Antibiotic resistance pattern and distribution of psla gene among biofilm producing pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from waste water of a burn center

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered as a major cause of hospital-acquired infections due to its high antibacterial resistance. Biofilm formation is a well-known pathogenic mechanism in P. aeruginosa infections, since sessile bacteria are protected in an extracellular matrix of exopolysaccharide. The expression of polysaccharide synthesis locus (pslA gene) can be important for biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern and distribution of the pslA gene among biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa isolates obtained from waste water of Burn Centre in Guilan, Iran. Materials and Methods: Fifty isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from waste water of a burn center. The P. aeruginosa isolates were identified using standard bacteriological procedures. Drug susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion method for all the isolates against nine antimicrobial agents. Biofilm formation was measured by microtiter plate assay. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify the presence of the pslA gene among the isolates. Results: Biofilm formation was observed in 70 of the P. aeruginosa isolates. The potential formation of biofilm was significantly associated with resistance to gentamicin, imipenem, tobramycin and piperacillin. In addition, the pslA gene only existed in biofilm-producing isolates with a frequency of 42.9 (n = 15).Conclusions: The findings of the present study well demonstrated that the P. aeruginosa biofilm-producing isolates were more resistant to the tested antibiotics. Furthermore, because of wide distribution, it seems that the pslA gene is associated with biofilm formation. � 2015, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Correlation of clinical signs and symptoms of Behçet�s disease with mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW)

Background: A strong correlation was previously found between mean platelet volume (MPV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and the severity of signs and symptoms in patients suffering from inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The current study evaluated these correlations in patients with Behçet�s disease (BD) as well the relationship between MPV and RDW and disease activity score on the Iranian Behçet�s Disease Dynamic Activity Measurement (IBDDAM). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 319 patients with BD for whom demographic and epidemiological data, IBDDAM scores, and duration of illness was recorded. Blood samples were then obtained and the relationships between their disease status and manifestations and their laboratory parameters were evaluated with statistical models to find possible correlations. Results: Our analysis showed a significantly higher RDW in patients with BD who had ocular manifestations (p < 0.001) and oral aphthae (p = 0.004). Patients with active BD had higher RDW (p < 0.001) and MPV (p < 0.001) in comparison to those with currently inactive BD. Similarly, patients who had any type of ocular manifestation had higher RDW (p < 0.001) and MPV (p < 0.001). Regression analyses identified a statistically significant model for the effect of RDW and MPV in predicting active BD status (p < 0.001), as well as its significant relationship with active ocular manifestations (p < 0.001). Conclusion: BD was found to be associated with an increase in MPV and RDW, particularly during active phases. RDW and MPV were also found to have predictive value for screening to detect BD activity and its ocular complications. © 2020, The Author(s)

Genital ulcer severity score and genital health quality of life in Behçet's disease

Background: Behçet's Disease (BD) is a chronic auto-inflammatory, multisystem relapsing/remitting disorder of unknown aetiology. Oro-genital ulceration is a key feature of the disease and has a major impact on the patients' quality of life. Other clinical manifestations include ocular inflammation, rheumatologic and skin involvement, while CNS and vascular complications can lead to considerable morbidity. The availability of a valid monitoring tool for BD activity is crucial in evaluating the impact of the disease on daily life activity. The aims of this study were to validate a novel tool for monitoring genital ulceration severity in BD and to assess the impact of genital ulcers on the Genital Health Quality of Life (GHQoL). Methods: Genital Ulcer Severity Score (GUSS) was developed using six genital ulcer characteristics: number, size, duration, ulcer-free period, pain and site. A total of 207 BD patients were examined, (137 females: mean age∈±∈SD: 39.83∈±∈13.42 and 70 males: mean age∈±∈SD: 39.98∈±∈11.95) from the multidisciplinary Behçet's Centre of Excellence at Barts Health NHS Trust. GUSS was used in conjunction with Behçet's Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF). Results: The over-all score of GUSS showed a strong correlation with all genital ulcer characteristics, and the strongest correlation was with the pain domain (r∈=∈0.936; P∈2: 0.600; P∈<∈0.0001). Conclusions: This study established the practicality of GUSS as a severity monitoring tool for BD genital ulcers and validated its use in 207 patients. Genital ulcers of BD have a considerable impact on the patients GHQoL

The membrane mesenchymal stem cell derived conditioned medium exerts neuroprotection against focal cerebral ischemia by targeting apoptosis

Objective: The mesenchymal stem cells derived from human amniotic membrane have the ability to secrete and release some factors that can promote the repair of damaged tissues. This secretome contains proteins and factors that reduce apoptosis and increase angiogenesis in the ischemia/reperfusion models. The present study was conducted to determine whether this secretome provides protection against transient focal cerebral ischemia. Materials and Methods: A rat model of focal cerebral ischemia was established through middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 60 min and 24 h reperfusion. The amniotic mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium (AMSC-CM) at the dose of 0.5 μl was injected intracerebroventriculary (ICV) 30 min after reperfusion. Infarct volume, brain edema, neurobehavioral functions, and blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity were assessed 24 h after reperfusion. Neuronal loss and expression of caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 in motor cortex were evaluated by nissl staining and immunohistochemistry assay respectively. Results: ICV administration of AMSC-CM markedly reduced infarct volume, brain edema and the evans blue penetration rate compared with MCAO group (P < 0.05). Additionally, post-treatment with AMSC-CM significantly reduced neuronal loss, neurological motor disorders and expression of caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 in motor cortex compared with MCAO group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that treatment with AMSC-CM improves the pathological effects in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia. These findings establish a substantial foundation for stroke therapy and future research. © 2018 Elsevier B.V

TLR4 /NF-ĸB and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways: Cellular signaling pathways targeted by cell-conditioned medium therapy in protection against ischemic stroke

Human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (hAMSC-CM) has been known to improve neuronal survival following ischemic stroke. The present study was designed to examine whether protective effects of hAMSC-CM against stroke can be linked to reducing neuroinflamation by targeting TLR4 /NF-ĸB and Jak2/Stat3 signaling pathways. Immunohistochemistry of hippocampus and western blot assay were performed to evaluate the expression of TLR4 /NF-ĸB and Jak2/Stat3, respectively. Real-time PCR assay was applied to investigate the mRNA levels of Jak2/Stat3. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to investigate tissue damage and morphological changes in the CA1 region of hippocampus. Increased brain edema was seen in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats compared to sham. Post-treatment with hAMSC-CM markedly reduced brain edema in comparison with MCAO group (P < 0.05). Compared to sham, significantly increased levels of TLR4 /NF-ĸB and Jak2/Stat3 were seen in MCAO rats. Intravenous injection of hAMSC-CM after reperfusion markedly reduced levels of TLR4 /NF-ĸB and Jak2/Stat3 in hippocampus region (P < 0.05). Tissue damage and neuronal cell increased in the CA1 region of hippocampus that reversed by post-treatment by hAMSC-CM. Interestingly, our finding showed that hAMSC-CM can be considered as good candidate to reduce injury following ischemic stroke by decreasing activity of TLR4 /NF-ĸB and Jak2/Stat3 signaling pathways. © 202

Conditioned medium obtained from mesenchymal stem cells attenuates focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury through activation of ERK1/ERK2-BDNF signaling pathway

Previous studies have shown that conditioned medium (CM) obtained from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might exert neuroprotective effects against focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study was conducted to investigate if CM obtained from MSCs gives rise to neuroprotection by targeting neurogenesis. To induce focal cerebral ischemia in rats, middle cerebral artery (MCA) was occluded for 1 h and the amniotic mesenchymal stem cells-conditioned medium (AMSC-CM) at the dose of 0.5 μl was administered 30 min after reperfusion by stereotactic intracerebral infusion. The animals were randomly divided into three groups: sham operated animals received all procedures except occlusion of MCA (sham, n = 12), I/R group only received occlusion of MCA (MCAO, n = 17), treatment group received MCAO + 0.5 μl of AMSC-CM (MCAO + AMSC-CM, n = 17). The expression of Phospho-ERK1/ERK2, BDNF, VEGF and NGF were determined using immunohistochemical assay. Neuronal loss and DNA fragmentation were evaluated by Nissl and TUNEL assay, respectively. Our results demonstrated that the expression of Phospho-ERK1/ERK2 and BDNF, VEGF and NGF significantly decreased in MCAO rats and was reversed by AMSC-CM. Likewise, AMSC-CM markedly reduced neuronal loss and DNA fragmentation at 24 h after reperfusion. In sum, our study showed that AMSC-CM administration at the onset of reperfusion led to neuroprotection by activating neuronal ERK1/ERK2-BDNF signaling pathway, neurogenesis, angiogenesis as well as suppression of apoptosis. © 2019 Elsevier B.V

The Candidate Antigens to Achieving an Effective Vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes various inflamma-tory local infections, from those of the skin to postinfectious glomerulonephritis. These infections could result in serious threats, putting the life of the patient in danger. Antibiotic-resistant S. aureus could lead to dramatic increases in human mortality. Antibiotic resistance would explicate the failure of current antibiotic therapies. So, it is obvious that an effective vaccine against S. aureus infections would significantly reduce costs related to care in hospitals. Bacterial vaccines have important impacts on morbidity and mortality caused by several common pathogens, however, a prophylactic vaccine against staphylococci has not yet been produced. During the last decades, the efforts to develop an S. aureus vaccine have faced two major failures in clinical trials. New strategies for vaccine development against S. aureus has supported the use of multiple antigens, the inclusion of adjuvants, and the focus on various virulence mechanisms. We aimed to present a compressive review of different antigens of S. aureus and also to introduce vaccine candidates undergoing clinical trials, from which can help us to choose a suitable and effective candidate for vaccine development against S. aureus

Performance Evaluation Of Wastewater Stabilization Ponds In Arak-iran

Arak waste stabilization pond facilities consist of two stabilization pond systems, module 1 and module 2. The existing facilities have had several problems in their operation. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the performance of stabilization ponds in wastewater treatment of the city of Arak, because of several problems in their operation, and to prepare a scheme of its upgrading, if necessary. Within the period of May to September 2007, analyses were carried out for both raw and treated wastewaters. Results of these investigations showed that the average effluent concentrations of BOD5, COD and SS taken from primary and secondary facultative ponds of module 1 were 91.5, 169, 114; and 70, 160, 123 mg/L, respectively. These results indicated that the effluent of the primary facultative ponds of module 1 were complied with the Iranian treated wastewater standards for agricultural reuse in terms of BOD5 and COD concentrations; hence the secondary facultative ponds could be changed to other primary facultative ponds in order to increase the capacity of wastewater treatment plant. For module 2, BOD5, COD, and SS average concentrations of treated wastewater for the secondary and tertiary facultative ponds were obtained as 69, 101, 77; and 76, 127, 78 mg/L, respectively. Thus the effluent of the secondary facultative pond was complied with the considered standards in terms of all studied parameters. Consequently, the tertiary facultative pond could be changed to other secondary facultative pond to upgrade both the quality and the quantity of treated wastewater