Comparison of Three Methods for Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background: Leishmaniasis is one of the infectious parasitic diseases of highest incidence in the world. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) has long been reported in Shiraz, Southern Iran. There is a need to find a sensitive and specific method for treatment and control of the disease.Methods: We have compared the sensitivity of the conventional methods microscopy and cultiva­tion of lesion scrapes against PCR amplification of parasite kinetoplast DNA from these sam­ples. The samples (n=219) were obtained from the patients clinically suspected of CL. The smears were stained with Giemsa for microscopy and cultured in Novy-Nicolle-McNeal (NNN) blood agar for promastigote growth. For PCR, the dry smears were scraped off the slides and DNA was extracted.Results: The positive rates from 219 specimens were 76.71%, 50.68%, and 93.61% for micros­copy, cultivation, and PCR, respectively. The highest correlation was found between PCR and micros­copy method (P= 0.014). In PCR assay, 95.61%, 3.9%, and 0.49% of the samples were identi­fied as Leishmania major, L. tropica, and dermatropic L. infantum, respectively.Conclusion: The PCR method appears to be the most sensitive for the diagnosis of CL and is valu­able for identifying the other species of Leishmania with confusing dermatropic signs

CD8+ T Cells as a Source of IFN-γ Production in Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is usually a self-healing skin lesion caused by different species of Leishmania parasite. Resistance and susceptibility of mice to Leishmania major infection is associated with two types of CD4+ T lymphocytes development: Th1 type response with production of cytokine IFN-γ is associated with resistance, whereas Th2 type response with production of cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 is associated with susceptibility. A clear Th1/Th2 dichotomy similar to murine model is not defined in human leishmaniasis and we need as much information as possible to define marker(s) of protection. We purified CD4+/CD8+ T cells, stimulated them with Leishmania antigens and analysed gene and protein expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in volunteers with a history of self-healing CL who are presumed to be protected against further Leishmania infection. We have seen significant upregulation of IFN-γ gene expression and high IFN-γ production in the Leishmania stimulated CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. We concluded that both antigen-specific IFN-γ producing CD4+ Th1 cells and IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells contribute to the long term protection in individuals with a history of CL. This proves the importance of CD8+ T cells as a source of IFN-γ in Th1-like immune responses

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Analysis of unsafe behaviors before and after intervention training

Background and aims   Today, the reduction of unsafe work behavior is an accepted principle. Unsafe behaviors at work are said to be the main cause of work accidents. Therefore, careful  attention toward unsafe work behavior is one of the main factors for eliminating the causes of injuries and damages which has been taken into consideration in recent years.Also, due to the high rate of accidents in foundry industries; the present research has been conducted to reduce unsafe  work behaviors through an appropriate method.   Methods   The present study is of analytical; interventional. The subject investigated in this study is one of foundry industries. Sample size was determined. In order to gather data, the methods of observation, interview and checklist were used. The five-year-accident record of the   company was analyzed.Data analysis was done by means of spss10.   Results   In the present study, Pearson Correlation test indicates that there is no relationship  between safety performance score before and after training and the age of workers. (r=0.6 Pvalue=  0.639) Pearson correlation test also demonstrated that there is a linear relationship between  safety performance score and work experience. In other words, the more work experience, the  more safety performance (r=0.25 P-value=0.03). Pearson correlation test indicates that there is  no relationship between safety performance score and educational level. (r=0.12 P-value=0.29)   Conclusion   The present study indicated that with the reduction of unsafe work behavior  accidents declined significantly. This research also resulted in the reduction of unsafe work  behaviors, lost workdays as well as work accidents

Study of Chemical and Sensory properties of Functional Cheese made from Cow\'s Milk and Soymilk blend

Introduction: In recent years, due to the prevalence of overweight, obesity and heart disease in community and its relationship with the increasing amount of fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol in the diet, production of functional food by reducing saturated fat and cholesterol using soybean has been taken into consideration. The use of soybean-derived products is cost effective and healthy for people due to absence of cholesterol and lactose, and presence of  isoflavonoids and unsaturated essential fatty acids. The present study has evaluated the chemical and sensory properties of functional Pre cheese made ​​from a mixture of cow’s milk and soy milk with different ratios. Methods: In this experimental study, soymilk at5 levels (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) and calcium chloride 0.4% were mixed with cow’s milk and used for preparation of primary cheese. Chemical and sensory characteristics of the samples were determined according to national standards. The results were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement and by statistical software MinitabVersion16. The data were compared according to Duncan’s multiple-range test. Results: The results showed that with increasing substitution of soy milk, protein, fat, dry matter, un saturated fatty acids(oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids), and the tissue score of the produced cheese increased and the amount of cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, and the flavor and color scores of the samples decreased in comparison with the control sample. The sample containing84.6% cow’s milk, 15% soy milk, and 0.4% calcium chloride had more appropriate chemical and more acceptable sensory characteristics compared to the other samples. Conclusion: By selection of a proper substitution ratio of soy milk with cow’s milk, good quality and healthy cheese can be produced as a functional food for feeding people, especially the elderly

Characterization of in Vitro Cultivated Amastigote like of Leishmania major: A Substitution for in Vivo Studies

Background: Promastigotes of Leishmania spp. have been readily cultured, but the axenic culture of amastigotes has been successful in L. donovani, L .infantum L. mexicana and L. pifanoi. However, some species such as L. major, is much less amenable to axenic cultivation. In present study, we describe an in vitro culture system for the generation and propagation of axenic amastigotes form of L. major.Methods: Promastigotes of L. major were cultivated in a biphasic NNN medium. The liquid phase was Schneider's medium, pH 3.5, supplemented by 25% FCS (fetal calf serum). The cultures were maintained at 33-34°C for 120 hours. Results: Fine structure analysis of these in vitro-grown amastigotes by electron microscopy, demonstrated that they have a pear-shaped body with abortive short terminal flagellum. The in vitro-grown cells are agglutinated by peanut lectin. SDS-PAGE pattern of these axenic amastigotes showed a 66-kDa band, which was not present in promastigotes. The axenic grown amastigotes were able to infect peritoneum macrophages of BALB/c mice. In supernatant of culture, biochemical, analysis showed decreased protein and acid phosphate activity. Conclusion: These amastigotes like cells might serve as a suitable strain for the study of amastigote biochemistry, in vitro drug testing, and immunology of L. major

Detection and Identification of Toxoplasma gondii Type One Infection in Sheep Aborted Fetuses in Qazvin Province of Iran

Background: The aim of this study was to apply the nested-PCR and bioassay methods in detection and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii infection in provided sheep aborted fetus samples from Qazvin Province of Iran. Methods: Eighteen sheep aborted fetal samples were studied by nested-PCR-RFLP, histopathologi­cal observation and microbiological assay. Bioassay in mice was carried out by inoculating the brain samples intraperitoneally. Results: The results demonstrated the frequency of 66% infected sheep aborted fetal samples with T. gondii type one. Although we could not isolate any parasite from inoculated mice even after three pas­sages, but it was confirmed histopathologically formation of cyst like bodies in prepared mice brain sections. Conclusion: The results of the performed nested-PCR and formation of brain cyst in inoculated mice exhibited that T. gondii type one infection might be considered as one of the major causative agents for abortion in ewes