Dietary Antioxidant Intake in Relation to Semen Quality Parameters in Infertile Men: a Cross-Sectional Study

( Mehran Rahimlou ),( Sara Sohaei ),( Mohammadhossein Nasr-esfahani ),( Mehran Nouri ) 한국임상영양학회 2019 Clinical Nutrition Research Vol.8 No.3

The objective of this study was to assess the association between dietary antioxidant intake and semen quality parameters in infertile men. In this cross-sectional study, dietary antioxidant intake was evaluated in 175 infertile Iranian men by a validated dish-based 106-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Men were asked to abstain from ejaculation for at least 72 hours before sample collection. Semen parameters were assessed by a sperm counting chamber and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay methods. Linear quantile regression was used to determine the associations between antioxidant nutrient intake and semen quality parameters (including total sperm count, sperm density, total motility, DNA damage and DNA fragmentation). Mean age of study participants was 32.19 ± 2.34 years. Compared with the lowest quartile, men in the highest quartile of dietary β-carotene and vitamin C intake had lower sperm DNA fragmentation index (P_trend = 0.042 and P_trend = 0.03, respectively). Also, dietary intake of beta-cryptoxanthin had a positive association with sperm density (P_trend = 0.02), and dietary lutein was associated with total sperm count (P_trend = 0.045). Dietary intake of other antioxidants did not significantly correlate with the indicators related to the quantity and quality of sperm (p > 0.05). These data suggest that dietary intake of some of the antioxidants is associated with semen related parameters.

Computational Lagrangian Multiplier Method by using for optimization and sensitivity analysis of rectangular reinforced concrete beams

Mehran Shariat,Mahdi Shariati,Amirhossein Madadi,Karzan Wakil 국제구조공학회 2018 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.29 No.2

This study conducts an optimization and sensitivity analysis on rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) beam using Lagrangian Multiplier Method (LMM) as programming optimization computer soft ware. The analysis is conducted to obtain the minimum design cost for both singly and doubly RC beams according to the specifications of three regulations of American concrete institute (ACI), British regulation (BS), and Iranian concrete regulation (ICS). Moreover, a sensitivity analysis on cost is performed with respect to the effective parameters such as length, width, and depth of beam, and area of reinforcement. Accordingly, various curves are developed to be feasibly utilized in design of RC beams. Numerical examples are also represented to better illustrate the design steps. The results indicate that instead of complex optimization relationships, the LMM can be used to minimize the cost of singly and doubly reinforced beams with different boundary conditions. The results of the sensitivity analysis on LMM indicate that each regulation can provide the most optimal values at specific situations. Therefore, using the graphs proposed for different design conditions can effectively help the designer (without necessity of primary optimization knowledge) choose the best regulation and values of design parameters.

Study of Back Bending in 157,158Er Isotopes by Using Electromagnetic Reduced Transition Probabilities

Mehran Shahriarie,Saeed Mohammadi,Zohreh Firouzi 한국물리학회 2020 THE JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY Vol.76 No.1

Electromagnetic reduced transition probabilities B(E2) and B(M1) calculated by using the PSM (Projected Shell Model) code are used to study the back-bending phenomenon in $^{157,158}$Er isotopes. As a result, two great drops in the B(E2)/B(M1) ratio were observed in spins 12 $\hbar$ and (37/2) $\hbar$ for the $^{158}$Er and the $^{157}$Er isotopes, respectively, which coincident exactly with the inertia change versus rotational frequency in the usual back-bending plots for these isotopes.

Low-dose intravenous ketamine versus intravenous ketorolac in pain control in patients with acute renal colic in an emergency setting: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Mehran Sotoodehnia,Mozhgan Farmahini-Farahani,Arash Safaie,Fatemeh Rasooli,Alireza Baratloo 대한통증학회 2019 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.32 No.2

Background: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine versus ketorolac in pain control in patients with acute renal colic presenting to the emergency department (ED). Methods: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial. The initial pain severity was assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS). Then, ketamine or ketorolac was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg and 30 mg respectively. The pain severity and adverse drug reactions were recorded 5, 15, 30, 60, and 120 min thereafter. Results: The data of 62 subjects in the ketamine group and 64 patients in the ketorolac group were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 34.2 ± 9.9 and 37.9 ± 10.6 years in the ketamine and ketorolac group, respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean NRS scores at each time point, except for the 5 min, between the two groups. Despite a marked decrease in pain severity in the ketamine group from drug administration at the 5 min, a slight increase in pain was observed from the 5 min to the 15 min. The rate of adverse drug reactions, including dizziness (P = 0.001), agitation (P = 0.002), increased systolic blood pressure (> 140 mmHg), and diastolic blood pressure (> 90 mmHg) was higher in the ketamine group. Conclusions: Low dose ketamine is as effective as ketorolac in pain management in patients with renal colic presenting to the ED. However, it is associated with a higher rate of adverse drug reactions.

