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A compact microstrip lowpass filter (LPF) with sharp roll-off is presented. The proposed filter consists of radial resonator, triangular patch and open stub. The proposed filter has good specifications such as low insertion loss <0.1 dB, high return loss of -20 dB, wide stopband from 4.37 to 19 GHz with -20 dB attenuation level and compact size. The LPF filter has a cut-off frequency of 3 dB at 4.24 GHz and a high roll-off rate of 130.7 and finally a high figure-of-merit of 23526. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNFα) in one bout of strenuous physical activity with and without saffron supplementation in male mountain climbers. Participants were eleven male mountain climbers with 27–37 years of age. The physical activity session included running on a treadmill with 5% gradient for 45 min with 80–90% maximum heart rate. Blood samples were taken in three different times- before, immediately and one h after the physical activity—in order to measure HSP70, IL-6 and TNFα. After three days of recovery, participants started consuming 300 mg/d capsulated dried saffron stigma for10 days. The physical activity session was repeated and blood samples were again taken before, immediately and one h after it. Pearson's chi-squared test was used for analysis of results (α = 0.05). TNFα has a considerably negative correlation with IL-6 immediately and one h after physical activity. TNFα showed a significantly positive correlation with HSP70 after supplementation. TNFα and HSP70 concentrations decreased following physical activity both before and after saffron supplementation and their increase was positively correlated to/with each other. Finally Ten days Saffron supplementation showed positive influences on mentioned immune responses after physical activity. Due to supplement's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in gredients, a positive correlation between TNFα and HSP70 happened immediately and one h after physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent infection during pregnancy that can lead to complications for both the mother and the foetus. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the global prevalence of UTIs (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) during pregnancy, based on previous studies in this area. Furthermore, this study aims to identify any factors that contribute to heterogeneity in the prevalence of UTIs during pregnancy. Systematic review and meta-analysis. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines on August 8, 2022. To conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis, a search was performed using the keywords "urinary tract system", "UTI", "pregnancy", and "gestation" was performed in several databases, including Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, and Google Scholar, without a time limit until September 18, 2022. The analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I2 index. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2) was used for data analysis. The systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies, which included a total of 30,641 pregnant women, showed an overall prevalence of UTI (both symptomatic and asymptomatic) to be 23.9% (95% confidence interval: 16.2–33.8). Meta-regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of two factors, namely study sample size and study year, on the heterogeneity of the meta-analysis. The results revealed that an increase in sample size, and the study year was associated with a decrease in the prevalence of UTI in pregnant women (P < 0.05). The results of our study indicate a global prevalence of UTI in pregnant women to be 23.9%. Therefore, it is recommended that all pregnant women undergo regular UTI screening tests and receive prompt treatment if diagnosed with UTI. Early detection and treatment of UTI during pregnancy are crucial to prevent complications that may affect the health of both the mother and the foetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the hypercyclic properties of composition operators on Orlicz function spaces. We give some different conditions under which a composition operator on Orlicz spaces is hyper-cyclic or not. Similarly, multiplication operators are considered. It is shown that there is no hypercyclic multiplication operator on Orlicz spaces.

The purpose of this study was evaluation of export performance of Iranian caviar and identification of its affecting factors . Therefore, this study has examined [Virastar1] [T2] the impact of variables like ability of strategic sustainability management, the measure of export market-oriented and export flexibility taking into consideration of environmental differences between internal and external market on export performance of Iran's caviar. Current research with the view to objective is applied research and with a view to data collection is descriptive research and Statistical population of this study to include all managers of exporting firms Caviar exporting companies in Iran. Cronbach's alpha was [T2] 0.9 which indicates that the reliability of the questionnaire is appropriate. Connection between research variable has been investigated through path analysis in LISREL Version 8.8 software. The consequence of this study shows that strategic sustainability management has the most impact on Caviar export performance of Iran. After that parameters of export flexibility, export market-oriented behavior finally dynamic of market have significant and positive impact on export performance.

