Genetic Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii by Serological and Molecular Analyzes in Different Sheep and Goat Tissues in Northeastern Iran

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by compilation protozoan agent  Toxoplasma gondii, leading to significant financial and quality-adjusted life-year losses. Overcooked or raw meat consumption has been a considerable transmission route. The present study was conducted to determine the seropositivity rate of T. gondii in sheep and goats by serological and molecular tests and genotyping of obtained isolates in northeast Iran. Methods: Blood and tissue samples (diaphragm, heart) of 296 animals (including 168 sheep and 128 goats) were collected from the slaughterhouse in Quchan Country from august 2016 to April 2017. Modified agglutination test (MAT) and the PCR method performed to detect parasite DNA on tissues.PCR-RFLP method of GRA6 gene was used to determine the genotype of T. gondii. In addition, sequencing analysis was performed to evaluate the Toxoplasma type strains. Results: Serum positive for MAT results were found in 27.4% of sheep and 23.4% of goats. Positive PCR of B1 gene results in diaphragm and heart tissues of sheep and goats was 47.8% and 26.1%, 40% and 23.3%, respectively. PCR of GRA6 gene results were positive in 10 samples that RFLP technique results using MseІ enzyme revealed genotype І. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed DNA of all samples was closely related to Toxoplasma type І. Conclusion: Concerning the high seropositivity rate of toxoplasmosis, undertaking an appropriate preventive program for reducing the prevalence of T. gondii infection by raw or undercooked meat consumption of livestock is recommended. Our study supports the notion that these animals' consumption of raw and undercooked meat can be a probable source of human toxoplasmosis

The Aflatoxin M1 level and Antibiotic Residues in raw milk supplied across the city of Bojnurd in 2016

Background: Milk is considered as one of the most complete foods, consumption of raw milk contained with aflatoxin M1 and antibiotics has raised consumer concerns. The aim of this study was to determine the level of aflatoxin and antibiotic residues in raw milk in Bojnurd, Khorasan province, Iran. Methods: In this study, 40 samples of raw milk from their distribution centers in the city of Bojnourd, were taken randomly in summer and fall of 2016. Samples were evaluated for aflatoxin and antibiotic residues by ELISA method and Coupons kit respectively. Descriptive statistics including means and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Data was analyzed with SPSS 19. Results: According to the results, no residues of antibiotics were found in raw milk and the aflatoxin concentrations were between 5.1 and 65 ng per ml and the levels were lower than the Iran standards in all samples. Conclusion: According to the results, antibiotics residues and aflatoxin M1 levels in raw milk of Bojnoord city are within the acceptable level. However, it is recommended to evaluate these parameters in all seasons

When photoluminescence, electroluminescence, and open-circuit voltage diverge : light soaking and halide segregation in perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells suffer from various instabilities on all time scales. Some of them are driven by light, in particular when employing compounds with mixed halides. Such light soaking effects have been observed in performance changes of solar-cell devices. They have also been spectroscopically investigated in detail on films, where the formation of a low-gap iodine rich phase, seen in a red shift of the PL has been made responsible for a reduced open-circuit voltage. However, studies synchronously examining device performance and its relation to spectroscopy data, are scarce. Here, we perform an in-operandum study, where we investigate changes of open-circuit voltage (Voc) and photocurrent during light soaking and complement it with photo- (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) data on devices, which allow analysis of the Voc-limiting processes using optical and optoelectronic reciprocity relations. We find that changes in the Voc for stable single halide compositions are quantitatively correlated with changes in the PL intensity, showing that the Voc follows changes in the quasi-Fermi level splitting. In contrast, changes in Voc for the mixed halide composition are not correlated to the emergence of the low-gap phase, confirming that this phase is not the sole culprit for a low and instable Voc. Instead, non-radiative voltage losses influenced by mobile ions are dominant in devices containing compositions with high Br content. Interestingly, the low-gap phase contributes less to photocurrent, as seen by a wavelength-dependent PL quenching at short circuit. This observation might be explained by the formation of emissive but partially insulated iodine-rich regions in the film. Such an effect is also possible for single halide systems, when the perovskite composition is not stable, seen in an increase of PL at short circuit during light soaking. This indicates that ion migration in general causes photovoltaically inactive regions, without enhancing non-radiative recombination. EL measurements confirm that Rau’s reciprocity relation between external EL quantum efficiency and Voc cannot readily be applied to absorbers with such different phases.Perovskite solar cells suffer from various instabilities on all time scales. Some of them are driven by light, in particular when employing compounds with mixed halides. Such light soaking effects have been observed in performance changes of solar-cell devices. They have also been spectroscopically investigated in detail on films, where the formation of a low-gap iodine rich phase, seen in a red shift of the PL has been made responsible for a reduced open-circuit voltage. However, studies synchronously examining device performance and its relation to spectroscopy data, are scarce. Here, we perform an in-operandum study, where we investigate changes of open-circuit voltage (Voc) and photocurrent during light soaking and complement it with photo- (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) data on devices, which allow analysis of the Voc-limiting processes using optical and optoelectronic reciprocity relations. We find that changes in the Voc for stable single halide compositions are quantitatively correlated with changes in the PL intensity, showing that the Voc follows changes in the quasi-Fermi level splitting. In contrast, changes in Voc for the mixed halide composition are not correlated to the emergence of the low-gap phase, confirming that this phase is not the sole culprit for a low and instable Voc. Instead, non-radiative voltage losses influenced by mobile ions are dominant in devices containing compositions with high Br content. Interestingly, the low-gap phase contributes less to photocurrent, as seen by a wavelength-dependent PL quenching at short circuit. This observation might be explained by the formation of emissive but partially insulated iodine-rich regions in the film. Such an effect is also possible for single halide systems, when the perovskite composition is not stable, seen in an increase of PL at short circuit during light soaking. This indicates that ion migration in general causes photovoltaically inactive regions, without enhancing non-radiative recombination. EL measurements confirm that Rau’s reciprocity relation between external EL quantum efficiency and Voc cannot readily be applied to absorbers with such different phases

