Anti-influenza antibody level after vaccination in north of Iran

Objective:Influenza is a highly transmitted disease and about 10% of the world's population is affected by this disease annually. The aim of this research was to study the variation of serum antibody levels among subjects who had already been vaccinated against influenza. Methods And Materials:This descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 196 subjects who had influenza vaccination (influvac 2005/2006) and on 200 subjects who were matched with the vaccinated subjects by their ages in Gorgan which is located in the northeast of Iran. The subject's sera were prepared seven weeks after the influenza vaccination. Their serum antibody levels were determinated by the heamaglutination inhibition test. Results:The antibody titre in 81 subjects of the vaccinated group and in 175 subjects of the control group was less then 1/40. The mean antibody titre of the vaccinated subjects and the control group was 143.4±10.89 and 18.34±3.2, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P value=0.000). Conclusion:The findings showed that the mean titre of the antibodies in the vaccinated and control groups was statistically different. This means that the influenza vaccine has good efficacy in our population

Anthropometric indices in individuals infected with ascaris lumbericoids in Iran

Context: Ascaris Lumbericoids infection is more common in children and teenagers and in areas with poor sanitation or crowded living conditions. Largest of all the parasites inhabiting the human intestine it is also the most common of parasitic infections in developing countries. It has been reported to infect about one-fourth of the world population. Chronic ascariasis has been reported to adversely effect the growth rate and anthropometric indices in infected individuals of growing age. Aims: The goal of this research was to evaluate the anthropometric indices in individuals infected with Ascaris in Hamedan province of Iran. Settings and Design: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Methods and Material: Six hundred fourteen randomly selected individuals who were inhabitants of Hamedan province of Iran were chosen for this study. Stool samples of these individuals were collected and then experimented with Formel-Ether method to determine Ascaris Lumbericoids infection. Height and weight of these individuals were measured and compared with the indices related to NCHS. Demographic information of these individuals was entered into questionnaires and ultimately was analyzed with SPSS software. Results: Out of the total study population, 16.5% of individuals were found to be infected with Ascaris. Out of the individuals infected with Ascaris, 1% were underweight. In the age groups of 6-10, 11-15, 16-20 years, 3.5%, 5.1% and 3.5% were found to be suffering from malnutrition, respectively. Conclusion: Malabsorption in children might result in malnutrition. In this study, few individuals infected with Ascaris had malnutrition, thus Ascaris infection may not be an important cause of malnutrition among children in our area

Linear and non-linear simulation of joints contact surface using beam-like component

The joint modelling including non-linear effects needs accurate and precise study of their behaviors. When joints are under the dynamic loading, micro, macro- slip happens in contact surface which is non-linear reason of the joint contact surface. The non-linear effects of joint contact surface on total behavior of structure are measured by various criterions such as frequency response diagram and hysteresis loop. The objective of this research is first studying a two freedom degree system including non-linear component of hysterical valance to show its non-linear effects on structure behavior. Later, a non-linear contact model called beam-like component was simulated by ANSYS software was used amplitude to simulate joints contact surface of cantilever beam. Being linear or non-linear of this model was proved  by various criterions such as frequency response diagram, hysteresis loop, and energy dissipation diagram with excitation force. The results show acceptable accuracy and modelling precision.Keywords: micro-slip, non-linear joints, finite elements, beam-like componen

Role of histaminegic and calcium channels in the inhibitory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of matricaria recutita L. on isolated rabbit jejunum

Introduction: Considering the long traditional history of anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects of Matricria spices on the gastrointestinal system, the present study aimed to investigate the role of calcium channels and Histamine receptors in the inhibitory effects of hydroalcoholic dry extract of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) on the isolated rabbit jejunum. Methods: All experiments were done on the isolated jejunum of New Zealand rabbits (1.8-2.5 kg). Dry extract of aerial parts of M. recutita was obtained by the maceration technique. The study was performed on two groups (n=6 in each group). In the first group, the effects of cumulative concentrations of M. recutita (3×10-3-1×10-2 mg/ml) on normal and K+-induced contractions (50 mM) of isolated jejunum were studied. In the second group, the inhibitory role of M. recutita (3 – 13×10-3 mg/ml) was evaluated in the presence and absence of histamine and cetrizine. In the presence and absence of 10 μM certizine, a histamine H1-antagonist, a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of M. recutita extract in the range of 3-13×10-3 mg/ml was recorded the rabbit jejunum. Results: Results showed that EC50 of M. recutita in the absence and presence of K+ was 6.3×10-3 and 6.5×10- 3mg/ml, respectively. IC50 values for two concentrations of M. recutita (8×10-3 , 1×10-2 ) to abrogated contractive phase of Histamine was 9.55 × 10-6 and 1.57 × 10-6 μM. Cetrizine (10 μM) abolished inhibitory effects of M. recutita (IC50=3.6×10-3), (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Dry extract of matricaria recutita had inhibitory effects on the contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum. Calcium channels and histamine were involved in these antispasmodic effects

