Search published articles
Showing 29 results for Motamedi
Volume 0, Issue 0 (in press 2024)
Abstract
Moisture damage in asphalt mixtures poses significant challenges to infrastructure durability, necessitating accurate modeling for effective mitigation strategies due to the complex nature of moisture susceptibility. Current tests, such as those utilizing general indicators like the indirect tensile strength ratio, examine moisture susceptibility in asphalt mixtures. However, these tests incur substantial costs and require considerable time. Therefore, this study aims to develop moisture susceptibility prediction models using Multi-Gene Genetic Programming (MGGP). The research utilized four types of aggregates (two limestone and two granite types) and eight different Performance Grade (PG) bitumen types. The modified Lottman test method (AASHTO T283) was employed for moisture susceptibility assessment, with samples subjected to specific conditioning protocols including vacuum saturation (13-67 kPa absolute pressure), freeze-thaw cycles (-18°C for 16 hours), and hot water conditioning (60°C for 24 hours). Indirect tensile strength tests were conducted under controlled loading conditions (2 Hz frequency, 0.1s loading time, 0.4s rest period) at 25°C. The dataset comprised 34 samples and 11 variables to predict two key indicators: Inflection Stripping Point (ISP) and Stripping Slope (SS). The MGGP model demonstrated remarkable performance in predicting both ISP and SS, achieving R2 values of 0.981 and 0.974 for the test data, respectively. Several crucial parameters were analyzed, including the apparent film thickness (AFT) calculated using aggregate specific surface area, permeability measured through falling head test method (ASTM PS 129-01), and surface free energy components. The surface energy analysis incorporated both cohesive free energy (CFE) and adhesive free energy (AFE), with special attention to the acid-base theory components: Lifshitz-van der Waals (LW), Lewis acid (Γ+), and Lewis base (Γ-) components. For ISP prediction, the MGGP model identified key variables including the ratio of base to acid surface free energy (SFE), asphalt-water adhesion (ΓAsphalt-Water), cohesive free energy (CFE), adhesive free energy (AFE), permeability of asphalt mixture (PAM), asphalt film thickness (AFT), and degree of saturation (DS). The model for SS prediction emphasized the importance of ΓAsphalt-Water, aggregate-water adhesion (ΓAggregate-Water), wettability, specific surface area (SSA), PAM, and DS. The study employed various performance metrics to evaluate the MGGP models. For ISP predictions, the model achieved RMSE, MSE, and MAE values of 5.228, 27.337, and 3.843, respectively. For SS predictions, these values were 0.294, 0.086, and 0.231, respectively, indicating high accuracy and low error rates. These results surpass those of previous studies employing traditional Genetic Programming (GP) methods, highlighting the potential of MGGP as a powerful tool in modeling asphalt moisture susceptibility. The practical implications of this research are significant for improving asphalt mixture durability, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing road safety. Future research could focus on validating the models across a broader range of asphalt mixtures and environmental conditions.
Volume 2, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
The effect of Artemia urmiana nauplii enriched with flaxseed oil on growth performance, survival and fatty acid composition of severum, Cichlasoma severum, larvae (0.3 mg initial weight) was investigated through a completely randomized block design with two treatments, viz., (1) larvae fed with plain nauplii, (2) larvae fed with nauplii enriched with flaxseed oil, in three replications. Results of the first biometry (day18th), showed a significantly higher survival rate in treatment 1 (81.87±0.29%) than treatment 2 (68.83±1.62%) (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the specific growth rates, the average weight and length gains between treatments (P>0.05). At the end of the second period of the experiment (day36th), significant differences in growth performance and survival rate was recorded between treatment 1 (97.82 ± 1.09%) and treatment 2 (91.16± 1.34%) (P>0.05). The larvae was also found to convert n-3fatty acids to EPA and DHA.
Volume 3, Issue 2 (9-2014)
Abstract
The effect of pistachio green hull (PGH) at 0, 1.5, 4.5, 13.5 and 27% of the diet on the growth, blood biochemical and hematological parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) of 27.03±0.58 g was investigated in a completely randomized design and in three replications with 14 fish individuals in each. At the end of 8 weeks feeding trial, blood samples were randomly taken from 4 individulas in each replication. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in SGR and FCR between 27% treatment and other treatments. No significant differences in Alb, Glo, Tg, GOT (p>0.05) were observed among treatments. Tp (2.76±0.15 g/dl), LDH (2139±44.26 IU/l), ALP (331.9±21.4 IU/l), GPT (407±17.82 IU/l), Hb (8.73±0.7 g/dl) and Hct (33.33±2.28%) had significant differences in group receiving 27% PGH compared with other group (p<0.05). Results showed that high levels of PGH in the diet of rainbow trout had adverse effects on health and growth factors.
Volume 3, Issue 2 (Summer 2019)
Abstract
The use of genetic engineering tools to produce industrial strains, especially from non-model microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, is always subject to limitations. In this research, a system-oriented method was used to design a culture medium instead of strain designing and its ability to increase ethanol production by Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was experimentally evaluated. In this method, compounds are added to the medium to regulate the activity of target enzymes not for the purpose of being consumed by the cells, and thus, the designed culture medium eliminates the intracellular constraints on the production. A metabolic model was used to determine the minimum level of ethanol production and to identify genes that increase or decrease of their expression increase this minimum level. Then, regulators of the enzyme expressed by the target genes were extracted from the Brenda database and their effect on the production was evaluated experimentally and design of experiment was performed to optimize the concentration of the selected compounds. Among the compounds identified, two inhibitors (salicylic acid and mercuric chloride) and one activator (pyruvate) were selected to be added to the medium and their concentration was optimized using the central composite design method. The proposed regulatory medium increased the production of ethanol from 352 to 1116 mg/l, indicating the effectiveness of the added regulatory compounds on the cyanobacteria metabolism. The proposed system-oriented method can be used to design medium culture for other important bio-products such as recombinant proteins.
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract
Several methods are using to collect insects from the environments, they are living in. The sweeping net is one of the commonly used equipment for collecting however the process of picking up the collected insects from net bag is laborious and time consuming job. In the present work we introduced a hand-held battery powered electric aspirator, which made based on a centrifugal fan which adapted into an especial storage bottle (replaceable). Field trials confirmed the efficiency of the new device in collecting insects from different orders, of which Diptera and Hymenoptera were dominant. Additional customization was made on the type of collecting bottle to enhance the applicability of the new device for different purposes. Finally, studies showed that the hand-held electric aspirator can be used successfully for faunistic and ecological studies.
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract
The Iranian fauna of Eudorylini (Diptera, Pipunculidae) is reviewed. The new material were collected in Western (Kermanshah) and Eastern (North Khorasan, Khorasan-e Razavi, South Khorasan, Sistan-o Baluchestan) provinces during 2015–2016. In total, twenty species of Eudorylini belonging to four genera known from Iran are listed. Four species, Claraeola conjuncta (Collin, 1949), Clistoabdominalis nitidifrons (Becker, 1900), Dasydorylas discoidalis (Becker, 1897) and Eudorylas jenkinsoni Coe, 1966 are newly recorded from Iran. A brief diagnosis is presented for the newly recorded species.
Volume 4, Issue 1 (Winter 2018)
Abstract
Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a sexually transmitted disease that its majority infections are asymptomatic and can cause infertility. So, determining its frequency and prevalent genotypes in each zone is necessary to provide clues for clinicians and also to prevent or minimize its complications. The aim of this study was determining the prevalence of C. trachomatis and related genotypes in infertile women and relation with type of infertility.
Methods: For this purpose, a primary screening based on amplification of cryptic plasmid gene was done on endocervical samples obtained from infertile women referring to two infertility treatment clinics. Genotyping of positive samples was done based on PCR-RFLP of omp1 gene and then DNA digestion with Hpa II, Hinf I and Alu I restriction enzymes. The association of infection with age, abortion and primary and secondary infertility was analyzed by statistical analysis.
Results: As a result of this study, the frequency of C. trachomatis infection in 180 endocervical samples was 10.5 % in infertile women. The PCR-RFLP analysis results showed that E, F and D genotypes are prevalent in this population. There was a significant association between infection and abortion among patients with primary and secondary infertility.
Conclusions: Finally, based on the obtained results it can be concluded that C. trachomatis infection is prevalent in infertile women especially in secondary infertility. So, it must be regarded in preventive care and control program hence its diagnosis and treatment can reduce infertility rate among women.
