Soil moisture remote sensing using SIW cavity based metamaterial perfect absorber.

Continuous and accurate sensing of water content in soil is an essential and useful measure in the agriculture industry. Traditional sensors developed to perform this task suffer from limited lifetime and also need to be calibrated regularly. Further, maintenance, support, and deployment of these sensors in remote environments provide additional challenges to the use of conventional soil moisture sensors. In this paper, a metamaterial perfect absorber (MPA) based soil moisture sensor is introduced. The ability of MPAs to absorb electromagnetic signals with near 100% efficiency facilitates the design of highly accurate and low-profile radio frequency passive sensors. MPA based sensor can be fabricated from highly durable materials and can therefore be made more resilient than traditional sensors. High resolution sensing is achieved through the creation of physical channels in the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity. The proposed sensor does not require connection for both electromagnetic signals or for adding a testing sample. Importantly, an external power supply is not needed, making the MPA based sensor the perfect solution for remote and passive sensing in modern agriculture. The proposed MPA based sensor has three absorption bands due to the various resonance modes of the SIW cavity. By changing the soil moisture level, the absorption peak shifts by 10 MHz, 23.3 MHz, and 60 MHz, which is correlated with the water content percentage at the first, second and third absorption bands, respectively. Finally, a [Formula: see text] cell array with a total size of [Formula: see text] has been fabricated and tested. A strong correlation between measurement and simulation results validates the design procedure.

Wide-angle metamaterial absorber with highly insensitive absorption for TE and TM modes.

Being incident and polarization angle insensitive are crucial characteristics of metamaterial perfect absorbers due to the variety of incident signals. In the case of incident angles insensitivity, facing transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves affect the absorption ratio significantly. In this scientific report, a crescent shape resonator has been introduced that provides over 99% absorption ratio for all polarization angles, as well as 70% and 93% efficiencies for different incident angles up to [Formula: see text] for TE and TM polarized waves, respectively. Moreover, the insensitivity for TE and TM modes can be adjusted due to the semi-symmetric structure. By adjusting the structure parameters, the absorption ratio for TE and TM waves at [Formula: see text] has been increased to 83% and 97%, respectively. This structure has been designed to operate at 5 GHz spectrum to absorb undesired signals generated due to the growing adoption of Wi-Fi networks. Finally, the proposed absorber has been fabricated in a [Formula: see text] array structure on FR-4 substrate. Strong correlation between measurement and simulation results validates the design procedure.

Spectroscopic, electrochemical, docking and molecular dynamics studies on the interaction of three oxovanadium (IV) Schiff base complexes with bovine serum albumin and their cytotoxicity against cancer.

This study was designed to investigate the interaction of three oxovanadium (IV) Schiff base complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by means of various spectroscopic and electrochemical methods along with molecular docking study and molecular dynamics simulations. Binding constants were estimated by fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results indicated a good affinity of the complexes for BSA in which furyl derivative had more activity. Molecular docking study showed that these complexes have the similar binding modes and located within subdomain IB in site III of BSA. The supporting of molecular docking and molecular dynamics results by experimental data, confirms the validity of the interactions data obtained by these methods. Biological activity against cancer cell showed that furyl derivative has higher activity than other complexes. Pharmaceutical analysis also showed that, these complexes potentially can be used as anticancer agents.

Anticancer activity of new imidazole derivative of 1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane palladium and platinum complexes as DNA fluorescent probes.

The aim of this study was synthesis of two new water-soluble fluorescent palladium and platinum complexes with formulas of [Pt(DACH)(FIP)](NO3)2 and [Pd(DACH)(FIP)](NO3)2, respectively, where FIP is 2-(furan-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10] phenanthroline and DACH is 1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane. Fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), thermal denaturation measurement, ionic strength, and kinetic study displayed groove binding of Pt complex on DNA, while due to binding of Pd complex, B form of DNA convert to Z form. Due to electrostatic interaction of Pd complex with DNA, the DNA form is converted and it provides enough space for Pd complex to insert between base stacking of DNA. UV-vis study shows two complexes could denature the DNA at low concentrations in exothermic process and Pt complex is more active than Pd complex. Finally, the anticancer and growth inhibitory activities of synthesized complexes were investigated against human colon cancer cell line HCT116 after incubation time of 24 h using MTT assay and higher activity was observed for the platinum complex. Interaction of the two metal derivative complexes was studied by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The results showed that Pt complexes have higher negative docking energy and higher tendency for interaction with DNA, and exert more structural change on DNA.

