Compositional modeling of solution gas-oil ratio (Rs): a comparative study of tree-based models, neural networks, and equations of state.

Accurate knowledge of crude oil pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) properties is essential for both industrial and academic applications. However, traditional experimental methods for determining these properties, particularly the solution gas-oil ratio (R), are time-intensive and costly. In this study, advanced compositional models were developed using a broad range of machine learning (ML) techniques to predict R efficiently and reliably.

Causative Agents of Fungal Keratitis in Northeastern Iran: A 3-Year Tertiary Care Hospital Study.

Infectious keratitis is a significant ocular disease that, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Fungi are among the causative agents that can result in severe symptoms. Keratitis infections are prevalent globally, with a higher incidence reported in tropical and subtropical regions.

Non-Newtonian dynamics modelled with non-linear transport coefficients at the mesoscale by using dissipative particle dynamics.

We derive the algorithms for the dynamics of the standard dissipative particle dynamics model (DPD) for a velocity-dependent friction coefficient. By introducing simple estimators of the local rate of strain we propose an interparticle friction coefficient that decreases for high deformation rates, eventually leading to the macroscopic shear-thinning behaviour. We have derived the appropriate fluctuation-dissipation theorems that include the correction of the spurious behaviour due to the coupling of the non-linear friction and the fluctuations.

Chemical Species Ontology for Data Integration and Knowledge Discovery.

Web ontologies are important tools in modern scientific research because they provide a standardized way to represent and manage web-scale amounts of complex data. In chemistry, a semantic database for chemical species is indispensable for its ability to interrelate and infer relationships, enabling a more precise analysis and prediction of chemical behavior. This paper presents OntoSpecies, a web ontology designed to represent chemical species and their properties.

Use of Chrysosporium/carbon nanotubes for preconcentration of ultra-trace cadmium levels from various samples after extensive studies on its adsorption properties.

Carbon nanotubes were used to immobilize Chrysosporium fungus for building an adequate adsorbent to be used as an desirable sorbent for preconcentration and measurement of cadmium ultra-trace levels in various samples. After characterization, the potential of Chrysosporium/carbon nanotubes for the sorption of Cd(II) ions was scrutinized by the aid of central composite design, and comprehensive studies of sorption equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic aspects were accomplished. Then, the composite was utilized for preconcentration of ultra-trace cadmium levels, by a mini-column packed with Chrysosporium/carbon nanotubes, before its determination with ICP-OES.

The effect of different ammonium to nitrate ratios on antioxidant activity, morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica).

Improving yield and secondary metabolites production of medicinal plants through nutrition management recently has been considered. The present study was done to determine the effects of different ammonium (NH) to nitrate (NO) ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) on morphophysiological, nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), phenolic compounds (Total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents and individual phenolics including chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, p-Coumaric acid, apigenin, and quercetin by HPLC-DAD), essential oil composition (by GC and GC-MS), and antioxidant capacity (by DPPH and FRAP assays) of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) in deep water culture (DWC) system.

The Preventive Effects of Boron-Based Gel on Radiation Dermatitis in Patients Being Treated for Breast Cancer: A Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a side effect of radiation therapy (RT) which is experienced by over 90% of patients being treated for breast cancer. The current clinical trial was conducted to measure the preventative effects of a boron-based gel on several different clinical outcomes (dermatitis, erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation) after 25 radiotherapy sessions.

Methods: This research used a double-blind parallel-group design with a placebo control (n = 76) and randomized group (n = 181), with all participants being between 18 and 75 years old.

β-Amyloid Formation, Memory, and Learning Decline Following Long-term Ovariectomy and Its Inhibition by Systemic Administration of Apigenin and β-Estradiol.

Introduction: The increasing cases of Alzheimer Disease (AD) has caused numerous problems. The risk of developing AD increases in menopausal women, too. Apigenin and β-estradiol are effective antioxidant and neuroprotective agents.

Properties of an acid-tolerant, persistent Cheddar cheese isolate, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei GCRL163.

The distinctive flavours in hard cheeses are attributed largely to the activity of nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) which dominate the cheese matrix during maturation after lactose is consumed. Understanding how different strains of NSLAB survive, compete, and scavenge available nutrients is fundamental to selecting strains as potential adjunct starters which may influence product traits. Three Lacticaseibacillus paracasei isolates which dominated at different stages over 63-week maturation periods of Australian Cheddar cheeses had the same molecular biotype.

Main Approaches to Enhance Radiosensitization in Cancer Cells by Nanoparticles: A Systematic Review.

In recent years, high atomic number nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising radio-enhancer agents for cancer radiation therapy due to their unique properties. Multi-disciplinary studies have demonstrated the potential of NPs-based radio-sensitizers to improve cancer therapy and tumor control at cellular and molecular levels. However, studies have shown that the dose enhancement effect of the NPs depends on the beam energy, NPs type, NPs size, NPs concentration, cell lines, and NPs delivery system.

Identification and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of causative agents of onychomycosis due to Aspergillus species in Mashhad, Iran.

Aspergillus species are emerging causative agents of non-dermatophyte mold onychomycosis. In this study, 48 Aspergillus isolates were obtained from patients with onychomycosis in Mashhad, Iran, during 2015-2018. The aim is to identify the Aspergillus isolates to the species level by using partial calmodulin and beta-tubulin gene sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS, and to evaluate their in vitro susceptibility to ten antifungal drugs: terbinafine, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, ravuconazole, isavuconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin and amphotericin B according to CLSI M38-A3.

Low activity of sertaconazole against clinical isolates of dermatophyte.

Background And Purpose: Dermatophytes are a group of fungi specialized in invading humans and other vertebrate keratinized tissues. These fungi cause a variety of skin, nail, and hair disorders, called dermatophytosis (tinea). In some cases, drug resistance to antifungals necessitates special treatment.

Epidemiology of dermatophytosis in northeastern Iran; A subtropical region.

Background And Purpose: Dermatophytes as the causative agents of dermatophytosis (ringworm) are widely spread around the world. Accurate identification of dermatophytes in one area can be particularly important for epidemiological studies. Regarding this, the aim of the present study was to describe the species spectrum of dermatophytes, isolated from patients in Mashhad city, Iran, using the molecular-based method.

Identification of fungal causative agents of rhinosinusitis from Mashhad, Iran.

Background And Purpose: Rhinosinusitis is a common disorder, influencing approximately 20% of the population at some time of their lives. It was recognized and reported with expanding recurrence over the past two decades worldwide. Undoubtedly, correct diagnosis of fungi in patients with fungal rhinosinusitis affects the treatment planning and prognosis of the patients.

Optimization of staged bioleaching of low-grade chalcopyrite ore in the presence and absence of chloride in the irrigating lixiviant: ANFIS simulation.

In this investigation, copper was bioleached from a low-grade chalcopyrite ore using a chloride-containing lixiviant. In this regard, firstly, the composition of the bacterial culture media was designed to control the cost in commercial application. The bacterial culture used in this process was acclimated to the presence of chloride in the lixiviant.

Economic burden of common variable immunodeficiency: annual cost of disease.

Objectives: In the context of the unknown economic burden imposed by primary immunodeficiency diseases, in this study, we sought to calculate the costs associated with the most prevalent symptomatic disease, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).

Methods: Direct, indirect and intangible costs were recorded for diagnosed CVID patients. Hidden Markov model was used to evaluate different disease-related factors and Monte Carlo method for estimation of uncertainty intervals.

Protective effect of Urtica dioica L against nicotine-induced damage on sperm parameters, testosterone and testis tissue in mice.

Background: Nicotine consumption can decrease fertility drive in males by inducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. Urtica dioica L (U.dioica) is a multipurpose herb in traditional medicine for which some anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties have been identified.

Colonic basidiobolomycosis in a child: report of a culture-proven case.

Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal disease caused by Basidiobolus ranarum, which is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis poses diagnostic difficulties due to the non-specific clinical presentation and absence of predisposing factors. Eight pediatric cases of the disease have been reported recently from Iran, but none of these, or most of the other cases reported in the literature, has been proven by culture, which is the gold standard method for diagnosis.

Impact of tumor length on survival for patients with resected esophageal cancer.

Background: Tumor length in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) has recently received great attention. However, its prognostic role for EC is controversial. The purpose of our study was to characterize the prognostic value of tumor length in EC patients and offer the optimum cut-off point of tumor length by reliable statistical methods.

Impact of lactose starvation on the physiology of Lactobacillus casei GCRL163 in the presence or absence of tween 80.

The global proteomic response of the nonstarter lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus casei strain GCRL163 under carbohydrate depletion was investigated to understand aspects of its survival following cessation of fermentation. The proteome of L. casei GCRL163 was analyzed quantitatively after growth in modified MRS (with and without Tween 80) with different levels of lactose (0% lactose, starvation; 0.

Surveillance of dermatophytosis in northeast of Iran (Mashhad) and review of published studies.

Dermatophytoses are considered to be one of the major public health problems in the world and are among the most commonly diagnosed skin diseases in Iran. In spite of improved personal hygiene and living environment, dermatophytosis continues to spread and persist. To determine the prevalence of dermatophytosis and their etiologic agents in Mashhad (Iran), five hundred and sixty patients suspected to have fungal infection were studied.

Impact of postoperative chemoradiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy alone for esophageal cancer in North-West Iran.

Background: To investigate the role of surgical treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer, we compared the outcomes of chemoradiotherapy alone (CRT) to postoperative chemoradiotherapy (S/CRT), using, Regional Radiotherapy Center, database.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in North-West of Iran, included of 255 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer. Eligible operable and non-operable, were treated with S/CRT and CRT respectively.

Survival in patients treated with definitive chemo- radiotherapy for non-metastatic esophageal cancer in north- west iran.

Background: Areas of Iran have among the highest incidences of esophageal cancer in the world. Definitive chemo-radiotherapy (DCRT) is used for locally advanced esophageal cancer and for inoperable tumors asan alternative to surgical treatment.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in North- West Iran 2006-2011, including 267 consecutive patients with non-metastatic esophageal cancer.

First case of Tritirachium oryzae as agent of onychomycosis and its susceptibility to antifungal drugs.

The first case of Tritirachium oryzae isolated from an Iranian patient is reported. A 44-year-old woman with a lesion in her fingernail was examined for onychomycosis. Direct microscopic examination of the nail clippings revealed fungal filaments and inoculation of portions of the nail clippings on cultures media yielded T.

Survival rate and prognostic factors of esophageal cancer in east Azerbaijan province, North-west of Iran.

Background: Esophageal cancer in Iran is the sixth most common cancer and is particularly important in east Azerbaijan. The aim of this study was to calculate survival rates and define prognostic factors in esophageal cancer patients.

Methods: In this study, all patients with esophageal cancer registered in the Radiation Therapy Center, during March 2006 to March 2011, were analyzed and followed up for vital status.