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Besat is a natural gas-fired steam-turbine power plant in Tehran, Iran’s only power station equipped with a monoethanolamine-based post-combustion CO2 capture unit (PCCU). The PCCU operates at a low recovery rate of 4.7% and produces 58 t-CO2/day. Captured CO2 is encapsulated and sold to beverage companies for carbonated soft drink production. Before developing this CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) route, a beverage company like ZamZam produced CO2 on-site, capturing CO2 from flue gas of diesel-fired boilers using a 95%-efficient absorption-refrigeration unit. This paper conducts an attributional, comparative life-cycle assessment/costing of applying the CCU technology to supply the beverage industry with CO2. ReCiPe, cumulative energy demand, and AWARE impact assessment methods are adopted to assess changes in the life-cycle economic, energy, and environmental impacts of electricity, liquid CO2, and carbonated water supply chains with the CCU route. As per findings, the CCU route significantly improves the sustainability profile of liquid CO2 supply for carbonated water production. Compared to on-site production, the CCU route reduces the average economic, energy, and environmental impacts of liquid CO2 supply by 55, 44, and 62%, respectively. However, the figures for carbonated-water production are reduced by only 10.1, 0.85, and 0.77%, respectively, since associated impacts primarily result from citric acid and polyethylene terephthalate value chains rather than liquid CO2. The CCU route, in comparison, increases most environmental burdens of electricity generation. With an efficiency of 4.7%, the PCCU reduces the global warming potential of electricity generation by 6.22% while increasing average toxicity- and eutrophication-related impacts by 55 and 30%, respectively, and production costs by 8%.

Industrial air pollution, particularly cement dust, affects the leaf water status and resource utilisation and finally decreases primary production. Evaluating the relative water content (RWC), leaf mass per unit area (LMA), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf water per unit area (LWA) helps selecting more tolerant species for dusty polluted areas. In this study, we compare two species of Quercus castaneifolia C.A.Mey and Carpinus betulus L. in a polluted site (PL) around a cement factory, and a unpolluted site (UPL) in Mazandaran province, Northern Iran. Ten individual trees of each species were tagged at each site, and twenty fully developed leaves were collected for further analysis and calculation. Based on the results, RWC and LWA were significantly lower in the PL site (61.0% and 0.0075 g.cm-2, respectively) compared to the UPL site (71.1% and 0.0114 g.cm-2, respectively) for Q. castaneifolia. However, no significant differences were observed in selected variables between PL and UPL sites for C. betulus. Among the studied variables, SLA was significantly higher in C. betulus (259.1 cm2.g-1) compared to Q. castaneifolia (189.8 cm2.g-1). Our results indicated that C. betulus responds better to dust pollution in terms of leaf water variables.

Abstract Viscum album L. (mistletoe) is a semiparasitic plant of the Santalaceae family. A valuable group of bioactive compounds in mistletoe are triterpene acids (TTAs), which possess anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Parrotia persica and Carpinus betulus are the most common hosts of mistletoe in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. This study was performed to compare the content of oleanolic acid (OA), betulinic acid (BA), and ursolic acid (UA) in the mistletoe foliage (stems and leaves) from P. persica and C. betulus in various seasons for the first time. The results showed that OA was the prevailing TTA in all samples, while UA was found in none of them. The maximum amount of OA (12.38 mg/g dry weight [DW]) and BA (1.68 mg/g DW) was detected in V. album from P. persica in summer. The minimum amount of OA (5.58 mg/g DW) and BA (0.72 mg/g DW) was observed in that growing on C. betulus in winter. However, the mistletoe from C. betulus showed the greatest level of OA in spring (9.06 mg/g DW) and BA in summer and autumn (0.92 and 0.97 mg/g DW, respectively). The data collected in this study complement existing research on this subject from around the world.

