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Background: In pediatrics, many drugs are used without marketing authorization. Recommendations are often based on clinical experience. Therefore, the risk of inappropriate prescription (IP) is high. It is necessary to have a tool for pediatric IP detection. Objectives: This study was performed to develop and validate a Pediatrics: Omission of Prescriptions and Inappropriate Prescriptions (POPI) screening tool to facilitate its use in pediatric practice in Iran. Methods: Using forward- and backward-translation procedures, an efficient and effective tool was provided in the current study and clinical settings. The two-round Delphi technique established content validity. The criteria were then piloted in a cross-sectional study in the pediatric patients of Khorasan Razavi and East Azerbaijan in Iran. Results: A total of 104 explicit criteria (79 IPs and 25 omissions) were obtained and submitted to an 18-member expert panel (including 8 pharmacists, 2 clinical pharmacists, and 8 pediatricians working in a hospital or the community). Then, 98 out of the 104 criteria submitted to the experts were selected after two Delphi rounds (75 IPs and 23 omissions). The content validity and reliability of the tool were obtained by expert assessment (Cronbach’s alpha for the entire criteria: 0.60). At least, the rate of one inappropriate prescribed medication was 69% in Mashhad, almost twice that of Tabriz (35%). Conclusions: The modified POPI criteria comprise the first screening tool to assess rational prescriptions for pediatric patients in hospital and outpatient settings. Clinical validation and reliability studies are needed and planned by the authors to evaluate the usability and reliability of this tool.

Bacterial populations are promising candidates for the development of the receiver and transmitter nanomachines for molecular communication (MC). A bacterial receiver is required to uptake the information molecules and produce the detectable molecules following a regulation mechanism. We have constructed a novel bacterial MC receiver using an inducible bacterial L-rhamnose-regulating operon. The proposed bacterial receiver produces green fluorescent protein (GFP) in response to the L-rhamnose information molecules following a quite fast regulation mechanism. To fabricate the receiver, the bacterial population has been transformed using a plasmid harboring L-rhamnose operon genes and gene expressing GFP in a microfluidic environment. We mathematically model the reception process of information molecules and characterize the model parameters by comparing the simulation results of the model in the employed microfluidic environment and the data obtained from the experimental setup. Based on the experimental results, the receiver is able to switch between different low and high concentrations. This work paves the way for the fabrication and modeling of any bacterial operon-based receiver with any proteins rather than GFP. Further, our experimental results indicate that the proposed bacterial receiver has a faster response to information molecules compared to the previous bacterial receiver based on the quorum sensing (QS) process.

The trade-off between the fuel consumption and drag coefficient makes the investigations of drag reduction of utmost importance. In this paper, the rear-end shape optimization of Ahmed body is performed. Before changing the geometry, to identify the suitable simulation method and validate it, the standard Ahmed body is simulated using k − ω shear stress transport (SST) and k-epsilon turbulence models. The slant angle, rear box angle, and rear box length as variables were optimized simultaneously. Optimizations conducted by genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) methods indicate a 26.3% decrease in the drag coefficient. To ensure the validity of the results, a numerical-experimental study is conducted on the optimized model. Thereafter, the velocity profiles and flow structure in the boundary layers of the original geometry were compared to those of the optimized geometry at different sections. The results indicate that there are points where the velocity profile in the boundary layer can exceed the free stream velocity and return to it again, an overlooked observation in the previous studies. In addition to the streamlines, to better understand the formation of three-dimensional vortexes, the Q-criterion factor is computed and illustrated.

There have been multiple methods proposed to calculate lift coefficients in microfluidic channels. One of the most used methods is using Direct Numerical Simulation. DNS is a very accurate yet computationally expensive method. DNS computations comprise most of the time consumed on a microfluidic simulation done by commercial software. This paper proposes a user-friendly, fast, and accurate AI-based webapp named microAI that can calculate the microfluidic lift coefficients of channels. We have also studied the effects of different types of activation functions and optimizers in convergence and the final function's differentiability. microAI is deployed to huggingface and is accessible at \url{https://erfanhamdi.github.io/microAI/}, 10 pages, 9 Figures

Objective. Peritoneal adhesion (PA) is an abnormal connective tissue that usually occurs between tissues adjacent to damaged organs during processes such as surgery. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Portulaca oleracea (PO) were investigated against postoperative-induced peritoneal adhesion. Methods. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats ( 220 ± 20 g , 6-8 weeks) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) normal, (2) control (induced peritoneal adhesion), and (3) and (4) PO extracts (induced peritoneal adhesion and received 100 or 300 mg/kg/day of PO extract for seven days). Finally, macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed using different scoring systems and immunoassays in the peritoneal lavage fluid. Results. We found that the levels of adhesion scores and interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased in the control group. However, PO extract (100 and 300 mg/kg) notably reduced inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), fibrosis (TGF-β1), angiogenesis (VEGF), and oxidative (MDA) factors, while increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, antioxidant factor glutathione (GSH), compared to the control group. Conclusion. Oral administration of PO improved postoperational-induced PA by alleviating the oxidative factors, fibrosis, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenesis biomarkers, and stimulating antioxidative factors. Hence, PO can be considered a potential herbal medicine to manage postoperative PA. However, further clinical studies are required to approve the effectiveness of PO.

It has long been believed that the patients with thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) may harbor genetic mutations commonly found in familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Despite extensive testing, such a mutation has escaped detection until now.

