The epidemic of coronavirus infection disease 19 (COVID-19), which started in Wuhan City, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is highly expressed by the lung epithelial cells. In COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome, a hyperinflammatory syndrome with hypercytokinemia leads to acute lung injury and the development of respiratory failure. Macrolides are broad-spectrum, bacteriostatic antibiotics with significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Different preclinical and clinical studies have shown that macrolides inhibit cytokine release, attenuate the inflammatory response, and improve immunoglobulin response. Azithromycin potentiates the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of chloroquine in COVID-19. However, azithromycin alone is effective initially in the management of COVID-19 due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. The antiviral potential of azithromycin is linked to different mechanisms, including modulation of lysosomal activity and the interaction points between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor. Therefore, macrolides, chiefly azithromycin, are an effective drug against COVID-19 through direct antiviral effect or via the modulation of hyperinflammatory status.

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Nutrition and infectious diseases are related to each other in some aspects. First, nutrition affects the development of human body immune system. Moreover, nutrition can influence emerge of infectious diseases (e.g., gastrointestinal infections), food poisoning, intestinal diseases, and systemic infectious diseases. In this review, the mentioned aspects of the relationship between nutrition and infections are discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between malnutrition and infectious diseases, nutrition in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency and relationship between overeating and infection are reviewed. Overall, some factors can weaken the body's ability to fight infection and cause malnutrition. The factors include anorexia, traditional behaviors, reduction of intestinal absorption, metabolic damage, disorder metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, reduction of vitamins, iron, zinc, and copper. In the case of the relationship between malnutrition and infection, a large number of studies have illustrated a bidirectional interaction of malnutrition and infection. In this aspect, to treat serious acute malnutrition and limit the rate of death, some preventive studies applied antibiotics, probiotic bacteria, and prebiotic foods. In the future, studies may be conducted on intestinal or systematic immunomodulation.

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Cystic fibrosis (CF) has been generally well defined throughout the world although its prevalence is very difficult to ascertain for a number of reasons, including the fact that the medical/scientific literature and patient registries vary in quality in different countries. In the present review literature (1938–2017), we found out the higher frequency of registered CF patients in the European Union. This could be due to strong clinical awareness and greater health facilities. In contrast, we found a very irregular report from Asian and African countries. In these countries, the national CF registration system is mostly lacking or it is individualized-based research. In this situation, the estimation of various risk factors such as ethnicity and/or races is remained to be resolved. Overall, this review outlines the urgent need for revitalization of national and global CF registration, worldwide.

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Antibiotics, one of the miracle discoveries of the 20^th century after world war revolutionized the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases. Antibiotics led to an increase in the quality of health-care system but with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains compromised their very potential. The WHO calls bacterial resistance as one of the major threats to global health, food security, and development today. Antibiotic resistance poses a need of alternative therapy to conventional antibiotics. As proved in preantibiotic era phage therapy is effective against a number of successful pathogens and can be used as an alternative strategy to restrain stern infections such as antibiotic resistance tuberculosis (TB). In the present paper, effectiveness of phage therapy and use of model organisms for developing treatment strategy for antibiotic-resistant TB is discussed so as to explore new possibilities in battle against antibiotic resistance.

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Background: There is no population in the world clear from urinary tract infection (UTI), especially among women. Urinary tract disease is a general term alluding to the bacterial infection anyplace in the urinary tract. It is commonly acknowledged that contamination of the upper urinary tract puts the patient in danger for kidney damage. The aim of the study was to identify the type of bacteria that cause UTI beside elevates the correlation between UTI and some inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell, C-reactive protein (CRP), and hemoglobin for the UTI among patients in various sex and age groups. Methods: The study was carried in Baghdad Teaching Hospital during July 7, 2017–October 15, 2017. A sum of 45 UTI patients and 20 control group was collected. Results: The study showed that UTI increased in female than in male with 62.2% and 37.8%, respectively, and high risk at age 30–49 years with 42.2%. The microorganisms identified in this study were Escherichia coli (42.2%), followed by Enterobacter (8.9%), Pseudomonas and Klebsiella (6.7% for each), Proteus spp and Serratia spp (4.4% for each), and mixed culture (E. coli + Proteus and E. coli + Pseudomonas with 2.2% for each one). Conclusion: This study showed highly significant correlation between CRP and bacterial isolation.

