. Only 1 (2%) isolate was sensitive to all carbapenems and did not has mutation in nalC gene, 20 (37%) isolates were resistant to at least two carbapenems, and had mutations in nalC gene (Gly71►Glu and Ser209►Arg). Conclusion: As the results showed, mutation in efflux pump was observed in carbapenem resistant isolate and this confirmed that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics for treatment or prophylaxis can increase mutation in efflux pump.
A novel method for the extraction of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Bordetella pertussis Tohama strain
Authors: Sekhavati Mohammad , Mohabati Mobarez Ashraf , Siadat Seyed Davar , Noofeli Mojtaba
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: There are many pertussis outbreaks which is mainly due to the reduction in the immunity of acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines. Therefore, there is a crucial necessity to develop a new generation of pertussis vaccine. Pre- ceding researches have shown that Bordetella pertussis outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) have appropriate specifications, making them a suitable vaccine candidate against pertussis.
Materials and Methods: The OMVs were separated by a new serial ultra centrifugation technique. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and ELISA assay were used to characterize the OMVs. Results: TEM studies showed the size of the extracted OMVs at 40-200 nm. The presence of pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin, and pertactin was verified using Western blot and ELISA assay.
Conclusion: The presented technique is a simple and effective way to obtain OMVs from Bordetella pertussis. So it can be utilized as an appropriate procedure in the development of an OMV-based vaccine against pertussis.
Antibacterial potential of essential oils of Zataria multiflora and Mentha piperita, micro- and nano-formulated forms
Authors: Osanloo Mahmoud , Abdollahi Abbas , Valizadeh Alireza , Abedinpour Niloufar
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) shave many usages in health and medicine, such as anti- bacterial agents. The aim of this study was the improvement of antibacterial activities of two EOs using nanotechnology. Materials and Methods: Antibacterial activity was investigated on four important human pathogenic bacteria using the
96-well plate microdilution method, a quantitative approach. Eleven formulations were prepared using each of the EOs. Eventually, the best nanoformulation with the smallest particle size and polydispersive indices (PDI and SPAN) was selected using each EO for further investigations. Moreover, two microemulsions with similar ingredients and the same portion in comparison with two selected nanoemulsions were also prepared. Antibacterial activity of each EO was compared with its micro- and nano-emulsions.
Results: The antibacterial efficacy of Zataria multiflora EO (ZMEO) was significantly better than Mentha piperita EO (MPEO). Besides, the antibacterial activity of nanoemulsion of ZMEO with a particle size of 129 ± 12 nm was significantly better than no- and micro-formulated forms of ZMEO. Interestingly, the efficiency of MPEO nanoemulsion (160 ± 25 nm) was also significantly better than MPEO and its micro-formulated form.
Conclusion: Regardless of the intrinsic antibacterial property of two examined EOs, by formulating to nanoemulsion, their
efficiencies were improved. Nanoemulsion of ZMEO introduced as an inexpensive, potent and green antibacterial agent.
In vitro anti-biofilm activity of bacteriocin from a marine Bacillus sp. strain Sh10 against Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Shayesteh Fatemeh , Ahmad Asmat , Usup Gires
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Biofilm formed by Proteus mirabilis strains is one of the most important medical prob- lems especially in the case of device-related urinary tract infections. This study was conducted to evaluate the bacte- riocin produced by a marine isolate of Bacillus sp. Sh10, for it's in vitro inhibitory activity against pre-formed biofilm and in interference with the biofilm-forming of two biofilm-producing bacteria (P. mirabilis UCa4 and P. mirabilis UCe1).
Materials and Methods: Sensitivity of two biofilm-producing bacteria (P. mirabilis UCa4 and P. mirabilis UCe1) to bac- teriocin, was investigated in planktonic and biofilm states by cell viability and crystal violet assay, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed to determine the effect of bacteriocin on the morphology of the cells asso- ciated with biofilm.
Results: It was found that bacteriocin possessed bactericidal activity to biofilm-forming isolates in the planktonic state.
However, bacteriocin interferes with the formation of biofilms and disrupts established biofilms. Bacteriocin reduced biofilm
 