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2016)
Abstract
The effects of dominant shrub species on soil organic matter (SOM), including total soil carbon (SC), total nitrogen (N) and particulate organic matter (POM) were studied in three stands differing in the type of shrub species, i.e. Astragalus microcephalus (shrub), Pteropyrum aucheri (shrub) and Prangus uloptera (non-shrub).The stands were located in arid grasslands of north-western Iran. For this purpose, 18 soil samples from each stand were systematic-randomly collected (by auger) from each depth of 0-15cm and15-30cm, along 6 transect in each stand.The results showed that the stands with the highest abundance of P. aucheriand A. microcephalushad the highest values for SC (0.99% and 0.98%) in both depths, and the highest values for N (0.13% and 0.12%), respectively. The highest POM percentage for carbon (0.24%) and nitrogen (0.03%) were observed in the stands with the highest abundance of A. microcephalus. The proportion of micro-aggregates (28.48%) was significantly higher than macro-aggregates (20.46%) in the upper soil layer of the stand with the highest abundance of A. microcephalus as compared to the others, while no significant difference detected in micro- and macro-aggregate contents of the lower soil layer between the stands. Therefore, the type of shrub species in the grassland communities had important effect on soil organic matter.
Volume 5, Issue 1 (Winter 2019)
Abstract
Aims: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is recognized as an important health problem worldwide. To counteract the human innate immunity, S. aureus produces a number of immune evasion cluster (IEC) including staphylokinase (SAK), staphylococcal enterotoxin P (SEP), staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), staphylococcal complement inhibitor (SCIN), and chemotaxis inhibitory protein (CHIP) encoded by sak, sep, sea, scn, and chp genes, respectively. These genes are carried by β-hamolysin-converting bacteriophages. The present study was conducted to determine the IEC phage types and antibiotic resistance patterns in 145 clinical MRSA isolates from Khuzestan Province, Iran.
Methods: All the isolates were investigated by disc diffusion method and PCR assay of sak, sep, sea, scn, and chp genes.
Findings: The assessment of antibiotic resistance showed the highest rate of resistance towards penicillin (97.25%), followed by methicillin (95.8%), ceftazidime (81.4%), erythromycin (71.8%), clindamycin (61.4%), ciprofloxacin (60.7%), gentamycin (56%), imipenem (56.55%), and vancomycin (0%), respectively. Also, the frequency of IEC types was as follows: type A (4.8%), type B (9%), type C (13.1%), type D (12.4%), type E (27.6%), type F (1.4%), type G (0.7%), and type H (6.9%). On the other hand, 24.1% of the isolates did not show any of the IEC types.
Conclusion: The findings showed that IEC-carrying bacteriophages are highly prevalent among MRSA strains, resulting in the adaptation and counteraction of bacteria to the human immune system. Therefore, understanding the role of IEC in the virulence of bacteria can improve our knowledge about the evolution, vaccination, and treatment of S. aureus infection.
Volume 5, Issue 4 (Fall 2019)
Abstract
Aims: Following the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates, the use of other antibiotics especially vancomycin in S. aureus infections has become inevitable, leading to the emergence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) strains, which is considered as a major public health concern. This study aimed to determine the vancomycin susceptibility patterns of S. aureus clinical isolates in order to evaluate the current status of vancomycin resistance in the southwest of Iran.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 100 S. aureus clinical strains were collected from the hospitals of Khuzestan province in the southwest of Iran. Next, antibiotic susceptibility, vancomycin resistance, and the presence of mecA, vanA, vanB, vanC, and vanD genes were investigated in these isolates.
Findings: It was found that 1 and 2 isolates were vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) and VRSA, respectively. All three strains showed methicillin-resistance pattern and carried mecA gene. vanA gene was detected in VRSA strains, whereas vanB, vanC, and vanD genes were detected in none of these isolates.
Conclusion: This study findings could be alarming regarding the emergence and spread of VRSA strains; therefore, the principles of infection control should be employed in the healthcare systems to prevent the spread of VRSA strains in healthcare facilities.
Volume 7, Issue 1 (Winter 2019)
Abstract
Aims: In recent years, global warming has increased the importance of carbon sequestration. The present study was conducted to survey the effect of banqueting and fire on soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in Atbatan rangelands of Bostanabad District.
Materials & Methods: For this purpose, using systematic-random strategy, composite soil samples were taken from fire happened 2 years ago (in 2 aspects of east and west), banqueting constructed 25 years ago (in 2 aspects of north and south), and control sites. The SOC was measured and results were analyzed, using two-way ANOVA.
Findings: On the contrary of interaction effect, the main effects of aspect and fire were significant on SOC. The SOC of the control site with 28.9 t/ha was higher than the fire site with 21.76 t/ha. The average SOC in the eastern aspect was higher than the western aspect as such the average amount of SOC in western and eastern aspects were 28.94 t/ha and 21.72 t/ha, respectively. Banqueting had an increasing significant effect on SOC, as such SOC of the treatment site was 34.47 t/ha compared to the control site with 22.21 t/ha. The SOC in the northern and southern aspects was not significantly different, and the SOC of southern and northern aspects equaled 28.45 t/ha and 28.23 t/ha, respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, according to the results of the study, the occurrence of fire in rangelands can reduce the amount of SOC. The rangeland banqueting increases the amount of SOC in both aspects.
Volume 8, Issue 4 (Fall 2020)
Abstract
Aims: Recognizing the environmental factors affecting plants structural trials and biomass is important to conserve plants as well as their ecosystem function, and services. Onobrychis aurea is a valuable forage that is distributed in the marl lands and is considered as an endangered plant species in Iran. In the present study, the ecological characteristics (plant traits) of this species has been investigated in detail.
Materials & Methods: For this purpose, structural traits and biomass of O. aurea were investigated in 12 ecological units with different topographical and soil conditions. Three soil samples were taken to 15cm depth, (0-15cm) in each ecological unit. The relationship between structural traits and species biomass with environmental factors was tested by redundancy analysis (RDA) method in 2016.
Findings: The results indicated that the soil characteristics including clay, lime and silt content play a more important role in the structural and biomass traits of O. aurea evidence show. Spatial and topographical factors, especially elevation and geographical aspects, had a smaller contribution in structural traits and species biomass in comparison with soil factors. Higher structural values were recorded in heavy textured alkaline soils. The slope percentages also have no significant effect on plant characteristics.
Conclusion: The present study indicated that the soil and topographic factors are very important for management of O. aurea. In general, it should also be emphasized that having good knowledge related to plant ecology as well as environmental condition could help managers to conserve and rehabilitate endangered plants.
Volume 8, Issue 4 (Fall 2020)
Abstract
Aims: Awareness about the effects of banqueting and fire on the vegetation in rangeland ecosystems is necessary for appropriate management. Regarding the importance of sustainable rangelands management and the lack of studies about fire and banqueting, the aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of rangeland restoration practices (banqueting with seeding) and also fire on plant functional groups in semi-arid region of Atbatan Rangelands, Bostanabad.
Materials & Methods: For this purpose, after choosing the treatments and control sites, via random-systematic method in each site, thirty 1-m2 plots were established along three 30-meter transects (there were 30 plots for each area and 240 plots in total). The canopy cover of plant species was recorded within the plots and categorized based on plant functional groups.
Findings: The results of statistical data analysis showed that the percentage of total cover in the north and south aspects of banqueting with 69.17% and 62.03% was significantly higher than the control sites with 52.53% and 48.03%, respectively. Fire in west aspect has reduced the percentage of vegetation (53.6%) compared to the control site (72.93%) whereas it did not have a significant effect in east aspect.
Conclusion: Generally, it can be stated that banqueting in the north aspect has more and increasing effect on plant functional groups but fire has a more complicated behavior in different topographic conditions (aspect) in relation to the banqueting and in west control site in term of the most studied parameters it has significantly more values than the other sites.
Volume 9, Issue 1 (Winter 2021)
Abstract
Aims: Biochar is a soil amendment used to improve soil quality and plant productivity in an agricultural application, and there were fewer researches to use it in rangeland species. This study aimed to determine if lignite and wheat straw biochar (WSB) could be used to promote Astragalus podolobus growth, inclusive Plant height, crown diameter, canopy cover, the volume of cover, leaf area, and leaf perimeter. In this study, it is assumed that WSB and lignite’s use will increase the growth of A. podolobus species. A. podolobus, as a palatable shrub from the Leguminosae family, is a native species of Turkmen Sahra.
Materials & Methods: A greenhouse experiment was designed with (WSB) and lignite, at 1.25%, 2.5%, and 3.75%w/w of soil in six replications. The soil texture was clay loam. Statistical analyses were performed by two-way analysis of variance using the SPSS16 statistical software.
