Search

Objective This prospective case–control study examined the novel immunoinflammatory markers obtained from blood counts of patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), Graves’ disease (GD) and healthy subjects.Methods Demographic data, white cell count parameters, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), red cell distribution width (RDW), RDW-to-platelet ratio (RDW/PLT), MPV-to-lymphocyte ratio (MPV/ALC), eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) were evaluated. The European Group on Graves Orbitopathy scale and Clinical Activity Score were used for clinical activity and severity assessment.Results The GO group showed significantly higher mean MPV (p˂0.001) and MPV/ALC (p=0.03) than the GD group. The PLR (p=0.02), MPV/ALC (p=0.04) and SII (p=0.04) were significantly higher in the GO than healthy group. A significantly higher absolute neutrophil count (p=0.005), NLR (p=0.001), MPV (p=0.001), MPV/ALC (p=0.003), MPV/PLT (p=0.04), RDW (p˂0.001), RDW/PLT (p=0.02) and SII (p=0.01) as well as lower ALC (p=0.01) and PNR (p˂0.001) was observed in the active than inactive GO. Moderate to severe GO group had a significantly higher NLR (p=0.006), PLR (p=0.04), ELR (p=0.006), MPV (p=0.03), MPV/ALC (p=0.002), RDW (p˂0.001), RDW/PLT (p=0.02) and SII (p=0.03) as well as a lower ALC (p=0.01) and PNR (p=0.01) than mild GO.Conclusions The MPV/ALC ratio and MPV levels may identify GD patients at risk of GO. The MPV, MPV/ALC, ALC, NLR, PLR, PNR, RDW, RDW/PLT, MPV/PLT and SII may help distinguish the GO activity and severity. However, the study’s small sample size and single-centre design may limit the generalisability of the results. Furthermore, the lack of longitudinal follow-up precludes assessing marker evolution over time.

Introduction There are no established methods to identify children with atypical diabetes for further study. We aimed to develop strategies to systematically ascertain cases of atypical pediatric diabetes using electronic medical records (EMR).Research design and methods We tested two strategies in a large pediatric hospital in the USA. Strategy 1: we designed a questionnaire to rule out typical diabetes and applied it to the EMR of 100 youth with diabetes. Strategy 2: we built three electronic queries to generate reports of three atypical pediatric diabetes phenotypes: unknown type, type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosed

Abstract Background To describe the implementation of a registry system for patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) in Iran to obtain more information about its nature, prevalence, and annual incidence, as well as extend insight into the etiology, pathogenesis, and eventually make an accurate prognosis of different medical or surgical treatment methods. Methods After receiving approval from the Disease Registry Committee of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) in 2019 and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) in 2020, the protocol was introduced in three consecutive phases at regional, provincial and national levels. The establishment of a registry committee in Rassoul Akram Hospital, one of the medical centers affiliated to IUMS, was the first step to organizing the registry project's main core. The steering committee included six subgroups of required subject fields. The members are experts in developing a guideline, providing a new dataset, drawing an outline for the next steps, and structuring user-friendly software through several panel discussion meetings. The data is collected from clinical and para-clinical/imaging findings, laboratory evaluations, and their selected treatment strategy, retrospectively and prospectively. Results The purpose is to broaden our knowledge about the profile of TED; accordingly, data related to patients’ demographics, thyroid gland disease (status, duration, treatments, and function tests), general medical and ocular history, along with visual/ocular exams resulting TED status are collected and recorded in a 2- language software. The web-based software system is accessible at https://orc.iums.ac.ir . To maintain data security, prioritized user access was defined for different members. Furthermore, diverse methods, such as employing trained staff and utilizing software validation rules, were implemented to control data quality in every step of data collection, entry, and registration. Medical records of retrospective subjects were also evaluated and entered after accuracy verification. Conclusion Iran's TED registry provides practitioners with comprehensive data on natural history and phenotype variations in clinical features and outcomes. It facilitates patient recruitment and, consequently, earlier diagnosis on a large scale which helps improve treatment and quality of life for patients.

