Background and purpose: Sahastara (SHT) is a traditional Thai medicine for the treatment of musculoskeletal and joint pain. It consists of 21 plant components. A previous study demonstrated the antiinflammatory activity of SHT on inhibition of nitric oxide production and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, however, inhibitory effects on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α ) has not been reported. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of SHT on inhibitory effects on TNF-α and PGE2 production and presented an analytical method for validation of SHT. Experimental approach: Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibitory activity on TNF-α and PGE2 production in RAW264. 7 cells. The validated procedure was conducted according to ICH guidelines. The validated parameters were specificity/selectivity, linearity, range, the limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ). Findings/Results: Ethanolic extract of SHT exerted inhibitory activity on PGE2 production in RAW264. 7 cells with IC50 16. 97 ± 1. 16  g/mL. Myristica frangrans seed extract showed the highest inhibitory activity on PGE2 production. Piper retrofractum extract showed the highest inhibitory activity on TNF-α production. For the HPLC method, all validated parameters complied with standard requirements. Each analyzed peak showed good selectivity with a baseline resolution greater than 1. 51. The linearity of all compounds was > 0. 999. The % recovery of all compounds was within 98. 0-102. 0%. The precision of all compounds was less than 2. 0% CV. Conclusion and implications: Ethanolic extracts of SHT possess anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of TNF-α and PGE2 production in vitro. This study provides support for the traditional use of SHT. The validated results showed good specificity/selectivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy with appropriate LOD and LOQ. This study is the first report on the validation of the HPLC method of SHT for use as quality control of the SHT extract.

Background:  The side hop test (SHT) is widely used by physiotherapists to assess functional limitations in athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Determining if diminished SHT performance correlates with specific component deficits could enhance the test's clinical value. Therefore, this study investigates the association between SHT performance, dynamic balance control, and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in recreational male athletes with CAI. The aim is to examine the SHT’s ability to predict deficits in dynamic balance control and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in these individuals. Methods: Sixty male athletes with CAI (mean age 29.6 ± 6.2 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The SHT score, dynamic balance control (using the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test [MSEBT]), and maximal isometric strength for invertor, evertor, hip abductor, and external rotator muscles (using hand-held dynamometry) were assessed. Results: Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed fair negative correlations between the SHT and MSEBT in the posteromedial (PM) (r = -0.43, P < 0.001) and posterolateral (PL) (r = -0.26, P = 0.04) reach directions. A linear regression model showed that SHT scores accounted for only 19% of the variance in the PM reach direction and 7% in the PL reach direction.  Conclusion: The SHT may not be a reliable predictor of deficits in dynamic balance control and isometric strength of hip and ankle muscles in recreational male athletes with CAI.

The Sahastara (SHT) remedy is an herbal medicine that can be used as an alternative treatment for improving pain symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the SHT remedy for pain relief. PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, TCI, and ThaiLis were systematically searched for relevant articles from inception to April 2021. We only included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which the efficacy and safety of the SHT remedy were compared with those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers. The clinical therapeutic outcomes were the pain score, WOMAC score, Oswestry Disability Index score, 100 meters walk result, global assessment, and adverse events of the SHT remedy. The outcomes were assessed and pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Four studies with 213 participants were included in the analysis. The efficacy of the SHT remedy was not different from that of NSAIDs in terms of the pain score (standardized mean difference [SMD] =-0. 31; 95% CI =-1. 26, 0. 65; I2 = 91%), WOMAC score (SMD = 0. 05; 95% CI =-0. 30, 0. 41; I2 = 0. 0%), Oswestry Disability Index score (SMD =-0. 41, 95% CI =-1. 18, 0. 35), 100 meters walk result (SMD = 0. 31; 95% CI =-0. 25, 0. 87; I2 = 0. 0%), and global assessment (relative risk = 0. 85; 95% CI = 0. 62, 1. 16; I2 = 0. 0%). Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences between the SHT remedy and NSAID treatment groups in terms of adverse events or liver function. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the SHT remedy is not different from NSAIDs in terms of clinical therapeutic efficacy and adverse events. However, larger and well-designed studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.

In a 2×3×2 factorial arrangement, 144, fifty-four-week-old laying hens, in 12 treatments with 12 replicates for each treatment, received one of 12 diets based on maize or wheat containing three levels of dried tomato pomace (DTP: 0, 50 and 100 g/kg) as a substitute for wheat bran, and two levels of pigment (0 and 900 mg/kg), for 9 weeks. Weight gain (WG), egg production (EP), egg weight (EW), egg mass output (EM) and feed intake (FI) were determined. Shell weight (ShW), shell thickness (SHT), Haugh unit (HU) and yolk colour score (YCS) were also measured. Maize decreased body weight of the birds and increased HU, ShW/EW ratio, SHT, and YCS of the eggs when compared with wheat diets. DTP had no effect on these parameters, but increased YCS. Pigment reduced ShW/EW ratio and SHT, but increased YCS of the eggs.There were significant interactions between the source of energy (ES) and DTP on SHT and YCS of the eggs.There were also interactions significant between ES and pigment on SHT and YCS. As an alternative for wheat bran, 100 g/kg of DTP produced comparable egg quality and laying performance, and it contributed to a deeper yolk colour.

Diagnosis of tubal patency is important step in evalution of infertiliy. Common method in our country is Hysterosalpangography (by X-Ray and Contrast Media). Uterine tube can be evaluated by sonography if there is liquid in or around it.This study accomplished in Isfahan shahid BeheSHTi Hospital on 42 infertile women whose uterine tubal patency condition was unknow. Neonatal NG tube number 0.8 was cause to pass via cervix at the moment of vaginal songraphy by 6.5 MHZ probe concept/me dynamic imaging EHS49DR system. Passing of liquid through uterine tubes and abnormalities in line of movement were observed. Then laparoscopy with passing dye (Methylen blue) was performed up to 8 weeks later. Results and side effects of two methods were written down.Compatibility of SHT and laparoscopy finding were 88.2% in bilateral patency, 55.6% in unilateral patency and 61.3% in bilateral occlusion. SHT sensitivity was 89.6% its specifity was 81.3% and ppv =100%.SHT side effects was 12% (anxiety, vaginismus, slight pain) laparoscopy side effects was 28.6% (nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, overt abdominal distention, dyspenea) mean price was accounted 65000 rials in SHT and 600.000 rials in laparoscopy.Because of low-priced method, simplicity, low side effects, suitable for outpatients and acceptable results (in comparison with laparoscopy), we can use SHT as the first step in diagnosing of tubal patency.

Background and purpose: To investigate the pharmacokinetics of piperine after single oral doses of capsules containing Sahastara (SHT) remedy dried ethanolic extracts in healthy Thai volunteers. Experimental approach: Twenty-four healthy volunteers were divided into two dosage groups. They received a single oral dose of SHT remedy extract capsules of 100 or 200 mg. Blood was collected at time intervals of 0, 0. 5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h. Acute clinical safety was monitored by complete physical examination and laboratory tests during the study period. Piperine concentration in blood and urine was determined by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. Findings/Results: No serious adverse events were detected, only one volunteer had abdominal pain that was self-limiting. The pharmacokinetics of piperine following SHT remedy extract capsule administration demonstrated a mean peak concentration (Cmax) of piperine of 3. 77 µ g/mL and 6. 59 µ g/mL after dosing with 100 and 200 mg, respectively. Interestingly, a secondary maximum concentration of piperine was observed in this study, which might be related to enterohepatic recirculation. Negligible amounts of unchanged piperine were detected in urine. Conclusion and implication: The systemic exposure of piperine after SHT remedy ethanolic extract demonstrated dose proportionality after single oral dosing of 100-200 mg. Piperine was detectable in plasma for at least 48 h with evidence of enterohepatic recirculation. Metabolism and excretion profiles of piperine after administration of SHT remedy extract capsule need to be further explored for phytopharmaceutical product development.

Background: Achieving target blood pressure is important in retarding the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Optimizing patient’ s hypertension solely based on clinic blood pressure could be harmful as it may be masked by white coat hypertension. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of white coat hypertension (WCHT) in patients with CKD and correlating this with their target organ damage evidenced by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). Methods: A cross sectional study of 99 patients with CKD (stage 3 to 5 with eGFR Epi of < 60 mL/min/1. 732) at a CKD clinic was conducted. Demographic data, routine blood investigations, and number of antihypertensive medication were recorded. Mean clinic blood pressure of the last 2 visits were taken followed by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-hour ABPM), electrocardiography, and carotid ultrasound measurement. Results: Ninety-nine patients (42 males and 57 females) with median age of 62 (55 to 69) years old and predominantly Malays ethnicity were recruited. The prevalence of WCHT was 34. 3% (34 patients), and 65. 7% (65 patients) had sustained hypertension (SHT). Median eGFRs were comparable in both groups (P = 0. 479). Despite comparable mean clinic blood pressure (P = 0. 85), the WCHT group had significantly lower mean average systolic, daytime, and night time blood pressure when compared with the SHT group (120. 82 8. 24 vs. 153. 20 18. 70), (124. 50 9. 51 vs 155 18. 86), (111. 97 20. 07 vs 146. 22 21. 17 ) and diastolic (66. 36 85. 79 vs. 82. 35  12. 17), (68. 71 10. 94 vs 84. 11. 8), (62. 68 7. 78 vs. 79. 28 12. 17) respectively (P < 0. 05). The trend towards significance of LVH in the WCHT compared with the SHT group (52% vs. 38% (P = 0. 066)) and the SHT group had a significantly higher median CIMT 0. 80mm (0. 70-0. 90) as opposed to the 0. 60mmmedian of the WCHT group (0. 60 to 0. 70) (P < 0. 05). Two-thirds of SHT were non dippers. Conclusions: White coat hypertension is prevalent in CKD. Patients with SHT had significant carotid intima thickening; LVH was detected more commonly in the WCHT group.

