Modeling of chromium (VI) removal from aqueous solution using modified green-Graphene: RSM-CCD approach, optimization, isotherm, and kinetic studies.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the removal of Cr (VI) using Green-Graphene Nanosheets (GGN) synthesized from rice straw.

Methods: Synthesis of the GGN was optimized using response surface methodology and central composite design (CCD). The effect of two independent variables including KOH-to-raw rice ash (KOH/RRA) ratio and temperature on the specific surface area of the GGN was determined.

Development of an effective liposomal cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) vaccine for protecting against atherosclerosis in rabbit model.

Clinical trials of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) peptide vaccine were stopped after disappointing results in humans due to the inadequacy of adjuvant aluminum hydroxide in stimulating the immune response against the self-antigen of CETP. To increase the efficacy of the CETP vaccine, we developed a novel liposomal form of tetanus toxoid-CETP (TT-CETP) peptide (Lip CETP) with well-characterized properties and high encapsulation efficiency. The vaccine efficacy against atherosclerosis was evaluated in rabbits challenged with a high cholesterol diet.

Could decorin be a biomarker of coronary artery disease? A pilot study in human beings.

Background And Aim: Nowadays there is a strong necessity in identifying patients who may be exposed to the risk for future cardiovascular events like progressive atherosclerotic disease. Biomarkers are valuable tools for this purpose. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is utilized as an important tool for the global risk assessment of cardiovascular events in individuals with intermediate risk.

Evaluation of NPP1 as a Novel Biomarker of Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Study in Human Beings.

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is utilized as an important tool for global risk assessment of cardiovascular events in individuals with intermediate risk. Ecto phosphodiesterase/nucleotide phosphohydrolase-1(ENPP1) converts extracellular nucleotides into inorganic pyrophosphate and it is a key regulator of tissue calcification that adjusts calcification in tissues like vascular smooth muscle cells. The main purpose of this clinical study was to find out the correlation between ENPP1 serum concentration and CAC in human for the first time.

A novel atheroprotective role of MF59-like adjuvant when co-administered with CETP vaccine in rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

Objectives: In this study, for the first time, MF59 adjuvant was used to develop a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) vaccine. The efficacy of the vaccine was compared with the efficacy of CETP vaccine formulated with Alum/CpG, the formulation that its immunogenicity has been already demonstrated in rabbit and mice.

Materials And Methods: Tetanus toxoid- CETP peptide (TT-CETP) was mixed with Alum/CpG or MF59-like and administered subcutaneously for total five times in rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

Anti-atherosclerosis effect of different doses of CETP vaccine in rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

Aim: To evaluate atheroprotective effects of different doses of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) vaccine, three doses of Tetanus toxoid-CETP (TT-CETP) peptide including 10, 50 and 100/rabbit, termed FA10, FA50, FA100, respectively, were administered in rabbit model of atherosclerosis.

Methods: Animals were vaccinated subcutaneously (S.C.

Smoking and Its Related Factors Among Iranian High School Students.

Background: In different studies, the prevalence of tobacco consumption has been growing in high schools boys.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of smoking and its related factors among Iranian high school students in 2011.

Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 450 male students from 15 high schools of Shahroud (northeast of Iran) were selected for evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of students regarding tobacco consumption.

Simple screening of pulmonary artery hypertension using standard chest x ray: an old technique, new landmark.

Background: Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is difficult to diagnose because of its nonspecific symptoms. Although echocardiography can reliably and rapidly recognize the presence of pulmonary hypertension, chest X ray (CXR) is more widely used because of its availability. The objective of this study was to find a parameter, which, by changing the scale of CXR, is still useful for detection of PAH.

Evaluation of RANKL/OPG Serum Concentration Ratio as a New Biomarker for Coronary Artery Calcification: A Pilot Study.

Objective. There is a strong need for biomarkers to identify patients at risk for future cardiovascular events related with progressive atherosclerotic disease. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) protects the skeleton from excessive bone resorption by binding to receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and preventing it from binding to its receptor, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB.