is one of the most common pathogens of humans and animals, where it frequently colonizes skin and mucosal membranes. It is of major clinical importance as a nosocomial pathogen and causative agent of ...a wide array of diseases. Multidrug-resistant strains have become increasingly prevalent and represent a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. For this reason, novel strategies to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens are urgently needed. Bacteriophage-derived enzymes, so-called endolysins, and other peptidoglycan hydrolases with the ability to disrupt cell walls represent possible alternatives to conventional antibiotics. These lytic enzymes confer a high degree of host specificity and could potentially replace or be utilized in combination with antibiotics, with the aim to specifically treat infections caused by Gram-positive drug-resistant bacterial pathogens such as methicillin-resistant
. LysK is one of the best-characterized endolysins with activity against multiple staphylococcal species. Various approaches to further enhance the antibacterial efficacy and applicability of endolysins have been demonstrated. These approaches include the construction of recombinant endolysin derivatives and the development of novel delivery strategies for various applications, such as the production of endolysins in lactic acid bacteria and their conjugation to nanoparticles. These novel strategies are a major focus of this review.
Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, designated as COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the February 11, 2020, is one of the highly pathogenic β‐coronaviruses which infects human. Early ...diagnosis of COVID-19 is the most critical step to treat infection. The diagnostic tools are generally molecular methods, serology and viral culture. Recently CRISPR-based method has been investigated to diagnose and treat coronavirus infection. The emergence of 2019-nCoV during the influenza season, has led to the extensive use of antibiotics and neuraminidase enzyme inhibitors, taken orally and intravenously.
Currently, antiviral inhibitors of SARS and MERS spike proteins, neuraminidase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory drugs and EK1 peptide are the available therapeutic options for SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. In addition, Chloroquine, which was previously used for malarial and autoimmune disease, has shown efficacy in the 2019-nCoV infection treatment. In severe hypoxaemia, a combination of antibiotics, α-interferon, lopinavir and mechanical ventilation can effectively mitigate the symptoms. Comprehensive knowledge on the innate and adaptive immune responses, will make it possible to propose potent antiviral drugs with their effective therapeutic measures for the prevention of viral infection. This therapeutic strategy will help patients worldwide to protect themselves against severe and fatal viral infections, that potentially can evolve and develop drug resistance, and to reduce mortality rates.
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•Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 which was named as COVID-19 by the WHO on the 11th of February 2020.•2019-nCoV can cause severe pulmonary infection, respiratory failure therefore early diagnosis of COVID-19 is crucial for disease control.•Due to appearance of the 2019-nCoV pneumonia neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir are has been widely used.•Nucleoside analogues, protease inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory drugs, could be the treatment options for respiratory diseases.•Antiviral therapies, as well as support therapies including oxygen and mechanical ventilation have been used to the treatment of patients.•Accumulated knowledge of innate immune response system, will make it possible to propose the potent antiviral therapies for prevention of viral infection.
Two-dimensional materials have emerged as new type of smart materials that may impact advanced photonic devices. Here, to increase the light absorption, a black phosphorus-based nanostructure is ...proposed. The presented nanostructure has a grating-shaped structure based on monolayer/multilayer black phosphorus and silica. To access reasonable absorption, the structure is numerically simulated by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. To benchmark this nanostructure, the black phosphorus permittivity in the wavelength range of 5 to 15 μm was calculated, to achieve the transfer spectrum based on the lateral length changes of black phosphorus (i.e., L = 100, 150, 170 nm) and the silica substrate which is extracted from Palick experimental results; the proposed nanostructure is simulated using the FDTD method. Also, changes in the refractive index of the surroundings have been used to compute significant parameters in the nanosensors, such as sensitivity, FWHM, and FOM. The proposed nanostructure can be used in tunable absorbers in the range of infrared wavelengths.
Primary health care is the entry point to the health-care system and regarded as an essential step to achieving universal health coverage. The present study aimed at evaluating the quality of ...health-care services provided in health centers in Mashhad, Iran.
This was a cross-sectional study implemented among 200 health service users who were referring to four health centers in Mashhad during January to June 2019. The quality of services in health centers was evaluated with the SERVQUAL and HEALTHQUAL models. Data was analyzed by employing paired t-test and independent sample t-test using SPSS version 16 software. The Levene test was used for examining the equality of variance (homogeneity). Significance level of all the tests was considered when p ≤ 0.05.
According to the results of SERVQUAL questionnaire, the average scores of health service users' expectations and perceptions were 4.97 and 3.26, respectively, and the quality gap in the provided services was equal to - 1.7. Based on HEALTHQUAL questionnaire, the average scores of health service users' perception and expectations were 4.72 and 3.25, respectively, and the quality gap in the provided services was equal to - 1.16. Empathy was the highest quality dimension (- 2.019) based on SERVQUAL model, and efficiency dimension was the highest based on HEALTHQUAL model (- 1.761).
The findings of the current study showed a negative gap between the service users' expectations and perceptions in both models. Therefore, the results of this study helps the health managers and policymakers to plan effective interventions for improving the provided services emphasizing the dimensions with the wider gaps.
Exercise has been shown to be associated with reduced risk and improving outcomes of several types of cancers. Irisin -a novel exercise-related myokine- has been proposed to exert beneficial effects ...in metabolic disorders including cancer. No previous studies have investigated whether irisin may regulate malignant characteristics of ovarian cancer cell lines. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effect of irisin on viability and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells which was examined by MTT assay. Then, we evaluated the migratory and invasive abilities of the cells via transwell assays. Moreover, the percentage of apoptosis induction was determined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the mRNA expression level of genes related to the aerobic respiration (HIF-1α, c-Myc, LDHA, PDK1 and VEGF) was detected by real-time PCR. Our data revealed that irisin treatment significantly attenuated the proliferation, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, irisin induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. We also observed that irisin regulated the expression of genes involved in aerobic respiration of ovarian cancer cells. Our results indicated that irisin may play a crucial role in inhibition of cell growth and malignant characteristics of ovarian cancer. These findings may open up avenues for future studies to identify the further therapeutic use of irisin in ovarian cancer management.
Abstract
Background
The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WMSs), identify potential factors associated with WMSs, and determine the association ...between WMSs and fatigue among nurses.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 Iranian nurses. Data was gathered by the 1) Persian version of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire (P-NMQ) to examine WMSs, and 2) Persian version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (P-MAF) Scale to evaluate fatigue among the study population. Then, data was analyzed by SPSS version 21 using the χ2 test, multiple logistic regression for detection of potential factors associated with WMSs, and multiple linear regression for detection of potential factors associated with fatigue.
Results
Ankles/feet, lower back, knees, and shoulders had the highest prevalence of WMSs among nurses within the last 12 months prior to the study. Independent variables including age, job tenure, gender, smoking, shift work, and type of employment were significantly associated with WMSs in different body regions with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.635–2.835. Moreover, WMSs in some body regions were associated with subscales of fatigue and total fatigue.
Conclusions
Ergonomic and organizational interventions for fitting the job to the nurses considering demographic/occupational characteristics are highly essential to improve musculoskeletal system health and relieve fatigue.
Data on the effects of synbiotic supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are limited. The purpose of ...this study was to assess the effects of synbiotic supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profiles in women with PCOS. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done at the Naghavi Hospital affiliated to Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran, between April 2017 and June 2017. Sixty women with PCOS were randomized to intake synbiotic capsule containing
Lactobacillus acidophilus
strain T16 (IBRC-M10785),
Lactobacillus casei
strain T2 (IBRC-M10783), and
Bifidobacterium bifidum
strain T1 (IBRC-M10771) (2 × 10
9
CFU/g each) plus 800 mg inulin (
n
= 30) or placebo (
n
= 30) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to determine related variables. Compared with the placebo, synbiotic supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum insulin concentrations (− 2.8 ± 4.1 vs. + 1.8 ± 6.4 μIU/mL,
P
= 0.002) and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (− 0.7 ± 1.0 vs. + 0.4 ± 1.5,
P
= 0.002), and a significant elevation in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+ 0.01 ± 0.01 vs. − 0.01 ± 0.03,
P
< 0.001). In addition, significant decreases in serum triglycerides (− 16.2 ± 31.4 vs. + 5.8 ± 23.1 mg/dL,
P
= 0.003), VLDL-cholesterol concentrations (− 3.3 ± 6.3 vs. + 1.1 ± 4.6 mg/dL,
P
= 0.003), and AIP (− 0.05 ± 0.08 vs. − 0.003 ± 0.10 mg/dL,
P
= 0.03) were seen following the supplementation of synbiotic compared with the placebo. Overall, we found that synbiotic supplementation to women with PCOS for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on markers of insulin resistance, triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol concentrations, and AIP, but did not influence other lipid profiles. Trial registration:
www.irct.ir
: IRCT201604015623N71.
