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Purpose: 32-time scan duration reduction of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images through the generation of standard scan duration images using a multi-slice cycle-consistent Generative Adversarial Network (cycle-GAN) was studied. Also, the effect of the image augmentation methods on the performance of the cycle-GAN model was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Four subsets of standard and 32-time short scan duration PET image pairs, each contacting image data of 10 patients were used to train and test (80 percent for training and 20 percent for testing) a multi-slice cycle-GAN separately. Another patient’s image data was used as the validation dataset for different training subsets. When training the cycle-GAN model for each subset, two approaches were followed: with and without image augmentation. Common image quality metrics of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM), and Normalized Root Mean Squared Error (NRMSE) were used to assess the generation performance of the cycle-GAN model. Paired sample t-test statistical testing with a confidence interval of 0.95 was used to determine whether the differences between approaches were statistically significant or not. Results: For subsets 1-3, both training approaches improved the image quality of the short scan duration inputs (p < 0.001) while for subset 4 only the training approach with image augmentation was capable of improving the image quality. However, the training approach with image augmentation offered better results than the approach without image augmentation (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Employing the training approach with image augmentation, the cycle-GAN model was capable of improving the image quality of 1/32nd short scan duration images through the generation of synthetic standard scan duration images. In the case of the training approach without image augmentation, except for subset 4, the model trained on all subsets 1-3 was capable of improving the image quality. Image augmentation does indeed improve the performance of the cycle-GAN model, especially in the case of insufficient available training datasets.

White spot lesions (WSLs) remain one of the most critical adverse sequelae of fixed orthodontic treatment, despite materials and techniques advances in orthodontics. WSLs seem to be a multi-factorial interaction including increased microbial plaque due to intrabuccal appliances that limit the oral-cleansing mechanism and change in the oral microbiome during fixed appliance wear. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of propolis quantum dots (PQD), nisin (Nis), and quercetin nanoparticles (nQCT)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT) in the eradication of Streptococcus mutans biofilms and the remineralization of WSLs ex-vivo.The cytotoxicity of PQD-Nis-nQCT composite on human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated using neutral red. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT was measured. Enamel slabs were prepared and demineralized using a demineralization solution containing S. mutans. Demineralized enamel slabs were divided into 9 groups (n = 10) and treated in the following groups: 1) Artificial saliva (negative control), 2) 2% neutral sodium fluoride gel (NSF; positive control or treatment control, 3) PQD, 4) Nis, 5) nQCT, 6) Nis-nQCT, 7) PQD-Nis-nQCT 8) Blue laser irradiation (light), 9) PQD-Nis-nQCT with irradiation (PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT). Then, the surface changes, microhardness, and surface topography of the demineralized slabs were examined following each treatment using DIAGNOdent Pen reading, digital hardness tester, and SEM, respectively. After the determination of minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of PQD, Nis, and nQCT by microtiter plate assay, the synergistic antimicrobial effects of PQD and Nis-nQCT were determined via evaluation of fractional biofilm eradication concentration (FBEC) index. The anti-biofilm effects of each treatment on S. mutans were assessed using a colorimetric assay. The virulence‑associated gtfB gene expression was assessed following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT by quantitative real‑time PCR.PQD-Nis-nQCT at 2048 µg/mL had no significant cell cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblasts compared to the control group (P0.05). A significantly increased (7.6 fold) in intracellular ROS was observed following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT (13.9 ± 1.41) when compared to the control (1.83 ± 0.13). Following each treatment, the microhardness of the demineralized enamel surface significantly increased except for the artificial saliva (negative) and blue laser irradiation groups. The highest change in microhardness improvement was detected in the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT group (P0.05). Also, DIAGNODent Pen reading revealed the highest significant improved change in the level of mineralization degree in the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT group. Nis and blue light irradiation groups, like the artificial saliva-treated demineralized enamel slabs (control group), did not lead to remineralization (P0.05). Also, the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT treatment results obtained from SEM revealed that remineralization of demineralized enamel slabs in that group has significantly improved compared to the others. Light-activated nQCT, PQD, Nis-nQCT, and PQD-Nis-nQCT composite significantly reduced pre-formed biofilms of S. mutans compared with unactivated forms of test materials. The relative expression level of the virulence gtfB gene was significantly decreased (7.53-fold) in the presence of PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT (P0.05).PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT can be used for the eradication of S. mutans biofilms and remineralization of WSLs. The found in vitro efficacy should be tested further through clinical studies.