50

 

50

 

formation in the isolates of P. mirabilis UCa4 and P. mirabilis UCe1 with SMIC
 
of 32 and 128 μg/mL, desirable SMIC   of
 
bacteriocin for biofilm disruption were 128 and 256 μg/mL, respectively. The SEM results indicated that bacteriocin affected the cell morphology of biofilm-associated cells.
Conclusion: The present findings indicated that bacteriocin from Bacillus sp. Sh10 has bactericidal properties against bio- film-forming isolates of P. mirabilis UCa4 and P. mirabilis UCe1 and has the ability to inhibit the formation of biofilm and disrupt established biofilm.
Antimicrobial potential of lactic acid bacteria from domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus) from south Celebes, Indonesia, in different growth phases: in vitro experiments supported by computational docking
Authors: Husain Dirayah Rauf , Gunawan Syahrul , Sulfahri Sulfahri
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives: Pathogenic bacterial infection is one of the factors that can cause extensive losses in poultry farming. Pathogenic bacteria that infect domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus) include Escherichia coli. This study has investigated antimicrobial compounds from probiotic bacteria isolated from the digestive tract of domestic chickens origi- nating from Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Materials and Methods: Lactic acid bacteria were grown on de Man–Ragosa–Sharpe agar medium for 24 hours. The bac- terial isolate with the best inhibitory power was identified as Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), based on 16S RNA sequences. Antimicrobial activity of the selected lactic acid bacteria was tested on the pathogenic bacteria, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Using well diffusion method. In this study, in silico study was conducted to examine the structure and binding affin- ity of lactic acid bacteria against E. coli and S. aureus. Molecular docking experiments were performed using the PyRx 0.8 software.
Results: This study showed that the bacteria were B. subtilis strain PATA-5. The response of inhibition of antimicrobial compounds produced by B. subtilis strain PATA-5 maximum in the stationary phase. The bactericidal properties of B. subtilis strain PATA-5 were categorized as strong against Gram-negative E. coli, i.e., 30.5 mm, when compared to Gram-positive S. aureus, i.e., 17.5 mm.
Conclusion: B. subtilis strain PATA-5 is capable to produce natural antibiotic cyclic lipopeptides, namely surfactin.
Co-detection of bocavirus and bacteria in a respiratory specimen from a pregnant woman using multiplex real time PCR; a pathogenic role, or a bystander?
Authors: Agin Khosrow , Rezaee Iman , Heydarifard Zahra , Jazayeri Seyed-Mohammad
Published: March 2020

A pregnant woman presented by cough and dyspenia. Employing a respiratory multiplex real-time PCR, Human bocavirus (HBoV), Haemophilus influenza and Staphylococcus aureus were positive at cycle thresholds (CTs) of 21, 35 and 33.5, re- spectively. The patient was diagnosed for bacterial respiratory infection superimposed by bocavirus due to a relative high CT value. Patient’s condition improved using bronchodilators and corticosteroid without any further antibiotic treatment. HBoV is not exclusively a bystander pathogen in some patients.
Designing a Recombinant Multi-Epitope Antigen of Echinococ-cus granulosus to Diagnose Human Cystic Echinococcosis
Authors: MIRZAPOUR Aliyar , SEYYED TABAEI Seyyed Javad , BANDEHPOUR Mojgan , HAGHIGHI Ali , KAZEMI Bahram
Published: March 2020

