Search

continuous and effective care is needed to improve the quality of life of patients with depression. The present study aimed to determine the effect of nursing home care on the quality of life of patients with Major Depressive Disorder. This is a clinical trial study in which a total of 50 patients with Major Depressive Disorder were recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to two groups of control and intervention. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire at three time-points of before, three months, and six months after the intervention. Patients in the intervention group received nursing home care in accordance with nursing process (5–6 training sessions of 1.5 to 2 h, one session every two weeks over three months). They also received telephone follow-up. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 16.0 using independent-samples t -test, chi square and repeated measures Analysis of Variance. The results of the present study indicated there was a significant difference in the mean score of the overall quality of life and its domains between the intervention and the control group at three and six months after the intervention. Based on the results of the present study, it was concluded that the nursing home care program can improve the quality of life and its domains in patients with Major Depressive Disorder. According to this study, by follow up of patients with major depression disorder after discharge and performing care and counseling interventions at home besides routine treatment plan, it is possible to prevent re-hospitalization and decrease hospitalization costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimodal analysis of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) has the potential to provide remarkable insight for cancer development and metastasis. CTCs and CTC clusters investigation using single-cell analysis, enables researchers to gain crucial information on metastatic mechanisms and the genomic alterations responsible for drug resistance, empowering treatment, and management of cancer. Despite a plethora of CTC isolation technologies, careful attention to the strengths and weaknesses of each method should be considered in order to isolate these rare cells. Here, we provide an overview of cutting-edge technologies used for single-cell isolation and analysis of CTCs. Additionally, we highlight the biological features, clinical application, and the therapeutic potential of CTCs and CTC clusters using single-cell analysis platforms for cancer management. In-depth characterisation of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) has shown promise in diagnosis and management of cancer patients in a noninvasive manner. However, rarity of CTCs poses critical challenges for isolating and analysing them. CTC analysis provides insights into tumour heterogeneity beyond genomic aberrations that are not found in circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). Single-cell molecular analysis of CTCs offers a new prognostic approach to identification of targeted therapy resistance mechanisms. Choice of technology for isolation and analysis of CTCs mainly depends on cell-loss, study cost per CTC, and workflow complexity. Current technologies suffer from high analysis costs and cell-loss during handling of the low number of CTCs. Additionally, different physical and biological features of CTC clusters often lead to difficulties in analysing them via current commercial platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A special selective wet chemical etchant is developed and optimized for removal of subsurface laser modified c-Si. • The etch recipe is non-toxic while yielding smooth surfaces at a high etch rate and selectivity for laser-processed Si. • The champion etchant exhibits a selectivity of over 1600 times for laser modified c-Si with respect to unmodified c-Si. • Extremely high aspect ratios > 13 are achieved in 3D structuring of c-Si. • The etch rate and selectivity, as well as their calculations, are redefined to include 3D aspects both at the surface and the subsurface of c-Si. Recently-demonstrated high-quality three-dimensional (3D) subsurface laser processing inside crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers opens a door to a wide range of novel applications in multidisciplinary research areas. Using this technique, novel maskless micro-pillars with precise control on the surface reflection and coverage are successfully fabricated by etching the laser-processed region of the c-Si wafer. To achieve this, a particular selective wet chemical etching is developed to follow subsurface laser processing of c-Si to reveal the desired 3D structures with smooth surfaces. Here, we report the development of a novel chromium-free chemical etching recipe based on copper nitrate, which yields substantially smooth surfaces at a high etch rate and selectivity on the both laser-processed Si surface and subsurface, i.e., without significant etching of the unmodified Si. Our results show that the etch rate and surface morphology are interrelated and strongly influenced by the composition of the adopted etching solution. After an extensive compositional study performed at room temperature, we identify an etchant with a selectivity of over 1600 times for laser-modified Si with respect to unmodified Si. We also support our findings using density functional theory calculations of HF and Cu adsorption energies, indicating significant diversity on the c-Si and laser-modified surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel active LDPE/TPS nanocomposite films containing date palm seed extracts (Kabkab variety) were developed using D-optimal mixture design. 