RESUMEN
Neuropathic pain is a widespread clinical issue caused by somatosensory nervous system damage, affecting numerous individuals. It poses considerable economic and public health challenges, and managing it can be challenging due to unclear underlying mechanisms. Nevertheless, emerging evidence suggests that neurogenic inflammation and neuroinflammation play a role in developing pain patterns. Emerging evidence suggests that neurogenic inflammation and neuroinflammation play significant roles in developing neuropathic pain within the nervous system. Increased/decreased miRNA expression patterns could affect the progression of neuropathic and inflammatory pain by controlling nerve regeneration, neuroinflammation, and the expression of abnormal ion channels. However, our limited knowledge of miRNA targets hinders a complete grasp of miRNA's functions. Meanwhile, exploring exosomal miRNA, a recently uncovered role, has significantly advanced our comprehension of neuropathic pain's pathophysiology in recent times. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest miRNA studies and explore the possible ways miRNAs might play a role in the development of neuropathic pain.
Asunto(s)
MicroARNs , Neuralgia , Humanos , MicroARNs/metabolismo , Inflamación Neurogénica , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias , Neuralgia/metabolismo , Canales IónicosRESUMEN
Due to the known anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of zinc, 25(OH)D, and vitamin B12, in this study, we explored the association between serum levels of these micronutrients in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients at the time of admission and the clinical outcomes. This study was carried out on 293 patients with COVID-19, who were hospitalized at Imam Hassan hospital (Bojnourd, Iran). We collected demographic data, clinical characteristics, values of serum biochemical parameters in the first week of admission, and clinical outcomes from electronic medical records. We also measured serum levels of zinc, 25(OH)D, and vitamin B12 within 3 days of admission. Of the 293 hospitalized, the median age was 53 years, and 147 (50.17%) were female. Thirty-seven patients (12.62%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and forty-two (14.32%) died. We found that the serum levels of zinc, vitamin B12, and 25(OH)D were lower in patients who died than those who were admitted to ICU or non-ICU and survived; however, these differences were not statistically significant for vitamin B12 and 25(OH)D (p > 0.05). The serum concentrations of zinc, vitamin B12, and 25(OH)D at the time of admission did not affect the length of hospital stay in patients with COVID-19. In general, it seems that serum levels of 25(OH)D, vitamin B12, and especially zinc at the time of admission can affect clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19/sangre , COVID-19/fisiopatología , Vitamina B 12/sangre , Vitamina D/análogos & derivados , Vitamina D/sangre , Zinc/sangre , Adulto , Femenino , Hospitalización , Humanos , Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos , Tiempo de Internación , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pronóstico , Índice de Severidad de la EnfermedadRESUMEN
As statins decrease the progression of sepsis and its related mortality, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on survival and symptom improvement in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This randomized controlled trial was performed on 156 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Bojnourd city in 2021. Patients were randomly divided into comparison (standard therapy: hydroxychloroquine + Kaletra®) and intervention groups (atorvastatin 20 mg, SD, plus standard therapy). The main outcomes were the rate of symptom improvement, duration of hospitalization, need for intubation, and mortality rate. In this study, seven patients died, two patients (2.6%) in the comparison group and five (6.6%) in the intervention group. The mean hospitalization days (p = 0.001), the pulse rate (p = 0.004), and the frequency of hospitalization in the ICU ward (18.4% vs. 1.3%) were longer and greater in the intervention group. The remission probability in the comparison group was greater (p = 0.0001). The median hospitalization days in the intervention group was longer (p < 0.001) and remission in the comparison group occurred 1.71 times sooner (hazard ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval = 1.22-2.38, p = 0.002). Totally, adding atorvastatin to the standard regime in this study increased hospitalization days and imposed negative effects on symptom improvement in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
Asunto(s)
Tratamiento Farmacológico de COVID-19 , Atorvastatina/uso terapéutico , Hospitalización , Humanos , Hidroxicloroquina/uso terapéutico , SARS-CoV-2 , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
