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The genomes of domestic animals have been artificially selected during long periods of domestication and have led to many significant changes in their economic traits. Exploring these changes is useful to expand our knowledge about the domestication process, understand the complexity of genetic diversity in livestock, and make an appropriate breeding decision. The genotypic information of 23 individuals representing French and Swedish Holsteins was used to detect signature signs between these two breeds. Quality control and data filtering were performed using PLINK software. The principal component analysis was performed to determine genetic diversity. In addition, linkage disequilibrium (LD), ancestral, and recent effective population size (Ne) were separately estimated for each breed. The signature of selection was determined by the fixation index (FST) statistic. The corrected r2 (calculated statistics for LD) between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) decreased with increasing the physical distance from 100 Kb to 7.5 Mb (from about 0.3 to 0.09 in both breeds). These values were slightly smaller for the French breed. The effective population size was estimated at 1775 and 2120 individuals for French and Swedish Holsteins 900 generations ago to 31 and 39 in the recent generation, respectively. Overall, three regions with outlier FST values were identified as the signature of selection. The flanking SNP was mostly located on BTA2, BTA16, and BTA19. Candidate genes were found to be associated with SERTAD (liver metabolism and health), SYT14 (meat yield and marble levels), IRF6 (immune system), HSD11B19 (heat stress), LAMB3, and (fat deposition). Therefore, these potential genes can be considered invaluable genetic resources for future research to attempt to create generations of commercial breeds of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The azimuthal correlation belongs to a class of polarization observables which vanishes at the Born term level in the standard model for the semileptonic rest frame decay of a polarized top quark t (↑) → b W + → b ℓ + υ ℓ. In this frame, the azimuthal correlation is defined between the planes formed by the vectors ( p → ℓ , p → X b ) and ( p → ℓ , P → t). We calculate the azimuthal correlation function of polarized top quark in the framework of the noncommutative standard model for the first time. We find that this observable is nonzero in the leading order of noncommutative space–time. Further the appearance of the oscillatory azimuthal distribution of decay rate provides a practical possibility to test the noncommutativity in particle colliders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives were to evaluate the effect of different categories of endometritis on follicular growth and ovulation, reproductive performance, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk yield (MY) in dairy cows. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 126) were examined for endometritis on 25 ± 1 day postpartum (DPP) using vaginoscopy, transrectal ultrasonography, and endometrial cytology to determine the presence and type of vaginal discharge, uterine fluid, and proportion of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells, respectively. Cows that had mucopurulent vaginal discharge and/or presence of uterine fluid, no mucopurulent vaginal discharge or uterine fluid but 8% or more PMN, and mucopurulent vaginal discharge and/or uterine fluid and 8% or more of PMN were defined as having clinical (CLIN; n = 45), cytological (CYTO; n = 15), and clinical and cytological (CLINCYTO; n = 30) endometritis, respectively. Cows that had none of the above pathological conditions were classified as unaffected (UNAF; n = 36). The diameter of the largest follicle at first examination, intervals from calving to first dominant (diameter = 10 mm) follicle, preovulatory size (diameter = 16 mm) follicle, ovulation, presence of follicular cyst, and proportion of ovular cows at 35 and 65 DPP were recorded as the measures of follicular growth and ovulation. None of the ovarian follicular parameters analyzed was affected by categories of endometritis. The first service conception rate tended (P = 0.06) to differ among categories of endometritis; cows that had CLIN and CLINCYTO endometritis were four times less likely to conceive to the first insemination compared to UNAF cows. Cows that had CLIN (hazard ratio: 0.52) and CLINCYTO (hazard ratio: 0.40) endometritis had decreased likelihood of pregnancy at 150 DPP compared to UNAF cows. Similarly, cows diagnosed as having CLINCYTO endometritis had decreased likelihood (hazard ratio: 0.48) of pregnancy at 250 DPP compared to UNAF cows. The DMI and MY up to 5 weeks postpartum were not affected by categories of endometritis. In summary, categories of endometritis as determined at 25 DPP did not affect follicular growth and ovulation, DMI, or MY. However, the combined (CLINCYTO endometritis) category had a negative impact on first service conception rate and subsequent services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives were to determine the effects of supplemental fat (no oilseed vs. oilseed) during late gestation and the source of fat (canola vs. sunflower seed), on dry matter intake (DMI), plasma metabolite concentrations, milk production and composition, calf birth weight, postpartum health disorders, ovarian function and reproductive performance in dairy cows. Pregnant Holstein cows, blocked by body condition and parity, were assigned to 1 of 3 diets containing rolled canola seed (high in oleic acid; n = 43) or sunflower (high in linoleic acid; n = 45) at 8% of dry matter, or no oilseed (control; n = 43), for the last 35 ± 2 d of pregnancy. After calving, all cows received a common lactation diet. Blood samples were collected at wk -3 (i.e., 2 wk after initiation of prepartum diets) and at wk +1, +2, +3, +4 and +5 postpartum to determine the concentration of fatty acids (mEq/dL), β-hydroxybutyrate (mg/dL), and glucose (mg/dL). Ovarian ultrasonography was performed twice weekly to determine the first appearance of dominant (10 mm) and preovulatory-size (≥16 mm) follicles, and ovulation. Uterine inflammatory status based on the proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN; subclinical endometritis: >8% PMN) was assessed at d 25 ± 1 postpartum. Significant parity by treatment interactions were observed for DMI and milk yield. Prepartum oilseed supplementation, more specifically sunflower seed supplementation, increased postpartum DMI in primiparous cows without affecting prepartum DMI or milk yield. Contrarily, in multiparous cows, prepartum oilseed supplementation decreased both prepartum and postpartum DMI and milk yield during the first 2 wk. Regardless of parity, prepartum feeding of canola reduced postpartum DMI compared with those fed sunflower. Mean fatty acids concentrations at wk -3 were greater in cows given supplemental oilseed than those fed no oilseeds. Gestation length and calf birth weight were increased in cows given supplemental oilseed prepartum compared with cows fed no oilseeds, and a disproportionate increase in the birth weight of female calves was evident in cows fed oilseed. Total reproductive disorders tended to be greater in cows fed supplemental oilseed than those fed no oilseed (42 vs. 23%). Furthermore, cows fed sunflower seed had greater incidences of dystocia (35 vs. 18%) and total health disorders (52 vs. 32%) than those fed canola seed. Added oilseed and type of oilseed did not affect uterine inflammation at 25 ± 1 d postpartum. Oilseed supplementation did not alter the intervals from calving to establishment of the first dominant follicle, preovulatory-size follicle, and ovulation, nor did it affect fertility (conception rate to first artificial insemination and proportion of pregnant cows by 150 d after calving). In summary, prepartum oilseed supplementation (6.2 to 7.4% ether extract, % of dietary dry matter) decreased DMI during the entire experimental period (pre- and postpartum), decreased milk yield during early lactation in multiparous cows, and increased calf birth weight with no significant improvement in ovarian function and reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of oilseeds supplemented in prepartum diets on colostrum quality. Thirty-nine dry pregnant Holstein cows (14 primiparous and 25 multiparous cows) were blocked by body condition score and parity and assigned to 1 of 3 experimental diets containing rolled oilseeds at 8% of dietary dry matter (canola seed or sunflower seed) or no oilseed (control) at 35 d before the expected calving date. Canola seed is high in oleic acid and sunflower seed is high in linoleic acid content. Colostrum samples were collected at the first milking after calving, and concentrations of nutrient composition, fatty acid profile, and Brix value (an indicator IgG concentration) were determined. Cows fed sunflower seeds before calving produced colostrum with greater crude protein content (15.0 vs. 12.9%), colostral Brix values (24.3 vs. 20.3%), and conjugated linoleic acid concentration (18:2 cis-9,trans-11; 0.64 vs. 0.48%) compared with those fed canola seed. Positive effects of feeding sunflower seed might be mediated by ruminal metabolism of linoleic acid and subsequent enhanced production of conjugated linoleic acid. Oilseed supplementation in prepartum diets of dairy cows also altered fatty acid profile of colostrum in a way to reflect fatty acid profile of the supplemented oilseeds except for oleic acid. In conclusion, prepartum feeding of sunflower seed increased colostral Brix value, an indicator of colostral IgG concentration, compared with that of canola seed, but its mode of action and effects on health and productivity of calves need to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection and isolation of faults in the exhaust gas path of a turbocharged spark ignition (SI) engine is an essential part of the engine control unit (ECU) strategies to minimize exhaust emission and ensure safe operation of a turbocharger. This paper proposes a novel model-based strategy to detect and isolate an exhaust manifold leakage and a stuckclosed wastegate fault. The strategy is based on a globally optimal parameter estimation algorithm which detects a virtual hole area in the exhaust manifold. The estimation algorithm requires observation of the exhaust manifold's input and output flows. The input flow is estimated by a nonlinear Luenberger observer which is analytically shown to be robust to the faults in the exhaust manifold. The output flow of the exhaust manifold is estimated by a sliding mode observer. The designed fault detection and isolation (FDI) strategy is tested with the experimental data collected from a 1.7-liter turbocharged SI engine. The validation results show that the FDI strategy can successfully detect a leakage fault caused by a 5 mm hole in the exhaust manifold, and can identify the wastegate stuck-closed fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article a novel bio absorbable polymeric scaffold using poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-block-poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PNIPAAm-b-PLGA) copolymers is developed for in vitro culture of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The processing of porous scaffolds has been carried out by emulsion freeze-drying and salt leaching out methods. DPSCs were cultured on scaffolds for up to 14 days. The morphology of the scaffolds, cell viability and interaction between DPSCs and scaffold was characterized by using SEM. The results of cells implantation indicated that scaffold has good cell biocompatibility. Therefore PNIPAAm-PLGA scaffolds have great potential to be used as cell carrier in tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The main objective of this study was to measure and analyze the relationship between social capital metropolitan good urban governance (Case Study: Nasim City) is. This method is based on the practical and analytical- descriptive and correlation survey. The study sample Nasim City residents (over 18 years) is considered. In terms of geographical distribution and population sampling using random sampling is done. This study is based on the premise of social capital and good urban governance, there is significant relationship between the components of social capital and components of good urban governance is a significant relationship. This study presents data from a questionnaire among citizens, private sector and government agencies have been collecting and analyzing data as well as their analysis using Spss software is trying to explain properly. Finally, after data analysis using Spss software test, Pearson correlation and path analysis was conducted using Amos software. Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.273 and SIG = 0.000, there is a significant relationship between social capital and civic optimal rule. Both options are significant at the %99 level. The results show that increasing social capital indicators of residents within the good urban governance will also increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this literature review is to provide a critical overview of existing research on the health of immigrant youth within the last decade. Although the review focuses primarily on Canada, the findings have implications for public health planning, policy, and settlement/immigration services in other immigrant-receiving countries. The main objectives are: (i) to locate relevant literature written in the past 10 years (January 1998–January 2008); (ii) to undertake a critical review of retrieved studies; (iii) to highlight gaps in the current state of our knowledge and make recommendations for future research directions. The review focuses on the influence of migration experience on health of youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of three gonadotrophin treatments on follicular development and ovulation rate in Chall ewes. Thirty-three non-cycling, multiparous fat-tailed Iranian Chall ewes, weighing 62.5±2.5kg, were used in the trial. The ewes were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 groups (n =11/group). Estrus was synchronized using CIDR''s, inserted for 14 days with the following superovulation treatments being used: in group eCG/d14 the ewes received 1500IU eCG on the day of CIDR removal (day 14); in group eCG/d12, 1500IU eCG was administered 48h prior to CIDR removal (day 12); in group eCG/d12+FSH ewes were injected with 350U eCG, 48h prior to CIDR removal (day 12), followed by 12ml FSH-P in six doses of 2.75, 2.75; 2.25, 2.25; 1, 1ml over a 4 day period at 12h intervals. Vasectomized rams were used to detect estrus in the ewes from 24h after CIDR removal. Ovarian follicular activity was monitored daily with the aid of transrectal ultrasonograpy – from the day of superovulatory stimulation, until the day of estrus. Ewes in estrus were mated twice daily (morning and evening). The number of CLs was recorded using ultrasonography and laparoscopy, 7 days after mating. The number of large ovarian follicles at estrus was positively related to the number of small follicles at day 12 (P <0.05, r =0.56) in the eCG/d12+FSH group of ewes. The number of large follicles at estrus and CLs 7 days later were higher in the eCG/d12+FSH group, followed by the eCG/d14 group and the eCG/d12 group. It could be concluded that Chall ewes could be superovulated with eCG or with a combination of eCG and FSH. Of the three protocols tested, the eCG/d12+FSH showed superiority in terms of the number of large follicles at estrus and CLs 7 days later. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gene therapies to produce insulin in diabetic patients have been considered for several years. Genetic engineering of ectopic insulin production and secretion in autologous non-beta-cells has been tested in different tissues. Recently, gut K-cells have been shown to express glucokinase, the glucose sensor of pancreatic beta-cells. K-cells are responsible for the secretion of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). Transfection of K-cells by a specific plasmid to produce insulin correlated to glucose level is being considered. Cationic liposomes are non-viral gene delivery to lung, spleen, liver and intestinal cells. DOTAP-GIP/Ins plasmid complex was used for transfection of K-cells in vivo. RT-PCR assay of human insulin mRNA revealed that the transfection of insulin gene by DOTAP liposome is an efficient tool. The genetic engineering of ectopic insulin production and secretion in autologous non-beta-cells is an appropriate method. The potential of the transmission of a constructed plasmid, which contains human insulin gene under the control of GIP promoter, to gut K-cells could be considered for treatment of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper extraction by biohydrometallurgy is a modern method that has recently been introduced from the laboratory scale to the industrial scale. The presence of different elements and compounds in the feed to the processing plant may cause important changes in the copper cathode production line. In this case study, the effect of compounds in two types of chalcocite and chalcopyrite concentrates on the efficiency of copper cathode production was investigated. The experimental findings have demonstrated that the consumption of sulfuric acid for the dissolution of chalcocite concentrate is 29% higher than that of chalcopyrite concentrate. This variation can be attributed to the existence of a greater amount of calcium in the chalcocite concentrate. The results of the design expert showed that if >90% copper recovery is required, in the presence of high amounts of SiO 2 , the iron content of the concentrate should be <10%; in the presence of small amounts of SiO 2 , the iron content of the concentrate should be <22%. If >90% copper recovery is required, the iron content of the concentrate should be <20% (for low amounts of CaO) or <12% (for high amount of CaO). • The presence of iron in the concentrate is good for the dissolution of copper sulphide compounds, but its large amounts reduce copper recovery in the next steps. • The consumption of acid to dissolve the chalcocite mineral is more than that of the chalcopyrite mineral. • The amount of bioleaching waste caused by the dissolution of chalcocite mineral is more than that of chalcopyrite. • Increasing the amount of calcium and silica in the concentrate increases the amount of bioleaching waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: β-Thalassaemia is the most common single-gene hereditary disorder in Iran. Over 200 mutations have been reported worldwide, but only 10-15 mutations account for more than 90% of all β-thalassaemia cases in any ethnic group. The population structure of Isfahan province allowed the detection of some of the mutations found in the Mediterranean, Asian Indian and middle-eastern countries to be detected in the native population of Isfahan. Prenatal diagnosis is the ultimate strategy and the most effective way to reduce the number of affected individuals in Iran. For prenatal diagnosis in the Isfahan population, the pattern of mutations in the β-globin gene was studied using allele refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). and direct sequencing, alone or in combination. To overcome the disadvantages associated with prenatal diagnosis, such as abortion and the related ethical issues, a powerful alternative is preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) using single blastomere nested and ARMS-PCR, Materials/Methods: For PGD, 75 single blastomeres were obtained in separate sterile PCR tubes from the IVF centres. Using the primer-directed site. mutagenesis protocol RsaI restriction site was created in the PCR products for IVSI nLS (G>C) mutation. After PCR amplification with these modified primer sets, each product was divided in to two parts. One of them was digested with Rsa I restriction endonuclease and subsequently analysed using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The other part was used for direct sequencing. The PCR conditions optimized in such a way that problems such as allele dropout (ADO) were completely resolved. Blood samples were collected in EDTA from the thalassaemia patients. DNA was isolated from white blood cells by standard sodium dodecyl sulphate/proteinase K digestion followed by phenol/chloroform extraction. The β-thalassaemia mutations were analysed using the PCR-based ARMS technique. Each sample was first screened for the common Mediterranean mutations, namely IVS II-1 (G>A). CD 8/9(+G). IVS I-110 (G>A), CD 30 (G>C) and IVS I-5 (G>C), If no mutation was detected, the sample was then analysed for other mutations reported in Iranians such as: CD 41/42, IVS I-6, IVS I-1, IVS II-745, CD 5. CD 44, CD 6, IVS I-116, -30, - 87, -88, CD 39 and IVS I (-25 nt deletion). However, samples that were not positive for any of the mutations tested were analysed by direct sequencing of the β-globin gene using the ALFexpress AutoRead Sequencing kit as recommended by the manufacturer. For preimplantation diagnosis, single blastomeres were obtained in separate sterile PCR tubes from the IVF centres. PCR amplification was performed directly on the single cell and was subsequently analysed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The corresponding bands were excised from the gel, purified and used for sequencing to verify the amplification authenticity. Results/Conclusions: The mutations detected by ARMS-PCR and in some cases by sequencing in the population studied are as follows: IVS II-1, IVS II-745, CD 8/9), CD 36/37, IVS I-110, CD 16, CD 30, IVS I-6, IVS I-1, CD 10, IVS I-5 and CD 82/83. The mutation CD 82/83, revealed in a patient with β-thalassaemia trait by DNA sequencing, is the first report of this mutation in an Iranian. PCR amplification of the single blastomere and subsequent sequencing data revealed the efficiency of PGD as routine clinical practice compared with prenatal diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: β-thalassaemia is a major health concern in Iran. At present prenatal diagnosis and selective abortion of affected fetuses is the only method for prevention of this disease. Due to ethical and social concerns with abortion, preliminary steps in our university for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) have been with spare oocytes from the university IVF centre. Materials/Methods: Sequential first and second polar body (PB) analysis was performed on 94 oocytes. First PB were removed and analysed on the day of aspiration and second PB were removed the day alter fertilization. Results: Only 46 of the examined oocytes gave results for both first and second PB. Allele dropout (ADO) was avoided by using a short tandem repeat immediately at the 5' end of the globin gene. Eighteen embryos were selected as unaffected. To confirm PGD results, routine thalassaemia diagnosis was performed on these embryos. The results demonstrated that all of 18 embryos were negative for the disease and the accuracy of the predicted genotypes was 100%. Conclusions: Sequential first and second PB analysis is reliable for PGD of this disease and prenatal diagnosis could be replaced with PGD for thalassaemia in lran. Currently the next step of PGD is being prepared: the next set of the embryos diagnosed as unaffected by PGD will be transferred back to the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis ( MS) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease in central nervous system, affecting about 2.5 million people around the world. Probable involvement of two newly identified immunoregulator molecules, TIM-1 and TIM-3, has been reported in autoimmune diseases. In this study, for the first time, the association of TIM-1 5383-5397ins/del and TIM-3 -1541C>T polymorphisms with MS in an Iranian population was considered. The results of our study showed that there is no significant association between TIM-1 5383-5397ins/del and MS ( P = 0.38); however, the frequency of CT genotype of TIM-3 -1541C>T in patient group was significantly higher than the control group, and there was a significant association between CT genotype and MS ( P = 0.009, OR = 4.08). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the Bee optimization method for harmonic elimination in a cascaded multilevel inverter. The main objective in selective harmonic elimination pulsewidth modulation strategy is eliminating low-order harmonics by solving nonlinear equations, while the fundamental component is satisfied. In this paper, the Bee algorithm (BA) is applied to a 7-level inverter for solving the equations. The algorithm is based on the food foraging behavior of a swarm of a honeybees and it performs a neighborhood search combined with a random search. This method has higher precision and probability of convergence than the genetic algorithm (GA). MATLAB software is used for optimization and comparison of GA and BA. Simulation results show superiority of BA over GA in attaining accurate global minima and higher convergence rate. Also, its performance in 10 times run is the same as in 1 time run. Finally, for verifying purposes, an experimental study is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium is an important protozoan that causes diarrheal illness in humans and animals. Different species of Cryptosporidium have been reported and it is believed that species characteristics are an important factor to be considered in strategic planning for control. We therefore analyzed oocysts from human and animal isolates of Cryptosporidium by PCR-RFLP to determine strain variation in Isfahan. In total, 642 human fecal samples from children under five years of age, imunocompromised patients, and high-risk persons and 480 randomly selected rectal specimens of cows and calves in Isfahan were examined. Microscopic examination showed that 4.7% (30/642) of human samples and 6.2% (30/480) of animal samples were infected with Cryptosporidium. After identification of the samples infected with the parasite, oocysts were purified and their DNA was extracted. We used PCR-RFLP analysis of a 1750-bp region of the 18S rRNA gene to identify Cryptosporidium species. The human samples were infected with Cryptosporidium parvum II, C. muris, C. wrairi, and a new genotype of Cryptosporidium (GenBank accession no. DQ520951). The cattle samples were identified as C. parvum II, C. muris, C. wrairi, C. serpentis, C. baileyi, and a new genotype of Cryptosporidium (GenBank accession no. DQ520952). We also found a new genotype infecting both human and cattle samples (GenBank accession no. DQ520950). In addition to demonstrating the widespread occurrence of most species of Cryptosporidium, C. parvum, we also observed extensive polymorphism within species. Furthermore, the occurrence of the same species of parasite in both animal and human samples shows the importance of the animal and human cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Splenomegaly-induced thrombocytopenia is fully described in hematological and surgical literature, but its association with severe aortic stenosis is rare. We present a case of severe aortic valve stenosis with severe splenomegaly-induced thrombocytopenia in which aortic valve replacement was done with a number 23 homograft and splenectomy was performed after the end of cardiopulmonary bypass. Platelet count turned to normal value post-operatively, and the patient spent an ordinary convalescence period and was discharged from the hospital without any complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic ankle instability is a common injury in athletes that leads to postural control disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of external focus of attention and postural task alone on center of pressure sway in athletes with chronic ankle instability and healthy athletes during dual task training. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 29 male volleyball athletes with a referral from a specialist and 29 healthy athletes matched with the affected group in terms of age, height and weight. Subjects in the two groups were on the balance board with single-leg and double-leg stance, standing in the center of the force plate for 60 seconds and performing postural tasks alone and with external focus. The degree of displacement of the pressure center was measured to investigate the variables of standard deviation of amplitude and mean velocity. FINDINGS: In double-leg stance, standard deviation of amplitude in medio-lateral (14.2±2.1) and anterior-posterior (16.7±3.3), mean velocity in medio-lateral (39.2±9.8) and anterior-posterior (40.7±6.1) directions in patients during external focus were significantly less than the standard deviation of amplitude in medio-lateral (12.2±1.5) and anteriorposterior (13.9±2.4), mean velocity in medio-lateral (46.2±13.1) and anterior-posterior (48.4±9.6) directions during the single task. In single-leg stance, standard deviation of amplitude in medio-lateral (16.1±2.1) and anterior-posterior (13.1±1.7), mean velocity in medio-lateral (42.2±13.3) and anterior-posterior (40.7±8.6) directions in patients during external focus were significantly less than the standard deviation of amplitude in medio-lateral (11.1±2.1) and anteriorposterior (17.4±3.3), mean velocity in medio-lateral (47.8±16.6) and anterior-posterior (55.2±17.4) directions during the single task. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that external focus task leads to distraction from postural control and reduces postural sway in athletes with chronic ankle instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the forced vibrations of the fractional viscoelastic beam with the Kelvin-Voigt fractional order constitutive relationship is studied. The equation of motion is derived from Newton's second law and the Galerkin method is used to discretize the equation of motion in to a set of linear ordinary differential equations. For solving the discretized equations, the radial basis functions and Sinc quadrature rule are used. In order to show the effectiveness and accuracy of this method, some test problem are considered, and it is shown that the obtained results are in very good agreement with exact solution. In the following, the proposed numerical solution is applied to exploring the effects of fractional parameters on the response of the beam and finally some conclusions are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TIM (T-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain)-1, one of the members of TIM family, expresses on Th2 cells and promotes the production of Th2 signature cytokines. This can increase a series of responses in these cells which could be one of the causes of asthma or asthma-related phenotypes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a