An investigation of effects of varying densities of red algae (Gracilaria corticata) on algal growth parameters in fiber glass culture tanks

Possible effects of varying densities of cultured red algae Gracilaria corticata on algal growth parameters were studied using three density treatments 500. 1000 and 2000g.m^2 in nine culture tanks. We conducted the experiment in April to June 2002 and carried out daily tests of salinity, pH and temperature which were in the range 37- 4Oppm. 0.5-8.04 and 23- 32 degrees centigrade. Epiphytes such as Nitzschia, Navicula and Hypnea and grazers such as Amphipoda, Isopoda and Nereis were detected in the tanks during, the experiment. We observed the highest daily growth and net production in treatment one (500g/ m^2) to be 3.74±0.31 and 38.3±5.4 respectively and the lowest measurements were seen in treatment three (200k/m^2) recorded as 3.74±0.3 1 and 38.3±5.4 respectively. Daily growth measurements were significantiv different among, treatments (P<0.05). Net production was significantly different between treatment one as a group and other two treatments (p<0.05). This was not the case between treatments two and three

Determination of Minimum Miscibility Pressure in Gas Injection Process by Using ANN with Various Mixing Rules

Miscible gas injection is one of the most effective enhanced oil recovery techniques and minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) is an important parameter in miscible gas injection processes. The accurate determination of this parameter is critical for an adequate design of injection equipment investment prospect. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new universal artificial neural network (U-ANN) model to predict the minimum miscibility pressure of CO2 and hydrocarbon gas flooding. Different MMP correlations and models have been proposed regarding the type of injection gas and the mechanism of miscibility based on mathematical and thermodynamic calculations respectively. Almost all the correlations proposed in the literature either represent condensing /vaporizing mechanisms or give reasonable results only in a limited range of data they are based on. A new model is introduced by taking into consideration both condensing and vaporizing mechanisms and by using a wider range of data. Experimental data from different crude oil reservoirs obtained by slim tube test have been applied in order to propose a new model. Mixing rules are used to decrease independent variables. The significance of this model is that MMP can be determined for any composition of oil and gas regardless of the fact that which mechanism is dominant in achieving miscibility. Comparing the percentage error of this model with those of the previous literature data showed that the results obtained from the new MMP model were more accurate and universal than most common correlations available

Transdiagnostic treatment of co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorders based on repetitive negative thinking: A case series

Objective: The transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral treatments for treating the coexistence of anxiety and mood disorders received useful empirical supports in the recent years. However, these treatments still have moderate efficacy. Following the improvements and developments in transdiagnostic protocols and considering the importance of repetitive negative thinking as a core transdiagnostic factor in emotional disorders, this study examined a new form of transdiagnostic treatment based on Repetitive Negative Thinking (TTRNT) of co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorders. Methods: Treatment efficacy was assessed using single case series with multiple baselines. Three patients meeting the criteria for co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorders were selected using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV. The patients were treated individually for 12 weekly sessions. Participants completed the standardized outcome measures during the baseline, treatment and one-month follow-up. Results: At post-treatment, all participants showed significant clinical changes on a range of standardized outcome measures, and these gains were largely maintained through the one-month follow-up both in the principle and co-principal diagnosis. Conclusions: Although the results of this preliminary investigation indicated that TTRNT could be a time effective and efficient treatment for individuals with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorders, further controlled clinical trials are necessary to examine this new treatment approach

Agreement of Cerebral State Index and Glasgow Coma Scale in Brain-Injured Patients

Background: Variables derived from electroencephalogram like cerebral state index (CSI) have been used to monitor the anesthesia depth during general anesthesia. Observed evidences show such variables have also been used as a detector of brain death or outcome predictor in traumatic brain-injured (TBI) patients. Objectives: The current study was designed to determine the correlation between Glasgow coma score (GCS) and CSI among TBI patients. Patients and Methods: In 60 brain-injured patients who did not need and receive sedatives, GCS and CSI were daily measured during the first ten days of their hospital stay. Correlation between GCS and CSI was studied using the Pearson's correlation test. The Gamma agreement coefficient was also calculated between the two variables for the first day of hospitalization. Results: A significant correlation coefficient of 0.611-0.796 was observed between CSI and GCS in a ten-day period of the study (P < 0.001). Gamma agreement coefficient was 0.79 ( P < 0.001) for CSI and GCS for the first day of hospitalization. An increased daily correlation was observed in both CSI and GCS values. However, this increase was less significant in CSI compared with the GCS. Conclusions: A statistically significant correlation and agreement was found between GCS and CSI in the brain-injured patients and GCS was also found to be more consistent and reliable compared with CSI

