bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of mechanical and wear properties of ABS/SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, JNTUH College of Engineering, Hyderabad, 500085, Telangana, India, Kumar K Shiva
Published: November 2020

Objective: In this present work, the SiO2 nanoparticles as filler materials and ABS as a matrix material taken for the injection molding process to prepare the specimens, after that, to study the enhancement of mechanical properties and wear performance of composite materials. Method/Findings: SiO2 nano particles are added to Acrylonitrile Butadiene styrene(ABS) polymer composites at various weight fractions. It is also found that tensile strength, hardness, and wear properties improved in reinforcement. A pin-on-disc type friction and wear monitor (ASTM G99) was employed to evaluate wear behavior of ABS/SiO2 polymer composites. In this experimental study, the input process parameters such as load, sliding distance, and speed are considered and optimized for the composite materials’ properties. Tensile tests and wear tests were conducted to examine, and the properties of the material were studied. Morphology of the fractured material was studied using SEM analysis. The wear debris observed to explore the flacks and groves of the content during wear test for this study Orthogonal array (L9) and control parameters. Applications/Improvements : The significant contributions of this work are the decrease of ultimate strength with increasing content of SiO2 in the composites, and the sliding speed conversed to 45.51% of the wear rate variation. Mechanical and wear properties of ABS/SiO2 nanoparticles polymer composites were studied further. Keywords: ABS; SiO2 Nanoparticles; tensile; hardness; wear; SEM
Design and implementation of a low cost electric bike for domestic purposes
Authors:   Department of Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India, Pokharkar Omkar H
Published: November 2020

Aim/ Objectives: The aim of this research work is to design and implement a low cost electric bike to use for day to day activities, to analyze the mileage of the bike for every charging per hour. Method: Initially the model of Hbridge driver circuitry is created to drive the BLDC motor in Proteus simulation software. PWM pulses are fed to H-bridge driver circuitry and response of the BLDC motor is studied. The speed control mechanism of BLDC motor driver is studied in simulation. Then the H-bridge converter circuitry is designed and developed to drive the BLDC motor. The assembly of BLDC motor and tyre is selected which act as rear wheel. The system is designed around Arduino microcontroller. Lithium ion battery is used to supply power. Program is developed for Arduino Uno microcontroller to generate PWM pulses which are fed to H-bridge driver. The performance of the BLDC motor driver is analyzed. After precise control of the motor and tyre assembly, the other subsystems like speedometer, indicator, accelerator, horn, braking system etc. are developed and tested. Motor controller and status monitoring controller acts in coordination due to which in any faulty or abnormality situation both interacts with each other to take necessary action. Finally the mechanical assembly and chassis is designed and developed. Findings: The bike developed in this work is found to be useful for day to day domestic uses. The maximum speed of 40km/ hr is achieved and upon charging for nearly 3 hours it travels around 70km. Keywords: Low cost E-bike; electric vehicle; BLDC motor driver; microcontroller based E-bike
An extension of grey relational analysis for intuitionistic and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets
Authors:   Basic Sciences Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan, Touqeer Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Objectives: Neither any analytical (or numerical) nor any statistical approach is often helpful in these situations due to the reason that every person has his/her own choice. To cope with such situations usually we have to use fuzzy sets in combination with soft sets, which consist of predicates and approximate value sets as their images. Material: Choice values and comparison table techniques are two common decision-making techniques, which often don’t result in same preference order or optimal choice. To overcome this kind of situation in decision-making problems, grey relational analysis method is used to get on a final decision. Method: Here we have used grey relational analysis method involving “intuitionistic fuzzy soft set” and “interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft set” and “AND operation” to deal with such kind of problems. Findings: The proposed method is effective in seeking on an optimal choice in the case when common decision-making techniques fail to get on a final decision. Novelty: By using grey relational analysis, a suitable method to choose one object from different choices has been proposed. It overcome the greyness in decisionmaking problems for getting on a final decision when one gets too many options and finds it difficult to choose an optimal choice. Keywords: Fuzzy soft set; intuitionistic fuzzy soft set; grey relational analysis; interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft set
The status of concept mapping in teaching learning process: Exploring the present awareness, use and challenges
Authors:   Amity Institute of Education Amity University, Uttar Pradesh,Tel.: 7011944401, Pandey Sunil Kumar
Published: November 2020

Aims: To explore the present status of concept mapping in teaching and learning process in India. Also, to find answers of certain questions pertaining to the usage, awareness and present status of concept maps in real life education. Further to provide some recommendation for the teaching learning process. Method: In this study, the researcher developed a questionnaire using google form containing 14 items. The items were revolving around the concept map and its practical usage in teaching and learning process. The questionnaire was sent to 200 teachers in the month of June, 2020; out of which 80 responses were received back. All the teachers are teaching in various school of the country. The types of schools included private, government, rural and urban. The region covered for data collection was mainly Delhi, however some respondents were from other parts of India also. The data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Ms. Excel was used for quantitative analysis. Findings: The study indicated that there is an awareness of concept mapping among the teachers. There are several teachers who are using concepts maps in their regular teaching learning process. Many of them learn concept maps when they were students. The use of concept maps is always considered to be effective in the classroom. However, there were some respondents who found making and implementing concept maps time-consuming and effortful. All opined that concept maps are in use and found effective in the teaching learning process. Novelty: The study investigates the status of uses of concept maps in teaching learning process. It also throws light on the problems faced by the teachers in using concept maps; hence the study contributes to plan the school-time table, curriculum and other activities. Moreover, the study provides basis for further in depth study pertaining to problems faced by teachers in using concept maps. Keywords: Concept mapping; awareness; usage; teaching; learning; education; concept maps; purpose of concept maps; challenges
Dynamics of medical aid appealability rate among child population in the republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
Authors: Bosikova V. I. , Burtseva Tatiana E. , Douglas N. I.
Published: November 2020

Objective. To analyze the incidence rate in child population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) according to the data of treatment and prevention institutions.
Materials and methods. The article presents an analysis of the incidence rate in child population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) according to the data of treatment and prevention institutions for 20172019 including the data of Yakut Republican Medical Information and Analytical Center.
Results. The primary and general morbidity of children and adolescents in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) for the period 20172019 was analyzed. The morbidity rate in the republic regarding the disease classes and regions is described, and the increase and decrease rates are calculated. According to the analysis results, there is noted an increase in the general and primary morbidity of the child and adolescent population. In the context of regions of the Republic of Sakha, the highest incidence rate in child population was registered in Srednekolymsky, Allaikhovsky, Ust-Yansky, Oleneksky, and Tattinsky regions.
Conclusions. The increase in the general and primary morbidity among the child population and the heterogeneity of these indices in the regions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) requires the implementation of regional and Federal programs to improve primary and specialized medical care in the region.
Evaluation of effectiveness of thioctic acid use in combined therapy of angiodistonia and polyneuropathy syndrome
Authors: Malyutina Natal'ja N. , Bolotova Arina F. , Eremeev Roman B. , Sosnin Dmitriy Yu.
Published: November 2020

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the preparation of thioctic acid combined with standard therapy among patients with angiodistonic syndrome and vegetative-sensory polyneuropathy of the extremities due to the influence of general vibration.
Materials and methods. A prospective randomized study of two groups of patients with vibration disease was conducted: the main group (n = 30) and the comparison group (n = 30). All patients received standard therapy, while the main group received additional therapy with octolipen (300 mg per os 2 times a day).
Results. The results of questionnaires and objective examination of patients did not establish the occurrence of any side effects when including the drug in the therapy. The survey data proved statistically significant differences in the assessment of pain syndrome at rest and in the occurrence of night pains (p = 0.022). At the same time, when assessing the severity of paresthesia, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p = 0.5536). The therapy was accompanied by normalization of the antioxidant status (AOS) in both groups: in the main group, the median AOS increased by 1.342 times and in the comparison group by 1.267 times. In the statistical evaluation, the inclusion of thioctic acid in the treatment was accompanied by a statistically significant increase in the AOS not only with the initial data (p 0.00001), but also in comparison with the results of treatment of patients in the comparison group (p = 0.0387). The data from the reovasographic study also showed that the therapy was more effective with additional inclusion of thioctic acid drug to it.
Conclusions. Thus, the data obtained justify the feasibility and effectiveness of using thioctic acid preparation in the treatment of angiodistonia and polyneuropathy syndromes.
NT-proBNP content in seminal plasma of ejaculate in normal conditions and in oligozooastenospermia
Authors: Sosnin Dmitriy Yu. , Galkovich Konstantin R. , Krivtsov A. V.
Published: November 2020

Objective. To investigate the NT-proBNP concentration in ejaculate samples from healthy men and men with oligozooastenospermia.
Materials and methods. The study included 52 men of reproductive age (34.4 3.9 years). The main group (n = 18) consisted of men with reduced ejaculate fertility, the comparison group (n = 34) consisted of men with normal levels of concentration and total sperm count. In seminal plasma, the concentration of NT-proBNP was investigated by solid-phase ELISA using the NT-proBNP-ELISA-BEST test system (A-9102) (Vector-Best, Russia).
Results. The mean value of NT-proBNP content in the ejaculate (n = 52) was 29.498 pg / ml, the median concentration was 2.860 pg / ml and was characterized by high variability. In 62% (32 of 52) of the tested seminal plasma samples, the NT-proBNP value was below 20 pg / ml. The frequency of samples with such a low NT-proBNP content did not differ statistically significantly between the groups. In the main group, the number of such samples was 44 % (8 samples out of 18), and in the comparison group, 65 % (12 samples out of 34).
Conclusions. When comparing the content of NT-proBNP in seminal plasma, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. An analysis of the correlation between the concentration and the number of sperm in the ejaculate and the NT-proBNP content also did not reveal a statistically significant relationship. The possible role of natriuretic peptides in human fertility is discussed.
Lyme borreliosis: clinical and epidemiological features of its course in the territory of large industrial center of Western Urals
Authors: Nikolenko Vera V. , Vorobyova Natalia N. , Merkuryeva Elena V. , Nikolenko Andrey V. , Suslina Olga A.
Published: November 2020

Objective. Since the territory of the Western Urals is widely known for its high morbidity and mortality rates associated with tick-borne infections, including ixodic tick-borne borreliosis, the study was aimed at estimation of the role of specific prevention in the prevalence of ITB.

