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Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate genes and are involved in various biological processes, including cancer development. Researchers have been exploring the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. Specifically, targeting the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway with miRNAs has shown promise in improving the effectiveness of radiotherapy (RT), a common cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of miRNAs targeting mTOR as therapeutic agents to enhance RT outcomes in cancer patients. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific miRNAs that target mTOR and their impact on radiosensitivity for personalized cancer treatment approaches. The review also discusses the role of mTOR in cell homeostasis, cell proliferation, and immune response, as well as its association with oncogenesis. It highlights the different ways in which miRNAs can potentially affect the mTOR pathway and their implications in immune-related diseases. Preclinical findings suggest that combining mTOR modulators with RT can inhibit tumor growth through anti-angiogenic and anti-vascular effects, but further research and clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of using miRNAs targeting mTOR as therapeutic agents in combination with RT. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential of miRNAs targeting mTOR to enhance RT efficacy in cancer treatment and emphasizes the need for further research to translate these findings into improved clinical outcomes.

The abdomen is the second most common site for sepsis. This potentially life- threatening condition necessitates finding the source and providing prompt medical and/or surgical treatment. This presentation reveals an uncommon cause of intra- abdominal sepsis.A 43-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, tachycardia, tachypnea, and generalized abdominal tenderness. The evaluation of the laboratory tests showed an elevation in white blood cell count and liver enzymes. Ultrasonography of the liver revealed the presence of hydatid cysts, and the abdomino- pelvic computed tomography scan with contrast displayed multiple pyogenic cysts in her liver, one of which had ruptured into the peritoneum. She underwent surgery, received antimicrobial agents, and was successfully discharged without experiencing any complications.One clinical presentation of a hepatic hydatid cyst could be intra-abdominal sepsis, which requires emergency surgery along with antibiotic and anti-helminthic drugs.

Sonoporation is a non-invasive method that uses ultrasound for drug and gene delivery for therapeutic purposes. Here, both Finite Element Method (FEM) and Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) are applied to study the interaction physics of microbubble oscillation and collapse near flexible tissue. After validating the Finite Element Method with the nonlinear excited lipid-coated microbubble as well as the Lattice Boltzmann Method with experimental results, we have studied the behavior of a three-dimensional compressible microbubble in the vicinity of tissue. In the FEM phase, the oscillation microbubble with a lipid shell interacts with the boundary. The range of pressure and ultrasound frequency have been considered in the field of therapeutic applications of sonoporation. The viscoelastic and interfacial tension as the coating properties of the microbubble shell have been investigated. The presence of an elastic boundary increases the resonance frequency of the microbubble compared to that of a free microbubble. The increase in pressure leads to an expansion in the range of the microbubble’s motion, the velocity induced in the fluid, and the shear stress on the boundary walls of tissue. An enhancement in the surface tension of the microbubble can influence fluid flow and reduce the shear stress on the boundary. The multi-pseudo-potential interaction LBM is used to reduce thermodynamic inconsistency and high-density ratio in a two-phase system for modeling the cavitation process. The three-dimensional shape of the microbubble during the collapse stages and the counter of pressure are displayed. There is a time difference between the occurrence of maximum velocity and pressure. All results in detail are presented in the article bodies.

Abstract Recently, several researches have been done to improve the perfomance of solar chimney power plants (SCPP) and increase their low output power during hours when the solar radiation is limited. In this study, by combining a SCPP and a gas power plant, the output power is increased and the power output of the combined power plant can be gained at all hours of the day and night. Pipes are buried under the ground and the outlet hot gas from gas power plant flows through the buried pipes instead of being released into the atmosphere through the stacks. Flowing of hot gas through the buried pipes at the soil under the canopy increases the temperature of soil which is exposed to the solar radiation. Increasing of the soil temperature leads to the growth in the value of air temperature under the canopy. The air density reduces as the air temperature increases which leads to the increase of air velocity and output power. By applying the buried pipes, the output power is not zero during the hours when there is no radiation flux. The results for air temperature, heat loss and output power are studied in detail and it is shown that the use of buried pipes in which hot gas flows leads to the increase of the output power of SCPP by 554%, 208% and 125% at the radiation flux of 200 W/m2, 500 W/m2 and 800 W/m2, respectively.

This study used the FEDBD plasma device for skin rejuvenation in animal samples. There were two groups of six male Wistar rats. Before starting the treatment, immediately after the treatment, the fourth week, and the tenth week of follow-up, biometric tests were performed, including moisture level, evaporation from the skin surface, erythema and melanin, skin elasticity and firmness with an MPA9 device and cutometer. The thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis, an essential indicator in rejuvenation, were evaluated with a skin ultrasound device. Also, the level of oxygen, perfusion, and interstitial water (edema) was checked using a Tivita tissue hyperspectral camera at a depth of 6 mm of the skin.

