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The new generation of communication systems is moving towards using a millimeter-wave spectrum. Since the shadowing effects are undeniable in this type of propagation, the proposed Generalized Fisher (GF) distribution can be useful in modeling shadowed fading channels, considering the non-linearity and the multi-cluster nature of the diffusion medium. After introducing the model, its main statistics, including Probability Density Function (PDF), Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF), Moment Generating Function (MGF), and the distribution of the sum of an arbitrary number of independent and non-identically distributed (i.n.i.d.) random variables with GF distribution are calculated. Subsequently, some wireless communication application criteria such as ergodic and outage capacities, are computed. Finally, considering the classic Wyner's wiretap model and passive eavesdropping scenario, specific security criteria, such as the probability of non-zero secrecy capacity and secrecy outage probability, are also determined. These expressions are measured in terms of either univariate or multivariate Fox's H-function.

Introduction: Nowadays, the statistics prove that the underground construction projects in the country are increasing, as well as the number of accidents arising from the unsafe condition of these projects. The purpose of this study was to create a framework of safety and health risk management in the construction phase of the Tehran Metro Line 7 tunnel, using IoT technology. Material and Methods: In the first stage, the national safety and health standards, laws and requirements related to the mentioned hazards were collected. In the second stage, the criteria and permissible limits of exposure to occupational hazards were determined. Next, sensors with optical, auditory, gas detection, and visual capabilities connected to the network were examined, and computer programming and comparing sensor information with the specified standards were carried out. Finally, intelligent warning and control systems related to the determined hazards were proposed. Results: In this study, a combined model of risk management utilizing IoT for controlling and monitoring safety and health hazards such as sound, light, explosive and toxic gases was proposed. According to the model, sensors for detecting the mentioned hazards were determined and coded based on the permissible limit of each of the harmful factors. Conclusion: This study has shown that by employing specialized IT and safety knowledge and utilizing relevant software and hardware, the concept of the Internet of Things can be utilized in precise monitoring of the concentration levels of flammable and toxic gases, as well as monitoring of physical agents such as noise and light in various workplace, such as metro tunnel construction sites.

Abstract Background Workforce health is one of the primary and challenging issues, especially in industrialized countries. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability to predict accident-proneness among Saveh Industry workers in Iran, based on an extended Health Belief Model, that included the construct of spiritual health. Method This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2022 on 384 workers in Saveh, Iran. The study aimed to explore relationships between accident proneness behavior, spiritual health, and health beliefs. The accident-proneness questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first part included demographic questions, and the second part comprised 9 sections covering personality traits, workplace harmful factors, miscellaneous factors, musculoskeletal disorders, safety culture, safety attitudes, job stress, organization interest, and degree of risk-taking. The Health Belief Model included 31 questions, while spiritual health was measured with the 20-question Paloutzian and Ellison questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Results In terms of accident proneness, 229 (59.6%), exhibited high levels, 148 (38.5%) had medium levels, and 7 (1.8%) showed low levels of accident-proneness. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that in the first model, variables of perceived self-efficacy, vulnerability, and severity independently predicted workers accident proneness, explaining a total of 43% of variance in accident proneness behavior. In the second step, perceived self-efficacy (β = 34%), perceived sensitivity (β = 27%), spiritual health (β = 16%), and perceived severity (β = 12%) were included, respectively, which explained a total of 46% of the variance of accident-prone behavior of workers. Conclusion Given the high rate of accident proneness observed in this study, there is a critical need for policymakers and health planners to design policies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with occupational accidents. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of integrating spiritual health into the Health Belief Model, as a conceptual framework for planning effective intervention programs to enhance workplace safety.

Abstract Immunotherapy has become an important part of the oncotherapy arsenal. Its applicability in various cancer types is impressive, as well as its use of endogenous mechanisms to achieve desired ends. However, off-target or on-target-off-tumor toxicity, limited activity, lack of control in combination treatments and, especially for solid tumors, low local accumulation, have collectively limited clinical use thereof. These limitations are partially alleviated by delivery systems. Lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as revolutionary carriers due to favorable physicochemical characteristics, with specific applications and strengths particularly useful in immunotherapeutic agent delivery. The aim of this review is to highlight the challenges faced by immunotherapy and how lipid-based NPs have been, and may be further utilized to address such challenges. We discuss recent fundamental and clinical applications of NPs in a range of areas and provide a detailed discussion of the main obstacles in immune checkpoint inhibition therapies, adoptive cellular therapies, and cytokine therapies. We highlight how lipid-based nanosystems could address these through either delivery, direct modulation of the immune system, or targeting of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We explore advanced and emerging liposomal and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems for nucleic acid delivery, intrinsic and extrinsic stimulus-responsive formulations, and biomimetic lipid-based nanosystems in immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the key challenges relating to the clinical use of lipid-based NP immunotherapies, suggesting future research directions for the near term to realize the potential of these innovative lipid-based nanosystems, as they become the crucial steppingstone towards the necessary enhancement of the efficacy of immunotherapy. Graphical abstract

Background: Heavy metals (HMs) in the environment threaten food safety and human health. In this study, the health risks of HMs caused by the consumption of commonly consumed vegetables in the central part of Mazandaran province were evaluated. Methods: In this study, 42 vegetable samples were analyzed for concentration of HMs, and estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI), and target carcinogenic risk (TCR) were calculated. Results: The mean content of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) in the studied areas were obtained 28.45, 0.26, and 79.20 mg/kg, respectively. The concentration of Pb, Cd, and Zn in the studied vegetables was found to be 1.76 ± 0.2, 0.09 ± 0.07, and 11.53 ± 1.20 mg/kg, respectively. The EDI average of Pb, Cd, and Zn in adults was 0.0064, 0.0003, and 0.0412 mg/kg day−1; and in children were 0.0099, 0.0005, and 0.0686 mg/kg day−1, respectively. The present study showed that the THQ for Pb in all vegetables consumed by children faces much higher risks than adults. The TCR for Pb in total vegetables was less than 10-4 and for Cd was identified as more than 10-4 in some vegetables in the adults and the children’s population. Conclusion: The concentration of Cd and Zn in the soil and related vegetables is less than the permissible limit, but the amount of Pb in the vegetables is higher than the permissible limit. Therefore, continuous care and monitoring of agricultural soils in these areas, such as the proper use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and treated wastewater sludge, is necessary.

Objective: Pistacia vera is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various disorders. This study aims to investigate the anti-anemia and hepatoprotective effects of Pistacia vera pericarp extract (PVPE) in a rat model of phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced anemia.Materials and Methods: PVPE was prepared using the maceration method. The extract was administered at doses of 20, 80, and 160 mg/kg for 28 days to normal and PHZ-treated rats. The effects of PVPE were evaluated in terms of changes in biochemical, histological, hematological, and molecular biomarkers in the liver and blood.Results: Administration of PVPE to the anemic animals significantly restored these deleterious effects on hematological parameters compared to the anemic group. Kupffer cell activation was seen in the liver tissue of the anemic rats. Administration of PVPE mitigated these deleterious effects.Conclusion: PVPE has potent antioxidant activity and may represent a promising treatment for anemia and liver protection in clinical settings.

BackgroundDeferasirox (DFX) is a once-daily oral iron chelator with proven dose-dependent efficacy in patients with thalassemia major (TM). The reason for switching from DFX dispersible tablets (Exjade®) to DFX film-coated tablets (Jadenu®) was intolerance. Many patients also reported that deferasirox® did not taste good. In this study, we compared the effect of Jadenu® and Exjade® on satisfaction, convenience, cardiac/liver MRI T2*, serum ferritin levels, and biochemical profiles in patients with thalassemia major.MethodSixty-two patients with thalassemia over 2 years of age, who had iron overload indicated by chelation therapy, were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (n = 32) is treated with Exjade®, and the second group (n = 30) is treated with Jadenu®. Laboratory investigations included alkaline phosphatase (ALK), alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), and serum ferritin levels. Cardiac/liver MRI T2* levels and patient satisfaction and convenience, were assessed before and 1 year after starting therapy.ResultsThe study found that 53.3% of Jadenu® patients were satisfied with the taste of the medication compared to only 12.5% of Exjade® patients, which was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Additionally, 40% of Jadenu® patients were satisfied with the ease of taking the medication compared to 28.1% of Exjade® patients, and again, the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.047). A comparison of the cardiac MRI T2* levels between the two studied groups showed no significant difference (p = 0.851).ConclusionJadenu® offers patients an improved formulation that can be taken on an empty stomach, has a better taste, and presents fewer gastrointestinal tolerability concerns. Overall, patient satisfaction is higher with Jadenu®, which may improve adherence and reduce the frequency and severity of complications associated with iron overload. This, in turn, may help mitigate cardiovascular and hepatic complications from iron overload in the long term.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20210830052346N1

Noise pollution in hospitals has increased over the last few years to a level that can threaten the health and productivity of staff and patient safety. There are many control measures to reduce hospital noise. However, there is still no consensus on the best measures. This study aims to prioritize the control measures for reducing hospital noise. The work is divided into three phases. The first phase identifies and categorizes noise sources in hospitals through a review of the state-of-the art literature using Scopus®, ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase,™ and Web of Science™. The second phase identifies possible strategies for reduction of hospital noise and the best criteria for their adoption using findings from the literature review and interviews with corresponding experts. The third phase uses Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (fuzzy TOPSIS) method to weigh the criteria and to prioritize the control measures. Based on the results, hospital noise sources were classified into four groups: outdoor noise sources (29.7%), noise produced by domestic facilities (20.8%), indoor noise from human activities (27.5%), and noise produced by diagnostic and treatment equipment (22%). The study further arrives at a set of 9 criteria and 22 alternatives ranked using FAHP and fuzzy TOPSIS. The criteria’s weights were determined using the FAHP method, with feasibility (0.175), effectiveness (0.143), and interference with staff activities (0.140) being the most important criteria. It was found that engineering controls such as substitution of noisy equipment (rank = 1), using acoustic enclosures (rank = 2), using double-glazed windows (rank = 2), and soundproofing walls, doors, and windows (rank = 3) have priority for reducing hospital noise.

Objectives: The prevalence of multiple health hazards in various industries is on the rise, with noise and heat being common harmful factors in industrial environments in Iran. This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of simultaneous exposure to thermal stress and noise on human brain waves and perceived workload.Methods: Seventy-two students (36 men and 36 women) participated voluntarily in this study. Participants were subjected to varying levels of noise exposure, including four noise levels and heat stress (three levels of Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) for 30 minutes each. EEG recordings were conducted for 10 minutes, with participants allowed a 30-minute rest period between each test condition.Results: The combined exposure to noise and heat at two high levels (SPL95+WBGT34 and SPL95+WBGT29) resulted in a significant increase in perceived mental workload compared to the baseline state (P

Safavids (1135- 907 A. H) took important measures in regard with the political, military, economic and religious fields in order to give legitimacy to their government. Since facilitating and securing the Hajj journey was always considered one of the main components of stable power in Islamic societies, Safavids, while establishing stable security at the borders and communication network of their territory, paid a lot of attention to the construction and repair of communicative roads especially pilgrimage routes. Taking advantages of the descriptive-analytical method of research, the question has been answered on the extent the attention of Safavids towards establishing the security of the Hajj routes and pursuing the demands of the pilgrims eas effective on the prosperity of the Hajj. The findings of this research clarify that although the Safavids in some years prohibited Iranians from going to Hajj for some reasons; at the same time, in order to gain legitimacy and to strengthen their government, they paid special attention to the virtue of Hajj and the security of roads and they pursued the demands of Iranian pilgrims from the Ottomans (1342- 699) and the rulers of the Hajj route, and this led to the prosperity of trade, the prosperity of caravanserais and highways, as well as the elimination of unemployment.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between nursing informatics (NI) competency and information literacy skills for evidence-based practice (EBP) among intensive care nurses. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 184 nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs). The study data were collected through demographic information, Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment Tool (NICAT), and information literacy skills for EBP questionnaires. The intensive care nurses received competent and low-moderate levels for the total scores of NI competency and information literacy skills, respectively. They received a moderate score for the use of different information resources but a low score for information searching skills, different search features, and knowledge about search operators, and only 31.5% of the nurses selected the most appropriate statement. NI competency and related subscales had a significant direct bidirectional correlation with information literacy skills for EBP and its subscales (P < 0.05). Nurses require a high level of NI competency and information literacy for EBP to obtain up-to-date information and provide better care and decision-making. Health planners and policymakers should develop interventions to enhance NI competency and information literacy skills among nurses and motivate them to use EBP in clinical settings.