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Background: One of virulence factors produced by Staphylococcus aureus is staphylokinase (SAK), which enhances their proteolytic activity leading to tissue damage and improving bacterial invasiveness. In the present study, we estimated the ability to produce SAK by S. aureus isolates from nasal carriers. We would like to verify relationship between SAK production and different S. aureus isolates. Methods: In this study, all nasal swab samples from healthy nasal carriers were collected and further processed in the Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University. All S. aureus isolates were screened for SAK and optimization was done. Results: Out of all S. aureus isolates 20% isolates were positive for SAK production. Isolate SAK-24 shown increase in SAK production after optimization and response surface methodology (RSM). Conclusion: Production of SAK varies from strain to strains. SAK production can be increased by optimization and RSM.

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Background: With the advent of many new advanced techniques, sequences of a number of proteins have been made available. But the relative paucity of the experimentally determined three-dimensional structures of these proteins has paved way for the development of computational structure prediction methods. Protein secondary structure prediction is an essential step in modeling the tertiary structure. Among the various secondary structure prediction methods available, three different methods with unique working principles, namely, GOR, HNN, and SOPMA were evaluated for their efficiency to predict secondary structures. Methods: A set of 90 different proteins with known secondary structures from three major classes namely, mainly alpha, mainly beta, and mainly alpha beta was used as reference. Secondary structure data of these proteins obtained through experimental methods were compared with that of predictions made by GOR, HNN, and SOPMA respectively by employing various statistical analyses, namely paired sample test, correlation coefficient, standard deviation, standard error mean and scatter plots. Results: The secondary structure prediction tools namely, GOR and HNN were found to predict helical structures more accurately than the sheets. SOPMA was observed to predict sheets more accurately than helices. Conclusion: Based on the observed results, it could be concluded that there is no single tool that consistently predicts all the secondary structures accurately. It could also be anticipated that a combined use of these secondary prediction tools could further enhance the efficacy of in silico protein secondary structure prediction methods.

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Background : Daily intake of air is 30 Ib as compared with 2-Ib of food and 4½ of water. Thereby, breathing-contaminated air is as harmful as drinking or eating contaminated water or food, respectively. Recent research has highlighted the extent of outdoor air pollution in large cities and warranted high-quality studies to clarify the magnitude of the problem. Here, we evaluated the possible association between tuberculosis (TB) development and exposure to outdoor air pollution in a metropolitan city of Tehran. Methods: Extraction and analysis of relevant data. Investigation performed on TB patients (n = 1167) that were residing in Tehran for the past 10 years. The average concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide (CO), and particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5μm (PM_2.5) and ≤ 10.0 (PM₁₀) was measured from Tehran Air Quality Control Corporation (TAQCC). Patient and ecological informations were analyzed using geographical information system. Results: Based on TAQCC, Tehran had an average of 180–250 polluted days per year for the last 10 years. The high incidence of pulmonary TB (18 to 31/100,000) was detected in populations which were exposed to high concentration of CO (2.7 to 5.2 parts per million, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.10 to 1.90) and PM_2.5(35 to 42μg/m³; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.80). The level of SO₂,NO, and PM₁₀was also high but not significantly related to TB (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The long-term exposure to PM_2.5 and CO was positively associated with TB development.

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The aim of this study is well stated to address in recent advances on probiotics in the past 50 years. Probiotics are the living cell organisms. It is a presence in human and animal gut. The probiotic organisms are natural antibiotics in the human-animal gut. This reviews the main role mechanisms of action in probiotics such as probiotics are antibiotics, probiotics in antibacterial activity, probiotic action in fish gut bacteria, dietary supplements of probiotics, gastrointestinal microbiota of fishes, microbial community of the gastrointestinal tract of fish, bioactive compounds from probiotic bacteria, probiotic uses in cancer therapeutic applications, and applications of probiotics. The most common probiotics are used in many ways such as boosting the immune system, inhibition of pathogenic organism, prevention of cancer, reduction of inflammatory bowel disease, reducing cholesterol level, and synthesis of Vitamin A. Nowadays, food products are mainly involved in chemical preservatives. These preservative agents are causing the disease to affect the human health. The probiotic food products are used to the development of human-animal health.