Wood is one of the most important materials that has been used for several millennia. It is therefore not surprising that wood plays an important role in the cultural and technical heritage of several European countries and beyond. An excellent example of cultural and technical heritage is a wooden mill, almost 100-year-old, near Cazin in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These mills played an important role, especially in times of Bosnian war (1992- 95), when this region was cut off from electricity. The microscopic analysis of the wood materials used in the mills revealed that the mills were made of chestnut (Castanea sativa) and oak (Quercus sp.) wood. Sufficient durability of these wood species resulted in good structural integrity of the mills. The surface of the wood materials in the mills showed partial degradation patterns caused by weathering over the years. However, the interior parts of the wood materials were intact probably due to smoke deposits from the open fireplace. It is suggested that the roofing in the mills should be maintained regularly to prevent possible leaks to protect this heritage for future generations.

In Europe, wood is a crucial construction material that has experienced a surge in use for building applications in recent years. To enhance its dimensional stability and durability, thermal modification is a widely accepted commercial technology. Thermal modification is a popular technique that alters the properties of wood, improving its resistance to decay and increasing its dimensional stability. The process involves heating wood to high temperatures under controlled conditions, leading to chemical reactions that result in various physical and mechanical changes. This paper will discuss the effects of thermal modification on the physical properties of wood, such as density, moisture content, and color, as well as its impact on the mechanical properties, including strength, stiffness, and hardness. Additionally, the review will examine the factors that influence the degree of modification, such as temperature, duration, and wood species. Finally, the paper will conclude with an overview of the current state of research in this field and identify potential avenues for future investigation.

The political challenges invite sport to play a peaceful role in international relations. Among all these challenges, national security is a critical part of different states. This study tried to investigate the conceptual framework of sport and national security. The present study was qualitative based on descriptive and applied methods. At first, the literature reviews were studied, and then the semi-open interviews were done with 12 experts in sport sciences and policymakers. After 3 rounds of the Delphi technique, 15 concepts were extracted in 5 main dimensions: economic, military, political, social, and health. Finally, the sport seems to play a vital role in supporting various aspects of security. Iran, as a country under the most severe sanctions on its political economy, can use the phenomenon of sport as a lever to mitigate the effects of international sanctions on its economy, politics, and security in general.

This article investigates the relationships between soil characteristics (physical and chemical) and wood properties of Persian oak in three different elevation sites. For this purpose, 27 trees were randomly chosen and cut in Zagros forests in western Iran. The test samples were prepared at the stem (breast height) to examine physical and biometrical properties. For each elevation site, four soil samples were obtained at a 0-20 cm soil depth under the canopy of each tree to measure soil properties, including clay, silt soil, sand soil, electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter content. Then, the relationship of soil and wood properties was determined by principal component analysis. Results specified that there are a positive correlation between wood density and volumetric swelling with clay and available potassium. Moreover, the results revealed a positive correlation between fiber length, cell wall thickness, and fiber diameter with electrical conductivity, sand percentage, and total nitrogen content, respectively.

Abstract There are limited studies on the normal values of eye protrusion in Iran. Systematic efforts to provide acceptable normal exophthalmometry values for Iranian population are required for a proper approach to orbital diseases.English and Farsi language publications in PubMed, the ISI Web of Knowledge database, Iranian SID, and Iran Medex were searched using the following keywords: “proptosis”, “eye protrusion”, “exophthalmous”, “Hertel exophthalmometer” and “Iran”. Four articles from 1995 to 2010 were found and included in the meta-analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Metan command within Stata 15.0 software.It included 3,696 subjects in whom the average eye protrusion was 16.5 mm (95% CI: 15.1–17.8) in men and 16.2 mm (95% CI: 14.6–17.7) in women (P = 0.5). Mean left and right eye protrusion were 16.3 (95% CI: 14.7–18.1) and 16.4 mm (95% CI: 14.8–17.7), (P = 0.3), respectively. While Iranian teenagers (13–19 years old) showed a mean value of 17.1 mm (95% CI: 15.0–19.1), older age group ( ≥ 20 years) showed a lower mean eye protrusion of 16.3 mm (95% CI: 14.8–17.7). Considering the two standard deviations, the highest normal value of eye protrusion in Iranian population is 20.1 mm.In conclusion,Iranian normal eye protrusion values were higher than Asians and lower than Caucasians.

