Publication Date: 2024
Scientific Reports (20452322)14(1)
The most frequent infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are local infections in soft tissues, including burns. Today, phage use is considered a suitable alternative to cure infections caused by multi-drug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria. We investigated the potential of a novel phage (vB_PaS-HSN4) belonging to Caudoviricetes class, against XDR and MDR P. aeruginosa strains in vivo and in vitro. Its biological and genetic characteristics were investigated. The phage burst size and latent were 119 and 20 min, respectively. It could tolerate a broad range of salt concentrations, pH values, and temperatures. The combination with ciprofloxacin significantly enhanced biofilm removal after 24 h. The genome was dsDNA with a size of 44,534 bp and encoded 61 ORFs with 3 tRNA and 5 promoters. No virulence factor was observed in the phage genome. In the in vivo infection model, treatment with vB_PaS-HSN4 increased Galleria mellonella larvae survival (80%, 66%, and 60%) (MOI 100) and (60%, 40%, and 26%) (MOI 1) in the pre-treatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment experiments, respectively. Based on these characteristics, it can be considered for the cure of infections of burns caused by P. aeruginosa. © 2024, The Author(s).
Helaoui, A.,
Sfar, S.,
Boudhiba, N.,
Dehghanian, F.,
Dehbashi, M.,
Bouchahda, H.,
Hojati najafabadi, Z.,
Kenani, A. Publication Date: 2023
Molecular Biology Reports (03014851)50(2)pp. 949-959
Background: Host genetic characteristics and environmental factors interactions may play a crucial role in cervical carcinogenesis. We investigated the impact of functional genetic variants of four xenobiotic-metabolizing genes (AhR, CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1) on cervical cancer development in Tunisian women. Methods: The AhR gene polymorphism was analyzed using the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR, whereas the CYP1A1 polymorphism genotypes were identified by PCR-RFLP. A multiplex ligation-dependent polymerase chain reaction approach was applied for the analysis of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms. Results: The homozygous A/A genotype of the AhR gene (rs2066853) and the heterozygous T/C genotype of the CYP1A1 SNP (CYP1A1-MspI) appeared to be associated with an increased risk of cervical tumorigenesis (ORa = 2.81; ORa = 5.52, respectively). Furthermore, a significantly increased risk of cervical cancer was associated with the GSTT1 null genotype (ORa = 2.65). However, the null GSTM1 genotype showed any significant association with the risk of cervical cancer compared to the wild genotype (ORa = 1.18; p = 0.784). Considering the combined effect, we noted a significantly higher association with cancer risk for individuals with at least two high-risk genotypes of CYP1A1/GSTT1 (ORa = 4.2), individuals with at least two high-risk genotypes of CYP1A1/GSTT1/AhR (ORa = 11.3) and individuals with at least two high-risk genotypes of CYP1A1/GSTM1/GSTT1/AhR exploitation low-risk genotype as a reference. Conclusion: This study indicated that the single-gene contribution and the combined effect of xenobiotic-metabolizing gene polymorphisms (AhR, CYP1A1-MspI, GSTM1, and GSTT1) may have a considerable association with increased cervical cancer risk. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.
Publication Date: 2021
Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry (09740422)36(2)pp. 159-166
Intervening proteins (Inteins) are identified as protein domains in a precursor protein structure. Inteins can excise itself from precursor protein and join the remaining portions which result in forming an active protein. In this study, the transcript expression level of recombinant human Interferon beta (rhIFNβ) connected to the self-cleavage Intein-ELK16 (LELELKLKLELELKLK) tag was measured by real-time PCR in HEK293T cell line. First, the sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RecA (Mtu recA) was obtained from the InBase database to do appropriate changes including adding the restriction sites, kozak sequence, signal peptide and ELK16 sequence by SnapGene software. The RNA secondary structure were also examined using the online RNA Fold 2.2 web server. Next, the construct was inserted into pUC19 plasmid. The sequence of rhIFNβ was also cloned into pBudCE4.1 vector. In the next step, the rhIFNβ was ligated into the construct (self-cleavage tag of ELK16) using T4 DNA ligase and the recombinant construct was transfected into HEK293T cell line. Finally, expression of the cassette was evaluated by real-time PCR. The analysis of secondary RNA structure indicates a minimum free energy of MEF − 261.10 kcal/mol. Our results indicate that IFNβ was upregulated (37.8-fold, p < 0.0001) in cells which transfected by rhIFNβ-ELK16 compared to the mock and un-transfected conditions. Altogether, our results show that the presence of mini self-cleavage Intein-ELK16 tag along with the rhIFNβ had no interference in transcription of rhIFNβ in the HEK293T cell line. © 2020, Association of Clinical Biochemists of India.
