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Introduction: Breast cancer, as the most common malignancy among women, is shown to have a high mortality rate and resistance to chemotherapy. Research has shown the possible inhibitory role of Mesenchymal stem cells in curing cancer. Thus, the present work used human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (hAFMSCs-CM) as an apoptotic reagent on the human MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Methods: Conditioned medium (CM) was prepared from hAFMSCs. After treating MCF-7 cells with CM, a number of analytical procedures (MTT, real-time PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry) were recruited to evaluate the cell viability, Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression, P53 protein expression, and apoptosis, respectively. Human fibroblast cells (Hu02) were used as the negative control. In addition, an integrated approach to meta-analysis was performed. Results: The MCF-7 cells’ viability was decreased significantly after 24 hours (P

Blasting operations in open-pit mines generally have various management strategies relating to flyrock. There are empirical models for calculating the flyrock distance, but due to the complexity and uncertainty of rock properties and their interactions with blasting properties, there are still no models that can predict the flyrock distance that may be applicable across mining operations in general. In this regard, the Jajarm bauxite mine complex was used as a case study. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate different methods that can predict flyrock distance. For this purpose, soft computing models were developed using generalized regression neural network (GRNN), gene expression programming (GEP) and genetic-algorithm-based GRNN (GA-GRNN) methods. To obtain statistical models, multivariable regression was applied in the form of linear and nonlinear equations. A flyrock index was introduced using a classification system developed by incorporating fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation methods (fuzzy DEMATEL). In order to achieve this goal, the data of 118 blasts in eight mines of the Jajarm bauxite complex were collected and used. Following this, four performance benchmarks were applied: the coefficient of determination (R2), variance accounted for (VAF), root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The performance of the models was evaluated, and they were compared with each other as well as with the most common previous empirical models. The obtained results indicate that the GA-GRNN model has a higher performance in predicting the flyrock distance in actual cases compared to the other models. At first, data on factors that were the main cause of flyrock (and had a direct impact on it) were collected and classified from different blasts. Then, using the collected data, 19 different combinations were established, which can be used to provide the appropriate predictive equation. The purpose of this work is to more accurately predict flyrock and prevent heavy damage to buildings and mining machines across the mining complex.

Abstract Materials tuned to a quantum critical point display universal scaling properties as a function of temperature T and frequency ω. A long-standing puzzle regarding cuprate superconductors has been the observed power-law dependence of optical conductivity with an exponent smaller than one, in contrast to T-linear dependence of the resistivity and ω-linear dependence of the optical scattering rate. Here, we present and analyze resistivity and optical conductivity of La2−x Sr x CuO4 with x = 0.24. We demonstrate ℏ ω/k B T scaling of the optical data over a wide range of frequency and temperature, T-linear resistivity, and optical effective mass proportional to $$\sim \ln T$$ ~ ln T corroborating previous specific heat experiments. We show that a T, ω-linear scaling Ansatz for the inelastic scattering rate leads to a unified theoretical description of the experimental data, including the power-law of the optical conductivity. This theoretical framework provides new opportunities for describing the unique properties of quantum critical matter.

Abstract The panorama of data is ever evolving, and big data has emerged to become one of the most hyped terms in the industry. Today, users are the perpetual producers of data that if gleaned and crunched, have the potential to reveal game-changing patterns. This has introduced an important shift regarding the role of data in organizations and many strive to harness to power of this new material. Howbeit, institutionalizing data is not an easy task and requires the absorption of a great deal of complexity. According to the literature, it is estimated that only 13% of organizations succeeded in delivering on their data strategy. Among the root challenges, big data system development and data architecture are prominent. To this end, this study aims to facilitate data architecture and big data system development by applying well-established patterns of microservices architecture to big data systems. This objective is achieved by two systematic literature reviews, and infusion of results through thematic synthesis. The result of this work is a series of theories that explicates how microservices patterns could be useful for big data systems. These theories are then validated through expert opinion gathering with 7 experts from the industry. The findings emerged from this study indicates that big data architectures can benefit from many principles and patterns of microservices architecture.