Findings: In lignite application, the highest height, crown diameter, canopy cover, and volume of cover were observed for a 3.75% application rate after the 4th month and were 25.03cm, 23.52cm, 528.65cm2, and 15581cm3, respectively. While the highest values of these parameters for WSB were obtained for 2.5% of the application rate after the fourth month and were 22.62cm, 20.66cm, 401.66cm2, and 11318.3cm3, respectively.
Conclusion: Plant height, crown diameter, canopy cover, the volume of cover, leaf area, and leaf perimeter were promoted by increasing lignite dosage (3.75%) in the soil while nearly all parameters decreased at the same WSB incorporation dose.
Materials & Methods: A greenhouse experiment was designed with (WSB) and lignite, at 1.25%, 2.5%, and 3.75%w/w of soil in six replications. The soil texture was clay loam. Statistical analyses were performed by two-way analysis of variance using the SPSS16 statistical software.
Findings: In lignite application, the highest height, crown diameter, canopy cover, and volume of cover were observed for a 3.75% application rate after the 4th month and were 25.03cm, 23.52cm, 528.65cm2, and 15581cm3, respectively. While the highest values of these parameters for WSB were obtained for 2.5% of the application rate after the fourth month and were 22.62cm, 20.66cm, 401.66cm2, and 11318.3cm3, respectively.
Conclusion: Plant height, crown diameter, canopy cover, the volume of cover, leaf area, and leaf perimeter were promoted by increasing lignite dosage (3.75%) in the soil while nearly all parameters decreased at the same WSB incorporation dose.
Volume 9, Issue 2 (Spring 2021)
Abstract
Aims: Most rangelands of Urmia in Iran have been destroyed and need significant restoration to achieve favorable conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of a 19-years research exclosure on vegetation and soil features in Mahabad Sabzepoush rangelands of Iran.
Methods: To conduct research using the random-systematic method, three reference sites inside the exclosure and three reference sites outside the exclosure were selected with similar conditions. In each site, three linear transects, and along each transect, ten plots of one square meter were established. The percentage of canopy cover and the number of plants in each plot were measured using estimation and counting methods. From the beginning, middle, and end of each transect, soil samples were collected from a depth of 30 cm. An independent t-test was used to compare data on quantitative vegetation factors, land surface cover, richness characteristics, species diversity, evenness, and soil characteristics both inside and outside the enclosure.
Findings: Based on the results, 75 species belonging to 60 genera and 19 families were identified in the selected sites. Results showed that vegetation factors such as density and canopy cover of forbs and grasses and total canopy cover had a significant difference between the outside and inside of exclosure (p<0.05). The total density, density, and canopy cover of shrubs were not significantly different between exclosure and control sites (p>0.05). In the grazing area, the value of plant density of forbs, grasses, and shrubs was 43.84, 40.62, and 1.10number/m2, respectively. After 19 years of the exclosure, the forbs' density (57.45number/m2) and shrubs (2.17number/m2) were increased. Besides, forbs canopy cover increased from 18.14 to 24.88 (percentage) and shrubs canopy cover increased from 0.91 to 0.97% in 19 years exclosure. Richness, diversity, and evenness did not differ significantly between the exclosure and open grazing sites (p>0.05). The richness and diversity index was increased by 0.03 and 0.05 in the exclosure sites, but the evenness index increased by 0.01 in the open grazing sites. Nitrogen, electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorus, organic matter, silt, and potassium in the exclosure and open grazing areas, had a significant difference (p<0.05). In the grazing area, EC and potassium's value was 1.35ds/m and 464.24ppm, respectively. After 19 years of the exclosure, the value of EC (1.10ds/m) and potassium (464.24ppm) were increased. Nevertheless, the values of other factors were decreased.
Conclusion: Although exclosure has increased the percentage of canopy cover, density, and diversity of species, but in some cases, non-observance of exclusion will prevent the achievement of the expected goals and desired results. These results indicate that grazing exclosure plays a crucial role in vegetation recovery and soil protection of destroyed rangelands.