Background: Cystic echinococcosis can cause severe disease and probable death in humans. Epitopes of its antigens play a key role in the sensitivity and specificity of immunodiagnostic tests.
Methods: Epitope prediction software programs predict the most antigenic linear B-cell epitopes of AgB (8 kD), Ag5, and Ag95. Six such epitopes were predicted and connected by “Gly-Ser” linker and synthesized. The purity of the concentrated recombinant multi-epitope protein was assessed by 15% SDS-PAGE. Overall, 186 serum samples were collected from the Loghman Hakim Hospital and different laboratories, Tehran, Iran, from July 2016 to February 2017. Patients infected with hepatic hydatid cysts, patients infected by other parasites and viruses, and healthy individuals were used to detect the anti-CE IgG using recombinant multi-epitope protein.
Results: Forty-one samples out of 43 cases of hydatidosis were diagnosed correctly as positive, and two were negative. In addition, six negative cases of healthy individual group were diagnosed as positive and negative with rMEP-ELISA and the commercial kit, respectively. Therefore, these six samples were considered as false positive using our method. In addition, a diagnostic sensitivity of 95.3% (95% CI, 84.19% to 99.43%) and a specificity of 95.0% (95% CI, 89.43% to 98.14%) were obtained using optimum cutoff value (0.20). The sensitivity and specificity of the commercial kit was 100%.
Conclusion: Our findings showed high diagnostic accuracy of the ELISA test using the developed recombinant protein, which encourages the use of this recombinant multi-epitope protein for rapid serological diagnosis of hydatidosis.
Design, Construction and Immunogenicity Assessment of pEGFP-N1-KMP11-GP96 (Fusion) as a DNA Vaccine Candidate against Leishmania major Infection in BALB/c Mice
Authors: DALIMI Abdolhossein , NASIRI Vahid
Published: March 2020

Background: KMP-11 (Kinetoplastid membrane protein-Π) exists in all species of kinetoplastid family. It is fully conserved and the protein produced by this gene can induce a very high cellular immune response. We aimed to design a suitable construction for a Leishmania major DNA vaccine and evaluate the protective efficacy of it as a candidate for DNA vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice.
Methods: This experimental study was conducted in Tehran City, Iran, between April 20, 2015 and May 30, 2016. KMP-11 gene of L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER, Iranian strain) and NT-GP96 of Xenopus GP96 DNA from a pBluescript-GP96 plasmid were amplified by PCR and the purified PCR products were cloned into the pJET1.2/blunt plasmid vector, then, subcloned into pEGFP-N1 plasmid as an expression vector. Finally, the KMP-11 gene was fused with GP96 and afterward the combination cloned in pEGFP-N1. All the cloned genes confirmed by enzyme digestions. Then, four groups of mice were immunized with PBS, pEGFP-N1, pEGFP-N1-KMP, and pEGFP-N1-fusion. Four weeks after immunization, all animals were challenged with L. major virulent promastigotes.
Results: The constructed fusion potentially showed an ability to elicit Th1 responses that led to cutaneous lesion healing. Interestingly, the group received KMP11-GP96 –GFP showed the highest ratio of IFN- γ /IL-4 and IgG2a/IgG1 compare to other groups. No side effect was observed after using the fusion in the mice.
Conclusion: The constructed fusion could well stimulate both the cellular and humoral immune systems that led to cutaneous lesion healing in mice.
Efficacy and Safety of Zataria multiflora Boiss Essential Oil against Acute Toxoplasmosis in Mice
Authors: MAHMOUDVAND Hossein , TAVAKOLI KARESHK Amir , NABI  MORADI Mohammad , MONZOTE FIDALGO Lianet , MIRBADIE Seyed Reza , NIAZI Massumeh , KHATAMI Mehrdad
Published: March 2020

