Background: Clinical trials contribute to the generation of new knowledge and can lead to the discovery of novel treatments. By introducing more effective therapies, they can improve patients' quality of life and reduce the complications of diseases. For searching scientific resources in this context, one should focus on appropriate keywords, identify synonyms, related phrases, and academic terms in this field to expand the scope of the search. The first phase of clinical trials is the initial step in evaluating an investigational drug product in humans. Conclusion: In this review, given the importance of Phase I clinical trials, we first address the different and common names of Phase I clinical trials and then provide examples of synonyms for "study participants." It is hoped that researchers can, by identifying synonyms and related academic phrases, more quickly and accurately find relevant scientific resources and produce more precise and clear scientific writing
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mediated by efflux pumps constitutes a critical healthproblem, necessitating urgent strategies for the development of new efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). Inthis regard, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be an innovative strategy for accelerating discovery,optimization, and understanding of EPIs mechanisms of action. Conclusion: This review summarizes recent advances regarding the role of AI in the developmentof new EPI, with emphasis on machine learning (ML) based inhibitor prediction, molecular dynamics(MD) for binding analysis, and quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling (QSAR). Byregrouping data from recent studies, we discuss here the important role played by AI in theimprovement of lead identification, inhibitor designs, and the study of the resistance mechanisms.Despite current limitations such as limited, fragmented data and structural complexity of effluxpumps, AI offers great promise to revolutionize EPI development. In order to effectively combatAMR, we address here some key approaches, applications, challenges, and future directions,demonstrating the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration
Background: Pseudomonas spp is a clinically significant opportunistic pathogen frequently implicated in urinary tract infections. Differences in pigment production may indicate pathogenic variations and aid in optimizing treatment strategies. Methods: A total of 4208 samples were processed according to standard microbiological techniques. Pigment production was enhanced on nutrient agar and antimicrobial sensitivity was performed according to CLSI guidelines. This data was then analyzed, noted and reported. Results: 62 samples of Pseudomonas spp. were isolated, 29 (46.8%) samples did not produce any pigment, 19(30.6%) were green pyocyanin producers and 14 (22.6%) produced the pigment pyoverdine. Strains producing pigment were overall more resistant to tested antibiotics than strains not producing pigment. Pyoverdine producing strains demonstrated most resistance, but pyocyanin producing strains showed better sensitivity. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for routine pigment-based differentiation in clinical microbiology laboratories, as it may offer an early clue to resistance patterns and guide more effective empirical therapy
Background: The health of breeders is essential for the next generation of chicks. Bacterial agents,such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Mycoplasma gallisepticum or Mycoplasmasynoviae, are the leading causes of disease and mortality in breeder poultry. The widespread usage ofantimicrobials in poultry, has raised concerns about the potential for spread of antimicrobialresistance. The present study aimed to identify bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance patternsin the case of breeder’s mortality. Methods: Samples were collected from tissues and bone marrow of sixteen broiler breeders. Thespecimens were cultured onto blood agar, MacConkey agar and confirmatory biochemical media forthe bacteriological examination. Sabouraud dextrose agar was used for fungal isolation. Thespecimens were cultured on Mueller-Hinton agar to assess their antibiotic resistance to gentamicin,ceftriaxone, tetracycline, penicillin, erythromycin, streptomycin, lincomycin, and amoxicillin Results: The bacteria including Escherichia coli (93.8%), Staphylococcus (31.3%), Streptococcus(12.5%), Bacillus (12.5%) and Clostridium (6.3%) were isolated. Co-infection was observed in 50%of carcasses, most frequently involving E. coli and Staphylococcus. Isolates from 62.5% were resistantto all the antibiotics tested. Gentamicin was the most effective antibiotic. Conclusion: Escherichia coli was the dominant isolate, and its detection in the bone marrow of31.3% of cases confirms systemic dissemination. Consequently, enhanced biosecurity protocols areessential to prevent the spread of pathogens such as E. coli. Antimicrobial susceptibility testingrevealed a multidrug-resistant pattern. Therefore, poultry farms should base antibiotic selection onspecific laboratory results rather than relying on empirical broad-spectrum therapy
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of healthcare- associated infections, with the mecA gene serving as a key marker of resistance. This study investigates the clinical and demographic factors associated with MRSA and mecA carriage in a tertiary hospital in Tehran to inform targeted infection control strategies.. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 125 hospitalized patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections from a tertiary hospital in Tehran. Clinical and demographic data were collected via structured questionnaires and medical records, and MRSA/mecA status was determined using phenotypic methods and real-time PCR, with associations analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests in SPSS v18.. Results: MRSA was identified in 40.8% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates, with no significant association found with age or sex. Prolonged hospitalization, immunocompromised status, and frequent antibiotic use were significantly associated with MRSA infection (p < 0.05), while a lower prevalence was observed among patients with infected wounds. Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of MRSA in a Tehran tertiary hospital, with prolonged hospitalization, immunocompromised status, and antibiotic overuse identified as key risk factors. Targeted infection control strategies integrating clinical risk assessment and microbiological surveillance are recommended to mitigate MRSA transmission.
Background: Climate change, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, is profoundlyaltering the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) by expanding vector habitats, prolongingtransmission seasons, and introducing pathogens to previously unaffected regions. Children aredisproportionately vulnerable due to immature immune systems, higher respiratory rates, increasedoutdoor play behaviors, and socioeconomic disparities that limit access to preventive measures. severemanifestations, including cerebral malaria, dengue hemorrhagic fever, congenital Zika syndrome, andneuroborreliosis. Conclusion: The convergence of climate change and pediatric VBDs represents an escalating publichealth crisis that demands immediate integration of climate resilience into child health practice.Pediatricians must adopt climate-informed prevention, enhanced surveillance, equitable vaccine andvector-control strategies, professional education, and advocacy for rapid emissions reduction.Proactive, multidisciplinary action is essential to protect current and future generations from wideninghealth inequities and irreversible harm.
Background: Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) remains a globally significant human pathogen responsible for hundreds of millions of infections annually. Pharyngitis alone accounts for an estimated 616 million cases per year, with invasive disease causing more than 500,000 deaths worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Antibiotic therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, with penicillin maintaining its status as the drug of choice after more than 70 years of clinical use and with no documented resistance. Conclusion: This mini review summarizes current antibiotic therapies for GAS, highlighting mechanisms of action, clinical applications, resistance patterns, global treatment guidelines, and recent developments between 2020 and 2025. Comparative and statistical data are provided on antibiotic efficacy, regional resistance rates, short-course versus standard regimens, and diagnostic advances. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based therapy to reduce complications such as rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Background: The syndemic of the human immunodeficiency virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections remains a significant global health challenge. Despite effective antiretroviral therapy, people living with the human immunodeficiency virus face a 20- to 100-fold higher risk of invasive pneumococcal disease due to persistent, multifaceted immunodeficiency affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. This includes dysfunction of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils, compromised mucosal barriers, depletion of CD4+ T-cells particularly T-follicular helper cells and B-cell dysregulation, creating a perfect storm for invasive infection. The evolution from polysaccharide to conjugate vaccines represents a major advancement. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, by enabling T-cell-dependent responses, generate higher-quality antibodies, robust memory B-cells, and demonstrate superior immunogenicity and effectiveness in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus compared to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Evidence from immunogenicity studies, observational data, and the herd effects from childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccines programs confirms that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines significantly reduce vaccine-type pneumococcal disease. However, challenges like serotype replacement, waning immunity, suboptimal response despite antiretroviral therapy, and the aging of the people living the human immunodeficiency virus population impede optimal protection. Conclusion: While conjugate vaccines have transformed prevention, durable protection against pneumococcal disease in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus remains an unfinished agenda. Future success hinges on developing novel vaccines (e.g., protein-based), optimizing strategies with adjuvants and boosters, defining correlates of protection, and ensuring global equity in vaccine access. A multifaceted approach combining research, clinical innovation, and public health policy is essential to significantly reduce this burden
Background: Bacillus cereus is a very important organism widely used for microbiological assaysof pharmaceutical products especially in antibiotic susceptibility testing. The increasing emergence ofantibiotic-resistant bacterial strains has emphasized the need for effective antibiotic susceptibilitytesting of pathogens for the management of patient’s health. Methods: The present study isolated of 5 strains of B. cereus (R-01, R-02, C-01, C-03 & SS-01)from different samples collected from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Pure cultures were thencharacterized based on microscopy, cultural and biochemical characteristics and also compared withstandard reference strain B. cereus MTCC 430. Further, all the 5 isolates were subjected to MALDI-TOF analysis to confirm their identity. Finally, antimicrobial susceptibility of all the indigenousstrains was tested in comparison with B. cereus MTCC 430 using the agar well diffusion method atvarious concentrations of Oxytetracycline (1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.12, 3.91, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, & 16.0 μg/mL). Results: Morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics confirmed the identity of all thebacterial isolates as B. cereus which was further authenticated by MALDI-TOF analysis. Theantibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that out of 5 indigenous isolates, R-01 and R-02 were found tobe susceptible at all tested concentrations of Oxytetracycline; whereas C-01, C-03 and SS-01 werefound to be resistant at a concentration 2.5 μg/mL and below. Conclusion: The antibiotics susceptibility test results displayed sensitivity profile of all 05 indigenousisolates of B. cereus against the Oxytetracycline and revealed that 02 isolates (R-01 and R-02) weremore sensitive to Oxytetracycline compared to others.