The formation of white spot lesions (WSLs) around fixed orthodontic appliances is a major complication during treatment. The current double-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT) study aims to investigate the varying effects of nanomicelle curcumin-based photodynamic therapy (NMCur-aPDT) on microbial count and virulence of Streptococcus mutans as well as the number and dynamics of WSLs.Double-blind prospective RCT, comprised of 48 patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, were recruited for the current study. The patients were divided into four groups according to the type of the treatment (NMCur, LED, NMCur-aPDT or VITIS® anti-caries mouthwash), using block randomization. Antimicrobial and anti-virulence activities of the treatments against isolated S. mutans were assessed via colony counting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. The visual inspection using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) score and laser fluorescence (LF) detection using a DIAGNOdent device were used for the detection and assessment of the dynamics of WSLs, respectively, on the labial surface in four areas (i.e., gingival, incisal, mesial, and distal) of the upper and lower anterior teeth at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-days follow-up after bonding of the lower and upper arches.The antimicrobial properties of NMCur, VITIS®, and NMCur-aPDT were time-dependent so the highest reduction in S. mutans population was observed following NMCur-aPDT (99.98%) on day 120 of the study. The gtfB gene expression levels in S. mutans isolates from the NMCur-aPDT group on days 60, 90, and 120 decreased by 2.07-, 2.32-, and 3.01-fold more than in S. mutans isolates from the VITIS® group, respectively (all P 0.05), while NMCur and LED treatments could not significantly reduce gtfB gene expression up to 120 days of follow-up (P0.05). In patients who were treated with LED, an increase in the mean number of WSLs per patient (mean increase, 1.8; P 0.05) was found, while in NMCur-aPDT and VITIS® groups, not only no increases were observed, but the mean number of WSLs per patient decreased (mean reductions, 0.5 and 0.9, respectively; not significant). LED treatment caused significant increases (P 0.05) in the mean LF values at 90-and 120-days of follow-up in comparison with the baseline (mean increases, 5.1 and 6.5, respectively) while, in NMCur-aPDT, VITIS®, and NMCur groups 11.8-, 7.1-, and 4.4-reductions in the mean LF values were observed, respectively (all, P 0.05).The antimicrobial and anti-virulence activities of NMCur-aPDT against S. mutans were higher than the other treatment groups. In patients who were treated with NMCur-aPDT, the mean number and LF values of WSLs per patient were significantly lower than the other groups in 90-and 120-days of follow-up.

Background and Aims Some studies have shown that proteinuria more than 800 mg per day and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 40 ml/min are the most important relative contraindications for mTOR inhibitors prescription. There is no pathophysiologic reason to put aside mTOR inhibitors in more advanced stages of chronic allograft nephropathy(CAN). To clarify the safety of conversion to mTOR inhibitors in more advanced stages of CAN we conduct a randomized clinical trial Method Among 1911 renal transplant recipients which was performed from May 1989 to May 2016, patients (pts) with CAN included to the study. CAN was defined by pathology results and rule out of other causes of renal dysfunction and GFR less than 60 ml/min. pts with recent acute rejection, chronic Ab mediated rejection, active viral infection, malignancy, advanced cardiac, liver and respiratory diseases, obstructive uropathy and non-adherence were excluded from the study. After exclusion there were 211 pts with CAN. Among CAN pts 112 pts have GFR less than 40 ml/min. These patients were assigned in two group randomly. Group 1 continued their immunosuppression which consists of mycophenolate mofetil/myfortic, Cyclosporin A /Tacrolimus and prednisolone. Group B which received Sirolimus 2 mg daily instead of CyclosporinA / tacrolimus. All pts followed for 18 months. allograft function and pts morbidity and mortality were monitored every two months. results were recorded in clinic sheets and were analyzed using SPss version 22 Results G1 consist of 53 and G2 59 pts. There were no differences in two group in respect to sex (M/F was 0.89 and 0.84 in G1 and G2 respectively), and age (mean age was 41 6 9.5 and 43 6 8.23 in G1 and G2 respectively). there were no differences in admission rate for medical reasons (0.43 and 0.39 admission per pts per year in G1 and G2 respectively p=0.23). There was no difference between two group in respect to cardiovascular events (0.23 and 0.27 events per pts per year in G1 and G2 respectively p=0.31). The average trough level of SRL was 8.38± 3.12 ng/mL at 18 months. At 18 months, the incidence of acute rejection was not higher in G2 (21% vs. 18.8 %, p = 0.21) and renal function was superior in patients converted to SRL (eGFR 32.3 vs. 23.4 mL/min/ 1.73 m2, p = 0.019) compared to those maintained on CsA/TAC. There were no significant differences in pts survival (one death in each group) Graft loss was higher in G1( 5 versus 2 at 18 months p= 0.014). there were no significant differences in respect to liver, respiratory, GI, hematologic and infectious complications. pts in G2 group had lower BP and uric acid levels. Conclusion Conversion to mTOR inhibitors in more advanced stages of CAN is safe and has beneficial effect on renal allograft function with no more side effect.

Background and Aims Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex disorder that is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after the 20th week of pregnancy, and it causes most neonatal morbidity and perinatal mortality. Despite many efforts, the knowledge acquired regarding its pathogenesis and pathophysiology does not allow us to treat it efficiently. It is not possible to arrest its progressive nature, and the available therapies are limited to symptomatic treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of approximately 19–23 nucleotides that can bind to the 3’ untranslated region of target mRNAs resulting in the degradation and translation inhibition of the mRNA, thereby regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Many studies have confirmed deregulated miRNA in pregnant patients with PE, and the function and mechanism of these differentially expressed miRNA are gradually being revealed. Method Sample collection Among the patients in the maternity ward, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. pregnant women who carried fetuses from 26 to 40 weeks of gestation were selected for study. Plasma samples were obtained from a total of 90 women in two groups; 48 being preeclamptic and 42 being healthy pregnancies, forming the control group. None of these subjects had undergone an invasive procedure. A volume of 5 mL maternal venous blood was drawn and collected in an ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) tube. The blood samples were centrifuged initially at 1200 g for 10 min and a second time at 10,000 g for 10 min, and 500 mL from the supernatant layer were used. The supernatant layer of the plasma was taken to Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory for storage at -80°C until the time of study. Total RNA extraction Total RNA was isolated from plasma using Trizol (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) following the manufacturer protocol. Total RNA was analyzed using the commercially available Bioanalyzer Agilent RNA 6000 picoassay. MicroRNA isolation from maternal plasma MicroRNAs were obtained with the High-Specificity miRNA QRT-PCR detection kit (Stratagene-an Agilent Technologies Company, USA-Canada) according to manufacturer recommendations. Micro RNAs were subjected to a polyadenylation reaction as previously described. Next, using an oligo dT primer harboring a consensus sequence, reverse transcription was performed using an Affinity Script RT/RNase Block Enzyme mixture (Stratagene). miRNA was anayzed using the Bioanalyzer 2100- Agilent Small RNA assay. QRT-PCR platform The cDNA was amplified by real-time PCR. The real-time PCR analysis was performed on a Stratagene Mx3005P. This reaction contained a microRNA-specific forward primer, a TaqMan probe complementary to the 3ꞌ of the specific microRNA sequence, as well as part of the polyA adaptor sequence, and a universal reverse primer complementary to the consensus 3ꞌ sequence of the oligodT tail. Results were recorded in clinic sheets and were analyzed using SPss version 22. Results G1 consist of 48 and G2 42 pts. There were no differences in two group in respect to age (mean age was 28± 9.5 and 27± 5.23 in G1 and G2 respectively). Micro RNA155, 210 and 494 were significantly higher in plasma of G1 (Pv 0.001, 0.0001, 0.005 respectively). Micro RNA 29b was significantly lower in G1 (Pv 003). And there was no difference between two groups in respect to Micro RNA 34a (Pv 0.09). And also PE patients with higher plasma creatinine have more plasma level of Micro RNA155 and 210. There was a significant correlation between Micro RNA 494 and anemia in PE patients Conclusion In this study we showed that Micro RNA155, 210 and 494 increased and Micro RNA 29b decreased in PE and after clarifying by further studies may use as a predictor in clinical practice.

Potential complications during fixed orthodontic procedures are white spot lesions (WSLs) and tooth decay. This study evaluated the anti-biofilm activity of an orthodontic adhesive (OA) incorporating curcumin (Cur) doped Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (Cur-PLGA-NPs), which can have the highest concentration of Cur-PLGA-NPs and shear bond strength (SBS) value simultaneously, against cariogenic bacteria i.e., Streptococcus mutans.Following synthesis and confirmation of Cur-PLGA-NPs, SBS and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of the modified orthodontic adhesives (MOA) containing Cur-PLGA-NPs (3, 5, 7, and 10 % wt.) were measured using universal testing machine and stereomicroscope, respectively. After artificial aging (continuously rinsed up to 180 days), the residual anti-biofilm ability of MOA which can have the highest concentration of Cur-PLGA-NPs and SBS value simultaneously were determined by anti-biofilm assay following photoexcited enamel slab bonded brackets by MOA containing Cur-PLGA-NPs against S. mutans biofilms using crystal violet assay.Adhesive with 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs revealed the highest concentration of Cur-PLGA-NPs and SBS value (16.19 ± 2.69 MPa, P0.05) simultaneously. No statistically significant difference in ARI scores was observed between the MOA and control (Transbond XT without the Cur-PLGA-NPs). On days 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 there was a considerable decrease in optical density (OD) of preformed S. mutans biofilms on photoexcited enamel slab bonded brackets using MOA containing 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs, to 94.1 %, 79.6 %, 69.6 %, 69.4 %, and, 55.1 % respectively in comparison to the control group (all, P0.05). From days 150 onwards, microbial biofilm formation was progressively increased on enamel slab bonded brackets using MOA containing 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs compared to the control group (OA). Although chlorhexidine (2 %; as positive control) showed significant activity against pre-formed S. mutans biofilms on enamel slab bonded brackets using OA (99.1 % biofilm reduction; P = 0.001), its activity was slightly higher but not significant than photoexcited enamel slab bonded brackets using MOA containing 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs on the days 15 and 30 (both, P0.05).The 7 % wt. Cur-PLGA-NPs can serve as an orthodontic adhesive antimicrobial additive as exposure to blue laser provides an acceptable antimicrobial effect against cariogenic bacteria for a considerable time.

Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) are the key regulators of beta‐cell function. In vitro experiments have shown that there is significant cooperation between Pdx1 and Shh with regard to the production and maintenance of insulin‐producing cells (IPCs). In this study, the combined effect of Pdx1 overexpression and Shh manipulation on the function of adipose tissue‐derived IPCs was determined. A eukaryotic expression vector (Pdx1‐ pCDNA3.1(+)) was constructed and transfected into a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line. Adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) obtained from rats were assigned to two groups [control (C) and manipulated (M)] and differentiated into IPCs. Manipulated cells were treated with a mixture of FGF‐β and cyclopamine and recombinant Shh protein at days 3 and 11, respectively, and transfected with Pdx1‐ pCDNA3.1(+) at day 10. The expression of multiple genes related to function of beta cells was analyzed using real‐time PCR. The functionality of IPCs in vitro was analyzed through dithizone (DTZ) staining and ELISA. IPCs were injected into the tail vein of diabetic rats, and blood glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. CHO cells transfected with Pdx1‐ pCDNA3.1(+) showed a significantly higher expression of Pdx1 compared with nontransfected cells. Manipulated IPCs exhibited a significantly higher expression of MafA, Nkx2.2, Nkx6.1, Ngn3, insulin, and Isl1 and a higher insulin secretion in response to glucose challenge in relation to control cells. Rats that received manipulated IPCs exhibited a higher ability to normalize blood glucose and insulin secretion when compared to controls. Our protocol might be used for more efficient cell therapy of patients with diabetes in the future.

