The Limitations of Equivalent Linear Site Response Analysis Considering Soil Nonlinearity Properties

Seismic site effect has been a major issue in the field of earthquake engineering due to the large local amplification of the seismic motion. This paper presents the importance of an appropriate soil behavior model to simulate earthquake site response and gives a critical overview of the field of site response analysis. Some of the well known site response analysis methods are summarized and discussed. The objective of this paper is to investigate the influences of nonlinearity on the site response analysis by means of a more precise numerical model. In this respect, site responses of four different types of one layered soil deposit, based on various shear wave velocities, with the assumption of linear and rigid base bedrock, were analyzed by using the equivalent linear and fully nonlinear approaches. Nonlinear analyses’ results were compared with those of the linear method and the similarities and differences are discussed. As a result, it is concluded that, in the case of nonlinearity of soil under strong ground motions, 1-D equivalent linear modeling overestimates the amplification patterns in terms of absolute amplification level, and cannot correctly account for resonant frequencies and hysteric soil behavior. Hence more practical and appropriate numerical techniques for ground response analysis should be surveyed

The effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the reduction of IBD complications, a periodic review during 2009–2020

Aims: To perform a systematic review on randomized controlled trials to examine the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in the treatment of IBD. Methods and Results: PubMed, Web of science, Scopus and Google Scholar were systematically searched from January 2009 to January 2020 using the following keywords: ‘Inflammatory Bowel Disease’, ‘Probiotics’ and ‘Clinical trial’. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24.0. A total of 1832 articles were found during the initial search and 21 clinical trials were eligible. Studies comparing the effects of probiotics and placebo among patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) showed a significant difference in clinical outcomes. Moreover, probiotics improved the overall induction of remission rates among patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Probiotics significantly decreased the IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8 levels. Also, the need for systemic steroids, hospitalization, surgery, as well as histological score and disease activity index significantly decreased in patients who used probiotic or pro-/synbiotics. Conclusions: The use of probiotics, as food supplements, can induce anti-inflammatory reactions, balance the intestinal homeostasis and induce remission in IBD. The efficacy of probiotics on remission induction is more reported in UC rather than CD. Larger well-designed clinical trials are needed to further determine whether probiotics are of clear benefits for remission in IBD. © 2020 The Society for Applied Microbiolog

The relation between size and parasite load in the Molly fish (Poecilia latipinna) of Jarghoyeh qanat, Isfahan Iran

A total of 30 Molly fish with an average weight and length of 1.5, and 5.5 cm were collected from Jarghoyeh qanat of Isfahan province 2013. Different organs of the fish including eyes, skin, gills and intestines were examined. The results showed that 36.6% and 100% were infected by Costia and while all were infected by Ich parasite. The results did not show any correlation between fish weight and Costia load However there was positive correlation between fish weight and Ich parasite loadin thegills

The effects of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics on the reduction of IBD complications, a periodic review during 2009�2020

Aims: To perform a systematic review on randomized controlled trials to examine the efficacy of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in the treatment of IBD. Methods and Results: PubMed, Web of science, Scopus and Google Scholar were systematically searched from January 2009 to January 2020 using the following keywords: �Inflammatory Bowel Disease�, �Probiotics� and �Clinical trial�. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24.0. A total of 1832 articles were found during the initial search and 21 clinical trials were eligible. Studies comparing the effects of probiotics and placebo among patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) showed a significant difference in clinical outcomes. Moreover, probiotics improved the overall induction of remission rates among patients with Crohn�s disease (CD). Probiotics significantly decreased the IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8 levels. Also, the need for systemic steroids, hospitalization, surgery, as well as histological score and disease activity index significantly decreased in patients who used probiotic or pro-/synbiotics. Conclusions: The use of probiotics, as food supplements, can induce anti-inflammatory reactions, balance the intestinal homeostasis and induce remission in IBD. The efficacy of probiotics on remission induction is more reported in UC rather than CD. Larger well-designed clinical trials are needed to further determine whether probiotics are of clear benefits for remission in IBD. © 2020 The Society for Applied Microbiolog

miR-455-5p downregulation promotes inflammation pathways in the relapse phase of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis disease

MicroRNA-455-5p (miR-455-5p) seems to have an anti-inflammatory role in the immune system since its expression is induced by IL-10 cytokine. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that is caused by an autoimmune inflammatory attack against the myelin insulation of neurons. The expression level of miR-455-5p and its role in MS pathogenesis has yet to be elucidated. We found that miR-455-5p expression was highly correlated with disease severity in MS patients. miR-455-5p expression inversely correlates with its inflammatory-predicted targets (MyD88 and REL) in relapse- and remitting-phase patients. Luciferase assays confirm that MyD88 and REL are direct targets of miR-455-5p. This study represents the first report of the miR-455-5p acts as an anti-inflammatory role in MS, at least partially through targeting MyD88 and REL. This study may provide important information for the use of miR-455-5p as a novel strategy to improve the severity of disease and control inflammation and attack in MS patients. © 2018, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature

The survey statistical and biological of sturgeon in the southern Caspian Sea (Mazandaran waters)

This study have been conducted entitle biological and statistical sturgeon in the southern Caspian Sea (Mazandaran waters)” from 2009 to 2013. Sampling was manthly. Overal, 1859 specimens of different species of sturgeon was caught including Acipenserpersicus (69%), A. stellatus (19%), Husohuso (6%), A. nudiventris (4%) and A. guldenstaedtii (2%). Totally, the meat and caviar of five species were found 53263.6 kg and 5633 kg respectively and caviar to meat ratio was 10.6%. The results show that ration of meat and caviar whole species reduced from 2009 to 2012 in which the meat and caviar of A. persicus was declined from 12146 to 4465 kg in meat and caviar from 1358 to 487 kg were extremely reduced respectively. The CPUE (catch per unit effort) of sturgeon has fluctuated from 2009 to 2012. Totally, the CPUE of A. persicus was decreased from 0.150 (2009) to 0.130 (2012) kg boat per day, A. stellatue from 0.009 (2009) to 0.021 (2012) kg boat/day, A. guldenstaedtii from 0.002 (2009) to 0.003 (2012) kg boat/day, A. nudiventris from 0.027 (2009) to 0.001 (2012) kg boat/day and H. huso from 0.123 (2009) to 0.018 (2012) kg boat /day. 1061 specimens of fish has been caviar including A. persicus with 69%, A. stellatus (18.1%), H. huso (5.5%), A. guldenstaedtii (2.7%). The frequency of caviar categorize was included 1 , 2, 3 and massive with 49.6%, 38%), 10.6% and 1.9%, respectively. The highest of meat and caviar belong to A. persicus with 31414 kg and 3515.7 kg, respectively were found and the lowest was 841kg and 105.9 kg pertain to A. guldenstaedtii. The results show that 65.9% of sturgeon was caught by legal catch (landing) and 34.1% by beach seine remained. 391 individuals was age determined that the minimum and maximum age was 9 and 41 year comprised to H.huso and A. stellatus, respectively. A. persicus and A. stellatus were majority caught compare to other species. A. persicus has the highest frequency in 14-15 year age groups with 50% and 57% in 2009 and 2011, respectively and 15-16 year age group with 41% and 56% in 2010 and 2012, respectively. The results show that mean of fork length, body weight, caviar weight of A. persicus was declined because the FL and weight average (±SD) obtained from 152.4±16.7cm and 25.8±9.2 kg in 2009 to 146.5± 18.7cm and 22.1±9.2kg in 2012, respectively. In contrast, the average (±SD) FL and weight of H. huso was increased from 218.8±41.1cm and 137.3±96.6kg in 2009 to 231.3±45.2cm in FL and 146.2±78.5kg body weight in 2012, respectively. Consequently, the results show that stocks of sturgeon in the Caspian Sea has a trend declined because of some species in IUCN categorize list was Endangered in 2006 but at this moment lie in Critically Endangered list of IUCN categorize were down which could be a serious alarm for the valuable sturgeon fish in the Caspian Sea. Therefore, recommendation that trade catch of sturgeon in the Caspian Sea must be forbidden and continue legal catch for spawner fish that needede to artificial propagation only

