bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the Flow Field and Mixing Efficiency of a Stirred Tank Equipped with Improved Intermig Impellers
Authors: Zhou Yongjun , Lin Weizhen , Yuan Mingyue , He Hua , Sun Jianping
Published: August 2019

The flow field in a transparent stirred tank with a diameter of D = 0.42 m equipped with dual-layer improved Intermig impellers was numerically investigated using a multi-reference frame method based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation code: Fluent. The simulation results were validated by experiments based on a stirred tank testing platform and a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) testing instrument. The effects on the flow field arising from the diameter of impellers, the installation height of impellers (C
1), the rotational speed as well as the distance between two impellers (C
2) were investigated. It was revealed that the distance between two impellers and the installation height has obvious influences on the local flow field around impellers. Appropriately increasing the two parameters can enhance the axial flow and achieve a better mass transfer effect. For the tank model rescaled for experiments, the optimized geometrical parameters are C
1 = 0.36D and C
2 = 0.49D that can result in full occupation of large eddies in the entire volume. The mixing process simulation indicates that the mixing efficiency is the best in the region near the impellers while it is the worst in the bottom of the tank. An appropriate increase in the diameter of the lower impellers and a reduction in the distance from the lower impellers to the tank bottom can improve the mixing efficiency in the central region near the tank bottom.
Clinical study of neurology nursing on cerebral apoplexy rehabilitation
Authors: Chen Jie , Li Shuangxi
Published: August 2019

The incidence of cerebral apoplexy has been on the rise in recent years, and research on the treatment and care of this disease has also received much attention. Therefore, a clinical study of neurological care for cerebral apoplexy rehabilitation care was conducted. Firstly, the Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm is introduced, and then the Diffie-Hellman prediction model is established. The patient is taken as an example to carry out simulation test, and the prediction model is compared with the real data. The data of the network model training set, the verification set and the test set are obtained. Patients were divided into observation group and control group by random number table method. The evaluation indicators included the treatment efficiency and the quality of life of the two groups. The results showed that the effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The experiment proves that the clinical effect of neurological nursing on cerebral apoplexy rehabilitation nursing is positive, which can improve the limb movement and self-living ability of patients, improve the quality of life of patients and improve patient satisfaction. Clinical study of neurology nursing on cerebral apoplexy rehabilitation nursing is discussed in this paper, and the rehabilitation nursing method and formal standardized nursing process of this disease are standardized.
AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill Accuracy of Unloading Is Affected by Support Frame Height
Authors: de Heer Hendrik D. , Kaufman Alex , Repka Chris P. , Rojas Katia , Charley Brenda , Bounds Roger
Published: August 2019

de Heer, HD, Kaufman, A, Repka, CP, Rojas, K, Charley, B, and Bounds, R. AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill accuracy of unloading is affected by support frame height. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2910–2914, 2021—The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill uses air pressure to provide partial body-weight support (BWS), lowering impact forces and metabolic demand of walking and running. Users wear specialized shorts that zip onto a bag supported by a metal bar frame covering the treadmill. The frame is placed at hip height in positions numbered 1–9, adjusted up or down based on preference. Machine accuracy in providing BWS is important to achieve desired training effects, but it is unknown whether frame placement impacts accuracy. Twenty subjects (10 men/women) were weighed in 10% increments from 0 to 60% BWS with the frame at hip height (iliac crest), the “neutral” position, and reweighed with the frame placed up to 3 numbers above or below hip height. Although the machine displayed the same proportion BWS, placing the frame higher than the neutral position resulted in significantly more support, whereas placing the frame lower led to less support. At 10% BWS, placing the frame 3 positions higher resulted in 3% more support compared with the neutral position (13.1% BWS, p < 0.001) and 3 positions lower in 4.7% less support (5.3% BWS, p < 0.001). Deviances were greater with more BWS. At 60% BWS, 3 positions higher than neutral resulted in 71.2% BWS (11.2% more than expected, p < 0.001) and 3 below 48.1% BWS (12.9% below expected, p < 0.001), total 24.1% difference. These findings suggest that the position of the support frame significantly impacts the AlterG accuracy in providing BWS, with placement higher than hip height resulting in more support than displayed by the machine and lower placement resulting in less support.
Microstructure and X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Aluminum-Fly Ash Composites Produced by Compocasting Method
Authors: Ervina Efzan M. N. , Siti Syazwani N. , Mustafa Al Bakri A. M. , Liew Kia Wai
Published: August 2019

