bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural studies and magnetism of Dy6Ni2.43Sn0.5 stannide
Authors: Romaka L. , Miliyanchyk Kh. , Romaka V.V. , Havela L. , Stadnyk Y.
Published: June 2023

Intermetallic compound Dy6Ni2.43Sn0.5 was prepared by arc melting and annealing at 873 K. It was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and electron probe microanalysis. The crystal structure of low temperature Dy6Ni2.43Sn0.5 phase belongs to the orthorhombic Ho6Co2Ga structure type (space group Immm, a = 0.93116(1) nm, b = 0.94993(1) nm, c = 0.98947(1) nm). Crystal structure refinements showed the deviation from the ideal 6:2:1 stoichiometry corresponding to the formula Dy6Ni2.43Sn0.5. It exhibits a sequence of magnetic phase transitions; antiferromagnetic ordering sets in at 60 K, while further order-order magnetic phase transitions take place at lower temperatures.
Frequency shifts of surface plasmon resonances in calculating the absorption coefficient of a composite based on bimetallic 1D-systems
Authors: Koval A.O.
Published: June 2023

In this paper analyzes the electromagnetic radiation absorption by a composite based on bimetallic nanowires. Using the Drude-Lorentz theory it was obtained the relationship for the polarizability frequency dependences, as well as real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function of layered 1D-systems was obtained. It is shown that the structure in the form of a metal core covered with a layer of another metal leads to splitting and the appearance of two maxima in the frequency dependence of the absorption coefficient. The magnitude and position of the maxima are determined by the composition of bimetallic nanowires and the volume content of metals. The influence of the dimensionality of the systems has been established by comparing the frequency dependences of the composite absorption coefficient based on bimetallic nanowires and nanoparticles. Calculations were performed for Ag@Au and Au@Ag nanowires immersed in Teflon.
Diseño e implementación de una experiencia formativa para futuros profesores de matemáticas sobre variación lineal
Authors: Herrera-García Karina , Dávila-Araiza Teresa , Beltrán-Pellicer Pablo , Giacomone Belén
Published: June 2023

[Objetivo] En este trabajo se presenta el diseño, la implementación y el análisis de una experiencia formativa dirigida a futuros profesores de matemáticas de educación secundaria, centrada en el estudio de la variación lineal; el objetivo es enriquecer su conocimiento didáctico-matemático e iniciarlos en el desarrollo de la competencia de análisis ontosemiótico. La variación lineal es un objeto de interés debido a que está presente en diferentes momentos educativos a través de múltiples enfoques y significados: aritmético, algebraico y funcional. Como objeto matemático, posee una complejidad que puede ser fuente de dificultades y concepciones erróneas, lo que motiva el desarrollo de acciones formativas. [Metodología] Se trata de una investigación cualitativa basada en el estudio preliminar, diseño, implementación y análisis de 5 actividades didácticas, según los principios teóricos del enfoque ontosemiótico. Los datos proceden de videograbaciones de clases, notas de campo y respuestas escritas de nueve futuros profesores de octavo semestre de Licenciatura en Educación Secundaria con especialidad en Matemáticas. [Resultados] Los resultados indican que la variación lineal es, en efecto, un objeto complejo, lo cual se traduce en carencias en el conocimiento didáctico-matemático que los futuros profesores tienen sobre ella. Igualmente, se identifican dificultades ‒en términos de conocimientos y competencias‒ cuando se les pide analizar respuestas hipotéticas de estudiantes sobre tareas sobre variación lineal. [Conclusiones] A partir de los resultados, experiencias como la presentada se postulan como un recurso valioso en programas formativos para que el profesorado adquiera conocimientos y competencias para el tratamiento adecuado del contenido matemático.
Oxidation and sulfomethylation of alkali-extracted lignin from corn stalk
Authors: Wu Huiran , Chen Fangeng , Feng Qinghua , Yue Xiaopeng
Published: June 2023

A lignosulfonate was prepared from alkali-extracted corn stalk lignin (AEL) by oxidation under mild conditions and sulfomethylation. The oxidized AEL exhibited lower molecular weight, narrower molecular weight distribution, and higher phenolic hydroxyl content than AEL, demonstrating that oxidized AEL was more reactive than those before oxidation. The content of sulfonic groups was significantly increased with the increase in sodium sulphite to AEL ratio, while the content slightly decreased when the ratio was above 1:1. During the sulfomethylation, the content of sulfonic groups increased with time and then achieved a constant level with the increase in time. The content of sulfonic groups reached 1.29 mmol/g, the maximum value, at 5 h and a sodium sulphite to AEL ratio of 1:1. The solubility of AEL was obviously improved by sulfomethylation with the increase in the content of sulfonic groups. The surface activity of AEL was improved after sulfomethylation. The sulfomethylation products exhibited good dispersibility and showed potential for use as a dye dispersant.
Lowered temperature resource recycling of paper sludge using a co-melting technology
Authors: Hu Shen-Chih , Hu Shao-Hua , Fu Yen-Pei , Sie Shen-Fung
Published: June 2023