Abstract Purpose Although investigations are limited, adjunctive aerosolized antibiotics have been advised in the setting of gram‐negative ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP). This study aimed to compare the efficiency of inhaled colistin with inhaled fosfomycin/tobramycin in treating VAP due to extensively drug‐resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii. Methods This single center open‐label randomized controlled trial included 60 patients who developed XDR A. bumannii VAP. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to two groups (no. 30). Regardless of the assignment, all participants received meropenem (2 g as a 3‐h extended infusion every 8 h) plus intravenous colistin (a loading dose of 9 million IU and then 4.5 million IU every 12 h). The control group was given inhaled colistin (1 million IU every 8 h), and the case group received inhaled tobramycin/fosfomycin (300 mg every 12 h/80 mg every 12 h) as adjunctive therapy. The primary outcome was treatment duration, and the secondary outcomes were Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) trend and mortality rate in the groups. The decision to stop treatment was made by the treating physician. Results The mean treatment duration was 13.73 ± 3.22 days in the colistin group and 10.85 ± 2.84 days in the tobramycin/fosfomycin group; the mean treatment duration in the latter group was lower significantly (P = 0.001). CPIS was decreased in the groups significantly (P

Background/Aims This study aimed to determine whether vitamin C in addition to indomethacin decreases the occurrence and severity of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) occurrence and severity. Methods This randomized clinical trial included patients undergoing ERCP. The participants were administered either rectal indomethacin (100 mg) plus an injection of vitamin C (500 mg) or rectal indomethacin (100 mg) alone just before ERCP. The primary outcomes were PEP occurrence and severity. The secondary amylase and lipase levels were determined after 24 hours. Results A total of 344 patients completed the study. Based on intention-to-treat analysis, the PEP rates were 9.9% for indomethacin plus vitamin C plus indomethacin and 15.7% for indomethacin alone. Regarding the per-protocol analysis, the PEP rates were 9.7% and 15.7% in the combination and indomethacin arms, respectively. There was a remarkable difference between the two arms in PEP occurrence and severity on intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses (p=0.034 and p=0.031, respectively). The post-ERCP lipase and amylase concentrations were lower in the combination arm than in the indomethacin alone arm (p=0.034 and p=0.029, respectively). Conclusions Vitamin C injection in addition to rectal indomethacin reduced PEP occurrence and severity.

Biodesulfurization (BDS) of fossil fuels is a promising method for treating the high content of sulfur in crude oils and their derivatives in the future, attributed to its environmental-friendly nature and the technical efficient ability to desulfurize the organosulfur compounds recalcitrant on other techniques. It was found that the bioreaction rate depends on the treated fluid, targeting sulfur compounds, and the microorganism applied. Also, many studies investigated the operation conditions, specificity, and biocatalysts modification to develop BDS efficiency. Furthermore, mathematical kinetics models were formulated to represent the process. In this review, the previous studies are analyzed and discussed. This review article is characterized by a clear picture of all BDS’s experimental, industrial, procedural, theoretical, and hypothetical points.

In this study, a traveling wave Mach-Zehnder intensity modulator (TW-MZM) was designed and optimized for six different electro-optical (EO) crystals: lithium niobate (LNB), potassium niobate (KNB), lithium titanate (LTO), beta barium borate (BBO), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and indium phosphide (InP). The performance of each EO crystal, including optical and radio frequency (RF) loss, applied voltage, and modulation bandwidth, was estimated and compared. The results suggest that, in theory, KNB, LTO, BBO, and CdTe have the potential to outperform LNB. However, it should be noted that the loss associated with KNB and LTO is comparable to that of LNB. The findings demonstrated that BBO and CdTe exhibit a modulation bandwidth exceeding 100 GHz and demonstrate the lowest loss among the considered crystals based on the assumed geometry.

The effects of foliar spraying of salicylic acid and proline on Echinacea purpurea under different soil moistures were investigated in the field conditions in the Southwest of Iran (2017–2019). The experiment treatments were the foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and proline (both at 1 mM concentration) and 2 irrigation frequencies (6 and 10 every day based on 75–80% and 40–45% field capacity, respectively). The field experiment was set as a complete randomized block design with 3 replications. The volatile oils were analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. Germacrene D, p-cymene, β-caryophyllene, α-pinene, and β-bisabolene were detected as the main constituents. Deficit irrigation decreased the growth parameters of the plants; however, it improved the contents of the volatile oil and the major compounds of volatile oil. In addition, the maximum values of the volatile oil content and the main constituents of volatile oil were extracted from the plants under SA × water deficit treatment. In conclusion, the foliar spraying of SA under water deficit conditions was an applicable strategy to maintain and stabilize the growth and yield of E. purpurea.

Biodesulfurization (BDS) of fossil fuels is a promising method for treating the high content of sulfur in crude oils and their derivatives in the future, attributed to its environmental-friendly nature and the technical efficient ability to desulfurize the organosulfur compounds recalcitrant on other techniques. It was found that the bioreaction rate depends on the treated fluid, targeting sulfur compounds, and the microorganism applied. Also, many studies investigated the operation conditions, specificity, and biocatalysts modification to develop BDS efficiency. Furthermore, mathematical kinetics models were formulated to represent the process. In this review, the previous studies are analyzed and discussed. This review article is characterized by a clear picture of all BDS's experimental, industrial, procedural, theoretical, and hypothetical points.

The present study was aimed to both detect emerging noroviruses and investigate RdRp and VP1-based dual typing of circulating noroviruses in hospitalized children less than 5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in Iran. For this purpose, a total of 200 stool specimens were screened during 2021–2022 by real-time RT-PCR for genogroup I and II (GI and GII) and dual-typed by sequence analysis of PCR products, using a web-based norovirus Typing Tool and phylogenetic analysis. The GI and GII noroviruses were detected in 20% of 200 specimens. The GII.4 norovirus was found to be the most common VP1 genotype (53%) followed by GII.8 (32%), GII.7 (6%), GII.17 (6%), and GII.3 (3%). The GII.P16 norovirus was also found as the predominant RdRp type (53%) followed by GII.P8 (32%), GII.P7 (6%), GII.P17 (6%), and GII.P31 (3%). To our knowledge, this is the first report that highlights the dominancy of recombinant norovirus GII.4Sydney[P16] and newly emerging of norovirus GII.8 [P8], GII.17 [P17] and GII.3 [P16] in Iran. These findings further indicate inter-genotype recombinant strains of noroviruses.

Abstract Background Dietary antioxidants may decrease body fat through reduction of oxidative stress. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary antioxidant index (DAI) and body mass index (BMI) in adolescent boys. Methods In this cross‐sectional study, 593 adolescent boys aged 12–16 years were randomly selected and were divided into two groups of overweight and non‐overweight individuals. Data on physical activity and anthropometric measurements were collected. Dietary intake was assessed using 168‐item semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the DAI score was calculated to measure the antioxidant capacity of the diet. Results The overweight adolescents had higher intake of energy (2490.55 ± 632.49 vs. 2354.33 ± 632.64 kcal/d, p = 0.01), carbohydrate (290.21 ± 71.41 vs. 272.93 ± 79.22 g/d, p = 0.01), fat (111.51 ± 40.76 vs. 104.51 ± 35.56 g/d, p = 0.04), calcium (811.70 ± 283.70 vs. 741.06 ± 251.17 g/d, p = 0.003), and vitamin D (1.41 ± 1.17 vs. 1.18 ± 1.19 μg/d, p = 0.031) in comparison with normal weight adolescents. The DAI had an inverse association with BMI after adjustment for age and caloric intake (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76–0.96, p = 0.009). Additional adjustment for dietary intake of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, manganese, and selenium did not change the results. Conclusion The results of the study showed that following a diet rich in antioxidants may be effective in preventing obesity in adolescent boys. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these finding and to determine the underlying mechanisms.

Introduction MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of gene expression epigenetic regulators that play roles in regulating genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis, including low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and PCSK9; therefore, miRNAs have been suggested as potential therapeutic targets for treating cardiometabolic disorders. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the effect of immunotherapy with the PCSK9 peptide vaccine on the hepatic expression levels of microRNAs associated with the LDLR pathway, including miRNA-27a, miRNA-30c, and miRNA-191, in normal vaccinated mice. Material and methods PCSK9 immunogenic peptide and 0.4% alum adjuvant were mixed at a 1 : 1 ratio and used as a vaccine formulation. Male albino mice were randomly assigned to the vaccine or control group. Mice in the vaccine group were injected four times at two-week intervals with a PCSK9 peptide vaccine, and mice in the control group were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Animal livers were sampled 2 weeks after the last injection to assess miRNA expression levels. The hepatic expression levels of miRNA-27a, miRNA-30c, and miRNA-191 were evaluated by SYBR Green real-time PCR, quantified by a comparative (2 –CT ) method (fold change (FC)) and normalized to U6 small nuclear RNA (U6snRNA) expression as an internal control. Results The hepatic expression level of miRNA-27a was significantly lower in mice following immunotherapy with the PCSK9 peptide vaccine compared to the control group (FC: 0.731 ±0.1, p = 0.027). Also, there was a borderline significantly lower hepatic expression level of miRNA-30c in the vaccinated group compared to the control (FC: 0.569 ±0.1, p = 0.078). However, no significant differences were found in the hepatic expression level of miRNA-191 between the two studied groups (FC: 0.852 ±0.1, p = 0.343). Conclusions According to the findings, the PCSK9 peptide vaccine could effectively reduce the hepatic expression level of miRNA-27a and may be helpful in the management of LDL-C level and atherosclerosis, which may be mediated through the LDLR pathway.

Background & Aims: The prevalence of the mood or anxiety disorders during pregnancy is reported to be 18.2 %. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal depression on childbirth and neonatal complications. Materials & Methods: This cohort study selected 600 pregnant mothers who were referred to Kamali Alborz hospital in 2021 as the participants. These 600 pregnant woment were classified into three groups including: the group of pregnant mothers without depression whose Beck score was below 10, the group of pregnant mothers with untretaed prenatal depression whose Beck score was above 16, and the group of pregnant mothers with prenatal depression who were treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There were 200 participants in each of the above-mentoned groups. These groups were compared with each other in terms of preterm labor, cesarean section, abortion, preeclampsia, birth weight, apgar, and NICU hospitalization status. Results: In our study, the number of infants with low birth weight in the group of mothers with untretaed prenatal depression was higher than the number of these infants in the group of normal mothers (p < 0.05). Nontheless, there was not a significant differences between the groups in terms of the premature births (p = 0.092). The rate of cesarean sectionwas higher in the group of mothers with untreated prenatal depression compared to the group of mothers who were treated with SSRIs. Moreover, this rate in both of these groups was higher than cesarian section rate in the group of the normal mothers (p < 0.05). The number of the infants who were hospitalized in the NICU was significantly higher in the SSRIs group (p < 0.05) compared to the other groups. Finally, the number of infants with 1-minute Apgar

Finding novel antimicrobials to treat drug-resistant Psudomonas aeruginosa is a major health challenge. In this study, ZnO nanoparticles functionalized by Thiosemicarbazone nanoparticles (ZnO@Glu-TSC NPs) were synthesized and the effect of the NPs alone and in combination with thymol on the expression of biofilm and efflux pump genes in P. aeruginosa was investigated. Physicochemical features of the ZnO@Glu-TSC NPs were evaluated by FT-IR, XRD, EDS-mapping, and SEM and TEM imaging. The inhibitory effect of ZnO@Glu-TSC NPs and thymol, alone and in combination, were determined by broth microdilution method, and quantitative PCR was used to evaluate the expression of the pelA, pslA, algD, mexA, mexB, and mexX genes. The synthesized NPs were almost spherical, without impurities, and in a size range of 20 to 60 nm. Simultaneous treatment of P. aeruginosa with ZnO@Glu-TSC and thymol had a significantly stronger inhibitory effect (MIC: 3.12-25.5 µg/mL) than either agent alone. The relative expression of the pelA, pslA, and algD genes in P. aeruginosa strains treated with ZnO@Glu-TSC+thymol was reduced by 0.44, 0.43, and 0.46 folds, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of mexA, mexB, and mexX genes decreased in P. aeruginosa strains treated with ZnO@Glu-TSC+thymol (0.42, 0.45, and 0.41 folds, respectively). Also, it was found that the combination of ZnO@Glu-TSC and thymol could synergically reduce the expression of the mentioned genes in comparison with either agent alone. This study showed that ZnO@Glu-TSC NPs and thymol synergically inhibited biofilm maturation and efflux pump systems in P. aeruginosa strains and could be considered a novel antibacterial candidate against P. aeruginosa strains.

The aim of this work is to provide a preliminary comparison of different classes of methods to automatically detect the effect of ageing from in vivo data. The application which motivated this work is related to safety pharmacology, whose major goal is to determine, in a pre-clinical phase, whether a drug is potentially dangerous for the health. In particular, we are going to compare statistical, machine learning and mathematical modelling methods.

Abstract Background Rhamnolipids are a group of the extracellular microbial surface-active molecules produced by certain Pseudomonas species with various environmental and industrial applications. The goal of the present research was to identify and optimize key process parameters for Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1074s synthesis of rhamnolipids utilizing soybean meal in solid state fermentation. A fractional factorial design was used to screen the key nutritional and environmental parameters to achieve the high rhamnolipid production. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the levels of four significant factors. Results The characterization of biosurfactant by TLC, FT-IR and H-NMR showed the rhamnolipids presence. In the optimum conditions (temperature 34.5 °C, humidity 80%, inoculum size 1.4 mL, and glycerol 5%), the experimental value of rhamnolipid production was 19.68 g/kg dry substrate. The obtained rhamnolipid biosurfactant decreased water's surface tension from 71.8 ± 0.4 to 32.2 ± 0.2 mN/m with a critical micelle concentration of nearly 70 mg/L. Additionally, analysis of the emulsification activity revealed that the generated biosurfactant was stable throughout a broad pH, temperature, and NaCl concentration range. Conclusions The current study confirmed the considerable potential of agro-industrial residues in the production of rhamnolipid and enhanced the production yield by screening and optimizing the significant process parameters.

Introduction: Organic coatings are the most effective and facile methods of protecting steel against corrosion, which shields it from direct contact with oxygen and moisture. However, they are inherently defective and susceptible to damage, which allows the penetration of the corrosive media into the underlying substrates. Self-healing coatings were developed to address this shortcoming. Objective: The current research aims to develop a coating with superior self-healing ability via embedment of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanogel composite (NC) in a commercial epoxy. Methods: The TiO2 NC was prepared by efficient dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles in copolymer gel of acrylamide (AAm) and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) with the help of 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (MPS). The chemical structure, morphology, and thermal properties of the modified and functionalized nanoparticles were assessed by infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. In addition, TiO2 nanoparticles, nano-TiO2 functionalized monomer (NTFM), and NTFM/AAm/AMPS in different weight percentages were incorporated into epoxy resin to prepare a self-healing coating. Results: The results confirmed the successful fabrication of the NC. In addition, the incorporation of 1 wt% NTFM/AAm/AMPS led to homogenous dispersion, enhanced anti-corrosive and self-healing performance with the healing efficiencies of 100% and 98%, which were determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization methods, respectively. Conclusion: The prepared NC was sensitive towards salt concentration, pH, which aids the quick reaction of the TiO2 NC to corrosive ions, once the cracks occur. In addition, this is a unique feature compared to the other self-healing mechanisms, especially, the encapsulation of healing agents, which can be effective as long as the healing agent is present.

Currently, the main source of energy used all over the world are fossil fuels. Due to their non-renewable nature as well as the environmental problems caused by their use, the need for an alternative energy source is felt. Biodiesel is a biodegradable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly substance. This substance is produced from vegetable oils and animal fats in different ways. Using the Transesterification method to produce biodiesel has advantages such as low cost, high reaction speed and better quality than other methods. In this research, the effect of factors such as temperature, stirring speed, methanol-to-oil ratio, and catalyst weight percentage on biodiesel production was investigated with the help of experimental design using Minitab software version 19. The quality of the produced product was compared with international standards by measuring some of its characteristics. The esterification reaction was carried out by methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide catalyst. Based on the “Placket Burman” design (PBD), the influencing factors including the ratio of methanol to oil and the weight percentage of the catalyst were identified. Considering that the temperature and stirring speed do not have much effect on the process, there is no need to adjust the process temperature to reduce the production cost, and the mixing speed can be used with less energy consumption.

The global problem of air pollution and its consequences, as well as the reduction of fossil fuel reserves, have created the need to use alternative energy sources. Therefore, it is necessary to create and develop the required infrastructure of renewable resources in the production of clean energy. In addition, the use of renewable energy sources is essential at all times to replace non-renewable sources continuously The storage of renewable energy, especially on a large scale, is the requirement of this goal. Batteries are one of the most potential technologies for this purpose Currently, lithium ion and flow batteries are the focus of studies for development and commercialization compared to other types of batteries. Flow batteries, especially vanadium type, are more capable of improving components and commercialization for large scale due to the availability of vanadium elements in nature, elimination of the ignition, and cost reduction compared to lithium batteries. One of the main challenges in this type of battery is the development of a high-performance membrane with low cost. Therefore, the description of performance and components of this type of battery, including the role of polymer membrane and characteristics, can create a perspective for its development and commercialization. To this end, in the present paper, the overall structure, performance, and constituent components of this type of battery have been introduced, focusing on the role of polymer membrane and its characteristics as the key component of its technology. Additionally, in each section recent results reported by the researchers have been presented in brief. Finally according to the literature survey, the future perspective, and remaining challenges for the development of this technology are mentioned.

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common spine disorders, which is seen in 65-80% of people. Knowing the normal patterns of spine and pelvic parameters is very helpful in determining the susceptible subjects for CLBP. Methods: This study was conducted in healthy people during April 2017 until April 2018 in Golestan hospital of Ahvaz. Inclusion criteria include; Age group 20-65 years, no history of surgery, spine disorders, and having normal radiographs were performed. People who have complained of back pain in the last three months, neuromuscular disease, lumbosacral anomalies, kyphosis and obvious scoliosis, history of spine surgery and vertebral fracture, were excluded. A 36-inch radiology stereotype was prepared in the standing position. Pelvic and spine parameters that were investigated in this research included the following, Pelvic incidence, Pelvic tilt, Sagittal Vertical Axis, T9 Sagittal Angle, Thoracic Kyphosis, Lumbar Lordosis, and Sacral Slope. All data were analyzed with SPSS software, version 24 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: 50 participants including 27(54%) men and 23(46%) women with an average age of 33±12.5 years and BMI of 25±5.5 kg/m2 were examined. After examining the vertebral and pelvic parameters, it was found that PI is significantly higher in women than in men (P=0.02). It was also found that with increasing age, the amount of Pelvic incidence also increases (P=0.043), so that in people over 60 years of age, the amount of pelvic incidence is significantly higher than other people (P

Background: Intestinal metaplasia in the stomach is one of the precancerous lesions of gastric tissue. If the lesions are diagnosed early before invasive cancer develops, it is possible to prevent the progression to malignant lesions. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal metaplasia in patients with dyspepsia. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on patients who were referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan, Iran from the beginning of 2019 to the end of 2020. A total of 250 patients over 16 years of age who complained of dyspepsia for at least more than three months were included in the study. Examination was performed for patients along with the completion of a pre-designed questionnaire including demographic information and metaplasia risk factors. Also, endoscopy and biopsy specimen of gastric mucosa were performed for histological examination. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 with related statistical tests. Results: There was no significant relationship between job type, level of education, marital status and family history of gastric cancer, smoking, alcohol, high salt, dairy products and high-nitrate diet with the disease. There was a significant relationship between body mass index and the presence of intestinal metaplasia in men (P=0.032). The average age of men with metaplasia was about 13 years older than those without the disease. Also gastric ulcer (84%) and pan gastritis (40.4%) were the most common cases in endoscopic results. The number of female patients with epigastric pain was about 14% higher than male patients. Gastric ulcer was significantly associated with gender, with about 12% more gastric ulcers observed in men than women (P=0.014). Also, no significant relationship was observed between the presence of Helicobacter pylori and the severity of its colonization with intestinal metaplasia. (P=0.230) Conclusion: In this study, no significant relationship was observed between the presence of Helicobacter pylori and the severity of its colonization simultaneously with intestinal metaplasia. Apart from the two factors of increasing age and type of sex, no serious risk factors for intestinal metaplasia were seen.

This research aimed to study behavioral intention toward genetically modified crop (GMC) technology. The statistical population was composed of all staff experts of Jihad-e Agriculture Organization of Iran (N = 837). The sample size was 310 agricultural experts taken by simple randomization. The data collection tool was a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by structural equations modeling. The results provided enough evidence to confirm the negative and significant effect of ethical concerns on behavioral intention toward GMC technology and the positive and significant effect of attitude toward technology and social impact on behavioral intention. According to the results, it is necessary to hold training courses inside and outside the country, adopt bottom-up management, use experienced and prospective managers, involve experts in planning and development of GMCs to a greater extent, and share personal experiences in training courses to change people’ attitude.