Archives of Razi Institute最新文献

The objective of this study is twofold: first, to determine the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt) on the first larval instar of Ectomyelois ceratoniae, and second, to study its deferred effect on other biological parameters, such as the development and reproduction of this pest. The treated larvae were then paired, and the following concentrations were utilized: The experiment was conducted using a series of concentrations, ranging from 0.25 grams per liter (250 parts per million [ppm]) to 2 grams per liter (2000 ppm). Six pairs of Petri dishes were utilized for each concentration, with the number of eggs laid being recorded. Subsequent to this, the number of eggs that hatched following their incubation period was tallied. In the context of Bt svar. kurstaki, the variable of interest is the rate of larval mortality. The results demonstrated a robust and positive correlation between the administered doses and the adjusted mortality of the larvae across a range of bioinsecticide exposure times. The five Bt svar. kurstaki concentrations utilized resulted in a corrected mortality of E. ceratoniae first instar larvae, exhibiting variation between a minimum of 50.78% and a maximum of 97.92%. It has been demonstrated that Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki becomes increasingly toxic to larvae following exposure to the biopesticide. Therefore, the median lethal concentration (LC50) of Bt svar. kurstaki for E. ceratoniae larvae, calculated at concentrations of 250, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 parts per million (ppm), exhibited an inverse proportionality to the different lethal times. Conversely, the Bt treatment exhibited a marked decrease in female insects' reproductive rate and egg viability. Consequently, the BT exerted a deleterious effect on the growth and reproductive parameters of E. ceratoniae.

Traumatic corneal wounds elicit a multitude of inflammatory reactions. This severe inflammation can lead to fibrosis or scarring on the cornea's surface by inhibiting the growth of the natural epithelium. The present study investigates the healing effects of two simultaneous treatments of small intestine submucosal graft (SIS) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in rabbit corneal wound healing. Twenty white New Zealand rabbits, with an average weight of 2.5 to 3 kilograms, exhibiting no clinical signs of ocular disease, were selected for the study. These rabbits were divided into four groups, with a total of five animals per group, for the purpose of a wound induction test using a crescent knife. Subsequent to wound formation, the groups under study included a control group (absence of corneal wound covering with only physiological serum), PRP+SIS, SIS, and PRP in the form of 1 cc subconjunctival drops of PRP every 12 hours. In groups with SIS, the dressing was placed on the wound with a circumferential suture. A clinical eye examination and fluorescein staining were performed to assess the wounds in terms of size, infection, turbidity, and edema. Twenty-one days after the operation, half of the animals from each group were euthanized, and their corneas were evaluated by histopathology. On the 21st day of the study, the PRP+SIS group exhibited the lowest level of corneal opacity. In the histopathological evaluation, the calculation of the number of rows of epithelium was not significant. The corneas of the PRP and SIS + PRP groups, as well as the SIS group, exhibited significantly less vascularization compared to the control group. The order of stromal collagens proved to be a significant factor in both the SIS group with SIS + PRP and the control group with SIS + PRP. A statistically significant difference in the extent of edema was observed between the control group and the SIS + PRP and PRP groups. A statistically significant decrease in inflammation was observed between the control and SIS+PRP groups, with the latter exhibiting markedly reduced levels of inflammation. The findings of this study demonstrate that the simultaneous use of SIS and PRP is not feasible.

Strongyloidiasis, classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is predominantly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, impacting an estimated 100-370 million individuals globally. The northern and southern provinces of Iran are recognized as endemic areas for this disease, characterized by environmental conditions such as optimal temperature and humidity conducive to the survival of the causative agent. Although this disease commonly presents no symptoms, individuals with compromised immune systems or those undergoing corticosteroid treatment face an elevated risk of developing hyper_infection syndrome, a serious complication with potentially fatal outcomes. In the case of immunocompromised patients, especially those receiving corticosteroid therapy, the timely diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is imperative, as the infection can lead to life-threatening outcomes. The present study reports a case of latent strongyloidiasis diagnosis using a serological method. A 68-year-old female patient, originally from Guilan Province, residing in Tehran Province, with a medical history of asthma spanning over a decade, was admitted to the hospital and prescribed corticosteroid treatment for severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The patient exhibited symptoms including shortness of breath, constipation, skin itching and abdominal bloating. Following a referral to the Diagnostic Laboratory of Strongyloidiasis at the School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the patient was found to be positive for Strongyloides stercoralis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (Novalisa, NovaTec, Germany). The infection was successfully treated with anthelmintic drugs. It is imperative to consider strongyloidiasis in patients with a history of residing in endemic areas or immigration, and testing should be conducted before the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. The ELISA method is a rapid and effective diagnostic tool for detecting S. stercoralis in suspected patients, particularly prior to corticosteroid treatment.