Methods: To conduct research using the random-systematic method, three reference sites inside the exclosure and three reference sites outside the exclosure were selected with similar conditions. In each site, three linear transects, and along each transect, ten plots of one square meter were established. The percentage of canopy cover and the number of plants in each plot were measured using estimation and counting methods. From the beginning, middle, and end of each transect, soil samples were collected from a depth of 30 cm. An independent t-test was used to compare data on quantitative vegetation factors, land surface cover, richness characteristics, species diversity, evenness, and soil characteristics both inside and outside the enclosure.
Findings: Based on the results, 75 species belonging to 60 genera and 19 families were identified in the selected sites. Results showed that vegetation factors such as density and canopy cover of forbs and grasses and total canopy cover had a significant difference between the outside and inside of exclosure (p<0.05). The total density, density, and canopy cover of shrubs were not significantly different between exclosure and control sites (p>0.05). In the grazing area, the value of plant density of forbs, grasses, and shrubs was 43.84, 40.62, and 1.10number/m2, respectively. After 19 years of the exclosure, the forbs' density (57.45number/m2) and shrubs (2.17number/m2) were increased. Besides, forbs canopy cover increased from 18.14 to 24.88 (percentage) and shrubs canopy cover increased from 0.91 to 0.97% in 19 years exclosure. Richness, diversity, and evenness did not differ significantly between the exclosure and open grazing sites (p>0.05). The richness and diversity index was increased by 0.03 and 0.05 in the exclosure sites, but the evenness index increased by 0.01 in the open grazing sites. Nitrogen, electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorus, organic matter, silt, and potassium in the exclosure and open grazing areas, had a significant difference (p<0.05). In the grazing area, EC and potassium's value was 1.35ds/m and 464.24ppm, respectively. After 19 years of the exclosure, the value of EC (1.10ds/m) and potassium (464.24ppm) were increased. Nevertheless, the values of other factors were decreased.
Conclusion: Although exclosure has increased the percentage of canopy cover, density, and diversity of species, but in some cases, non-observance of exclusion will prevent the achievement of the expected goals and desired results. These results indicate that grazing exclosure plays a crucial role in vegetation recovery and soil protection of destroyed rangelands.
Volume 10, Issue 1 (Winter 2019)
Abstract
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an infectious agent of a large variety of birds, including chickens, which poses a real threat to the poultry industry. This virus is a member of the avian Paramyxoviridae. NDV is enveloped with membrane-embedded spikes consisting of glycosylated hemagglutinin (HN) and fusion (F) proteins. The mean death time after vNDV infection is 2-6 days, hence, the presence of preexisting antibodies prior to infection appears to be the most critical protection from this disease. Antibodies produced against the HN and F trans-membrane surface glycoproteins are able to neutralize NDV upon subsequent infection and inhibition of viral fusion with the host cell membrane, respectively. In this experimental study, the immunogenic epitopes of the F protein of NDV were designed artificially and were expressed in the heterologous system (Escherichia coli), using the appropriate vector (pET32a). In order to evaluate the immunogenicity of the recombinant f fragment, the protein was injected into the animal model. Immune response and the rise of specific antibodies titers were determined in immune sera. The results showed that immunization of mice with this recombinant protein could elicit significant serum IgG antibody up to 1/204800 titer. We show that the recombinant F protein was recognized by the mice sera immunized with the commercial vaccine. Moreover, the reactivity of vaccine strain virus with sera from F protein immunized mice suggested that the F protein is able to present similar epitopes with viral vaccine strain and hopefully could stimulate the immune system of the animal against the infectious viruses.
Volume 10, Issue 2 (6-2010)
Abstract
During the last decades, many researches have been carried out on development of supplemental passive energy absorption devices especially hysteretic metallic dampers and different types of them with different capacities and potentials have been developed. The idea of buckling of thin-walled tubes and the use of this property was led to develop an accordion metallic damper (AMD) [Motamedi, Nateghi-Alahi-2007]. This damper utilizes the capability of accordion thin-walled tube for excitation of axisymmetric concertina buckling mode as a damping mechanism which in turn increases the amount of dissipated energy. In this paper filled accordion metallic damper (FAMD) is suggested and analytically and experimentally the behavior of AMD's and FAMD's under axial cyclic loading are investigated and compared. For this purpose, Firstly analytical studies based on Finite element method and nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed on FAMD's for the determination of the approximate preliminary specifications of different polymers for potential use. After specifying the preliminary material properties, 4 specimens include 2 FAMD's filled by polymeric foam and 2 AMD's were subjected to dynamic tension and compression actuator and the effect of filling AMD's by this polymeric foam on the some of important specifications of damper studied and try to use this method for improving and developing of AMD's. Based on the results obtained using the appropriate filling inside the AMD's is a suitable technique for the purpose of improvement the some of important specifications such as the number of cycles before failure, amount of dissipated energy and plastic capacity. The effect of interaction between foam and accordion thin walled tubes play an important role for this purpose especially in low capacity AMD's.
