Search

Background & aim: Cystic fibrosis is a monogenic disorder in several systems. Since spacers used by these patients may be used several times a day, many of them do not know how to wash and use them, so these devices are good places for bacteria to grow. Therefore, this study was performed to identify and determine the relationship between the growth of microorganisms inside spacers and the effect of washing on possible microbial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Methods: This is an intervention pilot study to determine the effect of the growth of microorganisms in the spacer of patients with cystic fibrosis on the exacerbation of pulmonary involvement. In the present study, 30 people were examined as a pilot sample due to the lack of a similar study. Patients were selected from children with cystic fibrosis referred to Imam Reza clinic. The target group was patients with a positive sputum culture (throat). At first, after the last use of a spacer, the culture was taken from the sputum and the inner surface of the spacer. Patients with a positive culture were instructed to wash their spacers in the second step. Washing was done daily after each use and immersion in sterile vinegar solution for 20 minutes and then rinsing and drying spontaneously in air and sun twice a week. After four weeks, the initial questionnaire was completed again for patients, and the change in clinical status was assessed. The error level of the first type was considered equal to 0.05. SPSS software version 26 was used for analysis. Results: In this study, 30 participants with a mean age of 7.51 (4.21) with a maximum age of 18 years and a minimum of 1.5 years. 19 (63.3) were boys, and 11 (36.7) were girls. None of the demographic and clinical variables were significant on the growth of microorganisms within the spacers in patients with cystic fibrosis. Sixteen patients (53.3%) had negative spacer culture, and 14 patients (46.6%) had positive spacer culture, of which 7 of them had the same result of sputum and throat culture, and in 7 patients, it was different. A 4-week period of using sterile vinegar (as mentioned) to wash spacer and educate families to observe spacer hygiene was performed again from the culture machine, all of which had 14 negative cultures. Conclusion: It seems that contamination of the spacers used by patients is a relatively common finding (46.6% of patients). Due to the physical condition of these children and their susceptibility to respiratory infections, they may act as a source for microbial infections. Patients with a positive spacer culture had more hospitalizations than patients with a negative culture, which can confirm the relationship between spacer contamination and pulmonary exacerbation of these patients. Therefore, educating patients about hygiene and regular washing of the respiratory tract in children with Cystic fibrosis is strongly recommended.

Background & aim: The use of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of some diseases with its adverse side effects is imperative. Considering the well-known value of cinnamon extract, the present study aimed to evaluate its protective effect against the effects of cyclophosphamide on ovarian function in mice Methods: forty-nine adult rats were arranged in seven groups. No treatment control group, sham group was injected drug’s solvent, and treatment groups 1, 2, 3 were injected 5mg/kg/b.wt Cyclophosphamide daily. These groups were gavaged )0.5, 1, 2(mg/kg/b.wt Cinnamon extract daily. Group 4 was injected 5 mg/kg/b.wt Cyclophosphamide, and Group 5 was gavaged 2 mg/kg/b.wt Cinnamon extract. After 21 days, all rats were unconscious and blood was taken from their hearts. Immediately, the left ovary of them was removed and after fixation in 10% formalin solution and tissue processing, the sections with 5 micron thickness were prepared and studied. By centrifuging the blood, serum was isolated and the concentration of FSH and LH, estrogen and progesterone hormones was measured by ELISA method. The obtained data were analyzed with SPSS (18( and ANOVA, and they were compared with Duncan’s test. Results: The study of prepared photomicrographs of ovarian tissue indicated that the mean of follicle types and corpus luteum presented a significant decline in the treatment of Cyclophosphamide and Cinnamon extract especially in maximum dose compared to the control group and increase compared to the treatment Cyclophosphamide (P

Side coupled standing wave accelerating cavities are widely used in a low energy linear accelerator because of relatively high accelerating gradient and low sensitivity to construction tolerances. The effective interaction of particles and electromagnetic fields is important to accelerate electrons to the intended energy with the greatest efficiency and beam quality output. Beam dynamics study is essential for determining the coordinates of the output beam from the cavity. In this paper, we present the beam dynamics of a 6 MeV accelerating cavity using a space charge tracking algorithm (ASTRA). The designed accelerating cavity that feeds by magnetron with a maximum power of 3.2 MW is operating in π/2 mode at a frequency of 2856 MHz. The results show that after the construction of the designed cavity, the vertical and horizontal emittances of the output beam, the transverse profile and the beam energy spread respectively 3.55 pi-mm-mrad, 1 mm and 0.88 MeV as expected.

