The effect of acute crocin on behavioral changes and BDNF expression level in socially isolated rats.

Social isolation is a reliable method used for the induction of depression and psychiatric disorders in rodents. It has been suggested that social isolation can lead to hyperlocomotion, as a schizophrenic-like symptom in rodents. On the other hand, crocin (the major constituent of Crocus sativus) induces a wide-range of neuroprotective and mood enhancer effects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of acute crocin on social isolation-induced behavioral changes and BDNF expression in the hippocampus. Novelty-suppressed feeding test, open field test, marble burying test, hot plate, forced swim test, and the shuttle box were used to assess anxiety-like behavior, locomotor activity, obsessive-compulsive-like (OCD-like) behavior, pain threshold, depressive-like behavior, and passive avoidance memory, respectively. Real-time PCR was used to assess BDNF hippocampal expression level. The results showed that social isolation decreased anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, pain threshold, and BDNF expression, and induced OCD-like behavior and hyperlocomotion. Crocin dose-dependently restored the effect of social isolation on pain threshold, locomotor activity, depressive-like behavior, OCD-like behavior, and BDNF expression. Passive avoidance memory performance was also unaffected. In conclusion, we showed a hyperlocomotion profile and OCD-like behaviors, and a robust decrease in pain threshold in socially isolated rats. It can be suggested that social isolation from adolescence induces a "hyperlocomotion state" that affects all the behavioral functions of rats. Also, the function of BDNF can be related to a hyperlocomotion state and OCD-like symptom. It seems that BDNF expression level can be related to the therapeutic effect of crocin.

Meta-analysis of RNA-Seq datasets highlights novel genes/pathways involved in fat deposition in fat-tail of sheep.

Introduction: Fat-tail in sheep is considered as an important energy reservoir to provide energy as a survival buffer during harsh challenges. However, fat-tail is losing its importance in modern sheep industry systems and thin-tailed breeds are more desirable. Using comparative transcriptome analysis to compare fat-tail tissue between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds provides a valuable approach to study the complex genetic factors associated with fat-tail development. However, transcriptomic studies often suffer from issues with reproducibility, which can be improved by integrating multiple studies based on a meta-analysis. Methods: Hence, for the first time, an RNA-Seq meta-analysis on sheep fat-tail transcriptomes was performed using six publicly available datasets. Results and discussion: A total of 500 genes (221 up-regulated, 279 down-regulated) were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). A jackknife sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the DEGs. Moreover, QTL and functional enrichment analysis reinforced the importance of the DEGs in the underlying molecular mechanisms of fat deposition. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) network analysis revealed the functional interactions among the DEGs and the subsequent sub-network analysis led to identify six functional sub-networks. According to the results of the network analysis, down-regulated DEGs in green and pink sub-networks (like collagen subunits IV, V, and VI, integrins 1 and 2, SCD, SCD5, ELOVL6, ACLY, SLC27A2, and LPIN1) may impair lipolysis or fatty acid oxidation and cause fat accumulation in tail. On the other hand, up-regulated DEGs, especially those are presented in green and pink sub-networks (like IL6, RBP4, LEPR, PAI-1, EPHX1, HSD11B1, and FMO2), might contribute to a network controlling fat accumulation in the tail of sheep breed through mediating adipogenesis and fatty acid biosynthesis. Our results highlighted a set of known and novel genes/pathways associated with fat-tail development, which could improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms behind fat deposition in sheep fat-tail.

Urinary levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in female beauticians and their association with urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress/inflammation and kidney injury.

The present research was aimed to assess the urinary levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in female beauticians and its correlation with oxidative stress/inflammation and kidney injury. To this end, the urine samples were collected from 50 female beauticians from beauty salons (exposed group) and 35 housewives (control group), and then, the level of PTEs was determined. The mean levels of the sum of urinary PTEs (∑PTEs) biomarkers in before and after exposure and control group were 83.55, 114.27 and 13.61 µg/L, respectively. Results also showed that the urinary level of PTEs biomarkers is significantly higher in women occupationally exposed to cosmetics compared to control group. The urinary levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) biomarkers have high correlation coefficients with early oxidative stress effects such as 8-Hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-isoprostane and Malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, As and Cd biomarker levels were positively and significantly associated with kidney damages such as urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1) and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (uTIMP-1) (P < 0.01). Therefore, women who working in beauty salons can probably be categorized as high - exposure and high-risk workers in terms of DNA oxidative and kidney damages.

3D Printed Composite Scaffolds in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the effect of fabrication factors on both biological and physico-chemical features of 3-dimensional (3D) printed composite scaffolds. METHOD: Electronic search was done according to the PRISMA guideline in PubMed and Scopus databases limited to English articles published until May 2021. Studies in which composite scaffolds were fabricated through computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CADCAM)- based methods were included. Articles regarding the features of the scaffolds fabricated through indirect techniques were excluded. RESULTS: Full text of 121 studies were reviewed, and 69 met the inclusion criteria. According to analyzed studies, PCL and HA were the most commonly used polymer and ceramic, respectively. Besides, the solvent-based technique was the most commonly used composition technique, which enabled preparing blends with high concentrations of ceramic materials. The most common fabrication method used in the included studies was Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The addition of bio-ceramics enhanced the mechanical features and the biological behaviors of the printed scaffolds in a ratio-dependent manner. However, studies that analyzed the effect of ceramic weight ratio showed that scaffolds with the highest ceramic content did not necessarily possess the optimal biological and non-biological features. CONCLUSION: The biological and physico-chemical behaviors of the scaffold can be affected by pre-printing factors, including utilized materials, composition techniques, and fabrication methods. Fabricating scaffolds with high mineral content as of the natural bone may not provide the optimal condition for bone formation. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies compare the efficiency of different kinds of biomaterials rather than different weight ratios of one type.

Consumers' perception of nutritional facts table and nutritional traffic light in food products' labelling: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Traffic light labelling (TLL) policy has been adopted to improve consumers' food choices. This qualitative study examined the consumers' perception of TLL and nutritional facts table (NFT) in Iran. DESIGN: We applied a qualitative method to explore public views and perceptions of NFT and TLL in Iran. Participants ageing 20-75 years old were selected by maximum diversity sampling and interviewed using a semi-structured in-depth interview. The interviews were continued until data saturation was achieved after interviewing 35 participants with five more interviews to ensure no new emerging perception. Data was analysed by directed content analysis in MAXQDA 10 software. FINDINGS: Findings indicated that a large number of the participants were not aware of NFT and TLL. There are some reasons for not paying attention to NFT and TLL, which include lack of enough knowledge about NFT and TLL concepts and defects in appearance and details written in these labels, lack of appropriate education about labels, place of putting the labels and lack of enough time for using the labels during shopping. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that educational interventions should be applied to ensure their effectiveness in improving healthy food choices.

Integrating Genetic Data into Electronic Health Records: Medical Geneticists' Perspectives.

OBJECTIVES: Genetic disorders are the main causes of many other diseases. Integrating genetic data into Electronic Health Records (EHRs) can facilitate the management of genetic information and care of patients in clinical practices. The aim of this study was to identify the main requirements for integrating genetic data into the EHR system from the medical geneticists' perspectives. METHODS: The research was completed in 2018 and consisted of two phases. In the first phase, the main requirements for integrating genetic data into the EHR system were identified by reviewing the literature. In the second phase, a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was developed based on the literature review and the results derived from the first phase. Then, the Delphi method was applied to reach a consensus about the integration requirements. RESULTS: The findings of the first phase showed that data elements, including patients' and healthcare providers' personal data, clinical and genetic data, technical infrastructure, security issues and functional requirements, should be taken into account before data integration. In the second phase, a consensus was reached for most of the items (mean ≥3.75). The items with a mean value of less than 2.5 did not achieve a consensus and were removed from the final list. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of genetic data into the EHRs can provide a ground for increasing accuracy and precision in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. Such integration requires adequate investments to identify users' requirements as well as technical and non-technical issues.

Theoretical assessment and targeted modeling of TiO2 in reactor towards the scandium radioisotopes estimation.

47Sc radioisotope with beta particle emission can be used for targeted radionuclide therapy in nuclear medicine and can be produced by nuclear reactor (with high activities) and accelerator. In this work, the specific activity of 47Sc with the isotopic impurities produced through irradiating the enriched 47Tio2 and natural TiO2 targets have been calculated by the MCNPX-2.6 and the TALYS-1.8 codes and also theoretical approach in a fast neutron flux 3×1013ncm-2s-1 in the reactor. In addition, the cross sections of 46Ti(n,p)46Sc reaction have been interpolated in the 1-10MeV energy range and compared with the corresponding experimental data, as well. Moreover, the average cross sections of 46Ti(n,p)46Sc, 47Ti(n,p)47Sc and 48Ti(n,p)48Sc reactions were reproduced. Acceptable agreement between the experimental data and calculated results confirms the ability of the used methods to design and predict the production process in reactor.

Assessment and estimation of 67Cu production yield via deuteron induced reactions on natZn and 70Zn.

67Cu radioisotope is a beta particle-emitting nuclide used in radioimmunotherapy (RIT) as well as for imaging, tracer kinetic studies and dosimetry. 67Cu can be produced by bombarding natZn with deuterons. In this study, the physical yields of 67Cu via natZn(d,x)67Cu reaction channel as well as via subreactions of 68Zn(d,2pn)67Cu, 67Zn(d,2p)67Cu, 70Zn(d,2p3n)67Cu, 68Zn(d,x)67Ni(T1/2=21s)→67Cu and 70Zn(d,x)67Ni(T1/2=21s)→67Cu in the natZn target have been calculated by using the MCNPX-2.6, TALYS-1.8 and SRIM codes. Also, the total cross sections for production of 67Cu from natZn(d,x)67Cu reaction channel in the energy range of 15-45MeV have been estimated by TALYS code. The best reaction to produce 67Cu radionuclide in a carrier free form was chosen with deuteron energy around 30MeV on 70Zn thick target. Good agreement between the calculated results and the experimental values shows that the employed methods can be used for prediction and production estimation in cyclotron.

Novel edible oil sources: Microwave heating and chemical properties.

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of various microwave heating times (1, 3, 5, 10, and 15min) on the chemical properties of novel edible oil sources, including Mashhadi melon (Cucumis melo var. Iranians cv. Mashhadi), Iranian watermelon (Citrullus lanatus cv. Fire Fon), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo var. Styriaca), and yellow apple (Malus domestica cv. Golden Delicious) seed oils. The evaluated parameters were peroxide value (PV), conjugated diene (CD) and triene (CT) values, carbonyl value (CV), p-anisidine value (AnV), oil stability index (OSI), radical scavenging activity (RSA), total tocopherols, total phenolics, as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Results showed that extended microwave heating involves decreased quality of the seed oils, mainly due to the formation of primary and secondary oxidation products. Microwave heating time also affects the total contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, phenolics and tocopherols, which clearly decrease by increasing the exposure time. The order of oxidative stability of the analyzed edible oils was pumpkin>Mashhadi melon>Iranian watermelon>yellow apple. The obtained results demonstrated the promising potential of these novel edible oils for different food applications.

Lower Endurance and Strength of Core Muscles in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system associated with a variety of symptoms and functional deficits. Balance impairment is a common concern in patients with MS. Core muscle stabilization is considered a main component of balance. The strength and endurance of core muscles have not been compared between patients with MS and healthy people. The objective of this study was to compare core muscle strength and endurance between ambulatory patients with MS and a healthy group. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with MS with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores ranging from 1.0 to 4.5 and 33 matched healthy people participated in this cross-sectional group comparison study. The primary outcome measure was endurance of core muscles assessed by functional endurance tests, and the secondary outcome was isometric strength of core muscles assessed using a dynamometer. RESULTS: Patients with MS had lower performance on endurance tests (P < .001) and strength tests (P < .05) compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results show decreased core muscle strength and endurance in ambulatory individuals with MS compared with a matched control group. Future studies are required to assess how core muscle impairment affects balance and how it would be affected by rehabilitation and exercise programs.

Production and modeling of radioactive gold nanoparticles in Tehran research reactor.

Gold has two medically useful radioactive isotopes, 198Au and 199Au, for locally irradiating and killing tumor cells. 198Au radionuclide has been produced through the irradiation of the pure gold via 197Au(n,γ)198Au reaction in the Tehran Research Reactor at a thermal neutron flux of 4.5×1013ncm-2s-1 for the different irradiation times. In this paper, the activity of 198Au radionuclide has been determined using MCNPX-2.6 and TALYS-1.6 codes and also the theoretical approach. The calculated results were compared with the corresponding experimental values. The calculated results were in good agreement with the experimental data, thus the used codes can be used as a powerful tool to predict and optimize production conditions in reactor.