Upper extremity physical performance tests in female overhead athletes: a test-retest reliability study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the studies that have investigated the reliability of Upper Extremity Functional Tests(UEFTs), the reliability of Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability(CKCUES), Seated Medicine Ball Throw(SMBT), push-up(PU) and Unilateral Seated Shot Put(USSP) tests in overhead athletes has yet to be assessed. The objective of this study was to determine both the relative and absolute test-retest reliability of the four UEFTs in female overhead athletes. METHODS: Twenty-nine female overhead athletes (age: 26.6 ± 5.29 years) underwent the four UEFTs twice within a three- day interval. The upper limb stability was assessed through PU and CKCUES tests, while the power was assessed though SMBT and USSP tests. The Intraclass Correlation of Coefficient (ICC) was applied to assess the relative reliability. Absolute reliability was determined by calculating the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and the Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). Furthermore, Bland-Altman plots were used to detect the agreements between the two measurements. RESULTS: The relative reliability of PU, CKCUES, SMBT, and non-dominant arm USSP tests was excellent (ICC = 0.83, 0.80, 0.91, and 0.83, respectively). SEM was within a range of 1.69 to 1.72 for stability tests and a range of 13.61 to 52.12 for power (based on a 95% confidence interval). The MDC was 4.68 for PU and 4.75 for CKCUES test. At least four repetitions are needed to be considered a real improvement on PU and CKCUES tests. This value was 144.04, in SMBT and 59.03, 37.62 cm (dominant and non-dominant arm, respectively) in USSP tests, which represents the minimum change that must occur to be considered an athlete's progression. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that both the upper limb stability and power tests have acceptable relative and absolute intra-rater reliability in female overhead athletes. These can be considered as reliable tools in research and clinical settings.

Functionalization of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot: A sustainable carbon-based catalyst for the production of cyclic carbonate from epoxide and CO2.

A series of organic compounds were successfully immobilized on an N-doped graphene quantum dot (N-GQD) to prepare a multifunctional organocatalyst for coupling reaction between CO2 and propylene oxide (PO). The simultaneous presence of halide ions in conjunction with acidic- and basic-functional groups on the surface of the nanoparticles makes them highly active for the production of propylene carbonate (PC). The effects of variables such as catalyst loading, reaction temperature, and structure of substituents are discussed. The proposed catalysts were characterized by different techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (FESEM/EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Under optimal reaction conditions, 3-bromopropionic acid (BPA) immobilized on N-GQD showed a remarkable activity, affording the highest yield of 98% at 140°C and 106 Pa without any co-catalyst or solvent. These new metal-free catalysts have the advantage of easy separation and reuse several times. Based on the experimental data, a plausible reaction mechanism is suggested, where the hydrogen bonding donors and halogen ion can activate the epoxide, and amine functional groups play a vital role in CO2 adsorption.

Cryopreservation of Iranian Markhoz goat fibroblast cells as an endangered national genetic resource.

BACKGROUND: The continuous accessibility of local animals for sustainable use is being eroded annually. Thus, a strategic vision for the conservation of biodiversity is of far-reaching emphasis to deal with unprecedented challenges in the local population extension facing in the future. This study aimed to establish and cryopreserve endangered Markhoz goat (Capra hircus) fibroblast cell lines in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: These primary fibroblast cells were isolated from 58 Iranian Markhoz goats and individually cultured by explant technique in DMEM medium supplemented with 10% FBS and 2 mM L-Glutamine, in the presence of Penicillin (200 U/ml)-Streptomycin (200 mg/ml) during the first passage number. The extracted cell lines were confirmed morphologically as fibroblast cells. The population doubling time for DMEM-cultured cells was 23 ± 0.5 h. Chromosomal analysis indicated a total chromosome number of 2n = 60 with > 95% frequency. The cultured cells were checked for bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mycoplasma contaminations and the results were reported negative. The efficiencies of the fluorescent protein encoded by VSV-G (pMDG) and lentiviral pCSGW vectors reported in a range of 65% value. According to the species identification analysis, the goat cell lines were banked and confirmed without any miss- and cross-contamination. CONCLUSIONS: The significant issue in this paper can be concluded about the first report of the establishment of endangered Markhoz goat cell banking inside the country. This study demonstrated the successful establishment of a genetically stable fibroblast bank as a valuable genetic resource for the endangered Iranian Markhoz goat breed.

Comparing effects of low glycemic index/high-fat, high-calorie diet and high-fat, high-calorie diet on cytokine levels of patients with cystic fibrosis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

The importance of the host inflammatory response, as a central pathological feature of cystic fibrosis, is well recognized. Additionally, hyperglycemia can induce an immune response and consecutively may exacerbate symptoms of this disease. Hence, adherence to a low glycemic index diet, through normalizing blood glucose levels, may reduce inflammation in patients with this disease. This study aimed to compare effects of a low glycemic index/high-fat, high-calorie diet and routine high-fat, high-calorie diet on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with cystic fibrosis. In this randomized clinical trial, 44 children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis were randomly assigned to receive for three months either a high-fat, high-calorie diet (n = 22) or a low glycemic index/high-fat, high-calorie diet (n = 22) with similar calorie and macronutrients composition to the control diet. Patients in first arm were allowed to use all sources of carbohydrates with different glycemic indices, whereas those in another arm consumed carbohydrates from low glycemic index sources. Serum levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-17A, and IFNγ, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were measured at baseline and after the end of the trial. There were significant differences between groups for IL-6 (P = 0.02) and IL-17 (P = 0.01), in favor of the low glycemic diet, but no between-group differences were detected in IL-10 and IFN-γ. Although serum levels of IL-17 were reduced in both the groups as compared with the baseline values, this reduction was only significant in the group assigned to the low glycemic diet (P= 0.007), In addition, IL-6 serum levels decreased and those of IL-10 increased significantly as compared with the baseline values in the low glycemic diet (P= 0.01). It seems that adherence to a low glycemic index/high-fat, high-calorie diet for three months can improve some inflammatory biomarkers in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis compared with the high-fat, high-calorie diet.

Establishment and Preservation of Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines from Fresh and Frozen Whole Blood and Mononuclear Cells.

Although blood cells are interesting sources for genome investigations, one of the main problems in obtaining genomic DNA from blood is the restricted amount of DNA. This obstacle can be avoided by generating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced B cell lines. This study investigates the efficiency of four different methods to generate lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). Blood samples (n = 120) were obtained from donors and categorized into four groups: fresh whole blood, frozen whole blood, fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and frozen PBMCs. The samples were followed by EBV transformation to generate LCLs. Quality control and authentication of the cells were performed using multiplex PCR and short tandem repeat (STR) analyses. Finally, we assessed the success rate and amount of time to establish the cell lines in each group. The results showed that the cells were not contaminated nor were they misidentified or cross-contaminated with other cells. The success rate of LCLs generated from the whole blood groups was lower than the PBMC groups. The freezing procedures did not have any considerable effect on the establishment of lymphoblastoid cells. These established cells have been preserved in the human and animal cell bank of the Iranian Biological Resource Center (IBRC) and are available for researchers. Due to the management and transformation of a substantial number of blood samples, we recommend that researchers freeze PBMCs for further use with high efficiency and time-saving. We suggest that whole fresh blood should be directly transformed when the volume of the blood sample is less than 0.5 ml.

Effects of low glycemic index/high-fat, high-calorie diet on glycemic control and lipid profiles of children and adolescence with cystic fibrosis: A randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Low glycemic index diets seem to be potentially effective to improve glycemic control and reduce lipid profiles. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a low glycemic index/high fat, high-calorie diet on glycemic status and lipid profiles of patients with cystic fibrosis. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 44 children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis were randomized to receive for three months either a high fat, high-calorie diet (n = 22) or a low glycemic index/high fat, high-calorie diet (n = 22) with similar calorie and macronutrients composition. Patients in high fat, high-calorie diet arm were allowed to use all sources of carbohydrates with different glycaemic indices; whereas those in another arm consumed carbohydrates from low glycemic index sources. Serum levels of lipid profiles (triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol), insulin, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin were measured at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS: Between-group differences were significant only for fasting blood glucose (P < 0.001). However, fasting blood glucose (P = 0.003) and glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.002) significantly decreased after the intervention in the low glycemic index group, while in another group a significant increase in fasting blood glucose (P = 0.038) and triglyceride (P = 0.004) was found. No significant within-group differences were observed in other variables in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that adherence to a low glycemic index/high fat, high-calorie diet can improve glycemic indices in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis compared to the high fat, high-calorie diet. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2017102325267N5.

Evaluation of the effect of a new method on the pelvic organ prolapse symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies of treatment for prolapse, patients have undergone pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), but no exercises were performed for the hip muscles. Accordingly, this study investigated a new conservative treatment approach that was hypothesized to improve prolapse symptoms more than PFMT. METHODS: Forty women with Stage 2 or 3 prolapse were randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group (n = 20 in each). In this study, patients are treated for 12 sessions (4 weeks and 3 sessions each week). In the control group, the pelvic floor muscle training is applied in for treatment. In the intervention group, in addition to pelvic floor muscle training, postural or positional inversion exercises are included in training. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the control and intervention groups in only three domains of the Prolapse Quality of Life questionnaire, namely general health (P = 0.010), physical limitation (P = 0.038), and social limitation (P = 0.010). Furthermore, International Consultation of Incontinence (ICIQ) scores for filling symptoms and bother scale differed significantly between the two groups (P = 0.035 and P = 0.045, respectively). There was also a significant difference in the stage of prolapse and pelvic floor muscle strength in both groups compared with baseline, although only pelvic floor. muscle strength differed significantly between the two groups (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: This new method of postural or positional inversion leads to a greater improvement in symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.

The effect of green-coffee extract supplementation on obesity: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Given that the most recent systematic review investigating Green-Coffee Extract (GCE) as a weight loss facilitator was nearly a decade ago and that the authors reported there no consensus on the effect of GCE/CGA (Chlorogenic acids) on body composition indices, a comprehensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of all available randomized controlled trial (RCTs) was undertaken to examine the effect of GCE and CGA intervention on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in adults. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed up to June 2019 in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. RCTs that investigated the effect GCE/CGA Supplementation on BW, BMI and WC in adults were included for final analysis. The pooled weight mean difference (WMD) of included studies was estimated using a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles with 16 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Results revealed significant reduction in BMI (WMD: -0.403 kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.800, -0.005, p = 0.047) and no significant change in BW (WMD: -0.585 kg, 95% CI: -1.498, 0.329, p = 0.210) and WC (WMD: -0.847 cm, 95% CI: -1.764, 0.071, p = 0.070). In the subgroup analysis, studies that were conducted on baseline BMI ≥25 kg/m2 revealed a significant greater reduction in body weight and BMI than those performed on baseline BMI <25 kg/m2. Moreover, short supplementation periods of less than 4 weeks had no effect. CONCLUSION: The results of current meta-analysis study support the use of GCE supplementation for the improvement of obesity indices, with sub-group analysis highlighting greater improvements in individuals with a starting BMI ≥25 kg/m2.

Establishment and characterization of rough-tailed gecko original tail cells.

Some of lizard species have the ability to lose their tail in order to defend against predators and regenerate the new tail. Lizard's regenerated tail has attracted scientists' attention for unraveling the regeneration process, but less information is known about the cellular characterization and cell growth properties of original tail. This research aimed to report cell culture and banking process of rough-tailed gecko or Cyrtopodion scabrum's original tail cell sample from inner tissue without skin using tissue explant technique. For banking reports, it is essential to analyze this cells' potential to proliferate, to investigate biological aspects such as cell culture features, differentiation and chromosome number and to report its species identification and quality control. To achieve optimal growth conditions, three different temperatures for incubation including 18, 23 and 37 °C and two different media including DMEM and L-15 were applied. The expanded cells were studied for their potential to adipose and osteoblast differentiation. Results indicated that lizard's original tail cells could be successfully obtained by explant technique. The cells demonstrated fibroblast like morphology with population doubling times of approximately 24 ± 0.5 h. Karyotyping analysis showed a distribution of 2n = 40 chromosome number for this cell line. The comparison of different incubation media and temperatures showed that cell growth is equally optimal in all mentioned conditions according to growth curves. Adipose and osteoblast differentiation was obviously observed in these cells which confirms the hint of stem-ness in the produced mixed cells. According to cell banking policies, produced cells were also checked for bacterial, fungal, yeast and mycoplasma contaminations and no contamination was observed. Multiplex PCR for identification of species confirmed the species of lizard with no cross-contamination with other cells in the cell bank. Establishment of authenticated and well-characterized lizard's original tail cell line will provide a valuable source for subsequent in vitro regenerative research and molecular studies which are not feasible in in vivo methods. This finding will allow us to get an opportunity to create and preserve a new collection of lizard cell lines in the future.

Simple and fast multiplex PCR method for detection of species origin in meat products.

Identification of animal species is one of the major concerns in food regulatory control and quality assurance system. Different approaches have been used for species identification in animal origin of feedstuff. This study aimed to develop a multiplex PCR approach to detect the origin of meat and meat products. Specific primers were designed based on the conserved region of mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COX1) gene. This method could successfully distinguish the origin of the pig, camel, sheep, donkey, goat, cow, and chicken in one single reaction. Since PCR products derived from each species represent unique molecular weight, the amplified products could be identified by electrophoresis and analyzed based on their size. Due to the synchronized amplification of segments within a single PCR reaction, multiplex PCR is considered to be a simple, fast, and inexpensive technique that can be applied for identification of meat products in food industries. Nowadays, this technique has been considered as a practical method to identify the species origin, which could further applied for animal feedstuffs identification.

Establishment and Characterization of Primary Cultures from Iranian Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients by Enzymatic Method and Explant Culture.

OBJECTIVES: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral cancer worldwide. It is known as the eighth most common cancer in men and as the fifth most common cancer in women. Cytogenetic and biochemical studies in recent decades have emphasized the necessity of providing an appropriate tool for such researches. Cancer cell culture is a useful tool for investigations on biochemical, genetic, molecular and immunological characteristics of different cancers, including oral cancer. Here, we explain the establishment process of five primary oral cancer cells derived from an Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens were obtained from five oral cancer patients. Enzymatic, explant culture and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) methods were used for cell isolation. After quality control tests, characterization and authentication of primary oral cancer cells were performed by short tandem repeats (STR) profiling, chromosome analysis, species identification, and monitoring the growth, morphology and the expression of CD326 and CD133 markers. RESULTS: Five primary oral cancer cells were established from an Iranian population. The flow cytometry results showed that the isolated cells were positive for CD326 and CD133 markers. Furthermore, the cells were free from mycoplasma, bacterial and fungal contamination. No misidentified or cross-contaminated cells were detected by STR analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Human primary oral cancer cells provide an extremely useful platform for studying carcinogenesis pathways of oral cancer in Iranian population. They may be helpful in explaining the ethnic differences in cancer biology and the individuality in anticancer drug response in future studies.

Effects of Sesame Butter (Ardeh) versus Sesame Oil on Metabolic and Oxidative Stress Markers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders and is related to oxidative-stress-induced diseases. Given the role of dietary antioxidants in the control and prevention of diabetes, this study aimed to examine the effects of sesame butter versus sesame oil on the serum levels of glucose, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers in diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty male albino rats of Wistar strain were randomly divided into 4 groups (i.e., nondiabetic control rats, diabetic rats, diabetic rats treated with sesame butter, and diabetic rats treated with sesame oil). Experimental diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Sesame butter (1.25 g/kg) and sesame oil (0.5 g/kg) were given by oral gavage to the diabetic rats for 6 weeks. Finally, serum glucose, lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Our data showed that the diabetic groups treated with sesame butter and sesame oil had significantly lower levels of glucose and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein than did the diabetic control group at the end of the study (P<0.05). Sesame butter supplementation also increased TAC and decreased MDA concentrations significantly in the diabetic rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The antihyperglycemic, antioxidative, and partly lipid-lowering effects of sesame butter make it an excellent candidate for future human studies on diabetes, although further research is needed to determine the exact dose and duration of supplementation.

Cloning and Expression of Iranian Turkmen-thoroughbred Horse Follicle Stimulating Hormone in Pichia pastoris.

BACKGROUND: Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) plays an essential role in reproductive physiology and follicular development. OBJECTIVE: A new variant of the equine fsh (efsh) gene was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) GS115 yeast expression system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The full-length cDNAs of the efshα and efshß chains were amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using the total RNA isolated from an Iranian Turkmen-thoroughbred horse's anterior pituitary gland. The amplified efsh chains were cloned into the pPIC9 vector and transferred into P. pastoris. The secretion of recombined eFSH using P. pastoris expression system was confirmed by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation (IP) methods. RESULTS: The DNA sequence of the efshß chain accession number JX861871, predicted two putative differential nucleotide arrays, both of which are located in the 3'UTR. Western blotting showed a molecular mass of 13 and 18 kDa for eFSHα and eFSHß subunits, respectively. The expression of desired protein was confirmed by protein G immunoprecipitation kit. CONCLUSIONS: eFSH successfully expressed in P. pastoris. These findings lay a foundation to improve ovulation and embryo recovery rates as well as the efficiency of total embryo-transfer process in mares.