Furazolidone (FZD), a broad-spectrum antibiotic in the nitrofuran class, is banned in many countries due to health concerns. The illegal use of FZD in poultry can lead to drug resistance in bacteria, such as Salmonella spp., which infect both poultry and humans. Contaminated eggs are a primary source of Salmonella infection. This study investigated the resistance of Salmonella isolates from eggs to FZD to gain crucial insights into the prevalence of resistant strains within the population. To this end, the susceptibility of 22 Salmonella enterica isolates from eggshells to FZD was determined using the disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. Then, the mutations in the nfsA and nfsB genes were examined using the polymerase chain reaction method and sequencing. Results were analyzed using GeneRunner software and BLAST online software. It was found that 27.27% and 9.09% of the isolates had high and medium resistance to FZD, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration results were determined to be 32 μg/ml for sensitive isolates, 256 μg/ml for intermediate isolates, and 512 μg/ml for resistant isolates. Sequencing analysis identified six insertion mutations and one transition mutation in the nfsA gene of resistant isolates, as well as one silent mutation in the nfsB gene of a sensitive isolate. The study highlights substantial resistance to FZD in Salmonella isolates from eggs, associated with mutations in the nfsA gene. These findings underscore the necessity for monitoring and managing resistance in foodborne pathogens. The significant resistance to FZD and the related mutations in the nfsA gene highlight the critical need for continuous surveillance and research to address the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance, especially in food products.

The objective of this study was to assess the phytochemical composition of Centella asiatica leaf meal by analyzing the type of solvent utilised and the duration of the extraction process. Furthermore, the study evaluated the efficacy of Centella asiatica leaf meal extract as a prospective antibacterial agent when incorporated into poultry feed. The study was conducted in two phases. The initial phase of the study employed a fully randomised design featuring a 2×5 factorial design and three replications. Factor X denoted the solvent utilised, which included ordinary distilled water and distilled water subjected to heating at 100°C. Factor Y was defined as the duration of the extraction process, ranging from 15 to 75 minutes in 15-minute increments. In the second stage of the experiment, the in vitro antibacterial test was conducted using the most effective extract of Centella asiatica leaf meal, as determined in the first stage of the experiment. The parameters of the study encompassed the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total tannin content, total antioxidant activity, and the inhibition zone of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. The findings revealed a highly significant interaction (p < 0.05) between the type of solvent and the duration of extraction on the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. However, the overall tannin concentration remained constant, irrespective of the extraction solvent or the duration of the extraction process. Furthermore, the Centella asiatica leaf meal extract, at a concentration of 100%, exhibited a greater inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. bacteria in comparison to other concentrations. Following a comprehensive review of the available literature, it was concluded that the most effective extraction method for producing phytochemical compounds from Centella asiatica leaf meal extract is that of heated distilled water solvent, with an extraction time of 75 minutes. In addition, Centella asiatica leaf meal extract has been identified as a promising antibacterial agent for use in poultry farming.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are among the most crucial pollinators, significantly contributing to the growth of flowers and wild plants within ecosystems. Extensive epidemiological studies have been undertaken to identify and mitigate bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases affecting these insects. American foulbrood (AFB) is a particularly severe and highly contagious bacterial disease that impacts honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae. This disease is caused by a gram-positive bacterium known as Paenibacillus larvae. This bacterium has the capacity to produce resilient spores that possess the ability to survive for extended periods under conducive environmental conditions. In the absence of a timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment, Africanized honey bees (AFB) have the potential to infect the entire hive and disseminate the infection to neighboring hives. The objective of this research was to assess the prevalence of AFB disease in apiaries nationwide. From autumn to winter of 2022, the study entailed the sampling of adult bees and honey from 266 apiaries dispersed across various regions of the country, encompassing 31 provinces. The preparation of the 532 samples was carried out in accordance with established protocols, and the subsequent DNA extraction process was executed. Two sets of specific primers were employed to identify the P. larvae using PCR and nested-PCR methods. Subsequently, the selected samples that were positive for PCR were subjected to sequencing, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The findings indicate that, among the 266 honeybee samples, 14 (5.26%) were positive, and among the 266 honey samples, 42 (15.78%) were positive. Among the 31 provinces that were investigated, P. larvae infection was detected in 18 provinces (61%). The highest incidence of AFB disease was documented in the Northern Provinces (28.78%) and the central regions of the country (25.35%). In contrast, the Eastern Provinces demonstrated the lowest infection rate (5.71%), a finding that was statistically significant. The majority of positive honeybee samples were sourced from the Central Provinces, while the majority of honey samples were from the Northern Provinces. The findings of this study suggest that Afipobacterial fever (AFB) is a prevalent bacterium in apiaries throughout Iran.

Salivary gland synovial sarcomas, comprising less than 1% of oral tumors, predominantly manifest in the young and adolescent age group, and pose significant diagnostic challenges. The neoplasm is distinguished by the presence of spindle cells and positivity for CKAE1/AE3, TLE-1, and CD99. CASE SUMMARY: A 48-year-old male patient is presented with a swelling in the left submandibular area, devoid of any other associated symptoms. A thorough excisional histopathological evaluation was conducted, resulting in a diagnosis of unifocal synovial sarcoma. The tumor cells exhibited positivity for CKAE1/AE3, TLE-1, and CD99, while displaying negativity for S100. CONCLUSION: This report contributes to the limited extant regarding this rare malignancy, shedding light on their clinical and diagnostic characteristics.