The main purpose for designing and constructing electroradio frequency linear accelerators is to reach better beam quality with higher power and energy by lower RF power consumption. The main step for this purpose is doing research and development in the area of designing, constructing, measuring and tuning of accelerator RF cavities. Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM) linear accelerator projecta is the first Iranian project for construction of electrolinear accelerator. In this paper, a brief introduction to construction procedure has been given. Then, the measurement and tuning of a disk-loaded periodic structure before and after tuning was reported. In addition, the detailed design and measurement setup for electric field measurement by perturbation method was investigated

Background and Objective: Golestan province in north of Iran is known as a high risk area for cancers. Differences in climatic characteristics including rainfall, temperature and humidity may affect the diet, types of vegetation and lifestyle of residents in this area. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between rainfall and temperature with the incidence of cancer in Golestan province, north of Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, climatological data and Data of cancer incidence in Golestan province, north of Iran were collected during 2005 and 2010. Results: Higher incidence of cancers was seen in areas with dried climate including Eastern parts of the province and the Turkmen sahra (P

Side-coupled standing wave tubes in mode are widely used in the low-energy electron linear accelerator, due to high accelerating gradient and low sensitivity to construction tolerances. The use of various simulation software for designing these kinds of tubes is very common nowadays. In this paper, SUPERFISH code and COMSOL are used for designing the accelerating and coupling cavities for a 6 MeV electron linear accelerator. Finite difference method in SUPERFISH code and Finite element method in COMSOL are used to solve the equations. Besides, dimension of accelerating and coupling cavities and also coupling iris dimension are optimized to achieve resonance frequency of 2.9985 MHz and coupling constant of 0.0112. Considering the results of this study and designing of the RF energy injection port subsequently, the construction of 6 MeV electron tube will be provided

The purpose of electron linear accelerator project in Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM) has been to design and construct a S-band electron linear accelerator in such a way that all its parts be designed and built in Iran as much as possible. For more detailed evaluations and assurance, a cooper accelerating tube with the exact same specification of the main accelerating tube has also been constructed. After designing and constructing prototype tube, it was measured by applying slater perturbation method in resonance mode and steel method in non-resonance mode. Adaption of electric field in different modes for the accelerating tube after tuning with simulation values shows the accuracy of the applied construction and mesurment methods

Candida infections are common diseases in immunocompromised patients. A 19-year-old boy with liver transplantation, necrotic skin lesion, jaundice, dyspnea, and ascites was admitted to Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, southern Iran. The mycological examination for the skin lesion was requested. The skin sample was cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and evaluated by direct microscopic smear. Identification of isolated yeast was performed with RFLP-PCR. In direct smear, pseudohyphae, blastopores and yeasts were observed. Candida species was isolated from the media and identified as Candida albicans by molecular method. He died before starting any treatments. A skin lesion may present as the only sign of a systemic fungal infection in immunocompromised people. Careful attention and follow up are therefore recommended.

Introduction: Prenatal mortality rate is regarded as an important index of health in a community. In order to maintain and promote health of infants, as a vulnerable group, factors affecting prenatal mortality need to be identified and appropriate strategies should be designed. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the causes of prenatal mortality on the basis of babies’ record in hospitals of Yazd province. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted using the available data in the files. The study population entailed children who were born dead in 2012 in 15 medical centers in Yazd or who were born alive after 22 weeks of pregnancy, but died within 29 days after the birth. Causes of death were extracted from the files according to the related doctor’s opinion. Results: A total of 390 perinatal deaths were registered in Yazd hospital. The perinatal mortality rate was reported 14 out of 1000 alive births. The most common causes of perinatal mortality belonged to respiratory distress syndrome (42.05 %), late delivery (22.7 %), as well as abruption (4.6%) in regard with fetus- recorded, mother-recorded, and placenta-recorded causes respectively. Conclusion: Emphasizing prenatal care, detecting and tracking high risk pregnancies as well as developing neonatal intensive care units might be taken into account as the most important factors in prevention of prenatal death.

The goal of electron linear accelerator project in institute for research in fundamental sciences(IPM) is to build its components as many as they can in Iran. This accelerator is a traveling wave type. Investigations show that there are various techniques in forming and connecting the accelerating tube cavities. The shrinking method applied for constructing the accelerating tube is selected based on the one applied for Stanford University’s Mark III accelerator. With success in building an 8-cavity test tube and finding the problems of the method, the construction of the final accelerating tube with 24 cavities has been accomplished. The results show that the obtained frequency of 2996.5 MHz and quality factor of 11200, satisfy the design desired values.

Medical electronlinear accelerators are the most practical radiotherapy facilities in cancer treatment. About 52 percent of patients are treated by these radiotherapy systems during their treatment process. However, in developing countries there are not enough systems and recent studies reported the shortage of 5000 megavoltage radiotherapy accelerators all over the world. According to international standards, there is a need of one medical linac for 180000 patients. In Iran, cancer is the third cause of death after cardiovascular diseases and accidents. This study indicates the number and status of medical electron accelerators in radiotherapy centers in Iran

In This paper we will introduce the process of design and manufacturing an electron accelerator with 10MeV energy and 100kW power as the first Iranian powerful industrial electron accelerator. This accelerator designed based on modeling of one of the most powerful industrial accelerator called Rhodotron. But the design of the accelerator in a way that can be localize by relying on domestic industries. So although it looks like a Rhodotron accelerator structure but has some different in design and manufacture of components, the results are satisfactory

Nowadays, middle energy electrostatic accelerators in industries are widely used due to their high efficiency and low cost compared with other types of accelerators. In this paper, the importance and applications of electrostatic accelerators with 800 keV energy are studied. Design and simulation of capacitive coupling of a dynamitron accelerator is proposed. Furthermore, accelerating tube are designed and simulated by means of CST Suit Studio

In this paper, the importance and applications of accelerators in today’s world have been investigated. A survey on diverse applications of accelerators in modern world’s issues and their growth in various fields of technology has been conducted. In addition, some statistics of miscellaneous accelerator numbers in different countries and a comparison of them with present situation in Iran’s statistics are presented

One of the most commonly used types of accelerators is linear electron accelerator. There is a project is in progress in Institute for research in fundamental sciences (IPM) aiming to design and build such an accelerator. It is defined in such a way that all parts to be built in Iran as possibly as it can. In this paper, after a brief explanation of the components of an electron linear accelerator; including the electron gun, accelerating tube, RF power supply, vacuum system, waveguide for transmitting RF power to accelerating tube, and cooling system; specification of each of these components are presented. The maximum beam energy of 15 MeV and RF pulse power of 2.5 MW with a traveling wave structure at a frequency of 2998 MHz which is acted in π /2 mode are the most important features of this accelerator

Abstract Background and Objective: The excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics will lead to drug resistance of microorganism and specially nosocomial organisms. Because of high incidence of antibiotic resistance in hospitals, we aimed to study antibiotic resistance to gram negative bacteria. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the data of biological samples (2006-2008), with positive culture result. Using antibiogram, microbial resistance to isolated microorganism was determined, and after culturing the samples, bacteria were identified by using differential media and antiserum. Then, antibiotic resistance was performed by disk diffusion. Results: The most common gram-negative microorganism obtained from all cultures was Ecoli with the lowest drug resistance to Nitrofurantoin. Conclusion: Based on the results, antimicrobial resistance pattern is not the same in different places and furthermore it is ever changing. Therefore, further research is needed to be done to have an accurate pattern of antibiotic resistance to provide effective treatment regimens. Key words: Antibiotic Resistance Disk Diffusion Gram Negative Bacteria Gorgan

Abstract Background and Objective: The patients with Post-Infectious Irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS), a subtype of irritable bowel syndrome, suffer from bacterial gastroenteritis. Since campylobacter Jejuni (CJ) is one of the most common agents in this syndrome, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Campylobacter Jejuni in patients with Irritable Bowel Disease. Material and Methods: This case - control study was conducted on 160 patients divided into 2 equal groups of healthy and unhealthy. The presence of Anti- CJ antibody (IgG and IgA) was evaluated by ELISA and the comparison was performed by chi-square test. Results: The mean age of case (31.51) and control (31.84) was not statistically different (P = 0.87). Titer of Anti- Campylobacter Jejuni antibody IgG was positive in 25% of patients and 18.8% of the healthy ones (p=0.02). IgA Seropositivity in patients was 7.5% but no one in control group was positive (p =0.01) Conclusion: Seroprevalence of Cj in patients with IBS was higher significantly than that of control group. Thus, Cj can be known as one of the causes of Post-infection in patients with IBS in our region and it should be paid more attention in diagnostic assessment of these patients. Keyword: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Campylobacter Jejuni Antibody

Background and aims : Microorganisms are one of the most important sources of contamination in indoor air and occupational environments especially in hospitals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adsorption characteristics of bone char to adsorb B. Subtilis in the air. Methods: In this study B.subtilis spores were used as a model of bacterial spores. Also bone char was used as an adsorbent in this study that was prepared by thermal method from waste bones and the characterization of prepared adsorbent was determined. Then the adsorption capacity of bone char for B.subtilis was evaluated. Results: The Present study show that bone char as a mineral adsorbent has high efficiency in adsorption of bacterial spores. The adsorption capacity of this mineral was 3698 spores per gram. Conclusion: bone char has a high capacity for adsorption of bacterial spores. Mineral structure of bone char can delay the reproduction and biofilm formation of microorganism on its surface. The result of this study could be used in development of control equipment of biological air pollutant.

In this paper, the importance of the buncher in linear electron accelerators is discussed and two types of bunchers, velocity-modulation and disk-loaded, are introduced. Higher bunching factor, larger initial phase range, and smaller final phase range are favorable in the disk-loaded buncher. Our investigations showed that the aforementioned situations can be met by appropriate changes in the field strength and the phase velocity. In this study, factors affecting the bunching of electrons have been surveyed using the equations of electron motion. The dynamics of the electron movement through the buncher has been simulated. The results of simulation and calculations revealed that: (1) in order to deliver the maximum energy to the electrons, phase velocity should vary so that a phase of – 90 degrees is achieved by the electrons after the bunching, (2) reducing the initial field strength also increases the initial phase range. If the field strength is large from the beginning, the phase velocity variations will be large and rapidly reach a value of 1. In this case, the initial phase range will become small, (3) the electron gun voltage changes the initial phase; the larger the value of the gun voltage, the wider the initial phase range, and vice versa. The result of this study is going to be applied for design and fabrication of the first Iranian linear accelerator that is under construction.

Background: Due to the high toxicity of aflatoxin and its effects on public health, determination of aflatoxin level in Wheat flour samples in the Golestan province, north of Iran was investigated. To examine the effect of seasonal changes, summer and winter sampling was performed with standard sampling methods. Methods: A total of 200 flour samples were collected from 25 factories. HPLC method with immunoaffinity chromatography was used to measure aflatoxin types (G2, G1, B2 and B1). Statistical analysis was performed by the Pearson correlation test, One-way ANOVA and multivariate regression analysis. Results: Mean total aflatoxin levels of samples were 0.82 and 1.99 ng/g in summer and winter, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 levels were detected in 3.1%, 7.4% over permissible limits by worldwide regulations in samples collected in summer and winter, respectively. Aflatoxins in winter were higher than summer. The highest frequency of aflatoxin contamination in winter was B2 (98%) and in summer G1 (51%). The relationship between humidity and rate of aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin was significant in winter. Results of multivariate regression were showed the strongest relationship with humidity and aflatoxin level. Despite the contamination of flour samples, there was no contamination higher than the standard limit of Iran Standard Institute. But it was significantly higher than similar studies from other regions. Conclusions: Therefore, with regard to negative impacts of aflatoxin on health, aflatoxin contamination should be considered in future programs. Decrease of aflatoxin contamination may be made practical through reducing wheat storage duration and controlling humidity.