Exosomes are nano-sized membrane extracellular vesicles which can be released from various types of cells. Exosomes originating from inflammatory or injured cells can have detrimental effects on ...recipient cells, while exosomes derived from stem cells not only facilitate the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues but also inhibit inflammation and provide protective effects against various diseases, suggesting they may serve as an alternative strategy of stem cells transplantation. Exosomes have a fundamental role in communication between cells, through the transfer of proteins, bioactive lipids and nucleic acids (like miRNAs and mRNAs) between cells. This transfer significantly impacts both the physiological and pathological functions of recipient cells. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor, is able to mitigate damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation through various signaling pathways. The positive effects resulting from the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in different disorders have been documented in various types of literature. Studies have confirmed that exosomes derived from stem cells could act as Nrf2 effective agonists. However, limited studies have explored the Nrf2 role in the therapeutic effects of stem cell-derived exosomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge concerning the role of Nrf2 signaling pathways in the impact exerted by stem cell exosomes in some common diseases.
Start-ups are built by the charismatic leaders with innovative ideas, creativity, and distinguished expertise. However, they face huge challenges for growth and survival in an uncertain and ...competitive business eco-system. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of entrepreneurial orientations with social media mediation on digital start-up sustainability. To conduct this research, active start-ups at the science and technology park of Tehran, Shiraz and Yazd universities have been identified in 2021. A 25-item questionnaire was used to collect data from 195 digital start-up managers. Data analysis has been done using SmartPLS3 software. The findings indicate that an innovative atmosphere, knowledge sharing and efficient communications have positive effects on the sustainability of digital startups, and the social media plays role as mediator. The results showed that social media contributes to increasing participation of employees in decision making process. Social media helps employees to share their knowledge, and establishes better interactions with the customers and stakeholders. As a result of better interaction, the company can respond to business challenges faster and operate in a more stable environment. Therefore, in today's turbulent market, attention to sustainability to achieve economic growth and development has been the focus of knowledge-based companies.
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•Green synthesis of fluorescent AgQDs using the root extract of T. polium for the first time.•Quantum dots had significant antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anticancer activity.•Coating ...material with synthesized AgQDs to develop the antimicrobial approach.•AgQDs are synthesized using novel green synthesis strategies.•AgQDs demonstrated high anti-mutagenic properties.
Quantum dots as nanocrystals of semiconductor materials are synthesized with different methods. The green synthesis of fluorescent quantum dots using natural stabilizing agents has attracted much attention. This research aims to study the ability of Teucrium polium L. extract to green synthesize fluorescent silver quantum dots (AgQDs). The green synthesis of AgQDs was proved using UV–Visible spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Photoluminescence (PL) analysis, and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).According to the findings, the shape of fluorescent AgQDs was spherical, and the maximum abundance of particle size distribution was between 3 and 5 nm.Thereupon, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenicity, anticancer, and antioxidant activities were evaluated to distinguish the biological features of AgQDs. Gram-positive bacteria (S. epidermidis, MIC: 31.25 μg/ml) and fungi (C. albicans, MIC: 31.25 μg/ml) were the most susceptible to AgQDs. Moreover, the AgQDs solution had higher antimicrobial activity than AgNO3. The Ames test demonstrated that AgQDs have considerable anti-mutagenic activities (% mutagenicity inhibition greater than 40) and are not mutagenic. The anticancer activity of AgQDs was distinguished using MTT and brine shrimp lethality (BSL) assays. The analysis indicated that AgQDs had a strong potential for cytotoxicity (BSL: LC50 = 2.4 μg/ml, MTT: IC50 = 0.8 μg/ml). Further, AgQDs were used for bioimaging human ovarian OVCAR3 cells, and their biocompatibility was remarkable. In the DPPH assay, AgQDs displayed high antioxidant activity (89.9% inhibition). Using AgQDs to coat materials to develop antibacterial agents revealed significant activity against C. albicans and S. epidermidis strains. Our results indicate that T. polium is a promising source for synthesizing AgQDs. Due to the potent bioactivities of AgQDs, they can be used in medicine and industry.
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