This study investigated the influence of site conditions on the physical and morphological properties of hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus L.) wood grown in Zagros forests of Iran. Hawthorn is a valuable woody species in Iran's Zagros forests with data deficiency in its wood properties. To our best knowledge, there is no study on the properties of hawthorn wood. Twenty-seven mature trees were randomly chosen and sampled at three altitude levels (1 800-2 000, 2 000-2 200, and 2 200-2 400 m) in the Bazoft region of Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari, Iran. Dry wood density, volumetric shrinkage, fibre length, fibre diameter, cell wall thickness were then determined. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to evaluate significant differences between the mean values of studied wood properties at different altitude levels and slope classes. Moreover, the relationships between the above-mentioned properties and some site conditions (temperature, precipitation, altitude, and slope) as well as growth parameters of trees (tree height, DBH, age, crown dimensions, volume, etc.) were studied by principal component analysis (PCA). The results indicated that trees growing at the second altitude level had the highest oven-dry density values, and those at the third altitude level had the lowest ones. Results also indicated a significant effect of altitude levels on fibre length, fibre diameter, and cell wall thickness. In contrast, a significant difference was found between the mean values of fibre diameter at different slope classes. PCA indicated that altitude, precipitation, and temperature are the most important environmental site variables affecting the wood characteristics.

In this study, the physical properties (oven-dry density, basic density, volumetric shrinkage, and swelling) and structural components (cellulose, lignin, and extractives content) of three wild almond wood species from southwestern Iran, namely Amygdalus arabica, Amygdalus eburna, and Amygdalus scoparia, were investigated. Wild almond is a valuable wood species in the Zagros forests of Iran, but there is a lack of data on their wood properties. Three adult trees of each species were chosen, and samples were prepared from the breast height diameter to measure the focal properties. Results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the wood species had a significant effect on the wood density and volumetric shrinkage. Maximum oven-dry density and volumetric shrinkage of wood were identified in Amygdalus scoparia. The highest and lowest content of structural components were found in Amygdalus scoparia and Amygdalus arabica wood species, respectively. A deep understanding of the almond wood characteristics will provide a fresh insight into the relationship between the properties and conservation of these special, as well as applications of their wood.

Introduction: As one of the most valuable parts of a municipal system, the green space has long been praised. For that matter, all the data related to street-side trees must be assessed and recorded. A large part of old plane trees (Platanus orientalis) planted in industrial, dense populated cities are subjected to all kinds of air and water pollutions, frequent droughts and various physical stresses, which make them less likely to sustain. Identification of the most vulnerable tree individuals can be prioritized by a variety of statistical methods. A less applied statistical model in this field is the Artificial Neural Network (ANN). In this study, we present the results of applying ANN model in risk assessment of plane trees planted along Kuala Lumpur Avenue in Isfahan in 2018. Material and methods: In the current study, the risk level of keeping plane trees in Kuala Lumpur Ave. Isfahan was studied using data acquired by a full survey method, and using quantitative tree body proportions and few risk factors (qualitative or imperfect properties). Following coining the share of each of seven hazard criteria and their trio importance indices, a Kruskal-Wallis test compared the number of trees in different risk levels. Then, all the trees were scored via the biased levels of their risk level. Accordingly, based on the weighted scores, they were divided into five hazardous categories. To develop an understanding of the quantitative variables, risk factors, weight parameters, and hazard classes, we carried out a principle component analysis (PCA) and a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) network procedure. Results and discussion: The results of the proportion of each hazard index revealed the importance of the trunk and root wounds (83%), the structural tree weakness (61%), root problems (54%), and branch and twig dieback (50%). Also, results of Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the risk levels of the planted trees can be significantly classified into four classes of: with no risk or healthy, low, moderate, and high-risk classes, at one percent error level. The results of Duncan's mean test showed that the number of trees in no risk and low-risk classes were significantly higher than the other classes at one percent error level. The results of the PCA indicated that the first and second components explained 44.69 percent of the total variation. The risk and weighting parameters of the branch and twig dieback, the tree diameter, advanced decay, and wound on the trunk and root were highly and positively correlated. In general, the two variables of the trunk and root wounding, as well as branch and twig dieback, were among the most important variables in terms of risk assessment of the plane trees. The high coefficient of determination values of training, validation, verification, and finally, all neural network data (0.999, 0.949, 0.996, and 0.991) and the least mean square error values (training data = 0.052, verification 0.114, and validation = 0.044) indicated the accuracy and desirability of the ANN in the prediction of the risk classes for street side trees. Conclusion: According to the results of risk assessment diagnostic criteria and main components analysis, the two variables of trunk wound and root and branch mortality of plane trees should be regularly reviewed. Moreover, decision-makers may use the neural network method to identify and detect the risk possibility of planted trees. Therefore, this approach can be proposed as a suitable and useful solution in urban green space management and preventive measures.

