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Introduction & Background: Coronavirus is regarded as a new condition afflicting the globe. It normally results in anxiety-based issues in society, especially in the elderly. Furthermore, people with underlying illnesses are more involved in this condition. Consequently, the current article intends to examine the association between social support and the level of COVID-19 anxiety in the elderly in Fasa, Iran. Patients and Methods: The current examination was cross-sectional research performed on 600 elderly covered by urban and rural family physician clinics after receiving permission from the Research Deputy and the university's Ethics Committee through the Press Line program. The data was gathered through a demographic information collection form, a COVID-19 anxiety measurement questionnaire, and a multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Data obtained were examined in SPSS-23 software. Results: The average age of the elderly was 65.91±4.84 years. The majority of the respondents (60%) were female. There was a substantial negative association between anxiety and perceived social support and its components (pConclusion: Based on the results, it can be stated that improving social support can greatly decrease COVID-19 anxiety in the old people.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease characterized by degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS). High levels of Neurofilament heavy chain (NEFH) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is associated with MS. 40 MS patients and 40 controls genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Genotypic and allelic distributions were compared between cases and controls. Fisher test was used to estimate the risk of MS associated with genotypes. We showed that NEFH, 1084-244G>A gene polymorphism, has no significant association with the susceptibility or severity of MS in Iranian patients (P = 0.737). Further prospective studies are required for confirmation.

Introduction and Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been causing both physical and mental problems to people’s health. The psychological effects are of a wide variety, such as panic disorders, fears, anxiety, depression. Of special interest is an increase of anxiety of people in the community, in the elderly, and people with underlying diseases. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and the level of COVID-19 anxiety in the elderly in Fasa. Methods: The present study was cross-sectional research conducted on 600 elderly covered by urban and rural family physician clinics after obtaining permission from the Research Deputy and the Ethics Committee of the university through the Press Line program. The research data were collected through demographic information collection form, COVID-19 anxiety measurement questionnaire, and multidimensional scale of perceived social support. They were completed in a self-reporting manner. Data were analyzed in SPSS-23 software. Results: The mean age of the elderly was 65.91±4.84 years. Most of the participants (60%) were female. There was a significant negative relationship between anxiety and perceived social support and its components (p

Deregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in suicide. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene is a key component in this system. The relationship between insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene with suicide attempt (SA) is controversial. According to previous studies, allele D in this polymorphism has been considered as a potential risk factor for suicide. However, no study has been conducted in Iran to investigate this matter. This case-control study has focused on investigating the association of ACE I/D polymorphism (rs1799752) with SA in an Iranian population. The frequency of genotypes was 14% for II, 55% for ID, and 31% for DD in the case group (100 persons), and 18% for II, 74% for ID, and 8% for DD in control group (100 persons). Results show there was a significant difference in the distribution of ACE I/D polymorphism genotypes in men with SA compared to controls, as well as in women with SA compared to controls. Also, there was a significant association between DD genotype and the risk of SA compared to II genotype as reference. The severity of depression was significantly different between DD and II genotypes in SA group. According to the results, we suggest that the presence of DD genotype is possibly associated with an increased risk of SA. Maybe part of that is related to severity of depression in DD genotypes carriers of ACE I/D polymorphism.

