Medical Laboratory Journal

Comparison of clinical biochemistry indices between type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy and non-nephropathy in Gorgan

Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of kidney failure. The current study aimed to measure serum and urine albumin as well as other biochemical markers in individuals with type 2 diabetic nephropathy and to identify quick diagnostic approaches in these patients.
Method: The case-control study consisted of 40 patients with diabetic nephropathy and 40 diabetic patients without nephropathy. After assessing the biochemichal and clinical parameters, based on the ratio of random urine albumin to creatinine, patients were separated into two groups: patients with or without albuminuria. SPSS v18 software was used to analyze the results.
Results: In diabetic patients, the levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid were significantly higher in comparison to the control group and were 64.68±46.84, 2.01±1.82, 5.35±2.23 respectively. The average content of serum albumin in diabetic patients with nephropathy was notably lower compared to non-nephropathy patients (3.74±0.88. and 4.35±0.28) (p < 0.05). In diabetic nephropathy patients, urinary albumin had a direct relationship with serum creatinine level (r=0.347, p=0.028). In the control group, it was possible to check the status of serum albumin by measuring the level of creatinine (r = -0.305, p = 0.056), urea (r = -0.333, p = 0.036) and HbA1C (r = -0.376, p = 0.017).
Conclusion: The results revealed that high level of urinary albumin in patients with diabetic nephropathy has a direct association with the serum creatinine level, indicating a helpful index in the evaluation of nephropathy patients with albuminuria. However, further studies with a larger number of participants is required.

Investigation of Cryptosporidium Oocyst Contamination in Water from Zabol and Zahedan: A Molecular and Microscopic Analysis

Mansour Dabirzadeh

Abstract
Background: The presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in water represents a significant public health concern due to its potential impact on human health. This study aims to detect and characterize Cryptosporidium in water samples from Zabol and Zahedan cities using microscopic examination and molecular methods.
Material and methods: 180 water samples were collected and analyzed at the Parasitology Laboratory of Zabol Medical School. Ziehl-Neelsen and Trichrome staining followed initial direct microscopic examinations, identifying contamination through the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts at 100x magnification.
Results: Among these samples, 35 tested positive, 142 negative, and 3 were deemed suspicious. In Zahedan, the distribution was 9 positive, 2 suspicious, and 89 negative samples, while in Zabol, 26 were positive, 1 suspicious, and 53 negative.
PCR amplification targeted the ITS1 gene, and electrophoresis on a 1% agarose gel showed band patterns ranging from 871 to 961 base pairs. For genotype differentiation, restriction enzymes RsaI and AluI were used, with AluI generating distinct patterns featuring bands at 410, 457, 480, 760, and 850 bp. BLAST analysis revealed a 98.84% sequence identity with C. parvum. Phylogenetic analysis further indicated a genetic relationship with known C. parvum isolates.
Conclusion: This study provides comprehensive detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in the examined water samples. The results highlight the need for continuous monitoring and improvements in water treatment processes to mitigate associated public health risks.

Characterization and Optimization of Keratinase Production by Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus teqlensis Isolated from Poultry Waste

Fatemeh Haddadi

Introduction: The poultry industry produces a large amount of waste, including chicken feathers, which are difficult to decompose and can cause environmental pollution. Keratinase enzymes, which can break down keratin, have the potential to be used in bioremediation of poultry waste. The objectives of this study were to screen for keratinolytic isolates from poultry waste, Identify the isolates using morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods; optimize the culture medium conditions for keratinase production and measure the keratinase activity of the isolates.
Materials and Methods: Two keratinolytic isolates were screened from poultry waste around Mashhad in Iran. The isolates were identified using morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods. The culture medium conditions for the two strains were optimized to enhance keratinase production. The keratinase activity was measured using azokeratin substrate and turbidity absorbance.
Results: The two isolates were identified as Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus teqlensis. The optimized culture medium conditions for keratinase production were pH 7.0, temperature 37°C, and incubation time 48 hours. The maximum keratinase activity of the two isolates was 120 U/mL and 100 U/mL, respectively.
Conclusions: The two Bacillus isolates have the potential to be used in bioremediation of poultry waste. The optimized culture medium conditions can be used for large-scale production of keratinase enzymes.
The keratinase enzymes produced by the two Bacillus isolates have the potential to be used in a variety of applications, including bioremediation of poultry waste, production of animal feed, and development of new cleaning products.

Comparison of serum levels of zinc, copper, and selenium between patients with coronary artery disease and healthy controls; Selenium could be a new diagnostic biomarker

Reza Saghiri

Background: Although several clinical and laboratory diagnostic approaches have been developed for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), rates of mortality and morbidity have remained high, which may be due to defective diagnostic markers. Here, we evaluated the serum levels of selected trace elements (Zn, Se, and Cu) in CAD patients and healthy subjects and assessed their diagnostic values in CAD.
Methods: 53 cardiologist-approved CAD patients and 48 age and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. The serum levels of Zn, Se, and Cu, were assessed using the atomic absorption method. GraphPad v.8.4 and SPSS v.18 software were used for statistical analyses.
Results: The serum levels of Zn and Se were significantly lower in the CAD patients than in controls (P = 0.0008 and P < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, CAD patients showed significantly higher levels of Cu (P = 0.0064). Concerning the ROC curve analyses, the area under the curve (AUC) for Zn was 0.6563 (P = 0.0069). Setting the cut-off value at 1.255 μg/mL gave a sensitivity of 56.60%, specificity of 66.67%, and likelihood ratio (LR) of 1.698. AUC for Se was 0.8595 (P<0.0001). The optimum cut-off value at 86.50 ng/ml level gave a sensitivity of 83.02%, specificity of 75.00%, and LR of 3.321. The AUC for Cu was 0.6557 (P = 0.0071). The optimum cut-off value at 1.225 μg/mL level gave a sensitivity of 62.26%, specificity of 64.58%, and LR of 1.758.
Conclusion: Our study showed that selenium can be a biomarker with reliable diagnostic value for CAD.

Prevalence of the fluoroquinolone resistance genes in the Escherichia coli sequence type 131 clone isolated from hospitalized patients with urinary tract infection

Mohammad Kargar

Background: The emergence of fluoroquinolones (FQ) resistance in the Escherichia coli (E. coli) sequence type 131 (ST131) has become a major challenge in the management of urinary tract infections (UTI). Chromosomal mutations and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants play an important role in the FQ resistance.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 300 urine samples. aimed to investigate the prevalence of the chromosomal mutations, the PMQR genes including qnr, aac (6′)-Ib-cr, and efflux pumps among the FQ-resistant ST131 and non-ST131 E. coli causing UTI. Initially, the ST131 clone was detected using allele-specific PCR and confirmed by multilocus sequence typing.
Results: Among 95 FQ-resistant E. coli isolates, 30% (n=29/95) as belonging to the ST131 clone. The most frequently detected PMQR genes in FQ-resistant isolates were aac(6)’-lb-cr and qnrS. However, statistical analysis revealed a stronger association between aac(6ʹ)-Ib-cr and the ST131 clone (62%; p<0.03). The oqxA gene was the most prevalent efflux pump gene observed in both ST131 (n=11; 38%) and non-ST131 (n=16; 24%) isolates. Analysis of the gyrA and parC genes revealed significantly higher in ST131 compared to non-ST131. Double mutations, S80I+E84V, were significantly more prevalent in both gyrA (76% ST131 vs. 43% non-ST131; p=0.004) and parC (55% ST131 vs. 26% non-ST131; p=0.002). High-level resistance (MIC ≥32 μg/mL) observed in 96.6% (n=28/29) of ST131 isolates compared to 65% (n=43/66) of non-ST131 isolates.
Conclusion: The double mutations confer high level resistance to FQs in ST131 clone. These findings on resistance mechanisms can guide infection control strategies.

Epidemiological and Geographical Features of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southwestern Khuzestan

Ali Jamshidi

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a protozoan infection caused by a flagellated parasite complex known as Leishmania spp. Iran is an endemic area for CL. The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiological factors and geographical distribution of CL in Southwestern Khuzestan using the GIS method.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, epidemiologic and demographic data from 787 individuals affected by CL in Behbahan County, spanning the years 2002 to 2021, were collected. Patient locations were plotted on a point shapefile of villages, towns, and cities in Behbahan County, and geographic data were analyzed using ArcGIS version 10.

Results: Out of the 787 studied cases, 512 (65%) were male. Lesions appeared in various regions of the body, with 41% of cases involving the hands. The highest annual incidence rate was recorded in 2009, at approximately 40 cases per 100,000 population, whereas the lowest incidence rate occurred in 2002, at 5.8 per 100,000 population. Noticeable variations in disease prevalence were identified among non-Iranian individuals, rural populations (including pastoral and peri-urban areas), males, and younger individuals. Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis indicated that the most affected areas were located in the central region (Behbahan or Markazi area) and the southern region (Zeydoon) of the mapped topography.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the necessity of implementing effective prevention and control measures to alleviate the burden of CL in Behbahan County. These measures should include targeted health education campaigns and vector control strategies, with a particular focus on regions identified as high-prevalence areas through GIS topographic analysis.

Evaluation of Prevalence of Malaria and Risk Factors Associated with Symptomatic Malaria Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in South-South, Nigeria

Ifeanyi O. Oshim

Background: An evaluation of prevalence of malaria and the risk factors in pregnancy across various transmission contexts is necessary. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a health facility in April and May,2024. The convenient sampling technique was used to enrol 120 pregnant women attending antenatal in Health center, South-south, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used, to gather clinical and sociodemographic data. Blood smears were done using a standard technique. The factors associated with malaria were evaluated using pearson Chi-square and p- value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Among symptomatic pregnant women, the prevalence of malaria was 83.3% (100/120). The following factors were significantly associated with the prevalence of malaria in pregnant women with malaria symptoms: not being on antimalarial treatment for 1-5 months (p<0.001), being higher degree (p<0.018), being primigravidae (p<0.001), being in the first trimester (p= 0.081), and those pregnant women between 26 and 30 years old (p= 0.001). Conclusion: Malaria remains the main public health concern among pregnant women, even though, there is an increased rate of intervention on antimalarial drugs in this region. Pregnant women who are at risk for these conditions should therefore recieve extra care.

A case series of melioidosis-the great imitator in a mapims hospital, melmaruvathur, tamilnadu, India

ARULANANTHI V.A

Background: Burkholderia pseudomallei is a saprophytic, aerobic, non-sporing, nonfermenting, facultative intracellular motile gram-negative bacilli found in tropical and subtropical regions. Melioidosis can range from asymptomatic infections to life-threatening illnesses affecting the internal organs, particularly when the host's immunity is compromised. Delayed clinical presentation and a lack of access to critical care resources in high-prevalence areas significantly contribute to this death burden. This disease has a high case fatality rate in endemic areas. The written consent was obtained from the patient after explained them about this study. To increase physician awareness of melioidosis in high-risk patients presenting with diverse clinical symptoms, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and ensuring timely, appropriate treatment. Case descriptions:Case series: Case 1: 40-year-old male with septic pulmonary emboli; Case 2: 72-year-old female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Type II respiratory failure; Case 3: 25-year-old female with septic arthritis; Case 4: 69years-old male with pneumonia and bacteraemia; Case 5: 54-year-old male with diabetic nephropathy and chronic kidney disease. The appropriate samples were collected from all the cases, and the identification of the isolated organisms and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Vitek 2 automated compact system. The patients were treated with appropriate supportive measures. Among the five cases, three had a better outcome, and two cases had deteriorated. Conclusion:This case series emphasis that the Clinicians should be aware of the risk of melioidosis, particularly during the rainy season, Diagnostic tests should be enhanced to ensure timely exploration and treatment.

Optimum cultural conditions to achieve the best biofilm formation and high level icaA transcription by Staphylococcus aureus

Abdolmajid Mohammadzadeh

Abstract
Background: Biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), mediated by the ica operon, is a key virulence factor. This study examined how different glucose-supplemented broth culture media influence biofilm production and ica gene expression in S. aureus.
Methods: The phenotypic ability to adhere to a polystyrene surface and to produce slime layer were evaluated using microtiter plate test (MtP) and Congo red tube test, respectively. Using PCR, the presence of intercellular adhesion (ica) locus in S. aureus strains was confirmed and subsequently, quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed to investigate transcription of icaA in various media including Tryptic soy broth (TSB), Brain-heart infusion broth (BHIB), (Nutrient broth) NB and (Muller-Hinton broth) MHB contained 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2% glucose.
Results: Our results showed that although all of the studied strains adhered to the wells of polystyrene microtiter plates, the optimum rate of biofilm formation was observed for TSB medium contained 1% glucose, but biofilm formation was not significantly different in NB, MHB and BHIB media. Supplementation of all media with 1% glucose led to the highest production of biofilm formation and in all media transcription of icaA was increased with glucose addition to one present.
Conclusions: The results of the present study indicated that TSB medium supplemented with 1% glucose was the most appropriate medium for evaluation of biofilm formation by S. aureus isolates.

Metallo-β-Lactamase Detection in Imipenem-Resistant Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Combined Phenotypic and Molecular Study

Zahra Nasirzadeh

Abstract

Background and Objective: Currently, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are rising alarmingly due to antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species. The study in Rasht focuses on identifying phenotypic and molecular metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter that display resistance to Imipenem.

Methods: In this study, 52 Acinetobacter and 25 Pseudomonas aeruginosa samples were collected from medical centers in Rasht. The clinical isolates were analyzed using various biochemical tests. The antibiotic resistance patterns of the isolates were determined by the disk diffusion method, following CLSI guidelines. Isolates producing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) were identified using the IPM+EDTA combined test method. Genomic DNA was subsequently extracted from the isolates using a commercial kit, and the presence of bla_IMP and bla_VIM genes was determined by PCR.

Results: According to the findings of this study, the highest percentage of resistance in Acinetobacter was observed with cefotaxime antibiotics at 94.23%, and in Pseudomonas aeruginosa with ceftazidime at 84%. Among the clinical isolates not susceptible to Imipenem, 18 (40%) were Acinetobacter and 2 (15.38%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as determined by the combined disc method. The bla_IMP and bla_VIM genes were detected in 7 (13.46%) and 11 (21.15%) of the Acinetobacter samples, respectively, and in 8 (32%) and 5 (20%) of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa samples, respectively.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the bla_IMP and bla_VIM genes play important roles in the antibiotic resistance and potentially influence the virulence of Acinetobacter species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the region

Association Between Lipid Metabolism Markers and Gastric Cancer Stage and Grade: A Focus on ApoB

Hamid Reza Joshaghani

Background and Objectives: Gastric cancer (GC), particularly adenocarcinoma, remains a global health burden with high mortality due to late-stage diagnosis and limited reliable biomarkers for disease monitoring. Lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in tumor biology, and serum lipid-related markers, including apolipoproteins, have been suggested as potential non-invasive indicators of tumor progression. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum lipid profiles and tumor stage and histological grade in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.
Methods: Fifty patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma were enrolled. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB were measured. Patients were categorized into early (stages I–II) and advanced (stages III–IV) tumor stages, as well as into moderately differentiated versus poorly differentiated grades. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess data normality. Parametric and non-parametric tests were applied accordingly. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: ApoB was the only parameter showing a significant association with tumor stage. Patients with advanced-stage GC had significantly lower mean ApoB levels compared to those in early stages (52.4 ± 2.6 vs. 63.4 ± 5.2 mg/dl, p = 0.042). No statistically significant differences were observed in ApoA1, HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, or VLDL, for either tumor stage or histological grade.
Conclusion: ApoB levels appear to decline with advancing tumor stage in gastric adenocarcinoma, suggesting a potential role as a marker to evaluate disease burden. While no association was found with tumor grade, further validation in larger prospective studies incorporating metabolic and inflammatory covariates is warranted.

Detection of MecAgene and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from inanimate surfaces and healthcare workers in tertiary hospitals in Abia state.

Ebubechi Okey-kalu

Background The purpose of this study was to detect the Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus amongst the Staphylococcus aureus isolates and also to detect the presence of MecAgene amongst some selected MRSA isolates.
Method: A total of 206 Staphylococcus aureus isolates cultured on Mannitol salt agar after standard biochemical tests were carried out to confirm the isolates were tested for methicillin resistant using Cefoxitin disc diffusion method. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates were carried out using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Some of the MRSA were tested for the presence of mecAgene.
Results One hundred and twenty two Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from inanimate surfaces with footwear, 39.34% (n=48) harboring the most while 84 Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the palm of hands and nostrils of healthcare workers with the nostrils, 83.33% (n=70) harboring the most. The Antibiotic susceptibility test were carried out on the Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were more susceptible to Meropenem, Augmentin, Tetracycline, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime, and Cephalexin. A total of 206 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested for MRSA using Cefoxitin disc diffusion, and 43.69% (n=90) were methicillin resistant. A total of 20 Staphylococcus aureus isolates suspected to be MRSA were tested for mecAgene and only 4 isolates (20% of the total isolates tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction) were positive for mecAgene.
Conclusion The presence of MRSA in the two tertiary hospitals poses a risk to healthcare and community environments by contaminating healthcare workers, patients, and visitors with contaminated surfaces.

Comparative Evaluation of HPLC and Nephelometry for HbA1c Measurement: Accuracy, Reliability, and Clinical Implications

Roopa Neeharika Battula

Abstract
Background
Accurate estimation of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is critical for diagnosing and managing diabetes mellitus. Ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is considered the gold standard for HbA1c measurement, while nephelometry is widely used in clinical laboratories due to its rapid turnaround time. This study compares the accuracy, reliability, and clinical applicability of these two methods.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, where HbA1c levels of 50 patients with diabetes mellitus were measured using both ion-exchange HPLC and nephelometry. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland–Altman analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A paired t-test was used to assess statistical significance, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results
The mean HbA1c levels were comparable between HPLC (6.2% ± 1.5) and nephelometry (6.3% ± 1.4), with a high correlation (r = 0.96, p < 0.01) and excellent agreement (ICC = 0.96). Bland–Altman analysis showed minimal bias (mean difference = 0.09%). ROC curve analysis indicated high diagnostic performance for both methods, with HPLC demonstrating superior sensitivity (90%) and specificity (92%) compared to nephelometry (88% sensitivity, 91% specificity). Nephelometry had a faster turnaround time but slightly lower specificity.
Conclusion
Both HPLC and nephelometry provide reliable HbA1c measurements, with HPLC offering superior specificity and diagnostic precision, while nephelometry provides a quicker alternative for routine clinical use. The selection of the method should be based on clinical requirements, balancing accuracy and operational efficiency.

Effects of Resistance Training Following Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation on Cardiac Oxidative Stress and Left Ventricular Function in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction

Seyed Abdollah Hashemvarzi

Background and objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance training following bone marrow stem cell transplantation, a regenerative approach targeting damaged cardiac tissue, on myocardial oxidative stress markers and left ventricular function in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).
Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats (7–8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to six experimental groups (n=10 per group): healthy control, MI control, sham, stem cell, exercise, and exercise + stem cell. MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Stem cells (1×10⁶) were injected via the tail vein. Resistance training protocol consisted of climbing sessions performed five days per week for six weeks. Each session included three sets of five repetitions, with a one-minute rest interval between sets. Oxidative stress markers (CAT and MDA) were analyzed biochemically, and left ventricular function was assessed by echocardiography. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test.
Results: MDA levels were significantly increased and CAT levels decreased in the MI group compared to controls. Resistance training and combined therapy significantly reduced MDA levels; however, CAT changes were not statistically significant. Cardiac output and ejection fraction were significantly improved in the intervention groups compared to the MI group.
Conclusion: Six weeks of resistance training after bone marrow stem cell transplantation effectively reduced oxidative stress and improved left ventricular function in MI rats. This combined approach may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for myocardial infarction recovery.

Blood product reservation management in teaching hospitals: A case study from northeastern Iran

Fatemeh Shams

Background: Blood products are vital yet scarce medical resources. In teaching hospitals, inefficient transfusion practices often result in unnecessary waste, compromising both patient safety and healthcare costs. This study investigated the patterns and underlying causes of unused blood products at Imam Reza Hospital, a major tertiary center in northeast Iran, with the aim of delineating modifiable factors contributing to this issue.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad. Data were extracted from the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and the hospital’s dashboard for the period of March 2022–2025. Blood component reserve and return data for five large clinical departments were examined.

Results: Although the total number of returned units declined over time, the return percentage increased in the final year, indicating persisting inefficiencies. By department, Neurology and Gynecology exhibited the highest return percentages, while the Hematology-Oncology ward, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and Emergency Department reported the highest absolute numbers of returns. Platelets were the most frequently returned product, whereas fresh frozen plasma had the highest relative return rate. The most consistently reported reason for returns was “Physician Decision / Order Canceled,” with returns due to “Patient Death” also showing a gradual increase over the study period.
Conclusion: Despite gradual improvements, systemic challenges—especially poor documentation, absence of digital monitoring tools, and knowledge gaps in transfusion handling—continue to undermine efficient blood product use. Implementing real-time dashboards, enforcing mandatory documentation, educating clinical staff, and adopting AI-based demand prediction tools could dramatically reduce waste and enhance transfusion practices.

