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Maryam Sabetghadam,1 Mehrdokht Mazdeh,2 Parnaz Abolfathi,1 Younes Mohammadi,3 Maryam Mehrpooya1 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 2Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 3Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IranCorrespondence: Maryam MehrpooyaDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Ave, Hamadan 6517838678, IranTel +9 881 382 1868Fax +98 813 838 1591Email m_mehrpooya2003@yahoo.comPurpose: Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential neuroprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of brain ischemia. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the potential therapeutic effects of oral NAC in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Patients and Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study, 68 patients with acute ischemic stroke with the onset of symptoms less than 24 hours were randomly assigned to either the NAC-treated group or placebo-treated group. NAC and matched placebo were administrated by a 72-hour oral protocol (initially 4 grams loading dose and after on, 4 g in 4 equal divided doses for more 2 days). The primary outcomes were quantification of any neurologic deficit by the use of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and functional disability by the use of the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days after stroke. Additionally, serum levels of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation as a main mechanism of its action were assessed at baseline and the end of 3-day treatment protocol.Results: NAC-treated patients in comparison with placebo-treated patients showed a significantly lower mean NIHSS scores at day 90 after stroke. A favorable functional outcome which was defined as an mRS score of 0 or 1, also in favor of NAC compared to placebo was noted on day 90 after stroke (57.6% in the NAC-treated group compared with 28.6% in the placebo-treated group). Further, compared to the placebo, NAC treatment significantly decreased serum levels of proinflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and significantly increased serum levels of anti-oxidant biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total thiol groups (TTG).Conclusion: The pattern of results suggests that oral NAC administration early after an acute ischemic stroke is associated with a better outcome profile in terms of acute neurological deficit and disability grade compared to placebo. NAC may improve neurological outcomes of patients with stroke at least in part by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.Keywords: ischemic stroke, oxidative stress, inflammation, N-acetylcysteine, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds

Maryam Mehrpooya,1 Mahmoud Gholyaf,2,3 Fatemeh Yasrebifar,1 Younes Mohammadi,4 Vida Sheikh2,3 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 2Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 3Clinical Research Development Unit of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 4Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IranCorrespondence: Vida SheikhClinical Research Development Unit of Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Ave, Hamadan 6517838678, IranTel +98 81 382 1868Fax +98 813 838 1591Email vsh_57072@yahoo.comBackground: Although chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP) remains a frequent and frustrating symptom in patients with advanced kidney diseases, its optimal treatments are not well defined. Based on its mechanism of action, as a histamine-1 (H1), 5-(hydroxytryptamine) HT2, and 5HT3-receptor blocker, mirtazapine may be effective in the treatment of CKD-aP. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of mirtazapine for the treatment of pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).Methods: A before–after clinical trial was conducted from September 2018 until March 2019, on 30 HD-patients that had been referred to the HD ward of a tertiary hospital, in Hamadan, Iran. After the 2-week washout period, mirtazapine was administered with a dosage of 15 mg/day for an additional 2 weeks. At baseline and at each dialysis session, the effects of the mirtazapine on the pruritus severity based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and degree of sleep interference resulting from the pruritus were asked and recorded. Additionally, at the baseline and the end of 2 weeks of treatment, the serum histamine and serotonin levels, as the main chemical pruritogens evoking pruritus symptoms, were also determined.Results: Twenty-seven patients completed the entire course of the study. Based on the general linear model analysis, a progressive decline in the mean VAS score was observed over time during the study. The mean VAS score decreased from 8.48 ± 1.01 at baseline to 1.04 ± 0.79 at the end of treatment (P-value< 0.001). Similarly, the mean sleep interference scores were also significantly improved throughout treatment (decreased from 8.07± 1.43 to 2.81± 0.74; P-value< 0.001). Further, at the end of the treatment, a noticeable decrement in the serum histamine level was also seen (P-value = 0.006). The drug was acceptably well-tolerated and a majority of the patients were satisfied with this treatment.Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that mirtazapine may be an effective treatment option for the management of CKD-aP. However, further studies would be needed to confirm these results.Keywords: chronic kidney disease, renal pruritus, mirtazapine, histamine, serotonin

Mohammadreza Sobhan,1 Mahsa Hojati,2 Seyed-Yaser Vafaie,3 Davoud Ahmadimoghaddam,4 Younes Mohammadi,5 Maryam Mehrpooya2 1Psoriasis Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Farshchian Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 2Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 3Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 4Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 5Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IranCorrespondence: Maryam MehrpooyaDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Ave, Hamadan 6517838678, IranTel +98 81 3821 868Fax +98-8138381591Email m_mehrpooya2003@yahoo.comBackground: Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the most frequent cause of hand eczema (HE). There is promising evidence with the use of topical oatmeal compounds in the management of inflammation- and itch-responses associated with diverse dermatologic conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of colloidal oatmeal cream in the management of chronic irritant HE.Methods: From October 2018 to November 2019, 79 patients with diagnosis of chronic irritant HE were allocated into either intervention or control groups by block randomization method. Besides fluocinolone 0.025% ointment for the first 2 weeks of treatment period, patients in the intervention and control groups were asked to use colloidal oatmeal 1% cream or base cream for additional 4 weeks as monotherapy. Changes in the HE severity based on the hand eczema severity index (HESCI) score, pruritus severity based on the visual analogue scale (VAS), and impact of skin disorder on patients quality of life based on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) from baseline to weeks 2, 4, and 6 were assessed in the study groups.Results: Fifty subjects, 26 in intervention and 24 in control, completed the course of the study. The results indicated, though relatively comparable decrease in mean HESI and VAS scores was observed in both groups by the end of week 2, thereafter until end of the study a non-return of symptoms to baseline conditions was observed in the intervention group, while there was a significant return of symptoms to baseline conditions in the control group (p value< 0.001 in both conditions). Further, a noticeable improvement in the DLQI score was seen in the intervention group compared with the control group (p value< 0.001).Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that colloidal oatmeal, a natural product with proven barrier protection, moisturization, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, can have ameliorative effects on eczema severity symptoms in patients with chronic irritant HE.Keywords: hand eczema, irritant contact dermatitis, colloidal oatmeal, Hand Eczema Severity Index; Dermatology Life Quality Index

Narges Heidari,1 Firozeh Sajedi,2 Younes Mohammadi,3 Mahtabalsadat Mirjalili,4 Maryam Mehrpooya1 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 2Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 3Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 4Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IranCorrespondence: Maryam MehrpooyaDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Fahmideh Ave, Hamadan 6517838678, IranTel +98813821868Fax +988138381591Email m_mehrpooya2003@yahoo.comPurpose: Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a variant of diabetic peripheral neuropathy which is highly prevalent and distressing in diabetic patients. Despite its high burden, the optimal treatment of PDN has remained a clinical challenge. To explain the emergence and maintenance of PDN, increasing attention has been focused on dimensions of inflammation and oxidative toxic stress (OTS). Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an agent with known anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as an adjunct therapy in patients suffering from PDN.Patients and methods: 113 eligible patients with type 2 diabetes suffering from PDN were randomly assigned to either the pregabalin + placebo or pregabalin + NAC group for 8 weeks (pregabalin at a dose of 150 mg per day, NAC and matched placebo at doses of 600 mg twice a day). Mean pain score was evaluated at baseline, week 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 of the study based on the mean 24 hr average pain score, using an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS). As secondary efficacy measures, mean sleep interference score (SIS) resulting from PDN, responder rates, Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC), and safety were also assessed. Additionally, serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (TTG), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.Results: Ninety patients completed the eight-week course of the study. The decrease in mean pain scores and mean sleep interference score in pregabalin + NAC group was greater in comparison with pregabalin + placebo group (p value

Mohammadreza Sobhan,1 Ghazal Gholampoor,2 Farzin Firozian,3,4 Younes Mohammadi,5 Maryam Mehrpooya21Psoriasis Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Farshchian Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 2Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 3Medicinal Plants and Natural Products Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 4Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 5Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, IranPurpose: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that mainly affects areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp. Although the exact cause of SD is not clearly understood, it seems that skin colonization with Malassezia fungus and the inflammatory responses of the immune system to this fungus play an important role in the pathology of SD. Recently a growing body of evidence has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects of statins. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical atorvastatin in the treatment of scalp SD.Patients and methods: In this double-blind, clinical trial, 86 patients with mild-to-moderate scalp SD were divided into either atorvastatin (n=45) or betamethasone groups (n=41) by block randomization method. In addition to the ketoconazole 2% shampoo (3 times per week), the atorvastatin group received atorvastatin 5% lotion and the betamethasone group received betamethasone 0.1% lotion daily for 4 weeks. The SD severity of each patient was determined by Symptom Scale of Seborrheic Dermatitis (SSSD) at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Also, the patient’s satisfaction of the treatment and adverse effects were investigated through individual reporting.Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, the score of SD severity decreased significantly in both groups, while changes of SSSD score from baseline to the fourth week of treatment were comparable in the two groups (P-value=0.476). Regarding patient’s satisfaction of the treatment, results demonstrated the non-inferiority of atorvastatin as compared to betamethasone. Topical atorvastatin was also well-tolerated in almost all patients.Conclusion: Although preliminary, the results of the present study showed that topical atorvastatin has a comparable effect to topical betamethasone and can be considered as an alternative therapeutic modality in the treatment of scalp SD. However, these results need to be confirmed in future studies while taking into consideration the improvement of topical statin formulations.Keywords: seborrheic dermatitis, anti-inflammatory effects, topical statin, skin disorders

Seyyede-Sareh Javadi,1 Reza Mahjub,2 Abbas Taher,3 Younes Mohammadi,4 Maryam Mehrpooya1 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 2Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 3Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran; 4Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Purpose: In critically ill patients, monitoring free phenytoin concentration is a valuable method for phenytoin-dosage adjustment. However, due to technical difficulties and the high cost of these methods, the Sheiner–Tozer equation is routinely used for estimating free phenytoin concentration in clinical practice. There have been conflicting results concerning accuracy and precision of the Sheiner–Tozer equation for prediction of free phenytoin concentration in various patient populations. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy and correlation of measured and calculated free phenytoin concentrations in neurointensive care patients with hypoalbuminemia. Methods: A total of 65 adult neurointensive care patients with hypoalbuminemia who were receiving phenytoin for prevention or treatment of seizures were recruited in this study. In addition to measuring free phenytoin concentration by HPLC, free phenytoin concentration was calculated using both conventional and revised Sheiner–Tozer equations. Eventually, the correlation and level of agreement between measured and calculated free phenytoin concentrations were evaluated. Results: The mean albumin concentration of studied patients was 2.63±0.57 g/dL. There was a significant but weak–moderate correlation between measured and calculated free phenytoin concentration using conventional and revised Sheiner–Tozer equations (r=0.45 and r=0.43, respectively). Conventional and revised Sheiner–Tozer equations were not able to predict free phenytoin concentrations accurately in 33.85% and 35.4% of patients, respectively. Although the sex of patients did not have a significant impact on the level of agreement, younger patients had a higher level of agreement. Conclusion: Although there was a moderate correlation between calculated and measured free phenytoin concentration, the Sheiner–Tozer equation was not able to predict free phenytoin concentration accurately in all patients, especially in older patients. Therefore, monitoring free phenytoin serum concentration besides clinical outcomes should be considered for phenytoin-dose adjustment in critically ill patients. Keywords: phenytoin, therapeutic drug monitoring, intensive care patients, Sheiner–Tozer equation

The effects of vitamin B12 (B12) and phosphorus (P) around mating on reproductive performance of ewes have not been investigated previously. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of injection of a solution (Catosin 10%) contained B12 and P on metabolic status and different aspects of reproductive performance of ewes. A total of sixty multiparous Afshari ewes were divided into two groups (n=30 ewes/group) based on age, body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW). Animals were received either 5 mL of Catosin (B12+P) or 5 mL of sterile water (Control) subcutaneously every 7 days during 28 days before mating and until 7 days after mating. Each mL of Catosin contained 0.05 mg of cyanocobalamin and 100 mg of butaphosphan, which provided 17.3 mg of P in the form of [1-(butylamino)-1-methylethyl]-phosphonic acid. Two weeks after the start of the experiment, the estrus cycles of all ewes were synchronized using intravaginal 12-day CIDRs. Ewes receiving B12 + P had higher BW and BCS at day of CIDR removal and BCS at day 30 after mating (P<0.05). Plasma E2 and testosterone to P4 ratio at the day of CIDR removal tended to be lower in ewes receiving B12 + P (P=0.06). Injection of B12 + P did not influence plasma concentrations of minerals and metabolites (P>0.05), whereas, ewes receiving B12+P had higher plasma concentration of B12 at the day of CIDR removal and the day of estrus and mating (P<0.05). The results suggest that B12 + P injection around mating may be an effective strategy for improving reproductive performance of ewe. However, further researches need to re-evaluate and confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition during mating is one of the most important factors affecting the reproductive performance of ewes. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of vitamin AD3E injection around mating on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), plasma hormones, minerals, metabolites, vitamins, antioxidant enzymes and reproductive performance of Afshari ewes. Eighty-eight Afshari ewes were divided into 2 groups (n=44) based on age (2-4 years), BW (average 40 kg) and BCS (mean 2.75) and assigned randomly to one of the two experimental treatments. Experimental treatments consisted of control (C; no vitamin AD3E injection) and AD3E injection (AD3E) groups. Ewes in AD3E group received 5 mL of vitamin AD3E solution subcutaneously at the beginning of the experiment, the day of CIDR insertion, the day of CIDR removal, and one week after mating. Two weeks after the start of the experiment, the estrous cycles of all ewes were synchronized using intravaginal 12-day CIDRs. The BW, BCS and plasma minerals and metabolites concentrations of ewes did not influence by experimental treatments (P>0.05). Ewes received AD3E had lower estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) and higher testosterone concentrations at the day of CIDR removal (P<0.05). The AD3E injection increased plasma vitamin D3 and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) at the day of CIDR removal and at the day of estrous and decreased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration at the day of CIDR removal (P<0.05). The results obtained indicated that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatment groups in reproductive outcomes including estrous response, fertility rate, lambing rate, twining rate and lamb sex and birth weight. These results indicated that vitamin AD3E injection around mating improved antioxidant enzyme status but had no significant effect on reproductive performance of Afshari ewes. Further researches are needed to evaluate the effect of different levels of vitamin AD3E injection around mating on reproductive performance of Afshari ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haloxylon aphyllum is a significant species adapted to salinity conditions and plays an important role in stabilising soil, providing forage, and serving as a source of firewood for residents. In this study, the genetic diversity of four populations of H. aphyllum in Iran was examined using four primers to assess genetic diversity, which produced a total of 41 bands. The AMOVA test showed that the studied populations differed in their genetic content. Specifically, 46% of genetic variability occurred within populations, while 54% arose between populations, indicating a high degree of genetic variation among H. aphyllum populations. The Mantel test presented a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance. Additionally, the STRUCTURE analysis presented comprehensive information on the genetic structure of the studied H. aphyllum populations. The presence of genetic diversity and heterozygosity among H. aphyllum populations suggests local adaptation among populations, which may be due to the heterogeneity of environmental factors such as soil moisture and nutrients that create genetic heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This experiment investigated the efficacy of varying doses of an emulsifier blend (EB; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet), betaine (BT; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet) and L-carnitine (CT; 0 and 0.5 g/kg of diet) in broilers subjected to circular heat stress (HS) conditions. A total of 1080 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of nine treatment groups (six pens/treatment with 20 birds/pen) according to a completely randomised design. The thermoneutral control broiler chickens were housed at a comfortable temperature and fed a standard diet (no additives). The other eight groups were exposed to cyclic HS conditions (34°C) for 8 h (10:00-18:00). 2. There were EB × BT × CT interactions for body weight (BW) at 24 d (P = 0.038) and average daily gain (ADG) during the 10–24 d period (P = 0.049), with the greatest values found with concurrent supplementation of three supplements. 3. Inclusion of EB resulted in greater (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, European performance index, uniformity rate, primary antibody titres against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area, digestible energy (DE) and the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat However, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and heterophile to lymphocyte ratio were lower (P < 0.05). 4. Dietary BT supplementation improved (P < 0.05) all performance indicators, primary antibody titres against SRBC and Newcastle disease virus, serum total antioxidant capacity, duodenal VH, Jejunal VH/crypt depth and the CAID of dry matter and crude protein. The effect of dietary supplementation with CT was limited to an increase (P < 0.05) in ADG (d 10–24) and a decrease (P < 0.05) in serum malondialdehyde concentration (42 d) and jejunal crypt depth (42 d). 5. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of either EB or BT alone or in combination ameliorated some of the detrimental effects of HS on growth performance, immunity and intestinal health in broilers, while a minor positive effect on performance and antioxidant status was observed with CT supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) injection around mating on skewing lamb sex ratio in ewes. Thirty cycling multiparous Kurdish × Romanov ewes were divided into two groups (15 per group) based on age and body weight (BW). Animals were received either 20 mL of solution (CaMg) or 20 mL of sterile water (Control) subcutaneously every 7 days from 28 days preto 7 days post-mating. Each mL of CaMg solution contained 400 mg of Ca borogluconate and 22 mg of Mg hypophosphate, which provided 30.4 mg of Ca and 2.04 mg of Mg. Ewes in CaMg group tended to had lower body condition score (BCD) at the day of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) removal (2.79 vs. 2.69; P=0.09) and its change from beginning of experiment to CIDR removal (0.21 vs. 0.04; P=0.06) than control group. The CaMg injection increased plasma insulin (13.2 vs. 11.33 μIU/mL), Ca (9.13 vs. 8.30 mg/dL), Mg (3.66 vs. 3.33 mg/dL), Na (188.83 vs. 175.73 mEq/L) and glucose (56.94 vs. 50.07) concentrations at the day of CIDR removal and Ca (8.87 vs. 8.03 mg/dL) at the day of estrous and mating compared to control group (P<0.05). Lower estradiol (E2) + testosterone to progesterone (P4) ratio at the day of estrous and mating (102.87 vs. 135.67) was observed in ewes received CaMg injection compared to other group (P<0.05). Injection of CaMg solution had no significant effect on lamb sex ratio (P>0.05), although proportion of female lambs (68.18 vs. 56.52%) was numerically higher in ewes of the CaMg group than control group. These results indicated that there was a potential for skewing the sex ratio of lambs toward females when CaMg solution was injected subcutaneously during mating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most cases, the bridge columns are underwater, and there is a risk of corrosion. The columns of marine structures and docks also include such problems. In addition to the problem of environmental hazards, the bridge columns may fail due to design problems or increasing needs. The use of waterproof concrete materials as a jacket can have a role in increasing the life of bridges. Studies in recent years show that some waste from paper industries can be used in the construction industry. In the present study, several concrete stub columns were built as bridge columns and retrofitted with concrete jackets containing waste paper sludge ash, silica nanoparticles, aluminium oxide nanoparticles, and acrylic resin. The variables included the geometric shape of the column (square and circular) and the type of nanoparticles used in the jackets (silica and aluminium oxide nanoparticles), and the curing environment of the columns (normal and sulfate environments). The combined use of nanomaterials and waste paper ash is the most important novelty of the present study. The axial loading test was performed on the columns, and the load-deflection diagrams were obtained. The ductility, stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and crack distribution were among the parameters that were used to compare different modes. The proposed jackets increased the carrying capacity by 10 to 38%, depending on the processing curing environment and the type of nanoparticles. The combined use of aluminium oxide nanoparticles and waste paper ash can improve compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths and increase the axial load capacity of bridge columns. The proposed concrete jacket effectively reduces the corrosion of concrete and steel reinforcement and improves the bridge's useful life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of injection of vitamin E and selenium, vitamin B12 and iron or their combination during the transition period on milk production and composition, body condition score (BCS) changes and serum metabolites of dairy cows. A total of 40 Holstein dairy cows (659±57.9 kg of body weight (BW)) were divided into four groups based on parity, BW and BCS and randomly assigned to experimental treatments. Experimental treatments were T1: injection of NaCl % 0.9 as control treatment (C), T2: injection of 3000 IU of vitamin E and 30 mg of selenium (ESe), T3: injection of 700 μg of vitamin B12 and 254 mg of iron (B12Fe) and T4: injection of 3000 IU of vitamin E and 30 mg of selenium plus 700 μg of vitamin B12 and 254 mg of iron (ESe+B12Fe). Injection of ESe, B12Fe or ESe + B12Fe had no effect on BCS and its changes (P>0.05). Milk production, 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM), energy-corrected milk (ECM) and milk fat, protein and lactose content and yield did not influence by injection of ESe, B12Fe or ESe + B12Fe (P>0.05). Experimental treatments had no effect on serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, total protein, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDLcholesterol concentrations (P>0.05). It was concluded that injection of ESe, B12Fe or their combination during transition period had no effect on milk production and composition, BCS changes, and serum metabolites concentrations of Holstein dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxol is one of the most important secondary metabolites that plays an important role in the treatment of various cancers. This valuable substance is produced through a complex pathway. Due to the low production of Taxol and the risk of extinction of yew, increasing demand of Taxol production has become very important. In this research, plant samples were treated with 0, 100, 250 and 500 μM methyl jasmonate and kept in phytotron for 48 and 72 hours. After treatment with methyl jasmonate, the expression of the stem bapt gene was investigated by Real