Background: In low- and middle-income countries, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) imposes a significant burden on patients and health-care systems. Due to a lack of data, the overall impact of AMR in Libya is not well known or documented. As a result, this study presents the results of a review of available data on AMR in Libya over the past 20 years (from 2002 to 2021) to aid understanding of the current AMR situation in this portion of the continent. Methods: Articles related to the topic were researched using databases and search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate websites. These articles were selected based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The total number of tested isolates for each of the reported Bacterial spp. was used to calculate antibiotic resistance to a specific bacterium. Results: Studies published in the past 20 years, representing reports of 18,160 AMR tests, showed that Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) was the most reported clinical diagnosis in Libya (61.3%). Out of 43 articles, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common Gram-positive bacteria documented in (31, 61.3%) studies, and was most common in 59.78% of skin infections. Whereas, Pseudomonas spps., were the most common Gram-negative bacteria presented in (23, 53.48%) studies, and were commonly isolated in respiratory infection (9.39%). Among Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. reported a high resistance percentage for penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic, i.e., piperacillin (10.4%) and to the first-generation cephalosporins antibiotics, i.e., cefazolin (7.7%). However, they are susceptible to metronidazole, vancomycin, and colistin. Gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus shows high resistance to oxacillin, followed by gentamycin and cefoxitin (8.5%, 8.3%, and 8.3%, respectively). Effective antibiotics against S. aureus were azithromycin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, whose susceptibility was 99.9% each, while 1% of S. aureus were vancomycin-resistant S. aureus. Conclusion: This study gives a comprehensive analysis of the state of AMR in Libya with respect to the most regularly prescribed antibiotics. The findings of the research show the alarmingly persistent occurrences of AMR in Libya, as well as the critical need to establish national action, plans to combat AMR and improve surveillance programs.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Energy drinks (EDs) are largely consumed by adolescents and sports youths without understanding safety precautions and associated side effects. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, practices, and safety use, including the occurrence of side effects of EDs among adolescents and sports youths in Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among adolescents and sports youths in Kyrenia province, Northern Cyprus, using a structured three-part questionnaire, consisting of 22 items to assess the knowledge, practices, and safety use of EDs. Results: The most common reported adverse effects were insomnia and palpitations (24%), diuresis (18.7%), headache (17.7%), and stress (15.6%). The study participants reported a statistically significant low knowledge about the ingredients of EDs (P < 0.0001) and side effects of EDs (P = 0.05). Although statistically nonsignificant, the study participants also reported a low knowledge about ED intake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: There is still a lack of knowledge regarding ED consumption among the adolescents and sports youths in Northern Cyprus reported by low level of knowledge about the ingredients of EDs, their potential effects, and incidence of side effects along with correct consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic which creates a barrier to healthy dietary patterns.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Protozoan and helminthes infections are common parasitic infections in Nigeria associated with fatal complications if not detected early or neglected. This work, therefore, investigated parasitic infections among pupils in Kwara Senatorial Districts for useful information for preventive healthcare. Methods: Stool, urine, and blood samples of 638 subjects (Kwara Central: 152; Kwara South: 263 and Kwara North: 223) were examined for parasites using concentration techniques, Giemsa staining, and microscopy. Results: The results obtained showed the overall prevalence of pupils infected with parasites in Kwara state was 17.9% (114/638). The result obtained in Kwara Central indicated that 15.1% (23/152) of the pupils were infected with parasites. In Kwara South, 2.66% (7/263) of the pupils were infected with parasites. In Kwara North, 37.7% (84/223) were infected with parasites. Distribution of parasitic infection in primary school pupils in Kwara State was: 60.5% (69) Ascaris Lumbricoides; 12.2% (14) Schistosoma mansoni; 8.8% (10) Hookworm; 9.7% (11) Entamoeba histolytica; 4.4% (5) Fassiola gigantical; 2.6% (3) Plasmodium spp., and 1.8% (2) Schistosoma haematobium. The distribution of parasitic infections among the pupils based on age included: 0% (0) (1–5 years). 55.3% (63) (6–10 years) 43.8% (50) (11–15 years), and 0.9% (1) (16–20 years). Conclusion: The parasitic infections among pupils in Kwara Senatorial Districts were lower than the prevalence earlier reported, possibly due to the intervention of donor agents and health promotion. The infection also varied across the three Kwara State Senatorial districts and age categories which might be due to the level of hygiene, degree of intervention, practices, accessibility to portable water, and health facilities.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Blastomyces dermatitidis poses health threats to humans due to the frequency of infections (blastomycosis) and the increasing resistance to existing standard antifungal drugs. Moreover, the use of experimental in vitro and in vivo approaches in search for potent drug candidates is costly and time-consuming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacological properties of some reported phytoconstituents of Ageratum conyzoides against key enzymes of B. dermatitidis using in silico approach. Methods: A total of 29 reported bioactive compounds previously isolated from the leaves of A. conyzoides were randomly selected by a literature survey and their 3D Structure Data File (SDF) structures were downloaded from PubChem database. Applying molecular docking and dynamics simulation techniques, the phytoconstituents (ligands) were docked with the binding ligand pocket of three simulated enzymes; Saccharomyces cerevisiae lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase, human squalene epoxidase, and thymidylate synthase from Pneumocystis carinii using AutoDock 4.0 software and the poses that showed lowest binding energies were visualized using LigPlot⁺. Results: The results obtained from the docking studies of the selected phytoconstituents in A. conyzoides leaves showed that 4 out of the 29 ligands (sitosterol, catechin, stigmasterol, and 5-benzamido-4-oxo-6-phenylhexanoic acid) interacted with and showed very good binding affinity toward the 3 crucial antifungal drug target receptors, and exhibited significant inhibition compared to the standard drugs. Conclusion: Therefore, sitosterol, catechin, stigmasterol, and 5-benzamido-4-oxo-6-phenylhexanoic acid from A. conyzoides leaves hold a promising potential to be explored for their antifungal activities.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The extensive research in the field of aquaculture is essential to combat the fish bacterial diseases causing massive economic loss to the aquaculture industry and these pathogens remains to be a threat to human well-being due to consumption of fish and fish products as a major food source. Methods: This study focuses on extraction and identification of the antibacterial compound produced by Streptomyces sp. VITNK9 against selected fish bacterial pathogens. Results: Bioactivity-guided extraction of ethyl acetate extract and purification results in isolation of the lead compound 1-(2-hydroperoxycyclopentyl)-4-hydroxytridecan-7-one (HCHD) from Streptomyces sp. VITNK9 having a chemical formula of C₁₈H₃₄O₄ and a molecular weight of 314.46 g/mol. HCHD (100 μg/ml) demonstrated antibacterial activity with the inhibition zone of 19.33 ± 0.47 mm and the MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) of 3.125 μg/ml toward Edwardsiella tarda and 16.66 ± 0.47 mm and the MIC value of 12.5 μg/ml against Aeromonas hydrophila. In silico molecular docking studies showed the interaction of HCHD with the drug target enzyme acetate kinase of E. tarda and A. hydrophila. It showed the least binding free energy of-6.5Kcal/mol and-6.1 Kcal/mol with acetate kinase of E. tarda and A. hydrophila, respectively. Conclusion: The outcome of this study suggests that the inhibition of bacterial acetate kinase by the lead compound HCHD and thereby affects the bacterial metabolism. Streptomyces species are more promising source for isolating antibacterial secondary metabolites for controlling fish bacterial pathogens.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant pathogen that causes various types of human diseases which range from mild to fatal illness. This work was designed to assess the value of symptoms in the prediction of disease and macrolides resistance. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based study during 2020–2021 in Kosti Teaching Hospital (Kosti city, Sudan) to evaluate the link between symptoms with Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. Streptococcal tonsillitis was diagnosed by throat swabs culture, and macrolides resistance was detected by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Results: There was no significant variation in the mean of reported symptoms between gender and residence. Macrolides resistance and resistance genes had no significant effect on symptoms. On correlation analysis, age and education level were negatively correlated with symptoms score. Conclusions: The study highlights the link between symptoms with GAS tonsillitis and suggests the requirement for more care in children.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Punicalagin is the main phenolic compound present in pomegranate (Punica granatum), it possesses various kinds of activities which is very essential as a dietary supplement, herbal supplements, or nutraceuticals are widely available in the market and are used clinically for various therapeutic activities, in the recent years, especially in the pandemic period of COVID-19. Hence, it is necessary to standardize herbal medicines for quality control, quantitative analysis for purity, and routine analysis. The punicalagin shows potential antiviral activity against the SARS-COV-2 virus, the literature review reveals that punicalagin is the area of interest during the recent research studies, and the present work deals with the quantitative analysis of punicalagin from high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) in marketed herbal preparation and the in-house preparation. Methods: The method development and quantitative analysis of punicalagin in pomegranate are developed using the solvent system chloroform: ethyl acetate: formic acid (4:3:3 v/v/v), and the method is successfully developed. Results: The punicalagin is quantified at 257 nm, acid (4:3:3). The content found in the various samples in PGGO is 3.207 mg, in PGBB is 1.257 mg, in PGNV is 1.743 mg, in PGWE is 807.6μg, in PGDF is 835.2 μg, and in in-house is 867.2 μg of punicalagin, from 1 g of each sample. Conclusion: The method was successfully developed, but there was no method developed for punicalagin in HPTLC, this is the novel approach we have done, and the method can be used for routine analysis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating the body's metabolism. On the other hand, primary hyperthyroidism is one of the most common disorders of the endocrine system. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the differences between outcomes of drug therapy with Methimazole & Propylthiouracil (PTU), radioactive Iodine therapy, and surgical procedures as the three most common therapeutic options for primary hyperthyroidism- in patients with Graves' disease, toxic thyroid adenoma, and Toxic Multi Nodular Goiter (TMNG). Methods: This observational study was performed prospectively, and after applying the exclusion criteria, 316 patients with a definite diagnosis of TNMG, toxic adenoma, or Graves' disease, remained in the study. For each patient, one of the therapeutic methods of administration of anti-thyroid drugs, the use of radioactive Iodine, or the use of thyroid surgery was chosen and applied, and during the study period, all patients were followed and evaluated. Results: In this study, 316 patients with primary hyperthyroidism were evaluated, of which 238 (75.31%) patients had Graves' disease, 23 (7.27%) patients had toxic adenoma, and 55 (17.40%) patients had TNMG. The symptoms of thyrotoxicosis syndrome were more common in Graves' disease than in other groups. In this study, 63.82% of drug takers, 20.90% of radioactive Iodine receivers, and 5.26% of patients who had gone under surgery became euthyroid. In addition, 83.27% of drug consumers did not have any side effects. Most patients receiving radioactive Iodine and surgical procedures developed hypothyroidism after treatment, while only 1.70% of those taking anti-thyroid drugs developed this complication. Nevertheless, the failure rate in the drug therapy was highest among all three methods by a percentage of 34.47%. Conclusion: This study suggests a prominent role of drug therapy in the treatment of patients with Graves' disease and TMNG, and in contrast, reduces the role of radioactive Iodine in the treatment of these diseases. However, it is difficult to comment on the treatment of toxic thyroid adenoma based on the findings of this study.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Vipera berus berus and Vipera berus nikolskii are the most widely spread Old World vipers in Europe, who contribute to almost all cases of snakebites on this territory. Their venoms are known to cause proteolysis, thrombocytopenia, induction of neurotoxicity and haemorrhage, among which proteolytic action constitute to the possible affection of all metabolic pathways in the targeted organs and in the whole organism. Methods: The influence of the viper venoms on the adrenal glands and testicles of injected rats was studied through the analysis of the concentration of proteins (Bradford method), evaluation of the qualitative protein profile (disc electrophoresis), distribution of active proteolytic molecules in the studied tissues (enzyme electrophoresis) and estimation of the appearance of low molecular weight molecules. Results: The decline of the number of the total protein, the alterations of the protein composition and the enzymatic redistribution were declared to appear in these organs under the action of the studied venoms proving the assumption of the proteolysis activation. Whereas, the increase in the level of low molecular weight molecules has emerged showing the onset of the state of toxicity. Conclusion: the study of the influence of the V. berus berus and V. berus nikolskii venoms on the protein balance of adrenal glands and testicles was performed, showing the impact on the amount of total proteins, its redistribution and connection with toxicity and proving the onset of pathological process.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Malaria infection remains the most serious and widespread protozoan infection of humans and has been associated with different changes in hematological parameters. This study aimed to detect the effects of malaria infection on hematological parameters in Sudanese patients. Methods: This was a case–control study including 100 patients and 50 controls required from Kosti Teaching Hospital (Kosti City) from October 2, to November 11, 2020. All patients and controls were investigated for blood film for malaria, complete blood counts, and peripheral blood picture. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: Hemoglobin (Hb) was decreased in 75% of our patients and in 10% of controls, P < 0.000. Hematocrit (HCT) was decreased in 55% of patients and in 8% of controls, P < 0.000. MCH was decreased in 33% of patients and in 12% of controls, P = 0.013. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was decreased in 30% of study patients and in 10% of controls, P = 0.002. The mean corpuscular volume was decreased in 34% of patients and in 8% of controls, P = 0.056. Platelet (PLTs) count was decreased in 46% of patients and 0% of controls, P < 0.000. Platelet crit (PCT) was decreased in 75% of patients and in 16% of controls, P < 0.000. Furthermore, there were differences in white blood cell (WBC) counts between malaria parasite patients and controls, P = 0.058. No significant difference in red blood cell counts was seen between malaria parasite patients and controls, P = 0.797. Conclusions: Malaria parasite infection linked to many changes in hematological parameter characterized by reduction in WBC counts, PLT counts, PCT, Hb level, HCT, MCH, and MCHC.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Repetitive sequences constitute the major portion of genomic DNA in most of the organisms and are responsible for variation in DNA structure, function, etc., These sequences also have the potential to adopt various noncanonical DNA structures. Methods: By using a swift, manual approach mirror repeats has been identified within the complete engrailed homeobox-1 gene (en-1) of X. tropicalis. Another tool Non- B DNA motif search was also deployed for comparative analysis. Results: A total of 166 mirror repeats were identified within the complete en-1 gene of X. tropicalis. The similar sequences were also searched among the genome of different organisms such as Xenopus laevis, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, etc., Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, it was novel identification of mirror repeats in the engrailed-1 gene of X. tropicalis. Few of these sequences may adopt various noncanonical B-DNA forms and are potent sites for mutation and recombination events.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Asthma is a chronic obstructive airway disease, associated with an altered leukocyte population in the airways as well as in blood circulation with dysregulated immune responses. Limited studies are available that suggest the role of neutrophils and their derived markers in asthma severity, however, no reports exist on the combined effect. Methods: To examine these markers' individual and combined influence, we recruited a total of 92 individuals, 60 asthmatics (30 mild and 30 moderate) and 32 nonasthmatic healthy controls from South India. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were obtained from the complete blood count, and serum neutrophil elastase (sNE) was estimated through ELISA. Results: A significant variation in the means of ANC, NLR, and sNE was observed between asthma patients and healthy controls, whereas mild and moderate asthmatics demonstrated the difference in only neutrophil derivates (NLR and sNE). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed NLR as an excellent diagnostic marker (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.79, cutoff = 1.51, Sn = 95, Sp = 65.53, P = 0.0001), whereas sNE has an excellent diagnostic and prognostic capacity (AUC = 0.92, cutoff = 14.27, Sn = 81.67, Sp = 90.63, P = 0.0001 and AUC = 0.86, cutoff = 18.82, Sen = 80, Spe = 83.33, P = 0.0001). No correlation was noted between NLR and sNE, signifying their independent control on asthma severity. The additive influence of NLR and sNE was noted when analyzed together in a Combination of NLR and sNE (CNN). CNN-1 score exhibited a 5-fold and CNN-2 19-fold increased risk of asthma severity. Conclusion: Based on the present findings, it appears that CNN may emerge as a single predictive marker in asthma prognosis. This is the first study of its kind projecting the potentiality of CNN that needs to be tested in a large cohort as the limitation of the current study is the sample size.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) is carbohydrate intolerance that causes hyperglycemia in pregnancy. It increases maternal and perinatal mortality. This study aims to determine the relationship between gestational diabetes and plasma iron and methemoglobin levels. Methods: The study included 40 GDM patients, 30 nongestational diabetes pregnant women (NGPW) attending the antenatal clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Owo, and 30 women with neither diabetes nor pregnancy (NDNP). Ten milliliters of venous blood was collected from each individual and dispensed into an appropriate bottle. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum level of iron (Fe²⁺), methemoglobin (MetHb) concentration, and packed cell volume (PCV) were determined using standard laboratory techniques. The data were properly analyzed statistically, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean value of MetHb and Fe²⁺ was significantly higher among GDM and NGPW when compared with NDNP (P < 0.05) while the mean value of PCV was considerably lower (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between FBS and PCV in GDM, while FBS had a negative correlation with only Fe²⁺ in GDM. Conclusion: It was concluded that elevated serum iron levels and MetHb were found to be associated with the development of GDM in this study, and could thus be used as biomarkers for assessment.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Currently, a massive surge of Omicron (a new variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) is experiencing in several continents of the world (Asia, Europe, USA, etc.). Omicron (B.1.1.529) is the third variant of concern (VOC) that has emerged now in the COVID-19 pandemic after the Alpha (B.1.1.7) VOC (first reported in the UK in December 2020, followed by Delta (B.1.617.2) in mid-2021 in India). Omicron variant was emerged in South Africa and has now found in several countries. Methods: The spread of variants cannot be stopped because countries of the world are connected. This new variant can evade COVID-19 vaccine response and is highly transmissible because Omicron is differing from other variants in many aspects. Omicron has more mutations as compared to Alpha and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. Results: It was detected early on a global scale relative to other variants. The more opportunities viruses have to spread, the more it will replicate, the more opportunities virus has to undergo mutations, and create new variants. Omicron may not be horrible and serious as compared to Delta, but its early detection could prevent people. Omicron is an upper respiratory infection, whereas Delta resides in lower respiratory tract. Spread of Omicron is fast, but nothing can say about its severity because there is not much information available on Omicron. Conclusions: Currently, scientists and epidemiologists are working tirelessly together to find out what Omicron can do. This article explains genome structure of SARS-CoV-2, its pathogenesis, global upsurge, devastation, and future prospect.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Emerging evidence has linked lipid metabolism disorder with lung diseases, but the relationship between blood lipid profile and lung cancer risk is controversial and inconclusive. It was aimed to investigate the relationship of lipid levels and ratios at the time of diagnosis to the prognosis prediction of lung cancer. Methods: Sociodemographic and disease-related clinical characteristics of 92 patients diagnosed with lung cancer were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with available lipid parameters at the time of diagnosis were evaluated. Hemogram parameters of the patients included in the study, creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, alanine aminotransferase level, albumin level, C-reactive protein level, as well as total cholesterol (TC)/high-density cholesterol (HDL) ratio, non-HDL/HDL ratio, low-density lipoprotein/HDL ratio, and triglyceride/HDL ratios were examined. Results: The mean age at presentation was 64.2 ± 9.1 years. The distribution of lung cancers is 6 (6.5%) for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 86 (93.5%) for non-SCLC. The median follow-up period of the patients is 12 months. During the follow-up, 63 (68.5%) of the patients died. In the univariate analysis, increased non-HDL/HDL ratio was related to mortality. In multivariate analysis, disease stage, albumin level, and TC level were found to be variables affecting the mortality. Conclusion: TC levels at the time of diagnosis can be a guide in determining the prognosis. More experimental studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between the lipid metabolism and lung cancer etiology and to determine the role of lipid levels and ratios in prognosis prediction.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Economic sanction is a United Nations' pressure tool on a target government and civilians for changing strategic decisions about violating international norms of behavior, but many authors argue that in several cases, sanctions do not work. A nonpolitical and noneconomic study about economic sanction outcomes is scarce. In this study, we reviewed the related official documents, translated the sanction process by neuroscience language, and tried to recognize the type of stress process related to different outcomes in the target countries. Methods: We do this job in three phases: phase one is related to the literal review, phase two focuses on definition analysis according to neuroscience approaches, and phase three comes on neuroscientific target analysis. Defining stress process related to different outcomes by neuroscience is mentioned in the discussion based on using of other papers' data. Results: Stress act of sanctions As: Act of aggression, Threat, Keeping enemy, Restriction, Pursuing, Blocking, Compression to force, and Loss of some things are means that how could sanctions affect civilians and run the process of social pressure in the target entities. Conclusion: We concluded that sanctions are always threatening political tools and their effectiveness completely depends on the politicians view to threat proximity and the type of response to stresses of sanctions.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: The pandemic situation of the new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-COV-2]) forces drug designers to formulate a new intelligent drug for this disease effective to treat all mutations of the virus. One way to control all mutations of virus is inhibition of spike protein (binding with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 [ACE-2]) duo to inhibit the viral entry. Viral entry is the first step for virus to start infection. Methods: In this work, the interactions of SARS-COV-2 spike protein and ACE-2 are evaluated in silico by docking process and four different ligands are estimated to simulate those interactions to avoid bindings with ACE-2 needed for viral entry in reality. All ligand–receptor interactions are considered. Results: Results approve the suggested ligands in this work, have a definite inhibitory effect on SARS-COV-2 spike protein based on the interactions which they make with the receptor-binding domain. Docking process is done repeatedly to assure conclusions. Conclusion: All interactions were considered by docking of the receptor and ligands. All kinds of interactions contain Hydrogen bonds, steric bonds and etc approving the possibility of ligands to bind the receptor. These interactions approve the antiviral effects of ligands. As the result, ligands were approved to have an antiviral effect on SARS -COV -2. ligands 1 and 2 have higher affinity than other ligands which is completely compatible with the results invitro done by this paper authors.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: Due to increased vaccination rates and the continued spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, many people are developing “hybrid immunity” to the virus. On the other hand, a high body mass index (BMI) has been associated with a reduced immune response to vaccination.the aims of this study was to measuring the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) generated against different types of vaccines in vaccinated individuals with and without previous infection and with BMI. a cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and April 2022. Methods: A blood sample was obtained from 174 vaccinated persons. SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels and IFN-γ were detected using SARS-CoV-2 IgG II quant and ELISAtechniques, respectively. statistical Analysis Used IBM SPSS version 24 software was used. Quantitative results are indicated as mean ± standard deviation. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in IgG and IFN-γ mean levels between the vaccinated individual with and without confirmed previous infection. However, there was a significant difference in the case of the AstraZeneca vaccine regarding IgG levels only. The mean antibody concentration of patients with normal weight who received the Pfizer vaccine showed a slightly significant difference. Regarding the IFN-γ level, there was a significant difference among the three types of vaccines in obese individuals. Conclusion: Previous infection with coronavirus disease-2019 seems to have no effect on IgG and IFN-γ levels after vaccination. In addition, normal-weight individuals might possibly respond better to the vaccine and produce more antibody levels.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Intestinal amebiasis remains asymptomatic in 90% of cases. Only 4%–10% of individuals monitored for 1 year develop colitis. Amebic colitis evolves to fulminant colitis or rupture in 0.5% of cases. In such scenario, mortality exceeds 50%. We report the case of a 55-year-old male who presented with signs of perforation and was taken up for surgery immediately. On histopathological examination, Entamoeba was diagnosed as the underlying cause of fulminant colitis.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]

Background: In Gram-negative bacteria, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, the production of AmpC beta-lactamase enzymes is one of the main resistance mechanisms for beta-lactam antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of AmpC beta-lactamases in K. pneumoniae clinical isolates in Southwest Iran. Methods: This study was conducted on 55 K. pneumoniae strains collected from various clinical samples. Identification of isolates was done using routine bacteriological and biochemical tests. After performing the antibiotic sensitivity test, the cefoxitin-resistant strains were analyzed using the phenotypic test in terms of the production of AmpC beta-lactamase enzymes. Finally, the frequency of plasmid-mediated AmpC genes was determined using a polymerase chain reaction test. Results: Out of the 55 isolates, 63.6% (n = 35) were obtained from urine, 9.1% (n = 5) from blood, 12.7% (n = 7) from wounds, and 14.6% (n = 8) from sputum. The highest resistance rate was observed against amoxicillin (98.2%), followed by cefotaxime (78.2%) and ceftriaxone (72.7%). According to the phenotypic tests, the prevalence of AmpC producers was 25.4%. Of all isolates, 36.3% (20/55) harbored different AmpC-associated genes, and bla_MOX, bla_CIT, bla_EBC, and bla_DHA genes were detected in 1, 2, 8, and 13 strains, respectively. None of the isolates harbored bla_ACC and bla_FOX genes. Conclusion: It is important to revise the prescription policy of effective antibiotics in this region, since a significant prevalence of AmpC beta-lactamase-producing isolates has made antibiotic resistance a serious concern.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]

Background: Currently, the high expression of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in sickle cell disease is treated by hydroxyurea (HU). However, potential adverse effect regarding the use of HU is a major concern. Therefore, the search for an alternative therapeutic agent is necessary. By using K562 cells as a model, this research aimed to determine the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) and stem cell factor (SCF) combination therapy on the expression of BCL11A, KLF1, and the ERK of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Methods: K562 cells were treated with SCF, EPO, and a combination of SCF and EPO for 24 h. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect γ-globin mRNA expression. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of BCL11A, KLF1, and ERK of the MAPK pathway. Results: In contrast to HU, the treatment with SCF and EPO, either separately or together, preserved the expression of the γ-globin gene. In addition, SCF and EPO treatment had no effect on the expression of BCL11A or KLF1 in K562 cells. After receiving SCF and EPO treatment, the ERK signaling of the MAPK remained unaltered. Conclusions: We conclude that the expression of the γ-globin gene, BCL11A, KLF1, and ERK of the MAPK pathway is unaffected by the combination of EPO and SCF.

[ABSTRACT]  [FULL TEXT]  [PDF]  [Mobile Full text]  [EPub]