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Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is a relatively common disorder among infants in Iran. Bacterial infection and jaundice may be associated with higher morbidity. Previous studies have reported that jaundice may be one of the signs of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence rate, presentation time, severity of jaundice, signs and complications of infection within neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted between 2003 and 2011, at Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad- Iran. We prospectively evaluated 1763 jaundiced newborns. We Finally found 434 neonates who were categorized into two groups.131 neonates as case group (Blood or/and Urine culture positive or sign of pneumonia) and 303 neonates with idiopathic jaundice as control group. Demographic data including prenatal, intrapartum, postnatal events and risk factors were collected by questionnaire. Biochemical markers including bilirubin level, urine and blood cultures were determined at the request of the clinicians. Results: Jaundice presentation time, age on admission, serum bilirubin value and hospitalization period were reported significantly higher among case group in comparison with control group (p

RNA interference (RNAi) has become a promising tool for cancer therapy. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can synergistically enhance the cell killing effects of drugs used in cancer treatment. Here we examined the effects of siRNA-mediated DNA fragmentation factor 45 (DFF45) gene silencing on breast cancer cell viability, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in the presence and absence of doxorubicin.We designed three siRNAs, which target different regions of the DFF45 mRNA. Gene silencing was confirmed by real time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. The impact of DFF45 siRNA, doxorubicin, and their combination on the viability, cell cycle and apoptosis of T-47D and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were determined by MTT, PI staining, annexin V binding, caspase-3 activity, DNA laddering, and chromatin condensation assays.Based on flow cytometric analyses, we found that silencing of DFF45 alone had little effect on apoptosis, especially in T-47D cells. However, when used in combination with doxorubicin (0.33 μM) a significant increase (P 0.05) in apoptosis was observed in T-47D and MDA-MB-231 cells, i.e., ~2.5- and 3-fold, respectively. Caspase-3 activity, chromatin condensation, as well as DNA laddering supported increased apoptosis in the combinatorial treatment. Cell cycle arrest in both cell lines occurred at lower levels after siRNA + doxorubicin treatment compared to doxorubicin only.Our data indicate that DFF45 gene silencing, when applied in combination with doxorubicin, may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.

This study evaluated the potential for prepared chitosan-plasmid DNA (pDNA) nanoparticles to transfer an exogenous gene into human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).Chitosan-pDNA nanoparticles were synthesized by the complex coacervation method. We used 18, 50 and 136 KD chitosan at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1%, in addition to a pTracer-CMV2 plasmid that contained the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene. To examine the complexation, samples were run through an agarose gel. The sizes and zeta potential of the nanoparticles were measured by a nanosizer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging was used to observe the nanoparticle morphology. MSCs were prepared from human bone marrow and transfected with chitosan-pDNA nanoparticles. The cultures transfected by lipofectamine(2000) were taken as the control. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay and transfection efficiency by flow cytometry.The smallest size of complexes was obtained with 18 KD chitosan (211 nm) and the highest zeta potential was observed with 136 KD chitosan (29.61 mV). The best transfection rate (18.43%) was achieved with the 0.1% concentration of 18 KD chitosan nanoparticles versus 40.57% for commercial lipofectamine (p0.01). The MTT assay indicated an average of 95.5% cell viability for 0.1% concentration of 18 KD chitosan compared with approximately 60% of Lipofectamine(2000).Nanoparticles produced by 18 KD chitosan at the 0.1% concentration and pDNA may be a promising gene delivery system for human marrow-derived MSCs. Although transfection efficiency of such nanoparticles is lower than that of Lipofectamine(2000), however comparatively they possess less cytotoxic effects.

This article develops an integrated JIT lot-splitting model for a single supplier and a single buyer for only one product. The relationship between optimal lot size and setup time reduction is an important subject in such problems. In this model we analyze the effect of setup time reduction in the integrated lot splitting strategy. Two cases, Single Delivery (SD) case, and Multiple Delivery (MD) case are investigated before and after setup time reduction. The Gradient Search (GS) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) are used in proposed model to determine the optimal order quantity (Q*), optimal rate of setup reduction (R*), and the optimal number of deliveries (N*) -just for multiple deliveries case. These optimum values are calculated by minimizing the total cost for both buyer and supplier. Finally numerical example and sensitivity analysis are provided to compare the aggregate total cost for two cases and effectiveness of the considered algorithms. The results show that which policy for lot-sizing is leading to lower total cost. Results show that the aggregate total cost in Single delivery policy is obtained 1.3% lower when we used the optimized setup time reduction rate.

The Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is one of the diagnosing approaches to detect heart disease. In this study the Hopfield Neural Network (HNN) is applied and proposed for ECG signal modeling and noise reduction. The Hopfield Neural Network (HNN) is a recurrent neural network that stores the information in a dynamic stable pattern. This algorithm retrieves a pattern stored in memory in response to the presentation of an incomplete or noisy version of that pattern. Computer simulation results show that this method can successfully model the ECG signal and remove high-frequency noise.

The recession hydrographs of karst springs provide important information about aquifer characteristics such as storage properties and drainage potential, karstification degree, and other hydrological features. The Faresban, Famaasb, Gonbad-e-Kabood, and Gian springs are the important karst springs which drain main karst aquifers in west of Iran. In this study, we evaluate hydrological characteristics of these four karst springs using different analytic equations. Almost, all the recession curves were well fitted by a function that consists of three main exponential terms. The initial portion of the recession curve represents the fast drainage of large fractures and conduits, ending with the slowly decreasing curve, where the drainage of rock matrix and small fissures or baseflow is dominant. The Gian spring has the largest storage volume but the lowest drained water (7%). Using Mangin’s equation, it is apparent that the baseflow supplies over 85% of the total drained water to the Gian spring, while a small quantity of total outflow is made up of quickflow periods. Of the water available to the Famaasb, Faresban, and Gonbad-e-Kabood springs, 85, 80, and 70% are drained during period of baseflow, respectively, whereas the quickflow periods have minor importance in some springs. Based on the Coutagne’s equation results, it can be concluded that the catchment of the Famaasb and Gonbad-e-Kabood springs have a karstified saturation zone with drainage channels that provide a rapid discharge with little storage capacity. At Gian catchment area, the initial discharge is not as rapid as karstification but is fairly homogeneous throughout the aquifer.

Background: Health literacy can influence physical activity, mortality, self-care behaviors and health outcome for some conditions and diseases especially among the aged population. Objectives: This study aimed to assess health literacy in older adults and its related factors to encourage and inform interventions and the future research outline concerning this group of population in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 older adults in southeast Iran, during year 2015. The twenty health centers were selected randomly and 10 subjects were selected using multistage random sampling from a population from each health center. The Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults Questionnaire was used for collecting the data. The data was analyzed using the Stata.12 software using Independent T test, Chi-square test and multiple linear regression. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 62.1 ± 3.9 years (ranging from 55 to 75 years old). The total mean score of health literacy was 64.4 ± 18.4 (range: 12 to 97). The mean score of health literacy amongst males and females was 61.5 ± 19.9 (range: 12 - 96) and 67.1 ± 16.6 (range: 22 - 97), respectively (P = 0.032). About 38.5% (n = 77), 29% (n = 58) and 32.5% (n = 65) of the subjects had inadequate, borderline and adequate HL level, respectively. Bivariate analysis and the results of linear regression analysis demonstrated that monthly income (β = 6.25, 95% CI: 5.03 - 17.27), educational level (β=6.61, 95% CI: 1.78-10.3) and husband’s educational level (β = 5.11, 95% CI: 3.2 - 11.21) were significantly associated with health literacy scores level of older adults. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that generally health literacy level is low among older adults in southeast Iran and needs special attention. The level of education was the most important determinant of health literacy. It seems that the best way to increase health literacy among older adults is health literacy training programs that should be implemented with respect to educational level, gender and income of the individuals.

One of the major problems associated with the electrospun scaffolds is their small pore size, which limits the cellular infiltration for bone tissue engineering. In this study, the effect of increasing the pore size on cellular infiltration was studied in poly/nanohydroxyapatite electrospun scaffolds, which were modified using ultrasonication, co-electrospinning with poly (ethylene oxide), and a combination of both. Ultrasonic process was optimized by central composite design. The ultrasonic output power and time of the process were considered as the effective parameters. The pore size of the scaffolds was evaluated by scanning electron microscope. The optimum conditions, according to the pore area and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were selected, and finally the groups that had the highest pore size and mechanical strength were selected for the combined method. Increasing the pore size enhanced the cellular proliferation, extension and infiltration, as well as the osteodifferentiation of stem cells. At the optimum condition, the average cellular infiltration was 36.51 µm compared to the control group with no cellular infiltration. In addition, alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of osteocalcin and collagen I (COL I) were, respectively, 1.86, 2.54, and 2.16 fold compared to the control group on day 14. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1887-1899, 2017.

