فهرست مطالب محمدرضا دهقانی

In recent years, Urtica dioica L. has attracted the attention of researchers due to its significant effect on many diseases, especially diabetes. However, more research needs to be done in the field of tissue culture and the effect of elicitors on antioxidant properties and the production of its secondary metabolites. This research aimed to investigate the best hormonal combination and light conditions effective on nettle callogenesis and the effect of methyl jasmonate elicitor on its biochemical properties.

For this purpose, using stem explants, the effect of different levels of auxin hormones, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (1.5 and 3 mg/l) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4 D) (0.5 and 1.5 mg/l) and cytokinin hormone, benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.5 and 1.5 mg/l) were evaluated in two light conditions (light and dark) by measuring fresh weight, dry weight and percentage of callogenesis. The nettle plant's callus growth curve was obtained using liquid culture. After starting the suspension culture, methyl jasmonate treatment was applied with three levels of 1, 0.1 and 0.01 mM, and sampling was done at 24, 48 and 96 hours. The enzyme activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase and polyphenol oxidase and total protein content by extracting in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer with 8.8 acidity and total phenol, total flavonoid content by extracting in 80% methanol was measured using spectrophotometric and standard methods for control samples and those under different treatments of methyl jasmonate. Also, three metabolites of quercetin, kaempferol and rutin were measured using an HPLC device with a UV detector and 18C column stationary phase. Data from the callogenesis experiment were analyzed in a two-factor experiment in a completely randomized design. The data from the biochemical and HPLC experiments were analyzed in a split-plot in time design, and the means were compared with Duncan's test.

According to the results, the best hormonal combination to produce fresh and dry weight in light conditions includes 1.5 mg/l of NAA and 1.5 mg/l of BAP and in dark conditions, it includes 1.5 mg/l naphthalene acetic acid and 0.5 mg/l of benzyl aminopurine. Also, according to the results, naphthalene acetic acid (62.5%) performed better than 2,4-D (43.5%) in the nettle callogenesis percentage. Lighting was determined as the best light condition for callogenesis in nettle, so the amount of fresh and dry weight and percent of callogenesis in light compared to darkness increased by 4.79, 4.91 and 1.92 times, respectively. There was an increase in polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity, total phenol and total protein in some samples treated with methyl jasmonate compared to the control, and no significant increase was observed in the activity of phenylalanine ammonialyase enzyme and total flavonoid content. According to the HPLC results, the highest amount of rutin metabolite was obtained in 96 hours after the addition of the elicitor and at the concentration of 0.01 mM methyl jasmonate.

The naphthalene acetic acid hormone was more effective than the 2,4-D hormone and light conditions than darkness in nettle callogenesis. Methyl jasmonate elicitor increased the antioxidant property of nettle (48 hours after treatment) by increasing the polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity. However, compared to the control, it had no significant effect on the phenylalanine ammonialyase enzyme activity and total flavonoid. It is suggested that other concentrations of methyl jasmonate be tested to reach optimal conditions for increasing the production of secondary metabolites in nettle in vitro culture conditions.

It is necessary to identify psychological treatments effective in improving the mental health of patients with chronic blood pressure, so the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of positive therapy on the tolerance of distress and rumination in patients with chronic blood pressure

The present research was a quasi-experimental type of pre-test-post-test with a control group. The statistical population of the present study was all patients with high blood pressure who referred to the specialized and super-specialized center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in 2021. Among the qualified people who volunteered to participate in the research, 30 people were selected by available sampling method and randomly placed in two experimental and control groups (15 people in each group). The experimental group participated in nine 90-minute sessions of positive therapy training based on Marrero et al.'s (2016) therapy package, but the control group did not receive therapy. Data collection tools included Simons and Gaher (2005) distress tolerance scale and Nolen Hoeksema and Morrow (1991) rumination scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 software and multivariate analysis of covariance at a significance level of α=0.05.

The results showed that positive treatment significantly increased distress tolerance (F=75.29, P<0.001) and decreased rumination (F=24.73, P<0.001) in patients with chronic hypertension.

The results emphasize the importance of positive therapy in patients with chronic hypertension and providing new horizons in clinical interventions. Therefore, positive therapy can be used as a complementary treatment to create a positive and appropriate change in patients with chronic hypertension.