Volume 10, Issue 2 (Spring 2022)
Abstract
Aims: Sexual satisfaction is one of the aspects of sexual health that is vital in maintaining the couple's relationship and their quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the factors predicting sexual satisfaction based on the IMB model among Iranian men.
Instrument & Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. A number of 362 men living in Sanandaj, Iran, with a marriage age of fewer than 5 years were systematically included in the study. Data collection tools were Larson sexual satisfaction questionnaire, sexual health questionnaire based on information-motivation-behavioral skills model constructs, and men's sexual function questionnaire. Data analysis was performed at a significant level of 0.05 and with SPSS 20 software.
Findings: The results indicate that 1.4% of participants have no sexual satisfaction at all, 43.1% have poor sexual satisfaction, 53.9% have moderate sexual satisfaction and 1.7% have high sexual satisfaction. The regression model showed that the level of education, information, and motivation of the IMB model were predictors of sexual satisfaction with a 13% variance (F=19.48, p=0.001, r=0.13, R2=0.37).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that sexual dissatisfaction is related to the level of education, information, and motivation of men about sexual issues.
Volume 10, Issue 2 (Spring 2024)
Abstract
Background: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are regarded as a global public health threat. Physicians are restricted in their treatment options due to resistance to aminoglycosides and tetracycline derivatives. This study investigated aminoglycoside and tetracycline derivative resistance among Staphylococcus isolates in Shiraz, southwestern Iran.
Materials & Methods: Totally, 113 staphylococcal isolates were recovered from different clinical samples in Nemazee Teaching Hospital from October 2019 to January 2020. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was performed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates against aminoglycoside and tetracycline antibiotics. Aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs) and tet genes were investigated among staphylococci isolates using polymerase chain reactions (PCR).
Findings: MRS prevalence among Staphylococcus isolates was 61% (69 of 113). The majority of MRS isolates were obtained from blood (39.1%; 27 of 69) and urine (17.4%; 12 of 69). The highest prevalence of MRS isolates was among emergency room patients (34.8%; 24 of 69). The highest resistance of MRS isolates was against tobramycin (59.4%; 41 of 69) and tetracycline (55.1%; 38 of 69). The prevalence of tetM and aac (6')-Ie-aph (2'') genes was significantly higher among MRS compared with methicillin-sensitive staphylococci (MSS) (87.5% vs 12.5% and 95.6% vs 6.4%, respectively) (p= .001).
Conclusion: The prevalence of MRS isolates, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS), was remarkable in Shiraz as the center of medical services in the southwest of Iran. Furthermore, these MRS isolates were highly resistant to aminoglycosides and tetracyclines. Therefore, antimicrobial stewardship is necessary to address health conditions.
Volume 11, Issue 0 (پاییز و زمستان 87- 2009)
Abstract
Objective: Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in the beginning and in the course of immune responses. By observing. Considering the defect in these cells in patients with tumor malignancy. In recent years there has been considerable interests in correction and use of these cells. In our prvious studies we showed that lysate of Listeria monocytogenese can induce maturation of dendritic cells, and induce TH1 response and increase the survival of tumor in an experimental model. The main objective in the present study is to evaluate the effects of different constituents of Listeria monocytogenes on DCs and their efficiency to induce TH1 response. Materials and Methods: After preparation of different components of Listeria monocytogenese (lysate of Listeria monocytogenes, protein and nucleic acid components), mouse bone marrow cells were cultured for 5 days in the presence of IL-4 and GM-CSF and treated with different components of Listeria for another 2 days. DCs were evaluated for the expression of Co-stimulatory molecules, MHC Class II molecules and Cytokine secretion. Results: The results showed that, all of the components are able to mature DCs efficiently and induce TH1 response. But dendritic cells matured with protein components shift the response to TH1 more efficiently. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that dendritic cell maturation protein components of Listeria monocytogenese shift the response to TH1 more efficiently and may have beneficial effects in cancer immunotherapy.