Perinatal asphyxia is an important cause of death, as well as permanent neurological and developmental complications. Diagnosing in time would lead to better prognosis and applying the most proper treatment. We sought to define the predictive values of serum concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in newborns with perinatal asphyxia to see if there is a relation between the short-term neurological deficit and serum IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations.This was a prospective (case-control) study conducted between March 2006 and April 2013, at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mashhad, Iran. Serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels were measured at birth in 38 consecutive uninfected neonates with perinatal asphyxia (blood pH7.2, low Apgar score, signs of fetal distress) and 47 randomly selected healthy newborns. The results were compared between the groups, using Chi-Square, t-tests, and Mann-Whitney tests, as well as receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves and regression models.Serum IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations in the infants who developed perinatal asphyxia were significantly higher compared to values in the normal infants [16.88 vs 3.34 pg/mL for IL-1β, (P = 0.006), and 88.15 vs 6.74 pg/ mL for IL-6, (P0.001) respectively]. The sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of perinatal asphyxia using serum IL-6 were 80.5% and 81.6% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity using serum IL-1β were 71% and 89.1%, respectively.Evaluating serum IL-6 and 1β simultaneously, could improve the sensitivity and specificity of early diagnosis of the perinatal asphyxia. The most appropriate indicator of perinatal asphyxia is combined measurement of interleukin 1β and interleukin 6.

In this study, a gram negative, non- motile short rod-shaped and heavy metal resistant bacterial strain was isolated from effluents. The optimum temperature and pH for the growth of the strain were 33°C and 7, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) against the isolate were determined. The isolate showed MICs of 5, 4, 3 and 2 mM when grown on Zn, Cu, Cr and Hg, respectively. The isolate was assessed for its ability to remove zinc from medium amended with different concentrations of zinc. Up to 65% of zinc was removed at the zinc concentration of 1 mM. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate belongs to the genus Acinetobacter with 98% similarity to Acinetobacter junni. It was then designated as Acinetobacter sp. HM_AF14. Based on the data obtained in this study, it can be concluded that Acinetobacter sp. HM_AF14 can be used for bioremediation of zinc from effluents.Keywords: Heavy metals, Acinetobacter sp., bioremediation, 16S rRNA, zinc removalAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(26), pp. 4123-4128

The purpose of this study is to research the knowledge of pregnant women towards sport activities using data mining algorithms. Statistical population includes all healthy pregnant women referring to health centers in Gorgan city (Iran) in 2014 from which 429 were chosen as the sample using cluster random sampling. The questionnaire included 65 questions in 6 sections each relating to one knowledge level. Data related to each knowledge level were categorized by decision tree algorithms (CHAID, CART C5.0, QUEST) to predict general knowledge with 3 knowledge descriptions (good, medium, poor) and 5 knowledge descriptions (very good, good, medium, poor, very poor) and then were compared. Also the relationship of these knowledge levels was compared using regression algorithms and SVM. Results show that most of the population has a good and medium knowledge and their knowledge about sport during pregnancy is suitable. In predicting the level of knowledge using decision tree in both prediction level (5 label and 3 label), C5.0 algorithm had the most accurate prediction. Also in comparison, SVM algorithm and SVM regression algorithm had better results with the least error. As a result, it can be said that Extracted rules from algorithms helps to estimating the level of knowledge faster than traditional statically way and provide education regarding exercises during pregnancy for the health of mother and fetus.

A novel merwinite/ Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) nanocomposite was synthesized by a solvent casting/salt leaching technique with varying merwinite contents from 10 to 30% (w/w). Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) /merwinite foams with a co-continuous structure of interconnected pores were formed. The microstructure of the pores and the walls was controlled by varying the merwinite content. The pore structure becomes more and more irregular with increasing merwinite content. Pore sizes ranging from several microns to a few hundred microns were obtained. The degradation assessment of the scaffolds is performed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution at 37°C. Weight loss during storage at 37°C in PBS (pH 7.4) was determined for the scaffolds. Weight loss increased from pure to high content during incubation time. The prepared merwinite/ (Polylactic-co-glycolic) nanocomposite with uniform microstructure may be used in bone tissue engineering applications.

Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FLCOD) is a reactive process that involves tooth-bearing areas of the jaws. Reactive or dysplastic changes in periodontal ligament have been suggested as an etiologic factor. It usually affects females and is less frequently seen in Caucasians and Asians groups. Multiple sclerotic masses involving more than one quadrant are it is radiographic appearance. Because of its benign nature periodic recall is all things to do but in symptomatic cases surgical intervention may be required. How to cite this article Bagheri F, Taheri JB, Azimi S, Elmi Z. Florid Cemento-osseous Dysplasia: Report of Three Unusual Cases. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2014;3(2):103-105.

