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Among hydrogen technologies, a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is known as an efficient device using hydrogen as the fuel. Although different real-time fault-diagnosis methods are available (i.e., voltage-based or electrochemical-based), the problem with these methods is their dependency on being directly connected to a computer, higher costs, lower security, and the need to perform the tests in a laboratory. The focus and the solution of this study are to propose a novel design of printed circuit board (PCB) that enables the implementation of the required sensors to detect/measure the operational parameters/contamination of PEMFC. The communication of the considered PCB will be with a server without direct contact through the Internet of Things (IoT). A specified computer. exe file has also been developed to directly connect to a personalized network hotspot (to increase security) and enable the wireless communication of the sensor and the computer. The outputs of this study can be considered a novel fault diagnosis kit that measures H2S wirelessly using IoT. To verify the result 11 ppm and 12 ppm of H2S was injected into the system, the IoT kit's measured data is compared with the experiments. The results comparison validated the suitability of the system.

Abstract This paper explores the potential benefits of quantum coherence and quantum discord in the non-universal quantum computing model called deterministic quantum computing with one qubit (DQC1) in supervised machine learning. We show that the DQC1 model can be leveraged to develop an efficient method for estimating complex kernel functions. We demonstrate a simple relationship between coherence consumption and the kernel function, a crucial element in machine learning. The paper presents an implementation of a binary classification problem on IBM hardware using the DQC1 model and analyzes the impact of quantum coherence and hardware noise. The advantage of our proposal lies in its utilization of quantum discord, which is more resilient to noise than entanglement.

The main aim of this paper was to analyze the sensitivity of the five infiltration equations (Kostiakov, Kostiakov–Lewis, Philip, Horton and SCS) and their coefficients to various ponding depths and initial soil moisture under different irrigation managements. The treatments included three qualities of water (electrical conductivity = 6, 3 and 0.6 dS/m), two managements of irrigation (intermittent irrigation and daily irrigation) and three irrigation periods (100, 45 and 8 days). The HYDRUS-1D model was calibrated to simulate infiltration in various initial soil moistures and ponding depths. Evaluating the performance of infiltration equations showed that the Horton and Kostiakov–Lewis had better accuracy and Kostiakov and SCS had less accuracy than the other equations. The empirical coefficients of SCS and Kostiakov had the most and least sensitivities, respectively. Furthermore, Horton was the most sensitive equation, while SCS was the least sensitive one. The output parameters under daily management were the most sensitive to variations in infiltration coefficients, especially when the salinity and sodium contents of water and soil were higher. The results also showed that the effect of the initial soil moisture on the infiltration coefficient in high permeable soil (arising from daily management) was greater; but in low permeable soil (arising from intermittent management), the ponding depth was more effective. It is concluded that the infiltration equations (specifically the SCS equation) and their coefficients (specifically coefficient c) should be calibrated relative to the initial soil moisture, ponding depth, soil solution and water irrigation quality. Particularly in areas with high permeable soil (in the daily management), the calibration of the infiltration equation should be conducted with the initial soil moisture. In these areas, the irrigation period should be controlled. In areas with low permeable soil (in intermittent management), calibration should be carried out relative to the ponding depth. In these areas, the inflow rate should be controlled.

In this report, we synthesized some pyrimidine derivatives by multi-component reaction of urea, benzaldehydes, and 1,3-indandione in the presence of ZIF-8/ZnFe2O4/GO-OSO3H nanocomposite under reflux conditions. Initially, graphene oxide was prepared from graphite, and then it was sulfonated using ClOSO3H. Next, GO-OSO3H nanosheets were used to support ZIF-8/ZnFe2O4 nanostructure. The construction of the synthesized structure was established using different spectral techniques such as X-ray crystallography (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX/Mapping), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The present method provides various benefits including the efficiency of outcomes, easy separation of the catalyst, and excellent yield of the products within short reaction times. Moreover, the antibacterial activities of pyrimidine derivatives were investigated via the agar-well diffusion method on gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and the obtained results illustrated reasonable effects.

Due to the increasing application of Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) shells, it seems necessary to investigate their behaviour under different loads. Therefore, in this paper, the dynamic response of functionally graded materials cylindrical shells under explosive load has been investigated with analytical and simulation methods. LS-DYNA software is used in the simulation method. In analytical solution, vibration of composite circular cylindrical shells is investigated based on the first-order deformation shell theory. The boundary conditions are assumed to be fully simply supported. The dynamic response of composite shells is studied under blast loading. The modal technique is used to develop the analytical solution of composite shell. The solution for the shell under the giving loading condition can be found using the convolution integral. Material properties are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction according to Reddy function. A FGM cylindrical shell is made up of a mixture of ceramic and metal. Results show that the effect of explosion is such that it has the greatest effect on the inner layer and with increasing thickness to the outside of the shell this effect decreases and when the maximum deflection occurs, the dynamic velocity is zero. Also, it was observed that with increasing length, the radial deflection increases due to increasing the distance from the support to the center of the shell.