Industrial and agro-wastes, such as fly ash, red mud, and rice husk ash, have become tremendous materials to be used as reinforcement in composite materials. In addition, these materials have potential to replace conventional ceramic reinforcement materials, such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon carbide (SiC), as they can produce better composite materials with excellent properties and reduce the cost of production. Among the various types of waste materials used, fly ash has gained the widespread attention of researchers in aluminum matrix composite (AMC) production as reinforcement to enhance the properties of AMCs and reduce the production cost. In this research, LM6 (aluminum-silicon) alloy was reinforced with different amounts (4, 5, and 6 wt. %) of fly ash. These various compositions of LM6 reinforced with fly ash composites (AMCs) were fabricated by a compocasting method. The AMCs were then characterized based on microstructural (morphology, shape and size of the structure, and structure of existing elements) and phase analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). The existence of fly ash particles and some intermetallic compounds, such as Al2O3, silicon oxide, aluminum silicate, aluminum silicon, and calcium silicide, in the fabricated AMCs were confirmed through an XRD pattern. The SEM micrograph revealed that the microstructure of fabricated AMCs was refined with the incorporation of fly ash particles. The size of silicon phases decreased from 50 (unreinforced LM6) to 2.12 μm (LM6 fly ash composite with 6 wt. % of fly ash). Hence, it is found that the incorporation of fly ash particles is able to enhance the microstructure of fabricated AMCs.
A Computational Model of Oxytocin Modulation of Olfactory Recognition Memory
Authors: Linster Christiane , Kelsch Wolfgang
Published: August 2019

Social recognition in mammals depends on complex interactions between sensory and other brain areas as well as modulatory inputs by specific neuropeptides such as oxytocin (OXT). Social recognition memory specifically has been shown to depend among others on olfactory processing, and can be probed using methods similar to those used when probing non-social odor memory. We here use a computational model of two interconnected olfactory networks in the mouse, the olfactory bulb (OB) and anterior olfactory nucleus, to propose a mechanism for olfactory short-term recognition memory and its modulation in social situations. Based on previous experiments, we propose one early locus for memory to be the OB. During social encounters in mice, pyramidal cells in the anterior olfactory nucleus, themselves driven by olfactory input, are rendered more excitable by OXT release, resulting in stronger feedback to OB local interneurons. This additional input to the OB creates stronger dynamics and improves signal-to-noise ratio of odor responses in the OB proper. As a consequence, mouse social olfactory memories are more strongly encoded and their duration is modulated.
Hyoscine Butylbromide and the Duration of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Ranjbaran Mehdi , Omani Samani Reza , Hafezi Maryam , Mansori Kamyar , Mahdavi Nader , Tola Hebteyes Hailu
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Hyoscine butylbromide is one of the drugs that is used to shorten prolonged labor and helps to decrease the complications and pain related to prolonged labor. To prescribe this drug, understanding its effect on the duration of labor is important through summarizing the available primary study results. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of hyoscine butylbromide in shortening the duration of labor through summarizing the available primary evidence. Materials and Methods: To this end, different electronic databases were searched including the International Scientific Indexing Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and Scopus in order to find English published articles during 2000-2017. The obtained data were by Stata software. Finally, the effect of hyoscine butylbromide was estimated by the mean difference (MD) and CI as the summary measures using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results: Based on the results, hyoscine butylbromide significantly reduced the duration of labor in the intervention group when compared to the placebo group in the first (MD = -67.77 minutes, 95% CI, -90.98 to -44.56) and second stages of labor (MD=-2.76 minutes, 95% CI, -4.79 to -0.74). However, it failed to significantly decrease the duration of labor in the third stage (MD = -0.45 minutes, 95% CI, -1.45 to 0.56) in the intervention group. Conclusions: In general, hyoscine butylbromide led to a significant reduction in the duration of labor in the first and second stages while it caused no significant decrease in its duration in the third stage. Thus, hyoscine butylbromide could be used for reducing labor duration in the first and second stages of delivery.
Quality of Life and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Review Study
Authors: Mokhlesi Samira , Simbar Masoumeh , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Kariman Nourossadat , Alavi Majd Hamid
Published: August 2019