Background: Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated small intestinal disorder precipitated by gluten consumption in genetically predisposed individuals. The condition is increasingly recognized worldwide, including in India, largely due to better availability of serological assays and awareness of non-classical manifestations. To determine the prevalence of Coeliac disease among patients presenting with gastrointestinal and related complaints using serological screening. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, UCMS & GTB Hospital, Delhi, and included 752 consecutive serum samples received between May 2023 and July 2025. IgA anti-tTG antibodies were estimated by Quantitative ELISA (Aeskulisa, Aesku Diagnostics, Germany) employing recombinant human antigen. Results were interpreted as negative (<16 IU/mL), equivocal (16–19 IU/mL), or positive (≥20 IU/mL). Results: Among 752 patients, 99 (13%) tested positive, 633 (84%) were negative, and 20 (3%) yielded equivocal findings. Males constituted 59% of the study group, with a slight male predominance among positive cases (55.5%). The highest frequency of positivity (87%) was observed in the 1–20 years age group, mainly in children aged 1–10 years. The majority of samples originated from the Paediatrics Department. Conclusion: CD was detected in 13% of symptomatic patients, with the greatest burden in the paediatric age group. These results highlight the importance of early serological screening in high- risk groups to facilitate timely diagnosis and prevention of long-term sequelae.
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), predominantly catheter-associated (CAUTIs), cause significant morbidity (~380,000 cases), mortality (~9,000-13,000 deaths), and healthcare costs annually. CAUTIs initiate via bacterial biofilm formation on catheters. Current antimicrobial catheters (e.g., silver ions, antibiotics) face limitations like poor efficacy, resistance, and non-adjustability. Nanostructure coatings offer promise; notably, combining Ag/ZnO nanostructures leverages enhanced biocompatibility and potent antibacterial effects for novel CAUTI prevention strategies. Methods: AgNPs were chemically synthesized via silver nitrate reduction (sodium citrate/sodium borohydride); ZnO-NPs were prepared from zinc acetate/sodium hydroxide. A lubricant gel containing 2% lidocaine and Ag/ZnO nanostructures (2:8 v/v ratio) was formulated. Nanostructure characterization included DLS, TEM, and ICP-OES. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed via disk diffusion and microdilution (MIC/MBC) against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Biocompatibility was evaluated via rabbit ocular irritability and Guinea Pig Maximization Test (ISO 10993-10). Results: DLS/TEM characterization showed AgNPs (24.4 nm, spherical) and ZnO-NPs (52.48 nm, clustered) were mono-disperse (PDI ~1 and 0.667). Zeta potential confirmed stability (Ag: -20.7 mV; ZnO: -0.709 mV). ICP-OES quantified concentrations (Ag: 25 ppm; ZnO: 970 ppm). Antibacterial assays revealed weak AgNP activity (MIC/MBC >12.5 μg/mL for both pathogens) but potent ZnO-NP effects (e.g., S. aureus MIC: 0.406 μg/mL). Ag/ZnO hybrids exhibited enhanced efficacy, especially against S. aureus (MIC: 0.02/3.12 μg/mL). The gel was non-irritating (rabbit ocular test) and non-sensitizing (Guinea Pig Maximization Test). Conclusion: The active formulation consisting of mixed silver and zinc oxide nanostructures combined with a medical lubricant containing 4% lidocaine demonstrates effective antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, while exhibiting no irritant or sensitizing properties in laboratory animals.
