Selecting iron and zinc nano-fertilizers for rice traits in drought by statistical analysis.

Optimum use of fertilizer plays an important role in increasing the performance of traits in rice and other agricultural products. The use of nano-fertilizers can be very important in the optimal use of fertilizer and in increasing the quantity and quality of agricultural products. To investigate the effect of iron and zinc nano-fertilizers on the physiological and morphological characteristics of rice plants (Tarom Hashemi variety) under drought stress conditions, a split plot experiment was carried out in the form of a randomized complete block design in three replications in Mazandaran region. The results of the combined analysis indicated that the effect of iron nano-fertilizer and zinc nano-fertilizer has a significant difference at the level of 0.01 and 0.05 in terms of all the evaluated traits. In the means comparison, it was concluded that normal humidity conditions can have a positive effect on the performance of the traits, but in the S1 stress conditions (drought stress at the rate of 50% of normal irrigation), the traits showed a good performance trend. Furthermore, increasing the amount of iron nano-fertilizer at the F2 level (Iron sulphate 100 kg/ha + 1 foliar spraying of iron chelate 2%) can be very effective in the growth of yield and the desirability of traits. In examining the amount of zinc nano-fertilizer consumption on the traits, showed the most positive performance on the traits at the level of Z2 (Use of 5 mg of zinc nano-fertilizer per kg of experiment soil), but with the increase to the level of Z3 (Use 7.5 mg of zinc nano-fertilizer per kg of experiment soil), this favorability was greatly reduced. The result of the correlation coefficients between the traits and the correlation diagram also showed a positive and significant correlation between the traits. In the graphical analysis, treatments tr33, tr8, tr19, tr24, tr7, tr6, and tr2 were selected as desirable treatments from the polygon graph. Treatments tr19, tr9 and tr6 were recognized as favourable treatments in terms of the treatment ranking diagram in terms of all traits. Based on the treatment selection diagram based on ideal treatment, tr19, tr9 and tr6 treatments were identified as desirable treatments. In general, it is possible to use tr19 (S1×F1×Z2), tr6 (N×F1×Z1) and tr9 (N×F2×Z0) treatments as treatments with high efficiency and power to increase the performance of traits and optimal use of nano-fertilizers in rice cultivation.

Certain haplotypes of the 3'-UTR region of the HLA-G gene are linked to breast cancer.

Background: Human leukocyte antigen G belongs to the family of non-classical HLA class I genes, its expression considered an important immune escape mechanism of cancer cells. The polymorphisms in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) region of HLA-G influence the magnitude of the protein by modulating HLA-G mRNA stability. We hypothesised links between any of eight (UTR) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotype of the HLA-G gene with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood DNA from 100 patients affected by breast cancer and 100 controls was PCR sequenced for genotyping of 25 HLA-G 3'-UTR regions, including rs371194629 (+2960), rs1707 (+3003), rs1710 (+3010), rs17179101 (+3027), rs1063320 (+3142), rs9380142 (+3187), rs1610696 (+3196), and rs1233331 (+3227). Results: The 14-bp deletion (p = 0.01), and the +3010 (p = 0.021), +3142 (p = 0.006) and +3187 (p = 0.046) variants were significantly more prevalent in patients than in controls. In combining these data, two haplotypes of all eight SNPs and deletion/insertion (UTR-1 and UTR-4) are associated with breast cancer. Conclusion: Certain variants in the 3-UTR, and their combination as a haplotype, of the HLA-G gene are linked to breast cancer.

Dermal uptake of nicotine from air and clothing: Experimental verification.

