Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) grip on T-cells: investigating the viral tapestry of activation.

INTRODUCTION: Human T-cell Lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) belongs to retroviridae which is connected to two major diseases, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). This study aims to investigate the mRNA expressions of key proteins correlated to T-cell activation in asymptomatic carriers (ACs) HTLV-1 infected patients, shedding light on early molecular events and T-cell activation following HTLV-1 infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 40 participants, including 20 ACs and 20 healthy subjects. Blood samples were collected, ELISA assessment for screening and confirmation with PCR for Trans-activating transcriptional regulatory protein (Tax) and HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper factor (HBZ) of the HTLV-1 were done. mRNA expressions of C-terminal Src kinase (CSK), Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Beta (GSK3ß), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14 (MAP3K14 or NIK), Phospholipase C Gamma-1 (PLCG1), Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase non-Receptor Type 6 (PTPN6) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase-7 (SLP-76) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase14 (MAP3K7 or TAK1) were assayed using RT-qPCR. Statistical analyses were performed using PRISM and SPSS software. RESULTS: While there were no significant upregulation in CSK and PTPN6 in ACs compared to healthy individuals, expression levels of GSK3ß, MAP3K14, PLCG1, SLP-76, and TAK1 were significantly higher in ACs compared to healthy subjects which directly contributes to T-cell activation in the HTLV-1 ACs. CONCLUSION: HTLV-1 infection induces differential mRNA expressions in key proteins associated with T-cell activation. mRNAs related to T-cell activation showed significant upregulation compared to PTPN6 and CSK which contributed to T-cell regulation. Understanding these early molecular events in ACs may provide potential markers for disease progression and identify therapeutic targets for controlling viral replication and mitigating associated diseases. The study contributes novel insights to the limited literature on T-cell activation and HTLV-1 pathogenesis.

Exploiting non-permissive CHO cells as a rapid and efficient method for recombinant HSV-1 isolation.

Using herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) as a therapeutic tool has recently emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing the treatment of various cancers, particularly those associated with the nervous system, which is the virus's natural site of infection. These viruses are specifically engineered to infect and eradicate tumor cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. To introduce targeted mutations in specific viral genes, gene-modification techniques such as shuttle vector homologous recombination are commonly employed. Plaque purification is then utilized to select and purify the recombinant virus from the parental viruses. However, plaque purification becomes problematic when the insertion of the desired gene at the target site hampers progeny virus replication, resulting in a lower titer of cell-released virus than the parental virus. This necessitates a laborious initial screening process using approximately 10-15 tissue culture dishes (10 cm), making plaque purification time-consuming and demanding. Although the recently developed CRISPR-Cas9 system significantly enhances the efficiency of homologous integration and editing precision in viral genes, the purification of recombinant variants remains a tedious task. In this study, we propose a rapid and innovative method that employs non-permissive Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, representing a remarkable improvement over the aforementioned arduous process. With this approach, only 1-2 rounds of plaque purification are required. Our proposed protocol demonstrates great potential as a viable alternative to current methods for isolating and purifying recombinant HSV-1 variants expressing fluorescent reporter genes using CHO cells and plaque assays.

The chicken chorioallantoic membrane model for isolation of CRISPR/cas9-based HSV-1 mutant expressing tumor suppressor p53.

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have emerged as a novel cancer treatment modality, which selectively target and kill cancer cells while sparing normal ones. Among them, engineered Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been proposed as a potential treatment for cancer and was moved to phase III clinical trials. Previous studies showed that design of OV therapy combined with p53 gene therapy increases the anti-cancer activities of OVs. Here, the UL39 gene of the ICP34.5 deleted HSV-1 was manipulated with the insertion of the EGFP-p53 expression cassette utilizing CRISPR/ Cas9 editing approach to enhance oncoselectivity and oncotoxicity capabilities. The ΔUL39/Δγ34.5/HSV1-p53 mutant was isolated using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of fertilized chicken eggs as a complementing membrane to support the growth of the viruses with gene deficiencies. Comparing phenotypic features of ΔUL39/Δγ34.5/HSV1-p53-infected cells with the parent Δγ34.5/HSV-1 in vitro revealed that HSV-1-P53 had cytolytic ability in various cell lines from different origin with different p53 expression rates. Altogether, data presented here illustrate the feasibility of exploiting CAM model as a promising strategy for isolating recombinant viruses such as CRISPR/Cas9 mediated HSV-1-P53 mutant with less virus replication in cell lines due to increased cell mortality induced by exogenous p53.

Implementation of an In-House Platform for Rapid Screening of SARS-CoV-2 Genome Variations.

BACKGROUND: Global real-time monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants is crucial to controlling the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this study was to set up a Sanger-based platform for massive SARS-CoV-2 variant tracking in laboratories in low-resource settings. METHODS: We used nested RT-PCR assay, Sanger sequencing and lineage assignment for 930-bp of the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene, which harbors specific variants of concern (VOCs) mutations. We set up our platform by comparing its results with whole genome sequencing (WGS) data on 137 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples. Then, we applied it on 1028 samples from March-September 2021. RESULTS: In total, 125 out of 137 samples showed 91.24% concordance in mutation detection. In lineage assignment, 123 out of 137 samples demonstrated 89.78% concordance, 65 of which were assigned as VOCs and showed 100% concordance. Of 1028 samples screened by our in-house method, 78 distinct mutations were detected. The most common mutations were: S:D614G (21.91%), S:P681R (12.19%), S:L452R (12.15%), S:T478K (12.15%), S:N501Y (8.91%), S:A570D (8.89%), S:P681H (8.89%), S:T716I (8.74%), S:L699I (3.50%) and S:S477N (0.28%). Of 1028 samples, 980 were attributed as VOCs, which include the Delta (B.1.617.2) and Alpha (B.1.1.7) variants. CONCLUSION: Our proposed in-house Sanger-based assay for SARS-CoV-2 lineage assignment is an accessible strategy in countries with poor infrastructure facilities. It can be applied in the rapid tracking of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

EBNA1 Upregulates P53-Inhibiting Genes in Burkitt's Lymphoma Cell Line.

Background: Suppression of p53 is an important mechanism in Epstein-Barr virus associate-tumors and described as EBNA1-USP7 which is a key axis in p53 suppression. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the function of EBNA1 on the expression of p53-inhibiting genes including HDAC-1, MDM2, MDM4, Sirt-3, and PSMD10 and the influence of USP7 inhibition using GNE-6776 on p53 at protein/mRNA level. Methods: The electroporation method was used to transfect the BL28 cell line with EBNA1. Cells with stable EBNA1 expression were selected by Hygromycin B treatment. The expression of seven genes, including PSMD10, HDAC-1, USP7, MDM2, P53, Sirt-3, and MDM4, was evaluated using a real-time PCR assay. For evaluating the effects of USP7 inhibition, the cells were treated with GNE-6776; after 24 hours and 4 days, the cells were collected and again expression of interest genes was evaluated. Results: MDM2 (P=0.028), MDM4 (P=0.028), USP7 (P=0.028), and HDAC1 (P=0.015) all showed significantly higher expression in EBNA1-harboring cells compared to control plasmid transfected cells, while p53 mRNA expression was only marginally downregulated in EBNA1 harboring cells (P=0.685). Four-day after treatment, none of the studied genes was significantly changed. Also, in the first 24-hour after treatment, mRNA expression of p53 was downregulated (P=0.685), but after 4 days it was upregulated (P=0.7) insignificantly. Conclusion: It seems that EBNA1 could strongly upregulate p53-inhibiting genes including HDAC1, MDM2, MDM4, and USP7. Moreover, it appears that the effects of USP7 suppression on p53 at protein/mRNA level depend on the cell nature; however, further research is needed.

A review on human reproductive systems encountering with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is the leading cause of the new deadly pneumonia named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This pathogen has different co-receptors on various tissues, resulting in vast pathophysiological circumstances. Here, we present a comprehensive narrative review focusing on the impact of SARS-CoV2 on human reproduction. Evidence-based literature revealed inconsistent results for this virus in the reproductive organs of patients with COVID-19, even in the critical phase. Conversely, numerous satisfactory data represented those different reproductive activities, from gametogenesis to pregnancy, can be targeted by SARS-CoV2. The severity of COVID-19 depends on the differential expression of the host cellular components required to enter SARS-CoV2. The cytokine storm and oxidative stress coming out during COVID-19 are associated with complications in reproductive endocrinopathies. Men are naturally more susceptible to COVID-19, especially accompanied by orchitis and varicocele. Synergistically the interaction of SARS-CoV2 and female reproductive failures (polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis) increases the susceptibility to COVID-19. Thus, pharmaceutical interventions that ameliorate the complications in individuals with reproductive disorders can be helpful to achieve good outcomes in assisted reproductive techniques. Soon, an increase in the infertility rate will likely be an overall impact of SARS-CoV2 in patients who recovered from COVID-19.

Molecular and Serological Epidemiology of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and 2 in Pregnant Women of Gorgan City, North East of Iran.

Background: As one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSVs) globally account for 60-95% of persistent infections in adults. This infection is prevalent in women of gestational age and is likely to be transmitted from the infected mother to her neonate. Additionally, it gives rise to devastating complications in neonates. This study was designed to estimate the molecular and serological prevalence of HSV-1 and 2 in pregnant women of Gorgan city, North East of Iran. Methods: Vaginal secretions and blood specimens of 315 pregnant women referred to an educational hospital in the North east of Iran were tested for HSV-1 and HSV-2 using multiplex PCR and ELISA assays. Chi-Square test was utilized to evaluate the association of qualitative variables and the level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Moreover, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.19.0. Results: HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA was detected in 5.7% and 8.3% of participants, respectively. Given the serological analyses of total HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies, 92.7% (239/315) of patients were IgG positive and 5.4% (17/315) were IgM positive. Conclusion: The rate of HSV-1 and 2 in the present study was lower than that reported by World Health Organization (WHO). This study emphasizes the conduction of further investigations on HSVs since these viruses are probably playing significant role in sexually transmitted infections.

A New Insight Into p53-Inhibiting Genes in Epstein­Barr Virus-Associated Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Background: The p53 mutation is uncommon in Epstein­Barr virus-linked gastric carcinoma, but its suppression occurs through mechanisms such as ubiquitin specific peptidase 7 (USP7) inhibitions via Epstein­Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EBNA1 on p53-inhibiting gene expression and the impact of USP7 inhibition on p53 suppression. Methods: MKN-45 cells were transfected with the EBNA1 plasmid. A stable EBNA1 expression cell line was developed through selection based on hygromycin B resistance. Murine double minute (MDM)4, MDM2, sirtuin (SIRT)3, histone deacetylase (HDAC)1, proteasome 26S subunit, Non-ATPase (PSMD)10, USP7, and p53 expression were checked using real-time PCR. Also, cells containing EBNA1 or control plasmid were treated with GNE-6776, and the expression of the interested genes and cell survival were assessed. Results: MDM4, MDM2, and PSMD10 were significantly upregulated in the MKN-45 cell line following EBNA1 transfection. Morphological changes were observed in the cells harboring EBNA1 after 20 days. In the control cells, USP7 inhibition significantly upregulated the HDAC1, PSMD10, MDM4, and MDM2 genes after 24 h, but downregulated these genes after four days. In the EBNA1-harboring cells, MDM2, MDM4, and PSMD10 genes were significantly upregulated after 24 h, and this effect was sustained for all genes except for MDM4, even after four days. Furthermore, USP7 inhibition induced apoptosis in both cell groups. Conclusion: EBNA1 enhances the expression of p53-inhibiting genes. Two events­p53 protein overexpression and apoptosis activation­followed the suppression of the USP7 protein and provided evidence for its possible function. The significance of the EBNA1-USP7 interaction in p53 suppression warrants additional investigation and possibly reconsideration.

EBV and HPV Infections in Colorectal Cancer and Their Effect on P53 and P16 Protein Expression.

Viral infections contribute to 15-20% of newly diagnosed cancers worldwide. There is evidence of a possible etiological role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Loss of p53 and p16 function has been found in many cancers and this may occur in many different ways, including gene mutation or interaction with viral oncoproteins. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of EBV and HPV in CRC patients in northern Iran and to assess p53 and p16 protein expression related to these viral infections. Real-time PCR was used to amplify the DNA sequences of these viruses in 55 colorectal tumoral tissues, along with their corresponding non-tumoral adjacent tissues. Additionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was utilized to determine p53 and p16 protein expression. EBV DNA was detected in 49.1% of CRC tissues. Furthermore, HPV DNA was present in 7.3% of CRC tissues. Notably, the prevalence of EBV infection in tumoral tissues was significantly higher than in non-tumoral tissues (P=0.001). The EBV DNA polymerase catalytic subunit (BALF5) copy number in tumoral tissues was higher than in non-tumoral tissues and this difference was statistically significant (P=0.008). P53 was positive in 21/26 (80.8%) EBV-positive and in 11/25 (44%) EBV-negative samples and this difference was significant (P=0.007). P16 was positive in 13/26 (50%) EBV-positive and in 14/25 (58.3%) EBV-negative samples (P= 0.668). Our findings suggest that EBV infection can increase the risk of CRC. In addition, EBV seems to stabilize p53 in EBV-positive CRC which needs further research. No significant correlation was detected between EBV infection and p16 expression. Also, we could not find a causal relationship between HPV infection and CRC in the study population.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 genome in the air, surfaces, and wastewater of the referral hospitals, Gorgan, north of Iran.

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic caused by the novel virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Knowing the virus's behavior and its persistence in different environments are crucial and will lead to the proper management of the disease. In this study, air, surface, and sewage samples were taken from different parts of referral hospitals for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Air samples were taken with impinger, surface samples with swabs, and sewage samples were taken from the hospital wastewater treatment plant. After viral genome extraction, a real-time RT-PCR test was applied to confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the collected samples. Results: The virus genome could be traced in the wards and wastewater related to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Overally, 29%, 16%, and 37.5% of air, surface, and sewage samples were positive for the SARS-CoV-2 genome, respectively. Conclusion: Findings of such studies provide valuable results regarding the degree of contamination of hospital environments and the risk of virus transmission in different environments and among hospital staff and patients.

Quantitative analysis of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) genome in non-melanoma skin cancer and normal tumor margins.

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the cause of approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). The common types of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are histologically similar to MCC. In the present study, 58 NMSC formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) samples including 12 SCC, 46 BCC, and 58 FFPE samples of adjacent non-tumoral margins as the control were included. Determination of large tumor antigens (LTAg) copy number was performed by qReal-Time PCR as a viral copy number per cell to elucidate MCPyV carcinogenic role in non-melanoma skin cancer. Out of 58 samples, 36 (62%) cancerous and 22 (37.9%) normal tumor margins were positive for MCPyV LTAg. Median copy numbers of MCPyV LTAg among all NMSC samples and non-tumoral margins were 0.308×10-2 and 0.269×10-3 copies per cell respectively (P=0.001). In addition, although the viral load in the majority of samples was detected to be lower than one copy per cell, in 4 BCC samples, a viral load higher than one LTAg copy per cell was detected. The present study revealed that the detection of higher levels of MCPyV LTAg viral load in some BCC and SCC samples may be correlated with the role of MCPyV in some cases of BCC and SCC skin cancer.

RT-LAMP in SARS-CoV-2 detection: point to improve primer designing and decrease molecular diagnosis pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2, diagnostic tests have become tools for identifying patients. The key points were the virus genomes survey to design RT-LAMP primers; comparing the sensitivity and specificity of RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR; and determining the relationship among clinical symptoms, CT scan, RT-qPCR, and RT-LAMP results. METHODS: This cohort study included 444 symptomatic patients. The specificity and sensitivity of RT-LAMP were assayed. The five statistical models, simultaneously, by RapidMiner to find the best method for detecting the virus were done through the correlation between the clinical symptoms, RT-LAMP, RT-qPCR, and CT scan results. The chi-square test by SPSS 26.0 was used to calculate kappa agreement. RESULTS: The virus genome was detected in all the positive samples (198) by RT-qPCR and RT-LAMP. In addition, 246 samples were negative by RT-qPCR, while 88 were positive by RT-LAMP. Data mining analysis indicated that there were most associations between the RT-LAMP and CT scan data compared to RT-qPCR and CT scan data. CONCLUSIONS: RT-LAMP could detect SARS-CoV-2 with great simplicity, speed, and cheapness. Therefore, it is logical to screen, a large number of patients by RT-LAMP, and then RT-qPCR can be used on the limited samples.

Anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin-loaded niosomes on respiratory syncytial virus infection in a mice model.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection in paediatrics. While antivirals are apparent candidates to treat RSV-induced diseases, they have not yet met expectations and have remained in infancy. There is growing evidence to suggest that modulating the exacerbated inflammation during RSV infection can improve disease outcome. Curcumin-loaded niosomes have anti-inflammatory effects against RSV-induced respiratory disease by reducing immune cells' infiltration and inflammatory cytokines' production. This study evaluated the effects of curcumin-loaded niosomes on RSV-induced immunopathology in a mice model. Curcumin-loaded niosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and characterized in vitro. Female Balb/c mice were infected by RSV-A2 and treated daily with curcumin-loaded niosomes. The potential anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin-loaded niosomes were evaluated on day 5 after infection. Using curcumin-loaded niosomes decreased immune cell influx and the inflammatory mediators (MIP-1α, TNF-α and IFN-γ) production in the lung, resulting in alleviated lung pathology following RSV infection. These findings indicate that curcumin-loaded niosomes have anti-inflammatory potential and could be a promising candidate to alleviate RSV-associated immunopathology.

Disease Waves of SARS-CoV-2 in Iran Closely Mirror Global Pandemic Trends.

BACKGROUND: Complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing in the early phase of the outbreak in Iran showed two independent viral entries. Subsequently, as part of a genome surveillance project, we aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in Iran over one year after emerging. METHODS: We provided 319 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences used to monitor circulating lineages in March 2020-May 2021 time interval. RESULTS: The temporal dynamics of major SARS-CoV-2 clades/lineages circulating in Iran is comparable to the global perspective and represent the 19A clade (B.4) dominating the first disease wave, followed by 20A (B.1.36), 20B (B.1.1.413), 20I (B.1.1.7), leading the second, third and fourth waves, respectively. We observed a mixture of circulating B.1.36, B.1.1.413, B.1.1.7 lineages in winter 2021, paralleled in a fading manner for B.1.36/B.1.1.413 and a growing rise for B.1.1.7, prompting the fourth outbreak. Entry of the Delta variant, leading to the fifth disease wave in summer 2021, was detected in April 2021. This study highlights three lineages as hallmarks of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Iran; B4, dominating early periods of the epidemic, B.1.1.413 (B.1.1 with the combination of [D138Y-S477N-D614G] spike mutations) as a characterizing lineage in Iran, and the co-occurrence of [I100T-L699I] spike mutations in half of B.1.1.7 sequences mediating the fourth peak. It also designates the renowned combination of G and GR clades' mutations as the top recurrent mutations. CONCLUSION: In brief, we provided a real-time and comprehensive picture of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity in Iran and shed light on the SARS-CoV-2 transmission and circulation on the regional scale.

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Iran: The dynamics of the epidemic and evidence on two independent introductions.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been rapidly spreading globally since December 2019, triggering a pandemic, soon after its emergence. While Iran was among the first countries confronted with rapid spread of virus in February 2020, no real-time SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome tracking in early phase of outbreak was performed in the country. To address this issue, we provided 50 whole-genome sequences of viral isolates ascertained from different geographical locations in Iran during March-July 2020. The corresponding analysis on origins, transmission dynamics and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 virus, represented at least two introductions of the virus into the country, constructing two major clusters defined as B.4 and B.1*. The first entry of the virus might have occurred around very late 2019/early 2020, as suggested by the time to the most recent common ancestor, followed by a rapid community transmission that led to dominancy of B.4 lineage in early epidemic till the end of June. Gradually, reduction in dominancy of B.4 occurred possibly as a result of other entries of the virus, followed by surge of B.1* lineages, as of mid-May. Remarkably, variation tracking of the virus indicated the increase in frequency of D614G mutation, along with B.1* lineages, which showed continuity till October 2020. The increase in frequency of D614G mutation and B.1* lineages from mid-May onwards predicts a rapid viral transmission that may push the country into a critical health situation followed by a considerable change in composition of viral lineages circulating in the country.

Evaluation of biochemical characteristics of 183 COVID-19 patients: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with a high mortality rate, has caught the eyes of researchers worldwide and placed a heavy burden on the health care system. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the values of biochemical parameters on the outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Golestan, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 183 COVID-19 patients (i.e., 94 males and 89 females) between March and September 2020. The biochemical parameters and demographic data of the patients (including age, sex, urea, creatinine [Cr], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], and creatine kinase [CK]) were obtained from electrical medical records. According to the outcome of COVID-19, the patients were categorized into two groups (i.e., death [n = 63] and survival [n = 120] groups), and the biochemical parameters and outcomes of COVID-19 were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 183 patients, 120 (65.5%) had a non-severe type and recovered from COVID-19, and 63 (34.4%) developed into a critically severe type and died. The mean age of all patients was 56.5 years old. The highest mortality was observed in patients with LDH ≥280. The data obtained by the one-sample t-test showed that there were significantly higher mean values of urea, Cr, CK, and LDH in COVID-19 patients when compared to their reference intervals (P˂0.0001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Some biochemical parameters are effective in the evaluation of dynamic variations in COVID-19 patients. It can be concluded from the results that biochemical parameters and reinforce LDH may be useful for the evaluation of the COVID-19 outcome.

Molecular detection of HHV-1, HHV-2, HHV-5 and HBV in semen of fertile and infertile men by multiplex PCR method.

Background and Objectives: A great diversity of factors including viruses such as human herpes virus 1&2 (HHV-1&2), human herpes virus 5 (HHV-5), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) play key roles in sterility and it is worth noting that male infertility accounts for nearly 50% of barrenness, globally. In this regard, we evaluated the prevalence of the aforementioned viruses in semen specimens of two distinct groups of men referred to Novin Infertility Center in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 semen samples were collected from 150 infertile and 150 fertile men. Subsequently, genomic DNA was extracted before performing multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Eventually, the results were analyzed via SPSS Statistics V.16.0. Results: Out of 300 specimens, 183 (61.1%) were positive at least for one of the forenamed viruses; genome detection of HHV-1&2, HHV-5, and HBV were 27%, 18%, 36.66%, and 4%, respectively. Conclusion: The current study found no correlation between infertility and HBV, HHV-5, and HHV-1&2, which may have to do with factors like sample size, the geographical distribution of the viruses, and the lifestyle (sexual behavior) of the participants. These results emphasize the implementation of such studies on a broader scale to determine the exact factors involved in infertility.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the COVID-19 epidemic and associated factors for mortality in Golestan province, Iran: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to further clarify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 2019-nCoV pneumonia and risk factors associated for mortality. METHODS: In this study, we included inpatient with acute respiratory distress syndrome at Golestan Hospitals who had been discharged or had died in 2020. Epidemiological, and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records and compared between recovered and died cases. We used multiple logistic regression methods to explore the risk factors associated with in-hospital death. RESULTS: Overall 2,835 acute respiratory distress syndrome patients were included in this study, and 874 (30.83%) were positive for 2019-nCoV. Five hundred and sixty-three patients (19.86%) died, 1,687 patients (59.51%) were recovered. Of the total deaths, only 288 (10.15%) were attributed to COVID-19. The most common symptoms at onset of illness were respiratory distress [1,795 (63.32%)], fever [1,601 (56.47%)], dry cough [1,595 (56.26%)], sore throat [445 (15.70%)], and myalgia [342 (12.06%)]. One thousand and twelve (35.7%) had 1 or more coexisting medical conditions. In multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors associated with the death included older age [OR (Odds Ratio) = 1.03; 95% CI; 1.02-1.04], blood oxygen level (SPO2 < 93%) (OR = 2.44; 95% CI; 1.79-3.31), comorbidities (OR = 2.15; 95% CI; 1.62-2.84), respiratory distress (OR = 1.74; 95% CI; 1.28-2.37), and headache (OR = 0.44 95% CI; 0.21-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: The 2019-nCoV infection caused collections of severe respiratory illness and was associated to a high ratio of hospitalization in ICU and high mortality. Older age and comorbidities were associated with more risk of death among patients with 2019-nCoV.

A case series of pediatric COVID-19 with complicated symptoms in Iran.

People in different age groups are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection as a newly emerging virus. However, the clinical course, symptoms and disease outcome vary from case to case. Although COVID-19 is usually milder in children than adults, some studies reported nonspecific symptoms. Here, we report eight pediatric cases of COVID-19 admitted in the Taleghani Children Hospital in Gorgan city, north of Iran, with complicated symptoms. The current case series poses several challenges to the pediatricians regarding the pediatric cases of COVID-19. As most literature relating to adults are not always transferable to children, clinicians should be warned about such presentations among children with COVID-19.

Functional variation (Q63R) in the cannabinoid CB2 receptor may affect the severity of COVID-19: a human study and molecular docking.

Evidence supports a role of host genetic diversity in the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Variation in the cannabinoid CB2 receptor gene (CNR2) could affect the regulatory action of endocannabinoids on the immune system, resulting in an increased risk of various inflammatory diseases. The present study investigated the relationship between the CNR2-Q63R variant and COVID-19 severity. A total of 200 Iranian COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the study and genotyped using a TaqMan assay. The co-dominant, dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and additive inheritance models were analyzed using SNPStats software. In silico molecular docking was also performed to simulate the effects of the Q63R variation on CB2 binding with a ligand and with the G-protein. A significant difference in the Q63R allele and genotype distribution was found between expired and discharged COVID-19 patients in co-dominant, recessive, and additive inheritance models. The molecular docking results showed that the predicted structure of mutant CB2 (63R type) could not bind to the G-protein in the correct position. The data indicated that the Q63R variation in the CNR2 gene may affect the severity of COVID-19. Identification of genes related to susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 may lead to specific targets for drug repurposing or development.