This study aims to predict how COVID-19 anxiety affects productivity determinants by examining the role of perceived workload and individual job performance as mediators using Bayesian mediation analysis. To achieve the study's objectives, all nurses working at Imam Reza Hospital were recruited to participate. To gather data, all eligible and voluntary nurses were asked to complete questionnaires that included the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), Individual Job Performance Questionnaire (IJPQ), NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and Workforce Productivity Questionnaire. Of the total number of nurses employed, 222 (126 women and 96 men) nurses fully completed the questionnaires. Out of these, 140 individuals were married and 82 were single. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the age and experience were 28.56 ± 5.78 and 8.49 ± 6.50, respectively. GeNIe software version 2.0 utilized to analyze the Bayesian network. The results showed that for the high COVID-19 anxiety and high workload states, with a probability of 100 %, the probability of high evaluation and high environment increased by 16.6 % and 16.3 %, respectively, but low evaluation and low environment decreased by 22.4 % and 22 %, respectively. In the high COVID-19 anxiety and low IJP states with a probability of 100 %, most change was related to the high ability (6 % increase), low evaluation (3.9 % increase), high incentive (3.8 % increase), low ability (4.6 % decrease) and low support (2 % decrease). Regarding COVID-19 anxiety (high 100 %), workload (high 100 %) and IJP (low 100 %), most of the increase was related to high environment and high evaluation by an increase of 17.3 and 17.2 %, respectively. Also, the value of low evaluation and low environment was reduced by 24 and 23.4 %, respectively. The study's findings confirm that nurses have been more productive during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite facing high workloads and the COVID-19 anxiety.

Background: Leishmaniasis is an important public health parasitic infection, which is endemic in many parts of the world, including Iran. We aimed to investigate genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship among different Leishmania isolates using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Methods: Totally, 41 isolates collected either from patients referred to Leishmaniasis Diagnostics and Treatment Center at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran or from animals during 2019-2021, were subjected to the study. They included L. major and L. tropica from human, L. infantum from canine, and L. turanica from rodents from different endemic foci of Iran analyzed using MLST including gp63, g6pdh, lack, nagt, and hsp70 genes. Results: A total of 5010 bps was analyzed from each isolate. The three targets, nagt, lack, and g6pdh, generated better topology comparing to the other genes. In the 44 isolates, 22 haplotypes (STs) were identified. Leishmania tropica contained the highest number of haplotypes (n=12) comparing to L. major (n=8), L. infantum (n=1) and L. turanica (n=1). All five genomic loci caused separation of Iranian Leishmania species at the species level, indicating conservation of these genes in the Leishmania parasite. Conclusion: The highest number of haplotypes belonged to L. tropica, indicating that the genetic diversity of this species is higher than that of L. major. It was further confirmed that the MLST is a suitable method to examine genetic variation of Leishmania parasites with respect to evolutionary and epidemiological studies.

Abstract Background Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), and cutis laxa (CL) are three rare and heterogeneous connective tissue disorders. Patients with these syndromes have similar manifestations and unpredictable prognosis, making a misdiagnosis highly probable. Some of their subtypes are inherited in autosomal recessive patterns, so they are expected to be prevalent in populations like Iran, where consanguineous marriages are common. In the current work, a cohort of Iranian patients with overlapping phenotypes of the EDS/OI/CL and their mutation spectrum was defined. Based on this, in silico analysis was conducted to anticipate further probable genetic variations. Pathogenicity of EDS, OI, and CL variants in Iranian patients was evaluated using Web servers. A protein interaction network was created by String database and visualized using a Python-based library. The Iranome database was used to predict other genetic mutations in all reported genes of EDS, OI, and CL syndromes. Results In the EDS/OI/CL overlap phenotype, 32 variants in 18 genes have been involved. At least 59% of patients were from families with consanguineous marriages. Interaction analysis showed that COL1A1, COL1A2, CRTAP, LEPRE1, PLOD1, and ADAMTS2 have the most significant impact within the protein network of EDS/OI/CL overlap phenotype. Analyzing the Iranome database revealed 46 variants of EDS, OI, and CL genes potentially disease causing. Conclusion The overlapping phenotype of EDS, OI, and CL syndromes requires genetic testing (e.g., whole-exome sequencing) to reveal respective variants, which helps to diagnose more accurately and manage the disease more effectively. Particularly in populations with high rates of consanguineous marriages, such as Iran, genetic screening plays a crucial role in premarital and prenatal counseling to prevent the transmission of these rare connective tissue disorders.

