Search

Abstract Background Sleep disorders can be harmful to our health and treating them can also be expensive. Due to the widespread occurrence and impact of sleep disorders, it is valuable to investigate and study them from an epidemiological perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders among Iranian adults in 2022. Method This is a cross-sectional study that examines the prevalence of sleep disorders and problems in Iranian society. The participants were selected using a mixed sampling approach (utilizing virtual space and cluster sampling). A two-part package was used for evaluating participants sleep problems, which included a demographic profile form and the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire. After collecting the data, appropriate statistical tests in SPSS version 25 were utilized for analysis. Results A total of 6013 questionnaires were fully filled out for this research, with participants answering the specific questions. The participants’ score on sleep disorders was 1.94, which means 44.1% of them suffer from sleep disorders. The results indicated that the prevalence of sleep disorders in this study was as follows: insomnia (35%), parasomnia (35.3%), circadian rhythm sleep disorder (38.4%), hypersomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (39%), restless leg syndrome and leg movements during sleep (43%), and breathing disorders related to sleep (38.4%). The prevalence of sleep disorders among the study participants demonstrated a significant relationship with most of their demographic variables (P

Abstract Background In the United States, most (~ 70%) annual newly diagnosed HIV infections are among substance-using sexual minority men (SMM) and gender minority transgender women (trans women). Trans women and SMM are more likely to report or be diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) than their cisgender or heterosexual counterparts and the presence of an SUD substantially increases the risk of HIV infection in both groups. Although Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, initiation, adherence, and persistence are exclusively behavioral outcomes; thus, the biomedical benefits of PrEP are abrogated by substance use. SUD is also associated with reduced quality-of-life, and increased overdose deaths, utilization of high-cost healthcare services, engagement in a street economy, and cycles of incarceration. Objective To determine the optimal (considering efficacy and cost-effectiveness) strategy for advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum among trans women and SMM with an SUD. Methods This study will implement a randomized controlled trial, evaluating two Stepped Care approaches involving A.S.K.-PrEP vs. standard of care (SOC) to determine optimal intervention strategies for trans women and SMM with an SUD (N = 250; n = 83 trans women; n = 167 SMM) for advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum. Participants will be randomized (3:1) to Stepped Care (n = 187) or SOC (n = 63). Participants in the Stepped Care arm will be assessed at 3-months for intervention response; responders will be maintained in A.S.K.-PrEP, while non-responders will receive added attention to their SUD via Contingency Management (CM). Non-responders will be re-randomized (1:1) to either (a) receive A.S.K.-PrEP + CM, or (b) shift the primary focus to their SUD (CM alone). Results Recruitment and enrollment began in May 2023. Recruitment will span approximately 36 months. Data collection, including all follow-up assessments, is expected to be completed in April 2027. Discussion Trans women and SMM with an SUD have the two highest HIV prevalence rates in the United States, which underscores the urgent need for effective measures to develop scalable behavioral interventions that can encourage advancement along the PrEP Care Continuum. To improve public health, researchers must identify scalable and cost-effective behavioral interventions to promote PrEP initiation, adherence, and persistence among trans women and SMM who use substances. Trial registration This trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT05934877.

Abstract Designing and manufacturing memristor devices with simple and less complicated methods is highly promising for their future development. Here, an Ag/SnO2/FTO(F-SnO2) structure is used through the deposition of the SnO2 layer attained by its sol via the air-brush method on an FTO substrate. This structure was investigated in terms of the memristive characteristics. The negative differential resistance (NDR) effect was observed in environment humidity conditions. In this structure, valance change memory and electrometalization change memory mechanisms cause the current peak in the NDR region by forming an OH− conductive filament. In addition, the photoconductivity effect was found under light illumination and this structure shows the positive photoconductance effect by increasing the conductivity. Memristivity was examined for up to 100 cycles and significant stability was observed as a valuable advantage for neuromorphic computing. Our study conveys a growth mechanism of an optical memristor that is sensitive to light and humidity suitable for sensing applications.

Abstract Introduction We evaluated racial/ethnic differences in the receipt of naloxone distributed by opioid overdose prevention programs (OOPPs) in New York City (NYC). Methods We used naloxone recipient racial/ethnic data collected by OOPPs from April 2018 to March 2019. We aggregated quarterly neighborhood-specific rates of naloxone receipt and other covariates to 42 NYC neighborhoods. We used a multilevel negative binomial regression model to assess the relationship between neighborhood-specific naloxone receipt rates and race/ethnicity. Race/ethnicity was stratified into four mutually exclusive groups: Latino, non-Latino Black, non-Latino White, and non-Latino Other. We also conducted racial/ethnic-specific geospatial analyses to assess whether there was within-group geographic variation in naloxone receipt rates for each racial/ethnic group. Results Non-Latino Black residents had the highest median quarterly naloxone receipt rate of 41.8 per 100,000 residents, followed by Latino residents (22.0 per 100,000), non-Latino White (13.6 per 100,000) and non-Latino Other residents (13.3 per 100,000). In our multivariable analysis, compared with non-Latino White residents, non-Latino Black residents had a significantly higher receipt rate, and non-Latino Other residents had a significantly lower receipt rate. In the geospatial analyses, both Latino and non-Latino Black residents had the most within-group geographic variation in naloxone receipt rates compared to non-Latino White and Other residents. Conclusions This study found significant racial/ethnic differences in naloxone receipt from NYC OOPPs. We observed substantial variation in naloxone receipt for non-Latino Black and Latino residents across neighborhoods, indicating relatively poorer access in some neighborhoods and opportunities for new approaches to address geographic and structural barriers in these locations.

Abstract In recent years, extensive studies have been conducted on severe plastic deformation based on suitable processes for sheets and solid materials. Considering the limitations in some properties and crucial applications of titanium metal, these methods are considered intriguing avenues for enhancing the efficiency of this practical metal. Therefore, efforts have been made to investigate and develop effective severe plastic deformation processes for producing titanium samples. Severe plastic deformation is widely recognized as the primary method for producing ultrafine and nanostructured materials with high strength and hardness. This study focuses on exploring the most recent methods in this family suitable for producing nanostructured titanium samples with ultrafine grains. Furthermore, the study assesses the impact of several key severe plastic deformation methods on titanium properties, comparing them based on the advantages and disadvantages of these methods from both processing and property perspectives. Findings: In this regard, in recent years, severe plastic deformation methods have been introduced and extensively studied. In this research, by examining and reviewing the latest studies related to the advantages and disadvantages of three methods: simple shear extrusion, accumulative roll bonding, and equal channel angular pressing, the following results have been obtained : All past research indicates that these three methods have a significant and positive impact on the mechanical properties of titanium metal. These positive effects show an increasing acceleration up to a certain number of passes and then reach a saturation point. Temperature, speed, and appropriate processing are three fundamental and important factors concerning severe plastic deformation of titanium metal. Some studies suggest that pure titanium metal can also be processed at room temperature using methods of severe plastic deformation. The frequency of using these methods in relation to titanium metal and its alloys includes methods such as ECAP, accumulative roll bonding, and simple shear extrusion, respectively. A noticeable weakness in most studies conducted on processed titanium using severe plastic deformation methods is the lack of investigation into the biocompatibility properties of titanium concurrently with its mechanical properties after the process. 6. It can be almost stated that in none of the studies conducted on severe plastic deformation methods, a specific industrial output has been introduced, and it remains at the level of research work.

Abstract Background\Objectives Concomitant with low rates of pharmacotherapy for incarcerated individuals with OUD, there is a high rate of opioid overdose following re-entry into the community. Our research objective was to develop a better understanding of the factors that influence health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) among this population during the high-risk transition period from incarceration to community. Few studies have assessed health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) among individuals with OUD who are involved with the criminal-legal system, let alone over the period directly surrounding release from incarceration. Methods Secondary longitudinal analysis of data from a clinical trial where participants were randomized 1:1 to pre-release extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) + referral to community XR-NTX, vs. referral only. We conducted individual, multivariable regressions of EQ-5D domains (mobility, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression; usual activities and self-care were excluded due to insufficient variation in scores), and the overall preference/utility score. HRQoL data were subset to timepoints immediately before release (baseline) and 12 weeks post-release; treatment groups were collapsed across condition. Multiple imputation by chained equations was conducted to handle missing 3-month data in the dependent variables and covariates, ad hoc. Results Greater severity in the psychiatric composite score was associated with substantially lower HRQoL, across all measures, following release from incarceration. Greater severity in the medical composite score was associated with lower pain/discomfort-related HRQoL. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance of ensuring individuals with OUD are linked not only to MOUD, but also treatment for their comorbid conditions upon release from incarceration.

In this study, the effect of different intake manifold geometries on the performance of a spark-ignited engine is investigated both numerically and experimentally. 1D and 1D-3D simulations are carried out to find the optimal dimensions of different intake manifold designs. The numerical simulations are successfully validated with real data. The results show that the manifold design utilizing two-valve throttle has a better performance. The superior design is constructed and mounted on the engine to compare the output result with the base design. The operation tests are performed at various rotational speeds in the range of 1000-6000 rpm. Regarding the experimental tests, the superior double intake manifold increases the engine brake power and torque by 6.814%.

Abstract Shrimp farming increases the nutrients, especially nitrogen in the water resources reducing water quality. This study was conducted to evaluate the nitrogen dynamics in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farms and the role of artificial lagoon (24 ha) in reducing nitrogen levels in Gomishan coastal wetland, the eastern Caspian Sea. The results indicated that at the end of the 4-month breeding period, the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus introduced into Gomishan wetland were calculated as to 220.157 and 39 tons, respectively in a breeding area covering 830 hectares. Nitrogen values (based on nitrate) calculated based on the relationship between the basin and the discharge of the outlet channel of the site at the time of complete emptying of the farms, were calculated to be approximately 121.8 tons per breeding time that it had an important role in eliminating about 45% of nutrient pollution and reducing the concentration of dissolved nitrogen. Moreover, nitrogen isotopic trace was observed in shrimp samples, in similar levels in the samples of both shrimp pond and lagoon, which emphasizes the role of feeding from natural food, especially benthic fauna. Overall, due to the decline of Caspian Sea water level, Gomishan coastal wetland is drying, and the output of shrimp farms is currenly the only source supplying water for the wetland. Hence, appropriate management strategies could minimize the amounts of nutrients into the natural water whilst aiding wetland’s survaival.

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare neuroendocrine malignancy of the olfactory epithelium that infrequently presents with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). We discuss the case of a 37-year-old woman with history of primary hypothyroidism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting with SIADH prior to the diagnosis of a left nasal cavity ENB (Kadish stage B, Hyams grade 1). Her SIADH diagnosis was obfuscated by concomitant discovery of a pituitary microadenoma, primary hypothyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency due to longstanding corticosteroid use for SLE. The ENB was discovered in the setting of recurrent epistaxis. The patient experienced resolution of her hyponatremia immediately following endonasal endoscopic tumor resection with negative margins. Workup for SIADH of unknown origin should include attention to sinus disease with MRI brain for the rare possibility of ENB. In patients with ENB with associated SIADH, repeat sodium levels may provide additional surveillance for recurrence.

Background: Naloxone distributed to people at risk for opioid overdose has been associated with reduced overdose death rates; however, associations of retail pharmacy-distributed naloxone with overdose mortality have not been evaluated. Methods: Our analytic cohort uses retail pharmacy claims data; three health departments’ community distribution data; federal opioid overdose data; and American Community Survey data. Data were analyzed by 3-digit ZIP Code and calendar quarter-year (2016Q1–2018Q4), and weighted by population. We regressed opioid-related overdose mortality on retail-pharmacy and community naloxone distribution, and community-level demographics using a linear model, hypothesizing that areas with high overdose rates would have higher current levels of naloxone distribution but that increasing naloxone distribution from one quarter to the next would be associated with lower overdose. Results: From Q1–2016 to Q4–2018, the unadjusted naloxone distribution rate increased from 97 to 257 kits per 100,000 persons, while the unadjusted opioid overdose mortality rate fell from 8.1 to 7.2 per 100,000 persons. The concurrent level of naloxone distribution (both pharmacy and community) was positively and significantly associated with fatal opioid overdose rates. We did not detect associations between change in naloxone distribution rates and overdose mortality. Conclusion: Naloxone distribution volumes were correlated with fatal opioid overdose, suggesting medication was getting to communities where it was needed most. Amid high rates of overdose driven by fentanyl in the drug supply, our findings suggest additional prevention, treatment, and harm reduction interventions are required—and dramatically higher naloxone volumes needed—to reverse the opioid overdose crisis in the US.

Objectives To inform national planning, six indicators posed by the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery were collected for the Mongolian surgical system. This situational analysis shows one lower middle-income country’s ability to collect the indicators aided by a well-developed health information system.Design An 11-year retrospective analysis of the Mongolian surgical system using data from the Health Development Center, National Statistics Office and Household Socio-Economic Survey. Access estimates were based on travel time to capable hospitals. Provider density, surgical volume and postoperative mortality were calculated at national and regional levels. Protection against impoverishing and catastrophic expenditures was assessed against standard out-of-pocket expenditure at government hospitals for individual operations.Setting Mongolia’s 81 public hospitals with surgical capability, including tertiary, secondary and primary/secondary facilities.Participants All operative patients in Mongolia’s public hospitals, 2006–2016.Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcomes were national-level results of the indicators. Secondary outcomes include regional access; surgeons, anaesthesiologists and obstetricians (SAO) density; surgical volume; and perioperative mortality.Results In 2016, 80.1% of the population had 2-hour access to essential surgery, including 60% of those outside the capital. SAO density was 47.4/100 000 population. A coding change increased surgical volume to 5784/100 000 population, and in-hospital mortality decreased from 0.27% to 0.14%. All households were financially protected from caesarean section. Appendectomy carried 99.4% and 98.4% protection, external femur fixation carried 75.4% and 50.7% protection from impoverishing and catastrophic expenditures, respectively. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy carried 42.9% protection from both.Conclusions Mongolia meets national benchmarks for access, provider density, surgical volume and postoperative mortality with notable limitations. Significant disparities exist between regions. Unequal access may be efficiently addressed by strengthening or building key district hospitals in population-dense areas. Increased financial protections are needed for operations involving hardware or technology. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will support the development of context-specific interventions to improve surgical care in Mongolia.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different plant extracts (common nettle, coriander, dill and thyme) at various dietary levels (0, 150, 300 and 450 mg/L) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood serum parameters, immune response and ileal microflora of 650 male Ross chickens (13 treatment groups; five replicates/treatment group; 10 birds/replicate) in a 42-day trial. Plant extracts were added to drinking water. Supplementation, except for coriander, increased feed intake (p

Abstract Background Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer mortality accounting for 90% of cancer deaths. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving metastasis is rudimentary. Results We perform whole exome sequencing (WES), RNA sequencing, methylation microarray, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 8 pairs of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) primary tumors and matched distant metastases. Furthermore, we analyze published WES data from 35 primary NSCLC and metastasis pairs, and transcriptomic data from 4 autopsy cases with metastatic NSCLC and one metastatic lung cancer mouse model. The majority of somatic mutations are shared between primary tumors and paired distant metastases although mutational signatures suggest different mutagenesis processes in play before and after metastatic spread. Subclonal analysis reveals evidence of monoclonal seeding in 41 of 42 patients. Pathway analysis of transcriptomic data reveals that downregulated pathways in metastases are mainly immune-related. Further deconvolution analysis reveals significantly lower infiltration of various immune cell types in metastases with the exception of CD4+ T cells and M2 macrophages. These results are in line with lower densities of immune cells and higher CD4/CD8 ratios in metastases shown by IHC. Analysis of transcriptomic data from autopsy cases and animal models confirms that immunosuppression is also present in extracranial metastases. Significantly higher somatic copy number aberration and allelic imbalance burdens are identified in metastases. Conclusions Metastasis is a molecularly late event, and immunosuppression driven by different molecular events, including somatic copy number aberration, may be a common characteristic of tumors with metastatic plasticity.

This descriptive survey evaluates the digital libraries of Allameh Tabataba’i University and Tebyan Cultural Institute based on the Xie and Joo (2013) digital library evaluation criteria. A checklist was made based on information from 10 structural dimensions of digital library evaluation criteria. It was then set up as a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Xie and Joo digital library evaluation criteria. To collect data, questionnaires were distributed among librarians and users of the two digital libraries. Sixty-three valid responses were collected and analysed with SPSS software .Findings showed that the two digital libraries were in a moderate condition in two dimensions (user engagement and context); and in good condition in the others. The findings of the inferential statistics show that there is no significant difference between users’ and employees’ viewpoints on the dimensions of the digital collection, interface design, context, preservation and administration (sustainability). However, regarding the information organization and services (level 0.01), the dimensions of technology and the effects on the user (level 0.02), there is a significant difference between the two systems in terms of the user engagement dimension with the relative superiority of Allameh Tabataba’i digital library.The results show that despite the differences in the type of these two libraries, there is not much difference between the studied dimensions (other than those mentioned in the findings), but in some dimensions, there is a slight difference between the respondents' opinions. It is seen with the relative and partial superiority of Allameh Tabataba’i digital library.

Abstract The Norwood surgical procedure restores functional systemic circulation in neonatal patients with single ventricle congenital heart defects, but this complex procedure carries a high mortality rate. In this study we address the need to provide an accurate patient specific risk prediction for one-year postoperative mortality or cardiac transplantation and prolonged length of hospital stay with the purpose of assisting clinicians and patients’ families in the preoperative decision making process. Currently available risk prediction models either do not provide patient specific risk factors or only predict in-hospital mortality rates. We apply machine learning models to predict and calculate individual patient risk for mortality and prolonged length of stay using the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial dataset. We applied a Markov Chain Monte-Carlo simulation method to impute missing data and then fed the selected variables to multiple machine learning models. The individual risk of mortality or cardiac transplantation calculation produced by our deep neural network model demonstrated 89 ± 4% accuracy and 0.95 ± 0.02 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The C-statistics results for prediction of prolonged length of stay were 85 ± 3% accuracy and AUROC 0.94 ± 0.04. These predictive models and calculator may help to inform clinical and organizational decision making.

Abstract Background Persons with an opioid use disorder (OUD) who were incarcerated face many challenges to remaining abstinent; concomitantly, opioid-overdose is the leading cause of death among this population, with the initial weeks following release proving especially fatal. Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is the most widely-accepted, evidence-based OUD pharmacotherapy in criminal justice settings, and ensures approximately 30 days of protection from opioid overdose. The high cost of XR-NTX serves as a barrier to uptake by many prison/jail systems; however, the cost of the medication should not be viewed in isolation. Prison/jail healthcare budgets are ultimately determined by policymakers, and the benefits/cost-offsets associated with effective OUD treatment will directly and indirectly affect their overall budgets, and society as a whole. Methods This protocol describes a study funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) to: evaluate changes in healthcare utilization, health-related quality-of-life, and other resources associated with different strategies of XR-NTX delivery to persons with OUD being released from incarceration; and estimate the relative “value” of each strategy. Data from two ongoing, publicly-funded, randomized-controlled trials will be used to evaluate these questions. In Study A, (XR-NTX Before vs. After Reentry), participants are randomized to receive their first XR-NTX dose before release, or at a nearby program post-release. In Study B, (enhanced XR-NTX vs. XR-NTX), both arms receive XR-NTX prior to release; the enhanced arm receives mobile medical (place of residence) XR-NTX treatment post-release, and the XR-NTX arm receives referral to a community treatment program post-release. The economic data collection instruments required to evaluate outcomes of interest were incorporated into both studies from baseline. Moreover, because the same instruments are being used in both trials on comparable populations, we have the opportunity to not only assess differences in outcomes between study arms within each trial, but also to merge the data sets and test for differences across trials. Discussion Initiating XR-NTX for OUD prior to release from incarceration may improve patient health and well-being, while also producing downstream cost-offsets. This study offers the unique opportunity to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multiple strategies, according to different stakeholder perspectives.

In the current study, non-Newtonian flow pattern and heat transfer in an enclosure containing a tilted square are examined. In order to numerically simulate the problem, the mesoscopic lattice Boltzmann method is utilized. The non-Newtonian Carreau-Yasuda model is employed. It is able to adequately handle the shear-thinning case. The simulation results of flow and heat transfer have been successfully verified with the previous studies. Several parameters such as Nusselt number, Drag coefficient, and Carreau number are investigated in details. Considering the temperature-dependent viscosity, it is seen that with increasing thetemperature-thinning index, the drag coefficient increases, but the Nusselt number decreases. By rotating the square obstacle, the results display that increasing the angle of inclination from zero to 45 degrees, increases both the drag coefficient and the Nusselt number. Also, the highest rate of heat transfer occur at the angle of 45 degrees (diamond); however it has a negative impact on the Drag coefficient.

Relevant features of T cell repertoire in human cancer remain to be delineated. Here the authors show, by TCR sequencing in a large cohort of lung cancer patients, that while a majority of T cell clones are shared between tumor and adjacent lung tissue, less frequent tumor-unique T cell clones correlate with worse prognosis.

Recreational fishing is a popular pastime and multibillion dollar industry in Australia, playing a key economic role, especially in regional areas. In the State of Victoria, Port Phillip Bay (PPB), bordered by Melbourne and its suburbs, is the largest of the State’s marine recreational fisheries. At present, little is known about the spatial and temporal dimensions of angler travel from origins to destinations, and the applicability of such spatial knowledge in fisheries management. To address this lack of information we assessed spatiotemporal dynamics and patterns in fishing trips, based upon travel distances on land and water, to acquire insight into the spatial ranges over which anglers residing in various locations travel to fishing destinations in the environs of PPB. Data for each angler per fishing trip, from 6,035 boat-based creel surveys, collected at 20 boat ramps in PPB during a 10-year period from 2010 to 2019, were analyzed by applying geospatial modeling. Differences were observed in both land and water travel distance by region and popular target species, with anglers who launched from Bellarine region traveling further on land, and those who targeted snapper traveling further on water. It was also evident that most anglers resided within close proximity of PPB, often less than 50 km, although some anglers traveled long distances across the State to access fishing locations, particularly when targeting snapper. This work further highlights the importance of spatially explicit approaches to inform fisheries management by identifying users across different landscape and seascape scales, and out-of-region or State fishing trips, which may especially impact coastal communities and benefit local businesses.

Abstract Background Intracranial metastasis of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) is rare but presents unique treatment challenges. We present a case of intracranial metastasis of GIST with a systematic review of the literature. A literature search using key terms “‘gastrointestinal stromal tumor’ AND brain AND metastasis”” was conducted through May 2019 via Embase and Pubmed according to PRISMA guidelines. Only cases describing intradural metastases rather than calvarial or intraorbital metastases were included. Case presentation A 57-year-old woman with history of GIST metastatic to the liver presented with a six-week history of left facial weakness, left hearing loss, and left facial numbness, and a one-week history of headaches, gait disturbance, and dizziness. MRI revealed a contrast-enhancing dural-based left middle cranial fossa mass measuring 2.9 cm × 3.1 cm × 3.4 cm with extension into the internal auditory canal and cerebral edema. A left temporal craniotomy was performed to excise the lesion, and the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility at her preoperative baseline. Intraoperative pathology revealed a spindle cell neoplasm, postoperative MRI demonstrated gross total resection of the lesion, and microscopic analysis demonstrated sheets of spindled tumor cells with short ovoid, irregular, hyperchromatic nuclei and scattered large atypical nuclei without extensive necrosis. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for KIT proto-oncogene (CD117, c-KIT), and the patient was put on imatinib (400 mg/day). Conclusions Of the 18 cases analyzed and our present case, metastasis typically involved the cerebrum with only one in infratentorial elements. The tumors in seven of the cases involved the dura, and one case metastasized to the pituitary. Eight patients died following treatment. Surgery remains the mainstay of intracranial metastatic GIST, however there are many reports of good responses to radiation or chemotherapy alone. More investigation is required to determine the best treatment course for these patients.

Abstract It has been shown that the entropy function formalism is an efficient way to calculate the entropy of black holes in string theory. We check this formalism for the extremal charged dilaton black hole. We find the general four-derivative correction on the black hole entropy from the value of the entropy function at its extremum point.

Nanofluid viscosity is an important physical property in convective heat transfer phenomena. However, the current theoretical models for nanofluid viscosity prediction are only applicable across a limited range. In this study, 1277 experimental data points of distinct nanofluid relative viscosity (NF-RV) were gathered from a plenary literature review. In order to create a general model, adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) code was expanded based on the independent variables of temperature, nanoparticle diameter, nanofluid density, volumetric fraction, and viscosity of the base fluid. A statistical analysis of the data for training and testing (with R2 = .99997) demonstrates the accuracy of the model. In addition, the results obtained from ANFIS are compared to similar experimental data and show absolute and maximum average relative deviations of about 0.42 and 6.45%, respectively. Comparisons with other theoretical models from previous research is used to verify the model and prove the prediction capabilities of ANFIS. Consequently, this tool can be of huge value in helping chemists and mechanical and chemical engineers – especially those who are dealing with heat transfer applications by nanofluids – by providing highly accurate predictions of NF-RVs.

Fresh horticultural products are exposed to different environmental conditions from farm to fork. Barrier properties of packaging and physiological behaviour of produce, namely respiration and transpiration can affect headspace conditions surrounding produce and consequently remaining shelf life. Packaging material also plays a role in heat and mass transfer, such as thermal conduction and permeation of O2, CO2 and water vapour. All of these behaviours are integrated together in the form of ordinary differential equations and solved using numerical methods in MATLAB.• The simulation program is useful for designing the size and number of perforations to achieve equilibrium modified atmosphere alone or in combination with packaging material having a higher water transmission rate or active moisture absorber.• The simulation program is also useful for predicting the shelf life of fresh produce under the actual supply chain conditions.• The simulation program provides a flexible system to input predefined supply chain conditions and the properties of fresh produce and packaging material, thus, minimizing the costly and time consuming experimental procedures for selecting the optimum packaging material for fresh produce.

Abstract One of the concerns of editors in editing ancient texts is adherence to orthography the manuscript or use to new orthography Persian language. Indeed, in editing ancient texts we cannot adhere to all the rules of the new orthography. Because poets sometimes have decorated their poems based on ancient orthography features. For this reason editors should note that sometimes accuracy of meaning is depends on the particular orthography. The basis of this figurative device is formal elements of Persian Orthography and languages and symmetry. In this orthography we can paste some words together and write them separately and in general, a word can be written in different ways. This Properties of orthography makes the word in combination with other words find new meaning and in proportion or conflict with other word in the text create a semantic relationship. On the other hand, mankind has seen everything symmetrically and considered this symmetry a sign of beauty. In Persian literature Symmetry, both formally and semantically, has created many beauty and most rhetorical tricks are the result of symmetry. Evidence shows that poets and authors are not used this figurative device for hobby but they used this device consciously. They have used too much from properties of orthography that causes bi-readings, amphibology of proportion, distortions, etc. Orthography elements that make up this figurative device can be divided into four categories: 1- The rule pasting words together. This rule is one of the oldest traditions of the Persian orthography of course, without a special rule, such as: وقف خواهد بُد تا حشر برین شوم حشَر آخر ایران که از او بودی فردوس برشک (Anvari, 1376: 203) “بر این “in the second hemistich to fit the “فردوس “written connected. Modarres Razavi in your printing adhered to this orthography. Remove tittle “است” and word previous connection to «-ست». The scribes in some periods attached «است» to The Previous word. Even «-ست» attached to the words with «هـ» without pronunciation and removed their «هـ»; such as افتادست. کارم بکامست الحمد لله (Hafez) عیشم مدامست از لعل دلخواه Proportionality "= مستdrunk" with "=مدامconstant (= wine)" and "=عیشmirth" Depends on adhere to old Orthography. 3-Paste words to preposition “به ”, such as: پسر دفع آن ندانست بسر در آمد(sadi, 1381:79) «بسر»in proportion with children, brings to mind the word "= پسرson". -4 Twofold writing, such as: گاه موجیم و گاه دریائیم (Shah namat allah vali) غرقۀ بحر بی‌کران مائیم The final word in first hemistich According to the current Orthography is written «ماییم» but «ماء» in meaning “آب =water” in «مائیم» has proportional to” غرقه= flooding",” بحر = دریا =sea" and” موج =wave" and so in this verse as «مائیم» is true. Of course, we can divide these orthography elements into two categories: pasting words together («است» و «به») and Twofold writing But since each has its own evidence and seems had been raised to poets and writers in particular were introduced separately. We can divide the evidence on the basis of artistic creation. For example: 1. The dual ambiguity of two types of reading 2. Distortions proportion 3. Pun writing 4. Pun Anagram, Etc. But because this figurative device is based Orthography We knew better basis of Division be the factors of Orthography. Figurative device in contemporary literature This figurative device for contemporary poets is a new artistic source that it has been less attention. As: دیشب باران قرار با پنجره داشت روبوسی آب‌دار با پنجره داشت یک‌ریز به گوش پنجره پچ‌پچ کرد چک چک، چک چک... چکار با پنجره داشت؟ (Amin poor, 1388: 89) In the example above «چکار» cannot be written «چه کار» because artistic elegance of poetry in repeat of «چک»By writing, «چه کـ[ار]» disappear.

Nowadays, Geographic Information Systems applications enter in libraries and information centers and some advanced libraries in the world use the benefits of GIS in general to improve the space and resources. The present study aimed to implement a way finding system in order to facilitate the users’ access to the facilities and services in the library of the Agriculture Information and Scientific Documents Center. This is an applied research, in which the required data were gathered from different sections of the library through a survey-descriptive method and observation technique for the correspondence between real information and the available maps. Data were entered, analyzed and the results were implemented through the Arc GIS software on the maps. The illustrated maps had shown that they might be helpful in gaining a better understanding of the users’ access to the library entrance and facilities in order to improve its utility and efficiency. This is a new idea started to be used in the libraries of the world. Since the study dealing with the network traffic and the amount of time for non-negative ways, Dijkstra’s algorithm was used to Time-Based Way finding. After creating the database, determining the shortest path at the least time was possible.

Purpose: The aim of this studies evaluating the usability of digital libraries in governmental universities at Tehran.Methodology: Evaluative Survey methodology was used for the survey applying measures of search, navigation, forms layout, contrast and scan ability, optimization (size & print), help, usage of windows and speed and errors through a questionnaire containing 36 questions. The research population included 124,800 undergraduate, Master and PhD students, from three governmental universities of Tehran, Sanati Sharif and Sanati Amirkabir. Stratified random sampling method was applied to select 378 students as a sample. For data analysis, SPSS software was used along with descriptive techniques as well as independent test and ANOVA where needed. Findings: The findings indicated that the criteria relating to the usability of digital libraries in the three Tehran universities evaluated to be in relatively good condition and there is no significant difference between the digital libraries for the usability criteria. Conclution: Survey results show that these libraries should be improved by managers, librarians, and experts for a user-friendly system, thereby improving the quality of related universities digital libraries.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the scientific cooperation network of Iranian researchers in the field of social sciences at the Web-based site from the beginning to the end of 2014. Scientometrics and network analysis indicators were used. Statistical population consists of scientific production of Iranian researchers in the Web of Science since the appearance of the first publication (with an affiliation to an Iranian university/institute) to the end of 2014 (9318 articles). The data were extracted from the Web of Science and analysed by Bibexcel, HistCite, and VOS Viewer. The findings of the research indicate that the articles of cooperation in the field of social sciences have been on a par with the following years. Based on the findings of the research, Iran's position in Middle Eastern countries is ranked third among the countries of Zionist regime and Turkey in terms of scientific production. Iran collaborated most with USA, UK, and Canada.The result showed 46.08 percent inter-institutional collaboration, 24.55 per cent intra-institutional collaboration, and 22 percent international collaboration. Overall, results indicated the average collaboration coefficient was 64%, and the trend has been upward, which indicates an increased willingness by Iranians authors for cooperative papers. The most dominated model of authorship was two and three authored articles respectively. In general, the findings of this study indicate the willingness of researchers to produce science in a collaborative way.

Nemacheilian loaches are a group of freshwater fishes which are distributed in many inland waters of Iran. They are complex species from aspects of systematic and many species of this family are morphologically undistinguishable. Therefore, due to limitations behind the morphology-based identification of such species, genetic approaches such as DNA barcoding can be helpful to distinguish species, although their genetic relationships are not well determined yet. The present investigation provides data on genetic structure of some species of Nemachilidae including Paraschistura bampurensis, Oxynoemacheilus kiabii and Turcinemacheilus saadii from inland waters of Iran. These species were sequenced for a 652 base pair region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. All species were identified by cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequence. The sequences of P. bampurensis showed that specimens collected from two streams (Shapour and Fahlian, south-west of Iran), with 1.89% within-species Kimura two parameter distance, shared haplotype in neighbor joining tree. The results provided the first genetic evidence for O. kiabii, which has recently been recorded as a new species in Iran, and also cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene data showed that O. kiabii is completely different from other species of Nemacheilidae. The results suggested that cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene sequencing can be used to identify species of Nemachilidae from the Iranian streams.

For a sustainable development and greater success, digital libraries need to be evaluated at different time points. Usability study is a type of digital library evaluation.The aim of this study is identifying the usability of digital libraries in Tehran's public universities i.e. Sharif, Amirkabir and Tehran universities. Evaluative Survey methodology was used for the survey applying measures of search, navigation, forms layout, contrast and scan ability, optimization, help, usage of windows and speed and errors through a questionnaire containing 36 questions. The research population included 124,800 undergraduate, Master and PhD students, from three governmental universities of Sharif, Amirkabir and Tehran. Stratified random sampling method was applied to select 378 students as a sample which are 130 people in Tehran, Amirkabir 125 people and Sharif 123 people. For data analysis, SPSS software was used along with descriptive techniques as well as independent test and ANOVA where needed.The findings indicated that the criteria relating to the usability of digital libraries in the three Tehran governmental universities evaluated to be in relatively good condition and there is no significant difference between the digital libraries for the usability criteria. The results of this study suggest that according to the usability of digital library design creates more willingly resort to this type of user to visit the library and the realization of the objectives of the parent organization provides.

Introduction: The use of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements is important in improving the function of obese people. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks aerobic training with ginger consumption on the levels of IL-18 and CRP in obese men. Methods: 40 men (mean ± SD: age 23.9 ± 5.90 years old, weight 87.61 ± 4.69 kg and BMI 32.69 ± 3.25 kg / m2) were randomly selected and divided into four groups of 10, including 1- aerobic training, 2- training with ginger consumption, 3-ginger consumption, 4-control. The first and second groups, had 12 weeks, 3 sessions per week and 40 minutes each session aerobic training selections with an intensity of 65%MHR; during this period, the second and third groups received one gram of ginger capsule daily and the control group received no intervention. Blood samples were taken before and after the study period. Paired sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis (p≤0.05).Results: There was a significant difference in IL-18 and CRP before and after exercise in all three experimental groups (p≤0.05).. Also, the results of the bonferroni post hoc test showed a significant difference in the level of IL-18 and CRP in the Reaserch groups. The highest decrease in these variables was observed in the aerobic training group and training with ginger consumption group (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Ginger supplementation with aerobic training seems to be a suitable method for reducing IL-18 and CRP and preventing metabolic, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases in obese men.

