Stitched vision transformer for age-related macular degeneration detection using retinal optical coherence tomography images.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that leads to the deterioration of the central vision area of the eye and can gradually result in vision loss in elderly individuals. Early identification of this disease can significantly impact patient treatment outcomes. Furthermore, given the increasing elderly population globally, the importance of automated methods for rapidly monitoring at-risk individuals and accurately diagnosing AMD is growing daily. One standard method for diagnosing AMD is using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images as a non-invasive imaging technology. In recent years, numerous deep neural networks have been proposed for the classification of OCT images. Utilizing pre-trained neural networks can speed up model deployment in related tasks without compromising accuracy. However, most previous methods overlook the feasibility of leveraging pre-existing trained networks to search for an optimal architecture for AMD staging on a new target dataset. In this study, our objective was to achieve an optimal architecture in the efficiency-accuracy trade-off for classifying retinal OCT images. To this end, we employed pre-trained medical vision transformer (MedViT) models. MedViT combines convolutional and transformer neural networks, explicitly designed for medical image classification. Our approach involved pre-training two distinct MedViT models on a source dataset with labels identical to those in the target dataset. This pre-training was conducted in a supervised manner. Subsequently, we evaluated the performance of the pre-trained MedViT models for classifying retinal OCT images from the target Noor Eye Hospital (NEH) dataset into the normal, drusen, and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) classes in zero-shot settings and through five-fold cross-validation. Then, we proposed a stitching approach to search for an optimal model from two MedViT family models. The proposed stitching method is an efficient architecture search algorithm known as stitchable neural networks. Stitchable neural networks create a candidate model in search space for each pair of stitchable layers by inserting a linear layer between them. A pair of stitchable layers consists of layers, each selected from one input model. While stitchable neural networks had previously been tested on more extensive and general datasets, this study demonstrated that stitching networks could also be helpful in smaller medical datasets. The results of this approach indicate that when pre-trained models were available for OCT images from another dataset, it was possible to achieve a model in 100 epochs with an accuracy of over 94.9% in classifying images from the NEH dataset. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of stitchable neural networks as a fine-tuning method for OCT image classification. This approach not only leads to higher accuracy but also considers architecture optimization at a reasonable computational cost.

Can Methamphetamine-Induced Cardiotoxicity be Ameliorated by Aerobic Training and Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood Supplementation in Rats After Withdrawal?

The abuse of methamphetamine is a significant threat to cardiovascular health and has detrimental effects on the myocardium. The present study aims to explore potential interventions that can mitigate myocardial pyroptosis in rats following methamphetamine withdrawal. A total of 104 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups. The rats underwent a methamphetamine administration protocol, receiving intraperitoneal injections of 10 mg/kg during the 1st week, followed by a weekly dose escalation of 1 mg/kg from the second to the 6th week and two times per day. Concurrently, the rats engaged in 6 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill aerobic training, lasting 60 min per day, 5 days a week. Simultaneously, the Nutrition bio-shield Superfood (NBS) supplement was administered at a dosage of 25 g/kg daily for 6 weeks. The study assessed the expression levels of Caspase-1, Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) genes in myocardial tissue. Data analysis utilized a one-way analysis of variance (p ≤ 0.05). The findings revealed that methamphetamine usage significantly elevated the expression of Caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18 genes (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, methamphetamine withdrawal led to a notable reduction in the expression of these genes (p ≤ 0.05). Noteworthy reductions in Caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18 expression were observed following aerobic training, supplementation, and the combined approach (p ≤ 0.05). The chronic use of methamphetamine was associated with cardiac tissue damage. This study highlights the potential of aerobic training and NBS Superfood supplementation in mitigating the harmful effects of methamphetamine-induced myocardial pyroptosis. The observed reductions in gene expression levels indicate promising interventions to address the cardiovascular consequences of methamphetamine abuse. The findings of this study suggest that a combination of aerobic exercise and NBS Superfood supplementation can provide a promising approach to mitigate the deleterious effects of methamphetamine on the heart. These findings can be useful for healthcare professionals and policymakers to design effective interventions to prevent and manage the adverse effects of methamphetamine abuse.

Microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy with video telescopic operating microscope (VITOM) telescope: outcome analysis.

Conventional techniques of varicocele repair are associated with substantial risks of hydrocele formation, ligation of the testicular artery, and varicocele recurrence. The advantages of the microscopic approach to varicocele repairs are detailed identification and preservation of the vascular structures. In this study, our purpose is to review the outcome of all patients that underwent microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy with the video telescopic operating microscope (VITOM). Hence, a retrospective review of 23 varicocele patients who underwent microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy at the center from the year 2019 until 2021 was done. They, ranging between 18 to 58 years of age, comprising one case of right varicocele, fifteen cases of left varicocele, and seven cases of bilateral varicocele, were all having symptoms (pain and swelling) and clinically palpable varicocele. Ultrasounds were done to confirm the diagnosis and measure the testicular size. The surgery was performed by a single surgeon, under spinal anesthesia. The operation was performed using the VITOM telescope system, with an average operative time of one hour. The patients were followed-up at one month postoperatively to review the wound and symptoms. Phone call evaluations of all 23 patients were done to detect any recurrence or complications. All patients were discharged one day after surgery. Post-operative, all of them have a well-formed scar at the previous subinguinal region incision wound during the clinic visits. None of the 23 patients reported with varicocele recurrence, testicular pain, hydrocele formation or sexual dysfunction. The previous testicular pain or discomfort they encountered prior to the surgery was resolved as well. In conclusion, microscopic subinguinal varicocelectomy using the VITOM telescope is feasible and could achieve good outcomes.

The effects of endometrial thickness on outcomes of pregnancy following embryo transfer: A retrospective cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The safety of assisted reproductive technology can be assessed by examining birth weight as an outcome measure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of endometrial thickness during embryo transfer on newborn birth weight and preterm labor. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the infertility department of a teaching hospital affiliated with a university of medical sciences. Eligible women were ≥18 years old and conceived a singleton pregnancy with embryo transfer and an endometrial thickness of ≥7 mm. None of the patients had diabetes, blood hypertension, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. We assessed maternal and newborn characteristics and perinatal pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 100 eligible patients with a mean (SD) age of 32.8 (6.2) years were included. The mean endometrial thickness during embryo transfer was 9.1 (1.2) mm, and the mean birth weight was 3040.7 (565.3)g. There were no statistically significant associations between endometrial thickness and preterm labor (p=0.215) and between endometrial thickness and stillbirth or intra-uterine fetal death (p=0.880). However, after adjusting for confounding factors, the association of endometrial thickness with birth weight was statistically significant [b=124.6 (51.6), p=0.018]. CONCLUSIONS: Within the range of ≥7mm, endometrial thickness during embryo transfer is a predictor of newborn weight; however, it is not related to the risk of preterm labor, stillbirth, or intra-uterine fetal death.

In Commemoration of Dr. Mostafa Pourtaghva Shahrestani, a Pioneer in Infectious Disease Research.

It is important to honor the contributions of scientific leaders who have dedicated their lives to advancing knowledge and serving their country. One way is to document their experiences and personalities in a documentary format, which can serve as a historical record and an inspiration for future generations. Dr. Mostafa Pourtaghva Shahrestani, a renowned physician and specialist in infectious diseases and tropical medicine, has made significant contributions to public health in Iran. He has played a crucial role in controlling infectious diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, rabies, plague, and cholera. Throughout his career, he has held various executive positions, including the head of Pasteur Hospital and the director of the Pasteur Institute of Iran. Dr. Pourtaghva's life is a testament to his unwavering dedication to public health services, as evidenced by his continuous effort, love, and interest in honest work. His inspiring story can serve as a model for those who seek to follow in his footsteps.

Effect of ficin-hydrolyzed wheat gluten on bread quality and in vitro antioxidant activity before and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding ficin-hydrolyzed wheat gluten at different levels (0%, 1%, 2%, 4%) on bread quality, and in vitro antioxidant activity before and after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Our findings revealed that the incorporation of the generated wheat gluten hydrolysates (WGH) up to 4 g per 100 g flour positively affected the technological and physical-chemical characterizations of breads, including dough rheological properties, color, specific volume, and moisture. The texture profile analysis indicated reductions in hardness, springiness, and chewiness of the breads, and confirmed anti-staling properties during storage. The enriched breads received satisfactory scores from the sensory panel and were perceived as less stale after a 4-day period of storage. The aroma score of the 4% WGH bread was significantly higher than other treatments. Regarding taste, the 4% WGH bread scored the lowest, but the obtained value was not statistically significant. The enriched breads exhibited DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging, and Fe2+ chelation abilities that increased in response to higher levels of hydrolysate incorporation, and these antioxidant activities were enhanced after simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Our findings confirm that it is possible to apply ficin-generated WGH to enhance physicochemical, nutritional, and biological quality of bread.

Antimutagenic activity of different forms of Bifidobacterium lactis probiotic against aflatoxin B1 by Ames method.

The health risks caused by aflatoxins, as one of the most important contaminants of human food and feed and the main cause of cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were investigated. The aim of the study was to assess the antimutagenic effects of Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) probiotic against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The study was conducted with 27 treatments and three replications. The independent variables were aflatoxin concentrations at three levels of 5, 15, and 25 ng/g and probiotic content in three forms of cellular sedimentation (CS), cell-free supernatant (CFS), and cell suspension. The antimutagenic activity of B. lactis against AFB1 was measured. The lowest score of antimutagenic activity of B. lactis was observed in bacterial cellular sediment treatment at 107 CFU/g and 25 ng/g of AFB1 (20.8 ± 3.80%) and the highest score was achieved with cell suspension at 109 CFU/g and 5 ng/g of AFB1 (74.9 ± 7.11%). In addition, the lack of mutagenicity of probiotics was confirmed. Therefore, probiotics not only alleviate aflatoxin in food matrices and benefit the consumer, but also notably decrease mutagenicity of AFB1.

Whole genome resequencing data and grain quality traits of the rice cultivar Mahsuri and its blast disease resistant mutant line, Mahsuri Mutant.

In Malaysia, rice mutant varieties that are genetically altered to confer resistance against blast disease have been substantially developed through mutational breeding program. However, due to the limited accessible information on the mutant lines, mutant gene variants corresponding to the disease resistance and other useful agronomic traits are yet to be exploited. Here, we conducted whole genome re-sequencing of blast resistance with kernel elongation traits in mutant line, Mahsuri Mutant (87,639,446 bp raw reads), and its parental line, Mahsuri (85,156,783 bp raw reads) using Illumina Novaseq 6000 sequencing platform with 30x sequencing coverage. The generated genome sequences are aimed to facilitate the discovery of causal mutation and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the intended traits. The identified SNPs can be further employed to develop allele-specific SNP molecular markers to locate the mutant gene regions. The NGS data obtained (FASTQ format) of the parental and mutant lines have been deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database under sequence read archive (SRA) xwith accession numbers SRR24388814 (Mahsuri) and SRR22952097 (Mahsuri Mutant) respectively.

Porous Starch-inulin Loaded Quercetin Microcapsules: Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, in-vitro Release, and Storage Stability.

Quercetin (Q) has many potential health benefits, but its low stability limits its use in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. The low stability of quercetin is a challenge that needs to be addressed to fully realize its therapeutic potential. The purpose of this study was therefore to design a proper carrier based on porous starch (PS) and inulin (IN) in order to improve the stability of Q. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images denoted that the Q molecules were adsorbed in the PS pores and partially adhered to the surface of the granules. Both types of the wall material could remarkably enhance the protection of Q against thermal and light degradation. The retention index of Q under different environmental conditions was higher for the PS:IN-Q than PS-Q. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed that Q interacted with the wall materials through non-covalent bonds. X-ray diffraction (XRD) also confirmed the encapsulation of Q in the wall materials. The bonding between Q and the hydrogen groups of starch compacted the crystalline regions and increased the relative crystallinity in PS-Q and PS:IN-Q. The DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities of the microcapsules containing the PS and IN were higher than those of free Q. Examination of the in-vitro release profile indicated that the Q release rate was lower from the PS:IN-Q microcapsules (21.6%) than from the PS-Q ones (33.7%). Our findings highlight the significant potential of this novel biopolymer mixture (PS/IN) as a promising wall material for the protection and delivery of bioactive compounds.

