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Abstract In this study, we utilized molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the nano pumping process of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) in an aqueous environment. In this research, an attempt has been made to investigate and analyze the pumping process of fullerene C20 and water molecules through a carbon nanotube that is externally stimulated by two oscillators. It should be noted that this nano pump is completely immersed in an aqueous environment and the inside and outside of the carbon nanotube is filled with water molecules. To simulate the aqueous environment with NaCl impurities and carbon structures, we employed the Universal Force Field and Tersoff interatomic potentials, respectively. The stability of the simulated structures was demonstrated through an equilibrium process, which was a result of the appropriate settings in our MD simulations. To describe the CNT nano pumping process, we analyzed the velocity and translational/rotational components of C20 kinetic energy over time steps. By decreasing the water impurity concentration from 0.50 to 0.075 mol/l, the nano pumping time varied from 10.98 to 10.11 ps, respectively. Additionally, optimization of the atomic wave producing in the nano pumping process led to a further decrease in pumping time to 10.01 ps. Finally, a 2.86% variation in calculated results was observed by changing the water MD simulation model from SPC to TIP4P.

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic obstructive respiratory diseases (COPD) not only cause damage to the respiratory system as well as the heart and blood vessels of the patient but also have a direct effect on the condition of the musculoskeletal system. The risk of falling is increasing due to dysfunction of the joints as well as aging, which occurs frequently in this population. Gait deficits are known as an important risk factor for falls. This research aimed to investigate the gait of COPD patients compared to healthy people to gain a better understanding of the reasons for falls. Methods Twenty patients with COPD and 20 age and BMI‐matched healthy individuals were included in this study. Sixteen markers were applied to the lower body of the subjects. Spatio‐temporal, kinematic, and maximum moment parameters were measured in different phases in three lower body joints, including the hip, knee, and ankle. Results The results showed that all spatio‐temporal parameters in patients were significantly lower than in healthy people. The ankle angle in the sagittal plane at initial contact was significantly difference (p = 0.03). As well as, in the frontal plane the hip angle in the mid‐stance showed a significant difference (p = 0.02). There was also a significant difference in maximum hip moment in the sagittal plane between the two groups (p = 0.01). Conclusion The larger hip angle of the patients can be related to the balance problems in the mediolateral direction. The moment showed a significant difference in the hip joint. Since the hip muscles are directly in a synergistic relationship with the trunk muscles, it seems the performance of these muscles is likely to be seriously damaged due to respiratory diseases.

Background and Aims Exercise training is an important intervention in the pulmonary rehabilitation of adults with chronic respiratory diseases. High-intensity exercise is challenging for these patients. Thus, interval exercise has received much attention as a suitable option for optimizing a tolerable load during exercise. This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on peak power, peak oxygen uptake, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life in people with chronic respiratory diseases.Methods In this study, the related studies were collected and examined from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases.Results A total of 14 randomized controlled trials were selected based on the study subject. The results demonstrated that HIIT and continuous training in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) led to significant improvement in peak power, peak oxygen uptake, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) or 12-minute walk test (12MWT) distance and health-related quality of life and there was no significant difference between the two groups. And HIIT, compared to no exercise training, showed greater significant changes. Few studies have examined HIIT in patients with cystic fibrosis, with different results. We found no studies investigating the effect of HIIT on non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and interstitial lung diseases.Conclusion studies confirm the positive effect of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness, exercise capacity, functional capacity, and health-related quality of life in people with COPD. In other respiratory diseases, more studies are needed to investigate the effects of HIIT.

In this research, utilizing the concepts of thermohydraulic theory, optimization of cost due to the scale formation in heat exchangers. The objective function involves the minimization of the energy consumption and production losses. First, via ASPEN we simulated shortcuts of exchangers in order to examine the effects of temperature and velocity on the scale formation. The project optimization was done by GAMS and due to the presence of nonlinear terms in the scale rate equations using CONOPT solver. For better results, Heat Exchanger 4131 and 4132 in Khorasan petrochemical Co. urea unit were used.The investigation shows that for the twin exchangers under study, first, the scale formation reduces cooling water flow by up to 40% in E4132. Second, the optimal values for minimizing cost of scale formation in the exchangers occurs at a cooling water flow rate of 152442.75 kg/h for the exchanger 4132 to reduce the cost by 15%.

