Biosensors, modern technology for the detection of cancer-associated bacteria.

Cancer is undoubtedly one of the major human challenges worldwide. A number of pathogenic bacteria are deemed to be potentially associated with the disease. Accordingly, accurate and specific identification of cancer-associated bacteria can play an important role in cancer control and prevention. A variety of conventional methods such as culture, serology, and molecular-based methods as well as PCR and real-time PCR have been adopted to identify bacteria. However, supply costs, machinery fees, training expenses, consuming time, and the need for advanced equipment are the main problems with the old methods. As a result, advanced and modern techniques are being developed to overcome the disadvantages of conventional methods. Biosensor technology is one of the innovative methods that has been the focus of researchers due to its numerous advantages. The main purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the latest developed biosensors for recognizing the paramount cancer-associated bacteria.

The frequency of HIV-1 infection and surveillance drug-resistant mutations determination among Iranians with high-risk behaviors, during 2014 to 2020.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has various transmission routes. Instant antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the recommended treatment for HIV infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) significantly decreases the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related co-morbidities. Notwithstanding the suitability of HAART, the antiretrovirals (ARVs) have adverse effects and antiretroviral drug resistance mutations are reported among those who receive ARVs. In this survey, the abundance of HIV-1 infection in Iranians with high-risk behaviors, and detection of the surveillance drug-resistant mutations (SDRMs) were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 individuals with high-risk behaviors from September 2014 to February 2020. HIV-1 Ag/Ab in plasma samples was detected using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits. The conserved region of HIV-1 was detected in the plasma samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Furthermore, in individuals with positive HIV-1 RNA, HIV-1 viral load testing was performed. After amplification and sequencing of the HIV-1 protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase genes, surveillance drug resistance mutation (SDRM) and phylogenetic analysis were determined. RESULTS: Out of the 250 participants with high-risk behaviors, six (2.4%) were infected with HIV-1. According to the phylogenetic analysis, the CRF35_AD (83.3% or 5/6) was the dominant subtype, followed by CRF01_AE (16.7% or 1/6). In this research, in none of the HIV-1 infected patients, SDRM for protease inhibitors (PIs), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and integrase inhibitors (INs) were observed. Nevertheless, in one of the patients, V179L mutation was detected which is a rare non-polymorphic mutation and is listed as a rilpivirine (RPV) -associated resistance mutation. CONCLUSION: The results of the current survey revealed that 2.4% of people with high-risk behaviors are infected with HIV and the level of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in these people is very low.

Effect of White Plastic Cover around the Phototherapy Unit on Hyperbilirubinemia in Full Term Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Jaundice is a common problem in neonatal period. Phototherapy is the most common treatment for neonatal jaundice. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding white plastic cover around the phototherapy unit on hyperbilirubinemia in full term neonates with jaundice. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, over 12 months (October 2009 - September 2010), 182 term neonates with uncomplicated jaundice, admitted to neonatal unit of Imam Reza Hospital (AS) in Kermanshah province of Iran, were selected. They were randomized in two groups. Control group received conventional phototherapy without cover around the apparatus and covered group received conventional phototherapy with plastic cover around the unit. After enrolment, total serum bilirubin was measured every 12 hours. Phototherapy was continued until the total serum bilirubin decreased to or less than 12.5 mg/dl. FINDINGS: There were no significant differences between the two groups for gestational age, birth weight, postnatal age, weight (at admission), serum level of hemoglobin, hematocrit and reticulocyte count. Total serum bilirubin in covered group, during the first 48 hours of treatment, declined significantly than in control group (P. value=0.003). The cover around the phototherapy unit not only did not increase the side effects of phototherapy, but also had a positive impact in reducing duration of jaundice (P. value <0.0001) and duration of hospitalization (P. value <0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that using white plastic cover around the phototherapy unit can increase the therapeutic effect of phototherapy.

Morphology and fine structure of Acipenser persicus (Acipenseridae, Chondrostei) spermatozoon: Inter-species comparison in Acipenseriformes.

This study describes morphology and fine structure of the Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) (Acipenseridae, Chondrostei) spermatozoon. The results show that the spermatozoon of A. persicus is differentiated into an elongated head (length: mean±SD: 7.1±0.5µm) with an acrosome (length: 1.2±0.2µm), a cylindrical midpiece (length: 1.8±0.5µm), a flagellum (length: 50.3±5.9µm) and a total length of 59.2±6.2µm. Ten posterolateral projections (PLPs) arise from the posterior edge of the acrosome and there were 3 endonuclear canals that traversed the nucleus from the acrosomal end to the basal nuclear fossa region. Three to six mitochondria were in peripheral midpiece and the proximal and distal centrioles were located near to "implantation fossa" and basement of the flagellum. The axoneme has a typical eukaryotic structure composed of 9 peripheral microtubules and a central pair of single microtubule surrounded by the plasma membrane. Lateral fins were observed along the flagellum. The fins started and ended at 0.5-1µm from midpiece and at 4-6µm from the end of flagellum. There were significant differences in the size of almost all measured morphological parameters between males and flagellar, midpiece and nucleus characters were more isolated parameters that can be considered for detecting inter-individual variations. This study showed that sperm morphology and fine structure are similar among sturgeon species, but the dimensions of the parameters may differ.