Environmental pollution biomonitoring around a cement factory based on the Air Pollution Tolerance Index of some tree species.

The present study examined the ability of Quercus castaneifolia C.A.M., Parrotia persica C.A.M., and Carpinus betulus L. for environmental pollution biomonitoring based on the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI). Four leaf traits, total leaf chlorophyll content, leaf extract pH, ascorbic acid content, and relative water content of leaf, were used to compute the APTI values. The study was conducted at five sites in the Hyrcanian forests at different distances from a cement factory close to the Neka city, northern Iran. Based on the results, a 22.5, 30.1, and 25.8% decrease was thus recorded in total chlorophyll content for Q. castaneifolia, P. persica, and C. betulus, respectively, compared to the reference site. However, ascorbic acid content shows an increment of 179.8, 116.8, and 97.3% for P. persica, C. betulus, and Q. castaneifolia, respectively, in the polluted sites as compared to the reference site. The relative water content of P. persica was significantly higher than of Q. castaneifolia and C. betulus in all studied sites. APTI was significantly different among the species, and P. persica was highly tolerant to air pollution, with the highest values of APTI ranging from 11.8 to 16.9. The APTI values of Q. castaneifolia ranged from 9.5 to 11.3 and showed an intermediate tolerance to air pollution. Also, the most sensitive species to air pollution was C. betulus, with a range of 6.6-7.9 in APTI values. Based on APTI values, it can be suggested that P. persica can be used as a biomonitor, while C. betulus can be used as a bioindicator for atmospheric dust deposition and heavy metal pollution.

The potential impact of future climate on the distribution of European yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Hyrcanian Forest region (Iran).

The Hyrcanian Forest region is rich in relict species, and endemic and endangered species. Although there are concerns about climate change, its influence on tree species in the Hyrcanian forests in the north of Iran is still unidentified. Taxus baccata is among the few conifer species found in the region, and the present study aims to evaluate the potential impact of climate change on the distribution of T. baccata. For this purpose, we used ensemble species distribution modeling with ten algorithms and based on two geographic extents (global and regional) and climate data for different climate change scenarios. For the regional extent, we calibrated the models in Hyrcanian forests including the three provinces in the north of Iran. For the global extent, we calibrated the models on the whole range distribution of T. baccata. In both cases, we applied the models to predict the distribution of T. baccata in northern Iran under current, 2050, and 2070 climates. In regional extent modeling, precipitation of coldest quarter and in global extent modeling temperature seasonality emerged as the most important variables. Present environmental suitability estimates indicated that the suitable area for T. baccata in Hyrcanian forests is 5.89 × 103 km2 (regional modeling) to 9.74 × 103 km2 (global modeling). The modeling suggests that climate change under representative concentration pathways (RCP) 8.5 is likely to lead to strong suitability reductions in the region, with just between 0.63 × 103 km2 (regional modeling) and 0.57 × 103 km2 (global modeling) suitable area in 2070. Hence, T. baccata risks losing most currently suitable areas in the Hyrcanian forests under climate change. The results of the present study suggest there should be focus on conservation of areas predicted to remain suitable through near-future climate change and provide an estimate of the availability of suitable areas for the regeneration of T. baccata and its use in reforestation.

Altering undigested neutral detergent fiber through additives applied in corn, whole barley crop, and alfalfa silages, and its effect on performance of lactating Holstein dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that silage additives may alter the undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) content through ensiling. Therefore, urea and formic acid were applied to corn, whole barley crop (WBC) and alfalfa to change uNDF content of the ensiled forages. METHODS: Six experimental diets at two groups of high uNDF (untreated corn and alfalfa silages [CSAS] and untreated whole barley and alfalfa silages [BSAS]) and low uNDF (urea-treated corn silage+untreated alfalfa silage [CSUAS], urea-treated whole barley silage+untreated alfalfa silage [BSUAS], untreated corn silage+formic acid-treated alfalfa silage [CSASF], and untreated whole barley silage+formic acid-treated alfalfa silage [BSASF]), were allocated to thirty-six multiparous lactating Holstein dairy cows. RESULTS: The untreated silages were higher in uNDF than additive treated silages, but the uNDF concentrations among silages were variable (corn silage0.05). Milk yield tended to increase in the cows fed high uNDF diets than those fed low uNDF (p = 0.10). The cows fed diet based on urea-treated corn silage had higher milk yield than those fed other silages (p = 0.05). The substitution of corn silage with the WBC silage tended to decrease milk production (p = 0.07). Changing the physical source of NDF supply and the uNDF content from the corn silage to the WBC silage caused a significant increase in ruminal NH3-N concentration, milk urea-N and fat yield (p< 0.05). The cows fed diets based on WBC silage experienced greater rumination time than the cows fed corn silage (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Administering additives to silages to reduce uNDF may improve the performance of Holstein dairy cows.

