Vibrio alginolyticus causes severe health problems in marine fish production each year. Among various therapeutic strategies, vaccination is the most economic, efficient and environmentally-friendly approach against microbial infections. Evaluation of formalin-killed Vibrio alginolyticus vaccine aquired from native isolates was carried out using a total of 200 Asian seabass juveniles (55±6. 43 g), which were divided among three groups, including (I) control (non-vaccinated), (II) vaccinated with killed V. alginolyticus and (III) killed vaccine with oral booster. Fish were vaccinated intraperitoneally. Blood samples were taken from fish in each group at three, five, and eight weeks after immunization to assess the antibody levels against V. alginolyticus infection. The efficacy of the killed vaccine was appraised five weeks after the start of the initial vaccination by challenging with twofold LD50 (3. 66×108) equivalent of the live suspension of V. alginolyticus through intraperitoneal injection. The results of ELISA showed that there were not any significant differences in antibody response among different groups before vaccination (p>0. 05). Also, the mean antibody titer of the group immunized killed-V. alginolyticus with oral booster was significantly higher than the other groups five weeks after the vaccination. The vaccined fish demonstrated higher survival rates than the control with relative percent survival (RPS) of 84. 62 and 76. 92%, respectively. It is concluded that vaccination could be an effective method to protect farmed Asian sea bass against vibriosis caused by pathogenic V. alginolyticus.

Background: Today, mycotoxins are considered critical contaminants in foodstuffs produced by fungi, highlighting the importance of food safety to human health. The toxigenic fungi invasion and mycotoxin production are highly variable and depend on climate, plant, and agronomic practices. Among these, Aflatoxins (AFs) are considered the most potent toxins. This study investigated the fungi presence and AFB1 contamination in corn and wheat grown in Albania during the 2022 harvesting year. Methods: Wheat samples were collected during the summer, while corn during the autumn, and further analyzed. Mycological contamination assessment applied the Verband Deutscher Landëirtschaftlicher Untersuchungs ̶ und Forschungsanstalten (VDLUFA) procedures. The AFB1 levels were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The MATLAB R2016b software was applied to perform statistical analysis. The Estimated Daily Intake on AFB1 was calculated to evaluate human exposure. Results: The genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Penicillium were isolated, with higher rates of contamination in corn and the highest frequency Penicillium genus (77.89%). The Korça region presented a higher fungal load, 104 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/g in corn. The AFB1 incidence (88.23%) in corn, was significantly higher than in wheat (4.91%). Additionally, the maximum level in corn was found 69.120 μg/kg, while in wheat, only 0.402 μg/kg. None of the wheat samples, in contrast to the 41.18% of corn samples, exceeded the threshold when referring to the respective Maximum Residue Levels. Conclusions: Our observation indicates a higher rate of AFB1 contamination in corn than in wheat. The high concentration levels and contamination incidence in corn require targeted interventions to reduce the AFB1 amounts. Strengthened regulation based on scientific evidence can reduce contamination outbreaks, economic implications, and potential benefits, such as increased consumer trust. Our study indicates that the exposure to AFB1 originates from corn consumption among the adult population. DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.11.1.14996

Introduction: Shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) was first introduced as a human pathogen in 1982. STEC serotypes were isolated from animals, foods, and other samples. This serotype is the leading cause of single and epidemic Hemorrhagic colitis and Haemolytic uremic syndrome. STEC serotype produces two potent toxins named Shiga-like toxin 1 and 2, whose genomes are encoded by phage. These toxins have a cytopathic effect on intestinal epithelial cells that cause bloody diarrhea. This study aimed to design and evaluate a nanobiosensor based on the LSPR (Local Surface Plasmon Resonance) property of citrated gold nanoparticles (GNP), by modifying the pH of the GNP environment and conjugation (non-covalent bonding) of GNP with rabbit anti- Shiga-like toxin polyclonal antibody (IgG).Materials and Methods: In this process, the binding of gold nanoparticles to antibodies and the detection of Shiga-like toxin were confirmed using UV-visible and DLS methods and the sensitivity and specificity of the produced nanobioprobe were evaluated using the ELISA method.Results: The results showed that the sensitivity of this method in detecting Shiga-like toxin is about 10 ng/ml and the visible color-changing of the nanoprobe suspension was confirmed for all vials containing the target antigen in less than 1 h.Conclusions: In conclusion, the advantage of the produced nanobioprobe over other methods is the detection of small quantities of analytes, low cost, and detection in less than 2 h.