Background: Broad spectrums of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial activity have been attributed to Zataria multiflora Boiss (Laminaceae). The in vivo efficacy and safety of Z. multiflora essential oil (ZM-EO) were evaluated against acute toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (Sarcocystidae) in mice.
Methods: Z. multiflora (aerial parts) was obtained from the rural districts of Kerman city (Kerman Province) Southwestern Iran, in May of 2016. Male NMRI mice were orally treated with normal saline (control group) and ZM-EO at the doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg once a day for 14 d (8 mice in each group). On the 15th day, the mice were infected with 104 tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain by intraperitoneal route. The mortality rate and parasite load were determined in the infected mice. Additionally, 24 mice were applied to examine the sub-acute toxicity of ZM-EO at the above doses after treatment during 14 d.
Results: GC/MS analysis displayed that the key constituents were thymol (45.4%), carvacrol (23%) and p-cymene (10.6%), respectively. Overall, 100% mortality was observed on the 8th and 9th days in treated mice with the concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg, respectively. The mean number of tachyzoites in the mice treated with 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg of ZM-EO were 189×104 and 76×104 cell/mL, respectively, meaningfully (P<0.05) reduced compared with the control mice. Results also demonstrated that ZM-EO had no important toxicity on mice.
Conclusion: The results demonstrated the efficacy of ZM-EO against acute toxoplasmosis. Nevertheless, supplementary surveys are mandatory to examine its precise effects, mainly immunomodulatory effect on toxoplasmosis.
Frequency and Molecular Identification of Cryptosporidium Species among Immunocompromised Patients Referred to Hos-pitals, Central Iran, 2015-16
Authors: IZADI Shahrokh , MOHAGHEGH Mohammad Ali , GHAYOUR-NAJAFABADI Zahra , AZAMI Mehdi , MIRZAEI Farzaneh , NAMDAR Fatemeh , MOHEBALI Mehdi , LESHAN WANNIGAMA Dhammika , HEJAZI Seyed-Hossein , HEJAZI Seyed-Hossein
Published: March 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium spp. in different groups of immunocompromised patients admitted to the referral hospitals in center of Iran during 2015–2016.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 346 immunocompromised patients (HIV+/AIDS, Lymphoma, Leukemia and organ transplants) in referred hospitals from central parts of Iran including Isfahan, Markazi, Yazd and Chaharmahale Bakhtiari provinces. Stool samples were analyzed for Cryptosporidium species, modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining techniques followed by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequencing methods.
Results: The total rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 3.46% (12/346) in the patients, however, the prevalence of the parasite, was 4.6% (4/87) in HIV+/AIDS patients, 3.6% (6/168) in patients with blood malignancy and 2.1% (2/91) in organ transplant recipients. The SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. in all microscopic-positive samples was effectively amplified by the semi-nested PCR and DNA sequences, exposed the existence of two Cryptosporidium species, including C. hominis 91.6% (11/12) and C. parvum 8.3% (1/12).
Conclusion: The predominance of C. hominis in the present study may be certifies the importance of anthroponotic transmission of cryptosporidiosis in center of Iran.
Marshallagia marshalli Antigen Strengthens Dendritic Cell Medi-ated T Lymphocyte Regulation on Asthmatic Patients
Authors: HEMATI Fatemeh , MIRSADRAEI Majid , HEMATI Milad , MOHEBALIAN Hadi , BORJI Hassan
Published: March 2020

Background: The current study was conducted to investigate the antigenic effect of Marshallagia marshalli on the treatment of asthma by measuring the secreted inhibitory cytokine.
Methods: Case patients and controls were selected from clinics in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, Northeastern Iran in 2017-18. In this experimental study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 15 patients with asthma and 10 healthy controls and were cultured. PBMCs were then converted to tolerogenic DCs through exposure to GM-CSF, IL-4 and M. marshalli antigen. Then, tolerogenic DCs were exposed to autologous T cells for five days and finally, the level of secreted TGF-β1 was measured.
Results: The mean TGF-β1 level in the control and control groups was 210.2 ± 8.2 and 225.4 ± 6.1 pq/ml, respectively. The results showed that TGF-β1 levels in both groups significantly increased in both groups (P<0.001). In addition, TGF-β1 levels in the case group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: M. marshalli antigen increase the level of TGF-β1 and can create antigen-bearing dendritic cells and shift T lymphocytes to the regulatory type. This parasite can be used in dendritic cell therapy to control allergic diseases.
The rK39 Antigen from an Iranian Strain of Leishmania infantum: Detection of Anti-Leishmania Antibodies in Humans and Dogs
Authors: HOSSEINI FARASH Bibi Razieh , MOHEBALI Mehdi , KAZEMI Bahram , FATA Abdolmajid , RAOOFIAN Reza , AKHOUNDI Behnaz , MOJARRAD Majid , MASTROENI Pietro , SHARIFI-YAZDI Mohammad Kazem , TANIPOUR Mohammad Hossein
Published: March 2020

