Realisation of magnetically and atomically abrupt half-metal/semiconductor interface: CoFeSiAl/Ge(111).

Halfmetal-semiconductor interfaces are crucial for hybrid spintronic devices. Atomically sharp interfaces with high spin polarisation are required for efficient spin injection. In this work we show that thin film of half-metallic full Heusler alloy CoFeSiAl with uniform thickness and B2 ordering can form structurally abrupt interface with Ge(111).

Effects of Nitrate Intake on Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Rats.

Background: Coronary artery disease is 2-3 times more common in diabetic individuals. Dietary nitrate/nitrite has beneficial effects in both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also has protective effects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in healthy animals.

Nitrate-nitrite-nitrosamines exposure and the risk of type 1 diabetes: A review of current data.

The potential toxic effects of nitrate-nitrite-nitrosamine on pancreatic β cell have remained a controversial issue over the past two decades. In this study, we reviewed epidemiological studies investigated the associations between nitrate-nitrite-nitrosamines exposure, from both diet and drinking water to ascertain whether these compounds may contribute to development of type 1 diabetes. To identify relevant studies, a systematic search strategy of PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct was conducted using queries including the key words "nitrate", "nitrite", "nitrosamine" with "type 1 diabetes" or "insulin dependent diabetes mellitus".

MicroRNA-149 is epigenetically silenced tumor-suppressive microRNA, involved in cell proliferation and downregulation of AKT1 and cyclin D1 in human glioblastoma multiforme.

Aberrant DNA methylation has been shown to inactivate tumor suppressor genes during carcinogenesis. MicroRNA-149 (miR-149) was recently demonstrated to function as a tumor suppressor gene in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, the potential linkage of miR-149 levels and the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanism in human GBM has not been studied.

Hemodynamic properties and arterial structure in male rat offspring with fetal hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormones (THs) play a crucial role in the development of different systems during fetal life; fetal hypothyroidism (FH) is associated with reduced cardiac function and dimensions in neonates. The aim of this study is to determine whether TH deficiency during fetal life is associated with arterial structural and hemodynamic changes during adulthood. Hypothyroidism was induced by adding 0.

A label-free infrared opto-fluidic method for real-time determination of flow rate and concentration with temperature cross-sensitivity compensation.

The ability to accurately measure the flow rate, concentration, and temperature in real-time in micro total analysis systems (μTAS) is crucial when improving their practical sensing capabilities within extremely small volumes. Our label-free infrared (1500-1600 nm) opto-fluidic method, presented in this study, utilizes a cantilever-based flow meter integrated with two parallel optical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPIs). The first FPI serves as an ultra-sensitive flow meter and includes a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) tip for localized temperature sensing.

The comparison of 5-field conformal radiotherapy techniques for the treatment of prostate cancer: The best for femoral head sparing.

External radiotherapy is a standard treatment procedure for localized prostate cancer. Given the relatively high long term survival treatment complications have been brought in center of attention. In this planning study, between 2012 and 2014, CT simulation data of 90 consecutive high-risk prostate cancer patients were collected.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion versus instrumented posterolateral fusion In degenerative spondylolisthesis: An attempt to evaluate the superiority of one method over the other.

Background: Various surgical procedures have been recommended for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis,but Controversy still exists regarding the optimal surgical technique . In this study,we compared the clinical and radiologic outcome of the Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) method with the Instrumented Posterolateral fusion(PLF) in these patients.

Methods: The study population in this retrospective study consisted of 145 consecutive patients of degenerative spondylolisthesis who had undergone lumbar fusion in our institute between September 2010 and October 2013.

Characterization of virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance pattern and clonal complexes of group B streptococci isolated from neonates.

Between January and December 2013, swab samples were taken for the throat and external ear canals of 1037 newborns for screening of Group B Streptococcus (GBS or S. agalactiae). Isolates were analyzed form Multilocus sequence typing (MLST), capsular type, virulence genes and antibiotic susceptibility.

Elevated expression of steroidogenesis pathway genes; CYP17, GATA6 and StAR in prenatally androgenized rats.

It is believed that excess androgen exposure of the fetus, via altered gene expression, causes hyperandrogenism a key feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of Cytochrome P450-17 (CYP17), GATA-binding protein (GAGT6) and Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), genes of adult female rats prenatally exposed to androgen excess, closely reflect endocrine and ovarian disturbances of PCOS in women, by comparing them during different phases of estrus cycle with those of non-treated rats. Both the adult prenatally testosterone exposed and control rats (n=23, each) were divided into four groups based on their observed vaginal smear (proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus) and the relative expression of CYP17, GATA6 and StAR genes was measured in ovarian theca cells using Cyber-green Real-Time PCR.

Controlling the half-metallicity of Heusler/Si(1 1 1) interfaces by a monolayer of Si-Co-Si.

By using first-principles calculations we show that the spin-polarization reverses its sign at atomically abrupt interfaces between the half-metallic Co2(Fe,Mn)(Al,Si) and Si(1 1 1). This unfavourable spin-electronic configuration at the Fermi-level can be completely removed by introducing a Si-Co-Si monolayer at the interface. In addition, this interfacial monolayer shifts the Fermi-level from the valence band edge close to the conduction band edge of Si.

Evaluation of Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with NPM1 Marker.

Background: Minimal residual disease (MRD) tests provide early identification of hematologic relapse and timely management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Approximately, 50% of AML patients do not have clonal chromosomal aberrations and categorize as a cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML). About 60% of adult CN-AML has a mutation in exon 12 of NPM1 gene.

Outcome of laminoplasty in cervical spinal cord injury with stable spine.

Background And Objective: Cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) with a stable spine has been increasing as the elderly population is dramatically increasing all over the world. In this study, we evaluated the neurological outcome of decompression surgery (laminoplasty) for these patients.

Materials And Methods: Forty-one patients with CSCI with stable spine who underwent decompression surgery (laminoplasty) were retrospectively studied.

Are serum nitric oxide metabolites associated with fasting insulin among Iranian adults? (Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study).

Aim: It has been suggested that insulin resistance is associated with altered nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis. There is however no population-based study documenting an association between fasting serum insulin and serum NO metabolites (NOx) with multivariable adjustment. This study was therefore designed to determine the association between serum NOx and fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance/sensitivity indices in a sample of a population-based study in Iran.

Temperature-Responsive Smart Nanocarriers for Delivery Of Therapeutic Agents: Applications and Recent Advances.

Smart drug delivery systems (DDSs) have attracted the attention of many scientists, as carriers that can be stimulated by changes in environmental parameters such as temperature, pH, light, electromagnetic fields, mechanical forces, etc. These smart nanocarriers can release their cargo on demand when their target is reached and the stimulus is applied. Using the techniques of nanotechnology, these nanocarriers can be tailored to be target-specific, and exhibit delayed or controlled release of drugs.

In Silico Design of a Chimeric Protein Containing Antigenic Fragments of Helicobacter pylori; A Bioinformatic Approach.

Helicobacter pylori is a global health problem which has encouraged scientists to find new ways to diagnose, immunize and eradicate the H. pylori infection. In silico studies are a promising approach to design new chimeric antigen having the immunogenic potential of several antigens.

Anticancer activity assessment of two novel binuclear platinum (II) complexes.

In the current study, two binuclear Pt (II) complexes, containing cis, cis-[Me2Pt (μ-NN) (μ-dppm) PtMe2] (1), and cis,cis-[Me2Pt(μ-NN)(μ dppm) Pt((CH2)4)] (2) in which NN=phthalazine and dppm=bis (diphenylphosphino) methane were evaluated for their anticancer activities and DNA/purine nucleotide binding properties. These Pt (II) complexes, with the non-classical structures, demonstrated a significant anticancer activity against Jurkat and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. The results of ethidium bromide/acridine orange staining and Caspase-III activity suggest that these complexes were capable to stimulate an apoptotic mechanism of cell death in the cancer cells.

The Effects of Group Play Therapy on Self-Concept Among 7 to 11 Year-Old Children Suffering From Thalassemia Major.

Background: Children suffering from thalassemia have higher levels of depression and lower levels of self-concept.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if group play therapy could significantly increase self-concept among children with thalassemia major ages 7 to 11 years old in teaching hospitals of Golestan province, Iran, in 2012.

Patients And Methods: In this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 60 children with thalassemia major were randomly assigned to intervention (30 children) and control (30 children) groups.

Analysis of the IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α Gene Polymorphisms in Patients With Vesicoureteral Reflux Among the Southeast Iranian Population.

Background: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common childhood disorder that is characterized by the abnormal movement of urine from the bladder into the ureters or kidneys.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether the genetic polymorphisms of the IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α genes are involved in the development of VUR.

Patients And Methods: The tetra amplification mutation refractory system-polymerase chain reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR) was applied to analyze the four polymorphic sites of the IL-10AG-1082, IL-10CA597, IL-12CA1188, and TNF308GA genes in 124 VUR children and 110 healthy controls.

Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Primary Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Hospitalized Children Under 2-Years Old.

Background: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most prevalent cause of thrombocytopenia in children. Despite the importance of ITP in children under 2-years old, only a few publications are available in the literature.ITP usually presents itself as isolated thrombocytopenia and mucocutaneous bleeding.

Atomic-level structural and chemical analysis of Cr-doped Bi2Se3 thin films.

We present a study of the structure and chemical composition of the Cr-doped 3D topological insulator Bi2Se3. Single-crystalline thin films were grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Al2O3 (0001), and their structural and chemical properties determined on an atomic level by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. A regular quintuple layer stacking of the Bi2Se3 film is found, with the exception of the first several atomic layers in the initial growth.

Efficacy of Pedicle Screw Fixation in Unstable Upper and Middle Thoracic Spine Fractures.

Background: Treatment of unstable upper and middle thoracic spine fractures remains controversial. There is no consensus regarding optimal treatment.

Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of pedicular screw in the management of middle thoracic spine fractures to correct kyphosis and anterolisthesis and improve neurologic condition of patients.

MiR-153 as a Tumor Suppressor in Glioblastoma Multiforme is Downregulated by DNA Methylation.

Background: Aberrant DNA hypermethylation contributes to many cancers by silencing structurally normal tumor suppressive genes. MicroRNA-153 (miR-153) exerts a tumor suppressive function in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) by silencing oncogenic targets. However, the mechanism underlying miR-153 regulation in glioma cells has not been studied.

The Association of Dietary l-Arginine Intake and Serum Nitric Oxide Metabolites in Adults: A Population-Based Study.

This study was conducted to investigate whether regular dietary intake of l-arginine is associated with serum nitrate + nitrite (NOx). In this cross-sectional study, 2771 men and women, who had participated in the third examination of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2006-2008), were recruited. Demographics, anthropometrics and biochemical variables were evaluated.

The Pattern of Road Traffic Crashes in South East Iran.

Background: In the present study, the epidemiologic aspects of road traffic crashes in South East of Iran are described.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included the profile of 2398 motor vehicle crashes recorded in the police office in one Year in South East of Iran. Data collected included: demographics, the type of crash, type of involved vehicle, location of crash and factors contributing to the crash.