In the last months of 2019, an outbreak of fatal respiratory disease started in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread to other parts of the world. It was named COVID-19, and to date, thousands of cases of infection and death are reported worldwide. This disease is associated with a wide range of symptoms, which makes accurate diagnosis of it difficult. During previous severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic in 2003, researchers found that the patients with fever, cough, or sore throat had a 5% influenza virus-positive rate. This finding made us think that the wide range of symptoms and also relatively high prevalence of death in our patients may be due to the coinfection with other viruses. Thus, we evaluated the coinfection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with other respiratory viruses in dead patients in North Khorasan. We evaluated the presence of influenza A/B virus, human metapneumovirus, bocavirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza viruses in 105 SARS-CoV-2 positive dead patients, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR tests. We found coinfection with influenza virus in 22.3%, RSV, and bocavirus in 9.7%, parainfluenza viruses in 3.9%, human metapneumovirus in 2.9%, and finally adenovirus in 1.9% of SARS-CoV-2 positive dead cases. Our findings highlight a high prevalence of coinfection with influenza A virus and the monopoly of coinfection with Human metapneumovirus in children.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19/epidemiología , Coinfección/mortalidad , Coinfección/virología , Gripe Humana/epidemiología , Virus/aislamiento & purificación , Adolescente , Adulto , Cadáver , Niño , Preescolar , China/epidemiología , Coinfección/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Recién Nacido , Irán/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Orthomyxoviridae/aislamiento & purificación , Prevalencia , Virus Sincitial Respiratorio Humano/aislamiento & purificación , SARS-CoV-2/aislamiento & purificación , Virus/clasificación , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The JC polyomavirus has been blamed to contribute in colorectal cancer (CRC), however, the topic is still controversial. Varying detection rate of JCPyV genome has been reported mainly due to technical reasons. Here, we provide summative data on the topic, with emphasize on technical issues. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 50 patients with CRC, consisting of tumoral and non-cancerous marginal tissue (totally 100 samples) were included in the study. After DNA extraction, specific JCPyV T-Ag sequences were targeted using Real-time PCR. To unwind the supercoiled JCPyV genome, pretreatment with topoisomerase I, was applied. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed using an anti-T-Ag monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: In the first attempts, no samples were found to be positive in Real-time PCR assays. However, JCPyV sequences were found in 60% of CRC tissues and 38% of non-cancerous colorectal mucosa after application of pre-treatment step with topoisomerase I enzyme (P = 0.028). T-Ag protein was found in the nuclear compartment of the stained cells in IHC assays. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of JCPyV in CRC tissues, as well as T-Ag localization in the nucleolus, where its oncogenic effect takes place, may provide supporting evidence for JCPyV involvement in CRC development. The study highlights the importance of using topoisomerase I to enhance JCPyV genome detection. Also, colorectal tissue is one of the permissive human tissue for JC resistance after preliminary infection.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias Colorrectales/virología , ADN-Topoisomerasas de Tipo I/farmacología , Genoma Viral/genética , Virus JC/aislamiento & purificación , Nucléolo Celular/genética , Nucléolo Celular/virología , Neoplasias Colorrectales/complicaciones , Neoplasias Colorrectales/genética , Neoplasias Colorrectales/patología , ADN-Topoisomerasas de Tipo I/química , Femenino , Humanos , Virus JC/genética , Virus JC/patogenicidad , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones por Polyomavirus/complicaciones , Infecciones por Polyomavirus/genética , Infecciones por Polyomavirus/patología , Infecciones por Polyomavirus/virología , Replicación Viral/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Although many species of mycoplasmas regard as normal flora, but some species causes serious genital disease. In Iran several epidemiological studies have documented the prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis, M. genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum in genital disorders. This meta-analysis is going to represent the prevalence of M. hominis, M. genitalium and U. urealyticum among Iranian couples and the correlation between mycoplasmas infection and infertility. METHODS: We search online databases from January 2000 to June 2019. We used following MeSH keywords (Prevalence, M. hominis, M. genitalium, U. urealyticum, male, female, fertility, Infertility, genitourinary tract infection and Iran) with all possible combinations with "OR" and "AND". Finally, forty-four articles from 2670 were chosen for data extraction and analysis by software using STATA version 14.0. RESULTS: This meta-analysis revealed that the prevalence of U. urealyticum was 17.53% in Iran and the prevalence of M. genitalium and M. hominis were 11.33 and 9.68% respectively. The rate of M. genitalium, M. hominis and U. urealyticum infection in women with symptoms of genitourinary tract infection was higher than men with genitourinary tract infection (6.46% vs 5.4, 7.67% vs 5.88 and 21.04% vs 12.13%, respectively). As expected, the prevalence of M. genitalium, U. urealyticum and M. hominis among infertile women (12.73, 19.58 and 10.81%) were higher than fertile women (3%, 10. 85% and 4. 35%). Similarly, the prevalence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum among infertile men (14 and 21.18%) were higher than fertile men (4 and 3%). Based on this analysis, the rate of U. urealyticum was higher than M. genitalium and M. hominis among infertile men and women compared to the fertile group. The prevalence rate of M. genitalium, M. hominis and U. urealyticum in central provinces is higher than other parts of Iran. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis reemphasizes a significant relationship between the infertility rate and U. urealyticum, M. genitalium and M. hominis infections. Our finding help to plan the prevalence map of M. hominis, M. genitalium and U. urealyticum in Iran but further studies are needed to suggest routine screening of the pathogens.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Mycoplasma/epidemiología , Mycoplasma genitalium , Mycoplasma hominis , Infecciones por Ureaplasma/epidemiología , Ureaplasma urealyticum , Adulto , Femenino , Enfermedades Urogenitales Femeninas/epidemiología , Enfermedades Urogenitales Femeninas/microbiología , Humanos , Infertilidad/epidemiología , Infertilidad/microbiología , Irán/epidemiología , Masculino , Enfermedades Urogenitales Masculinas/epidemiología , Enfermedades Urogenitales Masculinas/microbiología , Infecciones por Mycoplasma/microbiología , Prevalencia , Infecciones por Ureaplasma/microbiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: To date, more than 90 Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) capsular serotypes are known. The prevalence of these serotypes varies according to the geographical area and the regional vaccination program. Due to the lack of regular vaccination programs for S. pneumoniae in developing countries, serotyping of the prevalent isolates is useful in selecting the correct vaccine. The present study aimed to evaluate common serotypes of pneumococcal meningitis in Bojnurd, Iran. METHODS: All cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) samples suspected for bacterial meningitis were analyzed. The samples were collected during 2014-2018 in the Laboratory of Imam Reza Hospital (Bojnurd, Iran). Due to the high rate of false-negative cultures, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the detection of lytA and psaA genes of S. pneumoniae. In addition, the modified Marimon's PCR method was used for serotyping the bacteria. The data were analyzed using Pearson's Chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of the 901 CSF samples, 106 cases tested positive for S. pneumoniae using the PCR method, while only 92 cases tested positive using the conventional methods. Based on the Marimon's PCR method, serotypes 23F, 19F, 19A, 1, 14, and serogroup 6A/B were the most common types. Serogroups 18C, 15A/F, 15B/C, 9A/V, 7A/F, 11A/D/F, and 22A/F were also detected in isolates. Note that 2.8% of the samples were non-typable (NT). CONCLUSION: The results showed that only 13 serotypes were responsible for all meningitis cases. Pneumococcal capsular vaccine-13 (PCV-13) is the preferred choice against common serotypes of S. pneumoniae in northeast Iran.The abstract was presented in Iran's 19th International Congress of Microbiology, as a poster and published in the congress abstracts book.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19/patología , Metapneumovirus/patogenicidad , Infecciones por Paramyxoviridae/patología , SARS-CoV-2/patogenicidad , COVID-19/diagnóstico por imagen , COVID-19/virología , Prueba de COVID-19/métodos , Niño , Preescolar , Coinfección , Resultado Fatal , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Metapneumovirus/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones por Paramyxoviridae/diagnóstico por imagen , Infecciones por Paramyxoviridae/virología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , SARS-CoV-2/aislamiento & purificación , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos XRESUMEN
Atopic dermatitis (AD), known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide. This abstract provides an overview of the clinical features and underlying pathogenesis of AD, highlighting the role of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in its development and progression. AD presents with distinct clinical manifestations that evolve with age, starting in infancy with dry, itchy skin and red patches, which can lead to sleep disturbances. In childhood, the rash spreads to flexural areas, resulting in lichenification. In adulthood, lesions may localize to specific areas, including the hands and eyelids. Pruritus (itchiness) is a hallmark symptom, often leading to excoriations and increased vulnerability to skin infections. The pathogenesis of AD is multifaceted, involving genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Skin barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, genetic predisposition, microbiome alterations, and environmental triggers contribute to its development. Recent research has uncovered the role of miRNAs, such as miR-10a-5p, miR-29b, miR-124, miR-143, miR-146a-5p, miR-151a, miR-155, and miR-223, in AD pathogenesis. These microRNAs play crucial roles in regulating various aspects of immune responses, keratinocyte dynamics, and inflammation. MicroRNA-10a-5p orchestrates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, while miR-29b regulates keratinocyte apoptosis and barrier integrity. MicroRNA-124 exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway. MicroRNANA-143 counters allergic inflammation by modulating IL-13 signaling. MicroRNA-146a-5p regulates immune responses and correlates with IgE levels in AD. MicroRNA-151a shows diagnostic potential and modulates IL-12 receptor ß2. MicroRNA-155 plays a central role in immune responses and Th17 cell differentiation, offering diagnostic and therapeutic potential. MicroRNA-223 is linked to prenatal smoke exposure and immune modulation in AD. Understanding these microRNAs' intricate roles in AD pathogenesis promises more effective treatments, personalized approaches, and enhanced diagnostic tools. Further research into these molecular orchestrators may transform the landscape of AD management, improving the quality of life for affected individuals.