Publication Date: 2017
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology (00652598)958pp. 65-90
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of spinal cord and brain. The initial event in MS occurs when activated CD4+ T cells in periphery exacerbates immune responses by stimulating immune cells such as B cells, CD8+ cells, mast cells, granulocytes and monocytes. These proinflammatory cells pass blood brain barrier by secreting proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and INF-γ which activate adhesion factors. APCs (antigen-presenting cells) reactivate CD4+ T cells after infiltrating the CNS and CD4+ T cells produce cytokines and chemokines. These proinflammatory cytokines aggravate inflammation by inducing myelin phagocytosis through microglia and astrocytes activation. MS is believed to have a multifactorial origin that includes a combination of multiple genetic, environmental and stochastic factors. Although the exact component of MS risks that can be explained by these factors is difficult to determine, estimates based on genetic and epidemiological studies suggest that up to 60-70% of the total risk of MS may be contribute to genetic factors. In continue, firstly we provide an overview of the current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms, and so present evidence of how the epigenetic modifications contribute to increased susceptibility of MS. We also explain how specified epigenetic modifications may influence the pathophysiology and key aspects of disease in MS (demyelination, remyelination, inflammation, and neurodegeneration). Finally, we tend to discuss how environmental factors and epigenetic mechanisms may interact to have an effect on MS risk and clinical outcome and recommend new therapeutic interventions that might modulate patients’ epigenetic profiles. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2017.
Publication Date: 2015
World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (09593993)31(5)pp. 813-821
Sulfur dioxide which is released from petroleum oil combustion causes pollution over the atmosphere and the soil. Biodesulfurization can be used as a complementary method of hydrodesulfurization, the common method of petroleum desulfurization in refineries. Many studies have been carried out to develop biological desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) with bacterial biocatalysts. However, fungi are capable to metabolize a wide range of aromatic hydrocarbons through cytochrome P450 and their extracellular enzymes. The aim of the present work was isolation and identification of fungi biocatalysts capable for DBT utilization as sulfur source and production of novel metabolites. DBT consumption and the related produced metabolites were analyzed by HPLC and GC–MS respectively. One of the isolated fungi that could utilize DBT as sole sulfur source was identified by both traditional and molecular experiments and registered in NCBI as Exophiala spinifera FM strain (accession no. KC952672). This strain could desulfurize 99 % of DBT (0.3 mM) as sulfur source by co-metabolism reaction with other carbon sources through the same pathway as 4S and produced 2-hydroxy biphenyl (2-HBP) during 7 days of incubation at 30 °C and 180 rpm shaking. However, the isolate was able to transform 2-HBP to 1,3-benzenediol, 5-hexyl. While biphenyl compounds are toxic to leaving cells, biotransformation of them can reduce their toxicity and the fungi will be more tolerant to the final product. These data are the first report about the desulfurization of DBT comparable to 4S-pathway and production of innovative metabolite by E. spinifera FM strain. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
Mohamadnejad, M.,
Vosough, M.,
Moossavi, S.,
Nikfam, S.,
Mardpour, S.,
Akhlaghpoor, S.,
Ashrafi, M.,
Azimian, V.,
Jarughi, N.,
Hosseini, S. Publication Date: 2016
Stem Cells Translational Medicine (21576564)5(1)pp. 87-94
The present study assessed the effects of intraportal infusions of autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) and/or CD133+ cells on liver function in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. We randomly assigned 27 eligible patients to a placebo, MNCs, and/or CD133+ cells. Cell infusions were performed at baseline and month 3. We considered the absolute changes in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores at months 3 and 6 after infusion as the primary outcome. The participants and those who assessed the outcomes were unaware of the treatment intervention assignments. After 6 months, 9 patients were excluded because of liver transplantation (n = 3), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 1), loss to follow-up (n = 3), and death (n = 2). The final analysis included 4 patients from the CD133+ group, 8 from the MNC group, and 6 from the placebo group. No improvement was seen in the MELD score at month 6 using either CD133+ cells or MNC infusions compared with placebo. However, at month 3 after infusion, a trend was seen toward a higher mean absolute change in the MELD score in patients who had received CD133+ cells compared with placebo (−2.00 ± 1.87 vs. −0.13 ± 1.46; p = .08). No significant adverse events occurred in the present study. A transient improvement in the MELD score was observed in subjects treated with CD133+ cells but not in the MNC or placebo group. Although the study was not powered to make definitive conclusions, the data justify further study of CD133+ therapy in cirrhotic patients. © AlphaMed Press.