20 different blends of components including LDPE, TPS, Cloisite 20A, PE-g-MA, EDTA and date palm seed extract in different proportions were prepared. Using trace and counter plots the effects of each component on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of the composites were studied. The results showed that the films containing a mixture of date seed extract and EDTA had notable antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus ; however, these components weakened the mechanical properties of the prepared films. At the same time Cloisite 20A nanoparticles strengthened the films mechanical properties. The optimized formulation for the overall best antibacterial and mechanical properties was 67.5 wt% for LDPE, 4.1 wt% for date seed extract, 2.8 wt% for Cloisite 20A and 2.5 wt% for EDTA. The studied properties of the manufactured film samples were close to the values predicted by the model. [Display omitted] • Date palm seed extracts from Kabkab variety were obtained. • An active LDPE/TPS nanocomposite films containing date palm seed extracts by were developed. • The mechanical properties of the films were tested. • The antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. • Optimization of film formulation is carried out using D-optimal experimental design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performance of crystalline Silicon solar cells depends on numerous factors. One key factor is a surface structure which can restrict electrical and optical properties due to recombination of generated carriers and reflection of incident light. Surface texturing reduces reflection from a flat surface which increases absorption of light. Anisotropic alkaline etchants are commonly used for texturing mono-crystalline Silicon wafers which produce pyramid structures on the surface. Because of randomly oriented crystallographic grains, this method is not feasible for multi-crystalline Silicon wafers. Here, an alternative texturing process using a laser system is proposed. Laser beam creates vertical and horizontal grooves on the surface in which the intersections are for a light trapping purpose. Laser parameters are determined experimentally to have the lowest reflection. Next, chemical post-texture cleaning is performed to remove laser-induced damages and other residues. Finally, samples went through general solar cell fabrication steps. For characterizations, weighted reflection is measured and correlated with Scanning Electron Microscopy images of a textured surface to evaluate the performance of texturing and post-texture cleaning. To examine fabricated solar cells' performance, I–V curve and External Quantum Efficiency are measured. Results indicate that proposed processes lead to an improved efficiency compared to reference samples. • Optimizing laser texturing as an isotropic texturing method by optimizing laser parameters. • Optimizing post-texture cleaning method using KOH solution with proper parameters. • Fabricating solar cell based on optimum laser texturing and post-texture cleaning parameters. • Achieving considerably low weighted reflection by laser texturing and depositing ARC. • Improving conversion efficiency of conventional c-Si solar cell comparing to reference cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, an analysis for solving inverse radiative boundary design problem with discrete design variables is developed and presented when radiation is the dominant mode of heat transfer. An absorbing, emitting, and participating medium is considered in radiative equilibrium. The discrete ordinate method (DOM) is implemented to solve the radiative transfer equation (RTE). The goal of the design problem is to find the optimum power of heaters from a discrete set of powers in such a way that they produce the desired temperature and heat flux profile over the design surface. Therefore, several metaheuristic optimization methods including the genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and its modified forms such as PSO with Constriction Factor (PSO-CF), PSO with repulsion factor (PSO-RF) and PSO with adaptive inertia weight (PSO-W) are explored to solve the inverse problem. The accuracy of the direct solution of radiative heat transfer is examined by comparison of the present results with findings from the literature. Then the efficiency and accuracy of the optimization methods are assessed by their ability of finding and reconstructing of the results from the direct solution. Finally, the effects of some thermos-physical properties including the absorption coefficient, emissivity of the heater surface and design surface, on the optimum solutions are examined. The comparison of the results revealed that the genetic optimization algorithm converged faster and with fewer calculations of the objective function compared to other optimization techniques. Highlights • A methodology for solving inverse boundary design problems with discrete power levels is presented. • The goal is to find the optimum power of heaters from a discrete set of powers in such a way that the desired conditions over the design surface are recovered. • Metaheuristic methods including the GA, PSO, PSO-CF, PSO-RF, and PSO-W are compared. • Effects of some thermos-physical properties on optimum solutions are examined. • Results revealed that the GA converged faster and in fewer objective function calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Use of green source along with green solvent (supercritical CO 2) to extract LCAR. • Evaluation of SFE variables effect via response surface methodology. • Obtain 55.3% LCAR recovery from oyster mushroom at optimum SFE operating conditions. • Modeling based on mass balance with excellent compatibility with experimental data. Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the experimental extraction of L-Carnitine (LCAR) from oyster mushroom with supercritical carbon dioxide and methanol as co-solvent. The four variables affecting this process were temperature (40 to 80 °C), pressure (10 to 30 MPa), carbon dioxide flow rate (0.5 to 2.5 ml/min) and dynamic extraction time (40 to 120 min). The highest extraction yield was 55.28% (weight basis) which was obtained at 40 °C, 19.50 MPa, 2.14 ml/min, and 120 min. Also, the extraction process was modeled using a differential mass balance model in which the comparison between two thermodynamic and genetic methods was used for evaluation the physical significance of the model. The determination coefficient calculated using the genetic method was 95.83%. This clearly indicates the accuracy of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of NEXUS chest and Thoracic Injury Rule out criteria (TIRC) models in predicting the risk of intra-thoracic injuries following blunt multiple trauma.Methods: In this diagnostic accuracy study, using the 2 mentioned models, blunt multiple trauma patients over the age of 15 years presenting to emergency department were screened regarding the presence of intra-thoracic injuries that are detectable via chest x-ray and screening performance characteristics of the models were compared.Results: In this study, 3118 patients with the mean (SD) age of 37.4 (16.9) years were studied (57.4% male). Based on TIRC and NEXUS chest, respectively, 1340 (43%) and 1417 (45.4%) patients were deemed in need of radiography performance. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of TIRC were 98.95%, 62.70%, 21.19% and 99.83%. These values were 98.61%, 59.94%, 19.97% and 99.76%, for NEXUS chest, respectively. Accuracy of TIRC and NEXUS chest models were 66.04 (95% CI: 64.34-67.70) and 63.50 (95% CI: 61.78-65.19), respectively.Conclusion: TIRC and NEXUS chest models have proper and similar sensitivity in prediction of blunt traumatic intra-thoracic injuries that are detectable via chest x-ray. However, TIRC had a significantly higher specificity in this regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid global growth in consumption of limited fossil fuels parallel to global population growth and environmental concerns on sustainability of the current energy resources, led engineers and scientists into the search for alternative resources of energy. The goal of this search is to meet human energy needs, while mitigate the potential drastic effects of fossil fuels consumption. Tidal energy, due to its high level of consistency and predictability, is one of the feasible and promising type of renewable energy for future development and investment. The goal of this study is to present a comprehensive insight into development of tidal stream energy farms in Iran. In the current work based on numerical simulations three potential tidal sites have been identified in Persian Gulf and Oman Sea: Khowran Strait, Hengam Island and Greater-Tunb Island. Then, according to thirteen specified attributes, technical evaluation of three above mentioned sites has been performed. According to these evaluations Hengam and Greater-Tunb Islands showed more potentials for implementation of a commercial scale tidal turbine farm. Further analyses proved that Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE) for Hengam and Greater-Tunb Islands is 182.25 and 221.51 GBP/MWh respectively. With these LCOE values and current Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFiT) rate in Iran, it is expected that the return of investment period in Hengam and Greater-Tunb Islands to be 18.77 and 23.79 years respectively. These values dictate that current REFiT rates have to be increased to attract private sector for investment in this field and to make tidal current energy more competitive among other types of energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine which factors determine the performance of strategic alliances as most common strategy for technology commercialization in Iran biopharmaceutical industry. We develop a theoretical framework to performance measurement of strategic alliances between traditional pharmaceutical and new biotechnology firms (NBFs). Our empirical data are derived from a detailed survey held among established alliances by member companies of Iranian Society of Manufacturers and Exporters of Medical Biotech Products in the period 2000–2012. Findings show that partner fit, alliance capabilities, social capital, and learning are determinant constructs of strategic alliance performance. Furthermore, opportunistic behavior was negatively related to alliance performance, as hypothesized. The partner fit, conflict management, trust, and social capital were positively related to learning construct. Trust, and social capital, negatively affected opportunistic behavior. This study finds that alliance capabilities partially mediate between alliance experience and alliance performance. Also, specific partner experience and conflict management were positively related to trust. The social capital positively, affected alliance capabilities. These findings provide a deeper understanding into the strategic alliance performance, and offer executives in biopharmaceutical industry some practical ideas for assuring favorable strategic alliance outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of the environmentally friendly nanocomposite beads containing chitosan (Chi), tannic acid (TA), layered double hydroxides (LDH), and mixed metal oxides (MMO) was carried out. The synthesized ZnFe LDH, ZnFe MMO, and fabricated beads (Chi/TA@LDH and Chi/TA@MMO) were characterized using FESEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, and TGA. The beads were applied for the simultaneous removal of three reactive dyes. The design of experiments was based on a full factorial design considering the effect of six independent variables (initial dye concentrations, adsorbent dosage, time, and adsorbent type) on the dye removal percentages (DR%) of each dye. Regression equations were extracted from the experimental results (R2 > 0.983) and high obtained F-values from analysis of variance (ANOVA) proved the significance of the models. The maximum adsorption capacity of the dyes onto, Chi/TA@LDH and Chi/TA@MMO beads were between 257 and 483 mg g−1. The spontaneity and exothermic nature of the adsorption processes were determined by thermodynamic studies (−8 < ΔH° (KJ mol−1) < −1, −22 < ΔG° (KJ mol−1) < −18). Reusability studies showed that the fabricated beads could be regenerated and applied several times. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current general consensus is that because of global climate change, coastal infrastructures may be subject to more extreme loads in the future than in the past. There has been an increased recognition that more attention should be paid to incorporating nonstationarity within the design process of coastal structures. In this regard, the present study examines the reliability of a conventional rubble mound breakwater using a variety of probabilistic techniques, incorporating ten nonstationary models to study the impacts of nonstationarity, as well as six copula functions to explore the dependence effects of wave extremes. The Gumbel copula most accurately represents the dependence structure of wave heights and periods in the study area. When the dependence of wave parameters is not correctly modeled, the failure probability of the studied structure is significantly underestimated. Assuming the Gumbel copula for modeling dependence of wave parameters, the results indicate that the maximum failure probability of the structure is underestimated by about 33% when a stationary extreme value distribution is fitted to wave height extremes, compared to a nonstationary Generalized Pareto Distribution (GPD). The insights gained from this study suggest that considering nonstationarity in extreme coastal events has more significant impacts on the reliability of coastal structures when the dependence structure of the marine variables is accurately modeled. • A methodology to study the reliability of coastal structures within a nonstationary framework is provided. • The influence of three dependence structures (Independence, Gaussian, and Gumbel copulas) was analyzed. • The impact of 12 nonstationary extreme value distributions on extreme significant wave height was explored. • Two state-of-the-art automated threshold selection methods for the GPD model were used. • The influence of wind speed as covariate of nonstationary extreme wave height, as well as time, was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canola breeding program undertaken to improve meal quality has led to the development of canola quality ( i.e. , low-glucosinolate, low-erucic acid) form of B. juncea , a mustard species known for its pure yellow seed coat. Under Western Canadian conditions, B. juncea suffers less from heat and drought stress and matures earlier than B. napus . Such characteristics are the basis for high yields of oil and low chlorophyll content in the seed. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritive composition of meals derived from pre-press solvent extracted seeds of the conventional black-seeded B. napus canola and the canola-quality yellow-seeded B. juncea . In comparison with B. napus canola, meal derived from yellow-seeded B. juncea contained, on dry matter (DM) basis, similar amount of protein (417 vs. 415 g/kg) and fat (28 vs . 29 g/kg), more sucrose (69 vs . 56 g/kg), more starch (34 vs . 10 g/kg) and less dietary fibre (277 vs . 338 g/kg). Lower fibre content of B. juncea canola was reflected in lower content of lignin with associated polyphenols (40 vs . 104 g/kg). The nutritive value of canola meals was investigated with broiler chickens fed maize/soybean meal-based diets containing 300 g/kg of meals from 4 to 18 d of age. A lower (P < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG) was observed in birds fed the B. juncea diet when compared with those fed the conventional black-seeded B. napus canola (479 vs . 515 g/bird). No difference in feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed (1.44 vs . 1.42). Meal apparent metabolisable energy (AME n ) values for B. juncea and B. napus were determined with broiler chickens (from 14 to 19 d of age) and were 7.9 and 7.8 Mj/kg DM, respectively. Enzyme (multi-carbohydrase) addition resulted in the AME n value of 8.3 Mj/kg DM for B. napus meal, with a more pronounced effect (P < 0.05) observed for B. juncea canola (from 7.9 to 9.3 Mj/kg DM). In the third study, growth performance of broiler chickens fed 15% of canola meals without and with enzyme supplementation was determined in the starter (1–21 d of age) and grower (22–35 d of age) phases of the experiment. Compared to the soybean meal (SBM) Control, canola meals decreased BWG of broiler chickens in the starter phase and the entire trial. Enzyme supplementation improved FCR in the chicks fed B. juncea meal (P < 0.05). The enzyme effect was more pronounced in the young birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The patient's suffering and financial costs affiliated with Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU), as one of the most important complications of diabetes, are highly undesirable and this highlights the importance of preventive medicine about this disorder. Furthermore hyperglycemia causes generation of free radicals which leads to oxidative stress (OS). Hence, this study aims to examine the association between vitamin D receptor ( VDR) gene Fok I polymorphism and DFU in Iranian population