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Polydopamine (PDA) is a biocompatible cell-adhesive polymer with versatile applications in biomedical devices. Previous studies have shown that PDA coating could improve cell adhesion and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). However, there is still a knowledge gap in the effect of PDA-mediated protein adsorption on the epigenetic status of MSCs. This work used gelatin-coated cell culture surfaces with and without PDA underlayer (Gel and PDA-Gel) to culture and differentiate primary human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). The properties of these two substrates were significantly different, which, in combination with a variation in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein bioactivity, regulated cell adhesion and migration. hASCs reduced focal adhesions by downregulating the expression of integrins such as αV, α1, α2, and β1 on the PDA-Gel compared to the Gel substrate. Interestingly, the ratio of H3K27me3 to H3K27me3+H3K4me3 was decreased, but this only occurred for upregulation of AGG and BMP4 genes during chondrogenic differentiation. This result implies that the PDA-Gel surface positively affects the chondrogenic, but not adipogenic and osteogenic, differentiation. In conclusion, for the first time, this study demonstrates the sequential effects of PDA coating on the biophysical property of adsorbed protein and then focal adhesions and differentiation of hMSCs through epigenetic regulation. This study sheds light on PDA-mediated mechanotransduction.

Topographical cues on material surfaces are crucial for guiding the behavior of nerve cells and facilitating the repair of peripheral nerve defects. Previously, micron-grooved surfaces have shown great potential in controlling nerve cell alignment for studying the behavior and functions of those cells and peripheral nerve regeneration. However, the effects of smaller-sized topographical cues, such as those in the submicron- and nano-scales, on Schwann cell behavior remain poorly understood. In this study, four different submicron-grooved polystyrene films (800/400, 800/100, 400/400, and 400/100) were fabricated to study the behavior, gene expression, and membrane potential of Schwann cells. The results showed that all submicron-grooved films could guide the cell alignment and cytoskeleton in a groove depth-dependent manner. Cell proliferation and cell cycle assays revealed that there was no significant difference between the submicron groove samples and the flat control. However, the submicron grooves can direct the migration of cells and upregulate the expression of critical genes in axon regeneration and myelination (e.g., MBP and Smad6). Finally, the membrane potential of the Schwann cells was significantly altered on the grooved sample. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the role of submicron-grooved patterns in regulating the behavior and function of Schwann cells, which provides unique insights for the development of implants for peripheral nerve regeneration.

The generation of blood cells in a significant amount for clinical uses is still challenging. Human pluripotent stem cells-derived hemopoietic cells (hPSC-HCs) are a promising cell source to generate blood cells. Previously, it has been shown that the attached substrates are crucial in the maintenance or differentiation of hPSCs. In this study, a new family of artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) called colloidal self-assembled patterns (cSAPs: #1–#5) was used for the expansion of mouse and human PSCs. The optimized cSAP (i.e., #4 and #5) was selected for subsequent hemopoietic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Results showed that the hematopoietic potential of hESCs was enhanced approx 3–4 folds on cSAP #5 compared to the flat control. The cell population of hematopoietic progenitors (i.e., CD34+CD43+ cells) and erythroid progenitors (i.e., CD71+GPA+ cells) were enhanced 4 folds at day 8 and 3 folds at day 14. RNA sequencing analysis of cSAP-derived hESCs showed that there were 300 genes up-regulated and 627 genes down-regulated compared to the flat control. The enriched signaling pathways, including up-regulation (i.e., Toll-like receptor, HIF-1a, and Notch) or down-regulation (i.e., FAs, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and TGF-β) were classic in the maintenance of hESC phenotype Real time PCR confirmed that the expression of focal adhesion (PTK2, VCL, and CXCL14) and MAPK signaling (CAV1) related genes was down-regulated 2-3 folds compared to the flat control. Altogether, cSAP enhances the pluripotency and the hematopoietic potential of hESCs that subsequently generates more blood-like cells. This study reveals the potential of cSAPs on the expansion and early-stage blood cell lineage differentiation of hPSCs.

Abstract Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can self-renew indefinitely in culture and differentiate into all specialized cell types including gametes. iPSCs do not exist naturally and are instead generated (“induced” or “reprogrammed”) in culture from somatic cells through ectopic co-expression of defined pluripotency factors. Since they can be generated from any healthy person or patient, iPSCs are considered as a valuable resource for regenerative medicine to replace diseased or damaged tissues. In addition, reprogramming technology has provided a powerful tool to study mechanisms of cell fate decisions and to model human diseases, thereby substantially potentiating the possibility to (i) discover new drugs in screening formats and (ii) treat life-threatening diseases through cell therapy-based strategies. However, various legal and ethical barriers arise when aiming to exploit the full potential of iPSCs to minimize abuse or unauthorized utilization. In this review, we discuss bioethical, legal, and societal concerns associated with research and therapy using iPSCs. Furthermore, we present key questions and suggestions for stem cell scientists, legal authorities, and social activists investigating and working in this field.