In this study, a new modified tube cyclic expansion extrusion process named M-TCEE was utilized for producing tubes with ultrafine grained (UFG) microstructure and improved properties. In M-TCEE process, the utilization of a moving mandrel inside the hollow tube during the process provides the possibility of using bulk rod-shaped punch, instead of hollow tubular punch which has been used in conventional TCEE process. This leads to that a higher pressing load can be applied to the material without the risk of punch buckling. So, the production of longer and larger tubes, which needs a higher required pressing load, can be performed easier in M-TCEE process. In current study, the capabilities of M-TCEE process in improving microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the Mg–9Al–1Zn-0.2Mn magnesium alloy tubes were investigated. The results showed that after two passes of M-TCEE process, the yield strength increased from 36 MPa to 137 MPa (3.8 time greater), the ultimate tensile strength increased from 73 MPa to 265 MPa (3.6 time greater) and the ductility was enhanced from 11.2% to 20.2% (1.8 time greater). Three passes of M-TCEE led to improving hardness from 54 HV to 99 HV (1.83 time greater). Also, corrosion results revealed the capability of the M-TCEE process in improving the corrosion resistance of AZ91 tubes. It seems that the M-TCEE process can produce ultrafine-grained AZ91 magnesium alloy tubes with significant mechanical properties and improved corrosion resistance.

Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma has been developed and utilized as a novel technique for skin rejuvenation because of its various effects on cells and living things. This study investigated the accuracy of this claim and any possible side effects of using spark plasma to rejuvenate skin. The present work is the first quantitative investigation using animal models. 12 Wistar rats were divided into two groups for this investigation. To compare the skin's natural process with the treated skin, the first group underwent a single session of plasma therapy, while the second group served as the control group. The back of the necks of the samples was shaved for 20 cm. Before beginning treatment, the MPA9 multifunctional skin tester was used to determine the melanin index, erythema index, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The skin's thickness and density were assessed using sonography, and its elasticity index was calculated using a Cutometer. The samples were exposed to plasma radiation in the designated area (in a triangular pattern). The abovementioned signs were examined immediately after the following therapy and at the weekly appointment 2–4 weeks later. Optical spectroscopy was also used to demonstrate the presence of active species. In this study, we found that a plasma spark therapy session significantly boosts skin elasticity, and the ultrasound results revealed a significantly increased skin thickness and density. The plasma increased the amount of skin surface evaporation, erythema, and melanin immediately following the treatment. However, 4 weeks later, it recovered to its former state and did not differ significantly from before the therapy.

Chromium (Cr) pollution caused by the discharge of industrial wastewater into rivers poses a significant threat to the environment, aquatic and human life, as well as agricultural crops irrigated by these rivers. This paper employs artificial intelligence (AI) to introduce a new framework for modeling the fate, transport, and estimation of Cr from its point of discharge into the river until it is absorbed by agricultural products. The framework is demonstrated through its application to the case study River, which serves as the primary water resource for tomato production irrigation in Mashhad city, Iran. Measurements of Cr concentration are taken at three different river depths and in tomato leaves from agricultural lands irrigated by the river, allowing for the identification of bioaccumulation effects. By employing boundary conditions and smart algorithms, various aspects of control systems are evaluated. The concentration of Cr in crops exhibits an accumulative trend, reaching up to 1.29 µg/g by the time of harvest. Using data collected from the case study and exploring different scenarios, AI models are developed to estimate the Cr concentration in tomato leaves. The tested AI models include linear regression (LR), neural network (NN) classifier, and NN regressor, yielding goodness-of-fit values (R2) of 0.931, 0.874, and 0.946, respectively. These results indicate that the NN regressor is the most accurate model, followed by the LR, for estimating Cr levels in tomato leaves.

The methods used for maximum exploitation of wind farms’ potentials can be classified into two categories: turbines layout optimization and utilization of turbines with different hub heights. The layout optimizations are generally performed by optimization algorithms. A drawback of these algorithms is their inability to render a single result as the optimized result. In the present study, by using an analytical model for 3D wind velocity distribution in the wake and including wake interactions, a model has been presented for estimation of the generated power of turbines implemented in wind farms. By coupling this model with the cost model of turbines' implementation, a function for the optimized layout has been presented. By calculating this function for different layouts of turbines in farms, the optimized layout can be obtained. In the present study, the calculations of turbines' layout optimization were carried out using a MATLAB-implemented code. By dividing the solution domain into grids and taking into account the minimum optimized distance of turbines from one another from the economical and power output aspects, the value of the layout optimization function has been calculated for different possible layouts. Finally, the layout of kilowatt-scaled turbines located among megawatt-scale ones for Horns Rev offshore farm has been modeled to obtain the maximum power output. From the results obtained for the optimized and maximum number of kilowatt-scaled turbines, it is inferred that the power of the farm has been increased by 7% (3.226 MW) by 35.7% efficiency and 9.35% (4.712 MW) by 34.06% efficiency,respectively.

Objective(s): Non-cutaneous malignant melanomas (NCM) are rare malignancies. Due to their nonspecific symptoms, they present later in life. The value of FDG PET/CT in this group of patients is not clear. The aim of this study is to assess the role of FDG PET/CT in the management of NCM and its prognostic implication.Methods: We retrospectively selected twenty-three patients with a diagnosis of NCM evaluated with FDG PET/CT in Shariati hospital between 2019 and 2021. The PET/CT data were reviewed and compared with available conventional imaging findings. Five patients died within five months. The surviving patients were followed within a time interval of 7 to 27.5 months after their PET/CT study, regarding their disease status.Results: Among 23 patients (8 ocular, 5 sinonasal, 3 pharyngeal, 2 anorectal, 2 vulvovaginal, and 3 unknown primaries), PET/CT was able to detect residual primary disease, assess treatment response, and reveal or exclude metastases. Additional lesions compared to conventional imaging were found in five, while in one with brain metastases PET/CT was unable to detect lesions on MRI. Thirteen patients had negative PET/CT finding of which 11 (85%) did not have remarkable finding on follow-up. Metastatic disease was recognized in eight. Patients with extensive metastases on FDG PET/CT had a poorer outcome.Conclusion: Similar to cutaneous melanoma, PET/CT is valuable in the management of NCM patients and is superior to conventional imaging modalities, with the exception of brain metastases. Patients with negative PET/CT findings have a better outcome as opposed to patients with significant positive PET/CT findings.

In this study, the aerodynamic performance of a high-speed train against a turbulent air flow is examined numerically from two approaches. First, using computational fluid dynamics, the parameters of aerodynamics and fluid flow are analyzed and then, using Multi-Layer Feed-Forward Neural Network (MLFFNN) Algorithm, a prediction and comparison with the obtained values from the CFD analysis are presented. To achieve this, using Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) method with 𝑘-𝜔 (SST) turbulence model, an incompressible turbulent air flow around a high-speed train model by OpenFOAM CFD Software is simulated. In this research, some of the significant and key parameters of fluid flow and aerodynamics as velocity, pressure, streamlines, flow structure, pressure coefficients, drag, lift and side forces for some yaw angles of wind movement and velocity changes are analyzed and compared. In the following, the Multi-Layer Feed-Forward Neural Network which is modified with various data is applied for prediction of the output of the problem. Accordingly, the aerodynamic drag, lift and side forces for the yaw angles of wind movement and velocity changes by this algorithm method are obtained and compared with the obtained results from CFD analysis. The comparisons indicate an appropriate similarity between the CFD data and the used MLFFNN one.

One of the best and most important types of concentrating solar power plants is the linear Fresnel collector. The thermal performance and application of absorber in a solar power plant can be enhanced using direct steam generation technology. A particular discrepancy between the present study and others lies in our attempt at applying a new method for calculating critical heat flux based on Look-up Table. In the current study, effects of nanofluid on the length of the critical heat flux and convection heat transfer coefficient were investigated. The nanoparticles considered in this study were aluminum, silver, nickel, and titanium dioxide at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1 and 2 %. Modeling results revealed that the heat transfer coefficient increased upon enhancing the volumetric concentration of nanoparticles, thereby improving this coefficient at 2 vol. % nickel nanoparticles, which was 10.6 % above the value of pure water. On the other hand, thermal efficiency was enhanced when nickel nanoparticles were dispersed in pure water such that increase rates of thermal efficiency equaled 11.2, 10.8 and 11.3 % in the months of June, July, and August, respectively, when the volume concentration of nanoparticles was 0.5 %.

Objective(s): In patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), sentinel lymph node (SLN) radio-guided biopsy is not routinely used for detection of involved neck lymph nodes (NLN); 99mTc- antimony sulfide colloid (99mTc- ASC) has been used for this purpose. In this study, besides 99mTc-ASC another radiotracer, 99mTc-phytate (99mTc-P) with different doses and injection methods were evaluated. Methods: Twenty-two patients, scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy for PTC, were injected for radio-guided SLN biopsy in the morning of operation in 3 groups: intra tumoral injection of about 1 mCi 99mTc-P (group A; n=5); peritumoral injection of less than 3 mCi 99mTc-ASC (group B; n=6); and peritumoral injection of 3 to 5 mCi 99mTc-ASC with application of massage (group C; n=9). A patient refused to complete the study. A patient with follicular thyroid cancer was also excluded. No NLN was detected in the pre-operative ultra-sonographic examinations of all patients. Central neck dissection was done for all the participants. The presence of radio guided detected NLN and results of pathology were assessed. Results: In group A and B, no SLN was detected. NLNs were resected in 4 patients in group A and B; 2 of them involved by the tumor. In group C, 6 out of 9 patients (66.7%) had between 1 to 6 SLNs; the procedure failed to detect NLN in a patient in group C with surgically resected reactive NLN (failure rate 1 out of 7). Conclusion: The results underscored the significance of SLN radio guided biopsy in patients with PTC; the radiotracer, dose and method of injection may affect the detection rate.

