42 research outputs found
Stock assessment of juvenile sturgeons in the Iranian water of the Caspian Sea by bottom trawl survey
Get PDFThe sturgeon stock assessment was performed to aim at estimation of absolute and relative abundance and determination of species composition at lower 10 m depths using the Si-Sara2 RV vessel in the Iranian coasts of the Caspian Sea in Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces during 6-30 September 2011-2012. In this study, 40 stations were selected on the basis of stratified random sampling design and then the stock estimation was performed using the swept area method. The study was carried out using bottom trawling with 9 m head rope. The time and speed of trawling in each station were 30 minutes and 2.5 knots respectively. The Catch per Unit of Effort (CPUE) in 2011–2012 were 7.03 and 6.96 individuals per trawling, respectively. The catch per unit of area in these years were found to be 1662 and 1644 fish in nm2, respectively.Total abundance of sturgeon juveniles was 13,327,164 individuals in 2011. So, the species composition included A. persicus (87.8%) and A. stellatus (12.2%). Total abundance of sturgeon juveniles was found to be 14,364,882 individuals in 2012 and the species composition comprised A. persicus (61.4%) and A. stellatus (38.6%). In 2011 the biomass of sturgeons in Iranian coastal water of the Caspian Sea was 295 tons and the composition of biomass included A. persicus (81.5%) and A. stellatus (18.5%), respectively. In the cruises conducted in 2011, this amount was estimated to be 217 tons comprising A. persicus (54.2%) and A. stellatus (45.8%), respectively. The results of this study in 2011–2012 showed remarkable abundance of juvenile sturgeons in Iranian coastal waters of the Caspian Sea in late summer and early autumn. So, by conserving these valuable stocks, the number of spawners will be increased in the future
Stock assessment of Acipenser persicus in the southern Caspian Sea, 2008-2009
Get PDFSpecies composition, relative abundance, absolute abundance and biomass of sturgeon species were studied during the years 2008-2009. Eighty five stations were covered in the stratified random sampling design in depths less than 10m using 9m bottom trawl (head line) and in depths more than 10m using 24.7m bottom trawl (head line). More than 70 specimens of Acipenser persicus were caught during the effort. CPUE decreased from 0.4 to 0.24 specimens per trawl in 2009. The mean total length of the A. persicus was 47.3 ±29.1cm and 61.9 ±28.7cm in 2008 to 2009, respectively. The smallest size of A. persicus was 9cm in 2008 and 24.5cm in 2009, while the maximum size was 102.5cm in 2008 and 126.5 ±29cm in 2009. The mean total weight in 2009 in comparison with 2008 increased from 989(3-5000g) to 1569(42-7100g). Absolute abundance of A. persicus decreased from 2006000 specimens in 2008 to 1192000 specimens in 2009. The estimated biomass was 2010 and 1878 tons in 2008 and 2009, respectively. According to the results of study, the stock status of A. persicus is highly critical in the Caspian Sea and a timely decision has to be taken for conservation of the species
Efficiency of gillnets with 170mm mesh size in reduction of immature Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, catch
Get PDFThis study was carried out in Turkmen fishing station to examine suitable mesh size of gill nets for Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus, to decrease possibility of catching immature specimens and increase catch likelihood for larger fish. The Holt model was used to determine suitable length for catch and selection of mature Persian sturgeon females. Following preliminary studies some 920 experimental gill nets (mesh size 170mm) similar to those generally used by Iranian Fisheries except for mesh size (150mm) were set up in the Caspian Sea. During the experimental period, 128 and 110 sturgeons were caught in control and experimental nets, respectively. Out of those caught in control nets, 63 specimens were Persian sturgeon (49.2%), 57 were Stellate sturgeon, Acipenser stellatus (44.5%) while in the experimental nets, 95 specimens (86.4%) were Persian sturgeon and 7 specimens (6.4%) were Stellate sturgeon. Regarding maturity status of fishes, 42 Persian sturgeon caught in control nets were mature females while this figure was 83 (87.4%) in experimental nets. Mean fork length of the Persian sturgeon was 152.9±13.8cm and 162.4±13.6cm in control and experimental nets, respectively. The mean caviar yield of the Persian sturgeon in control nets was 6.4±1.7 kg and in experimental nets was 7.4±1.9kg. One way ANOVA and Tukey’s test showed significant differences between factors like age, mean caviar yield and fork length of the Persian sturgeon caught in control and experimental nets. The results showed increasing mesh size of gill nets to 170mm for the Persian sturgeon may help achieving objectives of stock managements including decrease in catch of immature fish and increase in catch of mature and larger sturgeons which can secure optimum and sustainable stock yield
Study on biology (age, feeding and, reproductive) of (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus 1758) in south coastal line Caspian Sea (Iranian waters)