Introduction. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective treatment modality for advanced kidney failure, offering patients a significant degree of independence. However, the long-term use of PD is limited due to the degeneration of the peritoneal membrane, resulting in reduced dialysis adequacy. Evaluating the peritoneal membrane condition in patients with advanced kidney failure who are undergoing PD is challenging with existing methods. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8OHDG) levels in the peritoneal solution of patients undergoing PD and various factors, such as peritoneal equilibration test (PET), dialysis adequacy (Kt/V), underlying diseases, serum ferritin, and albumin levels. 8OHDG is a sensitive marker of oxidative stress caused by DNA damage. Methods. A total of 56 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Five milliliters of PD fluid were collected from the patients, and 8-OHdG levels were measured using ELISA method. Then, they were compared with PET, Kt/V, albumin, and ferritin markers in the patients’ files, and the results were analyzed by statistical tests. Results. The study examined the correlation between 8OHDG and other markers. It was found that this index had significant associations with PET and underlying HTN (P <. 05), whereas no significant associations were identified with the other markers. Conclusion. The results of the present study demonstrate that the level of 8OHDG, as one of the oxidative stress markers, could be used to evaluate the function of the peritoneum in patients undergoing PD.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, the body requires more complex nutritional intake. Therefore, problems with fulfilling nutrition during pregnancy occur often. One of the most common nutritional problems in pregnancy is iron deficiency anemia, the most widespread micronutrient problem and the most difficult to overcome worldwide. This study aimed to determine awareness and prevention behavior associated with the incidence of iron deficiency in pregnant women living in urban slum areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The data collection used KoboToolbox, an Android-based tool. Iron status was examined by serum ferritin level assay using ELISA at the Microbiology Laboratory Unit of Hasanuddin University Hospital. RESULTS: The prevalence of pregnant women who experienced iron deficiency was 78%. The logistic regression analysis showed that poor awareness (AOR = 3. 03, CI 95% 1. 26-7. 29, P = 0. 013) and practices in taking iron enhancers (AOR = 2. 85, CI 95% 1. 18–6. 92, P = 0. 020) became the main factors associated with iron deficiency among pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Poor awareness and practices regarding consuming iron enhancers increased the risk of iron deficiency among pregnant women living in urban slum areas. Iron deficiency is a major health concern for pregnant women, especially those living in slum settlements, which must be addressed. A more optimal healthcare system for pregnant women may reduce the incidence of iron anemia in pregnancy by improving health promotion and optimizing healthcare services.

Background: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) might be worsened by neuropathy and vascular issues. This condition can cause 14. 3% fatality, stressing the need for effective wound healing therapy. Wound healing is a complex biological process, and human Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hWJMSCs) may help manage DFU treatment issues. This research focuses on utilizing a gel carrier to deliver bioactive substances from Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells secretome (hWJ-MSCs-Sec) as a possible treatment for DFU. Methods: To maintain quality, hWJMSCs-Sec is thoroughly mixed with carbomer gel and freeze-dried. ELISA test is performed to determine the characterization of the gel of hWJMSCs-Sec such as Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), and Heparin-Binding EGF-Like Growth Factor (HB-EGF). The antioxidant activity was also measured with Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Nitric oxide (NO), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. Proliferation assay was utilized using WST-8 and the wound healing potential was assessed via the migration cell ability of scratched-human skin fibroblast (BJ cells). Results: The freeze-dried hWJ-MSCs-Sec showed higher levels of KGF, HGF, PDGF, EGF, HB-EGF, and the antioxidant activities compared to fresh hWJ-MSCs-Sec. Additionally, the gel of freeze-dried hWJ-MSCs-Sec exhibited higher levels compared to the gel of fresh hWJMSCs-Sec. This was evidenced by faster closure of scratched wounds on BJ cells treated with hWJMSCs-Sec and freeze-dried hWJ-MSCs-Sec gel. Conclusion: The freeze-dried hWJ-MSCs-Sec gel exhibits superior quality compared to the non-freeze-dried hWJ-MSCs-Sec gel. This demonstrates that the freeze-drying procedure can maintain the bioactive chemicals found in hWJMSCs-Sec, potentially enhancing the efficacy of this gel in promoting cell regeneration for wound healing.

