Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma parvum and Mycoplasma genitalium in Infertile Couples and the Effect on Semen Parameters.

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Mycoplasma genitalium are common sexually transmitted microorganisms. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis, U. parvum, and M. genitalium in infertile and fertile couples and the effect of these microorganisms on semen parameters. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, samples were collected from 50 infertile couples and 50 fertile couples and were subjected to the routine semen analysis and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: C. trachomatis and U. parvum were detected in 5 (10%) and 6 (12%) of semen samples from infertile men. Also, out of 50 endocervical swabs from the infertile women, C. trachomatis and M. genitalium were detected in 7(14%) and 4 (8%) of swab specimens, respectively. In the control groups, all of the semen samples and endocervical swabs were negative. Also, in the group of infertile patients infected with C. trachomatis and U. parvum, sperm motility was lower than uninfected infertile men. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that C. trachomatis, U. parvum, and M. genitalium are widespread among the infertile couples in Khuzestan Province (Southwest of Iran). Also, our results showed that these infections can decrease the quality of semen. For the prevention of the consequences of these infections, we suggest a screening program for infertile couples.

Identification and Evaluation of Pathogenic Genes (traT, hly, aer, pap, and fimH) and Antibiotic Resistance Genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, and blaCTX) in Escherichia coli in Patients Referred to Gonabad Hospitals, Iran.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the common bacterial infections. Escherichia coli is the most common cause of UTI. In this research, the prevalence of several virulence factors and beta-lactam resistance genes was investigated. Methods: One hundred E. coli isolates were collected from patients' specimens with UTI referred to Allame-Bohlol Gonabadi hospital. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to identify five pathogenic genes (fimH, aer, pap, hly, traT) and three antibiotic resistance genes (blaTEM, blaCTX, blaSHV). Results: The frequencies of blaSHV, blaTEM and blaCTX beta-lactamase genes among extended-spectrum-beta-lactamases (ESBLs) positive isolates were 11.1%, 48.1%, and 93.3%, respectively. A significant number of isolates were resistant to the most commonly used antibiotics. Conclusion: Pathogenic genes may also increase the severity, progression, and expansion of urinary tract infections. Therefore, identifying these genes as critical controllers of illness can use for better manage the treatment.

Monkeypox: Scientometrics of 50 years of global scientific publications

Background: Scientific publications related to epidemic diseases are crucial for controlling and treating such diseases. The present study aimed to explore and analyze international publications on monkeypox through scientometric methods. Methods: This review is an applied research conducted using the scientometric method with an analytical meth od All world scientific publications on monkeypox Ivere extractedfrom the Web Of Science (WOS) citation databasefrom Januarv 1972 to May 2022 through an appropriate search strategv. Moreover, Excel and the VOS viewer Bibliometrix package ofthe R programming language were usedfor data analysis. Results: In total, 1130 publications related to monkeypor were extractedfrom the WOS citation database. Most of the publications Mere original papers published in 2010. The United States, Germany, and the Congo had the most publications on monkeypox. The topic clusters ofscientific publications on monkeypox have been in four topic orientations: prevention, epidemiologv, treatment, and immune response. Conclusion: The findings of the present investigation provided a clear picture of the publications and scientific productions of"'orld researchers in the field of monkeypcm Accordingly, researchers and policymakers on monkeypox can better understand the scientific publications on this disease and its dimensions

Topic Analysis and Mapping of Tuberculosis Research Using Text Mining and Co-Word Analysis.

Tuberculosis is still one of the most severe progressive diseases; it severely limits the social and economic development of many countries. In the present study, the topic trend of scientific publications on tuberculosis has been examined using text mining techniques and co-word analysis with an analytical approach. The statistical population of the study is all global publications related to tuberculosis. In order to extract the data, the Scopus citation database was used for the period 1900 to 2022. The main keywords for the search strategy were chosen through consultation with thematic specialists and using MESH. Python programming language and VOSviewer software were applied to analyze data. The results showed four main topics as follows: "Clinical symptoms" (41.8%), "Diagnosis and treatment" (28.1%), "Bacterial structure, pathogenicity and genetics" (22.3%), and "Prevention" (7.84%). The results of this study can be helpful in the decision of this organization and knowledge of the process of studies on tuberculosis and investment and development of programs and guidelines against this disease.

Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence of Enterococcus spp. Isolated from Traditional Cheese Types.

Background: Enterococci are naturally found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of animals and humans, as well as animal-derived foods and vegetables. We here aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and virulence determinants of E. faecium and E. faecalis in traditional cheese in the North-west of Iran. Materials and Methods: Fifty specimens of popular traditional cheese from dairy stores of Urmia and Tabriz, Iran, were collected. Identification of the genus and species of enterococci was done using molecular and phenotypic techniques. Results: Forty-eight (96 %) of 50 traditional cheese samples were harboring Enterococcus spp, including Enterococcus faecalis (n= 40; 83.33 %) and E. faecium (n= 8; 16.67 %). The prevalence of enterococci ranged from 1.1×105 to 9.7×104 CFU/g, and 1.1×103 to 9.8×103 CFU/g in Urmia and Tabriz samples, respectively. Rifampicin resistance (n= 38; 79.2 %) was the most common pattern observed in the susceptibility test, which was followed by quinupristin/dalfopristin (n= 33; 68.75 %). Among E. faecalis isolates, cpd (100 %), ace (92.5 %) and gelE (87.5 %), and among E. faecium isolates, gelE (100 %) and asa1 (75 %) were found to have the most common virulence genes. Conclusion: E. faecalis was the predominant species, displaying more virulence determinants. It also had high antibiotic resistance, as compared to E. faecium. The enterococci identified here commonly expressed virulence and antibiotic resistance determinants. So, it is required to improve the maintenance and production quality of traditional cheese to avoid enterococci contamination.

Detecting Latent Topics and Trends in Global Publications on Brucellosis Disease Using Text Mining.

PURPOSE: Brucellosis is widespread globally and one of the most important zoonotic diseases. Therefore, to fully comprehend the disease and discover ways of prevention and treatment, researchers have conducted some research in this field. Hence, this study will focus on the topic trend of scientific publications of brucellosis. METHODS: This study is an applied research using text mining techniques with an analytical approach. The statistical population of the present research is all global publications related to brucellosis. For data extraction, the Scopus citation database was used in the period from 1900 to 2020. The main keywords for search strategy design have been extracted from consultation with thematic specialists and using MESH. Python programming language has been applied to analyze data and implement text mining algorithms. RESULTS: According to results, eight main topics of "Prevention," "Clinical symptoms," "Diagnosis," "Control," "Treatment," "Immunology," "Structural Features," and "Pathogenicity" have been identified for brucellosis publications. Moreover, the topics "Prevention" and "Pathogenicity" had the highest and lowest prevalence in the field of brucellosis over time, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study has revealed the topics published in the global publications of brucellosis; the findings can be useful for research centers and universities in determining research priorities in the field of brucellosis.

The Iranian Newborn Multiples Registry (IRNMR): a registry protocol.

Purpose: Over the last decades, several twin/multiples registries have been developed worldwide, mostly concentrated in Europe and high-income countries (HICs). In Iran, we lack accurate nationwide epidemiological and biobank data on twins. We established the Iranian Newborn Multiples Registry (IRNMR) to evaluate the role of genetics and environmental factors in the variation of phenotypes among newborn monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. IRNMR is a multicenter hospital-based registry. Materials and methods: In the pilot phase, we collected epidemiological data from multiples born in Imam Khomeini Hospital complex and Aban Hospital located in Tehran, the capital of Iran, with a population exceeding 8 million, Allameh Bohlool Gonabadi Hospital, Gonabad, Razavi Khorasan, and Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran. Results: The IRNMR has recruited 457 sets of newborn twins and multiples so far. We hold follow-up sessions by mother and child health professionals to monitor multiples' growth, development, diseases, and mortality. Conclusions: We successfully developed a newborn multiples registry in Iran. This registry will create an invaluable database to study the relative influence of genes and environmental factors on various chronic diseases, growth, development, and behavioral disorders. We intend to collaborate with other centers to develop a large multicenter nationwide multiple birth registry and biobank in Iran.

Seroprevalence of Rubella among Women of Reproductive Age in Iran: A Prisma-Based Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Rubella is a highly contagious viral disease with a significant teratogenic effect. Various results have been published about the seroprevalence of rubella in Iran. A PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)-systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the immunity against rubella in Iranian women. METHODS: Eleven English and Persian electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, Scientific Information Database, Iran doc, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Medlib were searched using the keywords: Epidemiology, Prevalence, Rubella, Women, Childbearing age, Reproductive age, and Iran. A mathematician (NS) reviewed all steps for accuracy. RESULTS: Out of 1,520 articles, 25 well-conducted studies with a total amount of 10,145 women were reviewed. The pooled prevalence rate of anti-rubella IgG was 84% (95% CI: 83%-86%). The highest prevalence rate of IgG was in Zahedan, Rasht, and Arak (each 100%), while the lowest prevalence was in Jahrom (54%). Subgroup analysis showed that from 1989 through 2012, the IgG prevalence rate increased from 78% (95% CI: 73-83%) to 99% (95% CI: 98 100%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the vaccination program seems working in Iran, some peripheral regions may be a target to improve health care policies.

Development of a SYBR Green Multiplex Real Time PCR for Simultaneous Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Nocardia Asteroides in Respiratory Samples.

BACKGROUND: Nocardia asteroides and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are worldwide-distributed bacteria. These infectious agents can cause many infections in humans, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Pulmonary infections are more common and have similar clinical symptoms. Proper diagnosis and treatment of these patients are important for accurate treatment and could be lifesaving. METHODS: In this study, a multiplex real-time PCR assay was established for the simultaneous detection of the N. asteroides and M. tuberculosis. Both this homemade multiplex real time PCR and routine commercial tuberculosis tests were performed on 150 pulmonary specimens collected from individuals suspected to have tuberculosis. RESULTS: From 150 specimens, 20 samples were acid fast positive, 14 positives for M. tuberculosis by singleplex real time PCR, 10 positives for N. asteroides by singleplex real time PCR and 2 positives for M. tuberculosis and N. asteroides by multiplex real time PCR whereas 14 samples were positive for M. tuberculosis with commercial test. Differential diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis is useful for their proper treatment. CONCLUSION: Our test had good performance for differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and nocardiosis. Therefore, it is recommended to be used to diagnose such patients.

Prevalence and Subtype Analysis of Blastocystis hominis Isolated from Patients in the Northeast of Iran.

Blastocystis hominis is the most common intestinal parasite found in humans and many other hosts. Pathogenicity of Blastocystis spp. remains controversial, and it has been suggested that it may be associated with specific subtypes of the organism. This study identified the B. hominis subtypes and their prevalence rates in the northeast of Iran. A total of 1878 samples were collected from the northeast of Iran from January to December 2017. The patients' demographic details were recorded. Samples were examined by a wet mount, and genomic DNA was extracted from positive samples. Also, PCR was done on the positive samples, and sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were subsequently performed. From 1878 collected stool samples, 152 (8.1%) Blastocystis samples were detected by the microscopic method. Of the 152 samples, Blastocystis spp. were found in 53.6% of the men and 28.9% of the women who showed clinical gastrointestinal symptoms, and a significant relationship was observed between gender and clinical symptoms (P = 0.002). A meaningful relationship was found between the season and infection with this parasite (P value = 0.003). The results of the sequencing of 22 PCR products showed the dominance of ST3, which was isolated from 10 (45.45%) patients, while ST1, ST2, and ST7 were found in 4 (18.19%), 7 (31.81%), and 1 (4.55%) patients, respectively. In this study, ST7 had a low prevalence in the northeast of Iran, and similar to previous studies, ST3 was the dominant subtype.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns and their encoding genes among clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran.

Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most important organisms in nosocomial infections. Antibiotic resistance in this bacterium causes many problems in treating patients. This study aimed to investigate antibiotic resistance patterns and resistance-related, genes in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. This descriptive study was conducted on 124 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii collected from clinical samples in two teaching hospitals in Ahvaz. The antibiotic resistance pattern was determined by disk diffusion. The presence of genes coding for antibiotic resistance was determined using the polymerase chain reaction method. Out of 124 isolates, the highest rate of resistance was observed for rifampin (96.8%). The resistance rate for imipenem, meropenem, colistin, and polymyxin-B were 78.2%, 73.4%, 0.8% and 0.8%, respectively. The distribution of qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, Tet A, TetB, and Sul1genes were 52.6%, 0%, 3.2%, 93.5% 69.2%, and 6.42%, respectively. High prevalence of tetA, tetB, and qnrA genes among Acinetobacter baumannii isolated strains in this study indicate the important role of these genes in multidrug resistance in this bacteria. • Acinetobacter baumannii is an important human pathogen that has attracted the attention of many researchers Antibiotic resistance in this bacterium causes many problems in treating patients. • The resistance rate for imipenem, meropenem, colistin, and polymyxin-B were 78.2%, 73.4%, 0.8% and 0.8%, respectively. The distribution of qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, Tet A, TetB, and Sul1genes were 52.6%, 0%, 3.2%, 93.5% 69.2%, and 6.42%, respectively.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and Its Main Compounds.

Berberis vulgaris is a well-known herb in Iran that is widely used as a medicinal plant and a food additive. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Barberry and its main compounds. This narrative review was conducted by searching keywords such as B. vulgaris, Barberry, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, medicinal herbs, plants, and extract, separately or combined in various databases, such as Web of Sciences, PubMed, and Scopus. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, just English language articles, which reported effective whole plants or herbal compounds, were included. 21 articles were reviewed in this study. In the in vivo models (mice, rats, and human cells) and in the in vitro models (some organ cells such as the spleen, kidney, blood, and brain), B. vulgaris and its main components showed anti-inflammatory effects in both models. The main mechanisms were the shift of cell immune response to Th2, T reg induction, inhibition of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF, and IFN-γ), and stimulation of IL-4 and IL-10. The induction of apoptosis in APCs and other effector cells was another important mechanism.

Prevalence of antibiotic resistance and integrons, sul and Smqnr genes in clinical isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from a tertiary care hospital in Southwest Iran.

OBJECTIVES: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has emerged as an important opportunistic nosocomial pathogen due to its intrinsic and acquired resistance to a wide range of antimicrobial agents. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of antibiotic resistance and resistance mechanisms among clinical isolates of S. maltophilia from Iranian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 44 S. maltophilia isolates that were recovered from different clinical specimens in 2015 and 2016. Conventional microbiologic methods were used for primary identification of isolates and confirmed by specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the E-test. PCR was applied to determine antibiotic resistance genes. RESULTS: All of S. maltophilia isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and colistin. Moreover, the susceptibility rates of isolates toward ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin were 93.2%, and 84.1%, respectively. Class 1 integrons was detected in 24 (54.5%) isolates by the presence of int1 gene. Moreover, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes sul1, sul2, and Smqnr were found in 16 (36.4%), 15 (34.1%), and 29 (65.9%) isolates, respectively. CONCLUSION: In summary, the prevalence of sul and Smqnr genes in integrons-contained isolates point out the significant risk of sulfonamides and fluoroquinolones resistance among clinical isolates of S. maltophilia in our region.

Investigation of the Physical, Chemical Characteristics and Microbial Contamination of the Indoor Swimming Pools

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the physical, chemical and microbiological contamination of indoor swimming pools. Methods: Pool water specimens were collected using a plastic polypropylene sterilized bottle. The physical and chemical qualities of the waters were analyzed in terms of temperature, turbidity, pH, and free residual chlorine, with the standard methods for the examination of water. Bacteriological (routine methods) and parasitological (molecular methods) tests were carried out on pools water. Results: The mean temperature, pH, and residual chlorine of the indoor pools were 31.2 °C, 7.6 and 1.5 mg/L, respectively. Turbidity was not observed in any of the pools. The pH and temperature values were in standard ranges in 92.3% and 15.4% of the waters of swimming pools, respectively. The prevalence rates of bacterial and amoebic contaminations of the water in the swimming pools were 53.8% and 46.2%, respectively. One pool (7.7%) was contaminated with both bacteria and amoeba. Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Cryptosporidium and Bacillus spp. were isolated from the pool waters. Conclusion: In this study, some microorganisms were identified from the water pools. Effective management of swimming pools and proper control of the physical, chemical and microbiological property of water pools can produce the healthy recreational activity.

Characterization of Phenotypic and Genotypic Diversity of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Strains Isolated From Selected Hospitals in Iran.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an environmental Gram-negative bacterium that has rapidly emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen in hospitalized patients. Treatment of S. maltophilia infections is difficult due to increasing resistance to multiple antibacterial agents. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of S. maltophilia isolates recovered from patients referred to several hospitals. A total of 164 clinical isolates of S. maltophilia were collected from hospitals in various regions in Iran between 2016 and 2017. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion method and E-test assay according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline. The ability of biofilm formation was assessed with crystal violet staining and then, biofilm-associated genes were investigated by PCR-sequencing method. The presence of L1 (a metallo-ß-lactamase), L2 (a clavulanic acid-sensitive cephalosporinase), sul1 and sul2 (resistance to Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole), Smqnr (intrinsic resistance to quinolones), and dfrA genes (dihydrofolate reductase enzyme that contributes to trimethoprim resistance) was also examined by PCR-sequencing. Relative gene expression of smeDEF efflux pump was assessed by real-time PCR. Genotyping was performed using the multi-locus sequencing typing (MLST) and repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR (Rep-PCR). Isolates were resistant to imipenem (100%), meropenem (96%), doripenem (96%), and ceftazidime (36.58%). Notably, 5 (3.04%) isolates showed resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), an alarming trend of decreased susceptibility to TMP-SMX in Iran. Minocycline and levofloxacin exhibited the highest susceptibility of 91.46 and 99.39%, respectively. Using the crystal violet staining, 157 (95.73%) isolates had biofilm phenotype: 49 (29.87%), 63 (38.41%), and 45 (27.43%) isolates were categorized as strong-, moderate- and weak-biofilm producer while 7 isolates (4.26%) were identified a non-biofilm producer. Biofilm genes had an overall prevalence of 145 (88.41%), 137 (83.53%), and 164 (100%) of rmlA, rpfF, and spgM, respectively. L1, L2, Smqnr, sul1, and sul2 resistance genes were detected in 145 (88.41%), 156 (96.12%), 103 (62.80%), 89 (54.26%), and 92 (56.09%) isolates, respectively. None of the S. maltophilia isolates were positive for dfrA12, dfrA17, and dfrA27 genes. Gene expression analysis showed that smeD efflux system was overexpressed in two out of the five clinical isolates (40%) that showed resistance to TMP-SMX. Most of the isolates were genetically unrelated. Two new sequence types (ST139 and ST259) were determined. Our results showed that TMP-SMX was still an effective antibiotic against S. maltophilia. The findings of the current study revealed an increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm genes in clinical S. maltophilia isolates in Iran.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy: Strategies, challenges, and successes.

Targeted delivery of therapeutic molecules into cancer cells is considered as a promising strategy to tackle cancer. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), in which a monoclonal antibody (mAb) is conjugated to biologically active drugs through chemical linkers, have emerged as a promising class of anticancer treatment agents, being one of the fastest growing fields in cancer therapy. The failure of early ADCs led researchers to explore strategies to develop more effective and improved ADCs with lower levels of unconjugated mAbs and more-stable linkers between the drug and the antibody, which show improved pharmacokinetic properties, therapeutic indexes, and safety profiles. Such improvements resulted in the US Food and Drug Administration approvals of brentuximab vedotin, trastuzumab emtansine, and, more recently, inotuzumab ozogamicin. In addition, recent clinical outcomes have sparked additional interest, which leads to the dramatically increased number of ADCs in clinical development. The present review explores ADCs, their main characteristics, and new research developments, as well as discusses strategies for the selection of the most appropriate target antigens, mAbs, cytotoxic drugs, linkers, and conjugation chemistries.

Prevalence of ß-lactamase genes, class 1 integrons, major virulence factors and clonal relationships of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from hospitalized patients in southeast of Iran.

OBJECTIVES: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important nosocomial pathogens causing a high rate of mortality among hospitalized patients. Herein, we report the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes, class 1 integrons, major virulence genes and clonal relationship among multidrug- resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa, isolated from four referral hospitals in the southeast of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 208 isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected from four referral hospitals in southeast of Iran. Disk diffusion method was used to determine susceptibility to 13 antibacterial agents. AmpC was detected by phenotypic method and ß-lactamase genes, virulence genes and class 1 integrons were detected by PCR. Clonal relationship of the isolates was determined by RAPD-PCR. RESULTS: All the isolates were susceptible to polymyxin-B and colistin. Overall, 40.4% of the isolates were MDR, among which resistance to third generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems was 47.5%, 32.3% and 40%, respectively. None of the isolates was positive for bla NDM-1 genes, while 84.5% and 4.8% were positive for the bla IMP-1 and bla VIM, metallo-ß-lactamase genes, respectively. Incidence of class 1 integrons was 95% and AmpC was detected in 33% of the isolates. Prevalence of exoA, exoS, exoU, pilB and nan1 were 98.8%, 44%, 26%, 8.3% and 33.3%, respectively. RAPD profiles identified four large clusters consisting of 77 isolates, and two small clusters and three singletons. CONCLUSION: The rate of MDR P. aeruginosa isolates was high in different hospitals in this region. High genetic similarity among MDR isolates suggests cross-acquisition of infection in the region.

The data of Escherichia coli strains genes in different types of wastewater.

From April 2016 to March 2017, a number of 99 isolates of Escherichia coli were collected from three types of wastewater including urban wastewater (33 isolates), livestock slaughterhouse wastewater (33 isolates) and poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (33 isolate). The specimens were cultured on microbiological media. The bacterial identification was performed by morphological and biochemical tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was carried out to detect 2 virulence genes (traT, and fimH) and 4 antibiotic resistance genes (bla TEM, CTX, SHV , and tetA). The data showed that the prevalence rate of traT, fimH,blaCTX, blaTEM,blaSHV, tetA genes were 89.9%, 91.9%, 79.8%, 40.4%, 6.1%, and 91.9%, respectively.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among pregnant women and eye colonization of their neonates at birth time, Shiraz, Southern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the two common transmissible pathogens from pregnant women to their neonates. Given the lack of routine screening and treatment of pregnant women in some areas, the possibility of transmission rises. This study seeks to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in the pregnant women with no clinical symptoms and the vertical transmission rate to their neonates. METHODS: The study was conducted on endocervical and eye swab samples of 239 pregnant women and their neonates. Identification was based on PCR method. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of C.trachomatis in women and neonates were 37/239 (15.5%) and 28/239 (11.7%), and for N. gonorrhoeae 3/239 (1.3%), 1/239 (0.4%), respectively. The vertical transmission rates to the neonates were 28/37(75.6%) for C. trachomatis and 1/3 for N. gonorrhoeae. CONCLUSIONS: In the areas with a high prevalence of chlamydial or gonococcal infections, and in the absence of screening and treatment of the pregnant women, ocular prophylaxis with antibiotics is suggested as a part of routine neonatal care program for the prevention of chlamydial and gonococcal ophthalmia.

Feasibility of applying the LED-UV-induced TiO2/ZnO-supported H3PMo12O40 nanoparticles in photocatalytic degradation of aniline.

In the present study, TiO2/ZnO-supported phosphomolybdic acid nanoparticles are investigated by the impregnation method, followed by analyzing their photocatalytic activity under UV-LED light and degradation kinetics degrading aniline as an organic pollutant model. Nanoparticle characteristics and the remaining Keggin structure in the nanocomposites were confirmed by means of FESEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses. Heterogenization of phosphomolybdic acid on TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles resulted in the improved light absorption intensity and decreased band gap of nanocomposites. Photocatalytic degradation of aniline was also improved for composite nanoparticles and reached to 25.62, 43.48, and 38.25% for TiO2/HPMo, ZnO/HPMo, and TiO2/ZnO/HPMo, respectively. Overall, the results showed a good fit to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model.