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The present quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the differential effect of metacognitive strategy training and critical thinking awareness-raising on EFL learners' reading comprehension of general reading (GR), cause and effect (CE), and argumentative (ARG) texts. The study set to investigate the extent to which raising Iranian EFL learners' awareness of critical thinking skills and three sets of metacognitive reading strategies including global, problem-solving, and support may influence the three groups of participants' reading comprehension. To this end, a purposeful sample of 54 intermediate male Iranian EFL learners attending three classes was recruited from a pool of 85 English learners and was randomly assigned as two experimental groups receiving metacognitive training (MCG) and critical thinking awareness-raising (CTG) and a control group (CG). The research data were gleaned using a researcher-made piloted 54-item reading comprehension test. The results of the paired sample t-test analyses demonstrated that both MCG and CTG made significant improvements in comprehending GR and ARG texts from the pre-test to the post-test and that both outperformed the CG in comprehending GR and ARG post-tests. With regard to CE comprehension, the only significant difference was observed between the MCG and the CG. The findings offer a number of pedagogical implications.

Urban crime prevention remains a critical challenge intertwined with socioeconomic disparities. This study investigates the spatial nexus between urban deprivation and crime decline in Chicago from 2015 to 2022, addressing the question: How do changes in neighborhood deprivation relate to crime reduction patterns? Using comprehensive crime incident and census tract Area Deprivation Index (ADI) data, this study conducted exploratory spatial analysis, regression modeling, and local bivariate relationship analysis. The findings reveal persistent hotspots of concentrated deprivation on Chicago's south and west sides, alongside a general citywide crime decline. However, the current research uncovered significant spatial heterogeneity in both deprivation patterns and crime reduction, challenging the achievement of equitable public safety outcomes. Surprisingly, while crime incidents in 2015 and 2022 significantly predicted crime change, ADI scores were not statistically significant predictors in our regression model. Local bivariate analysis exposed diverse relationships between ADI changes and crime rate changes across neighborhoods, with 72.2% of census tracts showing no statistically significant relationship. This underscores the complexity of urban crime dynamics and the importance of local context in understanding these patterns. Our research contributes a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between urban deprivation and crime patterns, providing valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and urban planners. These findings highlight the need for integrated, long-term strategies that address both crime prevention and socioeconomic disparities, ultimately fostering safer, more equitable urban environments and informing evidence-based interventions tailored to specific neighborhood contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, with increasing access to the internet and portable computing tools, the possibility of utilizing these tools in education has significantly expanded. Consequently, various tools have been introduced for creating and developing content and designing mobile-based educational courses. One of the essential and widely used tools for content creation and mobile-based course development is the MIT App Inventor tool, developed by a group of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It requires guidance on using this technology tool for content production in designing and implementing practical educational courses in health-related domains. This article aims to introduce the App Inventor software and its utilization in Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). The tool is particularly beneficial for individuals outside the tech industry who seek to incorporate educational applications into teaching and learning processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the association between the expression level of Dicer in the placenta and the early onset of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects pregnant women and can be diagnosed through clinical symptoms such as high blood pressure and proteinuria. The study found that the expression level of Dicer, an enzyme involved in miRNA biogenesis, was increased in severe early-onset preeclampsia compared to healthy pregnancies. The findings suggest that Dicer may play a role in the development of preeclampsia and further research is needed to understand its implications. [Extracted from the article]