Accuracy of early rapid ultrasound in shock (RUSH) examination performed by emergency physician for diagnosis of shock etiology in critically ill patients

Background: Rapid Ultrasound in Shock (RUSH) is a recently reported emergency ultrasound protocol designed to help clinicians better recognize distinctive shock etiologies in a short time. We tried to evaluate the accuracy of early RUSH protocol performed by emergency physicians to predict the shock type in critically ill patients. Materials and Methods: Our prospective study was approved by the ethics committee of trauma research center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Iran. We enrolled 52 patients with shock state in the emergency department from April 2013 to October 2013. We performed early bed-side sonographic examination for participants based on RUSH protocol. Patients received all needed standard therapeutic and diagnostic interventions without delay and were followed to document their final diagnosis. Agreement (Kappa index) of initial impression provided by RUSH with final diagnosis, and also sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of RUSH for diagnosis of each shock type were calculated. Results: Fifty-two patients were enrolled in our study. Kappa index was 0.7 (P value = 0.000), reflecting acceptable general agreement between initial impression and final diagnosis. For hypovolemic and obstructive shocks, the protocol had sensitivity of 100 but had lower PPV. For shocks with distributive or mixed etiology, RUSH showed PPV of 100 but had low sensitivity. For cardiogenic shocks, all reliability indices were above 90. Conclusion: We highlight the role of RUSH examination in the hands of an emergency physician in making a rapid diagnosis of shock etiology, especially in ruling out obstructive, cardiogenic, and hypovolemic types

Prognostic factors of recurrence (Early and late) and death in breast cancer patients in Iranian women

Background: Breast cancer treatment success depends upon prolonging survival with effective treatment, and constant monitoring of recurrence. Survival rate can well be improved by better understanding of prognostic factors, preventive measures, and effective treatments together with follow-up and post-treatment care. Objectives: This study is aimed to know prognostic factors effective in recurrence and death in Iranian breast cancer patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted by reviewing data acquired from 1604 female breast cancer patients who were admitted to Cancer Research Center at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences between October, 1982 and March, 2014. During the follow-up, after diagnosis, 313 patients experienced recurrence then were classified into two groups: early recurrence, less than 1 year and late recurrence after 5 years. We analyzed prognostic factors of recurrence in each groups and evaluated effective factors of death in this patients. Results: Median age of patients at diagnosis was 50 years. Median follow up time was 4.33 years (range: 0.005-24.9 years). Of these patients, 210 (67.09 ) and 76 (24.28), developed distant and loco -regional recurrence. Among 313 patients, 62 (21/60) and 69 (24/04) had early and late recurrence. In the univariate analysis, tumor grade, stage of disease, ER and PR status, axillary lymph node involvement and lymph vascular invasion were the prognostic factors affecting recurrence in patients, but in the multivariate analysis, ER/PR statuswasthemostimportant independent prognostic factor affecting the early recurrenceandstage of disease were prognostic factors in late recurrence. In all of the recurrent patients, 56.86 (178 individuals) survived and 43.13 (135 individuals) died at the end of follow-up period. The most important factors of death were histologic grade, disease free survival time, site of recurrence and age of disease. Conclusions: Biologic marker, estrogen and progesterone receptors status, had most influence in early recurrence, unlike late recurrence, stage of disease had a more important role. However, lymph vascular invasion has been an effective factor either in early or late recurrence. As a result of studying effective factors in death of these patients, recurrence site, DFS, pathologic grade and patients� age at the time of recurrence came to be effective. Knowing more about affecting factors on recurrence and the death of patients with recurrence, one can try to enhance survival and quality of life in patients by adopting more effective treatments. © 2016, Iranian Journal of Cancer Prevention

Epinecidin-1, a highly potent marine antimicrobial peptide with anticancer and immunomodulatory activities

Background: Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are an emerging threat in this century. Epinecidin-1 is a multi-functional Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP) produced by Orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) has been shown to have extensive potentials as an alternative for current antibiotics. Due to the huge costs for the study and the production of a new drug, if an antimicrobial peptide has other beneficial functions in addition to antimicrobial activities, it would be preferred. Methods: In this study, properties and applications of Epinecidin-1 were investigated and addressed comprehensively. To achieve this, the Google Scholar search engine and three databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used. Results: Epinecidin-1 is a cationic AMP with an alpha-helical structure. Seven functional usages of this peptide have been reported in the literature including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and wound healing properties. Moreover, this peptide has high potential to be used as an active ingredient in cleaning solutions as well as application in vaccine production. Conclusion: Due to significant antimicrobial activities tested on bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori and also wound healing properties, Epi-1 has high potential to be considered as an important candidate for the production of new drugs and treatment of various infections including diabetic foot ulcer and peptic ulcer. Moreover, adjuvant-like properties of Epi-1 make it a suitable candidate for the studies related to an adjuvant. Other attractive properties such as anticancer effects have also been reported for this peptide which encourages further studies on this peptide. © 2019 The Author(s)