Natural resources general organization of Mazandaran Province on the strength of rehabilitation & transfer law (approved in 1980 and its executive regulations due to 31 & 32 issues) have transferred national lands to some persons and legal sectors in order to unemployment, poverty and Natural resources degradation reduction and also socio-economic condition improvement by industrial and agricultural activities in rural communities. Now, after 3 decades of approval and execution of transfer process, we decided to analyze socio-economic effects and its success level in Mazandaran Province. Among the statistical society in present study including 586 transferred cases from 1993 to 2013, 169 samples were randomly selected by Morgan table and these cases were interviewed directly. Our considered variables include: (a) Natural resources area (b) employment level (c) success & efficiency factors. After collecting and arrangement of field data by questionnaires and analyses them by SPSS18 software, the founding were presented as charts and tables by Chi-square method. The results have show that 4709 hectares of national lands have transferred up to now and 56% of this process were allocated to agricultural activities and we finally found that the execution of transfer process have no worthy influence to its targets.

INTRODUCTION:Inguinal hernia repair is a common procedure and a priority for public health efforts in Ghana. It is essential that inguinal hernia repair be performed in a safe, efficient manner to justify its widespread use. Local anesthesia has many favorable properties and has been shown to be superior, compared to regional or general anesthesia, in terms of pain control, safety profile, cost-effectiveness, resources required, and time to discharge. Local anesthesia is recommended for open repair of reducible hernias, provided clinician experience, by multiple international guidelines. Regional anesthesia is associated with myocardial infarction and other complications, and its use is discouraged by multiple guidelines, especially in older patients. This study aims to assess the current state of anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair in the northern and transitional zone of Ghana. In addition we will assess the perceptions of different types of anesthesia along with understanding of evidence-based guidelines among clinicians participating in inguinal hernia repair. METHODS:We performed a retrospective review of all inguinal hernia repairs for male patients, 18 and older, in over 90% of hospitals in northern Ghana. All 41 hospitals were visited and caselogs and patient charts were manually reviewed to extract data. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of local anesthesia use. We designed a survey instrument to assess the perceptions of physicians and anesthetists regarding different types of anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair. The survey was designed by a Ghanaian surgeon, reviewed by all co-authors, and tested prior to implementation using a sample (n = 8) of clinicians having similar practices to those of the survey population. Of 70 clinicians, 66 responded, yielding a response rate of 94%. RESULTS:8080 patients underwent hernia repair of which 37% were performed under local anesthesia, while the majority, 60%, were performed under regional anesthesia. Negative predictors of local anesthesia were emergent repair (OR = 0.258, p < 0.001), surgery performed at a teaching hospital (OR = 0.105, p < 0.001), and bilateral hernia repair (OR = 0.374, p < 0.001). 1,839 (22.8%) of IH repairs were done on patients age 65 or older and RA was most frequently used among the elderly population (57.8%), while local anesthesia was used 39.5% of the time. Sixty-six clinicians participated in the survey with the majority reporting that local anesthesia requires fewer staff, less equipment, has a shorter recovery, is more cost-effective, and might be safer for patients. However 66% were unfamiliar with or incorrectly perceived international guidelines. CONCLUSION:To our knowledge, this study is the largest assessment of anesthesia use for inguinal hernia repair in an LMIC. Although the selection of anesthetic technique should be guided by a patient's general health, the anatomy of the hernia, and clinician judgment, local anesthesia appears to be underutilized in northern Ghana. Survey responses demonstrate high rates of unfamiliarity or incorrectly perceived evidence-based guidelines. Future research should assess how education on the benefits and technique of local anesthesia administration may further increase rates for inguinal hernia repair, especially for older patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify trends of KIS research studies by their subject matter and year of publication as well as their subject gap in Iranian public universities. methodology: Descriptive survey method along with content analysis has been used in this study. Statistical population contains 1120 researches that 749 dissertations of these are related to theses in the Iranian Public Universities in the KIS field and 371 articles indexed by Iranian KIS researchers in the Simago database during 2004-2013. In fact 7 main categories and 18 subcategories were assigned for content analysis of researches according to LISTA category schema. Researcher-made checklist is used to collect data and collected data were categorized by mentioned schema. Finally classified data were analyzed and presented by using figures and tables.Findings and Results: Findings and Results showed that library studies, Information Retrieval, Bibliometrics, printed and electronic information source, cataloging and classification, information technology, and information management categories are more considered subjects in Iranian public university studies.

Citation analysis is able to map the structure of subject areas and leads to the emergence of new scientific disciplinesIt traces and shows the internal relationships between subject categories within structure, and as a result studies the history of science. Purpose: purpose of this article is drawing Maps of the scientific production in the Field of addiction based on Web of science between 2008 to 2013. Methodology: The study population consisted of 489 articles in the field of addiction citation analysis of the database web of science. Maps of the area, Reputation Index is based on a global citation score (GCS) and local citation score (LC MS) is plotted. Findings: Thematic trends of scientific Maps in the field of addiction include five thematic clusters. The average annual growth rate during the time period for reviewed publications is 0/253. Documents written by 1352 authors in 10 publication formats have been published in 9 languages ​​around the world. Conclusion: It is indicated that the average growth rate of scientific production in the field of addiction is not satisfactory but collaboration in this area is desirable.

Purpose: this research aims at a citation analysis of the references consulted to write dissertations in the field of urban planning within 1389-1390 at Tarbiat Modares University. Methodology: The method used is citation analysis. The statistical population of the study comprised all 52 theses in the field of urban planningat Tarbiat Modares University within 1389-1390, covering 3688 references. All of these citations were reviewed independently based oncensus method. The references of the theses were received in the process of data. Collection by consulting the library site and the data was analyzed based on Microsoft Excel 2007, Bradford law and half-life formula. Findings: On the average 80 references have been consulted in order to write each thesis. %56/53 of the references were Farsi and %43/45 Non –Farsi, I.e English and the other European Languages such as French. In terms of reference Frequency: the highest rate (1162) goes to Farsi books and the lowest one to Non Farsi theses. Also, the most cited authors and sources, the half-life was identified and nuclear sources were assigned based on Bradford's law. It also turned out that the more recent the data of publication of a book is, the less it has been referred to. For over %50 of dissertations Tarbiat Modares University theses have been referred to. Conclusion: To write theses, mostly Farsi sources have been referred to. Sources and authors identified as the most referred ones according to Bradford Law, can be used for the selection of library resources and given the resources half-life which is a criterion for assessing how recent each resource is, it can be concluded that recent references and resources haven’t been applied.

Purpose: This research was conducted with the aim of determining the information seeking behavior in web for higher education students of Razi University (Kermanshah). Methodology: In the quantitative and qualitative parts of the research, survey methodology and Grounded Theory were followed, respectively. In the first part, data analysis was performed using SPSS 11 for the survey, while in the qualitative phase it was conducted by Grounded Theory as proposed by Meho and Tibbo pattern. Findings: Concerning the familiarity of university students with searching methods and tools as well as types of web resources, and information seeking behavior of students of different fields at levels of information search, retrieval, and processing, the present study obtained significant results. Also, data resulted from Lown test showed that the level of information seeking behavior among engineering students is high, whereas it is low among students of agriculture and human sciences departments. In the qualitative part, the results indicate that appropriate information seeking for students comprises eight steps: the three steps of starting, pursuing, and reviewing are at search level; the two steps of filtering and updating are at retrieval level; and the three steps of information filing, archiving, and organizing are at processing level. Originality/Value: Based upon studies of this kind, it is possible to predict the information needs of users and facilitate the main ways through which the users access the information resources, and also to help the users to gain their necessary information with less time loss and higher efficiency.

Purpose: Through analysis of different types of web links, it is aimed in this study to evaluate the status of links in provincial websites of Iran Public Libraries Foundation. Methodology: Link analysis as a webometric method was used in the present research. Data collection was accomplished by LexiURL software and Yahoo search engine. The population under study included the Provincial websites of Iran Public Libraries Foundation (30 websites). The collected data was put into a database in Excel software. According to the questions, the data were subsequently enumerated, ranked, and sorted for further analyses. Findings: According to the results, the websites of public libraries in the provinces Khorasan Razavi, East Azerbaijan, and Qom have the highest number of inlinks and so the highest level of visibility. Regarding the number of webpages, being actively present in the web environment and the number of self-links, the websites of public libraries in the provinces Khorasan Razavi, Mazandaran and East Azerbaijan had a better status compared to other websites. Concerning domain type of the received links, 61.21% of the received links were the “ir” domain. With regard to impact factor, the websites of public libraries in the provinces Tehran, Kurdistan, and Qom were assigned the first to third ranks with impact factors of 0.422, 0.362, and 0.345, respectively. Regarding the link exchange, collaboration was made among only 8 of these websites (26%). Originality/Value: No separate research has been so far conducted concerning the analysis of links in websites of public libraries or websites of Iran Public Libraries Foundation. It has great advantages for libraries to evaluate their websites by means of webometric tools in order to identify the status of websites’ links, evaluate their presence in web environment, and impact of the websites, as this can lead to recognition of their strengths and weaknesses and assist their effective presence in internet and improvement of internet services.

Objective: To assess the relationship between maternal UTI during pregnancy and neonatal UTI. Materials and methods:This cross-sectional study included eighty neonates referred to Ali-e-Asghar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, in 2011. The participants were divided into the study (with diagnosis of UTI; n = 40) and the control (without this type of infection; n = 40) groups. The mothers were asked about the history of UTI during pregnancy, and if the response was positive, the trimester in which UTI had occurred. Urinalysis and urine culture were carried out for all neonates.Overall, 14.9% of neonates had mothers with a positive history of UTI during their pregnancy (4.4%, 6.1%, and 4.4% during the 1(st), 2(nd), and 3(rd) trimesters, respectively). A significant relationship was detected between the occurrence of UTI in neonates and maternal UTI, so that the overall prevalence of UTI among neonates of affected mothers was significantly higher than that observed among non-infected mothers (30.0% versus 6.8%; p = 0.001). Maternal UTI resulted in 5.9-fold increased risk of neonatal UTI. In UTI group, the most common bacterial etiologies of UTI were Escherichia coli (65.9%), followed by Klebsiella (14.6%) and Staphylococci (9.8%). Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the association between the history of UTI in mother and occurrence of UTI in neonate, emphasizing to pay more attention for assessing and managing UTI in neonates in order to reduce the related complications.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic, resistance, and concurrent training on secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in elderly women. Methods: A total number of 60 elderly women were randomly allocated to four groups of aerobic training (n = 15), resistance training (n = 15), concurrent training (n = 15), and control (n = 15). Blood samples were taken before and 4 weeks after the initiation of exercise training and also at the end of the 8-week course of training. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2Peak) was measured after 48 hours using Rockport walk test. Inferential analysis of the collected data was performed by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significant differences were further evaluated by the least significant difference (LSD) test. The relation between VO2Peak and secretion of GH and IGF-1 was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient. The significance level was considered as P ≤ 0.05 in all tests. Findings: The results showed that 8 weeks of regular exercise significantly increased levels of GH and IGF-1. A significant increase was also observed in VO2Peak values after 8 weeks of regular exercise (P < 0.05). VO2Peak was directly correlated with GH and IGF (P < 0.001, r = 0.72). Conclusion: In conclusion, regular exercise significantly increased levels of anabolic hormones. Moreover, the combined-exercise training better enhanced GH and IGF-1. VO2Peak increased with increases in GH and IGF-1 levels. Keywords: Elderly women, Aerobic exercise, Resistance training, Concurrent training, Growth hormone, Insulin-like growth factor-1.