Showing 14 results for Rad
Mojgan Farrokhi Karibozorg, Ali Farahnak, Mohammad Bagher Molaei Rad, Taghi Golmohammadi, Mohammad Reza Eshraghian,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (4-2014)
Abstract
Introduction: Hydatid cyst disease is caused by the protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme is required for metabolism, physiology, immunology, and nutrients absorption in parasite. The aim of this study was to compare the level of ALP activity (as a pathological biomarker) in hydatid cyst protoscolices (HCP) with that of sheep liver tissue and to determine the effect of cystic infection on the enzyme activity. Methods: HCPs were collected from sheep livers with hydatid cysts at a local abattoir and washed 3 times with PBS buffer. HCP samples were freeze-thawed and sonicated, while the collected liver tissues were homogenized. Then, extract solutions were centrifuged and stored at -20°C. ALP activity was measured in the extract solutions of HCP and healthy and infected sheep liver tissue samples. The amounts and bands of protein samples were detected using Bradford method and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), respectively. To determine the significant difference between the two groups, independent two samples t-test was used. Results: The mean values of ALP-specific activity of healthy and infected livers and HCP were estimated 0.019, 0.175, and 1.28 U/ml/mg, respectively. Higher ALP activity level was observed in cystic liver compared to healthy liver (p<0.05). T-test analysis showed higher ALP enzyme activity for HCP compared to healthy liver (p<0.05). SDS-PAGE demonstrated a protein band with molecular weight of 59 kDa in HCP samples, which was identified as ALP. Conclusion: ALP activity in HCP and healthy liver indicates the importance of this enzyme in comparative biochemistry of liver and parasite. Higher level of ALP enzyme activity in cystic liver in comparison with healthy liver could be considered as a pathological biomarker for diagnosis of hydatid cyst disease with other hydatid disease parameters.
Ali Farahnak, Fariba Amni, Taghi Golmohammadi, Mohammad Reza Eshraghian, Mohammad Bagher Molaei Rad,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (1-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: To determine an indicator for Triclabendazole (TCBZ) efficacy, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in Fasciola hepatica (Iranian isolate) parasite in presence and absence of TCBZ was evaluated by an in vitro cultivation method. Also, ALT enzyme activity between none and parasitized-infected sheep liver tissues was assessed. Method: The sheep livers were collected and transferred immediately to the Department of Parasitology. Adult living parasites were recovered, washed and divided into two groups, treatment and control groups with 10 parasites in each. We added 15 μg TCBZ to the treatment group; then incubated both groups for 4 h at 37ºC. The parasites, infected and parasite free liver tissues were ground and homogenized by a Mortar and pestle, centrifuged, and supernatants were recovered. Protein concentration and ALT enzyme activity were measured in the supenatants. Results: The results of ALT enzyme activity assay showed 0.03 U/ml/mg protein for treated F. hepatica and 0.01 U/ml/mg protein for untreated samples, the mean values of difference was not significant (p>0.05). The difference between ALT activity in none and parasitized-infected liver was not significant (p>0.05). However, two-sample T-test analysis showed higher ALT activity in treated and untreated parasite in comparison with none and parasitized-infected liver specimens (p<0.05). In addition to ALT protein band for parasite and liver tissue, Cathepsin enzyme (proteases) was detected for parasite by SDS-PAGE analysis. Conclusion: ALT activity cannot be considered as a useful marker for TCBZ efficacy in F. hepatica treatment. However, ALT enzyme showed comparable activities in parasite and its host liver tissue.