Purpose Few papers have studied the objective effects of PRP on cartilage. In this study, we investigated the effect of PRP on cartilage characteristics by special MRI sequencing in knee osteoarthritis (IRCT registration number: 2014020413442N6). Patients and methods In this double blind randomized clinical trial, patients with bilateral knees osteoarthritis-grade 1, 2, and 3 were included in the study. Each patient's knees were randomly allocated to either control or treatment groups. PRP was injected in two sessions with 4 week intervals in PRP group. The VAS (visual analog scale) and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) were utilized and MRI was performed for all patients, before, and 8 months after treatment. The MRI sequences taken were transverse 3D TRUFISP and coronal and sagittal fat saturated proton-density. Imaging was scored according to four cartilage characteristics. Results 46 knees (from 23 patients) were included in this study. 23 knees in the case group and 23 knees in control group were studied. All patients were female with mean age of 57.57±5.9 years. Mean total WOMAC and VAS changes before and after treatment in control group were 11.61±8.5 and 1.3±1.1 respectively. In PRP group, mean total WOMAC and VAS changes showed better improvement with 20±12.3 and 3.2±1.6 respectively (P-value Conclusion In this study, in addition to the effect of PRP on VAS and WOMAC, there was a significant effect on radiologic characteristics (patellofemoral cartilage volume and synovitis). For further evaluation, a longer study with a larger sample size is recommended.

Background Cyanobacteria are ecologically significant prokaryotes that can be found in heavy metals contaminated environments. As their photosynthetic machinery imposes high demands for metals, homeostasis of these micronutrients has been extensively considered in cyanobacteria. Recently, most studies have been focused on different habitats using microalgae leads to a remarkable reduction of an array of organic and inorganic nutrients, but what takes place in the extracellular environment when cells are exposed to external supplementation with heavy metals remains largely unknown. Methods Here, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production in strains Nostoc sp. N27P72 and Nostoc sp. FB71 was isolated from different habitats and thenthe results were compared and reported. Result Cultures of both strains, supplemented separately with either glucose, sucrose, lactose, or maltose showed that production of EPS and cell dry weight were boosted by maltose supplementation. The production of EPS (9.1 ± 0.05 μg/ml) and increase in cell dry weight (1.01 ± 0.06 g/l) were comparatively high in Nostoc sp. N27P72 which was isolated from lime stones.The cultures were evaluated for their ability to remove Cu (II), Cr (III), and Ni (II) in culture media with and without maltose. The crude EPS showed metal adsorption capacity assuming the order Ni (II) > Cu (II) > Cr (III) from the metal-binding experiments.Nickel was preferentially biosorbed with a maximal uptake of 188.8 ± 0.14 mg (g cell dry wt) −1 crude EPS. We found that using maltose as a carbon source can increase the production of EPS, protein, and carbohydrates content and it could be a significant reason for the high ability of metal absorbance. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that the treatment with Ni can change the functional groups and glycoside linkages in both strains. Results of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) were used to determine the biochemical composition of Nostoc sp. N27P72, showed that strong Ni (II) removal capability could be associated with the high silicon containing heterocyclic compound and aromatic diacid compounds content. Conclusion The results of this studyindicatede that strains Nostoc sp. N27P72 can be a good candidate for the commercial production of EPS and might be utilized in bioremediation field as an alternative to synthetic and abiotic flocculants.

Purpose: Cyanobacteria are ecologically relevant prokaryotes that can be found in environments contaminated with heavy metals. As their photosynthetic machinery imposes high demands for metals, homeostasis of these micronutrients has been extensively considered in cyanobacteria. So far, most studies have focused on treatment of wastewaters using microalgae leads to remarkable reduction of an array of organic and inorganic nutrients, but what takes place in the extracellular environment when cells are exposed to external supplementation with heavy metals remains largely unknown. Methods: Here, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production in strains Nostoc sp. N27P72 and Nostoc sp. FB71 isolated from different habitats are reported and compared. Cultures of both strains, supplemented with either glucose, sucrose, lactose or maltose showed that production of EPS and cell dry weight was boosted by maltose supplementation. Result: Nostoc sp. N27P72 which was isolated from lime stones was higher, resulting in 9.1 ± 0.05 µg/ml and 1.01 ± 0.06 g/l in EPS and cell dry. The cell cultures tested for their ability to remove Cu(II), Cr(III) and Ni(II) in media culture containing the maltose and without maltose as control culture. Remarkably, we showed that although these elements can be toxic, supplementing the media culture can effectively sequester their toxic effects by increasing the production of EPSs, carbohydrates and total soluble proteins in comparison to control. The crude EPS showed metal adsorption capacity assuming the order Ni(II)> Cu(II)> Cr(III) from metal-binding experiments. Nickel was preferentially biosorbed with a maximal uptake of 188.8 ± 0.14 mg (g cell dry wt) -1 crude EPS. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed treatment with Ni made changes in the functional groups and glycoside linkages in both strains. Results of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) to determine the biochemical composition of Nostoc sp. N27P72 showed that strong Ni(II) removal capability is suspected to be associated with the high Cyclotrisiloxane and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid content. Conclusion: The results of these investigates specified that strains Nostoc sp. N27P72 is good candidates for the commercial production of EPS and might be utilized in bioremediation field as an alternative to synthetic and abiotic flocculants.

Background: Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in humans. Recently, a novel strategy called the formation neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was described. NETs is a new strategy for pathogen response. This study focused on whether LPS induced NETs release in vitro in the HL60 cell line. Methods: In this study, the HL60 cell line was used for culture and DMSO for induction and differentiation. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate CD11b in the differentiated cells, and the NBT assay was used to evaluate the functionality of the differentiated HL-60 cells. Neutrophil-like cells were incubated with LPS (200 ng/ml) for 45 min, followed by incubation for 25 min with 100 ng/ml Hoechst 33342. Trypan blue as vital staining was used for viability. The statistical significance of the difference between the control and treated groups was evaluated using a one-way ANOVA. Results: Our results showed that 75% NETs was produced by HL-60 differentiated neutrophil cells exposed to 200 ng/ml LPS in 45 minues. Conclusion: Consequently, the LPS-induced infection and lethality may occur through various mechanisms. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating NET formation in LPS-induced neutrophil-like cells would support the development of new therapeutic methods.

Chitosan hydrogels are gaining increasing interest for biomedical applications due to attractive properties such as biocompatibility. In order to replace toxic chemical cross-linkers for hydrogel formation, we investigated the cross-linking potential of laccase oxidized phenolics. HPLC-TOF-MS and ATR-FTIR demonstrated that phenolics were bond to glucosamine as chitosan model substrate. Phenolics concentrations required for hydrogel formation varied from 500 μM for catechol to 5000 μM for sinapic acid. The hydrogels showed different swelling and release properties assessed using methylene blue release as a model. Laccase oxidized caffeic acid and pyrogallol-chitosan hydrogels showed excellent behavior in up-taking water with a swelling of 208.7% for caffeic acid. Biocompatibility results did not show any significant inhibition of growth of HEK293 cell line when phenolics like catechol or eugenol were used. Therefore, this study demonstrates that laccase oxidized phenolics are potential cross-linking agents of chitosan as a novel green approach to synthesizing chitosan hydrogels.

The leaf extract of a medicinally important plant, watercress (Nasturtium officinale), was obtained through an ultrasound-facilitated method and utilized for the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles via a joint ultrasound-microwave assisted procedure. The characteristics of the extract enriched nanoparticles (Ext/ZnO) were determined by SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX, BET, FTIR, TGA, and UV-Vis DRS analyses and compared to that of ZnO prepared in the absence of the extract (ZnO). The presence of carbon and carbonaceous bonds, changes in the morphology, size, band gap energy, and weight-decay percentage were a number of differences between ZnO and Ext/ZnO that confirmed the link of extract over nanoparticles. Ext/ZnO, watercress leaf extract, ZnO, and insulin therapies were administrated to treat alloxan-diabetic Wister rats and their healing effectiveness results were compared to one another. The serum levels of the main diabetic indices such as insulin, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile (total triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were estimated for healthy, diabetic, and the rats rehabilitated with the studied therapeutic agents. The watercress extract-enriched ZnO nanoparticles offered the best performance and suppressed the diabetic status of rats. Moreover, both ZnO samples satisfactory inhibited the activities of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Based on the results, the application of Nasturtium officinale leaf extract can strongly empower ZnO nanoparticles towards superior antidiabetic and enhanced antibacterial activities.

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound which is poorly soluble in aqueous solutions. Due to its polyphenolic structure, it possesses antioxidant activity and anticancer effects. Two different milk proteins (β-lactoglobulin (BLG), β-casein (BCN) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)) were used to investigate the influence of protein–resveratrol interaction and its influence on the binding sites, structure and the conformational changes of the proteins. Circular dichroism results showed that resveratrol did not caused any significant change to the secondary structure of proteins. However, steady-state fluorescence results indicated that resveratrol was able to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of the proteins. Fluorescence results were used to calculate the affinity constants between resveratrol and the three proteins. BLG was the protein with the highest accessible fluorophore exposure in comparison with BSA and BNC. In addition, transmission electron microscopy experiments were carried out to visualize the complex resveratrol–protein formation.

Background Several studies have shown the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on knee osteoarthritis. Most of these studies have focused on subjective and clinical symptoms effect of PRP and fewer papers have studied its objective effect on cartilage. MRI is the gold standard imaging for cartilage lesion. Objectives In this study, we investigated the effect of PRP on cartilage characteristics by special MRI sequencing. Methods In the double blind randomised clinical trial, patients with grade1, 2 and 3 of osteoarthritis were included in this study. All of the knees divided to groups randomly and exercise was prescribed for all of knees. Beside, PRP was injected 2 courses with 4 weeks interval in PRP group. For all of patients before and 6 months after treatment VAS (visual analogue scale) and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) were fulfilled and MRI was performed. Sequencings of MRI were PD fat saturated (coronal and sagittal) and transverse TRUFISP 3D. Imaging was scored according to 4 cartilage’s characteristics including, Patellofemoral cartilage volume, Subarticular bone marrow abnormality, Medial and lateral meniscal disintegrity and Synovitis. Results 23 knees in case group and 23 knees in control group were studied. All of patients were female with mean age 57.57±5.9 years old and mean BMI 28.49±3.24 (Kg/m2).52% of knees had grade 2 of osteoarthritis. Mean total WOMAC and VAS changes before and after treatment in control group were 11.61±1.3 and 8.5±1.1 respectively. In PRP group, mean total of WOMAC and VAS changes showed better improvement with 20±3.2 and 12.3±1.6 respectively (P-Value Conclusions In this study, in addition to the effect of PRP on VAS and WOMAC, there is effect on radiologic characteristics (Patellofemoral cartilage volume and synovitis) significantly. For more evaluation, Study with more sample size is recommended. References [1] Raeissadat SA, Babaee M, Rayegani SM, Hashemi Z, Hamidieh AA, Mojgani P, et al. An overview of platelet products (PRP, PRGF, PRF, etc.) in the Iranian studies. Future science OA. 2017;3(4):FSO231. [2] Raeissadat SA, Rayegani SM, Ahangar AG, Abadi PH, Mojgani P, Ahangar OG. Efficacy of Intra-articular Injection of a Newly Developed Plasma Rich in Growth Factor (PRGF) Versus Hyaluronic Acid on Pain and Function of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2017;10:1179544117733452. [3] Raeissadat SA, Rayegani SM, Hassanabadi H, Fathi M, Ghorbani E, Babaee M, et al. Knee osteoarthritis injection choices: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus hyaluronic acid (a one-year randomized clinical trial). Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2015;8:CMAMD. S17894. [4] Raeissadat SA, Rayegani SM, Moridnia M, Dehgolan SR. AB1246-HPR Intra articular ozone or hyaluronic acid injection: which one is superior in patients with knee osteoarthritis? a 6-month randomized clinical trial. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd; 2017. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) coacervate formation with sodium alginate (ALG) was investigated by turbidimetric analysis, zeta potential, particle size, viscosity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) measurements as a function of pH (1.0–7.0) and protein/alginate mixing ratio (1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 1:0, and 0:1 wt.). Critical pH values of phase transitions for BSA–ALG complexes (pHC, pHφ1, and pHφφ2) representing the formation of soluble and insoluble complexes of a protein–ALG mixture (2:1) at pH 4.8, 4.2, and 1.8, respectively. In the case of BLG–ALG, critical pH values (pHC, pHφ1, and pHφ2) were found to be 4.8, 4.2, and 1.6, respectively. The pHopt values, expressed by the highest optical density, were pH 2.8 for BSA–ALG and 2.4 for BLG–ALG. TEM and zeta-potential results showed that maximum coacervate formation occurred at pH 4.2 for both protein–polysaccharide solutions. The interaction between BLG–ALG and BSA–ALG was spontaneously ...

The formation of electrostatic complexes between sodium caseinate and gum tragacanth (Astragalus gossypinus, A.g) as a function of pH (7.00–2.50), the biopolymer mixing ratio and the total biopolymer concentration was studied by spectrophotometric and light scattering measurements. This multi-methodological approach allowed us to demonstrate the critical structure-forming pHs associated with the formation of soluble and insoluble complexes for the sodium caseinate/A.g mixture. The phase transition of sodium caseinate/A.g complexed/coacervated system was explained by monitoring the absorbance profiles as a function of time. Particle size measurements revealed a progressive decrease in the complex/aggregate size while lowering the pH until reaching a minimum (pH 4) at which nanoparticles (70 nm) formed. As the mixing ratio of protein to polysaccharide increased from 1:1 to 3:1, the critical pHs shifted towards higher pH values. Conversely, for a constant mixing ratio, higher levels of total concentration resulted in an increase in the maximum turbidity but had no meaningful effect on pHC (∼5.89) and pHΦ1 (∼4.00).

The characterization of sodium caseinate solutions as a function of pH was determined using titration with HCL through turbidimetry in different concentrations (0.03 wt.%, 0.045 wt.%, 0.06 wt.%, 0.09 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%). Additionally, the coupling of slow in situ acidification of the solution and rheometry was utilized to gain deeper insights into pH-induced structural transitions during the self assembly process and particle size distribution analysis have been used to determine the behavior of sodium caseinate solutions in different pHs. The formation of aggregates during the acidification process was clearly visualized using microscopy. Surprisingly the viscosity of sodium caseinate solution at pH 4.64 was maximum and decreased by lowering pH. Particle size analysis confirmed the onset of big aggregates on decreasing pH but further acidification led to formation of smaller aggregates. A small concentration effect on pI was seen where at sodium caseinate levels of 0.03 wt.% the pI occurred at 4.29, where at sodium caseinate levels of 0.30 wt.% pI value was 4.64.

We aimed to assess the relationship between major dietary patterns and risk of diabetes type 2 among Iranian adults.In this population-based case-control study in Mazandaran province, we enrolled 332 subjects (110 newly diagnosed cases and 222 controls) aged 43 - 77 years. Dietary intakes were collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Data on demographic, anthropometric, socioeconomic characteristics and other covariates were collected using structured lifestyle questionnaires. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for risk of type 2 diabetes across quartiles of dietary pattern scores.Three major dietary patterns were identified, including: "healthy", "transitional" and "traditional". A significant direct association was found between the transitional dietary pattern and risk of diabetes type 2 after adjustment of potential confounders (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.0, 4.50; Ptrend = 0.02). The traditional dietary pattern was significantly associated with the increased risk of diabetes type 2 after controlling for confounders (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.03, 4.41; Ptrend = 0.01). There was no significant relationship between healthy dietary pattern and risk of diabetes type 2.In conclusion, transitional dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of salt, organ meats, dried fruits, poultry, tea, low- fat dairy and other vegetables. Traditional dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of garlic, dough, high- fat dairy, dried fruits, red meats, grains, as well as animal and hydrogenated fats were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. No significant associations were found between the healthy dietary pattern and risk of diabetes type 2.

In this study, the stabilising property of various concentrations of gum tragacanth in nonfat doogh, an Iranian fermented milk drink, was investigated by measuring phase separation, particle size, flow behaviour and viscoelastic properties. Moreover, light microscopy was used to get more insight into morphological characteristic of protein-polysaccharide complexes in doogh samples. The addition of gum tragacanth improved stabilisation of doogh samples which was associated with an increase in apparent viscosity and storage modulus. Furthermore, the particle size distribution showed an increase in polydispersity and a pronounced reduction in median diameter of protein polysaccharide complexes which was accompanied by no phase separation at 0.3% concentration of gum tragacanth.

Introduction/Background Most of studies have focused on subjective and clinical symptoms effect of PRP and fewer papers have studied its objective effect on cartilage. In this study, we investigated the effect of PRP on cartilage characteristics by special MRI sequencings. Material and method In the double blind randomized clinical trial, patients with grades 1, 2 and 3 of osteoarthritis were included in this study. All of the knees divided to groups randomly and exercise was prescribed for all of knees. Beside, PRP was injected 2 courses with 4 weeks interval in PRP group. For all of patients before and 6 months after treatment VAS (visual analogue scale) and WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index) were fulfilled and MRI was performed. Sequencings of MRI were PD fat saturated (coronal and sagittal) and transverse TRUFISP 3D. Imaging was scored according to 4 cartilage's characteristics including, Patellofemoral cartilage volume, Subarticular bone marrow abnormality, Medial and lateral meniscal disintegrity and Synovitis. Results Twenty-three knees in case group and 23 knees in control group were studied. All of patients were female with mean age 57.57 ± 5.9 years old and mean BMI 28.49 ± 3.24 (Kg/m2). Mean total WOMAC and VAS changes before and after treatment in control group were 11.61 ± 1.3 and 8.5 ± 1.1 respectively. In PRP group, mean total of WOMAC and VAS changes showed better improvement with 20 ± 3.2 and 12.3 ± 1.6 respectively (P-value Conclusion In this study, in addition to the effect of PRP on VAS and WOMAC, there is effect on radiologic characteristics (Patellofemoral cartilage volume and synovitis) significantly. For more evaluation, study with more sample size is recommended.

We designed a randomized clinical trial with control group, to investigate the effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on pain, stiffness, function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. For both groups of participants, therapeutic exercise was prescribed. In the PRP group, two courses of leukocyte rich PRP (5.6 fold higher platelet concentration) with a 4-week interval was injected. For each participant, Western Ontario and McMaster University’s Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and the SF-36 questionnaire (Farsi version) were filled at the baseline and 6 months after treatments. Thirty-one patients in the PRP group and 31 patients in the control group were studied. Mean changes of total WOMAC, physical component summery and mental component summery of Short Form-36 in PRP group showed better improvement than control group (P

We investigated complex coacervation of sodium caseinate/Astragalus rahensis (A.r) as a function of pH with light scattering, spectrophotometry, and viscosity measurements. Interestingly, sodium caseinate/A.r displayed five structural transitions; pH 7.00 to pH ∼5.40: no interaction occurred, pH ∼5.40 to pH ∼4.80: initiation of the formation of primary soluble complexes, pH ∼4.80 to ∼4.30: formation of interpolymer complexes, pH ∼4.30 to ∼4.02: optimum coacervation and pH ∼4.02 to ∼2.50: suppression of coacervation. In addition, rheological properties of sodium caseinate/A.r coacervates were studied at various pH values. A much higher storage modulus (G') than loss modulus (G″) for all sodium caseinate/A.r coacervates suggests the formation of highly interconnected gel-like network structures with mainly elastic behaviour. Moreover, sodium caseinate/A.r coacervates at all pH values exhibited a shear thinning behaviour across the entire shear rate range investigated. Effects of different species of gum tragacanth on the interactions with sodium caseinate have been scarcely studied. Our study showed that systems containing various species (A.r, soluble fraction of A.r and Astragalus gossypinus (A.g)) had different critical pH values and particle sizes during complex coacervation, which could be due to different ratio of soluble to insoluble fractions and uronic acid content of various species.

Background. New studies in the management of knee osteoarthritis have focused on modern therapeutic methods stimulating cartilage healing process. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of 2 courses of leucocyte-rich PRP (LR-PRP) injections on patients' QOL and functions and also the relationship between the PRP concentration and mentioned variables. Material and Methods. Sixty-five patients were evaluated. For each participant, WOMAC and the native (Farsi) edition of the SF-36 questionnaire were filled. Two courses of LR-PRP injections with 4-week interval were used. After 6 months, SF-36 and WOMAC questionnaires were filled again for each patient. Results. 60 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean platelet concentrations and white blood cell in PRP was 5-fold increase and 220 per microliter, respectively. The mean total WOMAC revealed significant change (P = 0.001). In SF-36, the mean changes of 2 major physical and mental domains were meaningful (P = 0.001). Discussion. In our study, 2 injections of PRP, with 4-week interval, improved the pain, stiffness, and functional capacity. Improvements in QOL (both PCS and MCS) were meaningful after injections. These changes were more significant in physical domains. PRP injection may be an alternative therapy in selective patients resistant to current nonsurgical treatments of knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Cardiovascular hemodynamic changes after laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubations can cause serious complications. This study was carried out to evaluate the correlation between the anthropometric indices and hemodynamic changes after laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation (EI). Materials and Methods: This descriptive–analytical pilot study was carried out in 2012, in the Kashani Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. After obtaining written informed consent from 130 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, they were enrolled in the study. The recorded data included were, age, weight, height, neck circumference (NC), waist-to-hip ratio (W/H ratio) and body mass index (BMI). The heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SAP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were recorded at baseline (before injection of the anesthetic drugs), just before laryngoscopy, and one, three, five, and ten minutes after EI. Results: The best cut-off points for BMI, NC, and W/H ratio, for prediction of significant cardiovascular changes after EI were, 26.56 kg/m2, 38 cm, and 0.82, respectively. There was a significant correlation between BMI and HR changes in the first and fifth minutes and also in MAP in the third and fifth minutes after EI (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between NC and MAP in the fifth minute (P < 0.05). The W/H ratio was significantly related to the DBP in the tenth minute and MAP in the fifth and tenth minutes (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, among the anthropometric indices, the BMI, NC, and W/H ratio were significantly correlated with cardiovascular changes after laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Introduction Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease. Different methods are used to alleviate the symptoms of patients with knee OA, including analgesics, physical therapy, exercise prescription, and intra-articular injections (glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acid [HA], etc). New studies have focused on modern therapeutic methods that stimulate cartilage healing process and improve the damage, including the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a complex of growth factors. Due to the high incidence of OA and its consequences, we decided to study the long-term effect of intraarticular injection of PRP and HA on clinical outcome and quality of life of patients with knee OA. Method This non-placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial involved 160 patients affected by knee OA, grade 1–4 of Kellgren–Lawrence scale. In the PRP group ( n = 87), two intra-articular injections at 4-week interval were applied, and in the HA group ( n = 73), three doses of intra-articular injection at 1-week interval were applied. All patients were prospectively evaluated before and at 12 months after the treatment by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) and SF-36 questionnaires. The results were analyzed using SPSS 16.1 software (RCT code: IRCT2014012113442N5). Results At the 12-month follow-up, WOMAC pain score and bodily pain significantly improved in both groups; however, better results were determined in the PRP group compared to the HA group ( P < 0.001). Other WOMAC and SF-36 parameters improved only in the PRP group. More improvement (but not statistically significant) was achieved in patients with grade 2 OA in both the groups. Conclusion This study suggests that PRP injection is more efficacious than HA injection in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life and is a therapeutic option in select patients with knee OA who have not responded to conventional treatment.