In this paper, an optimal PID controller is introduced for an antagonistic variable stiffness actuator (AVSA) based on Hammerstein models. A set of Hammerstein models is developed for the AVSA using the voltage difference method. For each stiffness level, linear and nonlinear Hammerstein models are identified using the least squares method. Experimental results confirm that the outputs of the Hammerstein models fit the measured data better than linear models, as Hammerstein models can incorporate nonlinear effects such as friction. A genetic algorithm is utilized to find optimal PID gains for different stiffness levels and reference position amplitudes. The final gains are obtained by linearly interpolating the optimal gains obtained. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design, several scenarios with different reference positions and stiffness profiles are provided. Specifically, square, sinusoidal, and sawtooth waves are used for reference positions and stiffness values. The robustness of the proposed approach is further analyzed by applying a disturbance force on the actuator link. The results are compared with the linear method, showing that the proposed design can handle soft transitions in stiffness variation and ensure perfect tracking.

Background & Objective: Recently, ciprofloxacin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains, due to efflux pumps, has become a significant challenge. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the frequency of norA, norB, and norC efflux pump genes and their roles in resistance to ciprofloxacin in clinical isolates of S. aureus. Materials & Methods: A total of one hundred clinical blood samples were collected from patient in Qom hospitals and S. aureus isolates were identified by standard microbiological tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined by the disk diffusion method using CLSI guidelines. Subsequently, the presence of norA, norB, and norC efflux pump genes in ciprofloxacin isolates was detected using the PCR method. Results: Among one hundred clinical samples, 36 S. aureus isolates were recovered and the results of antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that twenty of them were resistant to ciprofloxacin. 15 isolates were resistant to norfloxacin and one isolate was resistant to ofloxacin. Moreover, the norA, norB, and norC genes were found in 58%, 30%, and 41% of ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, norA, norB, and norC efflux pumps may play a significant role in the development of resistance to ciprofloxacin in clinical isolates of S. aureus. Detecting these genes may prove useful in suggesting an effective treatment model for infections caused by S. aureus.

Abstract The potential evapotranspiration is considered as an important element of the hydrological cycle, which plays an important role in agricultural studies, management plans of irrigation and drainage networks, and hydraulic structures. Estimating the potential evapotranspiration reference of particular climatic regions at different time scales, which is one of the most important atmospheric parameters, is of a particular importance in the optimal use of resources. The time series analysis method, GARCH model, is applied in order to investigate changes and estimate the potential evapotranspiration. In the present study, the efficiency of GARCH series model related to processes of modeling and estimating potential evapotranspiration, which is estimated by FAO Penman–Monteith and Hargreaves methods, was investigated. Also, future values of potential evapotranspiration are modelled and estimated at the synoptic station of Tabriz. Results showed that Time Series is considered as a precise tool to estimate evapotranspiration values. It was found that GARCH (1.1) time series has better results for FAO Penman–Monteith and Hargreaves methods compared to other models; also, it simulates the process of time series changes with less error. Observed and predicted evapotranspiration charts of both methods indicated that observational evapotranspiration was highly close to the lower limit of estimated evapotranspiration. Therefore, applying lower limit estimation as a prediction value was suggested.

Background & Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 spreads worldwide and needs detection systems capable of rapid diagnostic of this virus (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this study is to design the homemade RT-PCR method for the Detection and phylogenetic analysis of this virus Material & Methods: The genes selected for diagnosis were E and M genes for this virus. PCR product was cloned in pTZ57R/T plasmid for preparation of positive control. In order to determine the sensitivity of this molecular method, the genes mentioned in the clone pTZ57R/T vector and the Limit of detection (LOD) the genes were determined and phylogenetic analysis was performed using partial E and M gene sequences. Results: PCR product was observed for E and M genes 156 and 547 bp on the Agarose gel. The LOD of the E and M gene was 60 and 82 copies. There was also a positive response to the samples of patients who were positive by other methods. Conclusions: Since this virus is considered to be the cause of a pandemic in different countries all over the world, the present study is very important as a method of rapid and low-cost molecular diagnosis for monitoring this virus. Phylogenetic analysis is necessary for epidemiological studies for the control and prevention of the disease.

Background & Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant cause of nosocomial infections. This bacterium survives in difficult conditions by forming biofilms in hospital equipment and causes severe infections. On the other hand, the emergence and spread of carbapenem resistance among bacteria and biofilm production is a current health concern. There are controversial findings about the relevance of this issue. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between biofilm formation and carbapenem resistance among clinical isolates. Materials & Methods: A total of 160 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae were collected. Molecular methods were used to detect resistance genes. Subsequently, the ability to produce biofilms in isolates with resistance genes was assessed. Finally, the correlation of biofilm formation among resistant isolates was calculated using χ2 test. Results: 79 imipenem-resistant isolates were obtained. 46 isolates (66.66%) containing VIM gene, 36 isolates (52.17%) containing OXA-48 gene, five isolates (7.24%) containing NDM gene, Six isolates (8.69%) containing gene IMP and five isolates (7.24%) also had KPC gene. The results showed a significant correlation between the ability to form biofilms and the presence of carbapenem-resistant genes. Conclusion: Increased carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates and its association with biofilm formation is severe warning for basic measures to combat this phenomenon.

Introduction: Bacterial natural products such as biosurfactants and surface-active agents are important compounds which exhibit many applications in the fields of medicine.Aim: The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify Nocardia strains with high biosurfactant production and antibiofilm ability.Materials and methods: In the present study, a biosurfactant producing Nocardia species was isolated and identified by a laboratory method. Nocardia species were initially screened and then tested for their ability to produce biosurfactant. The oil spreading test and the surface tension measurements showed that one strain was a biosurfactant producer. The strain with the best surface activity results was selected for further studies and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and compositional analysis proved a biosurfactant structure.Results: Oil spreading test and blue agar plate test confirmed biosurfactants and extracellular anionic glycolipids. E24% assay using olive oil revealed strong emulsifying characteristic of the extracted biosurfactant with 100% emulsifying strength. FTIR spectrum indicated the presence of aliphatic hydrocarbon chain (lipid) along with the polysaccharide portion, confirming the glycolipid nature of the biosurfactant. The stability of the biosurfactant produced in different conditions was significant. Increasing concentration of BS significantly inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm.Conclusions: N. coubleae can be a representative of the genus Nocardia for the production of biosurfactants with beneficial physicochemical properties.

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is considered a major agent causing gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Unfortunately, the occurrence of increasing drug resistance to this bacterium would result in some difficulties in its treatment. Therefore, the application of nanotechnology has been suggested to resolve such problems. Nanoparticles usage in medical research has been expanded in recent years. Among nanometals, gold nanoparticles have exclusive features that can be used in such applications. Using nanotechnology in medical science could help mankind to solve this problem in the future.Aim: Our aim in this research was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of gold nanoparticles on H. pylori strains.Materials and methods: Gold nanoparticles were synthesized by the Turkevich method. Then, their size and dispersion were investigated using spectrophotometry, DLS, and TEM microscopy. Subsequently, the combination of metronidazole and gold nanoparticles was obtained by mixing method, and then the anti-helicobacter effects of the two were evaluated according to CLSI.Results: The highest size of gold nanoparticles was between 12 and 9 nm, and the maximum absorbance was 522 nm; however, in conjugated state, the maximum absorbance was 540 nm, which indicated the accumulation of drug-conjugated nanoparticles in the conjugate state. Some changes indicated the binding of metronidazole to gold nanoparticles. Antimicrobial testing of gold nanoparticles and metronidazole did not affect the Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, the combination of gold nanoparticles and metronidazole had a 17-mm growth inhibition zone.Conclusions: The anti-helicobacter effects of metronidazole significantly increased in conjugation with gold nanoparticles.

Abstract Introduction: As with other occupations, mistakes and unsafe behaviors are among the major causes of accidents in sports. Given the harmful consequences of sport accidents, it is essential to identify ways to control and reduce these unsafe practices. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a strategy to prevent the effects of unsafe practices on the occurrence of sports accidents in sports environments. Methodology: The research was fundamental in terms of purpose and qualitative data were collected using grounded theory using a Glaser approach. The study was conducted among 20 experts in the fields of safety, occupational medicine, psychology, sports injuries, and sports management in 2020. The participants were selected to attend in-depth unstructured interviews purposefully based on the snowball method. Data were analyzed simultaneously using a set of open, selective, and theoretical coding. Results: The results indicated that the four factors of individual, organization, job knowledge, and the relationship between individual and organization were the main causes of human error in the occurrence of sports accidents. The individual and organizational variables (as process variables) and job knowledge as well as the relationship between the individual and the organizational factors as developmental and auxiliary variables played teh major role in this field. Conclusion: According to the causes of sport accidents, improving the personal attitude and performance, improving the organizational structure, continuous learning and training of job knowledge, as well as improving and strengthening the positive relationship between the individual and the organization can reduce the risk and promote safety. However, lack of paying attention to these factors disrupts immunity.

Background and Objectives: Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive obligate anaerobic bacillus. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of this bacterium as well as assessment of its drug resistance pattern are one of the important issues in controlling infections caused by C. difficile. The purpose of the present study was to detect toxicogenic C. difficile and to evaluate drug resistance pattern of these strains to routine therapeutic drugs. Methods: A total of 68 samples were collected from patients hospitalized in hospitals of Qom province. All samples were rapidly cultured in the specialized CCFA Agar medium.After these procedures, the bacteria were used for DNA extraction and then PCR was performed on the cdd3 gene for definitive detection of the bacteria. Finally, the presence of A and B toxins’ genes was determined by PCR and resistance to metronidazole, vancomycin, and clindamycin, was determined by agar dilution method. Chi-square test was used to analyze the results. Results: In this study, 6 isolates had A and B toxins, the highest antibiotic resistance was against clindamycin (45.45%) and metronidazole (36.36%), and all the isolates, were sensitive to vancomycin. Conclusion: Drug resistance pattern in the obtained strains still introduces vancomycin as the treatment of choice.

Detection of Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhea in Disease Based on Polymerase Chain Reaction and Bacterial Culture and Toxin A, B Frequency Detection of Clostridium Difficile Associated Diarrhea in Disease Background & Objective: Clostridium difficile is an obligate anaerobic, gram positive bacillus. The purpose of this study was to comparison between PCR technique and bacterial culture for assessing the prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection in the samples of watery diarrhea. Materials & methods: This cross-sectional qualitative study was performed in 68 samples of watery diarrhea in Qom province hospitals. All samples were cultured in the specialized CCFA Agar medium. Specific primers were applied for the PCR Assay based on cdd3 gene. Based on this primer PCR product for this gene must be 622bp.toxin A & B diagnosis based on specific primers and product must be 473 and 272 bp Results: In this study, the optimized PCR technique was determined to be bacterium in 16 samples. But bacteria diagnosis in 11 samples by culture method. 6 samples have toxin A and B, 4samples has toxin A and 3 samples has toxin B. Conclusion: Cytotoxicity method is gold standard for clostridium difficile. Diagnosis of these bacteria is very important and PCR was found as an applicable, sensitive, and quick technique for detection of Clostridium difficile in compromise culture medium method.

Background: Spiritual intelligence is one of the important and influential variables in many psychological characteristics including resilience and responsibility. Objectives: Based thereon, the present study was conducted with the objective of determining the effectiveness of spiritual intelligence training in responsibility and resilience of secondary high school students in the city of Baghmalek. Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design and experimental/control groups. The research population included all secondary high school students from Baghmalek city during 2017 - 2018. Finally, 60 students were selected by the multistage cluster sampling method and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection was done using the Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) and Kordlou’s responsibility questionnaire. The experimental group participated in eight 90-min sessions for spiritual intelligence instruction while the control group was placed in a waiting list and did not receive any instructions. After the termination of the sessions, both of the groups were subjected to posttest. Results: The results indicated that there was a linear significant relationship between the pretest and posttest scores of resilience (F = 56.32, P < 0.001) and the pretest and posttest scores of responsibility (F = 12.98, P = 0.004) in the experimental and control groups. The results of univariate analysis for resilience (F = 15.55, P < 0.001) and responsibility (F = 7.14, P = 0.016) as dependent variables were found significant. Thus, spiritual intelligence instruction increased resilience and responsibility in students. Conclusions: Spiritual intelligence training could be an appropriate interventional method for enhancing the students’ responsibility and resilience considering the society’s need for committed and flexible students who can resist problems and challenges.

Background and Objectives: Klebsiella pneumonia is a facultative anaerobe bacterium from enterobacteriaceae family, which causes a wide range of diseases, such as urinary tract infections, cystitis, pneumonia, surgical wounds infections, infectious endocarditis, and diffused infections, especially in patients with HIV infection and immunosuppression. The aim of this study was to identify carbapenem resistance genes in K. pneumonia strains isolated from hospitalized patients in Qom city. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, using phenotypic methods, such as DDST and Modified Hodge Test, 79 carbapenem resistant isolates were identified and presence of resistance related genes, including IMP, VIM, NDM, OXA-48 and KPC, was investigated by molecular methods, such as PCR. Relation between the results of phenotypic and PCR methods, was determined using Chi squared test. Results: In this study, 69 isolates had IMP, VIM, NDM, OXA-48, and KPC genes, which the highest carbapenem resistant isolates were urinary strains and the lowest resistant was from cerebrospinal fluid samples. The most frequent isolated gene was VIM with 66.66% frequency, and KPC and NDM genes had lowest frequency with of 7.24%. One isolate contained all studied genes. Conclusion: Considering drug-resistant infections cause failure of treatment, especially higher mortality rate in patients in the intensive care unit, thus, the need for a codified program for screening and reporting ESBL strains is necessary for the assessment and monitoring the treatment, as well as determining an effective guidelines for treatment of resistant infections.

Objective-Ovarian torsion must be diagnosed and treated as much early as possible. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of interaperitoneal administration of curcumin on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries. Design- Experimental Study Animals- Twent-four healthy female Wistar rats Procedures- Twent-four healthy female Wistar rats weighing approximately 260g were randomized into four experimental groups (n = 6): Group Sham: The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group I: A 3- hour ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-hour ischemia and a 3-hour reperfusion. Group I/R/C: A 3-hour ischemia, a 3-hour reperfusion and 1 mg/kg interaperitoneal administration of curcumin 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Results-Curcumin treated animals showed significantly ameliorated development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those of other groups (P Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Interaperitoneal administration of curcumin could be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.

Objective: To identify the biodiversity of Nocardia species isolated from the environments of Tehran hospitals via phenotypic and PCR molecular methods. Methods: A total of 236 samples were collected from the transplantation and cancer centers of five Tehran hospitals, and the presence of Nocardia was identified by using standard protocols. Conventional tests were used for preliminary identification, and PCR amplification of the 598 bp amplicon of the 16S rRNA and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA were performed for genus and species identification. Results: From the 236 soil samples, 16 samples were identified as positive based on the culture tests, while 8 samples showed positive results based on the molecular method. The phylogenetic tree showed that the most frequent genus of Nocardia was related to Nocardia cyriacigeorgica. Conclusion: The hospital environment is a potential reservoir of a diverse range of Nocardia species. Due to the strong capability of survival, these bacteria bring a threat to the health of patients. Its identification can help physicians to implement treatments and is important for healthcare centers.