Introduction: Some accurate tools exist to assess fear-avoidance behavior, such as the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK) in individuals with musculoskeletal problems. The current research aims to compare the psychometric characteristics of the original 17-items TSK questionnaire and its 11-item brief version in chronic non-specific low-back pain (CNSLBP). Materials and Methods: In this test development study, 295 patients with CNSLBP referred to the physiotherapy clinic of Milad Hospital in Tehran city, Iran were evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and α Cronbach was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the original and brief version of the TSK, respectively. For goodness-of-fit, the Χ2/df, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), and comparative fit index (CFI) indices were used. Results: Internal consistency specified by Cronbach’s α was 0.949 for the original version of the questionnaire and 0.927 for the brief one. Based on the CFA findings, the goodness-of-fit indices for the brief version were GFI=0.921, RMSEA=0.078 (90% confidence interval (CI), 0.062%-0.094%), comparative fit index (CFI)=0.981, and Χ2/df=2.791. These indices for the original one were 0.882, 0.066 (90% CI, 0.055%-0.076%), 0.983, and 2.270, respectively. A significant correlation was found between these two versions (P

One of the most common methods of preserving fish worldwide, especially in coastal areas is sun-drying. In order to determine the quality of dried anchovy (Encrasicholina punctifer), 40 samples of dried fish by the traditional method and in sunlight were collected from the Qeshm Island. In the laboratory, proximate compositions, chemical quality indicators, and microbial quality were measured. The amounts of protein, fat, fiber, ash and moisture were 58.10, 6.11, 0.59, 18.69 and 16.02% based on a dry weight basis, respectively. The peroxide value (PV) was 0.3 mEq O2/kg which was lower than the acceptable limit, while the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) was 243.36 mg/100 g beyond the limit. Total viable counts (TVC) were 2.8 × 103 CFU/g was lower than the acceptable limit, while yeast and mold count (6.06 × 102 CFU/g) beyond the limit. Contaminations of dried anchovy by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, coliform, Clostridium perfringens and reducing bacteria (Clostridiums) were positive. The most frequent prevalence was related to S. aureus by 52.17% and E. coli by 39.13%. In general, the dried anchovy exhibited a high protein and fat content, but low chemical quality. The bacterial spoilage was not occurred, but it was susceptible to spoilage by molds and yeasts. Maintaining quality of crude fish before drying, improving the quality of location and the method of drying process can decline the secondary contamination of the dried fish samples by pathogenic bacteria, leading to improve this high valuable nutritional product.

The central nervous system (CNS) dynamically employs a sophisticated weighting strategy of sensory input, including vision, vestibular and proprioception signals, towards attaining optimal postural control during different conditions. Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) patients frequently demonstrate postural control deficiencies which are generally attributed to challenges in proprioceptive reweighting, where they often rely on an ankle strategy regardless of postural conditions. Such impairment could lead to potential loss of balance, increased risk of falling, and Low back pain recurrence. In this study, linear and non-linear indicators were extracted from center-of-pressure (COP) and trunk sagittal angle data based on 4 conditions of vibration positioning (vibration on the back, ankle, none or both), 2 surface conditions (foam or rigid), and 2 different groups (healthy and non-specific low back pain patients). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed on linear and non-linear indicators to identify the best sensory condition towards accurate distinction of non-specific low back pain patients from healthy controls. Two indicators: Phase Plane Portrait ML and Entropy ML with foam surface condition and both ankle and back vibration on, were able to completely differentiate the non-specific low back pain groups. The proposed methodology can help clinicians quantitatively assess the sensory status of non-specific low back pain patients at the initial phase of diagnosis and throughout treatment. Although the results demonstrated the potential effectiveness of our approach in Low back pain patient distinction, a larger and more diverse population is required for comprehensive validation.

