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In this article, we address a question that has been frequently asked: Why is the Iranian government unable to defeat the struggle by women against the compulsory hijab? What distinguishes women's resistance from other forms of freedom and justice movements? We address these questions by highlighting women's "resilient resistance" within the family domain as both flexible and sustainable. The article examines how the domestication of politics and the politicization of family have interconnected dynamics in Iran, as illustrated by the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement. It shows how women have shifted the Iranian family from a collaborator of oppressive patriarchal power to a more egalitarian structure to accommodate their protests against the compulsory hijab. As the catalysts for this change, they succeeded in discrediting the Islamic Republic's moral discourse based on the compulsory hijab as a manifestation of modesty for women. They also validated their own morality based on personal choice. Using ethnographic fieldwork, including participatory observation and in-depth interviews with movement participants, this paper shows how women's invisible yet significant resistance within the family has transformed this institution and profoundly affected the broader political landscape of Iran. It examines a unique case where social transformation drives larger political change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive emotion regulation and marital intimacy with the quality of life in women with breast cancer. Methods: This correlational study included female patients with stage 1 and 2 breast cancer who were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran in 1401 and 1402. A total of 151 women were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the Garnefski Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (2006), the Barozi Intimacy Needs Questionnaire (1997), and the Sprangers Quality of Life Questionnaire for Breast Cancer Patients (1996). Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis with SPSS software. Results: The results revealed a significant positive relationship between adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies and quality of life, and a significant negative relationship between maladaptive strategies and quality of life (p < 0.05). The components of marital intimacy showed a significant positive relationship with quality of life (p < 0.05). Multiple regression results indicated that cognitive emotion regulation strategies and marital intimacy significantly predicted the quality of life (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that individuals with better emotion regulation strategies experience a higher quality of life. Additionally, increased marital intimacy in rational, sexual, and spiritual dimensions can significantly impact quality of life. Therefore, interventions based on emotion regulation, couple therapy focused on increasing intimacy, and group therapy with peer groups are recommended for managing emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations in the cerebellum's morphology in Parkinson's disease (PD) point to its pathophysiological involvement in this movement disorder. Such abnormalities have previously been attributed to different PD motor subtypes. The aim of the study was to relate volumes of specific cerebellar lobules to motor symptom severity, in particular tremor (TR), bradykinesia/rigidity (BR), and postural instability and gait disorders (PIGD) in PD. We performed a volumetric analysis based on T1-weighted MRI images of 55 participants with PD (22 females, median age 65 years, Hoehn and Yahr stage 2). Multiple regression models were fitted to investigate associations between volumes of cerebellar lobules with clinical symptom severity based on MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) part III score and sub-scores for TR, BR, and PIGD; adjusted for age, sex, disease duration, and intercranial volume as cofactors. Smaller volume of lobule VIIb was associated with higher tremor severity (P = 0.004). No structure–function relationships were detected for other lobules or other motor symptoms. This distinct structural association denotes the involvement of the cerebellum in PD tremor. Characterizing morphological features of the cerebellum leads to a better understanding of its role in the spectrum of motor symptoms in PD and contributes further to identifying potential biological markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain imaging has significantly contributed to our understanding of the cerebellum being involved in recovery after non‐cerebellar stroke. Due to its connections with supratentorial brain networks, acute stroke can alter the function and structure of the contralesional cerebellum, known as crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD). Data on the spatially precise distribution of structural CCD and their implications for persistent deficits after stroke are notably limited. In this cross‐sectional study, structural MRI and clinical data were analyzed from 32 chronic stroke patients, at least 6 months after the event. We quantified lobule‐specific contralesional atrophy, as a surrogate of structural CCD, in patients and healthy controls. Volumetric data were integrated with clinical scores of disability and motor deficits. Diaschisis‐outcome models were adjusted for the covariables age, lesion volume, and damage to the corticospinal tract. We found that structural CCD was evident for the whole cerebellum, and particularly for lobules V and VI. Lobule VI diaschisis was significantly correlated with clinical scores, that is, volume reductions in contralesional lobule VI were associated with higher levels of disability and motor deficits. Lobule V and the whole cerebellum did not show similar diaschisis‐outcome relationships across the spectrum of the clinical scores. These results provide novel insights into stroke‐related cerebellar plasticity and might thereby promote lobule VI as a key area prone to structural CCD and potentially involved in recovery and residual motor functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Q.Clear algorithm is a fully convergent iterative image reconstruction technique. We hypothesize that different PET/CT scanners with distinct crystal properties will require different optimal settings for the Q.Clear algorithm. Many studies have investigated the improvement of the Q.Clear reconstruction algorithm on PET/CT scanner with LYSO crystals and SiPM detectors. We propose an optimum penalization factor (β) for the detection of rectal cancer and its metastases using a BGO-based detector PET/CT system which obtained via accurate and comprehensive phantom and clinical studies. Methods: 18F-FDG PET-CT scans were acquired from NEMA phantom with lesion-to-background ratio (LBR) of 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and 15 patients with rectal cancer. Clinical lesions were classified into two size groups. OSEM and Q.Clear (β value of 100–500) reconstruction was applied. In Q.Clear, background variability (BV), contrast recovery (CR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), SUVmax, and signal-to-background ratio (SBR) were evaluated and compared to OSEM. Results: OSEM had 11.5–18.6% higher BV than Q.Clear using β value of 500. Conversely, RC from OSEM to Q.Clear using β value of 500 decreased by 3.3–7.7% for a sphere with a diameter of 10 mm and 2.5–5.1% for a sphere with a diameter of 37 mm. Furthermore, the increment of contrast using a β value of 500 was 5.2–8.1% in the smallest spheres compared to OSEM. When the β value was increased from 100 to 500, the SNR increased by 49.1% and 30.8% in the smallest and largest spheres at LBR 2:1, respectively. At LBR of 8:1, the relative difference of SNR between β value of 100 and 500 was 43.7% and 44.0% in the smallest and largest spheres, respectively. In the clinical study, as β increased from 100 to 500, the SUVmax decreased by 47.7% in small and 31.1% in large lesions. OSEM demonstrated the least SUVmax, SBR, and contrast. The decrement of SBR and contrast using OSEM were 13.6% and 12.9% in small and 4.2% and 3.4%, respectively, in large lesions. Conclusions: Implementing Q.Clear enhances quantitative accuracies through a fully convergent voxel-based image approach, employing a penalization factor. In the BGO-based scanner, the optimal β value for small lesions ranges from 200 for LBR 2:1 to 300 for LBR 8:1. For large lesions, the optimal β value is between 400 for LBR 2:1 and 500 for LBR 8:1. We recommended β value of 300 for small lesions and β value of 500 for large lesions in clinical study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Messianic aspirations have been growing in Iran over the last two decades. With Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's coming to power in 2005 and his apocalyptic language including his claim to have direct connections with the hidden Imam, a noticeable shift took place in the religious and political orientation of the Islamic Republic. Does this flow represent a return to traditional Shiism or a break from it? In what way do Messianic aspirations challenge the Shiite theology of salvation and existing clerical rule? This paper attempts to answer these questions by examining popular Messianism and Mahdism (Mahdaviyyat). While popular Messianism is a redemptive political movement, Mahdism is a political project to reappropriate the popular imagination through the messianization of politics and hastening of the Parousia. Mahdism reveals a discursive turn in which the Iranian Revolution and the Islamic Republic are imagined as a prelude to the Parousia and the appearance of the Hidden Imam. Nevertheless, it resulted in the 'routinization of the Messiah'. The paper examines the Messianic imagination and the ways in which it challenges clerical rules and investigates the dilemma it poses for it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisited the effectiveness of state and entanglement transmission through a spin-chain-based quantum channel while altering the system parameters and the channel's initial state. Our research is focused on the spin-1/2 XX chain with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction and the aim is to measure entanglement dynamics between different part of the chain. The speed of entanglement propagation is utilized to probe the evolution of the system via three scenarios: (i) pure Heisenberg interaction, (ii) pure DM interaction, and (iii) collaboration of both types of couplings. To accomplish this, we employ the fermionization approach to obtain an exact solution to the problem. Aside from investigating the influence of magnetic interaction type on entanglement transfer, the effect of selecting the initial state has also been studied. As a result, we discovered that the phase factor regulating the system's initial state induces sharp drops in the propagation speed of entanglement. We also showed how to predict the location of these dramatic drops using the language of wave interference. In addition, the fastest transmission occurs at a special value of the phase factor in which the highest amount of entanglement reaches the system's different pairs. On the other hand, we observe a continuous and flat range of this factor in which the least amount of entanglement is transmitted and for them we have a sharp drop in the speed profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removing redundant features and improving classifier performance necessitates the use of meta-heuristic and deep learning (DL) algorithms in feature selection and classification problems. With the maturity of DL tools, many data-driven polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (POLSAR) representation models have been suggested, most of which are based on deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs). In this paper, we propose a hybrid approach of a new multi-objective binary chimp optimization algorithm (MOBChOA) and DCNN for optimal feature selection. We implemented the proposed method to classify POLSAR images from San Francisco, USA. To do so, we first performed the necessary preprocessing, including speckle reduction, radiometric calibration, and feature extraction. After that, we implemented the proposed MOBChOA for optimal feature selection. Finally, we trained the fully connected DCNN to classify the pixels into specific land-cover labels. We evaluated the performance of the proposed MOBChOA-DCNN in comparison with nine competitive methods. Our experimental results with the POLSAR image datasets show that the proposed architecture had a great performance for different important optimization parameters. The proposed MOBChOA-DCNN provided fewer features (27) and the highest overall accuracy. The overall accuracy values of MOBChOA-DCNN on the training and validation datasets were 96.89% and 96.13%, respectively, which were the best results. The overall accuracy of SVM was 89.30%, which was the worst result. The results of the proposed MOBChOA on two real-world benchmark problems were also better than the results with the other methods. Furthermore, it was shown that the MOBChOA-DCNN performed better than methods from previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This systematic review aims to summarize the mycological and clinical features of COVID-19-associated fungal infections (CAFIs) in Iran. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SID, Magiran, IranDoc, and Google Scholar were searched for Persian and English articles published from January 1, 2020, to November 5, 2021, using a systematic search strategy. Studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAFIs were included in the review. Results: Twenty-two studies comprising 169 patients were retrieved. Reported CAFIs included candidiasis (85, 50.30%), mucormycosis (35, 20.71%), aspergillosis (29, 17.16%), fusariosis (6, 3.55%), three cases caused by rare pathogens (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Diaporthe foeniculina, and Sarocladium kiliense) and 11 (6.51%) uncharacterized mold infections. The most common underlying diseases were diabetes (67/168, 39.88%), cardiovascular diseases (55/168, 32.74%), and hypertension (43/168, 25.59%). The use of antibiotics (111/124, 89.52%), corticosteroids (93/132, 70.44%), and mechanical ventilation (66, 51.16%) were the most common predisposing factors. Totally, 72 (50.35%) of 143 patients with CAFIs died (data were not available for 26 patients). Conclusion: Fungal infections are evident to be a complication of COVID-19 in Iran; thus, clinicians should consider them as a differential diagnosis, especially in patients with comorbidities and previous antibiotic or corticosteroid use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many cancer care services have safely been delivered via telehealth. Multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programmes can help address the complex physical, nutritional and quality of life needs of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer survivors, but it is unknown how well these multi-component programmes translate to a telehealth model of delivery. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility of running a 12-week exercise and nutrition rehabilitation programme for UGI cancer via telehealth. Participants found the telehealth model safe, convenient and highly satisfactory. Lower levels of technology skills were a barrier to recruitment, and some participants needed help with using the technology. Some adaptations to how the exercise programme was delivered were required. Participants recommended that future versions of the programme would have some element of in-person contact. Cancer survivors should receive all possible supports to enable their participation in telehealth programmes. Background: Telehealth has enabled access to rehabilitation throughout the pandemic. We assessed the feasibility of delivering a multi-disciplinary, multi-component rehabilitation programme (ReStOre@Home) to cancer survivors via telehealth. Methods: This single-arm mixed methods feasibility study recruited participants who had completed curative treatment for oesophago-gastric cancer for a 12-week telehealth rehabilitation programme, involving group resistance training, remotely monitored aerobic training, one-to-one dietetic counselling, one-to-one support calls and group education. The primary outcome was feasibility, measured by recruitment rates, attendance, retention, incidents, acceptability, Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) and analysis of semi-structured interviews. Results: Characteristics of the twelve participants were: 65.42 ± 7.24 years; 11 male; 10.8 ± 3.9 months post-op; BMI 25.61 ± 4.37; received neoadjuvant chemotherapy 7/12; received adjuvant chemotherapy 4/12; hospital length of stay 16 days (median). Recruitment rate was 32.4%, and retention rate was 75%. Mean attendance was: education 90%; dietetics 90%; support calls 84%; resistance training 78%. Mean TUQ score was 4.69/5. Adaptations to the planned resistance training programme were required. Participants reported that ReStOre@Home enhanced physical and psychological wellbeing, and online delivery was convenient. Some reported a preference for in-person contact but felt that the online group sessions provided adequate peer support. Conclusion: Telehealth delivery of ReStOre@Home was most feasible in individuals with moderate to high levels of digital skills. Low level of digitals skills was a barrier to recruitment and retention. Participants reported high levels of programme adherence and participant satisfaction. Adaptations to future programmes, including introducing elements of in-person contact, are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the importance of cancer as a major public health problem and increasing attention to its targeted treatment, investigation of novel options seems to be rational in order to diminish the side effects of routine existing therapeutic approaches, mainly caused by damage of the body’s normal cells as well as cancerous cells. Peptides are attractive options for the targeted delivery of various types of anti-cancer agents because of their small size, a simpler structure, and better tissue distribution and less immunogenicity in comparison to the antibodies, as well as lower accumulation in the vital organs and finally, more stability when compared to aptamers. In this paper, we surveyed a category of peptides with anti-microbial and anti-cancer effects due to their penetration ability to various target cells. Buforin is a well-known anti-microbial peptide with natural origin (obtained by pepsin-digesting of Histone H2A) which was used for the translocation of GFP to the cancer cells, for the first time. Since then, various natural or synthetic forms were introduced and used for the production of new bio-molecule discussed in the current review article. However, there is no evidence about clinical data of these designed Buforin-derivied bio-conjugates and it is a necessary to perform suitable pre-clinical and clinical studies to make a more accurate judgment about the use of these peptides as appropriate tools in the field of targeted cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effects of PMS50 supplementation on psychological symptoms in university students in Iran. Methods: This double‐blind clinical trial was conducted at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, between December 2018 and March 2019. Fifty female students with moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) randomly received either 550 mg/day of PMS50 (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25), starting from 1 week before till the end of menstruation for three consecutive menstrual cycles. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, physical activity level, and severity of PMS were assessed at baseline and post‐intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 22). Independent t test was used to compare the results between groups. Paired t test was used to compare the results within groups before and after study. Results: There was a significant improvement in psychological symptoms including depression, anger, feeling of hopelessness, desire to be alone, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and poor concentration observed in the intervention group compared with the control group post‐intervention. Restlessness was significantly reduced in both groups post‐intervention. The mean scores of low self‐esteem, change in appetite, and food cravings were decreased in both groups, but not significant between groups. Conclusion: PMS50 supplementation may be effective in improvement of psychological symptoms in PMS. Clinical Trial Registration No.: IRCT20181218042038 N1. Supplementation of PMS50 for three consecutive menstrual cycles significantly reduced psychological symptoms of PMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Celecoxib (CLX) as a low water-soluble drug has a limited bioavailability. • Supercritical CO 2 as an anti-solvent crystallization (SAS) were applied. • Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the effect parameters of the SAS. • The optimal SAS sample increased the solubility and dissolution rate of CLX. • The SAS produced the sponge like particles with decreased crystallinity. For dissolution enhancement of celecoxib (CLX), an anti-solvent crystallization technique in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was applied by either water (WAS), a conventional method, or supercritical CO 2 as anti-solvent (SAS). Box-Behnken design with the parameters of temperature (T), pressure (P), and time required to depressurize (t d) was applied to examine the effect of variables in the SAS process. In the SAS process, maximum dissolution (81.7 % after 90 min) and saturation solubility (8.6 μg/mL) were obtained when the T, P, and t d were 50 °C, 300 bar, and 20 min, respectively. Optimal SAS samples exhibited a higher dissolution rate compared to particles obtained by the WAS. The presence of PVP in the SAS sample increased the solubility of CLX by 2.7-fold in comparison to untreated CLX. The greater dissolution rate of the SAS sample could arise from the formation of sponge-like particles with increased porosity, crystallinity reduction, and increased CLX solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2017, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) provided a new guideline for hypertension prevention and management. We aimed to update the prevalence, awareness, control, and determinants of hypertension based on this guideline in Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran, and to estimate the number of people who are eligible for non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic intervention. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Khuzestan, a large province in the southwest of Iran. Comprehensive information about the potential relating factors of hypertension was collected, blood pressure was measured, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Moreover, the dietary pattern was evaluated in 2830 individuals, using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: Among 30,506 participants, 30,424 individuals aged 20–65 years were eligible for the study. In comparison with the previous guideline released by the Joint National Committee (JNC8), the prevalence of hypertension in Khuzestan dramatically increased from 15.81 to 42.85% after implementation of the ACC/AHA guideline, which was more dominant in the male population and the 45–54 age group. The sex and age adjustment of the hypertension prevalence was estimated to be 39.40%. The percentage of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were 45.85%, 35.42%, and 59.63%, which dropped to 22.72%, 26.37%, and 28.94% after implementation of new guideline, respectively. Conclusions: In the ACC/AHA guideline, a higher number of individuals with the pre-hypertension condition were shifted into the hypertension category and the level of awareness, treatment, and control were dramatically decreased, which highlight a great need to expand the public health infrastructure for further managing the substantial increased burden on healthcare system. However, further studies with population over 65 years are required to estimate the eligibility for antihypertensive treatment in this province after implementation of new guideline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2017, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) provided a new guideline for hypertension prevention and management. We aimed to update the prevalence, awareness, control, and determinants of hypertension based on this guideline in Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran, and to estimate the number of people who are eligible for non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic intervention. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Khuzestan, a large province in the southwest of Iran. Comprehensive information about the potential relating factors of hypertension was collected, blood pressure was measured, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Moreover, the dietary pattern was evaluated in 2830 individuals, using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: Among 30,506 participants, 30,424 individuals aged 20–65 years were eligible for the study. In comparison with the previous guideline released by the Joint National Committee (JNC8), the prevalence of hypertension in Khuzestan dramatically increased from 15.81 to 42.85% after implementation of the ACC/AHA guideline, which was more dominant in the male population and the 45–54 age group. The sex and age adjustment of the hypertension prevalence was estimated to be 39.40%. The percentage of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were 45.85%, 35.42%, and 59.63%, which dropped to 22.72%, 26.37%, and 28.94% after implementation of new guideline, respectively. Conclusions: In the ACC/AHA guideline, a higher number of individuals with the pre-hypertension condition were shifted into the hypertension category and the level of awareness, treatment, and control were dramatically decreased, which highlight a great need to expand the public health infrastructure for further managing the substantial increased burden on healthcare system. However, further studies with population over 65 years are required to estimate the eligibility for antihypertensive treatment in this province after implementation of new guideline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trifluralin is one of the most widely used herbicides, being accounted as the cause of cancer in human. In the present research, the UV/S2O82− and ZnO/UV processes' efficiency in the removal of trifluralin was investigated. A lab scale equipped with a UV lamp was applied. The parameters were studied, including initial trifluralin concentration (0.4–1.2 mg/L), contact time (20–60 min), S2O82− concentration (20–60 μM), and ZnO concentration (50–150 mg/L). The remained trifluralin concentration was measured by HPLC. This study proved the trifluralin removal of 92.90 ± 1.6% and 87.91 ± 19.22% for UV/S2O82− and UV/ZnO processes in the best operation conditions (contact time of 60 min, the persulfate concentration of 40 μM, and the ZnO concentration of 100 mg/L). The optimal trifluraline concentrations were 1.2 mg/L and 0.6 mg/L for UV/S2O82− and UV/ZnO processes, respectively. In both processes, the removal efficiency of trifluralin increased significantly with increasing contact time. The findings exhibited that both processes UV/S2O82− and UV/ZnO followed the zero-order kinetic. The electrical energy consumed of UV/S2O82 and UV/ZnO was about 43.95 and 20.41 Kwh/kg, respectively. The results show that UV/S2O82− and ZnO/UV processes were appropriate as the effective treatment method for trifluralin removal. Therefore, it is proposed to study the performance of these processes as an environmentally friendly practice in full scale with real wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-3 (TIM-3)/galectin-9 (Gal-9) autocrine loop is an indispensable signaling in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, which induces their self-renewal through activation of nuclear factor-kappa b (NF-kB) and β-catenin pathways. In this study, we evaluated the effects of oridonin and doxorubicin on the TIM-3/Gal-9 autocrine loop. We also evaluated oridonin anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties on U937 cells, as an AML cell line in comparison to doxorubicin as a common anthracycline drug for AML treatment. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was applied to evaluate the cytotoxicity of oridonin and doxorubicin on U937 cells and also to determine the impact of galectin-9 (Gal-9) on their proliferation. The effects of oridonin and doxorubicin on Gal-9, TIM-3, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene expression were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The Gal-9 secretion level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and activation of NF-kB pathway was assessed by western blotting. In a dose-dependent manner, oridonin and doxorubicin were capable to eradicate U937 cells while Gal-9 expanded them. Following the treatment of U937 cells with oridonin, the expression of Gal-9, TIM-3, and IL-1β genes was down-regulated, and the Gal-9 secretion and NF-kB phosphorylation were diminished, whereas doxorubicin increased all of these factors. Doxorubicin is a common treatment agent in AML, but it may induce inflammation and upregulate the TIM3/Gal-9 autocrine loop, consequently can enhance the possibility of disease relapse. Meanwhile, oridonin is capable to inhibit the essential signaling pathways in AML cells and reduce the inflammation and expansion of tumor cells and postpone AML recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tools for tuning transcription in mammalian cells have broad applications, from basic biological discovery to human gene therapy. While precise control over target gene transcription via dosing with small molecules (drugs) is highly sought, the design of such inducible systems that meets required performance metrics poses a great challenge in mammalian cell synthetic biology. Important characteristics include tight and tunable gene expression with a low background, minimal drug toxicity, and orthogonality. Here, we review small-molecule-inducible transcriptional control devices that have demonstrated success in mammalian cells and mouse models. Most of these systems employ natural or designed ligand-binding protein domains to directly or indirectly communicate with transcription machinery at a target sequence, via carefully constructed fusions. Example fusions include those to transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), DNA-targeting proteins (e.g. dCas systems) fused to transactivating domains, and recombinases. Similar to the architecture of Type I nuclear receptors, many of the systems are designed such that the transcriptional controller is excluded from the nucleus in the absence of an inducer. Techniques that use ligand-induced proteolysis and antibody-based chemically induced dimerizers are also described. Collectively, these transcriptional control devices take advantage of a variety of recently developed molecular biology tools and cell biology insights and represent both proof of concept (e.g. targeting reporter gene expression) and disease-targeting studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): 4-aminosalicylic acid (4-ASA) is an isomer of mesalazine that has recently been shown to be effective against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and more specifically, ulcerative colitis. However, the majority of orally administered 4-ASA is readily and extensively absorbed from the stomach and small intestine, so only a small amount is transported to the colon. A mutual ester and azo prodrug of 4-ASA was synthesized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dimethylaniline, respectively , to overcome this issue. Materials and Methods: The 4-ASA prodrug was synthesized via a two-step process and then characterized by 1H-NMR. The stability of the prodrug was evaluated in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). Furthermore, the in vitro release profiles of the drug conjugate was evaluated at pH 1.2, as well as pH 6.8 in the absence or presence of rat cecal content. Results: The prepared prodrug was stable at pH 1.2, indicating that it could be protected from the acidic environment of the stomach. Also, the results of drug release at pH 6.8 showed that the amount of 4-ASA released was 63% within 12 hr in the absence of rat cecal content, while in the presence of rat cecal content, 97% of 4-ASA was released from the prodrug in 6 hr. Conclusion: Overall, the synthesized PEGylated azo-based 4-ASA prodrug could be a potential candidate for targeted drug delivery to the inflamed gut tissue in IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to phenolic and fructose content, honey may be a suitable sweetener for patients with type 2 diabetes. However, its effect on oxidative and inflammatory status of diabetes patients is not clear. We aimed to investigate the effect of natural honey on some of oxidative, inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory markers of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In a randomized controlled cross-over trial, 43 patients with type 2 diabetes were allocated to isocaloric conditions with either dietary recommendations (control) or natural honey (50 g/day) plus dietary recommendations (honey) for 8 weeks with one month washout period in between. Serum lipids, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and adiponectin levels were measured at baseline and the end of each sequence. Results: Malondialdehyde (10.9%, P = 0.01), hs-C reactive protein (10.6%, P = 0.003), and adiponectin (7.1%, P < 0.001) concentrations significantly decreased in honey condition. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (16.8%, P < 0.001) significantly decreased in control and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) significantly increased in both conditions. Between-group differences were only statistically significant for adiponectin (P = 0.005) and LDL-C (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Consumption of 50 g/day honey had adverse effects on LDL-C and adiponectin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Honey may need to be consumed with caution in type 2 diabetes patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction & Objective: In the mandibular posterior region, there are several vital anatomical structures, including the lower canal and lower alveolar nerve, chin hole and submandibular gland fossa. The sub mandibular gland fossa is in fact a dentin at the lingual plate of mandible trunks below the line of myloicheidoid and there is submandibular salivary gland. Damage to the arteries of the mouth, and paresthesia in the affection to the lower canal and lower alveolar nerves, can be as a result of perforation into the cavity. The prevention of these problems during implanting is the primary goal of the surgeon, which is carried out through a clinical examination and accurate radiography examination of the patient. The aim of this study was to investigate the submucosal cavity displacement by CBCT in patients referred to oral and oral radiology center in Yasuj 2017-2018. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 70 samples of low oral images were selected from the archives of the Radiology Center. The deepest part of the submandibular cavity was then determined in the insert. It was then measured in the cross-sectional view by the OnDemand3D digital ruler. Also, the distance between the mandibular canal and the cavity was measured by a digital ruler. Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 23 using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution) and analytical (T-test) and correlation) were analyzed. Results: The results of this study showed that the mean submandibular cavity depth of the right side was 2.08 ± 0.73 mm and the left side was 2 ± 0.65 mm. Depth of right subendibular cavity of most specimens (72.8%) is below 2.5 mm. On the left side, the majority of samples (82.9%) were less than 2.5 mm. The mean gap between the right mandibular canal and the left mandibular canal was 1.94 ± 1.8 mm and 1.73 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. The mean cavity distance to the right crest ridge was 13.8 ± 3.2 mm and the mean cavity to left crest ridge was 14 ± 3.7 mm. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that considering the anatomical diversity of the submandibular cavity in depth, the distance between the cavity and the mandibular canal, and the distance from the cavity to the crust of the alveolar ridge, a precise radiographic examination of the area to prevent Complications and complications during implant surgery are very important. According to the results obtained from CBCT imaging studies, considering the quality of imaging, its accuracy and resolution in detecting and determining, the position of the depth of the submandibular cavity, the cavity gap to the ridge crests, and the cavity-to-canal spacing Mandibular has a very high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi are characterized as microorganisms found within internal tissues of living plants without any immediate, overtly negative effects. The present study was carried out to isolate, taxonomically characterize and determine the spatiotemporal distribution of endophytic fungi associated with leaf, stem, trunk, and root of mandarin (Citrus reticulata cv. Siyahoo). To do so, the sampling program was done seasonally in four geographically isolated mandarin growing areas of Hormozgan province of Iran, including Siyahoo, Ahmadi, Sikhoran, and Roudan. In total, 702 fungal isolates were obtained from leaf, stem, trunk, and root of healthy mandarin trees divided into 26 distinct morphotypes based on morphological characteristics. The morphotypes were taxonomically characterized through phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS4 rDNA region sequences. Accordingly, 10 different fungal orders from 5 fungal classes were identified, i.e., Saccharomycetes (Saccharomycetales), Eurotiomycetes (Eurotiales), Dothideomycetes (Capnodiales, Pleosporales, Dothideales), and Sordariomycetes (Diaporthales, Hypocreales, Microascales, Togniniales), all from Ascomycota, which represented 97.2% and Ustilaginomycetes (Ustilaginales) from Basidiomycota which represented 2.8% of the isolates. The