In vitro antifungal effect of Thymus vulgaris essence on Candida albicans isolated from patients with oral candidiasis

زمینه و هدف: کاندیدا آلبیکنس شایع ترین عامل اتیولوژیک بیماری های ناشی از مخمرهای جنس کاندیدا است. با توجه به این که مقاومت قارچ ها نسبت به تعدادی از داروهای ضد قارچی افزایش یافته و بسیاری از این داروها سمی و گران هستند، بررسی فرآورده های طبیعی گیاهی موثر بر این قارچ ها ضروری است. لذا هدف این تحقیق بررسی اثر اسانس آویشن بر ممانعت از رشد کاندیدا آلبیکنس در شرایط آزمایشگاهی بود. روش بررسی: این مطالعه تجربی بر روی 50 بیمار مبتلا به کاندیدیازیس دهانی، صورت گرفت. نمونه های حاصل از سواپ در محیط سابورودکستروز آگار همراه با سیکلوهگزیمید و کلرآمفنیکل کشت و در نهایت با انجام آزمایشات تکمیلی، تعداد 32 ایزوله به عنوان کاندیدا آلبیکنس شناسایی و در محیط کشت رشد داده شدند. سپس اسانس آویشن در غلظت های مختلف به این محیط اضافه و حداقل غلظت مهار کننده اسانس برای رقت های مختلف سوسپانسیونی حاوی کاندیدا آلبیکنس محاسبه گردید. یافته ها: حداقل غلظت مهار کننده اسانس آویشن برای رقت های 10، 1-10 و 2-10 برابر با 390/0 میکرولیتر در هر میلی لیتر و برای رقت 3-10 و 4-10 به ترتیب برابر با 195/0 و 0975/0 میکرولیتر در هر میلی لیتر از محیط کشت تعیین شد. نتیجه گیری: اسانس آویشن دارای اثر ضد قارچی بسیار خوب علیه کاندیدا آلبیکنس می باشد و در مقادیر نسبتاً کم می تواند از رشد کاندیدا آلبیکنس در محیط کشت جلوگیری نماید

Chitosan Nanogel Design on Gymnema sylvestre Essential Oils to Inhibit Growth of Candida albicans Biofilm and Investigation of Gene Expression ALS1, ALS3

Chitosan (CS) is a polycation with a pka of about 6.3 with a charge density dependent on pH and the %DA-value which can interact with polyanions to form complex and gels. Nanoparticles (CNPs) in addition can increase the antifungal potential of bioactive compounds like essential oils by increasing cellular interactions between them and the fungal as a result of the very small size that enhances cellular uptake. In this study, was set to investigate the encapsulation of the Gymnema sylvestre essential oils (G.EOs) using Chitosan and Myrestic acid made Nanogel in order to enhance its antifungal activity and stability to the oil against C. albicans strain (ATCC 10231). To procedure this, the self-assembled process of Chitosan and Myrestic acid Nanogel (CS-MA) through the 1- ethyl - 3- (3 dimethyl aminoprophyl) carbodiimide (EDC) was designed. Its physicochemical properties were determined by Fourier Transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and microscopic methods by Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 18.7 to 37.5 µg/ml and 2.3 to 4.6 µg/ml and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) at 75 µg/ml and 5.38 µg/ml using by broth micro dilution (BMD) method for G. sylvestre oils (G.EOs) and oil-loaded Nanogels (G.OLNPs) were measurement. The susceptibility of C. albicans biofilm to fractions was examined by 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[8phenylamino) carbonyl] - 2H - tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) quantitatively.The concentration of G.OLNPs required to inhibit 50 % biofilm formation was 4.68 µg/ml, while that to remove 90 % biofilm growth was 18.07 µg/ml. In addition, it was observed that cell uptake of G.OLNPs was much higher compared with free G.EOs. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed to determine the effect of sub-MIC concentrations of G.EOs and G.OLNPs on expression of the biofilm–related gene ALS1 / ALS3, and indicated the G.OLNPs down-regulated the expression of hypha-specific gene ALS3. Furthermore, the data strongly suggested that G.OLNPs more effective suppressed C. albicans planktonic cells and reduction biofilm biomass

Effective Methylene Blue Removal from Aqueous Solutions using PVA/Chitosan Electrospun Nanofiber Modified with CeAlO3 Nanoparticles

This research work aims to investigate the sorption characteristic of synthesized Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan nanofiber mats modified with aluminum-cerium spinel oxide (CeAlO3) nanoparticles for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solutions. The sorption is carried out by a batch technique. The structural characterization of this nanocomposite was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed uniform net and improved nanofibers with diameters ranging about 420 and 450 nm, respectively. The optimum conditions of MB removal onto modified PVA/CS nanofibers were found to be: pH 10, contact time 45 min, and 0.01 g of adsorbent in 400 ml in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the experimental adsorption data were in excellent agreement with the pseudo-second-order kinetics. The experimental results showed that there is a good correlation between the obtained data and the adsorption isotherm in the concentration range studied (400-600 mg/l). The results revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity of MB was 817.81 and 714.61 mg/g onto improved and net nanofibers, respectively

Effect of long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation on alpha-Int1 gene sequence of Candida albicans

AbstractOver the last decade, communication industries have witnessed a tremendous expansion, while, the biological effects of electromagnetic waves have not been fully elucidated. Current study aimed at evaluating the mutagenic effect of long-term exposure to 900-MHz radiation on alpha-Int1 gene sequences of Candida albicans. A standard 900MHz radiation generator was used for radiation. 10ml volumes from a stock suspension of C. albicans were transferred into 10 polystyrene tubes. Five tubes were exposed at 4°C to a fixed magnitude of radiation with different time periods of 10, 70, 210, 350 and 490h. The other 5 tubes were kept far enough from radiation. The samples underwent genomic DNA extraction. PCR amplification of alpha-Int1 gene sequence was done using one set of primers. PCR products were resolved using agarose gel electrophoresis and the nucleotide sequences were determined. All samples showed a clear electrophoretic band around 441bp and further sequencing revealed the amplified DNA segments are related to alpha-Int1 gene of the yeast. No mutations in the gene were seen in radiation exposed samples. Long-term exposure of the yeast to mobile phone radiation under the above mentioned conditions had no mutagenic effect on alpha-Int1 gene sequence

Comparison between molecular methods (PCR vs LAMP) to detect Candida albicans in bronchoalveolar lavage samples of suspected tuberculosis patients

With the increase of patients suffering from immune deficiency infections also increased pulmonary fungi even in people with defective immune system can cause fatal and lethal candidiasis. The timely diagnosis of pulmonary candidiasis is one of the problems that has been detected. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and Loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method optimized on the basis of α INT1 gene and then sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. LAMP is a novel nucleic acid amplification technique with high specificity and sensitivity which has been done under isothermal condition. Samples were the bronchoalveolar lavage suspected of tuberculosis (TB) reviews for TB disease negative have been reported. DNA extraction carried out by standard phenol/chloroform method on samples and PCR test and LAMP was done. PCR and LAMP testing was performed on samples and products of 441 bp were amplified and observed with agarose gel electrophoresis. At the end of the LAMP reaction, SYBR Green was used for identifying negative and positive results. Among the 60 quantities sera, only 7 cases were PCR positive but 8 cases were LAMP positive. In comparison, between LAMP and PCR, the LAMP technique in spite of its simplicity, high sensitivity and specificity, could be an appropriate replacement for PCR

The codification long-term goal and strategy development of intramuralprograms of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran

This study aimed to perform the SWOT Internal and external strategic analysis of intramural programs of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran. This was a descriptive case study. The population consisted of all physical education managers of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran (N=36). Due to limited population, all 36 managers were selected as a sample. The data were collected through interview, questionnaire, library content, and literature review. The researcher-made questionnaire consisted of 50 questions about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of intramural programs of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran. Its validity was confirmed by a number of experts; also, its reliability was confirmed by using Cronbach's alpha (alpha = 96%). After collecting the data, the factors were ranked. Based on the findings, the intramural programs of Islamic Azad Universities in North West of Iran have 72 units and a total of 199368 students. The strategic position was determined to be in WT in SWOT matrix. The organizations which determine WT strategies are defensive; they aim to reduce internal weaknesses and avoid threats of the external environment. After determining strategic position, the WO, WT, SO, and ST were developed

Naked-Eye Detection of Morphine by Au@Ag Nanoparticles-Based Colorimetric Chemosensors

In this study, we report a novel and facile colorimetric assay based on silver citrate-coated Au@Ag nanoparticles (Au@AgNPs) as a chemosensor for the naked-eye detection of morphine (MOR). The developed optical sensing approach relied on the aggregation of Au@Ag NPs upon exposure to morphine, which led to an evident color variation from light-yellow to brown. Au@Ag NPs have been prepared by two different protocols, using high- and low-power ultrasonic irradiation. The sonochemical method was essential for the sensing properties of the resulting nanoparticles. This facile sensing method has several advantages including excellent stability, selectivity, prompt detection, and cost-effectiveness

Identification of Mucorales isolates from soil using morphological and molecular methods

Background and Purpose: Soil is the main habitat of saprophytic and pathogenic fungi. Mucormycetes are one of the most parts of soil fungi and certain members are among opportunistic fungi and can cause systemic fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. The majority of human and animal infections are caused by members of the genera Rhizopus, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Lichtheimia (Absidia), Cunninghamella and Mortierella. The objective of this research was to isolate and identify the main genera of Zygomycetes, using molecular assay and morphological features. Materials and Methods: A total of 340 soil samples were collected from different sites of seven public parks and 14 municipality districts in Isfahan. All samples were cultured on appropriate media and incubated at 27° C for 2 to 4 days, and then examined daily for visible fungal growth. PCR-RFLP method and macroscopic, microscopic and physiological characteristics were applied to identify fungal colonies. Results: Four hundred pure colonies belonging to six genera of Zygomycetes including Lichtheimia, Rhizopus, Rhizomucor, Mucor, Cunninghamella and Mortierella were identified. The genus Rhizopus (35.5%) was the most frequent isolate, followed by Mucor (32.25%) and Rhizomucor (27.5%). Conclusion: These finding may help us to understand about the importance of opportunistic fungi in public areas and the risk of exposure with immunocompromised persons

Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Oocytes in the Soil from the Public Parks of the Arak City, Iran

Background: Soil structure is mainly composed of sand, silt, clay, and organic materials. Organisms can live in the soil. The large number of stray cats in the cities of Iran is a major environmental and health problem. Toxoplasma oocysts are shed with the feces of cats, so soil is known as a potential source of transmission of toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to determine the soil contamination with Toxoplasma gondii oocyst in the public parks of the Arak city. Materials and Methods: Sixty soil samples were collected from 15 main parks of Arak city. Four soil samples from the children's playground, a potting place, around trash bins, and around toilets were taken. Oocyst was isolated from soil by floatation in saturated sucrose. Floating debris was tested by two methods: staining by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and PCR. The target of PCR was the 122 bp fragment of the B1 gene.. Results: From 60 soil samples of public parks of Arak city, 8 samples (13%) were suspected to Toxoplasma oocyst contamination in staining smears. Only 3 samples (5%) of 60 samples were positive in PCR. The results showed that the staining method is not a good method to detect oocysts in the soil because the diversity of oocyst in soil is very high and similar in appearance. Conclusion: This study showed soils of public parks in the Arak city were contaminated to oocyst of Toxoplasma. Also molecular method for the detection of parasites in the soil was more suitable than staining method