It is quite effective to identify high-yielding and stable genotypes and evaluate different genotypes in various environmental conditions.

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of 12 imported faba bean genotypes with the application of gibberellic acid hormone (environmental factor) by the GGE-biplot method. For this purpose, genotypes were evaluated in a complete randomized design with three replications during autumn of 2018 in the research greenhouse of Shahrekord University. Gibberellic acid was sprayed at concentrations of 0, 10, and 30 ppm from the 2-leaf to flowering stages on a weekly basis.

The analysis of variance showed that the effects of genotypes, gibberellic acid, and their interaction effects were significant in grain yield. The genotypes by the gibberellic acid sum of squares explained 22.33% of total grain yield variations. Using the GGE-biplot model, the first two components accounted for 86.5% of total grain yield variations due to the effect of genotype and the interaction effects between genotypes and gibberellic acid hormone.

Based on the analysis of GGE- biplots, the grain yield of genotypes C2, C4, C10, and C6 was higher than other genotypes. Furthermore, they had appropriate relative responses to the application of gibberellic acid hormone than other genotypes. Regarding the need for genotypes with high yield potential to increase in seed yield, they can be used for breeding this product. The eight remaining genotypes had lower grain yields with the most inappropriate responses to the application of gibberellic acid hormone, identified as undesirable genotypes.

The administration of Flaxseed as a source of energy supplementation can affect the growth of lambs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding different levels (0, 8 and 15%) of whole and ground Flaxseed on performance, nutrient digestibility, some blood parameters, and microbial protein production of Kabodeh Shirazi lambs.

30 male lambs (60 ± 4 days old and weighing 23.7 ± 2.5 kg) were allocated to 5 experimental groups with 6 replications in a completely randomized design. Treatments include 1- Diet without Flaxseed (control), 2- Diet containing 8% whole Flaxseed, 3- Diet containing 15% whole Flaxseed, 4- Diet containing 8% ground Flaxseed, and 5- Diet containing 15% of Flaxseed was ground (based on dry matter).

The addition of Flaxseed (whole and ground) had no significant effect on the performance of lambs and digestibility of nutrients in the whole gastrointestinal tract, but In comparison with the control group, crude fat digestibility has greatly improved in treatments using Flaxseed (p=0.001). As compared to the control treatments, the Flaxseed treatments raised plasma triglycerides (p=0.03) and cholesterol levels significantly (p=0.04). No difference was seen in glucose and albumin levels among lambs receiving different amounts or forms of Flaxseed. Purine derivatives, microbial nitrogen, and microbial protein production were also not affected by experimental treatments.

Flaxseed in various levels and forms improved the digestibility of crude fat and also increased triglycerides and blood cholesterol.

Urinary tract infections are one of the medical and health problems. This type of infection is more common in women than in men due to the anatomy of the urinary tract and lack of hygiene. The aim of the present study is to investigate the drug resistance of urinary pathogens in women with urinary tract infection in Savojbolagh city.

The current study is descriptive-cross-sectional, which was collected by examining 5100 urine samples from women suffering from and suspected of urinary tract infection, and after culturing in general-pourpose media and selective media and biochemical tests, the type of pathogenic microorganism was determined; then, the level of resistance in the strains was reported with antibiogram. Microsoft Excel 2022 software was used to draw graphs.

Out of a total of 5100 urine samples, 302 samples were considered positive, and the most infectious pathogens were Escherichia coli (%60.93) and group B streptococcus (%16.56). The age group of 31-40 years (%17.55) was recognized as the high-risk group, and the highest frequency of drug resistance in Escherichia coli to cefazolin (%60.87) and in group B streptococci to tetracycline (%88) was observed.

The amount of drug resistance of microorganisms is increasing day by day, and this issue is a threat to all humans and animals. In this study, the highest rate of drug resistance to cefazolin and tetracycline was observed in two pathogens, which are main causes of urinary tract infection.

In this study, the performance of titania-silica catalysts with different loadings of titania was investigated in the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye pollutants under ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, two synthesis methods, i.e., dry and wet impregnation, were compared. It was shown that photocatalytic degradation of RhB was higher on the catalyst prepared via wet impregnation. To further improve the photocatalytic activity of the titania-silica, oxides of different metals including tungsten, bismuth, cerium, vanadium, iron, copper, silver, nickel, and zinc were used as promoters. The materials were characterized by Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FT-IR spectroscopy), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and N2adsorption–desorption to characterize the catalysts and find their structure-function relationships. It was found that the photocatalytic degradation of RhB over the titania-silica catalyst synthesized by wet impregnation containing 3 wt.% of tungsten oxide could achieve 98% after 240 min at reaction conditions of pH=6, initial RhB concentration=10 mg/L, catalyst dosage= 1 g/L, and temperature of dye solution= 25 ℃.

This study was performed to compare some physiological and molecular responses of lemon balm to osmotic stress imposed by drought and salinity stresses with equal osmotic potential in hydroponic culture. Growing lemon balm plants in hydroponic culture were treated with drought and salinity stress using polyethylene glycol 6000 and sodium chloride for 14 days. Then, seedlings were sampled to evaluate the amount of photosynthetic pigments, proline, phenolic compounds, malondialdehyde, ion leakage percentage, phenylalanine ammonialyase activity and the amount of rosmarinic acid. Also, the expression of phenylalanine ammonialyase and rosmarinic acid synthase genes was examined by real-time PCR. This experiment was performed as a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed that photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds, free proline, malondialdehyde, ion leakage, enzyme activity and relative expression of phenylalanine ammonialyase gene, relative expression of rosmarinic acid synthase and rosmarinic acid content affected by drought and salinity stresses at one percent level of probability. Also, a significant reduction in photosynthetic pigments was observed in drought and salinity stresses. The phenolic compounds content in plants under salinity stress increased compared to the plants under drought stress and untreated. The increase in free proline in plants under drought and salinity stresses was 11% and 25%, respectively. The amount of malondialdehyde and the percentage of ion leakage in plants under drought and salinity stress increased compared to the control plants. Relative gene expression and phenylalanine ammonialyase activity increased in salinity stress. Increasing the relative gene expression of rosmarinic acid synthase in drought and salinity stresses increased rosmarinic acid content by 42 and 60% compared to untreated plants. According to the results, lemon balm responded differently to drought and salinity with iso-osmotic potential. In another words, the plant had a better response to osmotic stress induced by salinity than drought with more increase in proline, phenolic compounds, rosmarinic acid contents, relative gene expression and phenylalanine ammonialyase enzyme activity.

In this research, the effect of increasing the amount of alfalfa hay in the starter diet on the performance, blood parameters and health of Holstein dairy calves fed according to the milk feeding pattern by step down method using 24 female Holstein calves with 4±1 day of age and birth weight of 41.2 ±3 kg were studied in a completely randomized design with three treatments and eight calves in each treatment for 56-days (until weaning). Experimental treatments include: 1) feeding milk without alfalfa hay, 2) feeding milk with five percent of alfalfa hay (based on dry matter of the diet) and 3) feeding milk with 10 percent of alfalfa hay (based on dry matter of the diet). there was no difference between experimental treatments in terms of dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, daily weight gain, fecal score, skeletal growth indices and ruminal pH. The concentration of propionate in the rumen of calves fed with milk and five percent alfalfa hay was significantly higher than the control and 10 percent forage treatments (P <0.05). The ratio of acetate to propionate in the rumen of calves fed milk and five percent alfalfa forage was significantly higher than of calves of other treatments. Plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration was higher in calves fed the starter containing five percent of dry alfalfa than calves in other treatments (P <0.05). According to the results of this study, replacing part of the starter of dairy calves fed with high amounts of milk and alfalfa hay improves their rumen development.

The Best-Worst Method (BWM) is one of the latest methods in Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) problems. The mentioned method determines the optimal solution by forming and solving a Non-Linear Programming Model (NLPM). In respect to the difficulties of solving the relevant NLPM, some attempts have been made to provide Linear Programming Models (LPM) or Equivalent Mixed Linear Programming Models. But there are some deficiencies in each of the proposed models. In this paper, by removing the mentioned deficiencies, an algorithm was proposed to estimate the solution of BWM NLPM with an acceptable error by forming and solving Mixed Integer Linear Programming Models (MILPMs). In the suggested algorithm, first, the equivalent model of NLPM (ENLPM) was formed. Then by Piecewise Linear Approximation (PLA) using the SOS2 method, the non-linear sentences of ENLPM were approximated and the first MILP model was formed and solved. If the error of solution is not acceptable, improving the PLA of the ENLPM nonlinear sentences, the forming of new MILPMs, and its solving continues until a solution with acceptable error obtained. To investigate the reliability of the algorithm, a new method for generating samples was proposed. Then using this method, 128 samples with three and five attributes were generated. The results of implementing the proposed algorithm to solve generated samples showed the performance and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. In this regard by forming and solving a maximum of three MILPMs of the samples, an estimation of the solution with 1% error was obtained.