Paper sludge is a major waste by-product of the paper industry. Its disposal creates serious problems, as approximately 30% of treated sludge is not flammable. In this study, artificial lightweight aggregates (ALWAs) were synthesized from paper sludge by co-sintering with H3BO3. H3BO3acts as a flux to lower the sintering temperature below 900 °C, with co-melting occurring during the procedure. The decomposition gas is sealed within the ALWA during the glassy phase to form a porous structure. Water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, compressive strength, and weight loss after rinsing with Na2SO4 were tested to understand the physical properties of the manufactured ALWAs. The optimal method suggested is co-sintering with 18% H3BO3 flux at 890 °C for 30 min. The tested properties mentioned above gave the following results: 4.64 %, 2.77 %, 0.6 g/cm3, 13.2 MPa, and < 0.1 %, respectively. The ALWAs produced in this study have been compared to commercially available lightweight aggregates – Lytag and Arlita – with the examined ALWAs possessing better qualities than Lytag. Water absorption and compressive strength of ALWAs in this study met government requirements of pre-stressed concrete necessary for civil works, and could make useful building material.
Fermentation of glucose and xylose in cattail processed by different pretreatment technologies
Authors: Zhang Bo , Shahbaz Abolghasem , Wang Lijun , Whitmore Allante , Riddick Bilal A.
Published: June 2023

The effects of different pretreatment technologies, including sulfuric acid, hot-water, NaOH, and MgCl2 pretreatments, on the fermentation of xylose and glucose to ethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 24858 and Escherichia coli KO11 were investigated. In this study, cattail was used as the feedstock. The use of aquatic plant cattails to produce biofuel will add value to land and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by replacing petroleum products. The pretreated biomass first was enzymatically hydrolyzed for 2 days, followed by a 2-day Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) using S. cerevisiae. The glucose to ethanol yields were approximately 85 to 91% of the theoretical yield for this S. cerevisiae strain. Glucose and xylose released from cattail cellulose and hemicellulose could be fermented to ethanol using E. coli KO11, resulting in approximately 85% of the theoretical ethanol yield using either a Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) process or a SSF process. In order to improve the sugars to ethanol yields, a detoxification process is necessary to remove the inhibitory compounds produced during the acid pretreatment process. Among the four pretreatment methods, the dilute acid pretreatment was found to be superior, and additional research is required to optimize the economics of the overall biorefinery process.
Oil palm trunk polymer composite: Morphology, water absorption, and thickness swelling behaviours
Authors: Abdullah C. K. , Jawaid M. , Abdul Khalil H. P. S. , Zaidon A. , Hadiyane A.
Published: June 2023

In this research, impregnated oil palm trunks (OPT) and polymer composites were prepared from a combination of dried oil palm trunks with phenol formaldehyde (PF) and urea formaldehyde (UF) resin in different resin percentages using an impregnation method. Time of impregnation was a parameter used to control the percentage of resin content in the oil palm trunks. These studies investigated the effect of resin content and types of resin on the physical properties of impregnated OPT. Water absorption tests revealed that OPT polymer composite with 75% PF resin loading had increases of 21% and 26% for OPT polymer composites with 75% UF resin loading. The thickness swelling of OPT polymer composites with 75% PF resin loading exhibited the lowest value of 3.30% as compared with OPT polymer composite with 75% UF resin loading, which exhibited a value of 4.30%. The dimensional stability of the OPT polymer composites with the highest resin loading was slightly lower when compared to rubberwood. Scanning electron micrographs show that PF resin placement in OPT polymer composites was better, and resin penetration retained the original dried OPT structure.
THE USE OF CERAMIC FILTERS IN THE SMELTING OF WORKPIECES FROM HEAT-RESISTANT ALLOYS
Authors:   Physico-Technological Institute of Metals and Alloys of the NAS of Ukraine, Kvasnytska I. , Maksiuta I. , Shalevska I. , Kvasnytska K. , Noga V.
Published: June 2023

To improve the operational characteristics of gas turbine engine blades, it is necessary to use new methods of cleaning and refining metal. Melt filtration is an effective way to improve casting quality.According to the conducted analyses, it was determined that the amount of conditioned waste generated during the smelting of products reaches 27% of the mass of the spent charge, and non-conditioned waste rejected during LUMMA control is 23%. The results of the statistical analysis show that the total amount of waste generated during the smelting of gas turbine blades is, on average, 60–70% of the weight of the loaded charge.The purpose of the work is to create a new composition of the ceramic mixture for the production of high-strength filters, as well as the development of technology for the production of gas turbine parts using them.The analysis was performed on samples of heat-resistant corrosion-resistant alloy CM88Y. The alloy for research was melted from the primary charge on the UPPF-3M foundry unit. As a result of the work carried out, a new rational composition of the mixture for the manufacture of ceramics was created, which allows to increase the characteristics of strength and heat resistance. An instruction was created for the manufacture of ceramic filters at machine-building enterprises. To eliminate damage to ceramic rods in blades under the influence of thermal shock, improved systems for filtering metal in a liquid state and filling ceramic molds are proposed. Uniform temperature distribution across the cross-section of the casting also reduces the number of defective products.
Brick and Mortar, Paint and Metal: Architecture and Craft in Renaissance Florence and Beyond
Authors: Lupi Livia
Published: June 2023