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infection in human. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of genes involved in biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae isolated from patients and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. Methods: Biochemical tests were used for the identification of K. pneumonia isolated from urine samples referred to hospitals in Tehran, Iran, from Sep 2018 to Jan 2020. The antibiotic resistance pattern was performed and biofilm formation was assessed phenotypically. Finally, β-lactamase genes and adhesion genes were detected by the PCR method. Results: We collected 457 K. pneumoniae isolates from hospitals in Tehran, Iran. 110 isolates were resistant to ‎imipenem. Fifty isolates were positive for metallo-β-lactamases that thirty-nine isolates (35.45%) has blaKPC gene, 18 isolates (16.36%) had blaVIM-‎‎1 gene and 9 isolates (8.18%) had blaIMP-1 gene‎ detected by PCR. Sixty isolates (54.54%) had strong biofilm, 35 isolates (31.81%) had moderate ‎biofilm and 15 isolates (13.63%) had weak biofilm. ‎ The presence of adhesion genes in K. pneumoniae isolates significantly ‎correlated with resistance genes (P

We describe an optimal procedure, as well as its efficient software implementation, for exact and approximate synthesis of two-qubit unitary operations into any prescribed discrete family of XX-type interactions and local gates. This arises from the analysis and manipulation of certain polyhedral subsets of the space of canonical gates. Using this, we analyze which small sets of XX-type interactions cause the greatest improvement in expected infidelity under experimentally-motivated error models. For the exact circuit synthesis of Haar-randomly selected two-qubit operations, we find an improvement in estimated infidelity by 31.4% when including alongside CX its square- and cube-roots, near to the optimal limit of 36.9% obtained by including all fractional applications of CX.

Introduction: Some Azotobacter species can produce melanin. Melanin protects against UV. The purpose of this study was to isolate Azotobacter with the power of producing melanin and optimize its production and the effect of its combination with titanium oxide nanoparticles on the protection against ultraviolet light (UV). Materials & Methods: Overall, 200 soil samples from different parts of Qom, Iran, were cultured on Ashby's mannitol agar medium using Bio-test method. The effect of optimization of conditions such as pH, temperature, glucose source, amino acid sources, and aeration on the amount of melanin production was assessed. Afterwards, melanin was extracted, conjugated with titanium nanosilicate compound, and then the effect of each of the compounds on Escherichia coli was examined under the influence of UV based on time. Findings: Melanin-producing Azotobacter vinelandii species were isolated. The optimum pH was determined about 7.5. Glucose at different concentrations (1-6%) reduced the production of the product. Methionine amino acid had an inhibitory effect, while tyrosine amino acid increased the production rate. Tryptophan amino acid at 0.1-0.7% also increased the production rate, while cysteine and phenylalanine did not change the production rate. The combination of titanium oxide with melanin showed a significant protective effect against Escherichia coli bacterium under the influence of UV. Discussion & Conclusions: Native isolates of Azotobacter isolated from agricultural soil with the power of producing melanin can be used as a source for its use in the industry.

Background and Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium, which has the ability to cause opportunistic infections in patients with immunodeficiency. The conditions of the patient as well as the response of infection-producing strain to treatment, can be very effective in infection progression process, so that, infectivity process leads to bacteremia and sepsis, causing a difficult situation. Increasing resistance of this bacterium has prompted researchers to discover an effective agent to suppress the pathogenicity of this pathogen. Since ancient times, herbal extracts have been used to treat various infections. In this study, the antimicrobial effect of methanolic extracts of Achillea Wilhelmsii, Myrtus communis, and Allium sativum, was investigated on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, the effect of Achillea Wilhelmsii, Myrtus communis, and Allium sativum extracts, was investigated on 4 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the effect of each extract, was studied using agar dilution method. Among these three extracts, the Allium sativum extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity. Also, observations were indicative of difference in the susceptibility of the studied strains to different extracts, which showed different reactions to each of the extracts based on the origin and antibiotic resistance level. According to the results of this study, extracts are a natural and valuable sources to produce antimicrobial drugs against pseudomonas strains and other resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Background and Objectives: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are one of the most important type of infections in young and elderly women. Studies have indicated that Escherichia coli is one of the major causes of this type of infection. This bacterium can produce broad-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) that are able to inactivate beta-lactam antibiotics. This study was conducted with the aim of phenotypic determination of ESBL in E. coli bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections of elderly women. Methods: This experimental study was performed on 300 women over 50 years of age, who referred to laboratories of Qom city (for urine culture). The isolated E. coli was identified using biochemical tests, then ESBL producing isolates were detected using combined disc method and the presence of ESBL was determined. Results: Out of 300 urine samples, 82 E. coli strains were obtained. The resistance Pattern to cefotaxime was 37.81%, and to ceftazidime was 23.17%. Also, 52.63% of the isolated bacteria were phenotypically ESBL. Conclusion: E. coli is one of the common causes of urinary tract infection in elderly women over 50 years of age, and the incidence of ESBL-mediated resistance enzymes can endanger this age group in society. Therefore, continuous monitoring of these individuals prevents severe symptoms and the risks caused by UTI.