Time PCR method and the amount of the produced Taxol was measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The obtained data were analyzed statistically. The results showed that the expression of bapt gene at a concentration of 100 μM in 48 hours was 5.13 times higher than that of the control. In addition, the highest amount of Taxol was observed in the plant treated with 500 μM methyl jasmonate in 72 hours with 0.315 mg/g dry weight. Pearson's correlation test showed that there was no relationship between gene expression and Taxol production. It seems to be due to the time difference between gene expression and Taxol production under methyl jasmonate. Considering the importance of Taxol in the pharmaceutical industry, it was recommended using methyl jasmonate with concentration of higher than 500 μM with periods longer than three days to examine the possible increasing of Taxol production [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The effect of Foeniculi aetheroleum essential oil (EO) on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, serum biochemistry, immune response, ileum morphology, microbial population and meat quality of broiler chickens fed a corn- or wheat-based diet were determined. 2. A total of 360 broiler chickens were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial assay in a completely randomised design with six replicates and 15 birds per experimental unit. Birds were fed corn- or wheat-based diets supplemented with (200 mg/kg) or without fennel EO. 3. Birds fed wheat-based diets had lower BWG and FCR during grower period and lower FI during finisher period as compared to those fed corn-based diet (P < 0.05) whereas addition of fennel EO decreased chickens BWG during finisher period and EPEF, both in wheat or in corn-based diets. Dietary treatments had no effect on serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, AST, ALT, ALP, and MDA concentrations (P < 0.05). 4. Antibody titres against avian influenza and sheep red blood cell antibody titres, crude protein and crude fat utilisation, villus height, crypt depth and epithelium thickness were not influenced by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Inclusion of Fennel EO to the corn-based diet resulted in greater villus width and villus surface area while it reduced lamina propria thickness (P < 0.05). Fennel EO reduced ileal E. coli and Lactobacillus spp. populations (P < 0.05). Dietary treatments had no significant effect on meat pH, cooking loss, drip loss, crude protein, crude fat content and cholesterol concentration of breast and thigh meat, total phenolic and MDA concentrations, and breast meat sensory parameters (P > 0.05). 5. These results showed that addition of fennel EO to wheat-based diets had a negative effect on chicken growth performance variables and decreased gut E. coli populations. However, immunity, meat quality and nutrient utilisation were not affected by dietary treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is limited to study of buckling analysis of a sandwich cylindrical shell with functionally graded face sheets and homogenous core. High-order sandwich plate theory is improved by considering the in-plane stresses of the core that usually are ignored in the analysis of sandwich structures. Assume that all properties of the face sheets and the core are temperature dependent. Strain components are obtained by using the nonlinear Von-Karman type relations. The equilibrium equations are derived via principle of minimum potential energy. Analytical solution for static analysis of simply supported sandwich conical shells with functionally graded face sheets under axial in-plane compressive loads and in the temperature environments is performed by using Navier's solution. The results show the critical dimensionless static axial loads are affected by the configurations of the constituent materials, compositional profile variations, temperature and the variation of the sandwich geometry. The comparisons show that the present results are in the good agreement with the numerical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth efficiency-related traits are of economic importance for genetically improving of small ruminants especially in tropics with pastures of low quality and quantity. Data on body weights of Raeini Cashmere goat collected from 1979 to 2012 in Raeini breeding station, Kerman province, south-eastern part of Iran were used for estimating the genetic parameters of average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG1), average daily gain from weaning to six months of age (ADG2), average daily gain from birth to six months of age (ADG3), Kleiber ratio from birth to weaning (KR1), Kleiber ratio from weaning to six months of age (KR2), Kleiber ratio from birth to six months of age (KR3), growth efficiency from birth to weaning (GE1), growth efficiency from weaning to six months of age (GE2) and growth efficiency from birth to six months of age (GE3). The numbers of final edited records were related to 2817, 2541 and 2701 kids for the traits considered from birth to weaning, from weaning to six months of age and from birth to six months of ages periods, respectively. Direct heritability estimates for ADG1, ADG2, ADG3, KR1, KR2, KR3, GE1, GE2 and GE3 were 0.08, 0.03, 0.06, 0.19, 0.03, 0.07, 0.07, 0.09 and 0.08, respectively. Maternal heritability estimates for ADG1, KR1 and GE1 were 0.09, 0.11 and 0.10, respectively. Genetic correlations between traits were ranged from -0.95 for ADG3-KR1 to 0.99 for ADG1-KR1, ADG2-KR2, ADG3-KR3 and KR1- GE1. Phenotypic correlations were positive and high for traits measured in the same period i.e. among ADG1, KR1 and GE1, among ADG2, KR2 and GE2 and among ADG3, KR3 and GE3; ranged from 0.77 for ADG2-GE2 to 0.96 for ADG3-KR3. The obtained results revealed little additive genetic variation in growth rate or efficiency related traits of Raeini Cashmere goat, implying little opportunity for genetic improvement of these traits in this breed through selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact is one of the most important subjects which always have been considered in mechanical science. Nature of impact is such that which makes its control a hard task. Therefore it is required to adopt a safe and secure mechanism for transferring the impact to other vulnerable parts of a structure, when it is necessary. One of the best methods of absorbing impact energy is using Thinwalled tubes, where the tubes collapse under impact by absorbing energy, while this prevents the damage to other parts. Purpose of the present study is to survey the deformation and energy absorption of tubes with different type of cross section (rectangular or square) and with similar volumes, height, mean cross section, and material under different speed loading. Lateral loading of tubes are quasi-static type and in addition to the numerical analysis, also experimental experiment has been performed to evaluate the accuracy of the results. Results from the survey indicates that at the same conditions which mentioned above, samples with square cross sections, absorb more energy compared to rectangular cross sections; also by increasing the loading speed and thickness, the energy absorption would be more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the study of low velocity impact response on sandwich plates with functionally graded face sheets. High-order sandwich plate theory is improved by considering the in-plane stresses of the core that usually are ignored in the analysis of sandwich structures. A new approach is used to reduce the equations of motion from 27 equations to 15 equations and then solving them for both unsymmetric and symmetric sandwich plates. The model is also checked by finite element simulation and by comparing with other references for validation. A parametric study is done for various geometrical and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A total of 700 day old female broiler chicks (Ross 308) were distributed into seven groups in a completely randomized design with five replicates, and 20 chicks in each replicate. Dietary treatments, time of the switch from an unsaturated sunflower oil (SFO) to a saturated tallow (T) dietary fat source, were: 1) SFO for the entire growth period (6 weeks), 2) SFO for 5 weeks followed by T for last week, 3) SFO for first 4 weeks followed by T for last 2 weeks, 4) SFO for first 3 weeks followed by T for last 3 weeks, 5) SFO for first 2 weeks followed by T for last 4 weeks, 6) SFO for first 1 week followed by T for last 5 weeks and 7) T for the entire growth period. Chicks had free access to water and experimental diets during the experimental periods. All diets were calculated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Body weight and feed intake of chicks fed different diets were recorded at 21 and 42 days. At the end of experiment (on 42 day), two birds were randomly selected from each pen and slaughtered and then breast, leg and thigh muscles and abdominal fat were sampled to determine fatty acid profile. The SAS general linear models (GLM) procedure was used for the statistical analysis of data. There was statistically significant differences between dietary treatments for body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio during the period from 22 to 42 d and the entire growth period, with a higher values of body weight for chicks fed diets supplemented with SFO throughout the entire growth period (P<0.05). The lower feed conversion ratio was observed in chicks fed T-based diet for the entire growth period. Chicks with more access to T-based diet during the feeding program had significantly higher amounts of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in their carcass compared to those fed SFO based diets (P<0.05). Shifting from SFO to T diet just for a few weeks time was capable in altering the profile of fatty acids in tissues toward a more saturated pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved high-order sandwich beam theory is used to model the local deformation ofsandwich beams with aluminium/alumina functionally graded (FG) face sheets loaded by central indentor. First-order shear deformation theory is used for the FG face sheets while three-dimensional elasticity is used for the flexible core. Using the model to consider the way in which different wavelengths of sinusoidal pressure loading on the upper FG face sheet are transmitted to the core and lower FG face sheet, two spreading length scales λt and λb are introduced and calculated; λt and λb, which are two functions of the beam material and geometrical properties, characterize the length over which a load on the upper surface of a beam is spread out by the face sheets and the core. Comparison of the semi-wavelength of the sinusoidal pressure loading (L/m) on the upper FG face sheet with length scales λt and λb illustrate the importance of these length scales in describing whether the face sheets act in a rigid or a flexible manner. When the semi-wavelength (L/m) of the applied load in the present example is higher than λt (or λb), 10–90 per cent (or 5–70 per cent) of the contact load is transmitted locally to the core (or from the core to the lower FG face sheet) for the geometries and materials analysed. Conversely, when L/m is lower than λt (or λ1b), the contact load from the upper FG face sheet with a maximum of 58 per cent (or 70 per cent) is spread out over a wider area of the core (or from the core is spread out over a wider area of the lower FG face sheet). Reasonable agreement is found between the theoretical predictions in this study and finite element method results by ANSYS and the results published in literature for special cases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and Aim: Community involvement is the most important strategy in development. In health program planning, community assessment is a process in which society members get a thorough understanding of all matters, problems, resources, weaknesses, strengths, needs, and surveillance related to health by collecting, analyzing, and publishing relevant data and information. This study was conducted to identify and prioritize problems of the Chahestani region, a poor region in Bandar- Abbas city, Iran, with active participation of the people. Materials and Methods: The study was based on a model designed in North Carolina, US. In this model, the assessment process is performed in eight steps. In the first seven steps problems are identified and prioritized, and in step 8 a plan of action is developed to deal with the problem selected. Results: A total of 60 problems were identified, of which the following were considered to be top priorities: lack of responsibility of the authorities, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, sewerage disposal, insufficient water, insufficient electricity, unpaved roads, lack of green space, and dirty streets and passages. Conclusion: Most of the problems identified were non-health problems, including social, cultural, and economic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented on a study which examined clinical significance of the AT1RA1166C receptor polymorphism and its relation with serum concentration of lipids, oxidant/antioxidant systems and vascular adhesion protein-1 in psoriasis patients.

The paper presents results of an investigation carried out to study the flexural fatigue strength of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC). An experimental investigation was planned in which 180 SFRC beam specimens of size 100 × 100 × 500 mm were tested under four-point flexural fatigue loading. The specimen incorporated three different volume fractions i.e. 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% of corrugated steel fibres. Each volume fraction incorporated mixed steel fibres of size 0.6 × 2.0 × 25 mm and 0.6 × 2.0 × 50 mm in different proportions. The fatigue-life distributions of SFRC at a given stress level, is shown to approximately follow the two-parameter Weibull distribution. The parameters of the Weibull distribution for fatigue life of SFRC have been obtained from S - N relationships. Mean and design fatigue lives have been obtained for SFRC with different fibre volume fractions, each volume fraction containing different fibre mix proportions. It has been observed that SFRC having 1.0% fibre content with fibre mix proportion of 35% 50 mm + 65% 25 mm long fibres exhibits the highest mean and design fatigue lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast wavelet based non-uniform grid generation method is presented for time domain simulation of active semiconductor devices. The proposed approach solves the active part model of the semiconductor device. This approach is used to solve the non-linear equations of semiconductors on the self-adaptive grids, obtained by applying wavelet. Non-uniform mesh size is implemented and controlled by the wavelet coefficients. A fine mesh is used where the unknowns are varying rapidly and a coarser mesh where the unknowns are varying slowly. The energy model is considered for active layer of transistor and its results are compared with those of the classical drift diffusion model. Performance of this method is compared with the conventional finite difference on a uniform mesh. A reduction over 80 percent of unknowns in grid together with good accuracy in simulation is obtained using this non-uniform mesh while accurate physical behaviour of the device can be predicted. This represents an ongoing effort toward a numerical technique that uses wavelet to solve physical modelling problem of semiconductor devices. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a study which examined the fatigue strength of steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) containing mixed fibers. The concrete was incorporated with corrugated mixed steel fibers. Equations were proposed to predict the flexural fatigue strength of SFRC. The results indicated that the distribution of fatigue life of SFRC can be modeled by two-parameter Weibull distribution.

Fertility is recognized as an indispensable human concept which has continually remained the limelight of monotheistic religions, as it helps their maintenance. Close readings of monotheistic scriptures would reveal these religions have been ceaselessly tending to expand their population size. Outstanding numbers of religious texts contain references and commands in this direction. Reproduction has been emphasized in Islam as well. Quran contains many verses centering on reproduction and fertility. This paper and there are many in the present study we will investigate it. In this paper well-qualified reproduction and fertility are inquired as phenomena in Islamic frameworks. This research has used documentary methodology. The findings demonstrate that although the concepts of fertility and reproduction are deemed extremely important, though they appear sporadically and lack punctual structuration in Quran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]