Optimization of Aflatoxin B1 Aptasensing

Combination of aptamers with DNAzymes attracted intense attention for development of DNA-based biosensors for detection of mycotoxins. In the present study a combination of aflatoxin B1 specific aptamer and HRP- (horseradish peroxidase-) mimicking DNAzyme was optimized for detecting aflatoxin B1. Detecting approach is based on the binding affinity of aflatoxin B1 to its specific aptamer and conversion of substrate to a detectable colorimetric signal by a linked DNAzyme. Compared to conventional methods for aflatoxin B1 detection, DNA-based assay has the advantages of low cost, long-term stability, and rapid, simple, and user-friendly steps

A review of the etiology and biomarkers of pancreatic cancer, with emphasis on the role of diabetes: review article

Cancer is the major cause of death in the world and the rate of mortality is higher in developed countries. Therefore, lifestyle could be effective in promoting the cancer. The pancreatic tumors, are 8th cause of mortality due to cancer, which have several types, among them ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common and includes 85% of cases. Since, it is almost impossible to diagnosis the tumor in early stages of the disease, it contributes to high rates of mortality, although if it diagnosis in early stage and the surgery performed for them only 10-20% of patients will be survived. Metastasis occurs when the tumor is smaller than 2 cm in size and because the pancreas is located in the depth of abdomen, typically, it happens after tumor is spread to other organs. A combination of medical imaging, blood tests, and examination of tissue samples are usually made for diagnosis and based on the cancer stage, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are chosen as treatment options. Some rare genetic variations can cause pancreatic cancer and about 5-10% of cases are linked to inherited genes. However, major risk factors are including age, obesity, tobacco smoking and diabetes. Smoking counts for about 25% of cases, and the diabetes is the main symptoms of pancreatic cancer, which observed in about 80% of cases. But, it is still unclear whether diabetes is a predisposing factor in pancreatic cancer, or the outcome of tumor progression. Recent studies have shown that, diabetes is unique in pancreatic cancer which is not related to common types. Currently, CA 19-9 is the only reliable tumor marker for pancreatic cancer that its frequency also increases in non-bad conditions, such as pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice, so is not sensitive and specific enough for diagnosis of this cancer. Due to researches continue to find more specific markers. In this review the etiology of pancreatic cancer, diabetes associated with this type of cancer and significant biomarkers for diagnosis will be considered

Managing underground legal boundaries in 3D - extending the CityGML standard

Legal boundaries are used for delineating the spatial extent of ownership property’s spaces. In underground environments, these boundaries are defined by referencing physical objects, surveying measurements, or projections. However, there is a gap in connecting and managing these boundaries and underground legal spaces, due to a lack of data model. A 3D data model supporting underground land administration (ULA) should define and model these boundaries and the relationships between them and underground ownership spaces. Prominent 3D data models can be enriched to model underground legal boundaries. This research aims to propose a new taxonomy of underground legal boundaries and model them by extending CityGML, which is a widely used 3D data model in the geospatial science domain. We developed, implemented, and tested the model for different types of underground legal boundaries. The implemented prototype showcased the potential benefits of CityGML for managing underground legal boundaries in 3D. The proposed 3D underground model can be used to address current challenges associated with communicating and managing legal boundaries in underground environments. While this data model was specifically developed for Victoria, Australia, the proposed model and approach can be used and replicated in other jurisdictions by adjusting the data requirements for underground legal boundaries

Underground Land Administration from 2D to 3D: Critical Challenges and Future Research Directions

The development and use of underground space is a necessity for most cities in response to rapid urbanisation. Effective underground land administration is critical for sustainable urban development. From a land administration perspective, the ownership extent of underground assets is essential for planning and managing underground areas. In some jurisdictions, physical structures (e.g., walls, ceilings, and utilities) are also necessary to delineate the ownership extent of underground assets. The current practice of underground land administration focuses on the ownership of underground space and mostly relies on 2D survey plans. This inefficient and fragmented 2D-based underground data management and communication results in several issues including boundary disputes, underground strikes, delays and disruptions in projects, economic losses, and urban planning issues. This study provides a review of underground land administration from three common aspects: legal, institutional, and technical. A range of important challenges have been identified based on the current research and practice. To address these challenges, the authors of this study propose a new framework for 3D underground land administration. The proposed framework outlines the future research directions to upgrade underground land administration using integrated 3D digital approaches

