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Objective (s): Considering the role of self-care in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and in order to properly increase the importance of health to society, paying attention to the self-care is a priority. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of an educational intervention in the context of social messengers on the awareness of the health workers regarding the self-care program. Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 705 employees (doctors, nurses, midwives, health care workers) of health centers in Ilam province, Iran during 2020 and 2021. To collect data, a self-designed questionnaire containing 330 questions related to the 22 educational packages of the national self-care program provided by the Ministry of Health was used. The questionnaire was completed before an educational intervention and 9-months follow-up. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 24 software and through paired t-test and chi-square test. Results: The results indicated a significant increase in the awareness of health workers in the field of self-care program during a period of nine months after the educational intervention using the virtual educational method. A statistically significant relationship was observed between increasing the level of awareness of health workers with variables such as age (0.01), education level (0.05), gender (0.01) and organizational position (0.01). Conclusion: Considering the important and fundamental role of health workers in improving the level of health literacy of the society and on the other hand the growing trend of access to social messengers, it is suggested with a cascade approach and based on social accountability, suitable educational programs to improve the awareness of health workers and subsequently health ambassadors at the household level should be prioritized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chronic scrotal hyperthermia (SHT) can lead to serious disorders of the male reproductive system, with oxidative stress playing a key role in the onset of these dysfunctions. Thus, we evaluated the impact of caffeine, a potent antioxidant, on cellular and tissue disorders in mice with chronic SHT. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into seven equal groups. Apart from the non-treated control group, all were exposed to heat stress. Two groups, termed "preventive" and "curative," were orally administered caffeine. The preventive mice began receiving caffeine immediately prior to heat exposure, while for the curative group, a caffeine regimen was initiated 15 consecutive days following cessation of heat exposure. Each treated group was subdivided based on pairing with a positive control (Pre/curative [Cur]+PC) or a vehicle (Pre/Cur+vehicle). Upon conclusion of the study, we assessed sperm characteristics, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, apoptosis, antioxidant and oxidant levels, and molecular markers. Results: Sperm parameters, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, biochemical factors (excluding malondialdehyde [MDA]), and c-kit gene expression were significantly elevated in the preventive and curative groups, especially the former, relative to the other groups. Conversely, expression levels of the heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) genes, MDA levels, and apoptotic cell density were markedly lower in both caffeine-treated groups relative to the other groups, with more pronounced differences observed in the preventive group. Conclusion: Overall, caffeine attenuated cellular and molecular abnormalities induced by heat stress in the testis, particularly in the mice treated under the preventive condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the top causes of cancer-related deaths globally is esophageal cancer. In investigations of cell toxicity, the MTT test is one of the most often used cell viability/cytotoxicity assays for cellular metabolic activity. Nowadays, lactobacilli with probiotic effectiveness are now acknowledged as a prophylactic agent against cancer. The anti-tumor product of these bacteria have been designated in numerous studies. This investigation examined the probiotic Lactobacillus casei's in vivo impact on esophageal cancer. The MTT technique was used in this work to evaluate the cytotoxicity of L. casei (supernatant and full cell culture) to 5fu on the cancer cell line Kyse30. L. casei was able to decrease cell survival in supernatant and full cell culture (Kyse30). The possible impact of L. casei, particularly their supernatant, on esophageal cancer was initially evaluated in this research. As a result, lactobacilli species show promise for future research and development as cancer treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Statins play a vital role in the management of high-risk patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two doses of 40 and 80 mg of atorvastatin on lipid profiles and inflammatory markers among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Materials and Methods: This single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with ACS referred to Heshmatiyeh Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned to either 80 mg/day (atorvastatin, 80 mg/day) or 40 mg/day intervention (atorvastatin, 40 mg/day) groups. Serum lipid profiles (low-density lipoprotein [LDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], triglyceride [TG], and total cholesterol), an inflammatory marker (creatine phosphokinase [CPK]), and liver function biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) were assessed before starting treatment and 3 months later. Results: According to the paired t-test, there was a significant difference before and after intervention in each group regarding mean LDL and HDL values (P < 0.05). The result of the ANCOVA test revealed that the LDL and CPK was substantially lower in the 80 mg/day group as compared to