Impact of a Soccer Game on Cardiac Biomarkers in Adolescent Players.

PURPOSE: Biochemical markers such as cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have become indispensable tools for the diagnosis of myocardial injury, providing highly sensitive and specific information about cardiac cell damage and wall stress. The purpose of the present research was to examine the response of cardiac biomarkers to a soccer game in adolescent male soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-two trained adolescent male soccer players (14-16 y) were selected in a purposive manner. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and 2 and 24 hours after the game for the determination of cTnI and NT-proBNP. RESULTS: Serum concentration of cTnI and NT-proBNP increased immediately and 2 hours after the soccer game (P < .001). After 24 hours, the levels of cTnI dropped but remained above baseline (P = .002), whereas serum NT-proBNP levels returned to baseline. At no time point did any of the values exceed the upper reference value. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to investigate the acute responses of cardiac biomarkers to a soccer game in adolescent male players. The postgame elevation of cardiac biomarkers and their rapid recovery are indicative of a physiological rather than a pathological response.

The Influence of Synthesis Parameters on Vertically Aligned CNT Sheets: Empirical Modeling and Process Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology.

In the present work, vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VA-CNT) sheets were synthesized via pyrolysis of polybenzimidazole (PBI)-Kapton inside the pores of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO). The synthesized VA-CNT sheets were then evaluated for the desalination of salty water. The results indicated that the VA-CNT sheets were effective for application as an adsorbent for desalination of salty water due to their high adsorption capacity, with no loss of CNTs in the treated water. This study explored the impact of operating time and temperature on liquid adsorption performance through optimization and modeling methods. An empirical model was developed through the evolution of a full factorial design process which considered two significant factors for enhanced antibacterial efficiency and adsorption uptake. The highest antibacterial efficiency was achieved with carbon precursors synthesized at a higher temperature. However, optimal values were obtained for both antibacterial efficiency and adsorption uptake (NaCl) with a combination of CNT membranes. The best conditions for such a membrane were 800 °C and 18 min. Under these conditions, antibacterial efficiency, contact angle, carbon content, adsorption uptake (NaCl = 10,000) and adsorption uptake (NaCl = 20,000) were 90.079, 1.69256, 75.213, 76.2352 and 0.997, respectively.

Forest fire risk assessment-an integrated approach based on multicriteria evaluation.

The present study deals with application of the weighted linear combination method for zoning of forest fire risk in Dohezar and Sehezar region of Mazandaran province in northern Iran. In this study, the effective criteria for fires were identified by the Delphi method, and these included ecological and socioeconomic parameters. In this regard, the first step comprised of digital layers; the required data were provided from databases, related centers, and field data collected in the region. Then, the map of criteria was digitized in a geographic information system, and all criteria and indexes were normalized by fuzzy logic. After that, the geographic information system (GIS 10.3) was integrated with the Weighted Linear Combination and the Analytical Network Process, to produce zonation of the forest fire risk map in the Dohezar and Sehezar region. In order to analyze accuracy of the evaluation, the results obtained from the study were compared to records of former fire incidents in the region. This was done using the Kappa coefficient test and a receiver operating characteristic curve. The model showing estimations for forest fire risk explained that the prepared map had accuracy of 90% determined by the Kappa coefficient test and the value of 0.924 by receiver operating characteristic. These results showed that the prepared map had high accuracy and efficacy.

Domestic and peridomestic risk factors associated with transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in three hypo endemic, endemic, and hyper endemic areas: A randomized epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by leishmania protozoa. Knowledge about health effects associated with environment situation and human behavior in national and local levels seems to be very necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study was carried out in three adjacent counties of Isfahan province in Iran. Data were collected by face-to-face interviewing and recorded structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and logistic. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The economic level had significant association with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between existence of food storage and transmission of CL. We, however, found significant reduction of CL transmission following use of insect control measures (P < 0.05). The odds ratio for peridomestic transmission was 0.420 for houses that weren't round with any old or ruined houses. CONCLUSION: We conclude that among aforementioned risk factors, the impact of peridomestic factors is stronger in CL transmission when compared with domestic and behavioral factors.