RESUMEN
The present study aimed to investigate secondary bacterial infections among patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci can infect immunocompromised patients. Linezolid resistance among Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the most critical issues. In 2019, 185 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients who were admitted to North Khorasan Province Hospital (Bojnurd, Iran), were investigated. Patients having positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results, who had a history of intubation, mechanical ventilation, and were hospitalized for more than 48 hours were included. After microbiological evaluation of pulmonary samples, taken from intubated patients with clinical manifestation of pneumonia, co-infections were found in 11/185 patients (5.94%) with S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumani, respectively. Remarkably, seven out of nine S. epidermidis isolates were linezolid resistant. Selected isolates were characterized using antimicrobial resistance patterns and molecular methods, such as Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, and gene detection for ica, methicillin resistance (mecA), vancomycin resistance (vanA), and chloramphenicol-florfenicol resistance (cfr) genes. All of the isolates were resistant to methicillin, and seven isolates were resistant to linezolid. Nine out of 11 isolated belonged to the SCCmec I, while two belonged to the SCCmec IV. It should be noted that all patients had the underlying disease, and six patients had already passed away. The increasing linezolid resistance in bacterial strains becomes a real threat to patients, and monitoring such infections, in conjunction with surveillance and infection prevention programs, is very critical for reducing the number of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcal strains. A preprint of this study was published at https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr417742.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Linezolid , Infecciones Estafilocócicas , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Humanos , Linezolid/farmacología , Linezolid/uso terapéutico , Staphylococcus epidermidis/efectos de los fármacos , Irán/epidemiología , COVID-19/epidemiología , Masculino , Femenino , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Anciano , Coinfección/epidemiología , Coinfección/tratamiento farmacológico , Coinfección/microbiología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/efectos de los fármacos , Adulto , SARS-CoV-2 , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana/métodosRESUMEN
Emergence of vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) strains has led to global concerns about treatments for staphylococcal infections. These strains are currently rare even though there is an upward trend in their reported incidence. Therefore, appropriate screening and epidemiological evaluation of VRSA strains can affect future global health care policies. Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were obtained from various clinical samples and were then evaluated with agar screening, disk diffusion, and MIC methods to determine resistance to vancomycin and methicillin. After confirmation of the isolated VRSA strain, genetic analysis was performed by evaluating mecA and vanA gene presence, SCCmec, agr, and spa types, and toxin profiles. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and plasmid analysis were also performed. The VRSA strain was resistant to oxacillin (MIC of 128 µg/ml) and vancomycin (MIC of 512 µg/ml). Disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility tests showed resistance to oxacillin, vancomycin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, rifampin, and tetracycline. The isolate was susceptible to minocycline and gentamicin. PCRs were positive for the mecA and vanA genes. Other genetic characteristics include SCCmec type III, agr I, spa type t037, and sequence type (ST) 1283. The plasmid profile shows five plasmids with a size of ~1.7 kb to >10 kb. The isolated VRSA strain was obtained from a critically ill hospitalized patient. Genetic analysis of this strain suggested that the strain was a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clone endemic in Asia that underwent some genetic changes, such as mutation in the gmk gene and acquisition of the vanA gene.
