The effect of inflation uncertainty on budget deficit: Evidence from Iran

Statistics show that in some countries (generally less developed) with high inflation there exists a large budget deficit. Since the statistical evidence can suggest how inflation and budget deficiency are related, it can be used to find the best monetary policy to obtain a balanced state budget. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of inflation uncertainty on budget deficiency in Iran in the period of 1970-2013. For this purpose, first, using GARCH approach, uncertainty index is modeled and then using ARDL model, the relationship between inflation uncertainty and budget deficiency is investigated. The results show that since an increase in inflation uncertainty reduces government revenues, it leads to budget deficiency. Also, the results from error correction model shows that the error correction coefficient is -0.62 and if the model diverge from its long run equilibrium, 62 percent of the error would disappear in each period. Keywords: Inflation, Uncertainty, Budget deficit, ARDL approach, GARCH

Enrichment of Probiotic Yogurt with Broccoli Sprout Extract and its Effect on Helicobacter pylori

Background and Objective: Antibiotic consumption is the main way to cure infection induced by Helicobacter pylori. On the other hand, antibiotics have side effects on human body. So, finding an efficient way to replace antibiotic consumption seems necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of broccoli sprout extract on the viability of probiotic bacteria and yogurt’s physicochemical properties, and examine the synergistic effect of this extract with probiotics on Helicobacter pylori growth inhibition.Material and Methods: Four levels of broccoli sprout extract (22.5, 45, 90 and 180 mg ml-1) were prepared and their effect on probiotic yogurt samples was examined. Moreover, their anti- Helicobacter pylori effect was determined.Results and Conclusion: The research results revealed that Broccoli sprout extract did not have any inhibitory effect on Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The variations in acidity of the samples were not significant during storage. A positive correlation was observed between broccoli sprout extract concentration and syneresis. The findings showed the synergistic effect of broccoli sprout extract and probiotics on Helicobacter pylori growth inhibition. Therefore, using broccoli sprout extract and probiotic bacteria, we can produce a yogurt that is effective on the growth inhibition of Helicobacter pylori.Conflict of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest

Improvement of patient safety through implementation of electronic medical records

Introduction: Today, with the complexity of the process of conducting activities, the increase in diversity and the number of hospital services, and the increase in the expectations of clients - consistent with the fast technological advances - most of the hospitals in Iran have turned to mechanized systems to organize their daily activities and to register the patients' information and the care provided. One of these technologies is electronic medical records, which is known as a valuable system to evaluate patients' information in hospitals. The purpose of this paper was to examine the advantages of running electronic medical records in patient safety. Methods: This study is a review paper based on a structured review of papers published in the Google Scholar, SID, Magiran, Pubmed, and Science Direct databases (from 2007 to 2015) and the books on the benefits of implementing electronic medical records in patient safety and the related keywords. Results: Clinical information systems can have a significant effect on the quality of the outputs and patient safety. Various studies have indicated that the physicians with access to clinical guidelines and features such as computer reminders, doctors who did not have these features, presented more appropriate preventive care. Studies show that electronic medical records play a crucial role in improving the quality of patient health and safety services. Moreover, electronic medical record system is usually in connection with other technological tools: electronic drug management records,  electronic record of time and date of drug management are usually associated with bar code technology. Among the benefits of this system is the possibility to record clinical care by the treatment team, which would be especially beneficial for patient's bedside record. If the treatment personnel forgets to ask the patient a particular question, system reminds him/her. Furthermore, electronic medical record is able to remind the nurses of the patient's allergic reactions and medical history without the need for the patient to remind, which improves patient safety. Conclusion: Implementation of electronic medical records boosts up the quality of health services, patient safety, people's access to health care services, and the speed of patients treatment, leading to lower healthcare costs. Thus, considering the benefits mentioned and some other benefits of this kind, one can use this technology in clinical care provided to patients to come up with a safe and effective clinical care

Bioinformatics Approach for Pattern of Myelin-Specific Proteins and Related Human Disorders

Background: Recent neuroinformatic studies, on the structure-function interaction of proteins, causative agents basis of human disease have implied that dysfunction or defect of different protein classes could be associated with several related diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was the use of bioinformatics approaches for understanding the structure, function and relationship of myelin protein 2 (PMP2), a myelin-basic protein in the basis of neuronal disorders. Methods: A collection of databases for exploiting classification information systematically, including, protein structure, protein family and classification of human disease, based on a new approach was used. Knowledge discovery was carried out based on collections criteria and in silico integrative in vitro studies. Results: The results of the evaluation of bioinformatics comorbid proteomics studies revealed that PMP2, an intracellular andmembrane myelin protein, is specific for a neuritis disease and collaborative to other diseases. Leprosy, another neuronal disease that could be related to neuritis, consists of interferon gamma (IFNG), a secreted protein included various protein classes from what is neuritis. Conclusions: The growth rate of information in bioinformatics databases could facilitate studies of live organisms prior to observation studies. Two different protein classes could be causative agents of one disease. However, two related diseases from one disease group could consist of different protein classes. Future research in the field of proteomics could allow modern insight to reshuffling of proteins in different diseases, and lead to the discovery of the etiology of such diseases

Molecular cloning and expression of rat µ-opioid receptor in Escherichia coli (BL21)

     The µ (mu) opioid receptors, which mediate the effects of morphine, are widely distributed in brain. The purpose of this study was to design a simple expression system for rat µ-receptor in Escherichia coli (BL21). In this laboratory study, rat µ-receptor cDNA was isolated from pcDNA3 vector using Xba1 and Hind3 restriction enzymes. pET-15b was digested by Nco1 restriction enzyme. µ-receptor cDNA and pET-15b formed a recombinant DNA that was transformed to Escherichia coli (BL21). The insert presence was proved by Rsa1 restriction enzyme and the induction of its expression was performed using IPTG. Finally, the presence of desired insert was confirmed using RSA1, and the colonies that had correct orientation in gene containing plasmid were used for further studies. On the SDS-page gel electrophoresis, a 33 kDa band was observed when IPTG was used at 0.5 and 1 mM concentrations, that is equal to calculated molecular weight of rat µ-receptor. At the end of this project, the expression of rat µ-receptor by IPTG induction was successfully performed.

The Effects of Deferoxamine on the Up regulation of Chemokine Receptor 2 in Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells

Background: Bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) are non-hematopoietic, stromal cellsthat can differentiate into mesenchymal and other type of tissues. The BMSCs have properties that make them ideal candidates for tissue engineering. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of deferoxamine (DFO) on homing of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell, and to examine if DFO can increase migration and subsequent homing of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro.Methods: BMSCs were isolated from the long bones of NMARI rats through density gradientcentrifugation and adherent cell culture. Next, they were treated using DFO in Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium (DMEM) for 24 h. The expression of chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) were assessed using RT-PCR.Results: BMSCs expressed CCR2 on a large proportion of cells. In DFO-treated BMSCs,expression of CCR2 (P<0.005) significantly increased compared to that in control groups. Elevation and up regulation of CCR2 in DFO-treated MSCs were observed.Conclusion: Preconditioning of BMSCs using DFO prior to transplantation could increasehoming of BMSCs through affecting some chemokine receptors as well as proteases involved and thus improve the efficacy of cell therapy

Mobile applications for prematurity:A systematic review protocol

Background Premature birth is a global epidemic of significant public health concern. Counselling and education of pregnant women at risk of preterm birth or mothers with premature infants are essential to improve mother and infant health. Mobile applications are an increasingly popular tool among parents to receive health information and education. This study aims to evaluate the usages and the effects of a mobile application designed for premature births in order to improve health outcomes. Methods This review will include all studies of different designs which evaluated the use and impact of interventions provided via mobile applications on pregnant women at risk of preterm birth or mothers with premature infants in order to address all health outcomes. A combination of keywords and MeSH(Medical Subject Headings) terms is used in the search strategy. Literature databases including Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, ProQuest, CINAHL and Cochrane Library will be searched to May 2021. Furthermore, eligible studies will be chosen from the reference list of retrieved papers. Two researchers will independently review the retrieved citations to decide whether they meet the inclusion criteria. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) V.2018 will be used to assess the quality of studies. Relevant data are collected in a data extraction form and analysed. Results are reported under the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Discussion This systematic review will recognize and combine evidence about the usages and impact of mobile application interventions on the health improvement of pregnant women at risk of preterm birth or mothers with premature infants

Analyzing the Effects of the Iranian Energy Subsidy Reform Plan on Short- Run Marginal Generation Cost of Electricity Using Extended Input-Output Price Model

Subsidizing energy in Iran has imposed high costs on country's economy. Thus revising energy prices, on the basis of a subsidy reform plan, is a vital remedy to boost up the economy. While the direct consequence of cutting subsidies on electricity generation costs can be determined in a simple way, identifying indirect effects, which reflect higher costs for input factors such as labor, is a challenging problem. In this paper, variables such as compensation of employees and private consumption are endogenized by using extended Input-Output (I-O) price model to evaluate direct and indirect effects of electricity and fuel prices increase on economic subsectors. The determination of the short-run marginal generation cost of electricity using I-O technique with taken into account the Iranian targeted subsidy plan's influences is the main goal of this paper. Marginal cost of electricity, in various scenarios of price adjustment of energy, is estimated for three conventional categories of thermal power plants. Our results show that the raising the price of energy leads to an increase in the electricity production costs. Accordingly, the production costs will be higher than 1000 Rials per kWh until 2014 as predicted in the beginning of the reform plan by electricity suppliers. Keywords: Subsidy reform plan; Short-run marginal cost of electricity; Extended input-output model JEL Classifications: C67; D5

Bioinformatics Approach for Pattern of Myelin-Specific Proteins and Related Human Disorders

Background: Recent neuroinformatic studies, on the structure-function interaction of proteins, causative agents basis of human disease have implied that dysfunction or defect of different protein classes could be associated with several related diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was the use of bioinformatics approaches for understanding the structure, function and relationship of myelin protein 2 (PMP2), a myelin-basic protein in the basis of neuronal disorders. Methods: A collection of databases for exploiting classification information systematically, including, protein structure, protein family and classification of human disease, based on a new approach was used. Knowledge discovery was carried out based on collections criteria and in silico integrative in vitro studies. Results: The results of the evaluation of bioinformatics comorbid proteomics studies revealed that PMP2, an intracellular andmembrane myelin protein, is specific for a neuritis disease and collaborative to other diseases. Leprosy, another neuronal disease that could be related to neuritis, consists of interferon gamma (IFNG), a secreted protein included various protein classes from what is neuritis. Conclusions: The growth rate of information in bioinformatics databases could facilitate studies of live organisms prior to observation studies. Two different protein classes could be causative agents of one disease. However, two related diseases from one disease group could consist of different protein classes. Future research in the field of proteomics could allow modern insight to reshuffling of proteins in different diseases, and lead to the discovery of the etiology of such diseases. Keywords: Bioinformatics Databases, Myelin Protein 2 (PMP2), Protein Classes, Human Disorder