Rosai Dorfman disease is a rare form of nonlangerhans cell histiocytosis, presenting with extensive lymphadenopathies. Treatment in most cases of nodal disease, involves close observation; however, extranodal involvement requires a more definitive treatment strategy. Herein, we report a case of extensive Rosai Dorfman disease in a 43-year-old woman presenting for evaluation of treatment response by 18F-FDG PET/CT after frequent relapses and disease progression. In addition to extensive lymphadenothapies in cervical, supraclavicular, superior mediastinum, axillary, abdominopelvic and inguinofemoral regions, the patient had metabolically active bone and subcutaneous lesions which were not previously recognized. Following this 18F-FDG PET/CT study, the patient management was changed to sirolimus and prednisolone. To choose the best treatment option for Rosai Dorfman patients, knowledge of the full extent of disease is important. Compared with conventional imaging, 18F-FDG PET/CT has the advantage of being a whole-body imaging modality and can recognize disease involvement prior to any anatomical changes.

Background and Objectives: Given the importance and prevalence of trauma patients in the emergency department and the questioning of urinalysis value in predicting intra-abdominal injury, this study was conducted to examine the accuracy of various types of this test. Methods: This diagnostic accuracy study was conducted on adult patients with abdominal trauma. Data gathering were performed retrospectively until sample size completion using a preprepared checklist. Required data, including demographic characteristics, diseases confounding urinalysis, trauma mechanism, important associated injuries, vital signs, etc., were recorded. Accuracy of urinalysis (including macroscopic, microscopic and dipstick) results was compared with findings of patients' enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan findings that was considered as the gold standard, reported by a radiologist. Results: Totally, 152 multiple trauma patients with the mean age of 37.9 ± 17.7 years were enrolled (90.8% males), of whom 66 (43.42%) patients had hematuria and the CT scan was abnormal in 30 (19.73%) cases. There was a significant correlation between gross hematuria and abnormal CT scan (P < 0.01) as opposed to microscopic or dipstick hematuria (P > 0.05). Based on the findings, the highest sensitivity was for dipstick and microscopic equally and highest specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratios, NLR and accuracy were for the gross test. Conclusions: Microscopic hematuria and dipstick had no significant correlation with abnormal CT scan findings and cannot predict the intra-abdominal injuries in multiple trauma patients. But, macroscopic hematuria could be valuable in this regard.

In this paper, different geometries and arrangements of vortex generators for improving the heat transfer performance of heat sinks have been studied. The effect of different parameters including the inclination angle of vortex generators and the distance between them are also investigated on heat transfer performance of heat sinks. Numerical computations are done based on the finite volume method and they have been validated with available experimental data which were in accurate compatible with each other with RMSE error of less than 6%. According to the obtained outcomes, between rectangular, triangular and symmetrical NACA0012 vortex generator, heat sink with NACA0012 vortex generator has the best thermal performance. On the other hand, heat sink with rectangular vortex generator has the highest fluid flow pressure drop. So, using rectangular vortex generator with heat sink needs a fan with the highest power. Also, the results show that thermal resistance of the heat sink decreases with Reynolds number increase. Also, heat sink pressure drop increases with Re number enhancement. Meanwhile, the pressure drop rate is more sensible in higher Reynolds numbers.

Evaluation of calcified metastatic lesions by conventional imaging can be challenging. Ovarian cancer metastases can present with calcification which might increase in size and number following therapy. It is not entirely clear whether these calcifications are associated with tumor response or disease progression. Calcified lesions which do not change in size or configuration are particularly problematic when assessed by RECIST criteria. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) is of particular value as it demonstrates the metabolic activity of the calcified lesions, in addition, it might reveal metastases in unexpected sites. We report a case of serous papillary ovarian cancer with extensive abdomino-pelvic calcified metastases referred for evaluation of therapy response. Despite being reported as stable disease on CT evaluation, we observed increased metabolic activity in the calcified lesions both on CT-attenuation corrected and non-attenuation corrected images, which was indicative of inadequate response to therapy. PET/CT is an ideal modality in follow-up of patients with ovarian cancer presenting with calcified metastatic tumoral deposits.

Objective(s): 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has shown promising results in imaging of neural crest tumors (NCT). Herein, we compared the performance of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and 131I-MIBG single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT in the initial diagnosis, staging and follow-up of patients with NCTs. Methods: Twenty-five patients (males:females=8:17; age range=2–71 years) with clinically proven or suspicious neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma (PCC) or paraganglioma (PGL) were enrolled in this prospective study and underwent both 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT. A composite reference standard derived from histopathological information, together with anatomical and functional imaging findings, was used to validate the results. Imaging findings were assessed on a per-patient and on a per-lesion basis. Sensitivity and accuracy were assessed using McNemar’s test. Results: Referring to radiological imaging and histopathological findings as reference standard, 68Ga-DOTATATE and 131I-MIBG scans showed a sensitivity and accuracy of (100%, 96%) and (86.7%, 88%), respectively, on a per-patient basis. In PCC/PGL patients, on a per-patient basis, the sensitivity of 68Ga-DOTATATE was 100% and that of 131I-MIBG was 77.8%. In neuroblastoma patients, on a per-patient basis, the sensitivities of both 68Ga-DOTATATE and 131I-MIBG were 100%. Overall, in this patient cohort, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT identified 52 lesions and 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT identified only 30 lesions. On a per-lesion analysis, 68Ga-DOTATATE was found to be superior to 131I-MIBG in detecting lesions in all anatomical locations, particularly osseous lesions. According to the McNemar test results, differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: This relatively small patient cohort suggests 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT be superior to 131I-MIBG SPECT/CT in providing particularly valuable information for both primary staging and follow-up in patients with NCT.

This study intends to semi-analytically investigate the steady 3D boundary layer flow of a SiC-TiO2/DO hybrid nanofluid over a porous spinning disk subject to a constant vertical magnetic field. Here, the novel attitude to single-phase hybrid nanofluid model corresponds to considering nanoparticles and base fluid masses to compute solid equivalent volume fraction, solid equivalent density, and also solid equivalent specific heat at constant pressure. The basic PDEs are transformed into dimensionless ODEs using Von Kármán similarity transformations, which are then solved numerically using bvp4c function. Results indicate that mass suction and magnetic field effects diminish all hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layer thicknesses. Finally, a significant report is presented to investigate quantities of engineering interest due to governing parameters’ effects.

Neural networks can be used in various subjects, such as the discovery of relationships, identification, system modelling, optimization and nonlinear pattern recognition. One of the interesting applications of this algorithm is heat transfer estimation between contacting surfaces. In the current investigation, a comparison study is done for temperature transfer function estimation between contacting surfaces using Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) neural networks and ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System) algorithm. Different algorithms are trained and tested by means of input–output data set taken from the experimental study and the inverse solution using the Conjugate Gradient Method (CGM) with the adjoint problem. Eventually, the optimal model has been chosen based on the common error criteria of root mean square error. According to the obtained results among different models, ANFIS with gaussmf membership function has the best algorithm for identification of TCC between two contacting surfaces with 0.1283 error. Also, the inverse method has the lowest error for thermal contact conductance estimation between fixed contacting surfaces with root mean square error of 0.211.

Objective(s): In view of somatostatin receptor (SSR) expression on cell membranes of the majority of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), functional imaging exploiting analogs of SSR alongside the anatomical imaging is the mainstay of this diagnostic modality. In this prospective study, we assessed and directly compared the diagnostic parameters of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT, as well as CT/MRI. Methods: Twenty-five NET patients, either histologically proven or highly suspicious for NET, who were referred for Octreotide Scan were enrolled in this prospective study. They all underwent 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT and then 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. A blind interpretation was conducted for each imaging as well as for the previously obtained conventional imaging (CT or MRI). The patient-based and lesion-based analysis were conducted and the results of the three modalities were compared. The histopathologic confirmation or follow-up data were considered as the gold standard. Also, the impact of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT on the patient’s management was assessed. Results: Overall, 77 lesions in 14 patients, 135 in 19 and 86 in 16 were detected on 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and CT/MRI, respectively. On patient-based analysis, the sensitivity was 65%, 90% and 71% for 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and CT/MRI, respectively. Also, the specificity was 80%, 80% and 75% for 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and CT/MRI, respectively. The correlation between 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT results was significant (P=0.02; kappa value=0.57), no correlation, however, was depicted with CI (P=0.07; kappa value=0.35). On lesion-based analysis, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT found more organs (P=0.02) and lesions (P=0.001) in comparison with 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT and also more lesions in comparison with CT/MRI (P=0.003). In addition, comparing with 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT and CT/MRI, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT revealed more data in 44% and 36% of the patients, resulting in management modification in 24% and 20%, respectively. Conclusion: Comparing with 99mTc-Octreotide SPECT/CT and CT/MRI, 68Ga- DOTATATE PET/CT provided more sensitivity and specificity in patients with NETs showing more involved organs as well as tumoral lesions. Also, 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/ CT led to change of management in up to one-fourth of the patients, especially in a sub-group re-evaluated for recurrence.

Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death, worldwide. Recently, due to the introduction of novel imaging and therapeutic techniques, five-year survival of patients has increased. However, distant metastasis is still expected in half of the patients. Colorectal cancer tends to target the abdominal cavity, liver, lungs, and bones as the common sites of metastasis. Nevertheless, rare cases of muscle metastasis have been reported. This report presents a 23-year-old male, who despite chemotherapy, demonstrated gradual progressive disease and metastases to the submandibular region, lungs, adrenal gland as well as muscles and subcutaneous tissues. He had developed multiple asymptomatic muscular metastases metachronously over two-year time period discovered on an 18FDGPET/CT, namely in the deltoid, external oblique abdominis, rectus abdominis, and quadriceps muscles, as well as one of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue. The presence of distant, especially extrahepatic metastasis, adversely affects the prognosis of colon carcinoma. Since limited cases of muscle metastasis have been reported in carcinoma of colon, the underlying pathophysiology, optimum treatment, and prognostic issues are yet to be substantiated.

Maintaining drinking water quality is considered important in building sustainable cities and societies. On the other hand, water insecurity is an obstacle to achieving sustainable development goals based on the issues of threatening human health and well-being and global peace. One of the dangers threatening water sources is cyanide contamination due to industrial wastewater leakage or sabotage. The present study investigates and provides potential strategies to remove cyanide contamination by chlorination. In this regard, the main novelty is to propose a sustainable decision support system for the dirking water system in a case study in Iran. First, three scenarios have been defined with low ([CN−] = 2.5 mg L−1), medium ([CN−] = 5 mg L−1), and high ([CN−] = 7.5 mg L−1) levels of contamination. Then, the optimal chlorine dosage has been suggested as 2.9 mg L−1, 4.7 mg L−1, and 6.1 mg L−1, respectively, for these three scenarios. In the next step, the residual cyanide was modelled with mathematical approaches, which revealed that the Gaussian distribution has the best performance accordingly. The main methodology was developing a hybrid approach based on the Gaussian model and the genetic algorithm. The outcomes of statistical evaluations illustrated that both injected chlorine and initial cyanide load have the greatest effects on residual cyanide ions. Finally, the proposed hybrid algorithm is characterized by the multilayer perceptron algorithm, which can forecast residual cyanide anion with a regression coefficient greater than 0.99 as a soft sensor. The output can demonstrate a strong positive relationship between residual cyanide- (RCN−) and injected chlorine. The main finding is that the proposed sustainable decision support system with our hybrid algorithm improves the resiliency levels of the considered drinking water system against cyanide treatments.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells have been applied for direct conversion of solar radiation into electricity. Their performance is significantly affected by the working temperature. Due to the higher efficiency of the cells in lower temperatures, several thermal management approaches have been applied in recent years. Employing liquids as coolant is one of the efficient approaches in cooling down the PV cells. Using fluids with enhanced heat transfer properties would lead to further improvement in the output of the cells. In this paper, utilization of a hybrid nanofluid, with improved thermophysical characteristics, is numerically investigated by applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Results revealed that by employing the low concentration hybrid nanofluid instead of water, higher efficiency and consequently electrical output are achievable. The maximum enhancement in the efficiency of the cell compared with the reference case without cooling is around 35.66% which is obtained in case of using the nanofluid with mass flow rate of 0.0002 kg/s and solar irradiation of 1000 W/m2.

Objective(s): Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skincancers with unfavorable prognosis. Alpha-MSH peptide analogues havea high affinity for melanocortine-1 (MC1) receptors on melanocytes overexpressing in malignant melanoma cells. Pre-clinical studies have shownpromising results for radiolabeled MSH imaging in this malignancy. Thepurpose of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of 99mTc-α-MSHimaging in malignant melanoma.Methods: Twenty-one patients (13 men) with pathologically confirmedmalignant melanoma with or without metastatic distribution wereincluded in this study. 740-1110 MBq 99mTc-α-MSH was injected and wholebody scans were performed 20, 120 and 240 minutes post injection andwere assessed both qualitatively and semi-quantitatively using target (T)to background (BG) ratio.Results: The T/BG ratio for the primary tumor bed was 2.51±2.26,2.56±2.48 and 1.92±1.79 minutes in the whole body scans 20, 120 and 240minutes post injection, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, negativeand positive predictive values were 75%, 80%, 50% and 92% for primarylesion and 25%, 100%, 68% and 100% for distant metastasis, respectively.Conclusion: 99mTc-α-MSH is a newly introduced agent for diagnosisof tumoral lesions in malignant melanoma. Our study showed a highsensitivity with this modality in primary lesions as well as lymph nodeinvolvements. However the detection rate was not high in distantmetastasis. The preliminary results are promising especially as a newcomplementary imaging method in management of malignant melanoma.

The CFD simulation has been undertaken concerning natural convection heat transfer of a nanofluid in vertical square enclosure, whose dimension, width height length (mm), is 40 40 90, respectively. The nanofluid used in the present study is -water with various volumetric fractions of the alumina nanoparticles ranging from 0-3%. The Rayleigh number is . Fluent v6.3 is used to simulate nanofluid considering it as a single phase. The effect of Brownian motion on the heat transfer is examined. A comparison between the two studies of with and without the Brownian motion, shows that when the Brownian motion is considered, the solid volume fraction of nanoparticles has dissimilar effects on the heat transfer. The numerical results show a decrease in heat transfer with increase in particle volume fraction considering Brownian motion effects. Moreover, computed result demonstrates an increase of Nusselt number with Rayleigh number as depicted by experimental results.

Objective(s): Radiation therapy for breast cancer can induce myocardial capillary injury and increase cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A prospective cohort was conducted to study the prevalence of myocardial perfusion abnormalities following radiation therapy of left-sided breast cancer patients as compared to those with right–sided cancer. Methods: To minimize potential confounding factors, only those patients with low 10-year risk of coronary artery disease (based on Framingham risk scoring) were included. All patients were initially treated by modified radical mastectomy and then were managed by postoperative 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (CRT) to the surgical bed with an additional 1-cm margin, delivered by 46-50 Gy (in 2 Gy daily fractions) over a 5-week course. The same dose-adjusted chemotherapy regimen (including anthracyclines, cyclophosphamide and taxol) was given to all patients. Six months after radiation therapy, all patients underwent cardiac SPECT for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion. Results: A total of 71 patients with a mean age of 45.3±7.2 years [35 patients with leftsided breast cancer (exposed) and 36 patients with right-sided cancer (controls)] were enrolled. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) [showing the percentage of the heart exposed to >50% of radiation] was significantly higher in patients with left-sided breast cancer. Visual interpretation detected perfusion abnormalities in 42.9% of cases and 16.7% of controls (P=0.02, Odds ratio=1.46). In semiquantitative segmental analysis, only apical (28.6% versus 8.3%, P=0.03) and anterolateral (17.1% versus 2.8%, P=0.049) walls showed significantly reduced myocardial perfusion in the exposed group. Summed Stress Score (SSS) of>3 was observed in twelve cases (34.3%), while in five of the controls (13.9%),(Odds ratio=1.3). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusion: The risk of radiation induced myocardial perfusion abnormality in patients treated with CRT on the left hemi thorax is not low. It is reasonable to minimize the volume of the heart being in the field of radiation employing didactic radiation planning techniques. Also it is advisable to screen these patients with MPI-SPECT, even if they are clinically asymptomatic, as early diagnosis and treatment of silent ischemia may change the outcome.

Introduction: Some of bacterial species are able to uptake DNA molecule from environment, the yield of this process depends on some conditions such as plasmid size and host type. In the case of Bacillus subtilis, DNA uptake has low efficacy. Using Spizizen minimal medium is common method in plasmid transformation into B. subtilis, but rate of this process is not suitable and noteworthy. The aim of this study was investigation of novel method for improvement of DNA transformation into B. subtilis based on CM11 cationic peptide as a membrane permeable agent.Materials and methods: In this study, for optimization of pWB980 plasmid transformation into B. subtilis, the CM11 cationic peptide was used. For this purpose, B. subtilis competent cell preparation in the present of different concentration of peptide was implemented by two methods. In the first method, after treatment of bacteria with different amount of peptide for 14h, plasmid was added. In the second method, several concentration of peptide with plasmid was exposed to bacteria simultaneously. Bacteria that uptake DNA were screened on LB agar medium containing kanamycin. The total transformed bacteria per microgram of DNA was calculated and compared with the control.Results: Plasmid transformation in best conditions was 6.5 folds higher than the control. This result was statistically significant (P value

A simple and rapid vortex assisted ionic liquid based liquid–liquid microextraction technique (VALLME) was proposed for preconcentration of trace levels of cadmium. According to this method, the extraction solvent was dispersed into the aqueous samples by the assistance of vortex agitator. Cadmium preconcentration was mediated by chelation with the 8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine) reagent and an IL, 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Omim][PF6]) was chosen as the extraction solvent to extract the hydrophobic complex. Several variables such as sample pH, concentration of oxine, volume of [Omim][PF6] and extraction time were investigated in details and optimum conditions were selected. Under the optimum conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) was 2.9 μg L−1 for Cd (ІІ) and relative standard deviation (RSD%) for five replicate determinations of 125 μg L−1 was 4.1%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of cadmium in tap water, apple and rice samples.

