Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among healthy blood donors in south‐east of Iran

This prospective cross-sectional study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of IgM and IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies and the associated risk factors among healthy blood donors in Kerman province, south-eastern Iran. Structured questionnaires (before the donors gave blood) were used to obtain information on risk factors for infection. Totally, 500 serum samples from healthy blood donors of Kerman Blood Transfusion Organization (KBTO) at Kerman, Iran, were screened for IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Roche Elecsys Toxo IgM assay. Real-time PCR was used to detect DNA of T. gondii in the IgM-positive samples. Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies was 28�8% and 3�2%, respectively. In the multiple logistic regression, it could be observed that living in rural regions, having B blood type, being in contact with cats, consuming raw vegetables and raw milk/egg and doing agricultural activities were independent risk factors for Toxoplasma seropositivity. T. gondii DNA was also found in one (9�0%) of IgM-positive samples. In this study, it was found that T. gondii infection was present among healthy blood donors in south-east of Iran. Therefore, it is suggested to design screening programmes for preventing transfusion-transmitted toxoplasmosi

The application of multiphase DEM for the prediction of fat, oil and grease (FOG) deposition in sewer pipe lines

Fat oil and grease (FOG) deposition into sewer pipes can block the pipes and restrict the wastewater flow causing backflows and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Understanding the wastewater flow and transport of FOG particles is a key step for predicting the particles deposition and blockage formation. ANSYS FLUENT was used for simulating the flow of FOG particles and its deposition onto the sewer pipe. The multiphase Eularian-Lagrangian model with discrete Phase method (DPM) was utilized for developing the CFD model. The kinetic parameters and physical values are based on previous experimental work and literature. The CFD Eularian-DEM multiphase model has shown a good potential for simulating the wastewater flow and demonstrated the applicability of CFD to simulate and track the transport and deposition of FOG particles into the sewer pipe walls

Correction to: Clopidogrel Pharmacogenetics in Iranian Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (Cardiovascular Toxicology, (2018), 10.1007/s12012-018-9459-x)

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a typo in the co-author name. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature

Development of a reactor for the in situ monitoring of 2D materials growth on liquid metal catalysts, using synchrotron x-ray scattering, Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopy

Liquid metal catalysts (LMCats) (e.g., molten copper) can provide a new mass-production method for two-dimensional materials (2DMs) (e.g., graphene) with significantly higher quality and speed and lower energy and material consumption. To reach such technological excellence, the physicochemical properties of LMCats and the growth mechanisms of 2DMs on LMCats should be investigated. Here, we report the development of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor which allows the investigation of ongoing chemical reactions on the surface of a molten metal at elevated temperatures and under reactive conditions. The surface of the molten metal is monitored simultaneously using synchrotron x-ray scattering, Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopy, thereby providing complementary information about the atomic structure and chemical state of the surface. To enable in situ characterization on a molten substrate at high temperatures (e.g., similar to 1370 K for copper), the optical and x-ray windows need to be protected from the evaporating LMCat, reaction products, and intense heat. This has been achieved by creating specific gas-flow patterns inside the reactor. The optimized design of the reactor has been achieved using multiphysics COMSOL simulations, which take into account the heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and transport of LMCat vapor inside the reactor. The setup has been successfully tested and is currently used to investigate the CVD growth of graphene on the surface of molten copper under pressures ranging from medium vacuum up to atmospheric pressure. Published under license by AIP Publishing.Quantum Matter and Optic

Real-time multiscale monitoring and tailoring of graphene growth on liquid copper

The synthesis of large, defect-free two-dimensional materials (2DMs) such as graphene is a major challenge toward industrial applications. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on liquid metal catalysts (LMCats) is a recently developed process for the fast synthesis of high-quality single crystals of 2DMs. However, up to now, the lack of in situ techniques enabling direct feedback on the growth has limited our understanding of the process dynamics and primarily led to empirical growth recipes. Thus, an in situ multiscale monitoring of the 2DMs structure, coupled with a real-time control of the growth parameters, is necessary for efficient synthesis. Here we report real-time monitoring of graphene growth on liquid copper (at 1370 K under atmospheric pressure CVD conditions) via four complementary in situ methods: synchrotron X-ray diffraction and reflectivity, Raman spectroscopy, and radiation-mode optical microscopy. This has allowed us to control graphene growth parameters such as shape, dispersion, and the hexagonal supra-organization with very high accuracy. Furthermore, the switch from continuous polycrystalline film to the growth of millimeter-sized defect-free single crystals could also be accomplished. The presented results have far-reaching consequences for studying and tailoring 2D material formation processes on LMCats under CVD growth conditions. Finally, the experimental observations are supported by multiscale modeling that has thrown light into the underlying mechanisms of graphene growth.Catalysis and Surface Chemistr

Influence of functionalization of terephthalate linker on the catalytic activity of UiO-66 for epoxide ring opening