IntroductionToday, c/s is performed as a usual surgery. Not only it involves a lot of facilities, hospital beds, and specialists, but also risk of death for mother and baby is more than natural childbirth. This study intends to investigate the prevalence and causes of cesarean section in Yazd Province as a first step to reduce caesarean section. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Yazd province during one year. Using regulatory forms, all the indications and deliveries for cesarean were reviewed. The Population was 24,407 people, according to which actuarial equivalent samples were studied in this study. Data were analyzed by spss software. Results: The results showed 44.5 /. of all deliveries were done with Cesarean section in which 74 / of them were non-emergency and 26.5 % were emergency cases. Moreover, the reasons of Caesarean section were investigated and results indicated that the most common reason in non-emergency cases were previous caesareans, whereas regarding emergency caesareans, it was fetal distress. Conclusion: The present study reveals high rates of caesarean section in comparison with global statistics. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the necessary trainings and increase awareness of the complications of cesarean delivery to decrease it.

Background & aim: In Iranian traditional medicine, Crocus sativus L. has been defined as an exultant plant. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of subchronic administration of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Crocus sativus on mice. Methods: The effect of subchronic i.p. administration of different doses of the aqueous extract (50, 100, 200, 400 mg/kg or water) and the hydro-alcoholic extract (100, 200, 400, 800 mg/kg or water) of Crocus sativus stigma on immobility, climbing, and swimming behaviors were evaluated in the forced swimming test in mice. Fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) and imipramine (15 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs. Additionally, the effect of both plant preparations on spontaneous activity was examined. The collected data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA. Results: The aqueous extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg produced a significant reduction in immobility along with an increase in climbing behavior which is similar to those which have been observed with imipramine. The hydro-alcoholic extract did not show significant effects on immobility, climbing and swimming behaviors of all studied doses, compared to control group. The aqueous extract of all studied doses and the hydro-alcoholic extract at dose of 1600 mg/kg decreased spontaneous activity. Conclusion: The results of this study suggests that the aqueous, but not hydro-alcoholic, extract of Crocus sativus stigma from Estahbanat in Fars province, in subchronic administration possess an antidepressant-like activity which may be mediated through norepinephrine system.

Background: Ovine babesiosis is the most important haemoparasitic tick-borne disease of small ruminants in Iran caused by Babesia ovis, B. motasi, and B. crassa. The aim of this study was to characterize the species of ovine Babesia species isolated from different geographical region of Iran.Methods: One hundred fifty four blood samples collected from animals, which demonstrated the pale mucous membranes or hyperthermia. The specimens were transferred to the laboratory and the blood smears stained with Geimsa, the morphological and biometrical data of parasite in any infected erythrocyte have been considered. Extracted DNA from each blood samples were used in PCR and semi nested- PCR in order to confirm the presence of the species.Results: The results of the PCR assays showed nine (5.85%), 81 (53%) and 18 (11.7%) were distinguished as Babesia, Theileria and mixed infection, respectively. Semi nested- PCR did not confirm the presence of B. motasi.Conclusion: The causative organism of many cases of haemoprotozoal diseases, which recorded in previous studies, could be B. ovis or Theileria lestoquardi. The result confirmed that B. ovis was only species which causes babesiosis in the study areas. It seems that the biometrical polymor­phisms could exist in B. ovis in Iran. This polymorphism could be a main problem in differen­tiation between B. ovis and B. motasi and it could be dissolved by specific PCR analysis.