Recommendations for the Clinical Management of Hepatitis C in Iran: A Consensus-Based National Guideline.

CONTEXT: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health issue worldwide, including Iran. The new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) with high efficacy have changed the landscape of HCV treatment. This guideline provides updated recommendations for clinical management of HCV infection in Iran. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The recommendations of this guideline are based on international and national scientific evidences and consensus-based expert opinion. Scientific evidences were collected through a systematic review of studies that evaluated efficacy and safety of DAA regimens, using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Expert opinion was based on the consensus of Iran Hepatitis Scientific Board (IHSB) in the 3rd national consensus on management of Hepatitis C in Iran, held on 22nd of July 2016. RESULTS: Pegylated Interferon alpha (PegIFN), Ribavirin (RBV), Sofosbuvir (SOF), Ledipasvir (LDV) and Daclatasvir (DCV) are currently available in Iran. Pre-treatment assessments include HCV RNA level, HCV genotype and resistance testing, assessment of liver fibrosis, and underlying diseases. In HCV genotype 1 and 4, DCV/SOF and LDV/SOF are recommended. In HCV genotype 2, SOF plus RBV and in HCV genotype 3, DCV/SOF is recommended. Additional care for underlying diseases should be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Affordable new HCV treatment regimens are available in Iran, providing an opportunity for HCV elimination. Recommendations provided in this current national guideline can facilitate evidence-based management of HCV infection.

Radiographic manifestations of Tuberculosis in HIV positive patients: Correlation with CD4+ T-cell count.

BACKGROUND: Observations on Tuberculosis/HIV co-infection in addition to epidemiologic molecular studies have recently provided strong evidence for the state of immune system as the major determinant of the TB imaging spectrum. However, the presence of any correlation between radiographic findings and the degree of immunosuppression in HIV+ patients still remains controversial. The present study aimed to investigate the TB radiographic manifestation in HIV+ patients and its relationship to the CD4 cell count. METHOD AND MATERIAL: Chest radiography of 15 HIV+ patients with a definite diagnosis of pulmonary Tuberculosis in Masih Daneshvari Hospital, between 2013 and 2014, were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic findings and severity were categorized as typical (upper lobe infiltration/cavity) and atypical (middle/lower lobe opacity, adenopathy, pleural effusion and normal X-ray). Demographics and CD4+ cell count were also recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 (frequency and mean for descriptive quantitative variables and Logistic regression analysis for correlation, p<0.05). RESULTS: Of a total 15 patients (86.7% men and 13.3% women), 78.6% had CD4+ counts <350 (mean±SD; 229.15±199.45). The most common radiographic findings in descending order of frequency were adenopathy (53.3%), pleural effusion (26.7%) and cavitation (6.7%) with an overall atypical presentation of 93.3%. This study failed to reveal any statistically significant correlation between CD4+ cell count and radiographic manifestation as well as severity. CONCLUSION: In CD4+ cell count <500, the dominant radiographic pattern of Tuberculosis is atypical presentation. At this level of immunity, CD4+ T cell dysfunction may play a deterministic role in TB radiographic manifestation.

Increased Ribavirin Bioavailability Associated With Telaprevir Use in Hepatitis C Patients Treated With PEGylated -Interferon/Ribavirin/Telaprevir Triple Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is more frequent in patients receiving telaprevir with PEGylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) than in those receiving PEG-IFN/RBV alone. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to measure the impact of telaprevir on RBV bioavailability and to assess the concomitant renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients non-responders to a previous course of PEG-IFN/RBV therapy and re-treated with triple therapy combining PEG-IFN/RBV and telaprevir were analyzed. RBV bioavailability was measured before the triple therapy initiation, during telaprevir treatment at week (W) 4 and W8, and after telaprevir cessation (post W16). The renal function was assessed by estimating the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS: At W4, RBV bioavailability, expressed as mg/L/daily dose/kg body weight, was significantly increased (median increase = 0.06 mg/L/dose/kg; P < 0.001). In parallel, the renal function was impaired with a mean eGFR decrease of -6.8 mL/minutes/1.73 m² (P = 0.109). Between W4 and W8, RBV bioavailability continued to increase (P < 0.001) but subsequently decreased slightly after telaprevir discontinuation with a concomitant restoration of the renal function (eGFR increase of 6.34 mL/minutes/1.73 m²). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated a reversible increase in RBV bioavailability after telaprevir exposure, which might be linked to the impairment of the GFR. This also suggests a RBV-telaprevir pharmacological interaction, a possible source of severe anemia observed under triple therapy. These results suggest that RBV pharmacological monitoring may be clinically relevant, especially in the context of first-generation HCV protease inhibitor-based therapy.

Standardized one-step real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay for universal detection and quantification of hepatitis delta virus from clinical samples in the presence of a heterologous internal-control RNA.

As for other chronic viral diseases, quantification of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) loads may be useful for patient management. We describe a one-step quantitative reverse transcription-PCR assay that is reliable and automatable and meets the regulatory authorities' standards for accurate quantification of the major HDV genotypes. It includes an internal control and uses in vitro-transcribed RNAs as standards. Its linearity range is 500 to 1.7 × 10(11) copies/ml, its sensitivity is around 150 copies/ml, its repeatability is around 15%, and its reproducibility is below 0.25 log(10) copies/ml.

Detection of Antibodies Against 6, 16 and 38 kDa Antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a Rapid Test for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Serological assays for diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) are very attractive because they are inexpensive, non invasive and simple. Present study was conducted to evaluate the tuberculosis rapid test device in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tuberculosis rapid test device based on detection of IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies against 6, 16 and 38-kDa antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis via chromatography was used in 96 cases of pulmonary and extra pulmonary TB. Fifty four patients with conditions other than TB were selected as the control group. Tuberculin skin test (TST) was performed in two groups. None of the patients were immunodeficient. All of them were evaluated in terms of presence of BCG scar. RESULTS: Tuberculosis rapid test was positive in 75 cases (78.1%) and 15 controls (27.8%). This difference was statistically significant (P-value < 0.001). TST was positive in 66 patients (68.8%) with tuberculosis and 10 (18.5%) controls with no statistically significant difference (P-value = 0.065). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the tuberculosis rapid test for diagnosis of tuberculosis were 78.1%, 72.2%, 83.3% and 65%, respectively. These parameters for TST were 31.3%, 81.5%, 75%, and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis rapid test has better sensitivity than TST and may be helpful in diagnosis of tuberculosis as a complementary test or in epidemiological investigations.

Impact of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis on treatment outcome of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients with standardized regimen: report from Iran.

The limited experience in treating patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) shows a therapeutic success rate under 50-60% and there are no publications regarding the outcome of these patients treated with standardized regimens. All multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients hospitalized at the Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran, during 2004-2007 were recruited. Drug susceptibility testing to 14 drugs (including eight second-line drugs) was performed and a standardized regimen with ofloxacin, cycloserine, prothionamide, and amikacin was administered for all patients. Outcome of the patients was studied, comparing between the MDR-TB non-XDR-TB and the XDR-TB. Fifty-one patients were included, 12 with XDR-TB criteria. Of 51, 48 were HIV negative and HIV status was unknown in three cases. All 12 were HIV negative. XDR-TB infection was significantly associated only with age (p = 0.039). The success rates for the total 51 MDR-TB, the 39 MDR-TB non-XDR-TB, and the 12 XDR-TB patients were 76.5% (39 patients), 87.2% (34 patients), and 41.7% (5 patients), respectively. Resistance to ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin were found to be significantly associated with unsuccessful outcome. In this setting, a standardized second-line drugs regimen produces high treatment success rates in MDR-TB patients unless XDR-TB is present.