It is well known that many figures who rose to prominence as architects were initially trained as sculptors, metalworkers, carvers or painters, from Filippo Brunelleschi, who first learned the goldsmith trade, to Andrea Palladio, who started his career as a stonecutter. Yet how exactly their careers evolved and how their training informed their practice as architects remains an underexplored subject in architectural history. This article explores the social, intellectual and practical implications of craftsmanship in 15th- and 16th-century Italy, probing the relationship between painting, sculpture, metalwork and architecture by problematising the theoretical framework of disegno and interrogating measuring practices. In shedding light on the narrative potential of buildings and the broad cultural significance of architectural forms beyond three-dimensional, large-scale buildings, this research underscores how the historiographical gap between art and architectural history has hindered our understanding of craft and the contribution artists made to architectural practice.
Heat-resistant cordierite-containing ceramics based on clay from «Krupeysky Sad» deposit and organization of their production
Authors: Popov R. Yu. , Dyatlova E. M. , Panteleenko F. I. , Shimanskaya A. N. , Gula I. R. , Diulin D. A. , Efimovich A. G.
Published: June 2023

.
Structural-phase and technical characteristics of alumina of different brands and manufacturers
Authors: Pletnev P. M. , Nepochatov Yu. K.
Published: June 2023

.
Metabolic Syndrome and Assisted Reproductive Techniques
Authors: Kianpour Maryam , Fazlollahi Mohammadi Mina , Kazami Ashraf , Mokhtari Fatemeh , Arti Sara , Ahmadi Seyed Mehdi
Published: June 2023

Objective: Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor affecting reproductive health and pregnant outcomes. So far, the effect of this syndrome on the success rate of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the success rate of ART in infertile women in Isfahan.
Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study performed on 147 women candidates using in-vitro fertilization/ intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) and/or ICSI methods referred to Isfahan Infertility Center in two groups with metabolic syndrome(n=49) without metabolic syndrome(n=98), by convenience sampling methods in Isfahan, Iran in 2018. Body mass index (BMI) and waist, abdominal circumference, Serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol and FBS were measured. If βHCG test was positive (day 15-16 after ART), transvaginal sonography (TVS) was done 15 days later. Pregnant women were followed up to the 20th week of pregnancy. To analyze, t-test, chi-square and logistic regression tests were used.
Results: The frequency of metabolic syndrome was 33.4% (n=49).The frequency of ART was not significantly different between women with and without metabolic syndrome (p=0.321). The relative frequency of pregnancy (p=0.907) and abortion (p=0.896) did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Independent t-test showed that the mean FBS, HDL, TG, systolic and diastolic BP, abdominal circumference and BMI in the studied units did not differ significantly based on the occurrence of pregnancy and abortion.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, there was no significant difference between the indicators of metabolic syndrome and the success rate of ART in achieving, pregnancy and pregnant outcomes in the first twenty weeks of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Outcome After Selective Fetal Reduction in Dichorionic Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Rahimi Sharbaf Fatemeh , Shafaat Masoumeh , Lashgari Sima , Shirazi Mahboobeh , Sahebdel Behrokh , Golshahi Fatemeh , Yousefi Reihaneh , Firoozabadi Zahra Dehghani
Published: June 2023

Objective: This study was conducted for determining pregnancy outcome after selective fetal reduction in twin pregnancies based on the gestational age at the time of the procedure in a referral academic center between 2017 and 2021.
Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included all women with twin pregnancies who were diagnosed with a genetic or structural anomaly of one fetus or a desire to reduce the number of fetuses in order to reduce pregnancy complications visited in the period of 2017-2021. Reduction was performed due to an abdominal approach at 11 to 23 weeks of pregnancy. Maternal and pregnancy information were recorded.
Results: A total of 159 cases of twin dichorionic pregnancies were included. The highest frequency of reduction was performed at the gestational age of 18-20 weeks, and the most common cause of reduction was major structural anomalies in the fetus .The results showed the average gestational age (GA) at the time of delivery to be 37.6 weeks, the average birth weight of 2,999 grams, the incidence of miscarriage (loss before 22 weeks) to be 9.4% and a rate of preterm birth (delivery before 37weeks) of 33.3%. There is not a statistically significant relationship between the gestational age at the time of reduction and preterm birth, the birth weight, the incidence of RDS and the incidence of SGA.
Conclusion: Fetal reduction of twins to singleton pregnancy is associated with lower risk of preterm birth (delivery before37 weeks reduction of twins to singleton pregnancy is associated with lower risk of preterm birth (delivery before37 weeks). It causes an increase in birth weight and perinatal outcome in remaining co-twin so we recommend fetal reduction after counselling with patients for their unique situation to improve pregnancy outcome.
Zuclopenthixol Induced Ischemic Priapism: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Mansour Elias , Danaf Samer , Ghousayneh Daniel , Assaf Georges , Ghantous Imad , El-Khoury Fouad
Published: June 2023

Objective: Present a case of zuclopenthixol associated priapism, literature review and focus on the stuttering priapism entity as a potential serious complication as well as providing information about possible preventive treatments.
Case report: A 44 year-old male patient with history of cocaine abuse with associated priapism presents with acute painful erection after starting zuclopenthixol for treatment of a psychotic episode. This episode was later followed by many other similar episodes defined as stuttering priapism.
Conclusion: Acute ischemic priapism is a potential serious side effect of antipsychotics that physicians especially psychiatrists needs to be aware of especially if the patient has previous episodes in order to prevent reoccurrence.
Aromatherapy Improves Olfactory Acuity And Sexual Dysfunction In Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Boopalan Deenadayalan , Venugopal Vijayakumar , Ravi Poornima , Kuppusamy Maheshkumar
Published: June 2023

The Article Abstract is not available.
Identifying Techniques and Models for COVID-19 Prediction
Authors: Shamsabadi Ahmadreza , Mirzapour Pegah , Heydari Mohammad , Mojdeganlou Hengameh , Karimi Amirali , Pashaei Zahra , Qaderi Kowsar , Mirghaderi Peyman , Cheshmekabodi Hadiseh Azadi , Mehraeen Esmaeil , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad
Published: June 2023

Background: Technologies can predict various aspects of COVID-19, such as early prediction of cases and those at higher risks of severe disease. Predictions will yield numerous benefits and can result in a lower number of cases and deaths. Herein, we aimed to review the published models and techniques that predict various COVID-19 outcomes and identify their role in the management of the COVID-19.
Methods: This study was a review identifying the prediction models and techniques for management of the COVID-19. Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were searched from December 2019 until September 4th, 2021. In addition, Google Scholar was also searched.
Results: We have reviewed 59 studies. The authors reviewed prediction techniques in COVID-19 disease management. Studies in these articles have shown that in the section medical setting, most of the subjects were inpatients. In the purpose of the prediction section, mortality was also the most item. In the type of data/predict section, basic patient information, demographic, and laboratory values were the most cases. Also, in the type of technique section, logistic regression was the most item used. Training, internal and external validation, and cross-validation were among the issues raised in the type of validation section.
Conclusion: Artificial intelligence and machine learning methods were found to be useful in disease control and prevention. They accelerate the process of diagnosis and move toward great progress in emergency circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Impact of Smoking on COVID-19 Severity: A Multi-Analysis Study
Authors: Hama Saeed Mariwan Ahmed , Ali Ayad M , Ali Kameran M , Muhammad Rostam Hassan
Published: June 2023

Background: Smoking is considered to be one of the main risk factors that may affect the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Previously, several meta-analyses with a limited or small sample size and insufficient methodology have been conducted investigating the impact of smoking on disease severity. Here, we use a more accurate method to identify the effect of smoking on COVID-19 disease severity.

Methods: BMC, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, and Google Scholar websites were used to search for and select reliable articles to be included in the current analysis. Research articles that mentioned the relationship between smoking and COVID-19 severity were included.
Results: Twenty-six research articles detailing 15,713 confirmed COVID-19 cases comprising patients who smoke were selected to be included in this analysis. The analysis showed a relationship between smoking, severe COVID-19, and non-severe COVID-19 (OR=0:11; 95%CI: 0.10–0.11; p<0.00001). Only 15% (2407) of the smokers suffered severe COVID-19, with the other 85% (13306) of smokers experiencing non-severe COVID-19.
Conclusion: The current analysis found that only 15% of severe COVID-19 cases were smokers. Therefore, smoking is not significantly correlated with severe covid19.
Video Conferencing Costs and Benefits: An Evaluation Report
Authors: Mirzazadeh Azim , Hosseini Fakhrolsadat
Published: June 2023

Background: Education Development Center (EDC) of the IRAN Ministry of Health conducted a national webinar and evaluated it to know what it achieved, compared to an in-person conference.
Methods: The evaluation was arranged with mixed method design in two quantitative and qualitative parts. In quantitative part, the data was collected through an electronic survey with census sampling. The number and distribution of participants was calculated, the quality of each lecture was rated on a 5-point Likert scale and the cost-effectiveness was estimated by calculating the actual cost. Data collection was done in the qualitative part with formal and informal interviews based on convenience sampling and content analyzed.
Results: High accessibility, synchronous communication, and wide coverage with convenient diversity indicate proper publicity and well acceptance of the seminar. Increasing awareness, inspiring a new attitude, resolving some ambiguities and 82% satisfaction rate show the overall success of the seminar. Temporal constraints, limited interaction, delay in communication or disconnection and ambiguity of sound were things that aroused dissatisfaction of audience. 0.8% cost of the webinar compare with a hypothetical in-person conference shows acceptable cost -effectiveness.
Conclusion: Both in the corona virus pandemic or the post-pandemic era, if the purpose of the educational program is to inform, increasing awareness and motivate the audience, conducting such a national webinar is optimal and recommended and increase equitable access to national experts
Investigation of Effective Drugs in the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Mehraeen Esmaeil , Kianzad Shaghayegh , Gharavi Niloufar , Heydari Mohammad , Karimi Amirali , Aghamohammadi Vahideh , Mehrtak Mohammad , Behzad Amirhossein , Ezzati Mohammad , Nasiri Khadijeh , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Asadollahi-Amin Ali , Dadras Omid
Published: June 2023

Background: Due to the lack of definitive treatments for corona disease and the use of various medications in protocols around the world, it is necessary to conduct more epidemiological studies exploring the effect of different available therapeutic regimes; therefore, the present study aimed to explore the current effective drugs for the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Methods: The present study is a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted between August and September of 2021 at Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences. A convenient sampling method was employed to retrieve the data from the available hospital records, including 252 documents from COVID-19 hospitalized patients. A researcher-made checklist was used to record the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 software.
Results: The findings showed that Hypertension and Hypotension (n=47,18.7%) are the most common underlying diseases in the study sample. The most therapeutic regimen was the combination of Remdesivir and Dexametason (n=137,54.4%) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. There are a variety of organ involvements and presentations to the COVID-19; however, most patients experience a mild-to-moderate, self-limited disease; even though, the disease could progress to more fatal cases and lead to death.
Conclusion: The main pathology exists in the lungs which are caused by an inappropriate immune response that leads to a severe inflammatory response. Therefore, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs are currently the first-line therapy for hospitalized patients.
The Participation of Disaster Medical Assistance Team Members in Response to Disasters and Related Factors
Authors: Davood Sharifi Mohammad , Kokabisaghi Fatemeh , Tayebi-Meybodi Maryam , Taghi Shakeri Mohammad , Amani Nastaran , Shabanikiya Hamidreza
Published: June 2023

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) members at the site of disasters and related factors
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on all 178 DMAT members in Iran in 2020. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect data, which consisted of 20 questions. On a preappointed time, DMAT members were called for disaster by receiving a text message and asked to come to a pre-appointed place. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, included chi-square test.
Results: Only 29% of the members responded to the call and showed up at the place. There were significant relationships between being a clinical member, membership in similar organizations, experience of work in disasters, worries about the health of the child, responsibility for taking care of an old family member, believing the disaster site’s safety and security and the availability of personal protective equipment in the disaster site with the status of response to disaster call.
Conclusion: Overall, the response rate to call was very low, which indicates the need to take measures to improve it. Continuing training and providing safety at disaster areas and support for family members will increase the presence at work in disasters
Non-Criteria Antiphospholipid in Seronegative Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shahideh Kianoosh , Rezaieyazdi Zahra , Khodashahi Mandana
Published: June 2023

Background: Given the catastrophic results of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) left untreated, the possible role of non-criteria antiphospholipid (aPL) in the diagnosis of seronegative (SN)-APS patients, and its impact on the timely treatment of people with SN-APS, the present review aimed to gather the available literature up to 2022 focusing on the role of non-criteria aPL in the diagnosis of SN cases suspected of APS using non-criteria aPL.
Methods: All published papers focusing mainly on the diagnosis of the SN-APS patients by non-criteria aPL were searched in four databases of PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Sciences, followed by manual search up to 20 February 2022 using such keywords as “Antiphospholipid Syndrome”, “Seronegative”, and “Non-Criteria”. Finally, 15 studies were selected after the detailed evaluation of the full-text versions.
Results: Based on the obtained results of our study, 24% to 81.9% of the SN-APS cases were positive for at least one isotype of non-criteria aPL. Thrombophilia events were more frequent in the APS population, compared to SN-APS; however, obstetric manifestations were more frequent in the SN-APS population, compared to seropositive-APS. Antivimentin/cardiolipin and antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin IgG/IgM were introduced as the best non-criteria aPL to detect seronegative cases that were correlated with clinical manifestations.
Conclusion: It seems that a combination of testing for non-criteria aPL should be performed for cases suspected of APS with negative criteria markers.
Impact of Awareness Obtained from Studying Dentistry on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life at Shahid Beheshti University
Authors: Khalighi Hamid Reza , Taheri Jamileh Bigom , Harati Mohammad , Rahimi Maryam , Shafiei Sediqe
Published: June 2023

Background: Today, the impact of oral health on indicators of quality of life is of great importance. As few studies have evaluated dental students who are future dentists of a society, this study was performed to assess the impact of awareness on oral health-related quality of life on first, third- and sixth-year Shahid Beheshti dental students in 2017-2018.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on 220 Shahid Beheshti dental students. The required data was collected by using a sociodemographic questionnaire (including gender, academic year indicating level of awareness, and GPA) and Persian version of oral health-related quality of life questionnaire, OHIP-14. The questionnaires’ scores were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Welch’s t-test.
Results: The average total score of OHIP-14 questionnaire in dental students was 8.26 (SD=7.41). A significant relationship between the academic year and oral health-related quality of life was not noticed except in “Psychological Discomfort” domain where oral health-related quality of life deteriorated with an increase in the academic year (p=0.0001).
Conclusion: Oral health-related quality of life in dental students did not change significantly with an increase in the academic year except in “Psychological Discomfort” domain.
Association of Mediterranean and DASH Diets Adherence with Dyslipidemia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mehrabani Sanaz , Gerami Shirin , Nouri Mehran , Rajabzadeh-Dehkordi Milad , Askarpour Moein , Najafi Maryam , Omidbeigi Niloofar , Faghih Shiva
Published: June 2023

Background: Some dietary patterns like Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) and/or Mediterranean Diet (MED) are often recommended to prevent Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs) based on their effects on lipid profile. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the DASH diet score and Mediterranean diet score with lipid profile in healthy individuals aged 20-50 years in Shiraz, Iran.
Methods:  In this cross-sectional study, 236 participants were selected from Shiraz (Iran) medical centers through random cluster sampling. Information about food intake was collected using a 168-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), then DASH score and MED diet score were calculated. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relation between DASH and MED score adherence and lipid profile.
Results: Individuals in the highest tertile of MED and DASH pattern adherence had significantly lower Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) compared with those in the first tertile (p<0.05). In both crude and adjusted model, higher adherence to the MED pattern was associated with reduced odds of Total Cholesterol (TC) (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13–0.66 and OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.12–0.61) and LDL (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.17–0.77 and OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.15–0.70). Moreover, higher adherence to the DASH pattern was associated with reduced OR of LDL in crude (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.19–0.94) and TC in adjusted model (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20–0.96).
Conclusion: The study illustrated a negative association between the MED diet and serum levels of TC and LDL. Also, a higher DASH score was associated with lower TC. Future studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
The Combined Effect of Taurine and Omega-3 Supplementation on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in High-Intensity Eccentric Exercise
Authors: Asjodi Foad , Rasekhi Hamid , Mousavi Sara Ebrahimi , Iravani Orod Mohajer , Khazaei Yasaman
Published: June 2023

Background: Eccentric exercise makes more tensions in active muscle fibers, resulting in muscle damage and delayed pain. Therefore, Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common result of severe eccentric contractions. This study aimed to clarify the combined effect of taurine and omega-3 supplementation on DOMS and muscle damage after high-intensity eccentric exercise in young untrained men.
Methods: Forty-eight young untrained males were assigned to four groups (taurine+omega-3 [combined], taurine, omega-3, and one placebo group) and given 1,500 mg taurine and 1,500 mg omega-3 or 1,500 mg taurine or 1,500 mg omega-3 or placebo twice a day respectively. Each group received its supplements for twenty-eight days. DOMS and muscle damage in the lower body developed using a leg press with a weight equivalent to 70% of 1RM (One-Repetition Maximum). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine kinase (CK) and perceived muscle soreness measures were repeated before, immediately, 24, 48, and 72 hr after eccentric activity. p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: In the combined group, there was no increase in CK and LDH in immediate time and 72 hr after the exercise, respectively, compared to the period before the workout. At 24 and 48 hr after the training, there was a significant decrease in muscle pain perception in all groups compared to placebo (p<0.05).
Coclusion: A combination of 1500 mg taurine and 1500 mg omega-3, two times a day, for four weeks can reduce the levels of CK and LDH enzymes as some indicators of muscle damage. It also attenuates exercise-induced DOMS and muscle damage.
Effect of Radiosynovectomy with Rhenium-188 in the Treatment of Knee Joint Inflammation in Patients with Hemophilia
Authors: Taleb Hassan , Dargahi Rahim , Shafipour Hojjat , Ghazizadeh Farid , Morwati Shabnam , Kazemi haki Behzad
Published: June 2023

Background: One of the effective methods to control chronic hemophilic synovitis is radiosynovectomy. Rhenium-188 is a new radionuclide, and its half-life is 0.7 day. This study aimed to investigate the effect of radiosynovectomy with Rhenium-188 on the knee joint of hemophilic patients.
Methods: Thirty patients with hemophilic synovitis of the knee visited in the orthopedic clinic in 2019 and 2020, entered the study. They all had at least two bleeding per month; in the supine position with slight knee flexion, after local sterilization, 550 to 750 MBq Rhenium-188 was injected into the knee. A splint was installed for five days. The demographic characteristics, radiography, articular line tenderness, joint line tenderness, flexion and extension restrictions, and joint volume characteristics were evaluated before and six months after injection.
Results: The amount of monthly injected factors (VIII and IX) 6 months after injection was decreased from 5260.2±1836 units to 3870.83±1106 units (p<0.001). The radiographic classification has not changed within six months. The average knee pain score decreased from 7.3±1.2 to 2.3±1.1, after six months (p<0.001), and knee flexion increased from 84.6±26.22 to 114±21.58 degrees (p<0.001). None of the patients have experienced complications such as skin necrosis or joint infection. All patients have reported that the pain increases 24 hr after the injection were manageable.
Conclusion: The use of Rhenium-188 radiopharmaceutical in radiosynovectomy of 30 hemophilic patients’ knees is effective in reducing pain, tenderness of the joint line, and the number of bleeding episodes, and it improved knee range of motion in the short term (6 months).
Association of Personality Traits with Treatment Adherence in Vitiligo
Authors: Hedayati Arvin , Mani Arash , Hamidizadeh Nasrin , Chohedri Elnaz , Khalaj Hossein Moradi , Moshfeghinia Reza , Oji Bahare
Published: June 2023

