Favorable Plug Shape of an Aerospike Nozzle in Design, Over and Under Expansion Conditions

The influence of the plug shape on the performance of an aerospike nozzle thrust force is studied in different back pressure conditions. To generate smooth plug contours, Cubic B-Spline technique is employed. In the current research, basis functions are obtained using Deboor’s relation. The flow field around the aerospike nozzle is investigated implementing various shapes and the best of the generated configurations is determined. The flow field is simulated using Navier-Stokes equations and k-ε turbulence model. A triangle unstructured grid is applied for discretization of the governing equations. The computational methodology utilizes steady state density-based formulation and a finite volume cell centered scheme is used to discretize the flow field equations. To accelerate the solution convergence, the flow field is divided into several zones and appropriate initial condition is assigned to each zone. Six different shapes of the plug are generated and the effect of the spike shape on the formation of the shock wave and expansion waves is investigated in each case. The thrust force is calculated for each case and the best configuration is determined in terms of the maximum thrust generation. Eventually, the temperature distribution is calculated along the nozzle for further investigations and it is concluded that the best configurations show a lower temperature rise compared to other designs

Is there any putative mediatory role of inflammatory markers on the association between ultra-processed foods and resting metabolic rate?

The resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents the largest component of total daily energy expenditure. The sale of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is increasing globally; however, UPF can have many adverse effects, including increasing inflammatory markers and altering RMRs. This cross-sectional study included 285 healthy overweight and obese women. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer InBody 770 scanner. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), plasminogen activator-1 (PAI-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) blood levels were measured after a 12-h fasting. Indirect calorimetry was used to evaluate the RMR by using the Weir equation, and RMR deviation (RMR estimated - RMR actual), RMR per body mass index (BMI), and free fat mass (FFM) were estimated. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used, and seven groups of UPFs were extracted based on the NOVA method. A negative association between the RMR [β = −0.159, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.471, −0.052, P = 0.044], RMR per BMI (β = −0.014, 95% CI: −0.025, −0.006, P = 0.036), and RMR per FFM (β = −0.241, 95% CI: −0.006, −0.000, P = 0.041) using the NOVA score was observed after adjusting for confounders. This association disappeared after inclusion of each inflammatory marker. All the markers may inversely mediate the relationship between the mentioned variables and the NOVA score. hs-CRP and MCP-1 also had a negative effect on the relationship between the NOVA score and RMR deviation. Finally, UPF intake is likely related with the RMR, mediated through changes in the production of hs-CRP, PAI-1, MCP-1, and IL-1β

Cytoxicity of root canal antiseptics used in dental practice on L929 fibroblasts: calcium hydroxide powder vs. 2% chlorhexidine solution

Background & Objective: Chlorhexidine solution is one of the widely used mouth antiseptic liquid that prevents teeth tissue damage and also has application as a root canal antiseptic. In this study, cytotoxicity of 2% chlorhexidine solution is compared with another root canal antiseptic, calcium hydroxide powder.Materials and Methods: Cell cytotoxicity of both chemicals was assessed on cultured L929 fibroblastic cell line for 1,12, 24, 48 and 72 hours using MTT assay (Methyl tetrazolium bromide assay). Untreated L929 cells were used as a negative control group. MTT results were recorded by ELISA reader and analyzed using one-way ANOVA statistical tests.Results: Cytotoxicity of studied chemicals showed significant difference in various dilutions and times (1, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h). The highest cytotoxic effect of 2% chlorhexidine solution was observed in concentration of 0.016% for 72 h. Treatment of cells with 0.016% of 2% chlorhexidine liquid and calcium hydroxide powder for 72 hours showed 80% and 45% cytotoxicity, respectively.Conclusions: Cytotoxicity of calcium hydroxide is significantly less than 2% chlorhexidine liquid and then application of calcium hydroxide powder as root canal antiseptic is recommended

Reasons of cigarette smoking among the girl students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

BACKGROUND: Smoking has been a public health problem in the world. In fact, it has been mentioned as a preventable factor of death and diseases. So, the goal of doing this research was to determine the frequency of smoking tendency and its correlate factors among the girl students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using simple random sampling method. Data collection instruments were confirmed questionnaires. The statistical population included all the girl students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking cigarette among the girl students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences was 1.8%, as well as 2.2% for hookah consumption. Considering the relationship between smoking and residence situation, 22.1% of native students and 24.8% of alien students had experienced smoking.CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed a low prevalence of smoking (1.8%) among the girl students in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences

Study The Effects of 5 Selenocyantouracil Compound on The liver and Kidney of Male Rats After Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury

Selenium compounds have long been assumed to protect organs against inflammation and cancer development by reducing oxidative stress. Drug-induced liver injury is a common side effect of many medications, with main symptoms ranging from an increase in asymptomatic liver enzymes to liver failure such as acetaminophen (AAP). The main objective of the present work is the protective effect of 5 selenocyantouracil (5SeU) against liver and kidney damage induced by AAP. Fifty male rats were divided into 4 groups consisting:  Group A: rats were given only food and distal water (DW). Group B: rats were treated with acetaminophen (500mg/kg). Group C: rats were given acetaminophen in the preceding dose, and 5SeU (50 mg/kg). Group D: rats were treated with acetaminophen orally at the prior dose, and 5SeU (100mg/kg) orally once daily for 21 days. The results revealed significant differences of liver enzymes, urea and creatinine values at 5SeU treated groups in comparison with AAP group.  Histopathological examinations confirm such results. As a conclusion, 5SeU compound has a protective activity against AAP-induced tissue damage

The Association of Inflammatory Markers, IL-1α and TGF-β, with Dietary Insulin Load and Dietary Insulin Index in Overweight and Obese Women with Healthy and Unhealthy Metabolic Phenotypes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Context Research has shown IL-1α might play a role in the associations between the MH group and DII and DIL. Objective. We evaluated the association of inflammatory markers, IL-1α and TGF-β, with dietary insulin load and index in women with healthy and unhealthy obesity phenotypes. Materials and Methods. 228 obese/overweight women aged 18–48 years were included in this study. Biochemical factors were obtained from blood samples. Body composition, anthropometric measures, and physical activity assessments were performed. Dietary intakes, DII, and DIL were assessed. Results. Significant associations were observed between the MH group and the DII group (OR = 2.142, 95% CI = 1.421, 2.850, and p = 0.040), in which IL-1α may play a role. Discussion and Conclusion. Significant associations were observed between the MH group and DII. IL-1α might play a role in these associations

Clinical and Socioeconomic Factors Associating with Opium Poisonings in Children and Adolescents

Background: Use of opium and derivatives is one of the major health, psychosocial and socioeconomic problems and can lead to complications for societies. The present study aimed to assess clinical and socioeconomic factors associated with the poisonings by Opium and its Derivatives (O&D) in children and adolescents. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out to review the recorded clinical information of children and adolescents admitted to the pediatric emergency department of the Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital due to acute poisoning by O&D during a seven-year period since 2014. Demo-economic information was taken from the patient’s guardians at the time of discharge. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS 20 considering 0.05 as the significant level. Results: From among 227 poisoned children, 50.7% were female and 75.8%, 8.8% and 15.4% were in age groups of <8 year, 8-12 and 12-18 years, respectively. About 42.7% of the children poisoned by industrial substances, compared to the traditional substances. Respectively, 87.7%, 11% and 1.3% of the children were poisoned accidentally, intentionally, and due to family challenges or schooling problems. Variables of the children’s gender, age, and father’s age were associated with self-poisoning. The samples’ heart rate, blood pressure and seizure were affected by the type of narcotic. Conclusion: Overall, the majority of poisoned children were girls and young. Those with very young and very old parents had more tendency to self-poison due to family challenges. Types of narcotic substances significantly correlated with irregular changes in the size of the pupil, heart rate, blood pressure and seizure

Burden of Drug and Alcohol Use Disorders in Iran: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010

Background: Due to its specific socio-cultural and geographical situation, Iran has a major public health problem in terms of drug and alcohol use. The aim of this study is to report and critique the burden of drug and alcohol use disorders in Iran, and to compare these measurements with similar findings. Methods: This study used data for Iran for the years 1990, 2005, and 2010 derived from the Global Burden of Disease study conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in 2010. The burden of drug and alcohol use disorders was evaluated in terms of disability adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost to premature mortality (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs). Results: All rates were reported per 100,000 individuals. Death rates attributed to drug and alcohol use disorders were 7.7 and 0.16 for men, and 0.62 and 0.02 for women, respectively. YLL rates regarding drug use disorders were 351.8 and 24.8 for men and women, while these figures were 5.8 and 1.0 for alcohol use disorders for men and women, respectively. YLD rates of drug use disorders were 452.6 for men and 202.1 for women, and 105.8 for men and 23.7 for women for alcohol use disorders. DALY rates attributed to drug use disorders were 804.5 for men and 227 for women, while these rates were 111.7 for men and 24.7 for women, related to alcohol use disorders. Conclusions: Similar to the cases in many other countries, the burden of both drug and alcohol use disorders is higher for men than women in Iran. Although prevention policies and programs for drug and alcohol use are required for both genders, the need for drug and alcohol use intervention seems more urgent for men in Iran

National and sub-national HIV/AIDS-related mortality in Iran, 1990–2015: a population-based modeling study

Surveillance of HIV/AIDS mortality is crucial to evaluate a country’s response to the disease. With a modified estimation approach, this study aimed to provide more accurate estimates on deaths due to HIV/AIDS in Iran from 1990 to 2015 at national and sub-national levels. Using a comprehensive data set, death registration incompleteness and misclassification were addressed by demographical and statistical methods. Trends of mortality due to HIV/AIDS at national and sub-national levels were estimated by applying a set of models. A total of 474 men (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 175–1332) and 256 women (95% UI: 36–1871) died due to HIV/AIDS in 2015 in Iran. Peaked in 1995, HIV/AIDS-related mortality has steadily declined among both genders. Mortality rates were remarkably higher among men than women during the period studied. At the sub-national level, the highest and the lowest annual percent change were found at 10.97 and −1.36% for women, and 4.04 and −3.47% for men, respectively. The findings of our study (731 deaths) were remarkably lower than the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (4000) but higher than Global Burden of Disease (339) estimates in 2015. The overall decrease in mortality due to HIV/AIDS may be attributed to the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases; however, the role of the national and international organizations to fight HIV/AIDS should not be overlooked. To decrease HIV/AIDS mortality and to achieve international goals, evidence-based action is required. To fast-track targets, the priority must be to prevent infection, promote early diagnosis, provide access to treatment, and to ensure treatment adherence among patients. Keywords HIV, AIDS, mortality, estimation, modeling, Ira