Abstract Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) is a hemiparasitic plant that absorbs water and nutrients from the host tree. Mistletoe contains two groups of cytotoxic, immunomodulatory and antitumor proteins, viscotoxins and lectins. This study evaluated the quantity and quality of viscotoxins and total lectins in the stems with leaves (foliage) and fruit of mistletoe on Parrotia persica and Carpinus betulus in September with immature green berries and in December with mature white berries. Viscum album L. plants were harvested from host species located in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran in 2019. The highest level of viscotoxins was detected in the December foliage of V. album settled on C. betulus (9.25 mg/g dry weight [DW]), and the highest content of lectins was found in the December foliage of V. album settled on P. persica (0.79 mg/g DW) and C. betulus (0.73 mg/g DW) respectively. The immature green berries of V. album from both host species contained much higher concentrations of viscotoxins and lectins than the mature white berries. Four isoforms of viscotoxins, viscotoxin A1, A2, A3 and B could be identified in all samples of both host species. Viscotoxin A3 was the predominant viscotoxin isoform followed by viscotoxin A1.

The wood industry is a basic industry supplying primary materials to produce a wide range of products. The wood processing in sawmills bridges the transformation flow of raw materials to final products using machinery. Over the last decade, the global market for wood products has become highly competitive. As a result, sawmills are continually striving to improve their efficiency throughout their production process. Recent advances in automation systems and manufacturing technologies provide traditional sawmills with an unprecedented opportunity to be transformed into automated manufacturing plants to increase their efficiency. This opportunity motivates sawmill planners to adopt decision optimization technologies for enhancing their production yields. This transformation will support sawmills to remain resilient in current and future competitive markets. Although there is a vast amount of literature on decision-making in wood manufacturing in sawmills, a comprehensive overview of related approaches and findings with a special focus on optimization of decision processes is still lacking. The review firstly focuses on exploring opportunities provided by optimizing decision-making processes in the wood manufacturing along with associated roadblocks and challenges. Then, we explore methodologies adopted in the literature when aiming for the design and implementation of optimal decision-making systems. Finally, we provide references and guidelines for researchers and manufacturers interested in the topic, as well as formulate research gaps and recommendations for future research directions.

Background: Caring for people with disabilities creates stressful conditions and may lead to mental health problems in parents and caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate somatic symptoms, depression, and anxiety in parents and caregivers of individuals with disability in Isfahan, Iran. This study was conducted as a joint study by Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and the University of Hamburg with financial support from DAAD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 454 parents/caregivers of people with disabilities in Isfahan in 2019. Randomized sampling was performed and participants were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The Patient Health Questionnaire-‎9 (PHQ-9) (Depression), PHQ-7 (Anxiety), and PHQ-15 (Somatic) were used for data collection. Questionnaires were distributed among the participants and completed with the coordination and cooperation of the government and NGOs related to people with disability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS software. Results: The results showed that 28.4% of parents/caregivers of people with disabilities did not have any depressive symptoms and the remaining 70% experienced mild to severe levels of depressive symptoms. Regarding the level of anxiety, 30.2% showed no symptoms of anxiety and 69.8% showed mild to severe levels of anxiety ‎symptoms. In terms of somatic symptoms, 17.8% reported no somatic symptoms and 82.2% reported mild to severe levels of somatic symptoms. Parents/caregivers differed significantly in terms of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms according to the type of disability. Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that the rate of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms in parents/caregivers of people with disabilities is higher than that in the general population. In addition, different types of disability can have different effects on the mental health of parents/caregivers.

Background: Gutta-percha has been the predominant root canal filling material which is developed with different taper. Canal obturation fixed with nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments and tapered gutta-percha master cone and lateral condensation is advantageous because it is clinically effectual and appears to result in a radiographically acceptable outcome. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of tapered master gutta-percha cone on apical seal of straight and curved root canals using NiTi rotary files. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study total of 130 mandibular molars were selected and divided into six experimental groups (n = 20) based on the degree of root canal curvatures (0°–20°and 20°–40°) and the taper of master cones (0.02, 0.04, and 0.06). The roots were immersed in the bacterial leakage model and monitored daily for a period of 70 days. Data were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier approach, log-rank test, and Chi-square tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The microleakage in the 0°–20° canal curvature using 0.02- and 0.04-tapered master cones was similar and considerably 0.05). Conclusion: The lateral condensation filling technique using 0.02- and 0.04-tapered master cones is more effective in minimizing microbial leakage in straight canals than 0.06-tapered master cone.

Iran has become one of the most CO2 emitting countries during the last decades. The country ranks after Japan and Germany in terms of CO2 emissions. However, from an economic viewpoint, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Iran is lower than the summation of Berlin and Tokyo GDP. Moreover, a large proportion of Iran’s revenue comes from the crude oil export; therefore, this level of CO2 emission cannot be economically driven and is as a result of high energy intensity in this country. This is while the government also has not a clear program in this regard. The Sixth Five-year Development Plan of Iran, in addition, sets a number of ambitious targets mostly regarding the energy intensity, GDP growth, and renewable energies, but does not mention to CO2 emission issue. Therefore, prospects for an early settlement of the dispute are seemingly dim. Our aim is to predict Iran’s CO2 emissions in 2030 under assumptions of two scenarios, i.e. business as usual (BAU) and the Sixth Development Plan (SDP), using multiple linear regression (MLR) and multiple polynomial regression (MPR) analysis. Findings suggest that Iran most likely will not meet its commitment to the Paris Agreement under the BAU’s assumptions; however, full implementation of the ambitiously shaped SDP could have met the target by end 2018. Keywords: Regression, Paris agreement, CO2emission, Energy, Scenario

Investigating a tree’s biomass can provide basic information about forest carbon stock. The Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF) is a variable for estimating carbon stock of forests. The aim of this study was to analyse the Above Ground Biomass (AGB) allocation, developing the BEF and carbon stock for two vegetation forms of Brant’s Oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) based on forest inventory data. BEF is defined as the ratio of AGB to crown volume variables. The study data were taken from 30 trees that include 16 individual trees with single stem and 14 coppice shoots located in West-Iran. The trees selected were felled and separated into different components including: bole, main branches, lateral branches, twigs and leaves. The fresh weight of the trees was obtained with a portable hanging scale and several samples were taken from each tree component. The results of this study showed significant differences between component biomass proportions of the two vegetation forms of Brant’s Oak trees and determined average biomass and carbon content of the forms studied. We also conclude that BEF of Brant’s Oak could be improved by applying crown variables. According to the results, BEFs are tree-size dependent variables. Finally, this study indicates that age-dependent BEFs cannot be applied to conditions where stand development deviates from the conditions that in which the BEFs were developed.

Objective We hypothesized that silage additives may alter the undigested neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) content through ensiling. Therefore, urea and formic acid were applied to corn, whole barley crop (WBC) and alfalfa to change uNDF content of the ensiled forages. Methods Six experimental diets at two groups of high uNDF (untreated corn and alfalfa silages [CSAS] and untreated whole barley and alfalfa silages [BSAS]) and low uNDF (urea-treated corn silage+untreated alfalfa silage [CSUAS], urea-treated whole barley silage+untreated alfalfa silage [BSUAS], untreated corn silage+formic acid-treated alfalfa silage [CSASF], and untreated whole barley silage+formic acid-treated alfalfa silage [BSASF]), were allocated to thirty-six multiparous lactating Holstein dairy cows. Results The untreated silages were higher in uNDF than additive treated silages, but the uNDF concentrations among silages were variable (corn silage0.05). Milk yield tended to increase in the cows fed high uNDF diets than those fed low uNDF (p = 0.10). The cows fed diet based on urea-treated corn silage had higher milk yield than those fed other silages (p = 0.05). The substitution of corn silage with the WBC silage tended to decrease milk production (p = 0.07). Changing the physical source of NDF supply and the uNDF content from the corn silage to the WBC silage caused a significant increase in ruminal NH3-N concentration, milk urea-N and fat yield (p< 0.05). The cows fed diets based on WBC silage experienced greater rumination time than the cows fed corn silage (p

Down syndrome is caused by a trisomy on chromosome 21 of humans. Children with this disease often have varying degrees of physical-mental problems such as mental retardation, communication skills problems, congenital heart disease, and thyroid disease. Early and accurate genetic disorders detection can lead to corrective action and prevent irreversible events. Therefore, accurate and low-risk diagnostic methods to detect these diseases in the fetal period are essential. In this study, a combined artificial neural network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) were used to predict Down syndrome through the first-trimester screening test. In order to examine the proposed model, sample data were collected on 381 pregnant women referred to a private screening reference laboratory for the first-trimester screening test and NT ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation. The proposed model in this study was a feedforward neural network for which its structure and input parameters were determined by (GA). The performance of the created model was also evaluated by utilizing the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy indicators. The average of 10 times experiments showed that the developed model could accurately identify cases of Down syndrome with a specificity of 99.72%, sensitivity of 90.91%, and a mean square error (MSE) of 0.61%. This study showed that the use of GA in optimizing the structure of the neural network technique could increase the accuracy in diagnosing Down syndrome through the information of first-trimester screening tests. Most importantly, this study contributes to clinical knowledge by helping clinicians to early identify the risk of Down syndrome with a non-invasive and low-cost method.

Objective. Vitiligo is a common, autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of the melanocytes and manifests as depigmented macules on various areas of the skin. Numerous treatment options have been proposed for vitiligo. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of microneedling plus topical pimecrolimus 1% versus the sole use of topical pimecrolimus 1% for the treatment of vitiligo. Methods. This clinical trial was conducted on 30 skin lesions on 15 Al-Zahra hospital patients. Each patient had two similar lesions in the limb area, and each lesion was considered a separate treatment group. The left or right side of the patient’s lesion was randomly assigned to receive microneedling plus topical pimecrolimus for three months, while the other side received only topical pimecrolimus 1%. As part of the follow-up, digital photography was taken at the baseline and biweekly for three months after treatment and six months’ follow-up. The following methods were used to evaluate the results: DLQI questionnaires, patient satisfaction questionnaires, and two independent dermatologists comparing the improvement rate for each group. Results. Topical pimecrolimus 1% treatment led to unsatisfactory results, whereas the combination of microneedling and topical pimecrolimus1% treatment produced a more favorable overall outcome (P

Abstract We introduce topological non-trivial colorful regions around intersection points of two perpendicular vortex pairs and investigate their influence on topological charge density and eigenmodes of the Dirac operator. With increasing distance between the vortices the eigenvalues of the lowest modes decrease. We show that the maxima and minima of the chiral densities of the low modes follow mainly the distributions of the topological charge densities. The topological non-trivial color structures lead in some low modes to distinct peaks in the chiral densities. The other low modes reflect the topological charge densities of the intersection points.

We study the correlations between center vortices and Abelian monopoles for SU(3) gauge group. Combining fractional fluxes of monopoles, center vortex fluxes are constructed in the thick center vortex model. Calculating the potentials induced by fractional fluxes constructing the center vortex flux in a thick center vortex-like model and comparing with the potential induced by center vortices, we observe an attraction between fractional fluxes of monopoles constructing the center vortex flux. We conclude that the center vortex flux is stable, as expected. In addition, we show that adding a contribution of the monopole-antimonopole pairs in the potentials induced by center vortices ruins the Casimir scaling at intermediate regime.

Background: Fractionated carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) can treat hypopigmented scars. Latanoprost is a prostaglandin analog used to treat glaucoma. It can cause adverse effects, such as periocular hyperpigmentation. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of latanoprost plus CO 2 laser on the repigmentation of hypopigmented scars. Patients and Methods: 28 patients with hypopigmented scars were divided randomly into two groups. The patients in group A were treated in six sessions (1-month intervals) with 10600-nm fractional CO 2 laser plus latanoprost 0.005% and those of group B fractionated CO 2 laser plus placebo (distilled water). Digital photographs were taken at baseline and 3 months after the last treatment session. The blinded dermatologist compared the photographs and evaluated the efficacy of treatment in the hypopigmented scars using a 4-scale point (grade 1-4). Patient satisfaction was scored from 0 to 10 on a visual analog scale. Results: Follow-up results 12 weeks after the last treatment session demonstrated that 11 of the 14 patients in group A had more than 50% improvement in hypopigmentation The difference in improvement of the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.027). The mean of the VAS scores of patients in group A was 6.50 ± 1.45 and in group B 4.57 ± 1.6. The difference in mean satisfaction of the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.003). Side effects were mild and resolved within 1 to 5 days. Conclusion: The fractional CO 2 laser resurfacing plus topical latanoprost can be used as a safe and efficacious method to treat hypopigmented scars.

Leaf area (LA) and leaf biomass (LB) are important variables for most physiological, horticultural and agronomic studies involving plant growth, development rate, radiation use efficiency, and water or nutrient use. Measuring these variables need destructive and aggressive sampling. Fortunately, evolving allometric equations can help for low cost and non-destructive estimation of such variables. The aims of this study are Estimate, compare and develop allometric models of LA and LB per tree and per stand for Alnus subcordata (AS), Populus deltoides (PD) and Taxodium distichum (TD) plantations. We selected 12 sample trees in each stand. Leaf Fresh weight of randomly selected branches was weighted in the field. Branch-level LA was modeled as a function of branch diameter (R2 > 0.8) and total fresh weight of LB has been calculated for each sampled tree. For each species, 100 leaves from all canopy directions of trees were randomly selected and transported to the laboratory. At the lab, leaf area has been measured using leaf area meter. Allometric equations were derived using regression analysis. For all species, derived equations showed high accuracy (R2 ranged from 0.837 to 0.947). However, with respect to mean square error, power regression equations (individual leaf area = a(L×W)b and LA or LB = a DBHb) are best models to estimate Individual Leaf Area, LA, and LB of AS, PD, and PD. The highest LAI was in the order of 16.9 > 5.5 > 4.5 for AS, PD, and TD, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.267914

Introduction In order to treat uveal Melanoma , first, radioactive seeds are laid on a silicone- made substance which is called Silastic after that they are inserted in the plaque, and finally, this plaque containing silicone-made substance is stitched to the sclera surface. The dose gradient within the tumor and healthy tissues can be varied due to changing the Silastic thickness between sclera surface and radioactive seeds. In turn, this leads to difference in the amount of absorbed dose of tumor and healthy tissues. Present study is to investigate the optimum Silastic thickness in uveal Melanoma brachytherapy. Materials and Methods To measure changes of depth dose of the plaque in a sphere with a radius of 12 mm, MCNP4C code was applied. Exact specifications of a 20-mm Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) plaque, Silastic and three I-125 seed sources, 6711 model were integrated in simulation. Dose calculations were performed using F6 tally in spheres with a radius of 0.2 mm. Results By measuring the changes of dose rate of plaque in distances of 0.2 to 18 mm from the sclera surface and having the prescribed dose for the absolute treatment of eye melanoma, final absorbed doses by tumor and healthy tissues for each different Silastic thicknesses of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 were calculated. Conclusion Considering the results and sclera tolerance, it was concluded that the thickness of Silastic must not exceed 0.5 mm, because increasing the Silastic thickness from this area, increases absorbed dose by healthy tissues and also the treatment time.

Background: Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by leishmania protozoa. Knowledge about health effects associated with environment situation and human behavior in national and local levels seems to be very necessary. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study was carried out in three adjacent counties of Isfahan province in Iran. Data were collected by face-to-face interviewing and recorded structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and logistic. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The economic level had significant association with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between existence of food storage and transmission of CL. We, however, found significant reduction of CL transmission following use of insect control measures (P < 0.05). The odds ratio for peridomestic transmission was 0.420 for houses that weren′t round with any old or ruined houses. Conclusion: We conclude that among aforementioned risk factors, the impact of peridomestic factors is stronger in CL transmission when compared with domestic and behavioral factors.

Background: There are some evidences that control the blood sugar decreasing the risk of diabetes complications, and even fatal. There are so many studies, but they are mostly cross-sectional and ignore the trend and hence it is necessary to implement a longitudinal study. The aim of this prospective study is to find the trend of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) over time and the associative factors on it. Methods: Participants of this longitudinal study were 3440 eligible diabetes patients referred to Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Center during 2000-2012 who are measured 2-40 times. A linear mixed model was applied to determine the association between HbA1c and variables, including lipids, systolic, diastolic blood pressure and complications such as nephropathy, and retinopathy. Furthermore, the effect of mentioned variables on trend of HbA1c was determined. Results: The fitted model showed total cholesterol, retinopathy, and the method of therapy including oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) plus insulin and insulin therapy decreased the trend of HbA1c and high-density lipoprotein, weight, hyperlipidemia and the method of therapy including diet, and OADs increased the trend of HbA1c. Conclusions: The present study shows that regular visits of diabetic patients as well as controlling blood pressure, lipid profile, and weight loss can improve the trend of HbA1c levels during the time.

Background: Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by an intracellular parasite of Leishmania and is transmitted through the female sandflies bite and may lead to severe skin lesions. Although drugs such as antimony compounds are available, their side effects such as toxicity, low efficacy, and emergence of resistance have raised the importance of effective replacement. Imatinib, as an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase (TK) of Leishmania, stops abnormal function of TK such as Bcr-Abl through assembling into transmembrane pores in a sterol-dependent manner. Hence, the evaluation of killing effects of different concentrations of imatinib against Leishmania major amastigotes and promastigotes in vitro were the objectives of the present study.Materials and Methods: The killing effects of different concentrations of imatinib (25, 50, and 100 μg) and 25 μg amphotericin B (as positive control) were evaluated against RPMI 1640-cultured promastigotes and the amastigote/macrophage model by MTS cell proliferation assay kit (ab197010) and Giemsa staining method during 24, 48, and 72 h. Results: The results showed anti-Leishmania effect of imatinib in concentration and time-dependent manner. The lowest number of live promastigotes and amastigotes were obtained due to treat with 100 μ/ml imatinib at 72 h. Furthermore, 100 μg concentration of imatinib had the same effect as 25 μg amphotericin B on both L. major promastigotes and amastigotes (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The anti-Leishmania effect of imatinib was confirmed by MTS and direct microscopy. Further study is recommended for evaluating possible therapeutic effects of imatinib on leishmaniasis in vivo.

Introduction Interaluminal brachytherapy is one of the important methods of esophageal cancer treatment. The effect of applicator attenuation is not considered in dose calculation method released by AAPM-TG43. In this study, the effect of High-Dose Rate (HDR) brachytherapy esophageal applicator on dose distribution was surveyed in HDR brachytherapy. Materials and Methods A cylindrical PMMA phantom was built in order to be inserted by various sizes of esophageal applicators. EDR2 films were placed at 33 mm from Ir-192 source and irradiated with 1.5 Gy after planning using treatment planning system for all applicators. Results The results of film dosimetry in reference point for 6, 8, 10, and 20 mm applicators were 1.54, 1.53, 1.48, and 1.50 Gy, respectively. The difference between practical and treatment planning system results was 0.023 Gy (

Objective: Anti-tumor immunity and cytokine profiles have important roles in the developmentof cancer. Norepinephrine (NE) release due to sympathetic activation leads toa Th2 deviation via the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (β-2AR) and could increase cancerprogression. This study intends to determine the effects of isoproterenol (ISO; betaagonist)and propranolol (PRO; beta-antagonist) on the production of IFN-γ, IL-4, andIL-17. Cytokine levels have been examined in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) andperipheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).The β-2AR expression on lymphocyte subsets was also assessed.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, TILs were isolated from freshCRC tissue and patient PBMCs were obtained just prior to surgery. The cells werecultured in medium for 72 hours. Concomitantly, cells were stimulated with 10 μg/ml phytohemagglutinin (PHA) alone or in the presence of either 1 μmol/L of PRO or1 μmol/L ISO. The concentration of cytokines in the supernatants was measured byELISA. Three-color flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of β-2AR onthe lymphocyte subsets. Statistical analyses were performed via paired or independentt-test.Results: Levels of IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17 were elevated after PHA-stimulation of PBMCsand TILs. However, the elevation of IFN-γ and IL-17 production by TILs in response to PHAwas significantly lower than PBMCs. In the presence of ISO, the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio reducedin all groups, but this reduction was very low in TILs. Interestingly, the effects of PRO oncytokine production were, at least partially, comparable to those of ISO. Depressed levelsof β-2AR expression were demonstrated on CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-17+ lymphocytesin patients’ PBMCs and TILs.Conclusion: This study has demonstrated the effects of ISO and PRO on cytokine productionby TILs and determined β-2AR expression on these cells. ISO failed to induce ashift toward the expected Th2 cytokine profile in CRC patients’ TILs, which might be due tothe downregulation of β-2AR expression on TILs. Additionally, in this study, PRO induceda shift to a Th2 profile in PBMCs.

Polypropylene/wood flour composites having different nanoclay and glass fiber contents were fabricated by melt compounding and then injection molding. The physical and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results showed that the tensile modulus and tensile strength of the PP/wood flour composites increased with increasing glass fiber content. However, the impact strength of the PP/wood flour composites progressively decreased with increasing glass fiber content. Dimensional stability of the composites could be improved by increasing the glass fiber content. Also, results indicated that the tensile modulus and tensile strength of composites increased with increase of nanoclay up to 4phc and then decreased. However the impact strength and water absorption of the composites decreased with increasing the nanoclay loading. The morphology of the nanocomposites was examined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Morphological findings revealed an intercalated form in the sample with 4 per hundred compounds (phc) concentration of nanoclay, which implies the formation of an intercalated morphology and better dispersion than 6phc, and the d-spacing of clay layers were improved in the composite in the presence of compatibilizer. This project has shown that the composites treated with glass fiber and nanoclay will be desirable as building materials due to their improved stability and strength properties.

Background: This study is aimed to examine the appropriacy of school furniture to Iranian pupils′ anthropometric features. Methods: The participants in this cross-sectional study were 493 boys and 489 girls with the age-range of 7 to 12 years who were selected through a multistage random cluster sampling procedure. Age, weight, height, and anthropometric dimensions were determined. Results: This study indicates that there is a significant difference between the minimum and maximum acceptable dimensions and those of the available furniture (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In designing suitable furniture for pupils the anthropometric differences of age and gender must be tak-en into account.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a major health problem in some endemic areas of tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) are essential cytokines associated with initiation of Th1 response. The main objective of this study was to evaluate of the type of immune response to L. major isolates from patients with no clinical response to antimonite (Glucantime). Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out during 2013–2014. In the current study Leishmania major were isolated from 10 CL patients with a history of at least one course of treatment with Meglumine antimonate (Sb5). The isolates were used to evaluatein vitro andin vivo response to Sb5. J774 murine macrophage cell line was used forin vitro tests and Balb/c mice was used forin vivo studies. IL-12 gene expression was evaluated using Real-time PCR and IFN-γ serum level was quantified using ELISA technique. SPSS (version: 20), analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Results: PCR results confirmed that all 10 isolates were L. major. The mean of IL-12 gene expression in vitro,in vivo and IFN-γ serum levels (pg/ml) after 2 and 3 weeks treatment in vivo, increased significantly following the treatment with Glucantime in the two groups of Balb/c mice infected either with patients' isolates or standard L. major. No significant difference was seen between the patients' isolates and standard species. Conclusions: Although the L. major were isolated from patients with active lesion and no clinical response to Glucantime after at least one courses of Glucantime treatment butin vivo andin vitro immune response of L. major isolates showed no difference between the patients' isolates and standard L. major.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is still considered as a health problem in the world. Several methods of control in different regions, together with obtaining integrated information on its natural foci, are needed to decrease its prevalence. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of simultaneous interventions on CL control. Materials and Methods: A standard questionnaire was used to identify patients among pilgrims to Emamzadeh Agha Ali Abbas (Isfahan Province, Iran). Subsequently, three methods of controlling the disease, including, spraying residential buildings with Baygon, baiting with zinc phosphide poisons, changing the vegetative cover of the region, improving the environment, and mounting a mesh on all doors and windows of buildings in residential areas were used. The control measures were then evaluated by comparing the number of pilgrims affected by CL after and before the interventions. Results: While 23 pilgrims (1.4%) were affected with CL before the intervention (pretest), five (0.3%) persons were found to have CL after taking control measures. The Chi-square test did not indicate any significant difference in the relative frequency of CL (P = 0.731). Conclusion: The only scientific method for preventing and controlling zoonotic CL (ZCL) is a combination of the control methods (improving the environment and fighting off the disease districts and vectors) together with changing the vegetative cover of the region. Any measure for controlling this disease must be taken and programmed in accordance with the relevant experts′ views, in coordination with the participation of other organizations and the society.

