Robbdennis8046

Retinal ischemia is a medical condition associated with numerous retinal vascular disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This in vitro cell and in vivo animal study investigated not only the protective effect of S-allyl L-cysteine (SAC, an active component of garlic) against retinal ischemia but also its associated protective mechanisms.

Retinal ischemia was mimicked by raising the intraocular pressure to 120 mmHg for 1 hour in one eye. The effects of pre-/postischemic administration of vehicle vs. SAC 0.18 mg vs. SAC 0.018 mg vs. SAC 0.0018 mg treatments on retina cells were evaluated through cellular viability (MTT assay), flash electroretinograms (ERGs), and fluorogold retrograde labelling (retinal ganglion cell (RGC) counting). Also, protein immunoblot was utilized to assess the role of Wnt, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1

, and vascular endothelium factor (VEGF) in the proposed anti-ischemic mechanism. Lastly, the safety of drug consumption was inveacting the ischemia-induced overexpression of Wnt/HIF-1

/VEGF might presently explain SAC's anti-ischemic mechanism.

This study shows that preischemic administration of low SAC dosage has been proved to be safe and most effective against rat retinal ischemia electrophysiologically and/or histopathologically. Moreover, counteracting the ischemia-induced overexpression of Wnt/HIF-1α/VEGF might presently explain SAC's anti-ischemic mechanism.Background. Ischemic stroke (IS) seriously impacts the quality of life of survivors. Chinese medicine (CM) has been developed for more than 2000 years and plays a key role in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Many Chinese medicine clinical trials have been conducted; however, the heterogeneity of outcome measurements and reporting limits implications of the findings in clinical practice and health policy development. Therefore, it is important to develop a core outcome set (COS) that should be used and reported in trials for ischemic stroke treated by Chinese medicine. This protocol describes the process of developing the IS-CM-COS. Methods and Analysis. The development of the COS will involve the following four steps (1) A list of outcomes reported in the registered and published Chinese medicine trials of ischemic stroke will be extracted by conducting a systematic literature review. (2) An additional outcome list will be collected by semistructured interview to patients with ischemic stroke. (3) A two-round Delphi survey will be performed to prioritize and condense the outcomes. (4) In the consensus meeting, a final recommended COS will be developed. Discussion. The COS could improve the reliability and consistency of outcome reporting. We hope that this IS-CM-COS will be used in the future Chinese medicine trials for the treatment of ischemic stroke and improve research quality. Trial Registration. This study was registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative (http//www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/1282).

To investigate the protective effects and possible mechanisms of action of resina draconis (RD) on acute liver injury and liver regeneration after 2/3 partial hepatectomy (PH) in mice.

2/3 PH was used to induce acute liver injury. Mice were divided into three groups sham, vehicle + 2/3 PH, and RD + 2/3 PH. Resina draconis was administered intragastrically after 2/3 PH into the RD + 2/3 PH group, and the same volume of vehicle (1% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) was injected into the vehicle + 2/3 PH group and sham group mice. The index of liver to body weight (ILBW) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were assayed to evaluate liver regeneration. Blood and liver tissues were collected for serological and western blotting analysis.

Resina draconis protected against 2/3 PH-induced acute severe liver injury and promoted liver regeneration as shown by significantly increased ILBW compared with that of controls. 2/3 PH increased serum AST and ALT levels, which were significantly decreased by RD treatment, while 2/3 PH decreased serum TP and ALB, which were increased by RD treatment. In the RD + 2/3 PH group, PCNA expression was significantly increased compared with the 2/3 PH group. Further, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), TNF

, and EGFR levels were increased in the RD group at postoperative days 2 and 4 compared with the those in the 2/3 PH group.

Our results suggest that RD ameliorates acute hepatic injury and promotes liver cell proliferation, liver weight restoration, and liver function after 2/3 PH, probably via HGF, TNF

, and EGFR signaling.

Our results suggest that RD ameliorates acute hepatic injury and promotes liver cell proliferation, liver weight restoration, and liver function after 2/3 PH, probably via HGF, TNFα, and EGFR signaling.

Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), Quchi (LI11), and Tianshu (ST25) is commonly used in septic patients by traditional Chinese physicians. The protective effect of acupuncture at ST36 on the intestinal barrier is associated with Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway (CAIP). However, its detailed mechanism and whether acupuncture at LI11 and ST25 have similar effects to ST36 remain unclear.

To explore the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36, LI11, and ST25 on septic rats and investigate the role of the spleen in the treatment of EA at ST36.

A septic rat model caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and a postsplenectomy (SPX) CLP rat model were established. Rats were divided into nine groups depending on different treatments. Serum levels of TNF-

, IL-10, D-lactic acidosis (D-LA), double amine oxidase (DAO), and T-lymphocyte subgroup level in intestinal lymph nodes were compared.

EA could not improve the 2-day survival of CLP rats. For CLP rats, EA at ST36 and LI11 significantly decreased the levels of TNF-

, IL-10, DAO, and D-LA in serum and normalized intestinal T-cell immunity. For SPX CLP rats, EA at ST36 failed to reduce serum concentrations of TNF-

, IL-10, and D-LA but increased the values of CD3

CD4

/CD3

CD8

cells and Treg/Th17 cells.

EA at ST36 and LI11, respectively, could alleviate inflammation reaction, protect the intestinal barrier, and maintain intestinal T-cell function in septic rats. Spleen participated in the protective effect of EA at ST36 in sepsis.

EA at ST36 and LI11, respectively, could alleviate inflammation reaction, protect the intestinal barrier, and maintain intestinal T-cell function in septic rats. Spleen participated in the protective effect of EA at ST36 in sepsis.

Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) develops from active colonic inflammation, which is characterized by the production of proinflammatory cytokines that can induce mutations. IL-6 is produced by multiple cell types located within the tumor microenvironment including tumor-infiltrating immune cells, stromal cells, and the tumor cells themselves. The aim of our study was to explore the mechanism of Feng-Liao-Chang-Wei-Kang (FLCWK) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treating CAC.

HCT116 cells were treated with 5-FU in the absence or presence of FLCWK. Cell proliferation was assayed by MTT assays. Apoptosis and the cell cycle phases were detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting and Q-PCR assays were used to detect the expression levels of proteins and genes related to the IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathway. A mouse model for CAC was established by treating animals with 12.5 mg/kg azoxymethane (AOM) followed by 3 cycles of 2.5% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). The associated pathological changes were determined after haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of related proteins and genes in various tissues was examined using immunofluorescence techniques.

FLCWK enhanced the ability of 5-FU to promote apoptosis by inhibiting the proliferation of HCT116 cells and blocking the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. FLCWK combined with 5-FU reduced the number and size of colon tumors in mice with CAC and significantly increased their survival rate. In the CAC model, FLCWK synergized with 5-FU to inhibit the phosphorylation of STAT3, preventing IL-6/STAT3 signal transduction and thus further inducing apoptosis and inhibition of colon cancer cell proliferation.

FLCWK can inhibit the activation of STAT3 by reducing the production of IL-6, thereby increasing the occurrence of colitis-related colorectal cancer with 5-FU.

FLCWK can inhibit the activation of STAT3 by reducing the production of IL-6, thereby increasing the occurrence of colitis-related colorectal cancer with 5-FU.Acupuncture is a medical modality based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, and its effect is relatively dependent on acupoint specificity. However, there is little knowledge on acupoint specificity versus acupuncture outcomes because of the deficiency of rigorous investigation on this topic, which has impeded the growing legitimacy of acupuncture in the mainstream of medicine as an evidence-based therapy. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to clarify this critical issue. The present study aims to verify the phenomenon of acupoint specificity in acupuncture-induced cardiovascular regulation and explore the biological mechanism by measuring mast cells' degranulation and adenosine release. This study was conducted to explore the specificity of acupoints in an acute bradycardia rabbit model. After electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at PC6, PC control (con) 1, PC con 2, LU7, LI11, and nonacupoint, only the PC6 group showed a significant improvement in relative heart rate as compared to that of the model group. There was no significant difference between the relative heart rate of other EA groups and that of the model group. Historical results also showed that the ratio of degranulated mast cells in PC6 was significantly higher than other acupoints and control points. From the results of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a transient elevation of adenosine concentration during EA was only observed on acupoints and control points (P less then 0.05) along the pericardium meridian. The EA-induced adjustment on acute bradycardia exhibits a relative specificity of acupoints, which may be related to mast cell degranulation and adenosine release in local acupoint areas. Increased degranulation of mast cells and augmentation of adenosine release during EA may be the mechanisms for PC6 having significantly better acupuncture effects than other acupoints and nonacupoints.

Colla Cornus Cervi (CCC) has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of osteoporosis and osteonecrosis of the femoral head. However, the bioavailability of CCC is seriously limited owing to its large molecular weight and complex ingredients. In the present study, antler polypeptide was separated from CCC, and the effects of antler polypeptide on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were investigated.

Antler polypeptide was separated from Colla Cornus Cervi by ultrafiltration into different samples according to the molecular weight. The total peptide content of these samples was determined by the biuret method. The content of antler polypeptide in different samples was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effects of antler polypeptide at different concentrations on the proliferation, cell cycle, alkaline phosphatase activity, and BMP7 expression of BMSCs were investigated.

Antler polypeptide was separated by ultrafiltration into different samplesr the further development and application of antler polypeptide in medicine.

Results suggested that antler polypeptide may promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Our study lays an experimental foundation for the further development and application of antler polypeptide in medicine.Cutaneous involvement in canine leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania infantum, is the most frequent clinical manifestation of the zoonotic infectious disease. A 4-month-old female Shih Tzu-terrier dog with significant weight loss and depression and chronic erosive skin lesions around eyes and the area above the nose was presented to the Semnan University Veterinary Hospital teaching, Semnan, Iran. The main clinicopathological findings included marked leukocytosis, neutrophilia, left shift, monocytosis, mild hypoproteinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis was performed based on the presence of a large number of Leishmania amastigotes in skin Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA). The dog was euthanized and sent to the autopsy department for further investigation.

More than a hundred species of mammals, birds, and reptiles are infected by nematodes of the

genus worldwide. Although,

spp. are widely distributed in neighboring countries including Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran, no study was conducted in Armenia since 1980's.

In 2017-2018, five muscle samples belonging to Armenian lynx, otter, wild boar, fox and wolf were tested for

spp. and recovered larvae were identified by multiplex PCR technique.

Twenty-six larvae/gram and one larva/gram were found in lynx and fox samples respectively. They were identified as

.

So far only two species were identified in Armenia,

and

, and this is the first time that

is reported in Armenia.

So far only two species were identified in Armenia, T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis, and this is the first time that T. britovi is reported in Armenia.

is an obligate intracellular parasite, which can infect all nucleated cells in a variety of vertebrate animals, including human, causing toxoplasmosis. Although a number of studies have reported on the seroprevalence of

infection in dogs in China, however, information about

infection in pet dogs in Anhui, China is not available.

The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to detect antibodies in sera samples from 468 pet dogs at Anhui Province in China from November 2013 to April 2017.

18.6% animals were

seropositive, indicating a slightly higher prevalence of

infection in pet dogs in Anhui, China in comparison with other provinces in China.

Our present study provided epidemiological data on

seroprevalence in pet dogs in Anhui, China for the effective prevention and control of the parasite prevalence in this area.

Our present study provided epidemiological data on T. gondii seroprevalence in pet dogs in Anhui, China for the effective prevention and control of the parasite prevalence in this area.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections constitute a public health problem in the rural areas of tropical and subtropical regions, including Thailand. We aimed to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections and underlying risk factors among the schoolchildren living in the rural areas of southern Thailand.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between Sep and Nov 2018 in the district of Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. A total of 192 children, aged 6-12 yr were enrolled. Each child provided a single stool sample that was subjected to a suite of microscopic diagnoses for soil-transmitted helminth. A questionnaire was administered to determine risk factors of the infections. Logistic regression models were applied to investigate associations.

The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections was 3.13%;

2.08%; hookworm 1.04% and

0.52%. Children who cutting fingernails short can prevent soil-transmitted helminth infections highly up to 90% (crude OR = 0.1; 95% confidence interval = 0 - 0.8;

= 0.020).

The finding of the study shows a sharp decrease in the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth among schoolchildren in the southern Thailand in the past two decades with prevalence dropping below 5% for soil-transmitted helminth. However, the prevalence of

remained stable over time. These results suggest that the culture method should be used to access strongyloidiasis situation in the older age group who greater contact with soil for agriculturists.

The finding of the study shows a sharp decrease in the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth among schoolchildren in the southern Thailand in the past two decades with prevalence dropping below 5% for soil-transmitted helminth. However, the prevalence of S. stercoralis remained stable over time. These results suggest that the culture method should be used to access strongyloidiasis situation in the older age group who greater contact with soil for agriculturists.

Toxocariasis is a disease caused by

nematodes and occurs from consuming their eggs. The main hosts of these worms are dogs and cats. The disease in humans becomes a visceral larva migrans (VLM). This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxocariasis in children aged 6-14 years.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from Jun 1 2016 to Dec 1 2017 in Sanandaj, west of Iran. A total of 182 serum samples were collected from children age 6 to14 yr referred to medical diagnostic laboratories. Demographic data (age, sex, and parents' literacy status), clinical signs (cough, headache, fever, abdominal pain), and the history of contact with dogs and cats was collected by a questionnaire. The presence of anti-

IgG antibody was detected by

IgG ELISA (IBL, Germany) kit.

Of 182 subjects, 97 (53.3%) were male and 85 (46.7%) female. The average age was 9.2 years. Antibodies against

were positive in three cases (1.65%) of all the studied subjects.

The results showed a low prevalence of toxocariasis in children studied.

The results showed a low prevalence of toxocariasis in children studied.

This epidemiological study aimed to investigate the prevalence of parasitic infections in BuMusa Island, Iran, in one year from 2015 to 2016.

The current cross-sectional study was conducted in coordination with the health authorities of BuMusa on 732 intestinal samples and 1207 blood samples randomly collected from the island residents. Cutaneous lesions of 1207 people were clinically examined and those suspected of parasitic infections were enrolled. Also, 165 intestinal samples from domestic animals, 35 samples from water tanks, and 330 soil samples were taken to the laboratory to be investigated in terms of parasitic infections.

The obtained results showed 26.4% and 45.5% intestinal parasitic infections in humans and animals, respectively. The most prevalent infections in humans were

(8.6%), followed by

(8.2%), and

(6.8%); and the least prevalent infection was

(<0.2%). Malaria agents and

were not observed in blood samples. Investigation of animal feces showed that the highest parasitic infection was

(16.4%), while the lowest prevalence belonged to

(0.6%).

eggs and

were detected in one sub-source of water tanks.

larva, a free-living nematode, was observed in a soil sample.

The prevalence of parasitic infections in BuMusa Island was relatively low probably due to its hot and dry climate.

The prevalence of parasitic infections in BuMusa Island was relatively low probably due to its hot and dry climate.

Fascioliasis is a neglected zoonotic disease, caused by

species in human and livestock. We aimed to detect the seroprevalence of human fascioliasis Gorgan City, Golestan Province, northern Iran using ELISA method in 2017.

Overall, 612 serum samples were analyzed. A relevant questionnaire for demographic data was obtained for all cases. An indirect ELISA test was used to detect IgG antibodies against

in the sera. The data analysis was performed employing SPSS program version 21.

Eleven cases (1.79%) were seropositive for fascioliasis. The seroprevalence of fascioliasis was 1.9% and 1.1% among males and females, respectively. There was no statistically significant association between the fascioliasis and analyzed variables such as sex, age, residence, job, education, etc.