Objectives: High-risk pregnancies can affect the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant women due to their complications. QOL involves different dimensions including physical, psychological, and social health of the individuals. Assessing the QOL, especially in mothers with gestational diabetes is important in planning for maternal and newborn care and understanding the need for care for policymakers and the health care association. Therefore, the present study aimed to review the effects of gestational diabetes on QOL during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In this study, articles indexed in several databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran were obtained among which, those related to the QOL of mothers with gestational diabetes were extracted and evaluated based on the aim of the study. Results: The series of the reviewed studies included 10 articles on the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of the QOL of mothers with gestational diabetes. Most of the examined articles failed to find any significant change in the physical dimension of QOL of mothers with gestational diabetes. The psychological effects of gestational diabetes were diverse and less understandable, therefore, different studies obtained contradictory results in this regard. Three out of four studies examining the social dimension of QOL of women with gestational diabetes showed that mothers’ QOL could be jeopardized by social dimension. Conclusions: In general, the results revealed that gestational diabetes could affect various physical, psychological, and social dimensions of the QOL of mothers. In addition, adequate education should be provided for mothers with diabetes in order to reduce their fear, anxiety, and depression concerning gestational diabetes.
Factors Influencing the Decision to Have Child Among Iranian Couples; An Online Survey
Authors: Jafarzadeh Esfehani Reza , Kamalimanesh Batool , Dashti Sareh , Jafarzadeh Esfehani Ali
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Total fertility rate (TFR) in Iran is declining to the lowest low level over the past 30 years. In order to increase the TFR, the influencing factors for willingness to have child should be identified. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence the willingness of Iranian men and women to have child. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on married Iranian men and women through an online survey. A questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, including age of subject, age of spouse, duration of marriage, number of children, education level of subjects and his/her spouse, current pregnancy status of subject or spouse, contraception use and type of contraception, and a validated questionnaire to identify the factors affecting willingness to have child in 4 domains (inter family factors, social factors, medical and parental factors and emotional and child related factors) were filled by subjects. Results: A total of 731 subjects (23.1% male and 66.9% female) answered the online questions. Mean age of subjects was 31.80 ± 6.83 years. Willingness to have child was significantly related to spousal age difference (P=0.002, odds ratio [OR] =0.90), number of children (P<0.001, OR=0.21), being pregnant (P<0.001, OR=82.91), level of education in spouse (P=0.03, OR=2.18), inter family factors score (P<0.001, OR=1.14), social factors score (P<0.001, OR=0.87) and emotional and child related factors (P<0.001, OR=1.52). Conclusions: This study revealed that willingness to have child in Iranian men and women is mostly influenced by personal and spousal factors.
Women’s Reproductive Empowerment: A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Females in Iran
Authors: Alishah Arezo , Ganji Jila , Mohammadpour Rezaali , Kiani Zahra , Shahhosseini Zohreh
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Women’s reproductive empowerment is an essential issue for good reproductive health which is affected by various socioeconomic and cultural factors. This study was designed to compare women’s reproductive empowerment in urban and rural areas. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical and correlational-type study, 810 women referring to health care centers in Sari were recruited through proportional cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire on women’s reproductive empowerment including cultural, individual-family, social, and family planning domains. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of women’s reproductive empowerment score was 91.46±13.14 (a 95% CIof 90.55-92.36) and no statistical difference was observed between the urban and rural women in this respect (P = 0.59). In addition, cultural and family planning domains obtained the highest 29.12 (5.80) and the lowest 17.55 (4.25) scores concerning reproductive empowerment, respectively. Therefore, women’s reproductive empowerment score was significantly correlated with the females’ employment status (P = 0.006) and their husbands’ levels of education (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Overall, the finding contributes to the discourse on women’s reproductive empowerment based on their residential area and thus adds to the limited literature on this issue in developing countries and Iran, in particular. Therefore, appropriate planning is required for women with various employment statuses and their spouses with different educational levels in order to improve their empowerment in terms of reproductive issues.
Experience of Childbirth With Birth Ball: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ghasab Shirazi Morvarid , Kohan Shahnaz , Firoozehchian Firoozeh , Ebrahimi Elham
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Childbearing is considered as a great event in the lives of many women while the effect of pain on this event is undeniable. Thus, the think of pain and how to overcome it has engaged the minds of women, their family, and health-care providers. The birth ball is one of the non-invasive methods of pain control. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the birth ball on the pain and self-efficacy of pregnant women during the childbirth process. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. A total of 178 participants were selected based on the specific selection criteria and randomly allocated to control and intervention groups. The women in the intervention group were asked to join a planned exercise with the birth ball including a 20-minute well-defined exercise three times a week for 6–8 weeks at home whereas those in the control group followed up the routine prenatal cares. The questionnaires were completed by the participants at the four and eight-centimeter cervical dilations. Results: Based on the results, birth ball exercises could significantly improve childbirth self-efficacy and pain so that labour pain was lower in this group of women as compared to the other group (P<0.001 in both cervical dilatations). In addition, the score of selfefficacy was higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Further, the result of generalized estimating equation model showed that birth ball exercise can decrease the childbirth pain. However, part of this effect may be related to an increase in the patients’ self-efficacy (30%-40%). Conclusions: In general, although birth ball exercise could decrease the childbirth pain, part of this effect was probably associated with an increase in self-efficacy of the patients.