In this experiment, the effect of repeated foliar application of 0.5 percent urea at three different stages of fruit growth (including initiation of embryo growth, rapid growth of embryo and during flower bud abscission with two weeks interval) on growth and yield of pistachio was investigated. To this aim, 20 mature trees of Kalleh-ghuchi were selected from the Research Garden of Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Iran in 2016. Growth characteristics such as shoot length, leaf number and the length of inter node were increased by increasing urea application events. Three times application of urea decreased bud abscission by 62%, also it resulted in a 65% increase in leaf nitrogen concentration compared to the control trees. Also L index of hull and cluster weight, nut weight and fruit moisture were increased by increasing urea application events, while fruit firmness and ounce were decreased by increase in urea application events. The presented data suggests that three times application of urea during the third stage of nut growth with two weeks-interval, can have some positive effects on qualitative and quantitative traits of fruit; furthermore, it can initiate alternate bearing by decreasing flower bud abscission during the “On” year.

Performance evaluation is necessary for sustainable and green production of companies such as thermal power plants. Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC) is a common model in this area. Assumption in SBSC is perspectives/indicators/sub-indicators (elements) weight equality that may be problematic in real-world problems. In this paper, firstly a mathematical model was presented to calculate global weight of elements in hierarchical structure by Best-Worst Method (BWM). Then, four properties of the desirable practical structure of the elements were defined by getting idea from designing hierarchical structure concepts in the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Then, an algorithm was presented to design multi-level structure of problems elements and give weights to them using the proposed giving weight model, four properties of the desirable practical structure, and Consistency Ratio Thresholds. A four-level hierarchical structure including 50 identified performance evaluation elements of SBSC model was presented using the proposed algorithm for giving structure and weight to performance evaluation SBSC elements in Iranian thermal power plants according to green and sustainable production. Finally, by considering the elements used in the resulting structure, a suitable indicators list of Iranian thermal power plants according to green and sustainable production was derived. The findings indicate the suitability of the proposed algorithm.

 This investigation was conducted to determine the chemical composition and nutritional value of five dominant plant species in the vegetative stage, namely Artemisia herba-alba, Acer monspessulanum, Amygdalus lycioides, Amygdalus scoparia, and Atriplex leucoclada, in the pastures of Rustaq and Fedami areas, Darab in April, 2020. After collecting samples, the chemical compositions of plants including Dry Matter (DM), Organic Matter (OM), Crude Protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE), Ash, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) were determined according to the standard methods. Three 12-month-old Sistani bulls weighing 277±27 kg were used for the degradation test. The CP value ranged from 5.30 (Amygdalus scoparia) to 11.72% (Atriplex leucoclada) while NDF value ranged from 52.62 (Amygdalus lycioides) to 69.05% (Amygdalus scoparia) (P <0.01). After 96 hours of incubation, the highest and lowest gas productions with values of 54.83 and 38.66 (ml/200 mg DM) were related to Amygdalus lycioides and Amygdalus scoparia, respectively. The higher values of gas production were due to lower values of ADF (38.66%) and NDF (52.62%) in Amygdalus lycioides. The highest amounts of Ca (0.28%), P (0.15%), and Mg (0.12%) were recorded in Atriplex leucoclada. Through the gas production technique, the range of organic matter digestibility (OMD), digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) were varied from 36.67 to 53.27%, 34.67 to 49.11%, and 5.57 to 8.08 (MJ/kg), respectively. The highest values of OMD (53.28%), DOMD (49.11%), and ME (8.08 MJ/kg) were recorded in Amygdalus lycioides, which were significantly higher than other studied plants (P<0.01). The nutritional value of Amygdalus lycioides, Atriplex leucoclada, Acer monspessulanum, and Artemisia herba-alba, respectively, were acceptable based on their composition and digestibility. The results of this experiment showed that range plants can meet a part of the livestock nutritional requirements.

