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Abstract Background: Melatonin and L-carnitine are free radical scavengers with antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties that improve oocyte development. Objective: This study aimed to find the possible effect of combining 2 antioxidant agents of melatonin and L-carnitine on oocyte morphology, maturation, apoptosis, and expression of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) genes in a mice model. Materials and Methods: To overstimulation, 60 female NMRI mice were injected intraperitoneally using mare serum gonadotropin. On day 2 post-injection, 70 cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from each mouse. The collected oocytes randomly were then divided into 4 groups including, the control, melatonin, L-carnitine, and melatonin + L-carnitine groups. The morphology and maturation rate of the oocytes was evaluated using a light microscope. Apoptosis was identified by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay and the expression of BMP-15 and growth and differentiation factor GDF-9 genes was also evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Oocyte diameter significantly was increased in combination treatment of L-carnitine and melatonin compared to other groups (p < 0.05). L-carnitine group showed the highest mean percentage of oocyte cytoplasmic pattern. Results of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling indicated that the lowest apoptosis rate belonged to the melatonin + L-carnitine group. Moreover, the combination groups showed the highest number of oocytes and maturation rate. The BMP-15 and GDF-9 genes were significantly upregulated in all treatment groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: Our results suggested a combination of melatonin + L-carnitine administration as a more effective choice for in vitro promotion of oocyte maturation.

Background and purpose: Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world, early detection of lung cancer is one of the biggest challenges in treating this disease and can be very effective in saving patients. Considering the role of microRNAs in the development and progression of lung cancer, the effective factors in the expression and function of microRNAs, including the polymorphisms in the genes of microRNAs, can be used as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. This study aims to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs4919510) of miR608 and (rs6505162) of miR-423 with the risk of lung cancer. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, genotypic analysis of rs6505162 miR-423 and rs4919510 miR-608 polymorphisms was performed on two groups including 110 lung cancer patients and 120 healthy individuals by PCR-RFLP method. After receiving the consent form from the patients, 5 ml of venous blood was collected from each of the study subjects, and the genomic DNA of each person was extracted using the salt precipitation method, the quality of the DNA was measured by absorption spectroscopy, and then all the samples were PCR And by using restriction enzyme digestion by Rsa I and PVUII enzymes, the genotype was determined for both polymorphisms. In the last step, the results of enzyme digestion were checked by electrophoresis on 2% agarose gel, to confirm the RFLP results from sequencing. Random samples were used. Statistical analysis of data was done with SPSS software. Results: In the investigation of mrs6505162 polymorphism in miR-423, the frequency distribution of CC, CA, and AA genotypes in lung cancer patients was 42.7, 34.5, and 22.7, respectively, and in the control group, 30.8, 54.2, 15, respectively which did not have a significant difference. The genotype CA compared to CC and also CA compared to CC+AA was related to the reduction of lung cancer (P=0.009, 95% CI: 0.256-0.829, OR=0.460; P=0.003, 95% CI: 0.262-0.760, OR=0.447) which can indicate the protective role of this genotype. In the investigation of rs4919510 polymorphism in miR608, the frequency of allele G was 16.4% in the patient group and 20.4% in the control group, and the frequency of allele C was 83.6% in the patient group and 79.6% in the control group. This allele frequency was not statistically significant with a probability ratio of 0.763 and a confidence interval of 1.227-0.474 (P=0.263). No significant difference was observed between the group of cancer patients and control subjects. Codominant, Dominant, Over dominant, and Recessive, statistically no significant difference was observed. Conclusion: According to our findings in miR-423, the CA genotype in rs6505162 polymorphism can have a protective role in lung cancer, but rs4919510 polymorphism in miR-608 was not significantly associated with lung cancer, further studies with more samples are suggested to confirm these findings.

Background: The present study focuses on elucidating the effects of an eight-week combined turning exercise program on the physical performance of female students with Down syndrome (DS), a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and often associated with weaker muscle strength. Individuals with DS typically exhibit reduced muscle strength due to a lower percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibers and a diminished overall number of muscle fibers. Methods:Methods: In this semi-experimental clinical trial, the authors used purposive sampling to enroll 26 female students diagnosed with DS. Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=13; mean age: 12.15±1.62 years, mean height: 139.23±8.94 cm, mean weight: 42.62±13.44 kg, mean IQ: 63.02±5.54) and a control group (n=13; mean age: 12.23±1.53 years, mean height: 141.15±10.31 cm, mean weight: 45.46±15.94 kg, mean IQ: 63.05±5.49). The authors evaluated muscle strength using a hand-held digital dynamometer, push-up test, long jump, and sit-up before and after the eight-week training period. The experimental group underwent a combined turning training program lasting 45-60 minutes daily, thrice a week, for eight weeks. We analyzed the data using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a significance level set at p≤0.05. Results: The findings revealed a significant enhancement in physical performance among participants in the experimental group compared to those in the control group (p≤0.05). Specifically, the combined turning exercise program positively influenced upper body, middle body, and lower body muscle strength in female students diagnosed with DS. Conclusion: The results of this investigation imply that incorporating combined turning exercises could serve as an effective strategy for enhancing muscle strength among female students diagnosed with DS. Integrating these exercises into rehabilitation programs tailored for individuals with DS may improve their physical performance and enhance their overall quality of life.

Background: the MME gene encodes a membrane metalloendopeptidase, known as neprilysin (NEP). There are no reports on the potential implications of MME gene polymorphisms on the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the Iranian population. In this study, we studied the potential association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs6797911 and rs3736187, in the MME gene and the risk of developing AD in an Iranian population. Methods: This case-control study comprised 120 AD-diagnosed patients and 120 healthy individuals without any prior family history of AD. The patient and control groups were matched for major demographic and health characteristics. Genotyping was performed by amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). Results: All patients included in this study were assessed by an experienced neurologist to exclude cases with other forms of dementia based on a brain computed tomography scan and other clinical findings. There were no significant differences in demographic and health characteristics including sex, diabetes, blood pressure, and cigarette smoking status between case and control groups (p > 0.05). However, the age difference appeared significant. Both SNPs were significantly associated with the risk of AD in our study population. The rs3736187 (T > C, 3:155168489) was strongly associated with AD risk under the log-additive model (OR = 1.67, CI = 1.18–2.37, p-value = 0.003). The rs6797911 (T > A, 3:155144601) also showed a significant association with AD risk under the dominant model (TT vs. TA and AA, OR = 3.37, CI = 1.86–6.1, p-value

ABSTRACT: Poultry farming generates significant poultry litter (broiler litter and laying hen manure), posing environmental and human health risks. Heat treatment, particularly through drying, can mitigate these adverse effects. This paper aimed to explore the impact of various drying methods of poultry litter on key process indicators. The literature review showed that the drying kinetics of the broiler litter in a hot air dryer is affected by the manure depth, air velocity, drying temperature, and air relative humidity. Nevertheless, the effect of the air relative humidity is insignificant on drying laying hen manure. Hot air drying, freeze drying, and oven drying have significant effects on the nutrient content of the broiler litter. In drying both broiler litter and laying hen manure, the specific energy consumption decreases as air temperature and relative humidity rise. Low temperatures cause poor bacteria destruction in poultry litter, but at temperatures over 50°C, Salmonella is completely destroyed. The ammonia release from laying hen manure and broiler litter is very sensitive to moisture content. Generally, air temperature, air velocity, manure depth, and air relative humidity positively correlate with ammonia emission. The average ammonia emission during belt drying of laying hen manure is about 209.3 mg NH3 d-1 hen-1. Finally, the lack of comprehensive research on poultry litter drying with modern drying methods (ultrasound, microwave, infrared rays, and freeze drying) is evident. One approach that may offer new opportunities is hybrid methods, such as a combination of dryers that use hot air drying agents with these modern drying methods.

