Genome sequence analysis of infectious agents (IAs) reveals many secrets about their life processes and evolutionary history. Increasing the huge amount of genomic sequence data of various IAs in different biological sequence databases, which are being produced through different sequencing projects, is continuously motivating the genome researchers to unlock the mysteries related to the life of IAs. Furthermore, that information may be helpful for treating the serious illness problem caused by IAs. However, all the genome analysis work requires a good knowledge of bioinformatics tools that may be useful for genome researchers to extract the meaningful and accurate information from the genome sequence data of IAs. In this article, the most recent bioinformatics tools for the genomic and evolutionary analysis of infectious agents have been discussed and compared in detail which will help the genome researchers to select the most appropriate tool for genomic and evolutionary analysis of IAs.

Nutrition and infectious diseases are related to each other in some aspects. First, nutrition affects the development of human body immune system. Moreover, nutrition can influence emerge of infectious diseases (e.g., gastrointestinal infections), food poisoning, intestinal diseases, and systemic infectious diseases. In this review, the mentioned aspects of the relationship between nutrition and infections are discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between malnutrition and infectious diseases, nutrition in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency and relationship between overeating and infection are reviewed. Overall, some factors can weaken the body's ability to fight infection and cause malnutrition. The factors include anorexia, traditional behaviors, reduction of intestinal absorption, metabolic damage, disorder metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, reduction of vitamins, iron, zinc, and copper. In the case of the relationship between malnutrition and infection, a large number of studies have illustrated a bidirectional interaction of malnutrition and infection. In this aspect, to treat serious acute malnutrition and limit the rate of death, some preventive studies applied antibiotics, probiotic bacteria, and prebiotic foods. In the future, studies may be conducted on intestinal or systematic immunomodulation.

In this review article, inhalational anesthetics agents and their pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics and effects on the central nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems are discussed. There is a wide spectrum of inhalational anesthetic agents with different characteristics. As some examples, in this study, recovery times of sevoflurane and halothane are reviewed. Overall, gas drugs have extensive usage in Intensive Care Unit. For example, a combination of oxygen and helium may be utilized in patients with obstructive airway disorders, endotracheal tubes, acute lung damage, diphtheria, respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, bronchiolitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Xenon would be effective in reducing memories after traumatic events.

Background: The present study was planned to study the role of Mg in preeclampsia and its correlation with dietary intake of proteins and calories by analyzing serum Mg at 20 weeks, delivery, and cord blood Mg levels. Methods: The study was conducted in 102 pregnant women aged 17–36 years attending the outpatient department (OPD) before 20 weeks of gestation. The study samples were drawn twice: once before 20 weeks during visit in the OPD and second within 1 h of childbirth. Serum was analyzed for Mg levels using spectrophotometric method. Furthermore, thyroid-stimulating hormone and glucose challenge test were done as per the standard methods. Results: In normal pregnant women, the mean serum Mg level at <20 weeks of gestation was 2.03 ± 0.34 mg/dl, at term was 1.93 ± 0.41 mg/dl, and in cord blood was 1.84 ± 0.35 mg/dl. Conclusion: The study data support the hypothesis that Mg deficiency might be the causative factor in the development of preeclampsia.

Background: Revolutionary biological sciences such as biotechnology is taking over the million-dollar industries due to their imminent applications as well as their importance in the well-being of living organisms. However, its scope remains a question for students when they opt for their career after passing out from their respective department. The objective of this study is to determine the factors involved in electing this field, their career preferences, attitude and knowledge regarding biotechnology profession among University students. Methods: The study was conducted in University of Peshawar, Pakistan through a prevalidated questionnaire which was given to the students enrolled in biotechnology department. The sample of 200 students was randomly selected. Their responses were collected, organized in excel sheets and then analyzed through SPSS 17.0. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 168 students filled the questionnaire; therefore, the response rate was 84%. A total of 110 (65.5%) students out of 168 respondents were not aware of the scope of biotechnology before getting admission in biotechnology program. Moderate number of students (62 [36.9%]) paid heed to research, while (16 [9.5%]) were either uninterested or uncertain about their options. Conclusion: Nearly all respondents (74 [44%]) were willing to pursue careers in biotechnology after their graduation and Personal Interest was the notable factor (76%) involved in the selection succeeded by status and income respectively.

Background: Mycobacterium farcinogenes and Mycobacterium senegalense are the causes of the bovine farcy, a chronic granulomatous disease of the skin of zebu cattle. The zoonotic potential of these bacteria is unclear. The high contamination rate of these bacteria (as species of nontuberculous mycobacteria) has been reported in environmental samples. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these bacteria in the water and soil environment in four suburbs of Tehran, Iran. Methods: A total of 4014 soil and water samples were collected from four areas of Tehran including Robat Karim, Firuzkuh, Shahr-e-Ray, and Varamin. In each city, at least one sample was collected per 100² m. The sediment samples were cultured on the Lowenstein–Jensen medium. Twice a week was observed to study the growth of colony, morphology, and pigmentation. Colonies were studied using phenotypic tests. Molecular analysis was also carried out on colonies. Results: Among samples, the number of collected water samples was 48.48% (1946/4014), and the number of soil samples was 51.51% (2068/4014). Results of cultures from collected samples showed that 21.47% (862/4014) of them were positive. Among the studied areas, Rabat Karim has been identified as the most polluted region (169/480; 35%). The abundance of M. farcinogenes has been dominant in Ray. The least infection has been reported in Varamin. Conclusion: The results showed that the prevalence of these two strains was very high in water and soil. Due to these two strains are the main and effective factors of bovine farcy in zebu cattle (the most farmed cows in Iran), surveillance of the zoning potential of this disease is very important.

Background: Despite control program for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs, MTB continues to be a major threat to global health; furthermore, it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The distribution of TB in Kosovo has the highest rate in Europe. This study was designed to assess the performance of single-sputum GeneXpert MTB/ rifampicin (RIF) assay against the Ziehl-Neelsen smear, solid culture in diagnosing suspected pulmonary cases, and RIF resistance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine various diagnostic methods between 2014 and 2016 in the Department of Microbiology, the National Institute of Public Health, Kosovo, and the Lung Clinic. The present study compares diagnostic methods of MTBC and RIF resistance using Xpert MTB/RIF test in 813 samples from 760 patients suspected of TB by conventional smear microscopy and culture method. Results: Three hundred and ninety-six patients (52.1%) were male and the mean age was 48.6 ± 18.1 years. A total of 261 patients (32.6%) had underlying lung diseases. Of the 801 specimens investigated, 165 (20.5%) were MTBC-positive by culture, while 199 (28.3%) were positive by Xpert assay. Among the examined specimens, Two specimens with false negatives were shown in the Xpert method. Compared with culture, the Xpert assay achieved 82.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65.5%–93.2%) sensitivity and 97.6% (95% CI: 91.5%–99.7%) specificity. GeneXpert could detect 11.7% and 50% additional positive cases as compared to Lowenstein–Jensen culture and smear microscopy, respectively. Three cases with resistance to RIF were detected from clinical isolates. Conclusions: According to the results obtained in this study, GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay can be used as a useful tool for rapid and efficient diagnosis of TB.

Background: A few studies have evaluated the predictive value of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 32 HNSCC patients, undergoing PET/CT after completion of planned treatment. The PET/CT volumetric parameters measured separately for primary tumor site and nodal or distant metastases. The primary outcome measure of the study was overall survival. Results: There was significant difference between alive and dead patients regarding some of volumetric parameters. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated association between metabolic tumor burdens with survival outcome. There was also significant difference in time to survival between patients with metastatic metabolic tumor burden and metastatic total lesion glycolysis (TLG) above and below 50^th percentile. Conclusion: PET/CT volumetric parameters including metabolic tumor burden and TLG are significant prognostic markers for overall survival of patients with primary HNSCC after treatment.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoantibodies-mediated disease affecting 0.5%–1% of the population worldwide. The present study was designed to investigate variations of protein profiles and hematological parameters of patients in Yaounde Central Hospital. Methods: The study was conducted from January to November 2017. RA cases were recruited based on the identification of established diagnosis from registers of patients of participating rheumatologists. Healthy volunteers visiting the hospital were also included as a control population. All participants were aged 15 years and above. Whole blood collected from each participant was assayed for hematological parameters. In addition, serum from each participant was assayed for the level of C-reactive proteins (CRPs) using a plate agglutination technique whereas plasma was used for protein profile through a conventional electrophoretic migration of proteins on cellulose acetate gel. Results: Overall, 22 RA patients and 10 controls were recruited and consisted, respectively, in 5 males and 17 females and 2 males and 8 females. Our study revealed that 59.09% (13/22) of patients presented high levels of CRP compared to 10% in the control group. The mean value of red blood cells was 4.38 × 106/μl and 4.698 × 106/μl, respectively, in the RA and the control groups. The mean hemoglobin value was significantly reduced in the RA group (11.07 mg/dl vs. 12.73 mg/dl, P = 0.0192), thus revealing anemia in patients. Nearly 54.5% of patients presented hypoalbuminemia compared to 20% in the control group (P = 0, 1241). A deficiency of α1-globulin was observed in 54.5% of patients while that of control group was 30%. Furthermore, 72% of the patient presented hypergammaglobulinemia compared to 30% in the control group (P = 0.0494). Conclusion: This study revealed that RA patients present a normochromic and normocytic anemia, a decreased albumin and alpha 1 globulin, a significant elevation of gamma-globulins compared to the control population.

Background: Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is an arthropod-borne virus that is highly infective for cattle and water buffalo. The infection has important economic losses and is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Surface glycoprotein (G protein) of BEFV is an immunogenic transmembrane G protein and responsible for attachment and entrance to host cells. The aim of this study was to determine immune dominant epitopes of the protein through immunoinformatics approaches. Methods: A reference sequence and some other related sequences of the G protein were retrieved. Three-dimensional structure of the protein was modeled and refined. Variation analysis of the protein sequences was done, and signal peptide and transmembrane topology were predicted. Finally, linear and conformational (discontinues) epitopes of the protein were predicted. Consensus linear and conformational epitopes were selected and reported as immunodominant epitopes. Results: Five regions were characterized as hyper variable regions (HVRs). Selected consensus epitopes included amino acids 46–60 (AA_46–60), AA_67–74, AA_132–149, AA_156–188, AA_196–225, AA_260–282, AA_315–456, and AA_487–503 were selected as consensus epitopes. Conclusion: Four determined epitopes including AA_67–74, AA_132–149, AA_196–225, and AA_315–456 were determined for the first time in this study. Other predicted epitopes in the current study, has been previously identified, however, new start and end regions for them were suggested here. The predicted epitopes may be experimentally tested to confirm as novel immunogenic candidates applicable in preventive and diagnostic tasks.

Background: Medical geographic information systems (Medical GIS) has a pronounced capacity to help us understand infectious disease epidemiology, and the transmission of pathogens in a defined geographical area over time. This could not only help us increase the understanding of public health, but also be a most useful base for medical intervention as improved infection control where it is most needed. In this study, we applied GIS to characterize Tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology in Iran. TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a severe bacterial infection that can be transmitted among humans and more than 10 million people develop active TB every year and with a mortality of 1.4 million. Methods: In this cross-sectional study carried out on 3710 tuberculosis patients who had been diagnosed in 2013 to 2017 at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, we aimed to explore the geographic and gender patterns of tuberculosis in Iran using GIS. Results: Results showed that the number of patients with tuberculosis was highest in Tehran city, despite the fact that it is the richest and most developed city of Iran and that the tuberculosis dispersion reflected by GIS revealed a significant geographical heterogeneity. Conclusion: These results could be useful to establish and implement new guidelines for effective control strategies in geographic areas with the highest prevalence of tuberculosis.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, relapsing, multisystemic disorder characterized by mucocutaneous, ocular, vascular, and central nervous system manifestations. The clinical spectrum includes oral and genital ulcerations, uveitis, and vascular, neurological, articular, renal, and gastrointestinal manifestations. The etiopathogenesis of the disease remains unknown although genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immunological abnormalities have been implicated. It usually affects young adults. The case of a 22-year-old female who presented with fever, recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, arthralgia, and erythema nodosum is presented here. A diagnosis of BD based on clinical criteria was made. The patient was treated with colchicine 1 mg/day which had beneficial effects on the reduction in size and recurrence of mucocutaneous ulcers.

Smile shows the feeling of joy and success and reveals self-confidence and kindness. A good smile is not only caused due to shape, position, and color of the teeth but also by the gingival tissues. Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva is not a medical problem. Nowadays, complaints of dark gums are common, particularly in patients having high smile line. Hence, periodontists have to achieve a harmonious interrelationship of the pink gingiva and white teeth. For depigmentation of gingiva, different treatment modalities have been reported, such as bur abrasion, scraping, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, and laser. In the present case series, slicing and scraping technique was used which is simple, effective, and yield good results along with good patient satisfaction. Gingival depigmentation of a 19-year-old male patient was done under local anesthesia with combination of slicing and scraping technique using 15 no. Bard-Parker blade. Depigmentation with combination of slicing and scraping technique is simple, easy to perform, cost-effective, and causes less discomfort and is esthetically acceptable to the patient.