To keep and improve the position of thermal power generation companies in the competitive market, performance evaluation is necessary. BSC is one of the most efficient performance evaluation models. This model has two assumptions of equal weights of perspectives and equal weights of performance evaluation indicators, which are not necessarily true in real-world problems. BWM is a strong method for weighting criteria in MADM problems. This research presents a trustable BWM algorithm for solving MADM problems with various indicators and hierarchical levels without considering the two mentioned assumptions. This algorithm can provide more trustable solutions for some real-world problems. Then, the weight of performance evaluation indicators of Fars Power Generation Management Company was evaluated by integrating the proposed algorithm with the BSC model. Seventeen performance evaluation indicators were identified in this company. Then, the identified indicators were classified and weighted in four perspectives using the BSC model. Based on the results, the integration of the proposed algorithm with the BSC model can be a suitable approach to assigning weights to indicators as per the performance evaluation of thermal power generation companies. Also, the algorithm is convergent and trustable and can provide reliable results for solving MADM problems according to various number of indicators and hierarchical level numbers.

Path and biplot analysis based on linear and bilinear models, respectively, are of the effective statistical methods for expressing relationships between traits in plant. In order to study of effective traits on seed yield of bitter vetch, 20 ecotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications during 2017-2018 growing season in the Research Field of Faculty of Agriculture at Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the ecotypes for 16 studied traits except plant and root height in maturity stage and one seed pod length suggesting high variation among the ecotypes for the majority of the studied traits. Correlation analysis showed that there were a positive and significant correlation between seed yield and the most of traits except phenological traits including days to 50% flowering and days to maturing start and days to 50% maturing and two morphological traits including root height in maturity stage and two seed pod length. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that thousand kernel weight, number of seed per plant and number of lateral branch entered into model and explained about 65.7 of the total variation. The results obtained from path analysis demonstrated that thousand kernel weight had the most direct effects on seed yield (an increase of 0.657 g in seed yield per 1 g increase in thousand kernel weight). Biplot of first two components divided the successful ecotypes into two groups and identified the most effective traits association with the success of each group.

Salinity resistance is one of the main concerns in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, the effect of acetic acid pretreatment in salinity stress was investigated on parameters such as relative water content, electrolyte leakage, proline, malondialdehyde, phenolic compounds, protein and photosynthetic pigments content, phenylalanine ammonialyase enzyme activity and expression of important enzymes in rosmarinic acid biosynthesis (phenylalanine ammonialyase and rosmarinic acid synthase) in hydroponic culture of Melissa officinalis L. The seedlings were grown in Hoagland’s solution were pre-treated with acetic acid (10 µM) and then salinity stress was done with NaCl (35 mM) for 11 days. The results indicated that electrolyte leakage percent and malondialdehyde content were decreased, whereas, proline and phenol content were increased in acetic acid pretreated plants in salinity stress. Also, photosynthetic pigments content showed less reduction in acid acetic pretreated plants compared to the control plants. Phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity and gene expression increased in salinity stress. Increasing in rosmarinic acid synthase gene expression resulted in increasing rosmarinic acid content. Also, the amount of rosmarinic acid had a positive and significant relationship with the activity and expression of key genes in its biosynthesis. The results suggest that the use of acetic acid pretreatment, by initiating support mechanisms such as decreasing in peroxidation of membrane lipids, increasing in proline, phenolic compound, activity and expression of genes involved in phenolic compound and photosynthetic pigments played an important role in salinity stress modulation.

Determining the relationships between morphological traits is very important in plant breeding. For this purpose, path analysis and biplot analysis are among the most effective statistical methods. To study the morphological traits affecting faba bean seed yield, 12 introduced faba bean genotypes were studied under the influence of 3 concentrations of gibberellic acid based on split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research greenhouse of Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran. The analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between genotypes in terms of all studied traits except for number of internodes, internode length, stem diameter, number of seeds per pod and root dry weight, indicating high genetic variation among the studied traits. The study of correlation coefficients showed that there was significant correlation between seed yield and all studied traits except for plant height, number of internodes, internode length, stem diameter, number of seeds per pod, and shoot dry weight. The results of multivariate regression based on stepwise method showed that among the studied traits, 3 traits including number of fertile pods, pod length, and number of seeds per plant were entered into the model, and altogether justified 86% of the variations of faba bean seed yield. The results of path analysis based on just identified model and over identified model showed that the most direct effect on faba bean seed yield was through the number of fertile pods, so that one unit change in this trait causes 0.784 units increase in faba bean seed yield. Thus, in selection for yield the number of fertile pods in the studied genotypes is of special importance. Biplot analysis as a bilinear model, identified the C2, C7 and C10 as suitable genotypes in terms of yield and yield related traits.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of adding fat powder and flaxseed oil in milk on performance, growth, health, blood and rumen parameters of 45 suckling calves (avarage body weight = 38 ± 0.5 kg) in a compeletly randomized design in 10℃ of average temperature from d 3 to 30 of age in individual boxes. Experimental treatments included: 1- basal starter and milk without fat supplement (control) 2- basal starter and milk with fat powder (10 g/liter of milk) 3- basal starter and milk with flaxseed oil (10 g/liter of milk). Daily weight gain from d 3 to 30 and weight at d 30 were higher in flaxseed oil treatment than control treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Calves fed flaxseed oil treatment had higher hip height than control treatment at d 30 (P ≤ 0.05). Blood cholesterol concentration was higher in control treatmentthan flaxseed oil treatment and blood cortisol concentration was lower in flaxseed oil treatment than control treatment (P ≤ 0.05). The ratio oftotal protein to albumin in flaxseed oil treatment was lower than control treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Ruminal parameters were not affected by the experimental treatments. The results of this research indicated that using of fat sources including linolenic acid as flaxseed oil in milk have a positive effect on the performance, growth and health during the first month after birth of dairy calves.

The COVID-19 epidemic control has become a global challenge and many contributing variables are still unknown to policymakers. This case-cohort study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of mortality in COVID-19 patients.

This case-cohort study was conducted on 1465 samples in Yazd Province in the first six months of 2020. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and chi-square, and Cox regression analysis.

Of a total cohort population of 1465, 1236 were assigned to the control group and 229 were assigned to the case group. The results of multiple Cox regression showed that increasing one year of age increases the chance of death by 2.7% (HR = 1.027, P <0.001). Having cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic neurological disease, chronic lung disease and malignancy increases the chance of death. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit had a 200% higher risk of death than others (HR = 3.009, P <0.001).

The results showed a higher mortality rate in elderly patients as well as those with underlying diseases. Attention should be paid to at-risk and elderly patients in terms of ensuring a healthy diet, improving their self-care practices, and providing long-term medical and healthcare facilities.

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary electrolyte balance and probiotic on the performance and carcass characteristics in Japanese quail under heat stress conditions. A total of 672 quail chicks (20-day old) were studied in a three-factor, factorial experiment with 4 replicates and in each replication of 14 birds during 20 to 37 and 20 to 41 days Factors included three levels of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) (170, 220 and 270 mEq / kg), two levels of probiotic protexin (0 and 100 g / t) and two temperature levels (normal rearing temperature and 34 ° C). The effect of sex was also considered as one of the factors for carcass evaluation. Results showed that probiotic-fed birds at age 20 to 37 had the highest feed intake, while the best feed conversion ratio was obtained without probiotic (P<0.05). During 20 to 37 and 20 to 41 days under heat stress conditions, the best feed conversion ratio and weight gain were related to DEB 270 mEq / kg and no probiotic treatment. Under normal temperature conditions, the best conversion ratio and weight gain coefficients in each time period were related to the diet without probiotics and DEB 170 mEq / kg (P<0.05). The use of probiotic had a significant effect on the relative weight of the carcass and the relative weight of the heart (P<0.05). Also, within each genus, the highest carcass weight and percentage belonged to probiotic treatments (P<0.05). Interactions between probiotics, temperature and sex in males showed significantly (P<0.05) higher relative weight in carcass traits. In general, the use of 170 mEq / kg is recommended for electrolyte balance under normal temperature conditions. Probiotics can be used to achieve the best carcass efficiency.

SARS-COV 19 is a new coronavirus that was reported first time in 30 December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The first case of coronary heart disease in Iran was reported with a definitive test on February 18 in Qom province and the first case in Yazd province on 24 February. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Covid infection on March 11 a pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroepidemiology of COVID 19 in Yazd province.

The present study was a cross-sectional population-based study of seroepidemiological type that was conducted to investigate the serological prevalence of Covid-19 in the period of 3 to 20 May 2020 in Yazd Province. Sampling was clustered and it was without age and sex restrictions. Information was collected including demographic information, adherence to health protocols, and history of clinical symptoms of COVID 19. "Pishtaz ELISA Kit" was used to evaluate the IgG and IgM antibody titers against Covid 19. Chi-square, analysis of variance and T tests were used via SPSS.version.16 software

Mean age of the participants was 34.3± 17.5. Among the study participants, 507 (54.5%) were women. The serological prevalence of definite cases was 14.91% (95% CI: 12.91-16.91%) and suspicious cases were 2.85% (95% CI:1.85-3.85%). Ardakan City with 32% had the highest and Taft, Mehriz, Khatam with 7% had the lowest prevalence of COVID 19 (P <0.05).

By June 2020, nearly 18% of the population of the province was definitively or suspiciously infected with COVID 19. Unfortunately, up to 25% of the population does not follow the early prevention protocols of COVID 19.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of diet type and residual feed intake on the blood and performance parameters in Kermani male lambs. The first experiment was performed in a completely randomized design it involved two diet types: High-concentrated and High forage on the 40 lambs with average 3.5 months of age and body weight 16±1.5 kg for 42 days. Feed intake and body weight was measured and residual feed intake was calculated on based this data. The lambs consuming each of the diet types based on RFI value were considered in two groups RFI: low and high RFI. The effect of diet type and RFI on the blood and performance parameters in Kermani male lambs were studied in the form of factorial (2×2). According to the results, High-concentrated diet reduced dry matter intake, improved final weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01). The high percentage of concentrate in the diet caused increase in glucose, triglyceride, insulin, ghrelin and insulin_like factor in lamb’s blood plasma but in urea blood, concentration decrease (p < 0.01). The Low RFI groups had less feed intake and improved feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01). The concentration of glucose, urea, ghrelin, and insulin_like growth factor was lower in the blood plasma of low efficiency group than high efficiency animal (p < 0.01). Overall, the results of this study showed that RFI factor can be effective in selection of livestock with lower feed intake and better feed conversion ratio in Kermani lambs.

Menopause can change the musculoskeletal system by reducing estrogen hormone levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of regular resistance training accompanied by vitamins D and calcium supplements during pre-menopausal period on muscle tissues of Wistar rats’ postmenopausal period.

In this experimental study, female Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, placebo, vitamins D, Calcium, excercise, vitamins D- Calcium, vitamins.D- excercise, Calcium - excercise, and vitamins.D‐ Calcium - excercise groups. Control and placebo groups were fed with a standard diet and sesame oil, respectively. The amount of calcium consumed was 35 mg / kg and the amount of vitamin D was 10000 IU during the two-month period, and in the resistance training groups, two months of training was performed with a ladder. Then ovariectomy was done and sample of the gastrocnemius muscle was taken and the diameter of muscle fiber, the number of muscle and adipocyte cell as well as the number of inflammatory cells were studied. The statistical analysis by means of one-way ANOVA and SPSS version 20 was performed.

Compared to the control group, the increase in the number of adipocyte cells were observed in the vitamin D, calcium-vitamin D, vitamin D-resistance exercise and placebo groups but it was not significantly different. Muscle fiber diameter significantly increased in all groups compared to the control group (P <0.001). The number of muscle cells increased significantly in the calcium-resistance exercise group (103± 9), vitamin D-resistance exercise (105 ±6.9) and calcium-vitamin D-resistance exercise (114 ± 3.16) compared to the control group, while, there was a significant increase in inflammatory cells only in the control and placebo groups (p≤0.05).

Regular resistance exercise accompanied with vitamin D and Calcium supplements in premenopausal period can improve muscle fiber diameter and muscle cell numbers; in addition, the process of decrease in the muscle strength and muscle inflammation during menopause will be delayed

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder affecting 1% of the world's population. Two of genes have been recognized to be involved in development of this disease: DRD2 and GSTM1.

This case-control study included 100 patients suffering from schizophrenia who referred to Yazd Neuropsychiatry Hospital. Also, 100 healthy patients without schizophrenia were selected as the control group. After DNA extraction, it was genotyped 100 schizophrenic and 100 healthy controls by use of restricted fragment of length polymorphism (RFLP) for Ser311Cys polymorphism and multiplex PCR for GSTM1. After performing relevant experiments and gaining some results, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software16. In this study, Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to investigate the relation between genotype of polymorphism and schizophrenia.