Effect of Urtica dioica agglutinin (a plant lectin) on breast cancer cell growth in MCF-7 cells

azam rashidbaghan

Background: The high global mortality of breast cancer in women necessitates novel therapies with fewer side effects.. Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA), a lectin from stinging nettle, exhibits antiproliferative properties in various cancers, but its effect on breast cancer cells remain underexplored. This study evaluates UDA’s cytotoxic potential against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells while assessing its impact on non-tumorigenic human mammary epithelial (MCF-10A) and Human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells.
Methods: UDA purification was performed via affinity chromatography from Urtica dioica rhizomes, confirmed by SDS-PAGE (8.5–9.5 kDa) and agglutination assays. MCF-7, MCF-10A, and HEK-293 cells were treated with different concentrations of UDA (7.5–480 µg/ml) for 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assays to measure cell viability.
Results: UDA significantly inhibited MCF-7 proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.01 at 24 hours; P < 0.0001 at 48 hours). At 240 µg/ml (during 48 hours), viability dropped below 50%, while normal HEK-293 cells showed <30% toxicity. MCF-10A proliferation remained unaffected, even at 480 µg/ml. IC₅₀ was 389.7 207.0 μg/mL for 24 and 48 hours.
Conclusion: UDA targets breast cancer cells (MCF-7) with minimal toxicity to normal cells, positioning it as a promising anticancer candidate. Determining the mechanism of its action and apoptosis-inducing potential needs further research in the future. .

The Role of Anthocliesta djalonensis in Mitigating Mercury Chloride-Induced Hematological Alterations

Joseph Raymond Enoghase

Background: Mercury chloride is a well-established toxicant known to induce hematological alterations, including oxidative hemolysis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Medicinal plants with antioxidant properties have been explored as potential protective agents against toxicant-induced damage. Anthocleista djalonensis, widely used in traditional medicine, has been reported to possess bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This study aimed to investigate the role of Anthocleista djalonensis in mitigating mercury chloride-induced hematological alterations.
Methods: This experimental randomised controlled animal study was kind of weirdly done, with thirty-six adult Wistar rats, randomly assigned into six groups, (n=6 each). Group A was basically the control, Group B got only 2 mg/kg of mercury chloride , just that. Groups C and D were given mercury chloride alongside 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of Anthocleista djalonensis extract, respectively , while Groups E and F received just A. djalonensis at doses 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. The extract was freeze dried, and then the haematological parameters were checked using an automated haematology analyser. For the statistics, it was handled with one-way ANOVA, and the significance cut off was p < 0.05.
Results: Mercury chloride exposure significantly reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, and platelet levels, indicating hematotoxicity. Co-administration with A. djalonensis, particularly at 150 mg/kg, significantly improved these hematological indices, suggesting a protective effect. The plant extracts also enhanced mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, indicating potential erythropoietic support.

Discordant Detection of Anti-Centromere Antibodies by Indirect Immunofluorescence and ELISA: A Case Report and Diagnostic Considerations

Mohammadreza Sheikh Sajjadieh

Anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) are most commonly identified by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp-2 cells, where they usually produce the characteristic centromere pattern (AC-3) associated with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. With the increasing routine use of solid-phase assays such as ELISA, situations arise in which assay results do not fully align. We report the case of a 75-year-old woman with features suggestive of systemic autoimmune disease whose ANA testing by IIF demonstrated a multiple nuclear dots pattern (AC-6) with elements resembling a CENP-F–like pattern (AC-14), rather than the classic centromere pattern. In contrast, solid-phase testing detected anti-centromere reactivity. This case illustrates how pattern recognition on IIF and antigen-specific assays may diverge and underscores the importance of interpreting serologic results within clinical context and across complementary laboratory platforms.

Trichomonas vaginalis and challenges to laboratory diagnosis: a narrative review

Hossein Hooshyar

Background and objectives: Trichomoniasis is considered as the most common non-viral sexually transmitted diseases globally. Early diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection has an important role in effective treatment and controlling the infection and interrupt of transmission chain. The present narrative review was carried out to gather new data and evaluate the challenges of available methods of laboratory of T. vaginalis diagnosis.
Methods: With a broad review of the published literature and electronic international databases such as ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar was conducted to find relevant data reporting on existing and newly developed diagnostic methods for the identification of trichomoniasis diagnostic techniques in both sexes and covered 2000 up to 2025. The benefit and limitation of these methods were compared.
Results: This review article demonstrated wet mount preparation and examination under a light microscope accompanied by staining methods are the most frequently used worldwide. However, the sensitivity of this method is low. Direct microscopy examination accompanied by culturing or staining is a good-performance diagnostic strategy. Moreover, molecular and immunological-based methods are recommended to be used as complementary tests.
Conclusion: Direct microscopy examination is an economical and rapid method. The fully automated PCR system for the simultaneous identification of the most common vaginal pathogens can be established as a diagnostic strategy in non-endemic areas and developed countries.