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The trace mineral selenium (Se) is one of the most critical micronutrients significantly affecting public health. It is a vital component in numerous enzymes and proteins, called selenoproteins; hence Se plays a crucial role in the range of biological activities. Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. In addition to Selenium being a crucial micronutrient for thyroid health, there is a direct association between Selenium and liver health. This study is aimed to examine the selenium effect on lipid factors, thyroid factors(anti-TPO and TSH), and liver enzymes.

A double-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted by enrolling 40 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in two equal control (placebo) and intervention (Selenium) groups. Two hundred micrograms of Selenium were admitted to participants for 60 days. Blood samples were obtained before and after the intervention. Total blood catalase, malondialdehyde, serum lipid profile, and liver factors were measured by spectrophotometric method, and the results were analyzed.

Plasma MDA level decreased significantly under the influence of selenium consumption, and hemoglobin levels in the experimental group showed a significant increase after the intervention (P <0.05). Catalase enzyme, lipid profile components, and liver enzymes in the intervention group did not change significantly compared to pre-intervention and the control group (P >0.05). TSH and anti-TPO levels indicated a relative decrease in the intervention group(P>0.05).

According to our findings, Selenium consumption in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was associated with improved levels of serum lipid factors, liver enzymes, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody, MDA, and HGB levels.

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a prevalent infectious agent regularly reported from hospital intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Annually, Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) isolates present a significant clinical challenge. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of antiseptic resistance genes and the level of resistance to quaternary ammonium and biguanide compounds in A. baumannii isolates obtained from patients of north Khorasan province.All obtained A. baumannii isolates were examined for in vitro susceptibility to antiseptic agents and the presence antiseptic resistance encoding genes including qacE, qacEΔ1, and blaOXA-23.The broth microdilution method detected the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) against antiseptic compounds. The majority of A. baumannii infections were observed in ICU patients (n=63, 84%). MDR and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) phenotypes were present in 53.2% and 46.7% of cases, respectively. Among 75 isolates, 48 (64%) had at least one resistance gene. This includes 24 (32%) isolates with only the qacE gene and 5 (6.7%) isolates with the qacEΔ1 gene. Coexistence of qacE and qacEΔ1 genes were found in nine (25.3%) isolates. The mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) was statistically significantly higher in isolates harboring antiseptic resistance genes than in isolates without such genes (81.4 µg/ml versus 27.9 µg/ml, P=0.001).The increased MIC against antiseptic agents among A. baumannii isolates is a big medical concern. The presence of antiseptic-resistant genes and increased minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels against antiseptic agents in MDR and XDR A. baumannii emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive monitoring of all A. baumannii isolates in hospital settings to ensure efficient infection control.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a potent immunosuppressive drug which has been reported to cause various disorders including hepatotoxicity. However, the precise molecular mediators participated in CsA-induced liver injury remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the transcription factors involved in lipid metabolism in the context of hepatic injury induced by cyclosporine A (CsA), both independently and in conjunction with curcumin. A total of twenty -eight male adult Wistar rats were assigned into four groups including control (Con), sham, cyclosporine A (CsA) and cyclosporineA +curcumin (CsA+cur). The rats were administered CsA at a dosage of 30 mg/kg and curcumin at 40 mg/kg via a gastric tube for a duration of 28 days. RT-PCR and also Masson trichrome staining were employed to measure related changes. Finally, CsA exposure caused a significant increase in protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), Fatty acid translocase CD36 (FAT/CD36), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and a significant decrease in hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 Alpha (HNF4A) genes expressions compared to the control and sham group. The CsA treatment also significantly elevated plasma lipids (LDL, cholesterol, triglyceride) and liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), compared to the control and sham group. Fibrotic changes were detected in CsA group by Masson trichrome staining. Curcumin consumption resulted in a considerable improvement in histological disorders and molecular mediators involved in liver injury following CsA treatment. Taken together, these findings proposed that CsA can cause deleterious effect to liver tissue via lipid homeostasis disorders mediated by FAT/CD36, PTP1B and HNF4A gene expression alterations. It also reveals that these negative effects of CsA can be mitigated by using curcumin as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement.

Periodontitis is an infection of the periodontium caused by group of specific microorganisms, resulting in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligamentand alveolar bone. Initial treatment for periodontitis is mechanical scaling and root planing, but it does not cause sufficient reduction of the bacterial load due to lack of accessibility to microorganisms. Hence, the incorporation of adjunctive chemotherapeutic agent enhances the outcome at sites which are not responsive to conventional therapy. Chlorhexidine is considered the gold standard for local drug delivery system but it has side effects like tooth staining, xerostomia and calculus formation. This has led to increasing demand for herbal medicine as they show fewer side effects and are cost effective. Among these herbal remedies Anethum graveolens, which contains natural phytochemicals is known for its therapeutic properties. Hence the present in-vitro microbiological study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial activity of Anethum graveolens gel with Chlorhexidine gel for Aa,Pg and Fn. MIC and MBC of the ethanolic extract of Anethum graveolens against standard ATCC bacterial strains of A.a, P.g and F.n were determined using broth dilution method and streaking on blood agar plates. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared Anethum graveolens gel was evaluated and compared with Chlorhexidine gel using the agar well diffusion assay. The zone of inhibition for Chlorhexidine gel was 15.6 mm, 17mm and 15.3mm for A.a, P.g and F.n respectively, whereas for A. graveolens gel it was 12.6mm 13mm and 12mm for 24. A.a, P.g and F.n respectively.The results obtained suggested that Chlorhexidine gel showed a slightly better antimicrobial activity as compared to the Anethum graveolens gel against Aa, Pg and Fn.

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Gastric cancer was responsible for approximately 768,000 deaths. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as short non-coding RNAs, undoubtedly play a central and decisive role in various types of cancer due to their interaction with target genes. Since the discovery of the identity and clinical functions of miRNAs in the past few decades, their potential as therapeutic targets in cancer research has been the focus of extensive study. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of microRNAs in gastric cancer, focusing on their expression, biogenesis, and potential as therapeutic biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential regulators of cell proliferation, signaling pathways, and the cell cycle. They can also serve as markers of metastasis in the stomach, liver, and lymph nodes, as well as indicators of response to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Several studies have shown that miRNAs in gastric cancer have been effective as biomarkers for cancer prognosis. Currently, various oncogenic clinical trials are underway, exploring the use of miRNAs in screening, diagnosis, and drug testing. However, many systematic molecular mechanisms, including a detailed investigation of miRNAs and their expression in gastric cancer, remain unknown. Therefore, in addition to presenting the updated results of recent preclinical studies, researchers have investigated the biogenesis of miRNAs and their expression in cancer cells. It is hoped that the analysis of molecular interaction effects and the identification of miRNA target molecules and signaling pathways will contribute to the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that provides conditions for host invasion due to various virulence factors and plays a role in causing various infections. These bacteria may have different pathogenic functions depending on the susceptibility of the host. This study investigates the sensitivity of S. aureus strains isolated from clinical samples to methicillin and vancomycin and evaluates the presence of resistance, virulence and toxin-producing genes and their expression level in the methicillin-restsnat S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), and vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) isolates.In a cross sectional study, 502 S. aureus isolates were collected from different infections during one year. Methicillin and vancomycin sensitivity of the isolates was checked by disk diffusion and microdilution broth method, respectively. The presence of resistance, adhesion, and toxin-producing genes was checked using the Multiplex PCR method. The expression level of the virulence and resistance genes was detected in resistant and sensitive isolates using real-time qPCR.Out of 502 S. aureus isolates, 168 isolates (33.6%) were MRSA. A total of 6 isolates (1.2%) were diagnosed as VRSA and two isolates (0.4%) as VISA. Virulence and resistance-related genes showed different frequencies. The results of the gene expression study showed that the expression of most of the studied genes was significantly higher in resistant isolates (MRSA and VRSA) than in sensitive isolates. VRSA and MRSA are considered severe threats to human health. The present study showed that sanitary measures are necessary to control this hospital pathogen more seriously due to the presence and expression of genes encoding virulence factors in S. aureus isolates.

The production of bacterial biofilms on surfaces related to food processing is of particular importance. Given the health concerns associated with biofilm production on food-related surfaces and the increasing antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-biofilm effects of oregano, spearmint, and thyme extracts on the biofilms of Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Listeria monocytogenes.Spearmint, Oregano, and Thyme plants were freshly prepared, dried, and ground. The hydro and ethanolic extracts of the plants were extracted by soaking. The amount of phenolic compound in the obtained hydro and ethanolic extracts was evaluated using the spectrophotometric method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts were determined. The biofilm inhibition and destruction by the extracts were investigated using the microdilution method.The results showed that the highest amount of phenolic compounds among ethanolic and aqueous extracts belongs to oregano and thyme extracts, respectively. Also, the results showed that the lowest effective concentration of the extracts on L. monocytogenes was by thyme aqueous extract with MIC and MBC of 1.8 and 2%, respectively, and for oregano ethanolic extract was 1.2 and 1.4%. The most significant biofilm-inhibiting effect on L. monocytogenes, S. typhimurium, and E. coli O157: H7 was observed by the thyme aqueous extract and oregano ethanol extract. Moreover, the highest amount of biofilm destruction was achieved by the thyme aqueous extract and oregano ethanol extract. The results of the present study indicate that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of spearmint, oregano, and thyme plants have inhibitory and destructive effects on biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, these antimicrobial compounds can be used to control and prevent biofilm formation in food industries.

This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of the Z1 cell line to Measles, Rubella and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses, and to follow up on the formation of subsequent cytopathic effects for evaluating the potential of the Z1 cell line as a suitable alternative for easier isolation, and identification of these viruses, and even quality control tests such as potency tests and production of biological products such as diagnostic antigens. The Z1 cell lines were prepared in disposable cell culture flasks and were inoculated with Measles, Rubella, and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses at defined multiplicity of infection. Vero-WHO, Rabbit Kidney-13 (RK-13), and Hep-2 cell lines were also prepared as standard cell substrates and were inoculated with Measles, Rubella and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses, respectively. The quality and quantity of CPE formation as the microscopic signs of viral replication in the test and control cell lines were daily observed. Samples were taken and the titer of progeny viruses was calculated to compare the viral yield. An interference test using the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus was also performed to confirm the replication of Rubella in the Rubella-inoculated cell cultures. In the case of Measles Virus there was a significant difference between viral yield in Z1 and Vero-WHO cells. For Rubella Virus there was a significant differences in viral yield in Z1 and Vero-WHO cells. Despite these, there were no significant difference between viral yield, when Respiratory Syncytial Virus inoculated to the Z1 and Vero-WHO cells. Collectively, the Z1 cell line could be considered a suitable alternative to Hep-2 for isolation and propagation of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, while it is relatively sensitive to Measles Virus. Despite this, the Z1 cell line could not be used as a cell substrate for Rubella Virus propagation.

Intestinal bacterial infections are a significant cause of mortality in developing countries, with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) being a leading cause of severe diarrheal diseases. These infections are characterized by the production of enterotoxins and colonization factors that disrupt the small intestine, leading to diarrhea. While antibiotic treatments face limitations, vaccination has emerged as a critical tool for prevention. This study evaluates the immunogenicity of chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating the recombinant surface antigen SlyB of ETEC in an animal model.The SlyB antigen was expressed in an expression vector, purified, and encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles using the ionic gelation method. Rabbits were immunized using three administration

oral, oral-injection, and injection. Antibody levels in serum and feces were measured via ELISA, and the neutralization ability of immune sera was assessed using an ileal loop assay.Results demonstrated significant titers of serum IgG and fecal IgA antibodies across all immunized groups, with the oral administration of chitosan nanoparticles eliciting the highest IgA responses in mucosal surfaces. Encapsulation of the recombinant SlyB protein in chitosan NPs enhanced antigen stability, promoted controlled release, and stimulated robust cellular and humoral immunity. The challenge test confirmed the efficacy of immune sera in neutralizing ETEC toxins, particularly in orally vaccinated groups.This study highlights the potential of chitosan nanoparticles as an effective delivery platform for mucosal vaccines against ETEC. By encapsulating recombinant antigens, this method not only enhances immunogenicity but also offers a promising alternative to conventional vaccination strategies for diarrheal diseases. Further research is recommended to explore scalability and efficacy in broader populations.

Colibacillosis is one of the most important bacterial diseases of chickens and turkeys which caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). Mortality, low body weight, and high FCR in colibacillosis affected poultry farms and higher carcass condemnation at slaughterhouse caused great economic impacts on the poultry industry. In recent years, production of homologous and heterologous APEC vaccines has been evaluated. In this study, mineral oil as an adjuvant for inactivated E. coli used and inoculated via injection route to laying chicken. At 28 days of age, 60 birds were subsequently divided into six experimental groups of 10 chickens per group. Chickens in group control did not receive E. coli vaccines; whereas five treatment groups were vaccinated subcutaneously with a formalin inactivated, mineral-oil adjuvant E. coli vaccine containing isolate of E. coli serotype O78; T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 groups were vaccinated at 28 days of age with 0.2 ml (8 x106, 16 x106, 33 x106, 66 x106, and 133 x106 cfu/ml) per dose of E. coli O78 respectively. IgG antibody titers against E. coli was evaluated 10 weeks after inoculation with ELISA method. Results showed the significant titer in IgG antibodies in the immunized birds compared to the unimmunized control group (P <0.05), anti IgG antibodies increased weekly after injection of produced compounds in most vaccinated groups up to week four. Overall, prepared E. coli vaccine in Razi institute, Shiraz branch induced high levels of immune responses in the vaccinated laying hens as revealed by ELISA. Although, to considerable immunological stimulus it is suggested that all the chickens in the experimental group receive a booster dose four weeks after the first immunization.