Identification of Immunotopes against Mycobacterium leprae as Immune Targets Using PhDTm- 12mer Phage Display Peptide Library

Purpose: To determine the surface epitopes of Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) and evaluate their efficacy in the production of anti-M. leprae antibodies in an animal model.Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 34 patients suffering from lepromatous leprosy. Antibodies were obtained from the samples, semi-purified and used to coat the wells of ELISA microplate, and M13 random-peptides library was added to the wells. After four rounds of panning, three clones were isolated and their peptide mimotopes were sequenced. Western blot was used to evaluate the interaction of the isolated mimotopes.Results: Three selective clones were tested by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot. anti-leprae antibodies in various dilutions and were found to be serological active. Sequencing of the isolated peptides showed identities between the two clones that were able to successfully induce anti-Leprae humoral response in mice.Conclusion: The findings indicate that the isolated peptides can potentially be used for early diagnosis. However, further research is required to improve their potency as new vaccines against leprosy.Keywords: Bacteriophage, Vaccine, Leprosy, Mycobacterium leprae, Random Peptide Phage Display Librar

Vertical Transmission of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) from Infected Pregnant Mothers to Neonates: A Review

Background: Since early December 2019, the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) infection has been prevalent in China and eventually spread to other countries. There are a few published cases of COVID-19 occurring during pregnancy and due the possibility of mother-fetal vertical transmission, there is a concern that the fetuses may be at risk of congenital COVID-19. Methods: We reviewed the risk of vertical transmission of COVID-19 to the fetus of infected mothers by using data of published articles or official websites up to March 4, 2020. Results: A total of 31 infected pregnant mothers with COVID-19 were reported. No COVID-19 infection was detected in their neonates or placentas. Two mothers died from COVID-19-related respiratory complications after delivery. Conclusions: Currently, based on limited data, there is no evidence for intrauterine transmission of COVID-19 from infected pregnant women to their fetuses. Mothers may be at increased risk for more severe respiratory complications. © 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Random walk forecast of urban water in Iran under uncertainty

There are two significant reasons for the uncertainties of water demand. On one hand, an evolving technological world is plagued with accelerated change in lifestyles and consumption patterns; and on the other hand, intensifying climate change. Therefore, with an uncertain future, what enables policymakers to define the state of water resources, which are affected by withdrawals and demands? Through a case study based on thirteen years of observation data in the Zayandeh Rud River basin in Isfahan province located in Iran, this paper forecasts a wide range of urban water demand possibilities in order to create a portfolio of plans which could be utilized by different water managers. A comparison and contrast of two existing methods are discussed, demonstrating the Random Walk Methodology, which will be referred to as the â On uncertainty pathâ , because it takes the uncertainties into account and can be recommended to managers. This On Uncertainty Path is composed of both dynamic forecasting method and system simulation. The outcomes show the advantage of such methods particularly for places that climate change will aggravate their water scarcity, such as Iran

Contributing Factors to BMI Decrease in Women undergoing Weight Loss Program

Abstract: Background & Aims: One of the problems hindering people’s success in losing weight is their lack of knowledge about the limitations they face. The aim of this research was to investigate the contributing factors to BMI decrease in women referring to the clinic for weight reduction programs. Method: In this cross-sectional study, the medical files of 100 women (18-65 years old) with BMI>23, being at least 3 months under weight reduction programs, were observed. Data related to their anthropometric statue, demographic features, physical activity and some other features were recorded into four designed questionnaires. Data were analyzed by using paired t-test, One-way ANOVA, Chi-square and logistic regression and considering P<0.05 as the statistically significant level. Results: In women who had the highest rate of BMI decrease, reducing fat consumption (77%) and also consumption of starchy, sweet foods (74%) were the main reasons of weight loss success. Meanwhile, women with weight loss ≥10%, stated that the strategy of reducing food volume (43.8%) and substitution of fruits & vegetables in their diets (81.2%) had been main reasons of weight loss success. The most important obstacles in weight reduction program were respectively the difficulty of bearing a low-calorie diet (42%), dissatisfaction of husbands & families (33%) and medical problems (27%). There was an indirect relation between educational level and fatness (P=0.005) and a direct relation between age & fatness (P=0.004). The most efficient motives of weight loss were beauty reasons in women younger than 45 and physicians advice in women over 45 years. There was no significant relationship between physical activity and BMI decrease (r=0.08, P=0.93). Conclusion: Nutritionists advice for avoiding high-fat foods and suggesting appropriate substitutes to people before starting weight loss program is essential. Difficulty of tolerating low-calorie diets necessitates nutritionists attempt to introduce appropriate weight loss diets. Keywords: BMI, Weight reduction die

Improved dynamic performance of wind energy conversion system by UPFC

There is a continuously growing demand for wind power generation capacity. This situation forces the revision of the grid codes requirements, to remain connected during grid faults, i.e., to ride through the faults, and contribute to system stability during fault condition. In a typical fault condition, the voltage at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) drops below 80% immediately and the rotor speed of induction generators becomes unstable. In this paper, Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) is used to improve the low voltage ride- through (LVRT) of wind energy conversion system (WECS) and to damp the rotor speed oscillations of induction generator under fault conditions. By controlling the UPFC as a virtual inductor, we aims to increase the voltage at the terminals of the wind energy conversion system (WECS) and thereby mitigate the destabilizing electrical torque and power during the fault. The WECS is considered as a fixed-speed system, equipped with a squirrel-cage induction generator. The simulation results show that UPFC can improve the LVRT and rotor stability of the WECS

Green-wood flooring adhesives

The protection of human health and nature is becoming increasingly important. Because of this reason, the non-toxic adhesives used for wood flooring became more important. Green adhesives used in wood flooring based on green building, eco-design, and sustainability principles are examined in this book chapter. Green buildings can provide a superior indoor environment. In order to improve indoor air quality, adhesives used in wood flooring must have low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Today, most of the adhesives are prepared from petroleum-based polymers however, these adhesives forms release formaldehyde and VOC emission. Increased environmental awareness led to the search for healthy adhesive alternatives with low emission values. Research centers have therefore sought to discover healthy adhesives by working on mostly bio-based adhesives. This book chapter discusses synthetic or renewable adhesive systems that can replace formaldehyde based adhesives. In this study, recent researches about wood flooring adhesive made in recent years are included.No sponso