Since the discovery of inertial focusing in 1961, numerous theories have been put forward to explain the migration of particles in inertial flows, but a complete understanding is still lacking. Recently, computational approaches have been utilized to obtain better insights into the underlying physics. In particular, fundamental aspects of particle focusing inside straight and curved microchannels have been explored in detail to determine the dependence of focusing behavior on particle size, channel shape, and flow Reynolds number. In this review, we differentiate between the models developed for inertial particle motion on the basis of whether they are semi-analytical, Navier-Stokes-based, or built on the lattice Boltzmann method. This review provides a blueprint for the consideration of numerical solutions for modeling of inertial particle motion, whether deformable or rigid, spherical or non-spherical, and whether suspended in Newtonian or non-Newtonian fluids. In each section, we provide the general equations used to solve particle motion, followed by a tutorial appendix and specified sections to engage the reader with details of the numerical studies. Finally, we address the challenges ahead in the modeling of inertial particle microfluidics for future investigators.

Nowadays, the safety of structures against natural disasters is of great importance, which is ranked depending on the type of the structure. Structures that cause the highest property damage and personal injury after the destruction are the ones that are more important in terms of safety. A dam is one of the structures with vitally important safety that should be taken into consideration. This is because it supplies water for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and community uses; hence, any kind of failure in this process would most likely cause loss of life and significant economic losses. Models designed in this article are based on Karun III dam. There is a total of 20 different models that compare the results of inserted stress and displacement, each of which is indicative of different kinds of fracture in the foundation under different records and elasticity modulus. In the state where Tabas earthquake is inserted into the model, the Young’s modulus ratio related to Jiang’s article and the fracture are on one-third of the left, and the highest amount of pressure is exerted on the dam body. In the state where Manjil earthquake is inserted into the model, the fracture takes place on the foundation at the bottom third and, as a result, the least amount of pressure is exerted at the dam body.

Inertial microfluidics is utilized as a powerful passive method for particle and cell manipulation, which uses the hydrodynamic forces of the fluid in the channel to focus particles in specific equilibrium positions in the cross section of the channel. To achieve high performance manipulation, knowledge of focusing pattern of particles in the cross section of channel is essential. In this paper, we propose a method to address this important issue. To this end, firstly inertial microfluidics is analyzed in rectangular cross section channels. The results indicate that fluid flow velocity and channel's cross-sectional profiles have great impacts on the forces exerted on particles. Next, these results are utilized to propose a method to predict equilibrium positions in non-rectangular cross section channels through some simple calculations. This method is based on approximating the velocity profile of a non-rectangular cross section channel by utilizing portions of velocity profiles of different rectangular cross section channels. To analyze the method's performance, results obtained from the proposed method are compared with Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) and experimental studies of seven non-rectangular channels. It is observed that the proposed approach accurately predicts particles trajectories and their equilibrium positions in the cross section of channels.

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been conducted on a new series of hybrid inorganic-organic acids. One of the oxygen double bonded to nitrogen in nitric acid has been systematically substituted with the different groups such as cyclopentadiene, indene, and borole motifs and the acidity of the compounds has been estimated via the DFT-B3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) method. The compounds 2b and 8 have the highest acidity, within the level of the superacids, with deprotonation enthalpies of 253 and 254 kcal/mol, respectively, which are more acidic than FSO3H, H2SO4, HNO3 and even CF3SO3H. Aromaticity indices of the designed compounds were analyzed along with their corresponding conjugate bases. C H, O H, and C C NH acids, were considered and their acidities were compared.

A probabilistic multiscale model for poroelastic properties of organic-rich shale is extended to include the effect of microcracks. The approach is based on physics-based modeling of poroelastic properties and uncertainty propagation from nano- to macro-scale using homogenization schemes. The multiscale thought model used in this work improves on an existing thought model by adding another level to model embedded microcracks. From the scale of single clay particle to the scale of embedded microcracks, the model parameters are calibrated using experimental characterization at different length scales. To quantify the crack density and microcrack orientations, an inverse optimization approach is utilized which uses the UPV measurements at the macro-scale. Major model parameters representing compositional and mechanical properties at each length scale are modeled as a random variable. Probabilistic description of both scalar random variables and matrix-valued random variables is constructed using the maximum entropy principle (MaxEnt). Using such statistical description of model input parameters with Monte Carlo simulation, probabilistic descriptions of model outputs are obtained at each length scale. The results of stochastic upscaling are validated against available experimental values. Finally, a global sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the model input parameters which are most influential to the statistical fluctuation of upscaled poroelastic properties. The presented multiscale framework provides an enhanced understating regarding the effect of uncertainties associated with microcrack density and orientation, and other subscale features on homogenized poroelastic properties, thus further improves predictive capability for shale multiscale behavior.

Emerging noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with premature mortality are one of the major concerns in health supervising organizations of the world. High intake of energy, salt, sugar, fat, and trans fatty acids are introduced as dietary risk factors of NCDs. The status of food risk factors is presented in Traffic Light (TL) food labeling through colors of red, yellow, and green as the signs of stop, wait and watch and go, respectively. This stepwise interventional study examined whether TL education can result in choosing healthier food via assessing the impact of face-to-face educational sessions on knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 673 respondents toward TL food labeling through a self-administered and structured questionnaire. Paired t test or alternatively Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate the influence of education in total scores of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in test–retest. Results indicated that before education, the average of the scores for the knowledge, attitudes, and practices was 1.003 ± 0.69, 10.97 ± 1.86, and 1.60 ± 1.84, respectively. After education, the scores were increased to 8.72 ± 3.11, 15.95 ± 2.64, and 8.42 ± 1.69. Significant differences in the scores of the respondents were observed before and after education ( p

Polymeric microspheres which can load biomolecules, cells and active agents play an important role in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. The conventional double emulsion method has been frequently used to fabricate polymeric microspheres. However, this method has two major shortcomings: the complicated fabrication process which makes it difficult to predict the characteristics of the final microspheres while the size distribution of the microspheres has a wide range. In this study, we eliminate the shortcomings of the conventional double emulsion method and increase its performance without decreasing its high production rate. This can make the proposed modified method a promising approach suitable for mass production of microspheres. To this end, the effect of different fabrication parameters on the size and surface morphology of the microspheres have been investigated. This information provides researchers with helpful insights to fabricate the desired microspheres with specific size distribution and surface morphology. Moreover, by incorporating the conventional double emulsion method with a high throughput inertial microfluidics device, microspheres with a narrow size distribution have been obtained.

Mechanical properties of organic matter in fine grained source rocks has been the subject of extensive research. Most studies on kerogen have been performed on kerogen samples isolated by dissolving the rock matrix. However, recent studies have shown significant microstructural alteration of kerogen samples after demineralization leading to alteration of their mechanical properties. In this work, in order to study the role of organic matter on mechanical properties of the rock, both organic-rich and organicfree carbonate-rich shale rocks are investigated. A recently developed nano-chemomechanical characterization method is used to directly correlate mechanical properties of both organic-rich and organic-free samples with their chemical composition and mineralogy at micrometer length scales using coupled nanoindentation and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) technique. The experimental results are used in multiscale structure thought models in which the role of organic matter is modeled as a matrix surrounding inclusions in the composite. Application of these models to the interpretation of nanoindentation results allows us to obtain consistent mechanical properties for the main constituents of these samples, i.e. organic matter and calcite, which are in excellent agreement with the results in the literature. Moreover, adequate agreement is observed between model predictions and experimental measurements of elastic properties of carbonate-rich shale rocks at macroscale.

A probabilistic modeling and validation for multiscale poroelastic behavior of organic-rich shale is presented. The methodology is based on the integration of microporomechanics and effective medium theory with uncertainty quantification and propagation from nano- to macroscale. The multiscale model utilizes and improves an existing structural thought model of organic-rich shale material consisting of three levels that span from the nanoscale elementary building blocks of material to the scale of the macroscopic inorganic/organic hard/soft inclusion composite. Major model parameters related to the composition and mechanical properties of shale subscale features are modeled as random variables. Probabilistic description of model input parameters are constructed using the maximum entropy principle (MaxEnt) based on available information. Special care is given to the development of probabilistic description of random elasticity tensor of clay phase exhibiting transversely isotropic symmetry properties by employing the theory of random matrix combined with MaxEnt principle. Having the probabilistic descriptions of uncertain model parameters in hand, a Monte Carlo simulation is carried out to propagate the uncertainty across different scales, which allows us to construct a prior probabilistic descriptions of model outputs. The model predictions at different scales are validated against the available experimental measurements from samples of different formations and relevant information in the literature. Furthermore, a global sensitivity analysis is performed to characterize the contribution of each source of uncertainty in the variation of model predictions with respect to different quantities of interest related to macroscale mechanical properties of shale rocks. The integration of experimental characterization, microporomechanical modeling, and uncertainty quantification and propagation proposed in this work provides valuable insights into understanding the effect of subscale compositions and their variation in the upscaled poroelastic properties of shale rocks and improves the robustness and reliability of predictive models for the shale multiscale behavior.

This study deals with the influence of hybrid nanofluids i.e., a mixture of Al2O3 and Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dispersed in water, on the environmental performance of a direct absorption parabolic trough collector. For this purpose, hybrid nanofluids in three volume concentrations i.e., 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.04% were prepared and their optical properties were measured. Next, the nanofluids were used in the direct absorption parabolic trough collector (DAPTC) as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) to measure the effect of using hybrid nanofluids on its energy and environmental performances. Obtained data from the spectrometric experiment reveal that hybrid nanofluids have better optical properties than mono nanofluids and the base fluid, it would be suitable for use in the DAPTC in order to increasing the thermal performance. Using hybrid nanofluids with a volume fraction of 0.04% as the heat transfer fluid intensifies the maximum temperature difference parameter of the solar collector at 240.7%, 57.2%, and 8.2% compared to water, 0.04% alumina nanofluids, and 0.04% MWCNT nanofluids, respectively. Consequently, by using hybrid nanofluids, the thermal efficiency of the solar collector ameliorates by 197.1%, 69.2%, and 6.1% compared with cases in which water, alumina/water (0.04%), and MWCNT/water (0.04%) are used, respectively. The pressure drop in the absorber tube was gaged, and the results show that the increment of pressure drop for hybrid nanofluids can be negligible due to low volume fraction. Moreover, the saving of water along with other contaminants emissions such as CO2 was calculated for the nanofluid-based collector. The results reveal that using hybrid nanofluids instead of water leads to reductions in CO2 emission and water consumption as much as 450.33 kg and 2016.6 m3 per collector, respectively.

Background: Preterm labor is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and it might be predicted by assessing the cervical change. Objective: To assess the association between absence of cervical gland area (CGA) and spontaneous preterm labor (SPTL). Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was performed on 200 singleton pregnant women with a history of SPTL, second-trimester abortion in the previous pregnancy or lower abdominal pain in current pregnancy. Each patient underwent one transvaginal ultrasound examination between 14-28 wk of gestation. Cervical length was measured and CGA was identified and their relationship with SPTL before 35 and 37 wk gestation was evaluated using STATA software version 10. Results: The mean of cervical length was 36.5 mm (SD=8.4), the shortest measurement was 9 mm, and the longest one was 61 mm. Short cervical length (≤18mm) was significantly associated with SPTL before 35 and 37 wk gestation. Cervical gland area (the hypoechogenic or echogenic area around the cervical canal) was present in 189 (94.5%) patients. Absent of CGA had a significant relationship with SPTL before 35 and 37 wk gestation (p=0.01 and p

Key Clinical Message Shunt nephritis is a rare and relatively new diagnosis involving glomerular kidney damage following ventriculoperitoneal and ventriculoatrial shunt placement. Our case report summarizes the presentation, diagnostic workup, and management of a patient with shunt nephritis. We also review and discuss the current literature on the topic.

Atomic force microscope (AFM) is widely used in a nanolithography and MEMS as one of the most powerful tools for surface topography in Nano scale. There has recently been a growing interest in piezoelectric layers as sensors in AFM cantilevers. In this paper, the dynamic behaviors of rectangular, dagger and V-shape AFM cantilevers in the transverse direction were examined in the air. Each cantilever consists of three regions; the first region is made of four layers including the silicon layer, the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode and the second and third regions both consist of a silicone layer. In order to enhance computation accuracy in obtaining the partial differential equation (PDE) corresponding to cantilever motion, modified couple stress (MCS) and Hamilton theories were used. Subsequently, the PDE was converted into ordinary differential equation (ODE) using the numerical generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM). In order to validate the analysis method, the findings were compared with experimental and FEM results. The effect of applied forces on the cantilever in this setting including Van der Waals, capillary, and contact forces on the oscillating domain of the cantilever was studied. The time response of the cantilever tip was obtained with respect to different distances between the cantilever and the surface. Different roughness models are introduced and the effect of each of them on the sample surface topography at the tapping and none contact mode was investigated. The results illustrated that in both the non-contact and tapping mode, the cantilever with its second natural frequency provides a better response than one with the first natural frequency. Among the three investigated cantilevers, the best topography was associated with the rectangular cantilever.

Background Albumin is a protein colloidal solution with limited availability and high cost. It should be used in such approved indications as paracentesis, extensive burn, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and nephrotic syndrome. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the appropriateness of albumin usage before and after an evidence-based guideline. Setting Four wards of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Method An interventional pre-post design study was performed on 2 groups of patients; in gGroup 1 as a preparation phase group in 6 months from February 2015 to July 2015 and Group 2 as an interventional group from September 2015 to February 2016. A guideline for proper indications of albumin, designed and finalized based on the physicians' comments, was implemented in Group 2. Main outcome measure The pattern of albumin consumption. Results Fifty patients were evaluated in each group. The implementation of the guideline resulted in reduction of improper albumin use from 62 to 57.5%, which was not statistically significant; however., it reduced inappropriate dose and duration of albumin therapy (55.5-16.7%), the number of consumed albumin vial, and the average cost for each patient (317.78 ± 3.15-149.81 ± 1.91 USD) significantly, as well. Conclusion This study illustrated that in this hospital in most cases, albumin was used inappropriately and at an alarming rate. This improved after the introduction of an evidence-based guideline. Moreover, guideline implementation resulted in significant cost reduction.

Tuberculosis (TB) is currently a clinical and public health problem. There is a concern about the emergence and development of multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) species. Additionally, the lack of effective vaccines is another limitation to control the related infections. To overcome these problems various approaches have been pursued such as finding novel drug candidates with a new mechanism of action or repurposing conventional antibiotics. However, these strategies are still far from clinical application. Hence, the use of adjunctive therapy has been suggested for TB. In this paper, we review non-antibiotic adjunctive treatment options for TB. Natural products, vitamins, micronutrients, and trace elementals, as well as non-antibiotic drugs, are examples of agents which have been used as adjunctive therapies. The use of these adjunctive therapies has been shown to improve disease outcomes and reduce the adverse effects of antibiotic drugs. Employing these agents, either alone or in combination with antibiotics, might be considered as a promising approach to control TB infections and achieve better clinical outcomes. However, supportive evidence from randomized controlled trials is still scant and merits further investigations.

Elasto-inertial microfluidics has drawn significant attention in recent years due to its enhanced capabilities compared to pure inertial systems in control of small microparticles. Previous investigations have focused mainly on the applications of elasto-inertial sorting, rather than studying its fundamentals. This is because of the complexity of simulation and analysis, due to the presence of viscoelastic force. There have been some investigative efforts on the mechanisms of elasto-inertial focusing in straight channels; however, these studies were limited to simple rectangular channels and neglected the effects of geometry and flow rates on focusing positions. Herein, for the first time, we experimentally and numerically explore the effects of elasticity accompanying channel cross-sectional geometry and sample flow rates on the focusing phenomenon in elasto-inertial systems. The results reveal that increasing the aspect ratio weakens the elastic force more than inertial force, causing a transition from one focusing position to two. In addition, they show that increasing the angle of a channel corner causes the elastic force to push the particles more efficiently toward the center over a larger area of the channel cross section. Following on from this, we proposed a new complex straight channel which demonstrates a tighter focusing band compared to other channel geometries. Finally, we focused Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells (3-5 μm) in the complex channel to showcase its capability in focusing small-size particles. We believe that this research work improves the understanding of focusing mechanisms in viscoelastic solutions and provides useful insights into the design of elasto-inertial microfluidic devices.

