Search

Background: Utreoplacental Insufficiency (UPI) causes impaired fetal brain development and induces oxidative stress, which ultimately leads to intrauterine growth restriction. Due to the antioxidant properties of Hesperidin (HES), the study aimed to outcome this compound on cognitive impairment and serum level of catalase, antioxidant capacity of total and malondialdehyde following uterine-placental insufficiency in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, UPI+NS (Utreoplacental insufficiency+normal saline), UPI+HES25 (Utreoplacental insufficiency+Hesperidin 25 mg/kg), and UPI+HES50 (Utreoplacental insufficiency+Hesperidin 50mg/kg), UPI+HES100 (Utreoplacental insufficiency+ Hesperidin 100mg/kg). UPI was induced by obstruction of the anterior uterine arteries on day 18 of gestation. Hesperidin or normal saline gavage was performed from day 12 to 18 of gestation. Evaluation of working memory, avoidant learning and anxiety-like behaviors and then evaluation of serum levels of catalase, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde content were performed in one-month-old pups. Results: There was a significant decrease in working and avoidance memory, catalase levels, total antioxidants capacity with increased levels of anxiety and malondialdehyde in the UPI+ NS group compared to the control group (P

Background and Objective: Ginger as a medicinal herb is used as a food flavoring and thraphy of many diseases including infertility and male sexual disabilities. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Ginger during fetal life and breastfeeding on serum level of testosterone, LH, FSH and spermatogenic cell lines in male mature offspring rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 72 female adult mice were randomly allocated into the 9 groups, including: control group (no treatment), sham groups including neonatal and perinatal groups which were received normal salin (0.5 ml daily) and 6 interventional groups. Animals in interventional groups were received doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/bw of alcoholic extract of Ginger, during neonatal and perinatal period, orally. After puberty eight male rats from each group were sacrified. Serum level of testosterone, LH, FSH were measeared and then by isolating testes, the cell numbers of leydig, sertoli, spermatogonia, spermatocyte and spermatid were counted. Results: The extract of Ginger dose-dependently significantly increased the level of testosterone (P

The usage of mobile phones is nowadays reaching full penetration rate in most countries. Smartphones are a valuable source for urban planners to understand and investigate passengers’ behavior and recognize travel patterns more precisely. Different investigations tried to automatically extract transit mode from sensors embedded in the phones such as GPS, accelerometer, and gyroscope. This allows to reduce the resources used in travel diary surveys, which are time-consuming and costly. However, figuring out which mode of transportation individuals use is still challenging. The main limitations include GPS, and mobile sensor data collection, and data labeling errors. First, this paper aims at solving a transport mode classification problem including (still, walking, car, bus, and metro) and then as a first investigation, presents a new algorithm to compute waiting time and access time to public transport stops based on a random forest model. Several public transport trips with different users were saved in Rome to test our access trip phase recognition algorithm. We also used Convolutional Neural Network as a deep learning algorithm to automatically extract features from one sensor (linear accelerometer), obtaining a model that performs well in predicting five modes of transport with the highest accuracy of 0.81%.

Introduction: The genus Euphorbia is known to contain diterpenoids, and several isolated compounds which exhibited biological activities including significant multidrug resistance reversal effects. This work is focused on the isolation, in vitro and in silico studies of two natural bio-active flavonoids (1 & 2) isolated from Euphorbia pulcherrima bark for the very first time. Methods: The phytochemical investigation resulted in the identification of two flavonoids: 3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (1) and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one (2), which were isolated for the first time from Euphorbia pulcherrima. Results: The chemical structures of the two isolated compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and ESI-HRMS spectral data. The Bioactivity activity of these compounds was evaluated; results revealed that compounds 1 & 2 exhibit promising urease inhibitory potential with IC50 values of 15.3 ± 2.13 μM and 19.0 ± 2.43 μM, respectively, whereas the positive control thiourea had an IC50 of 21.0 ± 0.23 μM. Similarly, these compounds were also evaluated against the tyrosinase enzyme; results showed that compound 1 displays significant inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 48.7 ± 2.19 μM, whereas compound 2 exhibited a moderate effect with an IC50 value of 74.8 ± 1.79 μM, when compared with the standard (alpha-kojic acid, IC50 = 47.6 ± 0.67 μM). Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 also exhibited anti-glycation and phosphodiesterase inhibitory activities. Conclusion: Studies dealing with the drug like properties such as in silico screening (docking study) was also carried out to discover the structural features of both compounds 1 and 2. Results indicated that the docking scores of compounds 1 and 2 are in agreement with their IC50 values. Key messages Isolation and characterization of two bioactive flavonoids (1 and 2) from Euphorbia pulcherrima. In silico and in vitro enzyme inhibition studies were conducted to identify the therapeutic potential of flavonoids 1 and 2. Drug-like properties were calculated to discover important pharmacophoric features.