Materials and methods. A continuous retrospective clinical and laboratory analysis of 1214 adult patients admitted to Perm Regional Clinical Infectious Disease Hospital with lyme - borreliosis in 2012-2019 was carried out.

Results. The disease is registered more often in persons over 50 years old, infection mainly occurs while visiting forests and park zones that requires the use of means of protection to reduce the number of the carriers of infection. Every third patient has mixed infection, where pathogens circulating in the ticks of the given territory of the Western Urals are combined. The increase in the number of non-erythemic forms in the recent years is probably associated with the development of immunodeficiency in the population of the industrial center, as well as with the use of more sensitive and informative methods of laboratory diagnostics.

Conclusions. Specific prophylaxis is highly effective, helping to prevent infection in more than 90% of cases.
Bionic ear prosthesis: the coming future
Authors: Arutyunov S. D. , Stepanov A. G. , Elovikov A. M. , Arutyunov A. S. , Yuzhakov A. A. , Freiman V. I. , Polyakov D. I. , Astashina N. B.
Published: November 2020

Objective. To develop the bionic ear prosthesis design and a method for its manufacture based on intellectual and medical 3D technologies.

Materials and methods. Taking into account the analysis of data from domestic and foreign literature, a bionic ear prosthesis and a device for its manufacture have been developed. During the implementation of the project, digital equipment and software were used.

The developed design of a bionic ear prosthesis consists of several components, including an auricle prosthesis and a sound processor inserted into it. This provides the functionality of remote control, configuration and wireless charging. The system is based on the principle of bone conduction. The auricle prosthesis is an external attachment device with high aesthetic characteristics, made of biocompatible materials using modern digital technologies. Built-in hearing aid, includes a microphone; a sound processor based on a digital signal component with built-in analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters; Bluetooth radio channel module for communication with the settings control device (Android smartphone); and an emitter of sound vibrations.

Results. The expected positive effect is to increase the effectiveness of treatment, rehabilitation and socialization of deaf and hard of hearing patients by reducing the volume of surgical intervention; prevention of postoperative complications; the use of a rational aesthetic design of the auricle epithesis made of biologically compatible materials, with an inclinated highly functional electronic hearing aid integrated with the patient's auditory environment.

Conclusions. The combination of these factors can provide a significant reduction in the terms of medical and social rehabilitation of patients of different ages. In addition to the above, a significant advantage of the developed design of a bionic prosthesis and the method of its manufacture is ease of use and economic availability.
Contribution to The Knowledge of Carabodid Oribatid Mites (Acari, Oribatida, Carabodidae) of Turkey, With Ecological And Zoogeographical Remarks
Authors: TOLUK Ayşe , AYYILDIZ Nusret
Published: November 2020

Seven oribatid mites of the family Carabodidae Koch, 1837 namely, Austrocarabodes (s.str.) ensifer (Sellnick, 1931), A. (s.str.) foliaceisetus foliaceisetus Krivolutsky, 1971, Carabodes (s.str.) labyrinthicus (Michael, 1879), C. (s.str.) pirinensis Kunts, 1961, C. (s.str.) rugosior Berlese, 1916, C. (Flexa) djaparidzae Murvanidze and Weigmann, 2007 and C. (Flexa) dubius Kulijev, 1968 were given with their scanning electron microscope images from Turkey. Apart from A. (s.str.) ensifer, other six taxa are new records for the oribatid fauna of Turkey. The taxa were also evaluated in terms of ecological and zoogeographical. An identification key for Turkish carabodid genera and species is also provided.
Yağışa Bağlı Kuru Şartlarda Dallı Darı (Panicum virgatum L.) Çeşitlerinin 4 ve 5.Yıllardaki Biyokütle Verimi ve Diğer Tarımsal Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: GÖNÜLAL Erdal , SOYLU Süleyman
Published: November 2020