White spot syndrome is one of the major problems in shrimp culture worldwide. There are different techniques like Dot blotting, PCR and using monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). In the latter method, by using laboratory animals, monoclonal antibodies against different antigenic domains of proteins of the virus are developed. Then the reactivity of these antibodies with all proteins of shrimp can be tested by ELISA. As it is not known at the start of the test which parts of a protein are strong epitopes and so there is a need to test many peptides, this method is expensive and time consuming. One of the solutions for this problem is prediction of epitopes, synthesis of few peptides, and testing these peptides. Since VP28 is the most important protein of WSSV capsid, the sequences of amino acids of VP28 of four isolates of WSSVfrom different parts of the world were collected for this study. By using bioinformatic methods, after aligning of sequences the consensus sequence was identified. For prediction of antigenic domains of V28, seven different programs were used. The analysis through the computer programme resulted in prediction .of five epitopes in V28. These parts of the protein can now be synthesized and tested for identification of the virus.

Akabane disease is an arthropod-borne viral disease that affects ruminants. This teratogenic pathogen causes severe economic losses in ruminants worldwide and in Iran; however, it has not received enough attention in Fars province, Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the influence of age, gender, climate, farming system, and history of abortions on the seroprevalence of the Akabane disease in sheep and goats in Fars province. In the present study, Fars province was divided into three climates, and three cities were randomly selected from each climatic region. In each city, two epidemiologic units were selected, and all sheep and goats in each unit were sampled. Overall, 540 serum samples (391 sheep and 149 goats) were collected and examined with the commercial ELISA kit. The results showed that 83 out of 540 (15.4%) samples were seropositive and had antibodies against the Akabane virus (AKAV). The effect of gender and age on the rate of the AKAV was not significant. Animals in warm climates were 4.218 times more likely to have antibodies against the AKAV than animals in cold climates. Females were 1.32 times more likely to exhibit seropositivity. The odds of AKAV infection were higher in animals with an abortion history than in healthy animals. The findings of the present study indicated that the prevalence of the AKAV was high in small ruminants in Fars province. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct more studies to control the risk factors involved in the spread of this virus.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases in the world. Human infection rates range from 10% to 80% in many countries. Female cancer patients receiving chemotherapy are more susceptible to developing acute forms of toxoplasmosis, which can cause brain defects, neurological damage, and encephalitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the induction of interferon-gamma in breast cancer patients from Iraq. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on women had breast cancer in Al-Haboubi Teaching Hospital in Nasiriya City-ThiQar Province (Iraq) during the period from January to September 2022. Approximately three ml of blood was drawn from all participants and sera were collected. The Sera were then tested for Toxoplasma IgM, IgG, and IFN-γ (Nova Tec Immunodiagnostica GmbH, Germany) using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits according to the protocols of the manufacturer. Before blood collection, participants completed a printed questionnaire with some demographic information, such as age and place of residence. The total number of positive T. gondii infections from breast cancer patients in the current study was 60 (85. 7%). The results of sample analysis by ELISA assay showed that 85. 7% and 74. 2% of patients were positive for IgG and IgM, respectively. The mean IFN-γ levels in breast cancer patients with toxoplasmosis, without toxoplasmosis, and in the control group were 47. 66, 0. 00, and 0. 57 pg/ ml, respectively. Higher IgG and interferon gamma levels were detected in the group of breast cancer patients with toxoplasmosis than in the group without toxoplasmosis. According to the ELISA findings, T. gondii was the most common parasite in female cancer patients.

Cryptosporidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Cryptosporidium in vertebrates. In livestock, especially ruminants, infants develop diarrheal syndromes. The infection is common worldwide, including Iran, where it is reported in several species. Morphological diagnosis of Cryptosporidium species is associated with many limitations and has no taxonomic value on its own, so the use of molecular methods can overcome these limitations to some extent. The present aims at microscopic, molecular and antigen detection and isolation of Cryptosporidium parvum parasites. Firstly, 300 samples were collected from different parts of Iran. Subsequently oocysts from feces were purified by the method of Casemore et al. using the flotation technique and stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen method (Henriksen method) and identified by diagnostic keys. ELISA test was also performed on the samples with results ranging from 1 to 4 positive. The results of our study show that, of the 300 cases tested for Cryptosporidium, 48 cases (16%) and 54 (18%) were positive in ELISA and PCR, respectively. Microscopic evaluation also mainly confirmed the ELISA results. These cases were collected in summer, autumn, and winter, with, more than 50% of the positive cases found among the samples collected in autumn. In addition, 54 positive cases were found by PCR test, which is 6 cases more than ELISA results. Finally, the results of PCR detection and ELISA were subjected to chisquare analysis, where no significant difference was found between the collected data (p=0. 0587).