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Focus on form through oral corrective feedback has been the center of many L2 learning investigations in recent decades. Although research has been abundantly done on the impact of different single-feedback types, not many studies have included combinational feedback strategy, especially as regards the mastery of both explicit and implicit knowledge of morpheme ‘s’ by EFL students in Iran. Therefore, the present work attempted to compare the effectiveness of unmarked recast, explicit correction with metalinguistic explanation, and mixed feedback in the expansion of knowledge of third-person marker ‘s’ in Iranian task-based language teaching context, employing a pretest/posttest design. To this end, forty-eight lower-intermediate learners of EFL were selected as participants. Every feedback type was supplied to an experimental group through story retelling and picture description tasks. Control group, however, was not provided with any intervention and feedback. Untimed grammaticality judgment and elicited oral imitation tests were used as measurement tools. Results of Descriptive Statistics, One-Way Between Groups ANCOVA and Tukey’s Multiple Comparison Post-Hoc Test illustrated that all types of feedback were relatively effective. Nevertheless, mixed feedback and explicit correction with metalinguistic explanation lead to overall acquisition. The insights provided might benefit EFL instructors in Iran in employing the best way(s) of corrective feedback to foster language learning in task-based teaching approach, which can promote Iranian English learners’ acquisition of third person singular‘s’.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder worldwide. Meanwhile, Allium Porrum L. (AP) has been recognized as one of the most eminent traditional herbal medicines with substantial health benefits. The aim of the present study is to evaluate anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of AP in rats with T2D. Methods: 70 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 10 animals each. The study groups were as follows: The study groups were as follows: healthy control (HC); healthy control rats receiving 100 mg/kg of AP extract (HC.AP.100); diabetic control (DC); diabetic rats receiving 10 mg/kg metformin (DT.M.10); diabetic animals receiving 50 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.50); diabetic rats receiving 100 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.100); and diabetic animals receiving 200 mg/kg of AP extract (DT.AP.200). Results: After 6 weeks of intervention, the level of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were significantly increased (P=0.02) and (P=0.002), respectively; while superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration was notably reduced (P=0.04) in DC.M.10 in comparison with that of the HC.AP.100 group. Also, compared to DC.M.10 group, all rats treated with metformin and AP showed a significant decrease in the level of MDA and TNF-α, along with an enhancement of SOD concentration (All P

Abstract Low organic matter content is one of the main constraints in arid and semiarid regions. This constraint and its negative influences on soils and plant growth may be alleviated by biochar (BC). Furthermore, improving soil physical and hydraulic attributes by application of biochar has received increased attention. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar on the structural stability, water availability, and pore-size distribution (PSD) of three texturally different calcareous soils collected from different agro-climatologically regions were examined during a long-term experiment. Low and high-temperature biochars, produced in a muffle furnace by the traditional slow pyrolysis method at 300 °C (BC300) and 600 °C (BC600) were evaluated. Pots (15 kg) were filled with three different silty-clay Inceptisols (SCInc), silty-clay-loam Alfisols (SCLAlf), and loam Aridisols (LArid) soils mixed with 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3 w/w% of BC300 and BC600 during 540 days of incubation. The high energy moisture characteristic (HEMC) data was modeled using a modified van Genuchten function to quantify aggregate stability through stability ratio (SR) and structural stability index (SSI). The plant available water (PAW), least limiting water range (LLWR), and integral water capacity (IWC) were calculated with two matric suctions (h) of 330 cm for field capacity (FC) and 15,000 cm for permanent wilting point (PWP). Then the integral energy (EI) values were calculated (EIIWC). Results indicated that the incorporation of 3 w/w% biochar significantly (p

Abstract The protein corona formed on nanoparticles (NPs) has potential as a valuable diagnostic tool for improving plasma proteome coverage. Here, we show that spiking small molecules, including metabolites, lipids, vitamins, and nutrients into plasma can induce diverse protein corona patterns on otherwise identical NPs, significantly enhancing the depth of plasma proteome profiling. The protein coronas on polystyrene NPs when exposed to plasma treated with an array of small molecules allows for the detection of 1793 proteins marking an 8.25-fold increase in the number of quantified proteins compared to plasma alone (218 proteins) and a 2.63-fold increase relative to the untreated protein corona (681 proteins). Furthermore, we discovered that adding 1000 µg/ml phosphatidylcholine could singularly enable the detection of 897 proteins. At this specific concentration, phosphatidylcholine selectively depletes the four most abundant plasma proteins, including albumin, thus reducing the dynamic range of plasma proteome and enabling the detection of proteins with lower abundance. Employing an optimized data-independent acquisition approach, the inclusion of phosphatidylcholine leads to the detection of 1436 proteins in a single plasma sample. Our molecular dynamics results reveal that phosphatidylcholine interacts with albumin via hydrophobic interactions, H-bonds, and water bridges. The addition of phosphatidylcholine also enables the detection of 337 additional proteoforms compared to untreated protein corona using a top-down proteomics approach. Given the critical role of plasma proteomics in biomarker discovery and disease monitoring, we anticipate the widespread adoption of this methodology for the identification and clinical translation of biomarkers.

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common harmful high-grade brain tumor with high mortality and low survival rate. Importantly, besides routine diagnostic and therapeutic methods, modern and useful practical techniques are urgently needed for this serious malignancy. Correspondingly, the translational medicine focusing on genetic and epigenetic profiles of glioblastoma, as well as the immune framework and brain microenvironment, based on these challenging findings, indicates that key clinical interventions include immunotherapy, such as immunoassay, oncolytic viral therapy, and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy, which are of great importance in both diagnosis and therapy. Relatively, vaccine therapy reflects the untapped confidence to enhance GBM outcomes. Ongoing advances in immunotherapy, which utilizes different methods to regenerate or modify the resistant body for cancer therapy, have revealed serious results with many different problems and difficulties for patients. Safe checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cellular treatment, cellular and peptide antibodies, and other innovations give researchers an endless cluster of instruments to plan profoundly in personalized medicine and the potential for combination techniques. In this way, antibodies that block immune checkpoints, particularly those that target the program death 1 (PD-1)/PD-1 (PD-L1) ligand pathway, have improved prognosis in a wide range of diseases. However, its use in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or monotherapy is ineffective in treating GBM. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the translational elements concentrating on the immunotherapeutic field of GBM alongside describing the molecular mechanism involved in GBM and related signaling pathways, presenting both historical perspectives and future directions underlying basic and clinical practice. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotic resistance is complicated. For this reason, new therapeutic methods are needed to control bacterial infections. Therefore, it is necessary to discover new antibiotics from medicinal plants that can destroy drug-resistant bacteria. Essential oils (EO) of some medicinal plants have antimicrobial effects and can be used as antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infections and food industries. The aim of this study was to determine the EO composition and antimicrobial effects of EO and polyphenols profile of Salvia Sahendica roots for the first time. Chemical compounds and antibacterial activity of EOs against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus as gram-positive and Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as gram- negative bacteria were evaluated using microtiter broth dilution method. Studied organs of S. sahendica showed significant diversity in terms of type and percentage of essential oil and polyphenol compounds. Overall, 44, 46, 42, and 45 compounds were identified in the essential oil of leaves, flowers, stems, and roots of this plant, which constituted 99.6, 99.3, 98.2, and 99.4% of total oil composition, respectively. The current study collectively demonstrated inhibitory effects ranged from strong (S. aureus) to low inhibition (P. aeruginosa). According to the HPLC result, the amounts of coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid compounds in the root are higher than in other plant parts, which indicate that the root can be a suitable source for the production of these valuable polyphenol compounds. Due to the results, it is possible to hope for the application of EO from S. sahendica as natural antibacterial in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Abstract Introduction People who inject drugs (PWID) are a key population at risk of HIV in Iran. We measured the prevalence and covariates of HIV-related risk behaviours among PWID in Iran. Methods We conducted a respondent-driven bio-behavioural surveillance survey among PWID from July 2019 to March 2020 in 11 major cities. We assessed PWID’s recent (i.e., last three months) HIV-related risk behaviours using a four-level categorical variable: Only unsafe injection (i.e., sharing needles/syringes or injecting equipment), only unsafe sex (i.e., unprotected sex), dual HIV risk (i.e., both unsafe injection and unprotected sex), and safe injection and sex. Data were summarized using RDS-weighted analysis. Multinomial logistic regression models were built to characterize HIV-related risk behaviours and relative risk ratio (RRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. Results Overall, 2562 men who inject drugs (MWID) were included in the regression analysis. The RDS-weighted prevalence of dual HIV risk was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.8, 1.9), only unsafe injection was 4.5%, and only unsafe sex was 11.8%. Compared to the safe injection and sex group, dual HIV risk was significantly and positively associated with multiple partnership (RRR = 15.06; 3.30, 68.73). Only unsafe injection was significantly associated with homelessness in the last 12 months (RRR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.34, 6.80). Only unsafe sex was significantly associated with multiple partnership (RRR = 6.66; 4.27, 10.38), receiving free condoms (RRR = 1.71; 1.01, 2.89), receiving free needles (RRR = 2.18; 1.22, 3.90), and self-received risk for HIV (RRR = 2.51; 1.36, 4.66). Moreover, history of HIV-testing in the last three months was significantly associated with only unsafe injection (RRR = 2.71; 1.84, 3.80). Among the 90 women who injected drugs, none reported dual HIV risk behaviours. Discussion and conclusions While the low prevalence of dual HIV risk among PWID is encouraging, unprotected sexual practices among PWID is concerning. Expanding sexual health education and care services as well as tailored interventions aimed at reducing high-risk sexual activities among PWID are warranted. Additionally, tackling potential misperceptions about risk of HIV transmission among PWID in Iran is warranted.