Breast cancer is a most common cancer that primarily affects women, in which cells become abnormal and multiply in an uncontrollable fashion. The etiology of these cancers is predominantly hereditary, with gene mutations and geographic indications being the predominant factors in most invasive breast cancer types. However, it is important to note that several other factors, including age, gender, ethnic background, and environmental influences, also contribute to the development of these diseases. Non-coding RNAs refer to a class of endogenous molecules that play a role in the development of various types of cancer. The objective of this research is to identify differentially expressed genes in cases of breast cancer. A series of analyses were conducted on the RNA-Seq data from the TCGA related to breast cancer. These analyses included both expression and survival studies. The objective of these analyses was to explore the gene expression of the samples and genes computationally through the use of R programming. The results obtained after each analysis were inferred both visually and logically. A total of 613 genes were identified as exhibiting differential expression among the samples, with 254 genes demonstrating increased expression and 359 genes exhibiting decreased expression. The differentially expressed genes obtained using the R package "TCGA Biolinks" were subsequently employed in the construction of the ceRNA network. A comprehensive analysis of the TCGA biolinks data set revealed the presence of aberrantly expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in breast cancer samples. The analysis identified a total of 352, 183, and 254 cases, respectively, demonstrating significant disparities in gene expression patterns among different breast cancer samples. A study of 352 long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) revealed that two of these molecules, LINC00461 and MALAT1, exhibited particularly high levels of expression. These findings suggest that these two molecules may serve as more effective therapeutic biomarkers. Furthermore, the study identified a significant enrichment of microRNA target genes within the samples examined, suggesting a potential regulatory relationship between these molecules and their target genes. Consequently, this investigation has constructed competing endogenous RNA networks and has further elucidated the underlying biomarkers for breast cancer cohorts.

Snakebite incidents represent a significant public health concern. On an annual basis, approximately 5.4 million snakebite incidents occur worldwide, resulting in 125,000 deaths. The present study centered on epidemiological surveys and the modeling of time series data pertaining to snakebites in Shoushtar City from 2017 to 2022. The present study documented data on 396 individuals who experienced snakebite incidents during the research period. In the medical field, time series analysis entails the study and analysis of data collected over time to identify patterns, trends, and relationships. The forecasting of future trends in case counts was accomplished through the implementation of time series analysis and the employment of suitable models, with the utilization of Box-Jenkins models being a key element of this approach. The findings indicated that the majority of snake bite incidents occurred among males and in rural areas. The trend remained constant until the end of 2019, and from the last months of 2019 to the end of 2020, it exhibited an increasing trend (during the peak of the pandemic). The data exhibited a seasonal trend, with the highest occurrences in hot seasons and the lowest occurrences in cold seasons. The demographic groups with the highest number of casualties were those between the ages of 25 and 44 and between 10 and 24 years of age. The body parts most frequently affected by the condition were the foot (58.8%) and the hand (38.8%). The majority of individuals sought treatment without delay. The most suitable model for the available data was determined to be a seasonal ARIMA model in the form of ARIMA (0,0,0) (1,0,1)12. The forecasting exercise, conducted over the span of the subsequent six months, employed the selected model. The model's projections indicated a decline in snakebite cases when compared to earlier periods. In general, the application of time series analysis in the medical field is of paramount importance in the context of improving patient care, enhancing public health strategies, and advancing medical research. The utilization of these tools can facilitate effective resource allocation and healthcare planning.

Neurological and behavioral diseases caused by toxic metals, particularly aluminum, continue to pose a substantial issue for humans. Given the prevalence of aluminum in the Earth's crust, it is inevitable that humans worldwide will have contact with aluminum. The present study focuses on the synthesis and assessment of the therapeutic impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) in rats that have been exposed to aluminum. The effect of CeO₂ nanoparticles on the functionality of enzymes and markers related to oxidative stress was assessed in the cerebral and hepatic tissues of rats subjected to aluminum exposure. The enzymes and markers assessed included catalase (CAT), cholinesterase (ChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), monoamine oxidase (MAO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Aluminum chloride was administered to the rats via subcutaneous injection at a daily dosage of 150 milligrams per kilogram for a duration of three weeks in order to generate oxidative stress. CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were administered intraperitoneally at dosages of 5 and 10 mg/kg for a period of one week, with the initial administration occurring in the third week. The findings demonstrated that CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) were very successful in enhancing cognitive-behavioral patterns and increasing the activity of neurobiochemical enzymes in both liver and brain tissues. The findings indicated that CeO₂ NPs might serve as a viable therapeutic approach for addressing neurocognitive and neurobiochemical impairments caused by elevated aluminum levels in rats exposed to aluminum. However, further investigation is necessary to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of CeO₂ NPs on conditions caused by hazardous metal exposure.