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Showing 2 results for Ferdousi
Volume 10, Issue 1 (Winter 2024)
Abstract
Background: Gastroenteritis is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with a high prevalence in children. Among pathogenic microorganisms, viruses are one of the main causes of this disease. Thus, the aim of this research was to investigate the prevalence of diarrhea caused by human adenovirus (HAdV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in children with hematological diseases for the first time in Iran.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on 120 stool samples stored in the clinical sample bank of the Cellular and Molecular Research Center of Qom University of Medical Sciences. These samples were obtained from immunocompromised children with gastrointestinal symptoms, who referred to one of the children's hospitals in Qom during 2018 to 2019. Genomes were extracted from the stool samples and evaluated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.
Findings: The prevalence of HAdV and EBV was reported in seven (5.8%) and one (0.8%) cases, respectively, and CMV was detected in none of the samples. No cases of co-infection were observed.
Conclusion: This study results show that there are diarrhea-causing viruses among patients in the study area. Fortunately, the prevalence of these infectious agents in patients with underlying conditions was relatively low. However, monitoring of these viruses in the feces of all patients, especially immunocompromised patients, is recommended.
Volume 11, Issue 1 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
Background: This research aimed to assess the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) produced using Artemisia biennis Willd through an eco-friendly approach, targeting four pathogenic bacteria.
Materials & Methods: A. biennis Willd extract with unit numbers “15.62-125” was prepared through maceration, drying, and powdering. Particle size distribution (PSD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) tests were used to characterize the synthesized CuNPs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), and sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) were determined to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of CuNPs against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883.
Findings: CuNPs synthesized using A. biennis Willd extract exhibited a brown color change with particle sizes mainly 30-40 nm by PSD. DLS indicated uniform distribution and hydrodynamic synthesis of particles with a zeta potential of -37.8. XRD and FTIR confirmed copper nanoparticle biosynthesis. The MICs of CuNPs were 15.62-62.5 μg/mL, with S. aureus and K. pneumonia revealing the highest and lowest antimicrobial drug resistance, respectively. This trend was repeated for MBCs and sub-MICs, ranging from 15.62-125 and 7.8-31.25 μg/mL, respectively. Bacterial strains were unable to form biofilms at sub-MICs. The anti-biofilm effects of CuNPs were more significant on Gram-negative bacteria.
Conclusion: CuNPs synthesized using A. biennis Willd extract by a green method show promising anti-biofilm and antibacterial characteristics against bacteria, suggesting their potential for treating bacterial infections.