Negative mood state in Kermanshah population during COVID-19 quarantine linked to low physical activity levels: a cross-sectional online survey study.

One of the most significant consequences of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is the anxiety and stress it causes among the general population, which can be reduced by engaging in regular physical activity. The aim of this study was to estimate the levels of physical activity and mood state during the COVID-19 quarantine among the Kermanshah population. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 2471 subjects (1256 males and 1215 females) were selected in the population of Kermanshah in the west of Iran, using the convenience sampling method. Physical activity levels were assessed using the physical activity (PA) questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF), and mood state was measured by the abbreviated form of the Iranian version of the standard POMS questionnaire (Bill Morgan 1979). Participants completed the online questionnaire between March 28th and May 20th, 2020. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and percentage), and deductive (Chi-square and Spearman's correlation) were used for data analysis. our study found that the majority of participants reported decreased PA levels during the quarantine period. Specifically, 71.7% reported a decrease in moderate-intensity physical activity, 80.5% reported a decrease in high-intensity PA, and 71.3% reported a decrease in the total volume of PA. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the number of sessions (P=0.001), intensity (P=0.001), and duration of exercise (P=0.001) before and during the coronavirus. There was a significant positive relationship between low (r=0.93; P=0.001) and high (r=0.673; P=0.034) levels of PA and negative mood state. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between moderate PA level (r=0.82; P=0.001) and a positive mood states. The study suggests that the current quarantine has negatively affected the mood states of the participants. Overall, the study recommends regular PA to prevent COVID-19 while adhering to health and safety protocols.

Foreign body aspiration and mucormycosis: a case report.

Over the course of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous complications have been documented. In this report, we have detailed an unexpected complication of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that occurred in a 73-year-old female patient who was simultaneously afflicted with mucormycosis and another unanticipated problem. Due to the lack of recovery of the patient after receiving mucormycosis treatment and continued fever, cough and hemoptysis, bronchoscopy was performed for her. During bronchoscopy, we encountered a foreign body that was the cause of the patient's fever, cough, and hemoptysis. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed and the foreign body was removed from the left main bronchus. The lack of a favorable treatment response after administering antifungal therapy suggested that the presence of a foreign body could potentially act as an underlying nidus, thus influencing the suboptimal therapeutic outcome. Mucormycosis is usually characterized by distinct radiological patterns. However, this case did not present predictable imaging findings, further complicating the diagnostic process associated with this invasive fungal infection.

The effect of short-term vitamin D on the antioxidant capacity following exhaustive aerobic exercise.

Background: Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise (EAE) increases the production of free radicals and oxidative stress in the body. One of the most effective approaches to reduce EAE-induced oxidative stress is antioxidant supplementation. Objectives: Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of short-term Vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation on antioxidant capacity in inactive men following an EAE session. Methods: In this clinical trial, 24 non-athlete men were randomly divided into Experimental (Exp; n = 12) and Control (C; n = 12) groups. Exp received 2,000 IU of Vit D daily for six weeks (42 days), while C received a lactose placebo daily with the same color, shape, and warmth percentage. EAE sessions were performed on a treadmill before and after six weeks of supplementation. Results: The results showed that EAE increased antioxidant capacity and Vit D (P<0.05). Compared with C, six weeks of Vit D supplementation significantly increased superoxide dismutase (P=0.001), glutathione peroxidase (P=0.011), catalase (P=0.018), peroxidase (P=0.001), and Vit D (P=0.001), in the Exp at the Post 2 stage. Conclusion: Finally, short-term Vit D supplementation could be recommended to non-athlete men deciding to participate in EAE to prevent oxidative damage.

An Extended Iranian Family with Autosomal Dominant Non-syndromic Hearing Loss Associated with A Nonsense Mutation in the DIAPH1 Gene.

