Polycaprolactone/cress seed mucilage based bilayer antibacterial films containing ZnO nanoparticles with superabsorbent property for the treatment of exuding wounds.

In this research, a novel double-layer film based on polycaprolactone and cress seed mucilage containing zinc oxide nanoparticles (0.5-2 %) was synthesized using solution casting technique, as an interactive multi-functional wound dressing. The bilayer films were characterized by measuring moisture content, contact angle parameter, porosity, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), color attributes and opacity, swelling, degradation, mechanical properties, cell viability, and antimicrobial activity, as well as using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that the film containing 1.5 % zinc oxide nanoparticles had the best performance, with high swelling ability (3600 %) and 25 % degradation within 24 h of placement in a wound simulator solution. Its mechanical properties, including tensile strength and elongation at break, were 9 MPa and 5.53 %, respectively. In investigating the antimicrobial activity of the optimal film against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the diameter of the inhibition zone was observed to be 39.33 and 42 mm, respectively. Moreover, increasing the number of ZnO-NPs hindered the growth of NIH/3T3 cells, but the 1.5 % ZnO-NP loaded film showed a high percentage of cell viability in 1 day (90 %) and 3 days (93 %), which is suitable for biomedical applications.

Toxoplasmosis and symptoms severity in patients with COVID-19 in referral centers in Northern Iran.

Toxoplasmosis has been categorized as one of the long-lasting protozoan parasitic infections. It affects almost one-third of the world's population. In recent years, several documented studies have elucidated that infected individuals have a remarkably higher incidence of distinct health problems and show various adverse effects. In the PCR-positive COVID-19 patients in Gonbad-e-Kavus, Kalaleh, and Minoodasht counties in the northern part of Iran from June 2021 to December 2021, we sought to investigate any potential relationships between the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and acute and latent toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Whole blood samples of 161 COVID-19 patients with positive PCR. The samples were centrifuged to separate serum and screened for two important antibodies against T. gondii (IgM and IgG) by using ELISA kits for human anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG. Anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 8/161 (5.0%) and 42/161 (26.1%) COVID-19 patients, respectively. No significant relationships were found between Toxoplasma IgM and IgG results with clinical signs, age, sex, contact with animals, comorbidities, and also the mortality rate of people with COVID-19. These findings showed that acute and latent toxoplasmosis infections are common among patients with COVID-19; however, no significant associations were found between toxoplasma infections and the symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, toxoplasmosis is not considered a risk factor for COVID-19.

Effect of Nanofillers on Properties and Pervaporation Performance of Nanocomposite Membranes: A Review.

In recent years, a well-known membrane-based process called pervaporation (PV), has attracted remarkable attention due to its advantages for selective separation of a wide variety of liquid mixtures. However, some restrictions of polymeric membranes have led to research studies on developing membranes for efficient separation in the PV process. Recent studies have focused on preparation of nanocomposite membranes as an effective method to improve both selectivity and permeability of polymeric membranes. The present study provides a review of PV nanocomposite membranes for various applications. In this review, recent developments in the field of nanocomposite membranes, including the fabrication methods, characterization, and PV performance, are summarized.

Dermal microfilariae of dogs, jackals and cats in different regions of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Due to the complexity of retrieving skin-dwelling microfilariae, filarioids of dogs presenting dermal microfilariae (e.g. Cercopithifilaria spp., Onchocerca lupi) are relatively unknown compared to Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp. whose microfilariae circulate in the blood. Although Cercopithifilaria spp. and O. lupi filarioids are distributed worldwide, there is a paucity of information on their occurrence in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate these filarioids in a large population of dogs from different regions of Iran. METHODS: From October 2018 to September 2020, skin biopsies were obtained from dogs housed in shelters (n = 557) and privately owned dogs (n = 26) in seven provinces of Iran (Hamedan, Kermanshah, Yazd, Mazandaran, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Esfahan), as well as from three road-killed jackals (Canis aureus) and three cats (Felis catus) in Hamedan province. The skin biopsies were first soaked in saline solution at room temperature overnight, and examined for dermal microfilariae under the microscope. Positive skin specimens and sediments were tested by PCR for a 304-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and amplicons were sequenced. RESULTS: Microfilariae of Cercopithifilaria spp. were found in skin biopsies of 32 of the 583 (5.5%) dogs tested, with infection rates of up to 25% in Kermanshah. No microfilariae were recovered from skin biopsy samples collected from dogs in Khorramabad and Ahvaz, nor from the examined jackals and cats. None of the privately owned dogs were found to be infected. Morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the microfilariae were consistent with C. bainae. Eighteen skin samples were positive for the cox1 gene, of which 15 sequences showed a nucleotide identity of 100% and three of 93.4% with the reference sequence of C. bainae available in GenBank (haplotype I; GenBank accession number: JF461457). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study broadens current knowledge on the geographical distribution of C. bainae in dogs in Middle Eastern countries. Further studies on different wild canine species in the country (e.g. jackal, fox, wolf) could provide further information on the epidemiology of these filarioids. A particular focus should be put on zoonotic O. lupi given the reports of its presence in human patients from this country.

Effective Parameters on Fabrication and Modification of Braid Hollow Fiber Membranes: A Review.

Hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) possess desired properties such as high surface area, desirable filtration efficiency, high packing density relative to other configurations. Nevertheless, they are often possible to break or damage during the high-pressure cleaning and aeration process. Recently, using the braid reinforcing as support is recommended to improve the mechanical strength of HFMs. The braid hollow fiber membrane (BHFM) is capable apply under higher pressure conditions. This review investigates the fabrication parameters and the methods for the improvement of BHFM performance.

Gold nanoparticles show potential in vitro antiviral and anticancer activity.

AIMS: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been attracted interests in the various areas of clinical therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the anticancer and antiviral potential activity of AuNPs against influenza A virus and human glioblastoma (GMB) U-87 and U-251 cell lines. MAIN METHODS: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized by citrate reduction method. Then, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis spectra) and electron microscopy analysis confirmed the type, size (mean diameter of 17 nm) and distribution of the particles. The AuNPs in vitro antiviral and anticancer effects was evaluated by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI), tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID50), real-time PCR, MTT, flow cytometry, and scratch assays. KEY FINDINGS: The AuNPs were synthesized in spherical with a mean diameter of 17 ± 2 nm and an absorbance peak at 520 nm. The AuNPs were well tolerable by MDCK cells at concentrations up to 0.5µg/ml and they significantly inhibited the hemagglutination and virus infectivity, particularly when added pre- or during virus infection. Furthermore, anticancer results indicated that AuNPs treatment caused the marked induction of apoptosis and reduced growth and migration capability of U-87 and U-251 cell lines in a time-dependent manner. SIGNIFICANCE: The present results suggest that AuNPs provide promising antiviral and anticancer approaches. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mode of antiviral and anticancer action of AuNPs against influenza virus infection and human glioblastoma cell lines.

The combined impact of calcium lactate with cysteine pretreatment and perforation-mediated modified atmosphere packaging on quality preservation of fresh-cut 'Romaine' lettuce.

The effect of perforation-mediated modified atmosphere packaging (PM-MAP) in combination with calcium lactate (1.5% CaL) and cysteine (0.1, 0.5% Cys) immersion pretreatments on the quality preservation of fresh-cut 'Romaine' lettuce was assessed for 12 days, at 5 and 10 °C. The shredded lettuce was packed in low-density polyethylene films (LDPE, 62 µm thickness), including different perforation numbers of 0 (N-MAP), 20 (20-PM-MAP, Diameter = 64 µm), and 40 (40-PM-MAP, Diameter = 64µm) per in square meter. Indices of quality maintenance were investigated. The total microbial counts were below the specified limits for ready-to-eat vegetables (< 6 log CFU/g) considering both pretreated 20-PM-MAP and N-MAP samples on day 12. After 8 days, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the browning index (BI), the total color difference (ΔE), and the chlorophyll content between N-MAP and 20-PM-MAP samples with better results in 20-PM-MA packages. At 10 °C, the BI in pretreated 20-PM-MAP samples was 32.44% to 58.35% less than N-MAP samples, on the last day of storage. The 20-PM-MAP samples pretreated with 1.5% CaL/0.5% Cys had the highest (P < 0.05) crispness coefficient and water content values. It seems that packaging the pretreated lettuce in 20-PM-MA packages is more effective for maintaining the visual properties (green fresh appearance) of this product, from the 8th to the 12th day of storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The medium to high respiration rate of fresh-cut lettuce causes O2 level drops below its tolerance limit (<1% to 3%) inside the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). It results in severe browning, off-odors, off-flavor, and growth of anaerobiosis. Perforated-mediated modified atmosphere packaging (PM-MAP) technology can be introduced as an alternative to a nonperforated MAP system (conventional MAP) for fresh-cut lettuce. The application of the PM-MAP system in combination with calcium lactate and cysteine immersion pretreatment (CaL/Cys) may lead to better maintenance of the physicochemical properties of this product.

Removal of Cu2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ ions from aqueous solution using a novel chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol adsorptive membrane.

The chitosan/poly vinyl alcohol membrane was modified by addition of some amine group to the membrane structure utilizing polyethyleneimine (PEI) in order to increase ionic metals adsorbent properties of the membrane. The removal percentage of the modified membranes was compared with the pristine membrane and activated carbon as common adsorbents. The membranes were characterized by FTIR, SEM, swelling degree and porosity measurement. The removal percentage of the membrane containing 0.5 wt.% PEI was more than 60% higher than the activated carbon and more than 40% higher than the pristine membrane. The modified membrane showed excellent adsorption capacity of 112.13, 86.08, and 75.5 mg/g for Cd2+, Cu2+and Ni2+, respectively at 25 °C and pH 6. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium adsorption isotherm fitted pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model well, respectively. The membrane could be regenerated successfully in Na2EDTA aqueous solution with no significant reduction in its adsorption efficiency.

Modified magnetic nanoparticles by PEG-400-immobilized Ag nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PEG-Ag) as a core/shell nanocomposite and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity.

BACKGROUND: Noble metal nanoparticles, due to their good physicochemical properties, have been exploited in biological applications. Among these metals, nanosilver has attracted great attention because of its optical properties and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities with no drug tolerance. PURPOSE: The present study has attempted to conduct chemical synthesis of Fe3O4@PEG-Ag core/shell nanocomposites in aqueous solutions through co-precipitation of Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions, encapsulating the iron oxide core by poly (ethylene-glycol) (PEG) improve its hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, and immobilizing silver ions by application of NaBH4 as a reducing agent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The synthesized structures were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum, wavelength-dispersive X-ray, vibrating sample magnetometer, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy methods. Antimicrobial activity of the nanostructures against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans was evaluated by broth microdilution based on the methods suggested by Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. Furthermore, the nanocomposite was tested for possible anti-parasitic effects against Leishmania major promastigotes by MTT assay. Also, its impacts on bacterial cell morphology were defined using atomic force microscopy. Moreover, toxicity of the nanostructure related to animal cell line was determined based on MTT assay. RESULTS: In general, the synthesized core/shell nanostructure can demonstrate noticeable activity against the evaluated representative microorganisms while its toxicity against animal cell line is not considerable. CONCLUSION: This nanostructure can be applied as a smart drug delivery system with the help of an external magnetic field or it can be used as a powerful antibiotic agent along with other antibiotics that can form a shell on its structure.

Biodegradable blend membranes of poly (butylene succinate)/cellulose acetate/dextran: Preparation, characterization and performance.

The aim of this study is to prepare biodegradable blend membranes of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS)/cellulose acetate (CA)/dextran (DEX). The effect of DEX concentration as an additive on morphology, porosity, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, biodegradability, antifouling properties, and performance of dairy wastewater treatment of the membranes was investigated. Results demonstrated that larger pores were formed in the membrane structure and the porosity of the membranes was remarkably increased by adding DEX concentration. Moreover, contact angle was reduced up to 16% with the increase in the DEX concentration from 0 to 2wt.%. The presence of a larger amount of DEX increased the membrane degradation. Furthermore, the results of filtration tests showed that the amounts of pure water flux and permeate flux of wastewater was improved by 154% and 1543%, respectively, by increasing the additive concentration to 2wt.%. The PBS/CA/DEX membranes displayed a superior antifouling performance compared to the PBS/CA membrane.

Preparation of hydrophilic nanofiltration membranes for removal of pharmaceuticals from water.

Asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiltration membranes were prepared via phase inversion technique. PES polymer, Brij 58 as surfactant additive, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as pore former and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as solvent were used in preparation of the casting solutions. Distillated water was used as the gelation media. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and measurements of contact angle (CA) and zeta potential were used to characterize the prepared membranes. Also performance of the membranes was examined by determining the pure water flux (PWF) and pharmaceuticals rejection. The addition of Brij 58 to the casting solution resulted in formation of the membranes with higher thickness and more porous structure in the sublayer in comparison with the net PES membrane. The surface hydrophilicity of the membranes was remarkably enhanced via the presence of Brij 58 in the casting solution, so that, the contact angel diminished from 74.7° to 28.3° with adding 6 wt. % of Brij 58 to the casting solution. The addition of Brij 58 to the casting solution resulted in formation of the membranes with superior PWF and higher rejection of amoxicillin and ceftriaxone in comparison with the pure PES membrane.

Preparation and characterization of poly (ethersulfone) nanofiltration membranes for amoxicillin removal from contaminated water.

Nowadays, antibiotics such as amoxicillin have been entered in water bodies. Nanofiltration has been proposed as an attractive technology for removal of antibiotics from aquatic environment instead of conventional wastewater treatment. In this paper, novel asymmetric flat sheet nanofiltration membranes were prepared via immersion precipitation technique and by using the poly(ethersulfone)/Brij®S100/Poly(vinylpirrolidone)/1-methyl-2-pyrolidone casting solutions. The effect of addition of Brij®S100 as a non-ionic surfactant additive as well as concentration of poly (ethersulfone) on morphology, wettability, pure water flux and rejection of amoxicillin were studied using the scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle apparatus and experimental set-up. The results indicated that the addition of Brij®S100 to the casting solutions resulted in the formation of membranes with higher hydrophilicity and relatively noticeable rejection of amoxicillin up to 99% in comparison with unmodified poly(ethersulfone) membrane. Contrary to amoxicillin rejection, pure water flux was decreased when higher poly(ethersulfone) concentration was employed.

Optimal Modeling of Urban Ambient Air Ozone Concentration Based on Its Precursors' Concentrations and Temperature, Employing Genetic Programming and Genetic Algorithm.

Efficient models are required to predict the optimum values of ozone concentration in different levels of its precursors' concentrations and temperatures. A novel model based on the application of a genetic programming (GP) optimization is presented in this article. Ozone precursors' concentrations and run time average temperature have been chosen as model's parameters. Generalization performances of two different homemade models based on genetic programming and genetic algorithm (GA), which can be used for calculating theoretical ozone concentration, are compared with conventional semi-empirical model performance. Experimental data of Mashhad city ambient air have been employed to investigate the prediction ability of properly trained GP, GA, and conventional semi-empirical models. It is clearly demonstrated that the in-house algorithm which is used for the model based on GP, provides better generalization performance over the model optimized with GA and the conventional semi-empirical ones. The proposed model is found accurate enough and can be used for urban air ozone concentration prediction.

Influence of transmembrane pressure and feed concentration on the retention of arsenic, chromium and cadmium from water by nanofiltration.

One of the main toxic pollutants in drinking water is heavy metals which must be reduced to standard levels. Removal of trace amounts of heavy metals can be achieved by means of membrane processes such as nanofiltration. The removal efficiency of a nanofiltration membrane is strongly affected by operating conditions. The present study focused on the effect of two key parameters, i.e., transmembrane pressure and feed concentration on the removal of heavy metals (arsenic, chromium and cadmium) from water by a polymeric nanofiltration membrane UTC-70UB charged negatively. The rejection experiments included variation of heavy metals feed concentrations in the range of 100 to 400 microg/L for arsenic and chromium and 20 to 80 microg/L for cadmium, and different transmembrane pressures in the range of 5 to 14 bar. The results indicated that under most conditions tested in this research, the rejection of heavy metals was found to increase when the transmembrane pressure was increased. The results also showed the high rejection percentage of the heavy metals, with the maximum retention values of arsenic, cadmium and chromium, 97%, 100% and 95% respectively. The percent reduction of arsenic and chromium was found to enhance as their concentration in the feed increased. However, in the case of cadmium, the rejection was reduced with increase in the concentration.