Aims: This study was done to evaluate the effect of three kinds of respiratory protective equipments (RPE) on the heart rate in light, moderate and heavy workload. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on eleven healthy university students (male) under controlled thermal conditions in a climatic chamber. The mean (SD) of age, height and body mass index (BMI) were 24.1 (2.34) years, 172 (4.2) cm and 22.4 (1.1) Kg/m2, respectively. Subjects were participated in the four intermittent exercises experiments (without RPE, valve, half-face and full-face) on a treadmill in light, moderate and heavy workload. Duration of light, moderate and heavy activities was 30, 30 and 20 min, respectively. Heart rate was recorded every 5 min. Results: The mean of heart rate in 11 subjects for without RPE trial in light, moderate and high workload was 93.5±13.1, 109.7±18.1 and 119.6±25.8 beats per min (bpm), for valve RPE was 102.8±9.7, 116.7±16.0 and 132.1±23.2 bpm, for half-face RPE was 102.4±11.42, 117.3±15.8 and 132.0±23.1 bpm and for full-face RPE was 109.3±14.7, 125±17.4 and 140.1±23.1 bpm, respectively. In three work load, significant differences between the mean of heart rate by using three kinds of RPE trials showed with without RPE trial were observed (P-value < 0.001). Also, mean of heart rate in three workload levels when using full-face RPE trial was significantly higher than valve and half-face RPE trials. In the valve and half-face RPE trials, significant differences were not detected Conclusions: The results demonstrated that heart rate were significantly increased with wearing of three kinds of RPE. Full-face RPE have a higher effect on increasing heart rate than half-face RPE.

Background: There is always a necessity for newer acne treatments. Intense pulsed light (IPL) technology has been used for this purpose but there are limited studies in this field. As macular and erythematous remnants of acne inflammatory lesions are very common, resistant, and long lasting, we decided to evaluate the efficacy of IPL (as a tool for diminishing erythematous reactions in the tissues) for the treatment of residual erythematous macules following facial acne. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients were registered in the study. Patient recruitment occurred between January 2010 and June 2011, and the study was completed in October 2011. Every patient received three IPL sessions, with a 2 week interval, on the right side of his/her face. Also, we recommended the patients to apply topical erythromycin solution 2% twice daily on their entire face from start to end of the study (i.e. until 3 months after the third IPL session). An independent physician counted the number of erythematous macules before every IPL session and 1 and 3 months after the last session. Results: Thirty-three patients completed the study and were enrolled in analysis. Results of the study show that IPL therapy decreases the number of erythematous macules along the time. Conclusions: IPL can accelerate the improvement rate of persistent erythematous macules remained after inflammatory acne subsides. More studies are needed to explain the exact role of it.

Abstract Residential location choice is a crucial topic in transportation planning research since land use as well as residential land use can significantly affect a city's attractiveness for development and residence. Understanding the factors that influence households in their residential location choice is essential for policymakers to evaluate the effect of their decisions. In this study, the impact of transportation factors on the attractiveness of residential areas was investigated in Qazvin city, Iran, using the stated preference (SP) method and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that the type of housing and private house preference were significant factors influencing the residential location choice. Additionally, proximity to health centers, low pollution levels, and access to public transportation and taxi stations were the top priorities for residents when choosing a place to live. Notably, households with children in education had a greater emphasis on air pollution and the proximity to taxi stations, as these factors could affect their children's health and education. Overall, the findings suggested that transportation factors played a critical role in the residential location choice and that policymakers should prioritize public transportation and taxi services, as well as reduce pollution levels, to make residential areas more attractive and livable for Qazvin residents.

Road accidents have always been one of the important reasons for fatalities and financial losses. Since road accidents on rural highways cause more serious injuries than those on urban highways, providing a suitable method to increase safety in the curves can be a significant contributor to preventing these damages. Although speed is one of the most important variables affecting highway safety, numerous studies have been performed on the reliability analysis of horizontal curves without taking the speed variable into account. The aim of this research is reliability (probability of noncompliance) assessment in the horizontal curve design using geometric design consistency criteria. The radius, superelevation, and operating speed of 19 horizontal curves were collected by field research on the Mashhad-Torbat Heydarieh highway in Iran. Three different approaches were defined based on the geometric design consistency criterion of a single horizontal curve, and consecutively, the probability of noncompliance was calculated using these approaches. According to the obtained results, this study showed that radius enhancement increases the probability of noncompliance and the consistency level of the geometric design. Finally, the high values of the probability of noncompliance (failure) indicate that the geometric design guidelines need calibration in the design of horizontal curves, especially for higher radii.