This paper aims to present a Web 2.0-based collaborative Learning framework based on the social constructivist theory promoting lifelong learning. The Web 2.0 provides conditions of collaborative learning, multiple modes and methods of learning and multiple perspective to achieve learning goals. This practical framework under the guidelines of design science research methodology allows learners to actively engage in the learning process, construct own knowledge and use to solve real-world problems collaboratively. Experts reviewed and confirmed the validity of the framework. Three successive iterations, working with 42 students in formal learning and Facebook members in informal learning were conducted to demonstrate and validate how learners started developing critical thinking, self-regulation and use of knowledge. The framework contributes to the practice of lifelong learning with emphasis on developing sustainability competencies that enable learners to gain more skills in applying different problem-solving frameworks to complex daily life problems.

Assessment and selection of suppliers are two most important tasks in the purchasing part in supply chain management. Supplier selection can be considered to be a single or multi-objective problem. From another point of view, it can be a single or multi-sourcing problem. In this paper, an integrated AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS model is proposed to solve the supplier selection problem. This model makes the decision-maker to be able to solve this problem with different criteria and different weight for each criterion with respect to the purchasing strategy. Finally, the proposed model is illustrated by an example.

In this paper, a new nano-hydroxyapatite / poly ( l -lactide acid) (nHAP/PLLA) composite scaffold comprising needle-like nHAP particles was prepared. In the first step, the identification and morphology of chemically synthesized HAP particles were determined by XRD, EDX, FTIR and SEM analyses. The needle-like nHAP particles with an average size of approximately 30–60 nm in width and 100–400 nm in length were found similar to needle-like bone nano apatites in terms of chemical composition and morphology. In the second step, nHAP and micro-sized HAP (mHAP) particles were used to fabricate HAP filled PLLA (HAP/PLLA) composites scaffolds using solid–liquid phase separation method. The porosity of scaffolds was up to 85%, and their average macropore diameter was in the range of 64–175 µm. FTIR and XRD analyses showed the presence of molecular interactions and chemical linkages between HAP particles and PLLA matrix. The compressive strength of nanocomposite scaffolds could high up to 8.46 MPa while those of pure PLLA and microcomposite scaffolds were 1.79 and 4.61 MPa, respectively. The cell affinity and cytocompatibility of the nanocomposite scaffold were found to be higher than those of pure PLLA and microcomposite scaffolds. Based on the results, the newly developed nHAP/PLLA composite scaffold is comparable with cancellous bone in terms of microstructure and mechanical strength, so it may be a suitable alternative for bone tissue engineering applications.

Free to read on publisher website ErbB4 can act as either a tumor-suppressor gene or an oncogene in breast cancer. Multiple genetic factors including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect gene expression patterns. Multiple 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) SNPs reside within the target binding site of microRNAs, which can strengthen or weaken binding to target genes. The present study aimed to predict potential 3'‑UTR variants of ErbB4 that alter the target binding site of microRNAs (miRNAs) and to clarify the association of the potential variant with the risk of developing breast cancer. In silico prediction was performed to identify potential functional SNPs within miRNA target binding sites in the 3'‑UTR of ErbB4. Thus, 146 patients and controls were genotyped using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction. In addition to the Cochran-Armitage test for trend, allele and genotype frequency differences were determined to investigate the association between rs1836724 and the susceptibility to breast cancer. Bioinformatics analysis identified rs1836724 to be a polymorphism in the seed region of four miRNA binding sites (hsa-miR335-5p, hsa-miR-28-5p, has‑miR‑708‑5p and has‑miR‑665), which may participate in the development of breast cancer. Logistic regression data indicated that the T allele of the polymorphism [OR (95% CI)=1.72 (1.056‑2.808), P=0.029] is associated with the risk of breast cancer. Using bioinformatics tools, a correlation was indicated between the presence of the T allele and a reduction in ErbB4 RNA silencing based on miRNA interaction. Furthermore, case subgroup data analysis revealed an association between the C/T genotype and an ER positive phenotype [OR (95% CI)=6.00 (1.082‑33.274), P=0.028] compared with the T/T genotype. ErbB4 and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) are regulated by identical miRNAs thus there may be a competition for binding sites. Due to this pattern, if the interaction between miRNAs with one gene is reduced, it may be consistent with the increase in interaction with another one. Therefore, more interaction with rs1836724 C variant within ErbB4 may be associated with higher expression of ESR1 (ER‑positive phenotype). miRNAs interact with ErbB4 mRNA more frequently when it carries C allele at the rs1836724 position compared with the T carriers. Therefore, the identical miRNA interacts with ESR1 less frequently when ErbB4 mRNA has a C allele. Therefore, ESR1 expression may be higher when ErbB4 mRNA has a C allele.

Background: The first report of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) carbapenem resistant strains, and especially the Metallo-Beta-Lactam (MBL) producers was from Japan, however, further reports were global. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the frequency of vim and imp genes among P. aeruginosa MBL producer isolated from Children Medicinal Center during from 2011 to 2012. Materials and Methods: In the current descriptive study, 90 P. aeruginosa strains were collected from different clinical samples of children referring to Children’s Medical Center of Tehran, Iran. All the isolates were identified and confirmed by the standard tests. Their resistance against common antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion method based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2010 protocol. The MBL producers were screened by Combined Disk Diffusion test (CDDT) and using imp-imp/Ethylen Ediamine Tetra Acetic Acid (EDTA), and increasing of 7 mm≤ the diameter of inhibiting zone. The frequency of vim and imp genes was determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: Based on standard tests including Triple Sugar Iron Agar and Oxidation- Fermentation (OF) media and disability of the bacteria for glucose fermentation, 90 P. aeruginosa strains were confirmed. Their resistance against the following antibiotics was evaluated by disk diffusion method: 36.6% to cefotaxim, cefpodoxim and ticarcillin 33.3%, meropenem and aztreonam 32.2%, amikacin 28.8%, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxon 27.7%, ceftazidime 22.3% and imipenem 15.5%. By PCR the frequency of imp gene with its 328 base pair band was (3.3%). The vim gene was not detected among the tested strains. Conclusions: Despite of high resistance of P. aeruginosa, the resistance rate of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from children in the current study was not high. Then accurate prescription of antibiotics can decrease the speed of resistance creation.

Background: Increased microbial resistance to conventional medicines and their side effects have led to studying the effect of herbal extracts on microorganisms. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of total extract and fractions of chloroform, methanol, and aqueous of aerial parts of Salvia aegyptiaca. Methods: The plants were collected from Bandar Abbas, Iran, in April 2015. The methanol extract of aerial parts, in addition to chloroform, methanol, and aqueous fractions, were prepared by the maceration method from S. aegyptiaca. The antimicrobial activity of fractions were determined by cup plate and further micro-dilution methods based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 2013 against some Gram-positive and -negative bacteria as well as Candida albicans. Statistical analysis was conducted by t test. Results: Significant results were obtained regarding the tested microorganisms only by micro-dilution method. Conclusions: There were no significant results in plant extract and its fractions against the tested microorganisms in the cup plate method, which may be due to the inability of agar diffusion. In contrast, by excluding the agar’s hindrance property, verified results of micro-dilution method were deleted.

Introduction: Asphyxia is one of the important cause of infants' mortality. Accurate and early diagnosis of asphyxia has an important role in performing appropriate protective treatment protocole; therefore, we compared the diagnostic value of two methods of Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance (PAB) and Heat shock proteins 70 ( HSP70) among healthy term infants and Neonates with asphyxia. Methods: In this prospective case-control study, we compared the diagnostic value of two methods of PAB and HSP70 in healthy term infants (N=38) and Neonates with asphyxia (N=30) in Mashhad Ghaem hospital from 2011 to 2015. The diagnostic value of HSP70 and PAB was compared with statistical tests of Chi-square, T-Test, Man-Whitney, Roc curve and regression models. Results: The newborns in two groups were significantly different in terms of the first (P=0.000) and fifth minute Apgar score (P=0.000), HSP70 (P=0.000), PAB (P=0.000), PH (P=0.000), BE (P=0.000) and HCO3 (P=0.015). HSP>0.218 ng / dl has 60% sensitivity and 76% specificity for the diagnosis of asphyxia while PAB>11.3 HK has 84% sensitivity and 92% specificity for the diagnosis of asphyxia. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, HSP70>0.22 ng/dl and PAB>11.3 HK Unite can be used as biochemical markers for the diagnosis of perinatal asphyxia (P=0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of PAB in the diagnosis of asphyxia is higher than HSP70 and Simultaneous measurement of these two markers can correctly diagnose 84% of asphyxia cases.

BACKGROUND NF-kB is a transcription factor that is a downstream target of several cell signaling systems including TLRs. Defective expression of the molecule can lead to inappropriate immune responses. Previous studies revealed that depression can affect immune responses, but its molecular mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Thus, the main aim of this study was to identify if mRNA levels of NF-kB are changed in the PBMCs isolated from Iranian depressed medical students. METHODS This cross-sectional study was done on 38 Iranian depressed medical students and 43 healthy students as a control group. The mRNA levels of NF-kB were assessed in parallel with beta-actin (as the housekeeping gene) using Real-Time PCR technique. RESULTS Our results showed that mRNA levels of NF-kB were significantly decreased in isolated PBMCs from depressed patients compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS According to the results obtained in the present study, it seems that depressed patients are unable to appropriately express NF-kB at mRNA levels which may in turn lead to defective molecule expression.

Textline segmentation is an important preprocess before trying to recognize words. Handwritten texts include complex lines such as connected/overlapped, multi skewed, and curved textlines. In the proposed approach, to overcome these problems, local reliable text regions are locally extracted for each block of a handwritten text. Text image is first filtered by a set of directional 2D filters and filtered images are divided to a number of overlapping blocks. The filtered block with the highest contrast is selected to be used for text region detection. Experiments show that our proposed method accurately segments complex handwritten textlines.

In this paper a directional filter is proposed to describe the curvedness of textures. The proposed filter is inspired by the basic Gabor filter and has an elliptic form. Thus, they are called directional elliptic Gabor (DEG) filters. Characters and subwords in Farsi machine-printed texts are constructed from both straight and curved segments. Moreover, the amounts of curvedness of various Farsi fonts are different. Therefore, the features based on the proposed filter can be useful in Farsi font recognition. Better describing straightness and curvedness of text components increases the separability among various fonts. Experiments demonstrate that using both Gabor filters and the proposed DEG filters for texture features extraction improves the Farsi font recognition accuracy.

Organizations use data mining to improve their customer relationship management processes. Data mining is a new and well-known technique, which can be used to extract hidden knowledge and information about customers’ behaviors. In this paper, a model is proposed to enhance the premium calculation policies in an automobile insurance company. This method is based on customer clustering. K-means algorithm is used for clustering based on RFM models. Customers of the insurance company are categorized into some groups, which are ranked based on the RFM model. A number of rules are proposed to calculate the premiums and insurance charges based on the insurance manner of customers. These rules can improve the customers’ satisfaction and loyalty as well as the company profitability.

Traffic accident is one the most substantial concern of road safety. Prediction models are being used for defining relations between freeway accidents and effective parameters such as traffic volume, road geometric designs and environmental issues. In this research work, artificial neural network and log-normal models have been proposed to estimate the number of road accidents in Tehran-Qom freeway. Average daily traffic volume, percentage of heavy vehicle, average speed and pavement condition index are considered as input variables. Three-year period of accident data and parameters, have been used in analytical process modeling and validation. Efficiency ranking of variables in artificial neural networks and log-normal regression extracted based on the coefficients of determination. Results show that average speed of vehicles and average daily traffic volume are the most effective parameters in freeway accidents as well as artificial neural network model is more capable to estimate the number of road accidents in freeways.

To determine the amount of azinphos methyl and diazinon residues in two river fishes, Liza aurata and Cyprinus carpio, in the north of Iran.This study was done during 2006-2007. In this survey, 152 water and fish samples from Gorgan and Qarasu rivers, north of Iran, were investigated. Sampling was done in three predetermined stations along each river. Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) were extracted from the fishes and the water of rivers. After extraction, purification and concentration processes, the amount and type of insecticides in water and fish samples were determined by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC).There was a significant difference in the residue of the insecticides in the water and fish samples between summer and other seasons in the two rivers. The highest amount of insecticides residue was seen during summer. In both rivers, the amount of diazinon and azinphos methyl residues in the two fishes was more than 2 000 mg/L in summer. There was no significant difference in insecticides residue between the fishes in two rivers. The diazinon residue was higher than the standard limits in both rivers during the spring and the summer, but the residual amount of azinphos methyl was higher than the standard limits only during the summer and only in Qarasu River.It can be concluded that the amount of OPs in the water and the two fishes, Liza aurata and Cyprinus carpio, is higher than the permitted levels.

Two greenhouse experiments were conducted in 2008-2010 at College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran to evaluate the effectiveness of changes in protein content, peroxidase activity, phenolic compounds, free amino acids content and proline in response to wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) infection, in screening resistant bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. Fifteen wheat genotypes consisting of WSMV tolerant, intermediate and susceptible genotypes were grown in two randomized complete designs with three replications. The experiments only differed with respect to their inoculation (either infected or non-infected). The results indicated that viral infection increased the total protein and peroxidase activity of leaves in tolerant genotypes but viral infection decreased them in susceptible genotypes. Phenolic compounds increased in all infected genotypes but these increases are the highest in tolerant genotypes as compared to intermediate and susceptible ones. Viral infection reduced free amino acids in genotypes in general. The changes in proline content did not show a typical trend in tolerant, intermediate or susceptible genotypes. The analysis of variance indicated that the linear regression of leaf damage rating on the changes in total protein, peroxidase activity and phenols in the leaf was significant but the linear regression of leaf damage rating on the changes in free amino acids and proline in the leaf was not significant. Our results demonstrate the changes in total protein, peroxidase activity and phenolic compounds in a genotype could be used as suitable biochemical markers for assessing the WSMV tolerant wheat plants when grown under infected condition.

