Greenway Planning for Tehran Metropolis

Greenways are networks of land that are planned, designed and managed for multiple purposes including ecological, recreational, cultural, aesthetic, or other purposes compatible with the concept of sustainable land use. (Ahern, 1996) The term greenway comes from the green in greenbelt and the way in parkway, implying a recreational or pedestrian use rather than a typical street corridor, as well as an emphasis on introducing or maintaining vegetation. Some greenways tend to have a contiguous pathway, allowing urban commuting via bicycle or foot. Greenways are seen as a critical part of urban green infrastructure and as a positive way to conceptualize green space planning. The aim is to increase the quality of natural capital rather than concentrate solely on the quantity of natural capital. Greenway planning represents the coming together of various interests. It is not seen just as a way of providing an improved green structure for the landscape, but also as a mechanism for more informed decision-making and more ‘joined-up’ thinking in relation to urban and regional environmental planning. The history of greenway planning in Iran goes back to year 1600 A.C. Sheikh Bahaie, the architect and the urban planner of Isfahan in the 17th century used the Zayanderud River as the main structure of the greenway system and used the Madies as the greenway network in the city. Madies were manmade streams that they have been set apart from Zayanderud River. This kind of greenway planning in Isfahan was a crucial decision to transform the city from an arid region into a green city. Nowadays the development and planning of the cities are far from the application of greenway planning model. Tehran, the capital city of Iran, is the largest and the most populated city in the Middle East. Today, Tehran has the lack of green open spaces and the greenways could be a great response for this problem. This paper studies the greenway planning for Tehran and considers the greenways as the main green structure of the city. Greenway planning in Tehran is an exceptional opportunity to fulfill both ecological and recreational needs, while enhancing the green open spaces in the city. More specifically the goals are: ⎯ Connectivity in urban green structure with an easy access from different parts of the city ⎯ Penetration of green spaces into the urban context ⎯ Connect green areas to present a strategic whole that is greater than the sum of the parts ⎯ Improve the quality of green areas to better serve local need

Compressive Strength of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate with and without Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate at Different Mixing Ratios

Introduction: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a substance with favorable physical-mechanical properties. Disodium hydrogen phosphate(DHP) is sometimes added to MTA to reduce its setting time. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various ratios of liquid to powder of white MTA (WMTA) and addition of DHP on its compressive strength. Methods and Materials: One hundred and twenty samples were prepared with a two-piece stainless steel mold with a height of 6 mm and a diameter of 4 mm in order to evaluate the compressive strength where WMTA was used in 60 samples and DHP in white MTA composition (DHPWMTA) was used in other 60 samples. The compressive strength of WMTA and DHPWMTA was measured in various ratios of liquid to powder including 50, 60 and 70% and at 24 h and 21 days (n=10). Univariate Analysis of Variance test with SPSS 16 software were used to determine the difference between groups. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: The maximum and minimum compressive strength of WMTA groups were 63.25±1.96 (50% ratio and 21 days) and 37.79±1.28 (70% ratio and 24 h), respectively. The maximum and minimum compressive strength of DHPWMTA groups were 63.96±1.40 (60% ratio and 21 days) and 37.37±1.62 (70% ratio and 24 h), respectively. The effect of each of factors (type of material, powder to liquid ratio and time) alone were significant on the compressive strength (P<0.05). However, the interactive effect of three factors (type of material, powder to liquid ratio and time) were not statistically significant on compressive strength (P>0.05). Conclusion: Adding 2.5 wt% of DHP to white MTA increased samples compressive strength. Compressive strength in liquid to powder ratios of 50 and 60% compare to 70% and at 21 days compared to 24 h was high.Keywords: Compressive Strength; Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate; Mineral Trioxide Aggregat

Treatment of Necrotic Teeth Using Two Engine-Driven Systems and Patient’s Postoperative Pain: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Introduction: One of the most important reasons for postoperative pain is the extrusion of debris from the apical foramen during preparation and shaping of root canals. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the severity of postoperative pain with the use of two different engine-driven NiTi systems. Methods and Materials: Ninety mandibular molars were randomly divided into two groups (n=45), and root canal cleaning and shaping was done using either RaCe or Reciproc instruments. The severity of postoperative pain was determined with visual analogue scale (VAS) at 4-, 12-, 24-, 48- and 72 h and 1-week intervals and postoperative pain was compared between the two groups. The chi-squared test and repeated-measures analysis were used to compare the data between the two groups. Results: Based on the results of the statistical analyses, the two groups were matched regarding the age and gender, with no significant differences. In addition, except for 4- and 24-h and 1-week intervals, postoperative pain was significantly less in the RaCe group compared to the Reciproc group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, use of RaCe files for cleaning and shaping of root canals in necrotic mandibular molars resulted in less severe postoperative pain compared to Reciproc files.Keywords: Necrotic Teeth; Postoperative Pain; RaCe Files; Reciproc Files; Visual Analogue Scal

