Search

Flyrock represents a significant and fundamental challenge in surface mine blasting, carrying inherent risks to humans and the environment. Consequently, accurate prediction, minimization, and identification of the factors influencing flyrock distance are imperative for effective control and mitigation of its destructive consequences. Machine learning and artificial intelligence methodologies have emerged as viable means to predict and simulate in different scientific fields. This study employs Deep Neural Network in conjunction with three optimization algorithms including the JAYA Algorithm, Multi-Verse Optimization Algorithm, and Gravitational Search Algorithm to predict blasting flyrock distance. The developed model consists of a combination of seven input parameters, encompassing both blasting design parameters and rock geomechanical properties. The output of the Deep Neural Networks model is the flyrock distance. For the training and testing of the model, a dataset comprising of 245 blasting records, collected from Songun copper mine, Iran, was utilized. The DNN model yielded an R2 value of 0.96 and an MSE value of 34.11. These results demonstrate the high accuracy and predictive capability of the model. Furthermore, the application of three optimization algorithms resulted in similar optimized parameter values, which minimized flyrock distances.

Abstract Yeast species are a group of coexistent microorganisms in the oral cavity that can cause opportunistic infections in vulnerable individuals, including addicts. This study aimed to identify the yeast species profile responsible for oral yeast colonization (OYC) and the associated risk factors in patients with substance use disorder (SUD) in Ahvaz, Iran. Oral samples were collected from drug users hospitalized in 12 addiction treatment centers, and the related clinical information was mined. Oral yeast species were identified using 21-plex PCR and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). A total of 244 yeast strains were identified from 245 individuals with substance abuse. Candida albicans was the most common species (37.7%) and non-albicans Candida was responsible for 57.7% of OYC, primarily C. dubliniensis (33.2%) and C. glabrata (11.9%). Moreover, uncommon oral yeasts constituted 5.3% of species, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Clavispora lusitaniae, Pichia kluyveri, Geotrichum candidum, Magnusiomyces capitatus, Hanseniospora opuntiae, Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus, Trichosporon asahii, and Aureobasidium pullulans. Importantly, OYC exhibited associations with such factors as duration of drug use, daily drug consumption rate, opioid utilization, oral drug administration, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) score. The present study is the pioneering investigation revealing the prevalence and diversity of oral yeast species, along with associated risk factors, in individuals with SUD in southwestern Iran. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of developing efficient and cost-effective diagnostic methods tailored for resource-constrained settings.

Abstract This study investigated the Zarrin-Gol River ecosystem in Iran to trace organic matter in the food web and evaluate the impact of aquaculture farm effluent using stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C). Using a previously-developed model (Islam 2005), we estimated that a trout farm in the vicinity released 1.4 tons of nitrogen into the river. This was comparable to an estimated total nutrient load of 2.1 tons of nitrogen for the six-month fish-rearing period based on a web-based constituent load estimator (LOADEST). A model estimate of river nitrogen concentration at the time of minimum river discharge (100 L/s) was 2.74 mg/L. Despite relatively high nitrogen loading from the farm, isotope data showed typical food web structure. Several biological groups had elevated δ13C or δ15N values, but there was limited evidence for the entry of organic matter from the trout farm into the food web, with sites above and below trout farms having inconsistent patterns in 15N enrichment. By coupling nitrogen load modeling with stable isotope analysis we showed that stable isotopes might not be effective tracers of organic matter into food webs, depending on surrounding land use and other point sources of nutrients. The Zarrin-Gol River ecosystem, like other basins with high human population density, remains vulnerable to eutrophication in part due to trout farm effluent.

