Intestinal Parasitic Infections in People Referring to the Central Laboratory of Meshkin Shahr County, Ardabil Province, Iran.

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still a considerable global public health problem. We aimed to determine the frequency of intestinal parasitic infections among people referring to the central laboratory of Meshkin Shahr City, Ardabil Province, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 460 fecal samples were collected randomly from persons referred to the central laboratory of Meshkin Shahr City, from January to June 2022. The samples were examined by direct wet-mount, Trichrome and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation, and agar plate culture. Results: The frequency of intestinal parasites was 15.7% (72 out of 460 cases), with some people with numerous intestinal parasites. The frequency of protozoan infections (13.9%) was higher than the helminthic infections (2.6%). Blastocystis spp. (8.1%) was the most prevalent detected intestinal protozoan. Entamoeba coli (5.7%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (2.2%), Giardia lamblia (1.5%), Fasciola spp. (0.2%), and Hymenolepis nana (0.2%) were other detected parasites. Conclusion: In- spite of betterment of the health condition in Iran and reduction of parasitic infection, intestinal parasitic infections are still a considerable public health issue in some parts of Iran.

MicroRNA-1 Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Treated with Hydatid Cyst Fluid.

Antigens in hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) have been discovered to bear a significant resemblance to antigens present in cancer cells. MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) is a well-known member of the tumor inhibitor miRNA family and has been shown to have pro-apoptotic and tumor-inhibitory functions. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of HCF to prevent breast cancer and to explore the underlying mechanisms that affect cancer cells. For this study, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells were cultured and divided into two groups: one group received HCF treatment and the other group was untreated and served as the control group. The cytotoxicity and cell viability of various HCF concentrations on breast cancer cells were evaluated using the MTT assay. In addition, the expression level of miR-1 in HCF-treated and untreated breast cancer cells was analyzed using qRT-PCR. The study found that HCF treatment reduced the growth of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, indicating that it was cytotoxic to the cells. Specifically, the IC50 concentration of HCF after 24 hours of treatment was 7.32 µg/mL for MDA-MB-231 cells and 13.63 µg/mL for MCF-7 cells. In addition, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression level of miR-1 was significantly increased in HCF-treated MDA-MB-231 (P=0.0203) and MCF-7 (P=0.0394) cell lines compared to untreated controls. Although HCF has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and to upregulate miR-1, a key tumor suppressor in cancer cells, the specific mechanisms responsible for this effect remain unclear. Further studies are needed to fully understand the molecular pathways underlying HCF's antitumor activity and its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer therapy.

Comparing Self-Reported Running Distance and Pace With a Commercial Fitness Watch Data: Reliability Study.

BACKGROUND: There is substantial evidence exploring the reliability of running distance self-reporting and GPS wearable technology, but there are currently no studies investigating the reliability of participant self-reporting in comparison to GPS wearable technology. There is also a critical sports science and medical research gap due to a paucity of reliability studies assessing self-reported running pace. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of weekly self-reported running distance and pace compared to a commercial GPS fitness watch, stratified by sex and age. These data will give clinicians and sports researchers insights into the reliability of runners' self-reported pace, which may improve training designs and rehabilitation prescriptions. METHODS: A prospective study of recreational runners was performed. Weekly running distance and average running pace were captured through self-report and a fitness watch. Baseline characteristics collected included age and sex. Intraclass correlational coefficients were calculated for weekly running distance and running pace for self-report and watch data. Bland-Altman plots assessed any systemic measurement error. Analyses were then stratified by sex and age. RESULTS: Younger runners reported improved weekly distance reliability (median 0.93, IQR 0.92-0.94). All ages demonstrated similar running pace reliability. Results exhibited no discernable systematic bias. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly self-report demonstrated good reliability for running distance and moderate reliability for running pace in comparison to the watch data. Similar reliability was observed for male and female participants. Younger runners demonstrated improved running distance reliability, but all age groups exhibited similar pace reliability. Running pace potentially should be monitored through technological means to increase precision.

Highly Efficient Enzyme-Free Glutamate Sensors Using Porous Network Metal-Organic Framework-Ni-NiO-Ni-Carbon Nanocomposites.

