Skin-effect-mediated magnetoionic control of charge transport in thick layers

In the rapidly developing area of magnetoionics (MI), which combines electrochemistry and magnetism, changes in the surface chemistry of magnetic materials in response to gate voltages cause dramatic modifications in the magnetic characteristics, resulting in low power-consuming charge transport tuning. Due to the surficial character, only magnetic thin films have been addressed for the MI effect's role in controlling charge transfer. Here, we show how it can be used to regulate the transit of charges in bulk magnetic materials. This is accomplished by combining high-permeability magnetic materials with a high-frequency passing current, allowing the skin effect and the MI effect to control the magnetic materials' impedance due to the impedance's high sensitivity to magnetic permeability. Our in-situ impedance measurement and magneto-optical characterization show the role of redox reactions at the surface in controlling impedance in magnetic materials. This research paves the way for using the MI effect in high-permeability bulk magnetic materials.

Incorporation of Al2O3 and ZrO2 ceramics to AZ31 magnesium alloys composite coating using micro-arc oxidation method

In this research, a composite coating with Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂ particles have been applied on AZ31 magnesium alloy by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique. The alkaline electrolyte included a constant based composition and different composition of the Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂ additives. Microstructure observations reveal that the surface pores of composite coating reduced during addition of ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ ceramic particles. The hardness of coating increased from about 380 for non-added to 620 MPa for Al₂O₃+ZrO₂ added coating and wear rate reduced about 8 times. Wettability of the coating increased by incorporation of Al₂O₃ and/or ZrO₂ particles while, Al₂O₃ is more effective than ZrO₂. Addition of the ceramic particles enhanced the hydrophilicity properties of surface in wettability test and a contact angle of 43° was obtained for coating including Al₂O₃+ZrO₂. The antibacterial properties of MAO coatings showed that S. aureus bacterium is more sensitive to the zirconia and alumina particle than S. typhimurium bacterium after 24 h of incubation.

Developed Low-Temperature Anionic 2H-MoS2/Au Sensing Layer Coated Optical Fiber Gas Sensor

Carboxyl-functionalized molybdenum disulfide (COOH-MoS₂) nanosheets were prepared through a facile low-temperature hydrothermal method. The phase transformation of metallic-1T to 2H-semiconductor COOH-MoS₂ nanosheets was conducted through introducing Au thin film on the unclad optical fiber as a sensing layer in a low temperature. The developed structure successfully refined the loss of the semiconducting properties and poor adhesion of COOH-MoS₂ on the unclad polymer optical fiber, which provided limited semiconductor potential as the sensing layers on the optical fiber surfaces. The sensing performance of the as-prepared structure was tested for quantitative detection of three different volatile organic carbons (VOCs) of ethanol, propanol, and methanol gases as well as cross-sensitivity to relative humidity. The operating principle was based on intensity variation of the evanescent wave in the sensing region. The response of the proposed sensing system shows maximum response and better linearity (R² = 0.999) to methanol at room temperature. Finally, the comparative experimental cross-sensitivity to relative humidity and methanol was also studied to evaluate the potential of sensing range.

Association of interleukine-18 polymorphisms with susceptibility to prostate cancer in Iranian population

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a multifunctional cytokine that augments interferon-γ production, promotion of the Th1 immune response and acts as an important immunomediator in the development of some cancers. The current study aimed to analyze the association of the five most common polymorphisms in the IL-18 gene with prostate cancer in the Iranian population. We examined a possible association of IL-18 -137G>C, -607C>A, -656G>T, +105A>C and +127C>T polymorphisms with prostate cancer occurrence by PCR-RFLP assay. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of the association between IL-18 polymorphisms and prostate cancer. Statistical analysis revealed that individuals carrying the mutant homozygote genotype of IL-18 -607C>A (OR=2.251, 95% CI=1.062-4.768, p=0.034) and -137G>C (OR=2.364, 95% CI=1.121-4.984, p=0.024) polymorphisms had an increased risk of prostate cancer. However, for IL-18 -656G>T, +105A>C and +127C>T polymorphisms, there were no differential distributions of their genotypes between patients with prostate cancer and healthy subjects. Our results indicated that the IL-18 -137G>C and -607C>A polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in the Iranian population. Thus, these polymorphisms might be used as a molecular biomarker in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Antibacterial activity of β -Tricalcium phosphate containing nanosilver particles on periodontal Gram-negative pathogen

INTRODUCCTION

This research aimed to investigate the effect of antibacterial suspension containing TCP-β and nanosilver on these pathogens.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Suspension containing concentrations of 4%, 2%, 1% and 0.1% was prepared with tricalcium phosphate and nanosilver. Two control suspensions for pure nanosilver and pure β-TCP were also prepared. The antibacterial activity of this suspension was investigated on two groups of bacteria, namely, P. intermedia and Aa in thioglycolate broth environment. Subsequently, the MIC was measured for each bacterium.