Bu çalışma Konya - Karapınar lokasyonunda yağışa bağlı sulamasız şartlarda çok yıllık bir bitki olan altı adet dallı darı çeşidinin plantasyondan sonraki 4. ve 5. yılına ait biyokütle verimi ve diğer özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla iki yıl süreyle (2018 ve 2019) yürütülmüştür. Tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre üç tekerrürlü olarak yürütülen çalışmada altı çeşit (Alamo, Shawnee, Kanlow, Shelter, Cave in rock ve Trailblazer) kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada iki yıllık verilere göre yeşil biyokütle verimi 734 kg da-1 (Cave in rock)-1499 kg da-1 (Alamo), kuru biyokütle verimi 343 kg da-1 (Cave in rock)-774 kg da-1 (Trailblazer), bitki boyu 47.8 cm (Cave in rock)- 70 cm (Alamo), metrede sap sayısı 229.8 adet (Cave in rock)- 448.5 adet (Trailblazer), sap ağırlığı 0.78 g (Trailblazer)- 1.24 g (Kanlow), klorofil içeriği % 29.6 (Shawnee)- % 44.3 (Kanlow), stomal iletkenlik 22.4 mmol H2O m -2 s -1 (Shawnee)- 34.3 mmol H2O m-2 s-1 (Alamo) mmol H2O m-2 s-1 ve bitki örtüsü sıcaklığı 37.7 oC (Kanlow) – 43.9 oC (Shawnee) aralığında belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada biyokütle verimlerinin beşinci yılda azaldığı ve Kanlow, Alamo, Trailblazer ile Shelter çeşitlerinin en yüksek verime sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Effect of obesity on lung function test among adults
Authors: Salvi Dhairya , Moradia Dhanvi
Published: November 2020

Background: Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive body fat that causes damage to the individual’s health and is associated with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension and vascular dysfunction. This cross-sectional study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of obesity on lung function test in obese but otherwise healthy adults.Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out at tertiary care institute of Gujarat, India. It was conducted over a period of 5 months. A total of 240 adult healthy subjects of both sexes were selected randomly belonging to varying socio-economic status. The study subjects were divided into 3 categories (normal body mass index i.e. BMI, overweight, obese). BMI were calculated for the randomly selected subjects from each list till the desired number in each BMI group were attained. Four respiratory parameters viz. forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume in 3 seconds (FEV3), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) were used to assess their lung functions.Results: Two hundred and forty subjects (each group having n=80). The mean age of group I, group II and group III were 27.45±6.37, 28.18±6.42 and 28.98±6.74 respectively. Lung volumes showed significant difference in relation to the BMI. FVC and FEV1 show significant decrease. Group III verses group I (p˂0.001 and p˂0.017 respectively) FEV3 showed significant difference between group I and group III and between group II and group III (p˂0.001). MVV was significantly lower in group III when compared to group I.Conclusions: There is decline in pulmonary function in obese as compared to normal weight adults. These findings suggest deleterious effects on ventilatory mechanics caused by obesity, due to probable lung compression (reduction in the expiratory reserve volume i.e. ERV), leading to a compensatory increase in the inspiratory reserve volume (IRV) in an attempt to maintain a constant vital capacity (VC).
A study on clinical profile of acute stroke
Authors: Itagi Avinash , G. Bharat , Biradarpatil Pooja , Pattanashetti Laxmi
Published: November 2020

Background: Stroke or cerebrovascular accident is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in adult life. Ischemic strokes are most common type of strokes and they account for 80-85% of cerebrovascular accidents worldwide. Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking have been identified as major risk factors. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and investigation profile of different types of strokes.Methods: A total of 100 patients with brain stroke from November 2015 to October 2016 were included.  Adult patients with stroke who attended the emergency department within 24 hours of attack were included. Patients with known chronic liver or kidney diseases, transient ischemic attack, active infections, history of neoplasia and alcoholic patients were excluded from the study. A thorough physical examination was conducted and stroke was defined as per World Health Organization criteria. Blood investigations were done including Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scan. The data obtained was coded and entered into Microsoft excel worksheet. The data was analyzed using SPSS statistics software version 20.0.  Results: Majority of the patients (71.00%) were males and 29.0% of the patients were females. Most of the patients were aged between 61 to 70 years (27.00%). Most of the patients had ischaemic stroke (80.00%) followed by haemorrhagic stroke (20%).Conclusions: Ischemic stroke is the more common as compared to hemorrhagic stroke. Detection of vascular risk factors and primary prevention measures should be initiated during late adolescence or early adulthood.
Modelamiento estocástico de la evolución de la trasmisión de virus altamente contagiosos en lugares concurridos
Authors: Fedosov Valery , Fedossova Alina , Buitrago-Suescún Oscar
Published: November 2020

Se propone un modelo matemático para la estimación estocástica del número de portadores de virus SARS-COv-2 en lugares donde hay alta concentración de población como centros comerciales u otros espacios cerrados. El objetivo de trabajo es obtener un modelo matemático de propagación de virus en espacios cerrados calculando el número de portadores nuevos dependiendo del cumplimiento o violación de las distancias seguras y de normas de protección, así como un algoritmo heurístico para su solución. Se recurrió al modelamiento matemático para abordar la situación de transmisión de virus y desarrollar un algoritmo heurístico para la solución del modelo matemático obtenido. La programación, los experimentos numéricos y los gráficos se realizaron en MATLAB. Los experimentos numéricos obtenidos para diferentes casos muestran la dependencia que existe entre la cantidad de nuevos portadores de virus con el no cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de distanciamiento social y de uso de elementos de protección personal. El modelo está abierto a complementos y mejoras y puede ser de interés para soportar la toma de decisiones que deben tomar las autoridades sanitarias y administrativas. El algoritmo resuelve el modelo matemático propuesto para rastrear la transmisión del virus cuando no se cumplen distancias seguras y de protección recomendadas. La aplicación del algoritmo permite proponer controles en situaciones complejas y poco predecibles de desarrollo epidémico en concentraciones de población, por lo que puede utilizarse para mejorar la calidad de las medidas médicas proactivas y demás decisiones relacionadas.
Estimación de variables de estado (LA y LC) en sistemas de control
Authors: Mesa Fernando , Ospina-Ospina Rogelio , Correa-Velez German
Published: November 2020

En este artículo inicialmente se presentó la formulación para la estimación de variables de estado en lazo cerrado y lazo abierto en un sistema de control; a continuación, se mostraron y explicaron cuáles son las ventajas y desventajas que podrían presentarse al implementar alguno de los dos modelos. Finalmente, como aplicación, se estudió el caso de un sistema hidráulico con el cual se concluye sobre la importancia de realizar estimación sobre las variables de estado de un sistema que se desea controlar.
Uso del biocarbón como material alternativo para el tratamiento de aguas residuales contaminadas
Authors: Présiga-López Deiby , Rubio-Clemente Ainhoa , Pérez Juan F.
Published: November 2020

El biocarbón es el producto procedente de la descomposición de biomasa, cuyas características fisicoquímicas están asociadas al origen de ésta y al método de combustión utilizado. Entre estas propiedades, destacan el área superficial, la formación de macro y microporos, y la presencia de grupos funcionales. Debido a estas características, el biocarbón se convierte en un material alternativo con alta capacidad de adsorción de compuestos tóxicos presentes en las aguas residuales contaminadas. Este trabajo brinda información sobre los mecanismos de generación del biocarbón y cómo éstos interfieren en sus características fisicoquímicas. Asimismo, se describen los parámetros que intervienen en los procesos de remoción de contaminantes y se mencionan los tratamientos bajo los cuales el biocarbón se puede ver sometido para mejorar su capacidad de adsorción. Finalmente, se indican los posibles usos o la adecuada disposición final que debe tener el biocarbón en aras de contribuir a la estrategia de economía circular.
Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Clinical Samples Other than Burn Samples in Iran
Authors: Karimi Ebrahim , Ghalibafan Fatemeh , Esfandani Akram , Manoochehri Arash Niusha , Mohammadi Sassan , Khaledi Azad , Akbari Hakimeh , Khurshid Maria
Published: November 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the prevalence of class 1 integrons, antibiotic resistance pattern in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples.
Methods: The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases were searched using keywords based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The cross-sectional studies published from 1st January 2000 until 1st January 2019 were included which addressed the prevalence of class 1 integrons and antibiotic-resistance in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples. Meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. The random-effects model, Cochran’s Q and I2 tests were applied for statistical analyses.
Results: Eight articles met the eligibility standards for including in the present meta-analysis. The combined prevalence of class 1 integrons in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples other than burn samples was reported by 40% (95% CI:26.1-55.8%). The pooled prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa isolates was 70.1%. The highest prevalence of combined antibiotic resistance was related to carbenicillin with a resistance rate of 79.9%. In general, 6 (75%) out of the 8 included studies showed the correlation between the presence of class 1 integrons and antibiotic resistance.
Conclusion: Regarding the correlation between the presence of integrons and the high antibiotic resistance reported by studies included in the present review, there is the need for preventive measures to prevent the spread of resistance by integrons and transferring to other micro-organisms
Evaluation of Metastasis Suppressor Genes Expression and In Vitro Anti-Cancer Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF-7 and T47D
Authors: Sadat Shandiz Seyed Ataollah , Sharifian Faryad , Behboodi Sorayya , Ghodratpour Fatemeh , Baghbani-Arani Fahimeh
Published: November 2020

Background: Metallic nanoparticles are useful materials to be applied in biomedical research. In this study, the possible apoptotic and anti-metastatic activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) was assessed in breast cancer cells.
Methods: First, in vitro cell viability was investigated by MTT assay in two human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T47D) and normal Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cells at 37°C overnight. Apoptosis induced by ZnONPs was evaluated by annexin V/PI staining, cell cycle analysis and caspase assay in cancerous cells. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR was employed for the detection of two metastasis suppressor genes (KAI-1 and NM23) expression in cancerous cells.
Results: Data demonstrated that ZnONPs exert a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of T47D and MCF-7 cells, while no cytotoxic effect was observed on normal HEK293 cells. The mRNA expression levels of KAI-1 and non-metastatic protein (NM23) genes were up-regulated in ZnONP-exposed cancerous cells. ZnONPs were also found to enhance the apoptosis properties of cells by annexin V/PI staining, and caspase assay in cancerous cells. Furthermore, ZnONPs can increase sub-G1 population as compared to negative control.
Conclusion: Our findings showed that ZnONPs induce apoptotic activity and can modulate metastasis by up-regulating of KAI-1 and NM23 gene expression in two breast cancer (MCF-7 and T47D) cells.
β-sitosterol Mediated Silver Nanoparticles Induce Cytotoxicity in Human Colon Cancer HT-29 Cells
Authors: Chithambara Shathviha Palaniappan , Ezhilarasan Devaraj , Rajeshkumar Shanmugam , Selvaraj Jayaraman
Published: November 2020

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are commonly used metallic nanoparticles in health care systems. Colon cancer incidence is increasing worldwide. In this study, AgNP was synthesized using β-sitosterol and its cytotoxic potential was evaluated in human colon cancer (HT-29) cells.
Methods: Characterization of AgNP was analyzed by TEM and spectrophotometry analysis. HT-29 cells were treated with different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ng/ml) of AgNPs and cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. The apoptosis was analyzed by the flow cytometry. The expression of p53 protein was analyzed by western blotting.
Results: β-sitosterol mediated AgNP are spherical in shape and induced concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in HT-29 cells. AgNP caused apoptosis related morphological changes as evidenced by annexin positive staining. AgNP treatments also induced the p53 expression in HT-29 cells.
Conclusion: Our present result suggests that β-sitosterol mediated AgNP induce apoptosis in colon cancer cells and this finding may pave the way for further experimental analysis in vivo.
Comparison of Antifungal Properties of Gold, Silver, and Selenium Nanoparticles Against Amphotericin B-Resistant Candida glabrata Clinical Isolates
Authors: Lotfali Ensieh , Toreyhi Hossein , Makhdoomi Sharabiani Kamyab , Fattahi Azam , Soheili Amirali , Ghasemi Reza , Keymaram Mahyar , Rezaee Yasaman , Iranpanah Sayna
Published: November 2020

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of  Nanoparticles (NPs) against amphotericin B-resistant Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) strains.
Methods: Twelve resistant (C. glabrata) strains were isolated from archived clinical isolates. Antifungal activity was conducted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) guidelines, document M27-A3/S4. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of strains exposed to each nanoparticle.
Results: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of nanoparticles of all strains was in the concentration range of 0.125 to 0.5 µg/Ml. The synthesized Ag-NPs showed superior antifungal activity against (C. glabrata) compared to Se-NPs and Au-NPs. The scanning electron microscope images revealed the difference in the fungal morphology between the untreated and treated fungi with nanoparticles.
Conclusion: The Ag-NPs, followed by Se-NPs synthesized, revealed significant antifungal activity against resistance regardless of their antifungal-resistant mechanisms.
Silencing SALL-4 Gene by Transfecting Small Interfering RNA with Targeted Aminoglycoside-Carboxyalkyl Polyethylenimine Nano-Polyplexes Reduced Migration of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Noruzi Somaye , Vatanchian Mehran , Azimian Amir , Niroomand Arash , Salarinia Reza , Oroojalian Fatemeh
Published: November 2020

Background: The application of non-viral systems for delivering genes to cells is becoming a very interesting issue, especially in the treatment of neoplasms such as Breast Cancer (BC). Polymer-based non-viral systems are safe and feasible gene carriers to be used in targeted cancer therapy. SALL4 gene encodes a transcription factor and is overexpressed in some cancers.
Methods: In this study, carboxyalkylated-PEI25 (25 kDa) was used to deliver plasmids expressing SALL4-siRNA into MCF-7 cells. DLS and AFM were applied to determine the size of nanoparticles. The MTT method was used to assess cytotoxicity, and the efficiency of transfection was confirmed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Finally, the effect of silencing SALL4 was investigated on the migration of MCF7 cells using the scratch test.
Results: The results showed that transferring the SALL4-siRNA using PEI25G10C50 reduced the expression of the corresponding transcription factor by 14 folds which attenuated the migration of MCF-7 cells by 58%.
Conclusion: In conclusion, PEI25G10C50 can serve as an effective gene delivery system for treating BC by targeting SALL-4.
The Phylogenetic Analysis of Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Isolated from Different Regions of Iran Using Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I Gene
Authors: Samiei Awat , Tavassoli Mousa , Mardani Karim
Published: November 2020

Background: Bedbugs are blood feeding ectoparasites of humans and several domesticated animals. There are scar­city of information about the bed bugs population throughout Iran and only very limited and local studies are availa­ble. The aim of this study is to assess the phylogenetic relationships and nucleotide diversity using partial sequences of cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI) among the populations of tropical bed bugs inhabiting Iran.
Methods: The bedbugs were collected from cities located in different geographical regions of Iran. After DNA ex­traction PCR was performed for COI gene using specific primers. Then DNA sequencing was performed on PCR products for the all 15 examined samples.
Results: DNA sequencing analysis showed that the all C. hemipterus samples were similar, despite the minor nu­cleotide variations (within the range of 576 to 697bp) on average between 5 and 10 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Subsequently, the results were compared with the database in gene bank which revealed close similarity and sequence homology with other C. hemipterus from other parts of the world.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the ability of the COI gene to differentiate between the C. hemipterus populations from a few different locations in Iran. The current research is the first report of phylogenetic and genetic species diversity analysis conducted on C. hemipterus in Iran. These results provided basic information for further studies of molecular epidemiology, public health and pest control operators in Iran.
Investigating on the Residue of Organophosphate Pesticides in the Water of the Hablehrood River, Garmsar, Iran
Authors: Safari Mohammad , Ahmadfazeli Ali , Vatandoost Hassan , Karimaee Mostafa , Panahi Davood , Shokri Mohammadali , Moradian Mehdi , Soleimani Zahra
Published: November 2020

