Development of a colorimetric nucleic acid-based lateral flow assay with non-biotinylated capture DNA

Atefeh Javani,Fatemeh Javadi-Zarnaghi,Mohammad Javad Rasaee 한국응용생명화학회 2017 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.60 No.6

In recent years, many nucleic acid-based lateral flow assays (NALFAs) have been developed for rapid and simple detection of various analytes including DNA sequences. In a NALFA, target molecules are applied within a small volume of a rehydrating buffer. The analyte flows laterally to reach the capture molecules at where it forms a colorimetric signal. Usually, in NALFAs, capture molecules are modified for maximized adsorption on the surface. In most cases, the modification is a biotin. The biotinylated capture DNA is held at capture line by interaction with streptavidin. However, there is a demand on methods that permit utilizing unmodified capture molecules and allow a cost-effective development process. Here, we report on a biotin- and streptavidin-free model NALFA. We also present a systematic investigation on the effect of various rehydrating buffers’ composition and concentration. In addition, the impacts of a protein blocker, detergents and chaotropic and kosmotropic agents on the intensity of the signal over background were analyzed. It has been demonstrated that simultaneous presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and bovine serum albumin doubles the intensity of visible bands in the presented unmodified NALFA. Finally, this paper presents an optimized costeffective model system that can be adapted for hybridization- based NALFAs.

Intelligent Time Variation Nonlinear Fuzzy-Flatness Technique

Atefeh Chahkoutahi,Mohammad Reza MoradiPour,Mohammad Gholami,Sirous Ashja,Mohammad Hossein Rahimi 보안공학연구지원센터 2015 International Journal of Hybrid Information Techno Vol.8 No.1

The focus of this paper is on the development and high precision robust control of an electro-mechanical robot manipulator that serves as a sensing and motion system for hybrid testing. The originality of the design is inspired from the Stewart Platform mechanism for a parallel axis configuration and a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DoF) moving platform. This design resulted in strongly non-linear and coupled dynamics as well as an inertial moving platform that attracted model-based control strategies. A novel non-linear control technique based on differential-geometric flatness was selected to meet the multiple simultaneous specification control of linearization, decoupling and asymptotic tracking. Pole placement was used to achieve a stable tracking, while the fuzzy-logic added intelligence to the control system through an automatic tuning of the pole placement coefficients. Simulation results demonstrated the validity of the fuzzy-flatness control with asymptotic and stable tracking at different frequency inputs. For the experimental implementation, the real-time constraint was further imposed and the actuators time-delay was compensated for using a forward prediction algorithm based on a fourth-order polynomial extrapolation. This compensation demonstrated a well synchronized control signal at different excitation conditions. Moreover, the non-linear flatness control was systematically assessed for the experimental validation and its implementation was made accessible for future validation and perspectives. This current research has contributed to the rapprochement of three important autonomous domains, namely: Parallel Manipulators, Hybrid Testing and Automatic Control. In addition, it has inspired many research perspectives for robust non-linear control and multi-frequency substructuring.

Effects of Acupressure on Fatigue in Patients with Cancer Who Underwent Chemotherapy

Atefeh Ghanbari Khanghah,Moloud Sharifi Rizi,Bahram Naderi Nabi,Masoumeh Adib,Ehsan Kazem Nejad Leili 사단법인약침학회 2019 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.12 No.4

Fatigue is the commonest symptom in cancer patients; despite high levels of clinically significant persistent cancer-related fatigue, few treatments are currently available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupressure on fatigue in patients with cancer who underwent chemotherapy. The study was designed as a randomized and controlled trial. Ninety samples were selected using the convenience sampling method, and random block sampling was used for allocation of groups (30 for each group). The three groups were similar by age and gender. The experimental group underwent acupressure at the Zusanli (ST-36), Hegu (LI-4), and Sanyingjiao (SP-6), whereas sham pressure was used in the placebo group and no intervention was applied in the control group; the level of fatigue of participants in three groups was calculated in three phases, before, during, and after chemotherapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22. The results showed that the mean of visual analog score of fatigue is significantly different in three groups at the end of chemotherapy (p Z 0.021). The mean visual analog score of fatigue in the acupressure group was meaningfully lower than that in the control group after chemotherapy (p Z 0.028). Results of this investigation showed that acupressure has short-term effectiveness on the cancer-related fatigue of patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Preparation of Degradable Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Gauze by Zinc Modification on HNO3/Cu Oxidized Viscose Fibers

Atefeh Afroozan Bazghaleh,Mojtaba Akbari Dogolsar 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.6

In the present research, the oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC), type viscose, was obtained by selectiveoxidation system, HNO3-Cu. Oxidizing parameters- acid concentration, reaction time and Cu content- were optimizedthrough the central composite design (CCD) to obtain high yield of carboxyl content. The optimum oxidation conditions wereas follows: time 30 h, acid concentration 46 % and Cu content 2.5 (g), in which the carboxyl value was 16.02±0.25 %. Optimal oxidized regenerated cellulose was characterized using FTIR, XRD, TG/DTA, SEM and EDX. For the next stage, azinc modified oxidized regenerated cellulose gauze (ORC-Zn) was prepared by oxidation of viscose with HNO3/Cu system inoptimal conditions and, finally, ion modification with a ZnCl2 solution. In vitro sedimentation studies demonstrated that theORC-Zn sample reduced the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) by 36 % as compared to the control, whereas thecommercial ORC reduced ESR by 20 %. In addition, degradability and antibacterial properties of ORC-Zn gauze have beengreatly improved compared to ORC one.

A DABCO Derived Ionic Liquid Based on Tetrafluoroborate Anion: Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of its Catalytic Activity in the Synthesis of 14-Aryl-14H-dibenzo[a, j]xanthenes

Atefeh, Zare-Bidaki,Davoodnia, Abolghasem Korean Chemical Society 2012 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.33 No.4

A room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) derived from 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) consisting of tetrafluoroborate anion, 1-butyl-4-(4-sulfonylbutyl)-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane hydrogen sulfate tetrafluoroborate ($[C_4DABCOC_4SO_3H][BF_4][HSO_4]$) was synthesized and catalytically evaluated in the synthesis of 14-aryl-14H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes by cyclocondensation reaction of ${\beta}$-naphthol and aryl aldehydes. This novel RTIL with an acidic $SO_3H$ group showed high catalytic activity with good to excellent yields of the desired products in short reaction times. Moreover, the catalyst could be recovered and reused at least three times with only slight reduction in its catalytic activity.

A Comparative Study of the Effect of Flaxseed Oil and Sunflower Oil on the Coagulation Score, Selected Oxidative and Inflammatory Parameters in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

( Atefeh Akrami ),( Elham Makiabadi ),( Moein Askarpour ),( Katayoun Zamani ),( Amir Hadi ),( Amin Mokari-yamchi ),( Siavash Babajafari ),( Shiva Faghih ),( Abdollah Hojhabrimanesh ) 한국임상영양학회 2020 Clinical Nutrition Research Vol.9 No.1

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a chronic disease with inflammatory and hypercoagulable states. The current study aimed to compare the effects of flaxseed oil and sunflower oil consumption on the coagulation score and selected oxidative and inflammatory parameters in patients with MetS. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 60 patients with MetS were allocated into 2 groups. One group received 25 mL/day flaxseed oil and the other group received 25 mL/day sunflower oil for 7 weeks. Maintenance diet including 15% protein, 55% carbohydrate, and 30% fat from daily total energy intake was designed for each participant. Serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as coagulation score were measured before and after the intervention. Three 24-hour food records were taken during the study. Fifty-two of participants (27 in sunflower oil and 25 in flaxseed oil groups) completed the study. The baseline characteristics and dietary intakes were similar between patients. After 7 weeks, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups regarding the serum TAC level and coagulation score (p > 0.05). However, serum IL-6 levels significantly decreased in the flaxseed oil group compared to the sunflower oil group (p = 0.017). No side effect was observed during the study due to the use of sunflower and flaxseed oils. We observed that consumption of flaxseed oil improved serum IL-6 levels but had no effect on oxidative stress and coagulation score in patients with MetS. Further studies are needed to confirm the veracity of our results.

Contra-diffusion synthesis of ZIF-8 layer on polyvinylidene fluoride ultrafiltration membranes for improved water purification

Atefeh Karimi,Vahid Vatanpour,Alireza Khataee,Mahdie Safarpour 한국공업화학회 2019 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.73 No.-

Contra-diffusion synthesis method was used to create a uniform layer of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) on the porous polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes. SEM, FTIR, EDX, AFMand water contact angle analyses were used to characterize the prepared membranes. The modifiedmembrane with 5 h contra-diffusion synthesis time showed maximum pure waterflux of 134 L/m2 hnearly twice of that of the bare PVDF membrane (65.8 L/m2 h). The water purification performance of theprepared membranes was evaluated using dye removal efficiency and the ZIF-8 modified membranesexhibited better performance for dye removal due of the negatively charged surface.

The Association Between Dietary Diversity Score and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Patients With Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Cross Sectional Study

( Atefeh Seifollahi ),( Mahboubeh Rezaei Fazl ),( Leila Setayesh ),( Mohammad Hassan Javanbakht ),( Maryam Daneshpazhooh ),( Sakineh Shab-bidar ),( Mehdi Yaseri ) 한국임상영양학회 2022 Clinical Nutrition Research Vol.11 No.4

This study was conducted to evaluate the associations between dietary diversity score (DDS) and cardiovascular risk factors in this population. In this cross-sectional study, 187 patients, aged 18-65 years with pemphigus vulgaris were included. DDS was assessed by a 24-hour dietary recall method. Anthropometric measures and biochemical parameters assessed according to standard protocols. Multivariate linear regression analyses used for detecting any associations between DDS and cardiovascular risk factors. The mean ± standard deviation age and body mass index of studied participants were (46.71 ± 11.49 years) and (27.83 ± 4.39 kg/m²) respectively. Our findings showed that a higher DDS intake was related with higher consumption of vegetables (p = 0.001), dairy products (p < 0.001), cereals (p = 0.002), red and processed meat (p < 0.001), sweets and desserts (p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding variables, the results showed positive associations between DDS and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, β = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-3.45, p = 0.02) and total cholesterol (TC) levels (β = 6.41, 95% CI, 1.62-11.03, p = 0.02) (β = 1.75, 95% CI, 0.20-3.30, p = 0.02). However, there were no associations between DDS and prevalence of obesity and glucose homeostasis. The results of this cross-sectional study showed that DDS might be associated with increased HDL-C and TC. However, further prospective studies are needed to prove these findings.

A sustainable approach for gold recovery from refractory source using novel BIOX-TC system

Atefeh Azizitorghabeh,Harshit Mahandra,Juliana Ramsay,Ahmad Ghahreman 한국공업화학회 2022 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.115 No.-

This study developed a sustainable method for gold extraction from low-grade refractory ore by combiningacidic biooxidation and thiocyanate (SCN) leaching (BIOX-TC) in one system to avoid neutralizationand minimize the complexity of the process. Among leachant candidates, thiocyanate was proposed asa less toxic reagent for gold leaching. Furthermore, thiocyanate requires ferric iron as an oxidant for goldextraction and ferric iron can be provided by the microorganisms during biooxidation. In the first step,acidic biooxidation was done using a mixture of acidophiles including Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans,Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans resulting in 59.6% sulfur oxidation. A preliminarystatic incubation of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans also improved biooxidation efficiency achievinghigher sulfur oxidation of 87.8%. Following biooxidation, thiocyanate leaching using 0.2 M SCN wasperformed under three different conditions: (1) in a separate flask with 0.01 M ferric iron addition; (2)in-situ leaching, in the biooxidation flask with the mixed bacterial culture); (3) in-situ leaching in thebiooxidation flask with the bacterial culture and with 0.01 M additional ferric iron. It was found thatin-situ thiocyanate leaching of the biooxidized ore in the presence of the bacterial culture and withoutferric iron addition resulted in the highest gold recovery (86.9%). The biooxidation mechanism and itskinetics have been extensively discussed in this paper.

Novel Adaptive Fuzzy Inference Controller for Highly Nonlinear System

Atefeh Chahkoutahi,Mohammad Hossein Rahimi,Sirous Ashja,Mohammad Gholami,Mohammad Reza Moradipour 보안공학연구지원센터 2014 International Journal of Hybrid Information Techno Vol.7 No.6

Robot manipulators are multi inputs-multi outputs, nonlinear and time variant system, therefore control of this system is the main challenge in robotic science. Control robot arm according to linear methodology are often having lots of problems because robotic systems are always highly nonlinear. Design accurate controller for robot manipulator is difficult because some dynamic parameters such as compliance and friction are not well understood and some robot parameters such as inertia are difficult to measure accurately and caused to variation in dynamic response. Fuzzy logic controllers have been applied in many applications. One of the important methods to solve above challenge is design adaptive controller based on fuzzy logic. In this paper, intelligent control of robot arm using Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) Adaptive Fuzzy Gain scheduling (PID-AFGS) is design for two degrees of robot arm.