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Nowadays with the increase of high-rise buildings, emergency evacuation is an indispensable part of urban environment management. Due to various disaster incidents occurred in indoor environments, research has concentrated on ways to deal with the different difficulties of indoor emergency evacuation. Although global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) such as global positioning system (GPS) come in handy in outdoor spaces, they are not of much use in enclosed places, where satellite signals cannot penetrate easily. Therefore, other approaches must be considered for pedestrian navigation to cope with the indoor positioning problem. Another problem in such environments is the information of the building indoor space. The majority of the studies has used prepared maps of the building, which limits their methodology to that specific study area. However, in this study we have proposed an end-to-end method that takes advantage of BIM model of the building, thereby applicable to every structure that has an equivalent building information model (BIM). Moreover, we have used a mixture of Wi-Fi fingerprinting and pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) method with relatively higher accuracy compared to other similar methods for navigating the user to the exit point. For implementing PDR, we used the sensors in smartphones to calculate user steps and direction. In addition, the navigational information was superimposed on the smartphone screen using augmented reality (AR) technology, thus communicating the direction information in a user-friendly manner. Finally, the AR mobile emergency evacuation application developed was assessed with a sample audience. After an experience with the app, they filled out a questionnaire which was designed in the system usability scale test (SUS) format. The evaluation results showed that the app achieved an acceptable suitability for usage.

Abstract Background We report the first case of Purtscher-like retinopathy in a patient with 17q12 deletion-associated maturity-onset diabetes of the young. Case presentation A 19-year-old diabetic Hispanic male with history of cataracts and toe amputations presented with sudden onset of painless bilateral vision loss for 1 week with no associated trauma. Visual acuity was counting fingers at six feet in both eyes. Dilated retinal examination revealed bilateral peripapillary cotton wool spots and intraretinal hemorrhages, and significant subretinal and intraretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography. Fluorescein angiography revealed arteriolar staining and leakage around the disc with areas of capillary nonperfusion, supporting the diagnosis of Purtscher-like retinopathy. Systemic workup revealed multiple diabetic complications including chronic osteomyelitis of multiple toes, nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers, neurogenic bladder and bowel, and bilateral lower-extremity muscular neuropathies. Genetic evaluation revealed a 17q12 deletion, which is associated with maturity-onset diabetes of the young 5. On follow-up examination, he received a single intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection in the left eye (off label) for persistent macular edema. Although his retinal edema improved, his visual acuity remained poor. Conclusions The presentation of our patient’s multiple diabetic complications along visual symptoms suggests Purtscher-like retinopathy can be a sequela of uncontrolled diabetes. Purtscher-like retinopathy is a rare but possible consideration in diabetic patients who present with acute-onset vision loss.

The present study aimed to present a model to choose the optimum multi-period investment portfolio with attitude toward lower partial moment as a measure of risk. The data used in this study contains historical returns of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange over the period March 2014 to March 2019 which has been investigated as 5-shares, 15-shares, 25-shares investment portfolios. The ARIMA-GARCH hybrid model was used to generate the scenario in this study. To investigate the effect of different value of lower partial moment measure’s alpha on investment portfolio, some qualitative performance measurement criteria such as the rate of Skewness, Sharpe ratio, Sortino ratio, Trainer ratio and Jensen measure is used. The results show that with the increase of the moment, positive Skewness and Sortino ratio increases as well. And by increasing the moment the Sharp ratio increases too, but the highest amount of that associated with variance risk measure. The highest trainer criterion is obtained when the alpha is three. Jensen's alpha criteria has inverse relation with value of moment, it means that by increasing the value of moment their values will decrease.