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired, auto-immune chronic skin disorder with different treatment modalities. Insufficient adherence to treatment is closely related to the efficacy of a prescribed treatment, and also, there are some associations between adherence behaviour and personality. Therefore, the study aimed to assess a relationship between five-factor personality traits and treatment adherence in patients with vitiligo.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with vitiligo who received Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy were recruited. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) assessed treatment adherence, and personality factors were evaluated by NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory (NEO-FFI). Data were analysed using t-tests, correlations, and multiple regression.
Results: Among 70 participants, 62.9% had low adherence, 24.3% had medium adherence, and 12.9 % had high adherence. There was a positive correlation between neuroticism (p<0.001) and adherence score. Furthermore, a negative correlation between Agreeableness (p=0.13), Conscientiousness (p<0.001), Openness to experiences (p=005), Extraversion (p<0.001), and adherence score was obtained. In the regression analysis method, only the factors of neuroticism (p<0.001) and openness ( p=0.001), and conscientiousness ( p=0.016) predicted the dependent variable (adherence score) at the significance level.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that openness to experience and conscientiousness positively affected adherence, while Neuroticism negatively affected adherence. Considering these personality factors can effectively screen poor adherence and improve treatment adherence.
Investigation of Static Balance Differences between Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis and Healthy Age-matched Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Larni Yasin , Mohsenifar Holakoo , Ghandhari Hasan , Salehi Reza
Published: June 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to compare postural control between Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) and healthy adolescents.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 20 AIS adolescents with a right thoracic curvature between 10 and 45 degrees and 20 healthy adolescents were matched to compare postural control. Postural control assessments included Center of Pressure (COP) range and COP velocity in the Anteroposterior (AP) and Mediolateral (ML) directions, and the COP sway area in the standing position with opened eyes and closed eyes by the force plate.
Results: This study showed that the postural control variables in AIS adolescents and healthy adolescents in terms of COP range, COP velocity, and COP sway area in standing positions with open and closed eyes were significantly different with those of AIS adolescents being worse than those of healthy adolescents (all p<0.001). The interaction between Group and Condition (eyes open and eyes closed) was not significant for all variables (all p>0.05).
Conclusion: Differences in the postural control measures indicate postural instability in adolescents with AIS compared to healthy adolescents.
Is Mean Platelet Volume a Useful Predictor of Hospital Mortality in Covid-19 Patients?
Authors: Poorjafari Abdollah , Torabi Mehdi , Mirzaee Moghaddameh
Published: June 2023

Background: Elevated Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) can indicate the activation of platelets and the coagulation cascade, which has been suggested as a predictor of mortality in some diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MPV in predicting hospital mortality in patients with Covid-19.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional single-center retrospective study. The data of all patients with a PCR-confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 hospitalized within a 3-month period were analyzed. The patients’ files were reviewed, and the data were recorded into a checklist, including demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, and laboratory test results. Hospital mortality was designated as the main outcome of the study.
Results: A total of 201 Covid-19 patients, confirmed by PCR, were included in this study. In-hospital mortality was observed in 28 patients (13.9%). The results of univariate regression analysis revealed that the triage level, history of chronic pulmonary disease, age, oxygen saturation, lymphocyte count, BUN, Cr, and CRP were significantly related to in-hospital mortality. However, MPV showed no significant relationship with in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion: Low triage level, advanced age and hypoxia predicted a higher risk of in-hospital mortality in Covid-19 patients. The role of MPV as a predictor of patient outcome in Covid-19 remains inconclusive, necessitating further studies with larger sample sizes.
Good Outcome of Anti-Diabetic Therapy: A Proposal for Evidence-Based Process Indicators
Authors: A Giwa , H.B Giwa , O M Jamiu , F.O Aliyu , I.F Abdulazeez
Published: June 2023

Background: The need to search for reliable process indicators for the effectiveness of anti-diabetic therapy has been expressed in the literature. Process indicators have been described as essential processes that contribute to achieving outcomes.
Objective: This study seeks to identify and propose evidence-based process indicators for a good outcome (effectiveness) of anti-diabetic therapy in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital.
Methods: A crossectional study was conducted using a questionnaire about the degree of subjects' knowledge/practice of lifestyle/dietary modification based on set criteria. Glycemic control based on the latest monitoring tests and physician's remarks were extracted from the case notes of each selected subject: sample Size, n=1200. Subjects were selected by systematic random sampling (Sampling Interval=1).
Results: Three Hundred and Thirteen (77.7%) out of 403 subjects with reasonable glycemic control were effects by exercise. Those were with excellent knowledge about signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, the beneficial effects of exercise, treatment, and excellent practice of self-monitoring. About 311 (77.2%) out of 403 subjects who had reasonable glycemic control were those who had excellent knowledge about dietary modification. Almost 308 (76.4%) out of 403 subjects who had reasonable glycemic control were those who had excellent knowledge about lifestyle modification. Three Hundred and Six (75.9%) out of 403 subjects who had reasonable glycemic control were those who had excellent knowledge about complications of diabetes mellitus. Many subjects with excellent lifestyle/dietary modification practices had reasonable glycemic control.
Conclusion: Evidence-based process indicators for a good outcome (effectiveness) of anti-diabetic therapy have been identified/proposed as the degree of knowledge about signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, complications of diabetes mellitus, beneficial effects of exercise, treatments, dietary modification, and lifestyle modification. Other process indicators identified/proposed are the degree of self-monitoring practice, lifestyle, and dietary modification.
One-year consumption pattern of intravenous immunoglobulin at a teaching hospital in Sari
Authors: Rafati Mohammadreza , Salehifar Ebrahim , Jafari Kaveh , Sahraee Sima , Rafati Amirmohammad , Avan Razieh
Published: June 2023

Background: There is an increasing trend to use intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for new indications, mainly off-labeled conditions for numerous diseases. IVIG is an expensive drug and is occasionally not available, so it is recommended that medical centers evaluate how to use it permanently. This study aimed to assess the pattern of IVIG use in an educational hospital.
Methods: All patients who received IVIG for any condition for a year were enrolled in this cross-sectional observational study. A predesigned checklist form was used to gather demographic, clinical, and biochemical data. The collected data were compared to the FDA recommendations for IVIG use.
Results: Overall, in 62.8% of the patients, IVIG was administrated for FDAapproved indications, 21.2% for off-label uses, and the remaining 16% for investigational conditions. The most common cause of IVIG use was for primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) in 22 patients (19.5%). The highest prevalence of primary diagnoses in patients receiving IVIG was immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). In addition, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) (28.4%) and final diagnoses were ITP and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in 30% of patients. 26.5% of patients experienced side effects, and headache, fever and chills, and inflammation of the injection site were the most common adverse drug reactions.
Conclusion: National or local drug protocols are needed to prescribe more rational IVIG utilization and assist physicians in using IVIG for approved or high evidence-based indications.
Pore structure unveiling effect to boost lithium-selenium batteries: selenium confined in hierarchically porous carbon derived from aluminum based MOFs
Authors: Li Hong-Yan , Li Chao , Wang Ying-Ying , Dong Wen-Da , Zhang Xi-Kun , Sun Ming-Hui , Li Yu , Su Bao-Lian
Published: June 2023

Lithium-selenium (Li-Se) batteries have attracted much attention in recent years because of their high volumetric capacity (3253 mA h cm-3) compared to the current commercial Li-ion battery. The shuttle effect and large volume variation during the electrochemical reactions limit its practical applications. The widely accepted strategy to reduce these drawbacks is confining selenium (Se) in porous carbon materials. However, how to boost electrochemical kinetics, reduce the shuttle effect and accommodate volume expansion for maximized battery performance still remains highly challenging. Herein, we synthesized three kinds of hierarchically porous carbon materials by facile pyrolysis of aluminum-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with different porous networks. The large surface area and high pore volume can ensure the excellent polyselenides adsorption while tailoring the ratio between micropores and mesopores of the hierarchically porous hosts can highly enhance electrolyte and electron transportation, leading to excellent electrochemical performance with a capacity as high as 530.1 mA h g-1 (Se@MIL-68-800) after 200 cycles, an excellent rate capability of 307 mA h g-1 at 5 C, and a high reversible capacity of 544 mA h g-1 when current density returns to 0.1 C. The present invention not only provides a facile way to obtain hierarchically porous carbon materials from MOFs but also gives insights on tailoring micropores and mesopores proportion to maximize Li-Se battery performance for their practical industrial implementation.
The Effects of Air Quality on Economic Activity in Indonesia
Authors: Sasmita Petrus Yudha , Yani Akhmad , Restiatun Restiatun
Published: June 2023

Air pollution may contribute to climate change in Indonesia, and it has the potential to undermine national economy over the long term due to the high expenses of dealing with environmental damage. The study's goal was to investigate and assess the impact of the industrial sector's GDRB, the mining sector's GDRB, the agricultural sector's GRDB, the level of education, the level of poverty, the quantity of trash generated, and the rate of deforestation on air quality in Indonesia. Secondary data types include time series and cross section (panel data) covering 34 provinces in Indonesia from 2016 to 2019. Descriptive statistical research approach using a step-by-step panel data regression model (fixed or random effect) with Chow test, Hausman test, and Lagrange multiplier method. Then, partly and concurrently, the classical assumption test and the statistical test (t-test and F-test). This research found that GRDB growth in the industrial sector has a positive significantly effect on air quality, GRDB growth in the mining sector has a negative significantly effect on air quality, GRDB growth in the agricultural sector has a negative significantly effect on air quality, and education level has a positive effect. Poverty level has no effect on air quality, waste generation has no effect positive on air quality, and deforestation rate has a negative significantly effect on air quality in Indonesia.