and also its correlation with OS biomarkers. Materials and methods In a case-control study, a total of 212 patients with type 2 diabetes with and without diabetic foot ulcer were included. Genotyping was conducted by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Samples were analyzed for thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) as markers of OS. Results The results indicated a significant difference in genotype frequencies of VDR gene Fok I polymorphism in patients with diabetic foot ulcer in comparison to those without diabetic foot ulcer (TT + TC vs. CC p = 0.04; OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.02–3.05). Moreover, the patients carrying the T allele had a significantly higher level of TBARS ( p = 0.01). Conclusions We found a significant association between Fok I functional variant of VDR gene and diabetic foot ulcer in an Iranian population. Increased levels of TBARS in patients carrying the T allele of Fok I polymorphism indicate an association between this variant and OS in patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) is one of the most well-known methods to deal with uncertainties in the design methods. There are still challenges with the application of RBDO in the design of coastal structures, such as data adequacy, computational cost, and the correlation between environmental variables. The current study aims at addressing these items and bringing insights into the correlated design. In this regard, a step has been taken forward, and the RBDO of a rubble mound breakwater has been performed by considering the correlation among significant wave height, wave period and water level. Four different copulas are considered: Independence, the Gaussian, the Drawable Vine dependence, and the Gumbel. The expected lifetime costs for the independence, the Gaussian, and the Gumbel dependence cases are 9.32%, 5.70%, and 3.12% lower than that of the D-vine case. The results indicate that considering a suitable vine structure, the optimal solutions of the Independence, the Gaussian, and the Gumbel copulas are not reliable. While without considering this dependence structure, the obtained designs have met the probabilistic criterion. This is a novel and crucial outcome and highlights the significance of the proper selection of dependence structure on the reliable design of marine structures. • Impact of four copulas including Independence, Gaussian, vine, and Gumbel investigated. • Influence of dependence structure is critical for the toe and armor instabilities. • Impact of the pairwise relationship of H s - T p , H s - WL , and T p - WL on reliability explored. • Vine structure is the only reliable optimum solution in the case study. • Gumbel copula provides the closest optimum solution to the vine case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is associated with an increased number of opioid-free days, improved adherence rates in substance use disorder treatment programs, and reduced cravings and drug-seeking behaviors. There is little evidence on the predictive associations between baseline characteristics of opioid-dependent patients and XR-NTX utilization. Some studies have demonstrated better pharmacotherapy adherence and/or retention rates among non-heroin opioid users compared to heroin users. This study examines predictive associations between characteristics of patients and XR-NTX utilization, as well as participants' urge to use opiates. Our findings suggest that XR-NTX may contribute to decreases in urges to use among both heroin and non-heroin opioid users. Non-heroin opioid users and heroin users were retained in XR-NTX treatment for comparable periods of time. However, those who identified as homeless, injected opioids (regardless of opioid-type), or were diagnosed with a mental illness were less likely to be retained in treatment with XR-NTX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a new class of drugs has revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune, allergic, infectious, and many more diseases. This new class of drugs is made of 3 groups-cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and fusion proteins-that may target special damaged cells but not all the cells. These drugs may have side effects such as infection, hypersensitivity, hematologic disorders, cancer, hepatotoxicity, and neurologic disorders. However, there is not enough evidence or long-term studies of the mechanism of action and side effects of these drugs. Patients receiving biological therapies may need special consideration in dentistry. This paper is a review of the classification, mechanism of action, and side effects of these drugs and dental consideration for patients receiving biological therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drastic yield reduction at sub/nearthreshold voltage domains, caused by the severe process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations in this region, is challenging characteristic of recent nanometre sensory chips. Using a variation sensitive and ultra-low-power design, this paper proposes a novel technique capable of sensing and responding to PVT variations by providing an appropriate forward body bias (FBB) so that the delay variations and timing yield of whole system as well as energy-delay product (EDP) are improved. Theoretical analysis for the error probability, confirmed by post-layout HSPICE simulations for an 8-bit Kogge–Stone adder and also two large Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processors, shows considerable improvements in severe PVT variations and extreme voltage scaling. For this adder, for example, the proposed technique can reduce error rate from 50% to 1% at 0.4 V. In another implementation, in average ∼7× delay variation and ∼4× EDP improvement is gained after this technique is applied to an iterative 1024pt, radix 4, complex FFT while working in sub/nearthreshold voltage region of 0.3 V–0.6 V. Also, pipelined version of the FFT consumed only 412pJ/FFT at 0.4 V while processing 125 K FFT/sec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In arid and semi-arid regions irrigation is usually needed to provide enough water for crop growth in cultivated areas. As surface waters are scarce, especially in summertime when the water is needed, groundwater is heavily used to supply the water demand. Overexploitation of the aquifer in dry years causes depletion of the groundwater storage and systematical lowering of the piezometric levels. This is a particular problem in aquifers developed in closed basins where lateral inflow is nearly absent and replenishment is constrained by rainfall recharge. In this paper, simple indicators derived from meteorological data, abstraction rates and piezometric time series are compared with the groundwater storage depletion as obtained from a calibrated groundwater flow model. Application of the method to the overexploited Shahrekord basin in Iran shows that for the simulated period 1989–2003 an accumulative index of the difference of aquifer recharge, as calculated by a soil moisture balance method, and groundwater abstraction has a correlation coefficient of nearly one with model calculated storage. Indicators based on the filling index derived from piezometric time series or on the ratio of aquifer discharge to recharge have slightly lower correlations. The accumulated index indicator can be used to follow aquifer storage in the future without the need to run the full groundwater flow model. This simple approximation is restricted to aquifer systems with a limited lateral inflow and outflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To demonstrate the role of the laparoscopic approach for management of primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) using two different techniques in the pediatric age group. Material and methods: From April 2005 to October 2008, 63 pediatric patients underwent treatment of primary UPJO via a laparoscopic approach. Dismembered pyeloplasty was elected in 56 renal units while nine patients were managed by upward transposition of accessory renal artery after division of accessory renal vein. No JJ stent was required in these nine patients. Results: Mean age of patients was 61 (2–180) months. Mean operative time was significantly lower in those managed by transposition of aberrant vessels compared with dismembered pyeloplasty. The mean hospital stay was 6.4 (2–14) days for the dismembered technique and 2.1 (1–4) days for the vascular transposition approach. Significant improvement of obstruction was achieved in all of the patients who underwent the modified Hellstrom technique and in 92.81% of the renal units undergoing dismembered pyeloplasty. Conclusion: The technique of laparoscopic transposition of crossing renal artery without violating collecting system may have a role in minimally invasive management of UPJO in selected pediatric patients. Further research with larger samples and a longer follow-up period is required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine hinders malaria control in endemic areas. Current hypotheses on the action mechanism of chloroquine evoke its ultimate interference with the parasite''s oxidative defence systems. Through carbonyl derivatization by 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and proteomics, we compared oxidatively modified proteins across the parasite''s intraerythrocytic stages in untreated and transiently IC50 chloroquine-treated cultures of the chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum strain Dd2. Functional plasmodial protein groups found to be most oxidatively damaged were among those central to the parasite''s physiological processes, including protein folding, proteolysis, energy metabolism, signal transduction, and pathogenesis. While an almost constant number of oxidized proteins was detected across the P. falciparum life cycle, chloroquine treatment led to increases in both the extent of protein oxidation and the number of proteins oxidized as the intraerythrocytic cycle progressed to mature stages. Our data provide new insights into early molecular effects produced by chloroquine in the parasite, as well as into the normal protein-oxidation modifications along the parasite cycle. Oxidized proteins involved in the particular parasite drug-response suggest that chloroquine causes specific oxidative stress, sharing common features with eukaryotic cells. Targeting these processes might provide ways of combating chloroquine-resistance and developing new antimalarial drugs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Existing clinical trials have shown that topical corticosteroids are often effective in the management of oral lichen planus (OLP). However, tacrolimus has recently been shown to be an effective treatment of OLP. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of clobetasol and tacrolimus in the topical management of OLP. Study design: In this randomized comparative double-blind study, 30 consecutive patients with oral lesions consistent clinically and histologically with OLP were recruited.The patients were divided into 2 groups to receive clobetasol 0.05% or tacrolimus 0.1% ointment and were treated for 6 weeks. Results: The profiles of mean lesion sizes and mean pain measures did not differ between the tacrolimus and clobetasol treatment groups. Conclusion: We found tacrolimus to be as useful as clobetasol in treatment of OLP. We believe that up-to-date evidence indicates the effectiveness of tacrolimus in treating OLP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]