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Background: Blood pressure control is one of the basic steps in preventing stroke and cerebrovascular events. Calcium channel blockers are the first-line drugs in hypertension control. On the other hand, the stroke recovery phase depends on activating calcium channels and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Considering these issues, one of the interdisciplinary challenges of neurology and cardiology is the use of these drugs in hypertensive patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) risk and their uses after these events. Objectives: This study's primary goal is to evaluate the effects of calcium channel blockers on reducing the risk, mortality, morbidity, and long-term outcomes of cerebrovascular events. Material and Methods: We conducted this systematic literature review by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Our inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, case-cross-over studies, case reports, and in-vitro and animal studies in which they evaluated the effects of calcium channel blockers on the CVA risk and mortality, morbidity, and long-term outcomes of stroke. Our exclusion criteria were review studies with no adequate data and non-English articles. Articles that met our criteria were included in the initial search. After the title and abstract screening, 56 human and animal studies were selected to be discussed in this article. Results: Among 56 selected studies, 33 were human studies, 23 were animal experiments, and one study was carried out both on animals and humans. A total of 1,860,234 patients were enrolled in 24 human studies. A total of 717,131 patients in 22 studies received CCBs. Two studies did not report the number of patients who underwent treatment with CCBs. Among 24 studies, 11 reported favorable outcomes following CCB administration, and two studies reported neuroprotective effects for CCBs without any adverse outcome in stroke patients. Five studies demonstrated that CCBs were associated with adverse outcomes. One study showed favorable and unfavorable outcomes compared to other antihypertensive agents. Stroke was reported in two studies following CCB overdose. Three studies have reported that CCBs had no significant effect on stroke risk, mortality, or long-term outcomes. In animal studies, a total of 813 animals were enrolled in 19 studies. Two studies were in vitro using mammalian cells and enzymes, and one study was ex-vivo. Among 24 studies, 18 (75 %) reported beneficial outcomes following treatment with CCBs, three (12.5 %) revealed both favorable and unfavorable results, two (8.3 %) demonstrated adverse outcomes, and one (4.2 %) showed no effect. Conclusion: Based on the evidence from human and animal studies, authors conclude that CCBs are associated with a lower risk of stroke, lower mortality risk, and improved long-term neurological and other clinical outcomes.

Abstract RNA therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, and CRISPR–Cas9, present exciting avenues for treating diverse diseases. However, their potential is commonly hindered by vulnerability to degradation and poor cellular uptake, requiring effective delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a leading choice for in vivo RNA delivery, offering protection against degradation, enhanced cellular uptake, and facilitation of endosomal escape. However, LNPs encounter numerous challenges for targeted RNA delivery in vivo, demanding advanced particle engineering, surface functionalization with targeting ligands, and a profound comprehension of the biological milieu in which they function. This review explores the structural and physicochemical characteristics of LNPs, in-vivo fate, and customization for RNA therapeutics. We highlight the quality-by-design (QbD) approach for targeted delivery beyond the liver, focusing on biodistribution, immunogenicity, and toxicity. In addition, we explored the current challenges and strategies associated with LNPs for in-vivo RNA delivery, such as ensuring repeated-dose efficacy, safety, and tissue-specific gene delivery. Furthermore, we provide insights into the current clinical applications in various classes of diseases and finally prospects of LNPs in RNA therapeutics. Graphical Abstract

Development of techniques to produce nanoformulations in a controlled and reproducible manner is of great importance for research, clinical trials, and industrial scale-up. This research aimed to introduce a cost-effective micromixing approach for the nanoassembly of liposomes and compared with thin-film hydration (TFH) method. Numerical simulations and design of experiments (DOE) by response surface methodology (RSM) were used to evaluate the effects of input parameters on liposome properties, aiming to identify optimal conditions. Anionic liposomes without or with atorvastatin calcium (ATC) produced using TFH and the micromixing methods showed similar characteristics in size (150–190 nm), PDI (

Background/ objective: Vasovagal reactions related to blood donation are often mild or moderate, but severe reactions such as syncope can occur. This study sought to investigate the incidence of syncope among blood donors in a Norwegian blood bank and to examine whether demographics and the timing of donation influenced the syncopal reactions experienced by donors. Methods: A retrospective study of blood donors who had experienced syncope in 2014-2018 at the Blood bank in Akershus University Hospital, Norway. The data consisted of syncope reports submitted to the hemovigilance system, supplemented by data available in donor database. Data were analyzed by chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: The results showed a low incidence of syncope during the study period: 0,08 % or 50 syncope per 62208 whole blood donations. For male and female repeat donors the results were 0.04% and 0.06%, respectively, and for first-time donors 0.48% and 0.32%, respectively. Only 50 % of the donors who were still eligible subsequently returned to donate, of which first-time donors constituted only 31 %. The timing of donation seems to affect the risk to experience syncope, with decreasing risk during afternoon and the evening. Conclusion: We found low incidence of syncope among our givers. The incidence varied by donor status and age, it was higher among first-time and younger donors. Diurnal variation in baroreceptor sensitivity may explain the association between timing of donation and occurrence of syncope.

Background/objective: Blood donation is considered to be a safe procedure, however, sometimes vasovagal reactions (VVRs) with various degrees of severity can occur. This paper provides an overview of the incidence of VVR with a focus on vasovagal syncope (VVS, temporary loss of consciousness), risk factors, and possible consequences of VVR/VVS for donors, as well as effects of interventions that are used to reduce VVR/VVS among blood donors. We also discuss mechanisms underlying VVS and evolutionary explanations for VVS. Methods: Relevant studies were found by search in PubMed. Results: Reported incidence of VVS varies from 0.1% to 0.5%, with higher incidence among younger and first-time donors, but mixed results have been found for gender differences: whereas some studies report higher incidence among female donors, other studies find no differences. Anxiety, fear of needles or seeing blood are frequent triggers of VVR/VVS, particularly among first-time donors. Donors who have experienced VVR/VVS are less likely to return to donate. Physiologic interventions such as pre-donation water intake and applied muscle tension during donation, alone or in combination, have shown effect in reducing VVR/VVS in several studies. Psychological interventions such as distraction and social support have also shown to reduce the risk of VVR/VVS. From an evolutionary perspective, VVS may have had a survival advantage in the distant past.

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease started in late 2019 and still continues as a global pandemic, spreading among people around the world. There is limited knowledge about the role of contaminated environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public surfaces, in the transmission of the disease. The objective of the present investigation was detection of different variants (Delta, UK, and Omicron) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome) on inanimate surfaces in high-touch public environmental surfaces in different seasons. Automated teller machines of banks (ATM), point-of-sale (POS) machine, gas station pump nozzles, and escalator handrails of malls were selected as high-touch environmental surfaces in public places. Overall, 75 samples were collected from these places and examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA (genome), and 21 samples (28%) were positive. Although the role of fomite transmission of COVID-19 is understood, more studies should be conducted to determine the virus survival rate as well as the required efforts to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 such as frequent cleaning and the use of efficient disinfectants on environmental surfaces, especially high-touch public places. In conclusion, the results address the importance of touching contaminated inanimate objects as well as transmission through environmental surfaces, and they could be used to establish an effective protocol to prevent indirect environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2, slow down the spread of the virus, and reduce the risk of infection.

Abstract In order to study the local interactions between facial soft-tissues and a Silhouette Soft® suspension suture, a CE marked medical device designed for the repositioning of soft tissues in the face and the neck, Finite element simulations were run, in which a model of the suture was embedded in a three-layer Finite Element structure that accounts for the local mechanical organization of human facial soft tissues. A 2D axisymmetric model of the local interactions was designed in ANSYS, in which the geometry of the tissue, the boundary conditions and the applied loadings were considered to locally mimic those of human face soft tissue constrained by the suture in facial tissue repositioning. The Silhouette Soft suture is composed of a knotted thread and sliding cones that are anchored in the tissue. Hence, simulating these interactions requires special attention for an accurate modelling of contact mechanics. As tissue is modelled as a hyper-elastic material, the displacement of the facial soft tissue changes in a nonlinear way with the intensity of stress induced by the suture and the number of the cones. Our simulations show that for a 4-cone suture a displacement of 4.35 mm for a 2.0 N external loading and of 7.6 mm for 4.0 N. Increasing the number of cones led to the decrease in the equivalent local strain (around 20%) and stress (around 60%) applied to the tissue. The simulated displacements are in general agreement with experimental observations.

Biomedical signals are always corrupted with different noises and interferences. Power Line Interference (PLI) is one of the most important interferences, which decreases the quality of the biomedical signals significantly. In this paper, a novel algorithm, based on adaptive IIR Laguerre filters has been proposed to eliminate the Power Line Interference (PLI) and its harmonics from Electromyography (EMG) signals. The proposed algorithm has used an internal mathematically constructed reference noise for the adaptive Laguerre filter, thus it is independent of the power line information to eliminate the noise. The Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm with fuzzy step size has been used to optimize the filter weights which highly increase the filter performance. This proposed filter has consumed fewer computational load than adaptive FIR filters, and also it has shown better stability than IIR filters. Our practical experiments showed that our Laguerre structures could eliminate the PLI from EMG signals successfully and increased the SNR up to 12db that was more efficient than other adaptive algorithms.

There has been increasing attention to produce porous scaffolds that mimic human bone properties for enhancement of tissue ingrowth, regeneration, and integration. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, i.e., three dimensional (3D) printing, have played a substantial role in engineering porous scaffolds for clinical applications owing to their high level of design and fabrication flexibility. To this end, this review article attempts to provide a detailed overview on the main design considerations of porous scaffolds such as permeability, adhesion, vascularisation, and interfacial features and their interplay to affect bone regeneration and osseointegration. Physiology of bone regeneration was initially explained that was followed by analysing the impacts of porosity, pore size, permeability and surface chemistry of porous scaffolds on bone regeneration in defects. Importantly, major 3D printing methods employed for fabrication of porous bone substitutes were also discussed. Advancements of MA technologies have allowed for the production of bone scaffolds with complex geometries in polymers, composites and metals with well-tailored architectural, mechanical, and mass transport features. In this way, a particular attention was devoted to reviewing 3D printed scaffolds with triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) geometries that mimic the hierarchical structure of human bones. In overall, this review enlighten a design pathway to produce patient-specific 3D-printed bone substitutions with high regeneration and osseointegration capacity for repairing large bone defects.

Abstract Sun exposure in bovines is believed to be the most important route of 25D3 synthesis in suitable latitudes. In some situations, e.g. breeding systems, solar radiation cannot reach or penetrate into the skin and thus causes the 25D3 deficiency. Because of the critical effect of vitamin D on the immune and endocrine systems, the plasma must be enriched with 25D3 in a short period of time. In such a condition, injection of Cholecalciferol has been recommended. However, to our knowledge, the certain dose of Cholecalciferol injection for rapid 25D3 plasma enrichment has not been verified. On the other hand, it seems that the basis 25D3 concentration can influence or shift the 25D3 metabolism at the injection time. In the same line, the present study, designed to induce the different basis 25D3 concentration in treatment groups, aimed at investigating the effect of Cholecalciferol intramuscularly injection with the intermediate dose (11,000 IU/kg) on the calves' plasma 25D3 with different basis 25D3. Besides, an attempt was made to clarify the time that 25D3 reaches the sufficient concentration after injection in different treatment groups. To do this, twenty calves of 3 to 4 months old were chosen for the farm with semi-industrial elements. Furthermore, the effect of optional sun exposure/deprivation and Cholecalciferol injection on the 25D3 concentration variations was assayed. To do this, the calves were divided into four groups. Groups A and B were unconstrained to choose sun to expose or shadow in a semi-roofed place, but groups C and D were restricted to the completely dark barn. The interference of the digestive system in supplying vitamin D was minimized through dietary. All groups had a different basic concentration (25D3) on the day 21 of the experiment. At this time, groups A and C received the intermediate dose of (11,000 IU/kg) Cholecalciferol intramuscularly (IM). After Cholecalciferol injection, the effects of basis 25D3 concentration on the details of variation and fate of plasma concentration of 25D3 were investigated. The data collected from the two groups C and D showed that sun deprivation without any vitamin D supplementation, could rapidly and severely deplete the plasma from 25D3. Cholecalciferol injection could not immediately increase the 25D3 in the groups C and A. However, this injection enriches the 25D3 to sufficient value after two weeks if the basis 25D3 of plasma is insufficient, i.e. less than 30 ng/mL. Moreover, the injection of Cholecalciferol could not significantly increase the 25D3 concentration in the group A that had a sufficient basis 25D3 concentration. Therefore, it is concluded that the variation of 25D3 in plasma, after injection of Cholecalciferol, depends on its basic level at the time of injection.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a disorder with multiple abnormalities, including obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and high blood glucose. MetS is the best-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and obesity. With the globally increasing prevalence of MetS and its related abnormalities, attention to safe and effective prevention and treatment of this complex disorder has been increased. In particular, most treatments have been devoted to using natural agents that could provide more reliable and effective medicinal products with fewer side effects. Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is an herb whose therapeutic properties could be found in some ancient medical books. Purslane has shown analgesic, antispasmodic, skeletal muscle relaxant, bronchodilator, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, antibacterial, antipyretic, and wound-healing properties. In addition, purslane’s hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties have been reported in different studies. The positive effects of this plant include reducing stress oxidative and inflammation along with the atherogenic index, improving insulin level and glucose uptake, decreasing lipid profiles, and ameliorating weight gain. These activities could reduce MetS complications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various in vitro, animal, and human studies regarding the effect of Portulaca oleracea on metabolic syndrome to better understand the underlying mechanisms of action for designing more effective treatments.

Introduction: Different countries throughout the world have adopted non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce and control SARS - CoV-2. In this systematic approach, the impact of non-pharmacologic interventions in management of COVID-19 pandemic was assessed. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, systematic search was carried out on the basis of a search strategy on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and WHO databases on COVID-19. The impact of travel ban, personal protective equipment, distancing, contact tracing, school closure, and social distancing and the combined effect of interventions on COVID-19 were assessed. Results: Of the 14,857 articles found, 44 were relevant. Studies in different countries have shown that various non-pharmacological interventions have been used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The travel ban, either locally or internationally in most of the countries, movement restriction, social distancing, lockdown, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), quarantine, school closure, work place closure, and contact tracing had a significant impact on the reduction of mortality or morbidity of COVID-19. Conclusion: Evidence shows that the implementation of non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), for example, social distancing, quarantine, and personal protective equipment’s are generally effective and the best way to prevent or reduce transmission. However, this study suggests that the effectiveness of any NPI alone is probably limited, thus, a combination of various actions, for example, social distancing, isolation, and quarantine, distancing in the workplace and use of personal protective equipment, is more effective in reducing COVID-19.

Objectives: Enlarged adenoids can lead to obstruction of the nasopharyngeal airway and subsequent oral respiration. Oral breathing can cause dry mouth, dehydration in gingival tissue, and resistance to plaque accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of tonsillectomy on oral health status, salivary pH and flow rate, and common complications caused by tonsillar hypertrophy in children. Materials and Methods: An analytical before-and-after study was conducted on 60 children aged 5-12 years who required tonsillectomy. We gathered data through a questionnaire and collected unstimulated saliva using the spitting method for five minutes. Salivary pH was measured by a pH meter and its volume was determined with a calibrated test tube. The plaque index, bleeding index and modified gingival index were determined using a disclosing tablet, Williams’ probe and observational examination, respectively. All measurements were repeated one month after tonsillectomy. Paired t-test was used for data analysis. Results: We found a significant increase in mean pH and salivary flow rate after tonsillectomy and observed a decrease in oral health indices among the children one month after surgery. Over half of the children who reported complications such as dry mouth, itchy nose and throat, snoring, night sweats, and sleep disturbances experienced complete recovery after tonsillectomy. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, children with enlarged adenoids showed significant improvements in salivary pH, salivary flow rate, and oral health indices, one month after tonsillectomy.

Abstract At the forefront of biopharmaceutical industry, the messenger RNA (mRNA) technology offers a flexible and scalable platform to address the urgent need for world-wide immunization in pandemic situations. This strategic powerful platform has recently been used to immunize millions of people proving both of safety and highest level of clinical efficacy against infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here we provide preclinical report of COReNAPCIN®; a vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection. COReNAPCIN® is a nucleoside modified mRNA-based vaccine formulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for encoding the full-length prefusion stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein on the cell surface. Vaccination of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice and rhesus macaque with COReNAPCIN® induced strong humoral responses with high titers of virus-binding and neutralizing antibodies. Upon vaccination, a robust SARS-CoV-2 specific cellular immunity was also observed in both mice and non-human primate models. Additionally, vaccination protected rhesus macaques from symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathological damage to the lung upon challenging the animals with high viral loads of up to 2 × 108 live viral particles. Overall, our data provide supporting evidence for COReNAPCIN® as a potent vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection for clinical studies.

Fereydounshahr experiences growing electricity shortfalls and an overreliance on polluting diesel generators. This analysis models renewable hybrid systems to electrify a local dairy operation using HOMER Pro 3.11 software. Despite higher upfront costs, adding just 5% solar photovoltaics maintained low net present costs while increasing clean energy penetration versus diesel generators alone. Furthermore, a combined diesel-solar-wind system reduced carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by over 1%. Although diesel generators had the shortest payback period at 48 years, the capital recovery factor for a diesel–solar combination reached 62 years. Thus, tailored hybrid renewable systems could provide an affordable, low-emissions electricity solution for the Fereydounshahr livestock facility. With suitable wind and solar resources, the right policy incentives could also unlock substantial local renewable capacity to meet rising demand and mitigate dependence on imported, climate-harming fossil fuels.

Imatinib, a selective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), was introduced after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, the long-term effects of allo-HSCT in chronic phase CML patients are mostly unknown. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 204 patients with sibling donors who received peripheral stem cells and underwent allo-HSCT of chronic phase I (CP1) in the pre- and post-TKI era at Shariati Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from 1998 to 2017 and followed up till the end of 2021. The median follow-up time for all patients was 8.7 (SD = 0.54) years. Fifteen-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), graft-versus-host disease-free relapse-free survival (GRFS), relapse, and non-relapse mortality (NRM) incidence were 65.70%, 57.83%, 17.56%, 13.17%, and 28.98%, respectively. Using multivariable analyses, the only risk factor increasing the hazard of death was the time between diagnosis to allo-HSCT greater than 1 year compared to this time less than 1 year by 74% [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.74, P = 0.039]. Also, age is a significant risk factor for DFS (HR = 1.03, P = 0.031). Our findings suggested that allo-HSCT is still an important treatment option for CP1 patients, especially those resistant to TKI treatment. TKI consumption can have a desirable effect on NRM after allo-HSCT for CP1 CML.