Aureobasidium pullulans, Penicillium citrinum, and Dothideomycetes sp. were the most frequent isolates. The trunk and leaf showed the highest and lowest total colonization frequency and species richness of endophytic fungi, respectively, in all sampling periods. The results showed that the colonization frequency of endophytes in Hormozgan province was higher in autumn than that in spring, winter, and summer. The trunk showed the maximum diversity of endophytes over all seasons. The Shannon-Wiener (H′) and Simpson indices had significant correlation with sampling cites and tissue type and the maximum value of Shannon and Simpson indices (H′ = 3.05 and 1 − D = 0.94) was found in the specimens collected from Siyahoo. In conclusion, the three factors (season, location, and tissue type) all in together could determine fungal endophyte composition of C. reticulata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the environmental health assessment framework of the United State Environmental Protection Agency, a quantitative health risk assessment of arsenic in contaminated drinking water in a city in the northwest of Iran has been carried out. In the exposure assessment step, arsenic concentrations in drinking water were determined during four seasons. In addition, the water ingestion rate for different age groups in this region was determined. The concentration of arsenic in 163 collected samples from different locations during four seasons ranged from 0 to 99 μg L−1. Furthermore, a high percentage of the samples manifested higher levels than the permissible limit of 10 μg L−1. The total daily water intake rates of four age groups 1 to <2 (group 1), 2 to <6 (group 2), 6 to <16 (group 3), and ≥16 years (group 4) were estimated as 0.86, 1.49, 2.00, and 2.33 L day−1, respectively. Calculating the lifetime average daily dose of arsenic indicated that adults (group 4) had the highest and children (group 1) had the lowest daily intake of arsenic in their entire life. The results of risk characteristic showed that the order of excess lifetime cancer risk via arsenic exposure in the four groups was 4 > 3 > 2 > 1. The estimated risks for all age groups were higher than the acceptable range (1E−6 to 1E−4). The hazard quotient values for all of the classified groups were lower than the recommended limit values (<1), but it cannot be concluded that potential non-carcinogenicity risks are non-existent since the possible exposure to arsenic via food and skin may also pose the risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin is one of the most useful chemotherapeutics which performs its cytotoxic effect via accumulation of platinum resulting in oxidative stress, and destruction of cell DNA. This could probably cause secondary cancers in healthy tissues. Lipocalin2 (Lcn2) is a protein which its expression is increased in oxidative stresses. Therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate the protective effects of Lcn2 up-regulation on cisplatin genotoxicity. In order to up-regulate Lcn2 expression, HEK293 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.1-Lcn2 vector. Afterwards, stable cells consistently expressing Lcn2 were selected via screening with G418 antibiotic. Next, overexpression of Lcn2 was evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA, comparing to the control non-transfected cells. Then, in order to evaluate the cytoprotective effects of Lcn2 overexpression, transfected and non-transfected cells were subjected to cisplatin treatment followed by MTT and alkaline Comet assays. RT-PCR and ELISA assays confirmed upregulation of Lcn2 by the stable cells. MTT assay of the Lcn2 over-expressing cells showed higher IC50 values comparing to the non-transfected cells. Furthermore, the Comet assay confirmed Lcn2 protective effects on the cisplatin (1 µg/mL) induced genotoxicity. In the present study, for the first time, we showed the protective effect of Lcn2 on cisplatin induced genotoxicity. Therefore, one of the probable mechanisms of Lcn2 cytoprotctive effects under oxidative stress conditions could be due to the prevention of genotoxicity. However, further evaluations in this regard must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The aim of this study was to evaluate and optimize the combination of time and pH-dependent polymers as a single coating for the design of the colon-specific drug delivery system of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) pellets. 5-ASA matrix pellets with a 70% drug load were prepared by the extrusion-spheronization method. The optimal coating formula which included Eudragit S (ES) + Eudragit L (EL) + Ethylcellulose (EC) was predicted for the targeted drug delivery to the colonic area by a 32 factorial design. The ratio of ES:EL:EC and coating level were considered as independent variables while the responses were the release of less than 10% of the drug within 2 h (Y 1), the release of 60–70% within 10 h at pH 6.8 (Y 2) and lag time of less than 1 h at pH 7.2 (Y 3). Also, 5-ASA layered pellets were prepared by the powder layering of 5-ASA on nonpareils (0.4–0.6 mm) in a fluidized bed coater and then coated with the same optimum coating composition. The coated 5-ASA layered or matrix pellets were tested in a rat model of ulcerative colitis (UC) and compared with the commercial form of 5-ASA pellets (Pentasa®). The ratio of ES:EL:EC of 33:52:15 w/w at a coating level of 7% was discovered as the optimum coating for the delivery of 5-ASA matrix pellets to the colon. The coated 5-ASA pellets were spherical with uniform coating as shown by SEM and met all of our release criteria as predicted. In-vivo studies demonstrated that the optimum 5-ASA layered or matrix pellets had superior anti-inflammatory activities than Pentasa® in terms of colitis activity index (CAI), colon damage score (CDS), colon/body weight ratio and colon's tissue enzymes of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The optimum coating formulation showed a high potential for colonic delivery of 5-ASA layered or matrix pellets and triggered drug release based on pH and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a class of three parameter static and axially symmetric metrics that reduce to the Janis–Newman–Winicour (JNW) and γ -metrics in certain limits of the parameters. We obtain rotating form of the metrics that are asymptotically flat, stationary and axisymmetric. In certain values of the parameters, the solutions represent the rotating JNW metric, rotating γ -metric and Bogush–Gal'tsov (BG) metric. The singularities of rotating metrics are investigated. Using the light-ring method, we obtain the quasi normal modes (QNMs) related to rotating metrics in the eikonal limit. Finally, we investigate the precession frequency of a test gyroscope in the presence of the rotating metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burden of cancer is increasing in developing countries, where healthcare infrastructures and resources are limited. Evaluating the pattern of care would provide evidence for planning and improvement of the situation. Materials and Methods: We studied the pattern of residential place and clinical information of cancer patients who were admitted to the Cancer Institute of Iran from January 1, to May 31, 2012. Results: We studied 1,705 consecutive cancer patients admitted to the Cancer Institute in the study period. The most common cancers were breast (29.2%), colorectal (9.0%), stomach (8.3%), head & neck (8.0%) and esophageal (3.8%) cancers. Radiotherapy was the main treatment (52.1 %) followed by chemotherapy (43.8%) and surgery (29.1 %). We found that 60% of the patients presented in the loco-regional or advanced stages. About 35% of patients travelled from other provinces mainly from Mazandaran (13.4%), Lorestan (10.6%), Zanjan (7.8%) and Ghazvin (6.6%). On average, the cancer patients travelled about 455 kilometers to receive care in the cancer institute. We found more than 38% patients who were referred from other provinces had an early stage tumor. Conclusion: Establishment of comprehensive cancer centers in different geographical regions and implementation of a proper referral system for advanced cancer patients is needed to improve the patient outcomes and mitigate the burden of travel of patients for cancer care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monolith reactors are widely used as catalytic converters in the automobile industry. In these reactors, the geometry of the channels can be accommodated to the requirements of the specific application. Selective reduction of NO x by ammonia which takes place during the flow of the flue gas through a honeycomb reactor was investigated in this work. The reactants pass through the channels of the reactor and diffused into the washcoat of V 2 O 5 /TiO 2 catalyst. In the present work, one-, two- and three-dimensional models for these reactors were considered and compared. In two- and three-dimensional models, equations of continuity and momentum were solved simultaneously. Using these models, effect of geometry and shape of channels on NO x reduction was investigated. Different channel geometries, including circular, hexagonal, square and triangular, were considered. Also, effects of important operating parameters, such as temperature, porosity of the washcoat layer and its thickness on the conversion in the reactor were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology as a novel and practical technology was studied for treatment of saline petrochemical wastewater. Membrane fouling and permeability, mixed liquor properties such as change of flock size, and effluent characteristics of MBR were measured in presence of various salt concentrations in the feed. The results showed that the increasing the salinity reduced cake layer, total membrane resistances and increased the membrane permeability and sludge particle size. Also, COD removal efficiencies were up to 91% in all trials. These results indicate that the MBR was highly efficient for treating saline petrochemical wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Curcumin with a vast number of pharmacological activities is a poorly water soluble drug which its oral bioavailability is profoundly limited by its dissolution or solubility in GI tract. Curcumin could be a good anticancer drug if its solubility could be increased. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to increase the dissolution rate of curcumin by employing antisolvent crystallization technique and to investigate the effect of polyvinyl pyrrolidone K30 (PVP) as colloidal particles in crystallization medium on resultant particles. Curcumin was crystalized in the presence of different amounts of PVP by antisolvent crystallization method and their physical mixtures were prepared for comparison purposes. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The solubility and dissolution of the treated and untreated curcumin were also determined. Antisolvent crystallization of curcumin led to the formation of particles with no definite geometric shape. It was interesting to note that the DSC and XRPD studies indicated the formation of a new polymorph and less crystallinity for particles crystallized in the absence of PVP. However, the crystallized curcumin in the presence of PVP was completely amorphous. All crystalized curcumin samples showed much higher dissolution rate compared to untreated curcumin. The amount of curcumin dissolved within 10 for treated curcumin in the presence of PVP (1:1 curcumin:PVP) was 7 times higher than untreated curcumin and this enhancement in the dissolution for curcumin samples crystallized in the absence of PVP was around 5 times. Overall‚ the results of this study showed that antisolvent crystallization method in the absence or presence of small amounts of PVP is very efficient in increasing the dissolution rate of curcumin to achieve better efficiency for curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of loquat seed germination, seedling growth was investigated using seed priming technique. The experiment was conducted in completely random design with 3 replications and 24 seeds in each replication. Treatments were different solutions of sodium chloride and potassium nitrate with electrical conductivity of 0, 4, 8, 12 and dS m-1. The results showed that the highest germination percentage (83%) gained in 8 dS m-1 NaCl solution. The NaCl primed seeds showed higher stem length, root and shoot dry weight than control. The primid seedlings were transferred into a closed hydro culture system containing different level of salinity to assisset their salt tolerance. The activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and ascorbite peroxidase were enhanced in salt-stressed condition. Pre-treated seedlings had also higher proline content than control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesicles of mPEG-PLGA block copolymer were developed to deliver a therapeutic quantity of doxorubicin (DOX) for breast cancer treatment. The DOX-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the pH-gradient method and then evaluated in terms of morphology, size, DOX encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release mechanism. The PEG-PLGA nanopolymersomes were 134 ± 1.2 nm spherical NPs with a narrow size distribution (PDI = 0.121). DOX was entrapped in mPEG-PLGA nanopolymersomes with an encapsulation efficiency and a loading content of 91.25 ± 4.27% and 7.3 ± 0.34%, respectively. The DOX-loaded nanopolymersomes were found to be stable, demonstrating no significant change in particle size and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) during the 6-month storage period of the lyophilized powder at 4 °C. The nanopolymersomes sustained the release of DOX. In cytotoxicity studies of 4T1 cell line samples, free DOX showed a higher cytotoxicity (IC50 = 1.76 μg/mL) than did DOX-loaded nanopolymersomes (15.82 μg/mL) in vitro. In order to evaluate the antitumor efficacy and biodistribution of DOX-loaded nanopolymersomes, murine breast tumors were established on the BALB/c mice, and in vivo studies were performed. The obtained results demonstrated that the prepared drug delivery system was highly effective against a murine breast cancer tumor model and successfully accumulated in the tumor site through an enhanced permeation and retention mechanism. In vivo studies also proved that DOX-loaded nanopolymersomes are stable in blood circulation and could be considered a promising and effective DOX delivery system for breast cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The copolymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyesters has many interesting properties, such as amphiphilicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and self-assembly in an aqueous environment. Diblock copolymers of PEG-polyester can form different structures such as micelles, polymersome, capsules or micro-container in an aqueous environment according to the length of their blocks. Materials and Methods: Herein, a series of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and PEG diblock copolymers were synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization. The polymerization reaction and the copolymer structures were evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The corresponding copolymers were implemented for the formation of polymersome structures using film rehydration method. Impact of methoxy PEG chain length and hydrophobic weight fraction on particle size of polymersomes were studied, and the proper ones were selected for loading of doxorubicin (DOX) via pH gradient method. Results and Discussion: Results obtained from ¹HNMR and GPC revealed that microwave irradiation is a simple and reliable method for the synthesis of PEG-PLA copolymers. Further analysis indicated the copolymer with relative molecular weight of PLA to PEG ratios of 3 or fEo ~ 25% produced the smallest size polymersomes. Polymersomes prepared from PEG5000 to PLA15000 were more capable in loading and sustained release of DOX than those prepared from PEG2000 to PLA6000. Conclusion: In conclusion copolymers of PEG/PLA with fOE ~25% and relatively higher molecular weight are more suitable for encapsulation and providing sustained release of DOX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study constructed an anthropometric data bank for the Iranian working population. In total, thirty-seven body dimensions were measured among 3720 Iranian workers with different ethnicities (3000 male and 720 female; aged 20–60 years). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences for most of body dimensions among the ethnical groups. Moreover, the authors compared Iranian anthropometric characteristics with those of four Asian populations: Taiwanese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Overall, 16 body dimensions for the five Asian populations were selected and compared. Accordingly, different morphological characteristics of these five populations were observed. The Iranian population showed wide shoulders and hips and long legs; the Chinese population showed narrow hips and shoulders and a short height relative to the other populations. The Korean sample recorded moderate body size comparing the other populations. The Taiwanese had large hands, relatively wide shoulders and short upper limbs. These differences in population dimensions should be taken into consideration for product and process design when expanding regional markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with characterization of dispersions of a poorly water-soluble drug, celecoxib (CLX) in polyvinyl caprolactame-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (Soluplus® (SOL)) prepared by different techniques. Dispersions of CLX in SOL at different ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 and 1:6) were prepared by spray drying, conventional solvent evaporation and melting methods. The solid states of samples were characterized using particle size measurements, optical and scanning electron microscopy, XRPD, DSC and FT-IR. The Gordon-Taylor equation was used to predict the Tg of samples and the possibility of interaction between CLX and SOL. The solubility and dissolution rate of all samples were determined. Stability of samples was studied at ambient conditions for a period of 12 months. DSC and XRPD analyses confirmed amorphous state of drug in samples. Surprisingly dispersions of CLX:SOL with the ratio of 2:1 and 1:1 showed slower dissolution rate than CLX while other samples showed higher dissolution rate. At 1:2 ratio the spray dried samples exhibited higher dissolution rate than corresponding samples prepared by other methods. However at higher SOL content (1:4 and 1:6), samples prepared by different methods showed similar dissolution profiles. The stability studies showed that there were no remarkable changes in the dissolution profiles and solid state of the drug after 12 months storage at ambient conditions. It was concluded that SOL was a proper carrier to enhance the dissolution rate of CLX. At high SOL ratios the method of preparation of dispersed samples had no effect on dissolution rate, whilst at low SOL content spray drying was more efficient method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor solubility and dissolution of hydrophobic drugs have become a major challenge in pharmaceutical development. Drug nanoparticles have been widely accepted to