This study aims to elucidate in greater detail the dermal uptake of nicotine from air or from nicotine-exposed clothes, which was demonstrated recently in a preliminary study. Six non-smoking participants were exposed to gaseous nicotine (between 236 and 304 µg/m3 ) over 5 hours while breathing clean air through a hood. Four of the participants wore only shorts and 2 wore a set of clean clothes. One week later, 2 of the bare-skinned participants were again exposed in the chamber, but they showered immediately after exposure instead of the following morning. The 2 participants who wore clean clothes on week 1 were now exposed wearing a set of clothes that had been exposed to nicotine. All urine was collected for 84 hours after exposure and analyzed for nicotine and its metabolites, cotinine and 3OH-cotinine. All participants except those wearing fresh clothes excreted substantial amounts of biomarkers, comparable to levels expected from inhalation intake. Uptake for 1 participant wearing exposed clothes exceeded estimated intake via inhalation by >50%. Biomarker excretion continued during the entire urine collection period, indicating that nicotine accumulates in the skin and is released over several days. Absorbed nicotine was significantly lower after showering in 1 subject but not the other. Differences in the normalized uptakes and in the excretion patterns were observed among the participants. The observed cotinine half-lives suggest that non-smokers exposed to airborne nicotine may receive a substantial fraction through the dermal pathway. Washing skin and clothes exposed to nicotine may meaningfully decrease exposure.

Effect of Foam on Liquid Phase Mobility in Porous Media.

We investigate the validity of the assumption that foam in porous media reduces the mobility of gas phase only and does not impact the liquid-phase mobility. The foam is generated by simultaneous injection of nitrogen gas and a surfactant solution into sandstone cores and its strength is varied by changing surfactant type and concentration. We find, indeed, that the effect of foam on liquid-phase mobility is not pronounced and can be ignored. Our new experimental results and analyses resolve apparent discrepancies in the literature. Previously, some researchers erroneously applied relative permeability relationships measured at small to moderate capillary numbers to foam floods at large capillary number. Our results indicate that the water relative permeability in the absence of surfactant should be measured with the capillary pressure ranging up to values reached during the foam floods. This requires conducting a steady-state gas/water core flood with capillary numbers similar to that of foam floods or measuring the water relative-permeability curve using a centrifuge.

Additively manufactured metallic porous biomaterials based on minimal surfaces: A unique combination of topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties.

Porous biomaterials that simultaneously mimic the topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties of bone are in great demand but are rarely found in the literature. In this study, we rationally designed and additively manufactured (AM) porous metallic biomaterials based on four different types of triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) that mimic the properties of bone to an unprecedented level of multi-physics detail. Sixteen different types of porous biomaterials were rationally designed and fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM) from a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The topology, quasi-static mechanical properties, fatigue resistance, and permeability of the developed biomaterials were then characterized. In terms of topology, the biomaterials resembled the morphological properties of trabecular bone including mean surface curvatures close to zero. The biomaterials showed a favorable but rare combination of relatively low elastic properties in the range of those observed for trabecular bone and high yield strengths exceeding those reported for cortical bone. This combination allows for simultaneously avoiding stress shielding, while providing ample mechanical support for bone tissue regeneration and osseointegration. Furthermore, as opposed to other AM porous biomaterials developed to date for which the fatigue endurance limit has been found to be ≈20% of their yield (or plateau) stress, some of the biomaterials developed in the current study show extremely high fatigue resistance with endurance limits up to 60% of their yield stress. It was also found that the permeability values measured for the developed biomaterials were in the range of values reported for trabecular bone. In summary, the developed porous metallic biomaterials based on TPMS mimic the topological, mechanical, and physical properties of trabecular bone to a great degree. These properties make them potential candidates to be applied as parts of orthopedic implants and/or as bone-substituting biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Bone-substituting biomaterials aim to mimic bone properties. Although mimicking some of bone properties is feasible, biomaterials that could simultaneously mimic all or most of the relevant bone properties are rare. We used rational design and additive manufacturing to develop porous metallic biomaterials that exhibit an interesting combination of topological, mechanical, and mass transport properties. The topology of the developed biomaterials resembles that of trabecular bone including a mean curvature close to zero. Moreover, the developed biomaterials show an unusual combination of low elastic modulus to avoid stress shielding and high strength to provide mechanical support. The fatigue resistance of the developed biomaterials is also exceptionally high, while their permeability is in the range of values reported for bone.

