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Abstract Predictive biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint-based therapies (ICI) remain a critically unmet need in the management of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The complex interplay of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and the circulating immune response has proven to be challenging to decipher. MicroRNAs have gained increasing attention for their role in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation, particularly because they can have immunomodulatory properties. We evaluated the presence of immune-specific extracellular vesicle (EV) microRNAs in the plasma of patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC) prior to initiation of ICI. We found significantly lower levels of microRNA155-3p (miR155) in responders to ICI, when compared to non-responders. This microRNA has unique immunomodulatory properties, thus providing potential biological rationale for our findings. Our results support further work in exploring microRNAs as potential biomarkers of response to immunotherapy.

Abstract Graphene allotropes with varied carbon configurations have attracted significant attention for their unique properties and chemical activities. This study introduces a novel two-dimensional carbon-based material, termed Graphsene (GrS), through theoretical study. Comprising tetra-, penta-, and dodeca-carbon rings, GrS’s cohesive energy calculations demonstrate its superior structural stability over existing graphene allotropes, including graphyne and graphdiyne families. Phonon dispersion analysis confirms GrS’s dynamic stability and its relatively low thermal conductivity. All calculated GrS elastic constants meet the Born criteria, ensuring mechanical stability. Ab-initio molecular dynamic simulations show GrS maintains its structure at 300 K. HSE06 calculations reveal a narrow electronic bandgap of 20 meV, with the electronic band structure featuring a highly anisotropic Dirac-like cone due to its intrinsic structural anisotropy along armchair and zigzag directions. Notably, GrS is predicted to offer exceptional catalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction, favoring the four-electron reduction pathway with high selectivity under both acidic and alkaline conditions. This discovery opens promising avenues for developing metal-free catalyst materials in clean energy production.

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists, we are pleased to present the abstracts of the 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. The CAMO Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) took place from 24–26 October 2024 in an in-person event in Ottawa, ON. Twenty-four (24) abstracts were selected for presentation as oral presentations and poster presentations. Awards for the top three (3) abstracts were presented during the ASM; they have been marked as “Award Recipient”. We congratulate all presenters on their research work and contribution.

Background: Since cerebral palsy (CP) is a corollary to brain damage, persistent treatment should accompany an alteration in brain functional activity in line with clinical improvements. In this regard, the corpus callosum (CC), as a connecting bridge between the two hemispheres, plays an essential role.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of occupational therapy (OT) on CC functional activity and walking capacity in children with cerebral palsy.Material and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 4 children with CP (8.25±1.71 years) received 45 min OT sessions 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was acquired while conducting passive motor tasks to quantify CC activation. The pre-post activation changes in CC following therapy were quantified in terms of activated voxels. Walking capacity was evaluated using the timed-up-and-go (TUG), 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), and 10-meter walk test (10 MWT) in pre-and post-treatment.Results: The number of activated voxels in CC indicated significant improvement in participants. Post-treatment activated voxels substantially exceeded pre-treatment active voxels. Clinical measures, including TUG, 6 MWT, and 10 MWT are improved by 11.9%, 12.6%, and 25.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Passive task-based fMRI can detect the effects of OT on CC functional activity in children with CP. According to the results, OT improves CC functional activity in addition to gait and balance performance.

Abstract No consensus strategies exist for prognosticating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Circulating tumor DNA fraction (ctDNA%) is increasingly reported by commercial and laboratory tests but its utility for risk stratification is unclear. Here, we intersect ctDNA%, treatment outcomes, and clinical characteristics across 738 plasma samples from 491 male mCRPC patients from two randomized multicentre phase II trials and a prospective province-wide blood biobanking program. ctDNA% correlates with serum and radiographic metrics of disease burden and is highest in patients with liver metastases. ctDNA% strongly predicts overall survival, progression-free survival, and treatment response independent of therapeutic context and outperformed established prognostic clinical factors. Recognizing that ctDNA-based biomarker genotyping is limited by low ctDNA% in some patients, we leverage the relationship between clinical prognostic factors and ctDNA% to develop a clinically-interpretable machine-learning tool that predicts whether a patient has sufficient ctDNA% for informative ctDNA genotyping (available online: https://www.ctDNA.org ). Our results affirm ctDNA% as an actionable tool for patient risk stratification and provide a practical framework for optimized biomarker testing.

Abstract Background The Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) was developed with the primary objective of evaluating food addiction (FA). The present study aimed to undertake the translation, pilot testing, and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the mYFAS 2.0 within the Persian-speaking population. Methods The transcultural adaptation of the mYFAS 2.0 to the Persian language was conducted. Data collection was carried out through an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants completed the Persian versions of the mYFAS 2.0, Binge Eating Scale (BES), Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The assessment encompassed the evaluation of internal consistency reliability, factor structure, as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the aforementioned questionnaires. Results Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the single-factor model of the Persian translation of mYFAS 2.0 performed satisfactorily, with comparative fit index (CFI) and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) values exceeding 0.95, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) less than or equal to 0.09, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) below 0.03. The internal consistency and composite reliability of the mYFAS 2.0 were favorable in the entire sample, as well as in both male and female groups, with alpha (α) values of 0.83, ordinal alpha (αord) of 0.93, and composite reliability (CR) of 0.86. Additionally, significant relationships were observed between the total score of BES (r = 0.59, p

Introduction: Considering the priority of supporting vulnerable groups when fighting against COVID-19, the present study aimed to evaluate the levels of COVID-19-induced anxiety and depression in two vulnerable groups: medical staff and pregnant women.Methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study performed on 140 treatment staff and 338 pregnant women. The questionnaire used in this study includes demographic characteristics and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale- modified. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis and analysis of variance were used to identify the effect of variables on anxiety and depression.Results: Among the staff, 88.6% were women. The mean and standard deviation of their COVID-19-induced anxiety and depression were 12.76 ± 1.78 and 7.75 ± 2.27, respectively. The staff exhibited high levels of abnormal anxiety, with 92.9% reporting symptoms. In contrast, the prevalence of abnormal depression among the staff was lower, with only 11.4% reporting symptoms. Marital status (p=0.05) and exercise (p=0.03) significantly affected the covid-19-induced depression of the medical staff. The mean and standard deviation of COVID-19-induced anxiety and depression in pregnant women were 10.53 ± 2.04 and 11.15 ± 2.09, respectively, and these scores were significantly different compared to the medical staff groups.Conclusion: Vulnerable groups had high levels of anxiety and depression associated with COVID-19. Nurses prioritized psychological programs targeting anxiety reduction, while pregnant women prioritized psychological programs addressing depression reduction.

Purpose – This study explores the effect of internal branding on organisational financial performance and brand loyalty with the mediating role of psychological empowerment. Design/methodology/approach – The data gathered from 200 Pasargad insurance employees in Iran were analysed. Structural equation modelling and R were used to evaluate the model. Financial performance was measured by four concepts (ROI, ROE, Sales growth, ROA) based on available data from March 2010 to March 2020. Findings – The results revealed that internal branding and psychological empowerment have no significant effect on financial performance, but both have a significant positive effect on brand loyalty. Likewise, the mediating role of psychological empowerment on the subject of the impact of internal branding on brand loyalty was confirmed. Furthermore, psychological empowerment did not play a mediating role in the impact of internal branding on financial performance. Research limitations/implications – The findings of this study could be important for managers of organisations active in the insurance industry to highlight internal branding and enhance psychological empowerment and employee brand loyalty. Moreover, managers' perception of the effective role of psychological empowerment to enhance employee brand loyalty is another practical aspect of this research. Originality/value – Considering the mediating role of psychological empowerment to the effect of internal branding on financial performance and brand loyalty is an innovative aspect of the present study. Meanwhile, the use of R software for VB-SEM was another point to surge the value of this paper.

