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Acta Parasitologica Sep 2023The aim of this study was to identify Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples of HIV + /AIDS and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy,...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to identify Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. in fecal samples of HIV + /AIDS and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and comparing the results to healthy individuals in Mazandaran province, north of Iran.
METHODS
Stool samples were collected from 50 HIV + /AIDS patients, 50 cancer patients, and 50 healthy samples referred to medical centers in north of Iran. Stool samples were kept in 2.5% potassium dichromate at 4 °C, and stained by modified trichrome for light microscopy examination. The multiplex/nested-PCR targeted the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. To characterize genotypes, the nested PCR products sequenced by Bioneer Company and was subjected to phylogenetic analyses.
RESULTS
Ten of 50 samples (20%) of HIV + /AIDS patients, 5 of 50 samples (10%) of cancer patients, and 1 of healthy individuals (2%) were microscopically positive. From 50 HIV + / AIDS patients, E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. were detected in 10 (20%) and 6 (12%) cases, respectively. Furthermore, among cancer patients, 7 (14%) and 2 (4%) cases were E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., respectively. Out of 50 samples of healthy individuals, only 3 (6%) cases of E. bieneusi were observed. The genotypes D and M were detected among positive samples of E. bieneusi.
CONCLUSIONS
E. bieneusi and then Encephalitozoon spp. are common intestinal microsporidia in HIV + /AIDS patients and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Mazandaran province. E. bieneusi genotype D seems to be the predominant genotype in Mazandaran province. Due to the considerable prevalence of intestinal microsporidia, physicians are advised to pay more attention to this opportunistic infection in high-risk groups.
Topics: Humans; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Microsporidiosis; Iran; Phylogeny; Encephalitozoon; Genotype; Enterocytozoon; Neoplasms; Feces; Microsporidia
PubMed: 37566357
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00704-y -
Annals of Dermatology Aug 2023There has been debate regarding whether patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an altered frequency of contact allergen sensitization. Increased exposure to topical...
BACKGROUND
There has been debate regarding whether patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an altered frequency of contact allergen sensitization. Increased exposure to topical medications and moisturizers as well as impaired skin barrier function increase the risk of contact sensitization, whereas the Th2-skewed inflammatory pathway of AD is associated with a reduced risk.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study was performed to determine the characteristics of contact sensitization in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) patients with a current or past history of AD.
METHODS
A clinical record review was conducted for patients referred to Ewha Womans University Medical Center, for patch tests between March 2017 and March 2021. We compared the rates of contact sensitization between ACD patients with and without AD.
RESULTS
In total, 515 patch test results were reviewed and divided into the AD group (n=53) and non-AD group (n=462). The AD group showed decreased any-allergen positivity (1+, 2+, or 3+) (56.6%) compared to the non-AD group (72.9%) (=0.013). The positivity rate for budesonide was significantly higher in the AD group (=0.011), while the prevalence of a positive result for balsam of Peru was higher in the non-AD group (=0.036). Nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride, and potassium dichromate were the most common sensitized allergens in both groups.
CONCLUSION
Our study shows a decreased prevalence of contact sensitization in AD patients compared to non-AD patients. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of corticosteroid allergies in ACD patients with history of AD.
PubMed: 37550231
DOI: 10.5021/ad.23.001 -
Comparative Biochemistry and... Nov 2023In fish, the skin is directly exposed to multiple environmental stressors and provides the first line of defense against harmful external factors. It turned out that...
