Search

Background: Chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure is a prevalent issue for cancer patients, and current treatment options are associated with limitations. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a safe and straightforward treatment option for various medical conditions, including infertility. The study aims to assess the impact of PRP on the follicular function of granulosa cells damaged with Cyclophosphamide (CTX). Methods: The study evaluated the biological characteristics of Human Granulosa Cells (HGrC1) that were damaged with 4 hydroxy-cyclophosphamide (4-HC) as the active form of CTX. Then, cells were treated with different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and the expression of PI3K, K-RAS, BCL-2, P27, and Caspase 3 genes were analyzed. Cell viability and apoptosis were also assessed. Results: In the MTT assay, it was observed that cells treated with Cyclophosphamide had a faster growth rate when exposed to high concentrations of PRP. The results of the apoptosis assay using Annexin-V and propidium iodide (PI) revealed that PRP effectively inhibited apoptosis and enhanced cell proliferation across all incubation periods (24, 48, and 72 hours). Compared to untreated cells, those treated with different concentrations of PRP showed significantly lower levels of apoptosis, indicating higher cell viability. Real-time PCR results demonstrated that PRP treatment decreased the expression of apoptotic factors P27 and caspase 3 while increasing the expression of genes that promote cell survival and proliferation, such as BCL-2, PI3K, and K-RAS. These findings are consistent with previous research, which suggests that the growth factors present in platelets have anti-apoptotic effects and promote high rates of cell proliferation. Conclusion: The study suggests that PRP therapy may have potential benefits in promoting follicular growth and repairing ovarian tissue. However, further research is necessary to establish novel therapeutic strategies based on PRP therapy for treating infertility.

Abstract Background Proper nutrition is vital in promoting community health, yet insufficient knowledge and improper dietary practices can lead to deficiencies and diseases. Professional athletes depend on optimal nutrition for their performance and recovery, but a lack of understanding can impede their potential. The nutritional status of athletes impacts their overall health and sports performance. Inadequate sports nutrition knowledge may result in suboptimal practices, reducing strength, power, endurance, and immunity. Additionally, disordered attitudes can lead to dietary imbalances and an increased risk of injury. This study, conducted in Qazvin, Iran, examined athletes’ nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices. By addressing these factors, there is potential to enhance dietary behaviors and ultimately improve athletes’ performance. Methods The study employed a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional design to investigate the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of professional athletes in Qazvin, Iran. A total of 320 purposefully selected professional athletes (68.13% male, 31.87% female) from various sports fields participated in the research. The data collection tool consisted of demographic questions and a KAP questionnaire, including 27 nutritional knowledge questions, 16 nutritional attitude questions, and 14 nutritional performance questions. The quota sampling method was used to estimate sample sizes. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS v.26 using one sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Results The results showed that nutritional knowledge (the mean value was 79.594 ± 7.015 - the optimal knowledge level = 84) and attitude (the mean value was 23.347 ± 5.300 - the optimal attitude level = 26) for athletes are low, but their nutritional practice (the mean value was 21.788 ± 3.450 - the optimal performance level = 24) was moderate. Also, professional athletes’ nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice were lower than normal (p 0.05). Conclusion This study showed that the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of professional Iranian athletes in Qazvin province were low; therefore, the implementation of more theoretical and applied nutrition education, such as using knowledge assessment tools and interventions, irrespective of their age, sport’s field, and gender, is compelling.