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe form of leishmaniasis in Iran with high mortality rates in the case of inaccurate diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate a new rk39 recombinant antigen from an Iranian strain of Leishmania infantum for diagnosis of VL in humans and dogs.
Methods: rK39-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with the direct agglutination test (DAT) for the detection of anti L. infantum antibodies. We screened 84 human sera and 87 dog sera from clinical cases in the endemic area of Meshkin-Shahr, Iran along with 176 sera from healthy controls (collected from 86 humans and 90 dogs) during 2013 -2016.
Results: Using the rK39 ELISA, a sensitivity of 85.7% (95% CI, 95-99%) and a specificity of 86.0% (95% CI, 95%-99%) were detected in human sera at a 1:800 (cut-off) titer when DAT-confirmed cases were compared with healthy controls; a sensitivity of 96.6% (95% CI, 95%-99%) and specificity of 94.4% (95% CI, 95%-99%) were found at a 1:80 (cut-off) titer compared with DAT. Kappa analysis indicated agreement between the rK39 ELISA and DAT (0.718) when using human sera at a 1:800 (cut-off) titer as well as (0.910) at a 1:80 (cut-off) titer when using dog sera (P<0.05).
Conclusion: New rk39 recombinant antigen from an Iranian strain of Leishmania infantum seems to be used for diagnosis of VL in humans and dogs. Further extended field studies are recommended
Morphological Description, Phylogenetic and Molecular Analysis of Dirofilaria immitis Isolated from Dogs in the Northwest of Iran
Authors: KHANMOHAMMADI Majid , AKHLAGHI Lame , RAZMJOU Elham , FALAK Reza , ZOLFAGHARI EMAMEH Reza , MOKHTARIAN Kobra , ARSHADI Mehdi , MEAMAR Ahmad Reza
Published: March 2020

Background: Dirofilariasis is a globally distributed arthropod-borne parasitic disease of mainly canids and felids. We evaluated to extend the knowledge of morpho-molecular characteristics and outer ultrastructure of Dirofilaria immitis isolated from Northwest of Iran.
Methods: Overall, 67 filarial worms including 26 males parasites were collected from the cardiovascular system of the 43 stray dogs in Meshkinshar, Ardebil Province, Northwest of Iran in 2017, and subjected to light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as carmine alum staining for morpho-molecular and identification. Molecular methods were used for confirmation of morphological findings by sequencing of Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene.
Results: The partial DNA sequencing of cox1 gene of adult parasites showed considerable homology and close proximity to the previously isolated from Kerman and Meshkinshahr, Iran. The lowest genetic variation and the highest intra-species variability was found in D. immitis and D. repens, respectively. No similarity was identified between D. immitis nucleotide sequence and Wolbachia species as its endosymbiont bacteria.
Conclusion: The SEM technique is an excellent tool for differential recognition of the parasite surface morphology and molecular techniques could differentiate and identify Dirofilaria spp.
In Vitro Effects of Streptomyces tyrosinase on the Egg and Adult Worm of Toxocara vitulorum
Authors: SHALABY Hatem , ASHRY Heba , SAAD Moataza , FARAG Tarek
Published: March 2020