A 10 months old Holstein calf with a history of anorexia and visual system disorders was referred to the Veterinary Medical and Teaching Hospital of TehranUniversity. On Clinical examination body temperature of 34.8oc and respiratory rate of 33 per minute were recorded. Severe edema was observed in the intermandibular space, brisket, vagina and conjunctiva and the jugular veins were bilaterally distended and pulsatile. Auscultation of the heart revealed muffled heart sound and decreased amplitude of P, QRS and T waves were observed from the electrocardiogram was performed from the left fifth intercostals space and fibrinous exudate was withdrawn. Severe conjunctival edema of this calf was due to cardiac insufficiency.

"nBackground: Our objectives were to investigate whether immunomodulatory cytokines, TGF-β and IL-10, are stimulated in response to cystic echinococcosis (CE) components in mice model, and whether major hydatid fluid antigens or live protoscoleces could equally contribute to such cytokines."nMethods: Protoscoleces were obtained by aseptic puncture of fertile sheep hydatid cysts. Hydatid fluid antigens (HFAgs) and Antigen B (AgB) were prepared by partial purification and electroelution, respectively. Of the 25 Balb/c mice assigned in four groups, the first group was inoculated ip with 2000 live protoscoleces; the second and the third groups were injected ip with 50 µg HFAgs and 50 µg AgB in 200 µl of PBS, respectively. Control group was only injected with PBS. The sera concentration of TGF-ß and IL-10 were determined by ELISA. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey-HSD tests to compare differences between means."nResults: The mean concentration of TGF-ß in those groups injected with protoscoleces, HFAgs and AgB were significantly higher than control group. However, in the case of IL-10 such differences were only detected in mice that were inoculated with protoscoleces (356±11 pg/ml) compared to control (207±9 pg/ml), HFAgs and AgB groups."nConclusion: TGF-ß and IL-10, two important immunomudulatory cytokines are induced by different molecules or components of CE, so that AgB could induce TGF-ß and components of protoscolex, other than AgB and Ag5, could induce IL-10.

The development of electron beam applications motivates electron gun research. In addition to the beam energy and current, its quality also plays a significant role in the spread of electron guns. Herein, we present the design of an electron gun for use as an electron source in a linear accelerator with high beam current and quality. In this design, starting with the Pierce geometry, a stay-by-stay optimization based on the physics governed by the beam behavior has been carried out to control the emittance growth and get a beam of outstanding quality. In particular, non-linear transverse force, space charge effect, and spherical aberration are considered. This resulted in a threefold improvement in the beam quality as measured by the beam emittance.

Background: Due to the high toxicity of aflatoxin and its effects on public health, determination of aflatoxin level in Wheat flour samples in the Golestan province, north of Iran was investigated. To examine the effect of seasonal changes, summer and winter sampling was performed with standard sampling methods. Methods: A total of 200 flour samples were collected from 25 factories. HPLC method with immunoaffinity chromatography was used to measure aflatoxin types (G2, G1, B2 and B1). Statistical analysis was performed by the Pearson correlation test, One-way ANOVA and multivariate regression analysis. Results: Mean total aflatoxin levels of samples were 0.82 and 1.99 ng/g in summer and winter, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 levels were detected in 3.1%, 7.4% over permissible limits by worldwide regulations in samples collected in summer and winter, respectively. Aflatoxins in winter were higher than summer. The highest frequency of aflatoxin contamination in winter was B2 (98%) and in summer G1 (51%). The relationship between humidity and rate of aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin was significant in winter. Results of multivariate regression were showed the strongest relationship with humidity and aflatoxin level. Despite the contamination of flour samples, there was no contamination higher than the standard limit of Iran Standard Institute. But it was significantly higher than similar studies from other regions. Conclusions: Therefore, with regard to negative impacts of aflatoxin on health, aflatoxin contamination should be considered in future programs. Decrease of aflatoxin contamination may be made practical through reducing wheat storage duration and controlling humidity.