The electronic, phonon, and transport properties of ternary ZrSxSe2-x (x = 0, 1, and 2) have been calculated based on density functional theory (DFT), density functional perturbation theory (DFPT), and Boltzmann transport theory. Two methods for engineering of the electronic and transport properties of ternary ZrSxSe2-x (x = 0, 1, and 2) shall be treated: (i) doping which can be achieved by the help of the rigid band approximation could be valid for the low doping levels of n- and p-type of ZrSxSe2-x (x = 0.1, 2). (ii) The substitution of S by Se in ZrSxSe2-x (x = 0.1, 2). Here, both methods have been applied to engineer the bandgap and power factor. This enables us to look at the optimal power factor and figure of merit for the n- and p-type doped ternary ZrSxSe2-x (x = 0, 1, and 2). It has been found that the p- doped ZrSe2 has the highest power factor and the lowest bandgap between three compounds while the highest Seebeck coefficient is observed in ZrS2. But the highest figure of merit (ZT) is found in ZrSeS which has the lowest lattice thermal conductivity such that at 300 K it is about 0.33 and 0.32 for the n- and p-doped, respectively. The minimum total thermal conductivity has also been obtained in ZrSeS which is 0.61 and 0.18 along the a- and c-directions, respectively at 1000 K. This value of the lattice thermal conductivity along the c-axis is even lower than the reported value for the well-known low lattice thermal conductivity of SnSe [L.D. Zhao, et al. Nature, 508, 373 (2014)].

Plants are such important keys of biological part of our environment, supply the human life and creatures. Understanding how the plant’s functions react with our surroundings, helps us better to make plant growth and development of food products. It means the plant phenotyping gives us bio information which needs some tools to reach the plant knowledge. Imaging tools is one of the phenotyping solutions which consists of imaging hardware such as the camera and image analysis software analyses the plant images changings such as plant growth rates. In this paper, we proposed a preprocessing algorithm to eliminate the noise and separate foreground from the background which results the plant image to help the plant image segmentation. The preprocessing is one of important levels has effect on better image segmentation and finally better plant’s image labeling and analysis. Our proposed algorithm is focused on removing noise such as converting the color space, applying the filters and local adaptive binarization step such as Niblack. Finally, we evaluate our algorithm with other algorithms by testing a variety of binarization methods.

Text segmentation is a live research field with vast new areas to be explored. Separating text layer from graphics is a fundamental step to exploit text and graphics information. The language used in the map is a challenging issue in text layer separation problem. All current methods are proposed for non-Persian language maps. In Persian, text strings are composed of one or more subwords. Each subword is also composed of one to several letters connected together. Therefore, the components of the text strings in Persian are more diverse in terms of size and geometric form than in English. Thus, the overlapping of the Persian text and the lines usually produces a complex structure that the existing methods cannot handle with the necessary efficiency. For this purpose, the stroke width variety of the input map is calculated, and then the average line width of graphics is estimated by analyzing the content of stroke width. After finding the average width of graphical lines, we classify the complex structure into text and graphics in pixel level. We evaluate our method on some variety of full crossing text and graphics in Persian maps and show that some promising results in terms of precision and recall (above 80% and 90%, respectively) are obtained.

Background aims Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is an intercellular signaling molecule that regulates pancreas development in mammals. Manipulation of Shh signaling pathway can be used as reliable approach to improve the generation of functional insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Methods In the present study, a novel differentiation protocol was used to produce IPCs from adipose tissue–derived MSCs (ATDMSCs) based on sequential inhibition and reactivation of Shh pathway. ATDMSCs were differentiated into IPCs via a 14-day basic protocol using 1% insulin transferrin selenium (ITS) and 1% nicotinamide in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium medium. A mixture of 0.25 µmol/L cyclopamine + 64 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor at day 3 of differentiation and 150 ng/mL recombinant Shh at day 11 of differentiation were used, respectively, to promote sequential inhibition and reactivation of Shh pathway. Insulin granule formation, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and gene expression pattern related to the pancreatic endocrine development and function were analyzed in manipulated and unmanipulated IPCs. Results IPCs obtained after Shh manipulation secreted higher amounts of insulin in vitro . This phenotype was accompanied by increased expression of both genes critical for β-cell function and transcription factors associated with their mature phenotype including Pdx1 , MafA , Nkx2.2 , Nkx6.1 , Ngn3 , Isl1 and insulin at day 14 of differentiation. Conclusions Our findings indicated that the early inhibition and late reactivation of Shh signaling pathway during the differentiation of ATDMSCs improved the functional properties of IPCs, a novel method that could be considered as an alternative approach for cell-based therapy for type 1 diabetes.

