Drug susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Candida albicans against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole by microdilution and disk diffusion methods

Background and Objective: Candida albicans is the normal flora of the body as opportunistic fungi. It causes candidiasis in immunocompromised condition. This study was done to drug susceptibility testing of Candida albicans isolated from patients against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole. Methods: In this descriptive – analytic study, drug susceptibility of 30 Candida albicans isolated from patients admitted to Tehran hospitals, Iran was tested against Amphotericin B and Ketoconazole by micro dilution method in accordance with CLSI M27-A2 guideline and disk diffusion method in accordance with CLSI M44-S2 guideline. Standard isolate Candida albicans PTCC (5027) and Candida krusei PTCC (5295) were used for quality control. Results: The minimum and maximum MIC against Amphotrericin B was 0.0625 µg.ml-1 and 4 µg.ml-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum MIC against Ketoconazole was 0.5 µg/ml-1 and 32 µg/ml-1, respectively. The minimum and maximum zone diameter was 6 and 28 mm for both drugs. The results of drug susceptibility testing by two methods did not show significant differences. 25 isolates (83.3%) against ketoconazole and 2 isolates (6.7%) against Amphotericin B were resistant. Conclusion: Amphotericin B administration seems better choice in candidiasis treatment in comparision with Ketoconazole

Drug susceptibility of Aspergillus flavus and A.fumigatus to Itraconazole and Amphotericin B

Background and Objective: Aspergillosis is the most current causative agent of exogenous fungal nosocomial infection. This study was done to evaluate the drug susceptibility of Aspergillus flavus and A.fumigatus to itraconazole and amphotericin B. Materials and Methods: This Laboratory study was done on 25 Aspergillus fumigatus and 25 Aspergillus flavus species isolated from transplant's patients. Drug susceptibility test was done according to NCCLS M38-P document. Fungal suspensions of mentioned fungi were supplied with ranges 0.5–5×104 by spectrophotometer at 530 nm. Serial dilutions of drugs were supplied from 0.03125 to 16 µg/ml and MICs determined following 48h incubation at 35°C. Results: Obtained MICs ranges for Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus were 1-4 µg/ml and 0.5–4 µg/ml for itraconazole, respectively while MICs ranges against Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus were 0.5-2 µg/ml and 0.25-2 µg/ml for amphotericin B, respectively. Amphotericin B MICs were significantly lower than itraconazole (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aspergillus flavus and A.fumigatus were susceptible to amphotericin B and itraconazole

Determination of Slimness, Low Weight and Low Growth Rates in Rural and Urban Schoolboys in Golpayegan

Background and Aim: Malnutrition is one of the causative agents of death in children. So, this study was done for assessment of anthropometric indices of students and malnutrition status in Golpayegan, Iran.Materials and Methods: This research was done as a descriptive - analytical (inferential) study. Sampling was done as clusters and multistage. In order to collect data, the standard questionnaire of anthropometric indicators standards (ANIS) pattern was used. Low and low height was used based on Z score. Collected data was analyzed by Epi-info and SPSS software.Results: Of 1062 schoolboys, 550 were male and 512 were female. Anthropometric indicators including age (month), weight (kg) and height (Cm) showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The mean of malnutrition index was 5.4 % (WAZ<-2) and 3% (WAZ<-2) in our study.Conclusion: The significant difference between prevalence of slimness, low weighting and low growth in rural and urban Schoolboys is an indicator of the undesirable situation in rural areas. Therefore, nutritional planning should be considered in rural children

Efficacy of ultraviolet radiation on drug susceptibility of Candida Spp. to itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B

Background and Objective: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a important disinfectant. Fungal infections with resistant isolates in patients culminate in recurrence of disease even with worse condition. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet radiation on drug susceptibility of Candida Spp. to itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B. Materials and Methods: This laboratory study was done on 12 Candida spp. isolated from patients according to NCCLS M27- A method. Samples were suspended with sterile saline and optical density was read by spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 530 nm. Serial dilutions (0.0313-16 µg/ml) and (0.0313-128 µg/ml) were supplied for itraconazole, amphotericin and fluconazole, respectively. MICs were determined after 48h incubation at 35°C. Following UV radiation for 1, 2, 5, 10, 60, 90 and 120 seconds MICs were determined, subsequently. Results: The highest MIC pre UV radiation was (>128 µg/ml) for fluconazole. After UV radiation, MICs were steadily decreased for all mentioned drugs while after 10 sec, MICs of itraconazole and amphotericin B were >0.0313 µg/ml. Secondary MICs significantly decreased with respect to MICs obtained in pre UV radiation (P<0.05). Conclusion: UV radiation reduces MICs of Candida spp. to itraconazole, fluconazole, amphotericin B

Effect of gold nanoparticles synthesized using the aqueous extract of Satureja hortensis leaf on enhancing the shelf life and removing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes in minced camel's meat: The role of nanotechnology in the food industry

Because herbal nanoparticles have antimicrobial properties, researchers have tried to synthesize them to aid in increasing the shelf time of food and food products. In this regard, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized by plants are particularly important. In this study, fresh and clean leaves of Satureja hortensis were selected for the synthesis of AuNPs. We also evaluated the efficacy of these nanoparticles to increase the shelf life of and remove Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes from minced camel's meat. The nanoparticles were analyzed by UV-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction tests. The FT-IR spectroscopy results demonstrated that the antioxidant compounds in the plant were the sources of reducing power, reducing gold ions to AuNPs. FE-SEM and TEM images revealed the size of the nanoparticles to be 22.26 nm. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test revealed similar antioxidant potentials for S. hortensis, AuNPs, and butylated hydroxytoluene. S. hortensis and AuNPs had high cell viability dose-dependently against the human umbilical vein endothelial cell line. At the beginning of the food industry part of this experiment, all samples of control, S. hortensis, and AuNPs were preserved at 4 degrees C for 20 days. During these 20 days, the sensory, chemical, and microbiological parameters were assessed for all samples. AuNPs significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli and L. monocytogenes. In addition, AuNPs significantly increased the protein carbonyl content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, pH, peroxide value, total volatile base nitrogen, and sensory attributes (color, odor, and overall acceptability). The best results were seen in AuNPs (1). These findings reveal that the inclusion of S. hortensis extract improves the solubility of AuNPs, which led to a notable enhancement in their preservative and antibacterial effects

The Effect of Zoledronic Acid on BSP Expression and Methylation during Osteoblastic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background and Aim: Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a specific marker of osteoblastic differentiation. In this research, the effect of Zoledronic Acid on BSP expression and methylation status during osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was evaluated.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, MSCs were isolated from human bone marrow. For osteogenic differentiation, hMSCs were pulse treated with zoledronic acid, and were incubated in osteogenic differentiation medium for 3 weeks. The DNA and RNA were extracted after the first, second and third weeks of culture and also from undifferentiated MSCs. After Sodium bisulfate (SBS) treatment, gene specific methylation analysis for BSP was carried out using Methylation Specific PCR technique.Results: BSP expression was observed in osteoblastic differentiated cells whereas it was not seen in MSCs. MSP showed that BSP was unmethylated during osteoblastic differentiation.Conclusion: BSP was expressed from the first week of differentiation. This confirms that zoledronic acid accelerates osteoblastic differentiation. Unmethylation status of BSP indicates that zoledronic acid does not have any effect on BSP methylation status. Other genetic or epigenetic mechanisms may control BSP expression during osteoblastic differentiation induction by zoledronic acid

Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using Allium eriophyllum Boiss leaf aqueous extract; characterization and analysis of their antimicrobial and cutaneous wound-healing potentials

Recently, researchers have proven the therapeutic properties of copper nanoparticles as a common product of nanotechnology science. Due to the excellent antioxidant potential of copper nanoparticles, it seems that they can be used for the treatment of infectious diseases and cutaneous wounds. Also, Allium eriophyllum Boiss leaf is used in Kurdish traditional medicine, as one of the popular medicines of the Iranian traditional medicines, for increasing the trend of wound healing. So, we decided to synthesize the copper nanoparticles containing A. eriophyllum leaf aqueous extract, and analyze their potentials in removing bacteria and fungi and healing of cutaneous wounds. After synthesizing the copper nanoparticles, they were characterized with common techniques of organic chemistry, i.e. UV-Vis, Fourier transform-infrared, X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For investigating the antimicrobial properties of CuSO4, A. eriophyllum, and CuNPs@A. eriophyllum, we used the macro-broth dilation test. Also, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of CuSO4, A. eriophyllum, and CuNPs@A. eriophyllum were gained to indicate the exact antimicrobial potentials of them. To survey the cutaneous wound-healing effects of CuSO4, A. eriophyllum, and CuNPs@A. eriophyllum, the 0.2 ointments were formulated and compared with the control and untreated groups. All data of antimicrobial and cutaneous wound-healing experiments were assessed by SPSS 22 software. The results of chemical characterization indicated that copper nanoparticles had been synthesized as the best form, and the size ranges were 25-35 and 30-35 nm in the FE-SEM and TEM images, respectively. In the antimicrobial part of this study, CuNPs@A. eriophyllum indicated higher antifungal and antibacterial effects than all standard antibiotics (P <= 0.01). MIC, MBC and MFC of CuNPs@A. eriophyllum were 2-4 mg/ml against all fungi and bacteria tested. With regard to cutaneous wound healing, the use of CuNPs@A. eriophyllum ointment significantly (P <= 0.01) raised the wound contracture, vessel, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, fibrocyte and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate, and significantly (P <= 0.01) decreased the wound area, total cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes compared with other groups in rats. According to the above findings, CuNPs@A. eriophyllum may be used for the treatment of infectious diseases and cutaneous wounds in humans

Fungus paranasal sinusitis in non- immunocompromised patients in Tehran, Iran (2006-07)

Background and Objective: Incidence of fungal infections particularly fungal sinusitis is increasing in Iran and identification of causative agents is essential for its control and treatment. This study was carried out to determine the fungus paranasal sinusitis in non- immunocompromised patients in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross – sectional study was done on 108 patients (73 males, 35 females) with chronic sinusitis ranged from 9 to 68 years, admitted to Amir Alam and Emam Khomeini hospitals in Tehran, Iran during 2006-07. Sinusitis in patients confirmed by radiologic images. Complementry information were obtained using questionnaires which including gender, job, presence of disposing disease diabetes and consumption immunocompromised drugs. Sinus samples were collected by washing and biopsy were carried out by two methods of fenestration and Cald-wel luc operations. Subsequently they were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), SDA+chloramphenicol and blood agar (BA) media at 30°C and 37°C. Direct examination and fixative sample for histhologic evaluation was done and for colonies confirmation the slide culture method also was used. Results: 8 cases (7.4 %) were positive for fungal sinusitis with following sub type: 6 cases (Alternaria Spp), 1 case (Paecilomyces) and 1 case (Aspergillus flavus). The most fungal sinusitis (5 cases) were observed in 30-39 years patients. Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of 7.4 % fungal sinusitis and isolation of paecilomyces which is a rare subtype complematry investigation is recommended, in the field of research

Introducing a novel chemotherapeutic drug formulated by iron nanoparticles for the clinical trial studies

In recent years, the experiments have revealed that plants raise the cytotoxicity and anticancer potentials of iron nanoparticles against several cell lines especially tumor cell lines. In the present study, we formulated a modern drug by iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) containing Glycyrrhiza glabra L leaf for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Characterization of FeNPs was done by TEM, FE-SEM, UV-Vis, and FT-IR. FE-SEM and TEM images revealed an average diameter of 11-18 nm for the nanoparticles. UV-Vis revealed an absorption band at 298 nm that is related to the surface plasmon resonance of FeNPs. FT-IR results offered antioxidant compounds in the nanoparticles were the sources of reducing power, reducing iron ions to FeNPs. MTT assay was used on normal (HUVEC) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (MOLT-3, CEM/C2, TALL-104, and CCRF-CEM) cell lines for comparing the anti-acute lymphoblastic leukemia properties of FeCl3, G. glabra, and FeNPs. Iron nanoparticles had very low cell viability dose-dependently against MOLT-3, CEM/C2, TALL-104, CCRF-CEM cell lines without any cytotoxicity on the HUVEC cell line. The best result of cytotoxicity property of FeNPs against the above cell lines was seen in the case of CCRF-CEM cell line. These nanoparticles can be administrated in humans for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia after confirming in the in vivo and clinical trials

Biosynthesis of zinc nanoparticles using Allium saralicum RM Fritsch leaf extract; Chemical characterization and analysis of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing properties

The extract of Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch leaf was found to be an effective reagent for green synthesis and functionalization of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs@AS) from 1 mM zinc acetate solution. These nanoparticles were characterized by fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. FT-IR results offered polysaccharides and protein in A. saralicum were the sources of reducing power, reducing zinc ions to ZnNPs@AS. In XRD analysis, the crystal size of zinc nanoparticles was 19.7 nm. TEM and FE-SEM images indicated the average diameter of 19 nm for the zinc nanoparticles. For investigating the antimicrobial properties of Zn (NO3)(2).6H(2)O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS, we used the macro-broth dilation test. Also, MIC, MBC, and MFC of Zn (NO3)(2).6H(2)O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS were gained to indicate the exact antimicrobial potentials of them. ZnNPs@AS indicated higher antifungal and antibacterial effects than all standard antibiotics (p <= 0.01). The MIC of ZnNPs@AS were 2-4 and 2-8 mg/mL against fungi and bacteria, respectively. But, MBC and MFC of ZnNPs@AS were 4-8 mg/mL against all fungi and bacteria tested. To survey the cutaneous wound healing effects of Zn (NO3)(2).6H(2)O, A. saralicum, and ZnNPs@AS, the 0.2 ointments were formulated and compared with the control and untreated groups. The use of ZnNPs@AS ointment significantly (p <= 0.01) raised the wound contracture, vessel, hydroxyl proline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, fibrocyte, fibroblast, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate and significantly (p <= 0.01) decreased the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte compared to other groups in rats. According to the above findings, ZnNPs@AS may be consumed for the treatment of cutaneous wounds and infectious diseases in humans