This study introduces an innovative electrochemical sensor designed to detect glutamate using a nonenzymatic approach. The sensor utilizes a porous network metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF)-NiO-Ni-Carbon nanocomposite (PNM-NiO-Ni-Carbon) as an electrode modifier, which was synthesized and assessed for its effectiveness. Cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrated that the PNM-NiO-Ni-Carbon nanocomposite, synthesized at 450 °C, displayed remarkable electrocatalytic activity for glutamate oxidation. The linear range for detection spanned from 5 to 960 µmol/L, and the sensor achieved a low detection limit of 320 nmol/L (S/N = 3), which was comparable to previously reported data. Moreover, the sensor exhibited high accuracy and favorable recovery rates when tested with real samples, thus, demonstrating its potential for rapid glutamate detection. The real samples were analyzed using both electrochemical and high-performance liquid chromatography methods, and the results obtained from the two methods did not differ significantly, validating the sensor's excellent practical performance. Based on our findings, the PNM-NiO-Ni-Carbon system exhibits potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.

Non-invasive Body Contouring Technologies: An Updated Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, a lot of body contouring devices and methods are introduced all over the world. The object of the present narrative review was to update and classify existing evidence on these methods and devices. METHODS: We searched databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar for 11 essential keywords, including cryolipolysis, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), shock wave, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), radiofrequency (RF), capacitive resistive electrical transfer (TECAR), high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM), electromyostimulation (EMS), carboxytherapy, mesotherapy, and acupuncture and their abbreviations, in addition to obesity, overweight, cellulite, subcutaneous fat, and body contouring. RESULTS: Totally 193 references were used in 11 main topics. CONCLUSION: In order to help physicians with finding the best evidence in different methods, the data were summarised in 11 topics. Furthermore, FDA-approved devices, side effects and common protocols were described in each section. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors 39 assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full 40 description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, 41 please refer to the Table of Contents or the online 42 Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Recent reports in the biggest herbal genus, Astragalus, in Iran; with a special viewpoint on tragacanth gum production.

This comprehensive review was carried out to integrate all the data published in the electronic databases (Scopus, etc.) over the past two decades about the distribution, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, and pharmacology of Astragalus L. Although Astragalus is one of the largest genera of flowering plants in Iran, limited phytochemical screening of this genus has been reported. Cycloartane triterpene glycosides, labdane diterpenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides are the major identified compounds. Pharmacological studies revealed significant properties such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, etc. Moreover, ethnopharmacological studies of Astragalus sp. showed that this genus is used for gastrointestinal, fractures, joint pains, and skin problems in different localities of Iran. Tragacanth gum, as the main product of some Astragalus sp. with economic value, shows proper biological activities and uses as an emulsifier in food industries. This review might be helpful for researchers to find new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses and food supplements.

Clinical, immunological and molecular findings of 8 patients with typical and atypical severe combined immunodeficiency: identification of 7 novel mutations by whole exome sequencing.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is one of the severe inborn errors of the immune system associated with life-threatening infections. Variations in SCID phenotypes, especially atypical SCID, may cause a significant delay in diagnosis. Therefore, SCID patients need to receive an early diagnosis. Here, we describe the clinical manifestations and genetic results of four SCID and atypical SCID patients. All patients (4 males and 4 females) in early infancy presented with SCID phenotypes within 6 months of birth. The mutations include RAG2 (p.I273T,p.G44X), IL7R (p.F361WfsTer17), ADA (c.780+1G>A), JAK3 (p.Q228Ter), LIG4 (p.G428R), and LAT (p.Y207fsTer33), as well as a previously reported missense mutation in RAG1 (p.A444V). The second report of LAT deficiency in SCID patients is presented in this study. Moreover, all variants were confirmed in patients and their parents as a heterozygous state by Sanger sequencing. The results of our study expand the clinical and molecular spectrum associated with SCID and leaky SCID phenotypes and provide valuable information for the clinical management of the patients.

Clinical and immunological characteristics of 69 leukocyte adhesion deficiency-I patients.

BACKGROUND: In order to support the comprehensive classification of Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-I (LAD-I) severity by simultaneous screening of CD11a/CD18, this study assessed clinical, laboratory, and genetic findings along with outcomes of 69 LAD-I patients during the last 15 years. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients (40 females and 29 males) with a clinical phenotype suspected of LAD-I were referred to Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy research institute, Tehran, Iran between 2007 and 2022 for further advanced immunological screening and genetic evaluations as well as treatment, were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: The diagnosis median age of the patients was 6 months. Delayed umbilical cord separation was found in 25 patients (36.2%). The median diagnostic delay time was 4 months (min-max: 0-82 months). Forty-six patients (66.7%) were categorized as severe (CD18 and/or CD11a: below 2%); while 23 children (33.3%) were in moderate category (CD18 and/or CD11a: 2%-30%). During the follow-ups, 55.1% of children were alive with a mortality rate of 44.9%. Skin ulcers (75.4%), omphalitis (65.2%), and gingivitis (37.7%) were the most frequent complaints. Genetic analysis of the patients revealed 14 previously reported and three novel pathogenic mutations in the ITGB2 gene. The overall survival of patients with and without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was 79.3% and 55.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Physicians' awareness of LAD-I considering delayed separation of umbilical cord marked neutrophilic leukocytosis, and variability in CD11 and CD18 expression levels, and genetic analysis leads to early diagnosis and defining disease severity. Moreover, the prenatal diagnosis would benefit families with a history of LAD-I.

Molecular findings and clinical manifestations of 18 Iranian children with Griscelli syndrome type 2: Two novel homozygote mutations in RAB27A gene in a patient.

Griscelli syndrome type 2 (GS2) is an autosomal recessive immunodeficiency characterized by hair hypopigmentation, recurrent fever, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. This study aims to find new genetic changes and clinical features in 18 children with GS2 caused by the RAB27A gene defect. In all, 18 Iranian children with GS2 who presented with silver grey hair and frequent pyogenic infection were included in this study. After recording demographic and clinical data, PCR sequencing of the RAB27A gene was performed for all exons and exon-intron boundaries. Two patients in this study were subjected to whole-exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing. Light microscopy study of hair showed large irregular clumps of pigment with the absence of giant granules on the blood smear. Mutation analysis of the RAB27A gene identified two novel missense mutations as homozygous in a patient, one in exon 2, c.140G>C and another in exon 4, c.328G>T. In addition, for 17 other patients, 6 reported mutations were obtained including c.514_518delCAAGC, c.150_151delAGinsC, c.400_401delAA, c.340delA, c.428T>C and c.221A>G. The mutation c.514_518delCAAGC was the most frequent and found in 10 patients; this mutation may be considered a hotspot in Iran. Early diagnosis and treatment of RAB27A deficiency can contribute to better disease outcomes. In affected families, genetic results could be urgently needed to make a timely decision about haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and prenatal diagnosis.

Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Prescription of Supplements in Pre- and Post-bariatric Surgery Patients: An Updated Comprehensive Practical Guideline.

Only in the USA, 315 billion dollars are spent annually on the medical cost of obesity in adult patients. Till now, bariatric surgery is the most effective method for treating obesity and can play an essential role in reducing the direct and indirect costs of obesity treatment. Nonetheless, there are few comprehensive guidelines which include nutrition, physical activity, and supplements, before and after surgery. The purpose of the present narrative review is to provide an updated and comprehensive practical guideline to help multidisciplinary teams. The core keywords include nutrition, diet, physical activity, exercise, supplements, macronutrients, micronutrients, weight reduction, bariatric surgery, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrostomy, Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, and Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch which were searched in databases including PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, and some other sources such as Google Scholar. We answered questions in five important areas: (a) nutritional strategies before bariatric surgery, (b) nutrition after bariatric surgery, (c) physical activity before and after bariatric surgery, (d) weight regain after bariatric surgery, and (e) micronutrient assessments and recommendations before and after bariatric surgery. Some new items were added in this updated guideline including "weight regain" and "pregnancy after bariatric surgery." Other fields were updated based on new evidence and guidelines.

ARPC5 deficiency leads to severe early-onset systemic inflammation and mortality.

The Arp2/3 complex drives the formation of branched actin networks that are essential for many cellular processes. In humans, the ARPC5 subunit of the Arp2/3 complex is encoded by two paralogous genes (ARPC5 and ARPC5L) with 67% identity. Through whole-exome sequencing, we identified a biallelic ARPC5 frameshift variant in a female child who presented with recurrent infections, multiple congenital anomalies, diarrhea and thrombocytopenia, and suffered early demise from sepsis. Her consanguineous parents also had a previous child who died with similar clinical features. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated approaches, we demonstrate that loss of ARPC5 affects actin cytoskeleton organization and function in vitro. Homozygous Arpc5-/- mice do not survive past embryonic day 9 owing to developmental defects, including loss of the second pharyngeal arch, which contributes to craniofacial and heart development. Our results indicate that ARPC5 is important for both prenatal development and postnatal immune signaling, in a non-redundant manner with ARPC5L. Moreover, our observations add ARPC5 to the list of genes that should be considered when patients present with syndromic early-onset immunodeficiency, particularly if recessive inheritance is suspected.

The Risk of the Next Child Getting Affected by Chronic Granulomatous Disease in Families with at Least One Autosomal Recessive CGD Child.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder more common in autosomal recessive (AR) than X-linked in Iran. This study aimed to assess whether having a child with AR-CGD would increase the likelihood of the next child being affected by CGD. Ninety-one families with at least one child affected by AR-CGD entered this study. Out of the 270 children, 128 were affected by AR-CGD. We used a cross tab for the odds ratio (OR) calculation, in which exposure to a previously affected child and the next child's status were evaluated. This study illustrated that the chances of having another child afflicted with AR-CGD are significantly increased if the previous child had AR-CGD (OR=2.77, 95% CI=1.35-5.69).Althoug h AR disorders affect 25% of each pregnancy, we showed that the chance that the next child would be affected by CGD, given that the previous child was affected, is 2.77 times greater than in families with a normal child. It is recommended to warn families with one or more affected children to evaluate the risk of CGD in their subsequent pregnancies with prenatal diagnosis.

Live attenuated Leishmania infantum centrin deleted mutant (LiCen-/-) as a novel vaccine candidate: A field study on safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy against canine leishmaniasis.

This study was designed to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a single dose of L. infantum (LiCen-/-) live attenuated candidate vaccine against canine leishmaniasis (CanL). Eighteen healthy domestic dogs with no anti-Leishmania antibodies and negative leishmanin skin test (LST) were randomly inoculated intravenously with either L. infantum (LiCen-/-) vaccine candidate in 10 dogs or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in 8 dogs. The safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy rate of L. infantum (LiCen-/-) vaccine candidate against CanL were evaluated by different criteria, including clinical manifestations, injection-site lesion, hematology and biochemistry values, anti-Leishmania antibodies using direct agglutination test (DAT), delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) using LST, and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells subsets, as well as by measuring interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL-23), IL-17, and IL-10 cytokines. Spleen aspiration and detection of Leishmania parasite using parasitological examinations (microscopy and culture) were performed in both vaccinated and control groups. Two months after intervention, each dog was challenged intraperitoneally (IP) with wide type (WT) L. infantum. Two-month follow-up post vaccination showed no clinical signs and serious side effects associated with the vaccination. A significant increase was found in the expression of IL-17, CD4+, and CD8+ gene transcripts in PBMCs, as well as increased levels of Th1 cytokines, and reduction of Th2 cytokine. The efficacy of the vaccine candidate was calculated to be 42.85%. While the time window for assessing the vaccine's effectiveness was too limited to draw any real conclusions but the preliminary results showed a moderate efficacy rate due to inoculation a single dose of L. infantum (LiCen-/-) vaccine candidate. Further investigations with more sample sizes and multiple doses of the vaccine candidate using natural challenges in the endemic areas of CanL are recommended.

Three-dimensional electro-Fenton system supplied with a nanocomposite of microbial cellulose/Fe3O4 for effective degradation of tetracycline.

In this study, the catalytic activity of the modified microbial cellulose/Fe3O4 (MMC/ Fe3O4) composite was studied for tetracycline (TC) degradation and mineralization in a three-dimensional electro-Fenton system (3D-EF). The MC/Fe3O4 was modified at 400 °C for 60 min. The MMC/ Fe3O4 was fully analyzed (morphological, structural, chemical properties). Complete degradation and 65% mineralization of TC was achieved in the 3D-EF process (0.5 g L-1 MMC/ Fe3O4, 10 mM NaCl electrolyte, and neutral pH) within 20 min and electrical energy consumption (EEC) 0.86 kwh g-1 TC under the 6.66 mA cm-2. High degradation efficiency TC, in 3D-EF system was attributed to significant single oxygen (1O2), superoxide(O2•-) participation and less to Hydroxyl radical (OH•). Reusability of the MMC/ Fe3O4 was successfully carried out for five consecutive runs. Accordingly, greencompositeof MMC/ Fe3O4 can be considered as an efficient and durable particle electrode (PE) to degrade and mineralize emerging pollutants in an aquatic environment.

Unraveling the role of natural killer cells in leishmaniasis.

NK cells are known as frontline responders that are efficient in combating several maladies as well as leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania spp. As such they are being investigated to be used for adoptive transfer therapy and vaccine. In spite of the lack of antigen-specific receptors at their surface, NK cells can selectively recognize pathogens, accomplished by the activation of the receptors on the NK cell surface and also as the result of their effector functions. Activation of NK cells can occur through interaction between TLR-2 expressed on NK cells and. LPG of Leishmania parasites. In addition, NK cell activation can occur by cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ and IL-12) that also lead to producing cytokines and chemokines and lysis of target cells. This review summarizes several evidences that support NK cells activation for controlling leishmaniasis and the potentially lucrative roles of NK cells during leishmaniasis. Furthermore, we discuss strategies of Leishmania parasites in inhibiting NK cell functions. Leishmania LPG can utilizes TLR2 to evade host-immune responses. Also, Leishmania GP63 can directly binds to NK cells and modulates NK cell phenotype. Finally, this review analyzes the potentialities to harness NK cells effectiveness in therapy regimens and vaccinations.

Relationship between physical activity, healthy lifestyle and COVID-19 disease severity; a cross-sectional study.

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health emergency, and therefore the prevention and treatment of this disease is an important priority of world health. In the present study, some risk factors, including unhealthy nutrition, obesity, and physical inactivity, were assessed in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, and their effects on the severity and duration of disease were evaluated. Subject and methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study. Data was collected from all patients who visited the respiratory emergency department from March 20, 2020 to April 24, 2020 in the University Hospital. The outcome measures were body mass index, diet quality that was evaluated with a 16-item food intake questionnaire, and physical activity level that was assessed by the global physical activity questionnaire. Results: Two hundred and six patients' data was analyzed. The results investigated that patients with lower levels of physical activity or lower MET.min/week were affected by a more severe form of the disease (p = 0.05 and p = 0.03, respectively). We found that patients with a healthier dietary pattern were affected by lower severity of illness (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that increasing levels of physical activity may partly reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease. Some dietary patterns such as increasing fruit and poultry consumption as well as drinking less tea were correlated significantly with a less severe form of the disease. The results did not confirm previous concerns regarding a potentially harmful effect of smoking on the severity or duration of symptoms.

Human genetic defects in SRP19 and SRPRA cause severe congenital neutropenia with distinctive proteome changes.

The mechanisms of coordinated changes in proteome composition and their relevance for the differentiation of neutrophil granulocytes are not well studied. Here, we discover 2 novel human genetic defects in signal recognition particle receptor alpha (SRPRA) and SRP19, constituents of the mammalian cotranslational targeting machinery, and characterize their roles in neutrophil granulocyte differentiation. We systematically study the proteome of neutrophil granulocytes from patients with variants in the SRP genes, HAX1, and ELANE, and identify global as well as specific proteome aberrations. Using in vitro differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells and in vivo zebrafish models, we study the effects of SRP deficiency on neutrophil granulocyte development. In a heterologous cell-based inducible protein expression system, we validate the effects conferred by SRP dysfunction for selected proteins that we identified in our proteome screen. Thus, SRP-dependent protein processing, intracellular trafficking, and homeostasis are critically important for the differentiation of neutrophil granulocytes.

Challenges of Integrated Home-Based Palliative Care Services for Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Content Analysis.

Given the situation of cancer patients as vulnerable patients and the threat of COVID-19 in the society, integration of home-based palliative care services into the healthcare system is essential. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the current barriers of integration of palliative care services from hospital to home for cancer patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic and to provide suggestions to resolve them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 stakeholders in the healthcare system, including health policy makers, healthcare providers, clinical home healthcare experts, home healthcare researchers, university faculty members, clergy, family caregivers, and cancer patients. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis method based on the World Health Organization Public Health Strategy for Palliative Care. Challenges were extracted in 4 main categories, containing education barriers (3 subcategories), implementation barriers (9 subcategories), policy barriers (5 subcategories), and drug availability barriers (2 subcategories). Based on the results, removing the barriers and establishing a strong infrastructure for home-based palliative care services is recommended in the healthcare system by concentrating on 4 essential factors, that is, utilizing a coordinating nurse during the process of patient's hospital discharge, establishment of connecting outpatient palliative care clinics to home healthcare centers, access to palliative care tele-medicine and development of a comprehensive and flexible home-based palliative cancer care model in our context.

In Vitro Study on Four Types of Commercial Lectins on Leishmania infantum, L. major and L. tropica with Stage-Specific Binding and Leishmania Species Identification.

Background: We aimed to verify the susceptibility of Leishmania infantum, L. major and L. tropica, to commercial lectins in order to identify the three Leishmania species. Methods: The degree of agglutination was determined both macroscopically and microscopically and was scored negative (-) to positive (from 1+- 4+) based on their percentage of agglutination. Results: Jacalin and UEA-1 were capable of agglutination of L. infantum isolates in both logarithmic and stationary phases at a concentration of 1000 µg/ml (100%). L. tropica isolates showed agglutination with the lectin UEA-1 in both logarithmic and stationary phases (62.5% and 87.5%). L. major and L. tropica showed 75% agglutination with lectin Jacalin in both logarithmic and stationary phases. L. tropica isolates showed 25% agglutination with the lectin WGA in the logarithmic phase. L. infantum, L. major and L. tropica isolates showed 25, 12.5 and 37.5% agglutination in the stationary phase, however, did not show agglutination in logarithmic phases. L. major isolates showed 12.5% agglutination with the lectin PHA in the stationary phase, however, were incapable of agglutination with the L. tropica and L. infantum in both logarithmic and stationary phases. Conclusion: Despite the fact, that JCA and I-UEA lectins were not able to completely separate L. infantum, L. major and L. tropica. WGA lectin and PHA lectin can help in separating the species of Leishmania parasites.

Field Efficacy of Topical Nano-Liposomal Amphotericin B (Sina Ampholeish®) Alone or in Combination with Glucantime® and Cryotherapy on Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease that presents a broad spectrum of clinical features. Treatment of CL is problematic. We aimed to compare the field therapeutic efficacy of topical nanoliposomes containing 0.4% amphotericin B (Nano Lip-AmB) alone and in combination with cryotherapy and/or Glucantime® on human CL in the endemic areas of Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed based on the results of using Nano Lip-AmB alone or with Glucantime® and/or cryotherapy in the treatment of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in patients referred to health centers of Isfahan, Golestan and Ilam Provinces of Iran as endemic foci of ZCL caused by Leishmania major besides Mashhad and Bam cities as endemic foci of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) caused by with L. tropica. Results: Two hundred and seventy-eight patients with CL were included in the current study. All of the patients (100%) who received Nano Lip-AmB alone or in combination with Glucantime® and/or cryotherapy based on guideline of Iranian national committee for the treatment of CL. Two patients with 7 skin lesions, who was resident in ACL endemic area and received Nano Lip-AmB plus Glucantime® and another patient was a resident of ZCL endemic area and received Nano Lip-AmB plus cryotherapy showed clinical relapses after treatment. Conclusion: Sina Ampholeish® in combination with other standard protocols of treatment of CL is well tolerated and with acceptable clinical efficacy rate.