This study was conducted only on the people referring to the Reference Laboratory of Gorgan. It cannot be distributed to the whole city. Thus, due to importance of the disease, finding the seroprevalence of fascioliasis in a comprehensive survey in Golestan Province should be accounted in further studies.

This study was conducted only on the people referring to the Reference Laboratory of Gorgan. It cannot be distributed to the whole city. Thus, due to importance of the disease, finding the seroprevalence of fascioliasis in a comprehensive survey in Golestan Province should be accounted in further studies.

Application of chemotherapy to treatment of parasitic disease of man and animals can be problematic due to different adverse effects. As a result, there is an increasing interest in nanoparticles as new therapeutic tools against these diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of selenium and copper oxide nanoparticles on

cysts in vitro, as well as comparing it to that of metronidazole.

The cysts were taken from the stools of patients in Urmia, Iran, during 2017-2018. The cysts were taken from stool and were concentrated and isolated on 0.85 M-sucrose. Then, selenium and copper oxide nanoparticles were prepared at concentrations of 0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/ml. The effect of nanoparticle's various concentrations at 10, 15, 30, 60, and 180 min were evaluated and compared to control groups. Obtained data was recorded and statistically analyzed.

Copper oxide nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.6 mg/ml and selenium nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml had the same effect as of metronidazole in killing of

cysts. The cytotoxic effects of selenium and copper oxide nanoparticles, compared with metronidazole, on

cysts, showed an increase of fatality rate due to extend exposure time and nanoparticle's concentration (

<0.05).

Selenium and copper oxide nanoparticles are as efficient as metronidazole, for killing

cysts in vitro.

Selenium and copper oxide nanoparticles are as efficient as metronidazole, for killing Giardia cysts in vitro.

Among the human parasitic diseases, malaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality. To prevent the high mortality and tracking malaria elimination efforts, a prompt and sensitive diagnosis is essential. This study aimed to compare High-Resolution Melting (HRM) and microscopic methods to diagnose

and

.

Eighty-one blood samples were collected from patients with clinical symptoms who were suspect to malaria in Chabahar district, southeastern Iran and also, from those who were referred to Malaria National Laboratory in the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Microscopic examination and HRM method were used to the diagnosis of

parasites simultaneously.

Microscopic results revealed 45 positive cases (12

and 33

) out of 81 collected samples while according to HRM analysis results 11 and 33 samples were identified as

and

, respectively. HRM analysis also revealed 1 mixed infection of

and



HRM analysis provides a promising mean for simultaneous detection and discrimination of the

spp. especially in mixed infection cases.

HRM analysis provides a promising mean for simultaneous detection and discrimination of the Plasmodium spp. especially in mixed infection cases.

Free-living amoeba (FLA) are widely distributed in different environmental sources. The most genera of the amoeba are

,

and

The most common consequences of the infections in immune-deficient and immuno-competent persons are amoebic encephalitis and keratitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of

spp. and

spp., isolated from the main agricultural water canal in Qazvin.

Totally, 120 water specimens were collected and later the specimens were cultured and cloned to identify positive samples. PCR amplification and sequencing were carried out to identify the isolated species as well as the genotypes of amoeba.

According to morphological surveys, 41.7% (50/120) of water specimens were positive for FLA. Molecular analysis revealed that 68.6% and 31.4% of

specimens were identified as T3 and T4 genotypes, respectively. Also, two species of

named as

(57.1%) and

sp. (42.8%) were identified. The results of pathogenicity assays demonstrated that 38.5% of T3 and 61.5% of T4 genotypes of

were highly pathogenic parasites.

The water flowing in the agricultural canal of the area is contaminated with potential pathogenic FLA, therefore, it is recommended that more attention to be paid towards proper treatment of water sources to prevent possible risk of the disease.

The water flowing in the agricultural canal of the area is contaminated with potential pathogenic FLA, therefore, it is recommended that more attention to be paid towards proper treatment of water sources to prevent possible risk of the disease.

Visceral leishmaniasis is the most severe form of leishmaniasis caused by

(

)

complex. Drug-resistant strains have been developed as a consequence of the current chemotherapeutic interventions, which has increased the need for advanced preventive and therapeutic strategies. A2-CPA-CPB

-recombinant strain of

, which is non-pathogenic to humans, was shown protective in live vaccine as well as its DNA vaccine counterpart in both murine and canine models.

We evaluated the effectiveness of these DNA and live vaccination harboring A2-CPA-CPB

in protecting hamsters against

infection using prime-boost regimens, namely DNA/DNA and Live/Live (n=9 hamsters per group). Cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (cSLN) were utilized as an adjuvant for DNA priming and electroporation for boosting DNA. At different time points post-challenge, parasite burden and body weight as well as humoral immune responses were measured.

Both immunization strategies partially protect hamsters against

challenge. This protective immunity is associated with remarkable decrease in parasite load in liver and spleen of vaccinated hamsters eight weeks after challenge compared to control group.

Both test groups (DNA/DNA and Live/Live) elicited high levels of IgG2 and total IgG as humoral immune responses and lower level of parasite propagation in both liver and spleen.

Both test groups (DNA/DNA and Live/Live) elicited high levels of IgG2 and total IgG as humoral immune responses and lower level of parasite propagation in both liver and spleen.

We aimed to detect

in ovine aborted fetuses and evaluate its genetic variations in the southwest of Iran.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 aborted ovine fetuses collected from the different region of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Iran, in lambing season during 2017 and 2018. DNA was extracted from the brain samples of all of the aborted fetuses and PCR amplified, targeting a 529 bp repetitive element gene of

. Moreover, to find out the heterogeneity of the positive samples, PCR-DNA amplification of the two main genetic markers, B1 and GRA6, of

were performed. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed, using the BLAST program and MEGA-X software.

The 529 bp gene of

was detected in 2 out of 100 (2%) of the ovine aborted samples. The sequences analysis of GRA6 and B1 genes revealed that both isolates from the aborted fetuses of sheep belonged to type I of

Intra-divergence was more seen in GRA6 gene whereas less divergence was observed in B1 gene.

Congenital infection with Type I of

during the neonatal period is associated with abortion in ovine. Evaluation of more aborted samples from broader geographical areas is needed to elucidate the molecular epidemiology and also the genotypes of

associated with abortion.

Congenital infection with Type I of T. gondii during the neonatal period is associated with abortion in ovine. Evaluation of more aborted samples from broader geographical areas is needed to elucidate the molecular epidemiology and also the genotypes of T. gondii associated with abortion.

A supramolecular complex of praziquantel (PZQ) with disodium salt of glycyrrhizic acid (Na

GA) was obtained by mechanochemical technology to increase solubility, absorption rate and hence bioavailability of the drug and reduction its therapeutic doses. The aim of our study was evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy of supramolecular complex of PZQ.

Different samples of PZQ with Na

GA were obtained by mechanochemical processing and examined for some physico-chemical properties. The anthelmintic activity of the most perspective samples was studied on the laboratory model of

infection of mice and

infection of sheep by the results of helminthological necropsy of the small intestines (the controlled test).

A high efficacy (> 98%) of supramolecular complex of PZQ with Na

GA (1/10) was shown at doses of 3; 2 and 1 mg/kg of body weight at single oral administration against

in mice and

in sheep. While the basic PZQ had 27.19% and 36.64% efficacy respectively at the dose of 1 mg/kg. The PZQNa

GA 1/10 physical mixture (without mechanochemical processing) revealed no anthelmintic efficacy.

Joint mechanochemical treatment the PZQ substance and Na

GA led to increased solubility, reduction of particle sizes, amorphization of substance, incorporating it with micelles of glycyrrhizic acid and high anthelmintic efficacy in reduced dose. The supramolecular complex of praziquantel was found to be a perspective anthelminthic with enhanced pharmacological activity that needs further research.

Joint mechanochemical treatment the PZQ substance and Na2GA led to increased solubility, reduction of particle sizes, amorphization of substance, incorporating it with micelles of glycyrrhizic acid and high anthelmintic efficacy in reduced dose. The supramolecular complex of praziquantel was found to be a perspective anthelminthic with enhanced pharmacological activity that needs further research.

The Totiviridae family includes a number of double-stranded RNA viruses that can infect

. Some

isolates are infected with one or more double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses. In this study, different strains of double-stranded RNA virus in Iranian isolates of

were evaluated for the first time in Iran.

Vaginal swabs were collected from 1550 participants who were referred to hospitals associated with Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from June to November 2018.

isolates were cultured in Diamond's modified medium. After the extraction of nucleic acids using a DNA/RNA extraction kit, RT-PCR was performed and PCR products were purified and sequenced.

In general 9 (0.6%) isolates were confirmed as

among 1550 collected vaginal samples. Among 9 isolates of

, three of them were infected with TVV1. One isolate has multiple infections with

virus (TVV1, TVV2 and TVV3) as coinfection. The nucleotide BLAST indicated that the

virus 1(TVV1) isolates were most closely related to TVV1-OC5, TVV1-UR1-1.The

virus 2 (TVV2) sequence had also a similarity with TVV2-UR1-1, TVV2-UR1 and TVV2-OC3. The sequence of

virus 3(TVV3) had similarity with TVV3-OC5, TVV3-UR1-1 and TVV3-UR1.

Three dsRNA viruses

virus (TVV1, TVV2 and TVV3) were detected using RT-PCR in

Iranian isolates. The coinfection of TVV1, TVV2 and TVV3 in one isolate of

was observed for the first time in Iran.

Three dsRNA viruses T. vaginalis virus (TVV1, TVV2 and TVV3) were detected using RT-PCR in T. vaginalis Iranian isolates. The coinfection of TVV1, TVV2 and TVV3 in one isolate of T.vaginalis was observed for the first time in Iran.

In this study, the effect of total lysate antigen (TLA) of

on spleen lymphocyte prolifration, secretion of IL5, INF-γ, and mice survival time was evaluated using agonist of toll-like receptor (TLR) 11, as an adjuvant.

This study was done in the Department of Parasitology and Mycology of Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran in 2018. First, different groups of BALB/c mice were immunized with TLA alone and also TLA + TLR11 agonist. Subsequently, factors such as spleen lymphocyte prolifration, IL-5, and INF-γ secretion and mice survival time in different groups were compared.

Mice immunized with TLA + adjuvant showed higher immunization index than the two other groups and combination of TLR11 (as an adjuvant) and TLA significantly elevated the effect of TLA by increasing the production of INF-γ and IL-5 and by the shift of the immune system to Th1. In addition, the combination of TLA and TLR11 adjuvant increased the proliferation of lymphocytes and survival time in mice against



Profilin (as an adjuvant) in combination with TLA could be a potent vaccine candidate that evokes a powerful specific immune response and significantly improves the efficacy of TLA vaccine by increasing the induction of INF-γ production and by shifting the immune responses to Th1 profile through increasing the INF-γ/IL-5 ratio. It causes significant protection against

after i.p. injection.

Profilin (as an adjuvant) in combination with TLA could be a potent vaccine candidate that evokes a powerful specific immune response and significantly improves the efficacy of TLA vaccine by increasing the induction of INF-γ production and by shifting the immune responses to Th1 profile through increasing the INF-γ/IL-5 ratio. It causes significant protection against T. gondii after i.p. injection.

Strongyloidiasis is a public health concern in northern regions of Iran, caused by

. Auto-infection cycle can be resulted in high parasitic load, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Because of low sensitivity of stool culture and stool-based microscopy techniques, detection of antibodies in patient's sera can be an alternative diagnostic technique for detection of the nematode. In the present study, as the first step of the development of an ELISA kit for the detection of antibodies against the nematode, IgG4 immunoreactive protein (NIE) was expressed in

expression system, purified and verified.

The

gene sequence was retrieved from the GenBank. This sequence was codon-optimized for the expression in

BL21 (DE3). The sequence was inserted into the expression vector pET-30b (+). The recombinant vector was then transferred into competent

BL21 (DE3). Transformed colonies were selected and verified by colony PCR.

gene expression was induced with IPTG induction. The protein production was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and verified using Western blotting.

The codon-optimized

gene had required parameters for expression in

. NIE protein was proved and verified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.

recombinant protein was successfully expressed in

expression system in appropriate amounts. The recombinant protein can be used for developing ELISA kit in diagnosis of



NIE recombinant protein was successfully expressed in E. coli expression system in appropriate amounts. The recombinant protein can be used for developing ELISA kit in diagnosis of S. stercoralis.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is an emerging uncontrollable and neglected infectious disease worldwide including Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of apoptosis-related miRNA and its target gene in macrophages.

This study was carried out in the Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from January 2016 to November 2018. Applying literature reviews, bioinformatics software, and microarray expression analysis, we selected miRNA-24-3p interfering in apoptosis pathway. The expression profile of this miRNA and target gene were investigated in

(MRHO/IR/75/ER)-infected primary and RAW 264.7 macrophages (IBRC-C10072) compared with non-infected macrophages (control group) using quantitative Real-time PCR.

Results of bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-24-3p as anti-apoptotic miRNA inhibits pro-apoptotic genes (Caspases 3 and 7). Microarray expression data presented in Gene Expression nd new insights concerning the gene expression in macrophages during leishmaniasis and will help to development of novel strategies for control and treatment of CL.

We aimed to detect and characterize vector-borne parasites of

and

in dog and ticks by PCR assay. Canine babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease caused by different

species. As the infection has not been reported in Shahriar region Tehran, Iran, molecular techniques allowed us to identify tick-borne parasites in asymptomatic dogs.

The number of 40 dog peripheral blood samples and 27 skin attached ticks were analyzed by molecular PCR assay. The specific primers were used for detecting

and

.

was detected in 10 dog blood samples (25%). Additionally,

infection was identified in 13 dog blood samples (32.5%) and 18 isolated tick DNAs (66.7%). The results of PCR were confirmed by 18S rRNA and Tams1 gene sequence analyzing and have been registered in GenBank under following accession numbers for

(MH793502) and

(MK105284).

The verification of

infection in free-ranging dogs and ticks shows dogs might be considered as important natural carriers/reservoirs for

in enzootic region for bovine theileriosis. The obtained data may be useful for veterinary practitioners and dog owners to aware of

infection in dog and tick to establish the effective preventive measures.

B. c. vogeli was detected in 10 dog blood samples (25%). Additionally, T. annulata infection was identified in 13 dog blood samples (32.5%) and 18 isolated tick DNAs (66.7%). The results of PCR were confirmed by 18S rRNA and Tams1 gene sequence analyzing and have been registered in GenBank under following accession numbers for B. c. vogeli (MH793502) and T. annulata (MK105284). Conclusion The verification of T. annulata infection in free-ranging dogs and ticks shows dogs might be considered as important natural carriers/reservoirs for T. annulata in enzootic region for bovine theileriosis. The obtained data may be useful for veterinary practitioners and dog owners to aware of Babesia and Theileria infection in dog and tick to establish the effective preventive measures.

The environmental contamination with

eggs increases the risk of dissemination and transmission of the parasite in dogs and paratenic hosts such as humans. We aimed to evaluate different disinfectants to compare their effect on

eggs.

For its realization, 850 embryonated eggs were obtained, which were suspended in a solution of 5% formaldehyde and distilled water in Eppendorf tubes. In the tubes containing the 850 embryonated eggs, researchers was added 0.5 mL of each solution (enzymatic solution, sodium hypochlorite, iodopovidone, quaternary of ammonium, benzalkonium chloride, and super oxidation solution). After mixing, an aliquot was taken, observed under the microscope, and the number of broken eggs counted at different times to find the most effective ovicidal moment.

The enzymatic disinfectant present a significant difference (

= 0.05) with 276.06 broken eggs followed by ammonium with 105.20 broken eggs. After 10 min, the ammonium solution was the one that showed a significant difference of 50.50 hatched eggs, followed by the enzymatic 26.80 and hypochlorite 25.00 treatments. After 20 min, the enzymatic solution treatment showed a significant difference with the other solutions showing an increase of 98.80 broken eggs. In the 30 and 40-min times, only the enzymatic treatment showed a significant difference of 334.10 and 381.70 of broken eggs respectively.

The enzymatic solution has the greatest ovicidal effect against the eggs of

to present a greater number of broken eggs in a given time between 20 and 40 minutes.

The enzymatic solution has the greatest ovicidal effect against the eggs of T. canis to present a greater number of broken eggs in a given time between 20 and 40 minutes.

Clinically, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) can be confused with granulomatous diseases and skin cancers, and it may lead to erroneous diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis based and histopathology can have some difficulties due to low number of parasites, especially in chronic CL cases. We aimed to emphasize the necessity of considering CL in the differential diagnosis for cases of granulomatous diseases and basal cell carcinoma, particularly in areas where CL is endemic.

One hundred and seven paraffin-embedded tissue biopsy specimens were selected from the archive, as of 2002, of Pathology Department, School of Medicine, University of Hatay Mustafa Kemal in Hatay, Turkey. After DNA isolation, performed with the samples were used for PCR analysis with specific 13A, 13B primers targeting kinetoplastid DNA (kDNA) found in all

species. Another PCR was performed with LITSR and L5.8S primers targeting ITS-1 internal-transcribed-spacer-1 (ITS-1) region to subtype positive samples. Then these samples were further analyzed for subtyping with PCR-RFLP using HaeIII enzyme (BsuRI).

Ten out of 107 tissue specimens were positive via kDNA-PCR. Lupus vulgaris, sarcoidosis, skin lymphoma and

cutis appeared in 9 out of 10 positive specimens. One of the cases presented with a mass on the cheek and was pre-diagnosed with hemangioma, but leishmaniasis did not appear. All of 10 specimens were diagnosed as granulomatous dermatitis. Two out of 10 samples, found positive with kDNA-PCR, were analyzed with ITS-1-PCR and identified as

after RFLP.

Molecular methods should be utilized in the differential diagnosis of CL to eliminate false diagnoses of granulomatous diseases and skin cancers.

Molecular methods should be utilized in the differential diagnosis of CL to eliminate false diagnoses of granulomatous diseases and skin cancers.

(

) causes an important parasitic infection known as toxoplasmosis, which is a globally distributed important zoonosis. One of the major serious characteristics of

is its ability to manipulate the behavior of intermediate hosts. We performed a cross-sectional study to determine toxoplasmosis in schizophrenic patients, as one of the major neuropsychiatric disorders, using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technic by targeting parasite B1 gene.

Blood samples were taken from 118 schizophrenic patients hospitalized in tow hospitals including Baharan, Clinic of Psychiatric Ali-ibn-Abi-Talib Hospital (in Zahedan City), and Amir-al Momenin Psychiatric Hospital (in Zabol City), Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeast Iran in 2016. They were analyzed using LAMP, and compared with the previous data of nested-PCR and serology.

Out of the 118 schizophrenic individuals, 56 patients (47.4%) were found to be infected with

. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was confirmed in 41 patients (34.7%) via the nested-PCR. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in schizophrenic patients was 55.9% (66/118).

We found a high efficiency of LAMP method in identifying toxoplasmosis and its high prevalence among schizophrenic patients. Our findings could provide viable offer implications for the prevention of schizophrenia.

We found a high efficiency of LAMP method in identifying toxoplasmosis and its high prevalence among schizophrenic patients. Our findings could provide viable offer implications for the prevention of schizophrenia.

Human echinococcosis is a neglected zoonotic disease distributed worldwide. It comprises cystic and alveolar forms, the former being the more prevalent disease. Imaging techniques are the first choice for diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis and serology is used as an additional diagnostic technique in doubtful cases or as the sole test in low-resource settings. Rapid diagnostic tests are useful and convenient for immunodiagnosis of cystic echinococcosis in endemic areas, where medical facilities often struggle with limited resources.

Recently, we have developed Hyd Rapid™, an IgG4 lateral flow dipstick test using recombinant antigen B1 for detection of cystic echinococcosis. This study was performed between 2016 until 2018 at the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The diagnostic performance of Hyd Rapid™ was tested in-house and at two international laboratories in Switzerland and Iran.

The overall diagnostic sensitivity for detection of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis was 95% (56/59). Meanwhile, the diagnostic specificity, with and without exclusion of cysticercosis and fascioliasis, was 100% (n=48) and 88% (63/72), respectively.

Hyd Rapid™ detected cystic echinococcosis as well as probable cases of alveolar echinococcosis. Therefore, Hyd Rapid™ showed good potential as a serological tool for echinococcosis, and merits further evaluation.

Hyd Rapid™ detected cystic echinococcosis as well as probable cases of alveolar echinococcosis. Therefore, Hyd Rapid™ showed good potential as a serological tool for echinococcosis, and merits further evaluation.

Antimicrobial resistance among community-acquired uropathogens is an emerging concern over the past decades that warrants a continuing reevaluation of the appropriateness of recommended empiric antimicrobial regimens for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

To describe the microbial spectrum and resistance profile of community-acquired uropathogens and predictors of isolation of resistant strains.

Between October 2017 and June 2019, individuals who visited the outpatient clinics for diagnosis of UTIs or screening of asymptomatic bacteriuria were included in the study if they were tested for urine culture in one of the three main medical diagnostic laboratories of Mashhad, Iran. The standard disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing was used, with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) threshold cutoffs for susceptibility of isolated uropathogens.

Three hundred thirty cases were included with a median age of 47 years. Two hundred seventy-six (83.6%) were female. The mlarly in those who had exposure to antibiotics in the past 3 months and the elderly.

To determine the prevalence of bullying, its forms, and its effect on academic abilities and school attendance, as well as associated sociodemographic, physical, and dentofacial features among Saudi schoolchildren.

This cross-sectional study recruited a sample of 1131 parents of schoolchildren 8-18 years old and requested them to complete internationally accepted questionnaires for their children. Chi-squared test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data (

< 0.05).

A majority (89.2%) of schoolchildren were bully victims. Physical bullying (48.9%) was the most common form of bullying. The youngest schoolchildren (8-11 years) and those who disliked school classes or neither liked nor hated them, as well as those who were truant from school, were more likely to be victims. In addition, those who had worse grades because of bullying and those who were very often bullied because of good grades or because they showed an interest in school were more likely to be victims. With regard ore studies are required in Saudi Arabia to explore the issue further among schoolchildren themselves.In recent years, various studies have followed in the literature on the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) on damage in retinal cells. The evidence that MSCs exert their regenerative and damage reduction effect in a paracrine way, through the release of soluble factors and exosomes, is now consolidated. Exosomes are microvesicles formed by a double layer of phospholipid membrane and carry proteins and RNA, through which they play a therapeutic role on target cells. Scientific research has recently focused on the use of exosomes derived from MSC in various models of retinal damage in vitro and in vivo as they, compared to MSCs, have similar functions and at the same time have different advantages such as greater stability and handling, a lower chance of immunological rejection and no risk of malignant transformation. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the therapeutic use of exosomes derived from MSCs in retinal damage and to stimulate new clinical perspectives regarding their use.Understanding the regulation mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can assist in tissue regeneration. The histone demethylase (KDM) family has a crucial role in differentiation and cell proliferation of MSCs, while the function of KDM3B in MSCs is not well understood. In this study, we used the stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) to test whether KDM3B could regulate the function of MSCs. By an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Alizarin red staining, real-time RT-PCR, and western blot analysis, we found that KDM3B enhanced the ALP activity and mineralization of SCAPs and promoted the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osterix (OSX), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and osteocalcin (OCN). Additionally, the CFSE, CCK-8, and flow cytometry assays revealed that KDM3B improved cell proliferation by accelerating cell cycle transition from the G1 to S phase. Scratch and transwell migration assays displayed that KDM3B promoted the migration potential of SCAPs. Mechanically, microarray results displayed that 98 genes were upregulated, including STAT1, CCND1, and FGF5, and 48 genes were downregulated after KDM3B overexpression. Besides, we found that the Toll-like receptor and JAK-STAT signaling pathway may be involved in the regulating function of KDM3B in SCAPs. In brief, we discovered that KDM3B promoted the osteo-/odontogenic differentiation, cell proliferation, and migration potential of SCAPs and provided a novel target and theoretical basis for regenerative medicine.Spondylocostal dysplasia (SCD) is a rare costovertebral malformation characterised by short-trunk short stature. It is a recessively inherited disorder, and commonly identified disease-causing mutations are in DLL3 gene. The reported prevalence is 1  200,000 worldwide, and none was reported from Sri Lanka. We report a 7-year-old Sri Lankan girl with spondylocostal dysplasia presenting with short stature and scoliosis. Disproportionate short stature was noted with short upper segment and small thoracic cavity. Skeletal survey revealed fused vertebra involving T5-T6, T9-T10, and L3-L4. Butterfly vertebrae were noted in T2, T4, T6, and T9. Diagnosis of SCD was made based on classic radiological features including vertebral fusion and rib abnormalities. Spirometry was performed due to small thoracic cavity which showed results compatible with moderate to severe restrictive lung disease. The child did not report respiratory difficulties or recurrent chest infections up to the presentation. She was referred to an orthopaedic team which recommended conservative management with close follow-up. In conclusion, spondylocostal dysplasia should be considered in short-trunk short stature with rib abnormalities in the absence of limb shortening. Appropriate treatment and follow-up for restrictive lung disease would determine the long-term outcome.Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma (PAIS) is a rare tumor without clear syndromic presentation other than nonspecific symptoms of cough, dyspnea, and weight loss. This diagnosis is difficult due to challenging radiographic interpretations of multiple imaging modalities. We present a case of a 60-year-old male, who presented to his pulmonologist and underwent a CT chest with IV contrast that initially suggested primary lung carcinoma. CT angiogram showed significant vascular filling defects suspicious of an intravascular mass, rather than vascular invasion by lung lesions. The PET/CT scans further suggested a malignant process, but indistinguishable between an extravascular or intravascular etiology. Taking these results together, they suggested an intravascular malignancy, prompting a tissue biopsy, which ultimately led to a diagnosis of PAIS with metastases. Establishing a definitive diagnosis is essential as treatment and prognosis are different for sarcoma compared to carcinoma. There is no standard treatment to date, and management often includes a multidisciplinary approach involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.