With regards to the global continuous growth in consumption of base metals such as antimony (Sb), mining companies are currently looking to improve the productivity and extraction of Sb from low grade ore in order to economically process it. With this aim, in this study, an efficient protocol was developed to recover metallic Sb from the low grade Fe3Si2O5(OH)4. Sb3O6(OH). Sb2O3 ore of the Sefid-Abe mine in Zahedan province, Iran, utilizing selective acidic or alkaline leaching followed by Sb electrowinning. A process was developed to recover antimony from an Sb2O3 ore source, using selective acidic or alkaline leaching followed by antimony electrowinning. Sb could be leached with an efficiency of 85 % using 5 M NaOH and 87 % using 5 M hydrochloric acid/5 M sulfuric acid as the digestion solution at 80 °C for 8 h. The electrowinning process plays a significant role in recovery of highly pure Sb metal. Relying on this approach, a high deposition rate and current efficiency have been generated at a deposition potential 2 V at 30 °C (80 °C for alkaline medium). This was achieved by using anode electrode made of graphite and cathode electrode made of steel (two steel electrodes were used for alkaline electrowinning). Additionally, for acidic electrowinning, exploitation of Sb from the electrolyte solution was achieved by applying a current of 0.1 A, resulting in the highest yield equal to 89 %. On the other hand, for alkaline electrowinning, the highest efficiency corresponds to the current intensity of 0.5 A, which resulted in 97 % Sb extraction from the electrolyte solution. The XRD and ICP analysis performed for samples obtained from the electrolysis confirmed that the resulting antimony ingot has an exceptionally high purity.

Background:This study aimed to investigate stance phase characteristics and asymmetry in females with non-specific low back pain (LBPP) which they adopt different strategies in walking to reduce pain and enhance walking quality. The results of this research can provide new insight into gait characteristics for individuals with LBPP by examining temporal characteristics and asymmetry in their stance phase during walking. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 36 females were purposefully recruited and divided into two groups: one consisting of 18 individuals with low back pain (LBPP) and the other without LBPP. Data were collected using the Footscan system and analyzed with the Footscan Gait 7 gait generation software. Independent t-tests were employed to compare the outcomes between the two groups. Results: The results indicated that the right (p=0.001) and left (p=0.001) foot progression angles in the low back pain group were higher than those in the healthy group. Additionally, the low back pain group exhibited higher asymmetry in the timings of the initial contact phase (p=0.02) and forefoot contact phase (p=0.02), as well as in foot progression angle asymmetry (p=0.009) compared to the healthy group. Conclusion:Given the higher foot progression angle and observed asymmetries in individuals with low back pain, rehabilitative exercises need to consider these differences when evaluating and planning rehabilitation procedures.

Quantifying evapotranspiration (ET) in rainfed cropping systems can be challenging due to complicated interactions among site-specific soil, plant, and management factors. In Northeast China, ET and soil water status in maize fields often display strong spatial and temporal variations due to the changes in tillage practice, planting pattern, and maize plant density. Previous studies have shown that near-surface soil water content (θ) observations at multiple scales provide the potential to estimate surface soil water fluxes. In this study, we introduced a new method to estimate daily field ET by using a soil water flux model mainly based on the time-series of θ at a depth of 2.5 cm. The new method required a calibration of soil water diffusivity with maximum net water flux in the near-surface soil layer, which was related to precipitation redistribution below the canopy. Finally, the new method was evaluated using observed ET values over a 2-year period in a maize field, where independent measurements of soil water evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) were made with heat-pulse sensors and sap-flow gauges, respectively. Field observations showed that E dominated water loss during the seedling stage (16% of total ET). As the canopy was fully developed, E sharply decreased to a value of 0.4 mm d−1, and T accounted for about 89% of ET since the silking stage. The new method to estimate ET performed well in drying periods, while it tended to underestimate ET in wet periods with substantial infiltration into the surface layer. On rain-free days, the ET values estimated with the new method matched well with the measured E+T values, with R2 and RMSE values of 0.85 and 1.93 mm d−1. Therefore, the new approach provides an effective way to quantify maize ET.

Background and Aims Balance is an important factor in people with intellectual disability to have an independent life. These people are weak static and dynamic balance due to lack of development in their central nervous system, defects in the sensory-motor pathways, and having a sedentary life. This study aims to determine the effect of eight weeks of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on static and dynamic balance of educable mentally retarded female studentsMethods In this study, participants were 26 educable mentally retarded female students aged 15-20 years (Mean age: 17.19±1.50 years, IQ: 61.15±6.07, weight: 58.9±12.73 kg, height: 157.92±6.07 cm) who were selected using purposive and convenience sampling methods and randomly divided into two groups of training (n=13) and control (n=13). Before and after training, their static balance and dynamic balance on the right and left feet were evaluated using a foot scan device. Subjects in the training group performed DNS exercises at 24 sessions, each session for 40 minutes. No intervention was provided to the control group; they performed their routine activities. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The significance level was set at 0.05.Results After eight weeks of DNS exercises, the results showed a significant improvement in static balance (F=72.54, P=0.001), dynamic balance on the right foot (F=90.90, P=0.002) and dynamic balance on the left foot (F=61.58, P=0.001) in the training group compared to the pretest scores and compared to the control group.Conclusion DNS exercises can be used as an effective method to improve static and dynamic balance of educable mentally retarded female students.

Nowadays, one of the methods to prevent the progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is to prescribe compounds that inhibit the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. Researchers are actively pursuing compounds, particularly of natural origin, that exhibit enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. The inhibition of AChE and BChE using natural flavonoids represents a promising avenue for regulating AD. This study aims to identify alternative flavonoids capable of modulating AD by down-regulating AChE and BChE activity through a molecular docking approach. Molecular docking analysis identified Ginkgetin and Kolaflavanone as potent inhibitors of AChE and BChE, respectively, among the selected flavonoids. Asn87 and Ala127 involved in the interactions of AChE-Ginkgetin complex through conventional hydrogen bonds. While in the BChE-Kolaflavanone complex, Asn83, Ser79, Gln 47, and Ser287 are involved. In vitro analysis further corroborated the inhibitory potential, with Ginkgetin exhibiting an IC50 of 3.2 mM against AChE, and Kolaflavanone displaying an IC50 of 3.6 mM against BChE. These findings underscore the potential of Ginkgetin and Kolaflavanone as candidate inhibitors for the treatment of AD through the inhibition of AChE and BChE enzymes. Nevertheless, additional in vitro and in vivo studies are imperative to validate the efficacy of these compounds.

Over the past few years, the Optical Trapezoid Model (OPTRAM) has been widely used as a means for high-resolution mapping of surface soil moisture using optical satellite data. In this paper, we propose a new variant of OPTRAM that can map not only soil moisture, but also water bodies such as lakes and rivers. The proposed variant was tested using laboratory experimental data as well as Landsat-8 reflectance observations. Results showed the new OPTRAM variant has greater skill than the original variant in separating land and water pixels. In addition, the new variant showed less sensitivity to the model parameters, and hence, is less user dependent. To quantitatively examine the user-dependency of the model, we analyzed OPTRAM soil moisture based on Landsat-8 satellite images in California, where we varied the model parameters in a plausible range. The correlations of the resulting maps in terms of R2 between two largely different sets of parameters were found in the range of 0.47-0.52 for the original variant and 0.67-0.76 for the new variant. Because some OPTRAM parameters can be quite uncertain, particularly in wet regions, the reduced sensitivity promises more consistent soil moisture estimates across the range of parameter choices.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a heterogeneous group of complex chemical entities resulting from non-enzymatic reactions between reducing sugars with proteins, lipids and/or nucleic acids. AGEs tend to accumulate in cells and stimulate diverse signaling pathways that are closely related to the emergence of several chronic metabolic disorders. This review is based on keywords “medicinal plant”, “AGEs”, “AGEs complication”, “AGEs inhibitor” and their characteristics. The keywords are widely identified and checked in databases such as Science Direct, PubMed Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The complex processes of AGEs formation and their impact on human health are reviewed along with recent developments in AGEs inhibitors derived from natural compounds. In addition, the mechanisms of action of natural inhibitors such as quercetin, lignan, chlorogenic acid, resveratrol and stilbenes are summarized in the protection of glycation-sensitive sites in proteins, removal of active carbonyl compounds, chelating metal ions, and reduction of blood glucose levels. Despite showing glycation-induced-free radicals scavenging activity, these compounds have not yet been widely used in clinical field. Therefore, such natural compounds with specific molecular frameworks might have great potential to pave the way of new drugs discovery.

Given the prevalence of diabetes and the increasing number of diabetics, it is essential to find medicines to decrease the chronic complications of diabetes. Several studies have demonstrated that chronic hyperglycemia and its complications are directly related to protein glycation. Thus, identifying natural inhibitors to stop glycation of proteins may play a crucial role in managing the chronic complications of diabetes. Currently, various natural and synthetic compounds with anti-glycation attributes have been reported. The use of natural compounds in herbs (medicinal and non-medicinal) may be of particular importance due to fewer side effects and a wide range of therapeutic properties. Accordingly, this mini-review provides a list of common natural medicines and synthetic compounds with anti-glycation activity. As well, it provides brief information on the formation of advanced glycosylated end products (AGEs), their side effects, and glycation prevention mechanisms.

Background and Aim: Atorvastatin is one of the medicines used for the treatment of high blood cholesterol which recently has been shown to have antioxidant effects in the cell. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on the growth and quality of immature mouse oocytes in vitro. Materials and Methods: 400 oocytes were prepared from ovaries of 40 NMRI mice and divided into two groups of control (culture medium) and atorvastatin (culture medium + 2 μM atorvastatin). Then oocyte qualitative parameters including zona pellucida thickness (ZP), Perivitelline space size (PVS) and oocyte diameter (OD) were determined using invert microscope and image-J software. Results: Quantitative parameters of zona pellucida thickness and oocyte diameter were increased in the atorvastatin group compared to those in the control group. In the evaluation of oocytes quality, the number of oocytes exhibiting +1 score in the atorvastatin and control groups were (70%) and (55.4%) respectively, which showed a significant difference between the two groups (P≤0.05). The numbers of polar bodies exhibiting +1 score in the atorvastatin and control groups were (36.18%) and (18.5%) respectively (P≤0.05). Conclusion: Use of atorvastatin had a significant effect on the growth and final quality of the immature oocytes in vitro and it can possibly be used to increase the efficiency of in vitro fertilization in the future.

Introduction Gold deposits formed during mountain-building processes in Phanerozoic terranes that formed in metamorphic environment have a great dispensation in the world (Goldfarb et al., 2001). They constitute an economically important type of gold mineralization called orogenic gold deposits (Groves et al., 2003). The Sanandaj-Sirjan zone is one of the most important areas for orogenic gold exploration and it hosts several orogenic gold deposits (Aliyari et al., 2012). This zone is characterized by regionally metamorphosed and deformed Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary, volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks under green schist and amphibolite facies conditions. (Rashidnejad-Omran, 2001; Abdollahi et al., 2009; Kouhestani et al., 2014(. The Godar Sorkh area is locatedin the central part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, 20km southwest of the Muteh region. The rocks sequence of the Godar Sorkh area comprise of the volcano-sedimentary rocks of the greenschist complex with Paleozoic age rock units intruded by basic and felsic dikes. These country rocks are affected by a NW-SE-trending shear zone and are highly deformed. Rock units illustrate ductile-brittle to brittle shear zones and had been under poly-phase metamorphism. In other words, Godar Sorkh has the most similarity with orogenic gold. Methods In this study after field observations, rock samples were collected from mineralized and altered zones that included 26 thin sections, 47 polished sections and 10 polished thin sections which were prepared for petrography, mineralization and alteration studies, 10 samples were prepared for XRD analyses, 21 samples were analyzed for Au content by the Fire Assay method and 21 samples were analyzed by the ICP-MS method for REE and trace element amounts in the Iran Minerals Research and Processing Center, and 9 samples were selected for XRF analyses in the Kansaran Binaloud laboratory. According to the petrographic studies and the results of chemical analysis 7 polished double sections were selected to determine the amount of gold and other elements by electron-microprobe analysis. Discussion and Results The rocks sequence of the Godar Sorkh area comprise of greenschists complexes including limestone, dolomitic, marbles, micaschists, black schist, greenschist, intercalations of quartzite, calc schist, phyllites and slate, metamorphosed under greenschist facies grade. These units are considered to belong to the Paleozoic age. Rock unites have been intruded by basic and felsic dikes. Rock assemblages are characterized by several phases of deformation and generation of various fabrics and structures. Gold mineralization occurs in ductile and brittle shear zones, along N45W trending and controlled by structures. The main alterations are sericitization, carbonization, chloritization, silicification and sulphidization. Ore-mineralogical paragenesis mainly includes pyrite and locally chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, covellite, sphalerite, galena and Fe Oxide-Hydroxide secondary minerals such as goethite, hematite and limonite. The results show that the maximum grade of gold in the mineralization zone has been reported to be 9.9 ppm and the average value of gold in the area is about 0.3 ppm. The microscopic studies show native gold minerals in the range of 15 to 30 micrometers. Also, electron-microprobe analysis indicates Au in the lattice of sulfide minerals. Based on geochemical studies, rocks have characteristics peraluminous range and the granodiorite intrusion belongs to S type granitoids. LREE are enriched. Controlling parameters for mineral concentration in Godar Sorkh area are shear zone. Therefore, regarding the development of Paleozoic metavolcanic-sedimentary sequences and the formation of multistage extensional structures including the normal faults, and fractures, texture and structure investigation, mineral paragenesis, alteration and geochemistry, gold mineralization in the Godar Sorkh area can be classified as orogenic gold mineralization. Acknowledgement This study has been supported by the Shahid Beheshti University of Tehran, Iran. The authors would like to thank IMPASCO Company for help and cooperation in the completion of this research study. We also thank the support of the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF). References Abdollahi, M.J., Karimpour, M.H., Kheradmand, A. and Zarasvandi, A.R., 2009. Stable isotopes (O, H, and S) in the Muteh gold deposit, Golpaygan area, Iran. Natural Resources Research, 18(2): 137–151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-009-9103-3 Aliyari, F., Rastad, E. and Mohajjel, M., 2012. Gold Deposits in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone: Orogenic Gold Deposits or Intrusion‐Related Gold Systems. Resource Geology, 62(3): 296–315. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-3928.2012.00196.x Goldfarb, R.J., Groves, D.I. and Gardoll, S., 2001. Orogenic gold and geologic time: a global synthesis. Ore Geology Reviews, 18(1–2): 1–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-1368(01)00016-6 Groves, D.I., Goldfarb, R.J., Robert, F. and Hart, C.J.R., 2003. Gold deposits in metamorphic belts: overview of current understanding, outstanding problems, future research and exploration significance. Economic Geology, 98(1): 1–29. https://doi.org/10.2113/gsecongeo.98.1.1 Kouhestani, H., Rashidnejad-Omran, N., Rastad, E., Mohajjel, M., Goldfarb, R.J. and Ghaderi, M., 2014. Orogenic gold mineralization at the Chah Bagh deposit, Muteh gold district, Iran. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 91: 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2014.04.027 Rashidnejad-Omran N., 2001. Petrology and geochemistry of metavolcanosedimentary and plutonic rocks of Muteh region (South Delidjan) with special view to genesis of gold mineralization, Ph.D. Thesis. Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, 436 pp. (in Persian)

Due to the presence of various phenolic compounds in D.sophia, this plant may have an inhibitory effect on α-Glc and ultimately diabetes control. Therefore, this work aims to scrutinize total phenolic, flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity, and α-Glc inhibitory activity in aerial parts of methanolic D.sophia extract. The methanolic flower extracts were selected from among aerial parts for the experimental study of anti-diabetic effects by α-Glc inhibitory assays. The flower extracts were also studied by GC/MS to detect the compounds. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 21.38 ± 0.93 GAE/g and 96.2 ± 0.20 QE/g, respectively. The IC50 value of flower extract for α-Glc inhibition with mixed (Competitive/non-competitive) mode was found to be 20.34 ± 0.11 mg/ml. Furthermore, in-vivo studies showed that the blood glucose level reduced after consumption of flower extract compared to the control group. Twenty-one compounds were identified by GC/MS technique. These compounds were assessed for high docking scores against α-Glc in silico. Docking score calculations exhibited that the DES-α-Glc complex had a significantly higher binding energy (-6.13 Kcal/mol) than other compounds. The DES-α-Glc complex which displayed a higher docking energy value than the ACR was subjected to MDs studies. The findings of this study suggest that the flower extract of D.sophia can be used as a suitable additive in syrups or foods with anti-diabetic capacity.

The present study provides technical and economic comparisons of electrocoagulation (EC), chemical coagulation (CC), integrated EC-CC, and combinations of these techniques with ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) systems based on baker's yeast wastewater treatment. Key parameters such as initial pH, coagulant dosage, and stirring speed were optimized for both EC and CC methods to achieve higher removal efficiencies at lower operating costs. Evaluating EC and CC indicates EC obtained better performance by removing 77.64% and 97.49% of COD and turbidity, respectively, but higher operating costs for treating baker's yeast wastewater. CC with operating costs of 0.737$/m3 and 1.427 $/m3 using lime and polyaluminum chloride (PACl), respectively, is more cost-effective than EC with total operating costs of 3.526 $/m3. This study was the first to compare the capital costs of EC and CC, and it was revealed that CC still required less investment than EC. The combination of EC and CC methods was studied for the first time on baker's yeast wastewater. The results showed that combining CC and EC improves COD removal efficiency by 11.2% and 16.1% when compared to single EC and single CC processes, respectively. Two types of hollow fiber membranes made of polypropylene (PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for the UF process and a polyamide spiral membrane for the NF system were employed in membrane filtration integrated systems. The combination of the EC-CC system with the UF and NF systems resulted in the highest COD removal efficiency, which was around 99.7% for the EC-CC(PACl)-PVDF-NF system.

Abstract A series of polyurethane/ZnO membranes was fabricated via thermal phase inversion of the solution of polymer/nanoparticle in N,N‐dimethylformamide solvent. The polyurethane synthesis was done via two‐step polymerization method using polytetramethylene glycol, isophorone diisocyanate, and 1,4‐butanediol in the ratio of 1:3:2. Different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (5, 10, 15, and 20) were incorporated into the polyurethane matrix. FTIR, SEM, and X‐Ray analysis were performed to characterize the membranes. FTIR and SEM results suggests an increment in the phase mixing of polyurethane with ZnO loading. Gas permeation performance through polyurethane‐ZnO mixed matrix membranes with ZnO loading by as much as 20 wt% were elucidated for pure N2, O2, CH4, and CO2 and gases. Based on the results, all permeability values decreased as the loading of ZnO nanoparticles increased, whereas CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities increased. Moreover, interfacial structure of the polyurethane/ZnO nanocomposites were characterized by molecular probing approach. The results revealed the presence of a rigidified polymer chain layer with 65 ± 6 Å thickness around the ZnO nanoparticles.

Abstract Due to the partial/total blockage of dispersed porous particles in polymer matrices, porous particles do not change the transport properties of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) as much as possible. Also, the determination of MMMs' intrinsic gas permeability is very difficult. Hence, a new modeling approach was developed to determine the maximum contribution of porous particles in gas separation properties of MMMs without any need to know the interfacial morphology type. Moreover, the approach allowed determination of the effect of the interfacial layer on gas transport properties of MMMs containing porous particles. The validity of the proposed method was evaluated using literature data in which the intrinsic permeability of the used particles and polymer matrix for the preparation of their MMMs has been measured.

Background & Objective: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders. Alpha-amylase plays an important role in the development of diabetes by breaking down polysaccharide. Therefore, the search for natural inhibitor for α-amylase is of particular importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of flavanone compounds on α-amylase enzyme by bioinformatics method. Material & Methods: This study was performed in the computer environment (Bioinformatics). For this purpose, the structure of flavanone compounds and α-amylase was downloaded from PubChem & Protein Data Ban database, respectively. Then, the drug-like parameter and physicochemical properties of flavanone compounds were investigated by Zink database and the Swiss ADME server, respectively. Then, in order to interact the compounds with α-amylase, one molecular docking software AutoDock Tools 6.0 was used. Finally, the results were analyzed using Discovery Studio 3.5. Results: The results showed that among the selected flavanone, naringenin compound was more desirable in terms of drug-like and physicochemical properties. Also, the result of molecular docking showed that the naringenin compound with a binding energy of -4.9 kcal/mol had the highest inhibitory effect on the α-amylase. Conclusion: From this study, it can be calculated that naringenin compound shows more inhibitory ability due to its proper placement in the active site of α-amylase enzyme and interaction of key amino acids. By further investigation of this natural compound in In vivo & In vitro, it can be used as a natural inhibitor for the inhibition of α-amylase and the prevention of diabetes.

Background & Objective: Aldose reductase plays an important role in chronic diabetes and can cause tissue complications. Controlling the activity of aldose reductase provides an important strategy in controlling the complications of diabetes. Flavonoids are important inhibitors of aldose reductase. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory nature of flavonol compounds in fruits and plants on aldose reductase activity by bioinformatic methods. Material & Methods: This study was descriptive-analytical. First, the structure of flavonol compounds, Ranirestat, and enzymes were downloaded from ChemSpider and PDB databases, respectively. Ranirestat was used as the standard drug. The pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of the compounds were predicted by Swiss ADME, Protox servers, and Toxtree2.5.4 software. Then, to interact the compounds with the enzyme structure, molecular docking was used to method AutoDock Tools 1.5.6. Finally, the results were analyzed using Discovery Studio 3.5 software. Results: The results showed that all flavonol compounds were desirable in pharmacokinetic properties and lacked toxicity. All compounds were able to inhibit aldose reductase enzymes with different PDB codes. However, among these compounds, the combination of Rutin with average docking energy of 191.21 kcal/ mole (P-value

Background: High Blood glucose levels is one of the main problems in diabetes. α-glucosidase with decomposition of polysaccharides increases the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine, resulting in blood glucose upsurge. Inhibition of this enzyme is one of the most important strategies for treatment of diabetes. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate in silico inhibitory effect of flavones, found in fruit and plants, on the α-glucosidase activity. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic approach. The structure of the flavone compounds and α-glucosidase downloaded from PubChem and PDB database respectively. Then physicochemical properties of flavone compounds were predicted by the Zink data base and Swiss ADME server. Finally, Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0 and Molecular Viewer Molegro 2.5 environments were used, to do molecular interaction among flavone compounds and the enzyme. Results: Physicochemical characteristics of investigated flavone compounds were desirable. As well all of the studied flavone compounds were able to inhibit the α-glucosidase. But among the studied compounds, luteolin and nobiletin had the lowest negative energy with 78.98 and 87.96 KJ/mole respectively, and therefore the most docking points than the miglitol (positive control). Conclusion: Examined flavone compounds in this study, mainly nobiletin, are particularly suitable because of their fine placement in the active site of the enzyme. So they have more inhibitory effect than other similar compounds. As a result, after some in vitro and in vivo, complementary studies on this compound, it is possible to distinguish it as a potent pharmaceutical inhibitor of α- glucosidase, to be used in diabetes treatment.

Background & Objective: Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes raise blood glucose levels by breaking down complex polysaccharide units into absorbable monosaccharide units. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of compounds extracted from Descurainia sophia flowers on the activity of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes in silico. Material & Methods: This study was performed using descriptive-analytical method. For this purpose, first the compounds extracted from Descurainia sophia flower in the previous study were taken from PubChem databases and then the files related to alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes were obtained from PDB database. The Lipinsky rules and physicochemical properties of the compounds were then predicted by the Zink database and the Swiss ADME server, respectively. Finally, Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0 and Molegro Molecular Viewer 2.5 were used to perform molecular docking tasks. Results: The results showed that most of the compounds present in D.sophia flower had favorable physicochemical properties, and these compounds inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. But among these compounds, the Valtrate composition with -83.45 kJ/mol had the most inhibitory effect on the α-amylase enzyme. Similarly, Palatinol and Valtrate compounds had the highest inhibitory effect on the α-glucosidase enzyme with -122.19 and -152.88 kJ/ mol, respectively. Conclusion: From the results of this descriptive-analytic study, it can be concluded that the combination of Valtrate due to the appropriate filled in activat site of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes was more effective than the other compounds in D.sophia flower.

Background: The most common cardioplegic solutions in pediatric cardiac surgery are Del Nido and St. Thomas. The aim of this study was to compare of the effect of these two solutions on cardiac protection, and prevention of myocardial injury during the aortic clamp time. Methods: This randomize clinical trial study was accomplished on 60 children under 12 years who were candidates for large ventral septal defect (VSD) repair surgery at Shahid Chamran hospital in Isfahan, Iran. One of handmade St. Thomas or Del Nido cardioplegic solutions was used randomly for electromechanical cardiac arrest in each children. Quantitative levels of cardiac troponin I and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CPK-MB) was measured and recorded before and 6 and 12 hours after the surgery. Findings: There was no significant difference between the two markers of troponin I and CPK-MB in both groups (P > 0.050). There was no difference regarding the duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (P = 0.120) and cardiac rhythm return time (P = 0.200) after removal of aortic clamp in both groups. The time of aortic clamp was significantly shorter in Del Nido group (P = 0.009). Conclusion: Due to the lack of statistically significant difference in quantitative levels of troponin I and CPK-MB between the two groups, it seems that efficiency of both solutions are similar.

The transportation of fruits over longer distances could lead to damage fruits such as apricots. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of transportation factors including the vibration frequencies (17 and 20 Hz), the vibration time (15 and 30 minutes), the fruit cultivar (Shahroudi and Urdoobad), and the package type (2 types) on the apricot damage. An electro-dynamic lab vibration simulator was used to simulate the road transportation and a fruit damage index (FDI) was used as a criterion to evaluate the damage based on the classifying bruises into five different categories. The statistical analysis indicated that, except for the package type, the other factors (apricot cultivar, frequency, and vibration duration) had a significant effect on the FDI (P < 0.01). The vibration damages considerably changed by the apricot cultivar and increased by the frequency and duration. The results indicated that the Urdoobad cultivar was more resistant to the damage and could be used for export purposes to transport in distances more than 1,000 km. The maximum damages occurred at a frequency and duration of 17 Hz and 30 min in the Shahroudi cultivar, respectively.

Abstract The Richardson–Richards equation (RRE) is a widely used partial differential equation (PDE) for modeling moisture dynamics in unsaturated soil. However, field soil moisture observations do not always satisfy RRE. In this paper, we introduce a new physically constrained machine learning (PCML) approach to derive governing soil water flow PDE directly from moisture observations. This paper is viewed as a feasibility study and reports results of our first attempt in developing the PCML approach. Here, we rely on noisy synthetic soil moisture data obtained from the linear RRE subject to real flux boundary conditions. The linear RRE was used as a reference PDE to check the PCML‐derived PDEs, where the PCML performance was shown to be highly dependent upon the sample size in time and space. Results presented here confirm the feasibility of deriving soil water flow governing PDEs directly from soil moisture observations using PCML.

Background: Hospitals as one of the most important organizations in the service sector of Iran need creative and innovative managers to survive. We need such managers in today's turbulent environment. In order to have creative and innovative managers, appropriate contexts are required to enable the growth of ideas and bring them to the implementation phase. The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and organizational factors affecting the creativity and innovation of the managers of hospitals in Karaj city, Iran. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in hospitals of Karaj city, Iran. The sample size consisted of 63 senior managers of public and private hospitals in Karaj using census method. Data were collected by standard questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS 16. Results: The most important individual factor affecting managers' creativity was tolerance of ambiguity (having doubt and indecision) in dealing with issues (mean score = 1.73). The most important organizational factor affecting the creativity of managers was decentralization of hospital structure with the mean score of 1.76. Moreover, the most important individual factor affecting managers 'innovation was patience in implementing their new ideas with a mean score of 1.24. The most important organizational factor in this regard was the flexibility of the payroll system with a mean score of 1.54. Conclusion: In order to promote the creativity of managers, more authority should be delegated to them. They also should attend the creative thinking courses. Furthermore, the payroll systems should be based on creativity. In order to promote innovation, innovative managers should be supported and appreciated with appropriate material and moral rewards.

A laboratory continuous HVEF thawing system was designed and constructed in accordance with standards for food machinery. Corona discharge in wire-plate electrodes was considered for the system and a stainless-steel sheet was utilized as the conveyor belt. Corona flow was created by applying high voltages of 15, 20, and 25 kV and electrode gaps of 6, 8, and 10 cm. To evaluate the system, frozen tylose MH4000 gel with a moisture content of 77% w.b. as a meat analog was thawed from −10 to 0°C. The thawing duration which was mostly devoted to increase the temperature of control sample (no electrostatic field), considerably decreased when thawing the gel in the presence of the high voltage. High voltage and EG indicated significant effect on both thawing duration and specific energy consumption (p˂0.0001). The thawing duration decreased significantly by decreasing the electrode gap and increasing the applied voltage. In terms of energy consumption, the best condition (minimum specific energy consumption of 10.33 kJ kg-1) was obtained for the voltage of 15 kV, and the electrode gap of 10 cm.

Abstract Measurements of the soil water characteristic (SWC) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity [K(h)] curves, which are at the core of modeling flow and transport processes in porous media, are laborious and prone to experimental errors. To overcome some of the current experimental limitations, we examined the potential feasibility of shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging of water imbibition into dry soil during a controlled laboratory experiment in conjunction with inverse numerical modeling to determine the wetting SWC and the K(h) function. To generate time series of high‐resolution surface moisture maps, the imaged surface reflectance was converted to surface soil moisture via a recently developed physical radiative transfer model. The moisture time series were then used to parameterize the HYDRUS 2D/3D numerical code for forward simulations. The optimization was performed with simulated annealing in MATLAB that was linked to HYDRUS 2D/3D to automate the inversion process. The obtained SWC wetting curves were subsequently compared with Tempe cell and Dewpoint PotentiaMeter measurements. Although further research and refinements of the proposed method are needed, the results of this exploratory study obtained for a broad range of soil textures are promising and demonstrate the potential feasibility of the proposed approach for rapid estimation of soil hydraulic properties.

