Effect of Shark Liver Oil on Peritoneal Murine Macrophages in Responses to Killed-Candida albicans

Objective(s)Shark Liver Oil (SLO) is an immunomodulator. Macrophages play a key role in host defense against pathogens like fungi. Candida albicans have mechanisms to escape immune system. We determined the effect of killed-Candida on the in vitro viability of macrophages and the effect of SLO on augmentation of this potency.Materials and MethodsPeritoneal macrophages were separated and cultured (3×105/well). At first, the effect of killed-Candida (200 cells/well) on macrophage viability was evaluated, using MTT test. Then, MTT was performed on macrophages stimulated with killed-Candida in the presence of SLO. ResultsKilled-Candida suppressed the ability of MTT reduction and hence macrophages viability (P=0.026), but addition of SLO (100 mg/ml) significantly enhanced cell viability (P=0.00). So, SLO could neutralize the inhibitory effect of Candida.ConclusionSimultaneous with cytotoxic effect of killed-Candida cells on macrophages viability, SLO augment macrophages viability. So, it can be applied in candidiasis as a complement

A New Approach to Solve N-Queen Problem with Parallel Genetic Algorithm

Over the past few decades great efforts were made to solve uncertain hybrid optimization problems. The n-Queen problem is one of such problems that many solutions have been proposed for. The traditional methods to solve this problem are exponential in terms of runtime and are not acceptable in terms of space and memory complexity. In this study, parallel genetic algorithms are proposed to solve the n-Queen problem. Parallelizing island genetic algorithm and Cellular genetic algorithm was implemented and run. The results show that these algorithms have the ability to find related solutions to this problem. The algorithms are not only faster but also they lead to better performance even without the use of parallel hardware and just running on one core processor. Good comparisons were made between the proposed method and serial genetic algorithms in order to measure the performance of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the algorithm has high efficiency for large-size problems in comparison with genetic algorithms, and in some cases it can achieve super linear speedup. The proposed method in the present study can be easily developed to solve other optimization problems

Validation of Research Self-Efficacy Scale for Postgraduate Students of Ferdowsi University and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: One of the important factors directing research and research motivation is research self-efficacy. The aim of this research is developing and validating a research self-efficacy scale for postgraduate students. Methods: Statistical population included postgraguate students in Ferdowsi University and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The sample (240 students) was chosen using quota. The researcher-made questionnare had 55 items using likret 5-point scale. Content validity was confirmed by professors and experts. For verifying reliability, we measured internal consistency and for verifying and testing factorial structure, we used confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Factor analysis showed a 7-component structure conformed by theoretical basis and item segregation better than other variations. Factor analysis indices confirmed validity construct and theoretical conformity (RSMEA=0/093، χ2=3794.69, df=1409).The total Alfa obtained was 0.97 and 0.83, 0.76, 0.88, 0.92, 0.90, 0.91 and 0.92 for statistical and analytical, conceptual, methodological, qualitative, reporting, skill and ethical self-efficacy subscales, respectively. In general, results show that research self-efficacy scale has acceptable reliability and validity. Mean of students’ research self efficacy was 173.76 that is average size. Conclusion: The developed research self-efficacy scale has acceptable reliability and validity. So, it can be used for assessing research beliefs, capacity and attitudes in student

Effects of an osteoporosis prevention training program on physical activity-related stages of change and self-efficacy among university students, Shiraz, Iran: a randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a major problem in today's world, being characterized by decreased bone mass and bone change. Due to deficiency of theory-based studies in young population, especially in students, there are significant knowledge gaps of effective planning. The present study was performed in response to this need. The present study investigated the effect of an empowerment program on physical activity related stages of change and self-efficacy in preventing osteoporosis among university students Methods: In this randomized controlled trial (IRCT: IRCT201212016261N2), 152 female students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were selected through multi-stages cluster sampling and were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=76) and a control (n=76) group. The pre-and post-intervention data were collected using the Stages of Exercise Change Questionnaire (SECQ) of Marcos with Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.89 and also the self-efficacy scale with a Cronbach's alpha reliability of 0.88 and Test-Retest Correlation Coefficient of 0.80. The educational intervention for the experimental group took place through problem-based learning method, small group discussion, and training manuals. In addition, training CDs and brochures were given to the subjects and short SMSs were sent to them. The data were analyzed through SPSS, version 14, using Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test, Wilcoxon and regression tests. Results: Pre-intervention findings showed that participants had behavioral constructs below the expected levels. The results showed that the experimental group received significant statistical increase after the intervention in stage of change. Before the intervention, the mean scores of stages of changes in the experimental groups was 2.28±0.86 but this rose to 3±0.84 in the first post-test and 3.22±0.84 in the second post-test. The control group showed a significant increase in stage of change without intervention (pre-test 2.04±0.82, first post-test 2.18±0.87 and second post-test 2.3±0.89). However, this increase was more significant in the experimental group (p<0.001). The mean score of selfefficacy in physical activity in the intervention group upon completion of the course showed a significant increase (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between the construct stage of change and self-efficacy. Conclusion: Theory-based curriculum is effective in empowering individuals in stage of change and developing self-efficacy in physical activity of university students