RESULTS

The suspension containing β-TCP and nanosilver produced an antibacterial effect on P. intermedia and Aa. The effect of this solution on P. intermedia was greater than that on A. actinomycetemcomitans. Moreover, the MICs (mg/mL) for P. intermedia and A. actinomycetemcomitans were 1% and 0.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study adding nanosilver particles to β-TCP resulted in the antibacterial property of this substance. Specifically, reduced the growth rate of Aa and P. intermedia. Nanosilver can be used to reduce the risk of infection during or after regenerative surgery.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), an Informative Start for Challenging Process of Etiologic Investigation of Diseases and Public Health Policy Making

Background: The public health has been always concerned of the immediate environment of human as causal factors for different diseases and health outcomes. Epidemiology, as one of the fundamental basis of public health, is concerned of how diseases are distributed in terms of geographical, chronological, and human population characteristics and employees the descriptive nature of such spread to draw conclusion on the etiology of health or disease utcome for further policy making on prevention of disease or promotion of health.Methods: In this paper, we present the importance of GIS technology in epidemiology from both descriptive and etiologic standpoints and elaborate how this technology can stand in the forefront of disease and health outcome measures in the coming decades. The paper will address the history of geo-related health and disease issues. The mapping tool as a traditionally strong resource in the public health will be explored. The advances in Information Technology and one of its best utilized offshoot, GIS, in Health and disease will be discussed. How the huge repository of generated or ever generating geo-related data and information is utilized to address etiology of diseases or to help public health authorities in making informed policy making decisions are explored.Results: The utilization of GIS technology in diseases with intermittent host such as malaria, yellow fever, or other parasitic diseases has already been well established. The GIS technology and its utilization in chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and aging are under development and new frontiers are discovering. The limitation of GIS technology in addressing host environment interaction in micro-environment (at the molecular biology and tissue pathogenicity level) and gene–environment interaction (at the individual level) will further be discussed.Conclusion: We then distress on the efficient use of GIS both in the etiologic investigation of diseases and health events as well as the utilization of the GIS technology as a administrative tool in the help of public health authorities and policy makers in strategic management of health of a community or emergency management of man-made or technological disasters (e.g., wars) or naturally occurring disasters (e.g., earthquake and floods).

Comparison of postoperative short-term complications after laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) versus Lichtenstein tension free inguinal hernia repair: a randomized trial study

AIM

The aim of this randomized trial was to compare short-term postoperative complications of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and Lichtenstein tension free hernia repair.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients who went inguinal hernia repair at Shahid Sadoughi university training hospital from April 2011 to August 2013 were randomized into two TAPP (N.=60) and Lichtenstein (N.=60) repair group. Follow-up occurred within 6 weeks. The postoperative assessments included pain score (VAS), hematoma/seroma, urinary retention, wound infection incidence, and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Pain was the most common symptoms in both groups. The TAPP group patients significantly had experienced less postoperative pain than the Lichtenstein group in all moments (P<0.05). TAPP group had lower incidence of hematoma (TAPP, 6.6% vs. Lichtenstein 13.3%; P=0.67), seroma (TAPP 10% vs. Lichtenstein 13.3%; P=1.00), and infection (TAPP 0 vs. Lichtenstein 1.6%; P=0.67). However, no differences between the 2 groups were found in terms of postoperative complications. In TAPP group mean of hospital stay significantly was less than Lichtenstein group (TAPP, 8.13±2.19 vs. Lichtenstein, 13.15±1.5 days; P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic TAPP repair is safer and less complicated approach to inguinal hernia repair. The two main short-term advantages of the laparoscopic TAPP repair with the tension free Lichtenstein repair were less postoperative pain and earlier return to the normal life activities. No difference was seen in overall complications.