Leila Tabatabaei Moradi, Anousheh Sharifan, Kambiz Larijani,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (1-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: Essential oils are used as flavoring agents in various foods. Layer-by-Layer (LBL) technique is a method in which the material is dipped into a series of different solutions containing oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a multilayered edible coating with an antimicrobial compound (Lemon and Peppermint) in enhancing the quality and shelf-life of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1˚C) over a period of 16 days. Methods: In this study, multilayered coating was used with two concentrations of Lemon (LEO) and Peppermint (PEO) essential oils (0.5 and 1%). Antibacterial effect of these treatments was evaluated by enumeration of bacteria in special culture media. The control and the coated fish samples were analyzed periodically for pH and microbiological (total viable count, psychrotrophic count, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and coliform) characteristics. Results: The results obtained in this study demonstrate that multilayered coating in combination with Lemon and Peppermint essential oils can significantly decrease the number of bacteria and delay the spoilage of the samples (p<0.05). Conclusion: Multilayered edible coating with an antimicrobial compound can properly delay the growth of spoilage microorganisms and prolong the shelf life of meat products.
Susan Darudi, Mehdi Mohebali, Homa Hajjaran, Abdolmajiid Fata, Elham Kazemi-Rad, Reza Raoofian,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (7-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is still a major public health problem in the northeast and central parts of Iran. This study was designed to compare microscopy and cultivation methods with PCR amplification of kinetoplast DNA and ITS1 followed by RFLP analysis for diagnosis of acute and chronic ACL. Methods: In this study, 66 patients with ACL including 24 acute and 42 chronic forms were analyzed. Chronic forms (n=42) were divided into lupoid (n=18) and non-lupoid forms (n=24). The exudates from patient’s lesions were examined by parasitological and molecular methods. Results: Out of 24 acute ACL cases, 24 (100%), 20 (83.3%), 24 (100%) and 23 (95.8%) were positive with direct examination, cultivation, kDNA-PCR, and ITS1-PCR-RFLP, respectively; while among 42 chronic forms, 29 (69%), 12 (28.5%), 27 (64.2%) and 16 (38%) were positive with the above mentioned methods. The most positivity rate was obtained with the direct examination for all clinical forms of ACL. In comparison with the direct examination as a gold standard, the kDNA-PCR showed the highest sensitivity of 100% and 64.2% in the diagnosis of acute and chronic forms, followed by the ITS1-PCR with lower sensitivity (95.8% and 38%) and then cultivation (83.3% and 28.5%). Also, all of the Leishmania isolates were identified as Leishmania tropica based on clinical symptoms and molecular methods. Conclusion: Our results recommend application of direct examination for the diagnosis of both acute and chronic forms of ACL. Moreover, the molecular method using kDNA-PCR was proposed for the diagnosis of ACL; while ITS1-PCR-RFLP can be utilized as a useful technique for the Leishmania species identification of CL.
Ali Farahnak, Leila Zaki, Mohamad Bagher Molaei Rad, Abolfazl Golestani, Mohammad Reza Eshraghiyan,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (4-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: Hydatidosis is an endemic parasitic disease of humans in Iran, and Albendazole (ABZ) is a drug of choice for treatment of this infection. As the Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is necessary for the metabolism of parasites, this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of ABZ on ALP enzyme activity in hydatid cyst parasite as a marker for drug efficiency. Methods: In the present study, the ALP activity level was estimated in the extracts of the untreated parasite (Hydatid cyst protoscoleces) as well as the ABZ-treated samples with a final concentration of 100 µg. The protein concentration and the protein bands in the extracted samples were analyzed by Bradford and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) methods, respectively. Results: The results showed that the mean value of the ALP activity level of the treated samples (0.474 U/ml/mg) was significantly higher than that of untreated samples (0.205 U/ml/mg) (P<0.05). SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated the higher intensity of the 59 kDa protein band in ABZ-treated samples, compared to the untreated sample. Conclusion: Considering the effect of the ABZ drug on ALP activity in the hydatid cyst protoscoleces, this enzyme might be regarded as an indicator for the effectivity of drug on this parasite.