Design of tall telecommunication masts is usually governed by serviceability criteria under high wind conditions, typically combined with icing in cold climates. However, there is a need for seismic design checks for guyed masts constructed in zones with moderate to high seismicity, as is routinely prescribed for buildings in modern codes. There have been few efforts towards proposing a robust simplified method of general applicability for the seismic analysis of tall masts. These structures can be represented by the simple concept of a continuous beam-column (the lattice mast) on nonlinear elastic supports (the guy cable clusters at various stay levels). In this study, the guy cables are replaced by equivalent linear lumped parameters (stiffness, mass, and viscous damping) and the effects of their interaction with the mast stiffness and inertia on the structural characteristics are discussed. The approach was tested with nine case studies of real telecommunication masts subjected to five differen...

There are various methods that can be used to understand the fundamental concepts of each of the branches of human knowledge, one of which is philosophy. Philosophy inquires into the nature of things in such a way that can act as a prelude to the practical application of a particular subject. 'Place' is one of the fundamental concept in architecture and urban design. In this article placelessness of human being in today world, was investigated as today crisis. In the contemporary world, technology has deprived humanity from having the world and made him alienated and rootless. The alienation of humanity has made him lost, and the meaning of building has been forgotten. 'Martin Heidegger' found the solution to this problem in the phenomenology of being. Studying place as a phenomenon is an aid toward understanding its substance and essence. In this article at first the hermeneutical phenomenology are explained. Second we studied Daseinplaceness and aspect of it. Finally this question is tried to answer: how placeness of Dasein is translated to architecture and building?These subjects are so useful for architect and urbanist who try to clarify the concept of place as a phenomenon.

Telecommunication structures are essential components of communication and post-disaster networks and critically important facilities require reliable earthquake-resistant design procedures in seismically active regions. Calculation of the nonlinear seismic response of tall guyed masts using detailed time-step finite element methods is far more complex than linear response spectrum analysis that is routinely used in structural engineering practice. It is recognized that detailed computational procedures are not always necessary, in particular when the goal of the analysis is to provide a global earthquake-resistant design check on a regular structure with predictable response: this is when rational simplified methods are called upon to calculate the seismic demand. However, up until now, no such method exists for tall guyed masts that can account for the dynamic cable–mast interactions which dominate seismic effects in these structures. In the study reported here, the writers explore the dynamic behavior of guy cables under harmonic and seismic support ground motion through detailed computational modeling and propose a novel frequency-dependent method to evaluate the equivalent dynamic stiffness of guy clusters. This development will contribute efficiently towards a new robust rational model of general applicability for simplified seismic analysis of tall guyed telecommunication masts. Detailed numerical simulations involving 57 guy cables from eight existing towers with varying heights of 150–607 m were used in the study. A mathematical procedure was developed to replace the nonlinear time-variant cable stiffness with an equivalent linear frequency-dependent spring/mass system, based on the response spectrum of individual guy cables and the frequency content of the seismic excitation. Comparison of the main response indicators of these equivalent models and the detailed nonlinear finite element analysis results confirmed the reasonable and consistent engineering accuracy of the proposed simplified method with considerable savings in analysis effort.

Otukesh H, Hoseini R, Rahimzadeh N, Fereshtehnejad S-M, Simfroosh N, Basiri A, Sharifian M, Hashemi GH, Falahzadeh H, Derakhshan A, Fazel M, Reiesee D, Sayedzadeh A, Vazirian S, Nikibakhsh AA, Moghadam AG, Mohamadzadeh H, Naderi A, Isfahani T, Larijani F, Shorkhi H, Pasha AA, Shahbazian H, Valavi E, Mortazavi F, Gheisari A. Outcome of renal transplantation in children: A multi-center national report from Iran. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 533–538. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: The outcome of pediatric renal transplantation was previously reported by a single-center study at the year 2006. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate and report the characteristics and outcome of renal pediatric renal transplantation in a multi-center nationwide study. In this nationwide report, medical records of 907 children (≤18 yr) with renal transplantation in eight major pediatric transplant centers of Iran were recorded. These 907 patients received a total of 922 transplants. All children who failed to follow-up were excluded. Rather than baseline characteristics, graft and patient outcomes were considered for survival analysis. For further analysis, they were divided into two groups: patients who had graft survival time more than 10 yr (n = 91) and the ones with graft survival time of equal or less than 10 yr (n = 831). Of 922 recipients, 515 (55.8%) were boys and 407 (44.2%) were girls with the mean age of 13.10 (s.d. = 3.54) yr. DGF and AR were occurred in 10% and 39.5% of the transplanted children, respectively. Transplantation year, dialyzing status before transplantation, DGF, and AR were significant enough to predict graft survival in cox regression model (overall model: p

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of noninvasive anaerobic threshold (AT) estimation using %SpO2 (arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation) changes and respiratory gas exchanges. Fifteen active, healthy males performed 2 graded exercise tests on a motor-driven treadmill in 2 separated sessions. Respiratory gas exchanges and heart rate (HR), lactate concentration, and %SpO2 were measured continuously throughout the test. Anaerobic threshold was determined based on blood lactate concentration (lactate-AT), %SpO2 changes (%SpO2-AT), respiratory exchange ratio (RER-AT), V-slope method (V-slope-AT), and ventilatory equivalent for O2 (EqO2-AT). Blood lactate measuring was considered as gold standard assessment of AT and was applied to confirm the validity of other noninvasive methods. The mean O2 corresponding to lactate-AT, %SpO2-AT, RER-AT, V-slope -AT, and EqO2-AT were 2176.6 +/- 206.4, 1909.5 +/- 221.4, 2141.2 +/- 245.6, 1933.7 +/- 216.4, and 1975 +/- 232.4, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis indicates a significant correlation between 4 noninvasive methods and the criterion method. Blond-Altman plots showed the good agreement between O2 corresponding to AT in each method and lactate-AT (95% confidence interval (CI). Our results indicate that a noninvasive and easy procedure of monitoring the %SpO2 is a valid method for estimation of AT. Also, in the present study, the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) method seemed to be the best respiratory index for noninvasive estimation of anaerobic threshold, and the heart rate corresponding to AT predicted by this method can be used by coaches and athletes to define training zones.

At present, high-speed computing capabilities and advanced nonlinear dynamic finite element procedures enable detailed dynamic analysis of cable structures. Although deterministic approaches require considerable analysis time and effort in relation to modeling, running, and data processing, they seem to be the only alternative to obtain high accuracy. Detailed dynamic analysis of cable roof networks is sophisticated and requires advanced modeling expertise. This paper presents a comparison between detailed nonlinear dynamic analysis and a simplified frequency domain approach to estimate the maximum probable response of weakly nonlinear cable roofs. The approach can be considered as alternative to detailed time-domain analysis in the preliminary design phase, or can be used to validate results obtained from more elaborated numerical models. The proposed method is illustrated with two examples of cable net roofs that were also analysed in the time domain.

Despite numerous studies, the precise role of Th1/Th2 cytokines in acute renal allograft rejection remains unclear. To provide insight into the role of cytokines in acute allograft rejection, we measured serum T-cell cytokine concentrations for correlation with clinical events after renal transplantation in adults. Serum Th1 (interleukin-2 [IL-2] and interferon-gamma [IFN gamma] and Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) cytokine concentrations were measured in 60 consecutive living donor kidney transplant recipients namely, 40 males, overall mean age 38.82 years), on the day before as well as 7 and 14 days posttransplantation using ELISA. Patients were stratified based upon acute rejection episode (ARE) in the first month after transplantation. Immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. ARE was diagnosed based on an increased plasma creatinine of more than 50%, sonographic analysis, radioisotope scan, pathologic findings, or measured cyclosporine blood levels. Twelve ARE were diagnosed among patients (20%). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to the mean serum concentration values of IL-2, IL-10, IL-4, and IFN gamma on the day before or 7 or 14 days after transplantation. This study showed that there was no correlation between the Th1/Th2 serum cytokine profiles and early ARE in living donor kidney transplantation.

Introduction Renal transplantation recipients are at a high risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) following transplantation, especially in developing countries, with high incidences of morbidity and mortality. In this report, we examined the risk factors and impact of TB on the outcome of kidney transplantation. Patients and methods Among 1350 living donor Iranian kidney transplantations, 52 (3.9%) had TB diagnosed in various organs. Of these, 7 (13.5%) had TB pretransplantation and 40 (76.9%) were men. The overall mean age was 32.6 ± 10.5 years. Results The interval between transplantation and diagnosis was 54.6 ± 48.23 (range 4 to 140) months. In 34 (65.6%) patients TB was diagnosed after the first year posttransplantation. Pleuro/pulmonary TB was the most common form (68%). All posttransplant TB patients received a quadriple antituberculosis therapy; pyrazinamide, rifampicin, ethambutol, and isoniazide). Hepatotoxicity was seen in 16 (30%) patients, including 12 mild cases with normalization after temporary withdrawal of isoniazide and rifampicin, and four were severe, but mortality was not attributable to hepatocellular failure. Twelve patients (23%) died. Chronic allograft dysfunction occurred in 34 (65%) patients, 19 (37%) with graft loss. Pre-TB patients showed comparable posttransplant courses. Conclusion TB is a common infection among renal transplant recipients in developing countries. The peak incidence is after the first year of transplantation and mortality is considerable. Hepatoxicity is a considerable risk of treatment, possibly as a result of additive toxic effects of immunosuppressive drugs. Chronic allograft nephropathy is a serious complication that has a negative impact on the graft survival.

Background Current immunosuppressive therapies are effective to prevent acute rejection episodes (ARE) and graft loss following renal transplantation. Newer agents now make it possible to develop equally efficacious but better tolerated, less toxic strategies. We compared the efficacy of early low- versus high-dose cyclosporine (CsA) induction therapy in living donor renal transplantation. Methods In this single-center study, 90 consecutive recipients of living donor kidney transplants between November 2002 to October 2003 including 51 females and mean average age of 48.23 years were treated with either CsA (5 mg/kg/d) plus mycophenolae mofetil (MMF; 30 mg/kg/d) and prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d; group 1; n = 42); or CsA (8 mg/kg/d) plus MMF (30 mg/kg/d) and prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d; group 2; n = 48). The 2 groups were matched with respect to age, sex, underlying renal diseases, pretransplantation dialysis period, number of transplantations, and panel-reactive antibody tests. CsA dose tapering was initiated in the 2 group 3 months after transplantation. At the end of the first year, the CsA dose was 3.5 ± 0.65 mg/kg in group 1 and 3.4 ± 0.34 mg/kg in group 2. Prednisolone was tapered within the first 2 months, reaching 10 mg/d in all patients. The MMF dose remained unchanged. The 2 groups were compared with respect to ARE, patient and graft survivals, and clinical outcomes within 2 years after transplantation. Results There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to clinical outcomes, including 2-year patient survival (97.62% vs 97.92%; P = .76), 2-year graft survival (80.32% vs 80.41%; P = .82), ARE (47.61% vs 52.08%; P = .09), or length of immediate postsurgical hospital stay, number of readmissions, total hospitalization days, posttransplantation diabetes mellitus, and infectious, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and hematologic complications. There was more hypertension (67.5% vs 50.23%; P = .007), hypertriglyceridemia (45.5% vs 32.64%; P = .005), and elevated liver enzymes in group 2 (12.5% vs 7.14%; P = .018). Conclusions Compared with 8 mg/kg CsA induction therapy, the lower doses of CsA were effective, well tolerated, and safe with relatively fewer side effects.

The long-term risk of malignancy among renal transplant patients is approximately 100 times that of the general population. Unlike North America and many European countries, Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common cancer after renal transplantation in most series reported from the Middle East. Human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) has a major role in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma. The risk of posttransplantation Kaposi's sarcoma is 23% to 28% among seropositive patients compared with 0.7% among seronegative patients. This study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of HHV-8 among our transplant recipients. The sera from 100 renal transplant recipients were examined by indirect immunofluorescence against latent nuclear antigen. Sixty of 100 patients were males. The overall mean age was 41.1 years (range, 17-74 years) with 17 patients older than 55 years. The mean transplantation duration was 41.6 months. Twenty-five percent of patients were seropositive for HHV-8. There was statistically significant seropositivity for HHV-8 among recipients older than 55 years (P=.02). Eight of 17 patients older than 55 years were seropositive (47%), whereas 17/83 patients younger than 55 years were seropositive (20%). There were no significant differences for HHV-8 seropositivity regarding sex, transplantation duration, and immunosuppressive regimen, including dose of immunosuppressive drugs and cyclosporine blood levels. In this study, we showed seropositivity for HHV-8 among a significant percentage of our renal transplant recipients, a finding which may render them at risk to develop Kaposi's sarcoma. Seropositive and seronegative patients were followed for 16 months. One HHV-8 seropositive patient (1/25) developed Kaposi's sarcoma.