Background: Molecular imaging is a novel method to evaluate cellular function at molecular level without any cell disturbance. Among the molecular imaging modalities, positron emission tomography (PET), especially when fused with computed tomography (CT), has brought an additional dimension to management of patients with can. Methods: The method employed in this research was a systematic bibliographic review, in which only valid studies or the clinically detailed enough open-labeled studies using validated scales were used. Results: Molecular imaging by PET/CT provides valuable means to assess functional disorders along with anatomical abnormalities in malignant tumors. Increased metabolism induced by malignant cells results in increased uptake in PET images, localization of which is accurately done by using CT scan. This method has been particularly of value in chest lesions (including pulmonary nodules), colorectal cancer, head and neck tumors and lymphoma. The major role of PET/CT appears to be in the preoperative disease staging, response to treatment assessment, and post-treatment disease. PET-CT shows better results than conventional anatomical imaging alone and thereby can assist in better patient management. Disease prognosis and radiotherapy planning are evolving areas where this modality has demonstrated significant promise. Conclusion: Combination of PET and CT in a single system (PET/CT) to form fused anatomical and functional information has provided an imaging modality which could be used as the major tool in detection, staging and restating of tumors. It is also of great value for accurate preparation of radiotherapy treatment plans.

In current paper, an organized and quantitative approach is proposed for selection of quality management systems. The proposed model of this paper first uses fuzzy analytic hierarchical process to rank different quality management systems. Since there are normally various constraints associated with the selection of quality management, we propose a 0-1 programming for selecting an optimal mix of quality management systems. We also use the proposed model of this paper for a real-world case study of research center in aerial industries and the results are discussed.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted large attention due to their easy fabrication, low cost and high conversion efficiency. In contrast to the conventional systems where the semiconductor assume both the task of light absorption and charge carrier transport the two functions are separated here. Light is absorbed by a sensitizer, which is anchored to the surface of a wide band semiconductor. This article discusses principle operation of this class of solar cell and new concepts and trends for solar cell development. As the representative of the solar cells of the third generation, the progress and challenges of dye sensitized solar cell was also reviewed.

A notable distinction in this research is the utilization of a new method for calculating critical heat flux (CHF) based on a Look‐Up Table. The present study comprehensively investigates the effects of hybrid nanofluid, a type of passive heat transfer enhancement technique, on convection heat transfer coefficients and CHF. The study covers five different climates representing significant climate conditions in Iran, namely Bandar Abbas, Esfahan, Shiraz, Tehran, and Yazd, each with different solar irradiations. The nanoparticles considered in this study include silver, nickel, and aluminum, as well as Ag‐Au hybrid nanofluid with volumetric concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%. The modeling results reveal that the heat transfer coefficient increases with the volumetric concentration of nanoparticles. According to the results, at the CHF point for 2 vol% Ag–Au hybrid nanofluid and Ag, Ni, and Al nanoparticles, the heat transfer coefficient shows an increase of 28%, 11.5%, 10.6%, and 4.9%, respectively, compared to the results for pure water in Shiraz. Despite the acceptable results and effective performance of 2 vol% Ag–Au hybrid nanofluid for a linear Fresnel reflector, economically, 2 vol% nickel nanoparticles are identified as the most suitable choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are various industries, each of them is concerned with heat transfer, and in many cases, their goal is to increase the rate of heat transfer. In this study, one, two or four injection jets were used together for cooling and the results were compared in terms of the average Nusselt number. In the following, by placing the twisted tape at different angles of 180°, 360° and 720° in the injection jet, the average Nusselt number and the minimum and maximum temperature were checked. The results showed the diameter of the fluid outflow from the nozzle increases by moving away from the jet opening and approaching the hot plate due to the pressure distribution. When we using two jets in the vicinity, the Outputs from each vortex is created in this place. When using four jets, the outflow from the jet hits the hot plate and creates vortices. With increase in the number of jets, the Nusselt number and the maximum temperature on the hot surface also increase. The results showed that the average Nusselt number with the angle of the twisted strip that is placed inside the rotating jet tube increases at 180° and decreases at 720° and 360°. In all cases using twisted strips, the maximum and minimum temperatures of the hot plate are higher than when the non-rotating jet is injected on the hot plate. As the jet-to-plate spacing plate increases, the Nusselt number decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]