Abstract Purpose Adenoviral-mediated keratoconjunctivitis is among the emergency diseases of ophthalmology with long-term sequels. The role of adenovirus infection, ocular-related genotypes, and association with ocular symptoms need to be investigated for epidemiological as well as clinical purposes. Methods The affected patients from two close keratoconjunctivitis epidemics were included in the study. The swab samples were taken from patients; the total DNA was extracted and then used as a template for in-house Real-time PCR. Besides, partial Hexon genes of 11 adenovirus positive samples were amplified and submitted to sanger sequencing. Moreover, they were finally evaluated by phylogenetic analysis. Results Of 153 patients, 92 (60.1%) were males and 47 cases (30.7%) had a history of eye infection in the family or colleagues. Real-time PCR tests of 126 samples (82.4%) were positive for adenovirus, and all eleven cases that underwent sequencing analysis were determined to be group 8 (HAdV-D8). Adenovirus infection has a significant relationship with infection among family or colleagues (p = 0.048), membrane formation (p = 0.047), conjunctival bleeding (p = 0.046), tearing, and pain(p

Background and Purpose: The hospital environment was reported as a real habitat for different microorganisms, especially mold fungi. On the other hand, these opportunistic fungi were considered hospital-acquired mold infections in patients with weak immune status. Therefore, this multi-center study aimed to evaluate 23 hospitals in 18 provinces of Iran for fungal contamination sources.Materials and Methods: In total, 43 opened Petri plates and 213 surface samples were collected throughout different wards of 23 hospitals. All collected samples were inoculated into Sabouraud Dextrose Agar containing Chloramphenicol (SC), and the plates were then incubated at 27-30ºC for 7-14 days.Results: A total of 210 fungal colonies from equipment (162, 77.1%) and air (48,22.9%) were identified. The most predominant isolated genus was Aspergillus (47.5%),followed by Rhizopus (14.2%), Mucor (11.7%), and Cladosporium (9.2%). Aspergillus(39.5%), Cladosporium (16.6%), as well as Penicillium and Sterile hyphae (10.4% each), were the most isolates from the air samples. Moreover, intensive care units (38.5%) and operating rooms (21.9%) had the highest number of isolated fungal colonies. Out of 256 collected samples from equipment and air, 163 (63.7%) were positive for fungal growth.The rate of fungal contamination in instrument and air samples was 128/213 (60.1%) and 35/43 (81.2%), respectively. Among the isolated species of Aspergillus, A. flavus complex (38/96, 39.6%), A. niger complex (31/96, 32.3%), and A. fumigatus complex (15/96, 15.6%) were the commonest species.Conclusion: According to our findings, in addition to air, equipment and instrument should be considered among the significant sources of fungal contamination in the indoor environment of hospitals. Airborne fungi, Hospital, Indoor air, Equipment, Sources of fungal contamination in the indoor environment of hospitals.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of Candida species in cancer patients with candidemia around the world, and to identify related risk factors and their antifungal resistance, with an emphasis on non-albicans Candida species (NACs). Methods: The published papers related to the subject were systematically searched in databases of MEDLINE (including PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar between the 1st January 2000 and 21st April 2021. Results: Among the 4 546 records, 69 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of NACs in cancer patients with candidemia was 62% (95% CI 58%-67%; I2=94.85%, P=0.00). Based on type of cancer, the pooled prevalence of NACs in hematologic and solid cancer patients were 68% (95% CI 65%- 70%) and 52% (95% CI 49%-54%), respectively. Among NACs, Candida (C.) parapsilosis was the most frequently isolated organism followed by C. tropicalis and C. glabrata. In addition, the therapeutic usage of antibiotics was found as the most common risk factor, accounting for 85% (95% CI 81%-89%) and central venous catheter accounting for 69% (95% CI 62%-77%). Conclusions: The incidence of Candida bloodstream infections among cancer patients is a growing concern, especially when the etiologic agents of candidemia tend to shift towards NACs.

Background: People with chronic mental illness have long been rejected from society and lost their self-identity and self-efficacy due to individual obstacles, such as continuous negative symptoms, lack of motivation, or social obstacles, like stigma, which reduce their self-confidence and prevent them from engaging in healthy activity patterns. One of the behavioral therapy methods used to increase the motivation of people with severe mental illness is token economy. Objectives: The purpose of this narrative review was to review and investigate the impact of the token economy on people with severe mental illness. Methods: A search for studies published from 2002 to 2022 in PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted using the keywords “token economy”, “token reinforcement”, “contingency management”, “severe mental disorder”, “serious mental illness”, “chronic psychiatric disorder”, and “participation”. Results: In the initial search, 92 articles were obtained, and after reviewing and rejecting duplicates, 44 articles related to severe mental illness and token economy remained. Finally, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. token economy can be an effective method in improving the performance of daily life activities, reducing the symptoms of mental illnesses and avoiding drugs, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking Conclusion: token economy can be an effective method in improving the performance of daily life activities, reducing the symptoms of mental illnesses, drug abstinence, reducing alcohol use, and quitting smoking, but in reducing violence, the results of the studies were contradictory. It is recommended to carry out wider studies on the impact of the token economy method on the occupational performance and participation of chronic mental patients.

