Occurrence of Potentially Pathogenic Bacterial-Endosymbionts in Acanthamoeba Spp

Background:Acanthamoeba- bacteria interactions enable pathogenic bacteria to tolerate harsh conditions and lead to transmission to the susceptible host. The present study was aimed to address the presence of bacterial endosymbionts of Acanthamoeba isolated from recreational water sources of Tehran, Iran. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study regarding occurrence of bacteria in environmental canthamoeba spp. in Iran. Methods:A total of 75 samples of recreational water sources were collected. Samples were cultured on non- nutrient agar 1.5% plates. Positive Acanthamoeba  spp. were axenically grown. DNA extraction and PCR reaction was performed using JDP1-2 primers. All positive samples of Acanthamoeba were examined for the presence of endosymbionts using staining and molecular methods. The PCR products were then sequenced in order to determine the genotypes of Acan-thamoeba and bacteria genera. Results:Out of 75 samples, 16 (21.3%) plates were positive for Acanthamoeba according to the morphological criteria. Molecular analysis revealed that Acan-thamoeba belonged to T4 and T5 genotypes. Five isolates (35.7%) were positive for bacterial endosymbionts using staining method and PCR test. Sequencing of PCR products confirmed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Agrobacterium tumefasiens. Conclusion:The presence of Acanthamoeba bearing pathogenic endosymbionts in water sources leads us to public health issues including improved sanitation and decontamination measures in recreational water sources in order to prevent amoebae-related infection. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report regarding the isolation of A. tumefasiens from Acanthamoeba in Iran and world-wide

Association analysis of-416G > C polymorphism of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-1 gene with asthma in Iran

TIM (T-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain)-1, one of the members of TIM family, expresses on Th2 cells and promotes the production of Th2 signature cytokines. This can increase a series of responses in these cells which could be one of the causes of asthma or asthma-related phenotypes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a TIM-1 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), -416G>C, is associated with asthma in Iranian population. In this case-control study, existence of the -416G>C polymorphism was assessed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 300 patients with asthma (97 atopic, 203 nonatopic) and 309 healthy volunteers. Additionally, the relationship between these polymorphism genotypes and total serum IgE levels in this Iranian population was evaluated. We discovered a significant association between the -416G>C polymorphism and atopic asthma susceptibility in the population, but this SNP showed no connection with nonatopic asthma (PC polymorphism in TIM-1 gene could be a predisposing factor for atopic asthma in Iranian population, and CC genotype of this SNP can be associated with increased level of IgE in patients with asthma in the same population

siRNA Delivery Improvement by Co-formulation of Different Modified Polymers in Erythroleukemic Cell Line K562

Objective(s): siRNA may be a very promising tool for treatment of various diseases especially in cancer therapy due to high specificity. One of the main hurdles applications of siRNAs in vivo is optimization of the delivery strategy, especially the carrier systems. The aim of this study was to optimize siRNA delivery into suspended erythroleukemic cell line K562. Materials and Methods: We applied polyethyleneimine (PEI) and oligoethyleneimine (OEI) derivatives alone or their co-formulation with different agents such as chloroquine (a drug known to alter lysosomal pH and thus to inhibit lysosomal degradation of macromolecules), DOPE (lipophilic agent), succinic acid (introduction of negatively charged to polymer) and transferrin (the ligand of transferring receptor which is over-expressed in many types of tumors and hematopoietic cells). Results: In this study it was shown that utilizing a combination of 70% OEI-HA10 (ten hexyl acrylate residues per one OEI chain) plus 30% of transferin-PEI with Luc-siRNA was highly effective for transfecting K562 cell. This co-formulation silenced luciferase activity up to 70% after short time without any significant inhibition in the luciferase activity in siCONTROL wells. Conclusion: In conclusion, the combination of modified PEI with transferrin and OEI by hexyl acrylate may increase siRNA delivery and reduce toxicity in hematopoietic suspended cells

Small-signal Modeling of a Series-Parallel Wireless Power Transfer System with Capacitive Output Filter Using Extended Describing Functions

In this paper, a small-signal model of a capacitive loaded series-parallel Wireless power transfer system is presented. Dynamic analysis of a series-parallel compensated wireless power transfer system with a capacitive output filter is illustrated based on extended describing function technique. Trial and error methods are still applied to this type of converters because of their ambiguous small-signal model. Since the small-signal model might experience a significant variation due to the load change, the trial and error procedure is not a reliable option. The proposed method provides a convenient option to obtain the small-signal model of the system which would lead to a systematic controller design. The precision of the derived model is verified by comparing it with the circuit simulation in open-loop and closed-loop modes of operation.</p

Seroepidemiology of the Helicobacter pylori infection among people of Pishva city of Varamin

Background and Aim: The epidemiologic pattern of Helicobacter pylori infection is differed between developed countries and developing countries, and also it is depend on the total standard of living in each region. At the present study, the seroprevalence of H.pylori infection and effectiveness of underlying factors in prevalence of this infection among residents of Pishva city of Varamin was evaluated. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted after completion the questionnaire. The peripheral blood of 314 people without any confirmed gastric problem were collected. Then, the titer of total IgG and IgG anti CagA of H. pylori was evaluated by ELISA method. Consequently, the correlation between serologic data and different factors were analyzed by SPSS statistical software. Results: The existence of total IgG was detected in 164 (55.2%) of 314 patients and was negative in 130 people (41.4%).Also, the IgG anti CagA were positive in 46 (29.1%), it was negative in 105 people (66.5%) and the rested were in borderline. There was statistical meaningful correlation between positive result of serology test of IgG anti CagA to  some risk factors such as age, the number of the member of family, the educational status and occupation, the consumption of can, heart diseases, the rate of cholesterol, the history of gastrointestinal symptoms,  heartburn and reflux (P <0.05) . Conclusions: With regard to high prevalence of H. pylori in this area (55.2%) and its presumptive effect in infected people, the necessary of hygiene education and precise control of infection is suggested

Inhibitory effect of genistein on PLC/PRF5 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Background: Natural compounds including flavonoids like genistein (GE) are able to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. GE is the main representative of these groups. GE inhibits carcinogenic tumors such as colon, stomach, lung, and pancreas tumors. The aim of the present study was to analyze the apoptotic effect of GE in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) PLC/PRF5 cell line. Methods: Cells were treated with various doses of GE (1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM/L) at different times (24, 48, and 72 h) and the MTT assay was commonly used. Furthermore, cells were treated with single dose of GE (25 μM) at different times and flow cytometry was performed. Results: GE inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells significantly with a time- and dose-dependent manner. The percentage of living cells in GE treatment groups with a concentration of 25 μM at different times were 53, 48 and 47%, respectively (P < 0.001). Result of flow cytometry demonstrated that GE at a 25 μM concentration induces apoptosis significantly in a time-dependent manner. The percentage of apoptotic cells at different times were 44, 56, and 60%, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: GE can significantly inhibit the growth of HCC cells and plays a significant role in apoptosis of this cell line

Explaining the Performance Evaluation Dimensions of Physicians in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Phenomenological Study)

Background and Aim: Effective monitoring and evaluation of human resources in countries require an agreed set of indicators and measurement tools. Due to the existence of different payment mechanisms, this study aimed to identify performance evaluation indicators in hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in 2022. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, purposive sampling, and participation of 23 members of the Senior executives and financial team of hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences and analyzed by content analysis method using MAXQDA-10 software. Results: Twenty-three experts participated in this research, 78.2% were men and 21.7% were women, and a total of 526 final codes were identified and according to the balanced scorecard management tool in 4 main themes of finance, customers, internal processes, and growth and Development. Also 8 sub-themes of resource efficiency with 86%, medical tourism with 52%, professional ethics with 65%, satisfaction with 78%, accreditation with 48%, diagnosis and treatment with 78%, education with 56% and The research was categorized with 78%. Conclusion: The provision of optimal medical services requires managers to be aware of the performance of subordinate personnel, which makes it possible to choose the appropriate criteria, develop performance evaluation systems and conduct correct evaluation, informing Doctors regarding the indicators considered for more accurate evaluation are among the suggestions that can be a solution to the existing problems. Another important point considering the limited available resources is the role of doctors in the field of health tourism to which attention will lead to an increase in financial resources