Simulation of the Hydraulic Performance of Parallel Pivot Weirs with Different Angles

Pivot weirs are one of the most important structures for regulating the water level in rivers and canals. These weirs are constructed with one or more gates in a row in the waterways. Changing the angle of each gate is done individually with an independent system. Based on available information, the hydraulic performance of this type of weirs (especially in several gates and different angles) in different operational conditions has not been investigated. In present study, pivot weirs with two gates are simulated using Ansys CFX software with the angles of 27.8 to 90 degree and the discharges between 40 to 130 L/s. Further, the importance of the open space between the two adjacent weirs with different angles (lack of retail wall) and its hydraulic behavior have been studied. The model was calibrated based on valid laboratory data and using the K-ϵ turbulence model.  Therefore, the weirs with equal angles were studied in the first step. In this case, the effective discharge angle coefficient was studied and its maximum value compared to the vertical angle was obtained 1.076 for the angle of 52°. Furthermore, relationships for discharge coefficient versus upstream water depth were developed. In the next step, the effective length of the crest was found to be increases by 30% under unequal angles operation and the discharge coefficient raised by 1.3 to 2.4 times. Also, it was recognized that, in case of two weirs with unequal angles, about 26% to 69% of the flow passes through the distance between the two weirs. Therefore, the performance of unequal angles operation seems to be more effective in controlling the water level and discharge in different conditions and especially in flood events

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to urolithiasis: a meta-regression and meta-analysis

Background: The currently available data with respect to the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and risk to urolithiasis are inconclusive and inconsistent. Hence, an exhaustive meta-analysis can solve the discrepancies and provide a hint for upcoming investigations. Herein, a meta-analysis was carried out to attain a conclusive estimate of the association between VDR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and urolithiasis risk. Methods: The major databases, including ISI Web of science, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE were searched systematically from until June 2020 to retrieve all relevant studies. Association between VDR gene polymorphisms, including FokI (rs2228570), TaqI (rs731236), BsmI (rs1544410), and ApaI (rs7975232), and urolithiasis risk was evaluated using pooled odds ratio (OR) and their corresponding 95 confidence interval (CI). Additionally, to seek for the potential source of heterogeneity, meta-regression analyses were exerted. Results: Literature search led to finally finding of 33 studies evaluating the VDR gene SNPs and urolithiasis risk. It was observed that none of the four SNPs were significantly associated with urolithiasis predisposition. However, subgroup analysis confirmed higher risk of urolithiasis in East-Asian and Caucasian population with ApaI and TaqI gene polymorphism. The analyses of sensitivity acknowledged the results stability. Conclusion: Although this meta-analysis did not support the association of FokI, TaqI, BsmI, and ApaI in the overall polled analysis, it suggests that ApaI and TaqI SNPs is associated with increased risk of urolithiasis in East-Asian and Caucasians populations. © 2020 The Author(s)

Effect of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Training based on Continues Care Model on Empowerment and Cardiovascular Indices in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)

Aims: Usually, patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) are left in the community after discharge and their care is not controlled. One of the most important measures for the effectiveness of heart surgery and decease its complications is cardiac rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a cardiac rehabilitation program training based on continues care model on empowerment and cardiovascular indices in patients with ischemic heart disease. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 70 patients with IHD, who were hospitalized and discharged in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Vasei Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran in 2017, were selected based on the available sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups of control (N=35) and intervention (N=35). The data collection tool was a three-part questionnaire including demographic characteristics, checklist for recording the hemodynamic variables, and empowerment questionnaire. Patients' empowerment and cardiovascular indices were assessed before and after the implementation of the cardiac rehabilitation program based on continues care model. The data were analyzed by SPSS 22, using independent t-test, and Chi-square test. Findings: After the intervention, the mean score of empowerment was significantly different between the two groups (p=0.03). Also, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol and blood glucose levels were significantly different in the two groups after the intervention (p<0.05). Conclusion: The cardiac rehabilitation program training based on continues care model is effective in empowerment and cardiovascular indices in patients with ischemic heart disease

Systematic review and meta-analytic findings on the association between killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis

Several studies have evaluated the association between killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) genes and susceptibility risk to tuberculosis (TB) infection. Nonetheless, their outcomes have not been conclusive and consistent. Here we implemented a systematic review and meta-analysis of KIR genes association to susceptibility risk of pulmonary TB (PTB) infection to attain a clear understanding of the involvement of these genes in susceptibility to PTB infection. A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases to find case-control studies published before November 2020. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95 confidence interval (95 CI) were calculated to determine the association between KIR genes and risk of PTB infection. After comprehensive searching and implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. Four KIR genes were found to have significant positive association with PTB susceptibility risk of infection, including 2DL3 (OR = 1.454, 95 CI = 1.157�1.827; P = 0.001), 2DS1 (OR = 1.481, 95 CI = 1.334�1.837; P < 0.001), 2DS4 (OR = 1.782, 95 CI = 1.273�2.495; P = 0.001) and 3DL1 (OR = 1.726, 95 CI = 1.277�2.333; P < 0.001). However, the results showed that the remaining KIR genes (2DS2-4, 2DL1, 2, 4, 3DL1-2) and two pseudogenes (2DP1 and 3DP1) did not have significant associations with risk of PTB infection. This meta-analysis provides reliable evidence that the KIR genes 2DL3, 2DS1, 2DS4, and 3DL1 may be associated with an increased risk of PTB infection. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Multi-facets of neutrophil extracellular trap in infectious diseases: Moving beyond immunity

peer reviewedNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of extracellular chromosomal DNA fibers, histones, and cytoplasmic granule proteins. The release of NET components from neutrophils is involved in the suppression of pathogen diffusion. Development of NETs around target microbes leads to disruption of the cell membrane, eventuating in kind of cell death that is called as NETosis. The very first step in the process of NETosis is activation of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase upon signaling by innate immune receptors. Afterwards, produced Reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger protein-arginine deiminase type 4, neutrophil elastase, and myeloperoxidase to generate decondensed chromatin and disrupted integrity of nuclear membrane. Subsequently, decondensed chromatin is mixed with several enzymes in the cytoplasm released from granules, leading to release of DNA and histones, and finally formation of NET. Several reports have indicated that NETosis might contribute to the immune responses through limiting the dissemination of microbial organisms. In this review, we discuss recent advances on the role of neutrophils, NETs, and their implications in the pathogenesis of microbial infections. Additionally, the prospective of the NET modulation as a therapeutic strategy to treat infectious diseases are clarified. © 2021 Elsevier Lt