Introduction: Due to the increase in the provision of electronic services to citizens in government offices, the number of computer users and the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders have increased. Therefore, this study aimed to predict and model the complex relationships between the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders in computer users working in government offices by an artificial neural network. Material and Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 342 employees of various government offices in Saveh city. First, the researcher visited the work environment to identify the problems and measure the environmental factors. Then, ergonomic risk assessment and psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Nordic questionnaire and the ROSA method. The effect of various factors in causing musculoskeletal disorders was investigated using a logistic regression test.Then the resulting data were collected and modeled by one of the neural network algorithms. Finally, artificial neural networks presented an optimal model to predict the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Results: The results showed that by increasing the level of social interactions, the level of demand, control, and leadership in the job, musculoskeletal disorders in men and women decrease. There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and job demand, job control levels, social interaction levels, leadership levels, organizational climate levels, job satisfaction levels, and stress levels, in addition between reports of pain in the neck and shoulder and wrist/hand region. There was a significant relationship with the overall ROSA score. Also, there was a significant relationship between the report of pain or discomfort in the neck area with the phone screen risk score, wrist/hand with the keyboard-mouse risk score, and shoulder, upper back, elbow, and lower back with the chair risk score. The accuracy of the presented model for predicting musculoskeletal disorders was also about 88.5%, which indicates the acceptability of the results. Conclusion: The results showed that several factors play a role in causing musculoskeletal disorders, which include individual, environmental, psychosocial, and workstation factors. Therefore, in the design of an ergonomic workstation, the effects of the mentioned factors should be investigated. Also, predicting the effectiveness of each of the mentioned factors using an artificial neural network showed that this type of modeling can be used to prevent musculoskeletal disorders or other multifactorial disorders.

Within the realm of commercial contracts, a specific group of contracts can be classified as permissive contracts. This category includes brokerages, agency contracts, employment contracts, and commercial representation. The rules and consequences associated with permissive contracts have far-reaching implications for legislative processes, court judgments, quasi-judicial bodies, and executive authorities. The authorized status of the obligated party and the presence of a trust description are two crucial factors determining the nature of these contracts. If the fulfillment of the permissive obligation lacks a trust description or occurs outside the boundaries of authentic consent, it constitutes a breach of contract or, at the very least, renders the contract non-binding. The findings of this comparative research reveal that within the legal system of England, such contracts are recognized as forms of agency contracts or representation. In Imamiyyah Jurisprudence, although no specific discussion has emerged regarding commercial permissive contracts due to their novelty, based on the general principles established in Imamiyyah Jurisprudence, these types of commercial transactions can be classified as permissive contracts. In the legal system of Iran, considering the challenges addressed in legal doctrine, there is overall compatibility between commercial permissive contracts, Imamiyyah Jurisprudence, and the legal system of England.

Abstract Olamkicept selectively inhibits the cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) trans‐signaling pathway without blocking the classic pathway and is a promising immunoregulatory therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These first‐in‐human, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐ (SAD) and multiple‐ascending dose (MAD) trials evaluated olamkicept safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic characteristics. Doses tested in the SAD trial included seven single intravenous doses (0.75, 7.5, 75, 150, 300, 600, and 750 mg) and one subcutaneous (SC) dose (60 mg) given to healthy subjects (N = 64), and three intravenous doses (75 mg, 300 mg, and 750 mg) given to patients with Crohn's disease (CD; N = 24). Doses tested in the MAD trial included multiple intravenous doses (75, 300, and 600 mg once weekly for 4 weeks) given to healthy subjects (N = 24). No severe or serious treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were recorded. The most common TEAEs were headache, nasopharyngitis, and myalgia in the SAD trial, and diarrhea, headache, and cough in the MAD trial. Infusion‐related reactions occurred in one and two subjects in the SAD and MAD trial, respectively, leading to treatment discontinuation in the MAD trial. Olamkicept showed dose‐independent pharmacokinetics after single and multiple administrations, and there was no major difference in systemic exposure between healthy subjects and patients with CD. Complete target engagement (inhibition of phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3) was achieved in blood around or above olamkicept serum concentrations of 1–5 μg/mL. Overall, these results suggest that olamkicept is safe and well‐tolerated in healthy subjects and patients with CD after single intravenous/SC and multiple intravenous administrations.

The walrus, Odobenus rosmarus, is an iconic pinniped and predominant molluscivore that is well adapted to Arctic and subarctic environments. Its circumpolar distribution, large body size and ivory tusks facilitated its vital role as food, raw material (for tools and art), income, and cultural influence on many Arctic Indigenous communities for millennia. Intensification of hunting (often due to the arrival of Europeans, especially between the 16th and 19th centuries) to obtain ivory, hide, blubber and meat, resulted in diminished, sometimes extirpated, walrus populations. Zooarchaeological, artefactual and documentary evidence of walrus material has been collated at local and regional scales and is frequently focused on a specific culture or period of time. Systematic collation of this evidence across the Northern Hemisphere will provide insight into the chronology and circumpolar distribution of walrus hunting and provide a tool to document societal change in walrus resource use. Here, we lay out a systematic review protocol to collate records of archaeological walrus artefacts, tusks and bones that have been documented primarily within published literature to archive when and where (as feasible) walrus extractions occurred between 1 CE and 2000 CE. These data will be openly available for the scientific community. The resulting dataset will be the first to provide spatiotemporal information (including the recognition of knowledge gaps) regarding past walrus populations and extirpations on a circumpolar scale. Our protocol is published to ensure reproducibility and comparability in the future, and to encourage the adoption of systematic review methodology (including pre-published protocols) in archaeology.

Background and Objectives: The presence of fungi in the respiratory tract as mycobiome, particularly Candida species (spp.), remains a serious problem due to increasing numbers of immunocompromised pa-tients. The confirmed reliable existence of these pathogens due to frequent colonization is essential. This investigation aimed to recognize Candida spp. among isolates from bron-choalveolar lavage of immunocompromised and critically ill patients and to evaluate their susceptibility to antimycotic drugs. Materials and Methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected from 161 hospitalized patients presenting with suspected respiratory fungal infection /colonization. The specimens were examined by standard molecular and mycological assays. Candida spp. were recognized with sequence assessment of the D1-D2 section of the large subunit ribosomal DNA. The susceptibility of Candida isolates to common antimycotic drugs was distinguished by standard broth micro-dilution. Results: Seventy-one clinical isolates of Candida spp. were recognized. Candida albicans was the most frequent, followed by C. glabrata, C. krusei (Pichia kudriavzevii), C. dubliniensis, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. We found 5.1% of C. albicans isolates and 8% of C. glabrata isolates to show resistance to fluconazole. The whole of the Candida spp. were sensitive to amphotericin B and caspofungin. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that C. albicans and C. glabrata are the most common isolates of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients, and the drug susceptibility screening confirmed that amphotericin B and caspofungin are effective against Candida spp. but some C. glabrata and C. albicans isolates showed resistance to fluconazole.

Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. (Apiaceae) is a native plant that has been traditionally consumed in Iran’s food and pharmaceutical industries. Overharvesting of the taxon, especially at the beginning of the growing season, due to its considerable medicinal and economic value, is believed to be the main reason for the extirpating of this plant. The consequences of the severe anthropogenic impacts on the genetic diversity of populations are poorly known. In order to investigate the level of genetic variation and patterns of the genetic structure of K. odoratissima, we developed novel microsatellite markers using the 454 Roche next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform for the first time. Out of 1,165 microsatellite markers bioinformatically confirmed, twenty-five were tested, of which 23 were used to screen genetic variation across 12 natural populations. Our results showed that the average number of alleles per locus and the polymorphic information content (PIC) were 10.87 (range 7 to 27), and 0.81 (range 0.67 to 0.94), respectively. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities (± SD) across all populations were 0.80 ± 0.31 and 0.72 ± 0.14, respectively. The average pairwise FST among the populations was 0.37 (range 0.04 to 0.81). Bayesian and distance-based clustering, and principal coordinate analyses revealed at least four major genetic clusters. Although high level of structure can be explained by landscape topography and geographic distance, presence of admixed populations can be associated to seed or pollen dispersal. Contrary to expectations, the high level of genetic variation and lack of inbreeding suggest that overexploitation has not yet significantly purged the allelic variability within the natural populations in protected areas.

Urbanization transforms environments in ways that alter biological evolution. We examined whether urban environmental change drives parallel evolution by sampling 110,019 white clover plants from 6169 populations in 160 cities globally. Plants were assayed for a Mendelian antiherbivore defense that also affects tolerance to abiotic stressors. Urban-rural gradients were associated with the evolution of clines in defense in 47% of cities throughout the world. Variation in the strength of clines was explained by environmental changes in drought stress and vegetation cover that varied among cities. Sequencing 2074 genomes from 26 cities revealed that the evolution of urban-rural clines was best explained by adaptive evolution, but the degree of parallel adaptation varied among cities. Our results demonstrate that urbanization leads to adaptation at a global scale.

Background: Inadequate nutrition can affect oral health. Compromised oral health can also alter food choices and negatively lead to poor nutrition. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practice of dentists and dental students regarding nutrition counseling. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a valid and reliable four-part questionnaire was conducted among senior students and dentists in Yazd city in February 2022. All 40 senior students in the Faculty of Dentistry were selected by census method, and 98 dentists were selected randomly from all the names registered in the system of Medical Council. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25 and t-test and Chi-square tests were used (P-value < 0.05) Results: Out of a score 9, the mean score of knowledge was 7.12 ± 1.75 for dentists and 6.48 ± 1.2 for students. The mean score of dentists was higher than students (P = 0.03). Out of a score of 10, the mean score of dentists and students' practice were 3.26 ± 2.43 and 3.20 ± 1.82, respectively. There was no significant difference regarding the mean score practice in two groups (P = 0.879). Conclusions: The knowledge level of both groups was not good but acceptable, and the quality of practice in both groups was poor. It seems that there is a need for corrective educational interventions to improve the practice of dentists and dental students.