Objective: Safety of Lippia citriodora, as a herbal remedy, in pregnancy has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to identify the effect of L. citriodora aqueous extract on pregnancy outcome in mice. Materials and Methods: Timed-pregnant mice received doses of 0.5 g/kg/day L. citriodora aqueous extract or the vehicle control during organogenesis, intraperitoneally. Maternal body weights were measured throughout the pregnancy. The litters were examined for external malformations and skeletal abnormalities. Fetuses were stained with Alizarin red S and Alcian blue. Results: There were no significant differences in mean maternal weight gain during pregnancy between groups. Also, no significant differences were observed in mean number of implantation, live and resorbed fetuses between control and treated groups. The prevalence of all types of deformity was low and similar to control group (%1.11). Conclusion: The results of this study show that moderate consumption of L. citriodora as an infusion or tea appears to be safe to be used during pregnancy and does not have toxic effects on development of mouse embryo.

Co–Cu and Co–Ag bimetallic nanocrystallites were prepared by transmetallation of tetrakis(pyridine)silver(II) peroxydisulfate and tetrakis(pyridine)sulfatocopper(II) monohydrate complexes by metallic cobalt nanoparticles. In this work, cobalt nanoparticles were reacted as a reducing agent in a chemical reduction of metal complexes. Due to the complex formation constant and the reduction potential of Ag II and Cu II complexes, bimetallic Co–Ag and Co–Cu nanoparticles in aqueous solution are formed. These nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and EDX analysis. The percentages of phases were calculated by the Rietveld method. Besides, strain and crystals size were calculated by the Williamson–Hall method and the profile coefficients were obtained in the GSAS software.

The objective of this study is to assess and compare the effects of different nanoparticles, namely nano-TiO2, nano-Al2O3 and nano-Fe2O3, on the performance of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in terms of fresh, mechanical, and durability properties through performing different experiments. TiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 nanoparticles with the average diameter of 18, 15, and 14 nm were used with two different contents of 3% and 5% by weight of cement. For assessing the fresh properties of SCC, slump flow, V-funnel, L-box, and column segregation tests were conducted. For the mechanical properties, compressive strength of concrete was investigated, and for the durability properties rapid chloride migration (RCM), electrical resistivity, rapid chloride penetration (RCP), and water penetration depth tests were carried out. The result showed that the workability properties of the mixes slightly improved by 3% addition of nanoparticles while increasing this value to 5% decreased the workability. For higher content of nanoparticles, the incorporation of nanoparticles in the mixes increased the water demand and consequently caused a reduction of workability. For compressive strength, nano-Fe2O3 showed a superior effect on the enhancement of strength in comparison to nano-Al2O3 and nano-TiO2. This observation was attributed to the formation of calcium ferric hydrate (C-F-H) gel in the microstructure. Moreover, the addition of all the nanoparticles resulted in an improvement of durability properties. High surface area of nanoparticles provided nucleation sites for cement particles and expedited the hydration process development. The formation of a higher content of hydration products helped the densification of microstructure. Moreover, nanoparticles controled the growth pattern of C-S-H gel, which led to the formation of a homogenous microstructure with smaller pore sizes and consequently to lower permeability against penetration of aggressive ions i.e., chloride. It is concluded that partial replacement of cement with nanoparticles on average improved the compressive strength and durability properties of SCC, but resulted in a reduction of workability.

Elasto-inertial microfluidics has drawn significant attention in recent years due to its enhanced capabilities compared to pure inertial systems in control of small microparticles. Previous investigations have focused mainly on the applications of elasto-inertial sorting, rather than studying its fundamentals. This is because of the complexity of simulation and analysis, due to the presence of viscoelastic force. There have been some investigative efforts on the mechanisms of elasto-inertial focusing in straight channels; however, these studies were limited to simple rectangular channels and neglected the effects of geometry and flow rates on focusing positions. Herein, for the first time, we experimentally and numerically explore the effects of elasticity accompanying channel cross-sectional geometry and sample flow rates on the focusing phenomenon in elasto-inertial systems. The results reveal that increasing the aspect ratio weakens the elastic force more than inertial force, causing a transition from one focusing position to two. In addition, they show that increasing the angle of a channel corner causes the elastic force to push the particles more efficiently toward the center over a larger area of the channel cross section. Following on from this, we proposed a new complex straight channel which demonstrates a tighter focusing band compared to other channel geometries. Finally, we focused Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells (3–5 μm) in the complex channel to showcase its capability in focusing small-size particles. We believe that this research work improves the understanding of focusing mechanisms in viscoelastic solutions and provides useful insights into the design of elasto-inertial microfluidic devices.

Introduction: Inappropriate use of antibiotics in health care systems can lead to bacterial resistance, nosocomial infections and increased hospital costs. So, evaluation programs for these medications are needed. This study evaluates the pattern of vancomycin utilization in Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Methods: At first, according to drug information sources a check list was designed for appropriate indication and dosing of vancomycin. One hundred patients were selected randomly from different wards of hospital during a 6 months period and their data were collected in predesigned check list. Then, data were evaluated according to prepared checklist. Results: In this study, 100 patients (48 female and 52 male) were evaluated. Empiric therapy in 20% of patients was not initiated appropriately based on prepared checklist. Empiric regimen was changed in 10 patients based on culture results and in 28 patients regarding clinical response. Prescribed doses were according to the guideline in only 31% of patients. Duration of treatment were inappropriate in 35 patients. Vancomycin induced nephrotoxicity occurred in 7 patients and red man syndrome in 1 patient. Administration procedure was correct in all patients. Conclusion: According to the results, lots of error occurred in vancomycin administration and dosing in our center. It is necessary to develop localized guideline for vancomycin utilization in this hospital to prevent unwanted adverse reactions and antimicrobial resistance and also reduce treatment cost.

Introduction: Inappropriate use of antibiotic, leads to microbial resistance, nosocomial infections and increased hospital costs. Therefore, it is necessary to control and evaluate the use of these medications, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics. This study evaluated the pattern of meropenem utilization in Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Methods: First, a guideline for proper indications of meropenem was designed and finalized based on the clinical pharmacists and infectious disease specialist’s comments. One hundred patients were chosen randomly from different wards of the hospital and their data were recorded in predesigned questionnaires. Then, the pattern of meropenem consumption was analyzed according to the guideline. Results: This study was performed in 100 patients, including 48 women and 52 men. In 13 cases (13%), patients had no approved indication for meropenem. The initial regimens were changed in 6 cases (6%) based on culture results and in 73 cases (73%) relied on clinical response. In 64 cases (64%), administrated doses were compatible with prepared guideline. Renal dose adjustment was acceptable based on guideline only in 30% of patients with renal impairment (30 patients out of 100). Hyper-sensitivity reaction, one of the adverse reactions of meropenem, was seen in 1 patient (1%). Conclusion: According to the results, considerable errors occurred in meropenem administration and dosing. Therefore, it is necessary to design and implement a localized guideline for meropenem consumption in Imam Reza hospital of Mashhad, Iran.

Verbascoside or acteoside is the most abundant phenylethanoid glycoside that possesses health beneficial pharmacological activities, including anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Due to the wide range of pharmacological activities of verbascoside and insufficient data on the safety profile, the acute, subacute and cellular toxicity of verbascoside was determined. The acute and subacute toxicity of verbascoside was evaluated in mice after single intraperitoneal injection at the dose range of 0, 1, 2 and 5 g kg-1b.wt. (acute model) and 21 days administration at the dose range of 0, 10, 30 and 60 mg kg-1b.wt. (subacute model). In MTT assay, HepG2 and NIH cells were exposed to different concentrations of verbascoside. According to result, the LD 50 value of verbascoside was found to be greater than 5 g kg-1. In subacute toxicity study, no statistically significant differences were observed in the values of hematological, biochemical and pathological parameters in comparison with control group. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that the viability in all groups were greater than the IC 50 value. In conclusion, the results from the present study elucidate that verbascoside is well tolerated for both single and chronic administration and does not produce any toxic effects or deaths in animals. © 2015 Academic Journals Inc.

The effect of climate change on future groundwater conditions in the Toyserkan basin in western Iran has been studied. In recent years, overexploitation for agricultural activities has led to water-table decline. Groundwater recharge rate predictions in the study area were obtained from the RCP4.5 Scenario of the 5th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and HadGEM2 General Circulation Model . Outputs were downscaled with the RegCM4 Regional Climate Model coupled to the Community Land Model version 4.5 (CLM 4.5). RegCM4 model validation and prediction were attempted for 7 years (1999–2005) and 11 years (2015–2025), respectively. Validation results showed that RegCM4 reasonably simulated daily precipitation and monthly temperature and runoff. Firstly, geological, geophysical and hydrogeological data were used and evaluated to develop the conceptual model. Secondly, a 3D numerical model of groundwater flow was developed in order to describe the groundwater regime and predict the effects of water management strategies. Two scenarios were defined for the prediction period. The first scenario assumes that current exploitation rates will be continued, while the second one assumes a 20 percent decrease in pumping due to increased irrigation efficiency. The results showed a water-table rise from 2015 to 2025, which is heightened by increase in irrigation efficiency.

Objective(s): Coumarin hydroxylase (CYP2A6) is a polymorphic enzyme, and during the last decade has received a lot of attention because it is the principle human nicotine C-oxidase, which activates a number of procarcinogens, and metabolizes drugs. Materials and Methods: 150 healthy Iranian volunteers, (96 male, 54 female) aged 19 to 63 years old, were given 5 mg coumarin orally after an overnight fast. Urine samples were collected before drug administration and 2, 4 and 8 h after that. The extent and rate of the formation of 7-OH-coumarin (7OHC) was determined by the urinary excretion of the metabolite as measured by the fluorometric method. Results: The proportion of 7OHC excreted during the first 2 hr compared to the 7OHC excretion at 8 h was the constant and stable individual characteristic for the rate of the formation of 7OHC (2 hr coumarin test). The total amount of 7OHC formed was 32.7±12.4% (mean±SD) of the given dose. On average, 66.0% of 7OHC formed was excreted in 2 hr. No clear-cut polymorphism in the rate of 7OHC formation was found. The total amounts of 7OHC excreted were significantly lower in females. Also, the rate and amount of coumarin metabolism in Iranian population were lower than Turkish and Finnish populations. Conclusion: Because of the importance of enzyme activity in drug metabolism, caution should be exercised in prescribing compounds metabolized by CYP2A6 enzyme in Iranian population.

Rifampin, an antibiotic widely used for the treatment of mycobacterial infections, produces hepatic, renal and bone marrow toxicity in human and animals. In this study, the protective effects of vitamin C and n-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the toxicity of rifampin on HepG2 cells were investigated. Human hepatoma cells (HepG2) were cultured in 96-well M of rifampin in the presence of microplate and exposed to 10, 20, 50 and 100 vitamin C (0.1 mg/mL) and NAC (0.2 mg/mL). Protective effect of the two drugs against rifampin toxicity was assessed by MTT assay. Results show that both vitamin C and NAC significantly inhibited HepG2 cellular damage due to rifampin, and vitamin C was relatively more potent than NAC. Rifampin is metabolized by the liver and its toxic metabolites are responsible for the drug›s hepatic toxicity. Based on our results, it seems that reactive metabolites are the main agents responsible for rifampin hepatotoxicity. The importance of this finding is that if vitamin C or NAC do not affect the antibacterial activity of rifampin, they could be used as preventive agents in rifampin users.

Background: Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) has a long history as a folk remedy for the common cold, asthma, colic, fever, diarrhea, indigestion, insomnia, and anxiety. The increasing use of Lippia citriodora and the lack of scientific data on its safety profile make necessary an evaluation of its toxicity. Objectives: The present study evaluated the acute, subacute, and cellular toxicity of the aqueous extract of L. citriodora leaves. Methods: The acute and subacute toxicity of the plant was evaluated with a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of aqueous extract at the dosage range of 0, 1, 2, and 5 g/kg of body weight (acute model) in mice and rats and 21 days’ administration at the dosage range of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of body weight. For subacute toxicity, food intake, water intake, body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, and histopathological changes were evaluated. In our in vitro study, the effect of different concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) in HepG2 cells was evaluated using MTT assay. Results: In the acute toxicity study, the calculated LD50 was 5g/kg of body weight. The subacute toxicity study did not show a significant change in any of the hematological, biochemical, or pathological findings compared to the control group, except for a reduction in triglyceride levels. The cytotoxicity assay also revealed that the viability in all groups was greater than the IC50 value. Conclusions: Results from the present study elucidated that treatment with the aqueous extract of L. citriodora leaves was well tolerated via daily IP injection at doses up to 200 mg/kg for a period of 21 days and did not produce any toxicity. The safety of L. citriodora aqueous extract was also confirmed by cell viability assay.

Scutellaria is a genus of Lamiaceae with known antiproliferative potentials. Scutellaria litwinowii Bornm. & Sint. ex Bornm. is one of the Iranian species of Scutellaria. Although there are widespread reports about the cytotoxic and antitumor effects of some species of this genus, research on the molecular mechanism responsible for the anticancer effects of S. litwinowii has not yet been conducted. In the current study, the apoptotic effects of S. litwinowii on 2 myeloid cell lines, apoptosis-proficient HL60 cells and apoptosis-resistant K562 cells, were analyzed. An increase in the activity of caspases-3, -8, and -9, poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, detection of phosphatidylserine on the outer layer of cell membrane and sub-G1 peak in the flow cytometry histogram of treated cells, suggested the induction of apoptosis. S. litwinowii also increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. It could be concluded that S. litwinowii induced apoptosis in both apoptosis-proficient and apoptosis-resistant leukemic cells and it might be considered as a novel candidate in the treatment of hematological malignancies.

Objective: Nigella Sativa (N. Sativa) seeds were used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of diseases. The seed extracts and oil of this plant have shown various pharmacological properties including antimicrobial actions. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial effects of methanol extract of the seeds against pathogenic bacteria causing mastitis in cows have been investigated. Materials and methods: in in vivo experiments, 10 cows with mastitis were treated by local injection of different concentrations of methanol extract of the seeds into the infected breasts. In in vitro experiments, the microorganisms were collected from the same infected breasts and used for the assessment of the antimicrobial effects of the extract by means of agar dilution and disk diffusion methods. Results and conclusion: The extract showed significant in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects on causative organisms compared to standard drugs and also induced healing of the disease. This is the first veterinary experiment, to our knowledge, that investigated the antibacterial effects of Nigella sativa.

Colchicum kotschyi Boiss grows wildly in Iran. Propagation of this perennial geophyte plant takes a long time either by corm or seed. Seeds usually have a deep dormancy and take more than a year to germinate. Therefore in order to find out an effective method to shorten this period, a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with four replicates was conducted to investigate the effects of warm stratification (no stratification and 8 weeks at 25oC) and different chemical priming treatments. Priming was done by: H2SO4 (0 and 50%) and GA3 at (0, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm) and KNO3 at (1 and 2%). Seeds were all cultured in a Potato Dextrose Agar media (1%) and put in a dark position for germination. The results showed that warm stratification priming alone, had a germination percentage of 28.7%. No germination was observed in control, H2SO4 and KNO3 treatments alone. Warm stratification along with GA3 significantly increased the germination percentage. Maximum germination percentage (70%) was obtained in warm stratification and GA3 (1000 ppm). It seems that the germination problem for most of the Colchicum kotschyi seeds is probably due to a kind of morphophysiological dormancy which is broken by warm stratification along with GA3.

"n 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";} Background: Preterm delivery is a relevant public health problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) before 35 and 37 weeks of gestational age and the measurement of the cervix length, cervical funneling and Cervical Gland Area (CGA), in high risk pregnant population."n"nMethods: A prospective cohort of 200 women carrying high risk pregnancies was evaluated by transvaginal sonography between 14th and 28th gestational weeks. The data were analyzed using statistical methods. A multiple linear regression model was estimated in order to examine the relationship between the gestational age at delivery and the cervical markers. A multiple logistic regression was estimated in order to analyze the factors associated to spontaneous preterm delivery and the transvaginal sonographic markers."n"nResults: Cervical length less than 18 mm and the presence of cervical funneling presented a statistically significant association with spontaneous preterm delivery before 35 weeks. The nondetection of Cervical Gland Area demonstrated a strong association with spontaneous preterm delivery before (p=0.0001, OR=169.1, CI=2.6-3.1) and 35th and 37th gestational week (p=0.001, OR=115, CI=2.12-3.5). The multiple logistic regression analysis suggested the non-detection of CGA as the only variable to reveal statistically significance association with spontaneous preterm delivery."n"nConclusion: Based on results of present study the absence of cervical gland area (CGA) can be a new and important ultrasound marker for predicting spontaneous preterm delivery and needs to confirm with future multicenter investigations.