Corruption is a historical and global phenomenon, which exists in both developed and developing countries. Various cultural, social, economic and political factors affect corruption. Among these, security of property rights and democracy influence financial corruption. In this study, using a panel data system and generalized least squares method, the interactive effects of democracy and security of property rights on corruption are examined in 59 selected developed and developing countries during 2005-2014. The findings of estimations with various indicators of democracy (Polity2, FH, and Political Rights) show that whereas protection of property rights reduces corruption in any political environment, the presence of democracy in society cannot reduce corruption alone. Democracy should be accompanied by high levels of security of property rights in order to affect financial corruption negatively. In addition, while protecting property rights reduces corruption in any political environment, it is more effective against corruption at high levels of democracy.

Background: ‪Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are mostly neglected and hardly exercised. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a combined program (aerobic and rebound therapy) with two different ratios on some physical and motor fitness indices in intellectually disabled girls. Material and methods: ‪A total of 24 girls with ID (13–17 years old with an IQ of 50 to 70) were selected and randomly divided into two experimental and one control group. Experimental groups performed a combined aerobicrebound therapy program with two different proportions: (group 1 performed 10 minutes of aerobic exercises and 20 minutes of rebound therapy, group 2 performed 20 minutes of aerobic exercises and 10 minutes of rebound therapy) for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week). All physical and motor fitness tests including endurance performance, lower extremities endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, static and dynamic balance, agility and coordination were taken before and after the training period. Data were analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk's tests, covariance and variance analysis with repeated measurements (α = 0.05). Results: ‪The results showed that both exercise programs in experimental groups improved endurance performance indices, lower extremities endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, static and dynamic balance, agility and coordination in comparison to the control group. No significant differences were observed between the two experimental groups. Conclusions: ‪In conclusion, to improve motor and physical fitness indices in girls with ID, both combination programs (aerobic-rebound therapy) with different proportions can be used.

Objective: Swimming is a sport that requires a considerable strength, endurance, mobility and stability of the upper body. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of dry-land and in-water core stability training programs on swimmers’ upper body balance and performance. Methods: The available statistical sample of this study included 28 swimmers from city of Sabzevar who were divided randomly into three groups of dry-land (10 swimmers), in-water (10swimmers) and control (8 swimmers). Data analysis was done by split-plot ANOVA to compare intra- and inter-group variables and Bonferroni post-hoc test was also utilized to compare group means within two groups. Results: The results showed that four-week core stability exercises on dry-land led to 50m swimming time improvements as well as upper body balance of dominant and non-dominant limbs. There was no significant improvement in 50m for dry-land group and no significant improvement in stroke rate for both experimental groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that coaches and swimmers utilize exercises used in this study in order to improve upper body balance as well as swimming performance in their training program.

In this paper, the effect of government intervention in the banking sector (financial repression) on banks’ financial stability is investigated during 2001-2013. To measure the index of government intervention in the banking sector, three variables including real interest rate, credits directed by banks and government debt to banks are combined using principal component analysis. Furthermore, the z-score index is applied to measure the financial stability in the banks. Data are extracted from balance sheets and income statements of the banks. Results from a panel of 14 banks show that the intervention of government in the banking sector is of significantly negative effect on financial stability of these banks and therefore increases their financial vulnerability. Moreover, an increase in size of bank improves the financial stability, but higher debt-to-asset ratio increases the banks’ financial vulnerability.

Energy, one of the most essential and important factors of production and the final product, has an important role in the growth and economic development. This research examines the dynamic relationship between financial development and energy consumption based on GMM estimation in 53 developing countries and 47 advanced countries over the period 2000-2014. The results showed the positive impact of direct foreign investment and national income on energy consumption in the two groups of countries. Energy prices had a completely opposite effect on energy consumption in developing and advanced countries. The results also indicated that in both developed and advanced countries the money market plays a more effective role in reducing energy consumption in comparison with the capital markets. While the effect of financial development through the money market on energy consumption is U- inverse shape in both groups of countries, this effect through the capital market is U-shape and U-shape inverse for developing countries and advanced countries, respectively. These results might have important policy implications for energy management policymakers and authorities to achieve sustainable development in different countries.

Introduction: Upper cross syndrome is becoming more prevalent in today’s population. The syndrome is described as a postural disorder presenting with over active pectoralis musculature and upper trapezius musculature. Also there is inhibition of lower and middle trapezius musculature, which results in winging of scapula, elevated and abducted scapula. This scapular dyskinesia, per se, resulted in rounding of shoulders. The syndrome is often associated with bad posture in routine life or occupation of a person. Little is known about the relationship between sport participation and postural body changes of bodybuilding training. Our aim is to investigate whether bodybuilding training in trained-individuals is associated with the postural abnormalities in the upper body. Methods: 60 male, trained bodybuilders (age= 24.62±3.67 years, body weight= 82.40±9 kg, height= 175±0.067 cm, body mass index (BMI( = 26.77±2.37 Kg/m2, body fat percentage = 21.58±3.21) and 30 un-trained (age= 24.67±2.24 years, body weight= 73.33±9.42 kg, height= 175±0.06 cm, body mass index (BMI) = 23.93±3.16 Kg/m2, body fat percentage = 18.17±3.76) volunteered and were thus included in the study. Postural photographs were taken in the sagittal and frontal planes, and were analyzed by using AutoCAD software. The Flexi curve ruler was used for the assessment of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Results: Using an independent sample t-test, significant differences were observed in the values of forward head posture between trained and untrained groups (p=0.001) and Mann-Whitney U test showed there was significant differences between the values of uneven shoulders (p=0.001), rounded shoulder (p=0.009) and kyphosis (p=0.013), but there was no significant difference between lordosis values in two groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a high incidence of upper body abnormalities among bodybuilders and this should be taken as a minatory situation on behalf of bodybuilding trainers. Therefore, strength coaches should design an appropriate training program to prevent their trainees fromsuch abnormalities.

Background & Objectives: Changes in twenty-first century and incidence of development gap among countries has caused particular attention of all economic schools to the problem of poverty and the factors affecting it, as a consequence of underdevelopment. Health and health expenditures are considered as a tool for governments to get out from poverty. Methods: This study is one type of econometric studies with using panel data for Iran and 30 developing countries during 2005 to 2012. To determine the effect of health expenditures on poverty headcount ratio, Hassman and Chow tests were used in order to select the type of random or fixed effect regression model. Data analysis was done through Eviews 6 software. Results: Among factors affecting poverty, health expenditure had more significant impact on poverty. So that, one unit increase in public and private health expenditures caused respectively -2.93 decrease and 1.19 unit increase in headcount poverty ratio. In comparison to health expenditure, access to health facilities and primary school enrollment rate with respectively coefficients of -0.81 and 0.34 had less impact on poverty headcount ratio. Conclusion: Governments should pay more attention to policies of financing health sector and more expansion of governmental functions in financial support of health sector rather than private sector. Key­words: Public Health Expenditure, Private Health Expenditure, Poverty Headcount Ratio Citation: Harati J, Harati Khalilabad T, Rezapour A. The Impact of Public and Private Health Expenditures on Poverty in developing countries: 2005– 2012. Journal of Health Based Research 2017; 2(4): 345-354.

This article analyzes the welfare loss of pollution resulting from production in Iranian economy using an augmented growth model and designing an economic-ecological system dynamics model. The main elements of the model include social welfare, welfare loss, production, physical and human capital accumulation, pollution accumulation, income distribution, and initial conditions. Regarding 2005 as a base year, the time path of per capita pollution and related welfare loss are simulated for the Iranian economy over the 20-year time horizon. The simulation results indicate that with persistence of the status quo, per capita pollution and its welfare loss rise with positive rate. Therefore, the goals of sustainable development will not be achievable. Hence, further improvement of the environment requires government intervention through the appropriate policies. The results of sensitivity analysis of policy parameters show that clean technology diffusion and environmental preferences of producers have negative effects on pollution emissions per capita and economic welfare in Iran, while strengthening environmental preferences of consumers may raise the social welfare loss of pollution. In addition, pollution per capita and its welfare loss are of most sensitivity to environmental preferences of producers, environmental preferences of consumers and clean technology diffusion, respectively. Policy-makers may regard these results in planning to achieve sustainable development objectives.

This paper uses the growth model of Stokey (1998) extended by Deng and Huang (2009) to examine the dynamic relationship between output and environmental pollution in Iran. After solving the model and deriving the necessary conditions for sustainable growth path, the model is used to examine the presence of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) for Iran. Using MATLAB software, the model is calibrated for the Iranian economy for the period 1959-2008. This allows us to find optimal paths for key variables. The result shows that that the Iranian economy is not on its optimal sustainable growth path. Moreover, simulation results indicate that there is a positive relationship between income per capita and CO2 per capita over time. Hence, we might claim that the Iranian economy is probably on its early stage of growth. In other words, Iran might still be on the negative part of EKC. In addition, our simulation result shows that there will be a threshold level for per capita income in which the quality of environment starts improving after this point. Hence, one might conclude that the EKC might be true for Iran.

The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of macroeconomic variables on food price index in the Iranian economy for the period 1959-2000. An auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is used for this purpose. The results indicate that monetary expansion and the depreciation of real exchange rate have a positive impact on food price index but an increase in the degree of openness of the economy will reduce food prices with no determinate relationship between food price index and food production and per capital income in the long run. Except for the relationship between food production and food price index which is negative in the short run, the results are similar to that of the long run. The error correction model is indicative of a relatively rapid adjustment of short run disequilibrium towards the long run equilibrium.