Exploiting medicinal plants on rangelands is a climate-sensitive strategy in Iran. In other words, there is an urgent need for the transition toward resilience under current climatic pressures and risks. In addition, a deep understanding about awareness, risk perceptions, and adaptation strategies of different rural groups can play a significant role in the mitigation of climate change impacts and the development of the adaptation capacity. Therefore, the development of a conceptual model for adaptation to climate variability in rangelands was determined as the main purpose of the present study. To this end, we used analysis of awareness, risk perceptions, and adaptation strategies of medicinal plant exploiters toward climate variability. This research was carried out in Sought Khorasan province of Iran, which is one of the climate-sensitive and leading areas for the exploitation of medicinal plants in the country. Required data for this study were gathered through 13 focus group discussions. The number of members of these focus groups was between 4 and 12 people. The total number of participants in the focus groups was 91 medicinal plant exploiters. The results revealed that exploiters have a relatively favorable awareness of the current climate situation. However, they perceived huge constraints in financial supports and resources which lead to increasing social conflicts, decreasing social relations, leaving the job, increasing migration, unemployment, and psychological impacts. As expected, various adaptation strategies were used aiming at conserving, developing, improving, and managing income resources, but many of them are short of resilience orientation. Finally, research findings were articulated in the form of a conceptual model and some practical recommendations were presented to enhance adaptation of rangelands' exploiters.

This study was performed to investigate the interaction effects of astaxanthin and beta-carotene pigments in white and red lights on growth performance and coloration of swordtail, Xiphophorus helleri. A total of 180 swordtail with an average weight of 1.4 ± 0.1 g with three diets containing 150 mg/kg astaxanthin, 150 mg/kg beta-carotene and a diet without additive pigment and treatments in contrast to white and red lights with light intensity of 1200 lux was fed in 6 treatments and 3 replications for 8 weeks. Finally, growth indices including body weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were determined. In order to determine the number of changes in color intensity and sharpness, Hue and Chroma coefficients were determined after shooting and analyzing the obtained colors using coefficients a and b with Photoshop software in the fourth and eighth weeks. The results revealed that there was no interaction between diets and ambient light, but fish raised in white light were superior in terms of all growth and survival indices (p

The aim of this study was to microencapsulate Lactobacillus reuteri using two-layer extrusion technique consisting of sodium alginate and mastic gum at concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8%. Physicochemical properties and survival ability of free and microencapsulated form during the storage and similar gastrointestinal conditions were evaluated. The results showed that, the produced beads were spherical in shape. By increasing the concentration of the mastic gum, the diameter of the beads increased significantly, but the L* parameter decreased. All free and microencapsulated form were reduced at 72° C. While, the beads had a longer shelf life than the free bacteria. The free bacteria and the microencapsulated form decreased during the storage and under the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The reduction of the free form was 6.2 Log CFU/ml, which was much higher than the beads )2.58 Log CFU/ml(. Free bacteria had a minimum of 106 CFU/ml probiotic bacteria in the MRS broth after 20 days. While this time for the beads was 30 days in 4° C. The results of this study showed that the use of mastic gum could increase the shelf life of Lactobacillus reuteri under harsh conditions.

Decreasing satellite solar arrays temperature, results in increasing electrical efficiency. Efficiently and subsequently power generation enhancements have several advantages. One of the modern techniques for balancing temperature conditions is employing heat pipes. In the present paper, design optimization of heat pipes configuration attached to the solar arrays of a sun-pointing satellite is conducted using multiobjective genetic optimization algorithm. The objective of optimization is to reduce solar cells temperature and utilized heat pipes mass simultaneously. Thermal simulations of the satellite are carried out with SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop softwares. The numerical simulations are validated against experimental measurements of the satellite thermal model in a vacuum chamber. Afterwards, the multiobjective genetic algorithm produced the optimal configurations of the heat pipes using the optimal Pareto concept. Six different designs on the Pareto front are selected and their corresponding results are discussed.

In this paper, a precise method for calculating albedo and IR heat flux applied to a satellite is presented. For obtaining albedo heat flux applied to a satellite, a point on the earth’s surface that sun flux reflected at that point and reach to the satellite is obtained, hence albedo heat flux reaches to a satellite is obtained as a function of longitude, attitude and longitude. IR heat flux is integration of emitting heat flux for points on the earth surface that in satellite’s view. Atmospheric transparency for calculating albedo and IR heat is considered for sun light and IR spectrum using MODTRAN algorithm using PcModWin software. For a generic LEO satellite, IR and albedo heat fluxes are calculated at a time period and compare with reference values. Obtained heat fluxes are used to obtain temperature variation of satellite’s components during its mission.

