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Background: Rosemarinic acid is a phenolic compound that has neuroprotective properties. It has beneficial effect in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Rosmarinic acid increases the expression of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which can contribute in neuronal differentiation of stem cells. Methods: After isolation and proliferation, Wharton’s jelly stem cells were placed in inductive culture medium containing Rosmarinic acid. MTT assay was used to evaluate toxicity. After 4 days, induction of neuronal differentiation in Wharton’s jelly stem cells was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) via analyzing the expression of Nestin and β-Tubulin III genes. Findings: MTT assay showed was no significant difference in viability between cells cultured in culture medium with Rosmarinic acid and control group (P < 0.05). Real-time PCR showed that adding Rosmarinic acid to culture medium increased the expression of Nestin and β-Tubulin III genes (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Increasing the expression of β-Tubulin III and Nestin, when there is Rosmarinic acid, may indicate a greater induction of neuronal differentiation in Wharton’s jelly stem cells. The results show that Rosmarinic acid induces the neuronal differentiation of Wharton’s jelly stem cells.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate personal shields in radiation departments of hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods First, the information related to 109 personal shields was recorded and evaluated by imaging equipment. Afterwards, the equivalent lead thickness (ELT) of 62 personal shields was assessed, using dosimeter and standard lead layers at 100 kVp. Results In this study, 109 personal shields were assessed in terms of tears, holes and cracks. The results showed that 18 shields were damaged. Moreover, ELT was evaluated in 62 shields. As the results indicated, ELT was unacceptable in 8 personal shields and lower than expected in 9 shields. Conclusion According to the results, 16.5% of personal shields had defects (tears, holes and cracks) and 13% of them were unacceptable in terms of ELT and needed to be replaced. Therefore, regular quality control of personal shields and evaluation of new shields are necessary at any radiation department.