bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of dialysis adequacy based on Kt/V and its related factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Guilan dialysis centers
Authors: Mortazavi Khatibani Seyyedeh Sahereh , Yaseri Maryam , Fayazi Haniyeh Sadat , Ramzanzadeh Elham , Hajipoor Azin
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Adequate and effective dialysis can improve patients’ quality of life and reduce kidney failure complications and mortality in end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate dialysis adequacy based on Kt/V and its related factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional, multi-center study was conducted during six months on hemodialysis patients referred to dialysis centers of the Guilan province in the north of Iran. Dialysis adequacy was evaluated using Kt/V (>1.2) criteria. Results: The mean Kt/V was 1.24±0.36 with a median of 1.2. Adequacy of dialysis was desirable in 51.2% of the patients. There was a significant and inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) and Kt/V (r=-0.139, P=0.013). The relationship between Kt/V criterion and pre-dialysis weight (r=-0.310, P=0.00) and post-dialysis weight (r=-0.314, P=0.00) were inverse. The Kt/V criterion was significantly associated with calcium (Ca) level and the patients with normal Ca level had a higher adequacy than those in the other levels of Ca [normal versus low level, mean difference (MD]: 0.19±0.06; normal versus high level, MD: 0.07±0.04, P<0.001). The Kt/V criterion was inversely related to blood pressure and temperature before and after dialysis (P<0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed a close correlation between blood pressure, Ca level and BMI with dialysis adequacy based on Kt/V criteria. The findings obtained here suggested treatment strategies based on correction of Ca levels, BMI and blood pressure prior to dialysis to increase the adequacy of dialysis.
Case report: rivaroxaban related nephropathy
Authors: Costa Luisa Lemos , Rodrigues Ana , Pinto Raquel , Lima Carla , Sousa Tânia , Viana Helena , Góis Mário , Lemos Sérgio , Silva Andreia
Published: May 2022

The characteristics of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) make them more appealing for prevention of thromboembolic events than vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Despite that, both classes have been a recognized as a cause of anticoagulant related nephropathy (ARN). Herein we describe a case of a 72-year-old man, with chronic kidney disease (CKD), medicated with rivaroxaban, who presented with acute kidney injury (AKI) and microscopic hematuria. The kidney biopsy revealed anticoagulant related-nephropathy. Rivaroxaban was suspended, the patient showed improvement of renal function and apixaban was prescribed. This case emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of serum creatinine when these drugs are prescribed, especially in high risk groups.
Determining sleep quality and investigating its relationship with various demographic and biochemical factors in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Etesami Samaneh , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Nasri Hamid
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Sleep disorders are one of the most common disorders among hemodialysis patients which is associated with the demographic and laboratory factors of such patients. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the quality of sleep and its relationship with some demographic and biochemical factors in a group of hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: This study is cross-sectional conducted on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who underwent regular and continuous hemodialysis in Amin hospital of Isfahan. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was completed face-to-face for each individual. Other data included age, hemoglobin and hematocrit, adequacy of hemodialysis, serum alkaline phosphatase, ferritin, iron, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and body mass index were receded too. Results: In this study, 110 hemodialysis patients were investigated (71 men). In this study, 41.8% of the patients had sleep disorder. We found, no difference between demographic and laboratory factors of patients with and without sleep disorder (P>0.05 for all parameters). No significant difference was detected among men and women regarding sleep disorder (P>0.05). Accordingly, no significant difference in sleep disorder between patients with and without diabetes was found too (P>0.05). However, our study showed a significant direct relationship between age and sleep disorder (P=0.026) particularly in women (P=0.011). Conclusion: Sleep disorder is common in patients undergoing hemodialysis and is directly related to the patients’ age; however, larger studies in this field are necessary.
Spondyloarthritis; clinical manifestations and evaluation of response to treatment in Iran
Authors: Montazeri Seyed Mohammad Hashem , Alavi Seyed Mojtaba , Radmard Fatemeh , Masoumi Maryam , Vahedian Mostafa
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Spondyloarthropathies (SpAs) are inflammatory diseases with symptoms such as spinal pain, sacroiliac, and peripheral involvement. The prevalence of SpAs is reported from 0.2% to 1.6%. SpAs can cause significant disabilities for patients. Its medical treatment is mainly with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) and anti-TNF drugs. Objectives: The primary purpose of this study is to carefully detect the clinical manifestations of patients, demographic characteristics, and the effectiveness of common medications in this disease. Patients and Methods: The present study is a retrospective descriptive study. The statistical population is 101 patients with SpA who have demographic information and items related to clinical conditions, radiographic findings and response to treatment. Results: One hundred one patients with SpA [46 (45.5%) female] with the age of 36.83± 10.45 years were studied. Around 66 patients (64.7%) had ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with the highest prevalence of AS. The most common clinical symptoms in patients were axial and peripheral/ extra-articular symptoms. The response to patients’ treatment were 61 patients (60.4%) had responded to the first stage of treatment, since only one patient needed to change the treatment steps in five times. Conclusion: We found, most patients with SpA were young patients. The most common radiological finding was Sacroiliitis. The most common clinical finding was extra-articular manifestations. Peripheral manifestations of the disease in women and axial images in men were common. The highest response to treatment was observed with the combination of indomethacin, sulfasalazine (SSZ) and indomethacin (alone).
Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance among the rural public in Mangaluru, India
Authors: Khelgi Amit , Huchchannavar Raghavendra , Mathew Milu Mary , Anandam Sathya
Published: May 2022

Introduction: India is a leading consumer of antibiotics; rational use of antibiotics is of prime importance. Objectives: The majority of the population in India resides in rural areas; hence this study was conducted to capture their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 130 randomly selected general public of rural Mangaluru. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s chi-square were employed in data analysis. Results: Adequate knowledge was observed only in 18.5% of the participants. Around 30.8% of participants thought antibiotics killed all germs while 23.8% were of no opinion. Furthermore, 60.8% thought that antibiotics speed up recovery from flu. Only about 23% thought frequent use of antibiotics would make the bacteria stronger and ineffective in the future. A minimal of 16.2% knew that antibiotic resistance is a global problem. About 52.3% preferred to take an antibiotic whenever they had the flu. However, 47% wanted to take it after doctors’ consultation. The study showed that compliance to complete the course was better when a doctor explained the proper use of the prescribed antibiotic. Additionally 31.5% opted for self-medication using the previous prescription and 21.5% took the antibiotics suggested by anyone other than the doctor. Conclusion: The study findings help re-evaluate the current public awareness activity and provide insight into some of the areas required to be focused on and aid the adequate legislative changes for a better outcome.
Determining the factors associated with the pattern and severity of coronary artery involvement in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Sotoudehnia Korani Setayesh , Behrooj Soudabeh , Farshidi Hossein , Khorrami Farid , Rezazadeh Roudkoli Ali
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Acute coronary artery syndrome is a term to describe a wide range of diseases associated with a sudden and severe decrease in blood flow to the heart. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the variables related to the severity and type of coronary artery involvement in patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients and Methods: This study is a retrospective analytical descriptive study. The statistical population of this study included patients who were admitted to the vascular ward of Shahid Mohammadi hospital in Bandar-Abbas during 2017-2020 with a diagnosis of the ACS and underwent coronary angiography. Results: In the study of the main vessel involvement, left anterior descending artery (LAD) with 38.15% and RCA with 23.97% were the most common vessels involved. The most involved vessels were LAD-right coronary artery (LAD-RCA) (8.61%), left circumflex artery (LCX) (7.95%), obtuse marginal artery (OM) (7.68%) and diagonal arteries (4.77%), respectively. The most common sites of involvement in Chen’s anterior descending vessel were the middle part of LAD (m.LAD), the proximal part of LAD (p.LAD), and then the distal part of LAD (d.LAD), respectively. Most of the places of conflict RCA, precisely similar to LAD, were the middle part of RCA (m.RCA), the proximal part of RCA (p.RCA) and the distal part of RCA (d.RCA). There was a statistically significant relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) according to age, gender, diabetes, blood pressure, family history and the number of vessels involved. There was no statistically significant relationship between the severity of coronary artery involvement, smoking and mean body mass index (BMI). Conclusion: As it is shown, our results were quite similar to other studies around the country. Hence, following the nationwide guidelines for treating CVD in this city seems rational and helpful.
Clinical profiles of patients with myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease in Iran
Authors: Rezazadeh Roudkoli Ali , Behrooj Soudabeh , Farshidi Hossein , Khorrami Farid , Sotoudehnia Korani Setayesh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) accounts for 5-15% of acute myocardial infarction (MI) cases. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and family history of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their association with gender in patients with MINOCA. Patients and Methods: Around 1772 patients entered this cross-sectional study. Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia was significantly higher in women compared to men (P<0.001). Smoking was more common in men than women (P<0.001). Results: Women with MINOCA are more likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes than men with MINOCA, whereas men are more likely to be smokers. Conclusion: Effective blood pressure control, correction of lipid profile and proper glycemic control can prevent MINOCA and its associated morbidities and mortality, especially in women.
Benefits of delayed revascularization following ligation of anterior descending artery after a stab wound
Authors: Beheshti Monfared Mahmoud , Hekmat Manouchehr , Ansari Aval Zahra , Ghaderi Hamid , Mirjafari Seyedeh Adeleh , Beheshti Monfared Reza
Published: May 2022

Penetrating cardiac trauma often results in death. However, in rare cases when patients survive, there is almost always a need for damage control by artery ligation. Following that, revascularization is recommended as soon as possible. The extent to which revascularization is effective has not yet been studied and agreed upon. A 24-year-old man with a penetrating stab wound to the heart and left anterior descending (LAD) artery received primary life-saving treatment with artery ligation and was then referred for revascularization. Nonetheless, the patient did not consent to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and was discharged against medical advice with ejection fraction (EF) of 20%. He returned three months later due to chest pain and heart failure, then underwent revascularization which increased the patient’s EF to 45% and significantly improved the symptoms. Although CABG revascularization is recommended as soon as possible after main coronary arteries are ligated, our patient showed that such patients benefit from delayed revascularization surgery and that they should not be deprived of its benefits only because of the long time passed.
Electron microscopy situation in the diagnosis of minimal change disease; a 16-year survey
Authors: Owji Seyed Mohammad , Raeisi Shahraki Hadi , Owji Seyed Hossein , Zahraei Seyed Ali Hossein , Shahriari Alireza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Minimal change disease (MCD) is one of the most common diseases affecting glomeruli and causing nephrotic syndrome in both adults and children. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of accordance between light, fluorescent, and electron microscopies in the diagnosis of MCD. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we investigated kidney biopsies which were sent to the referral electron microscopy unit (affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences) from 2001 to 2016. The final diagnosis of MCD was based on the electron microscopy (EM) study. For each patient, the primary light microscopy (LM) finding was compared with EM diagnosis. The available patients’ demographic, clinical, and paraclinical data were extracted. All the statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 19.0 and P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Among all 2865 kidney biopsies, the data of 143 (5.0%) patients with approved MCD by EM were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 23.1± 17.4 years since most of them were male (54.9%). Normal blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were observed in 76.6% and 78.6% of them respectively. Around, 140 (97.9%) of patients had no tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The role of EM in the diagnosis of MCD for 61 (50.0%) of cases were essential, for 61 (50.0%) cases were helpful while there was no case with the role of non-necessary. The immunofluorescence (IF) study was performed for 99 (69.2%) patients. Among them, it was negative for 60 (60.6%) of cases and was positive for IgM and C3 in 19 (19.2%) and 11 (11.1%) of cases respectively. The proportion of flank pain was significantly higher among adults. Conclusion: The importance of EM for the diagnosis of MCD is indispensable and undeniable; while LM is not capable of independently leading to a certain diagnosis of MCD. Considering the limitations of using EM, the results obtained from this study can help with the appropriate use of electron microscopy and help physicians to reach earlier diagnosed.
Investigation of factors affecting spontaneous ureteral stone excretion
Authors: Abedinzadeh Mehdi , Karami Hormoz , Gholami Javid , Maleki Hadi
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Various factors such as structure of stone, size, location of stone and metabolic diseases affect stone excretion. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate factors related to spontaneous ureteral stone excretion. Patients and Methods: This descriptive-analytical observational study was conducted in the university urology centers of Yazd, Iran, during a 16-month period. All patients presenting with unilateral ureteral stone whose ureteral stone was confirmed by CT scan or ultrasound were included in the study. Pregnant patients, patients with uncontrolled hypertension, patients with multiple urinary stones, patients with more than four weeks of history of urinary stones, patients with severe hydronephrosis, and patients with malformations of ureter and kidney were excluded from the study. Computed tomography and ultrasound of the patients evaluated the size of the stone, the location of the stone and the degree of hydronephrosis and also perinephric stranding. Results: In this study, 146 patients with mean age of 45.3±15.1 years (ranging from 11 to 84 years) were enrolled. CT scan and ultrasound were diagnostic in 121 (82.9%) and 25 patients (17.1%) respectively. In logistic regression model analysis, size less than 5mm, stone location and male gender and diabetes were significant predictors of spontaneous stone excretion, while size less than 5 mm was the strongest predictor. Conclusion: The strongest predictor of spontaneous excretion is the size of the stone and the next step is the location of the stone. Male gender and diabetes are also contributing factors to the spontaneous excretion of ureteral stones.