Post-training Beliefs, Intentions, and Use of Prolonged Exposure Therapy by Clinicians in the Veterans Health Administration.

To examine how changes in beliefs during the training process predict adoption of prolonged exposure therapy (PE) by veterans health administration clinicians who received intensive training in this evidence-based treatment. Participants completed a 4-day PE workshop and received expert consultation as they used PE with two or more training cases. Participants were surveyed prior to the workshop, after the workshop, after case consultation (n = 1.034), and 6 months after training (n = 810). Hierarchical regression was used to assess how pre-training factors, and changes in beliefs during different stages of training incrementally predicted post-training intent to use PE and how many patients clinicians were treating with PE 6 months after training. Post-training intent to use PE was high (mean = 6.2, SD = 0.81 on a 1-7 scale), yet most participants treated only 1 or 2 patients at a time with PE. Pre-training factors predicted intent to use and actual use of PE. Changes in beliefs during the workshop had statistically significant yet modest effects on intent and use of PE. Changes in beliefs during case consultation had substantial effects on intent and actual use of PE. Pre-training factors and changes in beliefs during training (especially during case consultation) influence clinicians' adoption of PE. Use of PE was influenced not only by its perceived clinical advantages/disadvantages, but also by contextual factors (working in a PTSD specialty clinic, perceived control over one's schedule, and ability to promote PE to patients and colleagues).

A Review of Studies on the System-Wide Implementation of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Veterans Health Administration.

Since 2006, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has instituted policy changes and training programs to support system-wide implementation of two evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To assess lessons learned from this unprecedented effort, we used PubMed and the PILOTS databases and networking with researchers to identify 32 reports on contextual influences on implementation or sustainment of EBPs for PTSD in VHA settings. Findings were initially organized using the exploration, planning, implementation, and sustainment framework (EPIS; Aarons et al. in Adm Policy Ment Health Health Serv Res 38:4-23, 2011). Results that could not be adequately captured within the EPIS framework, such as implementation outcomes and adopter beliefs about the innovation, were coded using constructs from the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance (RE-AIM) framework (Glasgow et al. in Am J Public Health 89:1322-1327, 1999) and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR; Damschroder et al. in Implement Sci 4(1):50, 2009). We highlight key areas of progress in implementation, identify continuing challenges and research questions, and discuss implications for future efforts to promote EBPs in large health care systems.

Triazole rizatriptan Induces Liver Toxicity through Lysosomal/Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Background: Triptans are used as antimigraine agents. Some cases of hepatotoxicity by triptans have been reported. However, the exact mechanism of triptan-induced hepatotoxicity is not clear yet. Methods: In this study, the cytotoxic effects of rizatriptan were investigated in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes using accelerated cytotoxicity mechanism screening. We designed experiments to evaluate toxicity markers, such as cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential, lysosomal membrane integrity and the amount of reduced and oxidized glutathione in the rizatriptan-treated hepatocytes. Results: Cytotoxicity caused by rizatriptan in rat hepatocytes was concentration-dependent. An increase in ROS formation accompanied by a significant rise in lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial depolarization and loss of lysosomal membrane integrity was observed. Cellular glutathione reservoirs were decreased and a significant amount of oxidized glutathione was formed. All the aforementioned rizatriptan-induced cellular events were significantly (p<0.05) prevented by ROS scavengers, antioxidants, endocytosis inhibitors and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generators. Also, the present results demonstrated that CYP450 is involved in rizatriptan-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity mechanism and different CYP450 inducers had different effects on the toxicity. Conclusion: It is suggested that the adverse effect of rizatriptan towards hepatocytes is mediated by oxidative stress and the hepatocytes lysosomes and mitochondria play an important role in rizatriptan-induced cell injury.

Positive effects of aggressive vasodilator treatment of well-treated essential hypertensive patients.

Increased systemic vascular resistance and coronary microvascular dysfunction are well-documented in essential hypertension (EH). We investigated the effect of additional vasodilating treatment on coronary and peripheral resistance circulation in EH patients with high systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) despite well-treated blood pressure (BP). We enroled patients on stable antihypertensive treatment that were given intensified vasodilating therapy (ACE inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker or calcium channel blocker). Before and following 6 months of intensified therapy, coronary resting and maximal artery flow were measured by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography to calculate coronary flow reserve (CFR) and minimum vascular resistance (C-Rmin). Cardiac output was estimated by inert gas rebreathing to calculate SVRI. Maximal forearm blood flow was determined by venous occlusion plethysmography to calculate minimum vascular resistance (F-Rmin). Patients were assigned into two groups: high-SVRI and low-SVRI subgroups, based on a median split at baseline. Following additional treatment SVRI decreased more in the high-SVRI group than in the low-SVRI group (14.4 vs -2.2%: P=0.003), despite similar baseline ambulatory BP (132/81 mm Hg) and BP reduction (6.5 and 4.6%: P=0.19). F-Rmin remained unchanged (6.5 vs -2.0%: P=0.30), while C-Rmin decreased by 22 and 24% (P=0.80) and CFR increased by 23 and 17% (P=0.16). Thus, intensified vasodilating therapy improved SVRI more in patients with high SVRI than in those with low SVRI. Regardless of SVRI status, the treatment improved cardiac but not forearm dilatation capacity. The substantial improvement of the hypertensive cardiac microvascular dysfunction was not related to the reduction in SVRI.

Effect of cystamine on blood pressure and vascular characteristics in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: Tissue transglutaminase (t-TG) has been implicated in small artery remodelling. The aim of this study was to determine if cystamine, an inhibitor of t-TG, could reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and if so to what extent this is mediated through small arteries. METHODS: In vitro inhibition of t-TG, with cystamine, was studied in organ culture and wire myograph setups in small mesenteric arteries obtained from SHR. In vivo treatment with cystamine (80 mg/kg/day) or amlodipine (10 mg/kg/day) was performed with osmotic pumps in adult SHR, and hemodynamic parameters determined with telemetry. Plasma concentrations of cystamine were determined with a liquid chromatography setup. Small arteries were harvested following administration of cystamine, and structural as well as functional characteristics were determined. RESULTS: SHR small arteries showed inward remodelling following in vitro activation. Administration of cystamine caused attenuation of the inward remodelling induced by activation. In vivo administration of cystamine caused a 9 ± 2 mm Hg reduction in blood pressure, but with no detectable alterations in small artery structure. CONCLUSION: t-TG is potentially involved in vascular remodelling of SHR small arteries and results support a possible role for t-TG in blood pressure control.

Dual energy computed tomography in tophaceous gout.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential utility of a dual energy CT (DECT) scan in assessing urate deposits among patients with tophaceous gout, and obtain computerised quantification of tophus volume in peripheral joints. METHODS: 20 consecutive patients with tophaceous gout and 10 control patients with other arthritic conditions were included. DECT scans were performed using a renal stone colour-coding protocol that specifically assessed the chemical composition of the material (ie, urate coloured in red, calcium coloured in blue). An automated volumetric assessment of DECT was used to measure the volume of urate deposits in all peripheral joint areas. RESULTS: All 20 patients with gout showed red colour-coded urate deposits on their DECT scans, whereas none of 10 controls showed urate deposits. DECT scans revealed a total of 440 areas of urate deposition in 20 patients, whereas physical examination showed 111 areas of urate deposition (mean 22 vs 6 per patient, respectively, p<0.001). Total urate volume in a given patient ranged from 0.63 cm(3) to 249.13 cm(3), with a mean of 40.20 cm(3). CONCLUSIONS: DECT scans can produce obvious colour displays for urate deposits and help to identify subclinical tophus deposits. Furthermore, tophus volume can be measured by DECT scans through an automated volume estimation procedure.

The utilization of dual source CT in imaging of polytrauma.

Despite the growing role of imaging, trauma remains the leading cause of death in people below the age of 45 years in the western industrialized countries. Trauma has been touted as the largest epidemic in the 20th century. The advent of MDCT has been the greatest advance in trauma care in the last 25 years. However, there are still challenges in CT imaging of the polytrauma individual including time restraints, diagnostic errors, radiation dose effects and bridging the gap between anatomy and physiology. This article will analyze these challenges and provide possible solutions offered by the unique design of the dual source CT scanner.

Post-disaster resettlement, development and change: a case study of the 1990 Manjil earthquake in Iran.

Planned and involuntary resettlement after natural disasters has been a major policy in post-disaster reconstruction in developing countries over the past few decades. Studies show that resettlement can result in significant adverse impacts on the resettled population. Conversely, a well-planned and managed resettlement process can produce positive long-term development outcomes. This article presents the results of a case study undertaken 11 years after the 1990 Manjil earthquake in Iran. During the reconstruction period, a policy of involuntary planned resettlement was pursued extensively. The socioeconomic changes that occurred as a consequence of this policy of involuntary resettlement are analysed. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey that involved a sample of 194 relocated households (grouped into a settlement that later became a town). The paper shows that relocated families face difficult socioeconomic challenges after relocation and regrouping. This is especially true with respect to employment, income, the empowerment of women and lifestyle issues.

Aluminum electrode modified with manganese hexacyanoferrate as a chemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide.

A chemically modified electrode was fabricated based on manganese hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF) film. The MnHCF was used as a modifier immobilized onto an aluminum electrode. Stability of the electroactive film formed on the Al electrode surface indicated that MnHCF is a suitable material for the preparation of modified electrodes. The analytical applicability of the modified electrode for the determination of hydrogen peroxide was examined. A linear response in concentration range of 6.0x10(-7)-7.4x10(-3) M (r=0.9997) was obtained with detection limit of 2.0x10(-7) M for the determination of hydrogen peroxide. The modified electrode exhibited a good selectivity for H(2)O(2) in real samples. The mentioned electrode has advantages of being highly stable, sensitive, inexpensive, ease of construction and use.

Electrolyte transport in a central core model of the renal medulla.

Transport of Na+, K+, Cl-, urea, and water is described in a central core model of the renal medulla. Equations for mass balance, Poiseuille flow, and the Nernst-Planck equation describe the continuous behavior of the system along the medullary axis and along the distal nephron; the Kedem and Katchalsky phenomenology describes passive transmural transport; active transmural transport obeys Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Numerical solution of the differential equations shows that to a close approximation any combination of active Na+ and active Cl- transport can generate the same concentration profiles but will generate very different potential profiles, and consequently, very different K+ absorption in thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. If a net transport stoichiometry of 2 Cl- ions to 1 Na+ ion is selected for the pumps, an active Cl- transport rate of approximately 10,000 peq.s-1.cm-2 gives K+ and Na+ concentrations in early distal nephron and a medullary osmolality profile in reasonable agreement with experimental data.

Effectiveness of the Iranian auxiliary midwife in IUD insertion.

In Iran, a traditional rural midwife is allowed to perform pelvic exams and insert IUD'S under conditions of almost total independence after she has received one month of intensive training in the procedures. The present study compared two groups containing 232 village women each, matched for age and parity. One group had IUDs inserted by rural midwives and the other by physicians or nurse-midwives at ubran clinics. The one-year and two-year closure rates for the two groups were very similar, as were the net closure rates for various categories of termination. No cases of severe complication were known to have occurred in either series. This evidence indicates that a rural midwife, following short, intensive training in the technique, can insert IUDs as safely and effectively as physicians and nurse-midwives.