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Abstract Background and Objective: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the agents causing nosocomial infection therefore, we decided to report the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae caused infection. Material and methods: The frequency of Klebsiella in culture media samples of Panje Azar hospital was studied in 2011-2012. After determination of the species with biochemical methods and determination of resistance to third generation cephalosporins, the existence of responsible genes for this resistance was investigated using specific primers. The PCR product for CTX-M gene was sequenced. Results: During the study, 70 isolates of Klebsiella were isolated in that 51 (72.8%) related to three months of November, December and January. Except for the one related to November, other ESBL cases belonged to these three months. Based on molecular investigation of ESBL genes, these isolates at least were in 3 types and had a high frequency in Internal, female and Emergency wards. Conclusion: The present report implied a sudden prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae that detected and controlled by a correct monitoring. Keyword: Klebsiella Pneumoniae, ESBL, CTX-M

Abstract Background and objectives: Genomic DNA extraction of bacterial cells is of processes performed normally in most biological laboratories therefore, various methods have been offered, manually and kit, which may be time consuming and costly. In this paper, genomic DNA extraction of Staphylococcus aureus was investigated using some laundry detergent brands available in Iran to achieve a rapid and cost effective method. Material and Methods: five-enzyme Taj brand, three-enzyme Saftlan brand ,and Darya and Pak brands without enzyme were used in the concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 80 mg/L. Afterwards, in order to evaluate the efficiency of extracted DNA in downstream processing, PCR test was performed for femA gene in the genome of Staphylococcus aureus. Results: DNA extraction using different concentrations of the brands show that extracted DNA using 40 mg/L Saftlan and Taj brand powders have the best results according concentration (µg/ml) and purity (A260/A280) parameters. These parameters are 387.5 1.88 (Taj), 254.1 2.80 (Softlan), 396.6 1.95 (Manual) and 423.3 2.2 (Kit), respectively. Afterward, the PCR test results by show that DNA extraction using laundry detergents has no effect on its efficiency in order to be used in downstream processes. Conclusion: These results indicate that the proper concentrations of laundry detergents can be used to extract genomic DNA with similar efficiency to kit and manual extraction methods. Key words: Bacterial genome, DNA extraction, laundry powder, PCR, Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract Background and objectives: The increase of ESBL producing E.coli can create a tremendous difficult y for the health system. These isolates leads to rapid transmission of causative genes to other clinically important bacteria and synchronously increased resistant to other antibiotics. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of this isolate and related genes in Gorgan, North of Iran. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 218 isolated E.coli from urinary tract infection of outpatients referring to six medical laboratories in Gorgan, during 2010-11. The resistance to Cefotaxim (Mast Co.) was assessed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The confirmatory test for detection of resistant isolates was carried out by double disk method at the presence of Cefotaxim and clavulanic acid. The presence of β lactamase gene of blatem, blactx and blashv in ESBL was assessed by PCR method. Results: of 218, 70 isolates (32.1%) are resistant to Cefotaxim. Sixty-two (88.6%) of them are confirmed as ESBL producing E.coli. β lactamase genes of blactx, blatem and blashv can be seen in 28(45.2%), 26(41.9%) and 6(9.7%) isolates, respectively. Conclusion: the prevalence of ESBL producing E.coli in Gorgan is in the range of country average and blaCTX-M gene is the most common gene. Key words: E.coli, ESBL, bla gene, UTI

Weeds are always a serious problem in agriculture. Depending on the type of product and weed, wide ranges of fighting methods have been utilized and consequently, it is associated with different harmful economic and environmental effects in different countries. Sinapis arvensis is a common weed with the ecumenical expansion causing performance reduction of many crops, especially wheat. In comparison to the other methods, the biological control method is more efficient. In this study, 4 strains of pea pesto-stricken farms, were isolated from Iran (Lorestan) with the aim of biological control of the Sinapis arvensis weeds. The effects of 50 μl /cm2 produced supernatant of 7 days cultured fungal biomass that was purified by filtration were assayed, on the goal plant in laboratory and research greenhouse, three-fold and according to numbering method, the most necrotic was related to IRLM.LC34 strain, because destructive effects were appeared as necrosis on leaf, stem and finally lead to the death. Therefore this strain was selected for further study. Since the strain was native, the supernatant was inspissated using ammonium sulfate, as a result, causes severe destructive effects on the plant. The protein purification using FPLC showed the presence of the main part containing a protein with about 24 kDa. The direct effect of 50 μl purified protein mixed with 0.5% tween 20 on the leaves of weed, resulting in necrosis on target plant. Its morphological properties survey based on 18S rDNA analysis showed that this strain has the most similarity to Fusarium exosporium. These results indicated that selective destructive effect on dicotyledon weeds and non-harmful effect on the type monocotyledon plants like wheat. In addition, losing of the biological activity of phytotoxin could have any serious environmental hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we give the characterization of Pareto eigenvalues preserving linear maps on real square matrices. In fact, we show that a linear mapon, the algebra of allnbynmatrices with real entries, preserves Pareto eigenvalues if and only if, for some nonnegative generalized permutation matrixP. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) plays an important role in regulating T cell activation. CTLA-4 gene polymorphism is related to genetic susceptibility to various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to evaluate the role of CTLA-4 polymorphism at positions-1661AG in patients with SLE. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 180 SLE patients referred to 5th Azar educational hospital (Gorgan, Iran during 2010-2011) and 304 ethnically-and age-matched healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to analyze the genotype and allele frequencies of this polymorphism. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the studied genotypic and allelic frequencies between the SLE patients and healthy controls. Moreover, no significant correlation was found between the different risk factors (e.g., age, ethnicity, history of the disease and the parents' relationship) and the different genotypes. Conclusion: Results suggest that the -1661AG polymorphism in the promoter region of the CTLA-4 gene has no role in the genetic susceptibility to SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Jeffery--Hamel flow is studied. The velocity is evaluated by using an analytical solution technique: Homotopy perturbation method and Padé approximation. The results compared with the numerical results. Good agreement between analytical approximate solution and numerical method assure us about validity and accuracy of solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Solid waste municipal landfill can have injurious effect on society health, economic and environment. Therefore, spread evaluation in locating landfill is necessary to identifying the best places. The purpose of this paper is locating landfill for solid waste municipal for center of Alborz province. Materials and Method: In this paper, suitable areas are identified for land filling solid waste municipal by weighted linear combination and cluster analysis in 20 years period. Thus, suitable areas were weighted by FAHP method. Those weights were used for ranking areas by DEA technique. Result: Results showed among five landfill alternatives for solid waste municipal for center of Alborz province, alternative 1 is the best for land filling. This place is just 7 percent of total suitable places. Conclusion: The approach are used in this article (combination method of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process & Data envelopment analysis) can be suitable for locating in other areas because when an option add or delete; option ranking is not different with previous [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the purpose of the family planning programs is to make free and informed decisions about the number of children and the spacing between pregnancies as well as the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and also minimizing high-risk pregnancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of various methods of contraception in women eligible for family planning in Jahrom City. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive study. Indicators of health centers in Jahrom City were collected. 15,805 married women aged 10-49 who resided in rural areas of Jahrom were the target group of this study. Results: Findings show that the %16.9 of cases used pills, %2.1 took siclofem injections, %5.6 took medroxyprogesterone injections, %14.3 used condom, %4.6 used IUD, 22.9% underwent tubectomy, and 1.39% underwent vasectomy. Conclusions: Family planning Index in 2011 was 67.9 for Jahrom. The lowest rate belonged to vasectomy and tubal ligation had the highest rate of use. That shows men's poor participation in family planning programs and signifies women welcome permanent contraceptive methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrduction: Anxiety is an unpleasant, ambiguous feeling with unknown sources. At times, anxiety is directed towards health, causing psychological disorders such as hypochondriasis which is caused by an incorrect interpretation of physical symptoms and its related information. Although family planning programs are needed in some communities, people who have this condition and use permanent contraceptive methods can exert evastating effects on country's population policies. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the prevalence of hypochondriasis in women with tubal ligation in 2013. 144 women were surveyed in Jahrom City. Simple random sampling was used. Available urban residents willing to participate during the period of study were used to collect relevant data. Data were collected via a two-part questionnaire including demographic data and Evans Syndrome Questionnaire containing 36 items. Based on the scores obtained by participants they were characterized as healthy (0-20), borderline (21-30), mild (31-40), medium (41-60) and severe (above 60) groups. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 16.0. Results: The mean age of participants was 44.03±8.05 and the age of tubal ligation was 32.79±6.68 years. In terms of education 36.4% of participants were below diploma and 7.1% had attended universities. 62.7% of women had vaginal deliveries and 15.5% had a history of both vaginal and cesarean. The mean score of hypochondriasis in all of participants were 25.69±9.49. 44 (30.6%) of the women were healthy but 8 (5.6%) women had sever hypochondriasis. 38.2% of these woman had hypochondriasis in borderline zone. There was a significant association between the age of tubal ligation, satisfaction with this method, and the score of hypochondriasis (p= 0.035). Conclusion: Psychological consultations before choosing a permanent method of contraception are essential for arriving at the desired outcomes and enhancing satisfaction with family planning. Although the return of these methods is trivial today, yet people's anxieties and obsessions can be effective on social and personal dissatisfactions with life, marital relationships, and transmission of this feeling to women who are medically required to undergo tubectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Solid waste municipal landfill can have injurious effect on society health, economic and environment. Therefore, spread evaluation in locating landfill is necessary to identifying the best places. The purpose of this paper is locating landfill for solid waste municipal for center of Alborz province. Materials and Method: In this paper, suitable areas are identified for landfilling solidwaste municipal by weighted linear combination and cluster analysis in 20 years period. Thus, suitable areas were weighted by FAHP method. Those weights were used for ranking areas by DEA technique. Result: Results showed among five landfill alternatives for solid waste municipal for center of Alborz province, alternative 1 is the best for land filling. This place is just 7 percent of total suitable places. Conclusion: The approach are used in this article (combination method of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process & Data envelopment analysis) can be suitable for locating in other areas because when an option add or delete ; option ranking is not different with previous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune response genes are highly polymorphic in humans and mice, with heterogeneity amongst loci driving strain-specific host defence responses. The inadvertent retention of polymorphic loci can introduce confounding phenotypes, leading to erroneous conclusions, and impeding scientific advancement. In this study, we employ a combination of RNAseq and variant calling analyses to identify a substantial region of 129S genome, including the highly polymorphic Nlrp1 locus, proximal to Nlrp3, in one of the most commonly used mouse models of NLRP3 deficiency (Nlrp3 tm1Flv ). We show that the presence of the Nlrp1 129S locus leads to an increase in NLRP1B protein expression, and a sensitising of Nlrp3 tm1Flv macrophages to NLRP1 inflammasome activation, independent of NLRP3 deficiency. Retention of 129S genome further leads to protein sequence differences and altered gene regulation across multiple cell types, including of the key tissue-resident macrophage marker, TIM4. Using alternative models of NLRP3 deficiency, including a previously undescribed conditional Nlrp3 allele enabling precise temporal and cell-type specific control over Nlrp3 deletion, we further show that NLRP3 contributes to Talabostat-driven IL-1β release. Our study also establishes a generic framework to identify functionally relevant SNPs and assess genomic contamination in transgenic mice using RNAseq data. This allows for unambiguous attribution of phenotypes to the target gene and advances the precision and reliability of research in the field of host defence responses., Competing Interests: Competing interests: EL is cofounder and consultant of IFM Therapeutics and Odyssey Therapeutics as well as a cofounder and board member of Dioscure Therapeutics and a Stealth Biotech. FM is a cofounder and consultant of Odyssey Therapeutics. The other authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Colorectal cancer is one of the major leading causes of death worldwide, and available treatments for advanced colorectal cancer are not successful. Therefore, early detection of colorectal cancer is essential to improve patient survival, and biomarkers are potential tools to achieve this goal. Considering the key role of lncRNAs in cancers, the aim of this study is to identify lncRNAs involved in colorectal cancer as new potential prognosis biomarkers for CRC., Methods: In this observational study, gene expression data obtained from the TCGA database were analyzed, Identification of differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs was performed, and ceRNA network was drawn. Also, survival analysis of patients was performed in order to identify potential biomarkers related to the diagnosis and prognosis of colon cancer. After confirming the results using the GSE39582 dataset, the expression of target lncRNAs in colorectal tumor tissues was also investigated to confirm the bioinformatic data., Results: Analysis of the TCGA data showed that the expression of three lncRNAs-SNHG7, ASMTL-AS1, and LINC02604-that had the highest interaction with other miRNAs and mRNAs identified based on the ceRNA network was increased in colorectal cancer. Also, based on the ceRNA network, three microRNAs, hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-mir-92a-3p, and hsa-mir-423-5p, and eight mRNAs, including CPA4, MSI2, RRM2, IGF2BP1, ONECUT2, HMGA1, SOX4, and SRM, were associated with all three mentioned lncRNAs, the expression of microRNAs was decreased and the expression of mRNAs was increased. By enrichment analysis, it was found that the target lncRNAs are involved in the processes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis, indicating their importance in the development and malignancy of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant increase in mortality in patients with higher expression levels of these lncRNAs. Analysis of the GSE39582 dataset, and real-time RT-PCR analysis, confirmed our bioinformatic results. Also, ROC analysis showed that SNHG7 was a relatively good promising biomarker (AUC = 0.73, p value = 0.02), while ASMTL-AS1 (AUC = 0.92, p value < 0.0001) and LINC02604 (AUC = 1.00, p value < 0.0001) emerged as excellent diagnostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer., Conclusion: It seems that increased expression of lncRNAs ASMTL-AS1 and LINC02604 can serve as molecular biomarkers for CRC, possibly through the sponge hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-mir-92a-3p, and hsa-mir-423 5p, which increases target mRNAs, which are effective in the carcinogenesis process., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Recognizing the importance of medicinal plants and the absence of specific medications for traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of Aloe vera on oxidative stress, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and neurological scores following TBI., Materials and Methods: Adult male rats were categorized into five groups: sham, TBI, vehicle, low-dose Aloe vera (LA), and high-dose Aloe vera (HA). We induced diffuse TBI using the Marmaro model and administered the aqueous Aloe vera leaf extract, as well as vehicle, via intraperitoneal injection half an hour after TBI. Neurological outcomes were assessed both before and several hours after TBI. Additionally, oxidative stress factors were measured 24 hr after TBI, and Evans blue content (a BBB permeability index) was determined 5 hr after TBI in both serum and brain., Results: Both LA and HA reduced the increase in BBB permeability after TBI, with HA having a more pronounced effect than LA. Both Aloe vera doses decreased brain MDA levels, increased brain TAC, and lowered both serum and brain PC levels. The impact of Aloe vera on brain oxidative parameters was more significant than on serum. HA also counteracted the declining effects of TBI on neurological outcomes at 4 and 24 hr post-TBI., Conclusion: This study suggests that Aloe vera extract may reduce BBB permeability and improve neurological outcomes after TBI by decreasing oxidative factors and increasing antioxidant factors., Competing Interests: The authors state that there is no conflict of interest, (Copyright © 2024 Mohammad Khaksari et al.)