The influence of mean arterial blood pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass on post-operation acute kidney injury in hypertensive patients
Authors: Alavi Seyed Mostafa , Sanadgol Hoshang , Ziyaeifard Mohsen , Foroutan Mohammad Reza , Alizadeh-Ghavidel Alireza , Azarfarin Rasoul , Ghadrdoost Behshid , Noorzadeh Roshan Yusef , Varamini Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Over a period of time, kidney blood vessels will be damaged in those patients suffering from hypertension. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of mean arterial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP). Patients and Methods: The present observational prospective study was conducted on 90 high risk patients, having records of hypertension and being candidates for open heart surgery. Patients divided into three groups based on their mean arterial pressure (MAP), lower than 60 mmHg (first group), between 60 to 70 mm Hg (second group) and higher than 70 mm Hg (third group) respectively during cardiopulmonary bypass. Clinical outcomes being studied included cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) (RIFLE class), serum creatinine levels, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary output up to 24 hours after the surgery. Results: Data related to 90 case-patients have been analyzed. There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic information. Prevalence of AKI in preliminary course after cardiac surgery was different among the groups. AKI occurred in six patients (15%) of the first group, five patients (12.5%) of the second group and two patients (5%) of the third group (P = 0.03). There have been no differences in terms of serum creatinine levels, GFR and urinary output during 24 hours after cardiac surgery, among the groups. However, delta creatinine level and delta GFR were significant in those groups with MAP of lower than 60 mm Hg and also between 60-70 mm Hg. Conclusion: This study showed that MAP level during CBP directly affects occurrence of AKI in patients after open heart surgery. High risk patients such as those suffering from hypertension have to be constantly monitored during CBP regarding their MAP. We concluded that MAP drops to lower than 70 mm Hg has to be prevented in hypertensive patients.
Musculoskeletal manifestation of kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Mowla Karim , Shahbazian Hajieh , Sharif Najafi Asghar , Ghorbani Ali
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Kidney transplantation has been established as an effective treatment method for patients with end-stage renal disease. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints following kidney transplant. Patient and Methods: We designed a retrospective-descriptive study on kidney transplant recipients. This study was performed on medical records of 1189 kidney transplant patients referring to the kidney transplantation ward of Golestan hospital (Ahvaz, Iran). Results: The mean age of the participants was 42.8 ± 13.5 years. Out of the 1189 patients, 231 (22.3%) had musculoskeletal manifestations, with the most prevalent problem being non-inflammatory pain (41.4%). Additionally, degenerative joint disease, especially in the lumbar spine, was the most common clinical finding in this study (24%). Besides, hypovitaminose D (71.4%) and elevated parathyroid hormone levels (51.3%) and hyperuricemia (50.8%) were the most common laboratory abnormalities observed in our patients. Conclusion: Approximately 22.3% of our renal transplant patients had musculoskeletal manifestations. Attention to earlier detection of these manifestations through regular examinations would reduce the complications and burden of the disease.
Ameliorative impact of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in diabetic kidney disease; a mini- review to current evidence
Authors: Jahangiri Dorsa , Najmaldin Atousa , Bhaskar Lakkakula VKS
Published: May 2022

The sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new class of antidiabetic agents. SGLT2i are able to inhibit SGLT2 transporter in renal tissue, increasing glycosuria and reducing blood sugar. These drugs act by inhibiting the SGLT2 in renal proximal epithelial tubular cells. SGLT2i are found to have beneficial effect on chronic renal failure caused by diabetic nephropathy.
Effect of vitamin D treatment on magnesium levels in chronic hemodialysis patient; a double blind controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ahmadi Halili Shahla , Ghorbani Ali , Hamreh Ebrahim , Sabetnia Leila , Hayati Fatemeh , Hoseinynejad Khojasteh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The homeostasis of magnesium (Mg) is impaired in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and it has been suggested that intestinal absorption of Mg may be affected by vitamin D status. 25-Hydroxy vitamin D or 25(OH)D deficiency is common in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis; however the efficacy of nutritional vitamin D supplementation on Mg level in this population remains uncertain. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin D treatment on Mg levels in chronic hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 69 chronic hemodialysis patients (mean age of 56.93 ±12.26 years) with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels <30 ng/mL. The patients were randomly assigned to one of treatment groups of oral vitamin D3- 50 000 units per week (n=35; experimental group) or 500 mg calcium D3 tablets, every 12 hours (n=34; control group) for three months. At the beginning and end of the treatment period, the levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and the levels of Mg, calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured in two groups. Results: In both groups, serum vitamin D levels increased significantly after treatment (P<0.0001 for both groups), however after three months of treatment, in the experimental group the levels of vitamin D were significantly higher than the patients in the control group (57 ng/mL versus 28 ng/mL; P<0.0001) and the median increase of vitamin D after treatment in the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (40 ng/mL versus 10.5; P<0.0001). Serum Mg levels before and after treatment were not significantly different between two groups (P=0.880 and P=0.434). In this study, we found no significant correlation between serum vitamin D level with serum Mg, calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid Hormone levels (P>0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that oral vitamin D therapy can increase 25(OH)D levels in maintenance hemodialysis patients without significant alterations in serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium and parathyroid hormone during a 12-week period. Trial Registration: Registration of trial protocol has been approved by the Iranian registry of clinical trial (#IRCT20210314050698N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/55159, local ethical code# IR.SKUMS.REC.1397.181).
Analysis of glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphisms in kidney recipients with post-transplant diabetes
Authors: Etemadi Jalal , Abediazar Sima , Majidi Taraneh , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Motavalli Roza , Niknafs Bahram , Jafari Nakhjavani Mohamadreza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a severe and common metabolic problem after transplantation. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is encoded by the NR3C1 gene and it seems that polymorphisms in this gene lead to altering insulin sensitivity. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of four common polymorphisms in the NR3C1 gene of renal recipients with and without PTDM. Patients and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 32 PTDM and 59 non-diabetic renal-transplanted patients. After DNA extraction, DNA fragments were amplified and directly sequenced using specific primers. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 22.0 software. Results: There was no significant correlation between diabetes incidence and the four investigated polymorphisms of the GR gene. Nevertheless, diabetic patients’ age was higher than non-diabetic patients. Additionally, transplant acute rejection (AR) in diabetic patients was found to be more than non-diabetic patients. Conclusion: Based on gathered information in this research, none of the studied polymorphisms affected the development of PTDM. Further investigations should be conducted in a large sample size.
COVID-19-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); a case report
Authors: Hajigholami Ali , Ansari Hourieh , Ansari Sakineh , Hassanzadeh Shakiba
Published: May 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is the largest infectious crisis in the present century. It has been reported that COVID-19 infection may trigger autoimmune diseases. Herein, we report a 68-year-old male that was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) following COVID-19 infection. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case of COVID-19-associated TTP. More attention is required regarding the possibility of developing TTP in COVID-19 patients, especially with the presence of decreased consciousness and low levels of hemoglobin and platelet.
Ameliorative effects of pirfenidone in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ghodrati Samad , Ragati Haghi Yeganeh , Baharani Jyoti , Joseph Akshaya , Alimohammadi Niloufar , Koosha Farzad , Mostafavi Leila , Pezeshgi Aiyoub
Published: May 2022

Renal fibrosis is the hallmark of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and plays a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of CKD to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The molecular and cellular substances of kidney fibrosis include growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), alongside cytokines (like interleukin-1b) and metalloproteinases. Therefore, these factors can be evaluated as possible targets for anti-fibrotic agents. Among the mediators of fibrosis, TGF-β is the dominant facilitator of renal fibrosis that induces ECM construction and accumulation. Numerous studies have focused on the inhibition of TGF-β and its downstream targets for the treatment of renal disease. Abolition of TGF-β mRNA expression was found to be the mechanism of anti-fibrotic drug, pirfenidone, in the heart and kidneys of diabetic rats. Various investigations have shown the impact of pirfenidone in diminishing kidney fibrosis, with studies containing patients diagnosed with subtotal nephrectomy, diabetic kidney disease and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), administered drugs such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, doxorubicin and vanadate. Several therapeutic drugs for fibrosis reduce only one of the oxidative, inflammatory or profibrogenic markers, while pirfenidone targets all three of these markers and therefore, seems to be a particularly valuable drug.
Geographical accessibility to the hemodialysis centers in Ardabil, Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Maryam , Mashoufi Mehrnaz , Barzegari Saeed , Mohammadi Kebar Sousan , Hoseininia Saeed , Hassanlouei Babak , Setayeshi Nesaz Hassan , Barzegari Reza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Hemodialysis patients should receive hemodialysis three times per week and 140- 160 times annually. The financial and temporal costs of continuing travel to hemodialysis centers affect the type of vascular access, treatment coherence, geographical distribution and mortality of patients. Objectives: In this study, the spatial distribution and geographical accessibility of patients to the hemodialysis center and its effect on mortality and vascular access have been investigated. Patients and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 315 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis in Bou-Ali hospital of Ardabil. Accessibility to the hemodialysis center was determined by calculating the time spent from the residence to the treatment center and analyzed by ArcGIS-10. In this study, accessibility was considered in less than 10 minutes. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between spatial accessibility and mortality and vascular access. To verify the correlation between different variables, Pearson’s correlation, Phi and Cramer’s V, and Eta tests were applied. Results: Among 315 patients, 161 patients (51.1%) were male and 277 (87.9%) patients were married. The mean age of patients was 62.7 ± 16.6 years. There were 170 illiterate patients (54%), 275 patients living in urban area (87.3%) and 132 patients as housewife (41.9%). Hospital records, showed 186 patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) (59%), 113 patients with central venous catheter (35.9%), since in 16 patients type of vascular access (5.1%) was not mentioned. Twenty patients (6.3%) died due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), of which 11 were female. Additionally, eight patients (2.5%) were forced to migrate to nearby areas due to inappropriate accessibility to the hemodialysis services. The results showed a negative correlation between proximity to hemodialysis center and the prevalence of hemodialysis in women and men and the number of population in each time period. The spatial accessibility to the hemodialysis center did not correlate with the patient’s mortality and type of vascular access. Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of hemodialysis patients in the vicinity of the hemodialysis center, there is a concern that ESRD patients in rural or remote areas are not properly diagnosed or died without referral to health centers. It can be declared that one of the main reasons for the low-prevalence in remote areas is the issue of spatial accessibility. The results of this study indicated the need for further studies on the prevalence and identification of ESRD in rural areas and the causes of the disease, in order to clarify the issue’s dimensions.
Evaluation of risk factors for catheter-related infections with gram-negative bacteria in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Malakoutian Tahereh , Zahmatkesh Mehdi , Kabir Ali
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Catheter infection is due to gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria, and fungi. Gram-positive bacteria are the most prevalent cause of catheter infection, although gram-negative bacteria seem to have escalated in recent years, which may have numerous risk factors. In this report, we intended to study these risk factors. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for catheter-related infections caused by gram-negative bacteria in hemodialysis patients, to prevent catheter-related infections, which are unfortunately abundant. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on128 hemodialysis patients known cases Hasheminejad hospital in Tehran, Iran in 2019. Patients were assigned into two groups as the case group (catheter-related infection caused by gram-negative bacteria) (n=64) and the control group (catheter-related infection caused by gram-positive bacteria) (n=64). Risk factors for catheter-related infection, including hemoglobin, phosphorus, albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), catheter insertion site, urinary tract infection (UTI), urinary tract manipulation, and urinary tract anomalies were obtained and analyzed via SPSS version 26. Results: Two groups were significantly different in serum albumin level (3.7±0.5 g/dL in gram-negative group and 3.9 ± 0.5 g/dL in gram-positive group; P=0.009) and in UTI (23.4 % in gram-negative group and 7.8 % in gram-positive group; P=0.015). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in serum ferritin, phosphorus, ESR, CRP, TIBC, duration, and site of catheter insertion. Regression analysis shows that, for every unit increase in albumin, the chance of developing a gram-negative catheter infection is 0.356, or about one-third. In other words, with decreasing each unit of albumin, the chance of a gram-negative catheter infection is 2.8 times (reverse 0.356). Conclusion: Serum albumin levels were significantly low in gram-negative group. Moreover, UTIs were significantly higher in this group. It is also important to consider hypoalbuminemia and UTI as risk factors for catheter infection with gram-negative bacteria.
Battery Thermal Management System for Electric Vehicles: A Brief Review
Authors: Artur Sales Carlos Maia de Amorim  , Fernando Luiz Pellegrini Pessoa  , Ewerton Emmanuel da Silva Calixto
Published: May 2022

Battery is the heart of an electric vehicle. The global growth of electrification in the automotive market makes improvements in battery health and longevity a vital aspect to consider to accommodate this growing demand. This paper presents a qualitative literature review on different battery thermal management systems (BTMS) for electrified vehicles. Different works in the literature were examined to determine the types of BTMS to be considered and their main characteristics. As a result, we listed different types of BTMS with their main characteristics. This brief review can support the research about battery thermal management systems as a summary of the state-of-the-art on this topic.
PERTIMBANGAN HAKIM DALAM MENJATUHKAN TALAK SATU TERHADAP TALAK YANG DI UCAPKAN TIGA SEKALIGUS (STUDI PUTUSAN NOMOR 28/PDT.6/2017/MS LSM)
Authors: Isnanda Andi , Aksa Fauzah Nur
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini mengkaji tentang analisis pertimbangan hakim tentang talak yang di jatuhkan satu  tetapi di hitung tiga sekaligus  oleh Hakim di Mahkamah Syariyah dalam putusan nomor 28/PDT.6/2017/MS LSM. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui pertimbangan Hakim Mahkamah Syar’iyah dalam menjatuhkan talak satu, terhadap talak yang di ucapkan tiga oleh suami di luar Mahkamah Syar’iyah dan untuk mengetahui dampak yang terjadi di masyarakat. Metode Penelitian ini merupakan metode penelitian yuridis empiris (sosiologis) dengan pendekatan kualitatif Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pertimbangan Hakim Mahkamah Syar’iyah dalam menjatuhkan talak satu, terhadap talak yang di ucapkan tiga oleh suami di luar Mahkamah Syar’iyah mengacu pada Undang-Undang Perkawinan Tahun 1974 sesuai dengan asas mempersukar perceraian. Dampak yang terjadi di masyarakat terhadap penjatuhan ikrar talak Satu oleh Hakim Mahkamah Syar’iyah terhadap talak yang di ucapkan tiga yang dilakukan di luar Mahkamah Syar’iyah diantaranya menjadi permasalahan yang rumit di tengah masyarakat yang mayoritas beragama Islam dan bermazhab Syafi’i karena talak yang diucap tiga sekaligus di anggap sah dan putusan ikrar talak satu oleh Mahkamah Syar’iyah tidak diakui dalam masyarakat serta menimbulkan efek bagi keluarga yang menerima putusan tersebut.
POLITIK HUKUM DIUNDANGKANNYA QANUN NOMOR 11 TAHUN 2018 TENTANG LEMBAGA KEUANGAN SYARI’AH (LKS) DI PROVINSI ACEH
Authors: Lestari Rachmatika , Aulia Eza , Effida Dara Quthni
Published: May 2022

In the section weighing Qanun Aceh Number 11 of 2018 on Islamic Financial Institutions (LKS) states that the juridical reason of the establishment of Qanun LKS is a follow-up to the implementation of Article 21 Qanun Aceh Number 8 of 2014 on the Principals of Islamic Shari'ah. After the promulging of Qanun LKS, many Conventional Bank Financial Institutions in Aceh decided to close their business in Aceh, so that if people still want to use conventional bank services, then the transaction must be done outside Aceh. In fact, almost all business actors in Aceh's economic activities are connected to outside areas, while in outside areas many business actors, especially corporations, have not fully used the Shari'ah banking system. The formulation of the problems discussed in this study is: "Is the legal politics promulgated Qanun Aceh Number 11 of 2018 on Islamic Financial Institutions has been able to improve the economy in Aceh?". The research method used in this research is normative-empirical research on the implementation of normative law provisions (laws) in action on any particular legal event that occurs in a society with a Live Case Study approach, which is an approach to a legal event whose process is still ongoing or has not ended. The results showed that in practice Aceh's economic independence is still very low, in the case of business actors, many obstacles are experienced in the services of Islamic banks, including difficulty making transactions with partners from outside Aceh who generally use conventional bank accounts. The advice given in this study is that conventional financial institutions that have been established in Aceh in facilitating the transactions of business people in Aceh and to succeed financial institutions based on islamic sharia principles only need to open Sharia business units from their conventional financial institutions that have been formed, this is in accordance with the mandate of Article 21 Qanun Aceh Number 8 of 2014 on The Principals of Islamic Shari'ah which is the basis or juridical reason of the establishment of Qanun LKS so that for business actors who transact with business actors outside Aceh who predominantly have not used shari'ah financial institutions can be facilitated in conducting business transactions, so that this will have an final impact on improving the economy in Aceh.
PERBUATAN MELAWAN HUKUM MATERIL TERHADAP TINDAKAN MENGAMBIL BRONDOLAN SAWIT (STUDI KASUS KABUPATEN NAGAN RAYA DESA LAMIE)
Authors: Adabi Muhammad Ikhwan , Darussman S Chandra , Djusfi Apri Rotin , Ath Thariq Phoenna , Aulia Eza , Jalaluddin Jalaluddin
Published: May 2022

An act against the material law in criminal law is that a person commits an act against the law living in society (unwritten law). So if a person's actions are not against an unwritten law, then he cannot be punished. The author wants to investigate whether the theft of loose palm oil in Lamie Village is an act against the law or not. The author's initial hypothesis is that in several plantations in Lamie Village, after harvest workers have finished harvesting palm oil where they work, there is a habit of harvesting workers choosing loose palm kernels that have fallen to the ground and then sold. The research method in this writing is through an empirical juridical approach. This research was conducted by enforcing or applying normative law into legal relationships in society. The results of the study said that all garden owners in Lamie Village with a land area of 3 ha and above allowed harvesters to take loose palm oil. So the harvester's actions are not against the unwritten law. Then, some garden owners whose land area is 3 ha and below must have prior permission from the garden owner. If the permit is given then it does not violate the unwritten law, but on the contrary if the permission is not given then the perpetrator may be subject to Article 362 of the Criminal Code concerning theft.
Secure Data Transformation and Remove the Anomalies in Cloud Computing
Authors: Dinakar Rachapalle , Srineenivasan Dr. J.
Published: May 2022

In this article, I focus on the problem of verifiable outsourced data deletion, insert and update in cloud computing. If the cloud server does not honestly maintain/delete the data and generate corresponding evidences, users can easily detect the cloud server's malicious behaviours with an overwhelming probability. I propose an efficient fine-grained outsourced data anomalies scheme based on a Bloom filter that can also achieve public and private verifiability of the storage and deletion results. Cloud storage, one of the most attractive services offered by cloud computing, can provide users with boundless storage capacity.
