Effect of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans spores on induced allergic contact dermatitis in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Probiotic strains have the potential to modulate immune responses, reduce intestinal inflammation, normalize intestinal mucosal function and decrease allergic reactions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of oral probiotic supplements containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans spores on clinical symptoms, haematological factors and immune responses to allergic contact dermatitis in dogs induced by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). METHODS: DNCB was injected subcutaneously into the scapular region of 20 healthy adult dogs of both sexes, divided into four groups, to induce experimental allergic contact dermatitis. Dogs in Group 1 received food without probiotics or medication. Oral prednisolone was administered to Group 2 for 30 days at a dosage of 0.25 mg/kg every other day. The dogs in Group 3 were treated with a combination of oral prednisolone and probiotics. The dogs in Group 4 were fed daily with a mixture of 109 B. subtilis and B. coagulans bacteria for 30 days. The immune system responses and related gene expression were analysed in the treated animals. RESULTS: The administration of probiotics for 30 days resulted in a reduction in clinical symptoms and duration of wound repair. The probiotics treatment also significantly increased the serum bactericidal effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It enhanced both the classic and alternative activity of the complement, as well as lysozyme activity. Additionally, the probiotics led to higher total immunoglobulin levels and significant reductions in anti-trypsin and C-reactive protein levels. Furthermore, the expression of IgE, induction of interferon-gamma and IL-4 genes were also reduced. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, B. subtilis and B. coagulans can be further investigated as a viable alternative to corticosteroids in treating allergic contact dermatitis in dogs.

Development of a potent recombinant scFv antibody against the SARS-CoV-2 by in-depth bioinformatics study: Paving the way for vaccine/diagnostics development.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 has led to a worldwide disaster. Thus, developing prophylactics/therapeutics is required to overcome this public health issue. Among these, producing the anti-SARS-CoV-2 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies has attracted a significant attention. Accordingly, this study aims to address this question: Is it possible to bioinformatics-based design of a potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 scFv as an alternative to current production approaches? METHOD: Using the complexed SARS-CoV-2 spike-antibodies, two sets analyses were performed: (1) B-cell epitopes (BCEs) prediction in the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) region as a parameter for antibody screening; (2) the computational analysis of antibodies variable domains (VH/VL). Based on these primary screenings, and docking/binding affinity rating, one antibody was selected. The protein-protein interactions (PPIs) among the selected antibody-epitope complex were predicted and its epitope conservancy was also evaluated. Thereafter, some elements were added to the final scFv: (1) the PelB signal peptide; (2) a GSGGGGS linker to connect the VH-VL. Finally, this scFv was analyzed/optimized using various web servers. RESULTS: Among the antibody library, only one met the various criteria for being an efficient scFv candidate. Moreover, no interaction was predicted between its paratope and RBD hot-spot residues of SARS-CoV-2 variants-of-Concern (VOCs). CONCLUSIONS: Herein, a step-by-step bioinformatics platform has been introduced to bypass some barriers of traditional antibody production approaches. Based on existing literature, the current study is one of the pioneer works in the field of bioinformatics-based scFv production. This scFv may be a good candidate for diagnostics/therapeutics design against the SARS-CoV-2 as an emerging aggressive pathogen.

Prevalence of Untreated Canals and Their Association with Periapical Periodontitis Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography.

Introduction: Untreated canals represent the primary cause of treatment failure in molars and the second leading cause in other dental groups. This study determined the prevalence of untreated canals and their relationship with periapical periodontitis using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: 385 CBCT images with at least one treated canal were selected from the oral and maxillofacial radiology center. The number of roots and canals, presence, and size of periapical pathology, and presence of untreated canals were recorded. The study used descriptive statistics and Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and odds ratio tests to analyze data. Results: Of the 2053 teeth examined, 14.9% had at least one untreated canal. Untreated canals in teeth increase the chance of having a periapical lesion, raising the prevalence by 11 times. Of these, 91.8% had both untreated canals and periapical lesions. This was more than teeth without untreated canals (35.8%). Most untreated canals were in maxillary molars (65.3%), and mandibular molars (12.54%). There was a statistically significant relationship (P<0.001) between the number of roots, canals, expansion, destruction, and jaw type with the prevalence of untreated canals. The maxillary first molar (68.66%) and second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal (63.27%) had the highest percentages of untreated canals. Conclusions: The MB2 had the highest prevalence of untreated canals. The presence of untreated canals significantly increased the risk of expansion and/or destruction. Therefore, identifying these conditions can also be useful in diagnosing untreated canals. Dentists should assess the anatomy of the tooth and the structure of the root canal to minimize the possibility of an untreated canal. CBCT can assist in this process.

A Scoping Review on the Use of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: In the context of managing persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS), existing treatments like pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and physical rehabilitation show only moderate effectiveness. The emergence of neuromodulation techniques in PPCS management has led to debates regarding optimal stimulation parameters and their overall efficacy. METHODS: this scoping review involved a comprehensive search of PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, focusing on controlled studies examining the therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques in adults with PPCS. RESULTS: Among the 940 abstracts screened, only five studies, encompassing 103 patients (12 to 29 per study), met the inclusion criteria. These studies assessed the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), applied to specific brain regions (i.e., the left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) or left motor cortex (M1)) for addressing cognitive and psychological symptoms, headaches, and general PPCSs. The results indicated improvements in cognitive functions with tDCS. In contrast, reductions in headache intensity and depression scores were observed with rTMS, while no significant findings were noted for general symptoms with rTMS. CONCLUSION: although these pilot studies suggest promise for rTMS and tDCS in PPCS management, further research with larger-scale investigations and standardized protocols is imperative to enhance treatment outcomes for PPCS patients.

Isolation, identification, antibiotic resistance profile and molecular analysis of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheal isolates from turkeys.

BACKGROUND: Ornithobacterium rhinotracheal (ORT) infects numerous birds, particularly chickens and turkeys. ORT is an emerging bacterial pathogen of global concern in the poultry industry. As ORT is rapidly spreading throughout commercial poultry, it requires intensive studies of its epidemiology, diagnostic procedures, molecular typing, virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted in isolation and identification of ORT from slaughtered turkeys. METHODS: Cleft palate swabs of 200 were collected from slaughtered turkeys and cultured on blood agar. ORT was characterized using biochemical tests and PCR targeting the ORT 16S rRNA gene. Virulence genes of isolates were determined targeting adenylate kinase (adk), copA and virulence-associated protein D (vapD) genes. Additionally, diversity of ORT isolates was performed by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) and RAPD PCR. Disk diffusion was used to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates. RESULTS: ORT was identified in 23 (11.5%) samples using both the biochemical tests and PCR. The result of detecting virulence genes showed that all the isolates (23: 100%) had the adk gene, whereas two (8.7%) isolates had the copA gene, and seven (30.43%) isolates had the vapD gene. Molecular typing of isolates revealed 21 different patterns by RAPD PCR assay using M13 primer and 20 distinct patterns by ERIC PCR test. Both ERIC and RAPD PCR were distinctive methods for investigating the genetic diversity of ORT isolates. The antibiotic resistance test showed that 18 (78.26%) isolates were resistant to gentamicin, amikacin, cefazolin, streptomycin and penicillin. All isolates (100%) were resistant to cloxacillin and fosfomycin. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the prevalence of ORT in turkey and high resistance of this bacterium to many common veterinary antibiotics. Moreover, both ERIC and RAPD PCR are distinctive methods for investigating the genetic diversity of ORT isolates. These data may help monitor antibiotic resistance and typing of ORT in epidemiological studies and serve as the foundation for designing region-specific vaccines for future use.

Factors affecting major depression in Iran: a mixed-method study.