Comparison of the effect of topical triamcinolone 0.1% cream with sulfur 2.0% cream in the treatment of patients with hand eczema: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hand eczema (HE) is a common and heterogeneous condition. It has a wide range of etiologies and clinical manifestations. In this study the efficacy of triamcinolone 0.1% cream and sulfur 2% creams was compared in treating patients with HE. METHODS: This randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was performed on 70 patients with HE (including 70 right and 70 left hands). In this study, two creams were used including triamcinolone 0.1% and sulfur 2.0%. Patients were treated with these creams twice a day (once in every 12 h) for 4 weeks. Follow-up was 4 weeks after treatment. Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI), itching, dryness, burning sensation, and erythema scores were collected three times during the study and compared between treatment regimens. RESULTS: Findings showed that both triamcinolone (0.1%) and sulfur (2.0%) creams could significantly reduce the scores of HECSI, itching, dryness, burning sensation, and erythema, and the therapeutic effects lasted for at least 4 weeks after cessation of topical treatment. CONCLUSION: Topical sulfur cream (2.0%) is as effective as triamcinolone (0.1%) cream in treatment of HE without any prominent adverse reactions.

Seasonal variations of triterpene acid contents in Viscum album L. on typical host trees of Hyrcanian forests.

Viscum album L. (mistletoe) is a semiparasitic plant of the Santalaceae family. A valuable group of bioactive compounds in mistletoe are triterpene acids (TTAs), which possess anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Parrotia persica and Carpinus betulus are the most common hosts of mistletoe in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. This study was performed to compare the content of oleanolic acid (OA), betulinic acid (BA), and ursolic acid (UA) in the mistletoe foliage (stems and leaves) from P. persica and C. betulus in various seasons for the first time. The results showed that OA was the prevailing TTA in all samples, while UA was found in none of them. The maximum amount of OA (12.38 mg/g dry weight [DW]) and BA (1.68 mg/g DW) was detected in V. album from P. persica in summer. The minimum amount of OA (5.58 mg/g DW) and BA (0.72 mg/g DW) was observed in that growing on C. betulus in winter. However, the mistletoe from C. betulus showed the greatest level of OA in spring (9.06 mg/g DW) and BA in summer and autumn (0.92 and 0.97 mg/g DW, respectively). The data collected in this study complement existing research on this subject from around the world.

Soil organic carbon sequestration as affected by afforestation: the Darab Kola forest (north of Iran) case study.

Following the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, afforestation of formerly arable lands and/or degraded areas has been acknowledged as a land-use change contributing to the mitigation of increasing atmospheric CO(2) concentration in the atmosphere. In the present work, we study the soil organic carbon sequestration (SOCS) in 21 year old stands of maple (Acer velutinum Bioss.), oak (Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey.), and red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) in the Darab Kola region, north of Iran. Soil samples were collected at four different depths (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, and 30-40 cm), and characterized with respect to bulk density, water content, electrical conductivity, pH, texture, lime content, total organic C, total N, and earthworm density and biomass. Data showed that afforested stands significantly affected soil characteristics, also raising SOCS phenomena, with values of 163.3, 120.6, and 102.1 Mg C ha(-1) for red pine, oak and maple stands, respectively, vs. 83.0 Mg C ha(-1) for the control region. Even if the dynamics of organic matter (OM) in soil is very complex and affected by several pedo-climatic factors, a stepwise regression method indicates that SOCS values in the studied area could be predicted using the following parameters, i.e., sand, clay, lime, and total N contents, and C/N ratio. In particular, although the chemical and physical stabilization capacity of organic C by soil is believed to be mainly governed by clay content, regression analysis showed a positive correlation between SOCS and sand (R = 0.86(**)), whereas a negative correlation with clay (R = -0.77(**)) was observed, thus suggesting that most of this organic C occurs as particulate OM instead of mineral-associated OM. Although the proposed models do not take into account possible changes due to natural and anthropogenic processes, they represent a simple way that could be used to evaluate and/or monitor the potential of each forest plantation in immobilizing organic C in soil (thus reducing atmospheric C concentration), as well as to select more appropriate species during forestation plan management at least in the north of Iran.

Viscotoxin and lectin content in foliage and fruit of Viscum album L. on the main host trees of Hyrcanian forests.

Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) is a hemiparasitic plant that absorbs water and nutrients from the host tree. Mistletoe contains two groups of cytotoxic, immunomodulatory and antitumor proteins, viscotoxins and lectins. This study evaluated the quantity and quality of viscotoxins and total lectins in the stems with leaves (foliage) and fruit of mistletoe on Parrotia persica and Carpinus betulus in September with immature green berries and in December with mature white berries. Viscum album L. plants were harvested from host species located in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran in 2019. The highest level of viscotoxins was detected in the December foliage of V. album settled on C. betulus (9.25 mg/g dry weight [DW]), and the highest content of lectins was found in the December foliage of V. album settled on P. persica (0.79 mg/g DW) and C. betulus (0.73 mg/g DW) respectively. The immature green berries of V. album from both host species contained much higher concentrations of viscotoxins and lectins than the mature white berries. Four isoforms of viscotoxins, viscotoxin A1, A2, A3 and B could be identified in all samples of both host species. Viscotoxin A3 was the predominant viscotoxin isoform followed by viscotoxin A1.

A machine learning technology to improve the risk of non-invasive prenatal tests.

BACKGROUND: Timely and accurate diagnosis of genetic diseases can lead to proper action and prevention of irreparable events. OBJECTIVE: In this work we propose an integrated genetic-neural network (GNN) to improve the prediction risk of trisomy diseases including Down's syndrome (T21), Edwards' syndrome (T18) and Patau's Syndrome (T13). METHODS: A dataset including 561 pregnant were created. In this integrated model, the structure and input parameters of the proposed multilayer feedforward network (MFN) were optimized. RESULTS: The results of execution of the GNN on the testing dataset showed that the developed model can be accurately classify the anomalies from healthy fetus with 97.58% accuracy rate, and 99.44% and 85.65% sensitivity, and specificity, respectively. In the proposed GNN model, the Levenberg Merquident (LM) algorithm, the Radial Basis (Radbas) function from various types of functions were selected by the proposed GA. Moreover, maternal age, Nuchal Translucency (NT), Crown-rump length (CRL), Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) were selected by the proposed GA as the most effective factors for classifying the healthfetuses from the cases with fetal disorders. CONCLUSION: The proposed computerized model increases the diagnostic performance of the physicians especially in the accurate detection of healthy fetus with non - invasive and low - cost treatments.

Recall of Intensive Care Unit Stay in Critical Illness Survivors in Southeast Iran.

BACKGROUND: In survivors of critical illness, recall of an intensive care unit stay plays an important role in the development of post-intensive care unit syndrome, which includes psychological impairment after intensive care unit discharge. OBJECTIVE: To investigate memories of the intensive care unit among survivors in southeast Iran. METHODS: In this descriptive study, the intensive care unit memory tool was used to assess patients' memories of intensive care units. RESULTS: All participants (N = 100) had 1 or more factual memories (89%), memories of feelings (66%), or delusional memories (34%) from the intensive care unit. Patients who received mechanical ventilation were 4 times as likely to have delusional memories as those who did not receive mechanical ventilation. Unmarried patients were 4.8 times as likely as married patients to have memories of feelings from the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Steps should be taken to minimize distressing memories of an intensive care unit admission. Follow-up programs should take into account the psychological problems faced by intensive care unit survivors.

Microneedling in Combination with Topical Pimecrolimus 1% versus Topical Pimecrolimus 1% for the Treatment of Refractory Stable Vitiligo: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Vitiligo is a common, autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of the melanocytes and manifests as depigmented macules on various areas of the skin. Numerous treatment options have been proposed for vitiligo. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of microneedling plus topical pimecrolimus 1% versus the sole use of topical pimecrolimus 1% for the treatment of vitiligo. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 30 skin lesions on 15 Al-Zahra hospital patients. Each patient had two similar lesions in the limb area, and each lesion was considered a separate treatment group. The left or right side of the patient's lesion was randomly assigned to receive microneedling plus topical pimecrolimus for three months, while the other side received only topical pimecrolimus 1%. As part of the follow-up, digital photography was taken at the baseline and biweekly for three months after treatment and six months' follow-up. The following methods were used to evaluate the results: DLQI questionnaires, patient satisfaction questionnaires, and two independent dermatologists comparing the improvement rate for each group. RESULTS: Topical pimecrolimus 1% treatment led to unsatisfactory results, whereas the combination of microneedling and topical pimecrolimus1% treatment produced a more favorable overall outcome (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study established that combination therapy results in more significant patient improvement. Additionally, one patient experienced mild skin irritation as a side effect of topical pimecrolimus.

People with impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose are similarly susceptible to cardiovascular disease: a study in first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors between subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and those with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in the first-degree relatives (FDR) of type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, conducted between 2004 and 2006 in 1,893 (1,412 females and 481 males) FDR of type 2 diabetic outpatients of the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center. In all participants, blood pressure, weight, height, waist circumference, serum lipids and HbA1c were measured and a standard 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test was performed. The diagnosis of IGT, IFG and diabetes was made according to American Diabetes Association criteria. RESULTS: Isolated IGT and isolated IFG, and both IFG and IGT were observed in 8.8%, 17.4% and 11.2% of subjects, respectively. In comparison to subjects with normal glucose levels and tolerance (control group): the mean waist circumference was significantly higher in both IFG and IGT groups; BMI, HDL-c and LDL-c in the IFG group; and triglycerides in the IGT group. The means of all studied CVD risk factors were significantly higher in the IGT+IFG group than the control group, except for blood pressure, HDL-c and HbA1c. No significant differences were found regarding CVD risk factors between IFG and IGT groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IFG and IGT is high in FDR of type 2 diabetic patients. CVD risk factors are similar in these 2 groups and higher than in the control group. More attention should be paid to screening and treatment of this high-risk population.

Assessment of anticipated performance index of some deciduous plant species under dust air pollution.

Green vegetation improvement is an economical strategy to mitigate dust air pollution. The anticipated performance index (API) is considered a main criterion to select the suitable plants of urban forests. API is calculated by taking air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and socio-economic and biological aspects into account. In the present work, API of four current deciduous tree species in urban areas of Iran was evaluated. The seedlings were soil-dusted by a dust simulator in plastic chambers at levels of 0, 300, 750, and 1500 µg/m3 at intervals of 1 week for 70 days. At 750 and 1500 µg/m3 dust concentrations (DCs), greatest dust collection capacity was observed with Morus alba and the lowest one with Melia azedarach. Increasing DC declined APTI of all species. At 750 µg/m3 DC, only Morus was tolerant, but at 1500 µg/m3 DC, this species and Melia were categorized as intermediate, and Celtis caucasica and Fraxinus rotundifolia as sensitive. Morus was assessed as a good performer under two higher DC. Celtis was recognized as a moderate under 750 µg/m3 DC and poor performer under 1500 µg/m3 DC. Thus, Celtis can be considered as a biomonitor for air quality or as sink for dust in high dusty areas because of its high capacity of dust deposition. At two higher DCs, Fraxinus and Melia showed very poor and poor performance; planting these species in high dust areas is not recommended. In contrast, Morus is the most suitable tree species for urban green spaces in dusty regions, due to its high dust collection capacity and high APTI and API values.

Integron-Related Resistance in New Emerged Staphylococcus lugdunensis Infection in Burn Patients.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species that may cause various infections with unusual severity. In spite of the administration of various antibiotics, infections caused by such bacteria are become resistant significantly. Transmission of antibiotic resistance genes, especially by Integron structures, exacerbates the prevalence of resistant strains. To investigate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of S. lugdunensis as a new emergence in burns, the presence of integron classes (I, II, III) was performed in recent study. Sampling for this study was carried out over a period of 13 months (January 2017 to February 2018) from Amir-Al-Momenin burn center of southwest of Iran, affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Twenty-eight isolates of S. lugdunensis were confirmed by phenotypic tests. The presence of integron classes was evaluated by PCR technique and specific primers. The majority of studied infectious agents were seen in ICU with 28.57%. The prevalence of class I and II integrons was 7 (25.00%) and 2 (7.14%), respectively, in S. lugdunensis isolates, whereas no integron III was found. No significant association was seen between antibiotic resistance and the present integrons (P > .05). Since the prevalence of S. lugdunensis strains as a new emergence infection is increasing in clinical settings especially burns, preventing drug resistance in these isolates is inevitable. So knowing the epidemiology pattern of new emerging infections and their resistant pattern is very helpful in infection control and save hospitalized patients life.

Neural Network-Based Clinical Prediction System for Identifying the Clinical Effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L) Supplement Therapy on Allergic Asthma: Model Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is commonly associated with chronic airway inflammation and is the underlying cause of over a million deaths each year. Crocus sativus L, commonly known as saffron, when used in the form of traditional medicines, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects which may be beneficial to individuals with asthma. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a clinical prediction system using an artificial neural network to detect the effects of C sativus L supplements on patients with allergic asthma. METHODS: A genetic algorithm-modified neural network predictor system was developed to detect the level of effectiveness of C sativus L using features extracted from the clinical, immunologic, hematologic, and demographic information of patients with asthma. The study included data from men (n=40) and women (n=40) individuals with mild or moderate allergic asthma from 18 to 65 years of age. The aim of the model was to estimate and predict the level of effect of C sativus L supplements on each asthma risk factor and to predict the level of alleviation in patients with asthma. A genetic algorithm was used to extract input features for the clinical prediction system to improve its predictive performance. Moreover, an optimization model was developed for the artificial neural network component that classifies the patients with asthma using C sativus L supplement therapy. RESULTS: The best overall performance of the clinical prediction system was an accuracy greater than 99% for training and testing data. The genetic algorithm-modified neural network predicted the level of effect with high accuracy for anti-heat shock protein (anti-HSP), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), the ratio of FEV1/FVC, and forced expiratory flow (FEF25%-75%) for testing data (anti-HSP: 96.5%; hs-CRP: 98.9%; FEV1: 98.1%; FVC: 97.5%; FEV1/FVC ratio: 97%; and FEF25%-75%: 96.7%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical prediction system developed in this study was effective in predicting the effect of C sativus L supplements on patients with allergic asthma. This clinical prediction system may help clinicians to identify early on which clinical factors in asthma will improve over the course of treatment and, in doing so, help clinicians to develop effective treatment plans for patients with asthma.

Study of therapeutic effect of different concentrations of imatinib on Balb/c model of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis, as a tropical and subtropical disease, is endemic in more than 90 countries around the world. Today, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) that affects more than 1.5 million people per year lacks a definitive treatment approach. Imatinib is an anticancer drug that inhibits the abnormal function of Bcr-Abl due to its tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and that was the reason why the drug was tested for CL treatment because protein kinases are essential enzymes in the Leishmania genus. In this study, the L. major CL model of Balb/c mice was produced by injection of the cultured metacyclic form of parasite at the base of the tail. The possible recovery of CL ulcers and determination of the optimum dose of imatinib against Leishmania amastigotes were evaluated. A significant decrease was observed in mice treated with amphotericin B (positive control group) as well as imatinib 50 mg/kg compared to the unreceived drug, negative control group (P<0.05). This study could be promising in gaining insight into the potential of imatinib as an effective treatment approach against CL.

Association between ambient fine particulate matter with blood pressure levels among Iranian individuals admitted for cardiac and respiratory diseases: Data from CAPACITY study.

BACKGROUND: The relation between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors, especially blood pressure (BP) levels, has been less frequently assessed. The aim of this study was evaluating the association between air pollutants of less than 2.5 µm [particulate matter (PM2.5)] and BP indices among individuals admitted with CVDs and pulmonary diseases. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was in context of air pollution associated with hospitalization and mortality of CVDs and respiratory diseases (CAPACITY) study. Data of 792 Iranian patients referring to two hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, for cardiovascular or respiratory problems from March 2011 to March 2012 were used for analysis. BP indices including systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were obtained from patients' medical forms and mean PM2.5 concentrations during 24 hours prior to admission of each patient were obtained from Isfahan Department of Environment (DOE). RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of participants' age were 62.5 ± 15.9 years. All BP indices on admission were significantly higher in women compared with men. Adjustment of all potential confounders including age, sex, temperature, wind speed, and dew point revealed that increasing one quartile in PM2.5 concentrations had been associated with 1.98 mmHg raising in SBP at the time of admission [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.41-3.54, P = 0.010]. Women with cardiac diseases had higher all BP indices with increased PM2.5 concentration [SBP: ß: 4.30, 95% CI = 0.90-7.70, P = 0.010; DBP: ß: 1.89, 95% CI = 0.09-3.69, P = 0.040; MAP: ß: 3.09, 95% CI = 0.68-5.51, P= 0.010, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that increasing PM2.5 concentration has been positively associated with raising SBP in total population and all BP indices among women with cardiac problems at admission time. Several comprehensive studies are required for confirming these relations.