IntroductionIn the field of intellectual property rights, host states’ policies, and accordingly, the approach of the relevant treaty towards expropriation and intellectual property rights play a key role when separating expropriation from regulatory measures. This article will analyze these issues as well as the approach adopted by Iran in this regard, while also discussing the necessity of changing the approach adopted in Iran's foreign investment protection treaties. It then continues to examine Philip Morris v. Uruguay because, firstly, although the relevant treaty contained expropriation provisions similar to those of most treaties to which Iran is a party, eventually Uruguay managed to win the case. Therefore, Uruguay’s defenses can be helpful for Iran in similar cases. Secondly, it will be shown that issuance of a favorable award for the host state in this case provides no guarantee that othertribunals follow the approach adopted by that tribunal. Therefore, the article suggests specific clauses to be inserted into investment treaties of Iran that can be interpreted to the benefit of public interest and, as such, reduce the possible instances that require compensation to be paid by the government.Research Question - Which aspects of the host state’s defenses in Philip Morris v. Uruguay can be utilized by Iran in similar expropriation claims?- When faced with similar expropriation disputes, would it suffice for Iran to rely on defenses similar to those of Uruguay in the said case?- What is the best possible approach for Iran to adopt in its foreign investment promotion and protection treaties to avoid compensation in expropriation disputes? Literature ReviewThe Persian legal database contains few studies examining the Philip Morris v. Uruguay case. They mostly contain overviews of the case and discuss the restrictions imposed on trademarks as a method of expropriating industrial property rights. However, no prior article has examined how the defenses used by Uruguay could be of use to Iran’s government when faced with similar expropriation claims. In this regard, the authors explain the importance of the state’s regulatory and policing powers and their degree of interference in the foreign investor’s property rights. Nevertheless, this piece indicates that the host state’s defenses in the Philip Morris v. Uruguay case cannot be relied upon in all similar instances, especially considering that Iran seems to have adopted the “high protection” policy towards foreign investments and has consequently opted not to discuss and define the connection between expropriation and governmental measures in the field of intellectual property rights in most of its BITs. The article suggests that Iran adopt the “increased predictability” or “qualified” policy and set apart intellectual property rights-related regulatory measures from the scope of expropriation. A similar suggestion can only be found in an article written by the authors of this article titled “Legal Nature of Compulsory Licensing under Patent Law: A Regulatory Measure or Expropriation?”. However, the said suggestion, unlike the suggestions in this article, was primarily focused only on a single regulatory measure of the host state i.e., compulsory licenses. 3. MethodologyThis article uses a descriptive and analytical method and the authors have resorted to library research to gather the relevant resources. A wide range of resources including the most recent books, articles, dissertations, cases, and regulations have been used to author this piece. In particular, it has been attempted to examine different treaties on the protection and promotion of foreign investment so that the article would be of a comparative nature. ConclusionTreaties on the promotion and protection of foreign investment contain different views concerning the relationship between expropriation and governmental measures that are taken regarding foreign investors' intellectual property rights. Considering that the exclusion approach reduces the instances in which the host states would have to pay compensation, this article concludes that Iran's government should adopt this approach when drafting these treaties and set aside its current approach which is unclear about the relation between expropriation and regulatory measures in the field of intellectual property. Until then, due to the similarities between the approaches adopted by Iran and Uruguay regarding the relation between expropriation and governmental measures in the field of intellectual property rights, Uruguay's defenses in Phillip Morris v. Uruguay can be utilized by Iran in similar expropriation claims filed against it.

Objective: Glioma is one of the most malignant brain tumors, accounting for about half of the gliomas that occur in central nervous system (CNS), originates from the glial tissue of the brain. The aim of the present study was to determine the expression levels of 3 lncRNAs (AGAP2-AS1, LINC01446 and HOTAIRM1) in patients with high grade glioma in comparison with low grade glioma. Methods: Case group consisted of 70 high grade glioma patients control group consisted of 70 patients affected with low grade glioma. RNA extraction was performed using a RNA extraction kit. Result: Our results showed that the expression of AGAP2-AS1 and LINC01446 genes significantly increased with increasing tumor grade (with fold-change ratio of 2.1 and 3.8 respectively). Also the expression of HOTAIRM1 gene increased with increasing tumor grade but this increase was not statistically significant (P value=0.6). Conclusion: We concluded that AGAP2-AS1 and LINC01446 are promising lncRNA markers in prognosis of glioma.

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most common type of uterine sarcoma, associated with poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence, and metastasis. Currently, the molecular mechanism of the origin and development of uLMS is limited. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are involved in both physiological and pathological events. However, the role of BET proteins in the pathogenesis of uLMS is unknown. Here, we show for the first time that BET protein family members, BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4, are aberrantly overexpressed in uLMS tissues compared to the myometrium, with a significant change by histochemical scoring assessment. Furthermore, inhibiting BET proteins with their small, potent inhibitors (JQ1 and I-BET 762) significantly inhibited the uLMS proliferation dose-dependently via cell cycle arrest. Notably, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that the inhibition of BET proteins with JQ1 and I-BET 762 altered several critical pathways, including the hedgehog pathway, EMT, and transcription factor-driven pathways in uLMS. In addition, the targeted inhibition of BET proteins altered several other epigenetic regulators, including DNA methylases, histone modification, and m6A regulators. The connections between BET proteins and crucial biological pathways provide a fundamental structure to better understand uterine diseases, particularly uLMS pathogenesis. Accordingly, targeting the vulnerable epigenome may provide an additional regulatory mechanism for uterine cancer treatment.