Simulation and Experimental Study on Rock Disintegration Characteristics of Special-shaped PDC Cutters
Authors: JU Pei , TİAN Dongzhuang , TİAN Hongjie
Published: May 2022

In order to analyze the rock disintegration characteristics of special-shaped Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) cutters, numerical simulation and micro-drilling test on four kinds of special-shaped PDC cutters are carried out. Simulation results show that, the surface stress of each PDC cutter is quite different. For the dual-chamfer PDC cutter, the second chamfer can expand the stress on the cutting edge to a larger area; for the conical PDC cutter, the maximum stress is concentrated at the tip of the cone; for the ridged PDC cutter, the stress is distributed in a triangular fan shape from the lower edge of the cutting edge upward along the ridge, and for the triangular ridge PDC cutter, the stress is mainly distributed on the lowermost ridge. The conical PDC cutter has advantages in rock disintegration stability and efficiency, but it requires a higher weight on bit; the ridged PDC cutter has advantage in rock disintegration efficiency, but it tends to swing sideways when breaking rock; the dual-chamfer structure of PDC cutter is beneficial to extend the cutter’s life, but its rock disintegration efficiency is poor. Anchor bits with these special-shaped PDC cutters are produced, and electro-hydraulic micro-drilling test are carried out, the results of micro-drilling test and numerical simulation show the same law excluding conical PDC cutter. The research results can provide guidance for the application of special-shaped PDC cutters in drill bit.
The Development of KlikMPK as an Affective Evaluation Platform for Indonesian Personality Development Course
Authors: Wirahyuni Kadek , Suandi I Nengah , Martha I Nengah , Sudiana I Nyoman
Published: May 2022

This research aimed to describe and analyze the results of developing an instrument, and an effective evaluation platform for Indonesian courses as a Personality and Development Courses at Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha called KlikMPK. This research was a type of research and development with the ADDIE model. This research involved two media experts. Research data were obtained from observations and questionnaires, then analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results of this study indicated that 1) the advantages of the KlikMPK platform are that it is open-source, flexible and easy to use, secure and integrated;  has plugin support and is easy to customize;  as well as mobile-friendly and laptop support. 2) KlikMPK affective evaluation platform has a valid validity level with a score of 94.64.  3) The stages of development carried out include five stages in accordance with the ADDIE model. Thus, this platform can be used to evaluate the affective domain of students in Indonesian learning as Personality and Development Courses.
Lexical Density and Readability of the Facil’s ‘Advanced Learning Textbook’ for Indonesian High School Students
Authors: Rizkiani Dita , Mahdi Sutiono , Sujatna Eva Tuckyta Sari
Published: May 2022

This article discusses the lexical density and readability levels in Facil's 'Advanced Learning English textbook for high school students in grade XI. The documents of this study were 11 reading texts selected from each chapter in the 'Advanced Learning English 2' textbook. This study's objectives are to (1) determine the average lexical density of selected reading passages from English textbooks and (2) determine the next level of this book and whether it is appropriate for high school students class XI. Grounded on Ure’s (1971) text analysis, the researchers analyzed the lexical density of the reading text. Meanwhile, to determine readability level, Flesch’s (1994) reading ease scale formula was utilized. After carefully analyzing the data, it was discovered that almost all texts had a high lexical density. The average reading text in this book has a higher lexical density level than 40%. Additionally, eleven reading texts are classified into five levels based on the Flesch reading ease formula's results: easy for one text, fairly easy for three texts, and difficult for four texts. For two texts, the difficulty level is standard; for three texts, the difficulty level is fairly difficult; and for two, the difficulty level is difficult. Therefore, reading texts in this book is considered appropriate for high school students’ learning process because each text has a different and gradual difficulty level.
Framing the Image of Madrasah amid Covid-19 Pandemic: The Principal’s Roles
Authors: Majir Abdul , Anwar Khairul , Habibi Surya , Prasetyo Muhammad Anggung Manumanoso
Published: May 2022

This study aims to reveal the strategy of Madrasah Principal in improving the image of a Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) in Manggarai Ruteng during the current Covid 19 pandemic. This research uses a qualitative approach with the type of case study. Data collecting use interview, observation, and documentation techniques. While the data analysis technique, the researchers use an interactive analysis model consisting of four interrelated components: data collection, data simplification, data exposure, drawing and submitting conclusions. The results showed that: (1) the strategy of the principal of the madrasa in building the image was carried out in three stages, (a) studying various strengths and weaknesses of the Madrasah, (b) improving the internal condition of the Madrasah both in terms of physical and non-physical aspects, and (c) to promote and introduce Madrasah to the public. (2) The strategy of the principal in improving the image of the Madrasah is through two steps, (a) internal step to strengthen the Madrasah and (b) external Madrasah to show the Madrasah to the community. (3) the impact that arises from the image: (a) Realizing quality Madrasah that can meet the educational needs of the community, (b) Improving the quality of public education, (c) A religious community culture is the main driving force for Madrasah to become a centre for religious activities, and (d) Increase public confidence in the existence of Madrasah with evidence that the number of students increases every year.