Echinococcosis/Hydatidosis in Ilam Province, Western Iran

Background: Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease of global prevalence. It causes considerable health problems and economic losses throughout the world, including Iran. The objective of this study was to assess the current status of echinococcosis/hydatidosis in the province of Ilam (western Iran). Methods: From April to September 2011, 65 stray dogs were collected from urban and rural areas of Ilam City. Parasites were isolated from the dogs and stained with carmine. A taxonomic study was carried out by measuring different parts of helminths. Meat inspection documents from slaughterhouses in Ilam were used to assess the prevalence of hydatidosis during a 3-year period in sheep, cattle, and goats. ELISA test was used to detect the presence of antibodies to hydatidosis in human sera. Clinical records from 2000 to 2010 of either treated or diagnosed patients from public hospitals of this province were reviewed. Results: The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in stray dogs was 9. A total of 81,726 animals were assessed for hydatidosis; 2.94 (2403 cases) had liver hydatidosis and 2.34 (1918 cases) had lung hydatidosis. Within a 10-year period, 140 patients (91 females and 49 males) were treated for hydatidosis. Of 1200 human sera, 2.25 (27 patients) were seropositive for hydatidosis. Conclusion: Hydatidosis is endemic in Ilam Province especially in rural area. The health and economic losses caused by the disease are significant; thus, our efforts need to be focused on the control of this disease

Effects of Meperidine on Pain Intensity and Accuracy of Clinical Diagnosis in Patients with Acute Abdominal Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of Meperidine (Pethedine(R)) on pain intensity, clinical findings, final diagnosis and management of patients with acute abdominal pain. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial including 100 patients, with lower abdominal pain lasting for less than 48 hours who were referred to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini hospital affiliated with Ilam University of Medical Sciences, over a period of 11 months. Hemodynamically unstable patients were not included in the study. The baseline pain severity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients were randomly assigned to receive 25 mg of intramuscular Meperidine (Pethedine(R)) (n=50) or 5 mL of intravenous normal saline as placebo intravenously (n=50). After 1-hour the patients were then re-examined and the pain severity was re-assessed and the clinical diagnosis was recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two study groups regarding the baseline characteristics. The mean pain score on arrival was comparable between groups (6.80 +/- 1.6 vs. 6.81 +/- 1.2; p=0.956). The abdominal tenderness was not affected in Meperidine group. Rebound tenderness disappeared in 4 of the Meperidine group and in 2 of the placebo group. Nausea was decreased in 14 of the Meperidine group and 32 of the placebo group. Changes in the clinical pattern and diagnostic peritoneal signs in patients were negligible and did not significantly interfere with the diagnosis (p=0.133). Diagnostic accuracy was 96 in the Meperidine group and 98 in placebo group, which was not significantly different (p=0.554). CONCLUSION: Administration of Meperidine reduces pain intensity in patients with acute abdominal pain without interference with the clinical diagnosis. Thus analgesics could be safely administered to the patients with acute abdominal pain for increasing the patients comfort

Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance and correlation with cagA motifs and homB gene

Objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection caused by antibiotic-resistant strains represents a major public health threat that aggressively promotes gastric cancer progression. Antibiotic resistance evaluation is immensely important to counteract its emergence. Here we merely determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori isolates and its correlation with cagA motifs and the homB gene. Methods: The antibiotic resistance pattern was investigated on 128 H. pylori isolated strains utilizing the disk diffusion method and study the correlation between it and the presence of pathogenic genes, cagA EPIYA motifs and homB gene, were accurately detected using the PCR. Results: The resistance rates to four antibiotics were 70.1 for metronidazole, 35.5 for amoxicillin, 7.2 for clarithromycin and 8.2 for tetracycline. Resistance phenotypes were separated into two groups, single resistance (63.2) and multi-resistance (12.5). The prevalence of cagA-ABCC resistant strains and homB(+) resistant strains was significantly higher in cancer (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively) than those of other diseases. The prevalence of cagA-homB(+) resistance strains was 21.8 and had a significant correlation with PUD. A significant relationship was observed between amoxicillin resistant rate with ABC-homB (p = 0.0006). Conclusion: The Resistance rate to selected antibiotics in Shiraz is higher than years ago. The presence of cagA-homB(+) is associated with antibiotic resistance and also homB can be used as a marker to antibiotic resistance status prediction in H. pylori isolated in this area