Experiences of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Through the Perspective of United Arab Emirates Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Muhammad Ibrahim Fatima , Al Awar Shamsa Abdulmanan Abdul Rahman , Dehghan Nayeri Nahid , Al-Jefou Moamar , Ranjbar Fahimeh , Behboodi Moghadam Zahra
Published: August 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception and experience of recurrent pregnancy loss through the perspective of women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2017 and 12 women with recurrent miscarriage were interviewed, using purposive sampling method, in the Medical and Health Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology under the supervision of the UAE Medical University. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: Data analysis led to the extraction of three main themes, including endless pregnancy, thirst for support and affirmation, and religious beliefs. Conclusions: Overall, the experience of recurrent miscarriage means endless pregnancy from Arab women’s perspective, which awakened a thirst for support and affirmation. In this regard, the utilization of religious beliefs greatly reduced their pain. Therefore, knowing the dangers and consequences of recurrent miscarriages in Arab women, adopting preventative measures, and improving the quality of care in these vulnerable women require special attention.
Exploring the Reproductive Health Needs of Violent Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nayebi Nia Anvar Sadat , Dolatian Mahrokh , Hasanpoor-Azghady Seyedeh Batool , Ebadi Abbas , Akbarzadeh-Baghban Alirez
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Violence against women is one of the most serious social problems in any cultures and communities, affecting the reproductive health of this gender. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine the reproductive health needs of violent women. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted on 19 domestically abused women and 9 key informants. The study population was selected through purposive sampling technique and the data were collected to the point of saturation using unstructured individual interviews, observation, and field notes. Eventually, data were analyzed by MAXQDA software using conventional content analysis. Results: The main concepts obtained from the data were categorized into 5 major themes, including the need for motivating selfcare, empowering women against oppression, having a safe sex life, promoting the capacity of the reproductive health system in the support of domestically abused women, and training males to involve in reproductive health issues. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, domestic violence is probably related to specific reproductive health needs among females at individual, family, and society levels. Therefore, it is essential to determine the needs of domestically abused women in order to improve their general and reproductive health.
Etiology and Risk Factors Associated With Infertility
Authors: Moridi Azam , Roozbeh Nasibeh , Yaghoobi Halimeh , Soltani Shirin , Dashti Sareh , Shahrahmani Nasim , Banaei Mojdeh
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Infertility is one of the important complications in gynecology and the aim of the present study was to investigate the etiology and risk factors associated with infertility in the southern region of Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in infertility centers of Hormozgan University of Medical Science (HUMS). Totally, 250 infertile couples were included. The variables including socio-demographic characteristics, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and infertility status (e.g., type of fertility, duration, etc.) were assessed by a self-administered and validated questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22.0. Results: The most common causes of male and female infertility were varicocele (49.4%) and ovulation disorders (57.5%), respectively. There was a significant association between female factor infertility and level of education, age of women, women’s age at marriage, number of abortions, alcohol consumption, presence of an underlying disease, and BMI (P<0.005). There was also a significant relationship between male factor infertility and men’s job, addiction, smoking, and presence of an underlying disease (P<0.005). Conclusions: Considering various risk factors for infertility, an important step forward can be taken towards reducing the incidence of these risk factors by providing different education classes during pre-marriage, pre-partum, pregnancy and postpartum periods so as to inform couples of controllable risk factors.
The Study of Predictive Value of Uterine Artery Doppler in Incidence of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restrictions in Pregnant Women
Authors: Borna Sedigheh , Nasrolahi Shahla , Khansari Shahedeh
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Preeclampsia is considered as one of the most important causes of death among pregnant women all around the world. This study aimed to study the predictive value of uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography in the incidence of preeclampsia and the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in pregnant women who attended Fatemieh hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was performed by the prospective cohort method and the statistical population included 108 pregnant women, in their 18-22 weeks of pregnancy, with a singleton pregnancy who referred to the prenatal Fatemieh Hospital of Hamadan during 2013-2016. The uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography was performed and the incidence of IUGR and the occurrence of preeclampsia in the followed pregnancy was evaluated in these patients. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16.0 using the chi-square and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests. Results: The mean difference of pulsatility index (PI) in patients with preeclampsia was statistically significant compared to healthy individuals (P=0.001). In addition, the mean difference of PI in individuals with infants suffering from IUGR was statistically significant compared with the infants not suffering from the IUGR (P=0.001). Further, the incidence of preeclampsia and IUGR in women with a bilateral notch in ultrasonography was significantly greater than those of the women with no report of a bilateral notch in ultrasonography (P=0.001). Conclusions: Therefore, Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine artery has a predictive value in preeclampsia among pregnant women.
The Inhibitory Effect of Hsa-miR-330 Replacement on the Proliferation and Migration of Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Elham , Mansoori Behzad , Mohammadi Ali , Khaze Vahid , Rezazadeh Maryam , Baradaran Behzad
Published: August 2019

Objectives: miRNAs comprise a group of master gene expression regulators, exerting their effects after transcription through targeting specific mRNAs, hence, influencing cellular processes. A considerable number of miRNAs are known to affect cell proliferation and migration in breast cancer, one of which is hsa-miR-330, a key player in various types of cancers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-proliferative and anti-migrative effects of hsa-miR-330 on MCF-7 cell line. Materials and Methods: MCF-7 cells were transfected with pCMV-miR-330 vector and cell selection was performed in media containing Geneticin (G418). Subsequently, MTT assay was performed to evaluate the effect of hsa-miR-330 on proliferation and scratch wound healing assay was employed to evaluate cellular migration. Finally, using real-time PCR, the expression of hsamiR-330 as well as the repressive impact on the expression of E2F was investigated. Results: Upon confirmation of hsa-miR-330 induction in MCF-7 cells via GFP channel imaging system, miR-330 expression was demonstrated to be increased 10 folds in stable cells. The results of MTT and wound-healing assays demonstrated an inhibitory role for hsa-miR-330 in proliferation and migration of stable hsa-miR-330-transfected MCF-7 cancer cells compared to controls. In addition, after transfecting cells with hsa-miR-330, E2F1 was down-regulated in comparison with controls. Conclusions: Based on the results of the current study, we suggest a potential inhibitory role for hsa-miRNA-330 in cell proliferation as well as cell migration in breast cancer by targeting E2F1 mRNA. Additionally, a therapeutic role can be suggested for hsa-miR-330 in terms of target therapy for breast cancer.
The Effect of Sexual Counseling Based on PLISSIT Model on Sexual Function of Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Shahbazi Zhila , Farshbaf-Khalili Azizeh , Sattarzadeh Niloofar , Kamalifard Mahin
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Several factors, including pregnancy which is associated with physical, psychological, and hormonal changes, affect females and their sexual partners’ relation and function. This study aimed to investigate the effect of "permission, limited information, specific suggestions, intensive therapy" (PLISSIT)-based sexual counseling on the sexual function of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The present randomized controlled trial was performed on 70 pregnant women who had a sexual function score of less than the cut-off point within a gestation period of 16-20 weeks. The participants were randomly divided into intervention and control groups by the blocking method. The intervention group received individual counseling based on the PLISSIT model by a well-trained midwife while the control group only received the usual care for pregnancy. The primary outcome measures were the total score of female sexual function four weeks after the intervention. Finally, the data were collected using a questionnaire of personal and midwifery information, as well as the female sexual function index in previous stages and four weeks after the intervention. All analyses were based on the intention to treat the approach. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean total score of sexual function (adjusted mean difference: 9.07; 95% CI: 7.24 to 10.90) and all the sub-scales that intervention and control groups adjusted for baseline scores four weeks after the intervention (P<0.05). Consultation significantly reduced the frequency of sexual dysfunction and there was a significant difference between the 2 groups in this regard (P<0.001). Conclusions: Given the effect of sexual counseling on the improvement of sexual function of pregnant women based on the PLISSIT model, this approach is recommended during pregnancy.
The Effects of Endometrial Scratch on Pregnancy Rate in IUI Cycles
Authors: Hamdi Kobra , Moayyed Nia Nafiseh , Hakimi Parvin , Ghasemzadeh Alieh
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Infertility is considered as a major issue all over the world. All the studies in this field focus on how to develop successful methods of turning infertile couples into fertile ones. Endometrial mechanical injury in order to augment the probability of implantation of embryo and pregnancy rate has been particularly noted in recent years. Considering the controversies in the use of methods and results of the previous studies, we decided to compare the pregnancy and abortion rates in the intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles with and without intervention, by employing a new method. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was performed on 150 infertile couples who referred to the infertility treatment clinic of Al-Zahra hospital, Tabriz (from April 2016 to March 2017) and were randomly divided into two groups. The IUI procedure was carried out in the first group after the endometrial scratch on the first to fifth days of the menstrual cycle, while the control group underwent only IUI without any intervention. The pregnancy and abortion rates were compared in study groups. Results: Pregnancy rate in the intervention group was significantly higher compared to the control group. No relationship was observed between the abortion rate and the intervention. There was no statistically significant difference between type and cause of infertility, maternal age and body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility, number of dominant follicles and pregnancy or abortion rates. Conclusions: The endometrial scratching performed on the first to fifth days of the menstrual cycle, preceding IUI procedure, leads to a significant increase in pregnancy rate. On the other hand, this method can be employed with lower costs in comparison to other fertilization methods.
Efficacy of Combined Herbal Capsule on Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Eliasvandi Paria , Khodaie Laleh , Mohammad Alizadeh Charandabi Sakineh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Considering the prevalence of sexual problems in postmenopausal women as well as complications of hormone therapy, the tendency to use complementary medicine has increased. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of combined herbal drug on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: The present triple-blinded randomized controlled trial was done on 64 Iranian women in 2017. The women were randomly allocated to 2 groups of intervention (combined herbal capsules users) and control (placebo users). Herbal capsules contained carnation, Anise, Anison, violets, Terminalia chebula, fresh green raisins, Senna leaves, Tangerine and Golqand. Participants in both groups took 2 capsules twice a day (before lunch and before dinner) for 4 weeks. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was filled out before the intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the study groups in terms of socio-demographic properties, the total mean score of sexual function and its sub-domains before the intervention. Four weeks after the intervention, the total mean (SD) sexual function score was 26.99 (5.31) in the combined herbal capsule group and it was 18.35 (4.51) in the placebo group, so it was significantly higher in the combined herbal capsule group compared to the placebo group (adjusted mean difference=8.70; 95% CI=6.58-10.82). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the mean score of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain subscales between study groups after the intervention. Conclusions: The results of the study show that taking combined herbal capsules improved sexual function in postmenopausal women. However, further studies are necessary to decide on its use as an alternative medication for the improvement of sexual function.
Comparison of Induction Abortion in the First Trimester Using Misoprostol Alone and Misoprostol With Estrogen Priming
Authors: Teimoori Batool , Esmaeilpoor Maryam , Khaefi Ashkezari Azar , Farzaneh Farahnaz
Published: August 2019

Objectives: Miscarriage is defined as the loss of pregnancy before the 20 weeks of gestational age. This study was conducted to compare the induction abortion in the first trimester using misoprostol alone and misoprostol with estrogen priming. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in Ali ibn-e Abitalib hospital of Zahedan in 2017. A total of 100 women with missed abortions under 14 weeks of gestational age were evaluated. The women were randomly assigned into the misoprostol alone and misoprostol with estrogen priming groups. Ultrasound was done to evaluate the presence of remnants 4 hours after the abortion. If it was less than 10 mm, the abortion was considered successful. Results: The success rate was 38% in the misoprostol group and 86% in the misoprostol with estrogen priming group. Conclusions: Overall, this study showed that estrogen increases the success rate of abortion and reduces the time to abortion.
Bilateral Tubo-ovarian Abscesses After Intrauterine Insemination: A Case Report
Authors: Noori Narjes , Ghasemi Marzieh , Maleknejad Abdulbaset , Behnoud Nasim
Published: August 2019

Background: Infertility is commonly treated through intrauterine insemination (IUI). However, a limited number of reports are available regarding the infectious complications including IUI. Case Report: This study presented the cases of bilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses after IUIs in a 40-year-old woman with secondary infertility. In addition, salpingectomy and hysterectomy were needed despite treatment with triple antibiotic. Moreover, the diagnosis of tubo-ovarian abscesses was confirmed by means of pathological evaluations. Further, the patient responded well to antibiotic therapy following the surgery. Conclusions: Given the ascending trend of pelvic infections, the IUI-assisted violation of the natural cervical barrier can theoretically pose higher risks of this complication to the patients. Therefore, pelvic infections are highly recommended to be rejected before IUI. Finally, the diagnosis and intervention are necessary for minimizing morbidity and optimize treatment as well.
Clinicopathological features and survival for gallbladder NEN: a population-based study
Authors: Cen Dong , Liu Hui , Wan Zhe , Lin Zhongjie , Wang Yanting , Xu Junjie , Liang Yuelong
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Gallbladder neuroendocrine neoplasm (GB-NEN) is a relatively rare neoplasm, accounting for 0.5% of all neuroendocrine neoplasm cases and 2.1% of gallbladder cancers. Because of the limited understanding of GB-NEN, the aim of this study was to explore the clinicopathology and survival of GB-NEN patients selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Methods

A total of 248 GB-NEN patients from the SEER database diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were included. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to examine the survival time. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals to analyze the impact of factors on overall survival and cancer-specific survival.