Abstract Background In regenerative medicine, especially skin tissue engineering, the focus is on enhancing the quality of wound healing. Also, several constructs with different regeneration potentials have been used for skin tissue engineering. In this study, the regenerative properties of chitosan-alginate composite hydrogels in skin wound healing under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were investigated in vitro. Methods The ionic gelation method was used to prepare chitosan/alginate (CA) hydrogel containing CA microparticles and bioactive agents [ascorbic acid (AA) and α-tocopherol (TP)]. After preparing composite hydrogels loaded with AA and TP, the physicochemical properties such as porosity, pore size, swelling, weight loss, wettability, drug release, and functional groups were analyzed. Also, the hemo-biocompatibility of composite hydrogels was evaluated by a hemolysis test. Then, the rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were seeded onto the hydrogels after characterization by flow cytometry. The survival rate was analyzed using MTT assay test. The hydrogels were also investigated by DAPI and H&E staining to monitor cell proliferation and viability. To induce hypoxia, the cells were exposed to CoCl2. To evaluate the regenerative potential of rMSCs cultured on CA/AA/TP hydrogels under hypoxic conditions, the expression of the main genes involved in the healing of skin wounds, including HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and TGF-β1, was investigated by real-time PCR. Results The results demonstrated that the prepared composite hydrogels were highly porous, with interconnected pores that ranged in sizes from 20 to 188 μm. The evaluation of weight loss showed that the prepared hydrogels have the ability to biodegrade according to the goals of wound healing. The reduction percentage of CA/AA/TP mass in 21 days was reported as 21.09 ± 0.52%. Also, based on wettability and hemolysis tests of the CA/AA/TP, hydrophilicity (θ = 55.6° and 53.7°) and hemocompatibility with a hemolysis ratio of 1.36 ± 0.19 were evident for them. Besides, MTT assay, DAPI, and H&E staining also showed that the prepared hydrogels provide a suitable substrate for cell growth and proliferation. Finally, based on real-time PCR, increased expression levels of VEGF and TGF-β1 were observed in rMSCs in hypoxic conditions cultured on the prepared hydrogels. Conclusions In conclusion, this study provides evidence that 3D CA/AA/TP composite hydrogels seeded by rMSCs in hypoxic conditions have great potential to improve wound healing. Graphical abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that results in impaired sensory and motor function due to the limited self-regenerative ability of the spinal cord. To address this issue, combination therapy has been proposed as an effective treatment strategy for SCI regeneration. In this study, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)-derived exosomes loaded with dexamethasone were utilized in a mouse model of SCI compression. PRP-derived exosomes loaded with dexamethasone (Dex) were prepared using ultracentrifugation and sonication methods and were administered to the mice via intravenous injection. Following a four-week duration, behavioral assessments were administered to assess functional recuperation, and diverse metrics encompassing the expression of genes associated with apoptosis and antiapoptosis, serum cytokine concentrations and tissue sampling were subjected to thorough examination. The results of this study demonstrated that mice treated with PRP-derived exosomes loaded with Dex (ExoDex) exhibited altered levels of TNF-α and IL-10, along with decreased Bax and increased Bcl2 expression in comparison to the model group. Furthermore, intravenously injected ExoDex reduced the size of the lesion site, lymphocyte infiltration, vacuolation, cavity size and tissue disorganization while also improving locomotor recovery. We propose that the utilization of exosome-loaded Dex therapy holds potential as a promising and clinically relevant approach for injured spinal cord repair. However, further extensive research is warranted in this domain to validate and substantiate the outcomes presented in this study.

Introduction: Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs), are crucial for intercellular communication in various contexts. Despite their small size, they carry diverse cargo, including RNA, proteins, and lipids. Internalization by recipient cells raises concerns about potential disruptions to cellular functions. Notably, the ability of exosomes to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has significant implications. Methods: To conduct a thorough investigation into the existing academic literature on exosomes within the framework of neuron-glia communication, a comprehensive search strategy was implemented across the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases. Multiple iterations of the keywords "exosome," "neuron-glia communication," and "neurological disorders" were employed to systematically identify relevant publications. Furthermore, an exploration of the Clinicaltrials.gov database was undertaken to identify clinical trials related to cellular signaling, utilizing analogous terminology. Results: Although the immediate practical applications of exosomes are somewhat limited, their potential as carriers of pathogenic attributes offers promising opportunities for the development of precisely targeted therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. This review presents a comprehensive overview of contemporary insights into the pivotal roles played by exosomes as agents mediating communication between neurons and glial cells within the central nervous system (CNS). Conclusion: By delving into the intricate dynamics of exosomal communication in the CNS, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the roles of exosomes in both physiological and pathological processes, thereby paving the way for potential therapeutic advancements in the field of neurological disorders.

Tau protein plays a crucial role in diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases. However, performing an assay to detect tau protein on a nanoscale is a great challenge for early diagnosis of diseases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western-blotting, and molecular-based methods, e.g., PCR and real-time PCR, are the most widely used methods for detecting tau protein. These methods are subject to certain limitations: the need for advanced equipment, low sensitivity, and specificity, to name a few. With the above said, it is necessary to discover advanced and novel methods for monitoring tau protein. Counted among remarkable approaches adopted by researchers, biosensors can largely eliminate the difficulties and limitations associated with conventional methods. The main objective of the present study is to review the latest biosensors developed to detect the tau protein. Furthermore, the problems and limitations of conventional diagnosis methods were discussed in detail.

Introduction: The destructive effects of anticancer drugs such as cisplatin are well known. In recent years, it has been found that medicinal plants have a fundamental role in protecting the damage caused by drug. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vaccinium arctostaphylus plant one of the prevalent materials in traditional medicine in improving the disorders caused by cisplatin in testicular tissue. Methods: In this research, forty rats were divided into 5 groups (G) (n=8) based on administration cisplatin and extract of vaccinium arctostaphylus. In G1 physiological serum was injected and in G2 only cisplatin was administrated. In G3, G4, and G5 Arctostaphylus vaccinium extract with a concentration of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg along with a single dose of cisplatin were administrated. After 24 hours, the rats were sacrificed, and then testis was isolated and subjected to histopathological evaluation with t-test and one-way ANOVA test on Prism-GraphPad 9. Results: Our results showed that in the G2 group, the number of spermatogonial cells was reduced compare with G1 (P=0.01); As well as the thickness of the germinal epithelium and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules were reduced partially. In G3 and G4 groups in comparison with G2, the germinal epithelium was improved (P=0.02). The preservation of spermatogonial cells in G3 significantly increased compare with G2 (P=0.01). Conclusion: According to the results, Arctostaphyllus vaccine as a native plant in defined dosages has a significant effect on improving cisplatin-induced disorders in the germinal epithelium and the number of spermatogonial cells preservation.

Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most common drugs in cancer treatment. However, its partial solubility along with the high incidence of side effects remains a challenge to tackle. To address these issues, we designed a formulation based on graphene oxide (GO) and used it as an anticancer drug delivery system. Methods: The physical and chemical properties of the formulation were studied using FTIR, SEM, EDX, Mapping, and XRD. Release studies in the in vitro condition were used to evaluate the pH sensitivity of drug release from nanocarriers. Other in vitro studies, including uptake assay, MTT, and apoptosis assay were carried out on the osteosarcoma cell line. Results: In vitro release studies confirmed that the synthesized formulation provides a better payload release profile in acidic conditions, which is usually the case in the tumor site. On the OS cell line, the cytotoxicity of the DOX-loaded nanocarrier (IC50=0.293 μg/mL) and early apoptosis rate (33.80 % ) were higher in comparison to free DOX (IC50=0.472 μg/mL, and early apoptosis rate= 8.31 % ) after 48 hours. Conclusion: In summary, our results suggest a DOX-loaded graphene oxide carrier as a potential platform for targeting cancer cells.

Introduction: Blood-brain barrier with strictly controlled activity participates in a coordinated transfer of bioactive molecules from the blood to the brain. Among different delivery approaches, gene delivery is touted as a promising strategy for the treatment of several nervous system disorders. The transfer of exogenous genetic elements is limited by the paucity of suitable carriers. As a correlate, designing high-efficiency biocarriers for gene delivery is challenging. This study aimed to deliver pEGFP-N1 plasmid into the brain parenchyma using CDX-modified chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs). Methods: Herein, we attached CDX, a 16 amino acids peptide, to the CS polymer using bifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) formulated with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), by ionic gelation method. Developed NPs and their nanocomplexes with pEGFP-N1 (CS-PEG-CDX/pEGFP) were characterized using DLS, NMR, FTIR, and TEM analyses. For in vitro assays, a rat C6 glioma cell line was used for cell internalization efficiency. The biodistribution and brain localization of nanocomplexes were studied in a mouse model after intraperitoneal injection using in vivo imaging and fluorescent microscopy. Results: Our results showed that CS-PEG-CDX/pEGFP NPs were uptaken by glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo imaging revealed successful entry into the brain parenchyma indicated with the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reporter protein. However, the biodistribution of developed NPs was also evident in other organs especially the spleen, liver, heart, and kidneys. Conclusion: Based on our results, CS-PEG-CDX NPs can provide a safe and effective nanocarrier for brain gene delivery into the central nervous system (CNS).

Background: Cognitive flexibility, a vital component of executive function, entails the utilization of extended brain networks. Olfactory stimulation has been shown to influence various brain functions, particularly cognitive performance. Method: To investigate aroma inhalation’s effects on brain activity dynamics associated with cognitive flexibility, 20 healthy adults were recruited to complete a set-shifting task during two experimental conditions: no aroma stimuli vs. lavender essential oil inhalation. Using Thomson’s multitaper approach, the normalized power spectral density (NPSD) was assessed for five frequency bands. Results: Findings confirm that aroma inhalation significantly affects behavioral indices (i.e., reaction time (RT) and response accuracy) and electroencephalogram (EEG) signatures, especially in the frontal lobe. Participants showed a tremendous increase in theta and alpha NPSD, associated with relaxation, along with beta NPSD, associated with clear and fast thinking after inhaling the aroma. NPSD of the delta band, an indicator of the unconscious mind, significantly decreased when stimulated with lavender essential oil. Further, participants exhibited shorter RT and more accurate responses following aroma inhalation. Conclusion: Our findings revealed significant changes in oscillatory power and behavioral performance after aroma inhalation, providing neural evidence that olfactory stimulation with lavender essential oil may facilitate cognitive flexibility.

Ischemia in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) causes cognitive impairment in stroke cases. This study aimed to examine the effects of varenicline as α7 and α4β2 nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) agonist, on cognitive impairment, inflammation, apoptosis, and synaptic dysfunction in mPFC ischemia. Mice were divided to three groups of control, sham, or photothrombotic mPFC ischemia model. The control and sham groups received 2 ml/kg of normal saline for a 14-day period. As well, the animals in the ischemia groups received normal saline (2 ml/kg) or varenicline at 0.1, 1, and 3 mg/kg doses for a 14-day period. Anxiety-like behaviors were then assessed by open field (OFT) and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests. Memory was also evaluated using Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. The levels of inflammatory (IL-1β, TNF-α), apoptotic (Bax, caspase3, BCL-2), and synaptic (SYP, PSD-95, and GAP-43) proteins were examined using the western blot method. In addition, the histological evaluation was performed to assess tissue damage. The administration of Varenicline at the dose of 3 mg/kg reduced the IL-1β, TNF-α, Bax, and caspase3 levels. Moreover, it increased BCL-2, SYP, PSD-95, and GAP-43 levels at the same dose and ameliorated memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviors in mPFC ischemic mice. Varenicline improved cognitive impairment by blocking inflammation and apoptosis, improving synaptic factors, and diminishing tissue damage in the mPFC ischemic mice.

Purpose: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an inflammatory disorder and an aggressive form of fatty liver disease. Certain microRNAs, including miR-122, 21, 34a, and 451, are involved in the transition from steatosis to NASH. This study examined how trans-chalcone (the core of chalcone derivatives) affects NAFLD progression by regulating miRNAs. Methods: Male rats were divided into three groups (n = 7/group) as follows: control, rats were gavaged with 10% tween 80 (for two weeks); NASH, rats were gavaged with a high-fat liquid diet (HFD; for six weeks) and 10% tween 80 (for two weeks); NASH + Chal, rats were gavaged with the HFD (for six weeks) and trans-chalcone (for two weeks). Hepatic expression levels of miR-122, 21, 34a, and 451 were determined. Results: trans-Chalcone reversed histological abnormalities, reduced liver injury markers, and attenuated insulin resistance in HFD-fed rats. In the liver, HFD-induced NASH increased the expression level of miR-34a and decreased expression levels of miR-122, 21, and 451. However, trans-chalcone inhibited HFD-induced changes in expression levels of these miRNAs. Conclusion: trans-Chalcone could inhibit the transition from steatosis to NASH through the modulation of miR-122, 21, 34a, and 451 expression levels in the liver.

Mammalian Target Of Rapamycine (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase in the PI3K/Akt/ mTOR signaling pathway. This pathway is regulated by changes in cells such as change in energy level, growth factors, and stressful conditions as well as increased level of cytokines which cause cancer development. The increase in the function of this pathway has been observed in various types of human cancers, especially in cancer stem-like cells. The association of this pathway with the most common Central Nervous System (CNS) cancers such as glioblastoma, medulloblastomas and tuberous sclerosis complex is under investigation. Recent studies have examined the relationship of different cellular signaling pathways and genetic mutations in the CNS cancers with the mTOR pathway. Based on previous studies, different treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are not effective and have some complications. Therefore, the researchers are trying to find new effective treatment methods for cancers. One approach is to have knowledge of all molecular pathways, proteins and genetic mutations related to cancers. This study aims to investigate the effect of mTOR signaling pathway on the CNS cancers. In this regard, after searching in Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases, 78 articles were selected for review.

Breast cancer with various biological diversity known as the common reason of death in the world and despite progress in novel therapeutic approaches, it faced with failure and recurrence in general. Recent clinical and preclinical statistics support cancer stem cells (CSCs) hypothesis and its similarities with normal stem cells. Evaluation of related paper conclude in significance finding in the further characterization of CSCs biology such as surface biomarkers, microenvironment regulatory molecules, cell signaling pathways, cell to cell transition and drug efflux pumps to overcome multidrug resistance and effective therapy. Emerging novel data indicate biological concepts in the base of unsuccessful treatment. A powerful understanding of the cell signaling pathways in cancer and CSCs topics can be led us to define and control treatment problems in cancer. More recently nano medicine based on drug delivery system modification and new implications on combinatorial therapy have been used to treat breast cancer effectively. The aim of this review is focus on CSCs as a potential target of cancer therapy, to overcome the limitation and problems of current therapeutic strategies in cancer.

Abstract The dynamic interactions of cancer cells with their microenvironment consisting of stromal cells (cellular part) and extracellular matrix (ECM) components (non-cellular) is essential to stimulate the heterogeneity of cancer cell, clonal evolution and to increase the multidrug resistance ending in cancer cell progression and metastasis. The reciprocal cell-cell/ECM interaction and tumor cell hijacking of non-malignant cells force stromal cells to lose their function and acquire new phenotypes that promote development and invasion of tumor cells. Understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms governing these interactions can be used as a novel strategy to indirectly disrupt cancer cell interplay and contribute to the development of efficient and safe therapeutic strategies to fight cancer. Furthermore, the tumor-derived circulating materials can also be used as cancer diagnostic tools to precisely predict and monitor the outcome of therapy. This review evaluates such potentials in various advanced cancer models, with a focus on 3D systems as well as lab-on-chip devices. Video abstract

The loss of spinal sensorimotor pathways following spinal cord injury (SCI) can induce retrograde neurodegeneration in the primary motor cortex (M1). However, the effect of thoracic SCI on forelimb motor skills has not been studied clearly. So, herein we aimed to examine the effects of the thoracic SCI model on forelimb motor skills learning, parallel with dopaminergic and oscillatory changes in hindlimb and forelimb areas (HLA and FLA) of M1 in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly subjected to laminectomy (Control) or contusion SCI at the thoracic (T10) level. Oscillatory activity and motor skills performance were evaluated for six consecutive days using local field potential (LFP) recording and skilled forelimb reaching task, respectively. Dopamine (DA) levels and expression of dopamine receptors (D 1 R and D 2 R) were determined in HLA and FLA by ELISA and western blotting. LFP recording results showed a sustained increase of LFP power in SCI rats compared with uninjured rats through skilled reaching training. Also, the SCI group had a lower reaching performance and learning rate in contrast to the Control group. Biochemical analysis of HLA and FLA showed a reduction in DA levels and expression of D 1 R and D 2 R after SCI. According to these findings, thoracic SCI causes aberrant changes in the oscillatory activity and dopaminergic system of M1, which are not restricted to HLA but also found in FLA accompanied by a deficit in forelimb motor skills performance. Summary statement: The reorganization of the primary motor cortex, following spinal cord injury, is not restricted to the hind limb area, and interestingly extends to the forelimb limb area, which appears as a dysfunctional change in oscillations and dopaminergic system, associated with a deficit in motor skills learning of forelimb.

Neurogenic bladder (NGB) secondary to spinal cord injury (SCI) is accompanied with several complications such as urinary tract deterioration, urinary incontinence, and consequently lower quality of life (QoL), significant morbidities, and occasionally death. Current therapeutic methods have some side effects and there is no treatment for the upper urinary tract injuries. Stem cell therapy is a promising method for treating this condition. However, the best timing and the best route of its transplantation have not yet been determined. Animal models of SCI, especially in rats, are the most commonly used method for evaluating the efficacy of cell therapy in NGB improvement, and the most common assessment method is the urodynamic studies (UDS). However, there are variations in the range of UDS parameters among the published studies. The current review aimed to discuss the effect of stem cell transplantation on bladder dysfunction recovery based on urodynamic parameters after SCI in rats. For this purpose, the cell source, doses, the route of administration, and the complete UDS equipment and its parameters were summarized in SCI models in rats. In some urodynamic test results, to some extent, an improvement in the lower urinary system function was observed in each treatment group. However, this improvement was far from full functional recovery. The average cell dose was about 1 million cells in every injected site. In most studies, the stem cells (SCs) were transplanted 9 days after the injury using PE-50 and PE-60. Many researchers have recommended further experimental and clinical studies to confirm this treatment modality.

Background: In late December 2019, a new infectious respiratory disease (COVID-19) was reported in a number of patients with a history of exposure to the Huanan seafood market in China. The World Health Organization officially announced the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020. Here, we provided an overview of the epidemiologic, diagnostic and treatment approaches associated with COVID-19.Methods: We reviewed the publications indexed in major biomedical databases by December 20, 2020 or earlier (updated on May 16, 2021). Search keywords included a combination of: COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019, SARS-CoV-2, Epidemiology, Prevention, Diagnosis, Vaccine, and Treatment. We also used available information about COVID-19 from valid sources such as WHO.Results and Conclusion: At the time of writing this review, while most of the countries authorized COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use starting December 8, 2020, there is no a definite cure for it. This review synthesizes current knowledge of virology, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostic approaches, common treatment strategies, novel potential therapeutic options for control and prevention of COVID-19 infection, available vaccines, public health and clinical implications.

Objective(s): Trans-chalcone as the parent member of the chalcone series reduces circulating levels of insulin and glucose. However, the cellular mechanism of these effects is poorly understood. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) as a direct target of miR-34a controls homeostasis of glucose, and also improves insulin sensitivity. Therefore, the present study for the first time investigated the influence of trans-chalcone on the miR-34a/SIRT1 pathway as a possible mechanism for its hypoglycemic and hypoinsulinemic effects. Materials and Methods: In this study, thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): solvent control (NS), oral administration of trans-chalcone for 2 (N2T) and 6 weeks (N6T) groups. Then, hepatic levels of miR-34a and SIRT1 were measured through the qRT-PCR method.Results: Trans-chalcone reduced food intake, body weight gain, and serum glucose as well as insulin levels. Also, this chalcone inhibited hepatic miR-34a expression and significantly elevated SIRT1 mRNA level. Conclusion: Trans-chalcone as an insulin-sensitizing chalcone partly acts through the miR-34a/SIRT1 pathway.

The solidification process in a multi-tube latent heat energy system is affected by the natural convection and the arrangement of heat exchanger tubes, which changes the buoyancy effect as well. In the current work, the effect of the arrangement of the tubes in a multi-tube heat exchanger was examined during the solidification process with the focus on the natural convection effects inside the phase change material (PCM). The behavior of the system was numerically analyzed using liquid fraction and energy released, as well as temperature, velocity and streamline profiles for different studied cases. The arrangement of the tubes, considering seven pipes in the symmetrical condition, are assumed at different positions in the system, including uniform distribution of the tubes as well as non-uniform distribution, i.e., tubes concentrated at the bottom, middle and the top of the PCM shell. The model was first validated compared with previous experimental work from the literature. The results show that the heat rate removal from the PCM after 16 h was 52.89 W (max) and 14.85 W (min) for the cases of uniform tube distribution and tubes concentrated at the bottom, respectively, for the proposed dimensions of the heat exchanger. The heat rate removal of the system with uniform tube distribution increases when the distance between the tubes and top of the shell reduces, and increased equal to 68.75 W due to natural convection effect. The heat release rate also reduces by increasing the temperature the tubes. The heat removal rate increases by 7.5%, and 23.7% when the temperature increases from 10 °C to 15 °C and 20 °C, respectively. This paper reveals that specific consideration to the arrangement of the tubes should be made to enhance the heat recovery process attending natural convection effects in phase change heat storage systems.

Human resource management in future organizations requires the use of a set of human resources management functions appropriate to the organization's specific goals. In this regard, after identifying the most important future command capabilities and identifying the most effective human recourses processes on the development of these capabilities through the Delphi method, the impact of effective human resource processes, including continuous development processes, organizational learning, targeted human resource development, predictive performance management and knowledge management on the growth and enhancement of future command capabilities, including the ability to network, the ability to create high-quality information, agility,flexibility, and the integration of processes, was investigated through the use of CCA (Canonical Correlation Analysis).The results of the research, confirming the existence of a significant relationship and growth dependence and enhancing future command capabilities to human resource planning, determined the degree of dependence of future command capabilities to each human resource process; thus, a basis for using human resources processes to grow and enhance future command capabilities was created.

Introduction: Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of myocardial ischemia. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol and aerobic exercise together and singularly on some cardiovascular risk factors in rat model of acute heart failure due to isoproterenol application. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 46 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups randomly as follows: the healthy control (CON), isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction without implementation (ISO), resveratrol treated rats (ISO+RES), exercise treated rats (ISO+EXE) and combination of resveratrol and exercise groups (ISO+RES+EXE). Rats in the resveratrol groups received daily dose of 25 mg/kg/bw of resveratrol and exercise groups ran 1 h/d and 8 weeks on treadmill. Subsequently, all animals received subcutaneous isoproterenol on two consecutive days at the end of experiment. Then, animals anesthetized and blood samples were collected for analysis. Results: The results showed that pretreatment with a combination of resveratrol and aerobic exercise led to a significant reduction in troponin-I in the animals. Also, exercise training, resveratrol and combinations of them were prevented the increasing CRP indices, but there was not significant effect in these groups (P> 0.05). Pretreatment with exercise training as well as combination of resveratrol and exercise training caused a significant decrease serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were compared to the isoproterenol group (P≤ 0.001). Pretreatment with resveratrol, exercise training and a combination of both significantly increased in HDL-C and pretreatment only in mixed group led to significant decrease in LDL-C compared to the isoproterenol group (P= 0.001). Conclusion: Regular exercise and resveratrol supplementation is likely to be effective on cardiovascular risk factors and the combination of the two variables in the prevention of inflammation and will have a significant role in heart damage caused by myocardial infarction

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of using field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) chips as alternatives for the conventional CPUs to accelerate the numerical solution of the fluid dynamics differential equations. FPGA is an integrated circuit that contains an array of logic blocks, and its architecture can be reprogrammed and reconfigured after manufacturing. Complex circuits for various applications can be designed and implemented using FPGA hardware. The reconfigurable hardware used in this paper is a system on a chip FPGA type that integrates both microprocessor and FPGA architectures into a single device. In this paper, typical computational fluid dynamics problems, such as the Laplace and 1-D Euler equations, are implemented and solved numerically on both reconfigurable hardware and CPU. The precision of results and speedups of the calculations is compared together. In some cases, the computational process on FPGA is up to 20 times faster than a conventional CPU, with the same data precision. Several numerical and analytical solutions are used to validate the results.