GIS based analysis of Intercity Fatal Road Traffic Accidents in Iran

Road traffic accidents including intercity car traffic accidents (ICTAs) are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality due to the growing number of vehicles, risky behaviors, and changes in lifestyle of the general population. A sound knowledge of the geographical distribution of car traffic accidents can be considered as an approach towards the accident causation and it can be used as an administrative tool in allocating the sources for traffic accidents prevention. This study was conducted to investigate the geographical distribution and the time trend of fatal intercity car traffic accidents in Iran. To conduct this descriptive study, all Iranian intercity road traffic mortality data were obtained from the Police reports in the Statistical Yearbook of the Governor's Budget and Planning. The obtained data were for 17 complete Iranian calendar years from March 1997 to March 2012. The incidence rate (IR) of fatal ICTAs for each year was calculated as the total number of fatal ICTAs in every 100000 population in specified time intervals. Figures and maps indicating the trends and geographical distribution of fatal ICTAs were prepared while using Microsoft Excel and ArcGis9.2 software. The number of fatal car accidents showed a general increasing trend from 3000 in 1996 to 13500 in 2012. The incidence of fatal intercity car accidents has changed from six in 100000 population in 1996 to 18 in 100000 population in 2012. GIS based data showed that the incidence rate of ICTAs in different provinces of Iran was very divergent. The highest incidence of fatal ICTAs was in Semnan province (IR= 35.2), followed by North Khorasan (IR=22.7), and South Khorasan (IR=22). The least incidence of fatal ICTAs was in Tehran province (IR=2.4) followed by Khozestan (IR=6.5), and Eastern Azarbayejan (IR=6.6). The compensation cost of fatal ICTAs also showed an increasing trend during the studied period. Since an increasing amount of money was being paid yearly for the car accidents, which were in their nature preventable, the key players in road safety including governments, car manufacturers, and road developers were recommended to use GIS based accident data for a more efficient planning and budgeting towards the intercity car accidents reduction.

Experimental design for simultaneous analysis of malachite green and methylene blue; derivative spectrophotometry and principal component-artificial neural network

In this study, oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with sizes in the range of 10–30 nm were efficiently applied for simultaneous and competitive adsorption of malachite green (MG) and methylene blue (MB).

Design, development and demonstration of an improved bird washing machine

Since oil was first extracted, pollution of the seas and oceans or adjacent coasts has been an obstacle for the oil industry and environmental activists. The major concern is oil discharge into the water which may lead to birds' affliction or death, besides putting marine life in jeopardy. This paper presents the first description of the design and implementation of a new bird washing machine that can be utilized for cleaning of oil-coated birds with the minimum of stress. The machine is equipped with a pneumatic system comprised of 19 moving nozzles which evenly cover the bird's body and is designed to be used in contaminated environments where a vast number of birds are affected. Experimental trials show an improvement in operation efficiency compared to other methods in a reduction in washing time, energy consumption and a decrease in fatality rate of washed birds.

Does exposure to GSM 900 MHz mobile phone radiation affect short-term memory of elementary school students?

BACKGROUND

Now-a-days, children are exposed to mobile phone radiation at a very early age. We have previously shown that a large proportion of children in the city of Shiraz, Iran use mobile phones. Furthermore, we have indicated that the visual reaction time (VRT) of university students was significantly affected by a 10 min real/sham exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phone. We found that these exposures decreased the reaction time which might lead to a better response to different hazards. We have also revealed that occupational exposures to radar radiations decreased the reaction time in radar workers. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether short-term exposure of elementary school students to radiofrequency (RF) radiation leads to changes in their reaction time and short-term memory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 elementary school children ages ranging from 8 to 10 years studying at a public elementary school in Shiraz, Iran were enrolled in this study. Standardized computer-based tests of VRT and short-term memory (modified for children) were administered. The students were asked to perform some preliminary tests for orientation with the VRT test. After orientation, to reduce the random variation of measurements, each test was repeated ten times in both real and sham exposure phases. The time interval between the two subsequent sham and real exposure phases was 30 min.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation reaction times after a 10 min talk period and after a 10 min sham exposure (switched off mobile) period were 249.0 ± 82.3 ms and 252.9 ± 68.2 ms (P = 0.629), respectively. On the other hand, the mean short-term memory scores after the talk and sham exposure periods were 1062.60 ± 305.39, and 1003.84 ± 339.68 (P = 0.030), respectively.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that short-term exposure of elementary school students to RF radiation leads to the better performance of their short-term memory.

Designing a minimum data set for breast cancer: a starting point for breast cancer registration in iran

BACKGROUND

Due to the high incidence of deaths from breast cancer, high cost of treatment and limited resources, the need to formulate and implement effective programs in reducing the burden of disease is obvious. Care, control and creation of cancer information system having an infrastructure from collection of minimum data sets (MDS) are the top priorities of research in Iran's Ministry of Health.

METHODS

This is an applied descriptive research with comparative approach implemented in 2010. MDS for breast cancer on selected countries were searched and reviewed and proposed model based on the country's need was designed. Research data were implemented in 2 stages; assessment of MDS on selected countries and the validation of the proposed model through several meetings that has been carried out by the Undersecretary for Research and Technology and several oncologists and pathologists.

RESULTS

The MDS is composed of 11 parameters in the form of fields in closed structured arrangements with consideration to coding responses. These parameters include: hospital data, demography, referral, physical examination and investigation, diagnostic information, pathology, treatment, palliative care, completion of primary treatment, clinical trials and follow-up. This form is available for use in the cancer registry database.

CONCLUSION

MDS provides an opportunity to strengthen communication between performed researches and research results for the improvement of programs, policies and strategies and provides positive effect on equality in the health system. Although the stages of creating the MDS for breast cancer has been successful, but many challenges has been met until its completion.

Biological activities of flavonoid-rich fraction of Eryngium caucasicum Trautv

OBJECTIVES

Eryngium (E.) caucasicum was found as a new cultivated vegetable plant in northern Iran and used in several local foods. Little information is available on biological properties of E. caucasicum. In this work antioxidant activity of flavonoid-rich fraction of this plant was investigated by eight in vitro assay systems.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, Fe2+ chelating ability, reducing power and hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation were used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Antihemolytic activities were evaluated against CuOOH and H2O2 induced hemolysis in rat erythrocyte.

RESULTS

IC50 for DPPH scavenging activity was 391.2 +/- 14.9, 706.6 +/- 22.3 and 779.7 +/- 16.7 microg ml(-1) for aqueous (AQ), ethyl acetate (EA) and n-hexane (HE) fractions, respectively. There was no difference between reducing power of AQ fraction activity and vitamin C (p > 0.05). IC50 for NO radical-scavenging activity was in order of AQ (133.5 +/- 6.2 microg ml(-1)) > EA (350.1 +/- 14.8 microg ml(-1)) > and HE (639.9 +/- 21.7 microg ml(-1)) fractions, respectively. Extracts showed weak Fe2+ chelating ability. HE fraction showed better activity (173.5 +/- 9.6 microg ml(-1)). Extracts exhibited weak hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity but exhibited very good antioxidant activity against the hemoglobin-induced linoleic acid peroxidation. There was no significant difference between AQ fraction and vitamin C (p > 0.01). Fractions delayed the onset of the CuOOH induced hemolysis. AQ fraction showed very high total phenol and flavonoid contents which was higher than other fractions. High phenol and flavonoid content of AQ fraction may lead to its better antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSIONS

E. caucasicum fractions exhibited different levels of antioxidant and antihemolytic activities in all tested models. These results can be useful as a starting point of view for further applications of E. caucasicum aerial parts or its constituents in pharmaceutical preparations.

Decreased plasma levels of ceruloplasmin after diet-induced weight loss in obese women

BACKGROUND

Plasma ceruloplasmin (Cp) has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and also to be associated with obesity. However, it is not known whether weight loss could decrease the plasma Cp levels.

AIM

To investigate the effect of diet-induced weight loss on plasma Cp in obese women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Sixty-seven healthy obese women [age =33.4±8.7 yr, body mass index (BMI) =36.0±4.8 kg/m2] were entered into a medically supervised program aimed at reducing body weight by 10% or more. Weight loss was achieved through a diet providing a daily energy deficit of 500-1000 kcal/day. In addition, all patients were prescribed to use 50 g of a fiber supplement per day. For all subjects, assessment of dietary intake, anthropometric indices, and plasma levels of C-reactive protein and Cp was performed at the first visit and repeated at 12th week of follow-up.

RESULTS

By completing the program, weight (Δ=-9.5%, p<0.0001), BMI (Δ=-9.7%, p<0.0001), waist-circumference (Δ=-6.1%, p<0.0001), and triceps skinfold thickness (Δ=-14.9%, p<0.0001) significantly decreased. Plasma Cp significantly decreased after 12 weeks of dietary intervention (33.6±5.6 mg/dl vs 25.2±5.8 mg/dl, p<0.0001). Percent change in Cp was correlated with percent change in waist-circumference (r=446, p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that an improved body composition induced by restriction of energy intake is associated with decreased serum concentrations of Cp in obese women which in turn might have reduced the subjects' risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Application of a hazard and operability study method to hazard evaluation of a chemical unit of the power station

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify the hazards, evaluate their risk factors and determine the measure for promotion of the process and reduction of accidents in the chemical unit of the power station.

METHODS

In this case and qualitative study, HAZOP technique was used to recognize the hazards and problems of operations on the chemical section at power station. Totally, 126 deviations were documented with various causes and consequences.

RESULTS

Ranking and evaluation of identified risks indicate that the majority of deviations were categorized as "acceptable" and less than half of that were "unacceptable". The highest calculated risk level (1B) related to both the interruption of acid entry to the discharge pumps and an increased density of the acid. About 27% of the deviations had the lowest risk level (4B).

CONCLUSION

The identification of hazards by HAZOP indicates that it could, systemically, assess and criticize the process of consumption or production of acid and alkali in the chemical unit of power plant.

Cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis in adults in Isfahan, Iran: frequency and seasonal variation

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the frequency of cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis (CVST) and its seasonal variation.

METHODS

A clinic-based prospective case-register study was conducted from 2001 to 2004. Hundred and twenty-two consecutive definite CVST patients (26 men and 96 women) treated in two major neurological centres of Isfahan, Iran, were included in the study. Part of examination included an assessment of CVST including conventional angiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging and self-reported medical history. Population data were obtained from the 1996 Iran Census. The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 35.5 (11.9) years.

RESULTS

The annual frequency (95% confidence interval) of CVST was 12.3 (10.1, 14.5) per million in a population of 2,472,751, with higher rate in women than in men [19.9 (15.5, 23.9) women and 5.1 (3.2, 7.1) men] and with increasing age in women (up to 50 years), but not in men. The female/male ratio was 3.9 (2.5-6.0). The monthly frequency of CVST ranged from 0.6 per million (0.1, 1.1) in August to 2.1 (1.2, 3.0) in September. The seasonal CVST rate ranged from 2.2 per million (1.3, 3.2) in summer to 4.3 (3.1, 5.7) in autumn. The differences were statistically significant either for the months or season (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study show the CVST frequency in adults. More women than men are present with CVST and its frequency increased during autumn.

Nano-Level Detection of Naltrexone Hydrochloride in Its Pharmaceutical Preparation at Au Microelectrode in Flowing Solutions by Fast Fourier Transforms Continuous Cyclic Voltammetry as a Novel Detector

An easy and fast Fourier transform continuous cyclic voltammetric technique for monitoring of ultra trace amounts of naltrexone in a flow-injection system has been introduced in this work. The potential waveform, consisting of the potential steps for cleaning, stripping and potential ramp, was continuously applied on an Au disk microelectrode (with a 12.5 microm in radius). The proposed detection method has some of advantages, the greatest of which are as follows: first, it is no more necessary to remove oxygen from the analyte solution and second, this is a very fast and appropriate technique for determination of the drug compound in a wide variety of chromatographic analysis methods. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.34-34000 pg/mL (r = 0.9985) with a limit of detection 8.0 x 10(-4) nM. The method has the requisite accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and selectivity to assay naltrexone in tablets. The influences of pH of eluent, accumulation potential, sweep rate, and accumulation time on the determination of the naltrexone were considered.

Primary capsulectomy, anterior vitrectomy, lensectomy, and posterior chamber lens implantation in children: limbal versus pars plana

PURPOSE

To compare the results of a limbal versus a pars plana approach for primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy in the management of childhood cataract.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled, double-masked clinical trial of 45 eyes was conducted. After being matched, 38 eyes were included in the study and were divided into 2 equal groups for data analysis. All eyes had lensectomy and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. Primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy were performed through the limbus in half of the eyes and the pars plana in the other half. Main outcome measures included visual acuity, estimated red reflex, postsurgical inflammatory reaction, corneal clarity, posterior synechias, iris capture, IOL position, capsulectomy size, glaucoma, cystoid macular edema, retinal tear, and postoperative refraction.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 approaches in the outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

The anatomic and visual results were encouraging when posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy, using a limbal or pars plana approach, were combined with lensectomy and PC IOL implantation in children. The application of these techniques depends on surgeon experience and skill.