TIM-1 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP), −416 G>C, is associated with asthma in Iranian population. In this case-control study, existence of the −416 G>C polymorphism was assessed using polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism ( RFLP) in 300 patients with asthma (97 atopic, 203 nonatopic) and 309 healthy volunteers. Additionally, the relationship between these polymorphism genotypes and total serum IgE levels in this Iranian population was evaluated. We discovered a significant association between the −416 G>C polymorphism and atopic asthma susceptibility in the population, but this SNP showed no connection with nonatopic asthma ( P < 0.05). However, our results showed significant relation between this polymorphism and serum IgE level ( P < 0.05). Our results suggest that −416 G>C polymorphism in TIM-1 gene could be a predisposing factor for atopic asthma in Iranian population, and CC genotype of this SNP can be associated with increased level of IgE in patients with asthma in the same population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The illuminating picture of genetic mechanisms underlying the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) includes differently accumulated genetic polymorphisms that increase the risk along with environmental factors. A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are indicated to be linked with T2DM, but also conflicting results have been found. To examine the contribution of these polymorphisms in conferring susceptibility to T2DM, the association of HHEX rs1111875A/G and CDKN2A/B rs10811661C/T common gene polymorphisms with the risk of T2DM in an Iranian population was evaluated. In this study participated 140 patients and 140 controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples and genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed by the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. A significant association was found with the G allele (OR = 1.729, CI = 1.184-2.523, P = 0.004) and GG genotype (OR = 2.921, 95% CI = 1.789-4.771, P< 0.001) of the rs1111875A/G SNP for susceptibility to T2DM in the recessive model. Furthermore, compared with the GG genotype, individuals with the GA genotype had a lower risk to develop T2DM (OR = 0.237, 95% CI = 0.137-0.408, P< 0.001) in the additive model. In addition, an association between the polymorphism and BMI in regard to the risk of T2DM was identified. The genotype and allele frequencies of the rs10811661C/T polymorphism did not show a statistically significant association with T2DM in any genetic model. Our results show that the rs1111875A/G polymorphism is an important susceptibility polymorphism for the development of T2DM in the Iranian population. Also, these findings support that this polymorphism is a key genetic risk factor for the development of T2DM in multiple ethnic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides economical issues, reliability and environmental emissions have become major concerns whenever an energy system is designed. The objective of this study is to design both an autonomous and non-autonomous hybrid green power system (HGPS) to supply a specific load demand considering economics, reliability indices, and environmental emissions. The HGPS includes wind turbine (WT), photovoltaic (PV) array, fuel cell, and the actual data used for simulation which are annual solar irradiation and wind speed for the state of Illinois. For reliability analysis, it is assumed that only WT, PV, DC/AC convertor, and electrical network might have failure in supplying power. To evaluate the actual reliability level of the HGPS equipments, all possible conditions should be considered and for each one of them, the reliability indices are estimated by determining the quantity and probability of load demands not supplied. However, in this study, an approximate model is utilized to examine the reliability indices. In the approximate model, the average power generation of WT units and PV array is utilized (instead of considering the outage of each WT unit and PV array separately) and then the mathematical expectation of reliability indices is calculated. The results show that the reliability indices are activated when there is no backup (electrical network) for the HGPS. The utilization of HGPS in parallel with electrical network, when cost is given the highest importance, leads to the purchase of all power from the electrical network. However, when emission is considered as the second objective function in the fuzzy multi-objective problem; the degree of importance given to each function (total cost and emission) plays a major role in the optimal design of HGPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop pH-responsive silica nanoparticles by imidazole-based ionic liquid for controlled release of methotrexate. In this article, we synthesized pH-responsive cationic silica nanoparticles by graft copolymerization of vinyl functionalized silica nanoparticles and methacrylic acid (MAA) monomer. Imidazole-based ionic liquid (Im-IL) was verified by 1HNMR and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The synthesized functionalized silica particles were characterized and confirmed by various technologies including the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the infrared spectroscopy (IR) and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM results reveal the uniformity in size/shape of silica particles. This nanosystem is modified for targeted delivery of an anticancer agent methotrexate. The nanocomposite-MTX complex was formed at physiological pH (7.4) due to the electrostatic interactions between anionic carboxylic group of MTX molecules and cationic rings in carrier, while, the release of which can be achieved through the cleavage of the nanocomposite-MTX complex by protonation of carboxyl groups in the MTX segment that are sensitive to variations in external pH at weak acidic conditions. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the presence of light interactions between the silicate silanols and the drug. MCF7 cells were incubated with the MTX-free nanocomposite and MTX-loaded nanocomposite at various concentrations for 24, 48 and 72 h, and the data showed that the nanocomposites themselves did not affect the growth of MCF7 cells. Antitumor activity of the MTX-loaded nanocomposites against the cells was kept over the whole experiment process. The results showed that the MTX could be released from the fibers without losing cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is the synthesis of pH-responsive cationic silica nanoparticles (NPs) by pyridinium-based ionic liquid for the improved sustained release formulations of methotrexate (MTX) as an anionic anticancer drug. Fanctionalized cationic silica NPs were successfully prepared via graft copolymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) onto vinyl-bond-modified silica NPs. The prepared NPs were characterized using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the infrared spectroscopy (IR), and the thermogravimetric analysis. The resultant NPs were uniform spherical NPs with a mean diameter of approximately 160 ± 20 nm. We explored the ionic interaction of MTX NPs in order to generate pH-responsive controlled release system. The cumulative release of MTX-loaded composite microspheres shows a highly desirable precise pH-responsive drug release performance, i.e. loaded drug would not leak in physiological pH (7.4), but would release in a sustained way, where the pH value is lower (4). The protonation of carboxyl groups at mildly acidic condition resulted in a faster dissociation of copolymer/MTX complex, leading to an accelerated release of MTX at pH 4. Thus, complexation of MTX with NPs yielded a drug delivery system affording a pH-triggered release of MTX in an acidic environment. Thein vitrocytotoxicity test by MTT assay against breast cancer cells, MCF7 indicates that NPs are nontoxic and suitable to use as drug carriers. Antitumor activity of the MTX-loaded nanocomposites against the cells was kept over the whole experiment process. The results showed that the MTX could be released from the nanocomposites without losing cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Leishmania is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite, which infects human beings when infected sand fly vector takes a blood meal. Most efforts are towards designing an effective vaccine to prevent leishmaniasis. In this way, development of candidate antigen for vaccine has special important. In this study, we cloned mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase gene of Iranian L .major in pET32a expression vector. Methods: Primers based on L. major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase sequence gene was designed and synthesized. DNA of Leishmania promastigotes was extracted and PCR reaction was done. PCR product was cloned into pTZ57R and sub cloned into pET32a expression vector. Results: Recombinant plasmid containing 1140 bp as L. major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase gene was extracted and confirmed by restriction analysis. PCR product was sequenced and deposited to GenBank. There were some differences in amino acid sequences between Iranian L. major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase and others previously accepted in GenBank Conclusion: We amplified and cloned Iranian L. major mannose-1-phosphate guanyltransferase successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of atrial thrombi in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing different anticoagulation regimens before cardioversion; to evaluate the usefulness of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) guided cardioversion to prevent thromboembolic complications; and to correlate the presence of atrial thrombi with clinical and echocardiographic data. Methods: 757 consecutive patients admitted as candidates for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation were enrolled in the study. They were divided into four groups: effective conventional oral anticoagulation, short term anticoagulation, ineffective oral anticoagulation or subtherapeutic anticoagulation, and effective oral anticoagulation with a duration of < 3 weeks for various clinical reasons. All patients underwent TOE before cardioversion; in the presence of atrial thrombi or extreme left atrial echo contrast, cardioversion was postponed. The incidence of thromboembolic events was evaluated after cardioversion. Results: Atrial thrombi were detected in 48 of the 757 (6.3%) patients. No significant differences in the percentage of atrial thrombosis were found in the four study groups. Patients with atrial thrombosis were older and had a higher percentage of mitral prosthetic valves, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, more severe atrial spontaneous echo contrast, and lower Doppler left atrial appendage velocities. 648 patients were scheduled for cardioversion. Cardioversion was successful in 89% of patients without any major thromboembolic event. Conclusions: The prevalence of atrial thrombosis before cardioversion despite different treatments with anticoagulants is about 7% and a TOE guided approach may prevent the risk of embolic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trans-ε-viniferin is a naturally occurring polyphenol belonging to the stilbenoids family. Trans-ε-viniferin is isolated from Vitis amurensis, 1 of the most common wild grapes in Korea, Japan and China. We investigated the effects of trans-ε-viniferin on in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence after IVF or parthenogenesis (PA). At the laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, trans-ε-viniferin was purified from the leaves and stems of Vitis amurensis. Data were analyzed with SPSS 17.0 using Duncan's multiple range test. First, in total, 594 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were used for the evaluation of nuclear maturation. The COC were matured in TCM-199 medium supplemented with various concentrations of trans-ε-viniferin (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 μM) with 10% porcine follicular fluid, 10 IU mL-1 of eCG and 10 IU mL-1 of hCG. After 22 h in maturation culture, the COC were cultured in hormone-free medium supplemented