Central nervous system (CNS) uses vision, vestibular, and somatosensory information to maintain body stability. Research has shown that there is more lumbar proprioception error among low back pain (LBP) individuals as compared to healthy people. In this study, two groups of 20 healthy people and 20 non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) participants took part in this investigation. This investigation focused on somatosensory sensors and in order to alter proprioception, a vibrator (frequency of 70 Hz, amplitude of 0.5 mm) was placed on the soleus muscle area of each leg and two vibrators were placed bilaterally across the lower back muscles. Individuals, whose vision was occluded, were placed on two surfaces (foam and rigid) on force plate, and trunk angles were recorded simultaneously. Tests were performed in eight separate trials; the independent variables were vibration (four levels) and surface (two levels) for within subjects and two groups (healthy and LBP) for between subjects (4 × 2 × 2). MANOVA and multi-factor ANOVA tests were done. Linear parameters for center of pressure (COP) [deviation of amplitude, deviation of velocity, phase plane portrait (PPP), and overall mean velocity] and non-linear parameters for COP and trunk angle [recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) and Lyapunov exponents] were chosen as dependent variables. Results indicated that NSLBP individuals relied more on ankle proprioception for postural stability. Similarly, RQA parameters for the COP on both sides and for the trunk sagittal angle indicated more repeated patterns of movement among the LBP cohort. Analysis of short and long Lyapunov exponents showed that people with LBP caused no use of all joints in their bodies (non-flexible), are less stable than healthy subjects.

Objective(s): Human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is the cytosolic form of this enzyme it detoxifies superoxide anions and attenuates their toxicities and concomitant detrimental effects on the cells. It is believed that the amount of these enzymes present in the oxidative stress-induced diseases is crucial for preventing disease progression. Transfection of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) by a constructed vector carrying the human wild-type SOD1 gene, a non-viral gene transfer method, was the main aim of this study. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the rat BMSCs were transfected with the vector using Turbofect reagent and then stabilized. Western-blot and real-time PCR were also used for evaluation of SOD1 expression. Results: Data analysis from RT-PCR and Western-blot techniques revealed that the stable transfected cells could secrete human wild-type SOD1 in the supernatant. Also, the total activity of SOD1 was about 0.5±0.09 U/ml and 0.005±0.002 U/ml in the supernatants of the transfected and not-transfected of rat BMSCs, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that expansion of the stable transfected rat BMSCs by a constructed vector carrying the human wild-type SOD1 gene is capable of secreting the active SOD1 enzyme under ex-vivo conditions. The recommendation of this study is that the same experiment would be applicable for expression of the other form of this enzyme, SOD3, as well. More valuable information could probably be provided about the variety of the diseases caused by superoxide anions toxicities by intervention and application of the non-viral method for expressions of SOD1 and SOD3 enzymes.

Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) constitutes a critical health challenge that impacts millions of people worldwide with devastating health and socioeconomic consequences. In today’s clinical settings, practitioners continue to follow conventional guidelines to categorize NSLBP patients based on subjective approaches, such as the STarT Back Screening Tool (SBST). This study aimed to develop a sensor-based machine learning model to classify NSLBP patients into different subgroups according to quantitative kinematic data, i.e., trunk motion and balance-related measures, in conjunction with STarT output. Specifically, inertial measurement units (IMU) were attached to the trunks of ninety-four patients while they performed repetitive trunk flexion/extension movements on a balance board at self-selected pace. Machine learning algorithms (support vector machine (SVM) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP)) were implemented for model development, and SBST results were used as ground truth. The results demonstrated that kinematic data could successfully be used to categorize patients into two main groups: high vs. low-medium risk. Accuracy levels of ~75% and 60% were achieved for SVM and MLP, respectively. Additionally, among a range of variables detailed herein, time-scaled IMU signals yielded the highest accuracy levels (i.e., ~75%). Our findings support the improvement and use of wearable systems in developing diagnostic and prognostic tools for various healthcare applications. This can facilitate development of an improved, cost-effective quantitative NSLBP assessment tool in clinical and home settings towards effective personalized rehabilitation.