Background: Organophosphate pesticides are of concern to the drinking water supply and high risks on human health.
Methods: An occurrence survey was performed in the spring and summer of 2016 for 6 months to assess the preva­lence of organophosphate pesticides in the Hablehrood River that is located in Semnan Province. Besides, 10 kinds of organophosphate pesticides were sampled in 5 stations. Moreover, were measured by Gas Chromatography (GC) was supported by an electron capture detector (ECD) and Turbochrom software. In all stations, Diazinon was detect­ed in the spring and summer, but Malathion only in the spring.
Results: The highest concentration of Diazinon was observed at the Mahmoud Abad station in spring (0.94ppb) and the Bonekooh station in the summer (0.93ppb). The highest and lowest concentrations of Malathion were detected in Mahmoud Abad (0.35ppb), and Gache station, respectively.
Conclusion: The concentration of pesticides in BoneKooh and Mahmood Abad was higher than the standard.
Detection of the Invasive Mosquito Species Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Hulecoeteomyia) koreicus on the Southern Coast of the Crimean Peninsula
Authors: Ganushkina Lyudmila , Lukashev Alexander , Patraman Ivan , Razumeyko Vladimir , Shaikevich Еlena
Published: November 2020

Background: The incidence and area of arbovirus infections is increasing around the world. It is largely linked to the spread of the main arbovirus vectors, invasive mosquito of the genus Aedes. Previously, it has been reported that Aedes aegypti reemerged in Russia after a 50-year absence. Moreover, in 2011, Ae. albopictus was registered in the city of Sochi (South Russia, Black Sea coast) for the first time. In 2013, Asian Ae. koreicus was found in Sochi for the first time.
Methods: Mosquitoes were collected using the following methods: larvae with a dip net, imago on volunteers and using bait traps. The mosquitoes were identified using both morphology and sequencing of the second internal transcribed spacer of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene cluster.
Results: In August 2016, Ae. koreicus larvae and imago and a single male of Ae. aegypti were found on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula, where they were not registered before. Newly obtained DNA sequences were registered in GenBank with the accession numbers MF072936 and MF072937.
Conclusion: Detection of invasive mosquito species (Ae. aegypti and Ae. koreicus) implies the possibility of their area expansion. Intensive surveillance is required at the Crimean Peninsula to evaluate the potential for the introduction of vector-borne diseases.
An Inventory of the Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of Rudbar County, a New Focus of Leishmaniasis in Northern Iran, with a Taxonomic Note on the Subgenus Larroussius
Authors: Norouzi Behzad , Hanafi-Bojd Ahmad Ali , Moin-Vaziri Vahideh , Noorallahi Ayoob , Azari-Hamidian Shahyad
Published: November 2020

Background: Different forms of leishmaniasis are significant infectious diseases in Iran. While, Rudbar County of Gui­lan Province has been introduced as a new cutaneous leishmaniasis focus, there are few published data about the phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the province.
Methods: To study the phlebotomine fauna of Rudbar County, the sampling was performed in 12 collection sites by light traps, sticky traps and manual aspirators throughout August–December 2015. Sand flies were removed from the sticky traps, rinsed in acetone and stored in 80% ethanol along with the collections of light traps and hand catch­es.
Results: In total, 2186 sand flies were collected and ten species representing two genera were morphologically identi­fied: Phlebotomus (Adlerius) halepensis (0.27%), Ph. (Larroussius) kandeladii (0.10%), Ph. (Lar.) neglectus (0.91%), Ph. (Lar.) perfiliewi (53.88%), Ph. (Lar.) tobbi (43.45%), Ph. (Paraphlebotomus) sergenti (0.82%), Ph. (Phlebotomus) papatasi (0.10%), Sergentomyia (Parrotomyia) baghdadis (0.27%), Se. (Sintonius) clydei (0.05%) and Se. (Sin.) tiberi­adis (0.10%). The species Ph. halepensis, Ph. neglectus, Ph. perfiliewi, Se. baghdadis, Se. clydei and Se. tiberiadis were reported for the first time in Guilan Province. This study also verified the presence of Ph. neglec­tus (Ph. major krimen­sis as a synonym and morphotype) in Iran. Moreover, the taxonomy of the subgenus Larrous­sius of the province was discussed.
Conclusion: The prevalence of suspected or proven cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis vectors is noteworthy. The study of ecology of sand flies and detecting the exact vectors of leishmaniasis and phlebotomine fever by molecular specific tests in Guilan Province are recommended.
Drug Use Evaluation of Crystalline Penicillin in Pediatrics Ward of Dessie Referral Hospital, North East Ethiopia: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Simeneh Yazie Taklo , Gedif Tessema Ayalneh
Published: November 2020