Traditional medicine has a key role in health care worldwide. Obtaining scientific information about the efficacy and safety of the plants is one of the researcher's goals. In this research, the flowering aerial parts of Rhynchocorys elephas (L.) Griseb (Scrophulariaceae) were collected from Siah Bisheh (Mazandaran, Iran) in May 2009. Extract was tested for its antibacterial activity using 3 Gram-positive bacteria strains ( Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus ) and 2 Gram-negative bacterial strains ( Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi ) by cup plate method. Its mutagenic activity was also investigated using Ames test on Salmonella typhi murium TA100. Here we report for the first time the activity of R. elephas against S. aureus (MIC =31.25 mg/ml), S. epidermidis (MIC = 31.25 mg/ml), B. cereus (Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 62.5 mg/ml), E. coli (MIC = 62.5 mg/ml) and S. typhi (MIC = 62.5 mg/ml). Furthermore the mutagenic potential of R. elephas using Ames test studied and no mutagenic effects was detected. The results of preliminary phytochemical study showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids and tannins in the methanolic extract of flowering aerial parts of this plant. Key words: Rhynchocorys elephas (L.) Griseb., scrophulariaceae, antibacterial effect, mutagenic activity. INTRODUCTION The genus Rhynchocorys (family Scrophulariaceae) comprises of 5 species which are naturalized in Europe and some parts of Asia. Two of these species grow wild in Iran. Rhynchocorys elephas (L.) Griseb. is one of the species which grow in north of Iran (Saeidi, 2006). There is no evidence of its traditional use in folk medicine. Since the literature survey revealed that there is no work on phytochemical and biological activities of R. elephas , we were prompted to investigate the antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of flowering aerial parts of the plant using the Cup Plate method and its mutagenic effects by

Supernumerary teeth refer to teeth in excess of the usual number. Most common supernumerary teeth are mesiodense, followed by supernumerary teeth in molar and premolar region. There is a male predilection, and maxilla is involved more frequently. Multiple supernumerary teeth are often found in relation to syndromes. Only a few case reports have reported nonsyndromic multiple supernumerary teeth. Here, we report two unusual nonsyndromic cases with impact supernumerary teeth, the first case has five supernumerary premolars and the second has two unilateral fourth molars.How to cite this articleBagheri F, Taheri JB, Azimi S, Babaei S. Nonsyndromic Multiple Supernumerary Impacted Teeth: Report of Two Unusual Cases. J Contemp Dent 2014;4(2):127-128.

Alginate is a family of natural polysaccharides, widely used in industry and medicine for many applications, with its non toxic nature, gentle sol/gel transition procedure and low cost, alginate inferior biomechanical properties have limited its utility especially in tissue engineering. Additionally, ionically cross-linked alginate hydrogels generally lose most of their initial mechanical and swelling properties within a few hours in physiological solution. In order to overcome these limitations, the referenced alginate was treated by covalent fixation of octadecyl chains onto the polysaccharide backbone by esterification. In semi dilute solution, intermolecular hydrophobic interactions of long alkyl chains result in the formation of physical hydrogels, which can then be reinforced by the addition of calcium chloride. FTIR studies clearly showed the presence of ester bonds at 1612 and 1730 cm(-1) indicating that the alkyl groups are incorporated in the backbone of resulting polymer. The endothermic peak and exothermic peak present in the DSC thermogram of Alg-C18 had shifted to lower temperatures comparing to native alginate (from 106 to 83°C and from 250 to 245°C, respectively) due to the esterification reaction that leads to high hydrophobic nature of the modified sample. From rheological experiments, it can be inferred that the combination of both calcium bridges and intermolecular hydrophobic interaction in the treated alginate leads to enhanced gel strength accompanied by more stable structure in physiological solution comparing to native sodium alginate hydrogel. Finally, the modified alginate tended to have no toxic effects on mesenchymal stem cell culture, rather it supported MSC chondrogenic differentiation.

This study is devoted to fabricate a novel hydroxyapatite(HAp)/gelatin scaffold coated with nano-HAp in nano-rod configuration to evaluate its biocompatibility potential. The nano-HAp particles are needle and rod-like with widths ranging between 30 to 60 nm and lengths from 100 to 300 nm, respectively. Because of their higher surface area and higher reactivity, the nano-rod particles were distributed in gelatin much better than spherical and mixed shapes particles. The compressive modulus of the nano-HAp/gelatin scaffolds coated with nano-HAp was comparable with the compressive modulus of a human cancellous bone. The potential performance of the fabricated scaffolds as seeding media was assayed using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-1,5-diphenyl tetrazulium bromide) assays were performed on days 4 and 7 and the number of the cells per scaffold was determined. On the basis of this assay, all the studied scaffolds exhibited an appropriate environment in which the loaded cells appeared to be proliferated during the cultivation periods. In all fabricated composite scaffolds, marrow-derived MSCs appeared to occupy the scaffolds internal spaces and attach on their surfaces. According to the cell culture experiments, the incorporation of rod-like nano-HAp and coating of scaffolds with nano-HAp particles enabled the prepared scaffolds to possess desirable biocompatibility, high bioactivity, and sufficient mechanical strength in comparison with noncoated HAp samples. This research suggests that the newly developed scaffold has a potential as a suitable scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

Sulfonamide drugs mediate their main therapeutic effects through modulation of the activity of membrane and cytosolic carbonic anhydrases. How interactions of sulfonamide drugs impact structural properties and activity of carbonic anhydrases requires further study. Here the effect of acetazolamide on the structure and function of bovine carbonic anhydrase II (cytosolic form of the enzyme) was evaluated. The Far-UV CD studies indicated that carbonic anhydrase, for the most part, retains its secondary structure in the presence of acetazolamide. Fluorescence measurements using iodide ions and ANS, along with ASA calculations, revealed that in the presence of acetazolamide minimal conformational changes occurred in the carbonic anhydrase structure. These structural changes, which may involve spatial reorientation of Trp 4 and Trp 190 or some other related aminoacyl residues near the active site, considerably reduced the catalytic activity of the enzyme while its thermal stability was slightly increased. Our binding results indicated that binding of acetazolamide to the protein could occur with a 1:1 ratio, one mole of acetazolamide per one mole of the protein. However, the obtained kinetic results supported the existence of two acetazolamide binding sites on the protein structure. The occupation of each of these binding sites by acetazolamide completely inactivates the enzyme. Advanced analysis of the kinetic results revealed that there are two substrate (p-NPA) binding sites whose simultaneous occupation is required for full enzyme activity. Thus, these studies suggest that the two isoforms of CA II should exist in the medium, each of which contains one substrate binding site (catalytic site) and one acetazolamide binding site. The acetazolamide binding site is equivalent to the catalytic site, thus, inhibiting enzyme activity by a competitive mechanism.

Critical thinking (CT) is being increasingly discussed in language learning and teaching. Discussions around CT are particularly influencing English for Academic Purposes (EAP) which the teachers’ aim for the students is to help them learn all of the skills necessary to succeed in the university career. Accordingly, the study mainly surveys the effect of receiving critical thinking trainings on degree students through the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. Participants of the study included 256 freshmen students from four departments at a leading university in China. The experiment group studied EAP, while the control group studied General English within one academic semester. In addition to CT assessment, the two groups were also compared in regards with Language Learning Strategy (LLS). The significant contribution of the study might be to reveal the possible relationship between CT and LLS. The results and discussions would be conducive for language practitioners and administrators.

Introduction: Fusion is a developmental anomaly in which two tooth buds are interconnected. In fusion, teeth are joined by dentine in their developmental stage. Fusion could be between normal teeth or between a normal and a supernumerary tooth. Fusion of the posterior teeth and supernumerary ones are rare.Case Report: A 26 year old woman was referred for extraction of semi impacted third molar. Panoramic radiographs were requested for the patient. In dental radiographs, a supernumerary tooth in distal region of the third molar was observed. Teeth looked like fused teeth. After obtaining consent from the patient, teeth were removed by surgical excision.

Background: Due to multiple drug resistance against antimicrobial drugs for treatment of infectious disease, investigations to discovering new antibacterial compounds from natural sources have been designated. Objective: According to antimicrobial effects of some Capparis species, this study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract and fractions of Capparis cartilaginea and Capparis mucronifolia against 6 bacterial strains. Methods: Aerial parts of the Capparis species were extracted by maceration method using methanol and fractionated separately by liquid-liquid fractionation method. The antibacterial activity of the extract and fractions were studied against 6 bacterial strains using MIC microplate method. Total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extracts and fractions was determined using AlCl3 reagent. Results: The total extract and methanolic fractions of C. mucronifolia were the most effective fractions against the bacterial strains. Methanolic fraction of C. cartilaginea was the most effective fraction with MIC 10.42 µg/ml against Salmonella enterica. The highest antibacterial activity of C.mucronifolia was against Staphylococcus epidermidis with MIC 7.8 µg/ml. Methanolic fractions of Capparis species showed the highest TFC value in AlCl3 colorimetric assay. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the extracts and fractions of Capparis cartilaginea and Capparis mucronifolia have antimicrobial effect against 6 gram positive and gram negative strains. According to the high amount of flavonoids in methanolic fraction of C. mucronifolia, the antibacterial activity may be related to the flavonoid compounds of this plant.