Identification and prioritization genes related to Hypercholesterolemia QTLs using gene ontology and protein interaction networks

Gene identification represents the first step to a better understanding of the physiological role of the underlying protein and disease pathways, which in turn serves as a starting point for developing therapeutic interventions. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a hereditary metabolic disorder characterized by high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolemia is a quantitative trait that is controlled by interactions among several quantitative trait loci. Many biological data is presented in the context of biological networks and evaluation of biological networks is considered as the essential key to understanding complex biological systems. In this research, we used combination of information about quantitative trait loci of hypercholesterolemia with information of gene ontology and protein–protein interaction network for identification of genes associated with hypercholesterolemia. For this disease, we introduced 16 new genes which were in quantitative trait loci regions and were associated with the hypercholesterolemia disease in terms of gene ontology characteristics

Analyzing the Driving Affecting Factors on Investment Efficiency on IT Projects

ABSTRACT The purpose of writing this paper is to identify, analyze and categorize the driving affecting factors on IT investment efficiency. For the purpose, 2 separated questionnaires by the same main questions were designed. The driving affecting factors include "overall questionnaire", "intangible variables", "financial requirements", "nonfinancial requirements", "strategic requirements", "tactical requirements" and "operational requirements". The results of applying Chi-Square test show that there are positive and meaningful correlations between the variables above and investment efficiency on IT. Also Binomial test was used to survey the variables levels in which all of them were placed in favorable levels. Finally the results of utilizing fuzzy TOPSIS technique show that "work time", "job enrichment" and "competitive advantages" were selected as the most important sub criteria

Development of an LADM-based conceptual data model for 3D underground land administration in Victoria

Currently, many cities around the world use underground space for different applications such as tunnels, utility networks, parking, walkways, and shopping malls. Due to the increasing use of underground areas, management of this space is very important for decision-makers and stakeholders. A 3D Underground Land Administration (ULA) data model has an underpinning role in the management of spatial and semantic information of underground physical structures (physical aspects) as well as the ownership attributes and the extent of legal spaces in underground (legal aspects). Current data models focus on either physical or legal aspects and are mostly based on 2D approaches. The Land Administration Domain Model (LADM), as an ISO standard (ISO 19152), is a prominent legal 3D model adopted for land administration. Several studies and countries have used this data model for land administration purposes. However, LADM has not been fully implemented for modelling underground assets. In addition, it does not consider the physical aspects of underground objects. Physical structures have significant roles in defining the ownership extent of underground assets in some jurisdictions such as Victoria, Australia. On the other hand, LADM-based data models developed by different studies are based on the current requirements and legislative of different jurisdictions. Although these solutions can be helpful, a comprehensive underground data model customised for Victoria is needed. This research aims to develop an LADM-based conceptual data model for 3D ULA to enable integrated management of underground assets by interlinking legal and physical aspects. It is based on the requirements and legislative of Victoria jurisdiction. These requirements include underground legal objects and boundaries and underground physical objects. The data model developed in this study is one of the first and crucial steps to enable 3D digital management of underground rights, restrictions and responsibilities (RRRs) in Victoria

The interleukin 28B gene polymorphism, rs8099917, in patients with chronic hepatitis C and response to the treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

Background: The present study aimed to determine the frequency of the IL28B polymorphism rs8099917 in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treated with pegylated-interferon-α2b (PEG-IFN-α2b) and ribavirin (RBV) and its treatment outcome. Materials and Methods: The IL28B rs8099917 genotypes were determined among 100 HCV-infected patients and the viral load was also estimated. PEG-IFN-α2b and RBV combination were administrated to the patients for 48 weeks and the treatment outcome was defined. Results: Sixty-seven (67%), 27 (27%), and 6 (6%) of 100 patients were determined as TT, GT, and GG genotype, respectively. The response rate to treatment was significantly higher in patients with TT genotype. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, patients with IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype achieve higher sustained virological response than the GT and GG genotypes. Thus, when there are no alternatives, treatment with PEG-IFN-α2b and RBV combination can be suggested in patients with IL28B TT genotype