Elham Kazemirad, Hossien Reisi Nafchi, Alireza Latifi, Reza Raoofian, Mehdi Mohebali, Homa Hajjaran,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (7-2019)
Abstract
Introduction: Leishmania cysteine protease B (CPB) is a parasite virulence factor that plays a vital role in host-parasitic interactions. Regarding the importance of the CPB gene, we used a quantitative real-time RT-PCR to investigate the expression of CPB in the Iranian isolates of different Leishmania species. Methods: In this study, 36 clinical samples were collected, out of which 29 belonged to cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), 3 to viscerotropic leishmaniasis (VTL), and 5 to visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Among CL isolates, 8 were Leishmania major, and 21 were Leishmania tropica, including 3 isolates from the lupoid type. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, gene expression analysis was performed by qPCR. Results: Our results showed the highest expression of CPB in isolates of Leishmania infantum, followed by L. major and L. tropica. Among L. tropica isolates, in the lupoid forms, the mean expression of CPB was ≈6.4 times higher than that of non-lupoid isolates. In L. major isolates, a significant difference was observed between the level of gene expression and the duration of the infection. The expression level of CPB was associated with the severity of the infection in L. infantum isolates. Conclusion: The CPB gene expressed in all Leishmania species. The highest expression was in L. infantum species and the least expression in L. tropica. The transcript level of CPB increased in L. major isolates derived from patients with a higher number and duration of ulcers; however, further studies on more clinical samples are needed to explore our findings.
Elham Kazemirad, Alireza Latifi, Iraj Mobedi, Vahid Akmali, Hamed Mirjalali, Gholamreza Mowlavi,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (7-2020)
Abstract
Introduction: Bats are natural reservoir hosts of several zoonotic infections. Few studies have demonstrated gut helminth community parasite in bats. In the present study, we investigated two intestinal helminths of two bat species, Rhinopoma muscatellum, and Rhinopoma microphyllum, from Hormozgan province, southern Iran. Methods: We received digestive tracts of 56 Rhinopoma bats previously captured by several biologists. The specimens were precisely dissected and examined for the parasitic helminths. The collected helminths were cleared in the lactophenol and identified using reliable morphological and morphometrical key references. Result: In this study, 44 R. muscatellum and 6 R. microphyllum species were examined, among which 15 (26.7%) had infections with parasitic worms. Lecithodendrium sp. and Castoria sp. were identified in the digestive tract of eight and four individually examined R. muscatellum bats, respectively. Also, in three R. microphyllum bats, a few spirurid nematodes with incomplete structures were detected. Conclusion: We, for the first time, identified Lecithodendrium sp., Castoria sp., in R. muscatellum from south of Iran. Due to the insectivorous biological trait of bats, the most abundant helminth was Lecithodendrium sp. Further study with more samples is needed to describe the helminths fauna of microbats in Iran taxonomically.
Sanem Karadag Gecgel,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Introduction: HBV-DNA levels are used to diagnose chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disease, determine the infection phase, decide on the treatment, and determine the disease course. We aimed to compare the microbiological and biochemical parameters of patients followed up with chronic hepatitis B pre-diagnosis in our hospital according to their HBV-DNA levels. Methods: HBV-DNA levels were analyzed with the Real-Time PCR method in blood samples of 500 pre-diagnosed CHB patients between February-June 2018, retrospectively. The biochemical parameters of the patients were measured by an automatic biochemical immunoassay analyzer (Beckman Coulter DXI 800, USA), and the microbiological parameters of patients were determined by an automatic analyzer (Roche Cobas 6000, Germany). The differences between the values of biochemical and microbiological parameters of patients were determined according to HBV-DNA. Results: Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was higher in patients with hepatitis B virus-DNA (HBV-DNA)>20000 IU/mL than patients with negative HBV-DNA, HBV-DNA<2000 IU/mL, and HBV-DNA 2000-20000 IU/mL (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01). Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) was lower in patients with HBV-DNA ranging from 2000-20000 IU/mL than HBV-DNA negative patients, HBV-DNA<2000 IU/mL and HBV-DNA>20000 IU/mL (P<0.05). Albumin was lower in patients with HBV-DNA>20000 IU/mL than patients with HBV-DNA 2000-20000 IU/mL and HBV-DNA<2000 IU/mL (P<0.01). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels were higher in patients with HBV-DNA 2000-20000 IU/mL than HBV-DNA negative patients, and patients with HBV-DNA<2000 IU/mL and HBV-DNA>20000 IU/mL (P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.05). Albumin was individually correlated with the HBV-DNA by 2.9%, negatively (P<0.01). Conclusion: MCV, GGT, albumin, HBsAg levels might be used as indicators to diagnose CHB disease, establish the infection phase, decide the treatment, and determine the course of the disease together with HBV-DNA levels.