[EN] A series of five isostructural zirconium terephthalate UiO-66 metal organic frameworks bearing different functional groups on the terephthalate linker (UiO-66-X; X = H, NH2, NO2, Br, Cl,) have been successfully prepared and characterized. UiO-66-X materials were evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts for the epoxide ring opening of styrene oxide by methanol, observing an increase in the initial reaction rate from UiO-66-H to UiO-66-Br, over one order of magnitude. The reactivity order, however, does not follow a linear relationship between the Hammett constant value of the substituent and the initial reaction rate. UiO-66-Br exhibits a wide scope, its activity depending on the structure of epoxide and nucleophile. The absence of Zr leaching to the solution together with the preservation of the UiO-66-X crystallinity confirms the stability of the framework under the reaction conditions. Nevertheless, UiO-66 undergoes a progressive deactivation upon reuse that was attributed to a strong adsorption of the reaction product.Financial support by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Severo Ochoa and CTQ2015-69153 and CTQ2014-53292-R and Generalitat Valenciana (Prometeo 2013/14) and is grateful acknowledged. We also thank EU under the Being Energy contract for partial funding. J.F.B. thanks the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia for a postgraduate scholarship. S.N. thanks the Spanish Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deporte for Jose Castillejo mobility programme (CAS14/00067).Blandez, JF.; Santiago-Portillo, A.; Navalón Oltra, S.; Gimenez Marques, M.; Alvaro Rodríguez, MM.; Horcajada, P.; García Gómez, H. (2016). Influence of functionalization of terephthalate linker on the catalytic activity of UiO-66 for epoxide ring opening. Journal of Molecular Catalysis A Chemical. 425:332-339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2016.10.022S33233942

Urinary tract infections in children after renal transplantation

Urinary tract infections (UTI) after pediatric kidney transplantation (KTX) are an important clinical problem and occur in 15–33% of patients. Febrile UTI, whether occurring in the transplanted kidney or the native kidney, should be differentiated from afebrile UTI. The latter may cause significant morbidity and is usually associated with acute graft dysfunction. Risk factors for (febrile) UTI include anatomical, functional, and demographic factors as well as baseline immunosuppression and foreign material, such as catheters and stents. Meticulous surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of UTI is important to minimize acute morbidity and compromise of long-term graft function. In febrile UTI, parenteral antibiotics are usually indicated, although controlled data are not available. As most data concerning UTI have been accumulated retrospectively, future prospective studies have to be performed to clarify pathogenetic mechanisms and risk factors, improve prophylaxis and treatment, and ultimately optimize long-term renal graft survival

Benign external hydrocephalus: a review, with emphasis on management

Benign external hydrocephalus in infants, characterized by macrocephaly and typical neuroimaging findings, is considered as a self-limiting condition and is therefore rarely treated. This review concerns all aspects of this condition: etiology, neuroimaging, symptoms and clinical findings, treatment, and outcome, with emphasis on management. The review is based on a systematic search in the Pubmed and Web of Science databases. The search covered various forms of hydrocephalus, extracerebral fluid, and macrocephaly. Studies reporting small children with idiopathic external hydrocephalus were included, mostly focusing on the studies reporting a long-term outcome. A total of 147 studies are included, the majority however with a limited methodological quality. Several theories regarding pathophysiology and various symptoms, signs, and clinical findings underscore the heterogeneity of the condition. Neuroimaging is important in the differentiation between external hydrocephalus and similar conditions. A transient delay of psychomotor development is commonly seen during childhood. A long-term outcome is scarcely reported, and the results are varying. Although most children with external hydrocephalus seem to do well both initially and in the long term, a substantial number of patients show temporary or permanent psychomotor delay. To verify that this truly is a benign condition, we suggest that future research on external hydrocephalus should focus on the long-term effects of surgical treatment as opposed to conservative management

Addressing global disparities in blood pressure control: perspectives of the International Society of Hypertension

Raised blood pressure (BP) is the leading cause of preventable death in the world. Yet, its global prevalence is increasing, and it remains poorly detected, treated, and controlled in both high- and low-resource settings. From the perspective of members of the International Society of Hypertension based in all regions, we reflect on the past, present, and future of hypertension care, highlighting key challenges and opportunities, which are often region-specific. We report that most countries failed to show sufficient improvements in BP control rates over the past three decades, with greater improvements mainly seen in some high-income countries, also reflected in substantial reductions in the burden of cardiovascular disease and deaths. Globally, there are significant inequities and disparities based on resources, sociodemographic environment, and race with subsequent disproportionate hypertension-related outcomes. Additional unique challenges in specific regions include conflict, wars, migration, unemployment, rapid urbanization, extremely limited funding, pollution, COVID-19-related restrictions and inequalities, obesity, and excessive salt and alcohol intake. Immediate action is needed to address suboptimal hypertension care and related disparities on a global scale. We propose a Global Hypertension Care Taskforce including multiple stakeholders and societies to identify and implement actions in reducing inequities, addressing social, commercial, and environmental determinants, and strengthening health systems implement a well-designed customized quality-of-care improvement framework

A cross sectional study on prevalence and etiology of syncope in Tehran

Recurrent syncope of obscure etiology, particularly in those with structural heart diseases, is associated with higher mortality rates. There are insufficient and conflicting data on prevalence and etiology of syncope in the urban Middle Eastern population. Evaluating the etiologic basis of syncope can be an effective step in prevention of morbidities and sudden cardiac death in susceptible populations. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and etiology of syncope in an outpatient cardiology clinic in Tehran the capital of Iran. In this cross sectional study data was collected from patients' records whose first visits were from March 2006 to September 2007 and had undergone thorough examination for syncope (ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography, Tilt table testing, Electrophysiological study). All efforts were done to determine underlying heart diseases, physical exam and test abnormalities, final diagnosis and treatment in all selected patients. Overall prevalence of syncope was estimated to be 9. The age-specific prevalence rates were 5-14 years: 4.14, 15-44 years: 44.8, 45-64 years: 31, 65 years and Older: 20. The most frequently identified cause (60) was neurally-mediated (vasovagal) syncope. Mean age of patients was 44.9 years with a minimum of 5 years and maximum of 85 years. In our study, coronary heart disease had a high prevalence among participants (12.4). Syncope is a common clinical problem. In this study prevalence rates peaked in 15-44 years age group. Considering that recurrent syncope is often disabling and may cause injury and the fact that heart diseases are more common in people affected by syncope, especial cautions should be taken while evaluating this group of patients. © 2013 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved