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Objectives: Doxycycline is commonly prescribed as the primary prophylactic treatment for women undergoing hysterosalpingography (HSG). This study aimed to compare the prophylactic effectiveness and safety of azithromycin and doxycycline in terms of treating infections caused by HSG. Materials and Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial enrolled 107 women referred to Amiralmomenin Hospital in Arak, Iran, for HSG. After evaluation based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the participants were randomly allocated to either the doxycycline or azithromycin group. The primary outcome was the incidence of adverse effects. The patients were also followed up to determine PCR test results for the clearance of chlamydia infection. Results: The cumulative incidence of side effects was 1.85% in the doxycycline group, with adverse effects observed in only one patient. Conversely, no adverse effects were reported in the azithromycin group (P = 0.505). In the doxycycline group, one patient (1.85%) tested positive in the PCR test, while no positive PCR tests were recorded in the azithromycin group. Neither group exhibited cases of fever or required additional treatments. The results of statistical analyses did not reveal any statistically significant differences between the compared groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: A single dose of azithromycin could be considered interchangeable with a 1-week course of doxycycline as antibiotic prophylaxis in women undergoing HSG, as it provides similar effectiveness and safety.

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a public health concern with over 6.5 million cases and 390,000 deaths around the world. This research aimed to find an association between computed tomography (CT) scores and clinical and laboratory findings to estimate the extent of lung infection in patients with COVID-19. The study sample enrolled 129 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from January to February 2020. The chest CT images and clinical data were reviewed, images were segmented and scored by the degree of involvement from 0 to 4, and the relationship between them and clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed statistically. This study included 74 men and 59 women with a mean age of 55.08 years. Different abnormalities were observed; the mean CT score was 8.52 (7.83 to 9.21) and the most frequent lesions were GGO and consolidation. Our results revealed significant differences between groups categorized by dyspnea, sore throat, and low oxygen saturation concerning CT scores. There was also a significant correlation between CT scores and WBC counts and CRP levels (P

Background and Objective: Sexually infections transmitted by bacteria are one of thetherapeutic and social problemsworldwide. The Real-time PCR assay is one of the most sensitive diagnostic and screening methods for these infections. The purpose of this study wassimultaneous detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitaliumusing the TaqMan duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we used extracted DNA from women with vaginal infections available in the bank ofthe molecular and medicalresearch center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. The duplex real-time PCR was evaluated to detectChlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasmagenitalium in 110 vaginal andendocervical samples. To validate the diagnostic performance of the designedmethod, the tests were compared with a commercial diagnostic kit. Results: The size of the ampliconsOmpA, 135 bp and MgPa, 145bp,indicated the accuracy of the primers designing procedures. The analysis of a panel of human STI revealed no cross-reactivity in the method. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of developedTaqMan duplex real-time PCR were 97% and 75%, respectively,compared to a commercial diagnostic kit. Conclusion: The results indicated that the used TaqMan duplex real-time PCR technique is specific and cost-effective and can be an excellent alternative to commercial kits for simultaneously detecting C. trachomatis and M. genitalium. Although the disadvantage of this method is its high cost, this disadvantage has significantly been resolved by the multiplex method.

Background and Objectives: The detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum is usually done through culture. With the change of the smallest effective factor in culture, we face the lack of growth of these bacteria, which is one of the important reasons to find a suitable alternative for the diagnosis of this bacterium. UreD is a protected gene in this bacterium. The aim of this was to evaluate the ability of antigenic regions of UreD protein to bind to patients' serum antibodies. Materials and Methods: Antigenic regions of UreD protein were predicted using IEDB software with five different methods: Emini Surface Accessibility Prediction, Kolaskar and Tongaonkar Antigenicity, Chou and Fasman beta turn prediction, Karplus and Schulz flexibility scale, Ellipro –Epitope prediction based upon structural protrusion. Antigenic regions of UreD gene was clonned, expressed and purified. The antigenicity of this recombinant protein against the antibodies in the serum of people infected with U. urealyticum infections was checked in western blotting. Results: The results showed that the antigenic regions of the UreD protein was producted and its antigenicity was demonstrated in western blotting. Moreover, all sera from patients infected with U. urealyticum reacted to the recombinant antigen. Conclusion: Specimens from people infected with U. urealyticum infection was positive in Western blotting suggesting that UreD protein has antigenic properties. Therefore, it can be used as a suitable candidate for the design of diagnostic kits and U. urealyticum vaccine.