Background: Understanding the radiographic and anatomical distinctions in patients with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is crucial for effective treatment and recurrence prevention. Current study aimed to investigate the presence of Concha bullosa in CT scans of patients with AFRS compared to patients with non-fungal rhinosinusitis with polyposis (NFRP), alongside the culture of the secretions. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 86 patients with an average age of 40.91 ± 13.45 years, all suffering from nasal polyps and undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery at the Amir Alam Hospital. Participants were divided into two groups; AFRS group (n=43), and NFRP group (n=43). CT scans of the paranasal sinuses were conducted for all patients. Additionally, assessments were made for fungal cultures from Concha bullosa secretions, sinus secretions, and polyp tissue. Results: The average age of patients in the AFRS group was significantly lower than that of the NFRP group (37.3 years vs. 44.5 years, P=0.012). The incidence of Concha bullosa with secretion was higher than the ones without secretion. Notably, the AFRS group exhibited a significantly greater prevalence of Concha bullosa with secretion compared to the NFRP group (44.2% vs. 18.6%, P=0.034). In terms of fungal cultures, Aspergillus was the only positive finding in the AFRS group (13.5%, n=5) and in the NFRP group (6.1%, n=2). The species Aspergillus flavus (4.3%, n=3) was more frequently identified in fungal cultures from sinus secretions and polyp tissue among AFRS group. Conclusion: Concha bullosa is more common in the AFRS group than in the NFRP group. It suggests a potential association between fungal colonization and disease recurrence. Also, Aspergillus, especially Aspergillus flavus, are frequently found in AFRS group, pointing to the role in the disease. The findings stress the need to consider Concha bullosa when treating AFRS to enhance outcomes and lower recurrence rates
Background: Bacterial antibiotic resistance is increasing, and using natural alternatives is very important. Medical smoke has been prevalent in the treatment of various diseases for many years. This study investigates the antimicrobial effect of Anbar Nesara (AN) smoke on Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Methods: In this study, AN smoke is considered as a case, and antibiotic and antifungal groups as controls. Standard and clinical strains of Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes were prepared. The antibacterial effect of the extract was determined by diffusion in agar and micro-broth dilution. Results: This research showed that AN smoke can effectively affect Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus pyogenes at concentrations above 100 mg/ml and on Candida albicans at concentrations above 15.62 mg/ml. The most significant effects were related to the concentration above 500 mg/dL, significantly different from antibiotic discs. The most sensitive microorganism to AN smoke is Candida albicans, and the most resistant bacterium to it is Escherichia coli. Conclusion: AN smoke has antimicrobial properties and can be considered as complementary treatment.
Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common bacterial illness in febrile infants and young children, with a prevalence of 4.1% to 7.5%. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications, especially in children under two years. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical profile, and risk factors of UTI in febrile children admitted to a tertiary care center and analyze the culture and sensitivity patterns of causative organisms. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Jubilee Mission Medical College, Thrissur, over 18 months, enrolling 504 febrile children aged over one month. Urine samples were analyzed using standard methods, with culture as the gold standard for UTI diagnosis. Exclusion criteria included lack of consent, absence of urine analysis, and treatment discontinuation. Routine investigations were performed for all UTI patients, with specialized imaging reserved for selected cases. Data obtained were statistically analysed. Results: The prevalence of UTI among febrile children was 11.3% (p<0.000). The mean age was 2.57 years (SD 1.64), with most cases in children aged 1–5 years and a female predominance. Common risk factors included constipation, phimosis, poor hygiene, diaper usage, and worm infestation. Clinical features included pain during micturition (68.4%), vomiting (22.8%), and decreased urine output (7%). E. coli (87.7%) was the most common causative organism, sensitive to most antibiotics. Conclusion: The significant prevalence of UTI in febrile children requires high clinical suspicion, prompt evaluation, and awareness to prevent renal complications.
Background: Medicinal plant extracts are widely recognized for their antimicrobial properties, owing to phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, and phenolic acids. However, their clinical and industrial application is often limited by low solubility, high volatility, instability, and poor bioavailability. Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations by enhancing solubility, stability, and controlled delivery of bioactives. This review comprehensively examines nanoencapsulation studies conducted in Iran between 2019 and 2024, focusing on the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of encapsulated plant extracts. Results: Five main encapsulation methods are reviewed: liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles (especially chitosan-based), and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. For each category, the plant extracts used, preparation techniques, physicochemical properties, and antimicrobial outcomes are presented. Overall, nanoencapsulation consistently improved antimicrobial performance. Additionally, encapsulated formulations exhibited improved stability, prolonged release, and in many cases, reduced cytotoxicity. Despite these advances, several internationally recognized techniques remain underutilized in Iranian research. These include dendrimer-based nanocarriers, phytosome systems, protein-based nanoparticles (e.g., zein, gelatin), and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), all of which have shown promising results elsewhere in enhancing delivery and antimicrobial synergy. Their adoption could broaden the functional potential of Iranian medicinal plants. Conclusion: This review highlights nanoencapsulation as a transformative tool in enhancing the efficacy of herbal antimicrobials. It also identifies underexplored nano-carriers as strategic opportunities for future research and application in pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural settings
Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a public health concern, mainly for diabeticinfections, who are more susceptible due to weakened immunity and high blood sugar. Understandingthe role of immune parameters can help improved diagnose and attendant more effective treatmentfor diabetic mellitus patients with UTIs. This study aims to estimate the serum levels of AGEs, SAA,PCT, CD23 and CD25 in UTIs caused by E. coli in Diabetic Patients.Methods: This study had been included 300 samples (blood for Inflammatory parameters and urinefor bacterial diagnosis) obtained from Diabetic patients found in Al-Betool Teaching Hospital. AndBaquba Teaching Hospital between June 2023 and August 2024. Urine and blood samples werecollected from 300 individuals with diabetes mellitus with both type who were suspected of havingUTIs. Serum was isolated from the blood, blood glucose and HBA1c test was completed to check thepresence of the diabetic illnesses. The serum samples were then stored for used in measuringimmunological parameters that includes AGEs, SSA, PCT, CD23 and CD25 that done later byELISA. Urine samples were culture on the blood agar and MacConkey agar, and then Bacteriadiagnoses was done by using an automatic VITEK 2 system.Results: The current study showed that 220 samples urinary tract infections, 180 of which werebacterial. Of the 180 samples, 116 have E. coli bacterial isolates and 46 have other bacterial species.The study also shown an increase in the concentration of AGEs, SAA, PCT, CD23 and CD25 in theserum of Diabetic Mellitus patients have UTIs compared with the healthy.Conclusion: These inflammatory markers not only serve as diagnostic tools but also help inunderstanding the complex immune dysfunction present in diabetic patients with UTIs caused by E.coli.
Background: Water is an important source of numerous infectious diseases in humans. The most important indicator bacteria include Escherichia coli and total coliform species. Clostridium perfringens is a general indicator of treatment efficiency. Methods: Diagnosing microbial contamination of water by culture method, in addition to high cost, has low speed and many limitations. The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method is a promising alternative for simultaneous detection of these bacteria. In this research, we developed multiplex PCR for detection of lacZ, uidA and plc genes as an indicator of the presence of total coliforms, Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens. In the following, 33 samples of water and wastewater from Razavi Khorasan province were tested using standard culture methods and this multiplex PCR for comparison. Results: Multiplex PCR was not only confirmed by cultural results but also has more accuracy and sharpness. The results of the validation tests showed that our multiplex PCR method had a significant advantage over the conventional culture method. Conclusion: The developed multiplex PCR method demonstrated superior accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional culture techniques, offering a reliable alternative for rapid detection of waterborne pathogens
Background: This study compares the effectiveness of culture and PCR methods in detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae , a Gram-negative bacterium causing gonorrhea, which can lead to serious health complications, especially in women, and highlights the advantages of nucleic acid amplification tests over traditional culture-based diagnosis. Methods: This study involved 70 individuals suspected of gonorrhea who referred to Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran between September and February 2022, with ethical approval and informed consent obtained from all participants. Two swab samples were collected from each individual—one for culture and one for molecular testing—and stored appropriately for microbiological and genomic analysis. Results: This study examined 70 women suspected of having gonorrhea, with a mean age of 32.32 ± 8.58 years, and found a prevalence of 30% by vaginal culture and 28.57% by PCR testing. Using PCR as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of culture for diagnosing gonorrhea were determined to be 45% and 76%, respectively. Conclusion: Of course, the differences could be due to the size of the studied populations, but the important point is the high accuracy and sensitivity of the PCR test in identifying Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which has been mentioned in most studies.
The article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief.Post-publication, an investigation performed by TUMS Ethics office on behalf of the journal detectedduplicate publication of the same research. The author was unable to satisfactorily respond the journalquestions regarding this situation nor to provide accurate and reliable responses regarding the correctnessof the claimed affiliation. Consequently, the editor has decided to retract it. The scientific communitytakes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal since this wasnot detected during the publication process.
Background: Understanding the immune responses to viral capsids and bacterial pathogens is crucial for improving vaccine design and efficacy. This review explores the complex molecular pathways that underlie vaccine-induced immunity, focusing on the interactions between the immune system and different viral and bacterial antigens. Results: By examining the cellular and humoral immune responses elicited by viral capsids and bacterial pathogens, we highlight key factors that influence vaccine effectiveness, such as antigen presentation, immune memory, and immune evasion mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss how these molecular interactions can be modulated to enhance vaccine strategies, providing insight into future vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases. Conclusion: Through a detailed exploration of the molecular dynamics involved, this article aims to deepen our understanding of vaccine-induced immunity and inform the development of more targeted and effective immunotherapies