Objective: To determine the age-specific reference ranges of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the older men in the city of Amirkola. Methods: This cross-sectional study is a part of Amirkola Health and Ageing Project (AHAP) which has been conducted as a cohort study since 2011 in Amirkola, a city in northern Iran. The demographic information of all men aged 60 and older were collected through questionnaires and interviews and the PSA measurements were performed using ELISA and Diametra kit. The acquired data were analyzed afterwards. Results: A number of 837 elderly men with a mean age of 69.99±7.72 years participated in this study. The serum PSA level (95th percentile) was determined to be 0.9 (0–4.89) ng/mL in the age group of 60–64 years, 1.1 (0–4.88) ng/mL in the age group of 65–69 years, 0.93 (0–9.01) ng/mL in the age group of 70–74 years, 1.3 (0–7.95) ng/mL in the age group of 75–79 years, 1.9 (0–11.98 ng/mL) in the age group of 80–84 years, and 1.45 (0–33.17) ng/mL in the 85 and older group. The serum PSA level was significantly correlated with age (p=0.000). Conclusion: This study indicated that there is a direct correlation between the age and serum PSA levels. The use of age-specific reference range could guide clinicians on the incidence of prostate cancer in this population and perhaps reduce the number of unnecessary tests in this population group.

Background. The prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing, worldwide. Using a simple, efficient and reliable tool for predicting MetS is an essential approach in preventive health programs. The aim of this study was to compare the different anthropometric indices in predicting metabolic syndrome in older adults.

Background: Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is an intracellular chaperone constitutively expressed in many cell types including cardio myocytes and endothelial cells. Circulating levels of HSP27 and anti-HSP27 antibody are higher in patients with CVD. Anti-HSP27 antibody concentrations were also reported to be increased in atherogenesis. We aimed to evaluate serum anti-HSP27 antibody titers in individuals with, or without, MetS in the MASHAD study cohort with large sample size in 6,568 subjects.

Background: Aequorin is a calcium sensitive photoprotein composed of apoaequorin (189 amino acid), oxygen and coelenterazine (imidazopyrazine chromophore). Activity of this photoprotein in calcium presence is blue photon emission (469 nm). Studies have shown that three amino acids H16, Y82, W86 are involved in color shift and activity of Aequorin. In this work, for study of structural-functional relationship, combinational mutant was used for determine of the interest places importance in single and combination state. Materials and Methods: Using site directed mutagenesis, the single and multiple mutations done in plasmid and mutated aequorin in single and multiple states were prepared. Next, thermostability, activity and color shift of produced protein determined using luminometer and spectrofluorimetry, respectively. Results: We found that W86 and H16 play a more critical role in color shift and activity respectively. In addition, mutation of W86 provides better termostability compared to other mutations. Conclusion: This investigation was shown that the role of W86 in aequorin shift light and thermostability is better than Y82 and H16 and this mutant could be used for effective protein production in sensor and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is an efficient soil amendment used for promoting plant resistance to heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils. There is a need for further investigation of its impacts on plants and soil. This study was undertaken as a pot experiment to assess the effect of biochar (0, 2.5, and 5% mass fractions) on the morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of white willow seedlings (Salix alba L.) cultured in uncontaminated soil and mixed soil contaminated with HM (Cu, Pb, and Cd). Additionally, some chemical properties and HM bioavailability were evaluated. Biochar increased height and diameter, root elongation, leaf area and dry biomass of the seedlings in both soils. Its addition to the contaminated soil reduced electrolyte leakage, the malondialdehyde and proline contents but increased the chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis rate, intercellular CO2 concentration and transpiration rate in the leaf. Use of biochar (especially at 5% rate) in both soils, increased soil pH, total nitrogen, soil organic carbon and available P and K, while in the contaminated soil the availability of Cu, Pb, and Cd decreased. The results showed that biochar is a suitable amendment to contaminated soils that improves plant properties by improving soil chemical features and immobilizing HMs.

One of the problems of propagation of lindens (Tilia spp.) is low seed germination. In this research, different treatments for stimulating the germination in immature seeds of Tilia rubra subsp. caucasica form angulata collected from middle altitude (500 m a.s.l.) and high altitude (1500 m a.s.l.) of Chamestan forests (northern Iran) were examined. In both altitudinal seed sources, immature seeds with pericarp were subjected to 1) cold stratification, and 2) imbibed with NaOH (30%)+cold stratification. Also, immature seeds without pericarp were examined as 1) imbibed with GA3 (500 mg/l)+cold stratification, and 2) kinetin acid (1 mg/l)+cold stratification. The most germination percentage (87%) allocated to non-pericarp seeds of higher altitude, treated respectively, with 1) GA3+cold stratification, and 2) kinetin acid+cold stratification. The most germination speed (6 seeds/week) belonged to seeds of with pericarp collected from middle altitude, treated respectively with 1) cold stratification, and 2) imbibed with GA3+cold stratification. The lowest mean germination time (20 days) allocated to seeds with pericarp of middle altitude (only cold stratified). Generally, eventhough, non-pericarp immature seeds of higher altitude, imbibed with GA3 (and kinetin acid)+cold stratification had favorable germination percentage, the immature seeds with pericarp of lower altitude (only cold stratified) represented satisfaction germination percentage along the shorter period. However, in future investigations, effect of treatments on seed vigor index and growth of Tilia seedling in order to employ the proper method for seed propagation and seedling production of this species in nursery are advised.

Background. Hyponatremia (HN) can be associated with osteoporosis, falls and bone fractures in the elderly. Recent researches demonstrated different results about the correlation of HN with bone mineral density and bone fractures.