Seasonal effects on the corneoconjunctival microflora in a population of Persian cats in Iran

This study was performed to determine the normal seasonal aerobic and an-aerobic corneoconjunctival bacterial flora in cats. Thirty eyes of 15 clinically normal client-owned Persian cats were evaluated. All cats lived in a similar indoor/outdoor home environment being fed the same diet for the entire year. The cats did not receive any medications and were found to be clinically healthy 1 week prior to each microbial sampling. The cats were not exposed to other cats during the study period. Microbial samples were collected at the same time of day on the first day of the second month of each of the four seasons. During sample collection, a sterile swab was rolled over the corneoconjunctival surface avoiding contact with surrounding skin or hair. Immediately after sample collection, microbiologic aerobic and anaerobic cultures were initiated. Gram-positive bacteria were the most prevalent isolates. The most commonly isolated bacterial organisms across all seasons were Staphylococcus epidermidis (41/95; 43.2%), β-hemolytic streptococcus (18/95; 18.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (17/95; 17.9%), and Escherichia coli (11/95; 11.5%). Twenty-five cultures of a total of 120 (20.8%) were negative. One negative culture was collected in the summer, while 21 cultures were negative in fall and winter. Gram-positive bacteria were the predominant micro-organisms of the normal ocular surface of healthy cats in all seasons in this study. This result is in agreement with previous publications

Role of nitric oxide on the electrophysiological properties of isolated rabbit atrioventricular node by extracellular field potential during atrial fibrillation

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to determine direct effects of NO modulation on protective electrophysiological properties of atrioventricular node (AV node) in the experimental model of AF in rabbit. Methods: Isolated perfused rabbit AV nodal preparations were used in two groups. In the first group (N=7), LNAME (50μM) was applied. In the second group (N=12), different concentrations of L - argenine (250 μM - 5000 μM) were added to the solution. Programmed stimulation protocols were used to quantify AV nodal conduction time, refractoriness and zone of concealment. AF protocol was executed by software with coupling intervals (ranging from 75–125 msec). Results: L-NAME had depressive effects on basic AV nodal properties. L-Arginine (250μM) had direct inhibitory effects on nodal conduction time, Wenckebach and refractoriness. Significant increases in the number of concealed beats were induced by L-Arginine (500 μM). Number of concealed beats were increased from 700.7±33.7 to 763±21 msec (P<0.05). Trend of zone of concealment prolongation in a frequency-dependent model was abrogated by Larginine (250, 5000 μM). Conclusion: NO at low concentration (in the presence of L-NAME) had facilitatory role on AV nodal properties, but at high concentration (in the presence of L-arginine) enhanced protective role of AV node during AF. Biphasic modulatory role of NO may affect protective behavior of AV node during AF. © 2011, Iranian Society of Physiology and Pharmacology. All rights reserved

Responding to physical and psychological health impacts of disasters: Case study of the Iranian disaster rehabilitation plan Agir en réponse aux conséquences physiques et psychologiques des catastrophes naturelles: �tude de cas du plan de relèvement post-catastrophe en Iran

This paper describes the process of developing a national pre-disaster plan for physical health and psychological rehabilitation of disaster-stricken communities. Data gathered from a literature review and expert panel discussions informed the process of drawing up unified definitions of physical and psychological health rehabilitation, carrying out stakeholder and STEEP-V analyses, and assigning the responsible organization and the collaborative organizations for each task. The Ministry of Health and the Welfare Organization were selected as the two responsible organizations. Integrated management at all levels, and sharing information, education and funding, were identified as ways to improve stakeholders� participation and collaboration. A system is needed for evaluating the implementation of the disaster rehabilitation plan, using valid and reliable indicators. © 2016, World Health Organization. All rights reserved

Completed cohomology of Shimura curves and a p-adic Jacquet-Langlands correspondence

We study indefinite quaternion algebras over totally real fields F, and give an example of a cohomological construction of p-adic Jacquet-Langlands functoriality using completed cohomology. We also study the (tame) levels of p-adic automorphic forms on these quaternion algebras and give an analogue of Mazur's `level lowering' principle.Comment: Updated version. Contains some minor corrections compared to the published versio

A Generalized Modular Multilevel Current Source Inverter

This paper proposes a novel topology of multilevel current source inverter which is suitable to apply in low/medium voltage. The proposed topology is capable of producing desirable bidirectional output current levels. Furthermore, it can employ symmetrical DC current sources as well as asymmetrical ones which is a significant advantage. Asymmetrical mode makes it possible to generate a great number of output levels by appropriate selection of DC current source magnitude, needless to make changes in the hardware of the inverter. As a result, various methods are presented to compute the magnitude of needed DC current sources. In comparison to the conventional H-Bridge inverter (CHB), the proposed inverter has lessened the number of required DC current sources, switches as well as related gate driver circuits. The reduced number of required components has leads to cost and volume advantages. In addition, the control layout has become simpler. Reduction of power loss as a result of reduced number of on-state switches is the other merit of the proposed inverter. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed inverter, its simulation and experimental results are extracted including results of various methods of determining DC current source magnitude

Utilization of Fiber Obtained from Barley Malt Pulp as a Fat Substitute in the Production of Low Fat Mayonnaise

Introduction Introduction: Mayonnaise is one types of sauces that has always been loved and preferred by consumers because of its unique texture and taste. Sauce is a semi-solid or liquid food ingredients that consists of emulsifying edible vegetable oils (at least 66%) in a liquid phase including vinegar, water, lemon juice, and egg yolk (Bortnowska and Makiewiewicz, 2006). According to the National Standard of Iran (No. 2454), if the amount of fat in mayonnaise is reduced by at least 25% (from 66% of fat), it is considered reduced fat mayonnaise, and if it is reduced by 50% in fat, mayonnaise is considered low-fat. (National Standard of Iran 2454, 1394). Fibers are edible parts of plants or similar carbohydrates that cannot be absorbed in the gut and only irritate the gut. Dietary fiber contains polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, lignin and related plant materials. Dietary fiber intake can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, cancer and some gastrointestinal disorders. They can alter tissue properties, eliminate hydration, stabilize high-fat foods and emulsions, and improve shelf life (Zhang et al., 2017). Barley (Avena sativa L.) is an important crop with about 21 million tons annually production worldwide. The seed has been used to raise public awareness about the health benefits of beta-glucan, which helps lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Protein is the second most abundant element (12 to 20%) in barley after starch, which contains organic amino acids, due to its high lysine content because globulins make up 70 to 80% of total barley protein. Alcohol-soluble prolamins, on the other hand, are the main storage proteins in other cereals (Nito et al., 2015).   Materials and Methods  In this study, nitrate, ethanol, methanol, chloroform, ethylene glycol and acetic acid were prepared from Merck Company (Germany) and sunflower oil from Rana Company, vinegar from Somayeh Company, salt from Aali Company, sugar from Pardis Company, mustard from Bijan Company and Barley Malt Pulp was prepared from Behnoosh Company. Chemical extraction method was used to extract fiber. (Salehifar and Fadai Noghani, 2013). To prepare the mayonnaise samples, the powder ingredients including salt, mustard and sugar, vinegar and water were first mixed well and uniformly with a mixer (IKA WERK, Germany). Then, according to the formulation, the fiber extracted from barley malt pulp was gradually added to the above mixture, which was stirring, and the eggs were added to the mixture and mixed thoroughly to obtain a uniform composition. At this stage, the oil was added dropwise with continuous pouring. Finally, the samples of mayonnaise prepared were kept at refrigerator for further analysis. In all samples, the amount of sugar (11.5 g), white vinegar (23.1 g), eggs (39.45 g), salt (4.50 g), water (24.6 g) was constant (Bostani et al., 2011). In this study, in order to reduce the amount of oil, it was replaced with fiber extracted from barley malt pulp at five levels of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% (w / w).     Results and Discussion  The effect of replacing different percentages of fibers extracted from barley malt pulp with fat at levels (5, 10, 15 and 20%) on physicochemical properties (fat, fiber, ash, viscosity and colorimetry (L*) a*, b*) and sensory characteristics (taste, smell, color, texture and general acceptance) were determined using analysis of variance at 5% probability level. Various properties of low-fat mayonnaise showed that as the percentage of barley malt fiber increased, the amount of fat, radiance and yellowness in low-fat mayonnaise treatments (P 0.05) as well as protein content. In the treatments, which was statistically significant (P> 0.05), the results of sensory evaluation of mayonnaise samples showed that the addition of fiber extracted from barley malt pulp resulted in a significant reduction in taste, texture, color and the general acceptance of mayonnaise samples (P 0.05), so that the treatment containing 20% barley malt fiber had the lowest sensory score (taste). Smell, texture, color, acceptance k Li) and treatments containing 5 and 10% barley malt fiber received the highest sensory scores (taste, odor, texture, color, general acceptance) from the panelists.   Conclusion  According to the results, treatment 3 (containing 10% barley malt fiber) was introduced as the best treatment in the present study