with various concentrations of trans-ε-viniferin for an additional 22 h and then nuclear maturation was evaluated. Second, in total, 300 matured oocytes were used to examine the effects of different trans-ε-viniferin concentrations (0, 0.5 and 5.0 μM) on porcine oocyte intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Lastly, the developmental competence of oocytes matured with different concentrations of trans-ε-viniferin (0, 0.5 and 5.0 μM) was evaluated after IVF or PA. In total, 711 embryos were evaluated. As results, we observed that trans-ε-viniferin treatment during IVM did not improve the nuclear maturation of oocytes in any group (84.2, 86.6, 85.5, 83.3 and 79.2%, respectively), but significantly increased (P < 0.05) intracellular GSH levels in the 0.5 μM group (0 μM vs 0.5 μM; 14.6 vs 16.8 pmol oocyte-1) and reduced ROS levels (0 μM vs 0.5 μM and 50 μM; 174.6 vs 25.7 and 23.8 pixel oocyte-1). Oocytes treated with trans-ε-viniferin during IVM did not have significantly different cleavage rates or blastocyst formation rates after IVF, but total cell numbers were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the 0.5 and 5.0 μM treatment groups (53.6 ± 4.0 and 47.9 ± 3.1) compared to the control group (36.4 ± 2.2). The PA embryos showed similar results; there were no significant differences in cleavage rates and blastocyst formation rates, but the total cell number significantly increased in the 0.5 and 5.0 μM treatment groups (59.6 ± 4.2 and 60.8 ± 4.6) compared to the control group (43.1 ± 2.1). In conclusion, these results indicate that trans-ε-viniferin treatment during porcine IVM increased total cell number of blastocysts, possibly through increasing intracellular GSH synthesis and reducing ROS levels. This work was supported by a grant from the Korea institute of Planning & Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries, Republic of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sit to stand (STS) task requires variability of all body segments to achieve the stability of the important control variables (i.e., center of mass (CM) and head positions). In this study, the possible differences in the variability patterns of various body segments were investigated between 11 chronic low back pain (LBP) and 12 control subjects during STS task through two types of variability analyses; first by calculating the variability of seven limb angles, CM and head positions across 15 trials and second by principal component analysis (PCA) of seven limb angles. Participants performed the task at 3 postural difficulty levels: rigid surface, open eyes (RO), rigid surface, close eyes (RC) and narrow surface, close eyes (NC). The results revealed that LBPs could stabilize the CM and head positions same as controls. Also there was more than 1 synergic combination of whole body segments in both LBP and healthy groups. But the number of PCs accounting for the major part of variance was reduced in the LBPs in the most unstable phase of movement (50%-80% trajectory) in the RO and RC conditions. This may indicate that LBPs have reduced flexibility in the most unstable phase of task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) could be a useful method for embryo research of wildlife animals or endangered species. Because it is hard to obtain the oocytes or embryos of wildlife animals, its embryo research is not progressing well. Therefore, iSCNT is one of the alternative ways for wildlife animal embryo research and conservation of their genetic source. Until now, iSCNT has been applied to conservation of wildlife animals including guar, mouflon, banteng and African wildcat. The domestic pig oocytes have been used for iSCNT of other species such as tiger, sheep and dog and they successfully developed to the blastocyst stage. According to this concept, we performed wild-captured Korean raccoon (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) iSCNT using porcine oocytes matured in vitro. Raccoon fibroblasts from ear skin samples of male raccoon were used as donor cells in 3 to 5 passages. The donor cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 15% FBS. Enucleated porcine oocytes were fused with raccoon fibroblasts by electrofusion. The iSCNT embryos were cultured in PZM-3 at 39°C for 7 days in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 5% O2. A total of 158 iSCNT embryos were cultured. More than 77% of the raccoon somatic cells successfully fused with the porcine oocytes; 68.5% of the iSCNT raccoon embryos developed to the 2- to 8-cell stage at Day 2 (1-cell: 9.7%, 2-cell: 14.4%, 4-cell: 34.1%, 6-cell: 12.7%, 8-cell: 7.3%, fragmented: 21.8%). This is similar to porcine SCNT results that 62.5% of the SCNT porcine embryos developed (1-cell: 8.0%, 2-cell: 4.2%, 4-cell: 23.6%, 6-cell: 13.6%, 8-cell: 23.8%, fragmented: 26.8%). But no embryos were further developed to blastocyst stage at Day 7 in iSCNT. In fragmentation evaluation in iSCNT embryos using by Hoechst stain at Day 2, two-cell stage embryos and four-cell stage embryos showed the normal numbers of nucleus. However, 6-cell stage embryos showed 4 to 5 nuclei and 8-cell stage embryos also showed 5 to 6 nuclei. Almost iSCNT embryos showed the developmental block at 4-cell stage embryos. This result was probably caused by an incomplete reprogrammed raccoon cell after iSCNT. Therefore, we treated with trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor that has been used to enhance nuclear reprogramming following SCNT. Ninety-seven iSCNT raccoon-pig embryos were treated with 5 nM TSA during 15 h before being cultured in PZM-3. The TSA-treated iSCNT embryos showed similar developmental status to non-treated embryos (1-cell: 13.5%, 2-cell: 12.5%, 4-cell: 35.0%, 6-cell: 10.1%, 8-cell: 6.3%, fragmented: 22.5%). No embryos were further developed to blastocyst stage at day 7. Our results showed that 4-cell stage embryos of raccoon-porcine iSCNT embryos may be produced by iSCNT methods, but they were unable to support complete reprogramming of raccoon-porcine iSCNT embryos. This work was supported by a grant from the Next-Generation BioGreen 21 Program (No. 007133022011), Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]