Nowadays, strategic planning was very important for every company, many companies realize the importance of strategic planning. Holding companies have considered this issue. Strategic planning in holding Multibusinessess Company differs from other single companies based on complexities. Holding companies are faced with two important strategic decisions: 1) what areas and how investments should be done? 2) How management and control the subsidiary businesses. Holding companies in light of strategic decisions, faced with risks that are necessary to consider. This paper uses Multigrounded theory that is combination of grounded theory and Methasynthesis, to identify those risks. We select 50 articles among 400 articles for Methasynthesis and conducted 14 structured interviews for grounded theory. Finally concepts and categories are derived which include managerial, structural, financial, operational, and behavioral risks.

Icing phenomenon on a natural laminar flow airfoil (NLF-0414) has been experimentally investigated. Double horn glaze ice geometry which was acquired during a 15 minutes spray time at-2.23℃ with liquid water content and a median volumetric diameter of 1.0 g/m3 and 20 μm, has been extracted from database of NASA Lewis Research Center. Pressure distribution over airfoil surfacewas evaluated at angles of attack between -2 to 6 degrees for both iced and clean airfoils. Aerodynamics performance degradation of the iced airfoil has been studied and it is shown that double horn ice accretion, due to its unique geometry, severely affects aerodynamic characteristics of natural laminar flow airfoils. Reattachment locations have been evaluated for upper and lower separation bubbles. The upper surface separation bubble was seen to increase in size in contrary to the lower surface separation bubble.

In recent years, regarding to the general policies of 44 principle of fundamental law and government policies for highlighting role of private sector in economic activities, many companies of different and new fields have entered in stock exchange market. This entering has lead to increase in number of industries in this market. These industries can have critical role in increasing non-oil exports and situation of social welfare. Decision-making, on which industries, by regarding country's situation to increase in non-oil exports may have relative advantage, is important for policy makers in Iran. Therefore, this research has been considered for performance appraisal and ranking different industries in Tehran exchange market based on historical financial and competitiveness indices. In this paper, at first step, Herfindal index and some other filters for measuring degree of monopolies of industries has been used to decrease the number of industries in order selection the best and verified ones. At the second step, we ranked the industries by use of multi criteria decision-making technique-TOSIS. Finally, the results of this ranking are described and the usefulness of this model for ranking is been counted.

Two hundred broiler chickens (Ross-308) were used in a completely randomised study to evaluate the effects of supplementing the feed with different levels of dried Citrus sinensis peel (DCSP) on the gasrointestinal microbial population and immune system traits. Feed was supplemented with different DCSP amounts: 0.25% w/w (DCSP-0.25), 0.5% w/w (DCSP-0.50), 0.75% w/w (DCSP-0.75), and 1% w/w (DCSP-1). Control diet (DCSP-0), with no feed additition was used as reference. The study involved five treatments in a time frame of six weeks (four replicates per treatment and each replicate had 10 chickens). Data analysis was performed using SAS software and mean comparison was performed using the Duncan test. The results allowed to observe that the mean of Escherichia coli in caecum on day 42 was significantly different (P>0.05) but did not affect other gastrointestinal microbial population traits (P>0.05). The mean of total sheep red blood cells and immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) on day 28 (P>0.05) were also determined. Total sheep red blood cells on day 42 were significantly different (P0.05). Supplementing the feed with Citrus sinensis had no significant effect on Newcastle disease on day 42 (P>0.05). The mean value for hemagglutination inhibition on day 42 was significantly different (P

In new organizational world, managenemt is the most effective factor; and its proper form is in collaboration with leadership. One of the leadership's theories-which is the most effective-is charismatic leadership theory, though hasn't gain proper attention. Generally, charismatic leadership means creating a relationship which involves affecting and being affected without involvement of force or money. This problem is attributed to the systematic thinking framework. This article tries to survey components of charismatic leadership by presentation a practical model which says how charismatic leader emerge. This survey will be conducted from strategic planning pocess point of view. So, we developed a questionnaire to position persons in the process, to measure his or her success to aquire charismatic leadership components, and his/her acceptance as a charismatic leader among employees; which was tested in Bahman Motor Industrial Corporation.