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Golden jackal (Canis aureus) is one of the most common canid in Iran and can be found in habitats from Southeast Asia to Europe. Its rapid range expansion into Europe is indicated by the single haplotype (H1) of the mtDNA control region. H1 is the pioneer haplotype that expanded its range to Europe. Haplotypes from Turkey to Europe (western dispersal) and India (eastern dispersal) were identified before, while Iranian haplotypes are not known. Here, we completed its haplotype distribution from India to Europe by collecting samples from Iran. Results show that H1 is the most frequent Iranian haplotype compared to the five other haplotypes, and its most eastern distribution is in northeastern Iran. The phylogenetic tree and median-joining network indicate that all haplotypes are monophyletic, but Indian and Eurasian haplotypes are almost exclusive. We considered Oriental (Indian haplotypes + H13 from southeastern Iran) and Palearctic (others) haplogroups to explain haplotype distribution based on a median-joining network. The Oriental haplogroup is probably adapted to India towards southeastern Iran, while the Palearctic haplogroup is responsible for the current range expansion from Iran to Europe. The distribution and frequency of haplotypes indicate the rapid large-scale expansion, and unique haplotypes for specific geographic regions might be related to local adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the evolution of ischemic stroke, but the data regarding the association between stroke severity and vitamin D level is scarce. Methods: Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory, within seven days after the stroke, were recruited. The control group included age- and gendermatched individuals. We compared 25-OH vitamin D (vitamin D), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and osteopontin levels between stroke patients and the control group. The association between stroke severity according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS) and levels of vitamin D and inflammatory biomarkers were also studied. Results: There was an association between hypertension (P=0.035), diabetes mellitus (P=0.043), smoking (P=0.016), history of ischemic heart disease (P=0.002), higher SAA (P<0.001), higher hsCRP (P<0.001), and lower vitamin D levels (P=0.002) and stroke evolution in a case-control study. Meanwhile, in stroke patients, its severity was associated with higher SAA (P=0.04) and hsCRP (P=0.001), and lower vitamin D levels (P=0.043) according to clinical scale (higher admission NIHSS). According to the ASPECT score, higher SAA (P=0.017) and hsCRP (P=0.007), but not lower vitamin D levels, were associated with more infarct areas (P=0.149). Conclusion: Vitamin D may play a role in both the evolution and severity of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we study a constant-roll inflationary model in the context of the DGP brane-world cosmology caused by a quintessence scalar field. We determine an analytical solution for the Friedman equation coupled to the equation of motion of the scaler field. The evolution of the primordial scalar and tensor perturbations is also studied. To check the viability of the model we use numerical approaches and plot some figures. Our results for the scalar spectral index and the tensor to scaler ratio show good consistency with observations for given values of model parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis at different stages of activity. Observational case series. A total of 32 eyes of 31 patients were included; 43 sets of OCT were reviewed. A total of 14 lesions were classified as active, 13 as partially active, and 16 as inactive. All active lesions demonstrated increased retinal thickness and reflectivity with blurring of details of retinal layers. Choroidal granuloma was detected in eight (61.5%) and serous retinal detachment in nine (64%). In partially active lesions, sustained thickening and/or attachment of posterior hyaloid face with fine epiretinal membrane was the hallmark. Scarified lesions showed decreased retinal and choroidal thickness starting from the periphery. Characteristic signs for decreased activity of a lesion seen in majority of both partially active and inactive lesions were RPE changes and retina-RPE approximation. We called this unique feature 'hourglass configuration'. Features in OCT are helpful to specify and monitor the activity of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines vented-type water tree and electrical tree in an XLPE-insulated cable, as well as the effect of rejuvenation fluid on the medium-voltage 20 kV XLPE cable insulation. Initially, laboratory specimens are placed under a scanning electron microscope and imaged to determine the dimensions and characteristics of water treeing and electrical treeing. Then, these specimens are immersed in the rejuvenation fluid, and their dielectric properties are evaluated over a 1-month period. The obtained results are analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics software, and the outputs are discussed and examined. The initiation of vented-type water tree and its growth from a water filled cavity near an impurity was studied by building electric field simulation model and finite element analysis. The moisture in environment is gathered at the impurities or defects of cable insulation and the water filled cavities are formed under the action of alternating Maxwell stress. Although the field around the water tree is relatively low, if the cable is subjected to high stress (such as lightning strikes), the field at the ends of the cavities can intensify even further. In such cases, it can lead to the formation of electrical tree that can cause the XLPE breakdown. Therefore, stopping the growth of water trees and controlling them can be crucial for improving the electrical performance of water tree aged cables. One way to control water trees is by injecting a rejuvenation fluid into the cable (rejuvenation technique). The main components of the rejuvenating fluid include siloxanes and catalysts that react with water molecules and form oligomers, filling the water tree areas. This chemical reaction decomposes water molecules, leading to improved insulation performance. The objective of this article is to study the initiation of water tree and investigate the intensified electric field around vented-type water tree and how it can lead to electrical tree, as well as the role of the rejuvenation material in improving cable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the alteration of choroid in patients with very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) following panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Methods: Thirty-nine eyes of 21 patients with very severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (19 eyes) and early proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (20 eyes) were recruited. Enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography at baseline, 1, and 6 months after PRP was employed to measure choroidal parameters including total choroidal area (TCA) and choroidal vascular index (CVI). Results: In eyes with very severe NPDR, subfoveal TCA decreased non-significantly at month 1, which increased significantly at month 6 (539 ± 131µm2, 502 ± 134µm2, and 598 ± 168µm2 at baseline and months 1 and 6, respectively; P = 0.003). Subfoveal CVI increased at month 1 and then decreased at month 6 (68.25 ± 3.05, 69.74 ± 3.62, and 67.84 ± 1.77 at baseline and months 1 and 6, respectively; P < 0.001). A reverse pattern occurred in eyes with early PDR, a non-significant increase in TCA at month 1 followed by a decrease at month 6 (497 ± 95µm2, 514 ± 133µm2, and 425 ± 95µm2 at baseline and months 1 and 6, respectively; P = 0.011). CVI decreased at month 1 and remained relatively stable at month 6 (69.34 ± 3.11, 68.33 ± 3.41, and 68.50 ± 5.04 at baseline, and months 1 and 6, respectively; P = 0.023). Alteration of