Depression is a major cause of disability and, if left untreated, can increase the risk of suicide. Evidence on the determinants of depression is incomplete, making it challenging to interpret results across studies. This study aims to identify the social, economic, environmental, political, and technological factors influencing the great recession in Iran. The study was conducted in two parts. The first step involved a literature review to identify the factors, using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for the search. The reference lists of all identified articles were reviewed to find relevant studies, and the extracted information was summarized and reported descriptively. The second steps involved compiling and consulting 14 experts from different fields, using a framework analysis method. Twenty-four articles were used as primary sources of information, and a total of 28 factors were found to exist. After removing duplicates and related factors, 19 of these were subsequently declared as factors, resulting in a total of 36 determinants being identified. Most of these factors belong to the social category. The health policies implemented have a significant impact on disease risk factors and ultimately their occurrence. Political decisions and policy-making processes play a crucial role in all areas, particularly in addressing disease risk factors. Severe depression can disrupt all aspects of the healthcare system, underscoring the importance of access to care. Policies concerning physical education, transportation, nutrition, employment, green spaces, recreational facilities, and tobacco are vital in this context. The influence of health policies on disease risk factors and disease occurrence is profound. Severe depression can have far-reaching effects on the healthcare system, emphasizing the critical need for access to care. The formulation of policies to combat depression must be thoroughly evaluated in terms of economic, political, social, technological, and environmental factors. The findings suggest that addressing social inequalities and emphasizing the role of political action, as highlighted by the social determinants of health, should be top priorities in addressing depression. Efforts to prevent depression should incorporate ecological approaches that consider the impact of the socioeconomic environment on depressive symptoms.

The radiation- and chemo-sensitizing capacity of diclofenac can be predicted by a decreased lactate metabolism and stress response.

BACKGROUND: An enhanced aerobic glycolysis ("Warburg effect") associated with an increase in lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor aggressiveness and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. We investigated the radiation- and chemo-sensitizing effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac in different cancer cell types. METHODS: The effects of a non-lethal concentration of diclofenac was investigated on c-MYC and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) protein expression/activity and the Heat shock Protein (HSP)/stress response in human colorectal (LS174T, LoVo), lung (A549), breast (MDA-MB-231) and pancreatic (COLO357) carcinoma cells. Radiation- and chemo-sensitization of diclofenac was determined using clonogenic cell survival assays and a murine xenograft tumor model. RESULTS: A non-lethal concentration of diclofenac decreases c-MYC protein expression and LDH activity, reduces cytosolic Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1), Hsp70 and Hsp27 levels and membrane Hsp70 positivity in LS174T and LoVo colorectal cancer cells, but not in A549 lung carcinoma cells, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and COLO357 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. The impaired lactate metabolism and stress response in diclofenac-sensitive colorectal cancer cells was associated with a significantly increased sensitivity to radiation and 5Fluorouracil in vitro, and in a human colorectal cancer xenograft mouse model diclofenac causes radiosensitization. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a decrease in the LDH activity and/or stress response upon diclofenac treatment predicts its radiation/chemo-sensitizing capacity.

Comparing the Sedative Effects of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine, Midazolam, and Ketamine in Outpatient Pediatric Surgeries: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: The management of preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients, as well as its implications, has remained challenging for anesthesiologists. In this study, we compared the safety and efficacy of intranasal dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and ketamine as surgical premedication in children. Methods: This double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in January 2014, on 90 children aged between 2-7 years old. The participants' American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status was I or II, and they were scheduled for elective unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy. Using the block randomization method, the patients were randomly assigned to three groups, each receiving intranasal dexmedetomidine (2 µg/Kg), midazolam (0.2 mg/Kg), and ketamine (8 mg/Kg) 60 min before induction of anesthesia. Anxiety and sedation state were evaluated before drug administration, and then every 10 min for the next 50 min. Parental separation anxiety, mask acceptance, postoperative agitation, pain, nausea, and vomiting were also recorded and compared between these groups. All the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 21.0). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Ketamine indicated the strongest sedative effect 10, 20, and 30 min after administration of premedication (P<0.001, P=0.03, P=0.01, respectively). However, dexmedetomidine was more effective than other drugs after 40 and 50 min (P<0.001). Other variables indicated no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: In case of emergencies, intranasal ketamine, with the shortest time of action, could be administered. Intranasal dexmedetomidine, which was revealed to be the most potent drug in this study, could be administrated 40-50 min before elective pediatric surgeries.Trial registration number: IRCT2013081614372N1.

Evaluation of antibiotic resistance changes in Acinetobacter baumannii in the era of COVID-19 in Northern Iran.

Background and Objectives: During the coronavirus pandemic, the overuse of antibiotics to reduce coinfections and mortality may be contributing to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we aim to investigate the antibiotic resistance changes of Acinetobacter baumannii post-COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Iran. Materials and Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional study. Between 2022 and 2023, 2190 clinical samples were collected from patients with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) at four hospitals in Sari, which served as corona centers after the COVID-19 pandemic. Antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using standard broth macro-dilution, and resistance genes were detected using multiplex PCR. Results: Based on the results co-amoxiclav had a resistance rate of 100%, while piperacillin/tazobactam showed the least resistance rate of 29.82%. In terms of GM MIC values, colistin was the most potent against multi-drug resistant isolates. The frequency of bla OXA-51 , ampC, aphA6, and bla NDM genes were 100%, 99.12%, 90.35%, and 69.30% respectively. Conclusion: Our study revealed high multi-drug resistance rates. Piperacillin/tazobactam recommended for treating multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections in Northern Iran.

Successful bilateral lung transplantation in pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder with approximately 1000 known cases worldwide, in which calcium phosphate microliths deposit in the alveolar air spaces. As of writing this report, no definitive conventional therapy exists, and many PAM cases may progress to severe respiratory failure and potential death. Bilateral lung transplantation (BLx) seems to be the most optimal solution; however, this procedure is challenging along with limited reports regarding the outcome in PAM. We report a case of PAM successfully treated with BLx for the first time in Iran. METHOD: We present the case of a 42-year-old female with a longstanding history of cough, not responding to conventional antitussive medication, who was diagnosed as a case of PAM following a hospitalization due to coughing, dyspnea on exertion, and hemoptysis. Despite treatment with corticosteroid and medical treatment, no improvement was achieved and she subsequently developed respiratory and right ventricular failure, with oxygen ventilation dependence. Eventually, she was scheduled for BLx. The operation was successful and during her 2-year follow-up, no recurrence or significant postoperative complications has been reported. CONCLUSION: This case presentation and literature review confirm the effectiveness of BLx as a promising treatment for PAM-diagnosed patients, improving both life expectancy and quality of life.

Association Between Preoperative Hyponatremia and Survival After Liver Transplant: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of preoperative hyponatremia on survival after liver transplantation. The variable findings underscore the necessity for performing a systematic review to elucidate the potential effects of preoperative hyponatremia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and reference lists of articles for observational cohort studies that reported association between preopera-tive hyponatremia and survival after liver transplant in adults regardless of publication year. We used the random-effect model to pool the extracted data for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Meta-analyses of mean difference in serum sodium levels showed that nonsurviving recipients had 2.58 mEq/L lower preoperative serum sodium levels than surviving recipients (0.02; 95% CI, .33-4.83). Two observational methods were used to assess survival after liver transplant of patients with preoperative hyponatremia. According to meta-analyses, no dif-ference in survival was shown between recipients with and without preoperative hyponatremia (sodium> 130 mEq/L) (≤1 month : 0.69 [95% CI, 0.9-1.07], 3-month survival: 0.54 [95% CI, 0.95-1.02]). Second, when we compared posttransplant survival of recipients with preoperative hypo-natremia versus those with normal serum sodium levels (sodium = 130-145 mEq/L), we found that recipients with preoperative hyponatremia had lower survival after liver transplant than those with normal preoperative serum sodium levels. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplant recipients with preop-erative hyponatremia probably have shorter survival posttransplant than those with normal preoperative serum sodium level.

Crosstalk Between NK Cell Receptors and Tumor Membrane Hsp70-Derived Peptide: A Combined Computational and Experimental Study.

Natural killer (NK) cells are central components of the innate immunity system against cancers. Since tumor cells have evolved a series of mechanisms to escape from NK cells, developing methods for increasing the NK cell antitumor activity is of utmost importance. It is previously shown that an ex vivo stimulation of patient-derived NK cells with interleukin (IL)-2 and Hsp70-derived peptide TKD (TKDNNLLGRFELSG, aa450-461) results in a significant upregulation of activating receptors including CD94 and CD69 which triggers exhausted NK cells to target and kill malignant solid tumors expressing membrane Hsp70 (mHsp70). Considering that TKD binding to an activating receptor is the initial step in the cytolytic signaling cascade of NK cells, herein this interaction is studied by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation computational modeling. The in silico results showed a crucial role of the heterodimeric receptor CD94/NKG2A and CD94/NKG2C in the TKD interaction with NK cells. Antibody blocking and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout studies verified the key function of CD94 in the TKD stimulation and activation of NK cells which is characterized by an increased cytotoxic capacity against mHsp70 positive tumor cells via enhanced production and release of lytic granules and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

CRISPR/Cas9-Induced Fam83h Knock-out Leads to Impaired Wnt/ß-Catenin Pathway and Altered Expression of Tooth Mineralization Genes in Mice.

Background: Dental enamel formation is a complex process that is regulated by various genes. One such gene, Family With Sequence Similarity 83 Member H (Fam83h), has been identified as an essential factor for dental enamel formation. Additionally, Fam83h has been found to be potentially linked to the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Fam83h knockout gene on mineralization and formation of teeth, along with mediators of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway as a development aspect in mice. Materials and Methods: To confirm the Fam83h-KnockOut mice, both Sanger sequencing and Western blot methods were used. then used qPCR to measure the expression levels of genes related to tooth mineralization and formation of dental root, including Fam20a, Dspp, Dmp1, Enam, Ambn, Sppl2a, Mmp20, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway mediators, in both the Fam83h-Knockout and wild-type mice at 5, 11 and 18 days of age. also the expression level of Fgf10 and mediators of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway was measured in the skin of both Knockout and wild-type mice using qPCR. A histological assessment was then performed to further investigate the results. Results: A significant reduction in the expression levels of Ambn, Mmp20, Dspp, and Fgf10 in the dental root of Fam83h-Knockout mice compared to their wild-type counterparts was demonstrated by our results, indicating potential disruptions in tooth development. Significant down-regulation of CK1a, CK1e, and ß-catenin in the dental root of Fam83h-Knockout mice was associated with a reduction in mineralization and formation-related gene. Additionally, the skin analysis of Fam83h-Knockout mice revealed reduced levels of Fgf10, CK1a, CK1e, and ß-catenin. Further histological assessment confirmed that the concurrent reduction of Fgf10 expression level and Wnt/ß-catenin genes were associated with alterations in hair follicle maturation. Conclusions: The concurrent reduction in the expression level of both Wnt/ß-catenin mediators and mineralization-related genes, resulting in the disruption of dental mineralization and formation, was caused by the deficiency of Fam83h. Our findings suggest a cumulative effect and multi-factorial interplay between Fam83h, Wnt/Β-Catenin signaling, and dental mineralization-related genes subsequently, during the dental formation process.

Optimizing the recovery of peripheral blood mononuclear cells trapped in leukoreduction filters - A comparison study

Abstract Introduction The isolation of captured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) from leukoreduction filters (LRFs) can be of great importance in terms of bringing the lost cells back into use. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate various methods based on their potential to recover the peripheral blood cells from LRFs with a focus on mononuclear cells (MNCs). Method For cell isolation from LRFs, three distinct methods (back-flushing, direct and vacuum pump) were compared through the calculation of the yield of isolated MNCs. The viability of extracted cells was determined by the flow cytometry technique. Moreover, the recovered MNCs were characterized regarding the presence of blood stem cell purification. The cell culture, microscopic observation, and immunophenotyping were employed to characterize the blood stem cells (hematopoietic, mesenchymal and progenitor endothelial stem cells). Results The yield of isolation obtained in the back-flushing, direct and vacuum pump methods were 17.7 ± 1.28, 17.3 ± 0.96 and 21.2 ± 0.90 percent, respectively. Although the highest potential for total blood cell recovery belonged to the vacuum pump method, the lowest cell viability (85.73 ± 4.84%) was observed in this method. However, the isolation process of the back-flushing and direct methods had less effect on cell viability. The characterization of the isolated MNCs displayed that the dominant positive phenotype was for CD34/CD45, indicating hematopoietic stem cells. In addition, the endothelial stem/progenitor cells were significantly detected as CD31/CD133 positive cells. Conclusion According to our results and considering the safety and efficiency potential of each of the applied methods, the back-flushing in comparison with the other methods can be considered a suitable procedure for MNC isolation from LRFs.