Asunto(s)
Sistema Respiratorio/microbiología , Staphylococcus aureus/genética , Resistencia a la Vancomicina , Adulto , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Toxinas Bacterianas/genética , Ligasas de Carbono-Oxígeno/genética , Hospitales Universitarios , Humanos , Irán , Masculino , Resistencia a la Meticilina , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Tipificación de Secuencias Multilocus , Proteínas de Unión a las Penicilinas , Plásmidos/análisis , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Staphylococcus aureus/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for an increasing number of serious hospital and community acquired infections. Virulence gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus is orchestrated by regulators such as the accessory gene regulator (agr). Staphylococcal strains are divided into four major agr groups (agrI-IV) on the basis of agrD and agrC polymorphisms. The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of MRSA strains in appointed Tehran's hospitals and then to define and compare the proportion of agr I, II, III, IV polymorphisms between MRSA and Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains. A total of 235 isolates were evaluated by conventional antibiotic susceptibility tests and PCR for agr and mecA genes. 112 strains were MRSA (47.5%) and the most prevalent agr specific group was agr I followed by agr III, agr II and agr IV, respectively. The prevalence of agr groups amongst MRSA and MSSA strains was not statistically significant (P≥0.05). This study suggests that agr I is not only the most prevalent agr type in MRSAs but also the most common one in Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) strains in Iran.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is an important, neglected zoonotic disease that affects people and animals in humid (sub)tropical regions. Wild canines carry the pathogen and may contaminate natural resources which may then act as a source of human infection. OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to understand the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among domestic and wild canines in Bojnurd County, Northeast Iran. METHODS: A total of 77 serum samples, comprising 29 sera from asymptomatic wild canines [foxes (n = 25) and jackals (n = 4)] and 48 sera from asymptomatic stray dogs, was investigated. Serovars were identified and antibody titres were measured by standard microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using serial serum dilutions. RESULTS: Among all serum samples, 44.1% reacted positively to a Leptospira interrogans serovars. The average percentage of positive reactions was higher in stray dogs than in wild canines although this did not reach statistical significance (55.2% and 37.5%, p = 0.159). Positive reactions with L. i. Pomona, L. i. Australis and L. i. Tarasovi was detected only among jackals and foxes. Among the stray dogs, the highest number of positive sera were for L. i. Grippotyphosa (61.1%) and L. i. Canicola (50%). The highest titre detected was for L. i. canicola (1:1600) in two stray dogs and against L. i. Icterohaemorrhagiae and L. i. Pomona (1:800) in a single jackal. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that leptospirosis is endemic among various canine species in the North Khorasan Province of Iran. Detailed monitoring of canines is necessary for better understanding the epidemiology of infection in our and other Iranian regions.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Perros , Leptospira interrogans , Leptospira , Leptospirosis , Animales , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Perros , Zorros , Humanos , Irán/epidemiología , Chacales , Leptospirosis/epidemiología , Leptospirosis/veterinaria , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , SerogrupoRESUMEN
Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus is an important infectious agent and the majority of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections are of nosocomial origin. To define the level and distribution of antiseptic resistance among infectious S. aureus strains we studied MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates collected from different infection sites in an assortment of patients. Materials and Methods: S. aureus isolates were investigated for in vitro susceptibility to antiseptic agents and detection of qacA/B, smr, vanA, and mecA genes. Results: Among the S. aureus isolates we studied, 25 and 41 were MRSA and MSSA, respectively. The mean of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for benzethonium chloride (BTC) among MRSA was statistically significantly higher than for MSSA (26 µg/ml versus 11.7 µg/ml, P=0.003) while there was no significant difference between MRSA and MSSA for benzalkonium chloride (BKC) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG). The qacA/B genes were carried in 68% of the MRSA and 58.2% of MSSA (P=0.601), while smr was carried in 39% of MRSA and 29.3% of MSSA strains (P=1.000). In 15 out of 25 cases, MRSA ST239 with spa types t037, t030, and t7688 was isolated from the infection site with 86.6% of them carrying a resistance gene (qacA/B or qacA/B + smr). Conclusion: The frequent presence of antiseptic resistance genes and a consequently elevated MIC against antiseptics among ST239 MRSA emphasizes the importance of mandatorily monitoring MRSA for effective infection control.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The application of non-viral systems for delivering genes to cells is becoming a very interesting issue, especially in the treatment of neoplasms such as Breast Cancer (BC). Polymer-based non-viral systems are safe and feasible gene carriers to be used in targeted cancer therapy. SALL4 gene encodes a transcription factor and is overexpressed in some cancers. METHODS: In this study, carboxyalkylated-PEI25 (25 kDa) was used to deliver plasmids expressing SALL4-siRNA into MCF-7 cells. DLS and AFM were applied to determine the size of nanoparticles. The MTT method was used to assess cytotoxicity, and the efficiency of transfection was confirmed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Finally, the effect of silencing SALL4 was investigated on the migration of MCF7 cells using the scratch test. RESULTS: The results showed that transferring the SALL4-siRNA using PEI25G10C50 reduced the expression of the corresponding transcription factor by 14 folds which attenuated the migration of MCF-7 cells by 58%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, PEI25G10C50 can serve as an effective gene delivery system for treating BC by targeting SALL-4.