Background: Several species of streptomycetes, saprophytic bacteria found widely distributed in soil, water and plants, produce bioactive compounds such as intra and extracellular hydrolases including lytic enzymes which reflecting on their importance in the biological control of insects and parasites. This study assessed the in vitro effects of Streptomyces tyrosinase, produced from Streptomyces spp. isolated from Egyptian soil, on animal-parasitic nematode Toxocara vitulorum, in terms of egg development and adult worm’s cuticular structure, and as an alternative strategy to alleviate this infection.
Methods: This study was conducted at the National Research Centre, Egypt in 2018. Five different concentrations of tyrosinase, ranged from 1%-30% were tested against the development of T. vitulorum eggs. The concentration induced the highest inhibitory activity was tested against adult T. vitulorum cuticle, which is essential for the protective and nutritive functions. The results were compared with those observed in the egg development and worm cuticle following incubation in Streptomyces protease (as a reference enzyme).
Results: Compared to Streptomyces protease, higher inhibitory activity on T. vitulorum egg development and extreme cuticular alterations of the treated adult worms had been observed following 24 h exposure to Streptomyces tyrosinase. Once the cuticle had been damaged, the enzyme would be able to penetrate deeper into the internal tissues of the nematode and caused more widespread disruption.
Conclusion: The current study could offer a promising bio-control agent, Streptomyces tyrosinase, against T. vitulorum alternative to the more expensive synthetic anthelmintics.
In Vitro Effects of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Seed Extracts on Echinococcus granulosus Protoscoleces
Authors: HESARI Zahra , SHARIFDINI Meysam , SHARIFI-YAZDI Mohammad Kazem , GHAFARI Saeedeh , GHASEMI Sara , MAHMOUDI Shahram , MOHEBALI Mehdi , NIKMANESH Bahram
Published: March 2020

Background: Echinococcus granulosus parasite causes a zoonotic disease which is important for public and veterinary health. Since pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita sp.) are used as traditional vermifuge in Iran, they may be a potential herbal anthelmintic.
Methods: This study was designed in 2016 to evaluate the in vitro scolicidal effect of Cucurbita moschata seeds form northern part of Iran. Hydroalcoholic and petroleum ether extracts were prepared by maceration and soxhlet respectively. Both extracts with four different concentrations (100, 10, 1, 0.1 mg/ml) were incubated against protoscoleces in 5, 15, 30 and 60 min.
Results: Maximum mortality was 16% with 1% hydroalcoholic extract in 60 min. The highest mortality with organic extract was 4% with 10% concentration in 60 min (P=0.015).
Conclusion: Since highest mortality was 16%, the extract did not reach to LD50 (50% mortality). Therefore, the potency of the total extract is not sufficient as potential scolicidal drug.
Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Suspicion of Fascioliasis in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwestern Iran
Authors: MOSHFE Abdolali , ARIA Arash , ERFANI Najme , JAMSHIDI Ali , SARKARI Bahador , ABDOLAHI KHABISI Samaneh , AREFKHAH Nasir
Published: March 2020

Background: In the current study, we described the epidemiological features, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of patients with suspicion of fascioliasis in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province in southwest of Iran.   
Methods: Overall, 56 patients with suspicion of fascioliasis, based on their clinical signs and symptoms that referred to Clinic of Internal Medicine in Yasuj city, from 2014 to 2016 were enrolled. Demographic data, history of eating aquatic local plants, the chief complains, and laboratory findings were recorded for each patient. Stool samples were obtained from each case for detection of Fasciola eggs. Moreover, blood samples were taken from each patient and evaluated for detection of anti-Fasciola antibodies by an indirect ELISA. Patients who defined as having fascioliasis were treated with triclabendazole and were followed for at least three months for clinical improvement.
Results: Serological test was positive in 5 patients. Of these 5 cases, three cases had a history of ingesting raw aquatic vegetables. The main clinical signs and symptoms in positive cases were; abdominal pain (60%), epigastric pain (40%), anemia (60%), and dermal pruritus (20%). Hypereosinophilia was seen in all of 5 positive cases. No Fasciola egg was found in stool specimens of any of the patients. The fascioliasis cases were treated by triclabendazole and clinical symptoms disappeared in all of 5 cases.
Conclusion: Our observation further confirmed Yasuj district as a human endemic area for fascioliasis in Iran. The study also highlighted the importance of clinical features together with eosinophilia, as key parameters, in the diagnosis of human fascioliasis. Clinicians need to be aware of this disease and should keep in mind fascioliasis when hypereosinophilia present in patients in such endemic areas.
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Rural Inhabitants of Fouman, Guilan Province, Northern Iran with Emphasis on Strongyloides stercoralis
Authors: SHARIFDINI Meysam , GHANBARZADEH Laleh , BARIKANI Ameneh , SARAEI Mehrzad
Published: March 2020

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are among the most important etiologies of gastrointestinal disorders in developing countries. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence of IPIs in rural inhabitants of Fouman, northern Iran.
Methods: Overall, 31 villages were randomly selected during 2015-2016. Stool samples were collected from 1500 inhabitants aged 2-87. The samples were examined by direct wet smear, formalin ethyl-acetate concentration and agar plate culture. Trichrome staining and modified acid-fast staining were used as confirmatory tests for intestinal amoeba and flagellates and cryptosporidium spp., respectively. Data were analyzed with Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests using SPSS.
Results: 8.06% of participants were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. The prevalence of mixed parasitic infections was 0.87%. The most prevalent IPIs were caused by Trichostrongylus spp. (3.13%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (1.5%), Giardia lamblia (1.3%), and Entamoeba coli (1.0%), Blastocystis hominis (0.86%), E. histolytica/dispar (0.53%), Endolimax nana (0.26%), Iodamoeba butschlii (0.13%), Trichuris trichiura (0.07%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.07%), Hook worm (0.07%) and E. hartmani (0.07%). Statistically, the prevalence of IPIs showed significant differences regarding the age groups, education status, occupation (P<0.001), and the habit of eating raw vegetables (P<0.007), whereas, the differences were insignificant with regard to sex (P=0.924) and water supply (P=0.088).
Conclusion: The prevalence of IPIs, especially soil-transmitted helminthes (STHs) has sharply decreased in northern Iran. Excluding Trichostrongylus spp. and S. stercoralis, other intestinal parasites only produce a marginal and unnoticeable health problem in this area, today.
Experimentally Induced Cerebral Cystic Echinococcosis in Rats: A Suitable Animal Model for Cerebral Echinococcosis
Authors: RADFAR Mohammad Hossein , FOTOOHI Soheila , AZIZI Shahrzad , KHEIRANDISH Reza
Published: March 2020

Background: Echinococcus granulosus is a worldwide zoonotic cestode that lives mainly in the intestine of dog as definitive host. Its larval stage infects intermediate hosts and forms hydatid cysts mainly in the liver and lungs tissues and less other organs such as brain, eye and bone. In the experimental models, inoculation of protoscoleces into the peritoneum, thoracic cavity, subcutaneous and cerebrum produces hydatid cysts. Experimental echinococcosis in the animal models provides a good opportunity for study of the parasite-host relationship, different transmission ways of infection in the intermediate hosts and effect of new drugs.
Methods: The present study was conducted in the Veterinary School, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran in 2018. In this study, cerebral hydatidosis was investigated in 6 female Wistar rats weighing (200±20 gr). For this purpose, protoscoleces were collected from hydatid cysts of infected sheep liver. Overall, 300 protoscolices were injected directly in the lateral ventricle by an insulin syringe through the implanted cannula.
Results: After 4 months of inoculation, multiple thin-walled, transparent hydatid cysts were observed in the rat skull. All cysts were infertile. The cysts were localized prominently on the cerebral cortex and lesser in the parenchyma and ventricles. The cyst walls consisted of three layers consist of the outer layer (fibrous capsule), two parasitic layers and the endocyst layer (germinal layer). The cyst was surrounded by the inflammatory cells consist of lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.
Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first experimental cerebral hydatidosis arisen from larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus in the animal model.
Herbivores Coprolites from Chehrabad Salt Mine of Zanjan, Iran (Sassanid Era, 224-651 AD) Reveals Eggs of Strongylidae and Anoplocephalidae Helminths
Authors: MEIGOUNI Masoumeh , MAKKI Mahsasadat , HANILOO Ali , ASKARI Zeynab , MOBEDI Iraj , NADDAF Saied Reza , BOENKE Nicole , STOLLNER Thomas , AALI Abolfazl , HEIDARI Zahra , MOWLAVI Gholamreza
Published: March 2020

Background: The ancient Chehrabad Salt mine, a well-known archaeological site in Iran, has recently received increasing interest from Iranian and international archeologists. Also, the biological remains from this site have provided valuable sources for studying the pathogenic agents of ancient times. This study aimed to identify the parasitic helminth eggs preserved in the herbivores coprolites.
Methods: From 2011 to 2015, we received three coprolites belonging to herbivorous animals recovered during excavations in Chehrabad Salt mine of Zanjan, Iran. The coprolites were dated back to the Sassanid era (224-651 AD) by using radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and archeological stratigraphy methods. Following rehydration of the specimens in a 0.5% trisodium phosphate solution, the suspensions were mounted in glycerin jelly on glass slides and examined by a light microscope with 100x and 400x magnifications.
Results: Two coprolites belonged to donkeys and one to an unknown herbivore species. The recovered eggs belonged to members of two helminths families, Strongylidae, and Anoplocephalidae. Also, within the two coprolites, some mites, presumably of the order Oribatida, were observed.
Conclusion: The presence of two different nematodes in the equids coprolites provide clues of the burden of helminths infection on working animal at the Sassanid time and demonstrates the appropriate preservation condition of biological remains in the ancient salt mine of Chehrabad as well.
Trypanocidal Effect of Nano MOFs-EP on Circulating Forms of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: MORALES-BAEZ Marisol , RIVERA-VILLANUEVA José María , LÓPEZ-MONTEON Aracely , PEÑA-RODRÍGUEZ Rodolfo , TRIGOS Ángel , RAMOS-LIGONIO Angel
Published: March 2020

Background: Chagas disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is considered a neglected disease in several countries. One of the main problems about this disease is the lack of an effective treatment and the absence of adverse effects. T. cruzi, like most pathogenic fungi and yeasts, require specific sterols to maintain viability and proliferative capacity during their life cycle. However, the oxidation of this molecule to ergosterol peroxide has shown several biological effects, including its trypanocidal activity.
Methods: We have synthesized MOFs nanoparticles as carrier system coupled to ergosterol peroxide (MOFs-EP) and we have studied its effect on the circulating forms of the T. cruzi parasite.
Results: MOFs-EP possess an efficient trypanocidal activity at much lower inhibitory concentrations (ng/mL) that the concentrations shown by ergosterol peroxide (g/mL) when administered unconjugated form.
Conclusion: Our results open a new possibility in the biomedical application of MOFs and ergosterol peroxide in the search for new options for the treatment of Chagas disease.
Effects of Water Source, Sanitation and Hygiene on the Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni among School Age Children in Jawe District, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: HAILU Tadesse , MULU Wondemagegn , ABERA Bayeh
Published: March 2020

Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis is a disease caused by infection with one of the blood flukes called Schistosoma mansoni. The distribution of Schistosoma mansoni infection is high in Sub-Saharan Africa due to water source, sanitation and hygiene problems. This study aimed to determine the effect of water source, sanitation and hygiene on the prevalence of schistosomiasis among school-age children in Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from Apr 2016 to Aug 2016. Children were selected by systematic random sampling and Formol Ether Concentration Technique (FECT) was used to identify Schistosoma mansoni infection. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics and strength of association of schistosomiasis with determinant factors was calculated by bivariate analysis.
Results: Among 333 children, 7% were infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Using surface water for drinking, poor hand wash habit and latrine utilization were significantly associated (P<0.05) with Schistosoma mansoni infection.
Conclusion: Absence of safe water for bathing, washing and swimming, poor sanitation and hygiene practices were major risk factors for schistosomiasis. Therefore, health education should be given on the transmission of S. mansoni infection, pure water, sanitation and hygiene in S. mansoni endemic areas.