Background: Ovine babesiosis is the most important haemoparasitic tick-borne disease of small ruminants in Iran caused by Babesia ovis, B. motasi, and B. crassa. The aim of this study was to characterize the species of ovine Babesia species isolated from different geographical region of Iran. Methods: One hundred fifty four blood samples collected from animals, which demonstrated the pale mucous membranes or hyperthermia. The specimens were transferred to the laboratory and the blood smears stained with Geimsa, the morphological and biometrical data of parasite in any infected erythrocyte have been considered. Extracted DNA from each blood samples were used in PCR and semi nested- PCR in order to confirm the presence of the species. Results: The results of the PCR assays showed nine (5.85%), 81 (53%) and 18 (11.7%) were distinguished as Babesia, Theileria and mixed infection, respectively. Semi nested- PCR did not confirm the presence of B. motasi. Conclusion: The causative organism of many cases of haemoprotozoal diseases, which recorded in previous studies, could be B. ovis or Theileria lestoquardi. The result confirmed that B. ovis was only species which causes babesiosis in the study areas. It seems that the biometrical polymor­phisms could exist in B. ovis in Iran. This polymorphism could be a main problem in differen­tiation between B. ovis and B. motasi and it could be dissolved by specific PCR analysis.

Background: Our objectives were to investigate whether immunomodulatory cytokines, TGF-β and IL-10, are stimulated in response to cystic echinococcosis (CE) components in mice model, and whether major hydatid fluid antigens or live protoscoleces could equally contribute to such cytokines. Methods: Protoscoleces were obtained by aseptic puncture of fertile sheep hydatid cysts. Hydatid fluid antigens (HFAgs) and Antigen B (AgB) were prepared by partial purification and electroelution, respectively. Of the 25 Balb/c mice assigned in four groups, the first group was inoculated ip with 2000 live protoscoleces; the second and the third groups were injected ip with 50 µg HFAgs and 50 µg AgB in 200 µl of PBS, respectively. Control group was only injected with PBS. The sera concentration of TGF-ß and IL-10 were determined by ELISA. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey-HSD tests to compare differences between means. Results: The mean concentration of TGF-ß in those groups injected with protoscoleces, HFAgs and AgB were significantly higher than control group. However, in the case of IL-10 such differences were only detected in mice that were inoculated with protoscoleces (356±11 pg/ml) compared to control (207±9 pg/ml), HFAgs and AgB groups. Conclusion: TGF-ß and IL-10, two important immunomudulatory cytokines are induced by different molecules or components of CE, so that AgB could induce TGF-ß and components of protoscolex, other than AgB and Ag5, could induce IL-10.

Electrostatic accelerators use a constant potential difference to create a suitable electric field and accelerate ions and electrons. One of the most widely used electronic accelerators in the industry, the dynamitron accelerator uses a voltage multiplier circuit to generate the voltage required for acceleration. The capacitor elements of the voltage multiplier circuit in the dynamitron accelerator are constituted of semi-cylindrical electrodes located in a columnar array. The design of this column of electrodes, also known as the voltage multiplier column, is a complex process. It requires the study and simulation of electromagnetic fields and circuit models. The conceptual design of this structure is also complicated due to parameter interdependence. In this article, after a brief introduction to different parts of the dynamitron accelerator and details of voltage multiplier columns, a process for the conceptual design of the voltage columns of a dynamitron accelerator is presented.

Leaf litter decomposition plays a key role in the nutrient cycle of forest ecosystems. However, there is not a comprehensive understanding of the non-additive decomposition effects in leaf litter mixing experiments. In this study, the dynamics of nutrients and the rate of decomposition of Iranian oak (Quercus brantii), tree of heaven (Celtis caucasica), and wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) were investigated in both pure and mixed stands. For this purpose, 81 single- and double-litter bags were placed in the study area and incubated for 180 days. According to the results, at the end of the incubation period, the decomposition of oak litters in combination with tree of heaven, tree of heaven in combination with wild pistachio, and wild pistachio in combination with oak showed positive results. Based on the results, the nitrogen concentration in oak mixed with tree of heaven was higher than in its pure state. But the concentration of phosphorus in its pure and combined states did not show any significant differences. In general, the findings showed the positive non-additive effects of litter on its decomposition rate. Regarding the dynamics of nutrients, these effects were considered positive only for nitrogen.