Dynamic simulation provides a novel tool in risk assessment that is capable of predicting process behavior in different situations, quantifying unsafe process boundaries and examining the propagation of deviations through the process. This study investigated the most frequent disturbances in the integrated acid gas enrichment and amine regeneration process in the natural gas refinery including disturbances in amine regeneration column temperature, feed flow rate, pressure, and gas leakage from the top product stream. Using Aspen Plus dynamics simulations, the consequences of various deviation scenarios and a detailed analysis of the reasons for the occurrence of the consequences were elaborated. The calculated propagation time from the beginning of each disturbance to the occurrence of an accident makes it possible for the operators to plan the necessary arrangements and effective measures based on the available response time. Furthermore, the consequences of flooding and weeping leading to changes in product quality are numerically ranked to facilitate comparing and prioritizing these consequences. Finally, based on the simulation results, new protective layers were designed to prevent various high-risk consequences. The complexity of the integrated process evaluated in this study illustrates the generalizability of the HAZOP dynamic method to achieve new results in chemical process hazard analysis thus serving as a useful tool for process safety specialists.

Since the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, an increasing number of reports and studies have tried to warn the medical community about the thrombotic complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is suggested that the hyperinflammatory response and endothelial injury, especially in patients with severe disease, lead to a hypercoagulable state. Sudden deaths occurring in some patients also point to fulminant arrhythmias and massive pulmonary embolism (PE). Several expert panels have published recommendations regarding the prophylaxis and treatment of such complications. Nonetheless, there are limited high-quality studies for evidence-based decision-making, and most of these recommendations have arisen from descriptive studies, and optimal anticoagulant agents and dosages are yet to be designated. The coagulopathy persists after the acute phase of the illness, and some panels recommend the continuation of deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis for several days after regaining the normal daily activities by the patient. Here, we review the incidence and possible mechanisms of thrombotic complications, and present a summary of the considerations for the prophylaxis and treatment of such complications in the adult population.

Abstract Background The diagnosis of Behçet disease (BD) is challenging in many cases. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients at a referral BD clinic. Methods In a retrospective study, we collected data from patients at a national referral Behçet clinic from November 2018–August 2019. A BD diagnosis was confirmed (BD group) or ruled out (Non-BD group), and the two groups were compared for differences. Results A total of 238 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Forty patients (16.8%) were finally diagnosed with BD. Ocular and genital lesions were significantly more prevalent in the BD group. A positive pathergy test and HLA-B51 were also significantly more common in BD. However, oral lesions, articular involvement, and gastrointestinal manifestations were similar between groups. Also, patients with BD were significantly more likely to have multi-organ (≥2 organ systems) involvement. Conclusions Being the first study to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients who are visited at a referral BD clinic and are believed to have a high probability of Behçet, the results of this study are important from an epidemiological standpoint. Also, the findings of this study could be used by referral Behçet clinics, which evaluate and diagnose patients with a high pretest probability and atypical presentations of BD on a daily basis. The alternative diagnoses established in this study could be used as the list of the most common differential diagnoses for Behçet’s disease.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by viral pneumonia with mild to moderate symptoms. Emerging studies suggest that some patients may experience uncommon complications, such as thrombotic or hemorrhagic episodes. Here we present a 59-year-old male patient who had a hemorrhage episode from a branch of the pulmonary arteries and was treated by interventional embolization. Our case report demonstrates the importance of early diagnosis of hemorrhagic complications of COVID-19 and the possible benefits of early vascular intervention.

Contractor prequalification assessment in the construction industry is an essential part of the project development process because contractors play a pivotal role in the extension of projects and resources. The main objective of the present study is comprised prequalification assessment for classifying contractors by applied the EDAS method for recognizing the contractors' potential before competitive tendering and obtaining bids. First, an inclusive, detailed list of 56 sub-factors under 5 main factors for project prequalification was compiled following a thorough literature review, and review of contractors by experts of Bandar Imam Khomeini municipality who already have done projects with contractors. Second, used the CRITIC method for obtained the weighing and importance of each factor. Third, classified the contractors by applied the EDAS system for recognizing the contractors' potential before competitive tendering and obtaining bids. Finally, the prequalification assessment process was developed to obtaining the rank of each contractor and help the stakeholders to select the right contractors. The effectiveness of the present approach was tested by applying it to a case study of the prequalification assessment of four construction companies' in Bandar Imam Khomeini municipality, Khuzestan, Iran. It is worth mentioning that the prequalification assessment by the proposed approach is approved by the project stakeholders and is consistent with their expectations. It can be concluded that based on relevant ranking and weighing of companies that procedure can be extended to the same studies in this regard, and the contribution of the present study is to propose a support system for prequalification and identification of contractors' ability, before assigning projects to companies for success in projects.

Today, the use of CFT columns is increasing worldwide, due to the confinement of concrete and steel, speed of build, and no need of formwork, In these columns, the circular sections produce the most confinement effect for the core concrete That’s why these columns are mostly made in circular and square shapes. But sometimes other geometrical shapes such as (T) are used, which provide less confinement for core concrete than circular and square sections. The AISC Code for the Calculation of compressive strength (Pn), considers the capacity reduction factor of concrete (C2) only for circular and square sections. The Code provided the value of this coefficient for circular sections due to greater confinement in core concrete 0.95 and square sections 0.85 but did not provide a coefficient for (T) shape. So in this study, 12 specimens in three groups of experimental, numerical and theoretical were used to calculate the reduction coefficient of concrete strength (C2) and to investigate the effect of slenderness ratio on this coefficient. Finally, it was found that the reduction coefficient of concrete (C2) for (T) shape due to lower confinement of core concrete was on average 31.69% less than a circular section and 23.13% less than square section. Also with a 64% increase in slenderness ratio, the reduction coefficient of concrete strength (C2) decreased by 14.82%.

The difficulties discovered in selecting subcontractors via a simple method of bid price as the main factor along with an initial screening of subcontractor properties impressed us to look at a little beyond the existing trend and offer a coherent procedure for this purpose. Despite this, we know that the main factor in outsourcing a project is a bid price and this is in full agreement with the existing circumstances of subcontractor selection in Iran, but the objective of this research was integrating all criteria with the same importance for selecting a subcontractor. The questionnaire was used for collecting initial data of research to pass through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model of Simple Additive Weighting (SAW). The findings showed the priority in subcontractors' selection as Hejrat Manesh Izeh (1), Khesht Sazan Karoun (2), Yeganeh saze omid (3), Sakht karan Moongasht (4), Darya Sanat Khavarmianeh (5), Omran mehragane Yosef (6) respectively. The present study offered a coherent procedure to select the subcontractor regardless of the bid price importance and integrating all interfering criteria in the same importance.

Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) are used in many malignancies as vaccines to induce immunity against specific cancer antigens. The role of DCs in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is not determined. In this study, the proportion of mCRPC patients with clinically significant response to targeted therapy by DCs pulsed with prostate-specific membrane antigen was evaluated, and the possible adverse effects of this modality were investigated. Methods: Major databases were searched up to Feb 2017, to identify studies in which the antitumor efficacy of DCs pulsed with the extracellular portion of PSMA was studied for the treatment of mCRPC. Data were collected by two reviewers and analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, version 2.0. Findings: Our study consisted of 6 nonrandomized prospective (cohort) trials, overall reporting on 153 mCRPC patients. The event rate that is the representative of fraction of patients showing antitumor response was 0.43 (95% confidence interval = 0.355–0.512; P = 0.097). No significant between-study heterogeneity or inconsistency was detected (I2 = 5.47; Q = 5; P = 0.382). Our study failed to demonstrate a significant therapeutic efficacy for DCs in mCRPC. However, no significant adverse effects were seen. Keywords: Dendritic cells, Meta-analysis, Metastatic castration resistant, Prostate cancer, Prostate-specific membrane antigen

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess health behaviors (tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity) among blood donors and to examine the extent to which their health behavior patterns reflect those of the general Norwegian population. Methods: Donors (n=1488) at Akershus University Hospital Blood Bank completed a questionnaire that requested information about demographics and health behaviors. Results: Smokers were older and had a low level of education. Only 8.6% were smokers (~7% males and 10% females), less than the corresponding figure for the general population (~22% for both genders). Characteristics associated with snus-users were that they were younger (18-35 years old) and more often males (18%) than females (3%). The corresponding numbers for the general population was 21% and 6%, respectively. Groups that consumed alcohol ≥3 times a week were males, older (51-69 years old) and with higher levels of education. Those with higher physical activity (30 min ≥3 times a week) tended also to be males, older and higher educated. Similar findings are reported in national surveys. Conclusion: Compared with the general population, the blood donors in this study, on average, had a low prevalence of smoking, were low-frequency alcohol consumers, were more physically active, and more educated. This is mainly due to the so-called “healthy donor effect” which leads to the selection of healthy persons for blood donation, although educational differences may also partly explain the findings.

Introduction: Traffic accidents are of the most common causes for emergency ward admissions with variable outcomes ranging from full recovery to death. In order to have an accurate policy setting, the information regarding the accidents should be unraveled. The present study was carried out aiming to describe traffic accidents causing trauma in one of Iran’s major municipalities. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 757 patients admitted to the emergency wards with the background of traffic accidents were included in the study. All patients had signed informed consent before participating in the study. Data regarding these patients were extracted from the hospital information system (HIS) and then analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 33.09 ± 17.19. Most of the patients (70.7%) were men. Almost two third of the patients were injured inside the cities. Accidents happening on the inter-city roads were significantly related to the car collisions. Emergency medical services (EMS) were the most common route of admission and referral. The head trauma had the highest incidence rate among all traumas based on location. Accidents on the inter-city roads were related to the injury to the neck, thorax, and upper limbs. Conclusion: Based on various factors effecting trauma caused in traffic accidents, the clinical picture was variable. It is important to have an understanding of the situation regarding traffic accidents in order to further enhance the quality of care for these patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide knowledge about various methods by which blood donors are recruited to the Blood bank. It was investigated whether methods of recruitment were influenced by demographics or if they were changed over time. Methods: Data were collected using a questionnaire given to 1498 donors. Donors were stratified into 1 of 3 recruitment groups: recruited by friends/colleagues, recruited by family and recruited by other methods (Red Cross webpage, media, recruitment campaigns, Facebook). To assess changes over time, donors were grouped into five periods: 1978-90, 1991-2000, 2001-05, 2006-10 and 2011-15. Results: Compared to the group that was recruited by friends/colleagues, the group that was recruited by family had a significantly higher percentage of men (53% vs 43%) a higher percentage in the 18-35 age group (60% vs 48%) and a higher percentage with RhD negative blood types (35% vs 14%). In a logistic regression model RhD negative blood type was the single most important predictor of being recruited by family (adjusted odds ratio 3.7; p

Background: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is an uncommon but known finding in coronary angiography. We compared the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with sole CAE and coronary artery disease (CAD) patients as well as normal coronary individuals who presented to our center. Methods: In this case-control study, we compared patients with lone coronary ectasia with two other groups: patients with CAD and normal coronary individuals. Demographic and clinical data of the ectatic patients were retrieved from the databank of our center and all variables, particularly neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio compared between the study groups. Results: A total of 233 patients with coronary ectasia met our criteria and were compared to 433 stenotic CAD patients and 466 normal coronary individuals. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was significantly lower in the normal coronary individuals (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the coronary ectasia group and the CAD group. This difference was significantly lower in the normal coronary group (P < 0.001), while no difference was observed between the ectasia and the CAD group (P = 0.127). Conclusion: Higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was present in patients with CAE and CAD patients than the normal coronary individuals.

Mineral scale deposition in near wellbore regions of injection wells is one of the main challengeable issues during the water injection process, which magnifies the importance of robust models in predicting the amount of mineral scale deposition such as calcium sulfate. One of the main challenges of CaSO4 scale is in carbonated reservoirs, in which sensitive behavior is observed in related to the contribution of both calcium and sulfate ions in carbonated and sulfated scale reactions. This defect is mirror of wrong procedure and value in the estimation of first kind/value of precipitant contributed in scale deposition reactions (ions competition) as well as inconsistent temperature/pressure dependent coefficients of prediction model. The objective of this study is to develop a model that can accurately predict the formation and amount of CaSO4 scale as the dominant scale in multicomponent aqueous systems by three major tools, namely utilization the best temperature- and pressure-dependent thermodynamic interactive ion coefficients (MSE Model: Pitzer), developing our fine-tuned iterative mathematical solver, and verification of the results of the model by accurate experimental data. The results showed that at the optimum value of precipitant (10%) in scale deposition reactions and by defining the best temperature- and pressure-dependent coefficients, we can attain the best accuracy in the prediction of CaSO4 scale deposited amount (less than 0.06% as a relative error compared to 36% overestimation and 22% underestimation in commercial software). The output of this study is developed software leading to the more accurate prediction of the amount of promising scales in near wellbore regions or pipelines.

In the recent decade, development of microfluidic bioreactors and organ‐on‐chip platforms for drug screening and disease modeling has been rising significantly. Prediction of oxygen level within the microfluidic bioreactors to create physiologically relevant oxygen tension for realistic cellular behavior is of critical importance. This article presented an analytical method to calculate oxygen tension in microchannel parallel plate bioreactors. Two‐dimensional convection‐diffusion equation was solved analytically with considering diffusion in two directions. Cellular oxygen consumption was assumed to follow Michaelis‐Menten kinetics. Effects of oxygenator design, gas permeability of the microfluidic channels, as well as flow rate and cell density on the oxygen distribution within the bioreactor were examined. In addition, a mathematical model was developed to predict oxygen tension in a fluidic circuit containing two interconnected bioreactors with and without recirculation of the media for the culture of hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes. The oxygenators were used to maintain normoxia in the bioreactors independently. The model allowed for the prediction and independent modulation of oxygen tension in the two bioreactors through changing the length of the oxygenators. In overall, the obtained results provide critical insights required for the design and operation of microfluidic bioreactors with desired levels of oxygen tension.

Sperm selection is a clinical need for guided fertilization in men with low-quality semen. In this regard, microfluidics can provide an enabling platform for the precise manipulation and separation of high-quality sperm cells through applying various stimuli, including chemical agents, mechanical forces, and thermal gradients. In addition, microfluidic platforms can help to guide sperms and oocytes for controlled in vitro fertilization or sperm sorting using both passive and active methods. Herein, we present a detailed review of the use of various microfluidic methods for sorting and categorizing sperms for different applications. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are further discussed and future perspectives in the field are given.

Due to the growing populations in areas at high risk of natural disasters, hazard and risk assessments of landslides have attracted significant attention from researchers worldwide. In order to assess potential risks and design possible countermeasures, it is necessary to have a better understanding of this phenomenon and its mechanism. As a result, the prediction of landslide evolution using continuum dynamic modeling implemented in advanced simulation tools is becoming more important. We analyzed a depth-integrated, two-phase model implemented in two different sets of code to stimulate rapid landslides, such as debris flows and rock avalanches. The first set of code, r.avaflow, represents a GIS-based computational framework and employs the NOC-TVD numerical scheme. The second set of code, GeoFlow-SPH, is based on the mesh-free numerical method of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) with the capability of describing pore pressure’s evolution along the vertical distribution of flowing mass. Two real cases of an Acheron rock avalanche and Sham Tseng San Tsuen debris flow were used with the best fit values of geotechnical parameters obtained in the prior modeling to investigate the capabilities of the sets of code. Comparison of the results evidenced that both sets of code were capable of properly reproducing the run-out distance, deposition thickness, and deposition shape in the benchmark exercises. However, the values of maximum propagation velocities and thickness were considerably different, suggesting that using more than one set of simulation code allows us to predict more accurately the possible scenarios and design more effective countermeasures.

Introduction: Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders in the world with occurs with higher incidence in women. In the present study, the effect of water-alcoholic extract of Papaver rhoeas L. on forced swimming test (FST) in Swiss-Webster mice were examined. Methods: We used Swiss-Webster mice (20-25 g) to execute FST on them. The plant extract (1, 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) was injected to the animals 30 minutes before each session. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) was used as standard antidepressant drug. In another group of animals, 30 minutes after extract administration, blood samples were taken from retro-orbital sinus for corticosterone assay. Yet in third group, the drugs were injected to the animals and 30 minutes later, their activities were tested in an open field apparatus. Results: Our experiments showed that the extract efficiently reduced FST time both in male and female mice dose-dependently. This effect was comparable with fluoxetine. In addition, corticosterone assay indicated that plasma corticosterone in animals which received extract was higher than those amounts in fluoxetine and saline controls. Moreover, the animals did not show any motor activity deficit in all doses of the extract and fluoxetine compared to saline control. Conclusion: The extract of Papaver rhoeas can reduce immobility time which is comparable to the effect of fluoxetine. Also the effect of the extract is contrary to its effects on plasma corticosterone level and or animals’ activity.

One-third of globally, injuries to the adults in the world were related to workers and work situations. The aim of the present study was determining of work-related injuries rate among workers at two main metal industries (aluminum and Cooper industries) and independent predictors of fatal work-related injuries among them. Present cross-sectional study was assessed fatal and not fatal work-related injuries among 11172 workers into two groups of Iranian metal industries between April 2003 and September 2011. Information was obtained from the electronic registry of work-related injuries to the health & environment office of Iranian Mines and mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization of the Iranian industrial ministry. Binary logistic regression was used for determining predictors of fatal work-related injuries. During the study period, 55 workers of metal companies had been dyed and mortality rate among study workers was 1.7% and 3282 work-related injuries were reported. Mortality rate in study workers had significant association with injury location (P≤0.00), worker's age (P≤0.00) and not significant association with worker's shift (P≥0.44), educational level (P≥0.46), injury type (P≥0.65) and work experience (P≤0.07). In linear regression model analysis only age of workers was independent mortality predictors among study workers. Based on our findings work-related injuries in mentioned industries in this study setting are high, and a comprehensive injury prevention program seems to be essential.

Background­ and objectives : Research has consistently shown that air quality personal factors and work related factors were the most effective parameters for sick building syndrome. Several epidemiological studies have been carried out to show the prevalence of the sick building syndrome among the office workers but less attention has been paid to the relation of the sick building syndrome and the environmental parameters. In this work, the relationship between sick building symptoms and indoor environmental factors of two office buildings were studied. Methods: In this cross- sectional study, the sick building symptoms among two office building workers of Petroleum Industry Health Organization were examined. For this purpose, a validated questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of the sick building syndromes and the relationship between personal and environmental factors. Meantime, indoor environmental factors including noise, light, humidity, air velocity , temperature and CO2 concentration were measured with appropriate calibrated instrumentations. Results: The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between CO2 concentration as an air quality factor and some sick building symptoms including nausea, headache, nasal irritation, shortness of breath and dry throat. A significant relationship (P-Value < 0.05) was determined between the noise exposure and headache as well as dizziness. The light intensity had a significant impact (P-Value < 0.05) on dry skin, eye pain and malaise. Conclusion: Sick building symptoms among the women were higher than men. Environmental factors and indoor air quality had major impact on sick building symptoms in office buildings.

Background & Objectives: Fasting in the month of Ramadan has several positive effects on the emotional and mental state and improves happiness in the community. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fasting on the level of happiness in the general population. Materials and Methods: In this study, we used pretest-posttest analysis to evaluate the hypothesis, and the study population consisted of the people of Kermanshah, Iran. In total, 110 individuals were selected randomly, and the evaluation of happiness was performed using MUNSH happiness survey including four scales of positive appreciation (PA), positive experience (PE), negative appreciation (NA) and negative experience (NE). Data analysis was performed using T-test in SPSS V.18. Results: In this study, a significant difference was observed between the level of happiness before and after the month of Ramadan. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test in terms of NA (P=0.032, T=2.16) and NE (P=0.001, T=3.302). However, no significant difference was observed in PA and PE before and after Ramadan in the study population. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, fasting could positively affect the level of happiness in a community. Therefore, further attention needs to be drawn to the religious beliefs of people and their effects on the mental health of a society.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disease resulting from mutation(s) in TSC1 or TSC2 genes. TSC is associated with the formation of hamartomas in the brain, heart, eyes, skin, kidneys, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) of the lungs. LAM is almost restricted to women in reproductive age. Different mutations in TSC1 and TSC2 genes have been reported in the literature. Here, we present a female patient with TSC-LAM with a novel mutation in TSC2 gene. The patient also had multiple hepatic angiomyolipomas, which is a relatively less-reported manifestation of the disease. The impact of this mutation on the pattern of disease presentation and response to treatment is not clear yet.

The primary objective of blood banks is to maintain a stable blood supply in order to meet the hospitals’ demand for blood. This requires, among other things, that donors keep their scheduled appointments. The reasons underlying missed appointments, however, are unclear. The current study sought to identify the reasons for missed donation appointments among blood donors. During the period February-June 2013, telephone interviews with repeat whole-blood donors who had missed their donation appointments were conducted. We asked them about their reasons for not keeping their appointments. Donors who missed appointments were significantly younger than those who kept their appointments (mean age 41,4 years versus 45,2 years). The results also demonstrated that donors in the two youngest age groups were about three times more likely to miss their appointment compared to those in the oldest age group. There were no significant differences between male and female donors who had missed their appointment with respect to demographic characteristics. The most frequently given reason for missing appointments was illness (41,0 %) followed by time pressure (27,2 %) and forgetting the appointment (12,6 %). In conclusion, there were significant differences between appointment status and donor’s age, but not their gender. Most of the reasons given for missed appointments seem to be beyond the blood bank’s control.

Objectives: Multiple studies have noted the positive effect of fasting on mental health improvement. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of fasting on mental health in the general population of Kermanshah, Iran. Methods: In this analytical research, one-group pretest-posttest design was used for the evaluation of 110 residents of Kermanshah city. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) with four subscales was utilized in order to assess the subjects’ mental health. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and paired t-test. Results: There was a significant difference between pre- and post-test results in terms of general health score (t= 3.138, P= 0.002), i.e., fasting could increase the population’s general health. There was a significant positive relationship between fasting and four subscales of general health including somatic symptoms (t=2.138, P=0.035), insomnia/anxiety (t=2.587, P=0.011), and social dysfunction (t=2.627, P=0.010). However, fasting had no significant effect on severe depression and suicidal tendencies (t=1.700, P=0.092). Conclusion: The obtained results showed that fasting has a positive effect on mental health in the general population of Kermanshah. Thus, more attention should be paid to fasting and its impact on people’s mental health.

This paper is concerned with asphaltene deposition in fluid flowing through pipelines. Brownian diffusion and drag, gravitational, thermophoresis, buoyancy, and shear removal are considered as possible mechanisms in the asphaltene deposition process. The thermo-physical properties of the fluid were obtained from Iranian oil fields. A model was used in the pipeline deposition modeling to predict the asphaltene deposition rates under flow conditions. The effects of particle size, temperature gradient, and fluid velocity were studied on asphaltene deposition rate. The results showed that, among the above-mentioned mechanisms, the gravitational and thermophoresis forces played a significant role in the formation of the deposit under the flow conditions. To verify the model, some predictions were compared with the available aerosol deposition data in the literature.

Background & Objectives: Selection of specialty field to continue education is such a great challenge for general physicians that can create stress in their personal life The purpose of this study is survey of relationship of specialty select and education place with internship students anxiety in 2010 Methods: This descriptive and crosssectional study was performed on a total of 370 medical residents selected through stratified sampling from Isfahan Guilan Zahedan Sanandaj and Kashan Universities of Medical Sciences Iran Data were collected through demographic features questionnaire and Zung anxiety selfevaluation questionnaire Results : More than 92% of residents did not have anxiety and were in normal condition From all 168 (454%) had selected their specialty field based on just their personal interests 55 (149%) based on external factors and 147 (3974%) based on both internal and external factors In regard to the place of study 220 residents (595%) were studying in their first three preferred cities and there was a significant relationship between anxiety and place of education (P < 005) Conclusion: Since academic satisfaction and success of medical residents is highly dependent on studying in their favorite specialty field and place administrative programming by officials and planners is highly required for omitting barriers in selecting field and place of education

Background: This study was aimed at assessing the accuracy of provocative tests in diagnosis of acute or chronic Cervical Radiculopathy (CR) based on an electrodiagnostic reference criterion. Materials and Methods : Shoulder Abduction Test (SAT), Spurling Test (ST), Upper Limb Tension Test (ULTT), and electromyography were done on 97 patients who referred to Electrodiagnostic center in the university hospital from January 2010 to March 2011. All of the participants had neck and radicular pain for at least 3 weeks. They were classified according to electrodiagnostic findings. Then diagnostic values of provocative tests were assessed in diagnosis of acute or chronic CR on the basis of reference criterion. Results : SAT and ST were more specific (85%) compared to ULTT, while ULTT was more sensitive (60.46% in acute and 35.29% in chronic) than the other two. SAT and ST had a significant accuracy for comparison between acute and chronic CR (P < 0.05). Conclusion : ULTT is suitable for screening of CR, while SAT and ST can support diagnosis. SAT and ST are good diagnostic tests for comparison between acute and chronic CR.

Background: Neuropsychiatric abnormalities are among the most common manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They have been proposed to be associated with impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF). Cerebral vasomotor reactivity (VMR) is a hemodynamic parameter effective in the autoregulation of CBF. The aim of the present study is to determine and compare the VMR of women with stable SLE and normal women. Materials and Methods: According to the study criteria 60 women in each group entered the study. VMR was evaluated with Transcranial Doppler (TCD) at rest and after one minute of breath holding. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean of age between two groups (31.76 ± 7.50 years in the SLE group versus 32.43 ± 4.55 years in the control group, P value: 0.64). The mean duration of SLE in the case group was 5.40 ± 3.60 years. The means of the Breath-Holding Index (BHI) in the SLE and control groups were 0.842 ± 0.72% and 0.815 ± 0.26%, respectively, which was not significantly different (P value: 0.82). Conclusion: This study indicates that the VMR of women with stable SLE is not significantly different from the age- and sex-matched normal population. However, further investigations on patients with longer SLE duration and more neuropsychological abnormality rates are suggested.