None of brow lift techniques are completely satisfactory because of their limited effectiveness, lack of longevity, and potential complications. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the pros and cons of the most popular techniques in brow and forehead lift. Relevant original articles in the PubMed database (English language) were sought using the search terms “eyebrow lift", “forehead lift", "periorbital rejuvenation", "eyebrow ptosis", "blepharoplasty and eyebrow change", "surgical eyebrow lift", and "non-surgical eyebrow lift", No date limitation was considered. Titles and abstracts were scanned to include the most pertinent articles. Subsequently, full texts of included articles (111 articles) were skimmed and finally 56 references were selected for the review. A narrative synthesis of data was finally undertaken with particular attention to the indications, techniques, and common complications of the eyebrow lift procedures. Ten popular techniques including two non-surgical methods (Botulinum toxin A and soft tissue fillers) were reviewed in this article. In general, non-surgical methods of forehead/brow lift are temporary, need less experience and correction would be easier should any complication occur. Surgical methods are divided into three categories: trans-blepharoplasty eyebrow lift, direct eyebrow lift, and trans-forehead eyebrow/forehead lift. Currently, the most popular method is the endoscopic forehead lift approach even though its longevity is limited. Direct brow-lift is particularly useful in patients with facial palsy and those who are more likely to be accepting of the scar (male gender, high forehead hair line).

Purpose: To compare the short-term visual function results and safety of erythropoietin as an add-on to the standard corticosteroid therapy in retrobulbar optic neuritis (RON). Methods: In this prospective pilot study, adult patients with isolated RON with less than 10 days of onset were enrolled. Patients were consecutively assigned to standard intravenous methylprednisolone treatment either in combination with intravenous erythropoietin (20,000 units/day for three days) (group-1) or intravenous methylprednisolone alone (group-2). Primary outcome measure was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), which was assessed up to 120 days from the day the treatment was begun. Systemic evaluations were performed during and after treatment. Results: Sixty-two patients with RON (mean age = 26.6 ± 5.77 years; range = 18–40 years) were enrolled into the study (group-1, n = 35; group-2, n = 27). BCVA three months after the treatment was 0.19 ± 0.55 logMAR and 0.11 ± 0.32 logMAR in group-1 and group-2, respectively (95% CI: - 0.61 - 0.16; P = 0.62). Change in BCVA after three months was 2.84 ± 3.49 logMAR in group-1 and 2.46 ± 1.40 logMAR in group-2 (95% CI: - 0.93 - 1.91; P = 0.57). Pace of recovery was not significantly different between the groups. No complications were detected among patients. Conclusion: Intravenous erythropoietin as an add-on did not significantly improve the visual outcome in terms of visual acuity, visual field, and contrast sensitivity compared to traditional intravenous corticosteroid. This pilot study supports the safety profile of intravenous human recombinant erythropoietin, and it may help formulate future investigations with a larger sample size.

Assessing the impact of policy uncertainty on any macroeconomic variables has recently gained momentum. One recent study that considered its impact on stock returns found that an increase in uncertainty has adverse short-run but not long-run effects. In this study, we show that once the nonlinear adjustment of policy uncertainty is introduced into the same multivariable model, policy uncertainty not only has short-run effects but also long-run effects. Furthermore, in most instances the short-run and long-run effects are asymmetric.

AIM: To assess the inter-observer agreement and reliability as well as intra-observer repeatability for lacrimal scintigraphy (LS) reports with and without considering the irrigation test results. METHODS: A prospective, observational, cross sectional study. Two masked clinicians (lacrimal surgeon and nuclear medicine specialist) independently reported 100 LS images (50 patients of >6 years of age with unilateral anophthalmic socket) in a university hospital. The lacrimal surgeon performed a diagnostic irrigation test and repeated the report of the same LS images 2y after the first report (intra-observer agreement). A weighted Kappa analysis was performed to determine inter-observer agreement and reliability as well as intra-observer repeatability for the type (normal, partial and complete obstruction) and location (presac, preduct, and intraduct) of the obstruction. Subgroup analysis was also performed with consideration of irrigation test results. RESULTS: A significantly moderate agreement was found between lacrimal surgeon and nuclear medicine specialist for both the type (Kappa=0.55) and location (Kappa=0.48) of obstruction. Agreement values were higher for the type (Kappa=0.61 vs 0.41) and location (Kappa=0.56 vs 0.31) of obstruction in cases with normal than abnormal irrigation test. Strong and significant intra-observer (lacrimal surgeon) repeatability was found for both the type (Kappa=0.66) and location (Kappa=0.69) of obstruction. LS showed no to slight reliability based on irrigation test. CONCLUSION: A moderate agreement is found between lacrimal surgeon and nuclear medicine specialist regarding the interpretation of LS suggesting the importance of consensus groups among nuclear medicine specialists and lacrimal surgeons to create a common language for interpretation of LS. Intra-observer repeatability is strong for the lacrimal surgeon.

This paper investigated the radial variations of acoustical and mechanical properties of date palm from the pith to the bark. Cubic samples with dimensions of 2×2×35 cm3 (Radial× tangential ×longitudinal)) were taken in distance of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 cm toward the bark. To evaluate dynamical properties of date palm, flexural vibration method was applied on cubic experimental samples. Further the specimen then were utilized for measuring MOE and MOR in static bending test. More details were also attained by anatomical analyzes. The results showed that the acoustical parameters of the propagated wave (the internal friction, the acoustic conversion efficiency as well as the acoustical impedance) were constant while increasing the distance between pith and bark. The highest values of acoustic coefficients found for samples near the pith and partially increased while moving to the bark. The density variations were less important in radial direction of date palm disk. The MOE and MOR values significantly radially varied and were maximum for samples in distance 3 cm. As they reached to the distance of 15 cm from the center, the given parameters dramatically decreased. Finally it can be conclude that the quality assessment of date palm based on the acoustical parameters is not reliable. It is suggested to provide samples from the outer parts of date palm disk when construction materials need more strength.

The goal of this study was to determine the modulus of elasticity and modulus of rapture of two kinds of date palm (Khasi and Hajmohammadi) using static bending and dynamic (flexural vibration) techniques. To reduce the difference between static and dynamic stiffness values, the static bending modulus of elasticity was modified by taking into account the value of the shear deflection. In addition to, for better understanding of the mechanical properties of date palm, values were compared with those measured for poplar samples. The results showed that, in Khasi the mean values of the modulus of elasticity obtained by flexural vibration, the static modulus of elasticity, the modified static modulus of elasticity and as well as the modulus of rapture were 47, 67,68 and 38% less than those measured for Hajmohammadi respectively. In comparing with date palm, values measured for poplar samples were more pronounced. The difference between dynamic and static values of modulus recorded for Khasi, Hajmohammadi and poplar samples were 63, 40 and 19% respectively. After modification of the static values, the difference was reduced in to 3% for Khasi, 6% for Hajmohammadi and 7 % for poplar experimental samples. Finally the significant correlation coefficients were found between the static and the dynamic modulus of elasticity for both two kinds of date palm.

Purpose: Since different subspecialties are currently performing a variety of upper facial rejuvenation procedures, and the level of knowledge on the ocular and periocular anatomy and physiology is different, this review aims to highlight the most important preoperative examinations and tests with special attention to the eye and periocular adnexal structures for general ophthalmologist and specialties other than oculo-facial surgeons in order to inform them about the fine and important points that should be considered before surgery to have both cosmetic and functional improvement. Methods: English literature review was performed using PubMed with the different keywords of “periorbital rejuvenation”, “blepharoptosis”, “eyebrow ptosis”, “blepharoplasty”, “eyelid examination”, “facial assessment”, and “lifting”. Initial screening was performed by the senior author to include the most pertinent articles. The full text of the selected articles was reviewed, and some articles were added based upon the references of the initial articles. Included articles were then reviewed with special attention to the preoperative assessment of the periorbital facial rejuvenation procedures. Results: There were 254 articles in the initial screening from which 84 articles were found to be mostly related to the topic of this review. The number finally increased to 112 articles after adding the pertinent references of the initial articles. Conclusion: Static and dynamic aging changes of the periorbital area should be assessed as an eyelid-eyebrow unit paying more attention to the anthropometric landmarks. Assessing the facial asymmetry, performing comprehensive and detailed ocular examination, and asking about patients' expectation are three key elements in this regard. Furthermore, taking standard facial pictures, obtaining special consent form, and finally getting feedback are also indispensable tools toward a better outcome. Keywords: Blepharoplasty, Cheek, Eyebrow, Eyelid, Lifting, Rejuvenation

The main goal of this work was to evaluate the importance of vascular bundles on the physical and mechanical properties of date palm. To prepare experimental samples, two trees (Phoenix dactylifera) with the average diameter of 47 cm were freshly cut from Ahvaz countryside in Khoozestan Province. Cubic samples with dimensions of 2 cm (tangential) × 2 cm (radial) × 2 cm (longitudinal) were taken from different heights of date palm trunk (2, 5 and 7 meter). The anatomical (number, diameter and cross-cut area of single vascular bundles), physical (density) as well as mechanical properties (vascular bundles tension strength and modulus of elasticity) were studied. The results showed that the calculated total area of vascular bundles per 400 mm2 was maximum for samples near the bark (33% of total area) and the value gradually decreased to 27% for specimens around the pith. The number of vascular bundles increase was observed while moving from the pith to the bark. The same variation also attained when the height of date palm stem increased. But for the average values of single vascular bundles diameter and cross-cut area, no regular trend of increase or decrease was observed. For mechanical properties of vascular bundles, the results revealed that tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were greater for specimens close to the pith in comparison with the values of samples near the bark. Finally the highest correlation was found between mechanical properties of vascular bundles and the position of them in transversal direction of date palm stem.

Purpose: To present a technique to improve the surgical treatment of frontal sinus mucocele and its recurrence. Methods: Nine procedures performed on eight patients by a team of ENT and Ophthalmic orbital surgeons. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical details, pathological findings and complications. The surgical technique involved an external approach via the upper eyelid skin crease combined with an internal approach with a rigid 4 mm endoscope described below. Following evacuation of the mucocele the sinus was anastomosed to nasal cavity with insertion of silicon stent. All patients had preoperative and postoperative CT scans of the orbit and paranasal sinuses. Result: There were nine operations on eight patients (six males, two female patients, mean age of 57.25: range, 15–71). Two patients had inverted papillomas. All patients presented with non-axial proptosis and diplopia. The mean follow up period was 38.7 months (range 11–99). The only intraoperative complication noted was a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in a patient with a post traumatic mucocele. Post-operative complications included lid scarring in 2 patients. One of the patients had a fistula overlying the affected sinus at presentation. Both patients underwent dermis fat grafting as a second stage procedure and responded well. One patient presented with asymptomatic superior oblique weakness that could be attributed to trauma to the superior oblique intra operatively. There was no case of recurrence of mucocele in our series. One of the inverted papillomas had an early recurrence (within 6 months) that required repeat surgery. Conclusion: Fronto nasal anastomosis restores the anatomy and reduces the chance of recurrence in our experience. The final cosmetic result is excellent and the patient's satisfaction is high.

Fungi exhibit different behavior under different conditions and react to light, temperature, moisture content etc. The objective of this study was to evaluate the degradation capability of three common white rot fungi, namely: Pleurotus ostreatus, P. pulmonarius, and Lentinus sajor-caju. The respective fungi were cultivated on rice straw under three different environmental conditions for 90 days. The fungi were collected, pure cultured, DNA extracted, and sequenced by ITS regions. The highest consumption of substrate occurred under the Cellar (dark) exposure condition with P. pulmonarius producing the least mass loss. The least amount of degradation occurred under the Air (daylight) condition for all of the fungi with the exception of P. pulmonarius. Exposure to light promoted the formation of fruiting bodies.

The study was aimed at testing environmental-friendly plant essential oils for their protecting efficiency of valuable woods against colonization by mould and wood-decay fungi. Sixteen essential oils were applied to Fagus orientalis and Pinus taeda wood samples by vacuum impregnation and infected with Aspergillus niger, Penicillium commune (moulds), Coniophora puteana (brown rot), Trametes versicolor (white rot), Chaetomium globosum (soft rot) and natural infection by airborne spores. Lavender oil, lemon grass oil and thyme oil were the most effective oils against all fungi tested.

This study examines whether the long-run purchasing power parity (PPP) holds in transition economies (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Russia) using monthly data over the 1995–2011 period. We apply a recently introduced panel stationary test, which accounts for sharp breaks and smooth shifts. The results indicate that the PPP holds only in two countries (i.e., Lithuania and Poland).

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of monosomy 3 by CISH technique in Iranian patients with uveal melanoma (UM) and its correlation with clinical and histopathological features. Method: Archival formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded material from 50 patients who had undergone enucleation for large uveal melanomas was obtained. Monosomy of chromosome 3 alteration by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) was investigated. Clinical and histopathological features of tumors were collected. Results: The patients had a mean age of 56.6±7.6 years. Mean basal diameter and thickness of tumors were 14.1 mm and 10.2 mm, respectively. Four patients (8%) were identified to harbor monosomy of chromosome 3. In the mean follow-up of 5.3 years (range, 3.2–9.5 y), only one case with monosomy 3 died of UM metastasis. The most common type of cellularity was mixed cell (86%). There was not any statistically significant correlation between monosomy of chromosome 3 and type of cellularity, ciliary body involvement, and largest basal diameter. Conclusion: The low rate of monosomy chromosome 3 and the consequent low rate of mortality may be indicative of good prognosis in Iranian patients with uveal melanoma.

This study represents a case of extensive perforating internal root resorption in tooth 7 in 22-yearold female, with a history of trauma in the anterior segment of maxilla in childhood. Diagnosis was made by clinical manifestation, intraoral periapical radiograph and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT has superior diagnostic accuracy that results in better management of complicated cases. Due to hemorrhage from the perforation site into the canal, and inability to dry the canal space surgical approach was employed to seal the resorptive defect. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a successful outcome six months after treatment. Key words: Internal Resorption, cone beam computed tomography, surgical management.

The present study deals with the development of standardized laboratory methods to predict depletion of biocides more accurately under service condition. Laboratory test was conducted with EN 252 standard and non-standard pine as well as spruce specimens to determine leaching of chromium and copper from stakes pressure impregnated with commercial copper- and chromium-containing preservative. Two modified laboratory test methods were carried out; first discontinuous (CEN/TS 15119-1) and second continuous water immersion (CEN/TS 15119-2). Results showed that leaching of copper in pine sapwood specimens was higher than that in spruce specimens. Moreover, copper leaching was greater in comparison to leaching chromium.

"nWe determined the frequency of clinical thyroid ophthalmopathy in Iranian patients. This cross-sectional study was performed at the Endocrinology Institute of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All patients with documented thyroid disorders from September 2003 to July 2005 were recruited. Eye examinations included evaluation of soft tissue changes, measurement of proptosis, lid width, lagophthalmos, evaluation of eye muscle function, and determination of visual acuity. The activity of ophthalmopathy was scored according to the NOSPECS scale. Among 851 visited patients, 303 cases had thyroid eye disease (TED). The nature of the ophthalmopathy breaks down as follows: 53.4% were hypothyroid (9.3% Hashimoto disease), 5.5% euthyroid and 41.1% had Graves' disease. The prevalence of TED in males was 60% which was nearly 2 times the prevalence of TED in females. There was a significant relationship between presentation of TED and active smoking of the patients (P

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare demographics, clinical manifestations, associated systemic and ocular factors, severity and activity of patients with unilateral thyroid eye disease (U-TED) versus bilateral thyroid eye disease (B-TED). Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, all patients with Graves′ hyperthyroidism and primary hypothyroidism seen in an endocrinology clinic were included from September 2003 to July 2006. Demographics, complete eye examination, severity score (NOSPECS, total eye score), and clinical activity score were recorded and compared in the B-TED and U-TED groups of patients. Results: From 851 patients with thyroid disorders, 303 (35.6%) had TED. Thirty-two patients (32/ 303, 10.56%) were found to have U-TED. Patients with U-TED (mean age 31.6 ± 11.6 years) were significantly younger than patients with B-TED (mean age 37.7 ± 14.7 years). Monovariate analysis (Chi-square and independent sample t-test) showed a significantly higher severity score in B-TED (U-TED 4.09±4.05, B-TED: 6.7±6.3; P= 0.002) and more activity score in B-TED (U-TED= 1.03±0.96, B-TED: 1.74±1.6, P= 0.001). However, multivariate analysis did not show any significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, type of thyroid disease, duration of thyroid disease and TED, severity and activity of TED, smoking habit, and presentation of TED before or after the presentation of thyroid disease (0.1

In this investigation the effect of using of UF and MUF Resins on Physical and mechanical Properties of Particleboards Produced from Rice Straw and Aspen Particles has been studied. The aim of this study was to determine of physical and mechanical properties of rice straw– particleboard. Single-layer particleboard was produced. That was produced with 11% MUF and 11% UF. For using of UF and MUF 2% hardener was added to adhesives. The Press condition for MUF was: 1750C for 4 minutes and also for UF application was 1750C for 6 minutes. Another variable factor was the rice straw content in three levels (15%, 30% and 45%). Other factors such as board density (0/7gr/cm3), mat moisture (12%) were constant factors. The results indicate that increasing rice straw to wood particles cause some reduction in modulus of rupture , and internal bonding , and some increase in thickness swelling , and water absorption of manufactured boards. But comparing and grouping means by Duncan test showed that in the most case these effects were insignificant when rice straw add to wood particle up to 30%. Particleboard bonded with 11% MUF had the highest bending strength. Particleboards bonded with MUF had better bending strength, shear strength, thickness swelling and water absorption after 2, 24 hours immersion. Grouping the experimental data while using Duncan method was indicated of the fact that an optimum condition for manufacturing particleboard while using a mixture of rice straw and wood particles is to add 30% rice straw to the mixture , use 11% melamine urea formaldehyde resin and employ a pressing time of 4 minutes.

Previous research has assessed the impact of policy uncertainty on a few macro variables. In this paper, we consider its impact on oil prices. Oil prices are usually determined in global markets by the law of demand and supply. Our concern in this paper is to determine which country’s policy uncertainty measure has an impact on oil prices. Using both the linear and the nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methods, we find that while policy uncertainty measures of Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the U.S. have short-run effects, short-run effects last into the long-run asymmetric effects only in the case of China. This may reflect the importance and recent surge in China’s engagement in world trade.