Variations in Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) encoding genes have been associated with tumorigenesis through the disruption of immune and inflammatory responses. The aims of this study were to evaluate the two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the genes Arg753Gln TLR2 (rs5743708) and Asp299Gly TLR4 (rs4986790) in colorectal cancer patients in southern Iran. Colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls were included in this study (150 Persian subjects in each group). Blood samples were used for genotyping by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The association between these SNPs and colorectal cancer and clinicopathological factors, including age, gender, tumor stage and differentiation were also investigated. A significant association was found between Arg753Gln TLR2 SNP and colorectal cancer. This SNP was significantly more frequent in male patients. However, there was no association between Asp299Gly TLR4 and colorectal cancer. Therefore, Arg753Gln TLR2 SNP can be considered as a risk factor for colorectal cancer incidence in southern Iran, especially in men. Further investigations in other populations are recommended in order to assess the association of this SNP with colorectal cancer.

Objective: Human amniotic membrane (HAM) used as a wound coverage for more than a century. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane on wound healing and reduce post-operative complication. Study design: Randomized clinical trial study. Place and duration of study: Surgery Department, Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, in the period of between Sep. 2014 and Nov. 2015. Methodology: 73 patients with anal fistula were divided into two groups. The patients suffered from simple perianal fistula (low type) without any past medical history. Fistulotomy were performed for all of them and in interventional group HAM were applied as biologic dressing. Their wound healing improvement was evaluated post-operative in two groups. Results: From 73 patients participated in the study, 36 patients were in control group and 37 patients were in intervention group. According to the analysis of images taken from the wound, the rate of wound healing was 67.39% in intervention group and 54.51% in control group (p

The main purpose of this study was to develop a mathematical model, in a steady state and dynamic mode, of a Catalytic Partial Oxidation (CPOx) reformer – Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) stack integrated system in order to assess the system performance. Mass balance equations were written for each component in the system together with energy equation and implemented into the MATLAB Simulink simulation tool. Temperature, gas concentrations, pressure and current density were computed in the steady-state mode and validated against experimental data. The calculated I–V curve matched well the experimental one. In the dynamic modelling, several different conditions including step changes in fuel flow rates, stack voltage as well as temperature values were applied to estimate the system response against the load variations. Results provide valuable insight into the operating conditions that have to be achieved to ensure efficient CPOx performance for fuel processing for the SOFC stack applications.

The study of anthocyanin and phenolic acids has always received much attention due to their extensive range of colors and potential beneficial health effects. In this study extraction of anthocyanins from barberry, eggplant peel and red cabbage was investigated by using different organic solvents. Soluble solid content, antioxidant capacity, total monomeric anthocyanins and total phenolic content were determined and then degradation kinetics of anthocyanin in different solution during freezing process was assayed. In order to examine the effect of different acids on the degree of extraction of anthocyanin and total phenol, varied concentration of hydrochloric, citric and acetic acids were dissolved in a mixture of water and ethanol to prepare acidified aqueous solution. Results indicated that citric acid solution is one of the best solvents for phenolic and anthocyanin extraction which showed the best scavenging activity of DPPH radical. Results from degradation kinetics of total monomeric anthocyanins revealed that stability of anthocyanins in the solution depended on temperature and other ingredients which are present in the medium. Moreover, the present data confirmed that barberry and red cabbage acidified extracts could be one of the more stable natural food colorants based on anthocyanins.

The current work aims at presenting a simple model for PBM-type reactors' dynamic behavior analysis. The proposed model is based on point kinetics equations coupled with feedbacks from fuel and moderator temperatures. The temperature reactivity coefficients were obtained through MCNP code and via available experimental data. Parameters such as heat capacity and heat conductivity were carefully analyzed and the final system of equations was numerically solved. The obtained results, while in partial agreement with previously proposed models, suggest lower sensitivity to step reactivity insertion as compared to other reactor designs and inherent safety of the design.

Introduction: Eucalyptus has more than 400 species, while only a few species of this genus have been imported in Iran. In this study we aimed to investigate chemical compounds of the essential oils of Eucalyptus species adapted in Lorestan climate. Methods: In this study, the fresh young leaves of four different Eucalyptus species including E. suggrandis, E. globulus subsp. bicostata, E. nitens and E. globulus subsp. maidenii were collected in spring (the middle of May) in khorramabad, Iran. The powder of air-dried leaves of different species of Eucalyptus was subjected to hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical compositions of different essential oils were detected using gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and determination of their retention time (RT), retention index (RI) and Mass Spectra. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The results of this study indicated that there was significant difference (P

Due to the unfavorable effects of synthetic antioxidants, the use of various sources of plant antioxidants to prevent foods oxidation, especially oil-based or fat-based varieties, has been recently got considerable attention. In this study, the antioxidant effect of essential oil and extract from the citron fruit (Citrus medica L.) was investigated on the thermal stability of sunflower oil. Aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts of citron peel (800 ppm), BHT synthetic antioxidant (200 ppm), and citron peel essential oil (800 ppm) were added to sunflower oil. The oil oxidation stability was evaluated during 5 days through analyzing the values of peroxide, anisidine, thiobarbituric acid, totox, and oxidative stability index (OSI). Results showed that the peroxide, anisidine, and totox value had an increasing trend over time. The effects of storage time, extract, and essential oil were statistically significant in reducing the oxidation rate of sunflower oil during storage. Ultrasonic-assisted ethanolic extract at 30 min showed the highest OSI. The results of this study demonstrated the positive effects of citron peel extract essential oil and on sunflower oil stability and its superiority over synthetic antioxidants.

Background: Fumonisins, a family of mycotoxins, are mainly found in wheat, corn and their products. Previous studies have shown that fumonisin B1 (FB1), the most abundant and toxic of known fumonisins, has been associated with many animal and human diseases including cancer. In the present study, the effects of FB1 were examined on the production of inflammatory cytokines in intestine and stomach cell lines. Methods: This study was performed in the Cancer Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010. The cell lines of colon adenocarcinoma (SW742) and gastric epithelium (AGS) were purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran. The cells were pretreated with different concentrations of FB1 (0 to 100 µM) for 3 days. The cells were later stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. Twenty-four hours after cell induction, the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interlukin-8 (IL-8) were measured by ELISA. Results: Treatment with FB1 induced a dose-dependent decrease in IL-8 production (P

The global ornamental fish trade is a rapidly growing industry. Cultivation and propagation of ornamental fishes have been increasing in the last 20 years in Iran. Discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) from Cichlidae is one of the most popular and expensive aquarium fish. In the past few years farming of this fish has been well developed in Iran. Two breeder discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus) from two different propagation centres (with high mortality) with signs of anorexia, loss of balance, moribundity and darkness in skin colour were referred to Laboratory of Aquatic Diseases of Veterinary Faculty, University of Tehran. After the survey of ectoparasites, necropsy was performed under aseptic conditions; bacterial culture on standard media was done and the alimentary canal was extruded. In both fish no ectoparasite was detected and no bacteria from these cases grew on the standard media. In internal survey 5 and 25 nematodes were detected in each fish. A high number of free eggs were observed in intestine of fish. Regarding morphological characteristics of the nematodes and their eggs, they were identified as Capillaria sp. Treatment of other fish with levamisole was effective and the loss was terminated. Some helminthes like Capillaria pterophylli Heinze, 1933, can cause a high mortality in cichlid aquarium fishes. This study showed that infection with some species of Capillaria could cause a heavy loss in ornamental fish from Cichlidae. Diagnosis of parasites of these fishes can help us to prevent high mortalities.

Aims : Rapid harvesting of autogenous graft over a wire is an optional way in trauma surgery and it places the inverted conduit so that its adventitial layer is within the lumen of the graft. Our aim of this study was to compare the patency of inverted autogenous graft vs noninverted graft in dogs. Settings and Design : Experimental animal models. Materials and Methods : In this experimental study, 12 dogs were anesthetized and 10 cm of the external jugular vein was excised. The vein was equally divided into two 5-cm sections. One section was inverted and the other was left intact. Afterward, 5 cm of both the femoral arteries were removed and the right (inverted) and the left (not inverted) arteries were grafted, respectively. The patency of the arteries was evaluated by Color Doppler ultrasonography immediately postoperation and up to 6 months thereafter. Statistical Analysis : Data were analyzed with Fisher′s exact test using SPSS version 15. P value below 0.05 was significant. Results: None of the 12 inverted vein grafts were patent at 3 rd to 14 th days follow-up with Doppler ultrasonography. All of them were completely obstructed by thrombosis. However, 11 (92%) of the noninverted vein grafts were patent both at 3 and 6 months follow-up. One of the noninverted grafts was almost completely obstructed with thrombosis (90%) and the other 2 were incompletely obstructed with intimal thickening. Conclusions : Despite many favorable results in the previous studies with regard to excellent patency of inverted vein graft, our results were disappointing and we recommend using the graft in the right direction and taking care to preserve the intima intact.

Pre-conditioning by brief exposure to ischemia does not only protect the concerned organ against subsequent severe ischemic damage, but also has protective effect on other organs, which is called remote pre-conditioning. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the protective effect of brief liver ischemia on the pancreas against severe ischemia-reperfusion-induced pancreatitis. This study was performed on 30 male wistar rats. Ischemic pre-conditioning of liver was performed by first clamping of the hepatic pedicle for 10 minutes. Following this, ischemia-reperfusion of the pancreas was performed by first clam-ping the inferior splenic artery for 30 minutes, followed by reperfusion for one hour. The rats were divided into three groups (10 rats in each group). Group-One was the sham operated group, without clamping of any artery. Group-two developed ischemia-reperfusion-induced pancreatitis, without ischemic pre-conditioning of the liver, while Group-three underwent ischemic pre-conditioning of the liver followed by ischemia-reperfusion of the pancreas. Ischemic pre-conditioning, applied prior to induction of pancreatitis, caused a reduction in plasma lipase, plasma interleukin-1β and histological signs of pancreatic damage, but plasma interleukin-10 levels were not significantly different between the three groups. Ischemic pre-conditioning of the liver did not cause any alteration of the liver enzymes. Our study suggests that ischemic pre-conditioning of the liver reduces the severity of ischemia-reperfusion-induced pancreatitis. These effects are partly related to the reduction of pro-inflammatory interleukin -1β.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to recommend criteria for selection of patients who benefited from the use of gastrostomy rather than emergency fistula closure during the staged operation of esophageal atresia (EA). Materials and Methods: Between August 2004 and July 2006, 75 cases of EA, were consecutively operated. Nineteen out of 75 (25%) underwent routine gastrostomy because they required a type of staged operation: Group I: Five cases with pure atresia had gastrostomy and esophagostomy; Group II: Six with severe pneumonia and congenital heart disease (Waterson class C) had gastrostomy and conservative management; Group III: Eight with long gap EA (2-4 vertebras); four out of 8 cases underwent primary anastomosis with tension and the other four had delayed primary anastomosis plus primary gastrostomy. Results: GI: Only three cases survived after esophageal substitution; GII: Three out of six cases with severe pneumonia (fistula size: f > 2.5 mm) underwent emergency fistula closure with only one survival, but all (f < 2.5 mm) recovered without complication, GIII: Four patients with long gap and primary anastomosis with tension developed anastomotic leakage; they required gastrostomy following the leakage, except for those with delayed primary anastomosis, and all of them recovered without early complications. Conclusion : All the cases with long gap, although two esophageal ends can be reached with tension, should undergo delayed primary closure with primary gastrostomy. Those were brought with Waterson class C and the fistula size greater than 2.5 mm should undergo emergency fistula closure; however, if fistula size was less than 2.5 mm, it is better to be delayed by primary gastrostomy for stabilization. In this study, we had a better outcome with gastric tube for substitution than colon interposition in infants.

The present paper applied Cointegration Vector Autoregressive (CVAR) Technique to Stone-Geary’s linear expenditure system، in order to estimate the residential demand for water in Metropolitan Tehran.Data used are for 1982-2000 period. Price-elasticity of the demand function is estimated as 8% for the point elasticity، and 12% for the average of duration. The income elastisities are estimated as 13% and 20%، respectively.This shows that the price elasticity of demand for water is inelastic. It is also indicated that the minimum use of water by Tehrani Citizens is 92 liters per-person per-day which is in the range of standard water use.

This paper presents an analytical solution for nonlinear free and forced vibration response of smart laminated nano-composite beams resting on nonlinear elastic foundation and under external harmonic excitation. The structure is under a temperature change and an electric excitation through the piezoelectric layers. Different distribution patterns of the single walled aligned and straight carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) through the thickness of the beam are considered. The beam complies with Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and von Kármán geometric nonlinearity. The nonlinearity is due to the mid-plane stretching of the beam and the nonlinear stiffness of the elastic foundation. The Multiple Time Scales perturbation scheme is used to perform the nonlinear dynamical analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced beams. Analytical expressions of the nonlinear natural frequencies, nonlinear dynamic response and frequency response of the system in the case of primary resonance have been presented. The effects of different parameters including applied voltage, temperature change, beam geometry, the volume fraction and distribution pattern of the carbon nanotubes on the nonlinear natural frequencies and frequency-response curves are presented. It is found that the volume fractions of SWCNTs as well as their distribution pattern significantly change the behavior of the system.

Choroidal osteoma has been reported to be unilateral in approximately 80% of cases diagnosed with this condition. Herein we report the clinical characteristics and multimodal imaging findings in a rare case of bilateral multifocal choroidal osteoma. A 32-year-old female presented with decreased visual acuity (VA) in the right eye (20/100), though she had normal VA (20/20) in the left eye. Ophthalmoscopy and multimodal imaging investigation revealed bilateral multifocal choroidal osteoma complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in the right eye. Following three injections of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for CNV in the right eye, VA improved to 20/40.

Rare cases of inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) in two adolescents are reported. Both of them presented with significant weight loss and were operated upon with the impression of liver abscess and malignant liver tumor. These two cases are reported to emphasize IPT of the liver as a differential diagnosis of hepatic masses in children because recognition of this condition before operation can avoid unnecessary surgery.

Many of the abdominal foreign bodies are due to accidental ingestion. Our objective in this case report is to emphasize the importance of the enquiry about the foreign body in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of bowel perforation caused by paper ingestion. A 14-year-old boy with abdominal pain underwent exploratory laparotomy and was found to have abdominal pus and ileal perforation. A crumpled paper was found at the site of perforation. Postoperative enquiry revealed that the patient had ingested 10 crumpled papers. We highlight that recording the history is an important aspect in the management of patients with acute abdominal pain and that foreign bodies should be included in its differential diagnosis.

Aim: Our aim in this study is to evaluate the effect of ethanol as a sclerosing agent on subset of pediatric patients with prolonged rectal prolapse. Materials and Methods: From 1997 to 2003, 165 cases of primary rectal prolapse were treated by submucosal injection of ethyl alcohol (96%) after 8 weeks of conservative therapy. Around 1.5-2 ml of alcohol was linearly injected in three sites (two laterals and one posterior). Results: Twelve of the 165 cases lost the follow-up and 153 cases were followed from 9 months to 6 years. One hundred and six patients (69.3%) had a duration of prolapse for 3-7 months. Forty patients (26.1%) had prolapse for more than 7 months and seven patients had prolapse for more than 1 year. One hundred and forty-seven out of 153 (96%) patients responded to single injection. Three of the children required a second injection. Three patients with age of more than 13 did not respond to the treatment. Twenty five cases had fecal soilage for few days. No infectious complication and no recurrence were observed. Conclusion: We concluded that 4-6 ml of ethyl alcohol (96%) is effective for the treatment of rectal prolapse. The duration of rectal prolapse had no deleterious effect on treatment; however, patients with age more than 13 years did not respond to sclerosing agent, probably due to different etiology.