Introduction Marls as the most sensitive geological structure against erosion and weathering have a major role in sediment yield of watersheds. Due to the lack of vegetation or sparse pattern of vegetation cover in the Marl Formations; by identifying suitable plants and establishing and propagating them in these areas, the amount of erosion can be reduced. it is difficult to carry out the implementation of erosion control structures in Marl lands due to their mechanical properties; therefore, erosion control using biological measures is necessary and this requires accurate identification of species diversity. Due to the importance of this issue, suitable plants for the conservation of marls were identified in the Tanghesorkh Watershed of Fars Province.Materials and MethodsEleven points with dominance and the presence of marl outcrops were selected as sampling points. The sampling method for studying vegetation in these areas was based on physiognomic-floristic method and using transects and plot methods. Samples were collected in early autumn 2019, late winter 2019 and spring and summer 2020 and using valid scientific methods and plant species were identified. Also, biological form, longevity, vegetation form and chorology were determined. Then, different plant characteristics (density, frequency, canopy and root and rhizome status, amount of litter produced, generation method and longevity) and ranking of plants were studied in order to stabilize and protect the marl soils.Results and Discussion Around 108 plant species belonging to 29 families and 88 genera were identified. Asteraceae family with 18 species, Papilionaceae family with 17 species and Poaceae family with 13 species, are in the first to third ranks, respectively, and 16.67, 15.74 and 12.03% of the number of species to allocate them. In terms of longevity, 40 annual species (16 species of grass and 24 species of forb) and 68 species of perennials (8 species of grass, 30 species of forb, 18 bushes, 2 trees and 10 shrubs) were identified. A total of 37.04 and 62.96% of the total species accounted for plant. Life form included therophyte (36.12%), hemicryptophyte (24.07%), camphite (17.59%), geophyte (11.11%) and phanerophyte (11.11%). 55 species with a specific chorotype specific to the Iran-Turani vegetation zone had the highest frequency (50.93%). According to botanical characteristics, 30, 38, and 40 species in the first to third ranks for conservation of marl in this watershed were introduced.Conclusion Species such as Astragalus susianus, Astragalus faciculifolious, Astragalus gossypinus, Artemisia Aucheri, Convolvuvlus acathocladus, Convolvuvlus leiocalycinus, Amygdalus scoparia, Acantholimon asphodelinum, Stipa barbata and Glycyrrhiza glabra is recommended for the establishment and reproduction of in marl-covered areas in this watershed. Also, due to the irregular exploitation of these lands, it is necessary to protect these areas by controlling and managing livestock grazing. Therefore, this conservation provides opportunities for regeneration and survival of valuable plant species in this watershed.

Background and Aim: Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology in the nervous system. However, exercise routinely for these patients is beneficial, but the effect of pretreatment swimming exercise in this disease has not been fixed. Therefore, the aim of these study was to investigate pretreatment effect of swimming exercise on NGF levels in female Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Materials and Methods: This experimental in vitro study was conducted on female Lewis rats. In this study, animals were randomly divided into 4 groups (each group 5), including healthy control, EAE control, healthy swimming and EAE swimming. The training protocol included swimming exercise 1 hour/day, 5 days/week for six weeks. Results: This study shows that NGF levels in EAE swimming group were significantly increased compared to the same controls (P= 0.006). Also the weight of EAE swimming training group significantly increased compared with control (P=0.001). Conclusion: According to these findings, concluded that pretreatment with sub-chronic swimming exercise, through increased levels of NGF, is effective in inhibiting EAE. Hence, perhaps, the protocol used in this study to enhance the protection of nerve cells in the brain tissue of MS Risk Factors and ultimately recommended to promote brain health.

Abstract Background Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease caused by species of Toxocara and Toxascaris, common in dogs and cats. Herein, a meta-analysis was contrived to assess the prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in carnivore and human hosts in different regions of Iran from April 1969 to June 2019. Methods The available online articles of English (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Ovid) and Persian (SID, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Iran Doc) databases and also the articles that presented in held parasitology congresses of Iran were involved. Results The weighted prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) was 24.2% (95% CI: 18.0–31.0%) and 32.6% (95% CI: 22.6–43.4%), respectively. Also, pooled prevalence in jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was 23.3% (95% CI: 7.7–43.2%) and 69.4% (95% CI: 60.3–77.8%), correspondingly. Weighted mean prevalence of human cases with overall 28 records was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.3–13.1%). The weighted prevalence of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, and Toxascaris leonina was represented as 13.8% (95% CI: 9.8–18.3%), 28.5% (95% CI: 20–37.7%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 8.1–22.0%), respectively. Conclusion Our meta-analysis results illustrate a considerable prevalence rate of Toxocara/Toxascaris, particularly in cats and dogs of northern parts of Iran. The presence of suitable animal hosts, optimum climate and close contact of humans and animals would have been the reason for higher seroprevalence rates of human cases in our region. Given the significance clinical outcomes of human Toxocara/Toxascaris, necessary measures should be taken.

Interaction between B and CD4 T cells is crucial for their optimal responses in adaptive immunity. Immune responses augmented by their partnership promote chronic inflammation. Here we report that interaction between B and CD4 T cells augments their atherogenicity to promote lipid-induced atherosclerosis. Genetic deletion of the gene encoding immunoglobulin mu (μ) heavy chain (μMT) in ApoE−/− mice resulted in global loss of B cells including those in atherosclerotic plaques, undetectable immunoglobulins and impaired germinal center formation. Despite unaffected numbers in the circulation and peripheral lymph nodes, CD4 T cells were also reduced in spleens as were activated and memory CD4 T cells. In hyperlipidemic μMT−/− ApoE−/− mice, B cell deficiency decreased atherosclerotic lesions, accompanied by absence of immunoglobulins and reduced CD4 T cell accumulation in lesions. Adoptive transfer of B cells deficient in either MHCII or co-stimulatory molecule CD40, molecules required for B and CD4 T cell interaction, into B cell-deficient μMT−/− ApoE−/− mice failed to increase atherosclerosis. In contrast, wildtype B cells transferred into μMT−/− ApoE−/− mice increased atherosclerosis and increased CD4 T cells in lesions including activated and memory CD4 T cells. Transferred B cells also increased their expression of atherogenic cytokines IL-1β, TGF-β, MCP-1, M-CSF, and MIF, with partial restoration of germinal centers and plasma immunoglobulins. Our study demonstrates that interaction between B and CD4 T cells utilizing MHCII and CD40 is essential to augment their function to increase atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice. These findings suggest that targeting B cell and CD4 T cell interaction may be a therapeutic strategy to limit atherosclerosis progression.

Background and purpose: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic diseases and neuropathy is one of the main complications of diabetes. Modification of eating habit is the most effective and most economical way in prevention of diabetic complications. This research aimed at studying the relationship between food habits and diabetic neuropathy. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 176 patients with diabetic neuropathy attending Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, 2016. They were selected via convenience sampling. Data was collected using food habits questionnaire, neuropathy complication checklist, and demographic questionnaire. Data was then analyzed using Chi-square, K-S, Mann–Whitney, Spearman correlation and Linear Regression in SPSS V18. Results: The results showed that 78 (44.3%) and 98 (55.7%) patients had undesirable and somewhat favorable food habits, respectively. About sensory neuropathy complications, the highest and lowest prevalence was associated with limbs tingling (93.3%) and soft tissue atrophy in foots (7.4%). While digestive disorders (57.4%) and syncope (8%) were the most and least common autonomic complications, respectively. A negative significant correlation was found between food habits and prevalence of diabetic neuropathy complications (P=0.03, r= -0.21). Conclusion: According to the results, modification of food habits is necessary. The prevalence of some complications (autonomic and sensory) was found to be high in current study. So, any intervention to prevent diabetic complications and their progress should focus on modification of food habits and lifestyle, and lowering blood glucose level.

Background Peritoneal B1a cells attenuate atherosclerosis by secreting natural polyclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM). Regulatory B cells expressing T‐cell immunoglobulin mucin domain‐1 (TIM‐1) expanded through TIM‐1 ligation by anti‐TIM‐1 monoclonal antibody (RMT1‐10) induces immune tolerance. Methods and Results We examined the capacity of RMT1‐10 to expand peritoneal B1a cells to prevent atherosclerosis development and retard progression of established atherosclerosis. RMT1‐10 treatment selectively doubled peritoneal B1a cells, tripled TIM‐1+ B1a cells and increased TIM‐1+IgM+interleukin (IL)‐10+ by 3‐fold and TIM‐1+IgM+IL‐10− B1a cells by 2.5‐fold. Similar expansion of B1a B cells was observed in spleens. These effects reduced atherosclerotic lesion size, increased plasma IgM and lesion IgM deposits, and decreased oxidatively modified low‐density lipoproteins in lesions. Lesion CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, macrophages and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, expression of proinflammatory cytokines monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, IL1β, apoptotic cell numbers and necrotic cores were also reduced. RMT1‐10 treatment failed to expand peritoneal B1a cells and reduce atherosclerosis after splenectomy that reduces B1a cells, indicating that these effects are B1a cell‐dependent. Apolipoprotein E‐KO mice fed a high‐fat diet for 6 weeks before treatment with RMT1‐10 also increased TIM‐1+IgM+IL‐10+ and TIM‐1+IgM+IL‐10− B1a cells and IgM levels and attenuated progression of established atherosclerosis. Conclusions RMT1‐10 treatment attenuates atherosclerosis development and progression by selectively expanding IgM producing atheroprotective B1a cells. Antibody‐based in vivo expansion of B1a cells could be an attractive approach for treating atherosclerosis.

Artificially induced polyploidy is often used to alter plant growth pattern and genetic makeup of certain plant species. This experiment was conducted to induce autotetraploidy in Catharanthus roseus (‘Alba’) which contains diploid chromosomes. Application of four levels (0, 100, 200 and 400 mg/l) of colchicine concentrations were utilized at the two true leaf stages of C. roseus. It has been observed that 200 mg/l colchicine treatment had the most striking effect on producing polyploid plants. This concentration was able to boost yield performance and survival of tetraploids to 35% and 79% respectively. Increasing of ploidy level was confirmed by flow cytometry and chromosome number. But, plant survival significantly decreased with increased of colchicine concentration. Chromosome number, length and diameter of stomata and chloroplast number in stomata of guard cells increased with increased ploidy level, whereas the numbers of stomata decreased from 390 to 177 mm2 in tetraploid plants. The overall consequence of colchicines treatment appeared to be a beneficial approach. It elucidated that the chlorophyll content, diameter of the lateral branches, leaf length and width, petal length and width, duration length of flowering, durability of flowering, root diameter, fresh and dry weight of roots, seed length and seed diameter significantly increased in tetraploid as compared to diploid plants.

Purpose: To compare choroidal thickness (CT) between individuals with and without glaucomatous damage and to explore the association of peripapillary and submacular CT with glaucoma severity using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: Ninety-one eyes of 20 normal subjects and 43 glaucoma patients from the UCLA SD-OCT Imaging Study were enrolled. Imaging was performed using Cirrus HDOCT. Choroidal thickness was measured at four predetermined points in the macular and peripapillary regions, and compared between glaucoma and control groups before and after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Results: The average (± standard deviation) mean deviation (MD) on visual fields was −0.3 (±2.0) dB in controls and −3.5 (±3.5) dB in glaucoma patients. Age, axial length and their interaction were the most significant factors affecting CT on multivariate analysis. Adjusted average CT (corrected for age, axial length, their interaction, gender and lens status) however, was not different between glaucoma patients and the control group (P=0.083) except in the temporal parafoveal region (P=0.037); nor was choroidal thickness related to glaucoma severity (r=−0.187, P=0.176 for correlation with MD, r=−0.151, P=0.275 for correlation with average nerve fiber layer thickness). Conclusions: Choroidal thickness of the macular and peripapillary regions is not decreased in glaucoma. Anatomical measurements with SD-OCT do not support the possible influence of the choroid on the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

BackgroundWe previously identified peritoneal B1a cells that secrete natural IgM as a key atheroprotective B cell subset. However, the molecules that activate atheroprotective B1a cells are unknown. Here, we investigated whether Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 expressed by B1a cells are required for IgM‐mediated atheroprotection. Methods and ResultsWe adoptively transferred B1a cells from wild‐type mice or from mice deficient in TLR2, TLR4, TLR9, or myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) into ApoE−/− mice depleted of peritoneal B1a cells by splenectomy and fed a high‐fat diet for 8 weeks. Elevations in plasma total, anti‐oxLDL (oxidized low‐density lipoprotein), anti‐leukocyte, anti‐CD3, anti‐CD8, and anti‐CD4 IgMs in atherosclerotic mice required B1a cells expressing TLR4 and MyD88, indicating a critical role for TLR4‐MyD88 signaling for IgM secretion. Suppression of atherosclerosis was also critically dependent on B1a cells expressing TLR4‐MyD88. Atherosclerosis suppression was associated not only with reductions in lesion apoptotic cells, necrotic cores, and oxLDL, but also with reduced lesion CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) expression, including macrophages expressing TGF‐β1, was increased, consistent with increased IgM‐mediated phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages. Reductions in lesion inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL) 1β, and IL‐18 were consistent with augmented TGF‐β1 expression. ConclusionsTLR4‐MyD88 expression on B1a cells is critical for their IgM‐dependent atheroprotection that not only reduced lesion apoptotic cells and necrotic cores, but also decreased CD4 and CD8 T‐cell infiltrates and augmented TGF‐β1 expression accompanied by reduced lesion inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐18.

An accelerometer-based force balance was designed and developed for the measurement of drag, lift, and rolling moment on a blunt-nosed, flapped delta wing in a short-duration hypersonic shock tunnel. Calibration and validation of the balance were carried out by a convolution technique using hammer pulse test and surface pressure measurements. In the hammer pulse test, a known impulse was applied to the model in the appropriate direction using an impulse hammer, and the corresponding output of the balance (acceleration) was recorded. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was operated on the output of the balance to generate a system response function, relating the signal output to the corresponding load input. Impulse response functions for three components of the balance, namely, axial, normal, and angular, were obtained for a range of input load. The angular system response function was corresponding to rolling of the model. The impulse response functions thus obtained, through dynamic calibration, were operated on the output (signals) of the balance under hypersonic aerodynamic loading conditions in the tunnel to get the time history of the unknown aerodynamic forces and moments acting on the model. Surface pressure measurements were carried out on the model using high frequency pressure transducers, and forces and moments were deduced thereon. Tests were carried out at model angles of incidence of 0, 5, 10, and 15 degrees. A good agreement was observed among the results of different experimental methods. The balance developed is a comprehensive force/moment measurement device that can be used on complex, lifting, aerodynamic geometries in ground-based hypersonic test facilities.

Application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) has attracted rising attention in various scientific fields including medical, pharmacological, and biological sciences, although its effects and molecular mechanisms leading to the effects remain poorly understood. Here, we show that a single, high-intensity (10-30 kV/cm), 60-ns PEF exposure affects gene expression and impairs development of eyes and germ cells in medaka (Oryzias latipes). Exposure of early blastula stage embryos to nsPEF down-regulated the expression of several transcription factors which are essential for eye development, causing abnormal eye formation. Moreover, the majority of the exposed genetic female embryos showed a fewer number of germ cells similar to that of the control (unexposed) genetic male at 9 days post-fertilization (dpf). However, all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) treatment following the exposure rescued proliferation of germ cells and resumption of normal eye development, suggesting that the phenotypes induced by nsPEF are caused by a decrease of retinoic acid levels. These results confirm that nsPEFs induce novel effects during embryogenesis in medaka.

AIMS: Option to attenuate atherosclerosis by depleting B2 cells is currently limited to anti-CD20 antibodies which deplete all B-cell subtypes. In the present study we evaluated the capacity of a monoclonal antibody to B cell activating factor-receptor (BAFFR) to selectively deplete atherogenic B2 cells to prevent both development and progression of atherosclerosis in the ApoE(-/-) mouse. METHODS AND RESULTS: To determine whether the BAFFR antibody prevents atherosclerosis development, we treated ApoE(-/-) mice with the antibody while feeding them a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Mature CD93(-) CD19(+) B2 cells were reduced by treatment, spleen B-cell zones disrupted and spleen CD20 mRNA expression decreased while B1a cells and non-B cells were spared. Atherosclerosis was ameliorated in the hyperlipidemic mice and CD19(+) B cells, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were reduced in atherosclerotic lesions. Expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, IL1β, TNFα, and IFNγ in the lesions were also reduced, while MCP1, MIF and VCAM-1 expressions were unaffected. Plasma immunoglobulins were reduced, but MDA-oxLDL specific antibodies were unaffected. To determine whether anti-BAFFR antibody ameliorates progression of atherosclerosis, we first fed ApoE(-/-) mice a HFD for 6 weeks, and then instigated anti-BAFFR antibody treatment for a further 6 week-HFD. CD93(-) CD19(+) B2 cells were selectively decreased and atherosclerotic lesions were reduced by this treatment. CONCLUSION: Anti-BAFFR monoclonal antibody selectively depletes mature B2 cells while sparing B1a cells, disrupts spleen B-cell zones and ameliorates atherosclerosis development and progression in hyperlipidemic ApoE(-/-) mice. Our findings have potential for clinical translation to manage atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular diseases.