مقدمه: پاره‌ای از تحقیقات اخیر ارتباط معنی‌داری را بین كاهش بروز استروك و سطح بالای اسید اوریك خون گزارش نموده‌اند. به عبارت دیگر، افزایش سطح اسید اوریك خون منجر به پایین آمدن ریسك ابتلا به استروك می‌گردد. همچنین در دوره‌ی بعد از سكته‌ی مغزی نیز بین افزایش اسید اوریك و پیامدهای بعد از آن نیز ارتباطاتی مشاهد گردیده است. در برخی مطالعات نیز نتایج ضد و نقیضی از ارتباط بین اسید اوریك خون و پیامدهای استروك گزارش گردیده است. تأثیرات متقابل اوریكوزوری با بلوكرهایی نظیر لوزارتان باعث تأثیر بهتر آن‌ها در مقایسه با آتنولول در كاهش خطر استروك می‌گردد. همچنین گزانتین اكسیداز ممكن است به علت چنین تعاملی منجر به نتیجه‌ی مطلوب‌تری در این بیماران گردد آلوپورینول مهم‌ترین مهار‌كننده‌ی گزانتین اكسیداز می‌باشد كه باعث كاهش این آنزیم در تغیرات عروقی به واسطه‌ی استرس می‌گردد. در شرایط Invitro بهبود عملكرد اندوتلیال در بیماری‌های قلبی-عروقی به عملكرد مولكول‌های ایجادکننده‌ی التهاب و مربوط می‌گردد. تأثیر آلوپورینول در بعد از استروك هنوز مورد بررسی قرار نگرفته است. بنابراین با توجه با تأثیرات متناقضی كه از اسید اوریك در مطالعات مختلف گزارش گردیده است و شیوع بالای اسید اوریسمی در جامعه‌ی ما انجام این مطالعه لازم و ضروری بود. روش‌ها: مطالعه‌ی حاضر یك مطالعه‌ی مورد-شاهدی بود كه طی آن یک گروه بیمار مبتلا به سکته‌ی مغزی‌ و یک گروه غیر مبتلا به عنوان گروه شاهد انتخاب شدند و سطح اسید اوریک هر دو گروه تعیین و با هم مقایسه گردید. اطلاعات مربوط به طرح، از طریق اندازه‌گیری سطح اسید اوریک خون بیماران مبتلا به سکته‌ی مغزی‌ و بیماران بستری در سایر بخش‌های بیمارستان که شرایط ورود به مطالعه را داشتند تعیین گردید. در نهایت داده‌های آماری با نرم‌افزار SPSS مورد آنالیز قرار گرفت. یافته‌ها: طبق نتایج به دست آمده از این مطالعه میانگین سطح اسید اوریک خون در گروه بیماران 68/2 ± 8/4 و در گروه شاهد 9/2 ± 44/6 بود و طبق آزمون Student-t سطح اوریک اسید خون در بیماران مبتلا به سکته‌ی مغزی‌ به طور معنی‌داری پایین‌تر بود (001/0 = (P. نتیجه‌گیری: با توجه به ارتباط معنی‌داری که بین سطح اسید اوریک خون و استرک به دست آمد، انجام اقدامات پیشگیری از بروز سکته‌ی مغزی‌ در بیمارنی که سطح اسید اوریک پایین دارند و از نظر سایر عوامل خطر نیز به عنوان گروه در معرض خطر محسوب می‌گردند لازم و ضروری بنظر می‌رسد.

Background: Through a clinical trial we evaluated statin therapy benefits over stroke outcome. Methods: All patients with moderate stroke in Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) were registered during February 2006 to February 2008, in Al Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Among 55 patients who were enrolled in the present study, 25 subjects received 20 mg lovastatin daily, for 90 days after stroke attack (group 1) and 30 patients received no treatment (group 2). Patients were assessed at admission, 7 and 90 days after stroke. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was recorded in the day 1 and 7 in the hospital with a questionnaire and BARTHEL index was estimated 90 days after stroke incidence by a telephone survey or in an outpatient visit. Data were analyzed by means of c2 , ′t′ test and Independent ′t′ test. Results: NIHSS score measured in first day immediately after stroke attack and following 7 days, did not differ significantly in two groups. Moreover, BARTHEL index recorded within 90 days was not also different comparing group 1 and 2. After 90 days, no mortality was recorded in group 2, while one patient expired in group treating with statins (P-value>0.05). Discussion: We did not find statins administration to play any role in stroke recovery and consequent long-term prognosis. More researches with larger samples are needed to establish the possible favorable outcome of statins when administered in cerebrovascular diseases.

Objective: Ecstasy, or 3, 4 (±) methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is a potent neurotoxic drug. One of the mechanisms for its toxicity is the secondary release of glutamate. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) express only one glutamate receptor, the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5), which is involved in the maintenance and self-renewal of mESCs. This study aims to investigate whether MDMA could influence self-renewal via the mGlu5 receptor in mESCs.Materials and Methods: In this expremental study, we used immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to determine the presence of the mGlu5 receptor in mESCs. The expression of mGlu5 was evaluated after MDMA was added to mESCs throughout neural precursor cell formation as group 1 and during neural precursor cell differentiation as group 2. The stemness characteristic in treated mESCs by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry was studied. Finally, caspase activity was evaluated by fluorescence staining in the treated group. One-way ANOVA or repeated measure of ANOVA according to the experimental design was used for statistical analyses.Results: In this study mGlu5 expression was shown in mESCs. In terms of neuronal differentiation, MDMA affected mGlu5 expression during neural precursor cell formation (group 1) and not during neural precursor differentiation (group 2). MDMA (450 μM) induced a significant increment in self-renewal properties in mESCs but did not reverse 2-methyl-6(phenylethynyl) pyridine (MPEP, 1 μM), a non-competitive selective mGlu5 antagonist. Fluorescence staining with anti-caspase 3 showed a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the MDMA group.Conclusion: We observed a dual role for MDMA on mESCs: reduced proliferation and maintenance of self-renewal. The lack of decreasing stemness characteristic in presence of MPEP suggests that MDMA mediates its role through a different mechanism that requires further investigation. In conclusion, despite being toxic, MDMA maintains stemness characteristics.