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide issue due to rise of antibiotic consumption and wide variation in antibiotic prescribing practices. Crystalline penicillin is the most highly consumed antibiotics by hospitalized pediatrics patients in Dessie Referral Hospital and its utilization pattern is not known in the study area. The objective is to assess the appropriateness of crystalline penicillin use in pediatrics ward of Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.
Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was used for evaluating medication records of hospitalized pediatric patients who received crystalline penicillin from October to December 2018.
Results: A total of 262 hospitalized pediatrics patient records were included in the study. All the 262 (100%) cases were consistent with guidelines for contraindication and drug interaction to use the drug. Crystalline penicillin use was consistent with guideline recommendations in 93.8%, 92.8%, 89.6%, 66.7% and 39.4% of the cases with regard to, indication, outcome, frequency, dose and duration of treatment, respectively. The observed value of all drug utilization evaluation parameters except drug interaction and contraindication showed statistically significant difference from the set threshold in nonparametric binomial test.
Conclusion: The result of the current study especially with regard to dose and duration is much below the recommended threshold and needs scheduled trainings and necessary interventions to tackle the problem.
Novel Immunological Aspects of Sirolimus as a New Targeted Therapy for COVID-19
Authors: Naserifar Mahshid , Hosseinjani Hesamoddin
Published: November 2020

The article's abstract is not available.
Hyperprolactinemia and Galactorrhea Associated with Risperidone-Fluoxetine Combination Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Kordjazy Nastaran , Gholam Kheirollah , Ghadrdan Elliyeh
Published: November 2020

Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone secreted and released by lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland in response to diverse physiological stimuli, principally via the inhibitory action of dopamine and serotonin. This paper describes a 44-year-old woman with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who called the 13-Aban drug and poison information center (DPIC). She was being treated with fluoxetine (80 mg/day) for 10 months until risperidone was added to her regimen for augmentation therapy (0.5 mg/day). Her symptoms improved within less than two months without significant side effects until she experienced painful bilateral breast discharge along with spotting and menstrual irregularity, besides amenorrhea for the previous 2 cycles and serum prolactin level of 33.7 ng/mL, presenting hyperprolactinemia. After discontinuing risperidone, within two weeks, galactorrhea and breast pain disappeared and amenorrhea resolved. Further prolactin level measurement showed the significant reduction. This neuroendocrine effect observed with very low-dose risperidone plus fluoxetine is apparently exerted through both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic augmentation of this combination therapy.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy on Sleep Quality of Students with Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Mohammadi Saeed , Maleki Mahboobeh , Tashkeh Mojtaba , Foroughi Aliakbar , Goodarz Golfam
Published: November 2020

Background and Objective: Anxiety disorders are usually accompanied with sleep disorders. Since limited studies have focused on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on anxiety-related problems such as sleep disorders, the current research was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of this intervention on sleep problems.
Materials and Methods: This study was a clinical trial with control and treatment groups. The sample consisted of 24 university students diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS) and Pitts-burgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess the dependent variables. There were measurements during pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages.
Results: The treatment could significantly improve the anxiety and sleeping problems in patients with social anxiety. Assessing the aspects of sleep quality showed that the intervention could improve the subjective aspects, latency, dis-turbance, and daily dysfunctions of sleep effectively; however, there was no significant effect on the duration of sleep, taking sleep medications, or sleep efficiency.
Conclusion: Mindfulness treatment could be used for improving sleep quality in patients with social anxiety. This treatment could also improve the aspects of sleep quality which are related to sleep threshold.
The Effect of Daily in-School Sleep Program on Educational Performance among High School Students
Authors: Pourabbasi Ata , Amirkhani Manzar , Nouriyengejeh Sarah N
Published: November 2020

Background and Objective: Sleep is one of the important factors in the quality of brain function. In particular, the function of the person, learning, memory, concentration, and the potential of the individual are closely related to sleep. With regard to age and physiological changes, the average sleep time among adolescents is low. In this study, the effect of a daily nap on the promotion of academic performance of high school adolescents in Tehran, Iran, has been assessed.
Materials and Methods: In this research, 56 high school students from one of Tehran's schools with an average age of 15.3 years were volunteered. Students went to the school hall after finishing classes in the morning at 12:10, and it was 50 minutes when they were considered for their sleep. Students informed researchers with a questionnaire on the educa-tional activities outside the school.
Results: The participants showed to have an average of 2059.50 minutes after-school activity during the 2 weeks preced-ing the intervention, which reached 2388.11 minutes after the implementation of the in-school sleep program. This time was significantly higher than after-school activity time before intervention.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, there is a significant positive correlation between daytime napping and the capacity of after-school activity in adolescents. More investigation about installing in-school sleep programs for improving educational performance in adolescents is recommended.