Get PDFThe Caspian Sea is the biggest lacustrine water source. Common carp is very important commercially in south coastal line of Iranian Caspian Sea waters, especially in east coastal line, because eighty percent annual catch of this species has been caught in this area in particular. Despite the common carp importance and value in Iran, but there is a little information about its biology in natural system. This study is comprehensive research on reproduction, growth and feeding. The specimens were caught by beach seine net in coastal line of Iranian waters. The fork length ranged between 5.6 and 2866.2 g. The b value of the length-weight relationship ranged from 2.843 to 2.924 for female and male, respectively. The age composition of the specimens was from 1 to 11 year. The Gonadosomatic ratio (GSR) changed from 2 to 12. There were two peaks of GSR in April and December, so that the latter peak was much shorter than the first that. Fecundity variations were high and ranged 77448 to 430745 eggs. It observed linear significant correlation in fecundity- weight (r=0.98) and fecundity-length (r=0.88) relationships. Average growth in length was described with the Von Bertalanffy growth model: L (t) = 60.5(1-exp (0.19(t-0.65). The percent of empty stomach and prey dominant evaluated during different seasons by specific formula result showed that in Cyprinus carpio prey Molluscs was dominated and specific food items. Empty stomachs in winter and spring were higher and lower, respectively
Investigation of CTNNB1 gene mutations and expression in hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis in association with hepatitis B virus infection
Get PDFHepatitis B virus (HBV), along with Hepatitis C virus chronic infection, represents a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, molecular mechanisms involved in the development of HCC are not yet completely understood. Recent studies have indicated that mutations in CTNNB1 gene encoding for β-catenin protein lead to aberrant activation of the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway. The mutations in turn activate several downstream genes, including c-Myc, promoting the neoplastic process. The present study evaluated the mutational profile of the CTNNB1 gene and expression levels of CTNNB1 and c-Myc genes in HBV-related HCC, as well as in cirrhotic and control tissues. Mutational analysis of the β-catenin gene and HBV genotyping were conducted by direct sequencing. Expression of β-catenin and c-Myc genes was assessed using real-time PCR. Among the HCC cases, 18.1 showed missense point mutation in exon 3 of CTNNB1, more frequently in codons 32, 33, 38 and 45. The frequency of mutation in the hotspots of exon 3 was significantly higher in non-viral HCCs (29.4) rather than HBV-related cases (12.7, P = 0.021). The expression of β-catenin and c-Myc genes was found upregulated in cirrhotic tissues in association with HBV infection. Mutations at both phosphorylation and neighboring sites were associated with increased activity of the Wnt pathway. The results demonstrated that mutated β-catenin caused activation of the Wnt pathway, but the rate of CTNNB1 gene mutations was not related to HBV infection. HBV factors may deregulate the Wnt pathway by causing epigenetic alterations in the HBV-related HCC. © 2020 The Author(s)
Stock assessment of sturgeon fishes in the southern part of Caspian Sea (Iranian water)
Get PDFThe marine survey for sturgeon stock assessment was conducted in summer, winter and spring in the years 2006 and 2009 to estimate the relative and absolute abundance and percentage composition of each species in the Guilan, Mazandaran and Golestan Provinces. This survey was carried out in the Iranian waters of the Caspian Sea on board the Sisara2 and Guilan vessels using trawl nets at 2-100 m depths. Trawling was carried out in 85 stations that were selected using a stratified random design. The number of stations in each scope was based on the area of the scope in terms of the total area. Trawling and sampling in shallow water up to 10 m were carried out using 9 m trawl nets whereas 24.7 m trawl nets were used for depths more than 10 m. Trawl surveys were carried out in the daytime. Trawling velocity was kept at 2.5-3 kts and trawls lasted half an hour in order to calculate abundance, and biomass of sturgeons using the swept area method. Catch per unit area (CPUA) in the winter 2006 survey was 3853 specimens nm^2 , in the summer and winter 2007 survey was 1854 , 2912 specimens nm^2 at depths less than 10 m respectively . CPUA for sturgeons in spring 2008 survey was 2103 specimens nm2 at depths less than 10 m and 393 specimens nm2 at depths greater than 10 m (10-100 m depth). These values in the winter 2008 survey dropped to 44 specimens nm^2 at depths at depths above 10 m. CPUA for sturgeons in the spring 2009 survey was 300 specimens nm^2 at depths less than 10 m and 307 specimens nm^2 at depths greater than 10 m. In all the surveys conducted CPUA for A. persicus was higher than that for the other sturgeon species. Based on the calculations carried out in the marine survey in winter 2006 the estimated absolute abundance for sturgeons was about 2977.363 thousand. The total biomass of sturgeon was estimated as 131.713 tons. In the summer 2007 survey total abundance was estimated 1432.398 thousand, and total biomass of sturgeons was estimated at about 312.161 tons. In the winter 2007 survey total abundance for sturgeons was estimated at about 2250.105 thousand, and total biomass was estimated 578.08 tons. In the spring 2008 survey total abundance was estimated at about 3002.832 thousand. The total biomass was estimated at about 2533.318 tons .In the winter 2008 survey total abundance was estimated at about 152.722 thousand, and total biomass in winter 2008 was estimated 170.540 tons. Total abundance in spring 2009 survey was 1310.232 thousand and total biomass was estimated at 2019.tons. Investigation of stomach content of sturgeon Acipenser persicus caught under 10m depth in 2006 to 2007 surveys showed that there is significant difference in the consumed food. Polychaeta is the major food consumed and crustacean an the minor one(P>0.05).Also no new types of food( such as bony fishes or benthic) have been observed in food chain of Acipenser persicus only the food consumption rate has been related to the season of year and increases or decreases in warm or cold seasons, respectively For physiological study and determination of sexual maturation stages in sturgeon,119 gonad sampling prepared. The results showed that 63 % of fishes were females and 37 % of them were males. Gill microscopic study shows complications such as hyperplasia, curvature, adhesion, embowed, shorting and lengthen of secondary filaments and fraught bloody. Microscopic study on liver indicates signs of cloudy inflammation, fatty degeneration, dispersion of billed secretions and cell atrophy. The population genetic structure of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) in Sefidrood and Gorganrood rivers watershed analyzed based on microsatellite markers during sturgeons assessment in 2006-2008. Results showed that Acipenser persicus in two region of south part of Caspian Sea are two independent populations