We have recently identified conventional B2 cells as atherogenic and B1a cells as atheroprotective in hypercholesterolemic ApoE(-/-) mice. Here, we examined the development of atherosclerosis in BAFF-R deficient ApoE(-/-) mice because B2 cells but not B1a cells are selectively depleted in BAFF-R deficient mice. We fed BAFF-R(-/-) ApoE(-/-) (BaffR.ApoE DKO) and BAFF-R(+/+)ApoE(-/-) (ApoE KO) mice a high fat diet (HFD) for 8-weeks. B2 cells were significantly reduced by 82%, 81%, 94%, 72% in blood, peritoneal fluid, spleen and peripheral lymph nodes respectively; while B1a cells and non-B lymphocytes were unaffected. Aortic atherosclerotic lesions assessed by oil red-O stained-lipid accumulation and CD68+ macrophage accumulation were decreased by 44% and 50% respectively. B cells were absent in atherosclerotic lesions of BaffR.ApoE DKO mice as were IgG1 and IgG2a immunoglobulins produced by B2 cells, despite low but measurable numbers of B2 cells and IgG1 and IgG2a immunoglobulin concentrations in plasma. Plasma IgM and IgM deposits in atherosclerotic lesions were also reduced. BAFF-R deficiency in ApoE(-/-) mice was also associated with a reduced expression of VCAM-1 and fewer macrophages, dendritic cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltrates and PCNA+ cells in lesions. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL1-β and proinflammatory chemokine MCP-1 was also reduced. Body weight and plasma cholesterols were unaffected in BaffR.ApoE DKO mice. Our data indicate that B2 cells are important contributors to the development of atherosclerosis and that targeting the BAFF-R to specifically reduce atherogenic B2 cell numbers while preserving atheroprotective B1a cell numbers may be a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce atherosclerosis by potently reducing arterial inflammation.

This paper describes a microparticle delivery device that generates a plasma jet through laser ablation of a thin metal foil and uses the jet to accomplish particle delivery into soft living targets for transferring biological agents. Pure gold microparticles of 1 µm size were coated with a plasmid DNA, pIG121Hm, and were deposited as a thin layer on one surface of an aluminum foil. The laser (Nd:YAG, 1064 nm wavelength) ablation of the foil generated a plasma jet that carried the DNA coated particles into the living onion cells. The particles could effectively penetrate the target cells and disseminate the DNA, effecting the transfection of the cells. Generation of the plasma jet on laser ablation of the foil and its role as a carrier of microparticles was visualized using a high-speed video camera, Shimadzu HPV-1, at a frame rate of 500 kfps (2 µs interframe interval) in a shadowgraph optical set-up. The particle speed could be measured from the visualized images, which was about 770 m/s initially, increased to a magnitude of 1320 m/s, and after a quasi-steady state over a distance of 10 mm with an average magnitude of 1100 m/s, started declining, which typically is the trend of a high-speed, pulsed, compressible jet. Aluminum launch pad (for the particles) was used in the present study to make the procedure cost-effective, whereas the guided, biocompatible launch pads made of gold, silver or titanium can be used in the device during the actual clinical operations. The particle delivery device has a potential to have a miniature form and can be an effective, hand-held drug/DNA delivery device for biological applications.

Background: The main objective of this study was to determine the incidence, time to event, and risk factors for posttraumatic seizures (PTS) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a five-year follow-up survival design. Materials and Methods: In a cohort study, between September 2008 and October 2013, 411 traumatic brain injury patients referring to the Emergency Units (EUs) of the Isfahan University Hospitals, who met the inclusion criteria, entered the study. Follow-up evaluations were conducted by telephone conversation or clinical examination, if needed. The patients were followed for up to five years after TBI or until a first seizure event if it occurred prior to the five-year anniversary. The survival rate data were collected and measured for all patients under follow-up. Survival analysis on PTS and its related predictors was done using the Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox proportional hazards regression. All analyses were done using STATA and SPSS statistical software, and P-values smaller than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: The median duration of follow-up was 36 months (Interquartile range: 23-50). A significantly greater number of first seizures occurred in the first year after injury than all other years (57.7%). The overall incidence of posttraumatic seizures, in this study population, was 6.33% (95% CI: 3.96-8.69). Among the participants, the incidence rates for early and late posttraumatic seizures were 1.95 and 4.38%, respectively. The result of the Cox regression analysis showed that the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and trauma severity were associated with PTS. Conclusion: All in all, the present study highlighted the role of the trauma severity and GCS as effective factors in the incidence of seizure in patients with TBI. Particular care is advised for patients with these risk factors during the primary handling in the Emergency Units.