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BACKGROUND: The prevalence and burden of substance and opium use have increased worldwide over the past decades. In light of rapid population changes in Tehran, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of opium and other substance use among adult residents in Tehran, Iran. METHOD: From March 2016 to March 2019, we utilized data from 8 296 participants in the Tehran Cohort Study recruitment phase (TeCS). We calculated the age-sex-weighted prevalence of substance use and the geographic distribution of substance use in Tehran. We also used logistic regression analysis to determine possible determinants of opium use. RESULT: We analyzed data from 8 259 eligible participants with complete substance use data and the average age of participants was 53.7 ± 12.75 years. The prevalence of substance use was 5.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.6- 7.1%). Substance use was more common in males than females (Prevalence: 10.5% [95% CI: 8.6- 12.6%] vs. 0.5% [95% CI: 0.2- 1.2%], respectively). The age-sex weighted prevalence of substance use was 5.4% (95% CI: 4.6-7.1%). Moreover, opium was the most frequently used substance by 95.8% of substance users. Additionally, we found that male gender (Odds ratio [OR]: 12.1, P

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is among the leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with an increasing global burden, especially in developing countries. We investigated the prevalence of dyslipidemia and abnormal lipid profiles in Tehran. METHODS: We used data from 8072 individuals aged≥35 from the Tehran Cohort Study (TeCS) recruitment phase. Fasting serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride were measured. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and high LDL/HDL was defined as a ratio>2.5. The age-sex standardized prevalence rates were calculated based on the 2016 national census. Furthermore, the geographical distribution of dyslipidemia and lipid abnormalities was investigated across Tehrans zip code districts. RESULTS: The age-sex standardized prevalence was 82.7% (95% CI: 80.1%, 85.0%) for dyslipidemia, 36.9% (95% CI: 33.8%, 40.1%) for hypertriglyceridemia, 22.5% (95% CI: 19.9%, 25.4%) for hypercholesterolemia, 29.0% (95% CI: 26.1%, 32.1%) for high LDL-C, 55.9% (95% CI: 52.6%, 59.2%) for low HDL-C, and 54.1% (95% CI: 50.9%, 57.3%) for high LDL/HDL ratio in the Tehran adult population. The prevalence of dyslipidemia, low HDL-C, and high LDL/HDL ratio was higher in the northern regions, hypercholesterolemia was higher in the southern half, and high LDL-C was more prevalent in the middle-northern and southern areas of Tehran. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of dyslipidemia, mainly high LDL/HDL in the Tehran adult population. This dyslipidemia profiling provides important information for public health policy to improve preventive interventions and reduce dyslipidemiarelated morbidity and mortality in the future.

Abstract Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a critical eye disorder affecting premature infants, characterized by abnormal blood vessel development in the retina. Plus Disease, indicating severe ROP progression, plays a pivotal role in diagnosis. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have shown parity with or surpass human experts in ROP detection, especially Plus Disease. However, the success of AI systems depends on high-quality datasets, emphasizing the need for collaboration and data sharing among researchers. To address this challenge, the paper introduces a new public dataset, FARFUM-RoP (Farabi and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad’s ROP dataset), comprising 1533 ROP fundus images from 68 patients, annotated independently by five experienced childhood ophthalmologists as “Normal,” “Pre-Plus,” or “Plus.” Ethical principles and consent were meticulously followed during data collection. The paper presents the dataset structure, patient details, and expert labels.

Abstract The Zika virus (ZIKV) is classified within the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family and is categorized as an arbovirus. The virus was initially identified in a rhesus monkey in Uganda in 1947 and later in a human in Nigeria in 1952. Since 2007, the prevalence of the virus has been on the rise, culminating in a major outbreak in the United States (US) in 2015. During this outbreak, the adult population was severely impacted, experiencing a range of symptoms, including organ failure, microcephaly, fetal death, and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Additionally, skin rash, limb swelling, fever, headache, and heightened sensitivity are found in most adults with Zika syndrome. Although the virus can be transmitted through blood, vertical transmission from mother to child, and sexual contact, the primary way of transmission of the virus is through the Aedes mosquito. Cells such as neurons, macrophages, peripheral dendritic cells, and placental cells are among the target cells that the virus can infect. The TAM AXL receptor plays a crucial role in infection. After the virus enters the body through the bloodstream, it spreads in the body with a latent period of 3 to 12 days. Currently, there is no specific treatment or publicly available vaccine for the ZIKV. Limited laboratory testing has been conducted, and existing drugs originally designed for other pathogens have been repurposed for treatment. Given the Aedes mosquito's role as a vector and the wide geographical impact of the virus, this study aims to comprehensively investigate Zika's pathogenesis and clinical symptoms based on existing knowledge and research. By doing so, we seek to enhance our understanding of the virus and inform future prevention and treatment strategies.

