On the diverse utility of Cu doped ZnS/Fe3O4 nanocomposites.

The global water crisis is a growing concern, with water pollution from organic dyes being a significant issue. Photocatalysis has emerged as a sustainable and renewable method for removing organic pollutants from wastewater. The study synthesized innovative (2.5, 5 and 10 wt%) Cu doped zinc sulfide/iron oxide nanocomposites using a sonochemical method, which have versatile applications in adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater. The nanocomposites underwent comprehensive characterization using powder X-ray diffraction, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky analysis. The synthesized samples demonstrate strong adsorption ability to remove RhB and MB dyes. Afterward, we evaluated their capability to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV light exposure. The greatest photocatalytic efficiency was noticed when employing a UV-C lamp in combination with the 10 wt% Cu doped ZnS/Fe3O4 nanocomposite as photocatalyst (98.8% degradation after 60 min irradiation). The Langmuir-Hinshelwood model can be used to describe the pseudo first order kinetics of RhB dye photodegradation. The calculated ban gap values are 4.77, 4.67, and 4.55 eV, for (2.5, 5 and 10 wt%) Cu doped ZnS/Fe3O4, respectively. Furthermore, 10 wt% Cu doped ZnS/Fe3O4 showed good recyclability, with a degradation rate of 89% even after five cycles. Consequently, prepared samples have outstanding photocatalytic activity and can be used as useful adsorbents in water purification.

Impact of COVID-19 on the changing pattern of human orthopneumovirus (respiratory syncytial virus) infection in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Human orthopneumovirus (HOPV) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the important causes of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during the cold months of the year worldwide. Many countries have reported an absence of ARIs due to HOPV during the winter of 2020-2021 associated with preventive measures to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV2. However, with the reduction of COVID-19 public health restrictions and the absence of immunity in the community due to the lack of exposure in the previous season, many countries had a delayed HOPV outbreak. Here we reported the impact of COVID-19 on the changing pattern of HOPV infection in Iran. METHODS: Throat and nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from patients (children and adults) with ARIs and sent to the Iran National Influenza Center. After RNA extraction, Real time RT-PCR was performed for HOPV detection. RESULTS: In 260 samples collected from patients with ARIs in three different groups, which included children in March 2021, pilgrims in July 2022, and outpatients during November and December 2022, no HOPV was detected in any group. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of HOPV activity in Iran during the winter of 2020-2021 and then the resurgence in spring 2022 and again the absence of activity in summer and autumn 2022 was extraordinary in the HOPV epidemiology, and probably due to the implementation of public health non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV2. Although it is not possible to keep such restrictions, similar methods can be taken to control outbreaks caused by respiratory viruses.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in Iran during six waves of the pandemic.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance is necessary for the detection, monitoring, and evaluation of virus variants, which can have increased transmissibility, disease severity, or other adverse effects. We sequenced 330 SARS-CoV-2 genomes during the sixth wave of the COVID pandemic in Iran and compared them with five previous waves, for identifying SARS-CoV-2 variants, the genomic behavior of the virus, and understanding its characteristics. Methods: After viral RNA extraction from clinical samples collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, next generation sequencing was performed using the Nextseq and Nanopore platforms. The sequencing data were analyzed and compared with reference sequences. Results: In Iran during the first wave, V and L clades were detected. The second wave was recognized by G, GH, and GR clades. Circulating clades during the third wave were GH and GR. In the fourth wave, GRY (alpha variant), GK (delta variant), and one GH clade (beta variant) were detected. All viruses in the fifth wave were in GK clade (delta variant). In the sixth wave, Omicron variant (GRA clade) was circulating. Conclusions: Genome sequencing, a key strategy in genomic surveillance systems, helps to detect and monitor the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, monitor the viral evolution of SARS-CoV-2, identify new variants for disease prevention, control, and treatment, and also provide information for and conduct public health measures in this area. With this system, Iran could be ready for surveillance of other respiratory virus diseases besides influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

Surveillance of endemic coronaviruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, 2021-2022.

Background: Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) 229E, OC43, HKU1, and NL63 are common viruses that continuously circulate in the human population. Previous studies showed the circulation of HCoVs during the cold months in Iran. We studied the circulation of HCoVs during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to find the impact of pandemic on the circulation of these viruses. Methods: As a cross-sectional survey conducted during 2021 to 2022, of all throat swabs sent to Iran National Influenza Center from patients with severe acute respiratory infection, 590 samples were selected to test for HCoVs using one-step real-time RT-PCR. Results: Overall, 28 out of 590 (4.7%) tested samples were found to be positive for at least one HCoVs. HCoV-OC43 was the most common (14/590 or 2.4%), followed by HCoV-HKU1 (12/590 or 2%) and HCoV-229E (4/590 or 0.6%), while HCoV-NL63 was not detected. HCoVs were detected in patients of all ages and throughout the study period with peaks in the cold months of the year. Conclusions: Our multicenter survey provides insight into the low circulation of HCoVs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran in 2021/2022. Hygiene habits and social distancing measures might have important role in decreasing of HCoVs transmission. We believe that surveillance studies are needed to track the pattern of HCoVs distributions and detect changes in the epidemiology of such viruses to set out strategies in order to timely control the future outbreaks of HCoVs throughout the nation.

Coinfection of torque teno virus (TTV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical samples of women living in Tehran, Iran.

Background and Objectives: Torque Teno virus or transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) is a non-enveloped virus with a single strand circular DNA genome that currently is classified in the Alphatorquevirus genus and the family of Anelloviridae. Unlike other DNA viruses, TTV has an extremely wide genomic diversity. This virus, based on previous studies, infects both healthy people, as well as those who have HCV and human papillomavirus (HPV). This study aimed to evaluate the coinfection of torque teno virus (TTV) and HPV in cervical samples from Iranian women. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, the fresh cervical cytobrush specimens were collected from 150 women referred to Dena laboratory in Tehran. Viral DNA was extracted from samples. The HPV-DNA was detected and genotyped. Then, nested polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR) was performed for TTV using specific primers. Results: Among 50 cervical specimens without HPV, 14 were TTV positive (28%); among 50 low-risk HPV cervical specimen, 23 were TTV positive (46%), and from 50 high-risk HPV cervical specimen, 48 were TTV positive (96%). There is a significantly higher prevalence of TTV virus in low-risk and high-risk papillomavirus-infected specimens than in healthy specimens (p 0.0001). Additionally, TTV is more prevalent in samples containing high-risk papillomaviruses than in samples with low-risk papillomaviruses (P = 0.048). Conclusion: The higher prevalence of TTV among people infected with papillomavirus than in non-infected people indicates that both viruses are transmitted by the same mechanism (sexual route). In addition, the prevalence of TTV in samples containing high-risk papillomavirus is significantly higher than that in samples containing low-risk papillomavirus. The presence of papillomaviruses, particularly high-risk types, may be associated with TTV proliferation, which requires further research in the future.

Functional and pathological role of 15-Lipoxygenase and its metabolites in pregnancy and pregnancy-associated complications.

Maternal lipid metabolism status during pregnancy may have pivotal effects on a healthy pregnancy, the progression of labor, and childbirth. Based on evidence, changes in maternal lipid profile and metabolism is related to various alterations in fetal metabolic status, fat mass, birth weight and can result in serious maternal and fetal complications. 15-lipoxygenase accounts as a key enzyme in metabolizing polyunsaturated fatty acids that generate various inflammatory lipid metabolites. The possible involvement of 15- lipoxygenase and its metabolites in the inflammatory process, cell proliferation and death, and immune response has been postulated. The indicative role of the 15- lipoxygenase enzymatic pathway in the implantation process, stages of pregnancy, embryogenesis, organogenesis, progression of labor, pregnancy period, and pregnancy-associated complications is remarkable. Accordingly, this study will review the research conducted on the role of 15- lipoxygenase in different reproductive tissues, and its pathological role in pregnancy-related diseases to provide more insight regarding the emerging role of 15-lipoxygenase in normal pregnancy.

Potential role of viral infections in miscarriage and insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Intrauterine viruses can infect the decidua and placenta and cause adverse effects on the fetus during gestation. This review discusses the contribution of various viral infections to miscarriage and the molecular mechanisms by which viruses can cause devastating effects on healthy fetuses and induce miscarriage. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 as newly emerged coronavirus was considered here, due to the concerns about its role during pregnancy and inducing miscarriage, as well. In this narrative review, an extensive literature search was conducted to find all studies investigating viral infections in miscarriage and their molecular mechanisms published over the past 20 years. The results of various studies investigating the roles of 20 viral infections in miscarriage are presented. Then, the mechanisms of pregnancy loss in viral infections were addressed, including alteration of trophoblast invasion and placental dysfunction, inducing excessive maternal immune response, and inducing apoptosis in the placental tissue. Viruses may cause pregnancy loss through different mechanisms and our knowledge about these mechanisms can be helpful for controlling or preventing viral infections and achieving a successful pregnancy.

Evaluation of the association between human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Background and Objectives: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic inflammation and an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland that causes hypothyroidism. Genetic, internal, and environmental factors are the causes of this disease. Because human herpes viruses such as herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6) are involved in some autoimmune disorders, they may also play a role in causing this disease. This study aimed to evaluate the association between human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 64 samples of thyroid paraffin tissue including 32 samples of thyroid paraffin tissue of healthy individuals as control, and 32 samples of thyroid paraffin tissue of Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients were taken from the pathology department of Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran. A questionnaire collected demographic information of patients. After DNA extraction from the samples, the nested-PCR technique was performed using specific primers for HHV-6. Results: Totally, the HHV6-DNA was found in 34.4% of thyroid tissues of healthy individuals (81.8% female and 18.2% male) and 46.9% of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (73.3% female and 26.7% male). It was found that this difference in virus frequency between the two groups was not statistically significant (P value=0.309). There was also no statistically significant relationship between the prevalence of human herpesvirus type 6 and age or sex. Conclusion: Based on the present study, the number of HHV-6-infected individuals in Hashimoto's patients and controls did not differ significantly; therefore, HHV-6 appears not to be associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.