Background and Aim: Cervical Cancer (CC) is the third most common malignancy in the women, the main cause of which is human papillomavirus (HPV). Both E6 and E7 oncogenes of the virus play an important role in its tumorigenesis. Today, methods available for screening CC are not capable of detecting the disease at an early stage. Therefore, it is important to identify new biomarkers for early detection of this cancer. For this purpose, in the present study, miRNAs targeting the two oncogenes E6 and E7 of human papillomavirus (types 16 and 18) were studied in CC by bioinformatics. Methods & Materials: First, using the NCBI database, the E6 and E7 gene sequences were obtained for both human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. Then, using the miRBase and RNA22 bioinformatics databases, the most appropriate targeting miRNAs for these genes were selected. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences. Results: Based on the P obtained from bioinformatics databases, miRNA including miR-92a-5p (P=7.51e-2), miR-195-3p (P=2.24e-1), miR-34a-5p (P=2.73e-1) and miR-155-5p (P=4.95e-2) were introduced for the two genes E6 and E7. Conclusion: Results from bioinformatics studies revealed that of the four miRNAs identified, miR-155-5p and miR-92a-5p are probably the targeting miRNAs specific for the E6 and E7 genes, respectively. Therefore, it seems that these miRNAs can be a suitable candidate for in vitro studies in CC patients.

Background. According to the contagious ability of the new virus, SARS-CoV-2, characterization of viral shedding duration in the period of infection is highly valuable in terms of providing quarantine guidelines and isolation policies. Therefore, we aimed at viral shedding determination in 58 COVID-19 confirmed Iranian subjects in different stages. Methods. 58 COVID-19 confirmed Iranian subjects including 21 outpatients and 37 inpatients were investigated. The analytical data and clinical properties were documented in the standard questionnaire. The RT-PCR tests were done two and three weeks after the symptoms initiation. Results. Viral eradication occurred in 44.8% two weeks after illness initiation whereas in 71% who achieved a negative PCR test in the third week. Moreover, prolonged viral shedding was observed in hospitalized cases in comparison to outpatients. Almost 30% of patients continued viral shedding three weeks after disease initiation. Conclusion. A longer duration of viral shedding in hospitalized cases rather than outpatients was observed in this study. The results similar to other investigations call into question if the current policies are enough to prevent the viral spread or not. This study should be done on a larger sample to provide an appropriate time in isolation policy.

Background and Aim Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most commonly occurring leukemia in adults, accounting for about 30-25% of total leukemia. One of the important etiological causes of this leukemia is the disruption of the Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB) signaling pathway. The two proteins of Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) and B-Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) play a role in the pathogenesis of this leukemia by affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway. In this study, due to the effect of miRNAs in regulating many cellular processes, the prediction of the prominent miRNAs targeting APRIL and BAFF transcripts in B-cell CLL patients was evaluated using specific and different bioinformatics programs. Methods & Materials Afterwards retrieving the sequences of APRIL and BAFF proteins from the NCBI website, by using several programs including miRanda, TargetScan, miRWalk, DIANA and miRDB with different algorithms, the prediction of miRNAs targeting these genes was investigated. Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences. Results Based on the scoring system of bioinformatics programs, “hsa-miR-145-5p” and “hsa-miR-185-5p” were identified as miRNAs targeting APRIL gene, while “hsa-miR-424” and “hsa-miR-497”were miRNAs targeting BAFF gene. They were suggested for the practical studies in future. Conclusion Based on the important role of APRIL and BAFF genes in the normal process of cell death and B-cell evolution, it seems that the mi-RNAs predicted by bioinformatics programs using different algorithms can be used as a diagnostic molecular biomarker to identify B-cell CLL patients.

Abstract Background Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are heterogeneous diseases that classified by the presence of Philadelphia chromosome into Philadelphia chromosome negative (Ph-neg) and positive (Ph-pos) myeloproliferative neoplasms. In ph-neg group A somatic point mutation (c.1849G>T) in the JAK2 gene, part of the JAK2-STAT signal-transduction pathway, causes substitution of phenylalanine for valine (V617F) in the JAK2 protein and has been identified. This mutation was seen in PV by 65% to 97% and ET (30–57%) and primary myelofibrosis (35–95%). Highly sensitive methods have been used to determine the presence of the JAK2V617F mutation instead of direct sequencing. We aimed to assess JAK2 exon14 mutations by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis, which allows variation screening in compare to other method for detecting mutation. Methods The mutation analysis included 45 individuals who were subjected for diagnosis of ph-neg MPN. Genomic DNA was isolated and different methods are performed. Results PCR RFLP, ARMS PCR and HRM method has a detection sensitivity comparable with conventional methods (Qiagen) to identify the mutations and sequencing. Conclusions For HRM analysis is cost-effective and beside that it is enzyme independence method also this method able to show amount of the mutant allele carried in samples and it’s helpful for treatments follow-up and determining MRD for them.

Background: Campylobacter genus is considered some of the most important agents of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Campylobacter coli (C. coli) is accounted to at least 25% of all Campylobacter related diarrheal diseases moreover, C. coli infections can result in severe complications, such as bacteremia, sepsis, meningitis and spontaneous abortion. Finally, there is evidence that the frequency of antimicrobial resistance is higher in C. coli, when compared to C. jejuni. There is no data regarding the frequency and antibiotic resistance profile of C. jejuni isolated from human gastroenteritis samples. The present study aimed to determine the frequency and antibiotic resistance patterns of Campylobacter coli isolated from infectious diarrhea samples. Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 200 infectious diarrhea samples collected in Arak University of Medical Sciences Hospitals, Markazi Province, Iran, from May to November 2015 were subjected to the study. In order to identify C. coli modified Gram stain, modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) and Brucella agar media with filter and CeuE gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were accomplished. Antibiotic resistance against tetracycline, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin and gentamicin was evaluated phenotypically and genotypically. Results: In total, out of 200 modified gram stained samples, 2 cases (1%) of C. coli were identified. Cultivating methods using mCCDA medium found 2 isolates (1%), 3 isolates (1.5%) were grown on Brucella agar with filter and 5 cases (2.5%) were determined as C. coli using PCR assay. Antibiotic resistance was observed in 5 cases against tetracycline, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin (100%), in 4 cases against ampicillin (80%), in 2 cases against gentamicin (40%), in 5 cases with CmeB, 23srRNA mutation in, qnrS, tet (o) (100%), in 4 cases with gyrA4 (80%), in 3 cases with gyrA5 (60%), in 5 cases with gyrA6 (100%), in 4 cases with Oxa61 (60%) and in 1 case with aphA-3-1 (20%). Conclusion: In this present study C. coli with low prevalence and entire resistance to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin which are the first line antibiotic for the treatment of campylobacter gastroenteritis is introduced as a causative agent of gastroenteritis in patients at central part of Iran.

Objective(s): Helicobacter pyloriare among most common human pathogens affecting at least half of the world’s population. Mobility is one of the important primary factors in bacterial colonization and invasion. The purpose of this research is cloning, expression, and purification of FlaA protein specific epitopes in order to evaluate their antigenicity and immunogenicity. Materials and Methods: The antigenic region of the flaA gene was bioinformatically predicted using Epitope mapping software’s and the predicted epitopes were expressed in a prokaryotic expression vector. The antigen was injected into the animal model (mice BALB/c) and some indicators including IgG1, IgG2a, IgA, IFN-γ, and IL 5 were measured. Results: The immunogenicity studies in animal models by measuring serum antibodies (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA) and cytokines (IFN-γ and IL5) revealed that the rFlaA induces a proper immune response in animal models. Conclusion: The recombinant FlaA protein is antigenic and immunogenic. Therefore, it might be used in order to design of specific diagnostic kits and recombinant vaccines against H. pylori.

Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third major cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HBx gene play an important role in the development of HCC by influencing signaling pathways. Since there is no detectable symptom in the early phase of HCC, there is need to find new HCC-specific markers with high sensitivity for early detection and diagnosis of HCC. On the other hand, by the advent and development of bioinformatic sciences, it is now possible to predict miRNAs as biomarkers, and their targets. Therefore, in the present study, based on the results of the bioinformatic software applications with different algorithm, we selected the miRNA targeting HBx and NOTCH1 mRNAs according to higher score, suitable connection with target gene and confirming them in more softwares. Materials and Methods: First, the sequences of NOTCH1 and HBx genes were retrieved from NCBI. Afterwards, several software applications such as TargetScan, mirWalk, miRBase, Miranda, PicTar, miRVir, and DIANA were applied to predict miRNAs. Results: Based on the high scoring by bioinformatics softwares and suitable targeting, miR-34a were selected to target NOTCH1 and miR-6510, miR-5193 and miR-214 were chosen to targetHBX gene. Conclusion: Because of tumor suppression roles of miR-214 and miR-34a, they probably could be used as therapeutic strategy in cancer researches. It is also seems that the miR-5193 could act as a specific marker in Hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract Background: Ureaplasma and M. genitalium species belong to a kind of bacteria that are sexually transmitted and are the possible cause of pelvic inflammatory disease and nongonococcal urethritis, and et al. The aim of this study was to determine the urea plasma and Mycoplasma genitalium species frequency in women with vaginal infection and various sexual partners who referred to women, s health promotion and treatment center in Arak. Materials and Methods: Endocervical swab samples from 110 women with vaginal infections referred to women’s health promotion and treatment center in Arak, were prepared. Patients’ personal information and identities during reception process were registered. The samples were transferred to the laboratory in the transport environment and after DNA extraction, were evaluated according to Real-time PCR assay. Results: Urea plasma and Mycoplasma genitalium bacteria existed in 96(87.27%) and 4(3.63%) of patients, respectively. Among them, 4 cases had both bacteria infections. The amount of isolation in young women between 30-39 years old was more than others. Conclusion: The results show that the colonization of urea plasma species in adult women is 40-80% and in studied group is 87.27%. These results indicate that with due attention to the increasing number of sexual partners and the increase of sexual activity, the urea plasma colonization of women will increase. In view of the potential influence of mycoplasma species on side effects resulted from pregnancy infection of mothers and mortality, on-time diagnosis and treatment will be increasingly essential.

Abstract Background: Circulating microRNAs are promising biomarkers in diagnosis and assessment of cancerous patients. Quantitative Real-time PCR assay is a sensitive test for evaluating the levels of miRNAs expression. Nevertheless, there is no concurrence on selecting appropriate reference genes for qPCR analysis of miRNAs in circulation. Therefore, the current study aimed to select a suitable reference gene for normalizing the RT-qPCR assay results in plasma samples of patients with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Based on previously published studies, three molecules SNORD47, U6 RNA, and miR-103 were selected as the candidate reference genes. After RNA extraction from plasma samples of 40 patients with gastric cancer and 40 healthy individuals, expression levels of these molecules were evaluated using Real-time PCR method. Results: The results showed that the developed assays are able to diagnose their specified targets by a suitable linear range. By comparing patients and control groups, although the expression levels of miR-103 molecule were not equal between the two groups (p= 0.017), SNORD47 and U6 RNAs had similar expression levels. However, the variations of SNORD47 expression were lower that U6 RNA. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, the SNORD47 molecule has a stable expression levels in plasma samples of patients with gastric cancer and normal individuals and can be used as an appropriate reference gene for normalizing the quantitative data of qPCR assay.

Background: Due to some problems of serological assays in diagnosis of patients infected with HIV-1 and HCV, the use of molecular assay has become widely accepted. However, molecular assays have a major drawback of high cost and dependency to expensive thermocycler instruments. Methods: This research described the development of a multiplex nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) assay for the simultaneous or single detection of HIV-1 and HCV genomes in plasma samples. The sensitivity and specificity of this assay has been evaluated using several clinical samples. Findings: The results showed that the primers used in this assay did not have any interactions with each other or with other possible interfering agents. The analytical sensitivity of this assay for both HIV-1 and HCV was calculated as 1000 copies/ml. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay were considered as 90% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The developed multiplex NASBA assay can be used for simultaneous or single detection of HIV-1 and HCV viruses with a suitable sensitivity and specificity. Due to easy application, multiplexity, and no need to thermocycler instruments, this assay can be used as a low cost method in laboratories with limited instruments.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of influenza A virus (Flu-A), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was assessed in children with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). METHODS: Nasopharyngeal aspirates and throat swabs were subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect RSV and Flu-A and to conventional PCR to detect hMPV. RESULTS: Of the 156 children assessed, 93 (59.6%) carried at least one virus, with 35.9% positive for RSV, 14.1% for hMPV, and 9.6% for Flu-A. The prevalence of co-infections was 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The high detection rate may reflect increased sensitivity of real-time PCR compared to traditional PCR and viral culture.