Background : In this study, we show the advantages of partial splenectomy (PS) over total splenectomy (TS) regarding the chances of overwhelming postsplenectomy sepsis (OPSI). Materials and Methods: From February 1991 to December 1999, 143 cases of β-thalassemia underwent PS. 1/3, 1/4 of the splenic tissue was preserved. One hundred and ten cases were followed for an average of 5 years. None of the patients received vaccination or prophylactic antibiotics. Pre- and postoperative hematological profiles, IgM levels, recurrence of hypersplenism and septic episodes were compared among the data of 60 cases TS; all these cases have been operated in the same hospital. Results: Hematological profile significantly increased and transfusion requirement approximately reduced to three-fold. After 3 years, 22.7% in PS and 13.3% in TS groups required the same amount of preoperative transfusion. After 5 years, these percentages were 27.3 and 18.3%, respectively. Two patients in PS and six in TS group developed signs of sepsis. Conclusion : Vaccination or prophylactic antibiotics are not necessary after PS. The risk of sepsis in PS without antibiotics is less than that in TS with antibiotics, and resplenectomy after PS is not associated with serious complications.

Rectal atresia is a rare anorectal deformity. It usually presents with neonatal obstruction and it is often a complete membrane or severe stenosis. Windsock deformity has not been reported in rectal atresia especially, having been missed for 2 years. A 2-year-old girl reported only a severe constipation despite having a 1.5-cm anal canal in rectal examination with scanty discharge. She underwent loop colostomy and loopogram, which showed a wind sock deformity of rectum with mega colon. The patient underwent abdominoperineal pull-through with good result and follow-up. This is the first case of the wind sock deformity in rectal atresia being reported after 2 years of age.

A 2-day-old baby boy, 38 weeks gestation, weight 2000 g was brought due to hypersalivation and imperforate anus with gasless abdomen on plain X-ray. He underwent a gastrostomy tube insertion and colostomy. In contrast study of the stomach, on the 5th postoperative day, the dye spilled into the tracheo bronchial tree and the catheter was seen,entering the right main bronchus. The patient underwent right thoracotomy and the presence of fistula and catheter were confirmed. The fistula and distal esophagus were closed and fixed to the prevertebral fascia because of a long gap. He is under follow-up and recieving home care for a later delayed primary anastomosis.

Abstract This paper is a tutorial review on important issues related to code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems such as channel capacity, power control, and optimum codes; specifically, we consider optimum overloaded codes that achieve errorless transmission in the absence of noise for the binary and nonbinary cases. A survey of lower and upper bounds for the sum channel capacity of such systems is given in the presence and absence of channel noise. The asymptotic results for the channel capacity are also investigated. The channel capacity, errorless transmission codes, and power estimation for near-far effects are also explored. The emphasis of this tutorial review is on the overloaded CDMA systems.

Brain cancer remains a formidable challenge with limited treatment options. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as promising biomarkers due to their dysregulation in tumorigenesis. This review explores the potential of biosensors for early detection of brain cancer by targeting ncRNAs. We discuss the classification and functions of ncRNAs, emphasizing their involvement in key cancer-related processes. Additionally, we delve into recent advancements in biosensor technology, focusing on their ability to accurately detect specific ncRNA biomarkers associated with brain cancer. Our findings underscore the potential of biosensors to revolutionize brain cancer diagnosis, enabling personalized medicine and improving patient outcomes. Future research should focus on refining biosensor technology and expanding their clinical application., 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.)

Objective: This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) in patients with COVID-19-induced severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)., Methods: The intervention group consisted of eligible patients with severe ARDS due to COVID-19 admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a university hospital. We selected the control group from admitted patients treated in the same ICU within the same period. The intervention group received intravenous tPA as 10 mg stat, 40 mg over the first 2 hours, and 25-50 mg over the next 10 hours, followed by a therapeutic dose of enoxaparin. The control group only received the therapeutic dose of enoxaparin. The main outcomes were the rise of SpO2 within 24 hours of tPA administration, critical bleeding during tPA administration, 28-day in-hospital mortality following admission to the ICU, and length of stay in the ICU., Results: We analyzed two sets of 15 patients in the intervention (mean age: 45 years, 69% male) and the control (mean age: 50 years, 50% male) groups. There was rapid relief of dyspnea and SpO2 rising within 24 hours in seven cases (45%) only in the intervention group with no significant organ-threatening bleeding. Death was observed in 5 of the tPA-treated patients (33.3%) versus 10 (66.7%) of the controls [adjusted OR (95%CI): 0.17 (0.03, 0.98), P value =0.068]., Conclusion: The administration of intravenous tPA as 10mg stat, 40 mg during 2 hours, and 50mg during the next 10 hours is safe, can cause a rapid relief of dyspnea, and be lifesaving., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

This study investigates the properties of egg-free mayonnaise prepared using chia seed protein hydrolysate (CSPH) and pectin extracted from apple pomace (PA) as alternatives to egg, comparing it to traditional egg-based mayonnaise. Chia seed protein was hydrolyzed using Protamex and Bromelain enzymes, while apple pectin was extracted through acid hydrolysis at 90 °C. Four mayonnaise treatments were prepared: T1 (control: 6 % egg), T2 (4 % egg + 1 % CSPH + 1 % PA), T3 (2 % egg + 2 % CSPH + 2 % PA), and T4 (0 % egg + 3 % CSPH + 3 % PA). The physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of the mayonnaise samples were evaluated. The CSPH produced with the Protamex enzyme exhibited a higher protein content and greater degree of hydrolysis (P < 0.05), establishing it as a suitable egg substitute. Replacing egg with CSPH and PA resulted in increased acidity, physical and thermal stability, viscosity, firmness, and adhesiveness of the mayonnaise, while reducing lightness, pH, and overall sensory scores. Treatments T3 and T4 demonstrated superior overall properties compared to other treatments; however, T3 received the highest sensory scores. These findings suggest that pectin and hydrolyzed protein can effectively replace egg in mayonnaise production, offering a viable alternative for individuals with egg allergies and those seeking healthier options., 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 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic complication of breast cancer that requires long-term management. This condition imposes significant disturbance on breast cancer survivors (BCSs) physically, emotionally, and, financially. The purpose of this study was to approach the financial burden of BCRL in Iran., Methods: This qualitative study was performed based on the standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR) guidelines. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted using a voice recorder. Data analysis was performed based on the content analysis method of Graneheim and Lundman. Nine women with BCRL participated in the study., Results: Three major themes were generated based on the captured data: (1) direct costs related to BCRL management, (2) indirect costs imposed by BCRL at work or home, and, (3) benefits of costs which was a great concern of BCSs that how much these costs eventually make their condition better. High costs of garments, lack of insurance coverage, and, difficulties in accessing lymphedema care were among the frequently mentioned problems by BCSs with BCRL., Conclusion: The financial burden of BCRL is significant on BCSs in Iran. The establishment of insurance coverage policies, easier access to health services, and, implanting patient-centered measures in evidence-based lymphedema guidelines, could be proper interventions to lower the financial burden of BCRL., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ethical decision making is a complex issue because it strongly depends on the religion, beliefs, traditional laws and moral views of each society. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of Iranian family caregivers of end stage cancer patients about ethical decision making., Methods: This qualitative study is based on van Manen's method of hermeneutic phenomenology. In-depth interviews were carried out to collect data. Participants were 12 caregiver. Audiotapes were transcribed and analyzed for common themes that represented the participants' experiences. Trustworthiness of the findings was established using the Lincoln and Guba's criteria., Results: Three themes reflected the essence of caregivers' lived experience including; fluctuating between hope and despair, wandering dilemma, and ethical decision making. Each of these themes consisted of several subthemes., Conclusion: The present study revealed that, the caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients need different information about prognosis and end of life decision making process. Our perception of how families negotiate ethical issues in their decision-making is still developing. Opportunities should be created to empowering caregivers to talk about their uncertainties and concerns., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate To comply with ethical considerations, after explaining the objectives and method of the study to the participants, informed written consent was obtained from them. It should be noted that the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, including free entry into the research project, no harm to the participants, preservation of the right to withdraw from the study, and confidentiality of information have been observed in this research. In addition, the researchers committed themselves to adhere to the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) established for the publication of the results. This study was approved by the ethics committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences with the ethics code IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1396.4580. Consent for publication Not required. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Non-Hermitian photonics, relaying on parity-time (PT) symmetry, have shown promise in achieving mode selection for optical or microwave single-mode oscillation. Typically, a PT-symmetric system is constructed using two coupled loops with identical geometry. This article utilizes the PT-symmetry property to select a single frequency mode in an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO). However, traditional OEO implementations often involve discrete components, limiting widespread adoption due to factors such as size, weight, power consumption, and cost. Our aim in this paper is to leverage integrated components within the OEO loop. The proposed structure incorporates an integrated micro-ring resonator (MRR) with a high-quality factor (Q-factor) that serves both as a modulator and a resonator. Additionally, we suggest employing an adjustable integrated power splitter utilizing a micro heater to balance the gain and loss of two mutually coupled OEO loops. In this configuration, two integrated photo detectors (PD) are also utilized. In this setup, the single-frequency mode can be easily identified by simultaneously utilizing the properties of PT-symmetry and an integrated high-Q-factor resonator, obviating the need for a narrowband microwave filter. By adjusting the center frequency of the microwave photonic filter (MPF), the frequency of the generated signal can be tuned over a wide range. For instance, setting the generated frequency of the microwave signal to 11.5 GHz results in a measured phase noise of - 76.5 dBc/Hz at a 10-kHz offset frequency, with a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 40 dB., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Shigella is a major problem in developing countries. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) can be used for prophylaxis and neutralize bacteria. The aim of this study was to produce IgY against the chimeric protein containing IpaD, StxB, and TolC antigens from Shigella , investigate its prophylactic and neutralizing effects against Stx and Shigella dysenteriae . The nucleotide sequence corresponding to the chimeric protein was cloned into pET28a plasmid and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Protein expression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and the recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The 150 μg of chimeric protein was mixed with Freund's adjutant and injected into laying hens (Leghorn). IgY was purified using PEG6000 precipitation. Antibody titer in the serum and egg yolk was evaluated by ELISA. IgY challenge against 1,10 and 50 LD 50 of Stx and S. dysenteriae was investigated. A 60.6 kDa recombinant protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. ELISA showed that the antibody titer was significantly increased. MTT assay [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] showed that at 16 μmol/L, IgY protected HeLa cells against Stx. Treatment of mice with 1000 and 1500 μg IgY leads to complete survival of the mice against 1LD 50 toxin and 4000 μg of IgY led to complete survival against 1LD 50 , also 70% and 30% survival against 10 and 50 LD 50 S. dysenteriae . This study showed that IgY produced against Stx and Shigella virulence factors could cause high protective effects against bacteria and toxins., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:Javad Fathi reports financial support and equipment, drugs, or supplies were provided by 10.13039/501100004320Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Javad Fathi reports a relationship with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences that includes: board membership and employment. If there are other authors, they 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.)

Background: The aggregation of clonal plasma cells causes plasma cell neoplasms, which vary in severity and clinical outcomes. The present research focused on the epidemiological, clinical, immunologic, and cytogenetic characteristics of plasma cell neoplasms., Methods: In this five-year retrospective cross-sectional study, demographic information such as age and sex, calcium elevation, renal insufficiency, anemia, and bone lesion (CRAB) characteristics, as well as laboratory data including bone marrow and peripheral blood film results, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and cytogenetic study outcomes were collected at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics software (version 20.0). Descriptive statistics were reported as numbers, percentages, and mean±SD., Results: 417 newly diagnosed plasma cell neoplasm patients were confirmed by bone marrow or other tissue biopsy tests. 279 patients were men (66.9%). The most prevalent age group was 60-64 years old (18.46%). Plasma cell myeloma (PCM) affected 355 (85.13%) patients, while monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) affected 6 (1.43%) patients. Solitary plasmacytoma was seen in 56 (13.42%) patients. At the time of diagnosis, 119 (33.52%) of 355 PCM patients were asymptomatic, whereas 236 (66.47%) patients had at least one CRAB symptom, 55 (15.49%) had two or more, and 14 (3.94%) had three or more. There were 7 (1.97%) cases of amyloidosis. Cytogenetic abnormalities were found in 51.28% (40/78) of the patients. Twenty-one individuals (52.5%) were hyperdiploid with multiple trisomy, while 19 (47.50%) were not., Conclusion: When diagnosed, Iranian PCM patients might have more advanced disease. PCM was more prevalent in young adults, and hyperdiploid was the most common cytogenetic finding in this investigation., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright: © Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences.)

Developing new biodegradable packaging with superior properties and advanced functionalities is one of the most emerging research areas of interest in food packaging. In this study, PLA/PEG-based nanocomposite films incorporated with different amounts of nano glass flake (NGF) (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 phr) were fabricated via casting solution for applications in food packaging. The ATR-FTIR displayed no chemical interaction between the PLA/PEG-based matrix and NGF particles. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations exhibited a relatively smooth and homogeneous surface without defects. Incorporation of the NGF into the PLA/PEG-based matrix did not affect the color and opacity of the fabricated films. The prepared nanocomposite films were highly transparent and exhibited superior properties such as increased hydrophobicity, appreciable oxygen barrier properties, and enhanced thermal stability. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed the existence of a single glass-transition temperature (Tg) as evidence of miscibility. According to the research results, the PLA/PEG/NGF 1 nanocomposite film significantly offered the best overall performance. This work has developed new insight into the potential application of nano glass flakes in food packaging., 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 B.V. All rights reserved.)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, demyelinating neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. MS is immune-mediated and leads to disability especially in young adults. Even though 18 MS therapy drugs were approved, they slightly inhibit disease progression and do not induce regeneration and repair in the nervous system. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a new therapeutic modality in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering due to their immunomodulation and bio regenerative properties. We have designed a randomized, controlled clinical trial to assess safety and possible efficacy of MSC application in MS patients. Twenty-one MS patients were enrolled. Patients were allocated in two distinct groups: treatment group, which received systemic transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs, and control group, which received placebo at the first injections. Patients in control group received MSCs at the second injection while the treatment group received placebo. All the patients were followed for 18 months. Follow-ups included regular visits, laboratory evaluation, and imaging analysis. Control patients received MSCs six month after treatment group. No severe immediate or late adverse events were observed in both groups after interventions. We did not find any significant differences in the rate of relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, cognitive condition, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings, or any biomarkers of cerebrospinal fluid between the two groups and in each group before and after cell infusion. Transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells is safe and feasible. The efficacy of transplantation of these cells should be evaluated through designing randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes, different administration routes, other cell types (allogeneic adipose derived MSCs, allogeneic Wharton's jelly derived MSCs …), repeated injections, and longer follow-up periods., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)