In this article, we present a multi-fluid numerical model developed for application on electron cyclotron resonance ion sources (ECRIS). The 1D-model is matured to compute the density of the ion species in the plasma sheath in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field of a 2.45 GHz ECRIS. The multi-fluid model in cylindrical coordinates is focused on solving the continuity and momentum equations of hydrogen plasma particles to characterize their sheath properties. In addition, 28 important processes, including volume and surface collisions, have been included in the COMSOL Multiphysics package to simulate the ECR plasma. We study the elementary processes containing electron–atom, electron–molecule, atom–molecule, molecule–molecule, and particle–wall interactions. Then, the results of the model and the simulation of a 2D-hydrogen plasma are reported, and future perspectives are discussed throughout the paper.

Abstract Background and objectives: After respiratory infection, Diarrhea is the second cause of mortality. Yersinia enterocolitica is the second important cause of infectious diarrhea in children of some countries. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of Yersinia entocolitica of diarrheal specimens in Gorgan, Iran. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross - sectional Study was carried out on diarrheal stools of 455 patients referred to medical centers and laboratory of Gorgan in 2004-2005. DNA extraction using phenol chloroform was performed for all samples. Using two specific primers (genus-specific16s rRNA and ail- specific species genus of Yersinia enterocolitica), we did PCR sample. Results: Yersinia genome was identified in 12 patients(2.63%) and 11 of them was Yersinia enterocolitica. The frequency infection in of girls (3%) was more than boys (2.4%), and the prevalence in winter (4%) was more them other seasons, and under one- year- group (3.4%) and 1-5 years (3.1%) is more than other age groups. It was not observed significant difference. (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of Yersinia in cases of diarrhea in Gorgan is similar to most regions of Iran and in children under 5 years is observed more in winter. Key words: Yersinia enterocolitica, Diarrhea, children, Gorgan

The frequency of cavities in electron linear accelerators changes because of volume variation and manufacturing error. Adjusting the frequency of cavities is one of the most important steps in a cold test, which must be considered in the design. In constructing a standing-wave tube for dual-energy linac, an aluminum tube (including two half-acceleration cavities and one coupling cavity) was constructed. In this project, to modify the changes caused by a manufacturing error, adjustment screws were used. These screws change the frequency by somewhat changing the volume of the cavities. In this paper, the calculation and simulation of frequency changes due to dimensional variation were carried out. Based on the calculation and simulation, the design of screws for a frequency adjustment in experimental conditions is done. According to the results of this paper, using the screws on the cavities wall, the resonant frequency can be changed up to 10 MHz. Therefore, using the selected method, the frequency changes caused by the manufacturing error can be compensated to the extent mentioned. In this study, the tube's resonant frequency for the π/2 mode was set equal to 2998.5 MHz, and the mechanical accuracy of the construction was obtained at 200 μm.

Studies on high gradient linear accelerators are among the new areas in the field of accelerators. The most important factor that limits the electric field gradient in linear accelerators is the radio frequency breakdown. Many studies have been conducted on the effect of the material and manufacturing method of cavities on the achievable gradient, which shows that rigid structures fabricated without high-temperature processes achieve a better high gradient performance. Employing the brazing method, as the most common method for construction of cavities, requires the use of high-temperature furnaces, which causes softening of the copper. Therefore, using non-brazing methods to construct high gradient cavities has been considered. Based on the experiences gained in the national electron linear accelerator project at the institute for research in fundamental science (IPM) and the shrinking fit method used to fabricate and assemble its acceleration cavities, the design and construction of high gradient S-band cavities are in progress with international cooperation. Radiofrequency design of cavity with vacuum breakdown consideration and coupler design are discussed. Achieving the appropriate shape and dimensions of the cavity and coupler for maximizing the axial electric field (134 MV/m) with a breakdown rate of less than at 8 MW input power and S11 parameter -60 dB for the coupler are the results of this article.