Results

The majority of the GB-NEN patients were women (67.3%), white (77%), and married (61.7%). Most tumors were <2 cm in size (31.0%), G3 stage (25.8%), and distant SEER stage (41.1%). 62.9% and 64.5% of cases showed an absence of lymph node metastasis and tumor metastasis, respectively. Patients who received gallbladder surgery had significantly better survival outcomes (P < 0.001). However, patients who received both gallbladder surgery and lymph node resection did not have better survival outcome compared with patients who received only gallbladder surgery. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models indicated that older age, unmarried status, large tumor size (>5 cm), and distant SEER stage were significant independent predictors for decreased overall survival time and cancer-specific survival time (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Age, marital status, tumor size, and SEER stage were predictors for the survival of GB-NEN patients. Gallbladder surgery was associated with better survival, but the combination of gallbladder surgery and lymphadenectomy had no effect on survival outcomes.
Natural Variation and Genetic Determinants of Caenorhabditis elegans Sperm Size
Authors: Gimond Clotilde , Vielle Anne , Silva-Soares Nuno , Zdraljevic Stefan , McGrath Patrick T , Andersen Erik C , Braendle Christian
Published: August 2019

The diversity in sperm shape and size represents a powerful paradigm to understand how selection drives the evolutionary diversification of cell morphology. Experimental work on the sperm biology of the male-hermaphrodite nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has elucidated diverse factors important for sperm fertilization success, including the competitive superiority of larger sperm. Yet despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms regulating C. elegans sperm size and the genetic basis underlying natural variation in sperm size remain unknown. To address these questions, we quantified male sperm size variation of a worldwide panel of 97 genetically distinct C. elegans strains, allowing us to uncover significant genetic variation in male sperm size. Aiming to characterize the molecular genetic basis of C. elegans male sperm size variation using a genome-wide association study, we did not detect any significant quantitative trait loci. We therefore focused on the genetic analysis of pronounced sperm size differences observed between recently diverged laboratory strains (N2 vs. LSJ1/2). Using mutants and quantitative complementation tests, we demonstrate that variation in the gene nurf-1 underlies the evolution of small sperm in the LSJ lineage. Given the previous discovery that this same nurf-1 variation was central for hermaphrodite laboratory adaptation, the evolution of reduced male sperm size in LSJ strains likely reflects a pleiotropic consequence. Together, our results provide a comprehensive quantification of natural variation in C. elegans sperm size and first insights into the genetic determinants of Caenorhabditis sperm size, pointing at an involvement of the NURF chromatin remodeling complex.
Reconhecimento, identidade(s) e conflito social: debates a partir da teoria política e social
Authors: Kritsch Raquel , Ventura Raissa Wihby
Published: August 2019

Os debates identitários têm ocupado parte significativa das reflexões das ciências sociais nas últimas décadas, impulsionados em boa medida pelas formulações de autoras/es que se debruçaram sobre o tema do reconhecimento. As posições e as disputas são muitas e têm se avolumado sobremaneira, mas talvez seja possível ordenálas em torno de uma discussão comum, como propõe Rahel Jaeggi. Para tanto, optamos por reconstruir e interpretar as noções de reconhecimento e identidade propostas por Charles Taylor, Axel Honneth e Judith Butler, procurando mostrar que há uma conexão subjacente a essas perspectivas, raramente lidas como parte de uma mesma tradição, a saber, a herança hegeliana. Por fim, discutimos as diferenças substantivas entre uma noção positiva e outra negativa do reconhecimento e das identidades e apontamos as potencialidades de uma agenda de pesquisa em ciências sociais e humanas que adote algumas das premissas fundamentais do reconhecimento negativo.
Desastre socioambiental e Termo de Transação e Ajustamento de Conduta (TTAC) como instrumento de política pública: o caso da barragem de Fundão, MG
Authors: Zorzal e Silva Marta , Cayres Domitila Costa , Souza Luciana Andressa Martins
Published: August 2019

Este artigo inscreve-se na agenda de pesquisa dedicada à compreensão dos processos de governança e participação social nas políticas públicas que estão sendo formuladas e implementadas visando à reparação da bacia do rio Doce, localizada nos estados brasileiros de Minas Gerais e Espírito Santo, em razão do desastre socioambiental de grandes proporções, causado pelo rompimento da barragem de rejeitos de minérios das empresas Samarco S.A., Vale S. A., BHP Billiton Ltda., em Fundão (MG), no dia 5 de novembro de 2015. Com o objetivo de reparar e compensar os múltiplos prejuízos e agravos foi instituído um Termo de Transação e Ajustamento de Conduta (TTAC) entre o governo federal, os governos estaduais de Minas Gerais e Espírito Santo e as empresas mineradoras envolvidas. O artigo focaliza o TTAC como um instrumento de política pública e insere-se no debate sobre governança contemporânea. A análise está centrada no protagonismo tanto da Fundação Renova criada para a formulação e a implementação das políticas de restauração e de compensação, quanto nos órgãos públicos responsáveis pelo acompanhamento e fiscalização das diversas políticas instituídas. Quanto aos resultados, busca-se salientar aspectos que evidenciem os traços do desenho institucional do TTAC e do seu modus de governança, o qual vem sendo praticado desde a assinatura do referido acordo, bem como os desafios decorrentes das assimetrias existentes nas relações entre as empresas mineradoras e o poder público, de um lado, e os atingidos de outro.
Sustainable development in the shadow of climate change
Authors: Sťahel Richard
Published: August 2019

Development plans at different levels – from local to global – aspire to eliminate poverty, famine, to make health care accessible, to create better access to education, to improve transportation, employment, and the quality of life, all within next decades. Yet, these plans collide with the reality of climate change, more precisely the Anthropocene, which already creates high-dimensional conflicts. These will only intensify within decades because climate change and other consequences of the environment global devastation lead to a real decrease of resources. These resources enable not only development but also an elementary reproduction of the essential preconditions of life. The current model of development has substantially contributed to the intensification of unequal accessibility to resources and existing conflicts have thus heightened and new ones have emerged. Water as an essential resource will cause new conflicts. Growing population, expansion of deserts and a sea level rise then increase conflicts for the land. Heat waves occur more often which strengthens conflicts for land suitable for human life, meaning that inhabitable areas are spreading. Therefore there is a need to re-evaluate the character and hierarchy of resources and their accessibility, and also concepts of development. The existing development of humankind has been done at the expense of others in many cases and mainly at the expense of the environment. The current situation raises a question of climate justice from both historical and systematic viewpoints. It opens a need to reformulate the concept of human rights from the perspective of their essential environmental preconditions and to define the status of environmental migrants.
From Gandhi to Deendayal: contradictions of conservative Hindu tendencies in Indian environmental thinking
Authors: Krejčík Jiří
Published: August 2019

This article examines the traditionalist and conservative trends in the environmental thinking in India, especially in the works of M. K. Gandhi and Deendayal Upadhyay. Special attention is paid to the latter’s concept of integral humanism, which has recently become a widely discussed idea in the Indian public discourse. Exploring their ideological bases, Gandhian spiritual radicalism and Deendayal’s integral humanism are placed into the broader trend of the Indian nationalist and environmentalist thinking, showing the possible convergence of ecology and social conservatism. Analyzing the implications of the authoritarian and non-egalitarian tendencies in the society, it shows how the Indian environmentalist movements drawing on Brahminical traditions and Gandhian thinking become prone to be hijacked by the Hindu nationalism. *** De Gandhi a Deendayal: contradições nas tendências conservadoras hindus no pensamento ecológico indiano ***Este artigo examina as tendências tradicionalistas e conservadoras no pensamento ambiental na Índia, especialmente nos trabalhos de M. K. Gandhi e Deendayal Upadhyay. Uma atenção especial é dada ao conceito de humanismo integral, desse último autor, que recentemente se tornou uma ideia amplamente discutida no discurso público indiano. Explorando suas bases ideológicas, o radicalismo espiritual de Gandhi e o humanismo integral de Deendayal são colocados na tendência mais ampla do pensamento nacionalista e ambientalista indiano, mostrando a possível convergência da ecologia e do conservadorismo social. Analisando as implicações das tendências autoritárias e não-igualitárias na sociedade, isso mostra como os movimentos ambientalistas indianos, baseando-se nas tradições bramânicas e no pensamento de Gandhi, tendem a ser sequestrados pelo nacionalismo hindu.Palavras-chave: Índia. Ambientalismo. Tradicionalismo. Hinduísmo. Nacionalismo hindu. Humanismo integral.
Evolutionary ontology and biofile transformation of culture
Authors: Šmajs Josef
Published: August 2019

The author claims that two large transformations of the human adaptive strategy have occurred in the course of our species’ history: first, the self-preservation modification at the beginning of the anatomically modern humans’ origination; second, the spiritual abandonment of live nature two millennia before the end of the Neolithic culture. Moreover the third transformation, the shift from the predatory spiritual paradigm to the biofile paradigm, has to be undergone today. This transformation is specified with respect to the natural sciences and education system. *** Ontologia evolutiva e transformação biofílica da cultura ***O autor afirma que no curso da história da nossa espécie ocorreram duas grandes transformações na estratégia adaptativa humana: primeiro, a modificação da autopreservação no início da origem anatomicamente moderna dos humanos; segundo, o abandono espiritual da natureza viva dois milênios antes do fim da cultura neolítica. E a terceira transformação, esta a ser efetivada hoje, corresponde à mudança do paradigma espiritual predatório para o paradigma biofílico. Essa transformação é especificamente relativa às ciências naturais e ao sistema educacional.Palavras-chave: Ontologia evolutiva. Natureza. Cultura. Paradigma espiritual predatório. Paradigma espiritual biofílico.