Volume 9, Issue 4 (Fall 2023)
Abstract
Aims: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are beneficial compounds that could be used as a new and effective method to suppress microbes. Both Ib-AMP4 and LL37 are antimicrobial peptides with a wide range of antimicrobial activities. This research aimed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of LL37-rIb-AMP4 hybrid protein as an antimicrobial agent against pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, its antibacterial effects against Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were investigated in vivo and in vitro.
Materials & Methods: In this study, antimicrobial peptides rIb-AMP4, LL37, and LL37-rIb-AMP4 were expressed, purified, and refolded, and their synergistic and antibacterial effects in combination with each other (LL37+rIb-AMP4) and as fusion proteins (LL37-rIb-AMP4) were tested against A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, VRE, and MRSA cells in vitro (MIC, time kill, and SEM) and against P. aeruginosa and VRE cells in vivo.
Findings: LL37-rIb-AMP4 Protein with molecular weight= 28 KD was correctly produced and purified. Despite the lack of synergistic effects between LL37 and rIb-AMP4 peptides in vitro, the stability test results showed higher stability for LL37-rIb-AMP4 hybrid protein.
The findings of in vivo tests confirmed that all infected mice were improved with LL37-rIb-AMP4 and no signs of bacteria were observed in their blood and spleen samples. Also, these results confirmed the stability and higher activity of LL37-rIb-AMP4 than the single form of these proteins.
Conclusion: Considering the antimicrobial potential of the produced proteins, it seems that the recombinant LL37-rIb-AMP4 protein could be considered and used as a stable and active antimicrobial drug in future studies.
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Summer 2024)
Abstract
Aims: Utilizing passive architectural elements to conserve energy and optimize natural lighting is a common solution in traditional Iranian architecture. Various factors such as building shape and orientation, window positioning, use of local materials, and shading devices are recognized as traditional architectural elements in warm and humid climates. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the efficiency and optimize architectural elements in the warm and humid climate of Bushehr city, focusing on energy consumption control and utilization of natural light.
Methods: Firstly, through documentary resources, the residential architectural patterns of Bushehr were identified. Then, using the Rhinoceros software environment and Grasshopper plugin, selected variables were parametrically modeled, and quantitative data analysis was conducted using energy tools and radiation analysis. Finally, optimal patterns were selected using a genetic algorithm, and the final response was presented with an annual performance analysis.
Findings: By optimizing passive strategies, UDI could be increased up to 96%, and energy consumption could be reduced up to 174.1 kWh/m2. In hot and humid climates, paying attention to the minimum absorption of sunlight is essential, in addition to the importance of using natural ventilation.
Conclusion: Using passive architectural elements such as the use of Shenashir, the proportions of the room and the window-to-wall ratio increases the performance of the building. The conclusion emphasizes the pivotal role of the contemporization of traditional houses in resolving contemporary architectural challenges, especially high energy consumption and environmental regulation.