Purpose: People who have a sense of trust in the leadership believe that they are treated fairly and with fairness and sincerity in the organization. These people are honest and transparent in their business communication, and their ability to listen to the opinions of others is more and better. Among the other factors that contribute to the increase of organizational quality and maturity, especially in organizations with information technology, is the quality of information systems and knowledge sharing. These three factors can be the basis for creation of creativity, motivation and promotion of knowledge in the organization. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of trust in leadership, knowledge sharing, and the quality of information systems on innovation and employee motivation in public libraries. Method: The current research is practical in terms of its purpose, and is quantitative-descriptive in terms of the type and method of collecting research data, and is based on the structural equation model (SEM) that was conducted using the survey method. The statistical population of the study included all the employees of the public libraries of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in the year 1400 in the number of 148 people, which was sampled using a simple random sampling method and finally 113 complete questionnaires were analyzed. To collect data from the leadership trust questionnaire (Seo et al., 2016), information systems quality questionnaire (Delon and McLean, 2004), employee innovation questionnaire (Scott and Brath, 1994), employee motivation questionnaire (Bakhshi et al., 2004) and knowledge sharing questionnaire (Lee, 2001) was used. The content validity of the tool was verified by experts and its reliability was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha. Findings: In order to achieve the purpose of the research, eight sub-hypotheses were defined to fully evaluate and examine all aspects of the research. The findings showed that trust in leadership has a significant effect on employee innovation and motivation. In addition, the quality of information systems affects the innovation and motivation of employees. On the other hand, trust in leadership and the quality of information systems affect knowledge sharing, and knowledge sharing is also effective on employee innovation and motivation. Originality/value: The current research has investigated the effect of trust in leadership, knowledge sharing and the quality of information systems on innovation and motivation in all active public libraries in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. This research is the the first study based on the combination of internal and external reference questionnaires that have dealt with the determining role of these factors in increasing the service quality of public libraries in Iran. In addition, the results of this research can help library managers to move the atmosphere of collaboration within the library towards more favorable conditions in the interaction between employees and provide more creativity and motivation for colleagues with appropriate policy making and planning. This policy itself can lead to a more appropriate response from library staff to clients.

Introduction: Cesarean section is one of the most common surgeries and is usually followed by pain. According to some studies, flaxseed oil may reduce pain. The present study was performed with aim to evaluate the effect of flaxseed oil ointment on the severity of cesarean section wound pain. Methods: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial study was performed in 2018 with participation of 120 women who had cesarean section in Imam Reza and Shahid Hasheminejad hospitals in Mashhad. Individuals were randomly assigned into to three groups (flaxseed ointment, placebo, control). In two groups of flaxseed ointment and placebo, the ointment was applied on cesarean section wound. The intensity of wound pain was measured 24 hours after surgery, 4th and 8th day after cesarean section by pain intensity Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25), and Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P

Re-tightening the loosened dental implant abutment screw is an accepted procedure, however the evidence that such screw will hold sufficiently is weak. The purpose of this study was material analysis of lost dental implant abutment screws made of the TiAlV alloy from various manufacturers, which became lost due to unscrewing or damaged when checking if unscrewed; undamaged screws could be safely re-tightened. Among 13 failed screws retrieved from 10 cases, 10 screws were removed due to untightening and 3 were broken but without mechanical damage at the threads. Advanced corrosion was found on nine screws after 2 years of working time on all surfaces, also not mechanically loaded. Sediments observed especially in the thread area did not affect the corrosion process because of no pit densification around sediments. Pitting corrosion visible in all long-used screws raises the question of whether the screws should be replaced after a certain period during service, even if they are well-tightened. This requires further research on the influence of the degree of corrosion on the loss of the load-bearing ability of the screw.

Considerable amounts of oxidants are produced in cerebral ischemia, where oxidative stress plays a key role in neuronal damage after ischemia. Klotho, an anti-aging protein, alleviates oxidative stress by activating the transcription of an important antioxidant enzyme, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), in the nervous system. Thus, increased Klotho expression level could lead to a reduction in neuronal damages after brain ischemia via lowering oxidative stress. It is known that physical activity increases Klotho expressions. In this study, we assessed neuroprotective effects of preconditioning exercise in rats (treadmill running at a speed of 20 m/min,30 min/day, six days/week, for3 weeks) on hippocampal Klotho and MnSOD expression in the brain using an animal model of stroke, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Our study revealed a reduction in hippocampal Klotho and MnSOD expression as well as CA1 neuronal activity in MCAO compared to the sham group. Exercise prevented the ischemia-induced decline in Klotho and MnSOD expression levels as well as CA1 neuronal activity in Exercise + MCAO compared to the MCAO group. Also, exercise significantly improved the neurological scores and reduced brain infarction area in Exercise + MCAO in comparison to MCAO group. There was a post-ischemia deficit in the working memory, as measured by spontaneous alternation percentage using Y-maze test, in MCAO compared to the sham group. The latter effect was not observed in the Exercise + MCAO group, which could be related to an increase in the antioxidant capacity as exhibited by Klotho and MnSOD up-regulation. The results were confirmed with a positive correlation between Klotho expression and MnSOD expression which allows proposing Klotho as a potential neuroprotective protein in ischemic stroke with respect to antioxidant defense. In general, the present study suggested that preconditioning exercise induced upregulation of Klotho and MnSOD, as well as attenuated the post-ischemic injuries. The upregulation of Klotho might be an underlying mechanism by which preconditioning exercise plays as a neuroprotective factor against post-ischemic neural injuries in ischemic rats.

Background: A burn tissue injury is one of the most severe forms of trauma which results in severe life-threatening disturbances. Burn injury has many morbid complications, so it needs a multi-disciplinary care team according to the burn center to reduce its mortality and morbidity. Methods: This article aims to review drawbacks and complications associated with the burning injury including Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Acute lung injury, Heart Failure, Electrolyte imbalance, intra-abdominal hypertension in children and adult burn patients, and recent challenging treatments. Results: Improved understanding of the pathophysiology of burn-induced complications can contribute to organizing a well-treatment plan, which leads to improved outcomes. Conclusions: Herein, the evidence available on the management of all burn induced-complications is summarized.

Introduction: The induction of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) toward dopaminergic neurons is a major challenge in tissue engineering and experimental and clinical treatments of various neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson disease. This study aims to differentiate HUC-MSCs into dopaminergic neuron-like cells. Methods: Following the isolation and characterization of HUC-MSCs, they were transferred to Matrigel-coated plates and incubated with a cocktail of dopaminergic neuronal differentiation factors. The capacity of differentiation into dopaminergic neuron-like cells in 2-dimensional culture and on Matrigel was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Our results showed that dopaminergic neuronal markers’ transcript and protein levels were significantly increased on the Matrigel differentiated cells compared to 2D culture plates. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study suggest that HUC-MSCs can successfully differentiate toward dopaminergic neuron-like cells on Matrigel, having great potential for the treatment of dopaminergic neuron-related diseases.

Background: The Yale Food Addiction Scale version 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) is used for the assessment of food addiction (FA). This research intended to evaluate the validity of the Persian translation of the questionnaire and to investigate the psychological properties and the association between FA and anthropometric indices.Methods: In a sample of 473 nonclinical participants, FA, binge eating, and objectively measured anthropometric indices were assessed. Internal consistency, convergent, and validity of the PYFAS 2.0 were examined. Also, the factor structure (confirmatory factor analysis following the 11 diagnostic indicators in addition to the significant distress) and the construct of the scale were evaluated.Findings: The frequencies of mild, moderate, and severe FA based on PYFAS 2.0 were 0.2%, 10%, and 5.5%, respectively. The findings supported a one-factor structure. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good construct validity (RMSEA=0.043, χ2=76.38, df=41, χ2 (CMIN)/df=1.862, GFI=0.975, AGFI=0.957, IFI=0.986, RFI=0.958, ECVI=0.319, TLI=0.978). For both the diagnostic and symptom count versions, the PYFAS 2.0 presented acceptable internal consistency (IC) (Kuder-Richardson 20=0.99 and McDonald omega=0.91).Conclusion: The PYFAS 2.0 was a psychometrically sound instrument in an Iranian non-clinical population. This questionnaire can be used to study FA in Persian non-clinical populations. Future research should study the psychometric characteristics of this scale in high-risk groups.

Objective: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious clinical condition that leads to disability. Following primary injury, proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in the subsequent secondary events. The thyroid hormone (TH) is known as the modulator of inflammatory cytokines and acts as a neuroprotective agent. Methylprednisolone (MP) is used for the early treatment of SCI. Fluoxetine (FLX), also is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has therapeutic potential in neurological disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the combined effects of MP and FLX on SCI in the rat hypothyroidism (hypo) model. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats with hypothyroidism were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8/group): control (Hypo), Hypo+Surgical sham, Hypo+SCI, Hypo+SCI+MP, Hypo+SCI+FLX, and Hypo+SCI+MP+FLX. SCI was created using an aneurysm clip and Hypothyroidism was induced by 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day administered intraperitoneally. Following SCI induction, rats received MP and FLX treatments via separate intraperitoneal injections at a dose of 30 and 10 mg/kg/day respectively on the surgery day and FLX continued daily for 3 weeks. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Myelination and glutathione (GSH) levels were analyzed by Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining and ELISA respectively. Results: Following combined MP and FLX treatments, the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 significantly decreased and GSH level considerably increased in the trial animals. Conclusion: Our results show the neuroprotective effects of MP and FLX with better results in Hypo+SCI+MP+FLX group. Further study is required to identify the mechanisms involved.

Sustainability is one of the topics that its effects can be seen in all technical and managerial fields of the present era. Achieving sustainability goals requires a comprehensive and long-term perspective. Therefor, the present study was conducted with the aim of strategic decision making of sustainable organizational criteria. This study has been applied in Bandar Abbas Zinc Production Company and in terms of method and data collection, time is in the category of survey-cross-sectional studies. The statistical population includes the managers of the Zinc production company who participated in this study by non-probabilistic methods and purposefully by 30 qualified people. The main tool for data collection is an expert questionnaire that its validity was confirmed by university professors. To measure the reliability, the incompatibility rate of all comparisons has been calculated. Fuzzy hierarchical analysis process method was used to analyze the collected data. Findings of data analysis show that environmental factors are the most important. Factors related to costumers, organizational operations, community law, corporate governance, staff and humanitarian activities are the next priority. Therefore, it is concluded that the managers of Bandar Abbas Zinc production Company in line with the company's social responsibility should consider the issue of sustainability in the company's strategic planning. The company will also be able to prevent environmental damage and reduce such sustainable sources.

Penetration of smartphones and increasing use of social media on always-on devices has attracted the attention of enterprises and organizations to benefit from such platforms for better understanding of customers’ needs and more effectively communicate with potential consumers. For this purpose, the present study investigates the impact of social media adoption and media needs on online purchasing behavior. This study has also examined the moderating role of media type, gender and age in the relationship between variables of social media adoption and online purchasing behavior. A total of 410 questionnaires were collected on social media such as Instagram, Telegram and WhatsApp. SEM technique using PLS used as the analytical method to empirically test the proposed hypotheses. Results show that the effects of tension dimension on online purchasing behavior is mediated by social media adoption. Moreover, the effects of social media adoption on online purchasing behavior are moderated by age and medium type based on Multi-Group Analysis. The IPMA matrix shows that social media adoption had the highest importance, but the lowest performance. This study is significant in terms of innovation due to the use of new indicators effective in the area of statistical analyses. The use of FIMIX, CTA, permutation test, MGA, and IPMA matrix analyses is part of it.

Background: Background: Botulinum toxin A (BtxA) is a powerful neurotoxin reported to be effective as a cancer adjuvant therapy with fewer side effects. Previously we showed the apoptotic effects of BtxA on the GBM cell line (U87-MG). In order to confirm the positive neurotoxicity of BtxA on other cancer cell lines, including SK-OV-3, CHO, MCF-7, and PC-3, the present research has designed. Methods: The cell lines prepared, cultured, and exposed to different concentrations of BtxA for 24 and 48 hours. Using MTT, Annexin V/PI assays and western blotting, cell viability, and apoptosis studied. Results: Our results showed that different BtxA Botox concentrations led to significant cell death in each cell line in a dose-dependent manner (P

Abstract Background Estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer is often effectively treated with drugs that inhibit ER signaling, i.e., tamoxifen (TAM) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). However, 30% of ER+ breast cancer patients develop resistance to therapy leading to tumour recurrence. Changes in the methylation profile have been implicated as one of the mechanisms through which therapy resistance develops. Therefore, we aimed to identify methylation loci associated with endocrine therapy resistance. Methods We used genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of primary ER+/HER2- tumours from The Cancer Genome Atlas in combination with curated data on survival and treatment to predict development of endocrine resistance. Association of individual DNA methylation markers with survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models in a cohort of ER+/HER2- tumours (N = 552) and two sub-cohorts corresponding to the endocrine treatment (AI or TAM) that patients received (N = 210 and N = 172, respectively). We also identified multivariable methylation signatures associated with survival using Cox proportional hazards models with elastic net regularization. Individual markers and multivariable signatures were compared with DNA methylation profiles generated in a time course experiment using the T47D ER+ breast cancer cell line treated with tamoxifen or deprived from estrogen. Results We identified 134, 5 and 1 CpGs for which DNA methylation is significantly associated with survival in the ER+/HER2-, TAM and AI cohorts respectively. Multi-locus signatures consisted of 203, 36 and 178 CpGs and showed a large overlap with the corresponding single-locus signatures. The methylation signatures were associated with survival independently of tumour stage, age, AI treatment, and luminal status. The single-locus signature for the TAM cohort was conserved among the loci that were differentially methylated in endocrine-resistant T47D cells. Similarly, multi-locus signatures for the ER+/HER2- and AI cohorts were conserved in endocrine-resistant T47D cells. Also at the gene set level, several sets related to endocrine therapy and resistance were enriched in both survival and T47D signatures. Conclusions We identified individual and multivariable DNA methylation markers associated with therapy resistance independently of luminal status. Our results suggest that these markers identified from primary tumours prior to endocrine treatment are associated with development of endocrine resistance.

BACKGROUND: There is still a controversy in the preferred method of reperfusion in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), when the achievement of well-defined "golden time" is difficult. We sought to evaluate the procedural and in-hospital outcomes of the strategy of "thrombolytic administration and rescue or routine percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)" versus "primary PCI (PPCI)" strategy in acute STEMI.METHODS: In this observational prospective study, the data of 237 patients with acute STEMI presented or referred to Chamran Cardiovascular Research Center in Isfahan, Iran, were collected (PROVE/ACS study). Baseline characteristics, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade of infarct-related artery (IRA), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated.RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 61.4 ± 13.0 years, 86.9% were men, 13.1% were diabetic, and 67.9% had anterior STEMI. Patients in the "thrombolytic then PCI" group were younger, more smoker, more often male with higher body weight and lower systolic blood pressure (SBP). The pre-PCI TIMI flow grade 3 was more often seen in the "thrombolytic then PCI" group (39.4% vs. 21.0%, P < 0.001) and less thrombectomy was performed in this group of patients (12.9% vs. 26.7%, P = 0.011). Time to reperfusion was significantly longer in PPCI group (182.4 ± 233.7 minutes vs. 44.6 ± 93.4 minutes, respectively, P < 0.001). No difference in mortality, mean of LVEF, and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) was observed in two groups.CONCLUSION: If the PPCI strategy could not be performed in the golden time, the strategy of thrombolytic administration and rescue or routine PCI leads to more initial IRA patency and less thrombectomy with similar clinical outcomes.

Abstract Background Hearing loss (HL) is the most common sensorineural disorder with high phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity, which negatively affects life quality. Autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) constitutes a major share of HL cases. In the present study, Whole exome sequencing (WES) was applied to investigate the underlying etiology of HL in an Iranian patient with ARNSHL. Methods A proband from an Iranian consanguineous family was examined via WES, following GJB2 sequencing. WES was utilized to find possible genetic etiology of the disease. Various Bioinformatics tools were used to assess the pathogenicity of the variants. Co-segregation analysis of the candidate variant was carried out. Interpretation of variants was performed according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results WES results showed a novel frameshift (16 bp deletion) variant (p.Ala170Alafs*20) in the LRTOMT gene. This variant, which resides in exon 6, was found to be co-segregating in the family. It fulfils the criteria set by the ACMG guidelines of being pathogenic. Conclusion Here, we report successful application of WES to identify the molecular pathogenesis of ARNSHL, which is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, in a patient with ARNSHL.

Background and purpose: Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have more problems than parents of normal children due to the prevalence of behavioral abnormalities in children with ADHD. Mood disorders in parents, including mothers can lead to lower tolerance thresholds and the use of punitive methods to control the children, which can cause other complications. Therefore, evaluation of mood disorders and timely treatment could be of great help in treating these children and improving the prognosis of the disease. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 125 mothers of children with ADHD attending two psychiatric clinics in Babol, Iran 2014-2016. Data were collected using the Conners' Parent Rating Scales - Revised (CPRS-R) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Data analysis was done in SPSS V22. Results: The prevalence of mood disorders in mothers of 6-14 year-old children with ADHD was 44% (n=55). Among the mood disorders, dysthymia (27%) was the most common disorder. Forty-five mothers (36%) had depression and 9 (7.2%) had bipolar disorder. Conclusion: According to current study, depression was the most common mood disorder in mothers. Maternal depression influences the management of a child with ADHD, so, early diagnosis and treatment of maternal depression play major roles in the prognosis of ADHD in a child with this disorder.

(-)-Epicatechin and quercetin have attracted considerable attention for their potential therapeutic application in non-communicable chronic diseases. A novel hybrid inulin–soy protein nanoparticle formulation was simultaneously loaded with (-)-epicatechin and quercetin (NEQs) to improve the bioavailability of these flavonoids in the human body, and NEQs were synthesized by spray drying. After process optimization, the physicochemical and functional properties of NEQs were characterized including in vitro release, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, and cell viability assays. Results showed that NEQs are an average size of 280.17 ± 13.42 nm and have a zeta potential of −18.267 ± 0.83 mV in the organic phase. Encapsulation efficiency of (-)-epicatechin and quercetin reached 97.04 ± 0.01 and 92.05 ± 1.95%, respectively. A 3.5% soy protein content conferred controlled release characteristics to the delivery system. Furthermore, NEQs presented inhibitory effects in Caco-2, but not in HepG-2 and HDFa cell lines. These results contribute to the design and fabrication of inulin–soy protein nanoparticles for improving the bioavailability of multiple bioactive compounds with beneficial properties.

The present investigation examines the impact of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on the enhancement of EFL learners' idiom learning through "WhatsApp" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three complete classes with 60 intermediate female learners (20 per class) were selected and randomly assigned into two experimental and one control group in "WhatsApp." Data collection tools included Preliminary English Test (PET) and a researcher-designed idiom test used as pre-and post-tests. In the intervention, the first treatment group included contextualized MALL. In other words, the teachers provided the students with idiomatic expressions in context. The second treatment group included decontextualized MALL, idiomatic expressions merely with their meanings were presented to the students through "WhatsApp." In the control group, the researchers taught the idioms through translation. This procedure lasted for 20 sessions. The findings of a paired-samples t-test and one-way ANOVA indicated that the contextualized MALL group surpassed the rest in both immediate and delayed post-tests. The implications regarding the efficacy of MALL and online teaching in developing EFL learners' idiom learning, and retention are discussed.

Introduction Fashion is considered as a part of consumer culture which its consumption demonstrates the social identification of a person. Hijab fashion is used in different styles by women in Islamic societies. Additionally, fashion consciousness is influenced by a variety of factors that can be different according to the conditions prevailing in each society. Today, the improvement of communication technologies and the phenomenon of globalization have accelerated the changes in hijab fashion patterns and fashion consciousness among the consumers of this fashion. The purpose of the present research is to study the factors affecting fashion consciousness and Hijab fashion consumption of women in Isfahan. Material & Methods The method of this research is quantitative and in terms of purpose is applicable. The statistical population of the study was women who participated in the fifteenth exhibition of Quran and Etrat held in Isfahan in 2018. A sample of 384 people was selected by using available sampling method. Data collecting was done using a standard questionnaire. Data analysis was done in descriptive section by suing SPSS software and in inferential section, for evaluating the research hypotheses, by using PLs software. Discussion of Results & Conclusions The present study attempts to answer the question of whether the sources of fashion knowledge, fashion motivation, dressing style and fashion uniqueness are effective in Hijab fashion consumption and fashion consciousness. The results of the research demonstrated that whether the sources of fashion knowledge (the catalogs, personal view, shop windows, friends, fashion magazines, internet and social networks, fashion exhibition, sellers, family members and other women) have influence on fashion consciousness and therefore can increase the awareness and knowledge of women about the modern process in hijab fashion. Meanwhile, the effect of the sources of fashion knowledge on hijab fashion consumption was not approved. Thus, the positive effect of the sources of fashion knowledge on hijab fashion consumption is transferred just through the fashion consciousness. According to the result of other studies, fashion motivation has positive effect on hijab fashion consumption. On this basis, it can be interpreted that people with different motivation such as having personal pleasure, using in special situations, seasonal changes, matching with peers, coordination with personality, creating a distinction with others and convenient cover proceed to hijab fashion consumption. Among the mentioned motivational factors, convenience has shown more powerful positive relation with hijab fashion consumption. The effect of fashion motivation on fashion consciousness in this research was not approved. Based on the result of the previous studies, dressing style affects fashion consciousness and also hijab fashion consumption. This means that women who selected the dress with hijab and enjoy this style, attain more knowledge toward hijab fashion and consume hijab fashion more. On the other hand, women with hijab are more likely to prefer the dresses which are compatible with their own religious beliefs. This conclusion emphasizes the importance of incorporating Islamic dress criterion in hijab fashion. According to the results of previous studies, fashion uniqueness affects fashion consciousness. This conclusion means that the women with hijab track the aspects of innovation in hijab fashion, and as a result, the innovations and diverse styles of hijab fashion can increase their awareness toward this fashion. The effect of fashion uniqueness on hijab fashion consumption in the present study was not approved. Based on the last conclusion of the research, fashion consciousness influences hijab fashion consumption. This conclusion suggests that women who have more awareness toward hijab fashion consume hijab fashion more. In fact, women with awareness of hijab fashion are more likely to prefer distinct themselves from others through hijab fashion consumption.

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic component whose knowledge evolves quickly. Next-generation sequencing is the only effective technology to deal with the high genetic heterogeneity of ASD in a clinical setting. However, rigorous criteria to classify rare genetic variants conferring ASD susceptibility are currently lacking. We have performed whole-exome sequencing to identify both nucleotide variants and copy number variants (CNVs) in 253 ASD patients, including 68 patients with intellectual disability (ID) and 90 diagnosed as Asperger syndrome. Using explicit criteria to classify both susceptibility genes and susceptibility variants we prioritized 217 genes belonging to the following categories: syndromic genes, genes with an excess of de novo protein truncating variants and genes targeted by rare CNVs. We obtained a susceptibility variant detection rate of 19.7% (95% CI: [15–25.2%]). The rate for CNVs was 7.1% (95% CI: [4.3–11%]) and 12.6% (95% CI: [8.8–17.4%]) for nucleotide variants. The highest rate (30.1%, 95% CI: [20.2–43.2%]) was obtained in the ASD + ID subgroup. A strong contributor for at risk nucleotide variants was the recently identified set of genes (n = 81) harboring an excess of de novo protein truncating variants. Since there is currently no evidence that the genes targeted here are necessary and sufficient to cause ASD, we recommend to avoid the term “causative of ASD” when delivering the information about a variant to a family and to use instead the term “genetic susceptibility factor contributing to ASD”.

Introduction: In cesarean section incision, like as any other surgery, there is possibility of delay in wound healing. According to studies, flaxseed oil is effective in wound healing. This study was performed with aim to determine the effects of flaxseed oil on cesarean wound healing. Methods: This three-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 120 women with cesarean section at educational hospitals of Imam Reza and Shahid Hasheminejad of Mashhad in 2018. Individuals were randomly assigned to three groups (flaxseed ointment, placebo, control). In two groups of flaxseed ointment and placebo, the ointment was applied on cesarean section wound for 8 consecutive days and twice a day, each time as one finger strap. Wound healing was measured 24 hours after surgery, 4th and 8th day after cesarean section by REEDA Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25), and Chi-Square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P

Today, social media as a channel for offering educational services has become an extensive and effective educational tool for the students. This survey aimed to investigate the effective factors on intention towards social commerce of educational services among students. The statistical population included social media users at Isfahan university of medical sciences in Iran. 214 students were selected as the research sample by simple random sampling method. The conceptual model was adopted from theoretical literature and empirical studies. Research findings disclosed that social media quality and social presence have a positive and significant effect on intention towards social commerce. Moreover, social media quality has a negative significant effect on students' perceived risk. Similarly, perceived risk has a negative significant effect on students’ intention towards social commerce and it showed a partial mediating effect in the relationship between social media quality and intention towards social commerce. The results revealed that higher quality of social media as well as social presence in social media increases tendency of students at Isfahan university of medical sciences to participate in social commerce of educational services and decreases their perceived risk. Therefore, it can encourage students to utilize the presented educational services in social media.

Educational Costs of Residents in a Teaching Hospital: a case study Aleboyeh Mahmoud Reza1, Reza pour Aziz2, Meshkani Zahra3*, Alipour Vahid4, Soleimani movahed Maryam4 1. Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2. Associate Professor, Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 3. Ph.D. Student in Health Economics, Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 4. Assistant Professor, Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Correspondence: School of Public Health, Campus of Bam, Khalij Fars Highway, Bam University of Medical Sciences. Tel: 009888671614 Email: Z_moshkani@yahoo.com Abstract: Background & Objectives: Residents spend much of their time at the hospitals to earn their required educational skills and although they act as a kind of human resource in the hospital, they increase hospital costs. The present study was designed to calculate the share of educational costs of different medical residents in hospitals. Methods: In this descriptive and applied study performed in one of the hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences, the hospital cost items of education of residents in different medical fields during the academic year of 2017-2018 were identified by use of two scenarios. Results: In short, mean educational cost of one resident in the studied academic year was about 5357$ based on the first scenario and about 5404 $ according to the second scenario. Based on both scenarios, salaries paid to residents accounted for more than 50% of the costs followed by the cost of consumed materials by residents. Forensic Medicine and Anesthesiology residency programs had respectively the lowest and highest share of costs in both scenarios. Conclusion: The cost of training in the hospital is different among residency fields based on the required tests and errors in each field. But, in order to save hospital costs, the culture of optimal use of materials as well as medical equipment should be taught to residents. Key­words: Education Economics, Costing, Direct Costs, Residents, Teaching hospital ­Citation: Aleboyeh MR, Reza pour A, Meshkani Z, Alipour V, Soleimani movahed M. Educational Costs of Residents in a Teaching Hospital: a case study. Journal of Health Based Research 2019; 5(2): 117-30.

This study endeavors to investigate the impact of social media quality and social support on social commerce intention directly and also through the variable of perceived risk. The sample included social media users in Isfahan. The sample size was calculated equal to 214 using SPSS SamplePower software at the confidence level 95%, statistical power 80% and the effect size 5%. Conceptual model of the study was proposed based on theoretical literature and empirical studies and was analyzed via Smart PLS software. According to the results, social media quality and social Presence have a positive and significant effect on user's social commerce intention. Moreover, social media quality has a negative significant effect on user's perceived risk. Perceived risk has a negative significant effect on social commerce intention and it has a partial mediating effect in the relationship between social media quality and social commerce intention. The results of this study explain how social commerce is developed, which, in turn, can facilitate active businesses propose a better social commerce strategy for being successful in this scope.

We prove that the class of positive operators from L∞(μ) to Y has the Bishop-Phelps-Bollobás property for any positive measure μ, whenever Y is a uniformly monotone Banach lattice with a weak unit. The same result also holds for the pair (c0,Y ) for any uniformly monotone Banach lattice Y. Further we show that these results are optimal in case that Y is strictly monotone.

Objective: Abortion related procedures contribute to a significant economic burden because it resulted in prolonged hospital stays for patients. We aimed to gather available evidence on the economic burden of abortion and post-abortion complication treatment cares worldwide. Materials and methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched through November 2019. Two researchers independently conducted the quality assessment and data extraction process. The latest web-based tool adjusted the estimates of costs expressed in one specific currency and price year into a specific target currency (the year 2016 $US). Results: Totally, 2082 records were retrieved and 32 studies were deemed eligible for qualitative synthesis. The mean total costs per patient with abortion or post-abortion care ranged from $23 to $564. The annual costs ranged from 189,000 $US to 134 million $US. Conclusion: Abortion and post-abortion care impose a substantial economic burden on society. Understanding the burdensome of abortion or pregnancy termination among policymakers provides vital information and enables informed decisions to be made to establish health care priorities and allocating scarce resources.

Introduction: The concept of diabetic nephropathy, as a metabolic disease, is now being replaced by chronic low-grade inflammatory disease. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of diabetic nephropathy. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between plasma and urinary levels of TNF-α and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who referred to the endocrine clinic in Kashan (2016) were enrolled in the study and their clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were calculated. The patients were divided into three groups based on their GFR. Serum and urinary levels of TNF-α were determined by ELISA and were compared between the studied groups. Results: A total of 128 patients were evaluated. Of all, 35 patients (27.3%), 39 patients (30.4%), and 54 patients (42.3%), respectively, were suffering from stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 CKD. The plasma levels of TNF-α in patients with stage 1, 2, and 3 CKD, were 66.20 ± 33.27 pg/mL, 67.47 ± 42.98 pg/mL, and 77.32 ± 47.23 pg/mL respectively, since the difference among them was not significant (P= 0.417). In addition, the urinary levels of TNF-α in patients with stage 1, 2, and 3 CKD, respectively, were 88.18 ± 26.66 pg/mL, 97.41 ± 57.76 pg/mL, and 101.18 ± 60.47 pg/mL, since no significant difference was observed between the three groups (P=0.957). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, with changing the stage of CKD, the serum and urinary levels of the TNF-α increases too, although this increase is not significant. Moreover, the plasma and urinary levels of the TNF-α have a direct and significant relationship with each other. It is recommended to conduct further studies in this field.

ObjectivesFew studies have investigated pharmacologic treatment for pediatric post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist, has been studied and demonstrated to be efficacious in an adult population for PTSD related sleep disturbances; however, in the pediatric population, data is limited to case reports and retrospective case series. This study prospectively assessed the safety and effects of Prazosin on PTSD symptoms in a pediatric sample.MethodsSince 2016, 18 patients with PSTD under the age of 15 admitted in a child and adolescent psychiatric unit were challenged with prazosin as part of a treatment protocol. PTSD symptoms and adverse effects were collected weekly and prospectively assessed each month with validated clinical scales. All data were retrospectively analyzed. This treatment protocol and the evaluation of clinical data were approved by our Ethical committee for research on preexisting data at the University Teaching Hospital of Rouen.ResultsAmong the 18 patients (10 girls and 8 boys), 13 (72%) had experienced sexual abuse and 5 (28%) family violence. After 1 month of treatment with a mean prazosin dose of 2.16 ( ± 0.6) mg/day, the CGI-S score significantly decreased from 5.3 ( ± 0.9) to 2.9 ( ± 0.7) (improvement of 43%). The mean total UCLA-PTSD-RI score significantly decreased 11.4 points ( ± 5.4) during the first week and 37.9 ( ± 16) during the first month, leading to an improvement of 20% and 67%, respectively. The improvement was significant irrespective of trauma exposure or sex. No adverse effects were reported except for one patient (hypotension).ConclusionConsistent with prior case reports and retrospective reviews, our retrospective analysis of data prospectively and systematically assessed among 18 patients suggests that prazosin is well-tolerated and associated with improvement in symptoms for pediatric PTSD.

This study evaluated the impact of startup technology innovations and customer relationship management (CRM) performance on customer participation, value co-creation, and consumer purchase behavior (CPB). This analytical study empirically tested the proposed hypotheses using structural equation modeling (SEM) and SmartPLS 3 techniques. Moreover, we used a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to verify the model’s accuracy. SVM algorithm uses four different kernels to check the accuracy criterion, and we checked all of them. This research used the convenience sampling approach in gathering the data. We used the conventional bias test method. A total of 466 respondents were completed. Technological innovations of startups and CRM have a positive and significant effect on customer participation. Customer participation significantly affects the value of pleasure, economic value, and relationship value. Based on the importance-performance map analysis (IPMA) matrix results, “customer participation” with a score of 0.782 had the highest importance. If customers increase their participation performance by one unit during the COVID-19 epidemic, its overall CPB increases by 0.782. In addition, our results showed that the lowest performance is related to the technological innovations of startups, which indicates an excellent opportunity for development in this area. SVM results showed that polynomial kernel, to a high degree, is the best kernel that confirms the model’s accuracy.

To date, controversy among scholars exists on whether or not teachers should react to EFL learners' written grammar errors. This study investigated the effect of three feedback types (i.e., selective, comprehensive, and the one recommended by Truscott (1999), that is, no correction) with regard to possible improvements in accuracy in the writings of a total of 66 elementary EFL learners. It, further, sought whether such an effect would last in the long run. During 11 weeks, selected global (e.g., past tense, countable/uncountable, and comparative adjectives) and all grammar errors in the written pieces of the subjects in two treatment groups (n = 22 in each) were reacted through coded underlining. However, in line with Truscott, the only reaction participants in the third group (n = 22) received were comments such as great, good, ok, etc.. Analysis of the written pieces in the immediate and delayed post tests revealed that selective feedback had a significantly more positive influence on learners' accurate use of selected grammatical structures both in the short and in the long run. The implications are discussed in terms of effective guidelines for teaching writing in EFL contexts. Keywords: Comprehensive feedback; Selective feedback; No correction; Writing accuracy تصحیح گرامر از نوع بازخورد انتخابی در مقایسه با بازخورد جامع در آموزش نگارش: شواهد متقابل بر دیدگاه تروسکات امروزه در خصوص اینکه آیا معلم باید به اشتباهات دستوری زبان آموزان در نگارش باخورد اصلاحی داشته باشد یا نه، در میان پژوهشگران اختلاف نظر وجود دارد. این تحقیق با هدف بررسی تاثیر سه نوع بازخورد اصلاحی( انتخابی، جامع، و نوع توصیه شده توسط تروسکات (1999)، که بازخورد بدون اصلاح میباشد) بر امکان بهبود در دقت در نگارش 66 زبان آموز مبتدی انجام شده است. علاوه بر این، این پژوهش به بررسی این تاثیر احتمالی دردراز مدت نیز پرداخته است. در طول 11 هفته، ساختار های انتخاب شده ( صفات مقایسه ای، اسامی قابل شمارش / غیر قابل شمارش، و زمان گذشته) و تمامی اشتباهات دستور زبان در متن های نوشته شده توسط زبان آموزان در دو گروه تحت بررسی (22 نفر در هر گروه)، از طریق خط تاکید کدگذاری شده مورد بازخورد قرار گرفت. با وجود اینکه، مطابق با نظر تروسکات، تنها عکس العملی که زبان آموزان در گروه سوم (22 نفر) دریافت کردند، نظراتی مانند عالی، خیلی خوب، خوب، و غیره بود. تجزیه و تحلیل متن های نوشته شده درپس آزمون فوری و تاخیری نشان داد که بازخورد از نوع انتخابی تاثیر مثبت تری در استفاده دقیقتر زبان آموزان از ساختارهای دستوری، هم در کوتاه مدت و هم در دراز مدت بوده داشت. کاربردهای این تحقیق در قالب دستورالعمل های موثر برای آموزش نگارش زبان خارجی مورد بحث قرار گرفته است. واژگان کلیدی: بازخورد انتخابی، بازخورد جامع، عدم بازخورد ، دقت در نگارش

Background: Neuropathic Pain (NP) is a serious suffering medical condition that frequently leads to disability and life style changes. Although the exact mechanisms of NP are still unknown, recently the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) reported as an important factor for NP. Apoptosis, increase of ATP production and reduction of antioxidants are also the other factors influencing in NP. There are certain therapeutic procedures for NP among them using laser therapy newly received more attention. In the present research we studied the molecular effects of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on a rat model of NP. Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) that randomly divided into three groups including chronic constriction injury (CCI), CCI+LLLT and control were used in this study. CCI technique was used to induce NP. Laser therapy was done by using laser beam of 660 for 14 days following CCI. After that, expression of P2X3 of the DRG, Bax and Bcl2 in lumbar spinal segments measured by Western Blotting. Level of glutathione (GSH) was also measured in lumbar spinal cord segments by Continuous Spectrophotometric Rate Determination method. For behavioral study the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated in days 7 and 14 after CCI. Results: LLLT for two weeks increased expression of Bcl2 and GSH, whereas decreased Bax and P2X3 expression significantly. Comparing the results of behavioral study showed significant differences in the mechanical and thermal threshold showed between CCI and CCI+ LLLT groups. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the therapeutic effects of LLLT for NP act throughout cellular and molecular mechanisms which improve mitochondrial function that in turn improve cell function and prevent apoptosis.

Objective The genus Thymus L. is a cushion plant that was previously used for the treatment of bronchitis and rheumatism. The present investigation was carried out to study the effects of root, shoot, leaf and seed extracts of five Thymus species and subspecies on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) toxicity and HIV-1 replication. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, the activity of the Thymus extracts on HIV-1 replication and lymphocytes population were examined respectively using HIV-1 p24 Antigen kit and flow-cytometer. The Thymus species effect was investigated, including Thymus kotschyanus, Thymus vulgaris, Thymus carmanicus, Thymus daenensis subspecies lancifolius and Thymus daenensis subspecies daenensis. Results The effect of root methanol extracts of all species on PBMCs proliferation was significantly higher than the other extracts. The intensity of CD4, CD3 and CD45 were decreased in the presence of all root extracts. Although the average median fluorescence intensity (MFI) values of CD19 were increased in the cells treated with these extracts. All methanol extracts showed anti-HIV-1 activity at high concentrations (200 and 500 µg/ml). Anti-HIV-1 activity of Thymus daenensis subspecies daenensis was significantly more than the other species. Conclusion These results demonstrated that root extracts of Thymus species might be a good candidate to investigate anti-HIV infection in vivo.

Objectives: Purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship and effects of family power structure, marital conflicts, and their components on mental health in male retirees of education in Alborz Province. Methods & Materials: In this research, a total of 341 male retirees of Alborz’s education department were selected by available sampling method. Research tools included general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), power structure in family and marital conflicts. The obtained information was separately analyzed by Cranach α Coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient and Stepwise regression. Results: This research showed that there were significant negative correlations between family power structure (r=-0.527, P=0.000), scope and power of the family (r=-0.437, P=0.000), the power of family (r=0.484, P=0.000), mode power couple (r=-0.414, P=0.000), alliances and coalitions (r=-0.411, P=0.000), and leadership (r=-0.479, P=0.000) with mental health. There were significant positive correlations between marital conflicts (r=0.56, P=0.000), increase in child support (r=0.46, P=0.000), and increase relationship with relatives (r=0.435, P=0.000), decrease relationships with the wife’s relative (r=0.432, P=0.000), separating financial matters (r=0.448, P=0.000), reduction of working between couples (r=0.432, P=0.000), increased emotional reactions (r=0.564, P=0.000), decreased sex (r=0.372, P=0.000), and reduction in effective communication (r=0.506, P=0.000) with mental health. Increased emotional reactions (P=0.000), the power of family (P=0.000), scope and power of the family (P=0.000), decreaed sex (P=0.008), reduction in effective communication (P=0.000), alliances and coalitions (P=0.014) and reduce in relationship with the wife’s relatives (P=0.022) can predict mental health of retirees. Conclusion: The results of the research indicate that power structure of family and marital conflicts can affect mental health of male retirees. And more unequal power structure of family and more marital conflicts can lead to decrease in mental health of male retirees.

Introduction Mineral composition of source rock is one of the most important factors for concentration and distribution of heavy metals in sediments. Therefore, study on distribution of these elements and the related minerals in sediments provides information about natural origin of elements. Moreover, the interpretation of origin and distribution of sandy sediments is considerably enhanced by mineralogical and geochemical studies of these sediments. The main objective of this research is to evaluate distribution of Zn, Cu, Sr, Cd, Fe and Mn in sand sediments of the Oman Sea, their relationship with mineral composition of the sediments and also determining their provenance. Materials and Methods Sampling of surface sediments of the Oman Sea was performed in 16 sampling stations. Heavy minerals and rock fragments of the sediments in fine and coarse sand sizes respectively were qualitatively and quantitatively studied by polarizing microscope (Folk, 1974; Pettijohn et al., 1981; Tucker, 1988). Concentration of the heavy metals were also analyzed by AAS method (Mico et al., 2008). Result Mineralogical composition of the studied sediments contain quartz, feldspars and heavy minerals in their order of abundances. The rock fragments consist of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic in their order of frequencies as well. The concentrations of the studied heavy metals (in ppm) in the sediments are Cd (1.42), Cu (9.99), Zn (36.72), Sr (181.18), Mn (377.33) and Fe (20247.55) in their order of abundances. Distribution of the Zn concentration generally shows decreasing trend from west of the study area to the Guatr Bay. The concentrations of Zn and Cu show close relationship with the frequencies of biotite and muscovite. The Cu concentration also shows positive correlation with the Zn and Fe concentrations. Distribution of the Sr and Cd concentrations is similar to variation of the calcium carbonate content. The Cd and Sr concentrations also show positive correlation with each other and the calcium carbonate content of the sediments. A close relationship is also observed between the concentrations of Fe and Mn elements and the total amount of heavy minerals. Among the heavy minerals existing in the samples, biotite has the closest relationship with Fe and Mn. Among the rock fragments existing in the sediments, the amount of granitic rock fragments also has a very similar trend to variation of these two elements especially Fe. Discussion According to presence of Fe and Mn in structure of many heavy minerals such as biotite (Mange and Wright, 2007; Bradl, 2005), their main provenance can be biotite-bearing granites of Ghalaman complex, granodiorites existing in the ophiolite-melanges and the gabbros located in north of the Fanuch area mostly transported to the Oman Sea via the Rabech and Bahookalat water drainage basins. The clastic carbonate grains were mostly transported to the Oman Sea by Rabech and Sergan-Mochgar watersheds to the Oman Sea. Biotite and muscovite could mainly originate from the granodiorite, granite, ophiolite-melange gabbro and the Eocene flysches of northeast of the region. The main provenance of Zn could be granodiorites and gabbros existing in the Iranshahr ophiolites and flysches. According to close relationship between Cu and muscovite, provenance of this element can be granites, pegmatites and schists existing in the ophiolites and flysches of the region. Therefore, Zn and Cu are mostly transported to the Oman Sea and Guatr Bay via Bahookalat River. Provenance of Sr and Cd are mainly the Fanuch and Chabahar carbonate formations. According to the enrichment factor (Sutherland, 2000) of the studied elements, the sediments are extra-highly to very highly enriched in Cd. The enrichment of Sr changes from medium to very high. Zn shows low to medium enrichment and the sediments are depleted in Fe, Cu and Mn. Acknowledgement Financial support by School of Graduate Studies of University of Isfahan and also by the Iranian Nuclear Energy Production and Development Company are acknowledged. References Bradl, H.B., 2005. Heavy Minerals in the Environment. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 269 pp. Folk, R.L., 1974. Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks. Hemphill Publishing Company, Texas, 182 pp. Mange, M.A. and Wright, D.T., 2007. Heavy minerals in use: Development in Sedimentlogy 58. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1283 pp. Micό, C., Recatala, L., Peris, M. and Sanches, J., 2008. Discrimination of lithogenic and anthropogenic metals in calcareous agricultural soils. Soil and Sediment Contamination: An International Journal, 17(5): 467-485. Pettijohn, F.J., Potter, P.E. and Siever, R., 1981. Sand and Sandstone. Springer-Verlag, New York, 618 pp. Sutherland, R.A., 2000. Bed sediment-associated trace metals is an urban stream, Oahu, Hawaii. Environmental Geology, 39(6): 661-627. Tucker, M.E., 1988. Techniques in Sedimentology. Blackwell, London, 394 pp.

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation on signaling pathway of inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic hemodialysis (HD) patients.Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 60 diabetic HD patients. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups to intake either vitamin D supplements at a dosage of 50,000 IU (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Gene expression of inflammatory cytokines and biomarkers of oxidative stress were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of diabetic HD patients with RT-PCR method.Results: Results of RT-PCR indicated that after the 12-week intervention, compared to the placebo, vitamin D supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1β (P = 0.02), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P = 0.02) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) (P = 0.03) in PBMCs of diabetic HD patients. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation, compared to the placebo, downregulated gene expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) (P = 0.04), protein kinase C (PKC) (P = 0.001), and mitogen-activated protein kinases 1 (MAPK1) (P = 0.02) in PBMCs of diabetic HD patients. Although not significant, vitamin D supplementation let to a reduction of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) (p = 0.75) expression in PBMCs isolated from diabetic patients compared to the placebo group. There was no statistically significant change following supplementation with vitamin D on gene expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in PBMCs of diabetic HD patients.Conclusions: Overall, we found that vitamin D supplementation for 12 weeks among diabetic HD patients had beneficial effects on few gene expression related to inflammation and oxidative stress.Clinical trial registration: IRCT201701035623N101. Registered on January 8, 2017.

Systematic works on the effect of grain size on the corrosion resistance of low carbon steel are scant. In the present work, a spectrum of grain sizes was obtained by simple heat treatment routes in a typical low-carbon steel. It was revealed that two distinct stages for the dependency of corrosion current density ( i _corr ) on the grain size exist. Above a limiting average grain size of ∼22 μ m, i _corr decreased slowly with increasing grain size. However, below this limiting value, i _corr increased rapidly, which was related to the increased density of grain boundaries as interpreted by theoretical calculation of number of grains per unit area. Conclusively, a grain size of ∼22 μ m (ASTM grain-size number of 8) was considered to be an optimum value according to the mechanical and corrosion standpoints.

Objective(s): Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is known as a progressive inflammatory CNS disease. Cytokines belong to Th1 or Th2 family and inflammatory cells, play significant role in pathophysiology of MS. Thus, any treatment supposed to influence the relation between Th1 to Th2 cytokines expression. Although vitamin D has been prescribed as a therapeutic supplement of MS for a long time, it is not clear how much it may affect the Th1/Th2 ratio. To answer this question the present research was designed. Materials and Methods: Thirty C57BL/6 adult female mice were used. The animals were randomly divided into trial and control groups. Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) modeling for MS and clinical scoring as cited by others was used. Based on scoring and step of the disease vitamin D3 prescription (5 mg/kg) started and continued for three weeks. Results: By using ELISA and RT-PCR the brain level of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-12 determined. Significant decrease of clinical symptoms in trial group which received vitamin D was seen comparing to control animals (P

Lack of interconnection among system components creates a limitation in technology adoption by the reduction or absence of potential users’ perception implying the second-order ignorance state (ignorance of ignorance). Effect of defective or fail in use, extend or logistic technology is dystechnia presenting everywhere and its origin implicitly implies in entrepreneurial opportunity. The identification and exploitation of economic potential by changing the means of economic production and control is called entrepreneurship which strategically allocate economic resource from present approach to innovative one again. Technology Adoption Model is a theoretical construct of the relationship between potential users’ perception and behavioral intentions resulting in actual technology adoption. The attention of Technology Adoption Model is assumes a practical or technological system, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use determining the intention to use adjusting the actual acceptance respectively. This is the start of entrepreneurial solutions as an option to the dystechnic status upon which Technology Adoption Model is worked. The aim of present study is considering dystechnia phenomenon anticipating Technology Adoption Model as well as entrepreneurial mechanisms which the phenomenon is cured.

Abstract Objective- The need to become familiar with the Islamic viewpoint regarding business to perceive factors which shape Moslem customers' behaviors for global trade is an inevitable reality due to globalization of economy. The purpose of the present survey was to propose a model to enhance Halal brand status in the global markets. Methodology- Important effective variables on Halal brand were exploited from literature using field study which was the basis of Delphi method. Then Delphi questionnaire was given to thirty three experts in the field of Halal brand in Iran. Finally the most important effective factors on enhancement of Halal brand status were studied using factorial analysis and structural equations model. Results- Behavioral and contextual variables were divided into demand-oriented and supply-oriented classes through results of factorial analysis. Goodness of the model was confirmed by structural equations model and the most important effective factors on Halal brand status were introduced as demand-oriented and supply-oriented behavioral factors as well as supply-oriented contextual factors. Research limitations- Number of experts in the field of Halal brand is very few in Iran therefore selection of the panel members was faced with limitation. Besides, this survey was conducted in an Islamic country (Iran), so the obtained results could not be generalized to all countries. Value/innovation- Effective factors on Halal brand were identified in this survey from a multi-lateral viewpoint. Thus, a comprehensive model was recognized to enhance Halal brand status in the global markets.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Stress inoculation training on three different measures: the amount of Self-Assertion, the amount of non assertion Risk behavior and the degree of discomfort of physically-motor handicapped girl Students. Method: This study is a semi-experimental investigation. The statistical population is all physically -motor handicapped girl Students of high schools isfahan in 1389. Twenty one students were sampled and via random method were grouped and assigned in two groups. The experimental group (10 people) and the control group (11 people).In order to collect data the questionnaire Gambiril-Richi has been used.Prior to the first meeting planned for the Stress inoculation training, Pre-test was conducted by Self-Assertion questionnaire. Then for the experimental group, 8 weekly/ 90-minutes each training sessions was held. In each of these meetings one of the fundamental skills was taught in the Meichenbaum model and immediately after that, test was conducted on both groups. For the data analyses covariance analysis was used. Results: The results of the analysis indicate that Stress inoculation training has led to significant increase in Self-Assertion (p