Feasibility study of the rise and fall of contemporary states based on Ibn Khaldun's theory

Investigating and finding the cause of the emergence of states and their decline and fall has been one of the most important issues for thinkers. One of these thinkers is Ibn Khaldun, a Muslim thinker of the eighth century who, after extensive historical studies, presented his theory under the title of new construction science. This theory can explain the rise and fall of past states. But can this theory also explain the rise and fall of contemporary states? In response, it can be said that despite the fact that the indicators (factors) set by Ibn Khaldun about the rise and fall of states, which were formulated with a realistic view, were trans−temporal and are still used today, However, considering the change of zealotry and the emergence of new zealotry, as well as the role of international organizations and foreign states, as well as new technologies, especially the media, in the emergence, stability and fall of states, this theory should be revised to apply this theory. And more realistically provide the rise and fall of contemporary states based on this theory

Frequency of Periapical Radiolucency in CBCTs of Iranian Patients

The present study is aimed to determine the frequency of periapical periodontitis lesions in CBCT images, taken from patients referred to the Radiology Department of Dentistry Faculty of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during 2014-2017. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, CBCT images were selected from 151 patients (84 women and 67 men, with mean age of 43 years), who were referred to this center. The recorded data included patients’ age and sex, lesion’s site, type, and condition of the teeth involved. The frequency of the lesions was determined based on these variables with the help of the chi-square test. P-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Periapical lesions were observed in 123 patients (81.5%). There was a significant difference in the frequency of lesions among different age groups (p 51 years. The frequency of periapical lesions was not significantly different between male and female patients. Most lesions were seen on the right mandible (28.3%) and the 6th tooth (19.39 %). Frequency of lesions was higher in maxilla than mandible. In 23.36% of the cases, the involved teeth had proper root canal treatment and 39.33% had inappropriate root canal treatment. This work concluded that the prevalence of periapical radiolucency was very high in the studied patients and its prevalence increased in older patients and in teeth with complex anatomy

The role of neighborhood level socioeconomic characteristics in Salmonella infections in Michigan (1997–2007): Assessment using geographic information system

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background:</p> <p>The majority of U.S. disease surveillance systems contain incomplete information regarding socioeconomic status (SES) indicators like household or family income and educational attainment in case reports, which reduces the usefulness of surveillance data for these parameters. We investigated the association between select SES attributes at the neighborhood level and <it>Salmonella </it>infections in the three most populated counties in Michigan using a geographic information system.</p> <p>Methods:</p> <p>We obtained data on income, education, and race from the 2000 U.S. Census, and the aggregate number of laboratory-confirmed cases of salmonellosis (1997–2006) at the block group level from the Michigan Department of Community Health. We used ArcGIS to visualize the distribution, and Poisson regression analysis to study associations between potential predictor variables and <it>Salmonella </it>infections.</p> <p>Results:</p> <p>Based on data from 3,419 block groups, our final multivariate model revealed that block groups with lower educational attainment were less commonly represented among cases than their counterparts with higher education levels (< high school degree vs. ≥ college degree: rate ratio (RR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.63, 0.99; ≥ and high school degree, but no college degree vs. ≥ college degree: RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92). Levels of education also showed a dose-response relation with the outcome variable, i.e., decreasing years of education was associated with a decrease in <it>Salmonella </it>infections incidence at the block group level.</p> <p>Conclusion:</p> <p>Education plays a significant role in health-seeking behavior at the population level. It is conceivable that a reporting bias may exist due to a greater detection of <it>Salmonella </it>infections among high education block groups compared to low education block groups resulting from differential access to healthcare. In addition, individuals of higher education block groups who also have greater discretionary income may eat outside the home frequently and be more likely to own pets considered reservoirs of <it>Salmonella</it>, which increase the likelihood of contracting <it>Salmonella </it>infections compared to their counterparts with lower levels of education. Public health authorities should focus on improving the level of disease detection and reporting among communities with lower income and education and further evaluate the role of higher educational attainment in the predisposition for salmonellosis.</p