Publication Date: 2024
Scientific Reports (20452322)14(1)
Correction to: Scientific Reportshttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49155-5, published online 10 December 2023 The original version of this Article contained an error in Reference 9, which was incorrectly given as: Piryaei, F. et al. Global analysis in non-obstructive azoospermic testis identifies miRNAs critical to spermatogenesis. Andrologia1, 1 (2022). The correct reference is listed below: Piryaei, F. et al. Global analysis in nonobstructive azoospermic testis identifies miRNAs critical to spermatogenesis. Andrologia2023, Article ID 2074931 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/2074931. The original Article has been corrected. © The Author(s) 2024.
Publication Date: 1998
Molecular and Cellular Biology (02707306)18(12)pp. 7147-7156
The promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) is a nuclear phosphoprotein with growth- and transformation-suppressing ability. Having previously shown it to be a transcriptional repressor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene promoter, we have now shown that PML's repression of EGFR transcription is caused by inhibition of EGFR's Sp1-dependent activity. On functional analysis, the repressive effect of PML was mapped to a 150-hp element (the sequences between -150 and -16, relative to the ATG initiation site) of the promoter. Transient transfection assays with Sp1-negative Drosophila melanogaster SL2 cells showed that the transcription of this region was regulated by Sp1 and that the Sp1-dependent activity of the promoter was suppressed by PML in a dose-dependent manner. Coimmunoprecipitation and mammalian two-hybrid assays demonstrated that PML and Sp1 were associated in vivo. In vitro binding by means of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay, using the full-length and truncated GST- Sp1 proteins and in vitro-translated PML, showed that PML and Sp1 directly interacted and that the C-terminal (DNA-binding) region of Sp1 and the coiled-coil (dimerization) domain of PML were essential for this interaction. Analysis of the effects of PML on Sp1 DNA binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that PML could specifically disrupt the binding of Sp1 to DNA. Furthermore, cotransfection of PML specifically repressed Sp1, but not the E2F1-mediated activity of the dihydrofolate reductase promoter. Together, these data suggest that the association of PML and Sp1 represents a novel mechanism for negative regulation of EGFR and other Sp1 target promoters.
Publication Date: 2020
Scientific Reports (20452322)10(1)
In RT-qPCR, accuracy requires multiple levels of standardization, but results could be obfuscated by human errors and technical limitations. Data normalization against suitable reference genes is critical, yet their observed expression can be confounded by pseudogenes. Eight reference genes were selected based on literature review and analysis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) microarray data. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were followed by RT-qPCR amplification in triplicate with exon-junction or intron-spanning primers. Several statistical analyses were applied using Microsoft Excel, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. In normal tissues, the least correlation of variation (CqCV%) and the lowest maximum fold change (MFC) were respectively recorded for PYCR1 and SYMPK. In PTC tissues, SYMPK had the lowest CqCV% (5.16%) and MFC (1.17). According to NormFinder, the best reference combination was SYMPK and ACTB (stability value = 0.209). BestKeeper suggested SYMPK as the best reference in both normal (r = 0.969) and PTC tissues (r = 0.958). SYMPK is suggested as the best reference gene for overcoming the pseudogene problem in RT-qPCR data normalization, with a stability value of 0.319. © 2020, The Author(s).
Publication Date: 2022
Neuroscience Letters (18727972)782
Studies have shown that brain histamine has a role in seizure pathophysiology. Histamine acts by four distinct receptor subtypes (H1R–H4R). Previous reports signified the anticonvulsant activity of histamine H3R antagonists. We evaluated the effect of intra-amygdala injection of pitolisant the H3R inverse agonist on seizures induced by the electrical kindling model of epilepsy. Eighteen adult male rats with an approximate weight of 300 g were used. A tri-polar electrode twisted with the guide cannula, and two monopolar electrodes were implanted into the basolateral amygdala or the surface of the skull using stereotaxic surgery. One week after surgery, the threshold was determined in the animals. Twenty-four hours afterward, the animals received six stimuli daily with the threshold intensity until the generation of three consecutive stages five seizures. Then, saline, and 24 h later, pitolisant at three doses (1, 10, and 100 μg) were injected into the amygdala in distinct rats. Thirty minutes after injection of the drug or its solvent, seizure parameters including after-discharge duration (ADD), seizure stage (SS), and stage five duration (S5D) were recorded. Data analysis indicated that pitolisant reduced S5D at all doses, significantly. Pitolisant at the dose of 100 µg also decreased ADD and SS, significantly. However, pitolisant at the doses of 1 and 10 µg did not change ADD and SS. The dose–response curves showed that the anticonvulsant activity of pitolisant changed in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the results confirmed the powerful anticonvulsant effects of pitolisant in the electrical kindling model of epilepsy. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.
Publication Date: 2019
Reviews in the Neurosciences (21910200)30(5)pp. 555-572
Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid, which is frequently found in fruits and vegetables. The antioxidant potential of quercetin has been studied from subcellular compartments, that is, mitochondria to tissue levels in the brain. The neurodegeneration process initiates alongside aging of the neurons. It appears in different parts of the brain as Aβ plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, Lewy bodies, Pick bodies, and others, which leads to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other diseases. So far, no specific treatment has been identified for these diseases. Despite common treatments that help to prevent the development of disease, the condition of patients with progressive neurodegenerative diseases usually do not completely improve. Currently, the use of flavonoids, especially quercetin for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, has been expanded in animal models. It has also been used to treat animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, improvements in behavioral levels, as well as in cellular and molecular levels, decreased activity of antioxidant and apoptotic proteins, and increased levels of antiapoptotic proteins have been observed. Low bioavailability of quercetin has also led researchers to construct various quercetin-involved nanoparticles. The treatment of animal models of neurodegeneration using quercetin-involved nanoparticles has shown that improvements are observed in shorter periods and with use of lower concentrations. Indeed, intranasal administration of quercetin-involved nanoparticles, constructing superparamagnetic nanoparticles, and combinational treatment using nanoparticles such as quercetin and other drugs are suggested for future studies. © 2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston 2019.
Passam, F.H.,
Rahgozar, S.,
Qi m., M.,
Raftery, M.J.,
Wong, J.W.H.,
Tanaka, K.,
Ioannou, Y.,
Zhang, J.,
Gemmell, R.,
Qi, J.C. Publication Date: 2010
Blood (0006-4971)116(11)pp. 1995-1997
Publication Date: 2012
Iranian Journal Of Basic Medical Sciences (20083874)15(5)pp. 1097-1101
Objective(s) In this study we investigated the expression of GABAA receptor subunits during brain development. These receptors may change in the embryonic chick forebrain. Materials and Methodes The expression levels of four types of GABAA receptor gamma subunits (γ1, γ2, γ3 and γ4) were quantified in the embryonic chick forebrain at 32 hr, 3, 7, 14, and 20 days of incubation and day one after hatching. The expression level of mRNA in the forebrain of embryonic chicken was measured using real-time RT-PCR. Results The expression level of each subunit increased gradually with development and reached a plateau on 20th day of embryonic development. A reduction was observed on day one after hatching in all gamma subunits. Conclusion This may explain the different physiological and pharmacological function of GABA receptor gamma subunits before and after hatching.
Rezaei, M.,
Rabbani, M.,
Zarkesh-esfahani, H.,
Emamzadeh, R.,
Abtahi, H. Publication Date: 2021
Archives of Microbiology (1432072X)203(5)pp. 2591-2596
This study was designed to introduce the recombinant Lactococcus lactis MG1363 as a cell factory candidate for production of recombinant Brucella melitensis Omp16-Human IL2 (r-Omp16-IL2) and to suggest it as a promising safe, non-pathogenic mucosal live vaccine against brucellosis. Three groups of BALB/c mice (10 mice per group) were intragastrically administrated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), L. lactis harboring the empty pAMJ2008 plasmid and with L. lactis expressing rOmp-IL2. The first two groups were classified as control groups and the third one is indicated as treatment group. Another group was injected by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route with purified rOmp16-IL2 protein. The total serum IgG of each group was assessed with indirect ELISAs at two days before immunization and also two weeks after the last immunization. Results showed that BALB/c mice intragastrically administrated with L. lactis expressing rOmp-IL2 had dominant IgG response compared to the control (PBS administrated) group (P < 0.05). The level of IgG was significantly increased by intraperitoneally injection of recombinant Omp-IL2 in adjuvant compared to the intragastrically administration of PBS and L. lactis/pAMJ2008 as control groups, and also compared to L. lactis/pAMJ2008-rOmp-IL2 (P < 0.05). Our findings provide the use of L. lactis rOmp16-IL2 as a new promising alternative safe strategy than presently live attenuated vaccines toward developing an oral vaccine or subunit-based vaccine against brucellosis. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.
Publication Date: 2014
RSC Advances (20462069)4(85)pp. 45128-45135
Apoptosis is a well-organized mechanism developed by eukaryotic organisms during maturation. The importance of apoptosis as a major form of cellular suicide with a causative or contributing role in a variety of diseases has become progressively obvious. A large body of evidence implicates the association of apoptosis with an arranged series of physical and biochemical alterations comprising the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane. Understanding the process of apoptosis is not only important for maintaining physiological conditions, but also is critical for therapy development. In this review, we briefly outline the various ways to detect apoptosis with distinct assays and molecules, and provide an outlook on the latest imaging techniques for the visualization of phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, with specific focus on annexin V based targeting of PS and its conjugates. Furthermore, the distinct advantages and disadvantages of each technique are reviewed. Recognition of the major benefits and drawbacks of each assay based on annexin V conjugates would allow us to use the appropriate method to detect apoptosis for instance, in a variety of diseases, such as cancer and will open novel prospects for treatment approaches. © 2014 the Partner Organisations.
Publication Date: 2014
Ecological Engineering (09258574)67pp. 76-79
The ability of two Dunaliella salina strains (AS-B1 and IR-1) and Dunaliella bardawil (UTEX-2538) in the sedimentation of different concentrations (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000μM) of aluminum were studied for duration 120min. In these strains, increase in aluminum concentration was concomitant with the reduction of cell number in supernatant as the index of the sediment aluminum by algal cells-Al3+ ions binding; cell agglutination and sedimentation caused by presence of aluminum. The ability of D. bardawil was higher in sedimentation of aluminum. The results of adding EDTA to cell suspensions for binding the aluminum confirmed the role of binding algal cells to aluminum in cell agglutination and sedimentation and consequently aluminum bioremediation. In addition, the results imply that the cell agglutination and sedimentation in D. bardawil is higher than Dunaliella salina. It seems this strain has a greater capability for sedimentation of aluminum and can utilize aluminum from aquatic environments for bioremediation. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.
Zarei, M.,
Shabani dargah, M.,
Hasanzadeh azar, M.,
Alizadeh, R.,
Mahdavi, F.S.,
Sayedain, S.S.,
Kaviani, A.,
Asadollahi, M.A.,
Azami, M.,
Beheshtizadeh, N. Publication Date: 2023
Scientific Reports (20452322)13(1)
The mechanical and biological properties of polylactic acid (PLA) need to be further improved in order to be used for bone tissue engineering (BTE). Utilizing a material extrusion technique, three-dimensional (3D) PLA-Ti6Al4V (Ti64) scaffolds with open pores and interconnected channels were successfully fabricated. In spite of the fact that the glass transition temperature of PLA increased with the addition of Ti64, the melting and crystallization temperatures as well as the thermal stability of filaments decreased slightly. However, the addition of 3–6 wt% Ti64 enhanced the mechanical properties of PLA, increasing the ultimate compressive strength and compressive modulus of PLA-3Ti64 to 49.9 MPa and 1.9 GPa, respectively. Additionally, the flowability evaluations revealed that all composite filaments met the print requirements. During the plasma treatment of scaffolds, not only was the root-mean-square (Rq) of PLA (1.8 nm) increased to 60 nm, but also its contact angle (90.4°) significantly decreased to (46.9°). FTIR analysis confirmed the higher hydrophilicity as oxygen-containing groups became more intense. By virtue of the outstanding role of plasma treatment as well as Ti64 addition, a marked improvement was observed in Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cell attachment, proliferation (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining), and differentiation (Alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S staining). Based on these results, it appears that the fabricated scaffolds have potential applications in BTE. © 2023, The Author(s).
Sadeghan, A.A.,
Soltaninejad, H.,
Hosseinkhani, S.,
Hosseini, M.,
Ganjali, M.R.,
Asadollahi, M.A. Publication Date: 2018
Analytica Chimica Acta (00032670)1038pp. 157-165
Determining methylation state of a particular DNA sequence is an essential task in many epigenetic investigations. Here a facile method based on silver nanocluster (AgNCs) fluorescence enhancement is presented. Target sequences were selected from Sept9 promoter region that its hypermethylation is demonstrated as a reliable biomarker of colorectal cancer. Probe DNA was complementary to a 25 nucleotide of the target region and possessed twelve additional cytosines in the middle to grant the formation of AgNCs. After probe strands were hybridized with methylated and non-methylated targets separately, AgNCs were synthesized, and their fluorescence intensities were recorded. Fluorescence intensity enhanced when the target strands were methylated and quenched when they were non-methylated. The Linear range of fluorescence enhancement was from 1.0 × 10-7 M to 5.0 × 10-7 M with the detection limit of 7.6 × 10-8 M. Sensor specificity was checked with non-complementary strands with the maximum similarity of 40%. Further experiments explored various characteristics of methylated and non-methylated DNAs carrying AgNC and indicated that structure of methylated and non-methylated DNAs was affected differently by silver ions that could then influence AgNC fluorescence. This effect was strongly sequence-dependent, and either fluorescence enhancement or quenching was observed with two different sequences. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
Publication Date: 2016
Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics (10221352)217(10)pp. 1128-1135
Tuning the physical-chemical properties of polypyrrole (PPy) opens up potentially exciting new applications, especially in the area of bacterial adhesion. Polypyrrole is electrochemically synthesized under various conditions and the physical properties of the films and their effects on bacterial adhesion are characterized. Five types of dopants - chloride (Cl), perchlorate (ClO4), p-toluene-sulfonate (ToS), dodecylbenzene sulfonate (DBS), and poly sodium styrene sulfonate (PSS) - are used to fabricate PPy films at two different constant potentials (0.500 and 0.850 V) with and without Fe3+. Their thickness, roughness, and wettability are measured. The adhesion tendency of Escherichia coli, as a model bacterium, to the four polymers is studied. E. coli shows greater adhesion tendency to the hydrophobic, rough surface of PPy-DBS, and less adhesion tendency to the smooth and hydrophilic surface of PPy-PSS. The results facilitate the choice of appropriate electropolymerization conditions to modulate bacterial adhesion. Polypyrrole (PPy) is electrochemically synthesized under various conditions with different types of dopants to tune the surface properties of the film including roughness and hydrophobicity. The polymer surface properties show a significant effect on the bacterial adhesion to the surface. The results may guide choosing suitable polymer synthesis conditions to yield PPy with suitable surface properties for the intended application. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Publication Date: 2018
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (07302312)119(2)pp. 1780-1790
Renilla Luciferase (RLuc) is a blue light emitter protein which can be applied as a valuable tool in medical diagnosis. But due to lack of the crystal structure of RLuc-ligand complex, the functional motions and catalytic mechanism of this enzyme remain largely unknown. In the present study, the active site properties and the ligand-receptor interactions of the native RLuc and its red-shifted light emitting variant (Super RLuc 8) were investigated using molecular docking approach, molecular dynamics (MD) analysis, and MM-PBSA method. The detailed analysis of the main clusters led to identifying a lid-like structure and its functional motions. Furthermore, an induced-fit mechanism is proposed where ligand-binding induces conformational changes of the active site. Our findings give an insight into the deeper understanding of RLuc conformational changes during binding steps and ligand-receptor pattern. Moreover, our work broaden our understanding of how active site geometry is adjusted to support the catalytic activity and red-shifted light emission in Super RLuc 8. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shirani, E.,
Razmjou, A.,
Tavassoli, H.,
Landrani, A.,
Rezaei, S.,
Abbasi kajani, A.,
Asadnia, M.,
Hou, J.,
Ebrahimi warkiani, M. Publication Date: 2017
Langmuir (15205827)33(22)pp. 5565-5576
This study is an attempt to make a step forward to implement the very immature concept of pumpless transportation of liquid into a real miniaturized device or lab-on-chip (LOC) on a plastic substrate. "Inert" plastic materials such as polypropylene (PP) are used in a variety of biomedical applications but their surface engineering is very challenging. Here, it was demonstrated that with a facile innovative wettability patterning route using fluorosilanized UV-independent TiO2 nanoparticle coating it is possible to create wedge-shaped open microfluidic tracks on inert solid surfaces for low-cost biomedical devices (lab-on-plastic). For the future miniaturization and integration of the tracks into a device, a variety of characterization techniques were used to not only systematically study the surface patterning chemistry and topography but also to have a clear knowledge of its biological interactions and performance. The effect of such surface architecture on the biological performance was studied in terms of static/dynamic protein (bovine serum albumin) adsorption, bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) adhesion, cell viability (using HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines as well as noncancerous human fibroblast cells), and cell patterning (Murine embryonic fibroblasts). Strategies are discussed for incorporating such a confined track into a diagnostic device in which its sensing portion is based on protein, microorganism, or cells. Finally, for the proof-of-principle of biosensing application, the well-known high-affinity molecular couple of BSA-antiBSA as a biological model was employed. © 2017 American Chemical Society.
Publication Date: 2024
Vegetation Classification and Survey (26830671)5pp. 329-346
Questions: The mountains of Fereydunshahr County are one of the centers of plant endemism within the Zagros, however, its flora and vegetation remain relatively understudied. In this study we undertook research on the plant species diversity of the subalpine and alpine zones of this area, their life forms, chorology, and vegetation types. Study area: Mountains of Fereydunshahr County, Central Zagros, West Iran. Methods: Plant specimens were collected during the growing seasons of 2018 to 2020. A complete species list was prepared including their life forms, chorotypes, elevation range, and major vegetation types. Results: A total of 308 vascular plant species have been identified belonging to 185 genera and 47 families. The largest plant families recorded during the study are Asteraceae with 44 species, Fabaceae 32, Brassicaceae 29, and Lamiaceae 27. At genus level Astragalus with 23 species is the richest. Hemicryptophyte with 162 (53%) species is the major life form. Most of the species are Irano-Turanian elements (52%). A total of 57 species (19%) are endemic to Iran and 23 species (7%) are endemic to Zagros. Most species belong to the montane-subalpine zone (33%), followed by subalpine (20%), montane (15%), lowland-montane (10%), alpine (9%), and lowland-subalpine (5%). In the alpine zone a high proportion of the species are endemic, while the montane zone has a very low proportion of endemics. From the identified species, 24% belong to subalpine and alpine thorn-cushion grasslands, 19% to montane steppe shrublands, 5% to subalpine tall-umbelliferous vegetation types, 5% to wetlands, and 5% to chasmophyte vegetation. Conclusions: The area has a rich flora, but at the same time is under high pressure from anthropogenic activities, especially a very high level of overgrazing. The region is not a protected area, therefore, establishment of a protected area and efficient conservation planning for the region is highly recommended. Copyright Mohsen Yaselyani et al.
Publication Date: 2009
EXCLI Journal (16112156)8pp. 190-194
Glutathione S-transferase is a family of multifunctional detoxification enzymes which are mainly cytosolic that detoxify natural and exogenous toxic compounds by conjugation with glutathione. Glutathione, an endogenous tripeptide, is important as either a reducing agent or a nucleophilic scavenger. This molecule alleviates the chemical toxicity in plants by reaction of glutathione S-transferase, and its conjugates can be transported to vacuole or apoplast. The plant soluble glutathione S-transferases grouped today into seven distinct Phi, Tau, Zeta, Theta, lambda, dehydroascorbate reductase, and tetrachlorohydroquinone dehalogenase classes. In this study, bioinformatics analysis of glutathione S-transferase gene in barley was carried out using Tau-class of barley glutathione S-transferase sequences in NCBI GenBank and isolated sequence. DNA extraction, primer design, PCR, electrophoresis, column purifica-tion, DNA sequencing and analysis by some software led to identify new sequences of Tau-class of glutathione S-transferase from barley, which is similar to Tau GST of the diploid wheat. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequences of the three barley GST genes showed that they have 99% identity with each other but only 45% identity with the new GST. This sequence was submitted to NCBI GenBank with FI131240 accession number.
Publication Date: 2019
Cellulose (09690239)26(7)pp. 4479-4494
A process consisting of regeneration of crystalline cellulose, dilute-phosphoric acid hydrolysis of regenerated cellulose to soluble oligomers, and enzymatic post-hydrolysis of soluble oligomers in the absence of disturbing solid particles was evaluated as a process alternative for upgrading the obtainable sugar concentration and facilitating the long-term enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose by utilizing soluble oligomers instead of insoluble particles. Cellulose was regenerated though phosphoric acid-acetone process, i.e., dissolution into 21 g/g acid at 50 °C for 60 min and precipitation by adding 41 g/g acetone. Regenerated cellulose was hydrolyzed at 120, 150 or 180 °C for 30 or 60 min using 0.5 or 1% phosphoric acid. After filtration, the hydrolysates were subjected to 10 or 15 FPU/g cellulase. Dilute-acid hydrolysis of regenerated cellulose with 0.5% acid at 180 °C, 30 min, and 10% solid loading resulted in an '‘oligomeric hydrolysate’' with 44.6 g/L soluble oligomers. Enzymatic posthydrolysis of soluble oligomers resulted in a '‘monomeric hydrolysate’' containing as high as 47 g/L glucose and cellobiose. In the hydrolysis, 429 g sugar was released at high concentration from one kg crystalline cellulose. The hydrolysates were subjected to fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum, where oligomeric hydrolysates showed poor fermentability. The fermentation of monomeric hydrolysates obtained by dilute-acid hydrolysis (120 °C, 60 min, and 0.5% acid) and post-hydrolysis (15 filter paper unit/g) resulted in 6.1 g/L acetone-butanol-ethanol. Besides other potential advantages, this hydrolysis approach resulted in relatively high concentration of glucose which may facilitate cellulosic butanol production. © Springer Nature B.V. 2019.
Publication Date: 2012
Jundishapur Journal Of Microbiology (20084161)5(3)pp. 479-485
Background: Toluene which widely exists in petroleum and its related products has gathered much attention due to its adverse effects on health and carcinogenic potential. Since microorganisms are able to utilize petroleum hydrocarbon as carbon and energy sources, they can be used for bioremediation applications. Objectives: The aim of this study was to isolate toluene degrading bacteria from wastewater and seawater. The production of exopolysaccharide, biosurfactant and peroxidase enzymes such as laccase and catalase were investigated to determine the effect of them on toluene degradation. Materials and Methods: To screen and isolate toluene degrading bacteria, contaminated seawater and wastewater samples were added to toluene containing mineral media (MM). The biochemical and molecular characteristics of the isolates were then studied. Results: From seawater, two toluene degrading Bacillus and one Sporosacina species and from wastewater a novel high capable toluene degrading strain, Bacterium Ex-DG74 were isolated and introduced. Bacterium Ex-DG74 showed tolerance to 15 % (v/v) toluene but the marine isolated species could tolerate only 1 % (v/v) toluene. This bacterium also showed the highest catalase and membrane-bound laccase activity. The spore-forming marine bacterium, S. halophila produced large amounts of exopolysaccharide, biosurfactant and extracellular laccase. Conclusions: The results of the present research indicated that EPS, biosurfactant and peroxidase enzymes can have essential roles on toluene tolerance and biodegradation. These native microbial isolates could be considered as a powerful approach for the in situ bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sea and wastewater. Copyright © 2012 Kowsar Corp.
Publication Date: 2014
Iranian Journal Of Blood And Cancer (20084609)6(3)pp. 119-126
Background: Recently, some new viruses have been identified for their association with hepatitis which Torque Teno Mini Virus being among them. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Torque Teno Mini Virus in healthy individuals and hepatitis B and C patients in Isfahan, Iran. Materials and Methods: One hundred serum samples of healthy individuals from Isfahan Blood Transfusion Organization were collected. A total of 25 human serum samples from hepatitis B and 25 samples from hepatitis C infected patients were also collected from Mahdieh diagnostic laboratory in Isfahan, Iran. Viral DNA was extracted and Torque Teno Mini Virus DNA was detected using a nested PCR with primer sets designed for a conserved region of the Torque Teno Mini Virus genome. PCR and Reverse transcriptase PCR were used for detection of HBV and HCV respectively. Results: Torque Teno Mini Virus -DNA was detected in 17% of healthy individuals. It also was detected in 20% and 48% of serum samples from hepatitis B and C infected individuals, respectively. The frequency of Torque Teno Mini Virus was significantly higher in hepatitis C patients versus healthy individuals (P < 0.05). Also, the frequency of TTMV in hepatitis C patients was significantly higher than hepatitis B patients (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The difference in Torque Teno Mini Virus frequency between the hepatitis C and healthy group was significant (P< 0.05). The etiology of the higher infection rate in hepatitis C individuals needs to be determined.