Genetic analysis of non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) has been challenged due to marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Today, advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, such as exome sequencing (ES), have drastically increased the efficacy of gene identification in heterogeneous Mendelian disorders. Here, we present the utility of ES and re-evaluate the phenotypic data for identifying candidate causal variants for previously unexplained progressive moderate to severe NSHL in an extended Iranian family. Using this method, we identified a known heterozygous nonsense variant in exon 26 of the DIAPH1 gene (MIM: 602121), which led to "Deafness, autosomal dominant 1, with or without thrombocytopenia; DFNA1" (MIM: 124900) in this large family in the absence of GJB2 disease-causing variants and also OtoSCOPE-negative results. To the best of our knowledge, this nonsense variant (NM_001079812.3):c.3610C>T (p.Arg1204Ter) is the first report of the DIAPH1 gene variant for autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL) in Iran.

Evaluation of producing gluten-free bread by utilizing amaranth and lipase and protease enzymes.

Generating high pleasant and nutritious gluten-free (GF) bread for sufferers with celiac disease (CD) is a main task for food technologists. Amaranth is a useful nutrition and gliadin-free and could be utilized in GF products. At this study, by using different substitutions of amaranth flour (0%, 15%, 25%) GF bread samples were produced, and the effects of lipase and protease enzymes as bread improver have been investigated. On this assessment, physicochemical (ash, moisture, specific volume, bread yield, color index and porosity) and rheological (springiness, chewiness, cohesiveness, hardness and staling) characteristic, microstructure and sensory feature of bread were evaluated. The consequences tested the production bread with acceptable sensory properties is feasible with the aid of applying amaranth flour in GF bread formulations. Applying 15% amaranth flour increased meaningfully bread porosity and specific volume, but texture hardness was notably decreased. 25% amaranth flour formulation lowered hardness, specific volume and porosity of bread samples. Utilizing lipase and protease enzymes in 15% amaranth flour reduced texture hardness, porosity and specific volume, while the enzymes at 25% amaranth flour heightened the mentioned bread properties. In this result, for lower amaranth flour substitution (15%), using enzymes in formulation is not necessary, however enzymes in 25% Amaranth flour substitution could promote bread texture, porosity and specific volume.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia complicated a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection and multiple sclerosis after treatment with rituximab.

Although immunodeficient patients are less prone to develop Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-mediated cytokine storm, secondary infections can cause serious complications in this vulnerable population. They are more likely to develop opportunistic infections that can mimic the symptoms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Herein, we presented a 27-year-old male patient of SARS-CoV-2 infection, who was complicated with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), following treatment with rituximab. First, he was hospitalized for 5 days with fever, cough, and dyspnea due to COVID-19 infection, and treated with remdesivir and glucocorticoid. Then, he has been referred to our center with cough, dyspnea, body pain, and fever. Due to persistent fever, the progression of pulmonary lesions, and reduced oxygen saturation, we began treatment with piperacillin + tazobactam, vancomycin, and levofloxacin. Nevertheless, the patient's fever did not stop after the aforementioned empiric treatment and his condition got worse and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. The result of BAL fluid, tested for P. jirovecii by RT-PCR, turned out to be positive. Therefore, we started trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and dexamethasone, which improved his condition. We hope this article helps clinicians consider causes other than COVID-19, especially opportunistic infections such as PJP, in patients with respiratory symptoms and fever.

Brown and Green Seaweed Antioxidant Properties and Effects on Blood Plasma Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, Hepatic Antioxidant Genes Expression, Blood Plasma Lipid Profile, and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens.

The study was designed to analyze the effects of brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS) on blood plasma antioxidant enzyme activities, hepatic antioxidant genes expression, blood plasma lipid profile, breast meat quality, and chemical composition in broiler chickens. The dietary treatment groups contained basal diet [negative control (NC)], basal diet + vitamin E (100 mg/kg feed) [positive control (PC)], basal diet + 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, and 1.25% BS and GS supplements separately. The findings showed that both BS and GS exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity. In contrast, the maximum antioxidant activity was recorded by BS (55.19%), which was significantly higher than the GS (25.74%). Results showed that various levels of BS and GS had no significant effects on broiler blood plasma catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities. The hepatic superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene mRNA expression was significantly higher for birds fed 0.50% and 0.75% BS. Regarding the plasma lipid profile, the total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were higher (p < 0.05) for birds fed 0.75 and 1% BS compared to the negative and positive control groups. The findings showed that different levels of BS and GS had significantly higher breast meat crude protein (CP) content.

Overexpression of miR-32 in Chinese hamster ovary cells increases production of Fc-fusion protein.

The demand for industrial genetically modified host cells were increased with the growth of the biopharmaceutical market. Numerous studies on improving host cell productivity have shown that altering host cell growth and viability through genetic engineering can increase recombinant protein production. During the last decades, it was demonstrated that overexpression or downregulation of some microRNAs in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells as the host cell in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, can improve their productivity. The selection of microRNA targets has been based on their previously identified role in human cancers. MicroRNA-32 (miR-32), which is conserved between humans and hamsters (Crisetulus griseus), was shown to play a role in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in some human cancers. In this study, we investigated the effect of miR-32 overexpression on the productivity of CHO-VEGF-trap cells. Our results indicated that stable overexpression of miR-32 could dramatically increase the productivity of CHO cells by 1.8-fold. It also significantly increases cell viability, batch culture longevity, and cell growth. To achieve these results, following the construction of a single clone producing an Fc-fusion protein, we transfected cells with a pLexJRed-miR-32 plasmid to stably produce the microRNA and evaluate the impact of mir-32 overexpression on cell productivity, growth and viability in compare with scrambled control. Our findings highlight the application of miRNAs as engineering tools and indicated that miR-32 could be a target for engineering CHO cells to increase cell productivity.

Assessment of properties of gluten-based edible film formulated with beeswax and DATEM for hamburger bread coating.

Using edible films and coatings is one of the effective methods of improving the quality of bread. The aim of the present work was the development of gluten-based films containing lipids to be applied as bread coating, intending to improve quality and delay staleness. In this study, two types of lipids including beeswax and DATEM (diacetyl tartaric ester monoglycerides) were incorporated into gluten film at different levels. The findings showed that inserting both lipids together into gluten for film preparation, weakened the developed films in terms of mechanical and moisture barrier properties. Adding DATEM to the gluten film formulae decreased the elongation at the break and the tensile strength of the film. Using gluten-beeswax coatings for hamburger bread, compared to gluten-DATEM coatings, indicated a significant decrease in the hardness and staling feature. Moreover, applying sorbate as a preservative along with the solvents used in the film preparation prevented the growth of mold during the bread shelf life. In conclusion, the findings in this study indicated that the type and levels of lipids added to the edible gluten-based films and coatings affected the film properties and coated hamburger bread quality, significantly.

The Impacts and Analysis of Individual and Social Risks of the Stochastic Emission of Benzene from Floating-Roof Tanks Using Response Surface Analysis and MPACT Model.

In the present study, the researchers used an integrated approach composed of response surface analysis (RSM) and MPACT model to predict fatality rates caused by benzene emitted from floating-roof tanks. RSM scenarios were configured in Expert Design (version 7.0) software using the central composite design (CCD) method and five variables of wind speed, relative humidity, atmospheric temperature, failure diameter, and emission height were considered. Continuous Pasquill-Gifford Gaussian model was used to estimate the results of the RSM scenarios. The response values were considered for exposure concentrations above 50 ppm (slight damages), 150 ppm (moderate damage), and 1000 ppm (high damage). The analysis of individual and social risks for each scenario was done using the MPACT model in SAFETI program (version 8.22) by providing two variables of population characteristics and the frequency of tank wall failure. The results showed that atmospheric temperature, wind speed, failure diameter, and emission height have positive effects on the dispersion of the cloud of toxic benzene vapor with a concentration of 1000 ppm. Intolerable individual risk distances were estimated to be lower for indoor environments than for outdoor. Maximum distances of intolerable individual risks for the worst-case scenarios were estimated up to 2500 m from the emission point, which resulted from exposure to a concentration of 1000-ppm benzene. Results regarding the estimation of social risks showed that over 1600 fatalities should be expected under the worst-case scenarios. The three factors of high temperature, low wind speed, and low emission height play a major role in the occurrence of scenarios with the highest fatalities. High wind speed and high emission height were the most important factors in most scenarios with zero fatalities rate. Generally, the findings of this study show the necessity to provide an emergency response plan in the studied industry in both autumn and winter due to low wind speed. However, the coupling of the developed statistical models based on regional meteorological conditions with the MPACT model can help researchers to design an emergency response plan to deal with leakage incidents in petrochemical industries.