Background: Wastewater collection, treatment, discharge, additionally as reusing the treated wastewater in urban are critical factors for maintaining public health preventing contamination of water resources. This study aimed to investigate the performance of enhanced modified Ludzack Ettinger process-oxic settling anaerobic (MLE-OSA) process for treating real municipal wastewater in Sari wastewater Treatment, Sari City, Iran. Methods: To combine the OSA process technique with the MLE system, the Sludge Holding Tanks (SHT) were implemented in the return sludge line of designed pilot studies which comprised 1) MLE, which was regarded as the control system similar,2) MLE-OSA4 with a 70-L SHT operated at 4-h Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), and 3) MLEOSA6 with a 107-L SHT operated at 6-h HRT. To start the process, the overflow effluent of the primary settling tank of the Sari wastewater treatment plant was used. After 45-60 days, the reactors reached a steady state. The parameters of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), temperature, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and nutrients were analyzed. Results: The results revealed that the average TSS, COD, BOD, phosphorus, nitrite, nitrate, and total nitrogen in MLEOSA4 effluent decreased 20. 1, 14. 6, 2. 97, 10, 51. 1, 19. 3, and 20. 7%, respectively compared to MLE. Similarly, in MLE-OSA6, the values decreased 34. 2, 16. 1, 14. 6, 16. 7, 69. 6, 31. 3, and 25. 8%, respectively compared to the control process. Conclusion: Therefore, using natural wastewater, the enhanced MLE-OSA process showed better performance in removing the study parameters and better quality for the effluent. Furthermore, the quality of effluent is following the Iran Department of Environment (IDE).

The Savonius hydrokinetic turbine (SHT) is widely used for generating electricity from running water. However, most optimization work has been carried out on conventional blades with similar concave and convex profiles. This study aims to enhance SHT performance by modifying the rotor blades' outer surface radius (0.079, 0.087 and 0.095 m) to create a semi-elliptical shape, thus reducing opposing forces. The tip speed ratio (TSR) varies from 0.5 to 1.3 with an interval of 0.1. A constant channel velocity of 0.8 m/s at Re = 2.25 × 105 is considered for the analysis. The flow field has been numerically investigated using the SST k - ω model. This study comprises the angular variation in the coefficients of power (Cp) and torque (Cm), performance curves of the rotor, and pressure distribution on the blade surface at different angular positions. It is observed that the rotor with a radius of 0.095 m has a maximum Cp value of 0.142, which is 7.57% and 18.33% higher than the Cp values of rotors with radii of 0.079 m and 0.087 m, respectively. The maximum power output of the rotor with a radius of 0.095 m is 2.32 W, whereas the power outputs of the rotors with radii of 0.087 m and 0.079 m are 2.16 W and 1.96 W, respectively. An increase in the instantaneous values of Cm between rotation angles 0◦ to 115◦ is observed, during which the returning blades mainly interact with the incoming stream. The pressure decreases as the radius of the semi-elliptical outer surface increases at rotor positions ranging from 0◦ to 225◦, but it increases at rotor positions ranging from 270◦ to 315◦.

Second homes are an integral component of tourism in rural and peripheral areas. Attractive rural areas of Northern region in Iran have recently experienced a rapid growth of second home developments. Despite the growth of Second Home Tourism (SHT) in North of Iran particularly over the past 2 decades, there are a few researches about the nature or such effects. Due to theimportance of this phenomenon, this article is likely the first step towards investigating the matter at a local level in the area. The study seeks to examine the perceptions of SHT within local communities; on the basis of sustainable development approach. By understanding that SHT has different environmental, social and economic effects, this study is concentrated only on physical effects. The research has been done on the basis of descriptive and exploratory methods. Random sample of 120 individuals (residents and tourists) were selected by using stratified method. But all local administrators who were 6 people, participated in interviews and completed the questionnaires. The data gathered by questionnaires with validity of 0.8 % is reliable. For analyzing the data, descriptive methods by SPSS software has been used.This study has been carried out in Babol district in North of Iran. So in this article the negative and positive effects of second homes from view point of local residents and tourists and rural managers have been discussed.The results show that the second home tourism sector, strongly driven by private real estate investors, fails to generate tourism activities which are expected to sustain community development and it is going far away from traditional pattern of local housing. This study further indicates that municipalities concentrating on the second home tourism segment may deprive access to other forms of tourism activities. The results on the basis of Tukey and Duncan test shows that there are convergence between the positive effects of second homes in the physical structure of villages among managers, tourists and residents. But the greatest divergence is appeared in the opinions about the negative physical effects of the second homes between managers and tourists. So that, unlike tourists, managers believe that the second homes have left more negative physical effects behind on rural areas such as land use changes and commercialization of grasslands and river. Meanwhile the villagers have more positive view about the impacts of second homes tourism but referring to their privacy violations as a negative effect.Finally the findings show that SHT can lead to unsustainable condition by leaving negative effects on physical environment of villages, so applying the land use zoning strategy and design the guidelines for the sustainable development can be useful to achieve rural sustainable development.