Background and Objectives: Escherichia coli is one of the most important causative agents of acute diarrheal disease in the world. Diarrheal diseases are one of the main causes of mortality among children in developing countries. The aim of this study was to develop a PCR technique for diagnosis of specific virulence genes of Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC). Methods: In this study, specific genes ST and LT were used for diagnosis of ETEC pathotype and AAF/II specific gene was used for diagnosis of EAEC pathotype. The PCR technique was designed and optimized for these three genes. The reaction products were cloned in pTZ57R/T vector as positive control. The primers’ sensitivity was determined by measurement of detection limit, and primers’ specificity was evaluated using other bacterial genomes. Results: According to the results of the PCR products analysis using agarose gel electrophoresis, the bands for AAF/II, LT, and ST were obtained 384, 459, and 150 bp, respectively. Also, the reaction of the genomes of control bacteria using the designed primers was negative. The detection limit based on copy number for ST, LT, and genes, was obtained 390, 1500, and 2500 copies, respectively. Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study, design of these assays in Iran is a progress in the improving rapid and accurate diagnosis of pathogens and detection of E. coli pathotypes.

Abstract Machine learning can be used to identify risk factors associated with graft rejection after corneal transplantation for keratoconus. The study included all keratoconus eyes that underwent primary corneal transplantation from 1994 to 2021. Data relating to the recipient, donor, surgery, and postoperative course that might be associated with the occurrence of a graft rejection reaction were compiled. This study used five supervised learning algorithms including artificial neural network, support vector machine, gradient boosting, extra trees classifier, and random survival forests to select the most predictive factors for graft rejection. A total of 1214 consecutive eyes of 985 keratoconus patients were included in the study, and the technique of keratoplasty included penetrating keratoplasty in 574 eyes (47.3%) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in 640 eyes (52.7%). The overall prevalence of first graft rejection was 28.1%. All five models had similar ability in identifying predictive factors for corneal graft rejection. Technique of keratoplasty was associated with an increased risk of graft rejection in all models. Other identified risk factors included patient age, keratoplasty in the fellow eye, donor age, graft endothelial cell density, duration of corticosteroid application, time from keratoplasty to complete suture removal, and suture-associated complications. It is advisable that in the absence of any contraindication, post-transplant keratoconus eyes receive a low dose topical corticosteroid until all sutures are removed.

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between variants in the interleukin (IL)-1 gene cluster and susceptibility to keratoconus (KC) in an Iranian population. Methods In the case group, there were 188 KC patients diagnosed by clinical findings and corneal tomography. The control group included all 205 healthy controls with no personal or family history of eye-related, metabolic, or immune system-related disease. Using the standard salting out extraction procedure, genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes. The genotypes were determined by applying agarose gel electrophoresis for the IL-1RN 86 bp VNTR and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) for rs16944 and rs1143634. Results The results showed a significant association between the IL-1β rs1143634 (rs1143634 T allele, P = 0.008) and IL-1RN 86 bp VNTR polymorphisms (LL and LS genotype, P = 0.048 and 0.012 respectively) and susceptibility to KC in the Iranian population. The genotype distributions of rs1143634 (P = 0.004) and rs2234663 (P = 0.042) significantly differed between case and control groups, with certain genotypes demonstrating a protective effect against KC. Logistic regression analysis revealed a protective effect of the IL-1RN L allele [odds ratio (OR) = 0.367, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.240–0.562; P = 0.000] and certain haplotypes (OR = 0.628, 95% CI: 0.447–0.884; P = 0.007) against KC. However, no significant association was found for the IL-1β rs16944 polymorphism. Conclusion This study provides evidence for an association between variants in the IL-1 gene cluster and susceptibility to KC in an Iranian population. Further research on larger and more diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms involved.

Background and Objectives: A number of women with volvuvaginal candidiasis suffer from certain chronic and recurrent types of this infection that affect their quality of life. Meanwhile, increased use of antifungal drugs, especially azoles, for treatment of chronic candidiasis is an important factor for incidence of drug resistance in Candida isolates from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The aim of this study was to investigate anticandidal effects of gold nanoparticles conjugated fluconazole to develop better drugs for treatment of patients with candidal vaginitis, especially its chronic type. Methods: After collection of 300 vaginal swab specimens and culture and isolation of primary colonies and determination of Candida species, fluconazole resistant strains of Candida albicans were detected using disc diffusion. Finally, antifungal effects of gold nanoparticles conjugated fluconazole and fluconazole were compared by broth microdilution. Results: Only one fluconazole resistant strain of C. albicans was isolated from patients (MIC=64µg/ml). The results obtained from drug susceptibility test showed that this strain was sensitive to gold nanoparticles conjugated fluconazole (MIC=2µg/ml). Conclusion: Given the optimal anticandidal effects of gold nanoparticles conjugated fluconazole on resistant strains of C. albicans, a suitable compound with great anticandidal properties may be achieved in the future.

Background and Objectives: One of the most common problems in hospitals is infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is an opportunistic pathogen for humans. Five important enzymes, including exotoxin A, Y, T, U, S are major virulence factors in this bacterium. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of these enzymes in the samples isolated from hospitals of Qom city and to determine their antibiogram pattern against third-generation cephalosporins using CLSI standards. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 120 strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from various clinical specimens from hospitals of Qom city, were examined. At first, bacteria were identified using biochemical tests, and then their antibiogram pattern against third-generation cephalosporins was obtained according to CLSI standards. After genome extraction (extraction kit of Sinaclon Co.), primers design and evaluation were performed through NCBI website, and PCR reaction was conducted to evaluate each gene. After electrophoresis, the bands’ results obtained from PCR reaction, was observed in gel doc system. Results: The frequency of the isolates in the samples of skin, blood, lung, and urine was, respectively, 63.2, 16.1, 16.1/, and 4.1%. The frequency of exotoxins A, T, U, S, and exoenzyme Y were respectively obtained to be 100, 37.9, 26.4, 39.1, and 29.9%. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, drug resistance and presence of virulence factors, such as exotoxins can be a serious warning to treatment centers in terms of control of disease caused by this bacterium.

Background: Enterococci have emerged as a major cause of nosocomial infections and within this group, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium cause the majority of human and livestock enterococcal infections. In this article, we tried to determine antibiotics and metals resistance patterns of E. faecalis and E. faecium strains. Methods: One hundred sixty different strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium were collected from livestock sewage and the human fecal waste during 15 months. Then bacterial antibiotics sensitivity tests were carried out using the Agar disc diffusion method. Results: Generally, 100% of E. faecalis strains separated from human and livestock sources (i.e. sheep) showed penicillin (P)/ kanamycin (K)/ nitrofurantoin (N)/ loracarbef (L)/ Ciprofloxacin (Cc)/ ampicillin (AN)/ nalidixic acid (NA)/ sulfamethoxazole (S) antibiotics resistance patterns. In addition, 55% of isolated E. faecium showed P/S/AN/NA antibiotics resistance patterns. Each strain showed a resistance to at least two aminoglycoside antibiotics. However, E. faecalis strains from human and the livestock sources showed 94% and 100% of resistance to nitrofurantoin, respectively. The effects of different metal concentrations was evaluated in both strains. The agar dilution method was applied in this stage. Hg at 0.05 mmol/L of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed toxicity to both the human and livestock Enterococcus strains. Cadmium at 1 mmol/L and 0.5 mmol/L concentrations had the most toxicity to E. faecalis and E. faecium strains, respectively. Obviously, toxicity to bacteria is less than other metals. As a result, Zn/Ni/Cu/Co resistance pattern is suggested for both strains. Finally, antibiotics and heavy metals resistance patterns were monitored simultaneously. Conclusion: Almost all E. faecalis strains isolated from humans and livestock showed antibiotics and heavy metals resistance patterns of P/K/L/Cc/S/AN/NA/Zn/Cu/Co simultaneously. Moreover, 55% of E. faecium strains showed similar antibiotics and heavy metals resistance patterns of P/S/AN/NA/Zn/Ni/Cu/Co.

Background: Pathogenic bacteria because of beta-lactam antibiotic resistance genes are dangerous to society. This resistance due to ESBL genes, plasmids and transposons that by receiving or mutation occurs. The most important factor beta-lactam antibiotic resistance is beta lactamase enzymes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of hospital opportunistic pathogenic bacteria producing ESBL and CTX-M genes identified are molecular methods.Methods : In this study, 500 isolates from patients in the ICU of hospitals in the city of Qom was diagnosed by standard biochemical tests. Combined disk test for isolated resistant strains of ESBL was performed in order to identify. Then, strains producing ESBL, DNA extraction and CTX-M genes were detected by PCR.Results : A total of 500 strains isolated, 20 strains (51.28%) of P. aeruginosa strains, 40 strains(62.5%) of E. coli strains, 38 strains (48.1%) of K. pneumoniae strains, 8 strains (33.33%) A.baumannii bacteria strains and 4 strains (23.52%) of the strains of Enterobacter were carrying CTX-M genes.Conclusions : This study represents a high percentage of beta-lactamase resistance among hospital opportunistic pathogens bacteria. Due to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance carried out detailed antibiogram tests in infections caused by ESBL-producing organisms is necessary.

Background and Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen with several virulence factors. This bacterium is one of the common pathogens in nosocomial infections, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis . Also, one of the important mechanisms of the survival of this pathogen in the pulmonary disease is biofilm formation. This study was conducted with the purpose of determining the sub-MIC concentrations of two antibiotics, ampicillin and gentamicin, along with the form conjugated with gold nanoparticles on the formation of biofilms in mucoid strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: In this study, gold nanoparticles were synthesized using trisodium citrate in a chemical reduction method, then the shape and size of gold nanoparticles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).Conjugation of gold nanoparticles with ampicillin and gentamicin antibiotics was performed by mixing them together. To test the effect of compound son biofilm formation, micro plate method was performed. Results: In this study, approximate size of nanoparticles was determined to be 10nm. In electronic image (in conjugated form), accumulation of nanoparticles was observed in the image. Also, gold nanoparticles conjugated with the drugs, had better effect on biofilm formation compared to free form of the drugs. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, gold nanoparticles by increasing the concentration of drug around themselves result in better inhibitory effect of drug on the biofilm formation compared to the free form of drug.

