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The important issue of increasing CO2 emissions to the atmosphere requires developing the environmentally sustainable strategies. One of the most innovative approaches in building design is using the microalgae photobioreactor (PBR) façades. In the current research, performance of a new green window was examined as an environmentally friendly method for the noted purpose. This window is a double-glazed window wherein the space enclosed by its two glasses was used as a PBR system. This window was investigated in two different conditions, namely as a window installed in a wall opening as a building façade element and also in laboratory condition. The experiments of the former condition were performed in Tehran city, where is known for the greatest air-polluted city in Iran, while tests of the later were carried out in Bablosar city located in northern Iran. Experiments include measuring absorption amounts of CO2, temperature, optical density of cultivation medium, and evaporation. The obtained results validate performance of the proposed green window in decreasing CO2 amounts. It was also observed that microalgae growth decreased the window transparency so that, in observing the general rules of Islamic and Iranian architecture, can enhance the visual privacy from non-mahram adjacent neighbors for Muslim women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an ancient zoonosis, cystic echinococcosis still is prevalent among livestock worldwide. Early diagnosis is of utmost clinical importance. Objectives: Herein, wecompared the efficacy of ELISA with native antigen B and a commercial ELISA kit to detecthumanhydatidosis in Khuzestan province, southwestern Iran. Methods: The current study consisted of 90 serum samples, including 50 samples obtained from hydatid-affected patients approved by surgery, 20 samples from patients affected by other diseases (having anti-Toxoplasma antibody, giardiasis, hepatitis, etc.), and 20 serum samples from healthy individuals. Native antigen B was prepared from sheep-isolated hydatid cysts. Checkerboard procedure was performed to determine the optimum dilution of antigen, serum and conjugate. Commercial ELISA was done using Vircell indirect immunoenzyme assay to detect anti-hydatidosis IgG. The cut-off point for native ELISA was the sum of two-fold standard deviation and the mean optical density of all negative samples. Results: Using commercial ELISA kit and native ELISA test, 22 out of 90 and 52 out of 90 sera were positive for hydatid-specific IgG, respectively. Compared to the operation, the sensitivity of native and commercial ELISA tests was 100% and 44%, respectively. However, the specificity was not determined due to the lack of surgical information among the heterologous and control groups. In comparison to the commercial ELISA, both tests showed the same sensitivity (97%), while the specificity of native and commercial ELISA was 95% and 96%, respectively. Conclusions: Developing ELISA tests using native antigenswouldbe a reliablemethodto improve the efficacy of humanhydatidosis detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article explores a scenario of extended nuclear opacity in the Middle East that would comprise two undeclared nuclear powers: Iran and Israel. We argue that this regional spread of nuclear opacity would act as a major driver of instability in terms of conflict prevention and non- proliferation efforts. In both cases, it would demand a profound reevaluation of security policies conducted by Western countries and their allies in the region. Extended nuclear opacity in the Middle East would mean no communication channels, and no declaratory policies. It would entail no information on security perceptions, doctrines, capabilities, or targeting policies. This scenario of nuclear opacity is worth exploring as it brings new light to several critical issues in security studies. In particular it re-emphasizes a feature sometimes considered too casually which is that deterrence, if it ever is working, is not a natural state. It is socially situated and needs solid prerequisites, among them a certain level of transparency and communication. It also offers a new perspective on the logic of “nuclear hedging” and it revives the question of security guarantees from external powers as relevant means to balance threats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus arrived at Isfahan in August 2009. The virus is still circulating in the world. The abnormal thoracic computerized tomographic (CT) scan findings vary widely among the studies of 2009 H1N1 influenza. We evaluated the thoracic CT findings in patients with 2009 H1N1 virus infection to describe findings compared to previously reported findings, and to suggest patterns that may be suggestive for 2009 influenza A (H1N1) in an appropriate clinical setting. METHODS: Retrospectively, the archive of all patients with a diagnosis of 2009 H1N1 influenza A were reviewed, in Al- Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, central Iran, between September 23rd 2009 to February 20th 2010. Out of 216 patients with confirmed 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus, 26 cases with abnormal CT were enrolled in the study. Radiologic findings were characterized by the type and pattern of opacities and zonal distribution. RESULTS: Patchy infiltration (34.6%), lobar consolidation (30.8%), and interstitial infiltration (26.9%) with airbronchogram (38.5%) were the predominant findings in our patients. Bilateral distribution was seen in 80.8% of the patients. Only one patient (3.8%) showed ground-glass opacity, predominant radiographic finding in the previous reports and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). CONCLUSIONS: The most common thoracic CT findings in pandemic H1N1 were patchy infiltration, lobar consolidation, and interstitial infiltration with airbronchogram and bilateral distribution. While these findings can be associated with other infections; they may be suggestive to 2009 influenza A (H1N1) in the appropriate clinical setting. Various radiographic patterns can be seen in thoracic CT scans of the influenza patients. Imaging findings are nonspecific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of lens opacities and cataract surgical coverage among Tehran citizens 40 years of age and older. Methods: The Tehran Eye Study was a population-based survey, with random sampling from Tehran household clusters. Those 40 years of age and older from that survey were included in this analysis. All participants underwent full optometric, slit lamp, and fundoscopic examinations. Lens opacity was assessed after pupil dilation using the modified Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III). The main indices for prevalence of cataract were any lens changes, defined as the presence of a gradable cataract in one or both eyes, and all lens changes, defined as any lens changes plus a history of cataract surgery. Results: A total of 1434 participants were included in this analysis; 305 of which met the criteria for all lens changes resulting in an adjusted prevalence of 22.7% (CI95%: 20.2%-25.3%). The prevalence was 21.2% among men and 24.5% among women. The prevalence of any lens changes was 19.1% (CI95%: 16.6%-21.6%) and the prevalence was higher in women. The prevalence for both indices increased with age. Considering their better eyes, 39 people (2.7%) were shown to have low vision because of cataract and another 12 (0.8%) were classified as blind. Conclusions: Cataract has affected approximately one-fifth of the Tehran population aged 40 years and over, women more than men, and has severely affected the vision of approximately 3.5% of this population. We found that access to cataract surgery facilities was not an issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]