Abstract Blood culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE) is a challenging disease because of the significant impact of delayed diagnosis on patients. In this study, excised heart valves and blood serum samples were collected from 50 BCNE patients in two central hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Sera were tested by IFA for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against Bartonella quintana and B. henselae. Genomic DNA extracted from the heart valves was examined for Bartonella-specific ssrA gene in a probe-based method real-time PCR assay. Any positive sample was Sanger sequenced. IgG titer higher than 1024 was observed in only one patient and all 50 patients tested negative for Bartonella IgM. By real-time PCR, the ssrA gene was detected in the valve of one patient which was further confirmed to be B. quintana. Bartonella-like structures were observed in transmission electron microscopy images of that patient. We present for the first time the involvement of Bartonella in BCNE in Iran. Future research on at-risk populations, as well as domestic and wild mammals as potential reservoirs, is recommended.

Abstract The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Image Data Commons (IDC) offers publicly available cancer radiology collections for cloud computing, crucial for developing advanced imaging tools and algorithms. Despite their potential, these collections are minimally annotated; only 4% of DICOM studies in collections considered in the project had existing segmentation annotations. This project increases the quantity of segmentations in various IDC collections. We produced high-quality, AI-generated imaging annotations dataset of tissues, organs, and/or cancers for 11 distinct IDC image collections. These collections contain images from a variety of modalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). The collections cover various body parts, such as the chest, breast, kidneys, prostate, and liver. A portion of the AI annotations were reviewed and corrected by a radiologist to assess the performance of the AI models. Both the AI’s and the radiologist’s annotations were encoded in conformance to the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard, allowing for seamless integration into the IDC collections as third-party analysis collections. All the models, images and annotations are publicly accessible.

Background and purpose: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers, with over one million new cases annually, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, after lung cancer. This disease is highly heterogeneous, with different primary sites, histological types, molecular classifications, and biological behaviors. The Cancer Genome Atlas has identified four distinct subtypes of gastric adenocarcinoma. In recent decades, various molecular studies have been conducted to understand the mechanisms underlying gastric cancer development and progression, as well as to identify new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Several intracellular processes, including changes in gene expression, can contribute to the development and progression of gastric cancer. Gene expression changes are also implicated in other diseases, such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. The CLU gene, an evolutionarily conserved gene, encodes the protein clusterin, which plays a role in various cellular processes, including cell-cell adhesion and programmed cell death. Clusterin has multiple roles in carcinogenesis and tumor invasion. This gene is classified as a metastasis suppressor gene, meaning it does not undergo mutations in tumors but is often downregulated in expression. The aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship between changes in CLU gene expression and the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, fifty tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from gastric cancer patients. The relative gene expression of CLU was assessed using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RNA extraction was performed using RNX-plus solution, and cDNA synthesis was carried out using the BIOFACT kit, following the Random Hexamer and oligo(dT) mixed primer method. Gene expression levels were measured using the StepOnePlus thermocycler, with GAPDH serving as the internal control gene. Additionally, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression of the CLU gene in two distinct groups of gastric cancer patients. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the impact of CLU expression levels on patient survival rates. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of CLU expression across multiple types of cancer was conducted using TCGA data. Results: The analysis of CLU gene expression showed that its expression level in tumor samples was 0.46 compared to adjacent normal tissues. Using data from two additional cohorts, we confirmed that CLU gene expression was consistently lower in tumor samples compared to normal samples. At all stages of gastric cancer, CLU expression was significantly reduced compared to adjacent normal tissue. Survival analysis revealed significant differences in overall survival between patients with high CLU expression and those with lower expression. Lower CLU expression was associated with reduced patient survival time. Further analysis showed that in most cancers studied, CLU expression was generally decreased. Conclusion: The expression of the CLU gene can be used as a prognostic marker in gastric cancer, and CLU gene therapy may be considered as a potential treatment option for gastric cancer.

Abstract Background The characteristics of electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities related to cardiac channelopathies potentially linked to sudden cardiac death (SCD) are not widely recognized in Iran. We examined the prevalence of such ECG patterns and their related factors among adult residents of Tehran, Iran. Methods The clinical characteristics and 12-lead ECGs of Tehran Cohort Study participants were examined. Long QT intervals, short QT intervals, Brugada syndrome (BrS) patterns, and early repolarization (ER) were evaluated using computer-based assessment software validated by cardiologists. Logistic regression models were employed to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of different ECG patterns. Results Out of 7678 available ECGs, 7350 were included in this analysis. Long QT interval, ER pattern, BrS patterns, and short QT interval were found in 3.08%, 1.43%, 0.31%, and 0.03% of participants, respectively. The prevalence of long QT interval increased with age, opium consumption, and presence of hypertension. Younger age, lower body mass index (BMI), alcohol use and male sex were independently linked to an elevated prevalence of ER pattern. Most individuals with BrS patterns were men (95%) and had lower BMI, high- and low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol compared to those without the BrS pattern. At a mean follow-up of 30.2 ± 5.5 months, all-cause mortality in the group exhibiting abnormal ECG patterns (6.3%) was approximately twice as high as that in the group without such patterns (2.96%). Conclusion Abnormal ECG patterns corresponding to channelopathies were relatively rare among adult residents of the Tehran population, and their prevalence was influenced by various factors. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Abstract Why is it that some find art a prickly puzzle, others a yawning expanse, while others dive into its depths with vibrant joy? Some theorists have tried to quantify this diversity of art viewership. Famously, Housen made the case for five stages of aesthetic development: (a) accountive, (b) constructive, (c) classifying, (d) interpretive, and (e) re-creative. Here, we developed and validated a 17-item measure of aesthetic development that captures these stages. In a sample from Iran (N = 917), we showed how people’s scores on these stages correlate with personality traits and other art-related constructs. Specifically, we found that individuals with higher knowledge about art and more training in the arts tend to be at a more advanced stage of aesthetic development. People who score high on openness to experience also scored higher on more advanced aesthetic development stages. These results have implications for the quantitative studies of art and aesthetics in diverse cultures.

Abstract Background We aimed to assess the attitude of unmarried girls towards virginity, and its determinants, comparing three age cohorts (born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s) in the city of Tabriz in northwestern Iran. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 700 girls residing in Tabriz in 2021 employing a population-based cluster sampling based on health clinics and households. We collected data using a pilot-tested instrument, which comprised socio-demographic questions, and statements to assess attitudes towards virginity and its importance, the meaning of virginity, ways of losing virginity, and perception of the hymen. The data was analyzed using SPSS, version 21. Analysis of variance and independent t-test was used for bivariate analysis and linear regression was used to identify the determinants of the attitude. A p value under 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Only about one-third (35.2%) of unmarried girls considered preserving virginity as an important issue for girls before marriage in current days. About 27% were uncertain and about 38% believed it was unimportant. The importance of virginity (score range 7–35) was significantly greater for girls born in the 70s than for girls born in the 80s and 90s (p

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV), is one of the main causes of cervical cancer and also one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HPV is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer and plays a principal role in causing other cancers including oropharynx, penis, larynx, oral cavity, anus, vulva, and vagina. The study aims to investigate the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes among patients referred to private laboratories in Mashhad, located in the northeast of Iran. Methods and materials 428 samples including 382 females (89.3%) and 46 males (10.7%) between January 10, 2022, and February 11, 2023, in Mashhad, Iran were evaluated to detect HPV and determine its genotypes. Cervical swabs and urine samples were collected from females and males, respectively. Viral DNA was extracted by using a CedExtra purification kit (cedbio, Iran) and viral genotypes were identified with a High + Low Papillomastrip kit (Operon, Spain). Mann Whitney U test and Chi-square test were accomplished for statistical analysis. Result From the total of 428 participants analyzed, the HPV test result was positive for 129 patients (30.1%) and negative for 299 people (69.9%). Among the participants, 115 female (30.1%) and 14 male (30.4%) were positive for HPV infection. The prevalence of HPV infection among the referring people was about 30%. The most common genotype identified was HPV-6 (10.3%), followed by HPV-16 (8.7%) and HPV-51 (7.7%), the second and third most common genotypes, respectively. Additionally, HPV-39 was detected at a frequency of 6.70%. HPV-11, HPV-61, HPV-91, and HPV-44 with a frequency of 1% were among the least genotypes identified among the patients. Conclusion In line with the results of this study, the prevalence of HPV genotypes in both genders is 30%. The results likely reflect differences in the prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes, that are less common. Also, HPV-6 and HPV-16 genotypes that are covered by the vaccine had a significant prevalence. On the other hand, with the prevalence of HPV-51 and HPV-39 genotypes in infected people who are not covered by the Gardasil (quadrivalent) vaccine, there is a risk of related cancers in the future.

Abstract This study investigates an oil/water two-phase system to assess the potential efficacy of a novel passive mixer in enhancing the liquid-liquid interfacial area within a micro-channel contactor. In this system, two fluids are introduced into a microchannel with a diameter of 800 μm and a length of 20 cm, which is equipped with a stainless-steel helical wire measuring 250 μm in diameter. Throughout the experiments, both fluids are supplied at equal flow rates, and the dominant forces, including attachment and detachment forces, are examined. The results reveal a critical Weber number of 3.8 × 10−³, at which the first detachment occurs. A comparison between microchannels with and without the passive micromixer demonstrates that greater slug breakup occurs in the system incorporating the helical wire micromixer. This innovative configuration results in a significant reduction in slug/droplet size compared to a microchannel without a barrier, decreasing from approximately 600 μm to 390 μm at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. Additionally, a flow map is presented, illustrating three distinct flow regimes: flow contains long slug, Slug-droplet flow, and droplet flow regimes, with the droplet flow regime covering the largest area. The findings indicate that the implementation of this innovative passive mixer substantially increases the interfacial area, providing significant advantages for mass transfer applications.

Background: During university life, students often face significant changes in relationships and academic pressures. Given the stressors faced by nursing students and the importance of their academic success, the study aimed to assess the impact of Super Brain Yoga on nursing students’ concentration, memory, and academic progress.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 59 nursing students at Near East University in Cyprus from February to June 2023. The intervention group (N=29) performed Super Brain Yoga three times a week for two months, while the control group (N=30) continued the usual routines. Data were collected using the demographic questionnaire, Wechsler’s memory test, Concentration test, and the semester grade point average. Data analysis was performed using independent and paired t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA using SPSS software version 26, with a significance level of P˂0.05.Results: The study revealed a significant difference in total memory scores (P

Abstract Objective In highly aggressive malignant cancers including breast cancer, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is the potential of tumor cells to generate a vascular channel network for delivering blood to tumor cells. Detection of genes involved in this process is critical to designing targeted therapy against breast cancer metastasis. In this study, we evaluated the roles of FAK and ILK in the progression of VM in metastatic breast tumor cells. Results Primary (4T1T), and highly metastatic (4T1B and 4T1L) breast tumor cells were isolated from cancerous mice. The potential of cancer cells to organize themselves into vascular-like structures (VM) has been evaluated with in vitro assessment. The expression of ILK and FAK were examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We confirmed the high ability of metastatic tumor cells in vascular-like structure formation. In molecular analysis, our data showed that ILK and FAK expression was significantly elevated in metastatic breast tumor cells. These results indicated that the higher potential of metastatic tumor cells in vascular-like structure formation may be related to higher expression of ILK and FAK. Analysis of molecular features of metastatic tumor cells could be utilized to create a targeted therapeutic strategy against metastasis in breast cancer.

The urban development planning process in Tehran municipality has been implemented for about two decades in the form of compiling four medium-term urban development plans of Tehran. Despite the efforts made, there are challenges to achieving the goals. This research has analyzed the barriers and identified solutions to improve the system of the development plan of Tehran by formulating the mess and using soft systems methodology during a systemic intervention by planning the learning process in practice. The innovative research method is the embedding of mess formulation in soft systems methodology. Formulating the mess analyses the barriers to identifying inefficiencies about aspects of how power, wealth, knowledge, value, and aesthetics are produced and distributed in a social system. Soft systems methodology is an action-research approach for learning human systems in complex problem situations. After a thematic review by referring to the key actors involved in formulating Tehran's urban development plan, first, the problem situation was analyzed, and a rich picture of the problem was drawn. According to formulating the mess, the obstacles were presented and discussed through some sessions in five subsystems of generation and distribution of power, wealth, knowledge, value, and aesthetics. Later, a conceptual model of the ideal system of urban development planning was designed. Then, desirable and executable system changes were identified based on a comparison of the ideal system and the current system, and they were proposed in the form of purposeful activities toward system improvement. Tehran's urban development planning requires a major change in the approach toward planning and solving complex urban problems. This study is an application of systems thinking approaches in learning in practice and managing the complexity of the diversity of views of urban planners in the experience of urban development planning in Tehran.

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for the most common sexually transmitted infection, particularly among sexually active individuals. Understanding the geographical distribution and epidemiology of the most prevalent HPV genotypes is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the distribution of HPV genotypes among HPV-positive women and men in Sari, the capital city of Mazandaran province in northern Iran. Materials and methods HPV DNA was extracted (PZP Company, Molecular IVD, Iran) from genital and cervical samples of the study participants. Genotyping was conducted for 90 cases utilizing the High + Low Papilloma Strip test (Operon Company, Spain). Demographic data were statistically analyzed in correlation with the virological data (STATA version 17). Results Overall, 67.7% (61 out of 90) of the cases tested positive for HPV, with 75% of those being classified as high-risk. The participant group consisted of 92% females (83) and 8% males (7). The highest HPV prevalence, 75% (36), was observed in females and males aged under 31, with the majority of positive cases belonging to high-risk genotypes. The most frequently identified genotypes were HPV-11 (23%), HPV-6 (21%), HPV-56 (18%), HPV-39 (16%), HPV-16, HPV-91, and HPV-66 each comprising (14%). HPV-56 was the most common high-risk genotype, accounting for 11 cases (18%), followed by HPV-39, which was present in 10 cases (16%). Conclusion The prevalence of HPV infection was particularly high among individuals under the age of 31 for both genders, with men exhibiting a 100% infection rate. These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted education aimed at the younger population and the implementation of infection control measures. Specifically, widespread HPV vaccination targeting HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-39, and HPV-56 should be prioritized for the general population.

The present study aimed to explore the malocclusion trends, sagittal skeletal discrepancies, and the index of orthognathic functional treatment need (IOFTN) scores in a sample of Iranian and Turkish orthognathic patients.

Several Middle Iranian writings mention that Zab "spōxt" Afrasiab, thereby restoring water and borders. Some modern Iranian texts ascribe the same act of shooting at Afrasiab and spōxtan of him to Arash. Could the narratives of Arash and the kingdom of Zab perhaps be two iterations of a shared tale, wherein the myth is occasionally ascribed to both a warrior and the ruler of said warrior? Shahnameh scholars have identified various justifications for the omission of Arash's story in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. We can divide these justifications into two categories: firstly, Ferdowsi's original text did not include Arash's story, and secondly, Ferdowsi's text initially included Arash's story but later removed it during the compilation of Shahnameh. This article investigates whether the Shahnameh presents and narrates the story of Arash the Archer in a distinct narrative style, potentially following the "myth turn" method. The resolution of this inquiry hinges on demonstrating the convergence of the Zab myth and the Arash myth in terms of their underlying motif, as well as substantiating the existence of other instances of transformation and interchange between Zab and Arash in other literary works. By adopting this altered perspective, it becomes plausible to propose the hypothesis that Zab Tahmasab's realm and the tale of Arash are both retellings of an ancient Indo-European myth. This myth revolves around a deity associated with illumination who bestows rainfall and traverses boundaries, thus facilitating the potential for collective migration. Furthermore, the transfer and "myth turn" from Arash to Zab are evident in various Middle Iranian and New Iranian sources and share a comparable historical context.IntroductionThe tale of Arash is an ancient Indo-Iranian myth, with indications of its existence in older Indo-European stories as well. This myth is a variation of an ancient mythological tale that revolves around the deity of illumination. Following the division of the Indo-European and, subsequently, Indo-Iranian communities, the myth underwent expansion and adaptation in diverse manifestations and under different appellations. However, the underlying narrative of all these versions remains consistent, focusing on the god's story. A diverse array of figures, including Mithra, Tashtar, Azar, Shiva, Tir, Thor, Jam, Fereydon, Zab, and Arash, depict the luminosity of Marznamaz's aquatic realm. Arash was a renowned and esteemed figure among several Aryan tribes, including Indians, Hindus, Persians, and Parthians. Prayers, coinage, and stone sculptures widely celebrated his name, character, and narrative. It is likely that both monarchs, soldiers, and the general populace invoked Arash's name. They burden themselves with numerous responsibilities and seek divine favor and safeguarding by claiming descent from him. Nevertheless, Arash's presence in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh is minimal, with only a few mentions occurring beyond the expected timeframe of his life. This has prompted speculation over the omission of Arash's story in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, giving rise to several hypotheses.This article quickly examines three perspectives on the absence of the story of Arash in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. It suggests that the myth of Arash might have been included in the Shahnameh through an alternative narrative while still maintaining its essence. The tale of Arash, the deity associated with the boundary between the Indo-Iranian water regions, is believed to have originated from the king named Zab, as mentioned in certain Middle Iranian and New Iranian accounts. This phenomenon involves the shifting of attribution within a complex sequence of causes and effects, leading to the attribution of the same act of self-care at times to a warrior, at times to a ruler, and at times to God. Given that the exchange between Arash and Zab has been well-known and common since the middle Iranian period, it is reasonable to assume that Ferdowsi was aware of it. Ferdowsi's Shahnameh omits Arash's story to concentrate on narrating the story of Zab Tahmasb's kingdom.Literature ReviewArash Kamangir has been the focus of numerous studies conducted during the past two centuries. Some of the studies pertaining to Arash or indirectly addressing Arash include: The scholarly article "The preeminent Aryan marksman in Avesta and Tabari" was authored by Noldeke in 1881. This article asserts that the historical context of Arash's narrative predates the Iranian era. The Rigveda mentions Arash, an Indo-Iranian figure, as Ariksha.The article "Arash Kamangir and Vishnu," authored by Ziauddin Dashtakhaki and Pourkhalaghi Chatroudi in 2013, examines the similarities and differences between Vishnu and Arash. It sheds light on Arash's history and identity as an Aryan (Indo-Iranian) with potential pre-Aryan origins.The essay "Who was Arash Shawatir?" by Mariya (2012) provides valuable insights on the perspective of Iranians during the Sassanid period regarding the narrative of Arash. It also explores the Indo-Iranian origins of this tale.The article "The Absence of Arash Kamangir in the Shahnameh," authored by Jabri and Kehrizi in 2013, examines the rationale behind the omission of Arash's narrative in the Shahnameh. The authors argue that the antagonistic relationship between the Sassanid ruling structure and Arash, which manifested itself at the levels of kings, Khawases, and Mobdans, is responsible for this omission.The article "Why is the story of Arash Kamangir not in the Shahnameh?" by Khatibi (2016) examines the reasons behind the absence of the story of Arash in the Shahnameh. It explores the inclusion of Scythian narratives related to the Rostam family in the Iranian national epic and the impact of these narratives on the portrayal of Arash Kamangir.MethodologyThis article employs a research methodology that combines both descriptive and analytical approaches. In addition to referencing legendary sources, the study draws upon the views of renowned mythologists such as Heinels, Eliade, Karnoy, Dumzil, and others.ConclusionDespite Arash's significant popularity among the Aryan descendants, Ferdowsi's Shahnameh does not include his name in the expected timeframe. This omission has led Shahnameh experts to propose many explanations for the matter. This article aimed to scrutinize the historical evidence of Arash's narrative, irrespective of the mention of his name, and subsequently identify any references to him within the Shahnameh. Arash belongs to the Irdan group, which is associated with the luminous Marznama water space. He is also part of a family that includes numerous Aryan gods and deities, such as Mithra, Tashtar, Vishnu, Jam, Fereydun, Kiqbad, and Kikhusro. Indo-Iranian mythology prominently features this deity, particularly in the Shahnameh. The Shahnameh depicts it as intervening during periods of drought and darkness that plague the Aryan homelands. By warding off malevolent spirits and restoring light, boundaries, and water, this god restores balance and prosperity. Periods of drought and darkness marked the late Manouchehr kingdom in Iran, leading to the removal of boundaries and water. The era in Shahnameh concludes with the arrival of Zab, who successfully expels Afrasiab and reinstates the borders and water resources. Ferdowsi's narrative style may account for the omission of Arash during this significant period, which encompassed his life and death. Ferdowsi derived this narrative from the exchange and transmission between Arash and Zab, intricately linking it to the story of Hardoshan and the mythological deity of light at the border. The middle Iranian period marked the beginning of this linguistic shift, which persisted into the modern Iranian period. Ferdowsi's awareness of the shift between the names Arash and Zab and their interconnected stories is reasonable. Therefore, by including the story of the kingdom of Zab, there is an opportunity to fill the gap in the narration of Arash's story.

Background: Substantial blood loss is a major concern in primary total hip arthroplasty and thus various blood conservation techniques are used to reduce blood loss in this surgery. Clonidine is frequently used in anesthesia for its antihypertensive property, however, the efficacy of oral clonidine premedication in reducing bleeding in total hip arthroplasty is not clear.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a single oral dose of clonidine premedication on blood loss and transfusion needs in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with balanced general anesthesia.Methods: Sixty patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2, aged between 18 and 75 years, were randomly assigned to either the clonidine group or the placebo group, with 30 patients in each group. In this study, 60 minutes prior to the surgery, patients in the clonidine group received oral clonidine 0.2 mg and the placebo group received the identical placebo tablet. Intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, need for supplementary remifentanil and nitroglycerin infusion, hemodynamic parameters, postoperative transfusion needs and hemoglobin level were measured and compared between the two groups.Results: The results showed that intraoperative blood loss, remifentanil usage, and the mean systolic and mean arterial blood pressures were significantly lower in the clonidine group compared with the placebo group. The postoperative hemoglobin value was significantly higher, and the reduction in the postoperative Hb level as well as the number of transfused patients were significantly less in the clonidine group.Conclusion: It can be concluded that 0.2 mg oral clonidine premedication significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding, and decreased postoperative changes in hemoglobin level and the number of transfused patients in primary total hip arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), a surrogate marker of insulin resistance (IR), could be a potential prognostic marker in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We evaluated the effect of the TyG index on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods This registry-based cohort study was conducted at Tehran Heart Center from 2015 to 2021 and the median follow-up duration was 378 days. The primary outcome was MACCE and the secondary outcomes were MACCE components: all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, target vessel revascularization, target lesion revascularization, and coronary artery bypass grafting. For comparison among TyG quartiles (Q), the log-rank test was used. Unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to describe the association between TyG quartiles and MACCE. A subgroup of euglycemic patients was also evaluated. Results A total of 13,542 patients were included. Patients in the fourth TyG quartile (Q4) were younger, had higher mean BMI, and higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The adjusted Cox model showed that a 1-unit increment of the TyG index was associated with a significantly higher risk of MACCE (aHR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.30, p

Abstract Doxorubicin (DOX) is the most common treatment for breast cancer, but its effectiveness is limited by drug resistance and dose variability. Evidence suggests that nanozymes can significantly improve drug penetration and effectiveness in breast cancer treatment, owing to their stable and targeted catalytic properties. However, their varied responses and concentration-dependent toxicities present challenges. After developing pH-sensitive Fe3O4/MnO2@DOX hybrid nanozymes (FMDHN) and evaluating their physicochemical and functional properties, their efficacy was investigated on MCF-7 cells using both two-dimensional and spheroid models. Our findings reveal that FMDHNs, sized 150–270 nm, inhibit MCF-7 cell growth through drug release triggered by acidity and photothermal therapy (PTT). The catalytic efficiency of FMHN in generating O2 and ·OH further enhances cancer cell suppression. Doubling the effective concentrations of FMHN and DOX by transitioning from two-dimensional to spheroid cell structures could adversely affect normal cells, while a synergistic approach combining the DOX and FMHN effectively inhibits MCF-7 cell growth at non-toxic dose. Combining FMDHN with PTT enhances this inhibition, lowering the effective dose to 1.08 μg/mL and effectively managing toxicity. The cytotoxicity mechanism in MCF-7 spheroids shows that PTT with FMDHN significantly elevates pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, CASP9, CASP7 and CASP3. Optimizing the concentration of pH-sensitive nanozymes based on their synergistic effects can minimize side effects and maximize their breast cancer treatment potential. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Psoriasis is a complex inflammatory skin disease manifested by altered proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes with dysfunctional apoptosis. This study aimed to identify regulatory factors and comprehend the underlying mechanisms of inefficient apoptosis to open up promising therapeutic approaches. Incorporating human protein interactions, apoptosis proteins, and physical relationships of psoriasis-apoptosis proteins helped us to generate a psoriasis-apoptosis interaction (SAI) network. Subsequently, topological and functional analyses of the SAI network revealed effective proteins, functional modules, hub motifs, dysregulated pathways and transcriptional gene regulatory factors. Network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation methods identified the potential drug-target interactions. RELA, MAPK1, MAPK3, MMP9, IL1B, AKT1 and STAT1 were revealed as effective proteins. The MAPK1-MAPK3-RELA motif was identified as a hub regulator in the crosstalk between 41 pathways. Among all pathways, “lipid and atherosclerosis” was found to be the predominant pathway. Acetylcysteine, arsenic-trioxide, β-elemene, bortezomib and curcumin were identified as potential drugs to inhibit pathway crosstalk. Experimental verifications were performed using the literature search, GSE13355 and GSE14905 microarray datasets. Drug-protein-pathway interactions associated with apoptosis were deciphered. These findings highlight the role of hub motif-mediated pathway-pathway crosstalk associated with apoptosis in the complexity of psoriasis and suggest crosstalk inhibition as an effective therapeutic approach.

Abstract Mitochondrial activity directs neuronal differentiation dynamics during brain development. In this context, the long-established metabolic coupling of mitochondria and the eukaryotic host falls short of a satisfactory mechanistic explanation, hinting at an undisclosed facet of mitochondrial function. Here, we reveal an RNA-based inter-organellar communication mode that complements metabolic coupling of host-mitochondria and underpins neuronal differentiation. We show that within minutes of exposure to differentiation cues and activation of the electron transport chain, the mitochondrial outer membrane transiently fuses with the nuclear membrane of neural progenitors, leading to efflux of nuclear-encoded RNAs (neRNA) into the positively charged mitochondrial intermembrane space. Subsequent degradation of mitochondrial neRNAs by Polynucleotide phosphorylase 1 (PNPase) located in the intermembrane space curbs the transcriptomic memory of progenitor cells. Further, acquisition of neRNA by mitochondria leads to a collapse of proton motive force, suppression of ATP production, and a resultant amplification of autophagic flux that attenuates proteomic memory. Collectively, these events force the progenitor cells towards a “tipping point” characterised by emergence of a competing neuronal differentiation program. It appears that neuronal differentiation is a consequence of reprogrammed coupling of metabolomic and transcriptomic landscapes of progenitor cells, with mitochondria emerging as key “reprogrammers” that operate by acquiring and metabolising neRNAs. However, the documented role of mitochondria as “reprogrammers” of differentiation remains to be validated in other neuronal lineages and in vivo.

Background and Objective: Renal failure is associated with significant mood and emotional problems in patients, which necessitates effective psychological interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on difficulties in emotion regulation in depressed dialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with an unequal control group. The statistical population comprised dialysis patients undergoing treatment at Shahid Hashminejad Hospital (Tehran) during 2020-2021. A total of 42 depressed dialysis patients, each scoring above 29 on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), were selected through purposive sampling (homogeneous type) and randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. First, both groups completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) as a pretest. The experimental group then participated in ACT sessions, while the control group remained on the waiting list. Finally, the groups completed the posttest, and the data were collected. Results: The results of the MANCOVA test revealed a significant difference in the linear combination of the components of difficulties in emotion regulation between the two groups (Pillai's T= 0.904, F6,25= 39.070, P=0.001). The ANCOVA test results also showed a significant decrease (P

In this paper, we present an improved imperialist competitive algorithm for solving an inverse form of the Huxley equation, which is a nonlinear partial differential equation. To show the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm, we conduct a comparative analysis with the original imperialist competitive algorithm and a genetic algorithm. The improvement suggested in this study makes the original imperialist competitive algorithm a more powerful method for function approximation. The numerical results show that the improved imperialist competitive algorithm is an efficient algorithm for determining the unknown boundary conditions of the Huxley equation and solving the inverse form of nonlinear partial differential equations.

ABSTRACT: Repairing abdominal wall defects poses challenges for surgeons. Although mesh reinforcement is commonly used for primary repair, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach for developing innovative repair techniques. Most research in this area focuses on fabricating scaffolds designed specifically for abdominal wall repair, particularly in cases of hernia. These scaffolds are engineered to replicate the structure and function of the native extracellular matrix. This review aimed to summarize the existing studies on the application of nanotechnology in abdominal wall reconstruction following injury or repair.