Restorative dentistry considerations in the geriatric dentistry : systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM: As the number of elderly people visiting dental clinics increases, it is essential to have sufficient information on the correct treatment as well as the appropriate treatment plan for these patients. Therefore, the present study aimed at reviewing the most important restorative considerations for the elderly.METHOD: In this systematic review study, databases such as Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Google scholar, as well as Iranian databases were searched with the keywords of elderly dentistry and restorative considerations. Inclusion criteria were original articles and reviews related to restorative dentistry considerations for the elderly without a time limit and being written in either English or Persian. In order to combine the results of the research, a thematic content analysis method was applied.RESULTS: The total number of documents recovered was 4208, the number of duplicate documents was 2042, and the number of documents reviewed was 17. The most important considerations related to the elderly included giving due attention to medical and social conditions, medication use, type of restorative teeth, level of restoration involved, use of dentures, age and gender, oral cancer screening, tooth decay education and prevention, and oral hygiene. The most important considerations related to restorative methods and materials were applying minimally invasive methods such as ART, more durable restorative materials, and giving due attention to the aesthetic and non-aesthetic needs of the elderly in choosing restorative materials. The most important considerations related to dentists were the differences in applying restorative methods and materials by experienced dentists in comparison younger dentists and the rate of referral of elderly people to dental centers.CONCLUSION: The most important dental considerations of the elderly are using minimally invasive methods and restorative materials with easy maintenance which are washable according to their social, economic, medical, gender, and age conditions. It is also necessary to consider the prevention of tooth decay and provide the required training for families and their caregivers in nursing homes. The elderly people are also required to avoid change their dentists frequently to maintain their oral health.peer-reviewe

Case-control study of disease determinants for non-typhoidal Salmonella infections among Michigan children

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Infections with <it>Salmonella </it>serotypes continue to be a significant global public health problem. In addition to contaminated foods, several other sources contribute to infections with <it>Salmonella </it>serotypes. We have assessed the role of socioeconomic factors, exposure to food, and environmental sources in the etiology of non-typhoidal <it>Salmonella </it>infections in Michigan children.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>A case-control study among Michigan children aged ≤ 10 years was conducted. A total of 123 cases of children with laboratory-confirmed <it>Salmonella </it>infections and 139 control children, who had not experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal illness during the month prior to the interviews, were enrolled. The cases and controls were matched on age-category (<1 year, 2-<6 years and 6-10 years). Data on socioeconomic status, food intake, and environmental exposures, were collected on the queried case and control subjects. After adjusting for race and household-income the final regression multivariable model revealed that <it>Salmonella </it>infections were significantly associated with attendance of a daycare center (adjusted matched odds ratio = 5.00, 95% CI: 1.51 - 16.58), contact with cats (MOR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.14 - 5.88), and contact with reptiles (MOR = 7.90, 95% CI: 1.52 - 41.01), during the 3 days prior to the onset of child's illness.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Study results suggest that exposure to environmental sources may play an important role in sporadic infections with <it>Salmonella </it>serotypes in children. Additional efforts are needed to educate parents and caretakers about the risk of <it>Salmonella </it>transmission to children from these sources.</p

Cloning and Expression of N-terminal Region of IpaD from Shigella dysenteriae in E. coli

Genus Shigella is one of the important members of the family enterobacteriacae. There are numerous antigens in Shigella carrying by a 220 kb plasmid. Among them, IpaD is the key virulence factor of S. flexneri. Apart from having effectors function that is essential for host cell invasion and intracellular survival, this protein also controls the secretion and translocation of other effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. In the present study, we have cloned and expressed the ipaD in E. coli. The ipaD gene was amplified by PCR. Prokaryote expression vector pET-28a(+)- ipaD was constructed, and used to transform E. coli BL21DE3 plySs. The expression of recombinant protein induced by IPTG was examined by SDS-PAGE. Western blot were used to determine immunoreactivity of IpaD-His by a rabbit monoclonal antibodies against his-tag. SDS-PAGE demonstrated that the constructed prokaryotic expression efficiently produced IpaD at the 1 mmol/L of IPTG. IpaD protein was able to react with the rabbit monoclonal antibody against His-tag.  IpaD is essential for Shigella spp invasion. N-terminal region is most significant functional fragment of IpaD. Purification of IpaD from the wild type of Shigella is difficult furthermore profound study on a specific domain on the N-terminal of IpaD by using the wild type of purified IpaD is not feasible.