The application of gas-liquid membrane contactors for ethane-ethylene separation seems to offer a good alternative to conventional energy-intensive processes. This work aims to develop new hydrophobic composite membranes with active ethylene carriers and to demonstrate their potential for ethylene/ethane separation in gas-liquid membrane contactors. For the first time, hybrid membrane materials based on polyoctylmethylsiloxane (POMS) and silver tetrafluoroborate, with a Si:Ag ratio of 10:0.11 and 10:2.2, have been obtained. This technique allowed us to obtain POMS-based membranes with silver nanoparticles (8 nm), which are dispersed in the polymer matrix. The dispersion of silver in the POMS matrix is confirmed by the data IR-spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and X-ray fluorescence analyses. These membranes combine the hydrophobicity of POMS and the selectivity of silver ions toward ethylene. It was shown that ethylene sorption at 600 mbar rises from 0.89 cm3(STP)/g to 3.212 cm3(STP)/g with an increase of Ag content in POMS from 0 to 9 wt%. Moreover, the membrane acquires an increased sorption affinity for ethylene. The ethylene/ethane sorption selectivity of POMS is 0.64; for the membrane with 9 wt% silver nanoparticles, the ethylene/ethane sorption selectivity was 2.46. Based on the hybrid material, POMS-Ag, composite membranes were developed on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) porous support, with a selective layer thickness of 5–10 µm. The transport properties of the membranes were studied by separating a binary mixture of ethylene/ethane at 20/80% vol. It has been shown that the addition of silver nanoparticles to the POMS matrix leads to a decrease in the ethylene permeability, but ethylene/ethane selectivity increases from 0.9 (POMS) to 1.3 (9 wt% Ag). It was noted that when the POMS-Ag membrane is exposed to the gas mixture flow for 3 h, the selectivity increases to 1.3 (0.5 wt% Ag) and 2.3 (9 wt% Ag) due to an increase in ethylene permeability. Testing of the obtained membranes in a gas-liquid contactor showed that the introduction of silver into the POMS matrix makes it possible to intensify the process of ethylene mass transfer by more than 1.5 times.

Background and Objectives: The elderly individuals undergoing hemodialysis have lower quality of life compared to their healthy counterparts due to the complications associated with treatment and sedentary lifestyle. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of selected core stability exercises on restless legs syndrome and quality of life in the elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, a total of 30 patients undergoing hemodialysis with the mean age of 62.24±6.51 years and the mean hemodialysis duration of 29.4±18.44 months, were selected using the purposive convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to two groups of experimental and control (each 15 subjects). To assess the restless legs syndrome and the quality of life, (RLS) and Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaires, were used. The experimental group performed selected core stability exercises for 6 weeks (three 45-minute sessions per week). Data analysis was carried out using analysis of variance statistical test at the significance level of p

Background: Today, conflict is a common topic that occupies the human thought more than any other issues. On the other hand, use of emotional intelligence and its components leads to effective conflict management. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and conflict management strategies among the selected hospitals of Karaj, Iran. Methods: This correlational and cross-sectional study was conducted among the selected hospitals of Karaj in 2017. The sample size consisted of 32 managers at different levels of hospitals selected by census method. Data were collected using the standard questionnaires and analyzed by the descriptive and analytical statistics as well as Spearman correlation using SPSS 19 software. Results: The average score regarding the conflicts management among the managers was 108.3 ± 20.8 out of 134. The conflict management strategy used more frequently by most of the managers was the non-response strategy with an average score of 51.5 ± 12.5. Emotional intelligence showed a "good" status with an average of 121.9 ± 18.7 among the managers of the two hospitals. A significant relationship was also observed between the conflict management strategies and self-concept component of emotional intelligence. Conclusion: The "non-response" strategy was more frequently used by the managers. Some components of the emotional intelligence (self-help) have correlation with the conflict management. So, managers should learn other strategies in the area of conflict management strategies. This in turn, has a positive impact on human resource management and organizational performance improvement.

Background: Hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESR) have lower physical, emotional, and cognitive functions than healthy people of the same age due to their inactive lifestyles and treatment approaches. This study aimed to investigate the effects of selected core stability exercises on the dialysis quality and muscular strength of male hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this quasi–experimental study, 30 male hemodialysis patients (age: 62.24±6.51 years; history of dialysis: 9.4±18.44 months) were selected by convenience sampling and assigned into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The quality of dialysis and muscular strength of the subjects were assessed by blood sampling before and after dialysis and 5× sit-to-stand tests, respectively. A core stability exercise program was performed for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week, 45 minute per session. Results: Data analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the quality of dialysis between the experimental and control groups (P=0.485), but a significant difference was observed in muscular strength between the two groups (P=0.001). Exercise has a significant effect on the variable. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, core stability exercises can be recommended to male hemodialysis patients as a safe and practical strategy for improving their muscular strength and quality of life.

Background: The effects of aquatic exercises on strength and balance are still controversial, nevertheless an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of underwater trampoline exercise, in comparison with traditional aquatic exercise, on strength, balance, and quality of life in middle-aged women Methods: A total of 26 middle-aged women participated in this study. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups, i.e. underwater trampoline exercise (age: 44.8±10.3yr, height: 1.62±0.6 m, weight: 76.2±8.6 kg) and traditional aquatic exercise (age: 45.7±8.8yr, height: 1.58±0.5 m, weight: 71.8±8.8 kg), using a matching method. Static balance (by stork test), strength (by dynamometer), and quality of life (by SF 36 questionnaire) data were collected before and after applying an 8-week exercise regime (three sessions per week, each session of 30–45 minutes duration). Finally, the data was analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS software (Version 21) (P

Purpose: The elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis who developed end-stage renal failure are at higher risk for falling and its critical outcomes compared with their healthy counterparts due to of poor balance, reduced muscle endurance, and sedentary lifestyle. The current study aimed at evaluating the effect of selected core stability exercises on balance and muscle endurance in the elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: In the current quasi-experimental study, a total of 30 patients undergoing hemodialysis with the mean age of 62.24±6.51 years, the mean hemodialysis duration of 29.4±18.44 months, and the history of falling at least once during the last year were selected using the purposive convenience sampling method and then, the subjects were randomly allocated into 2 groups of intervention (n=15) and control (n=15). To assess the static balance, dynamic balance, and muscle endurance in the patients, the stork stand test, the timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the sit-to-stand-to-sit test for 60 seconds (STS-60) were used, respectively. The selected core stability exercises were performed for the intervention group in 6 weeks, three 45-minute sessions per week. To analyze data, the repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) with SPSS version 22 was used; P

Background: In recent years, several studies on the body posture have been done at schools, most of which have shown a high prevalence of varying abnormality among students. The aim of this study was to investigate the normal range and changes process of lumbar curve in students, both girls and boys, in the age group of 10 to 18 years. Methods: A total number of 1800 students (male and female), in the age group of 10 to 18 years were selected to participate in the present study. The student samples were chosen from the different cities of the Isfahan province in a randomized and clustered manner. Each age category included 100 male and female students each. The flexible ruler was used to measure the lumbar curve angle. The factorial ANOVA method, in SPPS16, was used for data analysis with α=0.05. Results: The data analysis showed that the age changes factor and gender factor have a significant effect on lumbar curve changes in the level of P0.05). This means that the changes process is similar in both gender groups. Conclusion: The lumbar curve angle is generally higher in girls. Moreover, this angle increases in both genders as age increases to 18 years. The extent of the lumbar curve exceeds the normal limit in girls after 13 years of age with the onset of puberty, which means that girls in this age group need additional attention from the concerned authorities in order to prevent spinal abnormalities.

Background: VEGF111b is a new isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) recently considered as a new anticancer drug. The aim of this study was to evaluate the VEGF111b secretion from HEK293 cell wall in order to commercial production of this recombinant factor. Materials and Methods: After the design of VEGF111b sequence using OLIGO software and NCBI gene bank data, it was cloned into the pBUD.cE4.1 vector. The pBUD.VEGF111b recombinant vector was transfected into HEK293 cells using lipofectamine kit. Forty-eight hours after the transfection the production of VEGF111b was estimated by Western blotting and Human anti VEGF antibody. The VEGF111b secretion into cell culture and cell lysate extract was measured using ELISA. Results: The correct cloning of VEGF111b into pBUD.cE4.1vector was confirmed using enzymatic digestion and gel electrophoresis. The observed production of recombinant peptide in HEK293 was confirmed with 12KDa band in cell lysate extract of Western blotting. The ELISA results at 450 nanometer absorbance for cell culture media and cell lysate extract were 19.20±2.81 pg/ml and 32.87±7.42 pg/ml, respectively. However, no VEGF111b expression was observed in negative controls. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate the powerful ability of transformation and secretion of VEGF111b from HEK293 cell wall to cell culture media with no breaking and proteolytic digestion. It seems that the commercial production and purification of this therapeutic peptide from HEK293 cell culture would be possible with high efficiency.

Background and purpose: Endothelial growth factor type b with anti-angiogenic activity and inhibition of tumor growth are considered as new anticancer drugs. The aim of this research was to study the expression of vegf111b in HEK293 human cells. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, HEK293 cells were transfected by pBUD.VEGF111b vector containing the VEGF111B gene through lipofectamine method. The mRNA of transfected cells and control cells were extracted and cDNA was built over it. Then, the expression levels of vegf111b were measured using Real time- PCR. Results: Transfection of HEK293 cells was successfully done and 48 hours after transfection of HEK293 cells, ct of the vegf111b expression in transfected cells was 23.17 and ct of the GAPDH control gene expression in these cells was 21.11. In the control (untransfected) cells the ct of GAPDH was 21.09 and there was no expression of vegf111b in these cells. Conclusion: Expression of Vegf111b recombinant protein in HEK293 cells is the first step for further research on this protein. Current study has provided the possibility of using this product for future research on angiogenesis and cancer treatments.

In this study, whole lemons were dried using a laboratory convective hot air dryer and the effects of drying temperature on dehydration behaviour and mass transfer characteristics of the lemons were investigated. The drying experiments were conducted using air temperatures of 50, 60 and 75 °C and air velocity of 1 m/s. It was observed that the drying temperature affected the drying time and the drying rate significantly. Drying rate represented no constant period and the entire dehydration process took place in the falling rate period. The usefulness of five mathematical models to simulate the drying kinetics was evaluated and Midilli and logarithmic models were found as the best models describing the drying curves. The effective moisture diffusivity values were obtained to be 1.15×10-10, 2.29×10-10, and 7.63×10-10 m2/s for the applied temperatures, respectively. The activation energy was also determined to be 71.32 kJ/mol. The convective mass transfer coefficient values were calculated by the analytical model and obtained to be 4.078×10-7, 1.023×10-7 and 4.346×10-8 m/s for drying temperatures of 75, 60 and 50 °C, respectively.

Introduction: Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of motor disability in childhood. This study was conducted to determine the effects of 8 weeks of therapeutic rebound therapy on balance, flexibility, and muscle strength of the knee in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was performed on a total of 20 children of 6 to 12 years of age with spastic cerebral palsy studying at special schools of Isfahan, Iran. The participant were selected through convenience and purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to the control (n = 10) and experimental groups (n = 10). After a briefing session, informed consent forms were obtained from parents of all subjects. A digital dynamometer, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the sit and reach test were used to assess knee flexor and extensor muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, respectively. Children performed selected training under the supervision of specialists for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with significance level of P < 0.05. Results: All parameters measured in the study, including balance, flexibility, and muscle strength of the knee, had significant interactions (P < 0.05). This means that the rebound training group illustrated greater improvement in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Due to the effectiveness of this training, as illustrated in this study, and being low-cost, safe, and applicable at home, these exercises can be used for a wide range of people with cerebral palsy.

A membrane bioreactor (MBR) system based on a dead-end immersed hollow fiber membrane and filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae were used for treatment of baker’s yeast wastewater. The fungus was adapted to the wastewater in the bioreactor for two weeks before starting the continuous process. Average organic loading rate of 4.2 kg COD/m3.d was entered the bioreactor. MBR system was able to reduce the COD and BOD5 of the wastewater from 5000 and 1400 mg/L to 488 and 70 mg/L, respectively, over a period of 45 days, while the turbidity of the wastewater reduced from 134-282 NTU to less than 2.5 NTU in the permeate stream. Critical flux and a suitable operating flux were determined as 6.7 and 5 L/m2 h, respectively. The obtained results confirm that the MBR system was able to efficiently reduce the turbidity and suspended solid of the wastewater by 99.4% and 98.3%, respectively, resulting in a clear effluent.

Background:. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic diseases. these study aimed to examine the effects of eight weeks of massage therapy on quality of life, in women who sufferers of MS. Methods: This was a true-experimental study. We conveniently selected 20 women volunteers from referrals of the MS Society of Isfahan. The inclusion criteria were to suffer from relapsing–remitting MS with an EDSS less than 3.5. We allocated the subjects into 2 groups of control (10 cases) and experiment (10 cases) by randomized matched sampling. After a session of briefing and collection of informed consent forms, we administered the pre-test. Massage therapy protocol was based on Russian method. It was lasted for 2 months) 2 sessions of 30 minutes per week (. At the end of experimental period, the pos-tests were administered. Our test included QOL-54 quality of life questionnaire. Data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA. Results: Changes in all measured variables including mental and physical health dimensions of QOL-54 showed significant interaction (F (1, 18) ≤12.98, P≤0/004). Discussion and Conclusion: Both research groups were under medical care, but it was only the massage group that showed progression in different criteria variables including different dimensions of quality of life. These results suggest that massage therapy could be used as a non-invasive, low cost, and complementary intervention for women MS patients. Keywords: Massage therapy, quality of life, fatigue, MS.

Polymer blending and mixed-matrix membranes are well-known modification techniques for tuning the gas separation properties of polymer membranes. Here, we studied the gas separation performance of mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) based on the polyurethane/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PU/PVA) blend containing silica nanoparticles. Pure (CO2, CH4, N2, O2) and mixed-gas (CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4) permeability experiments were carried out at 10 bar and 35 °C. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with a molecular weight of 200 kDa (PVA200) was blended with polyurethane (PU) to increase the CO2 solubility, while the addition of silica particles to the PU/PVA blend membranes augmented the CO2 separation performance. The SEM images of the membranes showed that the miscibility of the blend improved by increasing the PVA contents. The membrane containing 10 wt % of PVA200 (PU/PVA200−10) exhibited the highest CO2/N2~32.6 and CO2/CH4~9.5 selectivities among other blend compositions, which increased to 45.1 and 15.2 by incorporating 20 wt % nano-silica particles.

مقدمه: ورزش و فعالیت بدنی این پتانسیل را دارند که باعث بهبود و پیشرفت سلامتی و کیفیت زندگی افراد مبتلا به مصرف مواد مخدر شوند. بنابراین هدف تحقیق حاضر، بررسی تأثیر هشت هفته تمرين با توپ فیزیوبال بر اصلاح کیفوز پشتی، تعادل (ایستا و پویا) و كيفيت زندگي مردان مبتلا به مصرف مواد مخدر پس از ترك اعتیاد بود. مواد و روش‌ها: تعداد 30 مرد مبتلا به مصرف مواد مخدر با محدوده سني 20 تا 40 سال که دو ماه از ترک اعتیاد آنان گذشته بود و دارای عارضه افزایش کیفوز پشتی بودند، به صورت در دسترس و هدفمند انتخاب و پس از اخذ رضایت‌نامه به طور تصادفي در دو گروه تجربی (تمرینی) و شاهد قرار داده شدند. زاویه کيفوز آزمودنی‌ها به وسیله خط‌کش منعطف، تعادل پویا توسط آزمون ستاره (Star excursion balance test یا SEBT)، تعادل ایستا با آزمون Romberg و کیفیت زندگی با استفاده از فرم کوتاه پرسش‌نامه کیفیت زندگی (SF-36) اندازه‌گيري گرديد. آزمودنی‌ها به مدت 8 هفته و هر هفته سه جلسه و هر جلسه 60 تا 90 دقیقه تمرينات منتخب را تحت نظر متخصص حرکات اصلاحی و درمانی انجام دادند. جهت تحليل داده‌ها از روش آماري ANOVA براي داده‌هاي تکراري در سطح معنی‌داری 05/0 ≥ P استفاده گردید. يافته‌ها: تغييرات و تعامل در هر سه متغیر تعادل و کیفیت زندگی، در پس‌آزمون نسبت به پیش‌آزمون در گروه تمرینی معنی‌دار بود (05/0 > P). بدین معنی که تمرینات اعمال شده دارای تأثیر مثبتی بوده است. همچنین تفاوت‌های بين گروهي در تمامی متغيرهای تحقيق معنی‌دار نبود (05/0 < P). نتيجه‌گيري: به نظر مي‌رسد برنامه تمرینی با توپ فیزیوبال برای بهبود ناهنجاری کیفوز پشتی، افزایش تعادل و کیفیت زندگی افراد مبتلا به مصرف مواد مخدر در حال ترک مفید است و می‌تواند به عنوان یک روش درمان غیر دارویی در بازتوانی این افراد مؤثر واقع شده و توسط مراکز ترک اعتیاد مورد استفاده قرار گیرد. کليد واژه‌ها: اعتیاد، توپ فیزیوبال، کیفوز، تعادل، کيفيت زندگي

Background: There are some auspicious records on applying aerobic exercise for asthmatic patients. Recently, it is suggested that rebound exercise might even increase the gains. This study was designed to compare the effects of rebound therapy to aerobic training in male asthmatic patients. Methods: Sample included 37 male asthmatic patients (20-40 years) from the same respiratory clinic. After signing the informed consent, subjects volunteered to take part in control, rebound, or aerobic groups. There was no change in the routine medical treatment of patients. Supervised exercise programs continued for 8 weeks, consisting of two sessions of 45 to 60 minutes per week. Criteria measures were assessed pre- and post exercise program. Peak exercise capacity (VO 2peak ) was estimated by modified Bruce protocol, Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and FEV1% were measured by spirometer. Data were analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Significant interactions were observed for all 4 criteria measures ( P < 0.01), meaning that both the exercise programs were effective in improving FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, and VO 2peak . Rebound exercise produced more improvement in FEV1, FEV1%, and VO 2peak . Conclusions: Regular exercise strengthens the respiratory muscles and improves the cellular respiration. At the same time, it improves the muscular, respiratory, and cardio-vascular systems. Effects of rebound exercise seem to be promising. Findings suggest that rebound exercise is a useful complementary means for asthmatic male patients.

Introduction: Asthma is one of the most common disorders of respiratory system. Exercises are the main part of pulmonary rehabilitation program. This study designed to investigate the effects of selected rebound therapy and aerobic training program in men with Asthma. Materials and Methods: Twenty six asthmatic male participants among all patients referred to Alzahra respiratory clinic in Isfahan, Iran, were selected randomly and divided to two Rebound therapy and Aerobic groups. All subjects were aged between 20 to 40 years. Exercise capacity (VO2max) was measured using a modified Bruce test, endothelin level was tested in blood sample by Elisa method, and quality of life was recorded by standard Asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). After signing a formal contest, subjects started their special training under the supervision of an exercise specialist for 8 weeks, two sessions a week. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Alpha was set at 0.05. Results: The within-group changes and change of slope were prominently significant for all variables in rebound therapy (P < 0.05). Although, Two groups did not differ in aerobic capacity and plasma endothelin level (P = 0/8 and P = 0/06), But there was significantly difference in quality of life (P = 0/01). Conclusion: It seems that the rebound therapy exercise could be used as an useful complementary method to reduce some problems in patients with asthma. Keywords: Asthma, Rebound therapy, Aerobic training, Aerobic capacity, Endothelin, Quality of life

مقدمه: اجراى الگوهاى حركتى و مهارتى هنگام تمرين و مسابقه می‌تواند موجب سازگاري‌هاى منفى در ساختار دستگاه اسكلتى شود. اين تحقيق با هدف بررسي، ناهنجاري‌هاي کيفوز، لوردوز و سر به جلو در ورزشکاران ووشوکار در دو سطح حرفه‌اي و آماتور و مقايسه آن با افراد غير ورزشکار انجام شد. مواد و روش‌ها: نمونه آماري اين تحقيق شامل 50 ورزشکار حرفه‌اي ووشوکار، 50 ورزشکار آماتور ووشوکار و 50 نفر غير ورزشکار بود. براي اندازه‌گيري کيفوز و لوردوز از خط‌کش منعطف استفاده شد. به منظور سنجش ميزان زاويه سر از گونيامتري که بدين منظور ساخته شده بود، استفاده شد. به منظور تجزيه و تحليل داده‌ها از آزمون ANOVA يک سويه و آزمون تعقيبي Tukey استفاده شد. یافته‌ها: کيفوز، لوردوز و سر به جلو در هر سه گروه داراي تفاوت معنی‌دار بود (به ترتيب 22/08 = F و 0/01 > P، 1/8 = F و 0/01 > P، 15/8 = F و 0/01 > P). در ورزشکاران حرفه‌اي با 13 ± 49/8 درجه کيفوز، 9 ± 51/2 درجه لوردوز، 7/2 ± 35/6 درجه سر به جلو بيش‌ترين ميزان اختلال پاسچرال مشاهده شد. نتیجه گیری: با توجه به اين که ناهنجاري‌هاي کيفوز، لوردوز و سر به جلوی ورزشکاران حرفه‌اي شديدتر از افراد غيرحرفه‌اي بود، طراحى و برنامه‌ريزي مناسب تمرينات تخصصي ويژه اين رشته ورزشي و توجه به حفظ پاسچر صحيح در حين تمرينات ضروري مي‌باشد. کلید واژه‌ها: ناهنجاري وضعیتی، ورزشکار حرفه‌اي، ورزشکار آماتور، ووشو

Using scaling methods, a single solution of Richards' equation (RE) will suffice for numerous specific cases of water flow in unsaturated soils. In this study, a new method is developed to scale RE for the soil water redistribution process. Two similarity conditions are required: similarity in the shape of the soil water content profiles as well as of the water flux density curves. An advantage of this method is that it is not restricted to a specific soil hydraulic model - hence, all such models can be applied to RE. To evaluate the proposed method, various soil textures and initial conditions were considered. After the RE was solved numerically using the HYDRUS-1D model, the solutions were scaled. The scaled soil water content profiles were nearly invariant for medium- and fine-textured soils when the soil profile was not deeply wetted. The textural range of the soils in which the similarity conditions are held decreases as the initial conditions deal with a deeply wetted profile. Thus, the scaling performance was poor in such a condition. This limitation was more pronounced in the coarse-textured soils. Based on the scaling method, a procedure is suggested by which the solution of RE for a specific case can be used to approximate solutions for many other cases. Such a procedure reduces complicated numerical calculations and provides additional opportunities for solving the highly nonlinear RE as in the case of unsaturated water flow in soils.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been reported as a new marker gene for several cancers. With respect to the significance function of this gene in diagnosis of cancers in the present study we compare the correlation betweenthe plasma and serum MMP-9 levels and clinical features of breast cancer patients. Methods: In this case-control study, 120breast cancer patients and 87 healthy controls were studded.MMP-9 level was quantitatively measured byzymography and specific kit. The results were compared with clinical features of patients. Finding: Plasma MMP-9 level wassignificantly elevated in breast cancer patients comparedwith the control subjects (P < 0.001). Also there was a correlation between the plasma MMP-9 level and lymph node metastasis (OR, 3.43; P = 0.019) and venous invasion (OR, 4.14; P = 0.033) of the patients. There was no correlation between the serum MMP-9 level and lymphatic metastasis or venous invasion. Conclusion: according to our findings the plasma MMP-9 level in comparison with the serum MMP-9 level is a better determinant for early diagnosis, lymph node metastasis and venous invasion in patients with breast cancer.