choroidal thickness was not statistically significant in both groups. Conclusion: Eyes with very severe NPDR and early PDR exhibit a reverse pattern regarding choroidal indices after PRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Determine the risk of immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) for COVID-19 infection morbidity. Method: A telemedicine survey on patients of a referral uveitis clinic was performed. Signs of infection, habits, and hospitalizations during the 7 months of the COVID-19 pandemic prior to the study date were recorded. Suggestive findings in chest CT scan and/or positive RT-PCR were considered as confirmed COVID-19 infection while those with only suggestive symptoms were considered as suspected cases. Risk factors including sanitary measures and IMT were compared between patients with confirmed cases and patients without infection. Result: 694 patients were included. Eight patients were identified as confirmed cases and 22 patients as suspected cases of COVID-19 infection. Close contact with infected persons was the only significant risk factor for contracting COVID-19. Conclusion: Using IMT did not affect hospitalization and/or ICU admission and can thus be continued during the pandemic, provided that instructions for preventive measures are followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new two-step model to depict the 3D spatial map of pollutant concentrations. • A new procedure simulating 3D flow and transport in DFNs with up to 4000 fractures. • An innovative lower dimensional method to reduce the computational time in DFN models. • A well-to-well chlorophyll tracer test has positively validated the two-step model. • Parametrized simulation results can quickly provide BTCs at the reservoir scale. A new two-step method has been developed for predicting three-dimensional (3-D) pollutant plumes and breakthrough curves (BTC) in fractured aquifers. Predicting fluid motion fields and pollutant concentrations in groundwater is a challenging task, due to the difficulties in building a 3-D discrete fracture network (DFN) with the same geometry of fractures and interconnections as in the studied aquifer and the computational complexity of the problem being modeled. To improve the representation of DFN, geological characterization of fracture apertures was performed using field well-pumping data as the prerequisite for the modeling approach. The modeling was performed in two steps: first, 3-D particle tracking following streamline (PTFS) simulations in DFN backbones, and second, a 3-D channels model (CM) analytical solution. The PTFS simulations captured the mean properties of the 3-D velocity field relevant to spatial and temporal transport along preferential flow pathways of a fractured aquifer. The 3-D CM solution yielded the exact BTC of concentrations accounting for the slowest flow pathways typically excluded from DFN backbones extraction methods. The PTFS/CM simulations were initially performed at the lab scale on a 3-D 20 m rock block from the Bari (South Italy) fractured aquifer. Results were consistent with the chlorophyll-A BTC obtained from a well-to-well tracer experiment. Subsequently, the capability of the new method was tested by increasing the scale of simulations to a larger 3-D DFN of 200 m with 2,200 fractures. The resultant BTC was obtained in 32 min, showing the proposed PTFS/CM technique can rapidly determine complex 3-D solutions in heterogeneous fracture-dominated aquifers. The applied Lagrangian and Eulerian techniques can provide quasi-deterministic BTCs and 3-D maps of pollutant concentrations, avoiding extensive computations required for conforming mesh methods. Moreover, the solution does not require multiple randomly arranged DFN realizations, as in particle tracking-based stochastic methods. These results have significant implications in modeling transport at the aquifer scale, where DFNs are composed of thousands of fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a normal branch of the DGP cosmological model with a quintessence scalar field on the brane as the dark energy component. Using the dynamical system approach, we study the stability properties of the model. We find that λ , as one of our new dimensionless variables which is defined in terms of the quintessence potential, has a crucial role in the history of the universe. We divide our discussion into two parts: a constant λ and a varying λ. In the case of a constant λ , we calculate all the critical points of the model even those at infinity and then assume all of them as instantaneous critical points in the varying λ situation which is the main part of this paper. We find that the effect of the extra dimension in such a model is independent of the value of λ. Then, we consider a Gaussian potential for which λ is not constant but varies from zero to infinity. We discuss the evolution of the dynamical variables of the model and conclude that their asymptotic behaviors follow the trajectories of the moving critical points. Also, we find two different possible fates for the universe. In one of them, it could experience an accelerated expansion, but then enters a decelerating phase and finally reaches a stable matter-dominated solution. In the other scenario, the universe could approach the matter-dominated critical point without experiencing any accelerated expansion. We argue that the first scenario is more compatible with observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2: SARS-CoV-2), which originated from Wuhan, China, has spread to the other countries in a short period of time. We report a 47-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital due to suffering from progressive vertigo and ataxia for 7 days prior to the admission. Neurological examination revealed cerebellar dysfunction, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) depicted edema of the cerebellar hemisphere associated with leptomeningeal enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, and lactate dehydrogenase. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal and CSF specimens. As a result, treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir was initiated, and patient symptoms and signs improved significantly during the course of hospitalization. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of acute cerebellitis associated with COVID-19 disease which is reported in the literature so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to collect the data on the occurrence of seizures in patients with COVID-19 and to clarify the circumstances of the occurrence of seizures in these patients. Methods: All consecutive patients who referred to healthcare facilities anywhere in Fars province (located in South Iran with a population of 4.851 million people) from February 19 until June 2, 2020, and had confirmed COVID-19 by positive result on polymerase chain reaction testing and seizure were included. Results: During the study period, 6,147 people had confirmed COVID-19 in Fars province, Iran; 110 people died from the illness (case fatality rate 1.79%). During this time period, five people had seizures (seizure rate 0.08%). In four patients, seizure was one of the presenting manifestations, and in one person, it happened during the course of hospital admission. Two patients had status epilepticus. All patients experienced hypoxemia and four of them needed respirator. Two patients had related metabolic derangements and one had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytic pleocytosis. Brain imaging was abnormal in three patients. Four patients died. Conclusion: New-onset seizures in critically ill patients with COVID-19 should be considered as acute symptomatic seizures and the treating physician should try to determine the etiology of the seizure and manage the cause immediately and appropriately. Detailed clinical, neurological, imaging, and electrophysiological investigations and attempts to isolate SARS-CoV-2 from CSF may clarify the role played by this virus in causing seizures in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific hybridization increasingly occurs in the course of anthropogenic actions, such as species translocations and introductions, and habitat modifications or occurs in sympatric species due to the shortage of conspecific mates. Compared with anthropogenically caused hybridization, natural hybridization is more difficult to prove, but both play an important role in conservation. In this study, we detected hybridization of two gazelle sister species, Gazella bennettii (adapted to dry areas) and Gazella subgutturosa (adapted to open plains), in five habitat areas, where G. bennettii naturally occur in central Iran. The hybrids have a nuclear genomic identity (based on two introns), habitat preference, and phenotype of G. bennettii, but the mitochondrial identity (based on cyt b) of G. subgutturosa. We suggest that natural hybridization of female G. subgutturosa and male G. bennettii happened twice in central Iran in prehistoric times, based on the haplotype pattern that we found. However, we found indications of recent hybridization between both species under special circumstances, for example, in breeding centers, due to translocations, or in areas of sympatry due to the shortage of conspecific mates. Therefore, these two species must be kept separately in the breeding centers, and introduction of one of them into the habitat of the other must be strictly avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to apply the dynamical system approach to study the linear dynamics of the normal DGP brane-world model with agegraphic dark energy. The stability analysis of the model will be investigated and the phase plane portrait will be illustrated. The nature of critical points will be analyzed by evaluating the eigenvalues of a linearized Jacobi matrix. Also, the statefinder diagnostic procedure will be applied to show the slight deviation of our model from the ΛCDM model. One of the most interesting results of this work is the great alleviation of the coincidence problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goitered gazelles, Gazella subgutturosa, exist in arid and semiarid regions of Asia from the Middle to the Far East. Although large populations were present over a vast area until recently, a decline of the population as a result of hunting, poaching, and habitat loss led to the IUCN classification of G. subgutturosa as "vulnerable." We examined genetic diversity, structure, and phylogeny of G. subgutturosa using mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences from 18 geographically distant populations in Iran. The median‐joining network of cyt b haplotypes indicated that three clades of goitered gazelles can be distinguished: a Middle Eastern clade west of the Zagros Mountains (and connected to populations in Turkey and Iraq), a Central Iranian clade (with connection to Azerbaijan), and an Asiatic clade in northeastern Iran (with connection to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and other Asian countries as far as northeastern China and Mongolia). Based on our results, we argue that Iran is the center of diversification of goitered gazelles, due to the presence of large mountain ranges and deserts that lead to the separation of populations. In accordance with previous morphological studies, we identified the Asiatic clade as the subspecies G. s. yarkandensis, and the other two clades as the nominate form G. s. subgutturosa. The new genetic information for goitered gazelles in Iran provides the basis for future national conservation programs of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstarct: The glassy carbon electrode was modified by gold nanoparticles (AuNps)–Fe3O4 beads/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Surface morphology characterization of the bare and modified electrodes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy technique. This modified glassy carbon electrode was applied for electro-catalytic determination of loratadine. The modified electrode lowered the reduction overpotential of loratadine with the enhancement of its peak current; this behavior was attributed to the electro-catalytic activity of the modified electrode toward loratadine electro-reduction. Various parameters, such as pH of the working solution, amounts of MWCNTs, Fe3O4 beads and AuNps affecting the electrochemical performance of the modified electrode toward loratadine determination were optimized. The linear response of the modified electrode toward loratadine concentration using hydrodynamic amperometry method was between 0.05–5 μM with a detection limit of 0.04 μM (S/N = 3). The modified electrode figures of merit were high repeatability, reproducibility, long-term life time and low response time (<3 s). The practicability of this proposed method was examined by loratadine content quantification in commercial pharmaceutical samples, human blood serum and urine samples and satisfactory results were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Time-dependent pathogen rate reduction in 3-D fracture network fractures. • 3-D E. coli transport simulation in networks of thousands of fractures. • Extended colloid filtration theory predicts pathogen BTC & 3-D plume in groundwater. • Model simulations were supported by field sampling and laboratory filtration tests. • Potential pathogen release to the bathing water is possible during floods. Microbial transport in fractured carbonate rock using enhanced solutions is a significant and neglected research topic in the literature. We propose an extended colloid filtration theory (CFT) combined with a particle-tracking following streamlines (PTFS) model for the rapid prediction of breakthrough curves (BTCs) and plumes of pathogens in three-dimensional (3-D) discrete fracture networks (DFNs). We adapted CFT in porous media to pathogen transport in fractures containing Terra Rossa (soil) deposits. As an example of the model capability, a simulation was used to predict the 3-D motion field and Escherichia coli count in groundwater originating from the Forcatella managed aquifer recharge (MAR) Facility (Brindisi, Italy) using a DFN composed of 3,900 fractures. In arid regions, MAR facilities are significant for sustaining basic human needs, such as freshwater supply for drinking and crop production. The Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique was applied to E. coli counts in the collected water samples to increase data representativeness. The pathogen transport coefficients were further supported by batch filtration tests carried out in the CNR/IRSA Laboratory (Bari, Italy). The mean E. coli attachment rate coefficient of 0.15 × 10−8 m2 d–1 (sticking efficiency = 1.1 × 10−8 m) resulted in a 2.1 log 10 removal in 600 m of reclaimed water filtration. The simulation output visualized the E. coli 3-D pathways in groundwater and the positions of contaminated groundwater spring outflows on Forcatella Beach. The simulation results agreed with the mean MCMC output of E. coli concentrations in bathing water under unperturbed geochemical and environmental flow and transport conditions. However, results indicate that concentrations of pathogenic strains, parasites, and enteric viruses may enter the marine environment of MAR sites during flood periods. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proposal to study the effect of interaction in an agegraphic dark energy model in DGP brane-world cosmology is presented in this paper. After explaining the details, we proceed to apply the dynamical system approach to the model to analyze its stability. We first constrain model parameters with a variety of independent observational data such as cosmic microwave background anisotropies, baryon acoustic oscillation peaks and observational Hubble data. Then, we obtain the critical points related to different cosmological epochs. In particular, we conclude that in the presence of interaction, dark energy dominated era could be a stable point if model parameters n and β , obey a given constraint. Also, big rip singularity is avoidable in this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fractional lasers such erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) are among popular options for facial rejuvenation. Lasers with infrared wavelength ranges such as long pulse Nd:YAG have been used in nonablative rejuvenation of skin with variable outcomes. In this study, we plan to compare safety and efficacy of fractional Er:YAG and long pulse Nd:YAG for facial rejuvenation applying objective and subjective measurements. Twenty-five patients with Glogau photo aging scale of II to IV were recruited in this randomized face-split double-blind controlled trial. Individuals received three monthly treatments on two sides of the face; one side was treated by fractional Er:YAG laser and the other side by long pulse Nd:YAG laser. Outcomes were evaluated by two blinded dermatologists, patient satisfaction reports and objective measurements of cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT). Both modalities significantly improved periorbital wrinkling, nasolabial folds, dyschromia and skin laxity, and sagging of jowls (p value < 0.05), with no noticeable difference between two lasers. Mean CRRT values decreased significantly after treatment with both lasers. The downtime was significantly lower for the Nd:YAG-treated side. Fractional Er:YAG laser and long pulse Nd:YAG has comparable effects in facial rejuvenation but little to no downtime of the latter makes it popular for many patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: IRCT2015120320468N3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran with its highly structured landscape, such as the Zagros Mountain Range that stretches across the country from East to West, is home to at least three different gazelle species. For some of them, intraspecific genetic patterning is to be expected, as different populations show different pelage coloration or body sizes, e.g., in the Persian gazelle (G. subgutturosa). This species is especially interesting due to its taxonomic history, as it was considered to be conspecific with sand gazelle (G. marica) from Arabia until recently. G. marica and G. subgutturosa were even thought to intergrade/hybridize in a broad region from the Euphrates/Tigris basin to the Zagros Mountains. This area is inhabited by small gazelles that seem to be intermediate in size and other characters between the two species. However, so far all molecular studies showed that the mitochondrial haplotypes of gazelles in this supposed hybrid zone only belong to G. subgutturosa. We collected samples from four populations of Persian gazelles in Iran, in the eastern part of the Zagros Mountains. In two of these locations, we found mitochondrial haplotypes of G. marica , including one potentially pure natural population in Bushehr Province, and one reintroduced mixed population with G. marica and G. subgutturosa haplotypes in Khuzestan Province. It might therefore be possible that G. marica , which is phenomically most similar to G. subgutturosa , exits in Iran as a fourth gazelle species besides G. subgutturosa, G. bennettii , and G. arabica. We strongly recommend that future conservation management decisions, especially animal translocations, should be based on genetic analyses of the populations under consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) exhibits geographic variability and phylogenetic intraspecific relationships. Previous morphological studies have suggested the existence of multiple lynx subspecies, but recent genetic research has questioned this classification, particularly in Central Asia. In this study, we aimed to analyse the geographic and genetic variation in Central Asian lynx populations, particularly the Turkestan lynx and Altai lynx populations, using morphometric data and mtDNA sequences to contribute to their taxonomic classification. The comparative analysis of morphometric data revealed limited clinal variability between lynx samples from the Altai and Tien Shan regions. By examining mtDNA fragments (control region and cytochrome b) obtained from Kazakhstani lynx populations, two subspecies were identified: L. l. isabellinus (represented by a unique haplotype of the South clade, H46) and L. l. wrangeli (represented by haplotypes H36, H45, and H47 of the East clade). L. l. isabellinus was recognized only in Tien Shan Mountain, while Altai lynx was likely identical to L. l. wrangeli and found in northern Kazakhstan, Altai Mountain, Saur and Tarbagatai Mountains, and Tien Shan Mountain. The morphological and mtDNA evidence presented in this study, although limited in sample size and number of genetic markers, renders the differentiation of the two subspecies challenging. Further sampling and compilation of whole-genome sequencing data are necessary to confirm whether the proposed subspecies warrant taxonomic standing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a communication system, security and reliability have an important impact on the quality of services. In this study, the authors investigate power and subcarrier allocation of a transmitter over the downlink of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing access system with security considerations among users in the presence of a jammer. This study considers the interaction between the jammer and the transmitter as a zero-sum game where the objective function is the transmitter's secrecy sum-rate. To allocate the available resources, they solve the optimisation problem of each player to characterise its optimal strategies. Considering the intractability of the closed form Nash equilibrium for general power regime, they study a matrix game for obtaining maxmin and minmax solutions and demonstrate the validity of inequality maxmin ≥ minmax. Moreover, they show the existence of pure Nash equilibrium point for low total power regimes of the transmitter and the jammer and attain an expression for each regime. Finally, they examine the jamming power effect on the secrecy sum-rate and acquire lower and upper bounds of this rate using simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the movement from a multi‐core to a many‐core era, cores count on the chip increases quickly thus interconnect plays a large role in achieving the desired performance. Network‐on‐chip (NoC) is the most widely used interconnect as a scalable alternative for traditional shared bus in many‐core chips. As the dimensions of mesh‐based NoC increase, routers and links serve as a major part to achieve the desired performance and low‐latency communication between cores. In this study, the authors propose an arbitration mechanism for NoC that leads to a reduction in congestion delay in routers as well as the network latency. The proposed mechanism is compatible with the bypass and baseline pipeline in routers. System simulations with Noxim demonstrate reduction in latencies and power consumption using different routing algorithms for 4×4,8×8 and 16×16 mesh topologies, as compared with a baseline router. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The legislator has acted to criminalize the field of public chastity in order to preserve public morality; one of these cases considers prostitution. Publication of some news and images, especially those that may appear today in various mass media, such as Internet websites, certainly leads to the dissemination and spread of content that contradicts public morality and ethics, that confronts ethical norms and values. That's why the publication of such information is prohibited by law. Concerning the spread of prostitution, this paper analyzes two instances of abuse, that contradict public morality and are related to each other. The main question in this paper is, what does the Iranian criminal policy do against the spread of prostitution, covered in the Islamic Penal Code approved in 2013? After an introduction (Chapter I), we analyze some jurisprudential concepts and principles related with this matter (Chapter II). In Chapter III we see some examples of the spread of prostitution in domestic law. Finally, we take care of the role of corruption in the spread of prostitution (Chapter IV) and then we resume some conclusions (Chapter V). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the adaptive attitude control of spacecraft with time-varying inertial properties. We use a coordinate independent approach for the purpose of designing the control and estimation laws in terms of the rotation matrices representing the spacecraft body frame and reference tracking signals. This method helps to overcome the difficulties regarding the attitude representation on SO(3) such as ambiguities associated with quaternion representation and inherent singularities inside Euler parameters. We model the time variations in inertial parameters in two different ways, and design adaptive control schemes for each case. As the first uncertain dynamic model, we consider a setting of spacecraft with multiple moving appendages, and based on this model, design an adaptive control scheme with three different versions, where Frobenious norm is used in measuring the deviation of the estimated inertia tensors from their actual values. The proposed adaptive control scheme is later extended for the more direct model where the inertia tensor of the spacecraft has a nonlinear relation with the norm of the input moment. Further, we derive the allowable sets of initial conditions to ensure the convergence of the tracking error. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical modeling of periodically patterned graphene sheets (PPGS) embedded in planar multilayered media using Fourier-based methods suffers from very slow convergence because of the fact that the conductivity is zero in unfilled areas of the patterned surface and, thus, the so-called Li’s inverse rule is not applicable. In this paper, a simple and efficient approach is proposed to overcome this problem such that the exact boundary condition can be applied and the surface current density on PPGS can be obtained accurately. Here, the PPGS is modeled as a conductive surface and only its conductivity representation by the Fourier series is modified. The proposed method can be used easily for 1-D and 2-D periodic structures without the need to change the basic formulations of Fourier-based methods. Fast convergence and accuracy of the method will be demonstrated by computing the absorption of 1-D and 2-D PPGS. Moreover, the proposed method is utilized to design a wideband tunable wide-angle polarizer consisting of two-parallel PPGS separated by a 0.5- \mu \textm layer of SiO2. The transmittance of the structure exceeds 95% from microwaves up to 2 THz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly growing topic, the discrete fracture network engineering (DFNE), has already attracted many talents from diverse disciplines in academia and industry around the world to challenge difficult problems related to mining, geothermal, civil, oil and gas, water and many other projects. Although, there are few commercial software capable of providing some useful functionalities fundamental for DFNE, their costs, closed code (black box) distributions and hence limited programmability and tractability encouraged us to respond to this rising demand with a new solution. This paper introduces an open source comprehensive software package for stochastic modeling of fracture networks in two- and three-dimension in discrete formulation. Functionalities included are geometric modeling (e.g., complex polygonal fracture faces, and utilizing directional statistics), simulations, characterizations (e.g., intersection, clustering and connectivity analyses) and applications (e.g., fluid flow). The package is completely written in Matlab scripting language. Significant efforts have been made to bring maximum flexibility to the functions in order to solve problems in both two- and three-dimensions in an easy and united way that is suitable for beginners, advanced and experienced users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-Allyl-3-methylimidazolium tetraflouroborate ([AMIM][BF 4 ]) ionic liquid modified carbon-ceramic electrode was applied for Imidacloprid electrochemical determination. Surface of the modified electrode was characterized using s canning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). These analyses showed the deposition of ionic liquid on the surface of carbon-ceramic electrode caused formation of graphene-like nanoplatelets. Based on high surface area and rich edge defects which resulting from graphene-like nanoplatelets and high ionic conductivity of ionic liquid (IL), the modified electrode exhibited electro-catalytic activity for Imidacloprid reduction. Operational parameters including IL volume, solution pH; which affect the analytical performance of modified electrode were optimized. The calibration curve for Imidaclopride was linear in the range of 5 × 10 −8 –7 × 10 −6 M with the detection limit (S/N = 3) of 31 nM (3.1 × 10 −8 M). This modified electrode was applied for imidacloprid determination in some commercial formulation and agricultural products and the results were in good agreement with standard high-performance liquid chromatography method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the rising power demand and substantial interest in acquiring green energy from sunlight, there has been rapid development in the science and technology of photovoltaics (PV) in the last few decades. Furthermore, the synergy of the fields of metrology and fabrication has paved the way to acquire improved light collecting ability for solar cells. Based on recent studies, the performance of solar cell can improve due to the application of subwavelength nano-structures which results in smaller reflection losses and better light manipulation and/or trapping at subwavelength scale. In this paper, we propose a numerical optimization technique to analyze the reflection losses on an optimized GaAs-based solar cell which is covered with nano-structured features from the same material. Using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, we have designed, modelled, and analyzed the performance of three different arrangements of periodic nano-structures with different pitches and heights. The simulated results confirmed that different geometries of nano-structures behave uniquely towards the impinging light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular tumor in children resulting from genetic alterations and transformation of mature retinal cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of SD-208, TGF-β-RI kinase inhibitor, on the expression of some miRNAs including a miR-17/92 cluster in retinoblastoma cells. Prior to initiate this work, the cell proliferation was studied by Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) and bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Then, the expression patterns of four miRNAs (18a, 20a, 22, and 34a) were investigated in the treated SD-208 (0.0, 1, 2 and 3 μM) and untreated Y-79 cells. A remarkable inhibition of the cell proliferation was found in Y-79 cells treated with SD-208 versus untreated cells. Also, the expression changes were observed in miRNAs 18a, 20a, 22 and 34a in response to SD-208 treatment (P<0.05). The findings of the present study suggest that the anti-cancer effect of SD-208 may be exerted due to the regulation of specific miRNAs, at least in this particular retinoblastoma cell line. To the best of the researchers' knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that the SD-208 could alter the expression of tumor suppressive miRNAs as well as oncomiRs in vitro. In conclusion, the present data suggest that SD-208 could be an alternative agent in retinoblastoma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cystic echinococcosis (CE) has been a human public health problem in the Northeast of Iran, molecular data regarding