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Background and aim The liver is the primary organ affected by cholestasis, and complications such as renal injury, renal failure, and the need for renal transplantation are associated with cholestatic liver disease. There is substantial evidence indicating that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial impairment are fundamental mechanisms underlying cholestasis-induced hepatic and renal injury. Edaravone (EDV) is a potent radical scavenger and antioxidant that may prevent oxidative stress and improve impaired mitochondrial function in various diseases. This study was performed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of action of EDV on hepatic and renal injury in an animal model of cholestasis. Methods Rats subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) were treated with EDV 1 or 10 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 14 consecutive days. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in the liver and kidney were assessed in EDV-treated and untreated rats with cholestasis. Results Significant increases in tissue ROS level, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and oxidized glutathione level were detected in rats subjected to BDL. Additionally, significant decreases in tissue glutathione level and antioxidant capacity were observed in the hepatic and renal tissues of rats with cholestasis. Markers of mitochondrial impairment, including mitochondrial depolarization, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial permeabilization, depleted adenosine triphosphate content, and decreased dehydrogenase activity, were also detected in rats subjected to BDL. Furthermore, portal inflammation, necrosis, and tissue fibrosis were detected in the liver and significant tubular atrophy and interstitial inflammation, as well as fibrotic lesions, were detected in the kidneys of rats with cholestasis. EDV treatment significantly mitigated cholestasis-associated hepatic and renal injury. Conclusions The antioxidative properties of EDV and its positive effects on the indices of mitochondrial function may be critical factors contributing to protection against cholestasis-associated hepatic and renal injury.

Background: The medical tourism industry is a rapidly growing global market that has capabilities such as earning income and improving the quality of services. The purpose of this study was to utilize the capabilities of Shiraz city by developing a strategic plan. Methods: This mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) research was conducted in 2019. The study population included all entities and key stakeholders involved in the medical tourism industry in Shiraz. A strategic plan was developed through focus groups and conventional content analysis and then the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique was utilized to map it. Results: The strategic plan of the medical tourism industry of Shiraz city was explained in the form of 63 strategies, 5 goals, and 18 objectives. Also, the medical tourism industry strategic map was illustrated. Conclusion: Achieving common agreement of all policy-making and implementing institutions, empowering managers on various medical tourism industry dimensions, and developing operational plans required by each organization in charge of the medical tourism industry can be effective in better use of the capabilities of Shiraz in attracting medical tourists.

Introduction: The cholestatic liver disease primarily affects hepatic tissue. Cholestasis could also influence the function of other organs rather than the liver. Cholestasis-induced renal injury is a severe clinical complication known as "cholemic nephropathy" (CN). Bile duct ligation (BDL) is a reliable experimental tool for inducing CN. Although the precise mechanism of renal injury in cholestasis is not fully recognized, several studies mentioned the role of oxidative stress in this complication. There is no promising pharmacological intervention against CN. Carnosine (CAR) is a dipeptide widely investigated for its pharmacological effects. Radical scavenging and antioxidative stress are major features of CAR. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of CAR supplementation on the CN. Methods: CAR (250 and 500 mg/kg, i.p) was administered to BDL rats for 14 consecutive days. Serum and urine markers of renal injury, biomarkers of oxidative stress in the kidney tissue, and renal histopathological alterations were monitored. Results: Significant elevation in oxidative stress biomarkers, including ROS formation, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation were found in the kidney of BDL rats. Moreover, renal tissue antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly decreased in the renal tissue of cholestatic animals. Renal histopathological alterations, including tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation, tissue fibrosis, and cast formation, were detected in the kidney of BDL rats. It was found that CAR administration significantly protected the renal tissue of cholestatic animals. Conclusion: The antioxidative properties of this peptide might play a fundamental role in its protective properties during cholestasis.

Background Healthcare settings are complex, and the decision-making process is usually complicated, too. Precise use of best evidence from different sources for increasing the desired outcomes is the result of EBM. Therefore, this study aimed to map the potential facilitators and barriers to EBM in health systems to help the healthcare managers to better implement EBM in their organizations. Methods The present study was a scoping review (SR) conducted in 2020 based on the integration of the frameworks presented by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac et al. (2010) considering the Joanna Briggs Institute guideline (2015). These frameworks consist of 6 steps. After finalizing the search strategy, 7 databases were searched, and the PRISMA-ScR was used to manage the retrieval and inclusion of the evidence. Microsoft Excel 2013 was used to extract the data, and the graphic description was presented. The summative analysis approach was used applying MAXQDA10. Results According to the systematic search, 4815 studies were retrieved after eliminating duplicates and unrelated articles, 49 articles remained to extract EBM facilitators and barriers. Six main aspects attitude toward EBM, external factors, contextual factors, resources, policies and procedures, and research capacity and data availability were summarized as EBM facilitators. The barriers to EBM were similarly summarized as attitude toward EBM, external factors, contextual factors, policies and procedures, limited resources, and research capacity and data availability. The streamgraphs describe that the international attention to the sub-aspects of facilitators and barriers of EBM has been increased since 2011. Conclusions The importance of decision-making regarding complex health systems, especially in terms of resource constraints and uncertainty conditions, requires EBM in the health system as much as possible. Identifying the factors that facilitate the use of evidence, as well as its barriers to management and decision-making in the organization, can play an important role in making systematic and reliable decisions that can be defended by the officials and ultimately lead to greater savings in organization resources and prevent them from being wasted.