Origin of apparent light-enhanced and negative capacitance in perovskite solar cells

So-called negative capacitance seems to remain an obscure feature in the analysis of the frequency-dependent impedance of perovskite solar cells. It belongs to one of the puzzling peculiarities arising from the mixed ionic-electronic conductivity of this class of semiconductor. Here we show that apparently high capacitances in general (positive and negative) are not related to any capacitive feature in the sense of a corresponding charge accumulation. Instead, they are a natural consequence of slow transients mainly in forward current of the diode upon ion displacement when changing voltage. The transient current leads to a positive or negative 'capacitance' dependent on the sign of its gradient. The 'capacitance' appears so large because the associated resistance, when thinking of a resistor-capacitor element, results from another physical process, namely modified electronic charge injection and transport. Observable for a variety of devices, it is a rather universal phenomenon related to the hysteresis in the current-voltage curve

Early-Onset Friedreich's Ataxia With Oculomotor Apraxia

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is a rare autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia which in the majority of cases is associated with a GAA-trinucleotide repeat expansion in the first intron of Frataxin gene located on chromosome 9. The clinical features include progressive gait and limb ataxia, cerebellar dysarthria, neuropathy, optic atrophy, and loss of vibration and proprioception. Ataxia with ocular motor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) is another autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia which is associated with oculomotor apraxia, hypoalbuminaemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Here we describe two siblings (13- and 10-year-old) display overlapping clinical features of both early-onset FRDA and AOA1. Almost all of laboratory test (including urinary analysis/culture, biochemistry, peripheral blood smear, C-reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate-1h) results were within the normal range for both patients. Due to the normal laboratory test results; we concluded that the diagnosis was more likely to be FRDA than AOA1. Therefore, neurologists should bear in mind that clinical presentations of FRDA may vary widely from the classical phenotype of gait and limb ataxia to atypical manifestations such as oculomotor apraxia

Association of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Genes Encoding IL-2 and IFN-γ With Febrile Seizure

Inflammatory elements and genetics have major roles in febrile seizures (FS) pathogenesis. Seventy patients were enrolled and compared with 139 controls. The allele and genotype frequency of the IL-2 gene at -330 and +166 positions and the IFN-γ at +874 position were determined. A significant positive association with GG genotype at position -330 in the patient group was found (P=0.003). Further, a positive association was detected in simple and complex FS groups at the same position (P=0.03, P=0.004). IL-2 GT haplotype was significantly more common in the patients compared to controls (P=0.0008). Higher frequency of GT haplotype was detected in simple FS patients in comparison to controls (P=0.0003). Contrary, IL-2 TG haplotype frequency was lower in complex FS group (P=0.005). Overrepresentation of certain alleles, genotypes and haplotypes in IL-2 gene in FS patients could predispose individuals to this disease

Internationalization of medical education in Iran: A way towards implementation of the plans of development and innovation in medical education

Introduction: Academic institutions are the most important organizations for implementation of internationalization policies and practices for integrating an international, intercultural and global dimension in higher education system. Also, a globally increasing demand for higher education has been seen in the past two decades so that the number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in the worldwide nation-states has increased dramatically. The National Plan of International Development of Medical Education was designed with the aim of identifying available potentials in all the universities of medical sciences, encouraging the development of international standards of medical education, and planning for the utilization of the existing capacity in Islamic republic of Iran. Methods: Authors have tried to review the several aspects of international activities in higher education in the world and describe national experiences and main policies in globalization of medical education in Iran within implementation of the National Plan for Development and Innovation in Medical Education. Results: The findings of some global experiences provide the policy makers with clear directions in order to develop internationalization of higher education. Conclusion: The Program for International Development of Medical Education was designed by the Deputy of Education in the Ministry of Health and the effective implementation of this Program was so important for promotion of Iranian medical education. But there were some challenges in this regard; addressing them through inter-sectoral collaboration is one of the most important strategies for the development of internationalization of education in the field of medical sciences

An overview on mRNA-based vaccines to prevent monkeypox infection

Abstract The human monkeypox virus (Mpox) is classified as a member of the Poxviridae family and belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Mpox possesses double-stranded DNA, and there are two known genetic clades: those originating in West Africa and the Congo Basin, commonly known as Central African clades. Mpox may be treated with either the vaccinia vaccination or the therapeutics. Modifying the smallpox vaccine for treating and preventing Mpox has shown to be beneficial because of the strong link between smallpox and Mpox viruses and their categorization in the same family. Cross-protection against Mpox is effective with two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved smallpox vaccines (ACAM2000 and JYNNEOSTM). However, ACAM2000 has the potential for significant adverse effects, such as cardiac issues, whereas JYNNEOS has a lower risk profile. Moreover, Mpox has managed to resurface, although with modified characteristics, due to the discontinuation and cessation of the smallpox vaccine for 40 years. The safety and efficacy of the two leading mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants have been shown in clinical trials and subsequent data analysis. This first mRNA treatment model involves injecting patients with messenger RNA to produce target proteins and elicit an immunological response. High potency, the possibility of safe administration, low-cost manufacture, and quick development is just a few of the benefits of RNA-based vaccines that pave the way for a viable alternative to conventional vaccines. When protecting against Mpox infection, mRNA vaccines are pretty efficient and may one day replace the present whole-virus vaccines. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a synopsis of the ongoing research, development, and testing of an mRNA vaccine against Mpox