An experimental loading study of a pitching wind turbine airfoil in near- and post-stall regions

Mehran Masdari,Mahbod Seyednia,Arshia Tabrizian 대한기계학회 2018 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.32 No.8

A series of experimental tests was conducted to present an insight into lift characteristics of an oscillating wind turbine airfoil at nearand post-stall regions. Due to the unsteady nature of the flow around a wind turbine, the blades are subjected to oscillating motions and consequently, unsteady phenomena occur, dynamic stall in particular. Therefore, the unsteady lift of wind turbine blades is of considerable importance in performance and estimation of a wind turbine lifespan. In the current study, at Re = 420000, a detailed survey of parameters affecting lift characteristics in the hysteresis loops are carried out for the critical section of a 660 kW wind turbine blade. To investigate the effects of reduced frequency, mean angle of attack (AOA) and amplitude of oscillation, the characteristics of lift hysteresis loops including maximum lift, width of the loop, crossover point (if exists) and the normal force defect (NFD) are compared qualitatively and quantitatively. The results indicate that increase of reduced frequency leads to decrease in lift curve slope and delay in maximum lift occurrence. Furthermore, the lift curves are the evidence of strong dependence of lift characteristics on mean AOA and amplitude of pitching motion. Increase of amplitude makes the airfoil enter the post-stall region and hence, it delays the maximum lift occurrence. Entering the post-stall region, the airfoil encounters deeper dynamic stall. Also, approaching to post-stall region makes the clockwise part of the loops more dominant.

Comparison of high-resolution and standard zoom imaging modes in cone beam computed tomography for detection of longitudinal root fracture: An in vitro study

Mehran Taramsari,Zahra Dalili Kajan,Parinaz Bashirzadeh,Fatemeh Salamat 대한영상치의학회 2013 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.43 No.3

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two imaging modes in a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system in detecting root fracture in endodontically-treated teeth with fiber posts or screw posts by selecting two fields of view. Materials and Methods: In this study, 78 endodontically-treated single canal premolars were included. A post space was created in all of them. Then the teeth were randomly set in one of 6 artificial dental arches. In 39 of the 78 teeth set in the 6 dental arches, a root fracture was intentionally created. Next, a fiber post and a screw post were cemented into 26 teeth having equal the root fractures. High resolution (HiRes) and standard zoom images were provided by a CBCT device. Upon considering the reconstructed images, two observers in agreement with each other confirmed the presence or absence of root fracture. A McNemar test was used for comparing the results of the two modes. Results: The frequency of making a correct diagnosis using the HiRes zoom imaging mode was 71.8% and in standard zoom was 59%. The overall sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing root fracture in the HiRes mode were 71.79% and 46.15% and in the standard zoom modes were 58.97% and 33.33%, respectively. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the diagnostic values of the two imaging modes used in the diagnosis of root fracture or in the presence of root canal restorations. In both modes, the most true-positive results were reported in the post space group.

Production of syngas from H₂O/CO₂ by high-pressure coelectrolysis in tubular solid oxide cells

Mehran, Muhammad Taqi,Yu, Seong-Bin,Lee, Dong-Young,Hong, Jong-Eun,Lee, Seung-Bok,Park, Seok-Joo,Song, Rak-Hyun,Lim, Tak-Hyoung Elsevier 2018 APPLIED ENERGY Vol.212 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The conversion of CO<SUB>2</SUB> and steam into syngas in a pressurized solid oxide coelectrolysis (SOC) cell is considered one of the most promising pathways towards the production of sustainable fuels. In this study, a high pressure tubular SOC system was designed and developed that can efficiently convert a mixture of steam and CO<SUB>2</SUB> into valuable syngas fuel. Tubular SOC cells based on a Ni-yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) fuel electrode, scandia stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) electrolyte, and La<SUB>0.6</SUB>Sr<SUB>0.4</SUB>Co<SUB>0.2</SUB>Fe<SUB>0.8</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB> (LSCF)-Ce<SUB>0.8</SUB>Gd<SUB>0.2</SUB>O<SUB>1.9−δ</SUB> (GDC) composite air electrode were fabricated and tested at various high pressure conditions to determine the electrochemical and syngas production characteristics. The pressurized tubular SOC cell was first operated at the ambient pressure for various inlet gas conditions and the electrochemical performance of the tubular SOC was studied by current-voltage curves combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at different H<SUB>2</SUB>O and CO<SUB>2</SUB> mole% in the inlet gas. The pressurized SOC cell was then operated between 1 and 8 bar pressure at 800 °C in both fuel cell and coelectrolysis modes. In the fuel cell mode, the SOC showed a 44.2% increase in the maximum power density to with a pressure increase of 1–8 bar. The increase in the performance of the cell in the fuel cell mode was attributed to the higher open circuit voltage (OCV) and reduced polarization resistance of the electrodes at higher pressures. In the coelectrolysis mode, the pressure dependency of the electrochemical characteristics on the tubular SOC cell was studied and the relation between different parameters of the system and the pressure conditions was derived. It was found that the higher open circuit voltage (OCV) and the reduced polarization resistance resulted in a significant improvement in the performance of the pressurized tubular SOC cell for the production of syngas. A post-test material characterization by electron microscopy did not show any significant degradation in the tubular SOC cell microstructure during the high pressure operation at 8 bar.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Production of syngas from H<SUB>2</SUB>O/CO<SUB>2</SUB> by high-pressure coelectrolysis in tubular solid oxide cells. </LI> <LI> Pressure dependency of the electrochemical characteristics on the tubular SOC cell was studied. </LI> <LI> High pressure operation resulted into significantly high OCV and less polarization resistance. </LI> <LI> No significant degradation in the microstructure of the SOC cell. </LI> </UL> </P>

Barriers to Health Service Utilization Among Iranian Female Sex Workers: A Qualitative Study

Mehran Asadi-AliAbadi,Jamileh Abolghasemi,Shahnaz Rimaz,Reza Majdzadeh,Fereshteh Rostami-Maskopaee,Effat Merghati-Khoei 대한예방의학회 2018 Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Vol.51 No.2

Objectives: In most countries around the world, sex work is an illegal activity. Female sex workers (FSWs) in Iran hide their identities, and they are known to be a hard-to-reach population. Despite free access to HIV testing, fewer than half of FSWs receive HIV testing. The purpose of this study was to characterize the reasons for which FSWs do not seek testing at drop-in centers (DICs) and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) centers in Iran. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in 2016. The participants were 24 FSWs who received services at VCT centers and DICs for vulnerable females in the north of Iran and 9 males who were the clients of FSWs. In this study, we made use of purposive sampling and carried out a thematic analysis. Results: We found 4 major and 6 minor themes. The major themes were: fear of being infected (with HIV), stigma, indifference, and knowledge. Conclusions: Despite the significant efforts made by the government of Iran to establish and expand DICs for vulnerable females, the number of FSWs receiving services at these centers has not been very considerable. Consequently, by introducing and implementing training programs for peer groups, it may be possible to take steps toward establishing strategic programs for the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Potential Inherent Properties of Chitosan and Its Applications in Preserving Muscle Food

( Mehran Moradi ),( Hossein Tajik ),( Hong Kyoon No ),( Seyed Mehdi Razavi Rohani ),( Abdulrasoul Oromiehie ),( Sara Ghasemi ) 한국키틴키토산학회 2010 한국키틴키토산학회지 Vol.15 No.1

A 7-DoF Upper Limb Exoskeleton Robot Control Using a New Robust Hybrid Controller

Mehran Rahmani,Mohammad Habibur Rahman,Jawhar Ghommam 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2019 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.17 No.4

This article describes a novel robust hybrid control of a 7-DoF upper limb exoskeleton robot. Insensivitycan be taken into consideration as the important feature of sliding mode controllers, which is merely valid in thesliding phase. In order to improve controller performance by eliminating or minimizing the time to reach thesliding phase, a sliding surface design can be designed appropriately. In this study, a new sliding mode controlleris designed to achieve high performance, which is robust against external disturbances. PID controllers have beenwidely used in robotic systems since high trajectory can be one of the most important advantages of this controller. Therefore, by combining a new sliding mode controller and a conventional PID controller, a novel hybrid controlleris proposed which has excellent performance. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposedcontrol method.