In fish, the skin is directly exposed to multiple environmental stressors and provides the first line of defense against harmful external factors. It turned out that cortisol and melatonin (Mel) are involved in fish cutaneous stress response system (CSRS) similar to mammalian. This study investigates the mode of action of CSRS in two teleost species of different biology and skin characteristics, the three-spined stickleback and the European flounder, after exposure to oxidative stress induced by a potassium dichromate solution. The cutaneous stress response system presents different ways of action in two studied species: Mel concentration increases in the skin of both species, but cortisol concentration increases in the skin only in sticklebacks. Data suggest that stickleback skin cells can produce cortisol. However, cortisol is not involved in the response to oxidative stress in flounders. In stickleback skin, two genes encoding AANAT and ASMT/HIOMT (enzymes involved in Mel synthesis), aanat1a and asmt2, are expressed, but in flounder skin, only one, asmtl. Because gene expression does not change in stickleback skin after exposure to stress, the source of increased Mel is probably outside the skin. A lack of expression of the gene encoding AANAT in flounder skin strongly suggests that Mel is transported to the skin by the bloodstream from other sites of synthesis. Pigment dispersion in the skin after exposure to oxidative stress is found only in sticklebacks.
Topics: Animals; Flounder; Hydrocortisone; Melatonin; Smegmamorpha; Fishes; Oxidative Stress; Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase; Mammals
PubMed: 37541323
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111493 -
JAMA Dermatology Sep 2023Patients are frequently copositive for multiple allergens simultaneously, either due to chemical similarity or simultaneous sensitization. A better understanding of...
IMPORTANCE
Patients are frequently copositive for multiple allergens simultaneously, either due to chemical similarity or simultaneous sensitization. A better understanding of copositivity groups would help guide contact avoidance.
OBJECTIVE
To use patient data to systematically determine copositivity groups in the Mayo Clinic Standard Series.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, the Mayo Clinic patch test database was queried for pairwise copositivity rates in the 80 allergen Mayo Clinic Standard Series between 2012 and 2021. Data were collected from 3 tertiary care sites of the Mayo Clinic Contact Dermatitis Group and a total of 5943 patients were included, comprising all patients undergoing patch testing to the Mayo Clinic Standard Series allergens.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Copositivity rates between every 2 allergens in the 80-allergen Mayo Clinic Standard Series were estimated. After background correction, copositivity rates were analyzed using unsupervised hierarchical clustering to systematically identify copositivity groups in an unbiased manner.
RESULTS
Overall, 394 921 total patches were applied to 5943 patients (4164 [70.1%] women, 1776 [29.9%] men, with a mean [SD] age of 52.3 [18.8] years ), comprising 9545 positive reactions. After background correction based on overall positivity rates, hierarchical clustering revealed distinct copositivity groups. Many were supported by prior literature, including formaldehyde releasers, cobalt-nickel-potassium dichromate, acrylates, 3-dimethylaminopropylamine-amidoamine-oleamidopropyl dimethylamine, alkyl glucosides, budesonide-hydrocortisone-17-butyrate, certain fragrances, compositae-sesquiterpene lactone mix, mercapto mix-mercaptobenzothiazole, carba mix-thiuram mix, and disperse orange-p-phenylenediamine. However, novel associations were also found, including glutaraldehyde-sorbitan sesquioleate, benzalkonium chloride-neomycin-bacitracin, bronopol-methylchloroisothiazolinone-methylisothiazolinone, and benzoic acid-iodopropynyl butylcarbamate.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This retrospective cross-sectional analysis found that copositivity rates varied between allergens; allergens with extremely high positivity rates demonstrated nonspecific copositivity to multiple other allergens. Background correction based on positivity rates followed by hierarchical clustering confirmed prior known copositivity groups, contaminants and/or excipients leading to copositivity, and novel associations to guide contact avoidance.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Patch Tests; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Allergens
PubMed: 37531132
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.2352 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Converting more CO absorbed by plant photosynthesis into biomass-activated carbon effectively reduces carbon emissions. In this study, we used a one-step preparation of...