Background&Objective: Thalassemia is the most common genetic disorder, 2-3 million carriers and 20 thousands with major thalassemia exist in our country. National prevention program of thalassemia started in 1998 and to encourage carriers to dispense marriage with increasing their knowledge was its main strategy. This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of thalassemia prevention program on couples knowledge and carriers and marriage avoidance in Gorgan province- Iran Materials&Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data were collected by the questionairs which their validity and reliability were already confirmed. The sample population consist of 282 couples which were going to get married 107 couple with minor thalassemia which cancelled their marriage during 1998-2003 were also included in the sample poulation in this research. The detailed study were carried out on whole subjects. Data were entered into the SPSS and analyzed by chi-square, t-test and ANOVA. Results: In 282 couples, mean age was 20.5 on women and 24.86 in men, 57.8% were urban residents, 39.4% were relatives. Most of men had self-employed job and women were house keeper and half were under high school diploma. Distribution of knowledge level: 2.5% weak, 9.2% moderate, 53.2% good and 29.1% excellent. Relationship between knowledge and educational state, residency and job was meaningful (P

In this center, from 1991 to 2002, 89 chronic myelogenous leukemic (CML) patients, age ranging between 8-48 years with a median age of 29, underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Eighty-eight patients were in the first chronic phase of disease. Twenty-three patients received bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and 66 patients received peripheral blood stem cell transplantations (PBSCT). Transplantation was performed at a median interval of 19 months post-diagnosis. All with five exceptions received busulfan + cyclophosphamide (Bu Cy) conditioning regimens. To maintain graft vs. host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, all with three exceptions received cyclosporine + metothrexate. Administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), per protocol, was included in post-transplantation regimens from the year 1999 on 48 patients. All patients received marrow transplantations from sibling donors. Fifty seven of transplanted patients are alive. Disease free survivals (DFS) from 6.2 to 9.5 and from 2.2 to 6.2 years for BMT group were 38.2% and 47.8%, respectively. DFS for PBSCT group was calculated as 54.3% in a period of 1.9 to 4.6 years.

The aim of this investigation is to compare the effect of applying two transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) current with different frequencies (2 Hz & 100 Hz) on Hoffmann reflex recorded from gastrosoleus muscle of healthy people. Forty female subjects between 20 to 30 years of age were participated in this quasi-experimental design. Twenty of them were exposed to the 100 Hz current and the remaining 20 to 2 Hz current on dermatome S1 root. The excitability of the alpha motoneurone was measured by H-reflex amplitude (peak to peak max/2) before and after the application of the TENS current for 30 minutes. The reflex was recorded and at measured before (TO) and after the application of TENS at different times (T1, T% and T10) up to 10 minutes. The mean values were compared by multiple paired T test (alpha=0.00825). The results indicate a considerable decrement in Hoffmann reflex amplitude after application of 100 Hz current in comarison with that of before the application. The effect last for 10 minutes after the TENS application, whereas the application of 2 Hz current results in increment of the Hoffmann reflex amplitude. The 5 and 10 minutes interval test dose not show any significance and the results were attenuated befor 5 minutes. As a conclusion high frequency of TENS (100 Hz) has an inhibitory effect on excitability of alpha motor neurone reflex lasting for 10 minutes, while low frequency of TENS (2 Hz) has an facilatory effect on the same motoneurone with short lasting effect.

Background and Purpose: Different studies have shown that caregivers of patients suffering from chronic physical or mental disorder endure a considerable burden. Authors decided to evaluate such burden on two groups of caregivers, (schizophrenic and ESRD patients), since few studies have been carried out regarding this subject in Iran. Materials and Methods: In an experimental, cross sectional, comparative, two-tier cohort study, 60 caregivers (30 of Schizophrenic and 30 of those suffering from End Stage Renal Disease), were selected as convenient groups. Demographic questionnaires and FBIS were completed for both groups and results were reviewed by SPSS software based on ṯ test. Results: Caregivers of Schizophrenic patients endured a heavier burden in comparison with those suffering from ESRD by a meaningful difference, (0.05%). The results achieved from subgroups also showed that; caregivers of both groups bear almost similar economic burden. In subgroup of objective burden, the caregivers of schizophrenic patients endured more burdens in comparison with patients suffering from ESRD, with once again a meaningful difference. Moreover, in subgroup of subjective burden, the caregivers of Schizophrenic patients endured more burdens comparing to patients suffering from ESRD, however the difference was not meaningful. Conclusion: This study revealed that the caregivers of Schizophrenic patients experience more burdens, both objective and subjective, in comparison with patients suffering from ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cyanotic congenital heart diseases are among the most serious anomalies among newborns. A rare type of this condition is direct communication between the right pulmonary artery and left atrium, which presents mostly in adolescence and adulthood. Large shunts, however, should be corrected as soon as possible, considering their potential to cause congestive heart failure., Case Presentation: Two 2- and 13-year-old patients with this pathologic communication complained of exertional dyspnea and central cyanosis. Their physical exams were prominent, with a low oxygen saturation level. The diagnostic modalities used, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, echocardiogram, CT scan, and selective angiography of the pulmonary arteries, showed right-to-left abnormal blood flow through the right pulmonary artery and left atrium shunt. Finally, both patients were treated successfully by a transcatheter occluder without any complications or follow-up complaints., Discussion: The right pulmonary artery and left atrium abnormal congenital connections are rare causes of central cyanosis, mostly present with exertional dyspnea and cyanosis during adolescence or early adulthood. Transthoracic echocardiography, contrast-enhanced CT scans, and angiography of the pulmonary arteries make the diagnosis. The treatment has emerged during the last two decades, shifting from surgical treatment for severe cases to interventional percutaneous strategies, leaving the surgery for cases with no appropriate location for the application of interventional therapy., Conclusion: Considering the potentially life-threatening complications of the untreated right pulmonary artery and left atrium fistulas, such as thromboembolic events, early diagnosis is crucial. However, treating these patients is not always straightforward, and strategies should be selected based on the connecting fistula's anatomical features, location, size, and tortuosity. Although endovascular treatment is the preferred option, some patients need to be treated with surgical procedures due to their structural characteristics., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Rajaei Hospital of Tehran. Considering not including any revealed information about the patient and the breach of confidentiality, the committee waived the requirement for an ethics code. Consent statement: The patient gave written informed consent to publish this report, following the journal’s patient consent policy. The procedure was performed in accordance with the center’s ethical policy. Competing interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background and Purpose: Nearly 95% of women treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer experience some degree of radiodermatitis. Radiation therapy's most frequent side effect is skin damage. Managing radiation-induced skin reactions while maintaining treatment continuity is a challenging issue. The chicory plant has known anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to assess the effect of chicory root extract gel on the incidence and severity of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients., Materials and Methods: This three-blind clinical trial was conducted in the radiation therapy department of Ayatollah Yasrebi Hospital in Kashan from September 2022 to February 2023. Forty-four breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy with a linear accelerator were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 21) or the placebo group (n = 20). Participants applied topically chicory root extract gel or placebo twice daily, starting with their radiation therapy. The incidence and severity of dermatitis were assessed using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale. Participants' characteristics were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution, using SPSS version 16 software., Results: No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding individual and clinical characteristics at the beginning of the study. The results indicated that the number of patients who did not develop dermatitis in later weeks was higher in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). In the second and third weeks, grade 1 and 2 dermatitis incidence was higher in the placebo group than in the intervention group (P < 0.001). A comparison of the incidence of dermatitis between the two groups, in terms of the number of days to develop grade 1 dermatitis, showed that the average duration was longer in the intervention group than in the placebo group (P > 0.05). This comparison was insignificant for grade 3 dermatitis in either group. Additionally, when considering body mass index (BMI) as a confounding variable and adjusting for its effect, the results revealed that the intervention group developed grade 1 dermatitis significantly later than the placebo group (P < 0.001)., Discussion and Conclusion: Chicory root extract gel offers an effective, low-risk option for managing radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients. This aligns with the goals of supportive cancer care, which emphasize minimizing side effects, maintaining treatment efficacy, and improving the patient's quality of life., Trial Registration: The study was registered in the Clinical Trials Center of Iran ( https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir ) with the number cod: IRCT20220601055055N1 on July 2, 2023., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The Institutional Review Board and the Research Ethics Committee of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (Ethical Code: IR.KAUMS.NUHEPM.REC.1401.017) approved the study protocol. All participants signed informed written consent before participating in the study.  All procedures were carried out in accordance with approved protocols and all relevant local, and national research guidelines and regulations. Competing Interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Phospholipid (PL) is an essential nutrient that has vital effects on growth, stress resistance, and early development in marine fish larvae. In this regard, a 30-day feeding experiment was conducted in order to examine the effects of live prey enrichment with graded levels of soy lecithin (SL) on some physiological responses of Acanthopagrus latus larvae. Four experimental emulsion levels of SL were used to enrich rotifer and Artemia including very low (2%, N-Nil), low (4%, L), medium (8%, M), and high (12%, H). Newly hatched larvae were distributed into 12,250-L cylindrical tanks with an initial density of 15,000 larvae in each tank that was supplied with natural seawater (23 ± 1°C; 40.0 ± 1.0 g L -1 ). Larvae fed live prey enriched with 4% SL significantly had higher wet weight gain than other treatments. Air exposure and osmotic activity tests were also performed to detect larval resistance to stress. Larvae fed live prey enriched with 8% and 12% SL had higher survival compared to the other two groups. The accumulation of arachidonic (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was increased in the whole body of larvae fed high SL-supplemented live prey. Alkaline phosphatase and aminopeptidase N activities in the guts brush border membrane of larvae in M and H groups were higher than other treatments. The trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in the N group were lower than in other groups. The highest and lowest amylase activities were in the H and N groups, respectively. The activity of catalase in the whole body of the M group was higher than the N group and the glutathione reductase activity was significantly increased in the M and L groups compared to the N and H groups. Total antioxidant capacity in the whole body of larvae in the N group was lower than in the other treatments. In summary, moderate levels of SL (4%-8%) are suggested for the enrichment of live prey in A. latus., (© 2024 AOCS.)

We report a strength-enhanced waveguide second-order line-Bragg grating (WLBG) directly written with femtosecond laser in bulk glass by using "offset" to exploit the slow-light effect. This design eschews the use of multiple waveguides and/or waveguide bundles for light guiding. Instead, it only employs a single-laser-pass waveguide (SLPWG) with a refractive index change of 1.1 × 10 -3 , to achieve effective light propagation. The SLPWG is first written as a core-shell ellipsoid unit by a single-laser pass. Subsequently, a line-grating is written on top, with an offset to accommodate for the already modified refractive index from the waveguide along the vertical direction of different offset values 0 µm, 5 µm, 10 µm, and 15 µm. The enhanced slow-light effect for WLBG is studied theoretically and experimentally. Optimal performance occurs at a 10 µm offset, exhibiting a maximum group delay of 35 ps and a derived slow-down factor (SDF) of up to 1.54, with a 12.5 dB transmission dip and a propagation loss of 1.16 dB/cm, in vertical polarization. The experimental SDF results demonstrate the potential of our design for future applications in creating slow-wave structures via grating dispersion for compact photonic integrated devices, applying it to microfluid devices that can increase the light-liquid interaction path for the detection of refractive index change caused by variations in fluid concentration and composition, directly incorporating it into the hardened glass of cellphone screens for embedded sensors, as well as integrating it into optical antennas within smart glass windows that can enhance light-matter interactions for enabling real-time monitoring of environmental changes and improving wireless communications.

Background: Results from studies investigating the association between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and breast cancer are scarce and, in some cases, contradictory. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between the intake of processed foods (PFs) and UPFs with the risk of breast cancer in Iranian women., Methods: The present case (n = 133) - control (n = 266) study was carried out at two general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. A 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the participants' dietary intake. Also, the NOVA classification was used to identify PFs and UPFs. The association between PFs and UPFs with the odds of breast cancer was analyzed using logistic regression models., Results: According to Model 1 of conditional logistic regression, the odds of breast cancer were higher in the last tertile of UPFs than in the first tertile (odds ratio (OR) = 1.930; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.080-3.449). In Model 2, no significant association was observed between the second and last tertiles of PFs and UPFs with the odds of breast cancer compared to the reference tertile. Also based on menopause status, the odds of breast cancer increased in the last tertile only among premenopausal women in Model 2 (OR = 3.656; 95% CI: 1.326-10.079)., Conclusions: This study demonstrated that higher consumption of UPFs is associated with higher odds of breast cancer in premenopausal women., (© 2024. The Author(s).)