This review aimed to evaluate the contamination rate of dental unit waterlines (DUWL) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella pneumophila in several countries in the Middle East. Literature search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to gather studies published from the beginning of 2000 to 30th April 2020. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were; "Legionellosis"; "Legionnaire", "Legionellosis", "L. pneumophila", "dent", "dental", "dentistry", "Dental Unit Waterlines", "dental water", "DUWL", "Middle East", "P. aeruginosa", "Iran", "Turkey", "Iraq", and "Jordan". The search was independently conducted by two of the authors. Data was analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Almost all studies included in this review reported a high rate of bacterial contamination of DUWL, which exceeded the current standard bacterial contamination level of <200 (CFU) mL−1 recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). The combined prevalence of L. pneumophila from four countries (Iran, Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq) was 23.5% (95% Cl: 6.5–57.7), and the combined prevalence of P. aeruginosa was reported 21.7% (95% Cl: 7.1–50.1%). This study showed a high bacterial contamination rate of DUWL with opportunistic pathogens. So, it is recommended to prevent biofilm formation in DUWL, some measures should be extended by practical approaches allowing for water quality control and improvement on-site in the dental practices such as mobile filtration units, chlorination and disinfection chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Peripheral nerve block leads to effective pain control. Peripheral nerve blocks are used both in general anaesthesia and as regional anaesthesia alone. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of the supraclavicular block with bupivacaine (0.5%) in combination with dexmedetomidine, granisetron and magnesium sulphate in upper-limb orthopaedic surgery. Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was carried out on 105 patients who were candidates for upper-limb orthopaedic surgery in Valiasr Hospital in Arak. The patients were divided into three equal groups (dexmedetomidine, granisetron and magnesium sulphate) using the block method for randomisation. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation every 5 min until the end of the surgery, onset and duration of sensory and motor block, mean opioid consumption in 24 h and post-operative pain during recovery and 2 h after surgery at 4, 8, 12 and 24 h were recorded. Data were analysed by SPSS.22 software. Results: The lowest heart rate at all times and the lowest blood pressure from 40 min to the end of surgery were observed in the dexmedetomidine group (P < 0.05). The time to the onset of sensory block and the time to the onset of motor block were shorter in the magnesium sulphate and dexmedetomidine groups, respectively. Moreover, the duration of the sensory and motor block was longer in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.0001). In addition, pain and amount of opioid consumption were lower in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Magnesium sulphate caused earlier onset of sensory block, while dexmedetomidine increased the duration of sensory and motor block. In the dexmedetomidine group, haemodynamic changes were made in the form of a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, which, of course, did not require special treatment. As such, magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant is recommended to be used in cases where there is a requirement for the rapid onset of sensory block. Meanwhile, dexmedetomidine should be used as an adjuvant for the rapid onset of motor block and increase of the duration of sensory and motor block when taking into account the patients' physical conditions and the anaesthesiologist's discretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants that used for the infertility treatment cannot have their complete effectiveness, because of their instability in the culture medium. One of the most advances, in the drug delivery systems, is nanoliposomes-loaded, as biodegradable and bioavailable carriers. Hormonal and antioxidant agents encapsulating inside the nanoliposomes were used, to increase the effectiveness of antioxidants in the sperm culture medium. Semen sample from 15 asthenospermia were divided into 10 equal parts. After preparation, the sperms were incubated with free form of drugs and nanocarriers contained resveratrol, catalase, resveratrol-catalase and testosterone for 45 min. All sperm parameters, sperm DNA and gene expressions were evaluated before and after freezing. Before freezing, all nanocarriers and free testosterone showed higher sperm motility compared to free drugs (p=.000). Free Testosterone and free resveratrol-catalase had higher DNA damage compared to nanocarriers (p=.000). Before freezing, the blank nanoliposome and testosterone nanoliposomes had the lowest HSP70 gene expression respectively (p = 0.005) (p = 0.001). After freezing, a significant reduction in sperm motility was observed in the free resveratrol-catalase group (p=.003). Also, a significant increase in sperm viability was observed in the free testosterone and nanoliposomes of blank and testosterone (p > 0.05). The least DNA fragmentation was related to catalase nanoliposomes (p=.000). All nanoliposomes, especially catalase, had the highest percentage of class I morphology compared to the control group (p=.000). Nanoliposomes could improve the sperm parameters and DNA integrity before and after freezing, by increasing the effectiveness of antioxidants. So, it can be recommended in the ART lab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) plays a crucial role in energy homeostasis via insulin secretion regulation, free fatty acid concentrations, and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the association of 45-bp ins/del polymorphism of UCP2 with susceptibility to NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) and T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus). DNA was extracted from the white blood cells of the subjects, and the gene polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, 72 patients with NAFLD, 71 healthy individuals as control, 80 patients with T2DM, and 77 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Results: A higher prevalence of insertion/insertion genotype was observed in T2DM patients compared to the controls (p- value˂ 0.05). There was no difference in genotype distribution between NAFLD patients and controls (p-value > 0.05). NAFLD patients with D/D, D/I genotype had higher triglyceride, ALT, and AST levels; however, their HDL levels were lower than healthy controls. Patients with T2DM with D/D or D/I genotype also had significantly higher fasting serum glucose (FSG). While we found an association between the 45 bp I/D polymorphism in 3ʹUTR of UCP2 and T2DM, no correlation between this polymorphism and NAFLD was identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Improving physicians' critical thinking abilities could have meaningful impacts on various aspects of routine medical practice, such as choosing treatment plans, making an accurate diagnosis, and reducing medical errors. The present study aimed to measure the effects of a curriculum integrating critical thinking on medical students' skills at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: A 1-group pre-test, post-test quasi-experimental design was used to assess medical students' critical thinking abilities as they progressed from the first week of medical school to middle of the third year of the undergraduate medical curriculum. Fifty-six participants completed the California Critical Thinking Skills Test twice from 2016 to 2019. Results: Medical students were asked to complete the California Critical Thinking Skills Test the week before their first educational session. The post-test was conducted 6 weeks after the 2 and half-year program. Out of 91 medical students with a mean age of 20±2.8 years who initially participated in the study, 56 completed both the pre- and post-tests. The response rate of this study was 61.5%. The analysis subscale showed the largest change. Significant changes were found in the analysis (P=0.03), evaluation (P=0.04), and inductive reasoning (P<0.0001) subscales, but not in the inference (P=0.28), and deductive reasoning (P=0.42) subscales. There was no significant difference according to gender (P=0.77). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that a critical thinking program had a substantial effect on medical students' analysis, inductive reasoning, and evaluation skills, but negligible effects on their inference and deductive reasoning scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Thalassemia (β-thal) is one of the most common inherited diseases all over the world. These patients are very susceptible to infection disease, and the mortality and morbidity of infected patients will increase. The object of this systematic review study was to determine mortality and morbidity of infected β-thal patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We searched PubMed, Elsevier, and Scholar Google to obtain related papers. The time of search was 21 June until 17 July 2020. All original and review articles and case reports were searched with key words: COVID 19, beta or β-thalassemia (β-thal), mortality and morbidity. Data were extracted after quality assessment of all articles. We obtained seven, 21 and six articles from PubMed, Scholar Google and Science Direct, respectively. Finally, seven articles were discussed in our study. The total number of enrolled patients was 34. Twenty-six patients carried transfusion-dependent β-thal major (β-TM). The most common symptoms were fever, cough, pain and dyspnea. Nine patients died. The result of this study has shown that the mortality and morbidity of infected β-thal patients will escalate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 are anabolic hormones that play a vital role in the growth of various physical organs. Exercise is one of the stimuli that affect GH and IGF-1 secretion. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of two types of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma levels of GHand IGF-l in overweight nurses. Methods: In this study, 27 nurses were voluntarily selected and randomly assigned to three groups (9 participants for each group): 1. HIIT (type 1), including eight seconds of spring running and 12 seconds of active recovery, 2. HIIT (type 2), including a 40-meter shuttle run with maximum speed, 3. control. HIIT (type 1) was performed for four weeks, three sessions per week, each session 6 - 9 min with more than 90% HRmax. HIIT (type 2) was applied for four weeks, three sessions per week, with more than 90% HRmax. The control group did not participate in any training protocol. The serum value of GHand IGF-1 were compared in three groups. The data were analyzed by the dependent t-test and ANOVA. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the intergroup data at P h 0.05. Results: The results showed that HIIT (type 1) and (type 2) significantly increased plasma GH (P = 0.032 in group 2 and P = 0.010 in group 1) and IGF-l (P = 0.004 in group 2 and P = 10.013 in group 1) levels in nurses. The results showed a significant difference in the variables (GH and IGF-l) among HIIT (type 1), HIIT (type 2), and control groups. Conclusions: It can be concluded that four weeks of adverse intermittent exercises are effective in increasing the concentration of GH and IGF-1 serum and decreased percentage body fat in young nurses with overweight, and proportional to the intensity of the exercise protocol response rate is different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has been associated with reduced hypertension and risk of cardiovascular diseases, nevertheless DASH diet is rich in foods that are recommended to be inversely associated with cancer risk. The objective of the present study was to conduct the first meta-analysis of studies investigating the associations between DASH diet and risk of colorectal cancer. Methods: Relevant studies were identified in PubMed and Scopus (up to April 2019). Meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the summary relative risk (RR) estimates based on the highest versus the lowest category of DASH scores. Results: Six articles (four prospective cohorts and two case–controls) were eligible. The pooled adjusted RR of Colorectal cancer for the highest DASH score versus the lowest category was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75–0.88). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that adherence to the DASH diet was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. These results support the need to promote healthy diet with higher intake of whole grain, vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy products and lower intake of salt, sweets and saturated fat to reduce colorectal cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes, as natural occurring vesicles, play highly important roles in the behavior and fate of ischemic diseases and different tumors. Secretion, composition, and function of exosomes are remarkably influenced by hypoxia in ischemic diseases and tumor microenvironment. Exosomes secreted from hypoxic cells affect development, growth, angiogenesis, and progression in ischemic diseases and tumors through a variety of signaling pathways. In this review article, we discuss how hypoxia affects the quantity and quality of exosomes, and review the mechanisms by which hypoxic cell‐derived exosomes regulate ischemic cell behaviors in both cancerous and noncancerous cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Studies have revealed a relation between birth weight (BW) and later risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This meta-analysis aimed to report the dose-response relationship between BW and risk of CVDs. Recent Findings: The relation of BW to CVD subtypes was found to be U-shaped as BW below ~ 2500 g and above ~ 4000 g affected positively CVD risk (OR = 1.14 = 95%CI 1.03–1.27 and OR = 1.08; 95%CI 0.99–1.18, respectively). Regarding CVD subtypes, low BW was directly linked to greater risk of CHD (OR = 1.15; 95%CI 1.02–1.29) and stroke (OR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.05–1.55), while high BW was related to increased risk of arterial fibrillation in adulthood. A U-shaped nonlinear relationship was specifically demonstrated between BW and overall CVD and its subtypes. Summary: There is a U-shaped association between BW and all CVD subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: GCK rs780094 polymorphism is a single nucleotide polymorphism that has been associated with obesity, type II diabetes and dyslipidemia in some populations, conditions that highly related to NAFL etiology. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between NAFLD and rs780094 polymorphism in patients with NAFLD in Tabriz city, northwest of Iran. The rs780094 polymorphism was determined in 74 patients with NAFLD by PCR–RFLP technique. Demographic information was collected using a questionnaire and biochemical analysis was performed using standard laboratory methods. Results: There was a significant difference between case and control subjects for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, HDL-C and triglycerides (P < 0.05). Analysis by PCR–RFLP method revealed that there were no significant differences between NAFLD and healthy subjects for rs780094 polymorphism in the study population. The results of this study indicated that rs780094 polymorphism is not associated with NAFLD in subjects from Tabriz city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to report a one-pot, eco-friendly and room temperature procedure to prepare highly stable (at least 15 months) silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous leaf extract of Cordia myxa. The effects of different parameters, such as applied pH in the reaction mixture, amount of the leaf extract, silver ion concentrations, time of reaction and synthesis temperature, on the formation of NPs and their Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectra were studied. The characterisation of the prepared AgNPs was done using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Differentiation (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) techniques. The shape of the synthesised AgNPs was spherical and it sized 3–10 nm with a face-centred cubic structure with SPR spectra at 410 nm. A possible reaction mechanism of AgNP formation by biomolecules of C. myxa was also introduced. The efficiency of the synthesised AgNPs as an excellent catalyst for the reduction of organic azo dyes using NaBH4 was proved. Dose-dependent cytotoxic activity of the prepared AgNPs against SW480 and HCT116 human colon cancer cell lines was also shown using MTT assay. Furthermore, the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was utilised to confirm the antioxidant activity of NPs. Non-toxic reagents and low-cost synthesis were the main features that made these AgNPs more attractive for chemical/biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the social support provided for non-depressed women and women with postpartum depression referring to health centers in Jahrom. Method: In order to achieve the mentioned goal, three health care centers randomly selected. 60 referring women who had the required criteria were selected by convenience sampling method and were divided into two groups of postpartum depression (30) and non-depressed (30) people. For evaluation of social support, the Phillips Social Support scale was used, and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Questionnaire was used to evaluate postpartum depression. Data were analyzed by T-test. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between the non-depressed and those with postpartum depression in terms of social support (P = 0.03). These findings are remarkable in that they can be used to prevent the progression of treatment for postpartum depression. Conclusion: It is necessary to implement social and behavioral interventions in order to encourage and educate families, friends and kinship networks in order to provide socially desirable support for mothers, as well as cultural interventions in order to modify the morbidity of men to reduce postpartum depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diet is a known source of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and inflammatory markers have been associated with mechanisms involved in prostate cancer initiation and progression. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) is a tool to assist researchers in determining the inflammatory potential of diet. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the association between DII and prostate cancer. Methods: EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched from inception to February 2018, for relevant observational studies. The random effects model was used to calculate the overall relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Data from five case-control and one cohort study were eligible for inclusion. The adjusted pooled RR of prostate cancer for the highest (the most pro-inflammatory diet) versus lowest (the most anti-inflammatory diet) DII categories was 1.74 (95% CI: 1.24–2.43). The analysis in the DII score as a continuous variable was also performed and the results showed that the risk of prostate cancer was 9% higher for each one-point increase in the score. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that promoting diets rich in anti-inflammatory food components (i.e., whole grains, fish, green vegetables, and fruits) should help in reducing preventing prostate cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pain is one of the major problems for patients after cesarean section. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of amniotic membrane as cesarean wound dressing on pain after cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 90 pregnant women who underwent cesarean section in Amir-al- Momenin hospital, Gerash, Iran. The participants were divided into 2 groups each of 45. The wound was dressed with amniotic membrane in one group and with simple gauze in the other group. Pain was measured and recorded in the 2 groups by visual analogue scale (VAS). The need for receiving analgesics 24 hours after the cesarean section was also assessed and compared between the 2 groups. Results: The results showed no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the mean pain, 4 and 12 hours after the cesarean section (P = 0.308 and P = 0.628, respectively). However, a significant difference was observed between the 2 groups, in this regard, 24, 36, and 48 hours after the operation (P = 0.026, P = 0.026, and P = 0.004, respectively). Moreover, the patients in the amniotic membrane group needed less analgesics compared to those in the control group 24 hours after cesarean section (P = 0.041). Conclusions: Use of amniotic membrane dressing can be effective in reducing pain after cesarean section and can eliminate the patients' need for analgesics. Hence, it can be used as an effective complementary method along with usual analgesics for pain relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genetic and environmental factors are both involved in the etiology of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Among the genetic factors, certain polymorphisms of adiponectin gene are associated with NAFLD. In the current study, we investigated the association between metabolic parameters with different genotypes of adiponectin +276 G>T polymorphism among the Iranian NAFLD patients, and the effect of nutritional intake with development of NAFLD. Methods: In this study, 75 patients with NAFLD and 76 healthy individuals were enrolled. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semi- quantitative Food-Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) were calculated. Biochemical assays including FSG (Fasting Serum Glucose), liver enzymes, lipid profiles, Malondialdehyde, insulin resistance and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured after 12 hr fasting. Gene polymorphism study was done by using of sequencing method. Results: Although, T allele frequency was more prevalent in patients with NAFLD than control, adiponectin +276 G>T polymorphism was not associated with risk of NAFLD. Among the metabolic parameters, TAC in TT genotype was significantly lower 1.44(0.69 to 2.81) p>0.05, AST in GT, GG genotypes, and ALT in all three genotypes were higher in NAFLD patients in compared to healthy subjects (p<0.05). Patients with GT genotype have significantly lower fat consumption and vitamin E intake as compared to control group with the same genotype (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, we showed the association of different genotypes of +276 G>T polymorphism in adiponectin gene with some metabolic parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been suggested that dietary modifications in combination with genetic predisposition play an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In the current study we aimed to investigate the major components of metabolic syndrome in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nutritional intakes according to different genotype of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) -866G/A gene polymorphism in these patients.Methods: In this study 151 participants including 75 patients with NAFLD and 76 healthy individuals were enrolled. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Physical activity was obtained by metabolic equivalent questionnaire. Anthropometric assessments were conducted by a trained researcher and body mass index and waist to hip ratio were calculated. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and biochemical assays including fasting serum glucose, liver enzymes and lipid profiles were measured. Polymorphisms of -866G/A UCP2 gene was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.Results: Serum triglyceride concentrations in 53.3 % of NAFLD patients compared with 35.5 % of control group was more than 150 mg/dl (P = 0.034). A significantly higher prevalence of low serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations was also observed in female NAFLD patients (P < 0.001). Dietary intakes in NAFLD group were not significantly different compared with control group (P > 0.05). However, according to genotypes patients with AG genotype had significantly higher protein consumption compared with control group (P < 0.05). Significantly higher consumption of dietary iron and copper in NAFLD patients with AG genotype was only observed among patients with NAFLD. However, the comparison of macro and micronutrient intakes in control group sound for stronger differences for AA genotype although these differences did not achieve significant threshold.Conclusions: A high prevalence of metabolic abnormalities was reported among NAFLD patients. Additionally, among NAFLD group, patients with AG genotype significantly consumed more protein, iron and copper in their usual diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are important constituents of food and beverages, and several studies have shown that they have neuroactive properties. Many of these compounds are ligands for γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors in the central nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant effects of quercetin (3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone), which is a flavonoid found in plants, in rats treated with pentylenetetrazole in acute and chronic seizure models. Single intraperitoneal administration of quercetin did not show anticonvulsive effects against acute seizure. Similarly, multiple oral pretreatment with quercetin did not have protective effects against acute seizure. However, multiple intraperitoneal administration of quercetin (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly increased time to death compared with the control (p < 0.001). However, quercetin pretreatment had no significant effects on the pattern of convulsion development during all periods of kindling. But on the test day, quercetin (100 mg/kg) could significantly increase generalized tonic–clonic seizure onset (GTCS) and decrease GTCS duration compared with the control (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). We conclude that quercetin has a narrow therapeutic dose range for anticonvulsant activities in vivo, and it has different effects on the seizure threshold. The different effects of quercetin on seizure threshold may occur through several mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a distributed coverage control scheme based on receding horizon control for the coordination of multiple mobile robots to cover an event. The mission space is modeled using a probability density function representing the probability of occurrence of events. The distributed scheme is generated by the decomposition of a single optimal coverage problem into distributed receding horizon coverage control problems, each of them associated with one robot. The distributed coverage scheme is proven to optimally stabilize robots at a centroidal Voronoi configuration, which is an optimal configuration to cover an event. The control scheme is tested in three simulation environments to illustrate its good performance at environments with any probability density function of events, as well as its ability to generalize to much larger groups of mobile robots. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The current study evaluated the association between major components of Mediterranean dietary regimen with metabolic biomarkers and uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) -866G/A gene polymorphism in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study 75 patients with NAFLD and 76 healthy individuals were enrolled. Dietary intakes were assessed using a semi- quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and Mediterranean dietary quality index (Med-DQI) was calculated. Anthropometric assessments were performed; body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Biochemical assays including FSG (fasting serum glucose), liver enzymes and lipid profiles were measured. Polymorphism of -866G/A UCP2 gene was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were significantly lower and serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations were significantly higher in NAFLD patients compared with control group (P < 0.05). NAFLD patients with higher intakes of "saturated fatty acids" and "cholesterol" had significantly higher serum TG, while patients with higher intakes of "olive" had lower serum TG and AST concentrations. According to -866A/G of UCP2 gene polymorphism between study groups, only the score of "meat" subgroup in NAFLD patients with GG genotype was higher compared with patients in other genotypes of UCP2 gene (P < 0.05). We observed a significant relationship between Mediterranean dietary quality index and metabolic risk factors. We also demonstrated a higher meat intake in GG genotype among these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to detect low parasite and asymptomatic malaria infections by means of three malaria diagnostic tests, in a low transmission region of Minab district, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran. Methods: Blood samples of 200 healthy volunteers from Bagh-e-Malek area were evaluated using microscopic, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and nested-PCR to inspect malaria parasite. Results: The results showed no Plasmodium parasite in subjects by means of microscopy and RDT. However, 3 P. vivax positive samples (1.5%) were discovered by Nested-PCR while microscopy and RDT missed the cases. Conclusion: Microscopy as the gold standard method and RDT correctly identified 98.5% of cases, and molecular analysis is sensitive and reliable, especially in the detection of "asymptomatic" infections for active case surveillance. Regarding the existence of asymptomatic malaria in endemic area of Hormozgan, Iran, nested- PCR could be considered as a sensitive tool to interrupt malaria transmission in the country, beside the microscopic and RDT methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although the effects of low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol (FODMAP) diet on amelioration of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms have been reported previously, it has not yet been elucidated whether the gluten of wheat and barley induces the symptoms or only their fructans lead to aggravation of the symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low FODMAPs diet with vs. without gluten on clinical symptoms in IBS patients. Methods: In this double-blind, placebocontrolled randomized trial, forty-nine IBS patients were randomly assigned to placebo and/or intervention group. Patients in the intervention group received 5 gr/day of gluten powder with low FODMAP diet, while placebo group received 5 gr of rice flour as placebo, with low FODMAP diet. Quality of life (QoL) and IBSSSS (symptom severity score) were measured before and after the intervention using a valid QoL questionnaire and a standard visual analog scale, respectively. Results: Significant improvements were observed in total scores of IBS-SSS, abdominal pain intensity and frequency, abdominal distension, Interference with community function and quality of life in both gluten and placebo groups respectively (P< 0.05). a few of patients in the gluten-containing diet reported exacerbation of their symptoms. Conclusion: Exacerbation of IBS symptoms after wheat and barley consumption is due to their fructan, and not related to their gluten content in most of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a self-immune demyelinating disorder of the CNS, followed by neuropathic discomfort, especially in young people in reproductive age. So, This research was conducted with the aim of assessing the protective effect of Aloe vera gel (AVG) extract on histopathologic changes of the ovary and gonadotropin in an experimental MS model of rat. Methods: In this research, 30 pieces of rats of Wistar race were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5. 20 pieces, 14µl of ethidium bromide was injected in their lateral ventricles to induce MS. In 5 pieces as control group 2, 14µL of saline was injected into the lateral ventricles, and the remaining 5 rats were considered as control group 1. Treatment of three groups of rats with MS was performed with AVG extract at 50 mg/kg BW, 100 mg/kg BW 100 and 200 mg/ kg BW. At the end, blood sampling to measure serum FSH and LH, Their ovaries were isolated for microscopic examination. Results: The results of counting the number of ovarian follicles showed a significant decrease in the number of primary and secondary and graafian follicles in group 3, compared to the control group. There is a significant increase in the concentration of FSH and LH in group 3 in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Finally, It can be said that by inducing MS, The number of ovarian follicles decreased, and the number of atretic follicles and the concentration of gonadotropin hormones increased, and treatment with AVG extract was effective in improving these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Nonunion is defined as a minimum of a 9-month period of time since an injury with no visibly progressive signs of healing for 3 months. Recent studies show that application of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the laboratory setting is effective for bone regeneration. Animal studies have shown that MSCs can be used to treat nonunions. For the first time in an Iranian population, the present study investigated the safety of MSC implantation to treat human lower limb long bone nonunion. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective clinical trial for evaluating the safety of using autologus bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells for treating nonunion. Orthopedic surgeons evaluated 12 patients with lower limb long bone nonunion for participation in this study. From these, 5 complied with the eligibility criteria and received MSCs. Under fluoroscopic guidance, patients received a one-time implantation of 20-50×106 MSCs into the nonunion site. All patients were followed by anterior-posterior and lateral X-rays from the affected limb, in addition to hematological, biochemical, and serological laboratory tests obtained before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the implantation. Possible adverse effects that included local or systemic, serious or non-serious, and related or unrelated effects were recorded during this time period. Results: From a safety perspective, all patients tolerated the MSCs implantation during the 12 months of the trial. Three patients had evidence of bony union based on the after implantation X- rays. Conclusion: The results have suggested that implantation of bone marrow-derived MSCs is a safe treatment for nonunion. A double-blind, controlled clinical trial is required to assess the efficacy of this treatment (Registration Number: NCT01206179). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious complication of pregnancy with hallmarks of incomplete placentation, placental ischemia and endothelial dysfunction. Imbalance between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placenta growth factor (PlGF) and their receptors play important role in pathophysiology of PE. Objective: This study was aimed to asses PlGF mRNA expression in placenta of women affected with PE. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, expression of PlGF mRNA was evaluated in 26 mild PE cases, 15 severe preeclamptic women and 20 normotensive controls. Patients were sub-classified as early onset PE (9) and late onset (32). After RNA extraction, PlGF expression was quantified with qRT-PCR. Results: The results of PlGF mRNA expression between mild-severe, and early-late onset PE patients showed no statistically significant difference compared with the control group (p=0.661, p=0.205 respectively). Conclusion: Despite we found no distinct differential expression of PlGF mRNA in placental tissue of PE patients compared with control women, but according to decreased level of this angiogenic factor in PE even before clinical onset of the disease, determining molecular mechanisms related to reduced secretion of PlGF into the maternal circulation may be useful for future therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Nonunion is defined as a minimum of 9 months since injury without any visible progressive signs of healing for 3 months. Recent literature has shown that the application of mesenchymal stromal cells is safe, in vitro and in vivo, for treating long bone nonunion. The present study was performed to investigate the safety of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) implantation in combination with platelet lysate (PL) product for treating human long bone nonunion. Materials and Methods: In this case series clinical trial, orthopedic surgeons visited eighteen patients with long bone nonunion, of whom 7 complied with the eligibility criteria. These patients received mesenchymal stromal cells (20 million cells implanted once into the nonunion site using a fluoroscopic guide) in combination with PL product. For evaluation of the effects of this intervention all the patients were followed up by taking anterior-posterior and lateral X-rays of the affected limb before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the implantation. All side effects (local or systemic, serious or non-serious, related or unrelated) were observed during this time period. Results: From a safety perspective the MSC implantation in combination with PL was very well tolerated during the 12 months of the trial. Four patients were healed; based on the control X- ray evidence, bony union had occurred. Conclusion: Results from the present study suggest that the implantation of bone marrow- derived MSCs in combination with PL is safe for the treatment of nonunion. A double blind, controlled clinical trial is required to assess the efficacy of this treatment (Registration Number: NCT01206179). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease that typically affects a large number of the middle-aged and elderly population. Current treatment strategies have had limited success in these patients. This study aims to investigate the safety of treatment with autologous bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplanted in patients with OA of the knee, ankle, or hip. Methods: We enrolled 18 patients with different joint involvements (knee, ankle, or hip OA) and one was lost to follow-up. BM samples were taken from the patients, after which BM-derived MSCs were isolated and cultured. Each patient received one MSC injection. Patients were followed with clinical examinations, MRI and laboratory tests at 2, 6,12, and 30 months post-transplantation. Results: We observed no severe adverse events such as pulmonary embolism, death, or systemic complications. A limited number of patients had very minor localized adverse effects such as rash and erythema. There were no changes in liver function, hematology, or biochemistry analyses before and after cell therapy. There was no evidence of tumor or neoplastic changes in the patients during the 30-month follow-up period. All patients exhibited therapeutic benefits such as increased walking distance, decreased visual analog scale (VAS), and total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) scores which were confirmed by MRI. Conclusions: Our study has shown that injection of MSCs in different OA affected joints is safe and therapeutically beneficial. However, further studies are needed with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]