RESUMEN
Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Leptospira spp. Earlier studies from North Khorasan province (Iran) reported the presence of Leptospira in wild canines and rodents. To date, there is no data on the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among humans in this province. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of human leptospiral infection among people with different occupations. The study was conducted in urban and rural areas of the province. Among the serum samples collected from 278 subjects, 3 (1.1%) showed positive reaction with titer of 1:100 by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Positive reactions were detected against Leptospira interrogans Canicola and L. interrogans icterohemorrhagic and all these samples were from livestock farmers (n = 3/106, 2.7%). The current study revealed that, though Leptospira infection is low in North Khorasan province, regular monitoring of the livestock and the farmers are important.
RESUMEN
Leishmaniasis is a rare complication in adult cases even in endemic areas. Here, the first report of visceral leishmaniasis in a young woman in northeast of Iran has been described.
RESUMEN
In late 2019, an outbreak of respiratory disease named COVID-19 started in the world. To date, thousands of cases of infection are reported worldwide. Most researchers focused on epidemiology and clinical features of COVID-19, and a small part of studies was performed to evaluate the genetic characteristics of this virus. Regarding the high price and low availability of sequencing techniques in developing countries, here we describe a rapid and inexpensive method for the detection of D614G mutation in SARS-CoV-2. Using bioinformatics databases and software, we designed the PCR-RFLP method for D614G mutation detection. We evaluated 144 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples isolated in six months in Northeastern Iran. Our results showed that the prevalent type is S-D in our isolates, and a small number of isolated belongs to the S-G type. Of 144 samples, 127 (88.2%) samples have belonged to type S-D, and 13 (9%) samples typed S-G. The first S-G type was detected on 2020 June 10. We have little information about the prevalence of D614G mutation, and it seems that the reason is the lack of cheap and fast methods. We hope that this method will provide more information on the prevalence and epidemiology of D614G mutations worldwide.
Asunto(s)
Mutación/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de Restricción/genética , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Glicoproteína de la Espiga del Coronavirus/genética , COVID-19/virología , HumanosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Over the past two decades, enterococci have emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen causing life-threatening infections in hospitals. The purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence of genes encoding virulence factor and molecular characterization of vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Isfahan, the central city of Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 53 vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis isolates (VRE) obtained from clinical samples of hospitalized patients were characterized by phenotypic and genotypic methods, and 25 selected VRE isolates from internal and ICU wards were typed by multilocus sequence typing. RESULTS: The efa was the most prevalent virulence gene (100%) among isolates, followed by gelE (92.45%), asa1 (90.56%), ace (86.79%), esp (75.47%), cylA (39.62%), and hyl (18.86%). More than 80% of the isolates were HLGR. Multilocus sequence typing showed eight different sequence types including ST6, ST422, ST28, ST448, ST531, ST328, ST421, and ST495. STs were grouped into two clonal complex (CC) including CCA (ST6, ST422, ST448, ST531) and CCF (ST28, ST421) and two singletons (ST328, ST495). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated a high prevalence of virulence genes among STs described in this study. In addition, the molecular analysis demonstrated a relatively high genetic diversity among selected VRE strains from the ICU in comparison with the internal ward. Therefore, in order to prevent the colonization of virulent strains in the hospital environment, infection control procedures should be performed.