Infiltration is a complex process that changed by initial moisture and water head on the soil surface. The main objective of this study was to estimate the coefficients of infiltration equations, Kostiakov-Lewis, Philip and Horton, and evaluate the sensitivity of these equations and their coefficients under various initial conditions (initial moisture soil) and boundary (water head on soil surface). Therefore, one-and two-dimensional infiltration for basin (or border) irrigation were simulated by changing the initial soil moisture and water head on soil surface from irrigation to other irrigation using the solution of the Richards’ equation (HYDRUS model). To determine the coefficients of infiltration equations, outputs of the HYDRUS model (cumulative infiltration over time) were fitted using the Excel Solver. Comparison of infiltration sensitivity equations and their coefficients in one-and two-dimensional infiltration showed infiltration equations and their sensitivity coefficients were similar function but quantitatively in most cases sensitive two-dimensional equations and their coefficients were greater than one dimension. In both dimensions the soil adsorption coefficient Philip equation as the sensitive coefficient and Horton equation as the sensitive equation under various initial moisture soil and water head on soil surface were identified.

Background: Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethyl Glycine) is an organophosphorus pesticide with dangerous effects on the environment. In this study, the biodegradation of glyphosate herbicide by halophilic bacteria isolated from Qom Hoze-Soltan Lake has been investigated. Methods: After sampling and bacterial isolation, native halophilic strains grown in the presence of glyphosate at a wavelength of 660 nm and also the disappearance of the glyphosate in the plates at a wavelength of 220 nm were determined and the dominant bacteria were isolated. Biochemical, molecular (according to the 16S rRNA sequence), antibiotic, and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test was performed for the dominant bacteria. Analysis of the remaining glyphosate herbicide was performed by HPLC analysis after derivation with FMOC-Cl. Results: According to the results of the biochemical, antibiotic and molecular 16S rRNA tests, the native halophilic isolates with the ability to biodegrade glyphosate were gram positive cocci very similar to Salinicoccusspp. The results of HPLC showed that Salinicoccusspp is able to biodegrade glyphosate herbicide. Conclusion: The native bacteria in Qom Hoze-soltanlake, Iran can be used for biodegradation of glyphosate herbicide.

Background and Objectives:Helicobacter pylori is a helix-shaped, gram-negative and microaerophilic bacterium. This bacterium is one of the main causes of peptic ulcer disease. Nowadays, multidrug therapy is used to eliminate the bacterium. Unfortunately, drug resistance to these drugs has difficulty in the treatment. The use of nanotechnology in medicine can be the solution of this problem in the future. Among nanometals, gold nanoparticles have exclusive features, which can be used in medical applications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticles on the Helicobacter pylori isolates, which are sensitive or resistant to conventional drugs. Methods: Firstly, the gold nanoparticles were synthesized by Turkevich method, and then, spectroscopic and electron microscopic characteristics were analyzed. Anti H. pylori activity of pure gold nanoparticles was determined using disk diffusion method according to CLSI standards. Results: The size of gold nanoparticles was 10-12 nm and the maximum wavelength of the nanoparticles was obtained to be 522 nm. In the disk diffusion method, no inhibition zone was observed around gold nanoparticles discs for susceptible and resistant isolates. Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that low concentrations of gold nanoparticles has no effect on Helicobacter pylori isolates.

Background: Pathogenic bacteria because of beta-lactam antibiotic resistance genes are dangerous to society. This resistance due to ESBL genes, plasmids and transposons that by receiving or mutation occurs. The most important factor beta-lactam antibiotic resistance is beta lactamase enzymes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of hospital opportunistic pathogenic bacteria producing ESBL and CTX-M genes identified are molecular methods. Methods: In this study, 500 isolates from patients in the ICU of hospitals in the city of Qom was diagnosed by standard biochemical tests. Combined disk test for isolated resistant strains of ESBL was performed in order to identify. Then, strains producing ESBL, DNA extraction and CTX-M genes were detected by PCR. Results: A total of 500 strains isolated, 20 strains (51.28%) of P. aeruginosa strains, 40 strains (62.5%) of E. coli strains, 38 strains (48.1%) of K. pneumoniae strains, 8 strains (33.33%) A. baumannii bacteria strains and 4 strains (23.52%) of the strains of Enterobacter were carrying CTX-M genes. Conclusion: This study represents a high percentage of beta-lactamase resistance among hospital opportunistic pathogens bacteria. Due to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance carried out detailed antibiogram tests in infections caused by ESBL-producing organisms is necessary.

The performance of robot manipulators with nonadaptive controllers might degrade significantly due to the open loop unstable system and the effect of some uncertainties on the robot model or environment. A novel Neural Network PID controller (NNP) is proposed in order to improve the system performance and its robustness. The Neural Network (NN) technique is applied to compensate for the effect of the uncertainties of the robot model. With the NN compensator introduced, the system errors and the NN weights with large dispersion are guaranteed to be bounded in the Lyapunov sense. The weights of the NN compensator are adaptively tuned. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the model validation approach and its efficiency to guarantee a stable and accurate trajectory tracking process in the presence of uncertainties.