Estimating the Outdoor Recreational Value of Chitgar Forestial Park of Tehran with the Use of Contingent Valuation Method (CV)

   Among issues related to the environment, one of the most important issues is pricing the environment. In the present study, the outdoor recreational value of Chitgar Jungle Park of Tehran and its visitors' willingness to pay per visit (WTP) were estimated by using Contingent Valuation method (CV) and 140 questionnaires based on dichotomous choice. The results revealed that 30 percent of the surveyed people were willing to pay an entrance fee and the mean willingness to pay for each visitor was estimated at 3076 Rials and its total annual recreational value was estimated at 5 billion Rials. Among the effective variables on individuals' visit of this park, recommendation, income, per-visit cost, family size, and visits during a year were 1% significant; park facilities and quality were 5% significant; and the visitors' use of personal vehicles, education, type of house, as well as job were 10% significant

Estimating the Outdoor Recreational Value of Chitgar Forestial Park of Tehran with the Use of Contingent Valuation Method (CV)

   Among issues related to the environment, one of the most important issues is pricing the environment. In the present study, the outdoor recreational value of Chitgar Jungle Park of Tehran and its visitors' willingness to pay per visit (WTP) were estimated by using Contingent Valuation method (CV) and 140 questionnaires based on dichotomous choice. The results revealed that 30 percent of the surveyed people were willing to pay an entrance fee and the mean willingness to pay for each visitor was estimated at 3076 Rials and its total annual recreational value was estimated at 5 billion Rials. Among the effective variables on individuals' visit of this park, recommendation, income, per-visit cost, family size, and visits during a year were 1% significant; park facilities and quality were 5% significant; and the visitors' use of personal vehicles, education, type of house, as well as job were 10% significant

Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome with a 2-Year Follow-Up

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WDSTS) is an exceptionally rare genetic syndrome characterized by postnatal growth retardation, facial dysmorphism, hairy elbow, and short stature. It is known that the occurrence of WDSTS is due to mutations in KMT2A gene. It is noteworthy that not a great number of WDSTS have been identified yet; thereby, new phenotypes and features continue to be added. In this report, we describe a 5-year-old male patient presented with developmental delay, hypothyroidism, facial dysmorphism, and behavioral signs such as autistic spectrum features. By Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), a new mutation in KMT2A was found and WDSTS was diagnosed genetically. According to a genetic test, a variant in exon 27 of the KMT2A gene c.6647delT (p.Pro2215fs) was found. This mutation was not reported previously, also this case was the first WDSTS diagnosed in Iran. This syndrome is a rare genetic disorder representing a broad range of phenotypes. The mentioned low frequency emphasizes the importance of a phenotype-genotype correlation to be established. The phenotype comparison between our case and previously reported patient did not reveal any difference related to age or sex in patients with WDST

The effect of ox-LDL and platelets on macrophages, M2 macrophage polarization, and foam cell formation

Background: The accumulation of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) in macrophages in association with platelet activity leads to the formation of foam cells, which play a key role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and coronary artery diseases (CAD). Here, in this study, we aimed to investigate the simultaneous effect of ox-LDL and platelets on foam cell formation, as well as modification in cell markers. Methods: First, the U937, a human monocytic cell line,  was cultured in RPMI-1640. Then, isolated platelets were co-cultured with the U937 and exposed to ox-LDL (80 µg/ml) to evaluate the impact of ox-LDL on foam cell formation using Oil red O (ORO) staining. Also, the expression of foam cells’ surface markers and CD36, ABCA1, SR-B1, ACAT1, and LXRα genes, which are involved in macrophage metabolism and ox-LDL uptake, was measured by flow cytometry and real-time PCR, respectively. Results: Our findings suggest that platelets promoted foam cell formation (ORO-positive cells), accompanied by a higher level of CD163+ M2 macrophages. Furthermore, the expression of CD36, ABCA1, SR-B1, ACAT1, and LXRα genes, which are implicated in cholesterol accumulation in macrophages, was significantly upregulated in the ox-LDL+ platelets group compared to the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, the up-regulation of CD36, ABCA1, and SR-B1 genes in the ox-LDL+ platelets group was more accentuated compared to the ox-LDL group (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Owing to the positive effector role of platelets in the formation of foam cells and CD163+ cells, it could be assumed that platelets play a dual role in the development of these cells

Lupus and the Nervous System: A Neuroimmunoloigcal Update on Pathogenesis and Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Focus on Neuropsychiatric SLE

An autoimmune condition is characterized by a misdirected immunological system that interacts with host antigens. Excess activation of T- and B-lymphocytes, autoantibody generation, immune complex deposition, and multi-organ injury are found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an early autoimmune condition with a substantial hereditary element. A number of environmental factors and lifestyle changes also play a role in the development of SLE. The imbalanced immunity could take part in the dysfunction and injury of different biological organs, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) can present with focal and diffuse involvements. Clinical manifestations of NPSLE vary from mild cognitive deficits to changed mental status, psychosis, and seizure disorders. Headaches, mood, and cognitive problems are the most common neuropsychiatric presentations associated with SLE. NPSLE could be found in 40% of all people who have SLE. The diagnostic inference of NPSLE can be made solely following these secondary causes have been ruled out. The present chapter provides an updated discussion of the clinical presentation, molecular processes, diagnosis, management, and therapy of SLE with emphasizing on NPSLE

The Sealing Ability of Different Thickness of Orthograde Apical Plug of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in Comparison with Gutta-Percha and Sealer AH26

Background and Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of different thicknesses of orthograde MTA plugs in comparison with 5 mm gutta-percha.Materials and Methods: Fifty extracted single rooted human teeth were collected. After root canal preparation,the samples were randomly divided into 4 experimental (n=10) and two control groups (n=5). In group 1, the apical 5 mm of the canals were obturated using laterally condensed gutta-percha and sealer AH26. Groups 2, 3and 4 received 2, 3 and 4-mm thick orthograde MTA plug,respectively. Thereafter, the coronal portion of specimens was exposed to the microbial solution containing streptococcus sanguis and the root tips were placed in phenol red lactose broth. The color changes were observed within 60 days. The data were analyzed with Fisher exact test.Results: The leakage was found in all samples (100%) in group 1 and 72.7%, 30.8% and 50% of the samples in groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Significant difference was found between 3 mm thickness of MTA plug and gutta percha and sealer (P=0.02).Conclusion: According to the findings, it seems that 3 mm thickness of orthograde MTA plug had better sealing ability than the other thicknesses of MTA plug as well as the 5 mm of gutta-percha