the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in goats and sheep in these regions are still scarce. In the present study, we determined the genotypes of E. granulosus infecting sheep and goats in northeast of Iran. During April 2013–June 2014, 50 and 30 hydatid cysts were recovered from liver tissue of sheep and goats, respectively,. Protoscoleces or germinal layers were collected from individual cysts, DNA was extracted, and the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene was amplified by PCR. The results of PCR-RFLP and the sequence analysis showed that all the samples isolated from sheep ( n = 50) and most of samples in goats ( n = 24) were G1 strain, the most prevalent straint in livestock ruminants of Iran. Furthermore, six parasites isolated from goats were found to correspond to E. intermedius (G7 genotype), here reported for the first time from Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of cores on the chip increases rapidly; therefore, scalability is the most important design choice. Mesh-based Networks-on-Chip (NoC) are the most widely used topologies as a scalable alternative for traditional shared bus in many-core chips today. As the NoCs diameter increases, the low-latency communication between cores is becoming more important to ensure sustained scalability, and higher performance. In the ideal network, the low-load network latency between a source and destination is almost equal to single cycle. In this work, we propose a router for network-on-chip called Bypass router that leads to create a single-cycle data path all the way from the source to the destination. We do not use any additional control links in the network; instead the proposed router is compatible with all topologies and deterministic routing algorithm. We also propose a new routing algorithm to use the advantages of our router design. The area consumption is also reduced on $$ 4\times 4, 8\times 8, 16\times 16 $$ mesh topologies, compared to SMART network (Krishna et al. IEEE 19th international symposium on high performance computer architecture (HPCA2013), ). System simulations with Noxim simulators demonstrate at mean 60 % reduction in latencies across synthetic traffic patterns compared to a baseline router. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A supercapacitor was assembled by sandwiching a gel electrolyte containing alkaline polyvinyl alcohol and potassium hydroxide (PVA–KOH) in the presence and absence of potassium iodide (KI) between two nanosilver flexible electrodes (NSFEs) made by inkjet printing of reactive inks on paper as a substrate. The electrochemical properties of this supercapacitor were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge galvanostate techniques. Various salts were used in the PVA–KOH system, but KI was finally selected as the best salt with an optimum concentration of 0.072 M. The cyclic voltammograms of NSFEs in contact with PVA–KOH–KI as a gel electrolyte at different scan rates suggested that the reaction is diffusion-limited. The specific capacitance of the nanosilver electrodes or the supercapacitor was calculated as 0.22 F g − 1 by the galvanostate charge–discharge (GCD) techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the authors consider the robust adaptive attitude synchronisation problem for a network of rigid body agents using a modified version of the error function, which is recently introduced for constructing the attitude errors on SO (3). These attitude error vectors are particularly useful for networks with large initial attitude difference. They focus on devising an adaptive geometric approach to cope with situations where the inertia matrices are not available for measurement. The Frobenious norm is used as a measure for the difference between the actual values of moments of inertias and their estimated values, to construct the individual adaptive laws of agents. Compared to the previous methods for synchronisation on SO (3) such as those using quaternions, the authors' approach based on the introduced modified error function enables us to avoid any ambiguity for attitude representation. Finally, they study the robustness of the synchronisation task in the presence of external disturbances and unmodelled dynamics and propose a method to attenuate such effects. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Detailed comparison of LDPM and FDEM for analyzing cracking in concrete. • Uniquely validated models by comparing versus the size effect law. • Study of influencial parameters on the size effect. • Statistical analysis of concrete performance. • Fracturing patterns in concrete weight coating of offshore pipelines. We study the structural response of concrete weight coating of offshore pipelines subject to various loading conditions by utilizing the Lattice Discrete Particle Model and Finite Discrete Element Method in a comparative manner. We use laboratory experiments to validate our numerical simulations. We discuss the framework in detail, experiment setups, and outline the capabilities and limitations of both methods. A parametric study with a correlation to the size effect is also presented. We simulate Uniaxial Compressive Strength, Brazilian Disk and a three-point bending of a beam with a notch in both methods. We observe that strength and macroscopic fracture patterns fit well between numerical and experimental methods. We discuss the effectiveness of the methods concerning the transition of size effect, as well as comparing to the size effect law. Our statistical analysis quantifies the capability of capturing the size effect in both models. Capturing the size effect helps to increase the accuracy of predicting the structure response and performance which in turn a key factor in durability of concrete structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have demonstrated the possibility of quality light absorption in plasmonic nanostructured metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors with different groove shapes and analyzed the device performance by varying the physical parameters. The simulations revealed the quality light absorption for various nanogratings. The MSM photodetectors (MSM- PDs) utilizing nanostructure fabrication enable future high-speed devices to achieve high-responsivity bandwidth product. Finite difference time-domain method is used to evaluate the quality light absorption by plasmonics one dimensional nanostructures with the illumination of transverse magnetic light, since the surface plasmon polariton excitation is polarization sensitive. In our modeling, various nanograting profiles incorporated on the conventional MSM-PDs perform in different ways to improve the light absorption capacity in the subwavelength aperture region of the device. Therefore, the grooves' shape and size are the effective parameters to enhance the light concentration below the diffraction limit. The simulation results demonstrated the light absorption enhancement of ~33.6 times for newly introduced nonlinearly tapered (or trapezoidal) ellipse wall nanogratings with the aid of plasmonic nanogratings effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developed local discretization methods to account for aggregate fracture. • Compared crack patterns between experimental and numerical results. • Introduced framework for inclusion of irregularly shaped entrapped air voids. • Evaluated impact of aggregate fracture on three-point bending models. We describe simple and practical innovative developments of the Lattice Discrete Particle Model (LDPM) that capture fracturing (failure) through aggregates in concrete. While the original LDPM treats aggregates as rigid bodies that do not fail, for realistic modeling of cracking observed in High Strength Concrete (HSC), the aggregate cracking must be included. We compared the results of our method with the scans of actual cracking and could obtain matching fracturing patterns. Moreover, good fits were found for HSC brittleness when comparing the simulation results with the experimental for models of a three-point bending beam with a notch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to identify various mineralization zones especially supergene enrichment and hypogene zones in Kahang Cu porphyry deposit by higher than 60milliontonnes of sulfide ore with an average grade of 0.6% Cu and 70ppm Mo, which is situated in central Iran, based on analyzing the subsurface data using a proposed power spectrum–volume (P–V) fractal method. P–V method is used in frequency domain provided by application of Fourier series transformation on assay data. Straight lines fitted through log–log plots, showing P–V relations for Cu, were employed to separate supergene enrichment and hypogene zones from leached zone and barren host rock in the deposit. In the proposed P–V fractal method, the identification of mineralization zones is based on power–law relationship within power spectrum field (S) and the rock volume hosting Cu mineralization at different grades by applying a V(≥S) ∝ S−2/β multifractal model. The subsurface data from deposit was analyzed by P–V fractal method and the results have been compared with geological models which included alteration and mineralogical models. The comparison shows that the interpreted zones based on the P–V fractal method have noticeable consistency to the geological models. The proposed P–V method is its either new approach to define zones in a mineral deposit and there was no professional software available to perform the relevant calculations; therefore, Fractal Power Spectrum–Volume (FPSV) software was programmed by the authors to achieve this goal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify the various mineralization zones especially supergene enrichment and hypogene in two different Iranian porphyry Cu deposits, based on subsurface data and by using the proposed concentration–volume (C–V) fractal method. The Sungun and Chah-Firuzeh porphyry Cu deposits, which are situated in NW and SE Iran, respectively, were selected for this study. Straight lines fitted through log–log plots showing C–V relations for Cu were employed to separate supergene enrichment and hypogene zones from oxidation zones and barren host rocks in the two deposits and to distinguish a skarn mineralized zone from the hypogene zone in Sungun deposit. In the proposed C–V fractal method, the identification of mineralization zones is based on power–law relationships between Cu concentrations and the volume of rocks hosting porphyry Cu mineralization. Separate subsurface data from the two deposits were analyzed by C–V fractal method and the results have been compared with geological models which included alteration and mineralogical models. The comparison shows that the interpreted zones based on the C–V fractal method are consistent with the geological models. The proposed C–V method is a new approach to defining zones in a mineral deposit and there was no commercial software available to perform the relevant calculations; therefore, a fractal concentration–volume (FCV) software was designed by the authors to achieve this goal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Organic nitrates are commonly used in angina pectoris and ischemic cardiomyopathy. In order to optimize their effectiveness and patient convenience, several aspects must be observed. Adequate doses, suitable dosage forms and asymmetric pattern of usage to prevent the nitrate tolerance are some factors that a physician must be familiar with. The objective of the present study was to define the pattern of organic nitrates administration by Iranian physicians. To investigate the pattern of organic nitrates prescription, 42000 written prescriptions by physicians were reviewed and 345 of those which had at least one nitrate drug in, were considered. Also, a questionnaire was designed and the responses of 54 physicians were collected. Results showed that nitroglycerine 6.4 mg was the most and isosorbide dinitrate 40 mg was the least prescribed oral forms. No spray and topical forms had been prescribed. The most written dosing frequency was three times a day. Asymmetric pattern of usage had not been observed in prescriptions. Results of questionnaires showed that about 80% of physicians were familiar with nitrate tolerance phenomenon but only about 20% of them knew the appropriate way to prevent it. More than half of the respondents believed that the appropriate dose for ischemic heart disease was higher than that in congestive heart failure while it was claimed that the opposite was right. These findings suggest that more efforts must be carried out to increase the knowledge, attitude and practice of Iranian physicians regarding the appropriate dosing and administration of organic nitrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusion This review aims to synthesise the literature on the efficacy, evolution, and challenges of implementing Clincian Decision Support Systems (CDSS) in the realm of mental health, addiction, and concurrent disorders.Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed. Searches conducted in databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science through 25 May 2023, yielded 27,344 records. After necessary exclusions, 69 records were allocated for detailed synthesis. In the examination of patient outcomes with a focus on metrics such as therapeutic efficacy, patient satisfaction, and treatment acceptance, meta‐analytic techniques were employed to synthesise data from randomised controlled trials.A total of 69 studies were included, revealing a shift from knowledge‐based models pre‐2017 to a rise in data‐driven models post‐2017. The majority of models were found to be in Stage 2 or 4 of maturity. The meta‐analysis showed an effect size of −0.11 for addiction‐related outcomes and a stronger effect size of −0.50 for patient satisfaction and acceptance of CDSS.The results indicate a shift from knowledge‐based to data‐driven CDSS approaches, aligned with advances in machine learning and big data. Although the immediate impact on addiction outcomes is modest, higher patient satisfaction suggests promise for wider CDSS use. Identified challenges include alert fatigue and opaque AI models.CDSS shows promise in mental health and addiction treatment but requires a nuanced approach for effective and ethical implementation. The results emphasise the need for continued research to ensure optimised and equitable use in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review describes various aspects of traumatic cataracts in order to provide a thorough understanding of this condition. Ocular trauma is an important cause of monocular blindness worldwide. Injury to the lens after blunt or penetrating trauma is common and can result in vision impairment. Selecting the most appropriate therapeutic approaches depends on factors such as patients' age, mechanism of trauma, and underlying clinical conditions. Early management, especially within childhood, is essential because of the difficulties involved in examination; anatomical variations; as well as accompanying intraocular inflammation, amblyopia, or vitreoretinal adhesions. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the epidemiology and clinical management of traumatic cataract, highlighting the significance of accurate diagnosis and selection of the optimal therapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence rate and determinants of SU in adolescents based on the social development model (SDM). In 2018, applying a cross-sectional design, cluster multistage random sampling was employed to recruit 600 adolescents in Bam County, Iran, to participate in the study. A valid and reliable SDM-based instrument was used to collect data. The prevalence rate of using at least one substance was 42% (in girls 33.6% and in boys 50.3%). Adjusted for covariates, having close friends with SU was found as the factor with the highest risk. Higher scores in involvement in prosocial activities and interactions (OR: 0.47; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.33–0.66, p < 0.001), attachment and commitment to prosocial others (family and school) (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58–0.93, p < 0.05), and skills for interaction/involvement (OR: 0.51; 95%CI: 0.39–0.67, p < 0.001) reduced the odds of ever use of SU among adolescents. Also, higher levels of perceived rewards for antisocial interaction/involvement (OR: 2.22; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.53–3.22, p < 0.001) and belief in antisocial values (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.67–2.94, p < 0.001) increased the odds of ever use SU among the respondents. In community-based interventions to prevent SU among adolescents, a great focus should be firstly on identifying the probability of SU in close friends. Moreover, the involvement of adolescents in prosocial activities and interactions, attachment and commitment to prosocial others (family and school), and skills for interaction/involvement should be core categories while designing community-based interventional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the importance of hydrogen as an effective antioxidant for its applications in therapy, this research reports the fabrication of a coupled microfluidic microbial electrochemical cell (MXC), including microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and a microfluidic microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) series in order to perform it as a self-powered biohydrogen generator. Being able to be a platform of implantable medical devices, utilization a non-phatogenic strain of Escherichia coli as the biocatalyst in order to exploit the embodied energy from human blood and excrement and finally the use of cheap and facile materials (<$2 per device) are the exceptional features of the system. The sustainable potential difference for a series of three microfluidic MFCs is 1.97 V, and is high and sufficient for hydrolyzing an organic substrate. The single cell has a capability for producing the maximum power density of 20 W m−3 and the three cells series connection achieve as 38.2 W m−3 as the highest collective power. The maximum hydrogen production rate of 46 and 28 ppm h−1 obtain for glucose and urea-based substrates, respectively. The coupled microfluidic MXC performance characterize based on its substrate type, concentration, flow rate as well as comparison with other conventional MECs. Image 1 • A self-powered microfluidic biohydrogen generator was developed. • Non-phatogenic strain of Escherichia coli was used as biocatalyst of the system. • The spiral microchannel expedites the bacteria precipitation and biofilm formation. • The maximum hydrogen rate of 46 ppm h−1 was obtained for glucose-based substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript we use the dynamical system approach to study the linear dynamics of a normal DGP brane-world model with a tachyon field as the dark energy component. Our focus is on a Gaussian tachyonic potential in which the parameter , goes to infinity. One of the most important results of this study is that we find critical submanifolds which indicate the effect of extra dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is one of the widespread felids in Eurasia; however, relatively little is known about the Asian subspecies, and especially the Iranian populations, which comprise the most southwestern part of its range. The current study aimed to assess the phylogenetic status of Iranian populations relative to other populations of Eurasia, by sequencing a 613 bp fragment of the mitochondrial control region. In total, 44 haplotypes were recorded from 83 sequences throughout Eurasia, two of which were found in Iran. The haplotype (H1) is dominant in all Iranian lynx populations and identical to specimens from SW Russia and central China. The second haplotype (H2) is unique and was recorded only from Ghazvin Province in the central Alborz Mountains. Both haplotypes occur in Ghazvin Province. The phylogenetic tree and a median-joining network identified four clades (i.e., East, West 1, West 2, and South). These results are congruent with previous studies and suggest that Eurasian lynx was restricted to the southern part of its range during the glacial maxima and expanded from there to East Asia and to Europe during several independent re-colonization events. The Caucasus region most like plays an important role as a refugium during glacial cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation can involve several ocular structures, including the sclera, retina, and uvea, and cause vascular changes in these tissues. Although retinal vasculitis is the most common finding associated with uveitis involving the posterior segment, other vascular abnormalities may be seen in the retina. These include capillary nonperfusion and ischemia, vascular occlusions, preretinal neovascularization, microaneurysms and macroaneurysms, and telangiectasia. Moreover, vasoproliferative tumors and subsequent coat-like response can develop secondary to uveitis. Fluorescein angiography is ideal for the investigation of retinal vascular leakage and neovascularization, while optical coherence tomography angiography can provide depth resolved images from the superficial and deep capillary plexus and can demonstrate vascular remodeling. Choroidal vascular abnormalities primarily develop in the choriocapillaris or in the choroidal stroma and can appear as flow void in optical coherence tomography angiography and filling defect and vascular leakage in indocyanine green angiography. Extensive choriocapillaris nonperfusion in the presence of choroidal inflammation can increase the risk of choroidal neovascular membrane development. Iris vascular changes may manifest as dilation of vessels in stroma due to inflammation or rubeosis that is usually from ischemia in retinal periphery secondary to chronic inflammation. More severe forms of scleral inflammation, such as necrotizing scleritis, are associated with vascular occlusion in the deep episcleral plexus, which can lead to necrosis of sclera layer and uveal exposure. • Inflammation can involve several ocular structures, including the sclera, retina, and uvea. • Retinal vasculitis is the most common finding associated with uveitis involving the posterior segment. • Other vascular abnormalities can be seen in the retina, all uveal tissues including iris and choroid and sclera. • Fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography angiograph, indocyanine green angiography are ancillary tests that are commonly used for the diagnosis of vascular changes and abnormalities in ocular structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the current overdose crisis, which is a significant public health challenge in the field of mental health and substance use disorder care. The increase in mortality is primarily due to changing drug markets and patterns of substance use, as well as an ill-prepared system of care. Fentanyl has become the dominant drug of choice among many people who use drugs, and the rise in overdose deaths in North America has been dramatic. The article explores the concept of "safe supply," which involves providing high-potent psychotropic substances outside of a therapeutic context to reduce overdose risk. However, there is a lack of large-scale effectiveness studies on safe supply, and caution is expressed by experts regarding the potential risks and lack of evidence for its benefits. The article emphasizes the importance of integrating pharmacotherapy and psychosocial care, as well as learning from successful approaches in other countries such as Portugal and Switzerland. It also highlights the lessons that can be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing public health crises. Overall, the article calls for a comprehensive and evidence-based strategy to address the overdose crisis, taking into account the complexities and diverse needs of individuals with substance use disorders. [Extracted from the article]