overcome this problem. The aim of this study was to manufacture celecoxib nanoparticles using antisolvent precipitation and high pressure homogenization techniques in the presence of varying concentrations of soluplus ® as a hydrophilic stabilizer. Antisolvent crystallization followed by freeze drying (CRS-FD) and antisolvent crystallization followed by high pressure homogenization and freeze drying (HPH-FD) were used to obtain celecoxib nanoparticles. The obtained nanoparticles were analyzed in terms of particle size, saturation solubility, morphology (optical and scanning electron microscopy), solid state (DSC, XRPD and FT-IR) and dissolution behavior. The results showed that celecoxib nanoparticle can be obtained when soluplus was added to the crystallization medium. In addition, the results showed that the concentration of soluplus and the method used to prepare nanoparticles can control the size and dissolution of celecoxib. Samples obtained in the presence of 5% soluplus through HPH technique showed an excellent dissolution (90%) within 4 min. It is interesting to note that celecoxib samples with high crystallinity showed better dissolution than those celecoxib samples with high amorphous content, although they had the same concentration of soluplus. DSC and XRPD proved that samples obtained via HPH technique are more crystalline than the samples obtained through only antisolvent crystallization technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major challenges in pharmaceutical development is the poor dissolution performance of drugs. Celecoxib (CLX) is a poorly water soluble drug with its bioavailability being limited by its poor dissolution. In this study several particle engineering methods were employed on CLX using various ratios of CLX:PVP-K30. Micro/nanoparticles of CLX:PVP were prepared by using spray drying (SD), antisolvent crystallization followed by freeze drying (CRS-FD) and spray drying (CRS-SD) techniques. The suspension obtained through antisolvent crystallization was also subjected to high pressure homogenization followed by freeze drying (HPH-FD). Particle size measurements, saturation solubility, optical and scanning electron microscopy, DSC, XRPD, FT-IR and dissolution test were performed to characterize the physicochemical and pharmaceutical properties of the samples. The results showed that spray dried samples in the presence of (50%) PVP produced spherical particles and exhibited a high dissolution rate. Interestingly in the antisolvent crystallization technique, spherical nanoparticles of drug-PVP were obtained in the range of 291–442 nm. The average particle size was dependent on the concentration of the PVP used during the crystallization process. Solid state analysis showed that these particles were completely amorphous in nature. Also interesting to note was that at concentration of 5% PVP, when the suspension of nanoparticles was subjected to the high pressure homogenization process, the crystallinity of CLX increased. Despite the partial crystallinity of particles produced, they showed excellent dissolution behavior. It can thus be concluded that the method of preparation of CLX micro/nanoparticles had a big impact on the dissolution rate when the concentration of PVP was low (e.g., 5%). At high PVP concentration (e.g., 50%) all methods used to prepare engineered CLX particles showed better dissolution with no significant differences in their dissolution efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the changes in plant growth, lipid peroxidation, protein content and activities of antioxidant enzymes in loquat seedlings subjected to NaCl stress and 24-epibrassinolide (24-EBL) application were investigated. Plants were treated with 5 levels of salt (0.5, 2, 4, 6 and 8 dS m-1) and 4 levels of 24-epibrassinolide solution (0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg L-1). Salinity decreased growth, catalase activity and total protein concentrations and increased superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities, electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde synthesis. The plant growth, activities of antioxidative enzymes and protein content increased in 24-epibrassinolide-treated plants in comparison with non-treated plants. Leaf cell electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde synthesis reduced by exogenous application of 24-epibrassinolide under saline conditions. Our results suggest that 24-epibrassinolide application under salt stress conditions alters the equilibrium between free radical production and enzymatic defence reactions in loquat by enhancing the protein content and free radical scavenging capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Solid dispersion formulation is the most promising strategy to improve oral bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) and poloxamer-188 (PLX) as carrier in solid dispersion formulations of celecoxib (CLX). Materials and Methods: Solid dispersions of CLX:PVP or CLX:PLX were prepared at different ratios (2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:6) by solvent evaporation and melting methods, respectively. The characterization of samples was performed using differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), X-Ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The Gordon-Taylor equation was used to estimate the Tg of solid dispersion systems and the possibility of the interaction between CLX and PVP. Also, the dissolution rate of all samples was determined. Results: DSC and XRPD analyses confirmed the presence of amorphous state of drug in solid dispersion systems. FT-IR studies showed CLX could participate in hydrogen bonding with PVP whilst no specific interaction between CLX and PLX was observed. Both PVP and PLX enhanced the dissolution rate of drug in solid dispersion samples. The dissolution rate was dependent on the ratio of drug: carrier. Interestingly, the solid dispersion samples of PLX at 2:1 and 1:1 drug: carrier showed slower dissolution rate than pure CLX, whilst these results were not observed for PVP. Conclusion: The effect of PVP on dissolution rate enhancement was more pronounced compared to the other carrier. Having a higher Tg and more effect on dissolution rate, PVP could be considered as a more suitable carrier compared to PLX in solid dispersion formulation of CLX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): This study was performed aiming to investigate the effect of particle engineering via spray drying of hydroalcoholic solution on solid states and physico-mechanical properties of acetaminophen. Materials and Methods: Spray drying of hydroalcoholic solution (25% v/v ethanol/water) of acetaminophen (5% w/v) in the presence of small amounts of polyninylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP) (0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5% w/w based on acetaminophen weight) was carried out. The properties of spray dried particles namely morphology, surface characteristics, particle size, crystallinity, dissolution rate and compactibility were evaluated. Results: Spray drying process significantly changed the morphology of acetaminophen crystals from acicular (rod shape) to spherical microparticle. Differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) and x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) studies ruled out any polymorphism in spray dried samples, however, a major reduction in crystallinity up to 65%, especially for those containing 5% w/w PVP was observed. Spray dried acetaminophen particles especially those obtained in the presence of PVP exhibited an obvious improvement of the dissolution and compaction properties. Tablets produced from spray dried samples exhibited excellent crushing strengths and no tendency to cap. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that spray drying of acetaminophen from hydroalcoholic solution in the presence of small amount of PVP produced partially amorphous particles with improved dissolution and excellent compaction properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms during the luteal phase that resolve with the onset of menstruation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PMS50 supplementation on emotional symptoms in students of AJUMS, Iran. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 50 students with PMS residing at dormitories of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, between December 2018 and March 2019. Participants were randomly divided to intervention and control groups (n=25) received either PMS50 supplement or placebo (550 mg/day), from one week before till the end of menstruation for three menstrual cycles. Anthropometric indices, physical activity, dietary intake and severity of PMS were evaluated before and post-intervention. Independent t test was used to compare variables between groups and paired t test was used to compare variables within groups before and post-study (SPSS version 22). P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: After three months, a significant reduction was observed in emotional symptoms specifically mood swings, depression, nervousness, irritability, desire to be alone, anxiety, feeling of hopelessness and poor concentration in the intervention group compared with the control group (P<0.05). Restlessness was significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference observed between the two groups regarding the scores of food cravings, change in appetite and self-esteem (P=0.05). Conclusion: PMS50 supplementation may be effective in improvement of emotional symptoms in PMS with no side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s) The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of production of ibuprofen pellets with high amount of rate retarding polymer by aid of PEG400 as plasticizer. Materials and Methods Polyethylene glycol (PEG400) in concentrations of 1, 3 or 5% w/w with respect to Eudragit RL was used in production of pellets containing 60% ibuprofen and 40% excipient (2% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), 7.6 or 0% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and 30.4 or 38% Eudragit RL). Physicomechanical and release properties of pellets were evaluated. Results In presence of PEG400, formulations containing 30.4% Eudragit RL and 7.6% MCC could easily form pellets. In formulations without any MCC pellets were obtained only in presence of 3 or 5% PEG400. Pellets containing MCC with 0 or 1% PEG400 showed brittle properties but those with 3% or 5% PEG400 showed plastic nature under pressure. Elastic modulus dramatically decreased with increasing PEG400 indicating softening of pellets. This was due to shift of Eudragit structure from glassy to rubbery state which was supported by DSC studies. Mean dissolution time (MDT) increased with addition of 1 or 3% PEG400 but this was not the case for pellets with 5% PEG400. Conclusion Overall PEG400 is a potential plasticizer in production of pellets based on Eudragit RL and ibuprofen. The ease in process of extrusion-spheronization, increasing the mean dissolution time and change in mechanical properties of pellets from brittle to plastic behavior were advantages of using PEG400. Changes in mechanical properties of pellets are important when pellets are intended to be compressed as tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homa Hoodfar and Fatemeh Sadeghi look at how the women's movement built their base and strength in the 2000s in the face of a highly charged and politicized post-revolutionary Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, cold atmospheric-pressure plasma treatments (5 and 10 kV for 4–20 min) were used for the modification of Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum (LPSG). The content of carbonyl and carboxyl groups, as well as the water-solubility of LPSG increased after the plasma treatments; however, the numbers of surface hydroxyl groups decreased when 5kVplasma was used. Molecular weight and polydispersity index of LPSG significantly increased after exposure to the air plasma at 5 kV, whereas a significant decrease in molecular weight and a significant increase in polydispersity was observed with increase in the plasma voltage and treatment time. The molecular conformation of LPSG changed to a more disordered or less ordered form when higher plasma voltage was used. Results demonstrated that cleavage of C–O–C as well as formation of C–O–C bonds occurred during plasma treatments. The elastic components were always higher than the viscous one meaning that all native LPSG and modified gums dispersions had weak gel characteristics. However, plasma treated gums at 5 kV had stronger intertwined network than the native gum. Meanwhile, the viscoelasticity of treated LPSG at 10 kV was weaker than the native one. All modified and unmodified LPSGs dispersions revealed pseudoplastic flow behavior. 5 kV treated samples displayed higher apparent viscosity, while lower values of apparent viscosity was achieved after plasma treatments at 10 kV. Therefore, this study confirms the eminent ability of cold plasma as a means to modify or modulate food polysaccharides properties. Modification of the structure, molecular weight and rheological properties of Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum through cold atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment. [Display omitted] • Low voltage plasma treatment improved the rheological properties of Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum (LPSG). • Cold plasma treatment modified physicochemical and rheological properties of LPSG. • Cold plasma processing decreased the ordered structure in polysaccharide molecule. • Dielectric barrier discharge plasma in atmospheric air enhanced the water-solubility of LPSG. • Cold plasma treatment conferred more polyelectrolyte character into the polysaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Impact of 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline on Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, Control and Determinants of Hypertension: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Southwest of Iran" by Fatemeh Sadeghi, Bahman Cheraghian, Zahra Mohammadi et al. which appeared in a 2021 issue is presented.

Abstract: Trimellitic anhydride acid chloride (2) was obtained by the reaction of trimellitic anhydride (1) and excess amount of thionyl chloride. The acid chloride was reacted with 2,6-diamino pyridine (3), and produced the monomer 4. 1-Naphthaldehyde (5) was reacted with sulfuryl chloride to produce 1-naphthoyl chloride (6) in a quantitative yield. Through the reaction of 6 and 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine (7), the monomer 8 was produced in high yield. Two monomers were characterized by 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, and then were used in the polymerization reaction. A new facile and rapid polycondensation reaction of the two monomers was performed by using a domestic microwave oven. The polymerization reaction proceeded rapidly, compared with the conventional solution polycondensation and was completed within 8min, producing a photoactive poly(amide-imide) in a quantitative yield. The resulting polymer was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that polymer 9 was thermally stable in nitrogen atmosphere. In addition the initial decomposition temperature (IDT), 5 and 10% weight loss (T 5, T 10) were 265.85 and 292.85°C. The residual weight percent at 500°C was 50%, which shows it is moderately thermally stable. Fluorescence properties of polymer 9 were investigated in several solvents. The ideal concentration of each case was determined by fluorescence self-quenching phenomena. Also the self-quenching mechanism was studied according to the specific behavior of the polymer in different solvents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The release of metoclopramide hydrochloride (a water-soluble cationic drug) and diclofenac sodium (a sparingly soluble anionic drug) from pellets coated with ethylcellulose from an aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion (Surelease®) at different coating loads was investigated. The release rates of each drug decreased as the coating load of Surelease® increased. However, despite its lower water solubility, diclofenac sodium was released slightly faster than metoclopramide hydrochloride at equivalent coating loads. Changes in the release rates after curing were more pronounced for metoclopramide hydrochloride and the release rates of diclofenac sodium were lower than those of metoclopramide hydrochloride after curing. Differences between the release behaviour of the two drugs were probably due to an interaction between the cationic metoclopramide and the anionic ammonium oleate present in the Surelease®. The slower release of metoclopramide hydrochloride may be due to an in situ formation of a poorly soluble complex of the drug and the ammonium oleate. This complex, because of its large molecular size, may diffuse more slowly through the film, causing a reduction in the release rate of metoclopramide hydrochloride. This interaction may also account for the differences in release characteristics of the drugs after curing. During curing the surfactant, due to its unstable nature in heat, may be converted to its constituent components. The interaction of drug with the surfactant was reduced as the residue of the ammonium oleate decreased during curing. However, a relatively low volume flow rate of air, and therefore, slower removal of ammonia in the modified side-vented Manesty Accela-cota 10 may also have affected the coating process of the pellets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Candida auris is a drug‐resistant pathogen with several reported outbreaks. The treatment of C. auris infections is difficult due to a limited number of available antifungal drugs. Thus, finding alternative drugs through repurposing approaches would be clinically beneficial. A systematic search in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar up to 1 November 2021, was conducted to find all articles with data regarding the antifungal activity of non‐antifungal drugs against the planktonic and biofilm forms of C. auris. During database and hand searching, 290 articles were found, of which 13 were eligible for inclusion in the present study. Planktonic and biofilm forms have been studied in 11 and 8 articles (with both forms examined in 6 articles), respectively. In total, 22 and 12 drugs/compounds have been reported as repositionable against planktonic and biofilm forms of C. auris, respectively. Antiparasitic drugs, with the dominance of miltefosine, were the most common repurposed drugs against both forms of C. auris, followed by anticancer drugs (e.g. alexidine dihydrochloride) against the planktonic form and anti‐inflammatory drugs (e.g. ebselen) against the biofilm form of the fungus. A collection of other drugs from various classes have also shown promising activity against C. auris. Following drug repurposing approaches, a number of drugs/compounds from various classes have been found to inhibit the planktonic and biofilm forms of C. auris. Accordingly, drug repurposing is an encouraging approach for discovering potential alternatives to conventional antifungal agents to combat drug resistance in fungi, especially C. auris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]