Efficiency Comparison of Modified-Clay and Lime-Marlin the Adsorption of Fluoride from Aqueous Solution

Background and purpose: Fluoride is one of the common anion in water that its concentration varies in different water supplies. Most of the body's requirement for fluoride is supplied through drinking water. Fluoride in low concentration is essential for human health but in high concentration is very hazardous for human health. The efficiency of modified-clay and lime-marl were investigated in this research as an adsorbent for the elimination of fluoride from aqueou solution. &nbsp;Methods: In this study, the capability of modified-clay and lime-marl to adsorb fluoride ions was conducted using a series of batch tests in a shaker-incubator instrument. The effect of experimental parameters such as pH (4,7,10), &nbsp;adsorbent dosage (1,5,10 g/L), initial fluoride concentration&nbsp; (5,10,15 mg/L) andcontact time (15-120 min) were evaluated. The morphological and micro-structural character of &nbsp;modified-clay and lime-marl have performed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The formation of the carboxylic functional groups was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). &nbsp;Findings: results well demonstrate higher removal efficiency of fluoride was 95.23% and 28.71 by clay-modified and lime-marl, respectively; at 10 mg/L of fluoride concentration and 60 min contact time. The adsorption kinetics fitted well using the pseudo second-order kinetic model; however, equlibrium data were best fitted onto Langmiur isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities of modified-clay and lime-marl for fluoride were found to be 4.43 mg/g and 1.32 mg/g, respectively. Conclusion: According to our finding, it proposed that adsorption process by using modified clay is very efficient and economic process for fluoride removal from aqueous solution

Improvement of Furuta&rsquo;s Inequality with Applications to Numerical Radius

In diverse branches of mathematics, several inequalities have been studied and applied. In this article, we improve Furuta&rsquo;s inequality. Subsequently, we apply this improvement to obtain new radius inequalities that not been reported in the current literature. Numerical examples illustrate the main findings

High-sensitive C-reactive protein in patients with acute coronary syndrome in statin therapy and its impact on prognosis

Background: Since high plasma level for C-reactive protein (CRP) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, thereby decrease in the level of high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients through anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce mortality and the incidence of heart failure. Accordingly, this research aims to investigate the effect of hs-CRP on ACS patients before and after treatment with astatines. Methods: This cross-sectional and cohort study was performed for the population of 90 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) martyrs at the Mustafa Khomeini University Hospital in the Ilam city, Iran, From July to September, 2014. Blood samples were collected at admission and demographic and clinical symptoms, echocardiography and electrocardiography were recorded. At admission, the questionnaire including demographic information and medical history of patients was filled by the researchers and echocardiography and physical examination was carried out by cardiologist. The obtained data are further explored and analyzed via SPSS software, ver. 19 (Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The sample under study was 52.2% and 48.8% men and women, respectively. Phi correlation coefficient of 73% and positive Cramer's V of 0.879 was observed between re-admission and arrhythmia admission for the group received 40 mg atorvastatin. It means that we have more re-admission when arrhythmia increases. Only 4% correlation coefficient and very low positive Cramer's V of 0.293 was seen for the group who receive 80 mg atorvastatin. It indicates that no significant correlation exists between eject fraction of admission and re-admission (P=0.18). The results showed that hs-CRP of the group that received 80 mg atorvastatin was 0.179 which is lower than 0.37 for the group who received 40 mg atorvastatin. Conclusion: By increasing the astatine dose, the amount of hs-CRP and consequently the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events were reduced. Hence, high starting dose of atorvastatin at preliminary stages of hospitalizing can reduce re-admission and cardiovascular consequents

Umbilical Cord Blood Platelet Lysate as Serum Substitute in Expansion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Objective: The diverse clinical applications for human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in cellular therapy and regenerative medicine warrant increased focus on developing adequate culture supplements devoid of animal-derived products. In the present study, we have investigated the feasibility of umbilical cord blood-platelet lysate (UCB-PL) as a standard substitute for fetal bovine serum (FBS) and human peripheral blood-PL (PB-PL). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, platelet concentrates (PC) from UCB and human PB donors were frozen, melted, and sterilized to obtain PL. Quality control included platelet cell counts, sterility testing (viral and microbial), total protein concentrations, growth factor levels, and PL stability. The effects of UCB-PL and PB-PL on hMSCs proliferation and differentiation into osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes were studied and the results compared with FBS. Results: UCB-PL contained high levels of protein content, platelet-derived growth factor- AB (PDGF-AB), and transforming growth factor (TGF) compared to PB-PL. All growth factors were stable for at least nine months post-storage at -70˚C. hMSCs proliferation enhanced following treatment with UCB-PL. With all three supplements, hMSCs could differentiate into all three lineages. Conclusion: PB-PL and UCB-PL both were potent in hMSCs proliferation. However, PB promoted osteoblastic differentiation and UCB-PL induced chondrogenic differentiation. Because of availability, ease of use and feasible standardization of UCB-PL, we have suggested that UCB-PL be used as an alternative to FBS and PB-PL for the cultivation and expansion of hMSCs in cellular therapy