A.v. Kavitha, Radhika Katragadda, Leela Vajravelu, Thyagarajan Ravinder,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the most common middle ear infections leading to extra and intracranial complications if not diagnosed promptly. Early identification and detection of the etiological agents and antibiotic susceptibility patterns assist in preventing complications. Methods: Two hundred twelve ear swabs were collected using sterile cotton swabs. Direct gram staining was done and then inoculated into blood, MacConkey, and Nutrient agar. Bacterial isolates were identified using conventional methods. According to CLSI guidelines, Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed by the agar dilution method. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producing bacteria were detected by the phenotypic confirmatory test and then corroborated by uniplex PCR. Results: Out of 212 samples, 157 samples (74.06%) were culture-positive for bacteria. The isolated bacteria included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (46.24%), Staphylococcus aureus (26.59%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.45%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus (5.20%), Proteus mirabilis (4.05%), Enterococcus faecalis (2.89%), and Escherichia coli (0.58%). The P. aeruginosa isolates showed 96.25% and 95% susceptibility to amikacin and ofloxacin, respectively. All Gram-negative bacilli isolates were 100% sensitivite to imipenem. Ten (30.30%) isolates were ESBL producers with the CTX-M-14 gene detected in most of them. Conclusion: Our study found that P. aeruginosa was the most common isolated pathogen bacteria. Knowledge of CSOM causing bacteria and their susceptibility to antibiotics would help choose an appropriate treatment, thereby preventing antibiotic resistance and complications in these cases.
Tahereh Rostami, Neda Alijani, Azadeh Kiumarsi, Soroush Rad, Seied Amirhosein Mirhoseini, Mohammadreza Rostami, Amir Hesabi, Seyed Ali Mousavi, Seied Asadollah Mousavi,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) severely undermines the recipients' immune status and makes them prone to complications following viral infection. Here, we report a 3-year-old boy with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI who acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection after HSCT. The boy was diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 during the post-transplant period (19 days after HSCT) when dealing with acute graft versus host disease (GVHD). He was successfully treated with remdesivir and tocilizumab and recovered. Well-timed treatment with tocilizumab might reduce the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation and death in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in the early post HSCT period.
Rupali Patil, Payal Tripathi, Himani Pandya, Mitali Maradia, Brijesh Patel,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: This study assesses immature granulocyte count as an early predictor of blood culture positivity in pediatric cardiac patients. Early diagnosis of sepsis is crucial but challenging. Blood culture is the gold standard; however, obtaining results takes 48-72 h. The study compares these indicators with other predictive markers of sepsis. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 200 pediatric patients to assess the use of immature granulocyte count as an early predictor of blood culture positivity in pediatric cardiac surgery patients with sepsis. The patients were divided into two groups based on blood culture results: positive and negative. A complete blood count was conducted for both groups, including immature granulocyte count and demographic information. The data were collected for two periods: 24-48 h before the blood culture and 24 hours after. The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of immature granulocyte count and compare it with other established predictive markers of sepsis. The blood counts were performed using SYSMAX XN1000. Results: The study observed higher immature granulocyte counts in patients with culture-positive results during period 2 diagnosis (P<0.001). No significant differences were found in other lab parameters between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that an immature granulocyte count ≥ 90 was helpful in predicting blood culture positivity in pediatric cardiac surgery patients with sepsis. Conclusion: Our study reveals that the Absolute Immature Granulocyte Count and Immature Granulocyte percentage (IG%) significantly increase within 24-48 hours of positive blood cultures compared to negative cases.
