A bibliometric review of oncolytic virus research as a novel approach for cancer therapy.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have drawn attention as a novel therapy to various types of cancers, both in clinical and preclinical cancer studies all around the world. Consequently, researchers have been actively working on enhancing cancer therapy since the early twentieth century. This study presents a systematic review of the literature on OVs, discusses underlying research clusters and, presents future directions of OVs research. METHODS: A total of 1626 published articles related to OVs as cancer therapy were obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) database published between January 2000 and March 2020. Various aspects of OVs research, including the countries/territories, institutions, journals, authors, citations, research areas, and content analysis to find trending and emerging topics, were analysed using the bibliometrix package in the R-software. RESULTS: In terms of the number of publications, the USA based researchers were the most productive (n = 611) followed by Chinese (n = 197), and Canadian (n = 153) researchers. The Molecular Therapy journal ranked first both in terms of the number of publications (n = 133) and local citations (n = 1384). The most prominent institution was Mayo Clinic from the USA (n = 117) followed by the University of Ottawa from Canada (n = 72), and the University of Helsinki from Finland (n = 63). The most impactful author was Bell J.C with the highest number of articles (n = 67) and total local citations (n = 885). The most impactful article was published in the Cell journal. In addition, the latest OVs research mainly builds on four research clusters. CONCLUSION: The domain of OVs research has increased at a rapid rate from 2000 to 2020. Based on the synthesis of reviewed studies, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, reovirus, and Newcastle disease virus have shown potent anti-cancer activity. Developed countries such as the USA, Canada, the UK, and Finland were the most productive, hence, contributed most to this field. Further collaboration will help improve the clinical research translation of this therapy and bring benefits to cancer patients worldwide.

Oncolytic effects of Hitchner B1 strain of newcastle disease virus against cervical cancer cell proliferation is mediated by the increased expression of cytochrome C, autophagy and apoptotic pathways.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a potential oncolytic virus for the cancer treatment due to its ability to replicate in tumor cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anticancer properties of Hitchner B1 (HB1) strain of NDV on TC-1 cell line and underlying molecular mechanisms. The cytolytic effects of oncolytic HB1 strain of NDV was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cleaved caspase-3 and autophagy were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cytochrome-C and survivin protein levels were distinguished by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Our results from LDH method showed that the viability of the TC-1 cell line following HB1 NDV infection was dose-dependent and decreased significantly with increasing the dose of HB1 NDV infection (MOIs: 5, 10, and 15). Other evaluations also revealed that HB1 strain of NDV potentially led to the ROS production, and apoptosis and autophagy induction in TC-1 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. The in vitro experiments also presented that NDV treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of cytochrome-C and down-regulated the expression of survivin, as detected by ELISA assay. Our results confirmed that the HB1 NDV could be introduced as a powerful candidate for the therapy of cervical cancer. However, further examinations are needed to explain the underlying mechanisms of the HB1 NDV against TC-1 cell line and cervical cancer.

Sewage as a rich source of phage study against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous organism which has emerged as a major public health threat in hospital environments. Overuse of antibiotics has significantly exacerbated the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria such as P. aeruginosa. Phages are currently being utilized successfully for aquaculture, agriculture and veterinary applications. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize of lytic P. aeruginosa phage from sewage of Ilam, Iran. Phage was isolated from sewage that was added to the enrichment along with the host and subsequently filtered. Plaque assay was done by using an overlay method (also called the double agar layer method). Purified plaques were then amplified for characterization. Finally, RAPD-PCR method was conducted for genotyping and Transition electron micrograph (TEM) recruited to determine the morphology and phage family. The phage had high concentration and tremendous effects against a variety of clinical and general laboratory strains (ATCC15693) of P. aeruginosa. Among a set of primers in RAPD panel, only P2 and RAPD5 primers, were useful in differentiating the phages. TEM images revealed that the isolated phages were members of the Siphoviridae family. The phage effectiveness and specificity towards target bacteria and potential to control biofilm formations will be investigate in our further studies.

Phylogenetic groups and antimicrobial resistance characteristics of Escherichia coli strains isolated from clinical samples in North Iran.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is one of the most common bacterial pathogens, which causes a remarkable amount of morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to determine the antibiotic resistance profiles, phylogenetic groups, and subgroup analyses among the ExPEC strains isolated from hospitalized patients in north Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted at five educational hospitals in Rasht in north Iran. Using standard microbiological tests, 150 E. coli isolates were identified. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of all isolates was determined using the disk diffusion method. The double disk phenotypic confirmatory test was performed to detect extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates. A triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to determine the phylogenetic group of each strain. RESULTS: The results of antibiogram pattern showed that E. coli isolates were mostly non-susceptible to ampicillin (79.3%), followed by nalidixic acid (75.3%) and cephalothin (70%), whereas nitrofurantoin (94.7%) was the most effective agent, followed by imipenem (92.7%). The rate of ESBL-producing isolates was 53.3% (80/150). Multiplex PCR screening revealed that the most common phylogroup was the B2 group (97 isolates; 64.6%), followed by the D group (34, 22.7%). In contrast, phylogroup analyses showed that B23 (50.7%) and D2 (16.4%) were the most common subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated a considerable rate of antibiotic resistance and ESBL-producing isolates among E. coli strains isolated from clinical samples. Moreover, we reported a tendency that most isolates belonged to the B2 and D phylogroups. As a result, the detection of genotypic identical or similar isolates indicated that these isolates have an endurance capability in the hospital environment and could be transmitted among patients.

Antitumor immunity enhancement through Newcastle viral oncolysate in mice model: A promising method to treat tumors.

A Newcastle disease virus (NDV) oncolysate has been established as a unique and effective immune-stimulatory root for tumor treatment. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of intratumoral administration of NDV oncolysate on immune response and tumor regression of C57BL/6 mouse model of human papillomavirus (HPV) related transplanted with TC-1 syngeneic cancer cells. To further investigate the mechanism underlying the antitumor response, cytolytic and lymphocyte proliferation responses in splenocytes were measured using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and MTT assays, respectively. In this regard, levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were measured using ELISA after re-stimulation. The immune responses efficacy was evaluated by in vivo tumor regression assay. The results showed that immunization with the different titers of NDV lysate significantly reduced tumor volume in comparison with a combination of virus lysate and tumor cell lysate. Also, virus lysate could significantly enhance cytotoxic T lymphocyte production and lymphocyte proliferation rates versus tumor cell lysate. Also, our major findings are that the peritumorally injection of NDV oncolysate effectively induces antitumor immune responses through increased levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, and reduction of IL-10. These results indicate that this treatment is a specific, active immune mechanism stimulator, and may prove to be a useful therapeutic for a treatment against cervical cancers and merits further investigation.

Immunopathology and Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19, what we know and what we should learn.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) directly interacts with host's epithelial and immune cells, leading to inflammatory response induction, which is considered the hallmark of infection. The host immune system is programmed to facilitate the clearance of viral infection by establishing a modulated response. However, SARS-CoV-2 takes the initiative and its various structural and non-structural proteins directly or indirectly stimulate the uncontrolled activation of injurious inflammatory pathways through interaction with innate immune system mediators. Upregulation of cell-signaling pathways such as mitogen-activate protein kinase (MAPK) in response to recognition of SARS-CoV-2 antigens by innate immune system receptors mediates unbridled production of proinflammatory cytokines and cells causing cytokine storm, tissue damage, increased pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality. Moreover, this acute inflammatory state hinders the immunomodulatory effect of T helper cells and timely response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells against infection. Furthermore, inflammation-induced overproduction of Th17 cells can downregulate the antiviral response of Th1 and Th2 cells. In fact, the improperly severe response of the innate immune system is the key to conversion from a non-severe to severe disease state and needs to be investigated more deeply. The virus can also modulate the protective immune responses by developing immune evasion mechanisms, and thereby provide a more stable niche. Overall, combination of detrimental immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory properties of both the SARS-CoV-2 and immune cells does complicate the immune interplay. Thorough understanding of immunopathogenic basis of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 has led to developing several advanced vaccines and immune-based therapeutics and should be expanded more rapidly. In this review, we tried to delineate the immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in humans and to provide insight into more effective therapeutic and prophylactic strategies.

The Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin M1 in Cheeses Samples from Hamadan, Iran.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a category of poisonous compounds found in milk and dairy products. The target of our research is to determine incidence and risk assessment AFM1 through the consumption of cheese in Hamadan province of Iran. Seventy cheese samples including cream cheese (n = 30) and Iranian white cheese (n = 40) were collected from different regions of Hamadan province, Iran and tested for AFM1 by ELISA technique. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and hazard index (HI) of AFM1 was determined. AFM1 was detected in 67 (95.7%) samples, including 39 (97.5%) Iranian white cheese (mean: 115.16 ng/kg; range: < 5-287 ng/kg) and 28 (93.3%) cream cheese samples (mean: 141.20 ng/kg; range: < 5-289 ng/kg). The level of AFM1 in 10% samples was above the maximum tolerance limit (250 ng/kg). EDI of AFM1 through cheese for a preschool child, an adult female, and an adult male was 0.138, 0.076, 0.065 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. In our study, HI for these groups was 0.690, 0.378 and 0.324, respectively. Although the incidence of AFM1 in cheese samples was high, the results, regarding risk assessment which indicated potential risks for the liver cancer among Iranian consumers due to the cheese consumption, are not concerned.

A Survey on Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) and Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus (XMRV) Coinfection in Tehran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) is a gamma retrovirus, which has been detected in patients with prostate cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and general population with a number of acquired infections such as infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to determine the HTLV-1 and XMRV coinfection for the first time in Iranian patients who were admitted to the Tehran hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and ninety one patients suspected with HTLV-1 were referred to the hospitals affiliated to the Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from April 2012 to October 2016. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/ribonucleic acid (RNA) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells/cerebrospinal fluids was extracted by High Pure Viral Nucleic Acid Kit (Roche, Germany). After complementary DNA synthesis, conventional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of HTLV-1 or XMRV-infected patients. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 16 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Of the 291 patients suspected of HTLV infection, 123 (42.3%) were male with a mean age of 38±15 years. HTLV-1 RNA was found in 93 (31.9%) specimens comprising 40 men (41.3%) and 53 women (56.9%). Of the 93 patients who were HTLV-1 positive, one sample (1%) was positive for XMRV env gene. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the lack of significant detection of XMRV in patients who were HTLV-1 positive could not be associated with complications of HTLV-1. Although this is a preliminary report from Iranian patients with HTLV-1, further studies are needed to show the actual prevalence of XMRV infection by geographical distribution and various populations.

Detection of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae strains in Hamadan, West of Iran.

Plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants have arisen as a significant concern in recent years. The aim of this study was screening of resistant-clinical isolates to fluoroquinolone antibiotics and detection of qnr and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes. For this purpose we collected 100 fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae which were from 3 hospitals in Hamadan, west provinces of Iran, between October 2012 and June 2013. The all samples were identified by biochemical tests and confirmed by PCR method. Antimicrobial susceptibility to 14 antimicrobial agents including levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were determined by disk diffusion methods and ciprofloxacin MIC was obtained by broth microdilution method as Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations. The isolates were screened for the presence of qnrA, qnrB, qnrS and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes using PCR assay. Among the screened isolates, 64 strains (64%) of Escherichia coli, 23 strains (23%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 13 strains (13%) of Proteus mirabilis were collected as quinolone-resistant isolates. out of 100 isolates, two (2%) were positive for qnrS, seventeen (17%) isolates were positive for qnrB and we did not find qnrA gene in any of the isolates. There were also 32 positive isolates for aac(6')-Ib-cr determinant. We described the prevalence of qnr and aac(6')-Ib-cr genes in fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Hamadan city. The carriage rate of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in healthy people in Hamadan City is extremely high. Moreover, genes encoding transferable quinolones, in particular aac(6')-Ib-cr, are highly prevalent in these strains.

Co-occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in dried fruits in Iran: Dietary exposure risk assessment.

In this study, the contamination levels of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in 88 collected samples from Iran's market including dried mulberry, date, fig, and apricot were evaluated. The margin of exposure (MOE) was estimated to assess the risk of dietary intake of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and OTA. The incidence of AFB1 in dried mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples was 45.5, 40.9, 59.1, and 81.8%, respectively. Although the mean total AFs content in contaminated samples of date (2.61 µg/kg), fig (3.43 µg/kg) and apricot (2.91 µg/kg) was lower than the maximum limit set in the European Union (EU) (4 µg/kg), dried mulberry samples showed a higher contamination level (4.12 µg/kg). The co-occurrence of OTA and AFs were noted in 4 (18.9%), 2 (9.1%), 4 (18.2%), and 10 (45.5%) in the dried mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples, respectively. Based on the calculated MOE, the dietary exposure to AFs through the consumption of dried fruit in Iran poses a potential risk to consumer health. OTA was detected in 45.45%, 22.72%, 45.45%, and 50% of mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples, respectively. However, OTA levels in all types of dried fruit were below recommended level in EU regulation (10 µg/kg) and MOE >10000, representing no toxicological concerns for consumers.

Antibacterial resistance patterns of extended spectrum ß-lactamase -producing enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from children.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: This study aimed to determine the antibacterial resistance patterns of extended spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) isolated from Iranian children and to investigate its genetic patterns. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 192 non-repeats EPEC isolates were collected from stool samples of the children with and without diarrhoea. The EPEC strains were isolated from 1355 stool specimens obtained from 247 children with diarrhoea (0-10 years old; mean age, 5.5 years) and 1108 children without any gastrointestinal symptoms (0-10 years old; mean age, 6.8 years) during the summer months in three Iranian provinces, Tehran, Ilam and Mazandaran. Strains biochemically identified as E. coli were selected and were identified by the presence of eaeA and bfpA as EPEC virulence genes. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by disc diffusion method. The isolates were confirmed to be ESBL producers by the double disk synergy test (DDST). The ß-lactamase genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, blaOXA) and insertion sequence ISEcp1 were detected by PCR method. RESULTS: The highest antibiotic susceptibility was detected to imipenem (100%), followed by gentamicin (82.3%) and ciprofloxacin (79.2%). The highest resistance was detected to cefpodoxime (97.9%), trimethoprim (60.7%), and tetracycline (58.4%), respectively. Totally, 153 EPEC strains (79.7%) were ESBL-producing by DDST test. The PCR showed that 84 (43.8%) EPEC isolates were positive for ESBLs encoding genes. Among 153 ESBLs-producing EPEC, TEM was present in 9.2% of isolates. Also, CTX-M and SHV genes were detected in 7.2% and 7.8%, respectively. The SHV positive strains were associated with the highest resistance rate to tetracycline (56.5%), although the TEM and OXA were associated with the highest resistance rate to gentamicin (23.1%) and ciprofloxacin (21.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that 79.7% of EPEC isolates from Iranian children were ESBL-producing and were comparable with the non ESBL-producing isolates regarding susceptibility to the antibiotics.

Assessment of AflatoxinM1 Contamination in UHT Flavored Milk Samples in Karaj, Iran.

This study was carried out to detect the presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 30 UHT flavored milk samples in Karaj, Alborz province, Iran. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to analyze AFM1 in the samples. The results showed that aflatoxin M1 was detected in all the UHT flavored milk samples, the AFM1 concentration ranged from 0.015 to 0.14 µg/L. Also, 10 samples (33.3%) were contaminated with more than 0.05 µg/L of European Union regulations for aflatoxin M1. Wherease, according to the proposed Iranian national standard and FDA (0.5 µg/L), none of the samples has not been contaminated more than the maximum AFM1 concentrations threshold. This is the first report discovering the fact that UHT flavored milk is an important contributor to the dietary intake of AFM1 in Iran.

Detection of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) and plasmid-borne blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes among clinical strains of Escherichia coli isolated from patients in the north of Iran.

Escherichia coli is an important cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance leads to treatment failure of hospital infections caused by E. coli. Production of extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) is one of the major causes of antibiotic resistance in these bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes in ESBL-producing E. coli strains isolated from clinical specimens of patients admitted to six hospitals in the north of Iran. A total of 160 E. coli strains were isolated from various clinical samples of hospitalised patients. Antibiotic resistance patterns were determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The double-disk phenotypic confirmatory test was carried out amongst ß-lactam-resistant isolates to detect ESBL-producing strains. Plasmid DNA of ESBL-producing strains was extracted and subjected to PCR for detection of the blaTEM and blaCTX-M genes, and isolates were extensively verified by sequencing. The highest resistance rate was to amoxicillin; all E. coli isolates (100%) were susceptible to imipenem. Amongst the 160 clinical E. coli isolates, 83 (51.9%) were ESBL-positive, of which 27 (32.5%) and 72 (86.7%) were positive for blaTEM and blaCTX-M, respectively. This study is the first report of an ESBL phenotype disseminated in hospitals in the north of Iran. These findings showed that there was a direct relationship between the development of resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics and production of TEM and CTX-M enzymes.

Effect of polymer/nanosilver composite packaging on long-term microbiological status of Iranian saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is a valuable plant which is native to Iran. Saffron is the dried stigmata of the flowering part of the plant that is usually contaminated with different bacteria and fungi through production process. Antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles are well recognized. To survey the effects of nanosilver packaging on microbiological status of spiked, saffron samples over a six month period were chosen. Saffron samples from five regions of Khorasan province were purchased and de novo frequencies of microbial contaminants were determined using standard procedures. Totally 35 g of saffron was spiked with known numbers of four bacterial and two fungal species and packaged into one gram packets. The packaging materials consisted of polyethylene polymers containing 0, 400, 800, 1200 or 4000 ppm nanosilver (as Ag). Total and differential numbers of spiked microorganisms in the packaged saffrons were enumerated at initial and at six time points of seven, 14, 28, 64, 90 and 180 days. Baird-Parker agar (BP agar), Kenner Fecal (KF), Salmonella-Shigella agar (SS agar), Violet Red Bile Glucose Agar (VRBGA), and Sabouraud Dextrose agar (SD agar) media were used for enumeration of the six spiked microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella Enteritidis, Enterobacter species and Escherichia coli, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. Direct antibacterial activity of the composites was also determined. De novo frequencies of microorganisms in five saffron samples were at acceptable levels with dominance of fungi species. Nanosilver embedded packages accelerated the reduction in live microbial numbers in saffron samples and the efficacy was the best in packages containing 4000 ppm nanosilver particles. Nanosilver packaging can significantly reduce microbial burden of saffron.

Molecular characterisation of Klebsiella oxytoca strains isolated from patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Colitis is a common complication after treatment with antibiotics such as ß-lactams, quinolones, and aminoglycosides. Recently, Klebsiella oxytoca has been implicated in this type of diarrhoea. The prevalence and characterisations of K. oxytoca isolated from patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea were investigated. The K. oxytoca isolates were also tested for cytotoxin production. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted from May 2011 to Dec 2013. Faecal samples were collected from hospitalised patients receiving antibiotic treatment. Initial cultivation was performed on specific media. The clinical isolates were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the specific K. oxytoca polygalacturonase (pehX) gene. The double-disc diffusion test was used to detect extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains. Tracking of ESBL-encoding genes was performed via PCR. The organism was cultured on Hep-2 cell lines for cytotoxin production. RESULTS: Out of 331 samples collected from patients, 40 were confirmed molecularly to be clinical isolates of K. oxytoca. Fourteen (35%) ESBL-producing strains were isolated using the double-disc diffusion method. Among the molecularly confirmed K. oxytoca isolates, seven (17.5%) tested positive for the blaSHV gene, 12 (30%) for blaTEM, 10 (25%) for blaCTX-M, three (7.5%) for blaOXA, nine (22.5%) for blaCTX-M-15, and seven (17.5%) for blaTEM-1. Five (12%) isolates showed cytotoxin activity below 30%, 12 (30%) strains showed moderate cytotoxin activity between 30% and 60%, and 23 (58%) strains showed cytotoxin activity ⩾60%. CONCLUSIONS: The cytotoxin-producing K. oxytoca is found to be one of the causes of antibiotic-induced colitis. Discontinuing treatment and allowing normal intestinal flora to be established or prescribing appropriate medication after antibiogram can help patients with antibiotic-induced haemorrhagic colitis in a timely manner.

Ochratoxin A in dried grapes in Hamadan province, Iran.

The occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) in dried grapes was surveyed in this study. Sixty-six samples of dried grapes (40 currants, 16 sultanas and 10 raisins) were collected from dried grapes factories in Hamadan province, Iran, from October 2012 to March 2013. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine OTA in these samples. OTA was detected in 23 (57.5%) currants, 10 (62.5%) sultanas and 6 (60%) raisins samples. Levels in five samples exceeded the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI) maximum level of 5 µg/kg. However, OTA content in none of the samples exceeded the maximum limit prescribed in the European Union (EU) regulations, which is 10 µg/kg. The obtained data contribute to information on OTA levels in Iranian dried grapes.

Prevalence of ESBL and MBL encoding genes in Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from patients of intensive care units (ICU).

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ESBL and MBL encoding genes among A. baumannii isolates. In this cross sectional study, 100 A. baumannii strains were isolated from ICU wards of 3 educational hospitals of Hamadan City, Iran in 2011. Phenotypic identification of the production of ESBLs and MBLs has been carried out by using E-test and DDST methods, respectively. PCR technique was used for amplification of the ESBL and MBL encoding genes, namely: CTX-M, SHV, TEM, OXA-51, VIM-Family, IMP-Family, SPM-1, SIM-1, and GIM-1. Eighty seven (87%), 95 (95%), 98 (98%) and 95 (95%) out of 100 A. baumannii isolates were resistant to imipenem, meropenem, ceftazidime and cefotaxime, respectively. Also, 99% and 7% of the isolates were MBLs and ESBLs produced phenotypically. Thirty (30%), 20 (20%) and 58 (58%) out of 100 A. baumannii isolates have been confirmed to harbor the bla VIM-family, TEM and SHV genes, respectively. Our results show no significant relationship between the detected gens with production of MBLs and ESBLs in spite of high prevalence of MBL encoding and drug resistant A. baumannii. Probably some other genes rather than what we studied are involved in phenotypic production of MBLs and ESBLs and subsequent drug resistance in Hamadan area, Iran.

Antibacterial Effect of Garlic Aqueous Extract on Staphylococcus aureus in Hamburger.

BACKGROUND: Using garlic is widespread in Iran and other countries as a medicine and a natural spice. Garlic is a potential inhibitor for food pathogens. Foods contaminated with pathogens pose a potential danger to the consumer's health. The use of garlic can increase the shelf life and decrease the possibilities of food poisoning and spoilage in processed foods. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of garlic aqueous extract on growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the garlic aqueous extract was prepared under sterile conditions and was added in 1, 2, and 3 mL to 100g hamburger samples. A group of samples was prepared to be used as treatment sample, while a group was stored at 4°C and -18°C. The samples were kept in refrigerator for one and two weeks and they were frozen for one, two and three months and then subjected to microbial tests. RESULTS: Statistical evaluation of the first and second week samples indicated a significant growth decreased by all the 1, 2, and 3-mL extracts. In treatment of one, two and three-month samples, the growth of S. aureus was significantly decreased by the 2 and 3-mL extracts. The 1-mL extract was effective in decreasing the growth, and a significant difference was observed in treatments with 2 and 3-mL extracts. However, there was no significant difference between the two and three-month samples, though they were significantly different from the one-month samples. After evaluations, treatment with the 2-mL extract was found to be the best one. CONCLUSIONS: Garlic aqueous extract has antibacterial properties against S. aureus present in hamburger. Moreover, garlic aqueous extract can be used not only as a flavor but also as a natural additive for hamburger. In addition, garlic has antibacterial properties against other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which must be investigated in further studies.

Quantitative gene expression analysis of some sodium ion transporters under salinity stress in Aeluropus littoralis.

Plant sodium transporters activity is one of the most important salt tolerance mechanisms to keep normal status of cytosolic sodium content. In the present study, expression pattern of genes encoding Na(+)/H(+) antiporters in the plasma membrane (SOS1 gene), vacuolar membrane (NHX1 gene) and H(+)-ATPase pump (VHA gene) in Aeluropus littoralis under different treatments of NaCl was measured by the semi-quantitative RT-PCR method. Our results indicated that root and shoot sodium contents were increased along with increasing salinity pressure. In response to 200 and 400 mM NaCl, mRNA level of SOS1 and NHX1 was increased in the shoot and root tissues, while VHA transcripts were increased only under 400 mM of NaCl. Transcripts of VHA-c and NHX1 in root were higher than shoot in all treatments. In general, our results indicated that transcriptional level of SOS1, and NHX1 genes induced in parallel with VHA expression may be involved in controlling cytosolic Na(+) concentration in A. littoralis.