Application of impulse damper in control of a chaotic friction-induced vibration

Mansour Ataei,Ali Asghar Atai,Sajjad Mirjavadi,Mohammad Sahebnasagh,Mansour Nikkhah-Bahrami 대한기계학회 2011 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.25 No.2

Friction-induced vibration is an important phenomenon with adverse effects on many dynamic systems involving friction. In this study,a very simple and well-known one-dimensional friction-induced dynamic system is considered in which the novel PZT stack impulse damper is incorporated into the system. It has been shown that by appropriately tuning the damping parameters, the chaotic behavior is removed quickly and efficiently. It has also been demonstrated that the system is sensitive to parameter change, and minimal modification of these parameters can revert the chaotic or periodic motion.

Knowledge about Gastric Carcinoma in North of Iran, A High Prevalent Region for Gastric Carcinoma: A Population-Based Telephone Survey

Mansour-Ghanaei, Fariborz,Joukar, Farahnaz,Soati, Fatemeh,Mansour-Ghanaei, Alireza,Naserani, Sara Bakhshizadeh Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

Background & Objectives: The most northern and northwestern regions of Iran are at a high risk for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the general population's awareness about risk factors, symptoms and signs, preventive methods and management of gastric carcinoma in a high prevalence city in the North of Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based telephone survey which was conducted on 3,457 residents of Rasht, the capital city of Guilan Province, to assess their awareness regarding gastric carcinoma. The questionnaires contained demographic data and statements on respondents' knowledge about risk factors, symptoms and signs, prevention and management of gastric cancer which were filled by general practitioners after asking the subjects. Data were analyzed in SPSS14. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean knowledge score of the respondents was $5.05{\pm}1.37$ regarding risk factors of gastric carcinoma, $4.39{\pm}1.99$ regarding symptoms and signs, $6.0{\pm}1.22$ regarding preventive strategies, and $1.6{\pm}1.16$ regarding management. Totally the mean knowledge level of the respondents toward gastric carcinoma would be $17.1{\pm}3.97$ from the maximum grade of 29. The age group of 45-55 y/o, bachelor degree and higher, physicians and nurses, those who had cancer history in friends or had the history of gastrointestinal diseases showed significantly higher knowledge scores (P=0.001). Conclusion: There is a general lack of awareness of cancer risk factors, symptoms and signs, methods of prevention, and importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Educational programs should be developed to promote adherence to recommended screening guidelines.

Knowledge about Colorectal Cancer in Northern Iran: a Population-Based Telephone Survey

Mansour-Ghanaei, Alireza,Joukar, Farahnaz,Mansour-Ghanaei, Fariborz,Rasoulian, Javid,Naghipour, Mohammad Reza,Fani, Arezoo,Kazemnejad, Ehsan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.17

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to assess the general knowledge of CRC in individuals living in Rasht, Iran, using a population-based cross-sectional telephone survey. Materials and Methods: A total of 1557 participants between 18 and 80 years of age were interviewed using random sampling from the telephone directory. Knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of CRC was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Results: The mean knowledge level of the 1,557 respondents (average age 46 y) was $13.5{\pm}4.29$ (maximum possible score = 26), and 46.4% (722/1,557) of the subjects achieved grades lower than the mean score. The mean scores for knowledge of symptoms and risk factors were $3.97{\pm}1.83$ (range: 0-7) and $5.17{\pm}1.65$ (range: 0-9), respectively. Older age, higher education, and employment were significantly associated with better scores for recognition of risk factors and warning symptoms. The majority of subjects correctly identified weight loss (70.2%; 1,093/1,557) and rectal bleeding (63.3%; 986/1,557) as symptoms of CRC, and that smoking (85.9%; 1,337/1,557) and a low-fiber diet (73.4%; 1,143/1,557) were risk factors. Approximately half of the subjects noted increasing age, genetic background and fried food as other risk factors. A considerable number (54.8%; 853/1,557) identified colonoscopy as a screening method for detecting CRC in asymptomatic patients. However, a third of the subjects in the target group for screening (${\geq}50y$) were not interested in undergoing screening, primarily due to a lack of symptoms. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the knowledge of CRC is poor among the public, and therefore greater attempts should be made to increase awareness. Public education emphasizing the risk factors and symptoms of CRC, as well as the importance of regular screening regardless of the presence of symptoms, may help to reduce CRC morbidity and mortality.

Outcome of Intestinal Metaplasia in Gastric Biopsy of Patients with Dyspepsia in Guilan Province, North Iran

Mansour-Ghanaei, Fariborz,Joukar, Farahnaz,Soati, Fatemeh,Mansour-Ghanaei, Alireza,Atrkar-Roushan, Zahra Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.6

Background: It is generally accepted that gastric carcinomas are preceded by a sequential multistage process that includes chronic gastritis, gastric atrophy, usually with intestinal metaplasia (IM), and dysplasia. This series of changes in gastric carcinogenesis is often initiated by Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection. The aim of the present study was determination of gastric histopathologic changes in IM patients after at least one year in Guilan province, Iran. Materials and Methods: This case-series study was conducted in Guilan Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Research Center (GLDRC) during 2010 to 2011. Gastric biopsy was performed for all 71 known cases of IM and precanceric lesions including gastric atrophy, IM, dysplasia and H pylori infection were determined after at least one year. Results: Of the total of 71 patients with established IM who were enrolled, 50 had complete-type IM and 21 had incomplete-type IM. Fifty two people had H pylori infection. H pylori eradication was achieved in 39 patients (75%). Secondary pathology findings of patients with IM were complete metaplasia (39.4%), incomplete metaplasia (32.4%), dysplasia (23.9%) and other precanceric lesions (4.2%). Dysplasia (20%vs 33%) occurred in patients who had complete and incomplete IM at baseline respectively (p>0.05). Age, gender, family history of gastric cancer(GC); smoking habits and NSAIDs use were not associated with gastric premalignant lesions in initial and secondary pathologies (p>0.05). The difference became statistically significant between H pylori infection in patients with more than 3 years diagnostic intervals (p<0.05). Statistical difference between eradicators and non-eradicators was not significant. Conclusions: We found that incomplete IM increased the risk of subsequent dysplasia in this study.

Should all patients with hypertension be worried about developing severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Bahardoust Mansour,Goharrizi Mohammad Ali Sheikh Beig,Bahardoust Mansour,Alvanegh Akbar Ghorbani,Ataee Mohammad Reza,Bagheri Mehdi,Navidiyan Ensiyeh Shabani,Zijoud Seyed Reza Hosseini,Heiat Mohammad 대한고혈압학회 2021 Clinical Hypertension Vol.27 No.2

Background: Hypertension, the most common comorbidity among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, is accompanied by worse clinical outcomes, but there is lack of evidence about prognostic factors among COVID19 patients with hypertension. We have come up with some prognostic factors to predict the severity of COVID-19 among hypertensive patients. In addition, epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory differences among COVID-19 patients with and without underlying hypertension were evaluated. Methods: Medical profiles of 598 COVID-19 cases were analyzed. Patients were divided into two comparative groups according to their positive or negative history of hypertension. Then, epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory and radiological features and also clinical outcomes were compared. Results: 176 (29.4%) patients had underlying hypertension. Diabetes was significantly higher in hypertensive group [72 (40.9%) vs 76 (18%)] (P-value: 0.001). Cardiovascular and renal disorders were significantly higher in hypertensive patients. (P-value: 0.001 and 0.013 respectively). In COVID-19 patients with hypertension, severe/critical types were significantly higher. [42(23.8%) vs. 41(9.7%)], (P-value: 0.012). In the logistic regression model, Body mass index > 25 (ORAdj: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2 to 2.42; P-value: 0.027), age over 60 (ORAdj: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.42; P-value: 0.021), increased hospitalization period (ORAdj: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.97; P-value: 0.013), type 2 diabetes (ORAdj: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.15 to 3.31; P-value: 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (ORAdj: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.21; P-value: 0.013) were related with progression of COVID-19. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients with Age > 60-year-old, BMI > 25 Kg/m2 , CVD, diabetes and chronic kidney disease are associated with poor outcomes in those with COVID-19 infection.

Standardized 4-step technique of bladder neck dissection during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Mansour Alnazari,Marc Zanaty,Emad Rajih,Assaad El-Hakim,Kevin C. Zorn 대한비뇨의학회 2016 Investigative and Clinical Urology Vol.57 No.-

Bladder neck (BN) dissection is considered one of the most challenging steps during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Better understanding of the BN anatomy, coupled with a standardized approach may facilitate dissection while minimizing complications. We describe in this article the 4 anatomic spaces during standardized BN dissection, as well other technical maneuvers of managing difficult scenarios including treatment of a large median lobe or patients with previous transurethral resection of the prostate. The first step involves the proper identification of the BN followed by slow horizontal dissection of the first layer (the dorsal venous complex and perivesicle fat). The second step proceeds with reconfirming the location of the BN followed by midline dissection of the second anatomical layer (the anterior bladder muscle and mucosa) using the tip of the monopolar scissor until the catheter is identified. The deflated catheter is then grasped by the assistant to apply upward traction on the prostate from 2 directions along with downward traction on the posterior bladder wall by the tip of the suction instrument. This triangulation allows easier, and safer visual, layer by layer, dissection of the third BN layer (the posterior bladder mucosa and muscle wall). The forth step is next performed by blunt puncture of the fourth layer (the retrotrigonal fascia) aiming to enter into the previously dissected seminal vesical space. Finally, both vas deferens and seminal vesicles are pulled through the open BN and handed to the assistant for upper traction to initiate Denovillier's dissection and prostate pedicle/neurovascular bundle control.

Nω-Nitro-L-Arginine Methylester Ameliorates Myocardial Toxicity Induced by Doxorubicin

Mansour, Mahmoud Ahmed,El-Din, Ayman Gamal,Nagi, Mahmoud N.,Al-Shabanah, Othman A.,Al-Bekairi, Abdullah M. Korean Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biol 2003 Journal of biochemistry and molecular biology Vol.36 No.6

The effects of $N{\omega}$-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) and L-arginine on cardiotoxicity that is induced by doxorubicin (Dox) were investigated. A single dose of Dox 15 mg/kg i.p. induced cardiotoxicity, manifested biochemically by a significant elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity [EC 2.7.3.2]. Moreover, cardiotoxicity was further confirmed by a significant increase in lipid peroxides, measured as malon-di-aldehyde (MDA) in cardiac tissue homogenates. The administration of L-NAME 4 mg/kg/d p.o. in drinking water 5 days before and 3 days after the Dox injection significantly ameliorated the cardiotoxic effects of Dox, judged by the improvement in both serum CPK activity and lipid peroxides in the cardiac tissue homogenates. On the other hand, the administration of L-arginine 70 mg/kg/d p.o. did not protect the cardiac tissues against the toxicity that was induced by the Dox treatment. The findings of this study suggest that L-NAME can attenuate the cardiac dysfunction that is produced by the Dox treatment via the mechanism(s), which may involve the inhibition of the nitric oxide (NO) formation. L-NAME may, therefore, be a beneficial remedy for cardiotoxicity that is induced by Dox and can then be used to improve the therapeutic index of Dox.

Diagnostically counting palm date trees in Al-Ahssa Governorate of Saudi Arabia: an integrated GIS and remote sensing processing of IKONOS imagery

Mansour Shawky,Chockalingam Jeganathan 대한공간정보학회 2020 Spatial Information Research Vol.28 No.5

Sustainability of date palm trees based economy envisages regular monitoring of spatio-temporal variations of these trees over time. But, field based counting is a very old style of managing trees which is labour intensive, costly and time consuming while modern geo-spatial technologies provides a fast, cheaper and accurate mechanism. In this regard, the current study attempts to formulate a repeatable and robust approach utilising high spatial resolution remote sensing data integrated with image processing technique and GIS functionalities in automatically extracting palm trees. The study was carried out over Al-Ahssa region in Saudi Arabia. Difficulties posed by dark and bright canopy situation is resolved in this study based on appropriate kernel (based on multiscale analysis) along with focal minimum and focal maximum functions, and individual tree locations were identified correctly. Supervised classification technique was utilised to differentiate trees from non-tree areas. The approach has successfully extracted date palm tree locations with an overall accuracy of 93% with an omission error of 5% and commission error of 4%.

Gastric Precancerous Lesions in First Degree Relatives of Patients with Known Gastric Cancer: a Cross-Sectional Prospective Study in Guilan Province, North of Iran

Mansour-Ghanaei, Fariborz,Joukar, Farahnaz,Baghaei, Seyed Mohammad,Yousefi-Mashhoor, Mahmood,Naghipour, Mohammad Reza,Sanaei, Omid,Naghdipour, Misa,Shafighnia, Shora,Atrkar-Roushan, Zahra Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.5

Background & Objectives: In patients with gastric cancer, the most frequently reported family history of cancer also involves the stomach. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of gastric precancerous lesions in first-degree relatives of patients with gastric cancer and to compare the obtained results with those of individuals with no such family history. Methods: Between 2007 and 2009, 503 consecutive persons more than 30 years old were enrolled in the study covering siblings, parents or children of patients with confirmed adenocarcinoma of stomach. The control group was made up of 592 patients who were synchronously undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for evaluation of dyspepsia without gastric cancer or any family history. All subjects were endoscopically examined. Results: The overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 77.7% in the cancer relatives and in 75.7% in the control group. Chronic gastritis was found in 90.4% vs. 81.1% (P<0.001). Regarding histological findings, 37(7.4%) of the study group had atrophy vs. 12(1.7%) in the control group (P<0.001), while no difference was observed for intestinal metaplasia (20.3%vs. 21.6%, P=0.58). Dysplasia were shown in 4% of cancer relatives but only 0.4% of the control group (P<0.001). There was no gender specificity. Conclusions: Findings of our study point to great importance of screening in relatives of gastric cancer patients in Iran.

The impact of cardinal temperature variation on the germination of Haloxylon aphyllum L. seeds

Mansour Taghvaei,Masoumaeh Ghaedi 한국생태학회 2010 Journal of Ecology and Environment Vol.33 No.3

Seed germination is a biological process that is affected by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. The cardinal temperature and thermal time are required for germination. The principal objective of this study was to identify and characterize variations in the base, optimum, and maximum germination temperatures of Haloxylon aphyllum L. from two seed sources, in order to establish models for use in predicting seeding dates. Mature H. aphyllum seeds were germinated at temperatures between 5 and 35℃. The germination behavior of H. aphyllum seeds to different temperature regimens in light was evaluated over a temperature range of 5-35℃ at intervals of 5℃. The rate of germination increased between base and optimum thermal conditions, and decreased between optimum and maximum thermal conditions;the germination rate varied in a linear fashion at both sub-optimal and supra-optimal temperatures. The linear regression fit the range of germination rates at 5℃ to 25℃ and 25℃ to 30℃, and thus the base temperature, optimum temperature,and maximum temperature for the germination of H. aphyllum were measured to be 0.6℃, 25.69℃, 37.90℃, and 1.76℃, 21.56℃, 37.90℃ for Qom and the Fars dune desert respectively.