The successful clinical application of patient-specific personalized medicine for the management of low back patients remains elusive. This study aimed to classify chronic nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) patients using our previously developed and validated wearable inertial sensor (SHARIF-HMIS) for the assessment of trunk kinematic parameters. One hundred NSLBP patients consented to perform repetitive flexural movements in five different planes of motion (PLM): 0° in the sagittal plane, as well as 15° and 30° lateral rotation to the right and left, respectively. They were divided into three subgroups based on the STarT Back Screening Tool. The sensor was placed on the trunk of each patient. An ANOVA mixed model was conducted on the maximum and average angular velocity, linear acceleration and maximum jerk, respectively. The effect of the three-way interaction of Subgroup by direction by PLM on the mean trunk acceleration was significant. Subgrouping by STarT had no main effect on the kinematic indices in the sagittal plane, although significant effects were observed in the asymmetric directions. A significant difference was also identified during pre-rotation in the transverse plane, where the velocity and acceleration decreased while the jerk increased with increasing asymmetry. The acceleration during trunk flexion was significantly higher than that during extension, in contrast to the velocity, which was higher in extension. A Linear Discriminant Analysis, utilized for classification purposes, demonstrated that 51% of the total performance classifying the three STarT subgroups (65% for high risk) occurred at a position of 15° of rotation to the right during extension. Greater discrimination (67%) was obtained in the classification of the high risk vs. low-medium risk. This study provided a smart “sensor-based” practical methodology for quantitatively assessing and classifying NSLBP patients in clinical settings. The outcomes may also be utilized by leveraging cost-effective inertial sensors, already available in today’s smartphones, as objective tools for various health applications towards personalized precision medicine.

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of prone and supine lumbar traction in patients with chronic discogenic low back pain. Methods: The test was prospective and randomized control trial. The structure of trial was Urban Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation clinic. Participants was included of A total of 124 subjects with chronic low back pain (LBP) and evidence of a degenerative and/or herniated inter-vertebral disk at 1 or more levels of the lumbar spine, who have not our exclusion criteria. There was A 4-week course of lumbar traction, prone or supine in case and control groups consecutively, consisting of six 30-minute sessions every other days, followed by four 30-minute sessions every 3 days. The numeric Visual pain rating scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were completed at pre-intervention and discharge (within 2 weeks of the last visit). Results: A total of 124 subjects completed the treatment protocol. We noted significant improvements for all post-intervention outcome scores when compared with pre-intervention scores (P

The occurrence of cognitive dysfunctions and anxiety and mood disorders has been shown to be higher in migraine patients. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a significant neurotransmitter in the pathophysiology of migraine, anxiety and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the role of NO system in migraine-induced memory impairment and anxiety like behaviors. Nitroglycerin (NTG) was administered to the animals as an animal model of migraine and pretreatment with L-Arginine, L-NAME and saline were implemented to evaluate the role of NO system in possible cognitive impairments in animal model of migraine. Avoidance learning and memory performance, object recognition memory, anxiety-like behavior and motor activity were assessed using a shuttle box apparatus, novel object recognition, elevated plus-maze, and open field tests respectively. The data showed that the injection of nitroglycerin disturbs learning and memory and elicit anxiety like behavior in the animals. L-NAME administration suppressed the observed effect of nitroglycerin on memory and anxiety. Overall, the results indicated that nitric oxide system is implicated in memory impairments and anxiety like behavior in an animal model of migraine.

Background: Failed extubation and subsequent re-intubation in ventilated patients can lead to many adverse consequences, including organizational and personal expenditures. Extubation decisions based on subjective methods are a major contributor to extubation failure. This study compared the effect of cough peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurement and cough strength measurement using the white card test (WCT) on extubation success. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in two groups in 2018 on 88 ventilated patients in intensive care units of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Ninety patients were divided into two groups of 45, but two were excluded from the white card group. The criteria established for extubation included PEF ≥60 L/min during coughing in the cough PEF group and noticing card humidity in the WCT group. In both groups, extubation success was determined as the sole outcome and was compared with the standard PEF and cough strength. The researcher who assessed the outcome and statistician were blinded about group allocation. Results: Extubation success was measured as 97.8% in the cough PEF group and 76.7% in the WCT group (P = 0.003) during the first 24 h. In the second 24 h, however, successful extubation was reported as 90.9% in the cough PEF group and 60.6% in the WCT group (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Using the cough PEF rate increases the likelihood of extubation success and reduces adverse effects, and is recommended to be used for extubation decision-making.