National guidelines for cognitive assessment and rehabilitation of Iranian traumatic brain injury patients
Get PDFBackground: Individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have prolonged cognitive impairments, resulting in long-term problems with their real-life activities. Given the urgent need for evidence-based recommendations for neuropsychological management of Iranian TBI patients, the current work aimed to adapt eligible international guidelines for cognitive assessment and rehabilitation of the TBI patients in Iran. Methods: The project was led by an executive committee, under the supervision of the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME). Following a systematic literature search and selection process, four guidelines were included for adaptation. Clinical recommendations of the source guidelines were tabulated as possible clinical scenarios for 90 PICO clinical questions covering all relevant phases of care. After summing up the scenarios, our initial list of recommendations was drafted according to the Iranian patients� conditions. The final decision-making, with the contribution of a national interdisciplinary panel of 37 experts from across the country, was conducted in two rounds using online and offline survey forms (Round 1), and face-to-face and telephone meetings (Round 2). Results: A total of 63 recommendations in six sections were included in the final list of recommendations, among which 24 were considered as key recommendations. In addition, some of the recommendations were identified as fundamental, meaning that proper implementation of the other recommendations is largely dependent on their implementation. Conclusion: Iranian health policy makers and rehabilitation program managers are recommended to address some fundamental issues to provide the necessary infrastructure to set up an efficient cognitive rehabilitation service system. © 2020 Academy of Medical Sciences of I.R. Iran. All rights reserved
The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010–19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. METHODS: The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk–outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. FINDINGS: Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4·45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4·01–4·94) deaths and 105 million (95·0–116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44·4% (41·3–48·4) of all cancer deaths and 42·0% (39·1–45·6) of all DALYs. There were 2·88 million (2·60–3·18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50·6% [47·8–54·1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1·58 million (1·36–1·84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36·3% [32·5–41·3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20·4% (12·6–28·4) and DALYs by 16·8% (8·8–25·0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34·7% [27·9–42·8] and 33·3% [25·8–42·0]). INTERPRETATION: The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden
MODIFIED APPLICATION OF MODIFIED ELEMENTAL ELEMENTS, BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF ENERGY, FOR ANALYZING STRUCTURES, IN THE RANGE OF SMALL DEFORMATIONS
No full textIn this paper, applied element method for linear analysis of structures based
on energy concept in the range of small deformations has been developed and
introduced as modified applied element method. This method considers the
structure as a set of rigid elements and connecting springs. Both elements of
the structure are connected by a single spring with normal, shear and rotary
stiffness. Springs stiffness can be calculate according to the properties of
the materials. Considering principle of minimum total potential energy for the
structure, deformation in the structure can be calculated. This method
estimates the linear behavior of the structure with a very good accuracy and
low analytical time in the range of small deformations. In this paper, first,
the formulation of the modified applied elements method for the analysis of the
behavior of linear structures in the small range of deformation is expressed,
then, compare the accuracy and speed of this method with applied element method and theoretical values. The results show that in analyzing a cantilever beam with the proposed method, even with a model that includes the minimum number of elements, the error rate is less than 2 percent. This comparison was also used to analyze a one-story frame with simple supports, in this case the rate of error was less than 0.15 percent. However, solving this two problems by applied
element method with the same dimensions of element, has more than 31\% and
32\% of the error rate in case of cantilever beam and one-span frame respectively.
The calculation time of the proposed method is less than 40\% of the calculation time in the applied element method with 10 series of connection springs. Also, in this method, the value of the frame ductility was estimated with an error of about 3\%, while the corresponding error value in the applied element method was as much as 41\% in the same element size