Data analysis showed that frequency distribution of Ser311Cys polymorphism genotypes between the patients and healthy participants was not significant (P: 0.121). Also, for GSTM1, there was no association between the polymorphism and schizophrenia. In general, the frequency distribution of the deleting gene between the patients and the control group was not significant (P= 0.089). And this polymorphism was significantly associated with symptoms (P = 0.012).

The results of this study show that Ser311Cys polymorphism and GSTM1 polymorphism is not common among the studied patients, therefore it indicates its non-effectiveness in the study population. However, because the study population is not representative of the entire Iranian population, further studies with larger population are needed.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera), as one of the most important horticultural products of Iran, has been embraced as one of the main commercial products. Rafsanjan is an important area of pistachio production in the world. High production is primarily dependent on the ability of the trees to produce large amounts of photoassimilates during the growing season. Nitrogen is the primary nutrient element needed in the greatest quantities for plant growth and physiology. The greatest impact of nitrogen is in relation to photosynthesis. Therefore, the rate of CO2 assimilation has been closely related to leaf nitrogen status. Nitrogen deficiency leads to the reduction in the activities of enzymes involved in photosynthesis and consequently a decrease in the rate of CO2 assimilation. Regarding the key role of nitrogen in metabolic activities, especially photosynthesis, this research was conducted to investigate the effects of repeated foliar applications of urea on photosynthesis parameters of “Kalleh-ghuchi” pistachio cultivar.

This research was conducted to assess the effect of repeated foliar applications of urea on photosynthetic parameters of pistachio trees in different stages of fruit growth, as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with five replications. In this experiment, urea was applied at the rate of 0.5% at three different stages of fruit growth including initiation of embryo growth, rapid growth of embryo and during flower bud abscission with two weeks interval. Measurement of photosynthesis parameters (including photosynthesis (A), transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci)) were done by used a portable photosynthesis system, after measuring photosynthesis parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm and PII) were recorded by using a Chlorophyll Fluorometer. Leaf nitrogen content was determined by the kjeldahl method. Leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids content were measured according to porra (2002). Photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) was calculated as the ratio of photosynthesis to foliar nitrogen content. All above parameters was performed in two times, one day after the last spraying and 10 days after the first stage of measurement. The experimental data was analyzed by SAS software and the significant differences among the treatment were tested by Duncan test.

The results showed that photosynthesis and transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were increased in urea treated trees compared to control in both sampling dates, while intercellular CO2 concentration was decreased by urea application. Three times applications of urea caused a 20% increase in photosynthesis rate compared to control trees. Leaf nitrogen content was also increased by repeated urea application in two sampling dates, as three times application of urea resulted in a 65% increase in leaf nitrogen concentration compared to the control , while photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency decreased by urea application. Fv/Fm and PII were improved by repeated urea applications in two sampling dates. The results also indicated that chlorophyll pigments were increased by urea application. Generally, results showed that the maximum of photosynthesis and related parameters were obtained with three applications of urea at second date of sampling.

Any increase in photosynthesis with urea application indicates that more nitrogen maybe allocated to the enzymes of the carbon assimilation. Thus, more CO2 could be used by the plant, therefore increases in CO2 assimilation was accompanied by a decrease in the Ci due to nitrogen application. In the present study, nitrogen application increased stomatal conductance of pistachio trees. Application of nitrogen can influence stomatal opening, and thus transpiration rate. Increased chlorophyll content with applied nitrogen indicates paramount role of nitrogen in determining of chlorophyll synthesis. Increasing photosynthesis rate is always accompany with chlorophyll fluorescence reduction that is in agree with our results. Differences in PNUE are mainly brought about by differences in photosynthetic capacity or foliar nitrogen allocation either within the photosynthetic apparatus or to non-photosynthetic pools (e.g. cell walls, nitrate).

The results of this study showed that urea application can improve photosynthesis capacity by increasing nitrogen content of pistachio leaves. In this experiment, repeated foliar applications of urea in different stages of fruit growth had positive effects on photosynthesis and other dependent parameters which may be effective in reduction of alternate bearing in pistachio trees. On the other hand, the effect of nitrogen application on photosynthesis was continued for more than a month after application, compared to control.