Abstract Different forms of close-packed yarns can be produced by varying the number of monofilaments in the core region, ranging from one to five. Numerous efforts have been made to model or simulate the mechanical response of close-packed yarns; however, previous studies have predominantly focused on one or two monofilaments in the core. In this study, we propose an analytical approach that combines a geometrical model with an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the tensile behavior of close-packed yarns containing 2 to 5 monofilaments in the core region. The novelty of this hybrid model lies not only in accounting for more than two monofilaments in the core but also in extending the prediction range from elastic to viscoelastic-plastic behavior. Validation of the proposed method showed excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical results. Numerical simulations further confirmed that the results align with theoretical predictions, demonstrating the model’s accuracy in predicting the tensile behavior of close-packed yarns. This modeling approach has the potential to significantly improve the understanding and modeling of textile structures.

Abstract Exosomes which are membrane vesicles released by cells have gained significant interest in the field of cancer therapy as a novel means of intercellular communication. Their role in immune activation and their pathophysiological functions in cancer therapy have been recognized. Exosomes carry diverse bioactive components including proteins, mRNA, microRNAs, and bioactive lipids. These molecules have therapeutic potential in promoting tissue regeneration, supporting stem cell activity, preventing cell death, modulating immune responses, and promoting the growth of new blood vessels. However, the precise roles of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of various cancers are still not fully understood. Consequently, cancer stem cells (CSCs) can self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. Understanding the mechanisms that sustain their persistence is crucial for developing effective therapies. Exosomes have recently gained interest as vehicles for intercellular communication between CSCs and non-CSCs, influencing cancer progression and the microenvironment. Research is ongoing on the utilization of exosomes derived from cancer stem cells (CSC-Exosome) for cancer treatment. The composition of extracellular vesicles is influenced by the specific type and condition of the cells from which they are secreted. Circulating exosomes contain stable RNA molecules such as mRNAs, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In this review, we will explore the significance of exosomes and their diverse cellular combinations in the context of cancer therapy. Graphical Abstract

Background and Objective: Non-adherence to treatment regimens is a significant factor contributing to the persistence of cardiovascular diseases and their complications. This study aimed to compare the effects of two educational methods, with and without short message service (SMS) reminder, on adherence to treatment regimens among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 111 patients with ACS divided into three 37-people groups: A control group (receiving routine education), the first intervention group (receiving education and a booklet), and the second intervention group (receiving education, a booklet, and SMS reminders). The study was conducted in patients at the coronary care units (CCUs) and post-CCUs of the following educational therapeutic centers: Shahid Sayyad Shirazi in Gorgan, the Fifth Azar in Gorgan, Amir Al-Momenin in Kordkuy, and Al-E-Jalil in Aqqala, Iran, during 2019. The research instrument consisted of the Treatment Adherence Perception Questionnaire (TAPQ) in three domains, including dietary regimen, medication regimen, and exercise and activity, which was completed at the time of discharge and two months later. Results: The mean scores of adherence to treatment dietary in patients with ACS two months after discharge in the three domains of dietary regimen, medication regimen, and exercise and activity were significantly higher in the group receiving education and SMS reminders (105.54±75.8, 16.00±2.71, and 23.67±3.85, respectively) compared to the education group (84.73±5.02, 11.05±1.69, and 17.45±2.48, respectively) (P

Purpose: One of the most important indicators of a country's development is its progress in scientific research across various fields and disciplines. Evaluating scientific output in different areas reveals the trajectory of scientific advancement within those fields. The analysis of co-occurring keywords and co-authorship, as key conceptual visualizations in scientometrics, is widely used for mapping the network of scientific domains. Recent scientometric studies have extensively employed this approach to facilitate conceptual analysis. This study aimed to analyze and visualize the scientific landscape of Persian research in information technology (IT), as it is essential to understand the research profile of this significant scientific field. This analysis is based on articles indexed in the Iranian Science Citation Index (ISC) database over a decade, from 2010 to 2019.Methodology: Taking a bibliometric and scientometric approach, the present study is an applied research effort that utilizes both co-authorship and co-word analysis, along with social network analysis. This scientometric investigation identifies and analyzes key bibliometric features of research on information technology published in Persian journals. These features include, among others, highly productive authors, influential authors, the most cited and referenced papers, authorship patterns, authorship networks, author centralities, frequently used keywords, co-occurring keyword pairs, and subject clusters. The statistical population comprised 2,107 articles indexed in the field of information technology within the Iranian Science Citation Index (ISC). Data were extracted from nine specialized journals as the Persian sources that are well-known in the field and have been indexed in the ISC database. A keyword search for the phrase "IT" in the title field of the article search page yielded 287 articles. To analyze, visualize, and summarize the data, the software packages and "Excel" were utilized.Findings: The results of the study indicated that the average number of authors per article among the papers was 2.61. "Hamid Hassanpour, with 20 published articles, and "Mohammad Javad Valdan Zoj, with 19 published articles, were the leading authors in terms of article count (considered highly productive authors). In contrast, "Abolfazl Shahabadi" and "Manouchehr Manteghi, with 49 and 40 citations respectively, were recognized as the most cited authors (considered highly influential authors) in the field of Information Technology (IT). The average number of citations per article was less than one, specifically 0.95. Articles on "Organizational Agility" and "Open Innovation" were identified as the most cited works in this domain. Additionally, the average number of sources cited per article was 29.8. The number of contributions that produced articles accounted for 42.5 percent of all publications. Of these articles, 39.7 percent were authored by three co-authors. The largest co-authorship network comprised 35 individual authors. "Mohammad Javad Valdan Zoj, "Sepehr Ghazi Nouri, and "Maghsoud Amiri" were the leading authors in the field of Information Technology (IT) based on their degree, betweenness, and closeness centralities, respectively. The keywords “Information and Communication Technology”, “Information Technology”, and "Knowledge Management" were the three most frequently used terms in this field. The most common pair of co-words among the author-assigned keywords was "knowledge management - information technology, followed by - information and communication technology, - information technology, technology - education. Clusters in the field of IT were illustrated using 104 high-frequency keywords that appeared at least six times. The clusters included "Genetic Algorithm, "Knowledge-Based Development, "Research and Innovation, "Human Resources Productivity, "Higher Education, "Electronic Development, and "Knowledge Management. The network revealed eight main clusters, with the largest cluster containing 32 keywords and the smallest consisting of four keywords. These eight clusters were named as follows: with 32 keywords, with 16 keywords, with 14 keywords, with 12 keywords, with 10 keywords, with four keywords.Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a pressing need to focus more on the production of articles related to specialized topics within the field of information technology for subject integration. Particular emphasis should be placed on the quality of the content in these articles, as well as the necessity for increased participation of women in the creation of articles in the information technology sector.

Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) is sensitive to the material voids/free volume on the atomic scale. For this reason, this method has been used as a unique technology to measure the free volume and structural defects in polymers in recent years. In the present study, epoxy-matrix nanocomposites with different carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs) loadings (0.1-0.7 wt% at a step of 0.2) were fabricated, and the influence of COOH-MWCNTs loading on the prepared nanocomposites' free volume properties and tensile behavior were explored. The measurement of positron annihilation lifetime was done using a conventional synchronization system based on a 22Na radioactive source with 7 μCi activity. The detectors used in this work were fast plastic scintillators (type: NT-850) with ns time response. The results demonstrated that the tensile strength of the nanocomposites decreased with the increase in the lifetime of the ortho-positronium annihilation (increase in the radius and free volume) in the samples. The 0.3 wt% COOH-MWCNTs/epoxy nanocomposite showed the maximum tensile strength. Overall, the results of this work clearly revealed that there was a strong relationship between the tensile strength and free volume in the polymer nanocomposites.

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious threat to global tuberculosis (TB) control efforts. This study aims to investigate the trend of MDR-TB prevalence in Iran over 20 years. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, from 1981 to 2023. Studies reporting the prevalence of MDR-TB in Iran were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results: A total of 58 studies from different provinces of Iran were included in the meta-analysis. The majority of studies were from Tehran (n = 33), Kermanshah (n = 5), Mashhad (n = 4), and Tabriz (n = 4) provinces. Overall, 1885 cases of MDR-TB were reported in Iran during the study period. The highest number of MDR-TB cases was reported in 2000 (582 cases) and the lowest in 2001 (1 case). An increasing trend in MDR-TB prevalence was observed, particularly between 2018 and 2019. The pooled prevalence of MDR-TB in Iran was 12.31% (95% CI: 11.83–12.80) using the fixed-effects model and 20.21% (95% CI: 15.70–26.01) using the random-effects model. No evidence of publication bias was found. Conclusion: The results of this comprehensive meta-analysis highlight the increasing trend of MDR-TB in Iran over the past two decades. This underscores the urgent need for strengthening TB control strategies, including improved surveillance, case detection, treatment, and management of MDR-TB in the country. Developing diagnostic and treatment approaches for MDR-TB should be prioritized by Iranian medical universities and public health authorities.

“Zero Hunger”, the second Sustainable Development Goal, is one of humanity’s most critical challenges and is deeply interlinked with food security. Food security encompasses multiple levels, from food availability to access to food stability. However, for most residents in rural areas of developing and underdeveloped countries, food security primarily means physical, economic, and sustained access to food. Thus, evaluations of food security in rural areas should differ from those in urban areas. This original study introduces a novel approach and an integrated index to assess and present access to food (AFI) using fuzzy and weighted mean techniques. It analyzed 300 rural households in southern Iran. The findings revealed that the AFI of the studied community was 0.551, indicating a moderate level of food security. Most households had intermediate physical, economic, and sustainable access to food, which means that they did not face any critical situations regarding food security. This study suggests that achieving food security requires a hierarchical approach. Realizing the goal of zero hunger in rural areas of less developed countries necessitates a distinct strategy compared to urban areas for policymakers to focus more on food availability and access as the initial levels of the food security pyramid.

Electrical faults caused by power escaping electric systems can lead to power outages, equipment damage, and fires. Faults sometimes occur when birds perched on power structures are electrocuted. Distribution power lines supported by concrete and steel pylons are particularly fault-prone because small separations between conductors and grounded components allow even small birds to inadvertently create faults while being electrocuted. Most conservation solutions focus on covering energized wires and components to prevent contact by birds and, although usually effective when installed correctly, covers can sometimes be dislodged thus becoming ineffective. Glass Flake Epoxy (GFE) is a non-conductive thermoset plastic that can adhere to steel crossarms and not be dislodged. We hypothesized that GFE-coated crossarms might reduce faults (proxies for avian electrocutions), and we conducted laboratory and field trials to evaluate that hypothesis. In the laboratory, we found a 2000 micrometer (μm)-thick layer of GFE coating that created a dielectric strength of 12.30 ± 0.21 kV, which was sufficient to prevent the formation of a phase-to-ground fault on up to 20 kV distribution lines. This should allow birds to perch on metal crossarms without being electrocuted. In field trials, we substituted 24% of a 20 kV distribution pylon’s crossarms with GFE-treated crossarms and found that doing so correlated with a 28% decrease in faults. Although we did not measure avian electrocutions directly, our findings suggest GFE coatings may offer a novel method of reducing avian electrocutions on power lines.

Abstract It is commonly known that a number of variables, including price, supply levels, time, and green level, affect how quickly certain things are in demand. Furthermore, the inventory carrying cost is considered to be a nonlinear representation of time and is subject to variation throughout time. More precisely, it rises with time since longer storage times necessitate more costly warehouse space. This study presents a fully backlogged situation inventory system for a single commodity where the product’s selling price, green level, and time are used to simultaneously compute the demand rate in accordance with a power pattern. Purchase price is determined by the product’s nonlinear green level. Complete backorders are available for shortages. The impact of the product’s selling price, green level and time power function are combined to determine the product’s demand. Moreover, the holding cost also rises as the product is stored for a longer period of time. The primary goal is to determine the best inventory policy to maximise total profit per unit of time. Though the problem is highly nonlinear in nature. Hence, we cannot solve it analytically. To overcome these difficulties, we have applied several well-known popular metaheuristic algorithms (Water Cycle Algorithm (WCA), Artificial Electric Field Algorithm (AEFA), Teaching Learning Based Optimization Algorithm (TLBOA), Grey Wolf Optimizer Algorithm (GWOA), Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), Whale Optimizer Algorithm (WOA), Prairie Dog Optimization Algorithm (PDOA), Gazelle Optimization Algorithm (GOA), A Sinh Cosh Optimizer Algorithm (SCHOA) and White Sherk Optimizer Algorithm (WSOA), Archimedes Optimization Paradigm Algorithm (AOPA), Marine Predator Optimization Algorithm (MPOA), Geyser Inspired Algorithm (GIA), Runge Kutta Optimization Algorithm (RKOA), Lungs Performance-based Optimization Algorithm (LPOA) and Dwarf Mongoose Optimization Algorithm (DMOA)). It is observed that WCA perform better than other algorithms with respect to the convergence rate. A numerical example is taken in order to validate the proposed model. Finally, a post optimality analysis is performed in order to make a fruitful conclusion.

Abstract Background Developing a drug delivery system that can transport a higher concentration to the target cells can improve therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to develop a novel delivery system for acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic Acid (AKBA) using chitosan-sodium alginate–calcium chloride (CS-SA-CaCl2) nanoparticles. The objectives were to evaluate the antiproliferative activity of these nanoparticles against colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of AKBA. Results With an extraction efficiency of 12.64%, AKBA was successfully extracted from the gum resin of B. serrata. The nanoparticle delivery system exhibited superior cytotoxicity against HT29 cells compared to free AKBA, AKBA extract (BA-Ex), and 5-FU. Furthermore, the nanoformulation (nano-BA-Ex) induced apoptosis in HT29 cells more effectively than the other treatments. In vivo results showed that nanoformulation inhibited chemically induced colon tumorigenesis in mice and significantly reduced the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACFs). Conclusions The developed CS-SA-CaCl2 nanoparticles loaded with AKBA extract exhibit potential as a potent drug delivery mechanism for the colorectal cancer model. Nano-BA-Ex is a promising strategy for enhancing the solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of BA derivatives. With its multiple effects on cancer cells and controlled drug release through nanocapsules, nano-BA-Ex stands out as a compelling candidate for further preclinical and clinical evaluation in CRC therapy.

Background and Aim: The increase in inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of six weeks of total body resistance training (TRX) and oral consumption of aqueous extract of mango leaves (Mangifera indica) on serum TNF-α level and body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese non-athletic men. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 48 overweight and obese non-athletes aged 20 to 25 years were randomly assigned to four groups: control, mango leaf extract, exercise + placebo, and exercise + extract. For six weeks (three sessions per week), participants engaged in total body resistance training (TRX) and consumed aqueous mango leaf extract (two capsules of 500 mg per day). Serum TNF-α level were measured 24 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last training session using the ELISA method. Additionally, measurements for weight, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were recorded. Results: After six weeks of intervention, serum TNF-α levels significantly decreased in the exercise + placebo, exercise + extract, and mango leaf extract groups compared to pre-test values (P = 0.0001). In the post-test, both the exercise + extract and exercise + placebo groups, along with the mango leaf extract group, demonstrated a significant reduction in TNF-α levels compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, body weight, BMI, and WHR were significantly reduced in the exercise + placebo and exercise + extract groups compared to the mango leaf extract and control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Six weeks of TRX training combined with the consumption of mango leaf extract may effectively reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, as well as decrease BMI and WHR in young overweight and obese non-athletes. These findings suggest valuable insights for implementing effective exercise programs aimed at addressing obesity in young men.

Despite the abundance of research on the link between teachers’ beliefs and practices, little research has been conducted investigating the relationship between the beliefs of teachers with specific individual attributes and corrective feedback practices. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether growth mindset teachers’ oral corrective feedback (OCF, henceforth) practices are aligned with their beliefs. Eight in-service growth mindset EFL teachers participated in the study. Having collected the data via two questionnaires and a set of classroom observations, MAXQDA software was used to code and quantify the data. The findings showed that growth mindset teachers’ OCF beliefs and their actual OCF practices were aligned in terms of OCF timing. Regarding OCF types, female teachers’ practices were aligned with their beliefs, but male teachers’ beliefs were more incongruent with their practices. Teachers’ beliefs and practices, however, were inconsistent regarding OCF amount and frequency, which can be due to contextual factors, such as occasional time limit. The implications and suggestions for further research are suggested.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, and psychological risk factors are also involved in the morbidity and spread of the disease. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of emotionally focused couple therapy (EFCT) on affective temperaments in patients with CAD. Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted with two groups using a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design involving 34 couples, where one partner had CAD, in Mashhad, Iran, in 2022. The couples were selected via two-stage cluster sampling and allocated into two groups: The intervention group (16 couples) and the control group (18 couples) through permuted block randomization. An EFCT based on the healing hearts together (HHT) educational program was performed in the intervention group during eight weekly 2-hour sessions. The control group received only routine care. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the temperament evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego auto questionnaire (TEMPS-A) before, after, and two months following the intervention. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, independent t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA by SPSS software, version 26. Results: The EFCT significantly decreased the mean score of irritable, anxious, and depressed temperaments but significantly increased the mean score of hyperthymic temperament in the post-test and follow–up. However, the changes observed at the follow-up stage were less pronounced than those at the post-test stage (P0.05). Conclusion: Using EFCT in couples can improve affective temperaments in patients with CAD. EFCT in couples, where one partner has CAD, can be effective in health maintenance and promotion, as well as in enhancing the quality of life (QoL) for patients with CAD.

Abstract Background Prisons often serve as high-risk environments for drug use, and incarcerated people are at a high risk for substance use-related mental and physical harms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of non-injection drug use inside the prison and its related factors among incarcerated people in Iran. Methods We utilized data from three national bio-behavioral surveillance surveys conducted among incarcerated people in Iran in 2009, 2013, and 2017. Eligibility criteria were being ≥ 18 years old, providing informed consent, and being incarcerated for over a week. Overall, 17,228 participants across all surveys were recruited through a multi-stage random sampling approach. Each participant underwent a face-to-face interview and HIV test. The primary objective of the study was to assess self-reported non-injection drug use within the prison environment within the last month. A multivariable logistic regression model was built to determine associated covariates with drug use inside prison and an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Result The prevalence of non-injection drug use inside the prison was 24.1% (95% CI 23.5, 24.7) with a significant decreasing trend (39.7% in 2009, 17.8% in 2013, 14.0% in 2017; p-value

Globally, the textile industry plays a significant role in production but faces many challenges that affect its operation and sustainability. Product quality remains an essential concern despite technological advancements and quality control measures. Raw materials, production methods, and skills differ, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and damage to reputation. A quality management strategy is necessary to overcome these problems and promote quality improvement. This includes the implementation of the Lean Six Sigma approach. This article focuses on improving textile quality by developing the Six Sigma DMAIC method. An analysis of three months' data from a textile company shows that an increase in the Outgoing Quality Level (OQL) from 3% to 6% resulted in significant economic losses, amounting to PKR-240,000 due to rework, residual costs, customer returns, and lost sales time. By utilizing Six Sigma tools, the company reduced OQL from 6% to 4%, thus lowering product losses and increasing operational efficiency. As a result of these findings, the textile industry can improve quality and profitability through a Lean Six Sigma approach.

AbstractIntroduction: One of the strategic to solve the fodder shortage in the country is to use annual summer forage legumes under suitable irrigation system. Legumes are an important rich source of protein in human and animal nutrition.Methods: This research was carried out in the research farm of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute in Karaj in Alborz province for two years in 2019 and 2020. A split-plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted. Three legume species was used including cowpea, mung bean, and guar. Three irrigation treatments used including normal, medium and severe stress 60, 100, 140 mm evaporation, respectively, from the evaporation pan level of class A in the main plots, and three legume species in the main subplots. In this study, forage production return was done using profitability indices and productivity was measured using physical and economic productivity indices.Findings: The results showed that the increase in average net income of cowpea forage production under normal irrigation to medium stress and Severe stress was estimated 48.5 and 55.1 percent and this increase in mung bean was 3.1 and 39 percent, respectively. Increase in average economic productivity of water in cowpea forage production under Severe stress condition to medium stress and normal irrigation was estimated 16.5 and 45.1 percent, respectively. Increase in average economic productivity of water in mung bean forage production under Severe stress condition to medium stress and normal irrigation was estimated 8.8 and 51.8 percent, respectively.

Extended Abstract Background: Debris is one of the important phenomena of slope movements in mountainous areas. Harsh climatic conditions and the availability of tectonic and geological structures in the central Alborz Mountain heights have caused a significant amount of debris to form on the slopes. Studying this process by relying on two opportunity and threat patterns is particularly important. Therefore, the current research tries to analyze the susceptibility of the occurrence of the Haraz Valley debris flow in the range of Plour to Baijan by providing a suitable index to prioritize the factors affecting the formation and expansion of debris to achieve its more accurate zoning. Methods: The effects of six layers of information, including lithology, height, slope, aspect, distance from the fault, vegetation, and land use, were investigated on the occurrence and spread of debris flow. First, the debris location in the area was identified using the geological map of Damavand, with a scale of 1:100,000 and Google Earth images. Then, the distribution map of the debris was prepared after field survey and recording points by a GPS device and transferred to the GIS environment. Maps of independent and influential variables on the spread of debris, including lithology and distance from the fault, were prepared from the Damavand geological map, and the height, slope, and direction of the range were prepared using the ASTER digital elevation model. The vegetation and land use maps were prepared from the national coverage map of Iran by processing Sentinel images on the Google Earth Engine Cloud platform. In the next step, the distribution map of the debris was combined with each map of the affecting factors, and the weight of each class of independent variables was obtained based on the density area model. Then, a zoning map of the susceptibility of the spread of debris was prepared in five classes of very high, high, moderate, low, and very low susceptibility. The average effective weight of the deposit susceptibility index was also calculated to determine the prioritization of affecting factors and prepare a more accurate map for the zoning of the expansion of debris. Results: The analysis of factors affecting the spread of debris in the studied area using the density area model shows that Melafir stone units (weathered basalts) have the most weight among all the stone units and all factors affecting the spread of debris in the region. After that, biogenic limestone, alluvial defenses, and Lar Formation are more important factors. The investigation of the elevation factor shows that the frequency of debris increases from 2100 meters up, and the elevation class of 2400-2700 meters is more sensitive. In terms of the slope factor, most of the debris in the region was observed in the slope between 10 and 40 degrees, and the largest deposit cover is related to the slope layer of 20-30 degrees. The calculation of the area density of the debris in different aspects shows that the northwest and north slopes have the most weight and susceptibility. The process of freezing and melting snow is evident in the destruction of rocks and the creation of most of the debris on these slopes. Examining the distance from the fault also showed that the frequency of debris is significant up to a distance of 1000 meters, and the highest weight of this layer, based on the density area, belongs to the zero-500-m layer of the faults. In addition to transmitting seismic stresses, faults cause the penetration of water caused by melting snow into rocks and are influential in destroying rocks and causing debris. In terms of vegetation and land use, pasture lands are the most susceptible to debris. The results of the statistical analysis of the density area and preparation of the regional zoning map showed that 5, 21.15, 29.78, 29.53, and 14.54% of the area of the region have very high, high, medium, and low susceptibility, respectively, to expand debris. According to the Debris Susceptibility Index (DSI) model, land use, lithology, and slope have the highest priorities with average effective weights of 21.04, 20.12, and 18.72, respectively, and are the main factors controlling the spread of debris in the area. The factors of slope, elevation, aspect, and distance from the fault were the next priorities. Conclusion: In the current research, the distribution of debris in different classes of independent variables was analyzed using the Density Area Model, and the importance of each class of parameters affecting the spread of debris was determined based on the weighting of the layers relative to each other. To evaluate the effic iency of the results of the density area model and verify its performance, a zoning map of the expansion of debris was prepared using the DSI model. The evaluation of the accuracy of the models using the empirical probability (P) shows that the density area and DSI models are suitable for zoning the susceptibility of debris in the area with probabilities of 0.79 and 0.80, respectively. The layers of high susceptibility to very high expansion of the deposit cover about 26% of the area, which is considered an environmental resource from one point of view. Hence, it can be exploited as a sedimentary deposit for use in engineering structures by forming a volume reserve, and from another point of view, it is a potential risk in agricultural fields, residential areas, and hydraulic structures.

Background : : Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an adverse prognostic indicator of liver cirrhosis, often triggered by various precipitating factors, with gastrointestinal bleeding being the most common. Comparing the Child–Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores to predict the severity and outcome of complications in patients with cirrhosis could help establish an accurate prognosis.Methods : : We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with cirrhosis aged 18 and older who were referred to the Gastroenterology Department at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from April to September 2023. A statistical analysis was conducted to compare MELD and Child-Pugh score (CPS) in 95 patients with cirrhosis.Results : : The in-hospital mortality rate was strongly correlated with certain complications of cirrhosis. Gastrointestinal bleeding and HE showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). Additionally, the co-occurrence of cirrhosis complications, particularly HE in conjunction with others, was associated with increased mortality rates. Abnormal levels of the international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, bilirubin, and liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were also associated with mortality (P < 0.05). Specific laboratory factors in ascites fluid, namely total cell count and red blood count, were linked to the 6-month survival rate (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CPS was identified as a more specific and sensitive independent predictor of 6-month in-hospital survival than the MELD score (logistic regression: odds ratio, 2.3; standard error, 0.0189; P < 0.05).Conclusion : : We recommend continuing to use the CPS for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with cirrhosis and for the individual evaluation of liver disease in daily clinical practice.

In the operation of water distribution networks in cities, leakage from pipes always causes problems for human health and for the environment. Leakage openings in pipes may exist in different shapes. Circular holes are common in corroded and punched pipes. In the leakage studies, the area of these openings is usually assumed to be fixed and the leakage exponent is about 0.5. In this study, an analytical equation has been presented with two purposes. First, Examining the changes in the leak area and leakage exponent of circular holes. Second, providing an equation that contains more parameters than the general leakage equations. By using such an equation, the accuracy of leakage estimation is increased due to the direct involvement of the effective parameters. Also, for the possibility of modeling different leakage equations, including the present equation, a new hydraulic analysis model has been developed. This model tries to improve leakage modeling by including more capabilities than the existing hydraulic analysis models. Results showed that the leak area in circular holes is not fixed and changes due to different parameters. Comparison of the present equation and the orifice equation showed a significant difference which confirms that the orifice equation cannot be always used for circular leaks. In the study of leakage exponent, it was found that for polyethylene pipes, the leakage exponent is higher than value of 0.5 mentioned in the other studies and it can take different values depending on the leakage position in the network. Increasing the hole diameter did not affect the leakage exponent, but increased the leakage coefficient. On the other hand, for steel pipes, the leakage coefficient was fixed and the exponent remained around 0.5. Finally, the results showed the usefulness of the developed hydraulic analysis model for implementing the scenarios defined in this study.

Abstract Background This study aims to identify policy content challenges related to high-risk sexual behaviors, stimulant drugs, and alcohol consumption in Iranian adolescents. Methods This qualitative study analyzed high-level and national documents pertaining to adolescent health, high-risk sexual behaviors, stimulant, and alcohol consumption in adolescents. The documents, which were published by public organizations between January 1979 and February 2023 and publicly available, were complemented by interviews with policymakers and executives. The study involved reviewing 51 papers and conducting interviews with 49 policymakers and executives at the national, provincial, and local levels who were involved in addressing adolescent behaviors related to high-risk sexual behaviors, stimulant, and alcohol consumption. The data collected was analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results The study’s results involved examining policy content and identifying challenges related to policy content. The analysis revealed that from the beginning of the Iranian revolution in 1979 until the late 1990s, the dominant approach in Iran was to deny the existence of high-risk behaviors among adolescents. However, in the early 2000s, the country began to adopt a new approach that acknowledged the social harms and ineffectiveness of previous strategies. As a result, a new policy framework was introduced to address high-risk behaviors among adolescents. The study’s interviews with policymakers and executives identified 12 challenges related to policy content, including parallel programs, lack of institutional mapping, lack of evidence-based policymaking, lack of integrated approach regarding training, late parent training, lack of consideration of all occurrence reasons in adolescents’ high-risk behaviors policymaking, and the existence of many abstinence policies regarding high-risk behaviors. Conclusions The study’s findings suggest that high-risk behaviors among adolescents in Iran are primarily a health issue, rather than a social or ideological one. Unfortunately, ideological approaches, stigma, and policymaking based on anecdotes rather than evidence have had a significant impact on this area. To improve policymaking in this domain, it is crucial to address these challenges by tackling stigma, adopting an integrated and holistic approach, and implementing evidence-based policies that consider all relevant aspects, including adolescents’ subcultures and policy audiences. Such an approach can also be useful for other countries facing similar conditions.

Estimating production costs is a challenging process for the Make-To-Order (MTO) industry because of the product varieties, which leads to inaccurate cost estimation. The product engineering process requires accurate assembly cost estimation to take strategic decisions, specifically during the early design phase. Therefore, an intelligent machine learning-based approach, namely Multi-linear Regression, Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting, is proposed to estimate the assembly design cost. This estimation is done by identifying the assembly features of the 3D CAD model. The validation results showed that mate and assembly features, as well as the number of parts, are effective cost drives, while Random Forest outperformed other models. The proposed methodology is then implemented in a cost estimation program and applied in the MTO industry. The proposed estimation method deviated an average of 17.4% from the actual assembly design cost, considered acceptable during the early design phase. In conclusion, the proposed model and cost estimation program efficiently help the MTO industry predict assembly design costs.

The uprising of slaves led by Ali ibn Mohammad al-Zanj (270 A. H) against Abbasid caliphate is one of the most significant events in the middle of the third century After Hijrah. The favorable conditions for the uprising of slaves on the one hand, and the genius of Ali ibn Mohammad on the other hand, led to the rebellion of his supporters, the development of a government and the construction of cities and numerous consequences for the people of Khuzestan and southern Iraq. The Negros repeatedly crushed the forces of caliphate; however, Al-Muwafaq Bellah Abbasi (278 A. H) could finally defeat the Negros during an exhausting three-year-war and ended their rebellion and fifteen-year- government.In this article, relying on the descriptive analytical approach, the policies of Al-Mowafaq Bellah against the Negros and the reasons for their success have been investigated. According to the findings of this study, the most successful policies were vigilance and prevention of captivity in ambushes of Negros, providing modern military equipment such as warships for fighting in swamps and rivers, and trenches, regulating the income and expenses of the court of caliphate and regular payment of pensions to the soldiers involved in war with the Negros, providing safety and pension for the fugitive Negros, taking advantage of the military and security information of the fugitive Negros, trying to free the families of Muslims caught in the hands of the Negros, achieving public confidence through repairing roads and restoring bridges and finally developing commerce in the areas recaptured from the Negros.

The effect of removing suction on energy consumption, displacement, and separation of particles with different sizes and densities in the jig was investigated by CFD-DEM coupling. Water velocity functions were categorized into four modes: normal sinusoidal, partial removal of suction, complete removal of suction, and optimal. Particles rise to a certain height in the normal sinusoidal mode Particles rise to a certain height in the normal sinusoidal mode, while their jump height increases in the case of partial or complete removal of suction. The jump was controlled by fluid and added (Hutch) water velocities. Increasing the maximum jump height of particles leads to a decrease in separation, an increase in operational costs, and heightened particle mixing and energy consumption. In both modes of partial or complete suction removal, the fluid velocity should be reduced. The extent of velocity reduction depends on the power required to move the particles. Simulation of coarse particles (7 and 8 mm) revealed that in complete removal of suction, the velocity should be decreased to less than half of the normal sinusoidal mode, and the hutch water velocity should be equivalent to the velocity amplitude. The energy consumption for the optimal mode was significantly lower than that of the other modes.

We received a complaint of fever and tachypnea from a 6-year-old girl who came to our hospital. She was treated for 20 days with antibiotics and corticosteroids. She was admitted for 10 days with a diagnosis of pneumonia and was discharged after the fever subsided. Two days after her discharge, the respiratory symptoms returned, and she came to us because of the severity of her symptoms. We diagnosed her with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), performed the necessary radiographic and laboratory procedures, and the following outcomes were obtained: the computed tomography scan revealed consolidation between the right lung’s upper and middle lobes as well as an air bronchogram, but the chest ultrasound revealed no signs of pleural effusion. D-dimer, white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein were also high in the laboratory test results, indicating pulmonary inflammation. She was finally diagnosed with CAP, and although the cause of the illness is unknown, she underwent a 14-day course of common antibiotics. Two days after the medication began, the fever subsided, and the tachypnea decreased. We believe that the corticosteroid treatment during the initial hospital stay is what caused the disease agent to persist and cause the fever to recur.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of emotion-focused therapy on executive functions in individuals who have experienced sexual trauma. The target population was all sexually assaulted individuals who visited the Iran Trauma Institute in Mashhad in 2021. The research method was practical in nature, and the data collection was quantitative and experimental. Three of the ten individuals selected as samples were women, as determined by the entry criteria. Childhood trauma questionnaires (CTQ), Emotional visual working memory capacity (EVWMC) were implemented in this investigation. Visual analysis of the graphs depicting the changes in the research variables and the effect size of each variable on the clients, as well as the percentage of improvement and the percentage of reduction in their score changes, were employed to conduct the data analysis using the appropriate formulas in the SPSS-26 software. The effect sizes of emotion-focused therapy of trauma (EFTT) on the working memory capacity of individuals with sexual trauma were relatively high in all three participants during both the intervention and follow-up periods. The results indicated that EFTT enhanced the executive function of working memory capacity in sexually traumatized individuals from a clinical perspective, thereby preventing sexual revictimization.

Anomaly separation based on stream sediment data is an important step for mineral exploration. In this article, three methods of cluster analysis, factor analysis and fractal geometry have been used to separate the anomalous and suspected mineralization areas from the background areas. By combining these three methods, a possible mineralization was found in the Maleksiahkuh area. In addition, the relationship between the anomalies and the anomaly's host rocks was discussed. Maleksiahkuh is located 35 kilometers north of Zahedan and in the eastern part of the Flysch zone, Iran. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed. The results show a positive correlation between copper and molybdenum. The amount of chromium from the field is relatively high. Chromium is rich in the host mafic rocks. The presence of large concentrations of chromium in the region can be attributed to the presence of mafic rocks. The highest positive correlation was observed between manganese and cobalt, which is about 0.997. In addition, iron with titanium has a correlation of 0.984. Cobalt with iron has a correlation of 0.975. The cluster analysis for the region confirmed the existence of three clusters. The third cluster containing elements As, Sr, Sn, Sb, Pb, Cu, and Ag is probably related to the base-metal mineralization. Factor analysis was performed on the elemental concentrations. The sixth factor, which Cu and Ag elements have the highest weightage, was considered as another mineralization factor. The location of the most concentrated copper in the map derived from the Number-size (N-S) fractal method corresponds to the highest score in the factor rating map. There is a good match between copper anomalies and mafic rocks. Green crests have always been associated with mineralization, and studies show that there is a good relationship between mineralization and these rocks.

Despite the negative effects that the use of pesticides (such as herbicides and insecticides) have on human health and water resources, a significant portion of the world's agricultural production depends on them. The purpose of this study was to determine selected residual concentrations of pesticides (diazinon, ethion, malathion, alachlor, methyl-parathion, trifluralin, atrazine, chlorpyrifos, and azinphos-methyl) in samples from Shiraz potable water sources. For this purpose, water treatment plant, groundwater wells, treated surface water, and a mixture of groundwater and treated surface water were taken. In addition, statistical and risk analyses (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic) were used. According to the results, chlorpyrifos with 84.4% had the highest removal efficiency and methyl-parathion with 10% had the lowest removal rate in the Shiraz water treatment plant process. The highest mean concentration was related to azinphos-methyl (1.5 μg/L) and chlorpyrifos (0.59 μg/L) in the groundwater samples. All measured compounds in water source samples were below standard levels, except for chlorpyrifos and azinphos-methyl, which were reported in groundwater above the limit recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The results showed that while the selected pesticides measured had a low non-carcinogenic risk for both adults and children, malathion and trifluralin posed a high carcinogenic risk for adults. HIGHLIGHTS The pesticides were monitored in surface water, various stages of water treatment, groundwater, and the distribution network.; Methyl-parathion with 10% had the lowest removal rate in the water treatment plant.; Trifluralin showed the highest carcinogenic risk in the consumers of treated surface water.; Results show that immediate steps must be taken to ensure the drinking water's quality.;

Within the field of second language learning, the need to provide equal access to L2 education has directed modern educators’ attention to the potentials of Dynamic Assessment (DA) for students with learning disabilities. The purpose of the present single case study was to explore the effects of interactionist DA on ADHD L2 learners’ knowledge of vocabulary and working memory capacity. A 13-year-old female EFL learner with the combined type of ADHD voluntarily participated in this study as an elementary student. During each session, a few new vocabulary items were taught through providing mediations relying on a regulatory scale from the most implicit to the most explicit emerging from the interactions between the mediator and the learner. The microgenetic analysis of DA protocols led to the development of an inventory of mediations consisting of different forms of implicit and explicit prompts. The results of the study demonstrated that DA could contribute to the learner’s vocabulary knowledge with a number of fluctuations in some DA sessions, while it did not improve her working memory capacity. The findings of this study provide further insight into teachers’ perception of how ADHD learners can learn an L2 and, at the same time, call for policy makers’ and materials developers’ greater attention to the progressive mediations required to help ADHD learners develop a higher level of self-regulation functioning through dialogic and social interactions.

Background: Pharmacogenetic research has led to significant progress in understanding how genetic factors influence drug response in tuberculosis (TB) treatment. One ongoing challenge is the variable occurrence of adverse drug reactions in some TB patients. Previous studies have indicated that genetic variations in the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) and solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) genes can impact the blood concentrations of the first-line anti-TB drugs isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF), respectively. This study aimed to investigate the influence of pharmacogenetic markers in the NAT2 and SLCO1B1 genes on TB treatment outcomes using whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis. Methods: DNA samples were collected from 30 healthy Iranian adults aged 18–40 years. The allelic frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NAT2 and SLCO1B1 genes were determined through WES. Results: Seven frequent SNPs were identified in the NAT2 gene (rs1041983, rs1801280, rs1799929, rs1799930, rs1208, rs1799931, rs2552), along with 16 frequent SNPs in the SLCO1B1 gene (rs2306283, rs11045818, rs11045819, rs4149056, rs4149057, rs2291075, rs201722521, rs11045852, rs11045854, rs756393362, rs11045859, rs74064211, rs201556175, rs34671512, rs71581985, rs4149085). Conclusion: Genetic variations in NAT2 and SLCO1B1 can affect the metabolism of INH and RIF, respectively. A better understanding of the pharmacogenetic profile in the study population may facilitate the design of more personalized and effective TB treatment strategies. Further research is needed to directly correlate these genetic markers with clinical outcomes in TB patients.

Abstract Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignancy Often resistant to common chemotherapy regimens (Cytarabine (Ara-c) + Daunorubicin (DNR)), is accompanied by frequent relapses. Many factors are involved in causing chemoresistance. Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) are two of the most well-known genes, reported to be overexpressed in AML and promote resistance against chemotherapy according to several studies. The main chemotherapy agent used for AML treatment is Ara-c. We hypothesized that simultaneous targeting of HO-1 and HIF-1α could sensitize AML cells to Ara-c. Method In this study, we used our recently developed, Trans-Activator of Transcription (TAT) - Chitosan-Carboxymethyl Dextran (CCMD) - Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) - Nanoparticles (NPs), to deliver Ara-c along with siRNA molecules against the HO-1 and HIF-1α genes to AML primary cells (ex vivo) and cell lines including THP-1, KG-1, and HL-60 (in vitro). Subsequently, the effect of the single or combinational treatment on the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) formation was evaluated. Results The designed NPs had a high potential in transfecting cells with siRNAs and drug. The results demonstrated that treatment of cells with Ara-c elevated the generation of ROS in the cells while decreasing the proliferation potential. Following the silencing of HO-1, the rate of apoptosis and ROS generation in response to Ara-c increased significantly. While proliferation and growth inhibition were considerably evident in HIF-1α-siRNA-transfected-AML cells compared to cells treated with free Ara-c. We found that the co-inhibition of genes could further sensitize AML cells to Ara-c treatment. Conclusions As far as we are aware, this study is the first to simultaneously inhibit the HO-1 and HIF-1α genes in AML using NPs. It can be concluded that HO-1 causes chemoresistance by protecting cells from ROS damage. Whereas, HIF-1α mostly exerts prolific and direct anti-apoptotic effects. These findings imply that simultaneous inhibition of HO-1 and HIF-1α can overcome Ara-c resistance and help improve the prognosis of AML patients.

Abstract We used daily return series for three pairs of datasets from the crude oil markets (WTI and Brent), stock indices (the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500), and benchmark cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin and Ethereum) to examine the connections between various data during the COVID-19 pandemic. We consider two characteristics: time and frequency. Based on Diebold and Yilmaz’s (Int J Forecast 28:57–66, 2012) technique, our findings indicate that comparable data have a substantially stronger correlation (regarding return) than volatility. Per Baruník and Křehlík’ (J Financ Econ 16:271–296, 2018) approach, interconnectedness among returns (volatilities) reduces (increases) as one moves from the short to the long term. A moving window analysis reveals a sudden increase in correlation, both in volatility and return, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of wavelet coherence analysis, we observe a strong interconnection between data corresponding to the COVID-19 outbreak. The only exceptions are the behavior of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Specifically, Bitcoin combinations with other data exhibit a distinct behavior. The period precisely coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidently, volatility spillover has a long-lasting impact; policymakers should thus employ the appropriate tools to mitigate the severity of the relevant shocks (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic) and simultaneously reduce its side effects.

This study aims to explore applying ethical values derived from the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad SAW in creating a conducive learning environment at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) 1 Payakumbuh, West Sumatera. The research employs a qualitative approach using Hassan Hanafi's hermeneutical framework, which involves historical, eidetic, and practical criticism of hadiths related to teacher-student ethics. Data was collected through document analysis of hadiths and semi-structured interviews with teachers and students. The results indicate that applying ethical principles from the hadiths, such as respect, justice, patience, and compassion, is crucial in fostering positive interactions between teachers and students. Teachers at MAN 1 Payakumbuh have adapted their teaching methods to ensure effective understanding, including using simple language, providing feedback, and accommodating different student needs. The conclusion of this research emphasizes that implementing ethical values from the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad SAW can create a learning environment that supports students' academic and moral development. This study fills a gap in the existing literature by offering practical insights into integrating hadith-based ethics into everyday educational practices in Islamic schools, particularly in Indonesia.

Recurrent pregnancy Loss (RPL)is a frequent and upsetting condition. Besides the prevalent cause of RPL including chromosomal defects in the embryo,the effect of translational elements like alterations of epigenetics are of great importance. The emergence of epigenetics has offered a fresh outlook on the causes and treatment of RPL by focusing on the examination of DNA methylation. RPL may arise as a result of aberrant DNA methylation of imprinted genes, placenta-specific genes, immune-related genes, and sperm DNA, which may have a direct or indirect impact on embryo implantation, growth, and development. Moreover, the distinct immunological tolerogenic milieu established at the interface between the mother and fetus plays a crucial role in sustaining pregnancy. Given this, there has been a great deal of interest in the regulation of DNA methylation and alterations in the cellular components of the maternal-fetal immunological milieu. The research on DNA methylation's role in RPL incidence and the control of the mother-fetal immunological milieu is summed up in this review.

Abstract The substitution of leucine to proline at position 39 (p.P39L) in human αB-crystallin (αB-Cry) has been associated with conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity in cataracts and cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the p.P39L mutation on the structural and functional features of human αB-Cry. The mutant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified using anion exchange chromatography. We employed a wide range of spectroscopic analyses, gel electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques to investigate the structure, function, stability, and fibrillation propensity of the mutant protein. The p.P39L mutation caused significant changes in the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of human αB-Cry and increased the thermal stability of the protein. The mutant αB-Cry exhibited an increased chaperone activity and an altered oligomeric size distribution, along with an increased propensity to form amyloid aggregates. It is worth mentioning, increased chaperone activity has important positive and negative effects on damaged cells related to cataracts and cardiomyopathy, particularly by interfering in the process of apoptosis. Despite the apparent positive nature of the increased chaperone activity, it is also linked to adverse consequences. This study provides important insights into the effect of proline substitution by leucine at the N-terminal region on the dual nature of chaperone activity in human αB-Cry, which can act as a double-edged sword.

Polystyrene microplastics (PSMP) are toxic environmental contaminants which can damage various body organs including kidneys. Delphinidin (DEL) is a potential anthocyanidin flavonoid with significant pharmacological benefits. This research was conducted to analyze the protective effect of DEL to avert PSMP prompted renal dysfunction. Rats (n = 24) were divided into 4 separate groups: Control, PSMP (0.01 mgkg−1), PSMP (0.01 mgkg−1) + DEL (25 mgkg−1) and only DEL (25 mgkg−1). Our results showed that PSMP exposure reduced the expressions of Nrf-2 and antioxidant genes while increasing the expression of Keap1. Besides, PSMP intoxication escalated the level of kidney injury markers (urea, KIM-1, creatinine and NGAL) while inducing substantial reduction in the levels of creatinine clearance. Moreover, PSMP significantly reduced the levels of GSH, GST, SOD, HO-1, CAT, GSR, GPx while escalating MDA and ROS. Conversely, inflammatory biomarkers including IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-kB, IL-6 and COX-2 activity were increased due to PSMP intoxication. Our results showed that PSMP administration increased the expressions of Bax and caspase-3 while decreasing the expression of Bcl-2. However, DEL treatment significantly restored the PSMP-induced renal impairments. Therefore, it is suggested that DEL could be used as a therapeutic compound to alleviate PSMP-induced kidney damage in rats, possibly due to its strong pharmacological properties.

The widespread use of plastic has caused microplastic to be recognized as an emerging pollutant and a serious concern. Microplastics in water have been investigated in various studies, a review of which can be useful in different aspects of this issue. This review showed that the origins of microplastics in water are classified into two main groups including primary microplastic and secondary microplastics. The intensity of pollution of water sources in different countries has been reported from less than one to thousands of microplastics per liter. Finally, drinking water is a concern as a major source of exposure to microplastics, and it is estimated that each adult ingests 0.2–1.2 × 106 microplastics annually via drinking water. The most important methods of analyzing this pollutant in water include FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. The most important environmental and health risk associated with it is oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, disruption of the energy homeostasis and metabolism, disruption of immune function, neurotoxicity, and cancer. Therefore, provide solutions to reduce the entry of microplastics into water resources, as well as to develop methods to remove them from polluted waters is necessary.

Abstract Background Our hypothesis centred on the potential to mitigate ascites outbreaks in birds exposed to cold stress by inhibiting pulmonary artery contraction through dietary intervention. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural and synthetic medications on growth performance, ascites‐related parameters and the expression of ascites‐related genes in the lung tissue of broiler chickens under low ambient temperature. Methods We randomly assigned 450 one‐day‐old male Ross 308 chicks to six dietary treatments across five replicate pens, each containing 15 chicks. The treatments included a basal diet (control), and the basal diet was supplemented with hydroalcoholic extracts of sumac (HES, 200 mg/kg), Syrian mesquite (HEM, 200 mg/kg), l‐arginine (40% above requirement), captopril (15 mg/kg) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg). Results Diets containing HEM, l‐arginine and vitamin E resulted in increased average daily gain on days 8–14 and 0–28, whereas HES showed a similar effect only during days 8–14 compared to the control diet (p

Human health is being increasingly exposed to fluoride and nitrate ingestion globally due to anthropogenic alternations in groundwater resources. In the present research work, a hazard quotient (HQ), Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), and geographic information systems (GIS) have been used to estimate the non-carcinogenic health risk of nitrate and fluoride in vulnerable adults, teenagers, and children living in far-flung areas of Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. About 110 samples from some nearby populations were collected and analyzed for nitrates by ion chromatography and fluoride by a fluoride-selective electrode. The results indicated that the concentrations of fluoride and nitrate in the sampling areas ranged from 0.21 to 1.71 mg/L and 0.4–183.54 mg/L, respectively, with mean concentrations of about 1.20 mg/L and 51.52 mg/L for fluoride and nitrate, respectively. The results indicated that 27.27 % of the fluoride samples (27 out of 110) and 45.45 % of the nitrate samples (44 out of 110) were above the standard limits set by WHO. The calculated average HQ values fluoride and Nitrate for children, teenagers and adults were 1.88, 0.98, 0.90 and 3.02, 1.57, 1.45 respectively The 95th percentile HQ values for fluoride were 2.87 for children and 1.03 for adults, while those for nitrate were 4.10 for children and 1.98 for adults. Results of the health risk assessment show that there is a high potential for both non-carcinogenic and cancer risks from fluoride and nitrate through the consumption of groundwater. The Monte Carlo simulation showed the uncertainties and increased risks for children; therefore, one can infer that rural groundwater of the Mathura region, Uttar Pradesh, India, must be treated to make it potable for consumption.

Polyethylene microplastics (PEMPs) are widely distributed in environment and exerts deleterious effects on animal as well as human health. Sakuranetin (SKN) is a natural flavonoid that manifests profound therapeutic potential. Albino rats (n = 24) were partitioned into 4 groups i.e., Control, PEMPs 1.5 mg/kg, PEMPs 1.5 mg/kg + SKN 10 mg/kg and SKN 10 mg/kg administered group. After 30 days of treatment, our results revealed that PEMPs exposure reduced nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and antioxidant genes while enhancing the expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap-1). Besides, PEMPs intoxication reduced the level of renal biomarkers i.e., creatinine clearance and increased the level of creatinine, urea, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Additionally, it lessened the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) whereas the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased. Conversely, it increased the levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin-1beta (IL-1b) and IL-6 as well as escalated the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, the expression of bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 were elevated, while the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) was lowered. However, SKN treatment significantly (P

Background and aim: Engaging in research and familiarizing oneself with the research field are integral aspects of student development programs, particularly at postgraduate level. This study aims to analyze and map the co-authorship network within publications produced by the student research committee of Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Materials and methods: This is an applied research that utilizes scientometric techniques. The research community includes 2178 documents with the organizational affiliation of the Student Research Committee of Medical Sciences Universities of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, which were retrieved from the Scopus database from 1985 to 2023. After data cleaning in Excel software and data homogenization, the data were transferred to BibExcel for frequency analysis. Subsequently, UCINET software was employed to calculate the correlation and centrality matrix. Furthermore, VosViewer software was used to visualize the data through network maps. Findings: An analysis of student research committee publications revealed 900 co-authored articles. Salari and Mohammadi exhibited the highest co-authorship frequency, with 10 publications. The findings showed that 38 countries participated in the scientific productions of the student research committee. America and England have cooperated the most with authors of student research committees with 58 and 14 scientific publications, respectively. Yousefi, Nouri, and Mohammadi emerged as the most prolific research committee authors. Sadeghi got the highest score in terms of centrality index and Karimi got the highest score in terms of closeness and intermediateness index. Furthermore, the five-author co-authorship pattern represented the most prevalent format (19.04%), with the single-author format accounting for less than 1% of publications. Conclusion: In studies by student research committee, the five-author co-authorship pattern has been the dominant pattern among the scientific documents of the student research committees, which indicates proper scientific cooperation among students.

Graphene oxide has attracted many interests in the recent decade due to its unique mechanical and chemical properties. This study focuses on the modification of graphene oxide and preparation proton exchange membrane (PEM) by sulfonated poly ether ether ketone (SPEEK) as base polymer for using in MFC as a modified membrane to remove COD and electricity generation. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and contact angle measurements were used to verify hydrophilic properties of the synthesized membranes. First, preparation procedures and properties of sulfonated reduced graphene oxide are briefly described. Subsequently, modification of proton exchange membrane from SPEEK polymer with prepared nano particle of sulfonated reduced graphene oxide 0.5 wt. % and its operation in MFC was considered. COD removal, power density, current density and coulombic efficiency were monitored during the process operation to evaluate the MFC performance. During the process operation, COD removal, power density, current density, and coulombic efficiency were tracked to assess the MFC performance. The power density and current density, 39.43 mW/m2 and 161 mA/m2 and the columbic efficiency 48.9 % was obtained, respectively. The COD removal of 89.5 % was obtained.