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Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease presents global health challenges, with hemodialysis as a common treatment. However, non-dialyzable uremic toxins demand further investigation for new therapeutic approaches. Renal tubular cells require scrutiny due to their vulnerability to uremic toxins. Methods In this study, a systems biology approach utilized transcriptomics data from healthy renal tubular cells exposed to healthy and post-dialysis uremic plasma. Results Differential gene expression analysis identified 983 up-regulated genes, including 70 essential proteins in the protein–protein interaction network. Modularity-based clustering revealed six clusters of essential proteins associated with 11 pathological pathways activated in response to non-dialyzable uremic toxins. Conclusions Notably, WNT1/11, AGT, FGF4/17/22, LMX1B, GATA4, and CXCL12 emerged as promising targets for further exploration in renal tubular pathology related to non-dialyzable uremic toxins. Understanding the molecular players and pathways linked to renal tubular dysfunction opens avenues for novel therapeutic interventions and improved clinical management of chronic kidney disease and its complications.

Key Clinical Message Rudimentary left atrial appendage (LAA) is an extremely rare condition with an unclear association with cerebrovascular events. This case report discusses a patient with an unexplained cerebrovascular accident (CVA), where the diagnosis of rudimentary LAA was made using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and subsequently confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). Abstract Rudimentary left atrial appendage (LAA) is extremely rare. This report presents the case of a 50‐year‐old woman who experienced a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and was found to have a rudimentary LAA. The patient had a history of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and dyslipidemia. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus rhythm, and Holter monitoring did not detect any atrial fibrillation (AF). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) were performed to identify the source of cardiac emboli, revealing a rudimentary LAA with no thrombus present.

Abstract The intersection of nanotechnology and pharmacology has revolutionized the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, notably docetaxel, a key drug in cancer treatment. Traditionally limited by poor solubility and significant side effects, docetaxel’s therapeutic potential has been significantly enhanced through its incorporation into nanoplatforms, such as nanofibers and nanoparticles. This advancement offers targeted delivery, controlled release, and improved bioavailability, dramatically reducing systemic toxicity and enhancing patient outcomes. Nanofibers provide a versatile scaffold for the controlled release of docetaxel, utilizing techniques like electrospinning to tailor drug release profiles. Nanoparticles, on the other hand, enable precise drug delivery to tumor cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues through sophisticated encapsulation methods such as nanoprecipitation and emulsion. These nanotechnologies not only improve the pharmacokinetic properties of docetaxel but also open new avenues in regenerative medicine by facilitating targeted therapy and cellular regeneration. This narrative review highlights the transformative impact of docetaxel-loaded nanoplatforms in oncology and beyond, showcasing the potential of nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of traditional chemotherapy and pave the way for future innovations in drug delivery and regenerative therapies. Through these advancements, nanotechnology promises a new era of precision medicine, enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments while minimizing adverse effects. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Fungal endocarditis is a rare but serious condition associated with high mortality rates. Various predisposing factors contribute to its occurrence, such as underlying cardiac abnormalities, cardiac surgeries, prosthetic cardiac devices, and central venous catheters. Diagnosing fungal endocarditis, particularly Aspergillus, poses challenges, often complicated by negative blood cultures. Case presentation This report details a case of extensive ascending aorta involvement in Aspergillus endocarditis (AE) in a 24-year-old man with a history of bioprosthesis aortic valve replacement (AVR). Three months post-AVR, he presented with pericardial effusion and aortic rupture, leading to a redo biological valved conduit aortic root replacement (Bentall surgery). Despite the intervention, the tubular graft exhibited extensive Aspergillus involvement, resulting in graft disruption and significant peri-aortic infection. A second redo procedure involving aortic homograft root replacement was performed. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed two days after the surgery. Conclusion A combined approach of medical and surgical therapies is recommended to manage fungal endocarditis. Despite efforts, the mortality rate associated with Aspergillus endocarditis remains unacceptably high, with no significant difference observed between combination therapy and antifungal treatment alone. Further research is essential to explore novel therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for patients with this challenging condition.

Background: According to previous studies, the health of the family of origin and the spouse's perceived responsiveness are among the relevant and influencing variables on marital quality. The role of the aforementioned variables on the marital quality of couples has been studied, but there is a research gap regarding the mediating role of the spouse's perceived responsiveness in the relationship between the health of the family of origin and marital quality. Aims: The present study was conducted with the purpose of investigating the mediating role of spouse's perceived responsiveness in the relationship between the health of the family of origin and marital quality. Method: The research method was descriptive-correlation and structural equation modeling. The statistical population included all married women who referred to counseling centers in 2022 in Tehran city, and 397 of them were selected by convenience sampling method. To collect data, Family–Of-Origin (Hovestadt et al., 1985), Marital Quality Scale (Busby et al., 1995) and Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scales (Reis et al., 2017) were used. Structural equation modeling and SPSS22 and Amos22 software were used for data analysis. Results: Structural equation modeling showed that the health of the Family of origin has a significant effect on women's marital quality both directly and indirectly (through perceived responsiveness) (p

Abstract Despite the success of cancer therapy, it has encountered a major obstacle due to the complicated nature of cancer, namely resistance. The recurrence and metastasis of cancer occur when anti-cancer therapeutic agents fail to eradicate all cancer cells. Cancer therapy aims to find the best agent that targets all cancer cells, including those sensitive or resistant to treatment. Flavonoids, natural products from our diet, show anti-cancer effects in different studies. They can inhibit metastasis and the recurrence of cancers. This review discusses metastasis, autophagy, anoikis in cancer cells, and their dynamic relationship. We present evidence that flavonoids can block metastasis and induce cell death in cancer cells. Our research suggests that flavonoids can serve as potential therapeutic agents in cancer therapy.

Key Clinical Message We report a 47‐year‐old man who presented with right‐sided heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a tunnel‐shaped communication (ventricular septal defect) between the left ventricle and the right ventricle with a significant left‐to‐right shunt. The VSD is connected to the lateral wall of the right ventricle by a large tunnel.

This mixed-methods study explores the factors contributing to the language teachers’ effectiveness in the context of English as a foreign language. Through a systematic review of the literature, six main factors were extracted: assessment literacy, content and pedagogical content knowledge, experience, oral proficiency, personality type, and self-efficacy. In the first phase of the study, 13 experts in the field shared their attitudes towards these factors through a semi-structured interview. The data obtained from the interviews was analysed thematically to develop a questionnaire. Ninety-three language teachers participated in a pilot study to validate the newly developed questionnaire. The results were factor analysed. After the required modifications based on the factor analysis were introduced, a questionnaire with 19 items entitled “EFL Language Teachers’ Effectiveness” was developed.

Abstract Congenital heart disease is a risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). Ventricular septal defects and ventricular outflow tract obstructions are this population's most common causes of endocarditis. We present a patient diagnosed with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, renal, and pulmonary involvement with right‐sided IE as an etiology for vasculitis.

To investigate phylogenetic relationships among and within major lineages of Bromus, with focus on Bromus sect. Bromus, we analyzed DNA sequences from two nuclear ribosomal (ITS, ETS) and two plastid (rpl32-trnLUAG, matK) regions. We sampled 103 ingroup accessions representing 26 taxa of B. section Bromus and 15 species of other Bromus sections. Our analyses confirm the monophyly of Bromus s.l. and identify incongruence between nuclear ribosomal and plastid data partitions for relationships within and among major Bromus lineages. Results support classification of B. pumilio and B. gracillimus within B. sect. Boissiera and B. sect. Nevskiella, respectively. These species are sister groups and are closely related to B. densus (B. sect. Mexibromus) in nrDNA trees and Bromus sect. Ceratochloa in plastid trees. Bromus sect. Bromopsis is paraphyletic. In nrDNA trees, species of Bromus sects. Bromopsis, Ceratochloa, Neobromus, and Genea plus B. rechingeri of B. sect. Bromus form a clade, in which B. tomentellus is sister to a B. sect. Genea–B. rechingeri clade. In the plastid trees, by contrast, B. sect. Bromopsis species except B. tomentosus form a clade, and B. tomentosus is sister to a clade comprising B. sect. Bromus and B. sect. Genea species. Affinities of B. gedrosianus, B. pulchellus, and B. rechingeri (members of the B. pectinatus complex), as well as B. oxyodon and B. sewerzowii, are discordant between nrDNA and plastid trees. We infer these species may have obtained their plastomes via chloroplast capture from species of B. sect. Bromus and B. sect. Genea. Within B. sect. Bromus, B. alopecuros subsp. caroli-henrici, a clade comprising B. hordeaceus and B. interruptus, and B. scoparius are successive sister groups to the rest of the section in the nrDNA phylogeny. Most relationships among the remaining species of B. sect. Bromus are unresolved in the nrDNA and plastid trees. Given these results, we infer that most B. sect. Bromus species likely diversified relatively recently. None of the subdivisional taxa proposed for Bromus sect. Bromus over the last century correspond to natural groups identified in our phylogenetic analyses except for a group including B. hordeaceus and B. interruptus.

Received: 2020/8/2 | Accepted: 2021/2/21Shi’ite and many Sunni scholars, based on rational and traditional arguments, recognize that the ancestors of the Holy Prophet of Islam have been believers; one of the evidences in this regard is the 219th verse of Surah ash-Sho’arā’ saying “And thy movements among those who prostrate”. The present study, using descriptive analysis, reviews the ideas of 114 Sunni and Shi’ite exegeses and categorizes them in 4 viewpoints: The first view believes that the content of the verse refers to conducting Roku’ and Sojud by the Prophet (PBUH) during congregational prayer; the second view holds that the verse denotes the Prophet sees his companions behind him during congregational prayer. However, these two interpretations perceive the verse to be away from the basic subject in discussion. The third view states that the Sājedin (those who prostrate), with reference to the traditions, are Ahl al-Bayt; and the fourth view that is accepted by most of Sunni and Shi’ite commentators interprets that based on in-text evidence such as the implication of the words and the synthesis of the sentence as well as out-text evidence such as the narrations trusted by the early companions and commentators, the meaning of the verse confirms the lineage transmission of the Prophet (PBUH) from his believer ancestors who were prostrating. The authors’ review indicates that, based on the evidences and reasons, it is appropriate to infer monotheism of the Prophet’s ancestors (PBUT) as the evident meaning or one of the meaning aspects of the verse relying on the potentiality of the words connoting more than a single interpretation. Moreover, the 3rd view has alignment, semantic contradiction and evidence expansion with that. © Mohammadi Āshnāni, A; Nātiq, A; Alavi Mehr, H (2021) An Analytical Review of the Ideas of Sunni and Shi’ite Qur’anic Researchers on the Implications of the 219th Verse of Surah ash-Sho’arā’ about the Monotheism of the Prophet’s Ancestors (PBUT) and His Holy Ahl al-Bayt (PBUH). Biannual Journal of Comparative Exegetical Researches, 7 (13) 59-81. Doi: 10.22091/PTT.2020.4669.1608

Abstract Although teacher burnout has drawn the attention of many researchers, there is little empirical evidence for the contribution of non-native English language teachers’ language proficiency level to their experience of burnout. To address this significant gap, the present study examined the relationship between English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ self-assessed language proficiency and their experience of burnout. Research has indicated that personal resources of teachers can function as protectors against their experience of burnout. Thus, it was assumed that investigating how EFL teachers’ level of burnout can be reduced through language proficiency as a personal resource can cast a new light on the role of personal resources in reducing teachers’ experience of burnout. To this end, data were collected from 110 Iranian EFL teachers who were teaching in private language institutes through the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Educator Survey and Iranian EFL Teacher Self-Reported Language Proficiency Scale. The correlational analysis revealed that language proficiency had a significant negative relationship with the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization dimensions and a significant positive relationship with the personal accomplishment dimension of burnout. The results of regression analysis also indicated that, except for the reading subskill, all the other proficiency subskills were the best predictors of the different dimensions of burnout. Based on the findings of the current study, some pedagogical implications and research suggestions were also proposed.

In this study, Co3O4 and Ag-Co3O4 were synthesized by a novel and green method using leaves extract of Helianthus annuus from cobalt nitrate and silver nitrate. The synthesized particles were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, thermal gravimetric analyses, scanning electron microscopy, particle size analyses and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The photo catalytic activities of synthesized Co3O4 and Ag-Co3O4 were appraised by degrading methyl orange dye and after 120 minutes of reaction a degradation of 53 and 87% was achieved using 100 mg/L (50 mL) solution of methyl orange and 0.1 g Co3O4 and Ag-Co3O4 as catalyst respectively. This green synthesis of Ag-Co3O4 proves to be an eco-benign, environmental benign, simple and effective approach for degradation of dyes in aqueous medium.

Aqueous pollution due to textile industry is an important issue. Photocatalysis is one of the methods used for eradication of dyes from textile industrial effluents. In this study, the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of photo catalytic activity of Ag-TiO2 is reported. TiO2 catalysts with 2, 4, 6 and 8% loading of Ag were prepared by green methods using Azadirachta indica leaves extract as reducing agent with titanium dioxide and silver nitrate as precursor materials. Prepared catalyst was characterized by advanced techniques and was used as catalyst for degradation of Methylene blue and Rhodamine B dyes. Deposition of Ag greatly enhanced the catalytic efficiency of TiO2 towards degradation of dyes. Irradiation of catalyst excites electrons from conduction band of catalyst to valence band yielding an electron-hole pair. This electron-hole pair undergoes secondary reactions and produce OH∙ radicals. These active radicals take part in degradation of dyes. More than 90% dyes were degraded in 120 min. Photo catalytic degradation of Methylene blue and Rhodamine B followed Eley-Rideal mechanism which states that dye react in fluid phase with adsorbed oxygen.

Background: Blood flow, metabolic rate and oxygen requirements of an organ guide the extent of oxidative stress experienced by any tissue in response to chronic hypoxia. Currently cilnidipine is used in the management of hypertension and its antioxidant actions are gaining wide interest. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the tissue specific effects of chronic sustained hypoxia with regards to oxidative stress in the context of cilnidipine. Material and Methods: Twenty four adult male Wistar strain albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups: group 1, control, normoxia (21% O ); group 2, chronic hypoxia (CH) (10% O) for 21 days; group 3, normoxia + cilnidipine (Cil) for 21 days; group 4, chronic hypoxia + cilnidipine (CH+Cil) for 21 days. Following 21 days of intervention blood was collected and animals were sacrificed and liver,lung and heart were collected. Serum MDA and MDA in tissue homogenate of liver, lung and heart were estimated. Results: Our results demonstrate the elevated serum MDAlevels in chronic hypoxia exposed rats (group 2). We also observed increased MDA in liver followed by lung and least in the heart in chronic hypoxia exposed rats (group 2). Treatment with cilnidipine reduced serum MDA and heart MDA levels in cilnidipine treated chronic hypoxia exposed rats (group 4). However cilnidipine did not have any influence on MDA levels in the liver and lung in same group of rats. Conclusion: The results demonstrate tissue specific effects of chronic sustained hypoxia with the highest oxidative stress observed in the liver followed by the lung. Although oxidative stress is also observed in the heart it is the least in comparison to the liver and the lung. Cilnidipine, a dual L/N type calcium channel blocker demonstrated beneficial antioxidant actions only in the heart supporting the cardioprotective role of cilnidipine.

Since the role of teacher success is highly important in the adequacy of teaching and learning, the present study intended to examine the role of two factors, namely language teachers’ credibility and nonverbal immediacy, with respect to their success across intermediate and proficient levels. To this end, 135 EFL students of Golestan University voluntarily participated in this study. First, an Oxford Quick Placement Test (QPT) was administered to identify the differences in participants’ language proficiency level. Then, three questionnaires, namely the Nonverbal Immediacy Scale (NIS), the Source Credibility Scale (SCS), and the Characteristics of Successful Teachers Questionnaire (CSTQ), were distributed among the respondents. Using Cronbach’s alpha and correlational analyses, first, the reliability of the questionnaires and the associations among NIS, SCS, and CSTQ were examined. The results of Pearson correlations reveal that there are significant positive correlations among all three scales. These findings were also confirmed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results; teacher perceived success is predicted positively and significantly by both credibility and nonverbal immediacy. Findings of the present study suggest that teachers’ credibility and nonverbal immediacy are highly beneficial to their perceived success. This study also outlined which elements of teachers’ credibility could be more useful for their success. The implications are also discussed.

Holy Aegis thinking of the king in the political history of Iran has an old background. This thinking was brought up as Divine Charisma. This thinking was discussed in historical texts and historians had referred repeatedly to the idea of Holy Aegis (God's shadow) and its related terms. Examples of such narratives can be found in historical texts of Afsharian era. Some of the most important historians of this era that used a manifestation of Holy Aegis thought in their works were Marvi and Astarabadi. In this paper we try to review and analyze the manifestations of Holy Aegis thought between the attitudes of historians of Afsharian era based on an analytical method. The results of this study indicate the direct and indirect use of Holy Aegis term by Nader Shah Afshar in order to legitimize himself and show the overcoming of this thoughts on beliefs and attitudes of the historians of Afsharian era.

Background: This study was conducted to determine the effects of n-3 PUFAs supplementation on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level, lipid profile and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This study is a double-blind controlled trial involving 70 patients with T2D selected from Yazd Diabetes Research Center in 2013. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 2 g/day omega-3 soft gels (OG) or 2 g/day placebo (PG) for 6 weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, Hcy concentration, fasting plasma glucose (FBG), fasting plasma insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), HDL-c/LDL-c ratio, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin sensitivity (IS) and beta-cell function were measured and compared. Results: Sixty five participants completed the study. The results of this study showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation caused significant increase in Hcy (P = 0.007) and LDLc (P = 0.02), while HDLc and HDLc/LDLc ratio were significantly decreased (P = 0.001 and 0.006, respectively). In both groups, insulin and HOMA-IR were increased, while IS decreased significantly. Βeta-cell function was increased only in OG (P = 0.005). There was no significant difference in mean change of any factors. Conclusion: The present study found no beneficial effects of 2 g/day omega-3 supplement for 6 weeks on biomarkers of Hcy, FBG, insulin and lipid profile in th T2D patients.

Background: Salvia officinalis L. has been used since ancient times but there are little data about effects of this herb on normal reproductive cells. Objective: To investigate the toxicity effects of Salvia officinalis L. on granulosa cells (GCs) and maturation of oocytes. Materials and Methods: GCs and oocytes were extracted from superovulated ovaries of immature mice. The cells were treated with concentrations of 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml of Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extracts and compared with the control culture. Bioviability, chromatin condensation, estradiol and progesterone concentrations, lipid synthesis, apoptosis, and alkaline phosphatase activity of GCs were measured. In vitro maturation of oocytes by determination of different maturation stages of oocytes including germinal vesicle, germinal vesicle breaks down, and metaphase II were examined. Results: The results revealed that 500 and 1000 μg/ml concentrations of Salvia officinalis L. were toxic. The most of the GCs were in the early stages of apoptosis in 100 μg/ml treated culture and cell death happened with 500 μg/ml treatment. Progesterone concentration was reduced in 100 μg/ml and higher doses but estradiol concentration and alkaline phosphatase showed opposite effects. The lipid droplets content of GCs reduced significantly in all groups especially in 500 and 1000 μg/ml. Finally, oocyte’s nucleus and cytoplasm showed a high level of condensation, and meiosis rate reduced in all treated cultures. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that higher dose of Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extracts inhibits, oocyte maturation, GCs bioviability, proliferation, and secretion

Objecttive (s): Silicate bioceramics like Baghdadite with chemical formula Ca3ZrSi2O9, has attracted the attention of researchers in biomedical field due to its remarkable in-vitro and in-vivo bioactivity and mechanical properties.Materials and Methods: Therefore, in the current study the baghdadite powder with Sol-Gel method was synthesized. Then, hydroxyapatite/Baghdadite (HA/Bagh) scaffolds were prepared by the replacing the polyurethane polymeric sponge technique. Afterwhile, the ceramic scaffolds were sintered at 1150ºC for 3 h. The prepared scaffold was then coated by polycaprolactone/bioglass (PCL/BG) polymer nanocomposite. Results: Bioactivity and biomineralization in the simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed that the nanocomposite scaffolds coate with PCL/BG had significant bioactivity properties. The morophology and microstructure investigation of soaked samples in SBF indicate that bone-like apatite formed on the surfaces. Also, ion release in SBF containing the scaffolds was measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. The nucleation positions of apatite crystals were areas with high silicon containing, Si+4 ion positions.Conclusion: The study indicates that scaffold containing 30 wt. % baghdadite had proper bioactivity behaviordue to its ability to form bone-like apatite on the surface of specimens.

Background: Corals have a diversity of prokaryotic communities as an internal or external symbiotic . This review will examine the association between corals and their symbiotic microorganisms from the ecology and biotechnology perspective. Material and Methods: In this study, articles were examined which indexed in Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Scirus databases. Keywords we used included coral, symbiotic microorganisms, ecology, and biotechnology. Finally, overall of 120 articles and reports, 103 articles were evaluated by eliminating the same articles. Results: The Corals symbiotic microorganisms stay on in the ecological niches such as the surface mucus layer, tissue and their skeleton. They play role in the cycle of sulfur, nitrogen fixation, production of antimicrobial compounds and protect corals against pathogens. Many bioactive compounds which attributed to invertebrates such as sponges and corals in fact they are produced by symbiotic bacteria. Various metabolites produced by these microorganisms can be used as medicine. Five screening strategies including conventional screening, met genomics, genomics, combinatorial biosynthesis, and synthetic biology are used for marine microbial natural products discovery and development. Conclusion: According to the collected material we can be concluded that, the ecological studies about the natural association between corals and their symbiotic microorganisms were technological prerequisite for biomedical research and they make clear the road to attainment to bioactive compounds in fauna. Also, in the first step, it is recommended that modern technology and advanced screening methods used to identification of marine organisms and then to identify secondary metabolites among them.

Background: Natural products like flavonoids from the natural or synthetic origin are known to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities. However, there is few/no experimental proof presently available regarding these. In the present study, hydroxy thiophene derivative of flavonoid was synthesized by Claisen–Schmidt reaction using grinding technique and evaluated for antioxidant activity. Objective: The present study was aimed to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the free radical scavenging antioxidant activity by using in-vitro assay methods. Methods: Synthesized compound was characterized on the basis of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR),13 C NMR, Mass Spectroscopy (MS) and elemental analysis. The in vitro scavenging activity was studied on hydroxyl, nitric oxide radicals and superoxide anions. Further in the in vivo studies, the liver homogenate of diabetic mellitus rats induced by low dose streptozotocin fed on a high-fat diet, estimated for lipid peroxidase (TBARS), catalase(CAT), superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) content by colorimetric assays. Results: The NF compound exhibited the dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity especially at 100mcg to 200mcg/ml concentration but lesser than that of standard drugs. Conclusions: The present study was demonstrated that the novel flavonoid (NF) found to have high antioxidant free radical scavenging activity against various oxidative stress systems which needs to be confirmed by other assays.

The increasing rate of autoimmune disorders and cancer in recent years has been a controversial issue in all aspects of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Among dietary factors, flavonoids have specific immunomodulatory effects that might be of importance to several cancers. Over different types of immune cells, T lymphocytes play a critical role in protecting the immune system as well as in the pathogenesis of specific autoimmune diseases. One of the important mediators of metabolism and immune system is mTOR, especially in T lymphocytes. In the current review, we assessed the effects of flavonoids on the immune system and then their impact on the mTOR pathway. Flavonoids can suppress mTOR activity and are consequently able to induce the T regulatory subset.

Background: Consumption of dark chocolate has been often hypothesized to have a role in the prevention of chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of consumption of dark chocolate (DC) on serum oxidative stress and blood pressure (BP) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: An 8-week parallel randomized clinical trial involving 114 patients with MetS was conducted on stable medication in 2014. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: 1) consume 40 g/d DC (40G), 2) consume 20 g/d DC (20G), and 3) consume no DC as the control group (CG). BP, radical scavenging activity of 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. Results: Mean age, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of participants were 51.38 ± 6.95 y, 77.34 ± 12.86 kg, and 28.65 ± 4.4 kg/m2, respectively. No significant differences were found among the three groups in relation to these variables after the intervention. The mean change of systolic blood pressure in 40G, 20G, and CG were 0.31 ± 1.81, 0.37 ± 1.65, and 0.26 ± 1.56 mmHg (P = 0.3), respectively. These figures for diastolic blood pressure were obtained as 0.08 ± 1.03, -0.02 ± 1.12, and 0.22 ± 1.03 mmHg. No significant changes were observed in MDA and DPPH between three groups. Conclusion: Even daily intake of 40 g of DC with 76% purity for an 8-week period had no effect on body weight, BMI, BP, and oxidative stress in patients with MetS.

Introduction: Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders in the world with occurs with higher incidence in women. In the present study, the effect of water-alcoholic extract of Papaver rhoeas L. on forced swimming test (FST) in Swiss-Webster mice were examined. Methods: We used Swiss-Webster mice (20-25 g) to execute FST on them. The plant extract (1, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) was injected to the animals 30 minutes before each session. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) was used as standard antidepressant drug. In another group of animals, 30 minutes after extract administration, blood samples were taken from retro-orbital sinus for corticosterone assay. Yet in third group, the drugs were injected to the animals and 30 minutes later, their activities were tested in an open field apparatus. Results: Our experiments showed that the extract efficiently reduced FST time both in male and female mice dose-dependently. This effect was comparable with fluoxetine. In addition, corticosterone assay indicated that plasma corticosterone in animals which received extract was higher than those amounts in fluoxetine and saline controls. Moreover, the animals did not show any motor activity deficit in all doses of the extract and fluoxetine compared to saline control. Conclusion: The extract of Papaver rhoeas can reduce immobility time which is comparable to the effect of fluoxetine. Also the effect of the extract is contrary to its effects on plasma corticosterone level and or animals’ activity.

ABSTRACT Background and Objective: Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains have become a problem in treatment of infections caused by S. aureus. This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic resistance in S. aureus isolates from raw milk and detect femA gene in these isolates, as a confirmatory test for identification of S. aureus species. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 110 raw milk samples. After culture in Cooked Meat broth, presence of S. aureus in grown colonies was confirmed in accordance with Iranian National Standard, No. 1194. Antibiotic resistance was then evaluated according to guidelines recommenced by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. FemA-specific polymerase chain reaction was performed on antibiotic-resistant strains using specific primers and standard strains to differentiate S. aureus from other species. Results: S. aureus were found in 43 (39.09%) of the 110 collected samples. Among these isolates, 79.07% and 76.75% were phenotypically resistant to penicillin and ceftazidime, respectively. In addition, the femA gene was detected in all isolates. Conclusion: The results of this study show a high prevalence of resistance to penicillin and ceftazidime among S. aureus strains isolated from raw milk. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Antibiotic Resistance, PCR.

Background: Bacterial toxins are toxic compounds which are produced in order to present microbial pathogenicity or to combat with the host immune system response. There is a cumulating evidence indicating bacterial origin for marine toxins such as tetrodotoxin, palytoxin, neosurugatoxin, etc. The most important marine toxins produced by different marine bacteria, their origin, structure and mechanisms of action were evaluated in a systematic review. Materials & Methods: Marine bacteria, marine bacterial toxins, and their mechanisms of action and structure were keywords for a comprehensive search in online databases including Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Scirus. A total of 120 papers were evaluated, however, by omitting similar reports, 103 papers were included in the study. Results: The most of marine bacterial toxins are classified in one of the following groups: neurotoxins, hepatotoxins and cytotoxins. These toxins have distinct mechanisms of action including blocking of sodium channels in nerve cells, functioning as agonists of acetylcholine receptors, inhibiting of membrane pumps, the inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A types' enzyme activities and inhibiting of protein synthesis. Conclusion: The clarification of the marine bacterial toxins structures and their mechanisms of action may be helpful for novel drug design, therapeutic measures and to overcome against bacterial pathogenicity.

Background: Dinoflagellates are the major causative agents of harmful algal blooms. In different studies, it has been shown that many dinoflagellate species produce various natural toxins. Saxitoxin, brevetoxin, yessotoxin, etc can be considered as the most important neurotoxins. The most important dinoflagellate toxins structures, their origin, structure and mechanisms of action were evaluated in a systematic review. Materials & Methods: Marine dinoflagellates, marine toxins, and their mechanisms of action and structure were keywords for a comprehensive search in online databases including Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Scirus. A total of 95 papers were evaluated, however, by omitting similar reports, 68 papers were included in the study. Results: Dinoflagellates toxins are usually polycyclic ether and polyketaide compounds that have distinct mechanisms of action including alteration in different ion channels and/or pumps at cell membrane, effect on the normal functioning of neuronal and other excitable tissues, inhibition of serine/threonine phosphoprotein phosphatases, disrupting major mechanisms of controlling cellular functions, and alteration in cellular cytoskeleton. However, the precise mechanisms of action of few toxins are not determined yet. Conclusion: The clarification of the dinoflagellate toxins structures and their mechanisms of action may be helpful for novel drug design, therapeutic measures and to overcome against marine toxicity.

Nitrogen in treatment plants effluent causing problems such as oxygen depletion, toxic impacts on aquatic organisms, eutrophication, and negative impacts on public health. The aim of present study was to determine the performance of integrated system activated sludge/nitrifying trickling filter to improve nitrification in the wastewater treatment plant of Isfahan. In this applied experimental study, an integrated activated sludge (AS) process (in full scale) was used with a trickling filter (TF) (in semi-industrial scale). The diameter and height of TF were 1.8 m and 3 m of steel, respectively. The volume of polypropylene media was 8 m3 and surface area of 240 m2/m3. The hydraulic loading rate during the startup period was 2.4 m3/h which was raised to 7.2 m3/h in the operation period. Flow rate, BOD5, COD, pH, TKN, N-NH3, N-NO2-, N-NO3-, alkalinity and temperature were measured weekly according to standard methods during the operation period. The effect of filter depth on nitrification was studied in 3.6, 4.2, 5.4 and 6 m and HRT of 3.6 m/h. The samples were analyzed by SPSS. The results showed that the best hydraulic and ammonia loading rate achieved here were 3.6-4.2 m/h and 2-2.5 g N/m2d, respectively. The AS/TF system efficiency were 86 % COD removal, 94 % BOD5 removal, 70 % turbidity removal, 94.4 % TSS removal, 55.5-75.5 % TKN removal and 85 % nitrification, respectively. The highest efficiency to reduce of wastewater pollution and nitrification was occurred in depth 4.5 m. Integration of the activated sludge and trickling filter processes, especially in old wastewater treatment plants is a good way to reduce the amounts of nitrogen in treatment plants effluent.

Background: People exposed to chronic sustained hypoxia (COPD) ultimately succumb to cardiovascular diseases. The heart is an obligate aerobic organ that requires a continuous supply of oxygen for its normal functions. Hence the structural and functional integrity of coronary microvasculature is very crucial for the normal functioning of the myocardium. Aims and Objectives: To assess the coronary microvascular remodelling in chronic sustained hypoxia exposure and its association with hypoxia signalling molecules. To study the role of cilnidipine, a unique calcium channel blocker (CCB) with dual L/N type calcium channel blocking actions with a documented cardioprotective role on chronic hypoxia-induced coronary microvascular remodelling. Methodology: 24 Wistar strain albino rats were randomly allocated into one of the four groups as follows - group 1, Control, (Normoxia, 21% O2); group 2, Chronic Hypoxia (CH) (10% O2, 90% N); group 3, Normoxia (21% O2) + Cilnidipine (Cil); group 4, Chronic Hypoxia (10% O2, 90% N) + Cilnidipine (CH+Cil). The intervention period was 21 days. Coronary microvascular remodelling was assessed by histopathological examination of the intramyocardial coronary artery. Normalised wall index (NWI) which is an indicator of arterial remodelling was calculated using histological images of coronary microvasculature using ImageJ software (https://imagej.nih.gov/ij/). Hypoxia signalling molecules like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), nitric oxide (NO) were estimated in the serum and their correlation with NWI was determined. Results and Conclusion: Histopathological examination of intramyocardial coronary artery demonstrated moderate arteriosclerosis and congestion on CH exposure. NWI was significantly increased indicating an overall increase in wall thickness. NWI and VEGF and eNOS were positively correlated. Cilnidipine treatment ameliorated the chronic hypoxia-induced coronary microvascular remodelling. Hence chronic hypoxia-induced coronary microvascular remodelling may be an early subclinical culprit in the pathogenesis of CVDs in patients exposed to hypoxia. The present study also reiterates the cardioprotective role of cilnidipine while opening new avenues for its role in coronary microvasculature in chronic hypoxia exposure.

The Persian Gulf is a special habitat of marine sponges whose bacterial communities are under-investigated. Recently, next-generation sequencing technology has comprehensively improved the knowledge of marine sponge-associated bacteria. For the first time, this study aimed to evaluate the diversity of the Persian Gulf sponge-associated bacteria using tag pyrosequencing in Iran. In this study, 10 sponge samples from 6 different taxonomic orders were collected from the Persian Gulf using SCUBA diving. The diversity of the bacteria associated with the marine sponges was investigated using the 16S rRNA gene PCR-tagged pyrosequencing method. A total of 68,628 high-quality sequences were obtained and clustered at a 97% similarity into 724 unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs), representing 17 bacterial phyla. Cyanobacteria was the most abundant phylum in the sponges, followed by Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Other phyla were detected as minor groups of bacteria. Bacterial community richness, Shannon, and Simpson indices revealed the highest diversity in sponge S11 (Dictyoceratida sp.) compared to other sponges. This study showed a diverse structure of bacterial communities associated with the Persian Gulf sponges. The dominance of Cyanobacteria may suggest an ecological importance of this phylum in the Persian Gulf sponges.

There is increasing interest in the possible role of the oral microbiome in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC). However, studies on the possible association between the oral bacteriome and OSCC remain inconclusive, while the potential role of the “mycobiome” in oral carcinogenesis has never been explored. I hereby present results from our recent studies on the bacteriome and mycobiome associated with OSCC based on analysis of samples from Yemeni and Sri Lankan cohorts. Tissue biopsies were obtained from the cases while deep buccal swabs or fibro-epithelial polyps were collected from the controls. Sequencing of the bacterial V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene and the fungal ITS2 region using Illumina’s 2x300 bp chemistry was employed to study the bacteriome and mycobiome, respectively. Merged reads were classified to species level using a BLASTN-algorithm. Downstream analyses were performed using QIIME, PICRUSt, and LEfSe. Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. polymorphum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Prevotella and Campylobacter spp. were more abundant in OSCC samples while Streptococcus mitis and Rothia spp. were overrepresented in the controls. Functionally, inflammatory bacterial attributes including bacterial mobility, flagellar assembly, bacterial chemotaxis and LPS synthesis were enriched in the tumors. Mycobiome analysis revealed a dysbiotic fungal community dominated by C. albicans in association with OSCC.

BackgroundIn Iran, an iodine deficiency control program was initiated in 1989 by iodizing salt. Despite this program, goiters have remained an endemic condition in most parts of Iran. Thus, it is possible that other factors aside from iodine deficiency may contribute to endemic goiter. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between cobalt deficiency and endemic goiter in a region of Iran with a high prevalence of goiter.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among school children aged 9 to 11 years in the city of Kerman, Iran. In the first phase of the study, a multistage, proportional-to-size, cluster sampling method was used to screen 5,380 out of 29,787 students. After the screening phase, 170 students (130 goitrous and 40 nongoitrous) were randomly selected, and serum and urine specimens were obtained. We measured thyroid function, serum cobalt level, and urinary iodine excretion. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsThe prevalence of grade 2 goiters was 34.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.5 to 42.5), with both sexes being equally affected. The weight and body mass index of goitrous subjects was significantly lower (P

This study develops a model for application of electronic banking based on electronic trust among costumers of Day bank in KhoramAbad city. A sample of 150 people was selected based on stratified random sampling. Questionnaires were used for the investigation. Results indicate that technology-based factors, user-based factors, and trust had negative relationships with perceived risk types including financial, functional, personal, and private. Moreover, trust including trust in system and trust in bank had a positive relationship with tendency to use and real application of electronic banking.

Abstract Background: Isolation of a novel virus belonging to coronavirdae family in September 2012, from patients in Middle East who had died of an acute respiratory illness & renal failure lead to researches on this new virus. Here, a brief review to summarize the events of scientific findings of this new emerging virus. Material and Methods: This review is based on a comprehensive search of three databases (Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane) and WHO reports. The searched keywords were new coronavirus, Middle East, acute respieratory distress syndrom & Saudi Arabia. Results: Due to novelty of virus only limited papers exist on searched databases, so only 50 papers were identified which after omitting repeated case reports, papers related to SARS and updated WHO reports, 30 papers were finally reviewed. Conclusion: WHO recommendation is evaluation of all patients with acute respiratory illness and history of travel to Saudi Arabia or other countries where this novel virus is epidemic.

Background: β-lactam resistance is more prevalent in Gram negative bacterial isolates worldwide, particularly in developing countries. In order to provide data relating to antibiotic therapy and resistance control, routine monitoring of corresponding antibiotic resistance genes is necessary. Aims: The aim of this study was the characterization of β-lactam resistance genes and its plasmid profile in bacteria isolated from urinary tract infection samples. Materials and Methods: In this study, 298 Gram negative bacteria isolated from 6739 urine specimens were identified by biochemical standard tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the disk diffusion method. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains were also detected by the double-disk synergy test. The presence of blaTEM and blaSHV genes in the strains studied was ascertained by polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of all Gram negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (69.1%) was the most common strain, followed by Klebsiella sp. (12.1%), Enterobacter sp. (8.4%), Proteus sp. (4.4%), Citrobacter (4%) and Pseudomonas sp. (2%). The most antibiotic resistance was shown to tetracycline (95.16%), nalidixic acid (89.78%) and gentamycin (73.20%) antibiotics. Among all the strains tested, 35 isolates (11.75%) expressed ESBL activity. The prevalence of TEM and SHV positivity among these isolates was 34.29%, followed by TEM (31.43%), TEM and SHV negativity (20.0%) and SHV (14.29%), respectively. Conclusions: Regular monitoring of antimicrobial drug resistance seems necessary to improve our guidelines in the use of the empirical antibiotic therapy.

Background and objectives: Formaldehyde is one of the compounds widely used in various industries; hence, its discharge into the effluent is unavoidable. Exposure to formaldehyde has a significant health effects. To prevent these issues, treatment of wastewater containing formaldehyde is necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) in removing formaldehyde from wastewater. Methods: We used a SBR having a total volume of 6.15 liters and an effective volume of 4 liters. The formaldehyde and COD removal efficiency of SBR was evaluated by applying loading rate of 0.031 to 0.156 kgCOD/m3.h. Four cycles of 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours were considered to investigate retention time effect onto the reactor efficiency. Results: Acclimation of microorganism with formaldehyde was achieved after about 30 days. We found that a retention time lower than an hour is not enough for achieving an acceptable efficiency. The maximum removal efficiency (90.52% for COD and 95.32% for formaldehyde) was observed at organic loading rate of 0.031 kg COD/m3.h and 12 hour retention time. The removal efficiency decreased to 46.44% for COD and 69.12%, for formaldehyde with increasing the organic loading rate to 0.156 kg COD/m3.h. The maximum concentration of MLSS was measured 2863 mg / L at organic loading rate of 0.091 kg COD/m3.h. Conclusion: The results showed that SBR could be applied as a practical, effective, and reliable technology for treatment of wastewater containing formaldehyde.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Different types of viruses are the leading cause of acute diarrhea among infants and young children worldwide. Epidemiological surveillance of viral agents is critical for the development of effective preventive measures, including vaccines. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the four major enteropathogenic viruses—rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus and astrovirus—in children over 7 years of age. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on stool specimens of children with acute gastroenteritis admitted to the Pediatrics Unit of 17 Shahrivar Hospital in Borazjan, Iran from October 2008 to September 2010. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Acute gastroenteritis was defined as ≥3 loose watery stools per 24 hours. A total of 375 stool samples were collected from hospitalized children aged

Background: High prevalence of obesity and the importance of this issue as a risk factor for chronic diseases such as severe cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer necessitate the need for treatment. The aim of this study was the evaluation of acarbose effect on the weight loss in non diabetic overweight or obese patients in Kerman. Materials and Methods: A double blind randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 66 patients with the body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m2. Patients were divided in treatment and control groups using the randomization. The treatment group took 100 mg acarbose 3 times a day for 20 weeks in combination with the low calorie diet and exercise. Control group was given placebo, low calorie diet, and exercise. BMI was measured after 20 weeks. The analyses were carried out using t test and repeated measured ANOVA. Results: Patients in acarbose and placebo group had a non significant difference in BMI at baseline. Reducing in weight was considered in every month in both groups, but this reduction was higher in the treatment group. At the 5th month, the difference of BMI in the treatment group was significantly lower than the placebo group (2.31 ± 0.6 vs. 0.76 ± 0.6 kg/m2, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Acarbose, especially in combination with the low calorie diet and exercise, seems to lose weight effectively in obese and overweight patients in communities that have a high carbohydrate intake (like Persian diet).

Cynodon dactylon is a perennial herb which has economical and industrial importance and widely used as warm-season turf and forage grass in the temperate and tropical regions. The taxonomic and cytological status of this species is not well documented. In this study, the cytological characteristics of 10 samples collected from different regions of Iran were analysed. Two ploidy levels: tri and tetraploid were counted from the root tips as 2n=3x=27 and 2n=4x=36 with a basic chromosome number of x=9. The karyotypes and the chromosomal parameters showed a nearly symmetrical karyotypes. The presence of triploid populations indicated that the probable existence of the diploid populations in this region hybridized with tetraploid individuals in the past to produce triploids that subsequently stabilized by vegetative reproduction (rhizome).

Background: Human rotaviruses are the major etiological agents of acute viral gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. With the licensure of new rotavirus vaccines, data on the burden of disease and the diversity of rotavirus genotypes circulating are important regarding immunization strategies. The purpose of the present study was to determine the genotypes of VP7 protein rotavirus in hospitalized children in Borazjan. Methods: In this study,375 stool samples from children less than 7 year old with severe diarrhaea hospitalized at 17 Shahrivar hospital in Borazjan, were collected during 2008 to 2009. Group A rotavirus antigen was detected in stool specimens using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA). Then G-typing of the positive specimens was evaluated by Nested RT-PCR method. Results: Among the collected samples, 24.27% were positive for rotavirus infection. The highest incidence was observed in children aged 12-17 months (6.93%) (p=0.056). The most common prevalence of positive rotavirus was observed in autumn with 54.94% compared to the least prevalence in summer with 2.20% (p=0).The frequency of G1, G4, G9 ,non-typeable genotypes were 51.65%, 2.20 %, 4.40%, 41.76% ,respectively. But, G2, G3, G8, G10 and G12 genotypes weren’t detected. Conclusion: The noticeable frequency of non-typeable genotypes indicates that must be using from another primers for characterization of unusual genotypes. Also because of the high frequency of rotavirus infection, surveillance and expanded program of immunization especially for children less than 2 years is necessary.

The present study examined the factor structure of the University of Tehran English Proficiency Test (UTEPT) that aims to examine test takers’ knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. A Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach was used to analyse the responses of participants (N= 850) to a 2010 version of the test. A higher-order model was postulated to test if the underlying factor structure, obtained in a data-driven manner, corresponds with the proposed structure of the test. The results revealed an appropriate model fit with the data, pointing to the fact that the three sections of UTEPT, i.e., structure, vocabulary, and reading, and their sub-components, except for the restatement section of reading, are good indicators of written language proficiency as assessed by the UTEPT. It was also found that the three sections assess distinctive constructs. The findings suggest that UTEPT is a valid measure of the written language proficiency of Ph.D. applicants to University of Tehran.

Payesh2009; 8: 361-369Accepted for publication: 28 April 2008[EPub a head of print-14 September 2009] Objective(s): To measure self-care behaviors inpatients and to investigate its associations with age, gender, marital status, duration of heart disease, co-morbidity with other chronic disorder and left ventricular ejection fraction.Methods: In a descriptive-analytic study, 250 participants were selected by random sampling. European Heart Failure Self-care behavior questionnaire used to collect data. Results: We found that 74 % of the participants had moderate and low scores of self-care behaviors. The self care behavior had a significant correlation with all variables studied.Conclusion: It seems that there is need for systematic self-care educational programs for patients with heart failure.

Background and Aim: Nowadays, CABG is classified among the most common and risky surgeries. Since heart is a vital organ, patients confronting this kind of surgery, experience more anxiety than the patients having other surgeries . The purpose of this study was ti determine the effects of education using VCD and booklet on pre-operative anxiety of CABG candidates in two different times, in Tehran Heart Center-year 2006. Material and Method: In this clinical trial study, one hundred and twenty 45-65 years old CABG candidates were recruited consecutively and randomly assigned in 4­groups, each including 30 ­patients. All patients completed demographic data sheet and Spiel Berger questionnaire in their admission day and the day of surgery. Every other one patient assigned in two groups of education either by VCD or booklet one day before surgery. After completing patient in two group and one week pause, this procedure was repeated for two other groups of education 6­ days before surgery. Results: sThe findings showed that state and trait anxiety of 4 studied groups reduced after education, when compared with pre-education time. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a statistically significant difference between means of state anxiety before and after education in 4­ group (P=0.004). Scheffe test indicated that education using VCD, 6­ days before surgery has had the most effect and meanwhile, education using booklet, 6 ­day before surgery has had the least effect on reducing the state anxiety of participants . Conclusion: Regarding the results of this study, education using VCD, 6­ days before CABG and booklet, one day before CABG has the most effect on reducing pre-operative anxiety .

Abstract Background: Psychedelic drugs can cause one to get out of normal status and permanent cerebral defects, via affecting central nervous system. Consumption of theses drugs seems to be increasing nowadays especially among the youth and university educated population. We conducted a study to evaluate the awareness of medical science students of Kerman University of medical science who are going to be the future medical population. Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out on 471 of students of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy which were in the first to forth year of their education about psychedelic drugs (Ecstasy, LSD, Ice, crack and Yaba). To evaluate the students' awareness of drugs we used questionnaire with reliability and validity proven via pilot study. Statistics analysis was performed using SPSS13 software. Findings: Average of their age was 3.2 ± 20.4. Overall among the students, 56.7% were in the low level of insight, 34.3% in medium and 6.9% in good level and 2.2% had best insight of the drugs. Also only 32.2% of students had the full information about the name of drug, 25.7 % had information about the form of them, 24% about the addiction with them, 7% about their complication and only 5% about the origin of drugs. The information about all psychedelic drugs was higher among pharmacy students, students of the third year and males. Conclusion: Our study showed a low insight about psychedelic drugs like Ecstasy, LSD, Ice, Crack, and Yaba among the students. According to this lack of information of these groups, it is suggested that educational courses about the complication, signs and symptoms of these drugs be held. Keywords: Knowledge, Professional PhD students, Psychedelic drugs, Ecstasy, LSD, Ice, Crack, Yaba.

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the first line treatment for treating kidney stones larger than 2 cm size with the advantages of lower morbidity and faster post-operative recovery. Creation of a nephrostomy access is one of the major steps of PCNL. It can be done either by single-step dilatation or by multi-step serial dilatation technique., Objectives: To compare the outcome and evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy done by single-step versus serial dilatation technique with specific reference to access time, fluoroscopy time, rate of blood transfusion, length of hospital stay (post-op) and complication rate., Methods: It was a prospective study with a sample size of 100 where 50 patients underwent one-step dilatation and other 50 patients underwent serial-dilatation technique. These patients were analysed on the basis of their demographic profile, renal access time, total fluoroscopy time for access, post-operative haematuria, duration of post-operative hospital stay and complications after operative procedure. Data was analysed and reported using statistical tools., Results: Demographic profile of the patients and stone characteristics were equivalent between two groups. Mean access tract dilatation time, mean total fluoroscopy time were significantly less in one of the groups. Requirement of blood transfusion, and post-operative complications rate were not significant between two groups., Conclusion: Both methods are safe and effective for tract dilatation. However, PCNL can be successfully performed by one-step dilatation with the added advantages of lesser time of renal access, lesser radiation exposure. Blood loss and hospital stay after operative procedure were not statistically significant between two groups., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Stem cell transplant (SCT) outcomes in high-risk and relapsed/refractory (R/R) pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) have been historically poor. Cord blood (CB) allows T-cell replete CB transplant (TRCB), enabling enhanced graft-versus-leukemia. We consecutively collected data from 367 patients undergoing TRCB (112 patients) or other cell source (255 patients) SCT for pediatric AML/MDS in the United Kingdom and Ireland between January 2014 and December 2021. Data were collected about the patient's demographics, disease, and its treatment; including previous transplant, measurable residual disease (MRD) status at transplant, human leukocyte antigen-match, relapse, death, graft versus host disease (GvHD), and transplant-related mortality (TRM). Univariable and multivariable analyses were undertaken. There was a higher incidence of poor prognosis features in the TRCB cohort: 51.4% patients were MRD positive at transplant, 46.4% had refractory disease, and 21.4% had relapsed after a previous SCT, compared with 26.1%, 8.6%, and 5.1%, respectively, in the comparator group. Event free survival was 64.1% within the TRCB cohort, 50% in MRD-positive patients, and 79% in MRD-negative patients. To allow for the imbalance in baseline characteristics, a multivariable analysis was performed where the TRCB cohort had significantly improved event free survival, time to relapse, and reduced chronic GvHD, with some evidence of improved overall survival. The effect appeared similar regardless of the MRD status. CB transplant without serotherapy may be the optimal transplant option for children with myeloid malignancy., (© 2023 by The American Society of Hematology. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), permitting only noncommercial, nonderivative use with attribution. All other rights reserved.)