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcome in Iran: a case series of seven patients.

BACKGROUND: Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) has recently been identified as a major threat to global health. XDR-TB poses a risk of higher failure rates and death during TB treatment. We report herein the outcomes of XDR-TB in patients treated with the standardized regimen in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2006, seven patients were diagnosed with XDR-TB. All patients were treated with the standardized second-line regimen containing cycloserine, prothionamide, amikacin, and ofloxacin. First-line drugs, such as ethambutol and pyrazinamide, were added to the regimen if drug susceptibility testing showed sensitivity to these drugs. RESULTS: Four (57.1%) patients were male. All seven patients were HIV-negative. The patient age range was 22-79 years. Of the seven cases, the final outcome was 'cure' in two (28.6%), 'relapse' in one, 'treatment failure' in one, and 'death' in two; the outcome for one patient was unknown. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a poor prognosis in patients with XDR-TB. This indicates the necessity of detecting XDR-TB cases earlier, as well as the need to gain access to more second-line agents. This is particularly important in resource-limited settings in order to administer individualized regimens.

Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy results in decreased morbidity and mortality among patients with TB and HIV.

INTRODUCTION: The overlapping drug toxicity profiles, drug-drug interactions and complications of management of both HIV and tuberculosis (TB) in patients with advanced HIV have not been fully delineated. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of the outcomes of tuberculosis treatment among 69 HIV-infected patients with TB, who were hospitalized in Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran between 2002 and 2006, and who received standard category 1 (CAT-1) regimens. Group I (N = 47) included those treated from 2002 to 2005 with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiated after eight weeks of TB treatment for those whose CD4 count was <200 cells/mm3. Group II (N = 22) included TB patients treated from 2005 to 2006, with HAART initiated after two weeks of TB treatment if their CD4 count was <100 cells/mm3 and eight weeks after initiation of TB treatment for those whose CD4 count was between 101 and 200 cells/mm3. RESULTS: There were no differences between Groups I and II with regard to: adverse drug reactions [four (8.5%) versus two (9%), p = ns]; IRIS [six (12.7%) versus three (10.7%), p = ns]; and new opportunistic infections [eight (17.0%) versus two (9.1%), p = ns]. Death, however, occurred more frequently in Group I than in Group II [13 (27.7%) versus (4.5%), p = 0.03], where HAART was initiated earlier. Injection of drugs was the most common route of HIV transmission in both groups (72.3% in Group I and 77.3% in Group II). CONCLUSION: This manuscript shows that in a retrospective review of HIV/TB patients hospitalized in Tehran, improved survival was associated with earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy in HIV/TB patients with CD4 counts of below 100 cells/mm3.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria among patients who are suspected for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis-need for earlier identification of nontuberculosis mycobacteria.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we intended to find the prevalence of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) among patients who are referred as suspected multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases to the only referral center in Iran. METHODS: All patients referred to our center in 2002-2006 as MDR-TB with histories of treatment with standard and CAT II World Health Organization regimens were included in the study. Sputum smear and culture for acid-fast bacilli were performed for all patients 3 times. Sputum polymerase chain reaction was also performed for all patients. Mycobacterial identification was performed via polymerase chain reaction and routine identification tests for all culture-positive cases. RESULTS: Of the 105 patients in the study, 12 (11.43%) were identified to have NTM infection. The identified mycobacteria were classified in order of prevalence as Chelonae (8 cases), Simiae (2 cases), Aloei (1 case), and Farcinogen (1 case). Based on radiologic findings, most of the cases demonstrated bilateral nodularity (83.3%) and also multifocal bronchiectasis (75%). Notably, cavitary lesions were present in 41.7% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, it is essential that such cases be identified before commencing MDR-TB treatment.

First-line anti-tuberculosis drug resistance patterns and trends at the national TB referral center in Iran--eight years of surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: Resistance to anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs is becoming a major and alarming threat in most regions worldwide. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Iran, using patient medical records for 2000-2003. The findings were analyzed following the same framework as that used for previous reports from this center. RESULTS: Among 1556 TB patients, drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed for 548 culture-positive cases. Anti-TB drug resistance to both isoniazid and rifampin was identified in 10 (2.8%) of the new TB cases (multidrug-resistant TB; MDR-TB). Any resistance was detected in 228 (41.6%), showing an increasing trend in both new and retreatment cases. The data analysis revealed that drug-resistant TB had a statistically significant association with Afghan ethnicity, age>65 years, and the type of disease (retreatment vs. new TB case) (p<0.05). Also, assessment of the drug resistance trends showed a significant increase in resistance to any anti-TB agent, to isoniazid, and to streptomycin in new cases, and to all of the first-line anti-TB drugs in retreatment patients. CONCLUSIONS: There has been an increasing trend in drug resistance in recent years, particularly in retreatment cases. Hence, revision of the national TB control program, reevaluation of the role of the World Health Organization category II (CAT II) regimen, as well as the conducting of a nationwide drug resistance survey, are recommended.

Representative drug susceptibility patterns for guiding design of re-treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Iran.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has increased substantially in the past 20 years, however, there are no data specific to Iran. This study investigated patients suspected to have MDR-TB, attending the TB referral hospital in Iran. METHODS: All patients suspected of having MDR-TB on hospital admission in the period 2003-2005 were included in this study. Sputum from all patients was tested for smear and culture, and drug sensitivity testing was performed using the proportion method. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their history of medical treatment. Group I consisted of patients with CAT I regimen failure; Group II consisted of patients with a history of CAT II regimen failure and Group III comprised patients with a history of more than two courses of irregular CAT I anti-TB regimen. RESULTS: There were 105 patients recruited; 32 in Group I, 53 in Group II and 20 in Group III. There were no significant differences between the three groups in their resistance to first-line anti-TB drugs. Fifty-five patients were diagnosed with MDR-TB. The prevalence of MDR-TB was 56% (18 cases) in group I, 49% (26 cases) in group II and 55% (11 cases) in group III. No significant difference in the pattern of drug resistance was observed between the three groups. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MDR-TB was high in this study. The lack of response of MDR-TB patients to CAT II treatment indicates that antibiotic sensitivity testing is essential in patients with CAT I treatment failure.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification for molecular detection of M. tuberculosis.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA-ELISA) was developed for molecular detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The primers targeting 16S rRNA were used for the amplification of bacterial RNA by the isothermal digoxigenin (DIG)-labeling NASBA process, resulting in the accumulation of DIG-labeled RNA amplicons. The amplicons were hybridized with a specific biotinylated DNA probe which was non-covalently immobilized on streptavidin-coated microtiter plate. The RNA-DNA hybrids were colorimetrically detected by the addition of an anti-DIG antibody HRP conjugate and 2,2-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazolinsulfonate) substrate. Using this method, as little as 1 x 10(2) CFU ml(-1) of M. tuberculosis was detected within less than 5h. Results obtained from the clinical specimens showed 85.7% and 96% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. No interference was encountered in the amplification and detection of M. tuberculosis in the presence of non-target bacteria, confirming the specificity of the method.

Primary immune deficiencies presenting in adults: seven years of experience from Iran.

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are not solely diseases of childhood. We describe the clinical presentation and outcome for 55 adult patients with previously unrecognized PIDs. This series provides unique data regarding PIDs presenting in adulthood, and serves as a timely reminder that physicians must consider the diagnosis of PIDs in their adult patients. Using the experience gained from these patients, we outline key "warning signs" suggestive of an underlying PID. Only through increased physician awareness will patients with PIDs receive timely diagnosis and optimal management.