Objective: The present work examined the anti-metastatic effects of auraptene and their underlying mechanisms of action in U87 Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells., Materials and Methods: To test the hypothesis, cell culture, Matrigel invasion assay, scratch wound healing assay, gelatin zymography assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot experiments were conducted., Results: At sublethal concentrations of 12.5 and 25 µg/ml, auraptene exhibited a significant reduction in cell invasion and migration of U87 cells, as assessed using scratch wound healing and Transwell tests, respectively. The qRT-PCR and zymography experiments demonstrated a significant decrease in both mRNA expression and activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 following auraptene treatment. Western blot analysis also showed that MMP-2 protein level and phosphorylation of metastasis-related proteins (p-JNK and p-mTOR) decreased in auraptene-treated cells. Molecular docking studies consistently demonstrated that auraptene exhibits a significant affinity towards MMP-2/-9, the ATP binding site of mTOR and JNK1/2/3., Conclusion: Auraptene inhibited the migration and invasion of GBM cells. This inhibitory effect was induced by modulating specific mechanisms, including suppressing MMPs, JNK, and mTOR activities., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that there is no conflict of interest.

Magnesium (Mg)-based implants have emerged as a promising alternative for orthopedic applications, owing to their bioactive properties and biodegradability. As the implants degrade, Mg 2+ ions are released, influencing all surrounding cell types, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are vital for bone tissue regeneration, therefore, it is essential to understand their molecular response to Mg 2+ ions in order to maximize the potential of Mg-based biomaterials. In this study, we conducted a gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis to examine the molecular responses of MSCs to Mg 2+ ions. We used time-series proteomics data collected at 11 time points across a 21-day period for the GRN construction. We studied the impact of Mg 2+ ions on the resulting networks and identified the key proteins and protein interactions affected by the application of Mg 2+ ions. Our analysis highlights MYL1, MDH2, GLS, and TRIM28 as the primary targets of Mg 2+ ions in the response of MSCs during 1-21 days phase. Our results also identify MDH2-MYL1, MDH2-RPS26, TRIM28-AK1, TRIM28-SOD2, and GLS-AK1 as the critical protein relationships affected by Mg 2+ ions. By offering a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory role of Mg 2+ ions on MSCs, our study contributes valuable insights into the molecular response of MSCs to Mg-based materials, thereby facilitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for orthopedic applications., 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 The Authors.)

Berberis vulgaris (B. vulgaris or barberry) is a medicinal plant that has been used for various purposes in traditional medicine. Berberine is one of the main alkaloids isolated from B. vulgaris and other plants. Both B. vulgaris and berberine have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects in different experimental models and clinical trials. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the mechanisms and applications of B. vulgaris and berberine in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses. The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until August 2023. The results indicated that B. vulgaris and berberine could inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17 (IL-17), and enhance the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), in various cell types and tissues. B. vulgaris and berberine can also scavenge free radicals, increase antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. B. vulgaris and berberine have been reported to exert beneficial effects in several inflammatory, oxidative, and immune-related diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergic diseases, and infections. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the optimal doses, safety profiles, and potential interactions of B. vulgaris and berberine with other drugs or natural compounds., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The purpose of this study was to discover novel molecular pathways and potential prognosis biomarkers. To achieve this, we acquired five microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We identified differentially expressed genes between CRC and adjacent normal tissue samples and further validated them using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Using various analytical approaches, including the construction of a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, Gene Ontology term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses, as well as survival analysis, we identified key genes and pathways associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. We obtained a total of 185 differentially expressed genes, comprising 17 lncRNAs, 30 miRNAs, and 138 mRNAs. The ceRNA network consisted of 17 lncRNAs, 25 miRNAs, and 7 mRNAs. Among the 7 mRNAs involved in the ceRNA network, SLC7A5 and KRT80 were found to be upregulated, while ADIPOQ, CCBE1, KCNB1, CADM2, and CHRDL1 were downregulated in CRC. Further analysis revealed that ADIPOQ and SLC7A5 are involved in the AMPK and mTOR signaling pathway, respectively. In addition, survival analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between ADIPOQ, SLC7A5, and overall survival rates in CRC patients. In conclusion, our findings suggest that downregulation of ADIPOQ and upregulation of SLC7A5 in tumor cells lead to increased mTORC1 activity, reduced autophagy, enhanced angiogenesis, and ultimately contribute to cancer progression and decreased survival in CRC patients.

Objective: Liver is an important player in regulation of body homeostasis. Study investigated the effects of hydro-alcohol extract of Zataria multiflora (ZM) on oxidative damage, level of IL-6 and enzymes of liver in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats., Materials and Methods: The rats were distributed into 5 groups: 1) Control; 2) LPS; and 3-5) ZM-Extract (Ext) 50, ZM-Ext 100, and ZM-Ext 200. ZM-Ext groups received 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of extract 30 min before LPS. Drugs were injected intraperitoneally. The entire period of this project was 17 days. In first three days, only extract was injected and then, ZM was injected along with LPS., Results: LPS increased the level of ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate aminotransferase ), ALK-P (Alkaline Phosphatase), IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites and lowered thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) concentration. ZM extract not only reduced ALT, AST, ALK-P, IL-6, MDA, and NO metabolites concentrations but also increased thiol content, and SOD and CAT levels., Conclusion: Extract of ZM prevented LPS-induced hepatotoxicity. This protective effect was associated with reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that there is no conflict of interest.

Objective: Reconstructed oocytes after polar body genome transfer constitute a potential therapeutic option for patients with a history of embryo fragmentation and advanced maternal age. However, the rescue of genetic material from the first polar body (PB1) through introduction into the donor cytoplasm is not yet ready for clinical application., Methods: Eighty-five oocytes were obtained following in vitro maturation (IVM) and divided into two groups: PB1 nuclear transfer (PB1NT; n=54) and control (n=31). Following enucleation and PB1 genomic transfer, PB1 fusion was assessed. Subsequently, all fused oocytes underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and were cultured in an incubator under a time-lapse monitoring system to evaluate fertilization, embryonic morphokinetic parameters, and cleavage patterns., Results: Following enucleation and fusion, 77.14% of oocytes survived, and 92.59% of polar bodies (PBs) fused. However, the normal fertilization rate was lower in the PB1NT group than in the control group (56.41% vs. 92%, p=0.002). No significant differences were observed in embryo kinetics between the groups, but a significant difference was detected in embryo developmental arrest after the four-cell stage, along with abnormal cleavage division in the PB1NT group. This was followed by significant between-group differences in the implantation potential rate and euploidy status. Most embryos in the PB1NT group had at least one abnormal cleavage division (93.3%, p=0.001)., Conclusion: Fresh PB1NT oocytes successfully produced normal zygotes following PB fusion and ICSI in IVM oocytes. However, this was accompanied by low efficiency in developing into cleavage embryos, along with an increase in abnormal cleavage patterns.

Background: Using natural oral supplements is one of the methods of complementary medicine that has been widely welcomed in the last decade Since studies have reported contradictory results for effectiveness of herbal medicines during menopause and no other more effective herbal medicine has been suggested yet, the researchers of this study decided to compare the fennel and Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) and their effect on menopause problems and sex hormones., Materials and Methods: The present study was a triple-blinded, controlled clinical trial with 125 participants randomly assigned to. An intervention group received fennel, another intervention group received evening primrose oil, and the placebo group received placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Pre-intervention and post-intervention results were obtained using hormonal assay and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS)., Results: In this study, the mean follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels changed significantly in the fennel and EPO groups compared to placebo ( p < 0.001). The difference in the mean FSH score between the fennel group and EPO group was not significant ( p = 0.304), but the difference in the mean estradiol level between these groups was significant ( p = 0.043). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the mean MRS score between the intervention groups before the intervention ( p < 0.05). However, the difference in the mean MRS score between the fennel and EPO groups was not significant after the intervention ( p = 0.322)., Conclusions: Consumption of fennel and EPO can significantly change FSH, estradiol, and psychological menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women., Competing Interests: Nothing to declare., (Copyright: © 2023 Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research.)

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to ascertain the correlation between the intake of whole and refined grains and the risk of stroke in the Iranian adult population., Method: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted at Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, in 2008. The cases (n=195) were stroke patients admitted to the neurology ward, and the controls (n=195) were patients admitted to other wards in this center, with no prior history of cerebrovascular accident or any neurological disorders. The usual dietary intakes of the study participants during the previous year were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Whole and refined grains were defined according to the definition of the American Association of Cereal Chemists International; foods that contained at least 8 g per 30 g of their weight were considered as whole grains., Results: The mean age of the case and control groups was 68.0 (±13.5) and 61.5 (±10.5) years, respectively; 40% of the cases and 53.3% of the controls were female. The total intake of whole grains (27.8±4.3 vs. 29.4±3.6 g/d, P=0.77) and refined grains (264±11 vs. 296±13 g/d, P=0.07) was not significantly different between the cases and controls. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals in the second tertile of refined grain intake had a two-fold higher odds of stroke (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.08-3.71), compared to those in the first tertile. Furthermore, no significant relationships were observed between the consumption of whole grains and the risk of stroke, before or after adjustment for confounding variables. No significant trend was found between the tertiles of refined or whole grain intake and the risk of stroke., Conclusion: The authors did not find a statistically significant association between the intake of whole and refined grains and the risk of stroke. Further prospective studies on the relationship between both whole and refined grains and stroke are warranted., Competing Interests: None of the authors declared potential personal or financial conflicts of interest., (© 2023 Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center & Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.)

Background: Zataria multiflora and carvacrol showed various pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, up to now no studies have explored its potential benefits in ameliorating sepsis-induced aortic and cardiac injury. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Z. multiflora and carvacrol on nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress indicators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced aortic and cardiac injury., Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to: Control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)), and Z. multiflora hydro-ethanolic extract (ZME, 50-200 mg/kg, oral)- and carvacrol (25-100 mg/kg, oral)-treated groups. LPS was injected daily for 14 days. Treatment with ZME and carvacrol started 3 days before LPS administration and treatment continued during LPS administration. At the end of the study, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), NO, thiols, and antioxidant enzymes were evaluated., Results: Our findings showed a significant reduction in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiols in the LPS group, which were restored by ZME and carvacrol. Furthermore, ZME and carvacrol decreased MDA and NO in cardiac and aortic tissues of LPS-injected rats., Conclusions: The results suggest protective effects of ZME and carvacrol on LPS-induced cardiovascular injury via improved redox hemostasis and attenuated NO production. However, additional studies are needed to elucidate the effects of ZME and its constituents on inflammatory responses mediated by LPS., (© 2023 The Authors. Animal Models and Experimental Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Chinese Association for Laboratory Animal Sciences.)

Objective: There are few evaluation about the effects of Fennel and Ferula on human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The goals of this study were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two medicinal plants of the Apiaceae family (Fennel and Ferula) in management of PCOS., Materials and Methods: The sample size was 47 participants with PCOS who were randomly divided into 3 groups. The Ferula assa-foetida L group received 100 mg of Ferula (n=14), the Foeniculum vulgare group received 46 mg of Fennel (n=15), and the placebo group received placebo twice daily for 3 months (n=14)., Results: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of clinical parameters, endometrial thickness, or ovarian volume. After the interventions, the number of ovarian follicles was decreased in the Ferula and Fennel groups as compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). The number of ovarian follicles in both ovaries in the Ferula and Fennel group decreased and this decrease was significant in the right side as compared to placebo group. Our findings showed significant changes in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DEHAS) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels after the intervention (p<0.03) between the Ferula and Placebo groups., Conclusion: Since use of Ferula could make significant changes in TSH and DEHAS levels and decrease the number of right and left ovarian follicles compared to Fennel and placebo, it can be concluded that this herbal medicine is more effective than Fennel in managing PCOS., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that there was not any financial or technical relationship with Barij Essence Company in the present study.

Background: Previous studies have shown that Allium cepa ( A. cepa ) has relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, A. cepa extract was examined for its prophylactic effect on lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats., Methods: Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count in the blood, serum levels of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, total protein (TP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung pathology were investigated in control group (C), sensitized group (S), and sensitized groups treated with A. cepa and dexamethasone., Results: Total and most differential WBC count, TP, NO 2 , NO 3 , MDA (malondialdehyde), and lung pathological scores were increased while lymphocytes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol were decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Treatment with all concentrations of extract significantly improved total WBC, TP, NO 2 , NO 3 , interstitial fibrosis, and emphysema compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Two higher concentrations of the extract significantly decreased neutrophil and monocyte count, malondialdehyde, bleeding and epithelial damage but increased lymphocyte, CAT, and thiol compared to the S group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Dexamethasone treatment also substantially improved most measured parameters (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), but it did not change eosinophil percentage. It was proposed that A. cepa extract could affect lung inflammation and oxidative stress in sensitized rats., Competing Interests: No conflict of interest.

Detection of tumor progression in patients with glioblastoma remains a major challenge. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are potential biomarkers and can be detected in the blood of patients with glioblastoma. In our study, we evaluated the potential of serum-derived EVs from glioblastoma patients to serve as biomarker for tumor progression. EVs from serum of glioblastoma patients and healthy volunteers were separated by size exclusion chromatography and ultracentrifugation. EV markers were defined by using a proximity-extension assay and bead-based flow cytometry. Tumor progression was defined according to modified RANO criteria. EVs from the serum of glioblastoma patients (n = 67) showed an upregulation of CD29, CD44, CD81, CD146, C1QA and histone H3 as compared to serum EVs from healthy volunteers (P value range: <.0001 to .08). For two independent cohorts of glioblastoma patients, we noted upregulation of C1QA, CD44 and histone H3 upon tumor progression, but not in patients with stable disease. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, a combination of CD29, CD44, CD81, C1QA and histone H3 correlated with RANO-defined tumor progression with an AUC of 0.76. Measurement of CD29, CD44, CD81, C1QA and histone H3 in serum-derived EVs of glioblastoma patients, along with standard MRI assessment, has the potential to improve detection of true tumor progression and thus could be a useful biomarker for clinical decision making., (© 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Cancer published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of UICC.)

Defects in nucleic acid metabolizing enzymes can lead to spontaneous but selective activation of either cGAS/STING or RIG-like receptor (RLR) signaling, causing type I interferon-driven inflammatory diseases. In these pathophysiological conditions, activation of the DNA sensor cGAS and IFN production are linked to spontaneous DNA damage. Physiological, or tonic, IFN signaling on the other hand is essential to functionally prime nucleic acid sensing pathways. Here, we show that low-level chronic DNA damage in mice lacking the Aicardi-Goutières syndrome gene SAMHD1 reduced tumor-free survival when crossed to a p53-deficient, but not to a DNA mismatch repair-deficient background. Increased DNA damage did not result in higher levels of type I interferon. Instead, we found that the chronic interferon response in SAMHD1-deficient mice was driven by the MDA5/MAVS pathway but required functional priming through the cGAS/STING pathway. Our work positions cGAS/STING upstream of tonic IFN signaling in Samhd1-deficient mice and highlights an important role of the pathway in physiological and pathophysiological innate immune priming., (© 2022 Schumann et al.)

Objectives: Due to the suitable physical characteristics of 89 Zr as a PET radionuclide and affinity of Trastuzumab monoclonal antibody against HER2, [ 89 Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab was prepared and went through preclinical evaluations for ultimate human applications., Methods: 89 Zr was produced by using 89 Y(p,n) 89 Zr reaction at a 30 MeV cyclotron (radionuclide purity>99.9%, specific activity of 17 GBq/µg). p-SCN-Bn-Deferoxamine (DFO); was conjugated to trastuzumab, followed by labeling with 89 Zr in oxalate form at optimized condition. Cell binding, internalization and, radioimmuno-activity assays were studied using HER2+ BT474 and HER2- CHO cell lines. Finally, the biodistribution of the radioimmunoconjugate was assessed in normal and HER2+ BT474 tumor-bearing mice using tissue counting and imaging at different intervals after injection. Also, a woman with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer under treatment with Herceptin underwent both [ 89 Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab and, [ 18 F]FDG PET/CTs., Results: 89 Zr was produced with high radionuclidic and radiochemical purities (>99%) and [ 89 Zr]Zr-DFO-Trastuzumab was prepared with radiochemical purity of >98% and specific activity of 9.85 GBq/µmol. The radioimmunoconjugate was stable both in PBS buffer and in human serum for at least 48 h. The radioimmunoactivity assay demonstrated about 70% of [ 89 Zr]Zr-DFO-Trastuzumab is bound to the BT474 cells at the number of 250×10 6 cells. Cell binding studies showed that about 28% of radioimmunoconjugate is attached to BT474 cells after 90 min. Internalization studies showed that 50% of [ 89 Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab is internalized to BT474 cells only in 6 h. The biodistribution study of the labeled compound in normal mice demonstrated the same pattern of the monoclonal antibodies which is entirely different from the biodistribution of free 89 Zr. Biodistribution and imaging studies in tumor-bearing mice showed the significant uptake values of [ 89 Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab in tumor sites. [ 89 Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab PET/CT revealed metastatic lesions documented previously with [ 18 F]FDG PET/CT scan in a woman with breast cancer who was under treatment with Herceptin. Although the [ 18 F]FDG PET/CT scan had better quality images, the valuable and unique advantage of [ 89 Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab PET/CT is delineating HER2+ metastasis, which is essential in diagnosis and HER2-based treatments., Conclusion: The prepared [ 89 Zr]Zr-Trastuzumab has a high potential radio-pharmaceutical for immune-PET imaging of the patients with HER2+ tumors.