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 proved to be disastrous as it affected a large population in the period of a few months. As the virus took hold in the world, health experts paced efforts to solve the unknown nature of this threat. Besides finding short-term and sudden relief, scientists directed their efforts to provide a long-term solution for an ensuing pandemic that influenced all areas of life in unprecedented ways. The subject matter of this research involves exploring the relevant literature regarding passive immunity in fight against the virus. It is expected that different vaccine platforms such as traditional recombinant protein, macromolecule DNA and mRNA, and nonreplicating and replicating viral vectors could be helpful if utilized properly. This article is going to discuss all these platforms and recent developments regarding the formulation of the vaccine. It is going to highlight the need for the production and distribution of the medicines along with challenges that are present in this task. The facts involving social, political, and economic aftermath would also be discussed in the current research. There is no doubt that biotechnology is going to provide a sound foundation to fight with upcoming health-related challenges. Along with the exploration of this fact, the article is going to prove a case for effective collaboration among all stakeholders such as government, academia, health sector, and civil society. The mechanism of collaboration would produce safety and efficacy data with the help of many volunteers, to speed up the distribution of multiple vaccine platforms to fight against COVID-19 and to strive for a better future.

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Smear Microscopy has been the sole diagnostic support since the inception of the Revised national Tuberculosis Control Program. Treatment initiation and evaluation of prognosis both were dependant on the Smear Microscopy results. The recent commissioning of the CBNAAT machines raised questions on relevance of smear microscopy. The review explores the merits and demerits of the smear microscopy and other molecular technologies and debated on the relevance of microscopy when seen from the perspective of public health.

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Background: Emergence of drug resistance in Gram-negative bacilli due to production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL), and AmpC beta-lactamase is very common nowadays; therefore, we are left with less choice for antibiotics that is why we are in the need for the new alternatives. Hence, the current study was done to demonstrate antibacterial properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves against ESBL, MBL, and AmpC beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative uropathogens. Methods: Gram-negative uropathogens (221) were isolated and further tested for beta-lactamase (ESBL, MBL, and AmpC) production. Neem (A. indica) was tested for its antibacterial activity against all uropathogens. Results: Ethanolic extract of neem leaves showed good antibacterial activity against all isolates. Maximum zone of inhibitions and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values were revealed by Acinetobacter baumannii. Conclusion: Extract of neem leaves at different concentrations showed potential antibacterial activity against both beta-lactamase-producing and nonproducing Gram-negative bacilli.

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The quality and safety of food are of major importance. Using contaminated animals' milk and meat may result in human disease. Among microorganisms, fungal toxins, especially aflatoxin B-1 (AFB1), are of special importance. Aflatoxin M-1 (AFM-1) is a metabolite that is produced by conversion and hydroxylation of AFB-1. Both toxins can cause acute and chronic mycotoxicosis mainly through ingestion of contaminated milk. Hence, it is critical to control and decrease these microorganisms. Despite cost-effective efforts, preventing foods contamination due to aflatoxins (AFs) is not only an expensive but also a difficult task. The best agricultural monitoring during preharvest and postharvest stages cannot eliminate the AFs, especially AFM-1 from milk and dairy products because of the high resistance of these toxins. There have been numerous studies investigating the methods of AF detoxification or reduction from infected milk. By focusing on advantages and disadvantages of preventative procedures using probiotics, antibodies, chemisorbents and even additives, one can choose one or several procedures to eliminate or reduce AFM-1 in milk and its byproducts efficiently.

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In this brief review, the geographic information systems (GISs) and its beneficial influence in the field of health were discussed and highlighted. Basically, GIS is a computerized system that can significantly add to assess and monitor the effects of environmental factors (namely, population, air pollution, location, climatic changes) on public health problems. The main benefits of GIS in health services are mapping and/or visualizing of disease distribution, which will ultimately improves our understanding of disease diversities and their spatial patterns. Therefore, GIS technology is capable of providing the intra- and inter-logical connection between health, social services, and natural environment.

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Background: GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), the fully automated cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test for simultaneous identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and rifampicin resistance (RR), directly from samples is considered as a game changer for tuberculosis (TB) control programs worldwide. Methods: We are reporting serious issues with repeatability among a subgroup of Xpert (Version 4) identified RR results from South Indian state recently switched to Xpert by the National TB control program. Results: We have demonstrated that poor repeatability is frequently associated with those Xpert derived RR results, identified by detection of delayed amplification of any probe in the presence of positive analyte results for all probes. Another significant contributing factor was found to be lower bacterial loads in samples. The repeat tests were done by Xpert and/or by line probe assay depending on smear positivity. The finding is worrying as Xpert is recommended over other tests due to its reportedly better performance among low bacterial load samples such as pediatric, extra-pulmonary, HIV-TB co-infected, and smear negative pulmonary TB and the same samples, it seems are more likely to cause error prone RR results. Conclusions: We recommend for additional genotypic tests with specific mutant probes for detecting mutations at rpoB hot sites and growth based tests for all Xpert derived RR-TB cases identified by the above algorithm for confirmation of the presence of mutation, based on our available data.

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Background: Pregnancy is associated with significant but reversible changes in thyroid function. Abnormal thyroid hormone levels could give rise to increased malplacentation increase to malplacentation that underlies the association between maternal thyroid dysfunction and adverse obstetric outcomes such as fetal brain damage, preterm births, and fetal death. Aim: The present study was planned to predict the risk of abortion in pregnancy by studying the relation between thyroid profile and rate of abortion. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in 100 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy of 6–12 weeks of gestation in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pt. B.D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak. The patients were divided into three groups, namely, Group 1 (n = 30, control group) included normal pregnant women with no history of abortion; Group 2 (n = 35) included pregnant females with previous history of abortion; and Group 3 (n = 35) comprised pregnant women coming with chief complaint of bleeding per vaginum. A volume of 5 mL blood sample was taken and serum was separated using centrifugation. Triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were estimated by chemiluminiscence. Results: T₃, T₄ and levels were comparable in all the three groups and the difference was not statistically significant. TSH levels were found to be negatively correlated with T₃ and T₄ values in the three groups. Only, 13% of the patients had spontaneous abortion. Nearly 6.66% of the patients in Group 1, 11.42% in Group 2 and 19.99% of patients in Group 3 ended up in abortion. TSH was found to be strongly associated with abortion in all the three groups (P ≤ 0.001). TSH levels were significantly higher in the first trimester in women who had an abortion than pregnant women who had a successful continuation of pregnancy. Conclusions: TSH was strongly associated with abortion in the first trimester in all the three groups.

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Background: Irrigants plays a vital role in disinfection of the root canal system. Although concentration dependent, a fine balance between antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility need to be maintained at all times. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of conventional irrigants on two different cell lines in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Methods: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and iodine potassium iodide (IKI) were prepared in concentrations of 5%, 2.5%, 2%, and 1%. About 0.9% saline served as negative control and Biopure MTAD^TM (100%) as positive control. Permanent (Henrietta Lacks [HeLa]) and primary (human gingival fibroblast [HGF]) cell lines were chosen to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the irrigants by trypan blue assay. A volume of 30 μl of the cell suspension was treated with 20 μl of irrigants. The cell suspension was loaded into Neubauer chamber after 5 min, and cell count was performed under inverted microscope and expressed as viability percentage. Results: NaOCl at all concentrations was cytotoxic on both cell lines; MTAD on HeLa had nonviable scores with limited viability on HGF. Only 1% IKI had better viability than higher concentrations. Although 1% CHX had higher viability on both cell lines, bactericidal concentration of 2% CHX showed promising results. Conclusion: Target cell line (HGF) appears to be more sensitive than the use of nontarget cell line (HeLa) for evaluating cytotoxicity. NaOCl and MTAD were cytotoxic and should be used with caution. Lower concentrations of CHX appear to be less cytotoxic than any irrigant and concentrations tested.

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Background: Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is an arthropod-borne virus that is highly infective for cattle and water buffalo. The infection has important economic losses and is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Surface glycoprotein (G protein) of BEFV is an immunogenic transmembrane G protein and responsible for attachment and entrance to host cells. The aim of this study was to determine immune dominant epitopes of the protein through immunoinformatics approaches. Methods: A reference sequence and some other related sequences of the G protein were retrieved. Three-dimensional structure of the protein was modeled and refined. Variation analysis of the protein sequences was done, and signal peptide and transmembrane topology were predicted. Finally, linear and conformational (discontinues) epitopes of the protein were predicted. Consensus linear and conformational epitopes were selected and reported as immunodominant epitopes. Results: Five regions were characterized as hyper variable regions (HVRs). Selected consensus epitopes included amino acids 46–60 (AA_46–60), AA_67–74, AA_132–149, AA_156–188, AA_196–225, AA_260–282, AA_315–456, and AA_487–503 were selected as consensus epitopes. Conclusion: Four determined epitopes including AA_67–74, AA_132–149, AA_196–225, and AA_315–456 were determined for the first time in this study. Other predicted epitopes in the current study, has been previously identified, however, new start and end regions for them were suggested here. The predicted epitopes may be experimentally tested to confirm as novel immunogenic candidates applicable in preventive and diagnostic tasks.

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Background: There is an urgent need for new antimicrobials, due to the increase in drug resistance. Current studies suggest that, by 2050, in the absence of major improvements in drug discovery, more individuals will die from drug-resistant bacterial infections than from cancer. This will result in a cumulative effect on the global gross domestic product of as much as 100 trillion dollars. To discover new drugs, new targets, and lead compounds are badly needed. Natural products of plant biodiversity are a key source of starting points for novel antimicrobial agents with activity against sensitive and resistant bacterial strains. The current study is timely and of a high impact, since it sought to validate anecdotal efficacy of aqueous extracts from selected medicinal plants conventionally used against microbial infections, namely, leaves from Ocimum suave Willd. (Lamiaceae), roots from Plectranthus barbatus Andrews (Lamiaceae), and roots from Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. (Rutaceae). Methods: The study plant parts were collected from Msambweni Sub-county, Kwale County, Kenya. Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (ATCC 1385), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), S. aureus (ATCC 25923), and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778). Results: Root extract of P. barbatus was found to be the most active of the studied extracts exhibiting mean inhibition zone values of 18.67 mm, 20.00 mm, and 25.33 mm in S. aureus, MRSA and B. cereus strains, respectively, after 24 h of incubation. All the studied extracts did not exhibit activity against E. coli. In addition, the aqueous leaf extract from the leaves of O. suave did not display antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms. Conclusion: These findings justify the continued ethno pharmacological utilization of P. barbatus and Z. chalybeum extracts against bacterial infections in traditional herbal medicine by various local communities. Furthermore, the current findings lay a strong foundation for further investigation of extracts from P. barbatus and Z. chalybeum for isolation, identification, and characterization of bioactive molecules responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. These molecules could serve as templates for the discovery of a new class of antimicrobial agents for the management of economically important bacterial infections.

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Background: Inflammation is a protective response of the human body that still causes a high level of discomfort because of the associated pain and other inflammatory reactions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have certain associated severe side-effects such as hepatotoxicity. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop a novel anti-inflammatory agent to counter the associated problems with the existing NSAIDs. Methods: The herbal sources are a very vast treasure for exploring potential leads for the development of novel therapeutic agents to counter the existing healthcare problems for the welfare of humankind. Thus, in the current experimental study, the author has tried to develop some of the novel andrographolide analogs as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors by using bioisosteric substitutions. Results: The newly developed andrographolide derivatives have a high affinity for the human COX-2 enzyme, an optimized pharmacokinetic profile as well as being free from any associated toxic effects. Conclusion: The andrographolide derivatives as COX-2 inhibitors are supposed to be free from the side effects associated with NSAIDs with an optimized pharmacokinetic profile.

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Bovine tuberculosis (BTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis(M. bovis); a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), is a well-known zoonotic disease, which affects mainly cattle. Control programs have either nearly or completely eliminated this disease from domesticated animals in many developed countries. Its persistence in developing countries results from interactions between people, livestock transhumance, and wildlife. In addition, deficiencies in preventive and/or control measures, poor sanitation, veterinary and slaughterhouse services, and lack of political measures have been blamed. The proportion of human TB cases caused by M. bovis is most likely underestimated since tests to distinguish between MTBC are seldom performed. Molecular techniques, especially spoligotyping, have helped to link human and animal transmission. Several challenges in the control of M. bovis TB in Africa have been identified, and its eradication efforts require a holistic approach. This review explores the challenges in the control efforts of BTB in Africa, as well as the impact of the genotyping evolution and distribution of M. bovis in the continent and strategies to improve its control.

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Background: Endothelial dysfunction has been associated for the cause of atherosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are exposed to oxidative stress during vascular injury as residents of blood vessel walls or as circulating cells homing to the sites of neovascularization. The current study was designed to analyze various subpopulations of EPCs and their DNA damage in CVDs. Methods: The study included 50 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients which was confirmed by angiography and 50 age-matched healthy controls without CAD. Flow cytometric analysis performed to measure subpopulations in EPCs in the peripheral blood using markers such as CD34, CD133, VEGFR2, and CD45. Oxidative DNA damage was analyzed in CD34+ cells. Mean EPC count was expressed as a percentage of total white blood cells. Three different subpopulations with CD45−/CD133+/VEGFR2+, CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2+, and CD45−/CD34+/CD133+ coexpressions were measured with various percentages. Results: Subpopulation of CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2+ cells had shown significant (P = 0.001) decrease in CAD patients in comparison with the healthy controls. There was no significant difference in the subpopulations of CD45−/CD34+/CD133+ cells (P = 0.005) and CD45−/CD133+/VEGFR2+ cells (P = 0.005) in CAD and healthy controls. The CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2+ subpopulation EPC showed positive correlation with the severity of coronary stenosis (r = 0.35, P = 0.026), while other EPC subpopulation count did not show any correlation. Oxidative DNA damage was higher in CAD compared with controls. The number of EPC subpopulation CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2+ was inversely correlated with oxidative DNA damage (P = 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.004). Conclusion: We observed an association between CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2 subpopulation EPCs and DNA damage in CAD condition. These findings support a cell biologist in searching the role of EPC populations in the pathophysiology or diagnosis of the disease by a clinician.

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Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with disturbances in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) serum levels. Therefore, the objective of this study is to illustrate the potential effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on BNP in patients with AIS. Methods: A total of 88 patients with AIS with or without statins therapy compared with 22 healthy controls were recruited. The patients with AIS were divided into: Group A: Patients with AIS on statins therapy (atorvastatin or rosuvastatin), (n = 44) and Group B: Patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (n = 22). Body mass index, blood pressure profile, lipid profile, and serum levels of human BNP were measured. As well, stroke risk score (SRS) was assessed in all involved patients and healthy volunteers. Results: BNP serum level was higher in patients with AIS compared with healthy controls (P = 0.0006). It was higher in patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (29.96 ± 17.21 μg/dL) as compared with patients with AIS on statins therapy (21.66 ± 14.22 μg/dL), P < 0.001. However, BNP serum level was (20.33 ± 6.05 μg/dL) in AIS patients on atorvastatin and (21.51 ± 6.82 μg/dL) AIS patients on rosuvastatin, which was not significantly differed (P = 0.54). Moreover, BNP serum levels were correlated with SRS in patients with AIS on statins therapy (r = 0.42, P= 0.03), but it was highly correlated with SRS in patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). Conclusion: BNP serum level is elevated in patients with AIS and correlated significantly with SRS. Statins therapy mainly atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are effective anti-inflammatory agents in the management of AIS through the reduction of BNP serum levels. However, there is no significant difference between the two statins.

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Background: Recently, the nanoparticle (NP) application in many fields of medicine due to their specific physical and chemical properties has been developed. Therefore, especially in vivo evaluation of their toxicity is necessary. The aim of this study was to compare the toxicity of Fe₃O₄NPs coated with biocompatible compounds and uncoated NPs. Methods: Wetted chemical method (or wet chemical method) was used to synthesize Fe₃O₄NPs. The synthesized NPs were coated with chitosan and the coating interactions were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The magnetic and structural properties of Fe₃O₄and coated Fe₃O₄NPs were evaluated by transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The toxicity assessment of Fe₃O₄and coated Fe₃O₄NPs was studied in mice by intraperitoneal injections during the 1-month period. Antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPX), malondialdehyde, and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein were measured 15 and 30 days after injection. Results: The synthesized NPs have a single phase and spinal structure and their size distribution in the net form is 5–10 nm. Some factors were changed due to the injection of both uncoated and coated NPs. The all-used concentration of chitosan-coated Fe₃O₄NPs could increase the GPX enzyme activity. The Fe₃O₄NPs can reduce the GPX enzyme activity in high concentration (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg). Conclusion: The results indicated that NPs based on their dosage and body condition can induce toxicity effects in the body. It should be mentioned that the chitosan-coated ones can decrease their effects.

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Background: The most practical test for identifying tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries remains smear microscopy. However, due to its low sensitivity, a new point-of-care diagnostic method has been developed. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of TB-Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP) test on sputum samples of suspected TB cases. Methods: Suspected pulmonary TB patients (527) from Jamot Hospital and without any history of anti-TB treatment were consecutively included in the study. Smear microscopy, TB-LAMP, GeneXpert® MTB/RIF, and liquid culture using BACTEC 960 Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) were performed on sputum samples collected from these patients. The sensitivity and specificity of TB-LAMP were compared with smear microscopy and GeneXpert® MTB/RIF. MGIT culture was the gold standard. Results: TB-LAMP and smear microscopy showed sensitivities of 82.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.9–87.2) and 53.6% (95% CI, 46.8–60.3), respectively, and specificities of 96.0% (95% CI, 93.2–97.7) and 99.0% (95% CI, 97.1–99.7), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of TB-LAMP were similar to GeneXpert®, (89.9%; 95% CI, 85.0–93.3 and 97.0%; 95% CI, 94.4–98.4). Conclusion: TB-LAMP is more sensitive than currently used microscopy. It presents a favorable diagnostic tool for TB in peripheral laboratories with limited equipment, such as those in developing countries.

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