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As a threat to meeting the global demand for food created by the continued growth of population, different methods are being applied to enhance seed germination and plant growth. This study investigates the effect of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) and different plasma-activated waters (PAW) and their combinations including HRW, PAW1, PAW2, HPAW1, and HPAW2 on the seed germination of lentils. Different arc discharge reactors are generated under atmospheric pressure in the air. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to detect the radiative species formed in the plasma zone. Raman spectra and physicochemical properties of different waters were investigated. The results demonstrated significant differences in the properties of different activated waters compared to control water. On day 3 after treatment, the fraction and length of germinated seeds were evaluated. During germination, treated water significantly increased germination parameters such as final germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, and coefficient of germination velocity. HPAW2 exhibited the highest germination index (GI), which combines germination percentage and speed. The plasma systems also effectively reduced the pH of PAW1 and PAW2, with a greater decrease observed in HPAW1 and HPAW1. Analysis of nitrite and nitrate levels revealed that HPAW2 had the highest concentrations, indicating more reactive processes in the presence of hydrogen. Based on our results, it can be concluded that lentil seed germination can be increased using PAW and hydrogenated PAW combined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maziar Bahreini,1 Monireh Movahedi,2 Maryam Peyvandi,3 Fereshteh Nematollahi,4 Hessam Sepasi Tehrani21Department of Chemistry, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 2Department of Cellular and Molecular, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 4Department of Chemistry, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranPurpose: Evaluation of structural features, thermodynamics and kinetic properties of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as artificial nanoscale enzymes (nanozyme).Methods: Synthesis of CNFs was done using chemical vapor deposition, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to provide information on the morphology, elemental monitoring and impurity assay of the CNFs. The thermal features of the CNFs were evaluated using differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) derivative and TGA. The calculated thermo-physical parameters were melting temperature (Tm), weight loss maximum temperature (Tmax) and enthalpy of fusion (ΔHfusion). Catalytic activity was assayed by a 4-aminoantypyrine (4-AAP)-H2O2 coupled colorimetric system by UV-visible spectroscopy.Results: FE-SEM and TEM analysis demonstrated parallel graphitic layers and uniformity of atomic orientation and morphology. The EDX spectra approved carbon element as major signal and presence of partial Ti as impurities of CNFs during CVD process. The DTA thermogram showed the endothermic process had a maximum temperature of 82.27°C at −15.48 mV and that thermal decomposition occurred at about 200°C. The TGA-differential gravimetric analysis thermogram showed that Tmax was 700°C. The DSC heat flow curve showed a melting temperature (Tm) of 254.52°C, ΔHfusion of 3.84 J^.g−1, area under the curve of 58.58 mJ and Te (onset) and Tf (end set) temperatures of 246.60°C and 285.67°C, respectively. The peroxidase activity of the CNFs obeyed the Michaelis–Menten equation with a double-reciprocal curve and the calculated Km, Kcat and Vmax kinetic parameters.Conclusion: CNFs as peroxidase nanozymes are intrinsically strong and stable nanocatalysts under difficult thermal conditions. The peroxidase activity was demonstrated, making these CNFs candidates for analytical tools under extreme conditions.Keywords: nanozyme, carbon nanofibers, 4-AAP

Abstract: Aims: Bacillus probiotics recently gained attention due to the production of resistant cells. The in vitro probiotic potentials and safety assessment were evaluated for three Bacillus strains obtained from traditional pickle. Methods and Results: Three bacterial strains designated as 437F, 1630F and 1020G were isolated from a traditional pickle and identified as members of the genus Bacillus. The novel strains showed high acid and bile tolerance. They exhibited antagonistic activity against various pathogens. Antioxidant activity, auto‐ and co‐aggregation ability as well as their surface hydrophobicity and attachment capacity to the Caco‐2 cells were in the range of other well‐known probiotic strains. They were susceptible to various antibiotics. The enterotoxin (HBl and NHe), cytotoxin (Cytk1) and emetic (Ces) genes were not detected based on PCR assay. They were not toxic against HT‐29 cells. Conclusion: With respect to their characteristics and safety aspect, these Bacillus species may have potential to consider as probiotics for animal and/or human applications. Significance and Impact of the Study: Nondairy‐fermented foods are interesting sources for isolation of novel probiotics. Identification of novel Bacillus strains with remarkable probiotic potentials would increase their contribution in food/feed and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the antimould effect of 19 Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from different production stages of Lighvan cheese (3, 8 and 8 strains from raw milk, curd and fresh cheese stages, respectively) a traditional raw milk cheese, on Penicillium expansum (PTCC 89046) as an indicator in fruit juice spoilage. This antimould spectrum was determined by agar spot and well diffusion method, followed by determination the influence of different technological or physico-chemical factors including temperature (80°C for 1 h, 100°C for 10 min, 100°C for 30 min and 121° C for 15 min) and pH(2 to 7) and different dilution (Titre test). Serial twofold dilutions were conducted to the CFE in order to assess of CFE Titre against mould indicator. Findings revealed that Lactobacillus plantarum strain C28 has the highest antimould properties in both antimicrobial methods (Agar Spot and Well Diffussion Assay) and antimould effect showed decreasing trend with pH increasing. In 121 °C for 15 min, no antimould effect was observed. The Lactobacillus plantarum strain C28 showed the highest titre factor of 160 (AU/ml). Finally, we can assume that these strains which isolated from different production stages of Lighvan cheese or their Cell Free Extract (CFE) can be used as biopreservative in food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nurses play a crucial role in providing health care services in hospitals. Therefore, factors affecting job satisfaction of nurses are critical and important issues for study. The purpose of this research was to predict job satisfaction by emotional intelligence and competence among nurses working in central hospital of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 132 nurses working in main hospital of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences were selected and studied using census sampling. For data collection, a set of valid and reliable instruments including Shiberiyashring's Emotional Intelligence Scale, Job Satisfaction Scale and Nurse Competence Scale were administered. The hypotheses were tested using linear Regression and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The findings of linear regression analysis showed that emotional intelligence component of empathy and social skills predicted the job satisfaction changes but none of competence domains had predictive power of job satisfaction. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and Job satisfaction but there was no significant relationship between competence and job satisfaction. Conclusion: Results indicated that component of emotional intelligence like empathy and social skills are good predictors for nurses' job satisfaction but competence cannot predict job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Depression and low self-esteem are the most important psychological disorders common among adolescents. But few studies have investigated the association between parental bonding patterns and depression and low self esteem in adolescents. The aim of this study was to detect the effects of parental bonding on depression and self esteem during adolescence in Bushehr in 2010. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 482 adolescents (246 females and 236 males) in the first grade at 8 high schools of Bushehr were selected according to cluster random sampling. A series of valid and reliable questionnaire by each subject including the Beck Depression Inventory, Cooper Smith Self esteem Inventory and Parental Bonding Inventory (PBI) were completed. Descriptive statistics and independent t-test were used for analysis of the data in SPSS 11.5. Results: Parental care was more associated with depression and low self esteem in both male and female adolescents than parental protection. An interactive combination of low care and high protection (affectionless control) revealed a significant relationship with depression and low self esteem in female adolescents. Conclusion: The results showed that a combination of low care and over-protection increases the risk of depression and low self-esteem in female adolescents. Optimum parental behavior is characterized by the behavior through which adolescents get a feeling of freedom, love and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, encapsulation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L.p) was performed using chitosan and casein through calcium phosphate intercrossing. Chitosan and casein both considered as non-toxic and biocompatible food derived components with intrinsic antioxidant properties. Layer by layer strategy was performed for deposition of modified cross-linked chitosan along with casein as the novel protective layers on the surface of probiotics. After confirmation of successful encapsulation, the viability and antioxidant activity of encapsulated L.p was evaluated. The results showed enhanced survival and antioxidant activity of encapsulated L.p compared to free bacteria in simulated digestive conditions. The survival of free and encapsulated L.p was respectively 1.38 ± 0.29 log cfu/ml and 6.99 ± 0.12 log cfu/ml in SGF and 8.54 ± 0.05 log cfu/ml and 7.25 ± 0.23 log cfu/ml in SIJ after 2 h of incubation. HPLC analysis was also used to investigate the detoxification activity of probiotics toward Aflatoxin M1 and obtained results showed encapsulated bacteria could significantly reduce aflatoxin M1 (68.44 ± 0.5 %) compared to free bacteria (43.76 ± 0.54 %). The results of this research suggest that the chitosan/casein mediated encapsulation of L.p with layer-by-layer technology is an effective method to improve the survival and antioxidant properties of probiotics with enhanced detoxification of AFM1., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Wild passerine birds may serve as environmental reservoirs and as vectors for the long-distance dispersal of microorganisms and resistance determinants. However, there is no much knowledge on pathogenic bacteria in wild birds in Iran. The present study aimed to analyze antibiotic resistance in wild passerine birds collected from the northeast region of Iran as the rich breeding bird fauna with a special focus on Escherichia coli virulence, integron, and phylogenetic groups. A total of 326 isolates were collected and identified from the cloaca of wild birds using a swab. The results showed a high percentage of resistance to tetracycline (45.8%) and ampicillin (26.7%). The resistance genes, tet(A), tet(B), tet(M), and tet(L) were detected in tetracycline-resistant isolates, while the blaTEM gene was the most prevalent in ampicillin-resistant isolates (38.6%). Out of the 129 E. coli isolates examined, 99 isolates were found to have virulence gene, with the highest prevalence of the fimbriae (fimH) gene (22.4%). Additionally, the E. coli strains were most often classified into phylogenetic groups B1 (48.8%) followed by B2 (19.3%). Also, the highest average frequency of class 1 integron was detected among our isolates. Results indicated that wild birds are reservoirs of multidrug resistance and virulence genes that may have the potential to be transferred to other organisms, including humans.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between surgical zygomatic arch fracture reduction and mandibular movements in different fracture types., Materials and Methods: Fractures were classified according to the Yamamoto classification. The extent of zygomatic arch reduction after surgery was evaluated by measuring three reference points on both fractured and normal side both before and after surgery. The selected reference points were: the most anterior (A1), the most posterior (B1) and the midpoint (C1) relative to midsagittal plane on the fracture side and the same points on the normal side (a1, b1, c1). Mouth opening, movements to right and left were recorded in these patients., Results: The highest extent of zygomatic arch reduction was observed at the midpoint of the arch ( p  = 0.041). Surgery did not significantly alter other points of the zygomatic arch. The extent of reduction of the zygomatic arch was not significantly associated with mandibular movements. However, type of fracture correlated with lateral excursion to the right and left ( p  = 0.002 and p  = 0.031, respectively)., Conclusion: This study showed that the amount of post-surgical changes in zygomatic arch reduction was not significantly related to mandibular movements. In addition, the amount of lateral excursion two weeks after surgical correction of more severe types of zygomatic arch fractures was less compared with other fracture types. Patients with more severe fractures may need to be followed for a longer period of time in order to regain the normal mandibular movement range., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestNone., (© The Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

To the extent of our knowledge, there is a gap in scrutinizing the impacts of the country's risk and global uncertainty on Asian firms' cash holdings. Therefore, this work aims to shed light on this gap by choosing 989 listed non-financial Asian firms and performing both the static (fixed-effects) and dynamic (Difference-GMM and System-GMM) panel data methods between 2008 and 2020. The findings reveal that an increase in a country's risk and global uncertainty stimulates firms to stockpile more cash though the impact of country risk is more pronounced. Likewise, the results underscore that among the country risk factors, firms have more precautionary motives to stockpile more cash with increases in financial and political instability while they hold more cash with rises in economic stability. Remarkably, the results emphasize that the impacts of country risk and global uncertainty on cash holdings are more prominent in environments characterized by common-law legal origin, high uncertainty avoidance cultures, and less financial market development. Moreover, the results reveal that firm-specific factors including growth opportunity, leverage, profitability, dividend, and size have an important role in shaping Asian firms' cash holdings policy., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of fibrin glue-CM11 antibacterial peptide mixture (FG-P) on the healing of infected wounds in vivo . Materials & methods: We formulated a mixture of FG-P and evaluated its antimicrobial activity in vitro against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria involved in wound infection as well as its healing effect on wound infected by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in vivo . Results: The peptide had an MIC of 8 μg/ml against all bacteria isolates. Growth inhibition zones were evident for FG-P compared with FG. The in vivo study showed that the FG-P could be significantly effective in healing the MRSA-infected wound. Conclusion: The use of FG-P mixture is a very suitable option for treating infected wounds.

Data on substituting one antihypertensive medication with the proper dose of another antihypertensive medication, in certain medical conditions, are scarce. Herein, we present the results of replacing angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) with the calcium channel blocker (CCB) amlodipine, with or without the alpha- and beta-blocker carvedilol, to control high blood pressure in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Iranian hypertensive patients with COVID-19 and a history of taking ACEI or ARB were randomized to "continue" and "change" groups. The continue group comprised patients who continued using their previous antihypertensive medication regimen as normal, whereas patients in the change group had their antihypertensive drugs changed to the CCB amlodipine, with or without the alpha- and beta-blocker carvedilol, based on their response to amlodipine. Patients' blood pressures were measured for 8 days following their recruitment. A total of 31 and 33 patients were randomly allocated to the ACEI/ARB continue and ACEI/ARB change groups, respectively. No significant deviations were seen in patients' systolic blood pressure by substituting an ACEI/ARB agent with the CCB amlodipine, with or without the alpha- and beta-blocker carvedilol. Moreover, the change group had a more balanced systolic blood pressure (ie, 110-130 mmHg) compared with the continue group (ie, 111.5-140.0 mmHg) throughout their hospitalization period. During their hospitalization, the blood pressure of the change group was well controlled with the proposed equivalent doses. Further investigations of the proposed equivalent doses in larger randomized clinical trials, populations other than Iranian COVID-19 patients, and extended duration are encouraged (clinical trial registration ID: IRCT20151113025025N3)., (© 2023, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.)

Background and Objectives: The present study was to evaluate the microbial diversity inhabiting biodeteriorated precious manuscripts of the Holy Quran placed in one of the repositories of the Library of Astan Quds Razavi (AQR), and its relation to the air microbial diversity., Materials and Methods: Three non-invasive sampling methods, culture-based techniques, and molecular identification were used to investigate the microorganisms involved in deterioration. To investigate the air microbial quality and its role in the destruction of the repository objects, air samples were taken from six different points inside the repository. Biomodeling studies were designed to verify the impact of microbial isolates., Results: 14 fungal isolates were obtained from three deteriorated ancient Quran manuscripts. The most frequently isolated fungi from the different substrates were Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. In the air, the prevalence across fungal genera was rather uniform. 30 species of the identified bacteria were collected from three manuscripts. The results obtained in the present study showed that the bacterial species from different genera belonged to three phyla: Proteobacteria (n = 2), Actinobacteria (n = 4), and Firmicutes (n = 24). The paper strips were artificially colonized by Aspergillus sp., Penicillium chrysogenum, and Talaromyces diversus producing spots which were visible to the naked eye. In the scanning electron microscopy images, the colonization of the selected organism was observed., Conclusion: The characteristics of paper inoculated artificially with these microbial isolates confirmed their deteriorating effects. Based on molecular identification, the similarity of fungal and bacterial species isolated from both substrates and air samples suggest the direct relationship between microorganisms from the air and those isolated from the manuscripts., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a wide range, from fulminant hepatitis to inactive chronic hepatitis B (ICB) infection. The present study evaluated critical factors in the outcomes of HBV infection in a highly endemic region of Iran (approximately 12% HBV positive). The expression of seven genes involved in host immunity (Foxp3, T-bet, ROR-γt, AKT, CREB, IL-28/or IFN-λ2, and IL-28R) and HBx for viral activities were evaluated using real-time PCR, TaqMan method. A total of 58 subjects were randomly chosen, including 28 ICB and 30 healthy controls (HCs) from the Esfandiar district, South Khorasan province, Iran. The expression index of Foxp3 and ROR-γt was moderately up-regulated in ICBs but did not statistically significant. T-bet expression in ICB patients was significantly higher than in HCs (p = 0.004). Furthermore, evaluating two signalling pathways in Th activation and cell survival showed that the CREB pathway was significantly up-regulated in ICB patients compared to HCs (p = 0.006), but the AKT did not differ. In innate immune responses, the IL-28/or IFN-λ2 expression in ICB patients was significantly higher than in the HCs (p = 0.02). Surprisingly, only one ICB patient disclosed HBx expression, which shows deficient virus activity in these patients. The ICB condition seems to result from host immune pressure on HBV activities, up-regulation of T-bet and IFN-λ. The high expression of CREB may prevent Kupffer's pro-inflammatory reactions in the liver. Whereas the absence of HBx expression in ICB patients and, consequently, the inactivity of HBV may also confirm such immune pressure., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Source Citation: Samuels N, van de Graaf RA, Mulder MJHL, et al; HERMES Collaborators. Admission systolic blood pressure and effect of endovascular treatment in patients with ischaemic stroke: an individual patient data meta-analysis. Lancet Neurol. 2023;22:312-319. 36931806., Competing Interests: Disclosures: The commentators have reported no disclosures of interest. Forms can be viewed at www.acponline.org/authors/icmje/ConflictOfInterestForms.do?msNum=J23-0055. Correction: The clinical impact ratings were amended on 3 October 2023. A correction has been published (doi:10.7326/J23-0087).

Background: Acute low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in the emergency department and achieving effective analgesia can be challenging., Methods: In this multicentre randomised double-blind clinical trial conducted at three EDs in Iran from August to November 2020, we assessed the efficacy and adverse effects of two muscle relaxants in patients aged 18 years or older who suffered LBP in the last 6 weeks. Group 1 received intravenous methocarbamol and group 2 received intravenous diazepam followed by a weight-based dose of intravenous morphine in both groups. Exclusion criteria mainly included non-spine aetiologies, cord compression, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, renal/hepatic insufficiency, pregnancy, breast feeding and unstable vital signs. Pain scores and adverse events were measured by a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline and after 30 and 60 min by one of the researchers who was not involved with patient visits and was blinded to the intervention. We used t -test to assess the mean difference of NRS at 30 and 60 min., Results: Out of 101 enrolled patients, 50 participants received methocarbamol and 51 diazepam. The baseline mean pain scores and demographic characteristics were not different between the study groups. Pain scores were reduced by both agents after 60 min, with slightly greater pain reductions in the diazepam group in comparison with methocarbamol (mean difference -6.1, 95% CI -6.5 to -5.7 vs mean difference -5.2, 95% CI -5.7 to -4.7, respectively, p<0.001). ED length of stay of patients did not differ between the groups (methocarbamol 5.9 vs diazepam 4.8 hours, p=0.365). Patients receiving diazepam were more likely to report drowsiness (2 (4.0%) vs 15 (29.4%), p=0.001)., Conclusions: In patients with LBP, the pain was relieved in the methocarbamol and diazepam groups after 60 min. Although diazepam was more effective, its use was associated with a slightly higher risk of drowsiness., Trial Registration Number: The protocol of this clinical trial was prospectively registered in the irct.ir (IRCTID: IRCT20151113025025N4; https://irct.ir/trial/50148) ., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)