Converting more CO absorbed by plant photosynthesis into biomass-activated carbon effectively reduces carbon emissions. In this study, we used a one-step preparation of biomass-activated carbon loaded with MgO nanoparticles to investigate the effect of Mg loading on the catalytic pyrolysis process. The influences of magnesium loading on biochar yield and fixed carbon production were assessed. The addition of 1% Mg weakened the carbonyl C=O, inhibited the dehydroxylation reaction, enhanced the C-H signal strength, and the formation of MgO inhibited the weaker- bound substituent breakage. Additionally, the addition of magnesium altered the morphological features and chemical composition of the biochar material. It also increased the activated carbon mesoporosity by 3.94%, biochar yield by 5.55%, and fixed carbon yield by 12.14%. The addition of 1% Mg increased the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon to potassium dichromate, acid magenta, methylene blue, and tetracycline effluents by 8.71 mg, 37.15 mg, 117.68 mg, and 3.53 mg, respectively. The results showed that MgCl played a significant role in promoting the thermal degradation of biomass and improving the solid yield and adsorption performance of activated carbon.
PubMed: 37508863
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070836 -
International Microbiology : the... Apr 2024As a sugar-rich plant with no impact on global warming and food security, sweet sorghum can be exploited as an alternative source of renewable bioenergy. This study...
As a sugar-rich plant with no impact on global warming and food security, sweet sorghum can be exploited as an alternative source of renewable bioenergy. This study aimed to examine the potential of sweet sorghum juice for the generation of bioethanol using yeast isolated from the juice. The °Brix of sweet sorghum juice was measured using a digital refractometer. Additionally, 18 wild yeasts isolated from fermented sweet sorghum juice were subjected to various biochemical tests to describe them to identify potential yeast for ethanol production. The morphological and biochemical analyses of the yeasts revealed that all of the yeast isolates were most likely members of the genus Saccharomyces. The most ethanol-tolerant yeast isolate SJU14 was employed for sweet sorghum juice fermentation. A completely randomized factorial design was used with various fermentation parameters, primarily pH, temperature, and incubation period. Then ethanol content was determined using a potassium dichromate solution. According to the ANOVA, the highest ethanol content (18.765%) was produced at 30/26 °C, pH 4.5, and incubated for 96 h. Sweet sorghum juice was found to be an excellent source of potent yeasts, which have important industrial properties like the capacity to grow at high ethanol and glucose concentrations. Moreover, it can be utilized as a substitute substrate for the manufacturing of bioethanol production to lessen the environmental threat posed by fossil fuels. Further research is, therefore, recommended to develop strategically valuable applications of sweet sorghum for enhancing the food system and mitigating climate change.
Topics: Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Sorghum; Fermentation; Ethanol
PubMed: 37498435
DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00403-8 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Coccidiosis caused by the spp., an Apicomplexan protozoon, is a major intestinal disease that affects the poultry industry. Although most cases of coccidiosis are...
INTRODUCTION
Coccidiosis caused by the spp., an Apicomplexan protozoon, is a major intestinal disease that affects the poultry industry. Although most cases of coccidiosis are subclinical, infections impair bird health and decrease overall performance, which can result in compromised welfare and major economic losses. Viable sporulated oocysts are required for challenge studies and live coccidiosis vaccines. Potassium dichromate (PDC) is typically used as a preservative for these stocks during storage. Although effective and inexpensive, PDC is also toxic and carcinogenic. Chlorhexidine (CHX) salts may be a possible alternative, as this is a widely used disinfectant with less toxicity and no known carcinogenic associations.
METHODS
testing of CHX gluconate and CHX digluconate exhibited comparable oocyst integrity and viability maintenance with equivalent bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity to PDC. Subsequent use of CHX gluconate or digluconate-preserved Eimeria oocysts, cold-stored at 4°C for 5 months, as the inoculum also resulted in similar oocyst shedding and recovery rates when compared to PDC-preserved oocysts.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
These data show that using 0.20% CHX gluconate could be a suitable replacement for PDC. Additionally, autofluorescence was used as a method to evaluate oocyst viability. Administration of artificially aged oocysts exhibiting >99% autofluorescence from each preserved treatment resulted in no oocyst output for CHX salt groups.
PubMed: 37496751
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1226298 -
Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy Oct 2023This study investigated the protective effect of aqueous Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract (APALE) in Potassium dichromate (PDc)-induced neurotoxicity. Seventy young adult...
Anti-inflammatory, anticholinesterase, antioxidant, and memory enhancement potential of Phyllanthus amarus in potassium-dichromate induced neurotoxicity of male Wistar rats.
This study investigated the protective effect of aqueous Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract (APALE) in Potassium dichromate (PDc)-induced neurotoxicity. Seventy young adult male, Wistar rats with a weight of 130-150 g, were randomised into seven groups (n = 10): Group 1; distilled water; Group 2: 300 mg/kg APALE; Group 3: 17 mg/kg PDc; Group 4: 5 mg/kg Donepezil (DPZ); Group 5: 17 mg/kg PDc + 400 mg/kg APALE; Group 6:17 mg/kg PDc + 200 mg/kg APALE; Group 7: 17 mg/kg PDc + 5 mg/kg DPZ. All administrations were given once daily via an orogastric cannula for 28 consecutive days. Cognitive assessment tests were employed to ascertain the treatments' effects on the rats' cognitive function. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, morphometric analysis was done, and the brains were dissected for histology, enzyme, and other biochemical analysis. Findings from this study showed that APALE significantly improved locomotive activity, recognition memory sensitivity, protection against fear and anxiety, enhanced decision-making, and improved memory function in a dose-dependent manner comparably to DPZ. In addition, APALE significantly increased antioxidants level, reducing oxidative stress in PDc-induced neurotoxic rats and significantly reducing brain acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity by regulating gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) levels in PDc-induced neurotoxic rats compared to DPZ. Furthermore, APALE alleviated neuroinflammatory responses via maintaining histoarchitecture and down-regulation of IBA1 and Tau in PDc-induced rats. In conclusion, APALE protected against PDc-induced neurotoxicity via a combination of anti-inflammatory, anticholinergic, and antioxidant effects on the prefrontal cortex of rats.
Topics: Rats; Male; Animals; Antioxidants; Rats, Wistar; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Potassium Dichromate; Phyllanthus; Acetylcholinesterase; Plant Extracts; Oxidative Stress; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Potassium
PubMed: 37423467
DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102308 -
Biological Trace Element Research Nov 2023Lactoferrin (LCF), a potent naturally occurring antioxidant, is a crucial component in preventing potassium dichromate (PDC) toxicity. The goal of the current work was...
Lactoferrin (LCF), a potent naturally occurring antioxidant, is a crucial component in preventing potassium dichromate (PDC) toxicity. The goal of the current work was to study the potential efficacy of LCF in preventing PDC(CrVI)-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative injury in rats. Six groups of male rats of Wistar stain were randomly categorized into: group 1, which served as the control; group 2 and 3 received LCF (200 and 300 mg/kg orally, respectively); group 4 received PDC (2 mg/kg i.p.); group 5 and 6 pretreated with LCF, followed by PDC as in group 4 with 90 min apart for 28 days. PDC-intoxicated rats showed a significantly altered spermogram with abnormal sperm morphology. PDC significantly upregulated serum FSH and downregulated testosterone levels. Additionally, PDC decreased the levels of testicular key antioxidant biomarkers (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH)) with elevated lipid peroxidation marker (TBARS) and testicular chromium content. Moreover, it upregulated testicular proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, induced histopathological changes in testes with significant immunohistochemical expression of FasL and moderate expression of Nrf2. Pretreatment with LCF significantly mitigated PDC-induced testicular toxicity by enhancing spermogram, improving hormonal levels, restoring testicular oxidant/antioxidant balance, and decreasing testicular IL-1, IL6, IL-10, and TNFα levels, and amending both FasL and Nrf2 immunohistochemical-expression. Additionally, LCF improved testicular histopathological picture and spermatogenesis. Our results highlight the importance of LCF as a superior protective modulator of PDC-induced testicular injury.
Topics: Rats; Male; Animals; Testis; Antioxidants; Lactoferrin; Interleukin-10; Chromium; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Rats, Wistar; Semen; Oxidative Stress; Glutathione; Potassium Dichromate; Interleukin-1
PubMed: 36877398
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03605-3