Road traffic deaths in Kashan region, Iran: An eight-year study (2006�2013)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the trend of road traffic fatalities in Kashan Region, Iran, in a period of eight years. Methods: Through a cross-sectional study, all road traffic deaths classified under the V01�V99 codes according to ICD-10 in Kashan region, central Iran, from March 2006 to March 2013 and population data were collected from the registration system of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Years of lost life (YLL) and mortality rates were calculated regarding age, gender and year of the accident. Generalized linear model (GLM) with Poisson log-linear link was used to evaluate the effects of the mentioned variables on mortality rate. Results: During the period of the study (8 years), 928 people (767 men) died due to road traffic injuries (RTIs). The total YLL was 20,818. The mortality rate due to RTIs has been declined constantly from 43.1 in March 2006 to 21.1 per 100,000 in March 2013. The highest mortality rate was found in the age group of over 60 years old and the lowest in the age group of 0�14 years old. Both mortality rate and YLL was greater in men than in women. Poisson regression showed that age, gender and year of the accidents had a significant effect on mortality rate (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although there has been a constant decline of mortality rate in Kashan area within the study period, the value remains higher than the mean level of Eastern Mediterranean region and the global average, which is a notable fact for policymakers and authorities. © 2017 Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical Universit

Road traffic deaths in Kashan region, Iran: An eight-year study (2006�2013)

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the trend of road traffic fatalities in Kashan Region, Iran, in a period of eight years. Methods Through a cross-sectional study, all road traffic deaths classified under the V01V99 codes according to ICD-10 in Kashan region, central Iran, from March 2006 to March 2013 and population data were collected from the registration system of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Years of lost life (YLL) and mortality rates were calculated regarding age, gender and year of the accident. Generalized linear model (GLM) with Poisson log-linear link was used to evaluate the effects of the mentioned variables on mortality rate. Results During the period of the study (8 years), 928 people (767 men) died due to road traffic injuries (RTIs). The total YLL was 20,818. The mortality rate due to RTIs has been declined constantly from 43.1 in March 2006 to 21.1 per 100,000 in March 2013. The highest mortality rate was found in the age group of over 60 years old and the lowest in the age group of 0–14 years old. Both mortality rate and YLL was greater in men than in women. Poisson regression showed that age, gender and year of the accidents had a significant effect on mortality rate (p < 0.001). Conclusion Although there has been a constant decline of mortality rate in Kashan area within the study period, the value remains higher than the mean level of Eastern Mediterranean region and the global average, which is a notable fact for policymakers and authorities. Keywords Premature Mortality Traffic accident Epidemiology Ira

Familial risks of esophageal cancer among the Turkmen population of the Caspian littoral of Iran

In northeastern Iran, there is an area of high incidence of esophageal cancer, which is populated by residents of Turkmen ancestry. Several environmental risk factors for esophageal cancer have been proposed, but the roles of familial and genetic factors have not been studied extensively in the Turkmen population. We evaluated the importance of familial risk factors for esophageal cancer by performing a case-control study of 167 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and 200 controls of Turkmen ethnicity. Detailed family pedigrees of the cases and controls were constructed, which documented all cancers in first- and second-degree relatives. The actuarial risk of cancer was then estimated in 2,097 first-degree relatives of cases and 2,783 first-degree relatives of the controls. A hazard ratio was constructed, based on a comparison of the 2 cumulative incidence curves. The risk to age 75 of esophageal cancer in the first-degree relatives of Turkmen patients with esophageal cancer was 34% versus 14% for the first-degree relatives of the controls (hazard ratio = 2.3; p = 3 × 10⁻⁸). Cases (9.6%) reported that their parents were related, versus 2.5% of the controls who reported this, (odds ratio = 4.1; p value = 0.006). Familial factors are important in the etiology of esophageal cancer among the Turkmen residents of Iran. The hazard ratio of 2.3 for cancer among first-degree relatives is consistent with an important contribution of heritable factors. It will be of interest to perform marker studies to establish which genes are responsible. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc