Validity and reliability of Persian version of Low Physical Activity Questionnaire (LoPAQ).

Background: The Low Physical Activity Questionnaire (LoPAQ) was specifically developed to measure the low activity level observed in extremely inactive hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aims to evaluate reliability and validity of Persian version of the LoPAQ.

Methods: This study was a cross sectional study, conducted in three HD centers in Iran.

Evaluation of changes in serum biochemical parameters in zarudny's spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca zarudnyi) influenced by gender and season.

Background: The Zarudny's spur-thighed tortoise or Iranian tortoise (Testudo graeca zarudnyi) has just been reported from Iran so far. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of season and gender on serum biochemical parameters of this valuable species in Iran.

Results: This study was performed on 20 clinically healthy adult Zarudny's spur-thighed tortoises.

Prognostic value of different forms of serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 in dogs with mammary tumors; a longitudinal study.

Gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) are related to tumor invasion and metastasis. In humans, the diagnostic value of serum levels of gelatinases has been confirmed in breast cancer, but their diagnostic value in canine mammary tumors is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the serum level of gelatinases in dogs with mammary tumors in order to determine their value in the diagnosis of malignancy or benign tumors and also in predicting the possibility of metastasis and recurrence.

Development of a MET-targeted single-chain antibody fragment as an anti-oncogene targeted therapy for breast cancer.

The usage of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody fragments, as a matter associated with the biopharmaceutical industry, is increasingly growing. Harmonious with this concept, we designed an exclusive modeled single-chain variable fragment (scFv) against mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) oncoprotein. This scFv was newly developed from Onartuzumab sequence by gene cloning, and expression using bacterial host.

Diagnostic value of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and their correlation with lipoproteins in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Background: Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common diagnosed cardiovascular disease in dogs. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) tests are used to diagnose congestive heart failure, but there are conflicting reports about their value in diagnosing the subclinical stages of MMVD in dogs. Moreover, the diagnostic value of blood lipoproteins in dogs with MMVD is still unclear.