Cholestasis-associated renal injury, known as cholemic nephropathy (CN), is a severe clinical complication. CN could lead to acute kidney injury. However, there is no specific pharmacological intervention for cholestasis-induced renal injury. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of CN. Betaine (3-methyl glycine; BET) is an amino acid derivative with a wide range of pharmacological actions. Several studies mentioned the effects of BET on oxidative stress in different experimental models. It has also been found that BET positively affected mitochondrial function. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of BET supplementation on CN in the bile duct ligation (BDL) model of cholestasis. BET (0.25% and 1% w: v in drinking water) was administered to BDL animals for seven consecutive days. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and mitochondrial indices were evaluated in cholestatic animals. Significant elevation in reactive oxygen species formation, lipid peroxidation, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was evident in BDL rats. Moreover, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and renal antioxidant capacity were decreased in cholestatic animals. Mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial permeabilization, decreased mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity, and lipid peroxidation was also detected in the kidney of BDL rats. Tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation, and renal fibrosis were also detected in BDL rats. BET alleviated biomarkers of oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial indices, and decreased renal histopathological alterations in BDL animals. The antioxidant effects and the positive effects of BET on cellular mitochondria seem to play a fundamental role in its nephroprotective role during cholestasis.

The emergence and evolution of the complement system and mast cells (MCs) can be traced back to sea urchins and the ascidian Styela plicata, respectively. Acting as a cascade of enzymatic reactions, complement is activated through the classical (CP), the alternative (AP), and the lectin pathway (LP) based on the recognized molecules. The system's main biological functions include lysis, opsonization, and recruitment of phagocytes. MCs, beyond their classic role as master cells of allergic reactions, play a role in other settings, as well. Thus, MCs are considered as extrahepatic producers of complement proteins. They express various complement receptors, including those for C3a and C5a. C3a and C5a not only activate the C3aR and C5aR expressing MCs but also act as chemoattractants for MCs derived from different anatomic sites, such as from the bone marrow, human umbilical cord blood, or skin in vitro. Cross talk between MCs and complement is facilitated by the production of complement proteins by MCs and their activation by the MC tryptase. The coordinated activity between MCs and the complement system plays a key role, for example, in a number of allergic, cutaneous, and vascular diseases. At a molecular level, MCs and complement system interactions are based on the production of several complement zymogens by MCs and their activation by MC-released proteases. Additionally, at a cellular level, MCs act as potent effector cells of complement activation by expressing receptors for C3a and C5a through which their chemoattraction and activation are mediated by anaphylatoxins in a paracrine and autocrine fashion.

Excessive fatty acids and glucose uptake support the infiltration of adipose tissue (AT) by a variety of immune cells including neutrophils, pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, and mast cells (MCs). These cells promote inflammation by releasing pro-inflammatory mediators. The involvement of MCs in AT biology is supported by their accumulation in the AT of obese individuals along with significantly higher serum levels of MC-derived tryptase. AT-resident MCs under the influence of locally derived adipokines such as leptin become activated and release pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNFα that worsens the inflammatory state. MCs support angiogenesis in AT by releasing chymase and inducing preadipocyte differentiation and also the proliferation of adipocytes through 15-deoxy-delta PGJ2/PPARγ interaction. Additionally, they contribute to the remodeling of the AT extracellular matrix (ECM) and play a role in the recruitment and activation of leukocytes. MC degranulation has been linked to brown adipocyte activation, and evidence indicates an important link between MCs and the appearance of BRITE/beige adipocytes in white AT. Cell crosstalk between MCs and AT-resident cells, mainly adipocytes and immune cells, shows that these cells play a critical role in the regulation of AT homeostasis and inflammation.

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death, which has the highest mortality rate worldwide. Although a diverse range of inflammatory diseases can affect the cardiovascular system, however, heart failure and stroke occur due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a chronic autoinflammatory disease of small to large vessels in which different immune mediators are involved in lipid plaque formation and inflammatory vascular remodeling process. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis may lead to uncovering immunomodulatory therapies. Despite present diagnostic and therapeutic methods, the lack of immunotherapy in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis is perceptible. In this review, we will discuss the promising immunological-based therapeutics and novel preventive approaches for atherosclerosis. This study could provide new insights into a better perception of targeted therapeutic pathways and biological therapies.

In this paper, the effects of inlet valve closing temperature (TIVC) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on the emissions and the performance of a reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) engine have been numerically investigated. The numerical results were obtained for TIVC variations from 293 to 353 K and the EGR variations from 0 to 25%. For this purpose, the natural gas was injected in inlet port as a low reactivity fuel, while the diesel fuel was directly injected in the cylinder as a high reactivity fuel. For the numerical simulation validation, the results were compared to the reference data. The comparison shows that the in-cylinder pressure, rate of heat release (RoHR), soot and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions results are in good agreement with the reference data. According to the results, with increasing the EGR, the maximum in-cylinder pressure and also the maximum RoHR will be decreased. Moreover, increasing the EGR can considerably reduce NOx and soot emissions. When EGR increases from 0 to 25%, the NOx emission decreases from 0.47 to 0.02 g kW−1 h−1, while soot decreases from 0.009 to 0.0005 g kW−1 h−1. Also, increasing the TIVC will significantly increase the maximum pressure, RoHR and NOx and soot emissions. When TIVC increases from 293 to 353 k, the NOx emission increases from 0.01 to 0.41 g kW−1 h−1 and also soot from 0.0005 to 0.011 g kW−1 h−1. Finally, the results show that both of the TIVC and the EGR play important roles in controlling the combustion phase of an RCCI engine.

In the present study, two novel chalcone glycosides, trans-3-ethoxy-4-O-(glucopyranoside) -2', 3', 4', 5', 6' -pentahydroxy chalcone (compound 1) and trans-3-methoxy-4-O-(glucopyranoside) -2', 3', 4', 5', 6' -pentahydroxy chalcone (compound 2) have been isolated from the leaves of Viburnum lantana L. The structures were elucidated by using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 2D-NMR such as HMQC, HMBC and NOE experiments and UV-Vis, MS and IR spectra. The antioxidant property of hydroalcoholic extract was evaluated by DPPH style. The results revealed that the leave extract possesses significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 52 µg/mL). This study indicates that hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves from this species is an important source of chalcone and flavonoid derivatives, as well as of useful natural antioxidants. These chalcone glycoside compounds were isolated for the first time from V. lantana leaves.

Both subsets of MCs including MCTC (tryptase-positive, chymase-positive) and MCT (tryptase-positive, chymase-negative) are present in the testis and epididymis. Increased number of MCs, higher levels of MC-released tryptase in testis and seminal plasma of males with fertility problems, and promoting sperm motility in individuals with oligozoospermia after using MC blockers provide evidence that MCs may play a role in male infertility/subfertility disturbances. MC-released tryptase and histamine contribute to the fibrosis and may disrupt spermatogenesis. MCs not only influence the process of spermatogenesis but also have effects on the function of other testis-residing cells. MC-derived histamine may influence the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells by acting through H1R and H2R receptors. Additionally, the interaction between MC-released ATP and P2X receptors expressed on the peritubular cells may induce the production of the pro-inflammatory mediators by peritubular cells. Further investigations showed that MCs may be involved in the pathology of female infertility during implantation, pregnancy, and abortion. In the uterus, MCT subtype is abundant in myometrium and adjacent basal layer while MCTC subtype is distributed in all layers. MCs in response to hormones mainly estradiol and progesterone become activated and release a wide range of mediators including histamine, VEGF, proteases, and metalloproteinases (MMPs) that have a role in different stages of pregnancy. An increasing influx of MCs to the cervix during the pregnancy occurs that helps to the physiologic cervical ripening. While MMPs degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM), VEGF modulates neovascularization and histamine influences the embryo implantation. MC-derived histamine may have a positive effect during implantation due to its participation in tissue remodeling. MC proteases including tryptase and chymase activate the precursors of MMP2 and MMP9 to mediate ECM degradation during the physiologic menstrual cycle. There is a line of evidence that MCs have a role in abortion by releasing TNF-α.

Background: Although all jobs can be stressful, occupational stress is an important issue in jobs that deal with human health. Evidence indicates that nursing is a stressful occupation. Objective: This research evaluated factors affecting occupational stress and strategies for coping with it. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted in 2015. The study population comprised all nurses at Shahid Rajaee hospital, from whom 190 nurses were selected by random sampling. Data was collected by questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software (version 19), Pearson correlation coefficient tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and t tests. Results: Occupational stress was rated as moderate among the studied nurses. Significant positive correlations were found between occupational stress level and less effective coping method, occupational stress level and work experience level, and ineffective coping methods and age. Moreover, a significant difference was seen between men and women in terms of emotion-focused coping. Conclusion: According to the research findings, occupational stress was at a moderate level among the studied hospital nurses, indicating that the authorities need to focus on efforts to reduce occupational stress for nurses.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation as an environmental factor alters the physiological and metabolic processes in plants. Manganese (Mn) is an essential element that is required for plant growth and development. This experiment was conducted in order to determine the effects of Mn supply and UV radiation on the physiological and metabolic responses in Mentha aquatica. With this aim, three levels of Mn and UV treatments were used as follows: basic Hoagland’s nutrient solution without UV radiation (control), Mn supply (100 μM), UV radiation (2 h daily), and UV + 100 μM Mn. After three weeks of treatments, the root and shoot dry weights and the contents of photosynthetic pigments were decreased under UV radiation condition. However, the contents of flavonoids, soluble carbohydrate, anthocyanins, malonaldehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase) were increased. Interestingly, Mn at 100 μM concentration decreased the harmful effects of UV radiation on M. aquatica. In addition, the clear differences were observed in the terpene constituents of M. aquatica after the Mn and UV treatments. In this study, 1, 8-cineole, menthofuran and β-caryophyllene were the most abundant constituents of essential oils in both the control and treated plants. The correlation analysis between pairs of the primary and secondary metabolites showed that there were positive and negative correlations among the variables under the Mn supply and UV radiation conditions. These findings clearly display a positive effect of external Mn up to 100 μM in the nutrient solution on the resistant of M. aquatica to UV radiation.

Nanophytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by plant-mediated hydromethanolic extract from Hypericum scabrum seeds and investigation of those physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity are reported. The nanoparticles were analyzed and characterized by UV-Vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared radiation (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The XRD study showed that the particles are crystalline in nature with a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure and a mean size of 19.8 nm. The FT-IR studies of plant extract taken before and after synthesis of nanoparticles showed the possible functional groups responsible for the formation of nanoparticles. The bioassay showed that the silver nanoparticles exhibited a good antimicrobial activity.

Bee venom is a blend of biochemicals ranging from small peptides and enzymes to biogenic amines. It is capable of triggering severe immunologic reactions owing to its allergenic fraction. Venom components are presented to the T cells by antigen-presenting cells within the skin. These Th2 type T cells then release IL-4 and IL-13 which subsequently direct B cells to class switch to production of IgE. Generating venom-specific IgE and crosslinking FcεR1(s) on the surface of mast cells complete the sensitizing stage in allergic individuals who are most likely to experience severe and even fatal allergic reactions after being stung. Specific IgE for bee venom is a double-edged sword as it is a powerful mediator in triggering allergic events but is also applied successfully in diagnosis of the venom allergic patient. The healing capacity of bee venom has been rediscovered under laboratory-controlled conditions using animal models and cell cultures. The potential role of enzymatic fraction of bee venom including phospholipase A2 in the initiation and development of immune responses also has been studied in numerous research settings. Undoubtedly, having insights into immunologic interactions between bee venom components and innate/specific immune cells both locally and systematically will contribute to the development of immunologic strategies in specific and epitope-based immunotherapy especially in individuals with Hymenoptera venom allergy.

Catalytic hydrogenation is considered as an efficient technique for upgrading pyrolysis bio-oil. High flammability of hydrogen gas in contact with air leads to difficult control of high pressurized hydrogen gas in large-scale systems. Meanwhile, molecular hydrogen production is a costly industrial process. Thus, hydrogenation study using hydrogen donor (H-donor) material as alternative for hydrogen gas could be useful in terms of cost and safety control. In this study, the potential of decalin and tetralin for use as hydrogen source was investigated in transfer hydrogenation of renewable lignin-derived phenolic compounds (phenol, o-cresol and guaiacol) and a simulated phenolic bio-oil over Pd/C and Pt/C catalysts. Reaction mechanisms of H-donor dehydrogenation and phenolics hydrogenation were studied. Catalytic activity of Pt/C for transfer hydrogenation of the phenolic compounds was higher than that of Pd/C at reaction temperature of 275 °C. Decalin as hydrogen source showed to be more efficient for hydrogenation of the phenolic compounds compared to tetralin. In addition, the influence of water content on transfer hydrogenation activity was studied by employing the water to donor ratios of 0/100, 25/75, 50/50 and 75/25 g/g. Maximum hydrogenation of phenol as bio-oil model compound was observed at water to donor ratio of 50/50 g/g.

Urban climatologists have moved smoothly towards urban geometry meso-scales as obstruction between buildings, streets, and urban environment. Urban climatologists and designers have expressed that urban geometry parameters affect urban microclimate conditions. Improper functioning of the geometry factors, particularly air temperature and wind speed, can increase the harshness of climate change and Urban Heat Island (UHI) defects, which are more critical in coastal cities of tropical regions. In this regard, the current study aimed to identify the impact of each street geometry factor on urban microclimate through a critical literature review. The research determined a total of twenty seven (27) factors within three clusters; 1) geometry factors, 2) meteorological factors, and 3) streetscape factors. The content analysis calculated the Depth of Citation (DoC) which refers to the cumulative importance level of each factor. The content analysis resulted air temperature (Ta) (DoC = 18 out of 28) is the most important street geometry factor that should be extensively considered in urban microclimate studies in coastal cities. In contrast, the factors (such as air pollution and traffic load) have received a minimum Doc (1 out of 28). The research has also analyzed the importance level of clusters through an expert input study using Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) method. The results show that meteorological cluster (92 %), streetscape cluster (86 %), and geometry cluster (85 %) have to be respectively implemented in urban microclimate studies in coastal cities. The research states there are new approaches have not yet been touched by urban climatologist affecting urban microclimate; included; surface materials, sea-borne dust and sand, user’s satisfaction, user’s thermal adaptive behavior. These approaches can potentially exacerbate UHI effects in coastal cities, which need further research.

The research aimed to identify environmentally-conscious factors affecting urban street microclimate compromising individuals’ respiratory health. Thirty two environmentally-conscious factors have been investigated clustered into three clusters; Geometry, Meteorological, and Streetscape. Among thirty two factors, street orientation, material of ground and facades, distance to the sea, dust and atmospheric particles, air pollution, vegetation, and traffic load factors significantly compromise respiratory health. Wind speed received the highest risk severity value (0.44) among other factors; in contrast, Dust and atmospheric particles absorbed the lowest value (0.07). Risk severity matrix shows wind speed is located in high-risk zone and other factors in moderate-risk zone.

Background: Today, in order to provide desirable health care services, too much emphasis is placed on the physical and mental health of nurses, and job burnout among nurses is introduced as harmful elements to the health of nurses. Objective: This study was performed to evaluate job burnout in Shiraz Nemazee Hospital in relation to demographic characteristics. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytic study. The research community included all nurses in the whole sections of Nemazee Hospital out of which 245 were selected by classified random sampling as the study sample. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. After collection, data were entered in statistical package for social sciences SPSS software (version 18) and T-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the variables. Results: The mean score of emotional exhaustion, lack of personal accomplishment and job burnout were at an average level, and depersonalization was at a low level. As regards the intensity of burnout, most nurses were moderate. Between components of depersonalization of job burnout with marital status and age, there was a significant relationship (PConclusion: According to the findings of this study and in terms of the stressful nature of nursing profession, it is necessary that hospital managers and healthcare authorities pay attention to job burnout in nurses, its level, as well as provide and implement strategies for its prevention, thereby decreasing its effects and risks.

Background: The quantity and quality of manpower, especially in health systems, are major factors affecting speed of service delivery, cost, and accuracy, or, in other words, the quality of service. Objective: This study purposed to investigate the manpower required in various units of the laboratory at Shiraz Faghihi Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical research conducted on all testing processes in the fields of parasitology, hormone biology, microbiology, and urinalysis performed at the studied hospital. The Westinghouse ergometer and timing method was used to estimate manpower requirements, and SPSS18 software was used to analyze data. Results: The average standard time of every duty cycle in parasitology units, hormone biology, microbiology, and urinalysis are 12, 5, 9, and 5 minutes, respectively. The numbers of human resources required in said units were estimated to be 2.6, 3, 4, and 3.7 respectively. In parasitology unit there is lack of 1 manpower. In hormone unit there are two manpower surpluses. In biology unit there is one manpower surplus and urinalysis unit is estimated to be proportional to the number of troops. Conclusion: It is suggested that new, scientific tools be used to evaluate the status of department staff and make improvements to avoid the high costs and difficulties that manpower shortages and surpluses cause for the organization.

Background and Purpose: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common infections in female genital organs, which is caused by Candida species. Candida albicans is the causative agent of more than 80% of infections, and the role of non-Candida strains in the disease etiology is less prominent. The expansion of Azoles resistance among C. albicans strains is considered an important medical problem. According to previous studies, Vitex agnus-castus (vitex) has some antimicrobial effects. We aimed to evaluate the anti-fungal effects of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of vitex against clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans in comparison with fluconazole. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed on vitex to identify its possible bioactive components. Forty C. albicans clinical isolates were identified by using germ tube, chlamydospore production, culture on CHROMagar, and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Finally, after the extraction of vitex, drug susceptibility test was carried out according to the clinical laboratory standards institute (CLSI) M27-S4 document guidelines. Results: The major chemical components of vitex leaf as determined by gas chromatography included α-Pinene, isoterpinolene, caryophyllene, and azulene. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of vitex, as well as fluconazole were within the ranges of 15.62–62.5, 7.81–15.62, and 0.25–8 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings showed that the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of vitex had antifungal activity against clinical isolates of C. albicans. Moreover, the alcoholic extract of vitex and fluconazole were more effective against clinical vaginal isolates of C. albicans compared to the aqueous extract of vitex.

The hexane extract of the flower Rheum ribes L., which was collected from north-western Iran, was obtained by Soxhlet apparatus, and the essential oil composition was obtained by hydro distillation and analyzed by using GC-GC/MS. The extract from the flowers was characterized by a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) (66.0 %) and some long chain hydrocarbon compounds. The main components of the hexane extract were 9-octadecenoic acid (ω-9) (42.8 %), 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (linoleic acid or ω-6) (19.6 %), hexadecanoic acid, (palmitic acid) (8.6 %), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diisooctyl (5.7 %), dodecane (3.7 %) and γ-linolenic acid (3.6 %). The hexane extract from the Rheum ribes flowers detected an important source of ω-6 and ω-9 compounds. This study revealed that the flowers of this plant have a good source of oily components, especially the essential ones. It also showed that the flowers have natural source of unsaturated fatty acids. Twenty three compounds representing 97.5% of t...

This paper provides an insight into a new biotechnological method based on calcite precipitation for achieving high strength bio-concrete durability. It is very clear that mineral precipitation has the potential to enhance construction material resistance towards degradation procedures. The appropriate microbial cell concentration (30 ∗ 105 cells/ml) was introduced onto different structural concrete grades (40, 45 and 50 MPa) by mixing water. In order to study the durability of structural concrete against aggressive agents, specimens were immersed in different types of acids solution (5% H2SO4 and HCl) to compare their effects on 60th, 90th and 120th day. In general, sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid are known to be the most aggressive natural threats from industrial waters which can penetrate concrete to transfer the soluble calcium salts away from the cement matrix. The experimental results demonstrated that bio-concrete has less weight and strength losses when compared to the ordinary Portland cement concrete without microorganism. It was also found that maximum compressive strength and weight loss occurred during H2SO4 acid immersion as compared to HCl immersion. The density and uniformity of bio-concrete were examined using ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. Microstructure chemical analysis was also quantified by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to justify the durability improvement in bacterial concrete. It was observed that less sulphur and chloride were noticed in bacterial concrete against H2SO4 and HCl, respectively in comparison to the ordinary Portland cement concrete due to calcite deposition.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Objectives: Development of the drug resistance is becoming a threat to disease control, which underscores need for new agents targeting M. tuberculosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, analysis of gene expression was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR). Results: Results of the current study showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration value of cinnamaldehyde against M. tu- berculosis was 200 g/mL. Moreover, RT-PCR data showed that a total of 25 genes were regulated by the cinnamaldehyde. Of these, 12 genes were up-regulated, and 13 genes were down-regulated. Conclusions: Cinnamaldehyde is a pattern to expand the new anti-TB drugs, because the targets of the cinnamaldehyde are dier- ent from those of anti-tubercular agents.

Pyrolysis bio-oil is recognized as a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel which could be a potential alternative for depleting fossil fuels. However, bio-oil is highly oxygenated and needs to be upgraded prior to be used as fuel additive. Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an efficient technique for bio-oil upgrading. The reaction pathway for HDO of bio-oil is unknown since it is a mixture of hundreds of different compounds. The study on mechanism of transformation of these compounds could be helpful to propose an overall pathway for HDO of bio-oil. Phenols which are derived from pyrolysis of lignin fraction of biomass are considered as attractive model compounds for study of bio-oil HDO since they are highly stable in HDO reaction. Reaction pathway and product selectivity in HDO of phenols are highly affected by type of catalyst promoters and supports, catalyst preparation procedure, solvent type, chemicals used as co-feed and operating conditions (i.e., temperature and pressure). The effects of these factors on selective production of high-value hydrocarbons of aromatics and alicyclics from HDO of phenol, cresol, guaiacol and anisole are discussed in this review.

The hydrodistilled essential oil from aerial part of Tanacetum punctatum was analyzed by GC and GC-MS methods. Seventeen constituents representing (91.1 %) of the oil were identified of which trans-β-farnesene (30.6 %), caryophyllene oxide (26.1 %), β-caryophyllene (21.1 %) and bicyclo [3, 1, 1] heptan-2-one (5. 2 %) were major components. The oil was richer in sesquiterpenes than monoterpenes. Antibacterial activity of the essential oil was evaluated using the micro- dilution broth method. The oil showed inhibitory effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.

A comparison of the chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the essential oils obtained from the leaves of Thymus caucasicus Willd., T. kotschyanus Boiss. & Hohen., and T. vulgaris (L.) were carried out. The oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Twenty constituents representing 94.8 % of the essential oil of T. caucasicus, twenty - nine components 96.6 % of the T. kotschyanus oil and twenty two compounds 98.2 % of the T. vulgaris leaf oils have been identified. The oil of T caucasicus leaf was characterized by higher amounts of 1,8-cineol (21.5 %), thymol (12.6 %), β-fenchyl alcohol (8.7 %), nerolidol (7.8 %), terpinolene (7.2 %), a-pinene (7.0 %) and myrcene (6.8 %). In the oil of T kotschyanus leave, carvacrol (24.4 %), β-caryophyllene (14.5 %), y-terpinene (12.4 %), a-phellandrene (10.8 %), p-cymene (9.8 %) and thymol (6.8 %) were the predominant compounds, while the main components of the oil of T vulgaris leaves were thymol (43.8 %...

Pyrolysis bio-oil is recognized as a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel which could be a potential alternative for depleting fossil fuels. However, bio-oil is highly oxygenated and needs to be upgraded prior to be used as fuel additive. Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an efficient technique for bio-oil upgrading. The reaction pathway for HDO of bio-oil is unknown since it is a mixture of hundreds of different compounds. The study on mechanism of transformation of these compounds could be helpful to propose an overall pathway for HDO of bio-oil. Phenols which are derived from pyrolysis of lignin fraction of biomass are considered as attractive model compounds for study of bio-oil HDO since they are highly stable in HDO reaction. Reaction pathway and product selectivity in HDO of phenols are highly affected by type of catalyst promoters and supports, catalyst preparation procedure, solvent type, chemicals used as co-feed and operating conditions (i.e., temperature and pressure). The effects of these factors on selective production of high-value hydrocarbons of aromatics and alicyclics from HDO of phenol, cresol, guaiacol and anisole are discussed in this review.

Purpose: PECAM-1 (CD31) is a glycoprotein expressed on endothelial and bone marrow precursor cells. It plays important roles in angiogenesis, maintenance and integration of the cytoskeleton and direction of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. We aimed to clone the cDNA coding for human CD31 from KG1a for further subcloning and expression in NIH- 3T3 mouse cell line. Methods: CD31 cDNA was cloned from KG1a cell line after total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Pfu DNA polymerase-amplified specific band was ligated to pGEMT-easy vector and sub-cloned in pCMV6-Neo expression vector. After transfection of NIH-3T3 cells using 3 μg of recombinant construct and 6 μl of JetPEI transfection reagent, stable expression was obtained by selection of cells by G418 antibiotic and confirmed by surface flow cytometry. Results: 2235 bp specific band was aligned completely to human CD31 reference sequence in NCBI database. Transient and stable expression of human CD31 on transfected NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells was achieved (23% and 96%, respectively) as shown by flow cytometry. Conclusion: Due to murine origin of NIH-3T3 cell line, CD31-expressing NIH-3T3 cells could be useful as immunogen in production of diagnostic monoclonal antibodies against human CD31, with no need for purification of recombinant proteins.

In this study, the blood flow passing through a three-dimensional geometrically realistic stenosis is investigated both experimentally and numerically. Although the blood flow in stenotic arteries has been extensively studied in the past few decades, not much work has been focused on irregularity of stenosis. Thus, a model of an irregular stenotic descending aorta is used in this work. Due to the irregularity of stenosis model, the governing differential equations for continuity and momentum are solved numerically using finite-volume/finite-difference techniques in the generalized body-fitted coordinates. In order to verify the numerical results, the experimental measured pressure drops are compared with the numerical result. In addition, an improved method for nearly orthogonal grid generation is presented in numerical study. The grid generating system is based on the solution of a set of partial differential equations with finite difference discretization. Numerical calculations are performed to examine the effect of 55% (ratio between cross-sectional area at upstream and stenosis) irregular stenosis on the hemodynamic characteristics such as flow separation zone, wall shear stress and pressure drop. The maximum calculated wall shear stress is related to the maximum velocity gradient due to minimum cross-sectional area at the neck of stenosis. In addition, the pressure is shown as an important characteristic that is effecting on the resistance against the flow in the artery. Based on our results, the 55% irregular constriction is considered critical unlike the studies that have believed the reduction, which is greater than 75% become significant.

Highly reactive phenolic compounds of pyrolysis bio-oil are recognized as a major cause of the unpleasant properties of this biofuel. Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of phenolic compounds of bio-oil is an efficient technique for improving the quality of bio-oil. Dual function catalysts consisting of metal and acid sites are usually used for transformation of bio-oil/bio-oil model compounds to high value hydrocarbons. Metal and acid sites are generally involved in hydrogenation/hydrodeoxygenation and dehydration/hydrocracking/dealkylation/alkylation reaction mechanisms, respectively. In this work, the product selectivity of hydrogenation of phenol, o-cresol, m-cresol and guaiacol was investigated over combined catalysts of Pd/C with zeolite solid acids of HZSM-5 (Si/Al of 30, 50 and 80) and HY (Si/Al of 30 and 60). Catalytic activity and product distribution in the hydrogenation process were affected by the density and strength of zeolite acid sites. HZSM-5 (30) with only weak acid sites showed lower cyclohexane selectivity compared with HZSM-5 (50) and HZSM-5 (80) which had both weak and strong acid sites. HY (30) and HY (60) containing only strong acid sites favored production of cycloketones.

The results of this study show that R- prelingually cochlear-implanted children are not optimal candidates for cochlear implantation. However, if this group are implanted, other rehabilitation methods should be incorporated into their rehabilitation program in order to achieve better results and maximize the efficacy of their prosthesis.To demonstrate that the blink reflex or auropalpebral reflex evaluation can be used as a prognostic factor for the assessment of auditory and speech perception levels in prelingually cochlear-implanted children.In an observational, analytical, prospective study conducted at a single cochlear implant rehabilitation center in 85 prelingually cochlear-implanted children, the presence or absence of the blink reflex (BR) was evaluated and the results of auditory and speech perception tests were compared between reflex-positive (R+) and reflex-negative (R-) patients. To obtain the BR, four electrodes were applied in both the Nucleus and MED-EL systems and then stimulated by means of current levels higher than the previously detected most comfortable level of the patient until the reflex appeared. Auditory and speech perception levels were measured using the vowels-confusion test and the categorization of auditory perception scale.The mean results of auditory and speech perception tests were significantly higher in R+ compared to R- patients.

Purpose: Transmembrane CD34 glycoprotein is the most important marker for identification, isolation and enumeration of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). We aimed in this study to clone the cDNA coding for human CD34 from KG1a cell line and stably express in mouse fibroblast cell line NIH-3T3. Such artificial cell line could be useful as proper immunogen for production of mouse monoclonal antibodies. Methods: CD34 cDNA was cloned from KG1a cell line after total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Pfu DNA polymerase-amplified specific band was ligated to pGEMT-easy TA-cloning vector and sub-cloned in pCMV6-Neo expression vector. After transfection of NIH-3T3 cells using 3 μg of recombinant construct and 6 μl of JetPEI transfection reagent, stable expression was obtained by selection of cells by G418 antibiotic and confirmed by surface flow cytometry. Results: 1158 bp specific band was aligned completely to reference sequence in NCBI database corresponding to long isoform of human CD34. Transient and stable expression of human CD34 on transfected NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells was achieved (25% and 95%, respectively) as shown by flow cytometry. Conclusion: Cloning and stable expression of human CD34 cDNA was successfully performed and validated by standard flow cytometric analysis. Due to murine origin of NIH-3T3 cell line, CD34-expressing NIH-3T3 cells could be useful as immunogen in production of diagnostic monoclonal antibodies against human CD34. This approach could bypass the need for purification of recombinant proteins produced in eukaryotic expression systems., Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin; eISSN 2251-7308

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites providing Ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectroscopy protection and color in almost all terrestrial plants and fruits. They have a fused ring system consisting of an aromatic ring and a benzopyran ring with a phenyl substituent. As their biological activities have an impact on human health, they serve as target molecules in the development of new drugs. The objective of this research was to study the antioxidant activity and chemical analysis of the luteoline fromCentaurea behenL. (Compositae family). The aerial parts of powdered and driedC. behenwere extracted with methanol (MeOH) in a Soxhlet apparatus over a period of 2 days. The concentrated total extract was extracted with petroleum ether, diethylether, and methanol. From the methanol extract of the aerial parts ofC. behen, the flavonoid derivative (luteoline) was identified. The aerial parts’ extract demonstrated effective antioxidant activity measured in terms of half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). The product extract has been isolated by UV, column chromatography (CC), and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structures involved were elucidated by1H and13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC) spectra. The compound identified had not been reported in previous studies ofC. behenL.

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites produced mainly in almost all terrestrial plants and fruits, where they provide UV protection and color. They have a fused ring system consisting of an aromatic ring and a benzopyran ring with a phenyl substituent. Their biological activities have an impact on human health so that they serve as target molecules to develop new drugs. From methanolic extract of aerial parts of Chaerophyllum macropodum (Boiss.) (Umbelliferae family), a diglycosylated flavonoid derivative namely4I„,5-O-dirhamnosid-3'-butanoat-7-hydroxyflavone and a phthalic acid ester namely dioctylphthalate have been isolated by column chromatography (CC) and preparative TLC. Those structures were elucidated by UV, 1H- and 13C- NMR, HMBC, EI-MS and IR spectra.The antimicrobial activity of the methanol and aqueous extracts of aerial part were determined against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae), as well as three fungi (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger). The bioassay showed that both extracts exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity. The antioxidant activity of methanol and aqueous extracts was evaluated by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The results indicate that methanol extract from aerial parts of C. macropodum possess considerable antioxidant activity. The highest radical scavenging activity was detected (IC50= 65 μg/ml). This study reveals that the methanolic extract of this plant is attractive sources of flavonoid, especially the essential ones, as well as of effective natural antioxidants. Key words: Chaerophyllum macropodum, Umbelliferae, methanolic extract, 4I„, 5-O-dirhamnosid-3'-butanoat-7-hydroxyflavone, dioctylphthalate, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity.

The essential oils from the flower, leaf, stem and root of Nepeta persica Boiss., analyzed by GC and GC/MS, were shown to contain 4abeta,7alpha,7abeta-nepetalactone (58.5%, 62.3%, 66.2% and 27.1%, respectively), and 4aalpha,7alpha,7abeta-nepetalactone (33.0%, 28.3%, 24.9% and 7.6%, respectively). The other main component of the flower and stem oils was alpha-pinene (3.6% and 4.4%) and of the leaf oil beta-ocimene (3.6%). In the root oil, other main constituents were alpha-pinene (40.4%), alpha-amorphene (5.3%), gamma-cadinene (2.9%), and cis-calamenene (2.5%). Nepetalactone was the major component of the flower, leaf and stem oils, which are thus important sources of nepetalactone. Antibacterial activities of the flower, leaf, stem and root oils were evaluated using the micro-dilution broth method. Inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Enterococcus faecalis were recorded. The flower, leaf, stem, and root oils had difference activities against the test microorganisms. The antibacterial property of the essential oils might be ascribed to their high content of nepetalactone isomers.

Background: One of the efficient uses of national resources in countries is the development of medical tourism. The number of patients who are travelling from developed countries to third world countries for medical reasons is increasing. Using the marketing mix elements is one way to attract these patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive, analytic, and cross-sectional one. The research community included all the public and private hospitals of Shiraz among which, seven public and nine private hospitals were studied. The study data were collected through a researcher-made checklist whose face and content validity was confirmed by the experts. Then, the data were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and the statistical tests such as t-test, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson were used for data analysis. Results: The study findings showed there was a significant difference between public and private hospitals in price and promotion mix (P (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Identifying the strength and weakness points of hospitals can help health service managers to succeed in attracting medical tourists by use of hospital strengths and decrease the weaknesses.

Introduction: In recent years, medical tourism market has been raised as one of the income-earning and competitive industries in the world and is considered as a modern field of advanced tourism. Therefore, a great number of countries are seeking to develop this type of tourism and one of the strategies for developing this industry is using the marketing mix elements. Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytic and cross sectional one. The research community included all the public and private hospitals of Shiraz among which, 7 public and 9 private hospitals were studied. The study data were collected through a researcher-made check list whose face and content validity was confirmed by the experts. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software. According to the objectives of the study, the descriptive results were presented in frequency tables and Chi-square test was used for data analysis. In addition, P

Background and Aims Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies and public health around the world. The growing Children are one of groups that are at high risk for this problem. Iron deficiency anemia can cause mental, motor or behavior problems. So early diagnosis and treatment can prevent great side effects. One of the diagnosis means is measuring of soluble tranferrin receptor level (sTfR) in serum because level of this receptor increase in result of iron depletion in iron deficiency but has no change in other. Methods and materials: This was a case control study included 64 children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and healthy subjects.The study conducted, in 2008–2010 in Children Medical Center. Blood samples collected from every patient in case and control groups and Hb, MCV, Fe, Ferritin, TIBC and sTfR measured and compared in the groups. Results Compared to the control group, serum sTfR mean level was significantly higher in children with IDA than control group (1.87 vs. 1.06 µg/ml, P value = 0.002). sTfR showed negative correlations with Hb(r= –0.629, p 0.05). Conclusions This study shows sTfR level can be an appropriate biomarker for diagnosis of IDA, particularly in patient with IDA coexisting with inflammation.