"n Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Background: Preterm delivery is a relevant public health problem since it is an important factor determinant of morbidity and the main reason for neonatal mortality. Many publications have pointed at clinical methods, biological, biochemical and ultrasonographic markers, which applied in combination or on their own, aim at predicting spontaneous preterm delivery. Transvaginal sonography is an effective method for the study of uterine cervix during pregnancy since it permits to assess the cervical morphology and biometry in detail with a high degree of reliability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) before 35 and 37 weeks of gestational age, in high risk population and the measurement of the cervix length and cervical funneling."n"nMethods: A prospective cohort of 200 women carrying high risk pregnancies were evaluated by transvaginal sonography between 14th and 28th weeks of gestation."n"nResults: Cervical length less than 18mm before 35th and 37th weeks of gestational age and the presence of cervical funneling presented a satistically significant association with spontaneous preterm delivery before 35 weeks. The cervical length with less 18 mm demonstrated a strong association with SPTD before 37 weeks (p

Background Thallium (Tl) is a toxic heavy metal that exists in nature. Tl poisoning (thallotoxicosis) may occur in opioid addicts. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency and level of urinary Tl in opioid abusers. In addition, clinical findings were evaluated. Methods A total of 150 subjects were examined. Cases with a history of at least 3 years of abuse were admitted in the Imam Reza Hospital as the case group; 50 non-opioid abusers from the target population were included as the control group. Twenty-four hour urinary qualitative and quantitative Tl analyses were performed on both groups. Results Out of the 150 subjects, 128 (85 %) were negative for qualitative urinary Tl, followed by 5 % (trace), 7 % (1+), 2 % (2+), and 1 % (3+). Mean (standard error (SE), Min–Max) quantitative urinary Tl level was 14 μg/L (3.5 μg/L, 0–346 μg/L). Mean urinary Tl level in the case group was 21 μg/L (5 μg/L, 0–346 μg/L) and that in the controls was 1 μg/L (0.14 μg/L, 0–26 μg/L), which were significantly different (P = 0.001). The most frequent clinical findings were ataxia (86 %), sweating (81 %), and constipation (54 %). In all cases (n = 150), the mean (SE) value for cases with positive qualitative urinary Tl was 26.8 μg/L (0.9 μg/L) and that in the negative cases was 2.3 μg/L (0.2 μg/L), which were significantly different (P = 0.002). Conclusions This study showed that long-term opioid abuse may lead to Tl exposure. In opioid abusers with the clinical manifestation of thallotoxicosis, urinary Tl should be determined.

One thousand Iranians belonging to 5 different Iranian ethnic groups were tested for butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and phenotype. The phenotype was measured as percent inhibition in the presence of dibucaine. It was found that the Iranian population had an extraordinarily high frequency of the atypical variant of butyrylcholinesterase. 70% to 80% of Iranians carried the atypical mutation (Asp70Gly) on one allele. This contrasts with European and American populations where only 4% carry the atypical allele. The atypical variant of butyrylcholinesterase is known to be associated with prolonged apnea after administration of the muscle relaxants succinylcholine and mivacurium, and is also thought to be associated with abnormal sensitivity to cocaine toxicity. This study demonstrates that the ethnic background of a person has an important role in a person's response to drugs.Key words: butyrylcholinesterase, dibucaine number, heterozygous genes, different Iranian ethnics, metabolic polymorphism.

OBJECTIVE: There is increasing evidence for declining the onset age of drug abuse worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of four educational methods including lecture, presentation of poster and leaflet, presentation of video clip, and group/class discussion for life skills training and changing in knowledge and attitude of adolescents toward drug abuse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a pretest–posttest design, a sample of 897 girl and boy high school students from the first grade (14–15 years old) were involved in this cross-sectional study conducted in Isfahan, Iran. After collection of pretest questionnaires, each educational method was implemented separately for one class in one session (3 h) in each high school, and evaluation was carried out immediately after intervention through posttest questionnaires by the same students. RESULTS: According to paired t-test, the video clip- and lecture-based methods were significantly efficient in changing the attitudes toward drug abuse in boy and girl students, respectively. Analysis of covariance showed significant differences between girls and boys in pretest–posttest attitude scores using group discussion-based and video clip-based methods. CONCLUSION: Life skills training program through lecture-based and video clip-based educational methods was considerably effective in changing the high school students’ attitude toward drug abuse and addiction.

Inertial particle focusing as a powerful passive method is widely used in diagnostic test devices. It is common to use a curved channel in this approach to achieve particle focusing through balancing of the secondary flow drag force and the inertial lift force. Here, we present a focusing device on a disk based on the interaction of secondary flow drag force, inertial lift force, and centrifugal forces to focus particles. By choosing a channel whose cross section has a low aspect ratio, the mixing effect of the secondary flow becomes negligible. To calculate inertial lift force, which is exerted on the particle from the fluid, the interaction between the fluid and particle is investigated accurately through implementation of 3D Direct Numerical Solution (DNS) method. The particle focusing in three serpentine channels with different corner angles of 75°, 85°, and 90° is investigated for three polystyrene particles with diameters of 8 μm, 9.9 μm, and 13 μm. To show the simulation reliability, the results ob...