BACKGROUND: Persian fallow deer (PFD), Dama dama mesopotamica, is one of the rarest members of the Cervidae family currently listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. OBJECTIVES: Morphological variations in the skulls of male and female PFDs were evaluated in this investigation. METHODS: In cooperation with the Department of Environment, skulls and mandibles were obtained from five male and four female animals. After the usual practices of bone cleaning, the specimens were evaluated for morphological differences. Next, 29 parameters were measured on the skulls and mandibles by a digital Vernier caliper for morphometric studies. In addition, ten, six, and nine landmark points were defined on the left lateral photos of mandibles, dorsal, and left lateral photos of skulls, respectively. The points were digitized on two-dimensional images using the TpsDig2 software. The shape differ-ences between the two genders were analyzed using discriminate function analysis in the MorphoJ software. RESULTS: The interfrontal ridge was more prominent in male PFDs than in female animals. Moreover, there were some significant differences in the measured parameters, mostly in the mandible. The geometric morphometric evaluations showed no significant differences between the two genders. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present investigation revealed some morphological differences between the skulls of male and female PFDs

In order to investigate the differences in the shape of the big-head and two morphotypes of Phytophagous fish by geometric morphometric technique, 30 samples of each group, with a mean standard length of 25 ± 3 cm, were prepared. After fish were anesthetized by 1% Clove powder extract and stabilized in formalin buffer 4%, 6-megapixel digital images of the left profile of the specimens were prepared. A total of 17 morphological landmarks were digitized by tpsDig2 software and the tps files were prepared. All non-shaped data were removed from landmark coordinates by generalized procrustes analysis. After the approval of regression between shape space and tangent space, data were analyzed using Principal Component (PCA), Canonical Variation (CVA) and Cluster Analyzes (CA) methods in PAST and TPS series. According to the results, the head length and height, the size of dorsal fin, the length of pre ventral distance, the height of caudal peduncle and the degree of posterior position of the pectoral fin in bighead carp, are some of the distinctive morphological features among species, mainly related to their ecological niche (specially feeding strategies). In the case of silver carp variants, the posterior position of pectoral fin base in silver carp-R that is close to bighead carp, may be due to hybridization between bighead carp and silver carps.

The study investigated the effects of dietary fish oil replacement by poultry fat on growth performance, fillet quality, and serum enzymatic activities in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The fish were fed three diets (0%, 50%, and 100% replacement) for 2 months with or without a washout period. No significant effects were observed among treatments on growth performance and viscerosomatic index or on fillet moisture, fat, protein, and ash contents (p >.05). Increased poultry fat led to decrease in ω-3 fatty acids and increase in ω-6 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. The washout period restored most of the changes in fillet fatty acid profiles and serum enzymatic activity in the fish feed containing poultry fat. In conclusion, replacement of dietary fish oil by poultry fat had no detrimental effects on fish growth performance, but reduced fish fillet ω-3 fatty acids, which can be restored via a washout period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The potency of Adenovector expressing Mda7-tLyp1 (Ad-Mda7-tLyp1) for death induction was evaluated on the breast (MCF7), liver (HepG2), and gastric (MKN45) cancer cell lines. Background: Mda-7 could be a possible complementary to traditional cancer therapy, and tethering to tumor-homing peptides (THPs) might improve its therapeutic efficacy. Methods: After the preparation of recombinant Ad-Mda7-tLyp1 and Ad-Mda7, the expression of recombinant proteins was analyzed by ELISA. Adenovectors were transduced (MOI=2-5) into Hep-G2, MCF7, MKN45, and normal skin fibroblast, then tumor-killing effect was measured by cytopathic effect (CPE) monitoring, MTT viability test, BAX gene expression analysis, and Caspase3/7 assay. Results: ELISA assay revealed a sustained level of recombinant protein secretion following Adenovector transduction. In CPE microscopy, all cancer cell lines showed a significant reduction (≥50%) in their normal phenotype after receiving Ad-Mda7-tLyp1 and Ad-Mda7. The viability was significantly lower compared to the control, indicating an anti-proliferating effect. In parallel, the viability test showed that Ad-Mda7 and Ad-Mda7-tLyp1 have a significant killing effect (≥50%) on MCF-7, Hep-G2, and MKN45 compared to normal fibroblast (P≤0.05). BAX gene expression analysis showed that both Ad-Mda7-tLyp1 and Ad-Mda7 vectors induced >2-fold increase of apoptosis (P<0.05), particularly in MCF7. Similarly, caspase3/7 activity showed a significant increase (P<0.05) following Ad-Mda7, and Ad-Mda7-tLyp1 transduction into cancer cell lines, but not in normal fibroblasts. Conclusion: The newly constructed Ad-Mda-tlyp1 showed a suitable tumor cell killing activity and enough specificity on studied cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the expansion of the COVID-19, the study of different oxygen therapy methods has yielded different results. In the current study, we compare the effects of non-invasive ventilation and oxygen therapy through the high-flow nasal cannula. Methods: Non-intensive care unit-admitted COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received oxygen therapy with High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) and the second group received Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV). Clinical conditions and results obtained from laboratory tests were compared in two groups before oxygen therapy, and after 24 and 48 hr. Results: The average age of the participants was 56.25. According to the results, after 24 hr of respiratory intervention, dyspnea was the most frequent in the NIV group with 83.33% and in the HFNC group with 90%. After 48 hr, in the NIV group, nasal flaring was observed with a frequency of 60%, and in the HFNC group, weakness and lethargy were the most common symptoms (56.66%). Comparison of clinical status and laboratory indices of the two groups of patients showed that most of the indices in patients in three time periods were not significantly different, while the results demonstrated that after 24 hours, the mean PaCo2 in the HFNC group was significantly lower than the NIV group (0.002) and the mean PH in the HFNC group was significantly higher than the other group (p=0.039). Conclusion: The effectiveness of using HFNC compared to NIV is the same and shows no significant difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Despite the availability of various treatments for fungal diseases, there are some limitations in the management of these conditions due to multiple treatment-related side-effects. The present study was designed to investigate the antifungal properties of different extracts from Pistacia atlantica Desf. Materials and Methods: Different parts of P. atlantica (i.e., dried fruit, fresh fruit and dried leaf) were separately extracted via percolation method with 80% methanol and water. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was performed to determine the main constituents of leaf and fruit extracts from P. atlantica. In vitro anti-Candida activities of the extracts against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were studied. For this purpose, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were determined, using broth microdilution method, according to the modified M27-A3 protocol on yeasts, proposed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Based on GC/MS analysis, the main constituents of P. atlantica fruit extracts were &beta-myrcene (41.4%), &alpha-pinene (32.48%) and limonene (4.66%), respectively, whereas the major constituents of P. atlantica leaf extracts were trans-caryophyllene (15.18%), &alpha-amorphene (8.1%) and neo-allo-ocimene (6.21%), respectively. As the findings indicated, all the constituents exhibited both fungistatic and fungicidal activities, with MICs ranging from 6.66 to 26.66 mg/mL and MFCs ranging from 13.3 to 37.3 mg/mL, respectively. Among the evaluated extracts, the methanolic fresh fruit extract of P. atlantica was significantly more effective than other extracts (P

Background: Dermatophytes are the most common fungal agents causing superficial skin infections in worldwide. Species identification of these fungi is important for therapeutic and epidemiological apects. The purpose of this study was identification and epidemiology of dermatophytosis in patients referring to medical mycology laboratory of Razi hospital in Tehran, during 2014. Materials and Methods: In this study, 610 clinical specimens were collected from patients with suspected dermatophytosis. Direct microscopy and culture examinations were performed for all samples. DNA was extracted from fungal colony using phenol chloroform. Then ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was amplified by the universal fungal primers ITS1 and ITS4 and digested with enzymes mva1. Results: In the present study, 236 subjects (38.6%) were positive for dermatophytosis. Among the patients, 64.8% were male and 35.2% female. The most frequent dermatophytes isolated were Trichophyton interdigitale (40.3%), Trichophyton rubrum (22.9%) and Trichophyton tonsurans (18.7%) respectivly. Also 58 samples were improperly diagnosed by morphological method, they were re-identified as Trichophyton interdigitale and Trichophyton rubrum by using PCR-RFLP. Conclusion: The survey showed that PCR-RFLP is a rapid and reliable method for discrimination of dermatophytes. We suggest using of PCR-RFLP as a valuable method along with morphological examination for diagnostic dermatophytes particularly in clinical and epidemiological settings.

Length-weight relationship and condition factor were investigated in seven fish species, including Barbus cyri, Capoeta gracilis, Alburnoides eichwaldi, Acanthalbarnus microlepis, Ponticola cyrius, Cobitis keyvani and Oxynemacheilus bergianus from Totkabon River. A total of 570 specimens ranging from 25.90 to 146.97 mm in total length and 0.1 to 260.3 g in total weight were collected. Based on the results, growth coefficient values “b” ranged from 2.429 (A. microlpis) to 3.71 (C. keyvani). All length-weight relationships were significant (P

Background and Purpose: Candida species are the most common organisms involved in superficial fungal infections, worldwide. Although econazole is among the most frequently used topical formulations for the treatment of candidiasis, no information is available regarding the susceptibility profiles of Candida species in Iran. Materials and Methods: In vitro susceptibility of 100 clinical Candida isolates belonging to 6 species from superficial candidiasis of Iran towards to econazole was compared with three other common antifungal agents including itraconazole, fluconazole, and miconazole. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values were analyzed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A3 document. All isolates were previously identified to the species level, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) on ITS region. Results: The MIC of econazole, itraconazole, miconazole, and fluconazole were within the range of 0.016-16, 0.032-16, 0.016-16, and 0.25-64 g/ml, respectively. In general, econazole and miconazole were more active against Candida isolates, compared to the other two agents. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that for Candida albicans isolates, miconazole and econazole had the best effect, but in non-albicans Candida species, itraconazole and miconazole displayed more activity than other antifungal agents.

This study investigated the effect of replacing dietary fish oil (FO) with poultry fat (PF) on some growth and blood parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to find a suitable alternative to fish oil. For this aim, 600 rainbow trout juveniles weighing 50.72±2.13 g were purchased and after the adaptation period, 25 fish in each pond were released in a completely randomized design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. Five diets were considered for two months containing 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% FO (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, respectively), where FO was replaced with PF. The treatments were CTL (D1), 25PF (D2), 25PFR (D2, then D1), 50PF (D3), 50PFR (D3, then D1), 75PF (D4), 75PFR (D4, then D1), 100PF (D5), and 100PFR (D5, then D1). FO replacement with PF had no significant influence on growth parameters. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) increased significantly in 75PF and 100PF (P<0.05), but not in 75PFR and 100PFR (P>0.05). Some hematological, e.g. red and white blood cell counts (RBC and WBC, respectively), and serum biological parameters, e.g. glucose, triglyceride, and albumin, changed significantly (P<0.05), especially in 75PF and 100PF. The antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were downregulated in 75PF and 100PF, whereas return to D1 significantly increased the activity of these enzymes in 75PFR and 100PFR (P<0.05). Furthermore, intestinal lipase activity fell significantly in 50PF, 75PF, and 100PF (P<0.05) but not in those fed D1 on the second month (P>0.05). Intestine structure was severely damaged in all groups except 50PF, 75PF, and 100PF, which indicates the oxidative stress imposed on fish fed diets with higher FO. In summary, a balance should be maintained between FO and alternative fat in fish diet to retain the best growth efficiency and prevent from adverse effects of either fat source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]