Naik Shraddha Dinkarrao, Ghogare Harish Subhashrao, Kulkarni Smita Sitaram, Mulay Manjushree Vijay,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) poses a significant public health concern due to its potential for increased mortality and morbidity. The limited availability of effective antibiotics further exacerbates the dissemination of carbapenem-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of carbapenem resistance and carbapenemase production in Enterobacteriaceae isolates using the Modified Hodge Test. Methods: This observational study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, MGM Medical College & Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, from November 2015 to November 2017. 171 Enterobacteriaceae isolates from various clinical samples were comprehensively tested for carbapenem resistance and carbapenemase production. This involved the use of carbapenem discs (ertapenem, meropenem, and imipenem), E-test strips for ertapenem and meropenem, and the Modified Hodge Test (MHT) for carbapenemase identification. Results: Among the 171 tested Enterobacteriaceae isolates, a substantial proportion (40%) displayed resistance to carbapenems, as determined by disc diffusion and E-test methods. Among the carbapenem-resistant isolates, 13 were positive for the MHT. Conclusion: Our study revealed a notable prevalence of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae isolates from a tertiary care hospital. The MHT, following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, demonstrated high sensitivity (> 90%) and specificity (> 90%) for detecting KPC-type carbapenemases in these isolates. Treatment options for CRE infections are limited, with tigecycline and colistin identified as potential options. Our study highlights the importance of promptly diagnosing different carbapenemases using PCR techniques. Consequently, we strongly advocate for implementing robust antimicrobial stewardship programs and infection control practices in healthcare settings to prevent CRE spread effectively.
Parisa Moradi Pordanjani, Azam Bolhassani, Elnaz Agi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and its variants are pivotal in tracking gene expression across various gene delivery systems. While GFP is typically employed for intracellular reporting, it can be modified to display on cell surfaces for labeling. Previous research indicates GFP might have immunogenic effects, notably enhancing tumor-specific T cell responses. This study explores the immunostimulatory differences between enhanced GFP (EGFP) and the supercharged variant, +36 GFP. Methods: Recombinant EGFP and +36 GFP proteins were generated using an Escherichia coli expression system. Murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were generated using established protocols. Splenocytes were isolated from murine spleens via mechanical disruption and red blood cell lysis. The RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line was cultured in complete DMEM medium. Immune cells were then incubated with varying concentrations of EGFP and +36 GFP, separately, for 48 h. Cytokine levels (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10) were quantified using sandwich ELISA.
Beebi Ameena, Deepa Sriram, Anuradha Kundapur,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of rubella IgG antibodies among women of reproductive age in Mysuru, India. Estimating the rubella seroprevalence in this populationis crucial for informing public health interventions aimed at preventing congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), a severe birth defect caused by rubella infection during pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted among women of reproductive age (18–38 years) in Mysuru city from January 15, 2019, to December 31, 2019. A total of 311 participants were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Rubella IgG antibody levels were measured using ELISA with the CALBIOTECH Rubella IgG ELISA kit. Results: The mean age of the 311 women of reproductive age included in the study was 25.8 ± 5.2 years. Age was not significantly associated with rubella IgG antibody status (P=0.123). Overall, 95.5% (n = 297) of participants were seropositive for rubella IgG antibodies, indicating immunity against rubella. The lowest seroprevalence (92.1%, n = 51) was observed in the 21–25 years age group. Although not statistically significant (P=0.872), a slightly higher proportion of urban residents (95.68%, n = 267) were seropositive compared to rural residents. Furthermore, participants with a history of normal pregnancy (98.59%, n = 166) and those who reported being vaccinated (100%) had a significantly higher seroprevalence of rubella IgG antibodies. Conclusion: This study found a high seroprevalence of rubella IgG antibodies (95.5%) among women of reproductive age in Mysuru, indicating a potentially low risk of rubella infection and a high level of population immunity. This high seroprevalence is likely attributable to the successful implementation of the national Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in India, as evidenced by the high seroprevalence observed self-reported vaccinated participants. Further research is warranted to investigate the duration of rubella immunity conferred by vaccination and to assess the need for booster doses in this population.