the 40 mg/day group after 3-month intervention (62.45 ± 16.78 mg for 80 mg/day vs. 73.63 ± 20.00 for 40 mg/day P = 0.040 and 84.85 ± 6.53 IU/L for 80 mg/day vs. 120.70 ± 6.41 IU/L for 40 mg/day P = 0.001, respectively). Although the mean of HDL, TG, and cholesterol in the 80 mg/day group was lower than that of the 40 mg/day group after implementing the intervention, these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Findings suggest that increasing the dose of atorvastatin decreases the mean serum levels of LDL and CPK but has no effect on the mean serum HDL levels and liver function biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a major problem in diabetic patients, and current treatments have been confronted with limited success. The present study examined the benefit of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) derived from the human umbilical cord (UC) in wound healing in diabetic rats. Thirty days after inducing diabetes, a circular excision was created in the skin of rats, and the treatments were performed for 21 days. Two groups were studied, which included the Control group and WJ-MSCs group. The studied groups were sampled on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after wounding. Histological ultrasound imaging of dermis and epidermis in the wound area for thickness and density measurement and skin elasticity were evaluated. Our results on post-wounding days 7, 14, and 21 showed that the wound closure, thickness, and density of new epidermis and dermis, as well as skin elasticity in the healed wound, were significantly higher in the WJ-MSCs group compared to the Control group. Subcutaneous administration of WJ-MSCs in diabetic wounds can effectively accelerate healing. Based on this, these cells can be used along with other treatment methods in the healing of different types of chronic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Cell‐based therapy utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently being investigated as a therapeutic agent for chronic wounds. There is no evidence regarding effectiveness of the spray and local transfer of this cellular product in diabetic wound healing. Accordingly, the present study, using clinical, pathological and biometric parameters, investigated the effectiveness of the spray of these cells in the healing of diabetic wounds in rats. Methods: Three days after the induction of diabetes (50 mg/kg single dose of streptozotocin) a circular excision was created on the back of rats. Diabetic rats were divided into two groups (n = 21): Control and WJ‐MSCs group. Sampling of the studied groups was performed on Days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding. Histological, ultrasound imaging of dermis and epidermis in the wound area for thickness and density measurement and skin elasticity were evaluated. Results: Our results on Days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding showed that the wound closure, thickness, and density of new epidermis and dermis, as well as skin elasticity in healed wound were significantly higher in WJ‐MSCs group compared with the Control group. Conclusion: Application of WJ‐MSCs suspension spray on the wound area can accelerate healing in diabetic wounds. Our findings may potentially provide a helpful therapeutic strategy for patients with a diabetic wound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Dentate gyrus (DG) has a high density of 5-HT1A receptors. It has neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which is involved in neural excitability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of 5-HT1A receptors and nNOS of DG in perforant path kindling model of epilepsy. Material and Methods: To achieve this purpose, a receptor antagonist (WAY100635, 0.1 mg/kg, intracerebroventricular, i.c.v) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (7-NI, 15 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.) were injected during kindling aquisition. Adult male Wistar rats (280 ± 20 g) were used in this study Animals were kindled through the daily administration of brief electrical stimulations (10 stimulations per day) to the perforant pathway. Field potential recordings were performed for 20 min in DG beforehand. Additionally, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression rate in the DG was determined using immunohistochemistry as a highly specific marker for glia. Results: WAY100635 (0.1 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the kindling threshold compared to the kindled + vehicle group (P < 0.001). The co-administration of WAY100635 with 7-NI, exerted a significant anticonvulsive effect. Furthermore, the slope of field Excitatory Post Synaptic Potentials (fEPSP) at the end of 10 days in the kindled + 7-NI + WAY100635 group was significantly lower than in the kindled + vehicle group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry showed that the density of GAFP+ cells in the kindled + 7-NI + WAY100635 group was significantly higher than in the kindled + vehicle group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that antagonists of 5-HT1A receptors have proconvulsive effects and that astrocyte cells are involved in this process, while nNOS has an inhibitory effect on neuronal excitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Auraptene is a coumarin derivative extracted from citrus species, such as lemon, grapefruit, and orange. To date, auraptene has shown antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antiapoptotic, and antitumor activities. Among these, antitumor activity has become more important over the recent years, while its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. The current study was conducted to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of auraptene and its mechanisms on MCF7 cell line. Method: This experimental study investigated whether hesperidin affected the proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. MCF7 cells were cultured in DMEM medium with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 µg/ml streptomycin, and 100 units/ml penicillin. The cells were incubated in order to be treated with different concentrations of auraptene and time points. Subsequently, the amount of cytotoxicity and apoptosis was measured utilizing MTT and PI staining. Results: The MTT assay revealed that auraptene had a significant effect on cell viability and induced apoptosis in MCF7 cells at concentrations of 75, 100, 130, 170, and 200 µM. Conclusion: In this study, through the induction of apoptosis, auraptene prevented the growth and inhibited the proliferation of MCF7 cells at high concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. However, further investigation is needed to reveal the mechanisms of auraptene concerning apoptosis induction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of Novelty. Esophageal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer globally. Nowadays, Lactobacilli with probiotic potency is a preventing factor in cancer and many diseases. The anti-tumor properties of these bacteria have been indicated in various studies. Objective. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus on esophageal cancer in vivo and in vitro. Methods and Results. In this study, the cytotoxicity effects of L. rhamnosus supernatant and whole-cell culture on a cancer cell line (Kyse30) compared to 5fu were evaluated by the MTT assay. The real-time PCR method was used to analyse the L. rhamnosus supernatant effect on the expression of Wnt signaling pathway genes. An in vivo investigation in nude mice was done to assess the anti-tumor activity of L. rhamnosus supernatant and whole-cell culture. Both supernatant and whole-cell culture of L. rhamnosus reduced cell survival (Kyse30) P < 0.001. The supernatant of this bacterium significantly reduced the expression of Wnt signaling pathway genes. Administration of supernatant and whole-cell culture of L. rhamnosus expressively reduced tumor growth compared to the control group. The effects of this bacterium on tumor necrosis were quite evident, pathologically P < 0.01. Conclusion. This study is the first report that assessed the potential impact of L. rhamnosus, especially its supernatant on esophageal cancer and Wnt signaling pathway genes. Therefore, this bacterium can be a harmless candidate for esophageal cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heuristic algorithms are developed to solve the parallel-machine job-shop problems , where the criterion is the minimisation of the makespan, , or the sum of completion times,. The developed algorithms include sequencing and assigning stages. At the sequencing stage, the job-shop problem is solved, where job is available for processing from time. The problem is modelled by a mixed graph , where the vertices are the operations to be processed. The precedence constraints on the set are determined by the arc set. The resource constraints are determined by the edge set. In order to resolve a conflict arising between two operations processed on the same machine, the algorithm should substitute a conflict edge from the set by an arc incident to the same vertices from the set. The resulting digraph determines a heuristic solution to the problem , where all machines are different. The digraph determines a semi-active schedule for the problem. A mixed graph model is used for solving the problem , which allows a scheduler to construct an efficient schedule via deleting some arcs from the set in the digraph or (and) via changing orientations of the arcs. Several heuristics have been developed to transform the digraph into a new digraph as a proper answer for the problem. The developed algorithms have been tested on the benchmark instances. It is demonstrated how these algorithms may be used for solving a train timetabling problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite significant advancements in breast cancer therapy, novel drugs with lower side effects are still being demanded. In this regard, we investigated the anti-cancer features of verbascoside in 4 T1 mouse mammary tumor cell. Methods: First, MTT assay was performed with various concentrations (ranging between 5 to 200 μM) of verbascoside and IC50 was calculated. Then the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 was evaluated in treated 4 T1 cells. In addition, we investigated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB to ascertain the underlying mechanism of the anti-proliferative feature of verbascoside. Also, flow cytometry followed by double PI and Annexin V was conducted to confirm the apoptosis-inducing effect of verbascoside. Results: Our results from MTT assay showed verbascoside inhibits proliferation of 4 T1 cancer cells (IC50 117 μM) while is safe for normal HEK293T cells. By qRT-PCR, we observed that verbascoside treatment (100, 117 and, 130 μM) increases the expression of caspase-3 and Bax while reduces the expression of Bcl-2. Also, verbascoside (100, 117 and, 130 μM) increased the expression of TLR4 only at 130 μM dose and the expression of MyD88 whereas reduced the expression of NF-κB at mRNA level. Flow cytometry analysis also confirmed verbascoside induces apoptosis in 4 T1 cells at 117 μM. Conclusion: Taken together, our data showed verbascoside is a safe natural compound for normal cells while has apoptosis-inducing feature through TLR4 axis on 4 T1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Joining process is one of the major steps in the manufacturing of stainless steel bipolar plates (BPPs). In this paper, the resistance seam welding method with a capacitor discharge (CD) welding machine is used for welding the metallic bipolar plates of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. For welding, the curved paths in the surroundings of the BPPs, ball electrode is used on the positive side of the welding machine and electrode wheel is used for welding the short straight paths inside the flow field channels. Weld seam quality and leakage resistance are examined with the peel test and pillow test. Eventually, according to the results of the peel and pillow tests, the optimum welding parameters for welding a BPP are determined. Finally, two halves of a BPP with parallel serpentine channel flow field are welded together by resistance seam welding method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, small scale resistance seam welding (SSRSEW) of 304 stainless steel sheet with a thickness of 0.1 mm with a capacitor discharge (CD) welding machine is investigated. The effect of the main parameters such as discharged energy, electrode force, and electrode speed on the quality of the weld seam was investigated. In order to control the speed of the electrode, the electrode wheel was mounted on a CNC machine. Mechanical tests such as tensile-shear and peel tests were used to evaluate the quality of the weld seam. Also, the failure modes were investigated in different welding conditions. The results show that the discharged energy has more effect on the weld seam strength and the maximum strength in the peel test is usually lower than the strength of the tensile-shear test. Also, discharge energy level of 14 ws and electrode force of 20 N and electrode speeds of 200 and 300 mm/min are the optimum welding condition for welding the 304 stainless steel sheets with a thickness of 0.1 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effect of an acidic beverage (Orange juice) on the change in serum Phenobarbital concentrations in children with seizure who take Phenobarbital as the main treatment. We did a parallel design and placebo controlled randomized clinical trial. Patients attending Heshmatiyeh Hospital (Iran) were recruited from October 2016 to December 2017. Forty patients randomly assigned to either experimental group or control group. Firstly, 5 mL blood sample was taken from both groups to measure serum Phenobarbital concentration before experiment. Then, one oral dose of Phenobarbital (2.5 mg/kg) with 100 mL of corporate Orange juice (pH = 3.5) (experiment group) or 100 mL of mineral water (neutral pH) (control group) was given to each group, respectively. After 2 h of administration, another blood sample was taken. The high-performance liquid chromatographic system was used for measurement of serum Phenobarbital concentration. There was significant increase in serum Phenobarbital concentrations after taking Phenobarbital in experiment group in comparison to control group. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in change of serum Phenobarbital concentrations in experiment group versus control group. The results of the current trial indicate that the level of serum Phenobarbital in the experiment group was higher than that of control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder refers to a wide range of nervous system disorders. Autistic patients often have a defective antioxidant defense system and manifest symptoms of impaired cognitive interaction. Camel milk has numerous beneficial nutrients and has been used in the treatment of autism. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of camel milk on the antioxidant activity and enzymes of autistic rats. Methods: Pregnant rats were intraperitoneally injected on embryonic day 12.5 with valproic acid (VPA; 500 mg/kg) to induce an autistic state. In addition, 18 male offspring rats were injected with risperidone (0.2 mg/kg) three times per week. Six of these cases were fed daily with raw camel milk (10 ml/kg), and six others were fed with pasteurized camel milk for 42 days. Social interaction and repetitive behaviors were measured using the Y-maze based on catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione (GSH) level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity at the outset and after the treatment period. Results: Behavioral symptoms (impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviors) were evident after VPA administration. After receiving treatment, impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviors significantly improved in the autistic rats (P<0.01). In addition, VPA enhanced the oxidative stress status in the biochemical tests (P<0.001), and camel milk increased CAT activity (P<0.001), GSH level (P<0.05), and SOD activity (P<0.0001). Conclusion: According to the results, camel milk could recover the VPA-induced impairment of social interaction and repetitive behaviors in the autistic rats and improve the defects in their antioxidant defense system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parallel machines job-shop problem is a generalisation of a job-shop problem to the case when there are identical machines of the same type. Job-shop problems encountered in a flexible manufacturing system, train timetabling, production planning and in other real-life scheduling systems. This paper presents an adaptive algorithm with a learning stage for solving the parallel machines job-shop problem. A learning stage tends to produce knowledge about a benchmark of priority dispatching rules allowing a scheduler to improve the quality of a schedule which may be useful for a similar scheduling problem. Once trained on solving sample problems (usually with small sizes), the adaptive algorithm is able to solve similar job-shop problems with larger size better than heuristics used as a benchmark at the learning stage. For using an adaptive algorithm with a learning stage, a job-shop problem is modelled via a weighted mixed graph with a conflict resolution strategy used for finding an appropriate schedule. We show how to generalise the mixed graph model for solving parallel machines job-shop problem. The proposed adaptive algorithm is tested on benchmark instances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many pieces of evidence support the effect of cancer stem cells on the initiation and progression of cancer. However, related mechanisms involved in these phenomena are far more complicated to understand. The function of different stemness factorsin cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their complex associations at different levels of cancer have been reported. Therefore, it seems that focusing on one master factor would be more helpful to complete the puzzle of singling pathways in these cells. Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) also known as POU domain, class 5, transcription factor 1(POU5F1), one of these key pluripotency factors, has important roles in both embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. In this review, we gathered information about the association of different markers with OCT4 expression in three types of gastrointestinal cancers including esophageal, gastric and colorectal cancers. OCT4 through different signaling pathways has an impact on different processes of gastrointestinal cancers such as proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Based on the literature, OCT4 has great effects on cancer progression at different stages, therefore we suggested it has potential implications in therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural phenolic compounds have inhibition effects on various malignancies. Thymol is one of these compounds present in several plant sources such as ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) fruits. In this study, thymol was evaluated for its potential cytotoxic activity as well as its effect on apoptotic gene expression in breast cancer cell line. We used the GC-MS technique to identify the essential oil constituents of ajowan. MCF-7 cells were treated by various concentrations of thymol and half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. In addition, morphological alterations and changes of P21, P53 and Mcl-1 gene expression in MCF-7 cells were investigated by microscopic examination and real-time RT-PCR assay. Data from MTT assay indicated that the IC50 values of thymol on MCF-7 cells for 48 h and 72 h were 54 and 62 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, this compound significantly affected gene expressions of P53 and P21, but not Mcl-1. Thymol can induce the apoptosis process in MCF-7, and hence it can be considered an anticancer agent in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is a widely used technique for measuring the relative efficiencies of Decision Making Units (DMUs) with multiple deterministic inputs and multiple outputs. However, in real-world problems, the observed values of the input and output data are often vague or random. Indeed, Decision Makers (DMs) may encounter a hybrid uncertain environment where fuzziness and randomness coexist in a problem. Hence, we formulate a new DEA model to deal with fuzzy stochastic DEA models. The contributions of the present study are fivefold: (1) We formulate a deterministic linear model according to the probability–possibility approach for solving input-oriented fuzzy stochastic DEA model, (2) In contrast to the existing approach, which is infeasible for some threshold values; the proposed approach is feasible for all threshold values, (3) We apply the cross-efficiency technique to increase the discrimination power of the proposed fuzzy stochastic DEA model and to rank the efficient DMUs, (4) We solve two numerical examples to illustrate the proposed approach and to describe the effects of threshold values on the efficiency results, and (5) We present a pilot study for the NATO enlargement problem to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a widely used mathematical programming technique for measuring the relative efficiency of decision-making units which consume multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs. Although precise input and output data are fundamentally used in classical DEA models, real-life problems often involve uncertainties characterized by fuzzy and/or random input and output data. We present a new input-oriented dual DEA model with fuzzy and random input and output data and propose a deterministic equivalent model with linear constraints to solve the model. The main contributions of this paper are fourfold: (1) we extend the concept of a normal distribution for fuzzy stochastic variables and propose a DEA model for problems characterized by fuzzy stochastic variables; (2) we transform the proposed DEA model with fuzzy stochastic variables into a deterministic equivalent linear form; (3) the proposed model which is linear and always feasible can overcome the nonlinearity and infeasibility in the existing fuzzy stochastic DEA models; (4) we present a case study in the banking industry to exhibit the applicability of the proposed method and feasibility of the obtained solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We address a generalization of the classical job-shop problem which is called a hybrid job-shop problem. The criteria under consideration are the minimization of the makespan and mean flow time. In the hybrid job-shop, machines of type k are available for processing the specific subset 𝒪 k of the given operations. Each set 𝒪 k may be partitioned into subsets for their processing on the machines of type k. Solving the hybrid job-shop problem implies the solution of two subproblems: an assignment of all operations from the set 𝒪 k to the machines of type k and finding optimal sequences of the operations for their processing on each machine. In this paper, a genetic algorithm is developed to solve these two subproblems simultaneously. For solving the subproblems, a special chromosome is used in the genetic algorithm based on a mixed graph model. We compare our genetic algorithms with a branch-and-bound algorithm and three other recent heuristic algorithms from the literature. Computational results for benchmark instances with 10 jobs and up to 50 machines show that the proposed genetic algorithm is rather efficient for both criteria. Compared with the other heuristics, the new algorithm gives most often an optimal solution and the average percentage deviation from the optimal function value is about 4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study conducted to investigate the effect of automated short message service (SMS)-based reminders on medication adherence in patients discharged from hospital after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In the study, 62 patients with ACS received either automated SMS reminders before each intake of cardiac medications, or only usual care after discharge. The study found that automated SMS-based reminders can enhance medication adherence in ACS patients.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common B-cell malignancy in the western world and exists as subtypes with very different clinical courses. Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl- 1) is one member of Bcl-2 family proteins that has been shown to be expressed in various tissues and malignant cells, including CLL, where its expression is significantly associated with a failure to achieve complete remission following cytotoxic therapy. Induction of apoptosis by prenylated coumarin, umbelliprenin, in Jurkat cells was previously shown. We examined whether umbelliprenin can down-regulate Mcl-1 gene and protein in Jurkat cells. In this regard cells were incubated by umbelliprenin, and then down- regulation of Mcl-1 gene was studied by Real Time PCR method. Moreover, down-regulation of Mcl-1 protein was studied by western blot analysis. We showed that, expression of Mcl-1 mRNA was increased from 1 hour to 3 hours incubation? but this increase has a scale down pattern. Moreover umbelliprenin could inhibit Mcl-1 protein. In conclusion umbelliprenin treatment modulates Mcl-1 expression at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a multistage processing system, which includes both identical (parallel) machines that can process the same set of operations and different machines that can process only different operation sets. A release time r is given for each job J to be processed. For such a processing system, we minimize the makespan, i.e., problem $IJ|r_i|C_{\max }$ is considered. The problem $IJ|r_i|C_{\max }$ is an extension of the classical job-shop problem $J|r_i|C_{\max }$ for the case when parallel (or identical) machines are also given. Both problems $J|r_i|C_{\max }$ and $IJ|r_i|C_{\max }$ are strongly NP-hard. A mixed graph model used for solving the problem $J|r_i|C_{\max }$ is generalized for the problem $IJ|r_i|C_{\max }$. Using the mixed graph model, we developed a fast heuristic algorithm for solving the problem $IJ|r_i|C_{\max }$. Computational experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the algorithm on the 22 benchmark instances and on the 40 new randomly generated instances of the problem $IJ||C_{\max }$. For the small and moderate instances, the exact values of the objective function were compared with those calculated by the proposed heuristic algorithm. The average relative error was not greater than $2.4~\%$ for all instances with available optimal schedules. Computational results showed that the developed algorithm runs faster than some other heuristics being tested, and the schedules constructed by the developed algorithm have smaller makespans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by having immunomodulatory and neuroprotectivity properties could be a suitable candidate for the treatment of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, by genetical manipulation, it is possible to potentiate the therapeutic characteristics of these cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of IL-27-transfected MSCs in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods: MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of C57BL/6 mice and were trnasfected with mouse IL-27 gene by using a lentiviral vector system. On days 15 and 22 post EAE induction, one million of these cells were injected to EAE-affected mice. Finally, all the mice were sacrificed; and histological and immunological assays were performed to investigate the myelin status and infiltration rate of immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS) tissues and measure certain cytokines, respectively. Findings: IL-27-transfected MSCs could ameliorate disease in the EAE-affected mice. Besides, they could diminish the infiltration rate of immune cells into the CNS, and inhibited the myelin destruction. Moreover, IL-27- transfected MSCs could enhance IL-4 and IL-10, and reduce IL-17 production from the EAE mice splenocytes. Conclusion: IL-27-transfected MSCs could be considered as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). Changing dose and rout of administration, however, would be suggested to achieve better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is evidence that opium addiction has immunosuppressant effects. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition resulted from atherosclerosis which is dependent on the immune response. Purpose: To evaluate plasma levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1Ra in 30 patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease, ejection fraction of more than 35% and to evaluate their changes after prognostic treadmill test in 15 opium addicted and 15 non-addicted patients. Methods: The participants underwent prognostic treadmill test and plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1Ra (IL-1Ra) were evaluated with ELISA method before, just after and 4 hours after the test. Results: IL-1Ra (2183 pg/ml) tended to decrease over time in the opium addicted group (1372 pg/ml after prognostic treadmill test and 1034 pg/ml 4 hours after that), although such decrease did not reach the statistical significance. IL-1Ra levels were significantly higher in opium addicted than in non addicted patients. Opium addiction had no significant effect on IL-6 changes. Conclusion: Consumption of opium in CAD patients is associated with higher IL-1Ra levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]