bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ideas about the fate in traditional culture of Ukrainians
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Belova Anastasia , Gromova Natalia ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Published: May 2022

Understanding the concept of «fate» for representatives of traditional Ukrainian society had several options. For the average person, this word can mean the course of events, coincidences, the direction of life, which are completely independent of the desires and will of a man. The article considers aspects of the semantic meaning of the concept of destiny for Ukrainians in the linguistic and mythological aspect. This topic cannot be considered fully disclosed in the scientific literature. Studies on this phenomenon are often descriptive works, containing accumulations of rich folklore material, mainly in the form of fairy tales and songs. Theoretical elaboration of folklore materials, which creates a full picture of a variety of meanings, that give them a phenomenon, we can meet quite rarely. The article is based on the analysis of folklore material in the form of fairy tales, lyrics and paremias, collected in different times: from the end of the XIX century up to the beginning of the XXI century, and, as well, at the works of individual ethnographers, where fate is described as a strong part of a construct of mythological beliefs. In the course of the research, the authors find out that the idea of destiny has various factors of formation. Perceptions of destiny as a structural part of the traditional worldview are binary in nature, expressed in a clear distinction between «good» and «bad» in this area, but the word itself does not have a clear negative or positive meaning. Meanings often depend on circumstances and epithets, provided in a given situation. The ideas about the peculiarities of the formation of human destiny and the factors that were perceived as able to influence it are considered. The ambivalent attitude of the people to the immutability of human destiny is traced. In folklore we can find many examples of how fate can be changed. Researchers have paid special attention to the characteristics of destiny as a character that brings it closer and combines it, in a sense, with other mythological creatures, such as Friday, ancestral spirits, house spirit «domovyk» and relative to it «hodovanets». In conclusion, the authors made an attempt to systematize the available data and to create a definition of the concept of «fate», which would reflect a generalized version of the ideas that existed in Ukrainian society. There are two definitions, according to such aspects as mythological meaning and everyday language use.
Performance Comparison of Impedance-Based Fault Location Methods for Transmission Line
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Quy Nhon University, Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh, Vietnam, Khoa Ngo Minh , Cuong Mai Vu , Cuong Huynh Quoc , Hieu Nguyen Truong Tan
Published: May 2022

Electric transmission lines play a very essential role in transmitting power energy from generation centers to consumption regions. They can be exposed to fault occurrences due to various reasons, such as lightning strikes, malfunction of components, and human errors. Since fault is unpredictable, a fast fault location method is required to minimize the impact of fault in power systems. This paper presents a research work for comparing the performance of the impedance-based fault location methods, in which the impedance parameter of the faulted line section is calculated as a measure of the distance to the fault. To evaluate the capability of the methods for correctly detecting and locating the fault locations, comprehensive simulation results are carried out. This computation is based on modeling and simulating a three-phase 220kV overhead transmission line in the Matlab/Simulink software. Short circuits which occur in various fault resistances and locations along the transmission line are emulated to investigate several case studies and the accuracy of fault location determination is calculated to compare the performance among these fault location methods.
Emergency medicine journey in Turkey: almost thirty years with humble enthusiasm
Authors: Karcioglu Ozgur
Published: May 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
Ultrasound versus computed tomography scan findings in pediatric blunt abdominal traumas
Authors: Sultanoğlu Hasan , Başaran Ayşe , Hekimoğlu Azad , Arslan Engin Deniz , Özkan Seda
Published: May 2022

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the performance of ultrasonography (US) versus computed tomography (CT) scan in detecting intra-abdominal injury among pediatric patients with blunt abdominal trauma.
Methods: Pediatric patients aged<18, who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) due to blunt abdominal trauma and underwent both US and CT scan were evaluated retrospectively.
Results: A total of 732 pediatric patients were included in this study. Pathology was detected on US of 418 (57.1%) cases, whereas, intra-abdominal pathology was detected in CT scan of 359 (48.7%) cases. The sensitivity of US in detecting pathology (fluid and/or organ injury) was 95.3%, and its specificity was 79.6%. The sensitivity of US in detecting free fluid was 94.9%, and its specificity was 80.5%. In hemodynamically unstable and stable patients, the sensitivities of US in detection of pathology (fluid and/or organ injury) were 97.6% and 91.6%, and its specificities were 74.3% and 80.9%, respectively.
Conclusion: In our study, the sensitivity of US in terms of detecting pathology in pediatrics with blunt abdominal trauma was high, whereas the specificity of US was low.
Developing and validating a checklist for assessing the performance of air ambulance services
Authors: Jafari Hasan , Askari Roohollah , Montazeralfaraj Razieh , Pahlavanpoor Saeed Reza , Alsadat Kalantarzadeh Zahra
Published: May 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a checklist for assessing the performance of air ambulance services.
Method: This is a qualitative study. The first phase involved a review of existing documentation about air emergency standards to create a checklist of the most critical factors and components affecting the performance of air ambulance services. The second phase required experts to complete a performance evaluation checklist from the previous phase. The third phase utilized the Delphi technique to validate the performance evaluation checklist for air ambulance services. The experts in this study were 24 pundits with a vested interest in the subject.
Results: A total of 31 items exist in the area of helipad-related facilities, 17 items in the area of process requirements for medical centers with helicopter landing areas, 15 items in the category of human resources for air ambulances, 10 items in the category of human resources for receiving or delivering patients from air ambulances to medical centers, 27 items in the area of base equipment, 17 items in the area of helicopter equipment, and requirements, 14 items in the category of technical, communication, and safety equipment for use inside the helicopter, 1o items dealing with time standards, 11 items dealing with road and urban base requirements for air ambulance operations. Experts approved two items in the area of utilizing other rescue and law enforcement agencies to assist and cooperate with air emergency flights and two items in the area of comfort for conscious patients to alleviate stress during flight.
Conclusion: A performance evaluation checklist is an effective tool for evaluating the quantity and quality of emergency helicopter services provided and measuring their performance.
Is prior use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors associated with more favourable outcome in COVID-19 hospitalized patients?
Authors: Mehrabi Nejad Mohammad-Mehdi , Bagheri Hamed , Mousavi Seyyed Hosein , Salahshour Faeze , Ayoobi Yazdi Niloofar , Shekarchi Babak
Published: May 2022

Objective: We aimed to investigate the extent of pulmonary involvement and adverse outcomes in patients receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/ angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) versus who did not, in hospitalized coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.
Methods: All COVID-19 patients with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, who were admitted to our tertiary referral hospitals in Tehran, Iran between January 2021 and May 2021, and had an on-admission chest computed tomography (CT) scan, were included. The patients were divided into two groups (receiving ACEI/ARB and who did not) for further analysis. The outcomes of interest in our study were the extent of pulmonary involvement, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death.
Results: A total of 893 participants (mean age of 58.6±15.4 years; female, 522 (58.4%)) were enrolled. Among them, 368 (41.2%) participants had hypertension, and use of ACEI/ARB was reported in 183 (20.5%) participants. Of all, 409 (45.8%) participants required ICU admission, and 259 (29%) participants succumbed to death. We found that participants who received ACEI/ARB were less likely to progress critical disease and experienced significantly lower ICU admission (P=0.022) and death (P<0.001). On multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, this relationship remained statistically significant for death (odds ratio (OR): 0.23 [0.14-0.38], P<0.001) and ICU admission (OR: 0.49 [0.32-0.73], P=0.001).
Conclusion: Our findings showed that COVID-19 patients who receiving ACEI/ARB prior to hospitalization vs. those who did not, had more favorable outcomes.
Cardiac dysrhythmia in COVID-19 patients; occurrence and risk factors: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Haji Aghajani Mohammad , Haghighi Mehrdad , Sistanizad Mohammad , Asadpoordezaki Ziba , Toloui Amirmohammad , Madani Neishaboori Arian , Pourhoseingholi Asma , Nasiri-Afrapoli Fatemeh , Heydari Amir , Miri Reza , Yousefifard Mahmoud
Published: May 2022

Objective: In this study, we have evaluated the occurrence and risk factors of cardiac dysrhythmia on admission and during hospitalization in COVID-19 patients.
Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective cohort in which 893 electrocardiograms (ECGs) taken at the time of admission, and 328 ECGs taken during hospitalization were evaluated. These ECGs were assessed for cardiac dysrhythmias by a cardiologist. Finally, relationships between clinical characteristics and the occurrence of cardiac dysrhythmias in patients were assessed.
Results: Most common cardiac dysrhythmias on admission were sinus tachycardia (64.8%), atrial fibrillation (13.5%), and sinus bradycardia (11.3%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that a history of metformin use (RR=0.83; P=0.042) was independently associated with reduced risk of cardiac dysrhythmias on admission, while male sex (RR=1.16; P=0.018), history of cardiovascular diseases (RR=1.16; P=0.017), history of cancer (RR=1.40; P=0.004) and QT interval prolongation on ECG (RR=1.18; P=0.017) were associated with a higher risk of cardiac dysrhythmias on admission. Also, among the 328 patients that had a second ECG, 185 (56.4%) experienced cardiac dysrhythmias during their hospitalization. Multivariate analysis showed that presence of cardiac dysrhythmias on admission (RR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.49,2.35; P<0.001) was the only independent prognostic factor for the occurrence of cardiac dysrhythmias during hospitalization. No significant relationships were observed between treatment regimens and the incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias.
Conclusion: The present study showed that more than half of COVID-19 patients have cardiac dysrhythmias on admission. Our analyses illustrated that a history of metformin use was associated with a lower risk of cardiac dysrhythmias on admission, while male sex, history of cardiovascular diseases, history of cancer, and QT interval prolongation were associated with a higher rate of cardiac dysrhythmias. Hydroxychloroquine use along with azithromycin and kaletra (lopinavir-ritonavir) had no association with the development of cardiac dysrhythmias during hospitalization.
The value of predictive instruments in the screening of acute stroke: an umbrella review on previous systematic reviews
Authors: Baratloo Alireza , Mohamadi Mobin , Mohammadi Mohammad , Toloui Amirmohammad , Madani Neishaboori Arian , Rafiei Alavi Seyedeh Niloufar , Nahiyeh Ali , Yousefifard Mahmoud
Published: May 2022

Objective: Although various predictive instruments have been introduced for early stroke diagnosis, there is no consensus on their performance. Therefore, we decided to assess the value of predictive instruments in the detection of stroke by conducting an umbrella review.
Methods: A search was performed in the Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases by the end of August 2021 for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Original articles included in the systematic reviews were retrieved, summarized and pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio were calculated. The level of evidence was divided into five groups: convincing (class I), highly suggestive (class II), suggestive (class III), weak (class IV) and non-significant.
Results: The value of 33 predictive instruments was evaluated. The sample size included in these scoring systems’ assessments varied between 182 and 47072 patients. The level of evidence was class I in one tool, class II in 18 tools, class III in 2 tools, class IV in 11 tools, and non-significant in one tool. Apart from Med PACS, which had a low diagnostic value, other tools appeared to be able to detect a stroke. The optimum performance for diagnosis of stroke was for ROSIER, NIHSS, PASS, FAST, LAMS, RACE and CPSS.
Conclusion: Convincing to suggestive evidence shows that ROSIER, NIHSS, PASS, FAST, LAMS, RACE and CPSS have the optimum performance in identifying stroke. Since ROSIER’s calculation is simple and has the highest sensitivity and specificity among those predictive instruments, it is recommended for stroke diagnosis in pre-hospital and in-hospital settings.
Efficacy of lacosamide in the treatment of non-convulsive seizure and non-convulsive status epilepticus in septic patients: a narrative review
Authors: Amini Kiumarth , Sahebnasagh Adeleh , Mojtahedzadeh Mojtaba
Published: May 2022

Non-convulsive seizures (NCS) and non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) are of the acute complications of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), which lead to increased mortality and morbidity. In these cases, immediate treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is important to prevent further damage to the brain. AEDs are the first line of treatment, however, most of these medications have many side effects. In the recent years, significant advances have been made in this area and lacosamide is one of the therapeutic options. The intravenous formulation of this drug is most popular due to the lack of drug-drug interaction and properly designed studies which have been conducted in this field. In this review, the latest findings on the effect of lacosamide on acute non-convulsive and generalized-convulsive seizures (G-CS) are evaluated in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU.
Rare presentation of COVID-19 in 6-year-old girl: myocarditis with severe restrictive diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Chegini Victoria , Omidi Fatemeh , Shojaeian Fatemeh , Hatamabadi Hamidreza , Farshidgohar Mina
Published: May 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
Cutaneous vasculitis following COVID-19 vaccination: a case-based review
Authors: Bozorgmehr Rama , Enteshari Katayoun , Khameneh Bagheri Arash , Jafarzade Esfehani Reza , Abdollahimajd Fahimeh
Published: May 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
An atypical case of Guillain-Barré: Overlap of Miller Fisher syndrome with pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant
Authors: Reyes Monge Rafael Alfonso , Ocegueda Tonantzin Ibarra
Published: May 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
The Hexaxial Reference Grid: The emergency ECG interpreter’s most important tool
Authors: Jones Jerry W.
Published: May 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
Evaluating the Role of Exercise and Practicing Religious Beliefs on Medical Staff Anxiety Caused by Coronavirus
Authors: HOSSEINPOUR Eskandar , GODARZI Samad
Published: May 2022

Background: Due to the increase of anxiety caused by COVID 19 in medical staff, it is necessary to identify and develop strategies to deal with anxiety among them. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of exercise and practicing religious beliefs on medical staff's anxiety caused by coronavirus.
Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, performed through pretest and posttest. The study population was medical staff of hospitals in in several provinces of Iran, who provided services to patients with COVID 19. The sample size was 54 people, who were randomly and purposefully selected. The research instrument was the anxiety questionnaire of Coronavirus designed by Alipour et al. (2017). ANOVA, dependent t-test, and LSD post hoc tests were used to analyze the data after checking the normality of the distribution of scores by SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores in the groups of voluntary exercise (t=21/91), voluntary religious practice (t=14/15), and random exercise (t=3/84), which shows their effect on reducing anxiety in the treatment staff. There was no significant difference between pretest and posttest scores of the control group (t=0/566) and random religious practices (t=1/595). The results also suggested that the groups of voluntary religious practice, voluntary exercise, and random voluntary exercise experienced the lowest amount of anxiety, respectively.
Conclusion: Exercising, willingly or unwillingly, reduces anxiety in the treatment staff due to predominance of its physiological aspects. However, practicing religious rituals reduces anxiety, only when it is based on the individual's will.
Consequences of Fire and Explosion in Distillation Unit of Persian Gulf Star Gas Condensate Refinery Using PHAST Software
Authors: JAFARI Mahdi , DAVAZDAH EMAMI Sina , VELAYATZADEH Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The main purpose of this research is modeling based on PHAST software, and achieving safe distances for deploying firefighting teams at the time of accidents as consequences of leakage, fire and explosion in some of the process equipment of Persian Gulf Star Gas Condensate Refinery.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. In this study, two possible types of fire in the single distillation process (sudden fire and burst fire) were investigated. The explosion of one of the towers was also simulated to determine the extent of the effects of these events.
Findings: In the jet fire of the output line of furnace 101, the minimum distance from the accident site should be considered 120 meters, which according to the standards related to heat flux, up to a distance of 66 meters, the probability of death will be 100%. In addition, due to the pressure wave created in the wide range prone to flash fire in the rupture of the output line of furnace 101, the explosion of the fire station also affects.
Conclusion: According to the data obtained from the simulation, the authors concluded that in the event of leaks in the open air (flammable materials), the greatest danger threatening people and equipment, and consequently the firefighting team, is the occurrence of flash fire, which usually covers a wide area.
Evaluation of HSE Culture and Identification of Its Promotion Strategies in Northern Khorasan Province Gas Company
Authors: SHAHPARAST Dariush , BEIKI Hossein , PANAHI NEJAD Mohammad , DORMOHAMMADI Ali
Published: May 2022

Background and Objective: Nowadays, in order to improve the level of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) culture of employees, organizations have reached this important conclusion that the weaknesses and strengths of the system should be identified .This is done by periodically evaluating the level of HSE culture, in order to determine and apply the targeted promotion. Therefore, the aim of this research is to evaluate the level of HSE culture among the employees of Gas Company of Northern Khorasan Province.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study conducted in 2009-2010. The questionnaires were self-administered and semi-supervised by the participants. The statistical population included 400 official, contractual and non-official employees. Simple random sampling method and Cochran formula were used to select the statistical population, which included 198 employees in all organizational levels of the company. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23, and descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and correlation tests. HSE culture promotion strategies were identified and presented after reviewing and analyzing the scores.
Results: Compared with the determined limit using the relevant formula (number 177), in this study, the general level of HSE culture of North Khorasan Gas Company was evaluated as positive with a score of 198.42. The minimum and maximum HSE culture scores of the participants were 131 and 281, respectively. Education indicator had the most positive effect, and disregard and violation indicator in rules of HSE had the most negative effect on HSE culture score.
Conclusion: The positive level of HSE culture in a high percentage of employees, compared to the defined boundary, shows successful implementation of HSE management system indicators, such as training, employees' participation, rules and instructions, and commitment of managers are priority in the company under study.
Investigation of Systems and Various Aspects of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) for Outsourcing the Armed Forces
Authors: SADEGHI ALAVI Hamed , FOROUGHI HASANABADI Iman , JALILIAN Hamed
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Heath is one of the most important issues discussed in all organizations including the arm forces. This study aims to provide a suitable substrate for outsourcing health, safety and environment (HSE) activities in the armed forces, by identifying the various aspects of outsourcing HSE, and reviewing the existing systems related to HSE.
Methods: This documentary research was conducted among the arm forces in 1397-1400. In this study data were extracted using the keywords of the documents searched in the databases. Raw data were provided to experts in the form of questionnaires. Questionnaires were developed by Delphi method and an expert panel.
Results: Results of the questionnaire on different aspects of HSE outsourcing by the panel of experts showed that 17 subsets in 3 areas of health (6 items), safety (6 items) and environment (5 items) are conceivable for outsourcing (military force use external organizations or individual to meet their necessary needs). After developing the systems evaluation questionnaire (A set of laws, regulations, bylaws, instructions, and directives that are developed to address standards of a particular subject, job, or profession), 14 instructions/bylaws related to 10 requirements (what should be observed in systems related to the armed forces) were evaluated, and the results showed that on average, 39% of the systems cover the requirements, 29% need to be reformed, and 32% of the requirements require major reforms.
Conclusion: Findings of this study indicated that the use of systems in a country cannot fully meet the requirements of the armed forces, and requires some fundamental reforms. Also, not all aspects of HSE can be outsourced, and some requirements need to be considered before outsourcing.
Investigation of the Relationship between Organizational Cynicism and Job Burnout with the Mediating Role of Organizational Silence in Lifeguards of Tehran Municipal Pools
Authors: MODNALIZADE Zeinab , NAGHSH JAVAHERI Sadaf
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The complexity of working conditions in organizations, including employees' distrust, and challenging working conditions combined with a negative feeling, has led to a sense of frustration in organizations, which can be due to the conditions regarding the community and the organizational climate. The purpose of this article is to investigate the relationship between organizational cynicism and job burnout with mediating role of organizational silence in lifeguards of Tehran municipal pools.
Methods: The research method was causal, and applied in terms of purpose.A survey approach was used to collect data. Tools of collecting data were Kalagan Organizational Skepticism Questionnaire (2009), Dain et al.'s Organizational Silence Questionnaire (2003) and Maslach Questionnaire (1985) for Job Burnout. The statistical population of this study included 436 active lifeguards in Tehran municipal swimming pools. Sampling method was simple random. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data, and LISREL 8.8 software was used for modeling structural equations.
Results: Results demonstrated that organizational cynicism through organizational silence, affects job burnout among lifeguards in Tehran municipal pools. The effect was estimated to be 0.56 (z=4.96, ρ≤0.01). It seems that negative attitude of lifeguards, due to their fewer roles in decision-making and lack of information in the organization, causes them to react through silence, and the consequence of such silence, leads to job burnout
Conclusion: As a result, the attitude of lifeguards towards their workplace can be negatively accompanied by unpleasant feelings, helplessness and anger, which seriously affects their performance Therefore, it is suggested that management, along with the presence of lifeguards in organizational decision-making processes and transparency, reduce burnout regarding this vital profession.
The Relationship between Glass Rock, and Job Motivation and Organizational Maturity in Female Employees of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences
Authors: HAMZEH SABZI Amir , NAZARPOURI2 Amir Hoshang , SABZI Sharareh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: One of the most important key factors in achieving development is the optimal use of human resources. Therefore, it is of especial importance to pay attention to the talent and role of women in managerial positions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between glass rock, and job motivation and organizational maturity in female employees of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This was a descriptive-correlational study. 367 female employees of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences were selected based on Morgan table and available sampling. To collect data, questionnaires regarding glass rock, organizational maturity and job motivation were used. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and regression.
Results: The results showed that there was a significant negative relationship between glass rock, and job motivation and organizational maturity of female employees of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. The results of regression analysis also showed that the glass rock was able to predict the job motivation and organizational maturity of female employees.
Conclusion: According to the results, the glass rock has a negative relationship with job motivation and organizational maturity of female employees. The presence of glass rock in the organization reduces the organizational maturity and job motivation of female employees.
Healthy Baby Delivery of a COVID-19 Infected Mother in Iran: Process and Protection
Authors: Kasgary Hamideh Abbaspour , Moradimajd Parisa , Samaei Hamidreza , Davoodi Lotfollah
Published: May 2022

Background: In late December 2019, a kind of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This virus rapidly spread worldwide and infected 195 countries and territories, including Iran. By March 22, 2020, the virus had affected more than 40000 people worldwide and caused more than 19000 deaths. Pregnant women are a vulnerable group to viral infections because partial immune suppression occurs during pregnancy. Therefore, the COVID-19 epidemic may cause a rising global concern about its consequences for pregnant women and fetuses.
Objectives:In this case study, we report the delivery of a pregnant woman after her COVID-19 confirmation.
Methods: We report a 44-year-old pregnant woman (32 weeks gestation) with COVID-19 who gave birth to a healthy baby with no evidence of COVID-19. We did not observe any worse clinical outcomes, such as maternal mortality, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and preterm delivery.
Results: A preterm baby girl with 2500 g weight and Apgar scores at 5 minutes and 10 minutes were 9 and 10 was delivered. The preterm baby was normocephalic, had no icteric sclera, and the heart sounded normal without murmurs, Lung ventilation was normal.
Conclusion: Viral pneumonia may severely be presented in pregnancy because of physiological and immunological changes and shift from cell-mediated to humoral-mediated immunity during the pregnancy period. Vertical transmission of COVID-19 from mother to child, shortterm and long-term adverse effects on mother and newborn are still unclear and controversial.
The Effect of Honey Bee Venom on CD14 Protein Expression as Monocyte Marker in D-Alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate (Vitamin E)-Treated HL-60 Cells
Authors: Yarahmadi Azam , Nabiuni Mohammad , Karimzadeh Bardei Latifeh , Kabuli Majid
Published: May 2022

Background: The membrane form of a Cluster of Differentiation 14 (CD14) is anchored to the phospholipid bilayer via glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. This molecule is expressed on the intrinsic surface of monocytes and neutrophils. This protein is not expressed on the HL60 cell surface. It is believed that the differentiation of HL-60 cells stops in the promyelocytic stage. The differentiation of HL-60 cells with compounds such as vitamin A, D, E results in membrane CD14 expression.
Objectives: The objective of this study was an evaluation of CD14 expression by Honey Bee Venom (HBV) in HL60 cells treated by D-alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate (D-α-TS). Methods: HL-60 cells were cultured in RPMI Media 1640 medium and treated with different concentrations of D-α-TS and HBV. Cellular differentiation was tested by Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) staining, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry. The studied data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and InStat 3 software.
Methods: HL-60 cells were cultured in RPMI medium and treated with different concentrations of D-α-TS and HBV. Cellular differentiation was tested by NBT staining, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry. The studied data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and InStat 3 software.
Results: MTT assay demonstrated that HBV and D-alpha-tocopheryl induce death in HL-60 cell lines in a time and dose-dependent manner. Also, Wright-Giemsa, NBT staining showed morphologically differentiation. Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis shows that cells treated with 6 µg/mL D-α-TS and 2.5 µg/mL HBV for 5 days significantly increase the expression of CD14 in HL-60 compared to cells treated with D-α-TS.
Conclusion: HBV can induce cell death and inhibit cell proliferation. Also, increase differentiation potency of D-α-TS via HBV can increase the differentiation by inhibiting NFκB and COX-2 and increasing the expression of P21 that plays an essential role in increasing CD14 protein expression and subsequently induce differentiation in HL-60 cells to monocytes.
Phytochemical Screening and Antinociceptive Activity of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Potentilla reptans L.
Authors: Ahangar Nematollah , Bakhshi Jouybari Hossein , Davoodi Ali , Shahani Somayeh
Published: May 2022

Background: Potentilla species have traditionally been used as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents in Iran and other countries.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect of Potentilla reptans L., which has a wide distribution in the north of Iran.
Methods: The biological activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. reptans aerial parts have been investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, and rotarod tests in the male mice. In addition, the phytochemical profile of the extract has been evaluated.
Results: The phytochemical investigation detected secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and tannins in the extract. Moreover, the Mean±SD total phenolic and tannin contents of the extract were 251±2.08 and 111.5±1.3 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried extract, respectively. Also, the Mean±SD total flavonoid content was 29.42±3.31 mg quercetin equivalents per gram of dried extract. Oral administration of the extract (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced the number of writhing responses induced by acetic acid and increased the reaction time in the hot-plate test. The antinociceptive effect of the extract, similar to morphine, was significantly antagonized by naloxone (4 mg/kg; IP) in the writhing test. In the rotarod test, none of the extract doses used in the experiment caused a loss of locomotor activity.
Conclusion: In this study, the hydroalcoholic extract of P. reptans showed a practical antinociceptive effect in hot plate and writhing tests. It seems that opioid receptors mediate the observed effect.
Effects of Isoniazid on the Acquisition and Expression of Morphine Dependence in Male Mice
Authors: Barzegari Amir Abbas , Shahabi Kamran
Published: May 2022

Background:GABAergic drugs have extensive interference with morphine’s pharmacological effects, including dependence.
Objectives:The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of isoniazid, a GABAergic agent, on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced dependence in male mice.
Methods: Sixty-four male mice were used. The mice became dependent on morphine by administrating ten doses of morphine in four days. For the precipitation of the morphine withdrawal signs (jumping, diarrhea, and weight loss), two hours after the last dose of morphine, the mice received naloxone (4 mg/kg, IP). In the expression experiment, four groups of mice received saline or isoniazid (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg, IP) one hour before naloxone. In the acquisition experiment, the other four groups, one hour before the first six doses of morphine, received saline or isoniazid (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg, IP).
Results: In the expression experiment, all doses of isoniazid decreased the number of jumping in mice, but only the lowest dose influenced diarrhea (increased weight of diarrheal stool) significantly. The higher doses of isoniazid (50 and 75 mg/kg, IP) caused a significant reduction in the percentage of weight loss, but its lowest dose (25 mg/kg, IP) significantly increased the sign. In the acquisition experiment, isoniazid (25, 50 mg/kg IP) decreased the number of jumping and the percentage of weight loss, but not the weight of diarrheal stool.
Conclusion: Isoniazid may be a good candidate to prevent morphine withdrawal signs.
Evaluation of the Antioxidant Potential of Aqueous Extracts of Moringa oleifera Leaf and Cocos nucifera Husk: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Ehigie Adeola Folasade , Akinyemi Olalekan Amos , Ayoade Titilayo Eunice , Ogundola Adijat Funke , Oyelere Sunday Faith , Olabinri Folasade P.
Published: May 2022

Background: Oxidative Stress (OS) can result in several diseases, such as cancer or neurodegenerative illnesses. Plant antioxidants can supplement the body’s antioxidant system, thereby reducing cell oxidation resulting from OS.
Objectives: In this research, the antioxidant potential of aqueous husk extract of Cocos nucifera and aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera was evaluated and compared.
Methods:Total Phenolic Contents (TPCs), iron-chelating ability, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging antioxidant activity of aqueous husk extract of Cocos nucifera and aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera are determined spectrophotometrically at varying concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125µg/mL) and 1-sample t test statistical analysis was done using GraphPad Prism. The statistical significance was set at P<0.05.
Results: The aqueous husk extract of Cocos nucifera and aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera possess antioxidant activities at all tested concentrations. Significant increases were observed in TPCs, iron-chelating ability, and FRAP of aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera compared with aqueous husk extracts of Cocos nucifera at the same concentration. In contrast, a significant decrease in DPPH scavenging activities was observed.
Conclusion: Both aqueous husk extract of Cocos nucifera and aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera are potent antioxidant agents and could be useful in supplementing the endogenous antioxidant system. Albeit, the aqueous leaf extract of Moringa oleifera is a more powerful antioxidant agent.
Effects of Propolis and Persica Mouthwashes on Three Common Oral Streptococci: A Comparative Study
Authors: Alemrajabi Mohammad Sadegh , Dastorani Mehdi , Hamidi Hadi , Mohammadian Saeed , Sadrzadeh-Afshar Maryam-Sadat
Published: May 2022

Background: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are among the most common oral diseases, and research to achieve an effective strategy to overcome these diseases is necessary. One of these strategies is to use anti-septics and disinfectants, including mouthwashes. Although chlorhexidine was the first and most common mouthwash and the gold standard of anti-plaque treatments, it bears many side effects. However, herbal mouthwashes with antimicrobial properties and fewer side effects can effectively treat many of these diseases.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of the two herbal types of mouthwash produced in Iran.
Methods: The present in vitro study was conducted to investigate the anti-bacterial effects of persica and propolis mouthwashes on three strains of oral streptococci. The Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) was measured by the Disk Diffusion Method (DDM). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value of each mouthwash was determined for all microorganisms using the macrodilution method.
Results: Statistical analysis of data of DDM showed that the anti-bacterial effect of persica was significantly higher than propolis against Streptococcus. salivarius and Streptococcus. mutans (P<0.001), and these two types of mouthwash had similar anti-bacterial effects on Streptococcus. sanguis. Local propolis exhibited better MIC results than persica against S. salivarius and S. mutans, and these two types of mouthwash showed similar results against S. sanguis.
Conclusion: Local propolis was more potent than persica in preventing the growth of oral streptococci.
Effects of Methanol Extract on Bioactive Property and in Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Palma Christi (Anthocleista nobilis G. Don.) Root
Authors: Ojatula Adekunle Orimisan
Published: May 2022

Background: Plants have diverse phytochemicals with different solubility levels and medicinal efficacy. This study aimed to determine the presence of phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol root extract of Anthocleista nobilis.
Objectives: Determining the bioactive principles and free radical scavenging properties of A. nobilis root
Methods: The preliminary phytochemical investigations were performed using standard analytical procedures. The in vitro antioxidant properties were assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) scavenging activity.
Results: The phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of several compounds: saponins, reducing sugar, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and mucilages. The concentrations of these compounds were different. A considerable quantity of phytochemicals was found in the methanol extract. The impact of the extract on DPPH, NO, FRAP, TAC, H2 O2 radicals were dependently and ascendingly concentrated. Solvent extract demonstrated better antioxidant activity, with DPPH and NO showing maximum antioxidant capability in conjunction with IC50 values of 5.45 µg/mL.
Conclusion: The study results prove that A. nobilis is a possible source of natural antioxidants, justifying its use in indigenous medicine.
The Pharmacological and Toxicological Effects of Amygdalin: A Review Study
Authors: Saberi Hasanabadi Parisa , Shaki Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

Background: Amygdalin has many pharmacological activities, such as analgesic and antiasthmatic effects. Although several studies supported the cytotoxic effects of amygdalin on different cancer cell lines, no general agreement has been reached on the anticancer aspect of amygdalin.
Objectives: This review aims to focus on the pharmacological and toxicological effects of amygdalin and provide a reference and perspective for further investigation.
Methods: Electronic databases, including the Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, were searched to identify eligible studies on the pharmacological and toxicological effects of amygdalin and provide a reference and perspective for further investigation. Totally, 90 papers about in vitro or in vivo studies on amygdalin have been reviewed.
Results: Pharmacological activities of amygdalin have been well documented over the years; however, in some cases, dose-dependent toxicity has been reported in the human body. Since the acute toxicity of oral administration of amygdalin is far greater than the intravenous route, several in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to assess the amygdalin’s pharmacological value for the induction of apoptosis and anticancer effects.
Conclusion: Amygdalin generally has dose-dependent effects. It has positive or desirable effects at lower doses and undesirable impact at a higher intake level. However, there are substantial inter-individual variations.
The Effects of Vitamin C on the Quality of Semen, Testicular Tissue, and Apoptosis in Mice Exposed to Sodium Arsenite
Authors: Cheraghi Ebrahim , Piroozmanesh Hamid , Mehranjani Malek Soleimani
Published: May 2022

Background: Arsenic is a heavy metal that causes malformation. It affects the reproductive system of men by induction of oxidative stress.
Objectives: This study investigated the effect of Vitamin C (Vit C), as a potent antioxidant, on sperm quality and testicular tissue in mice that received sodium arsenite.
Methods: A total of 28 adult male NMRI mice were divided into four groups: control, sodium arsenite (7 mg/kg/d), Vitamin C (Vit C; 150 mg/kg/d), and sodium arsenite+Vit C (with previous doses). Gavage treatments were administered for 35 days. At the end of the treatments, the right testis was used for histopathological observations and apoptosis assessment, and the left testis to evaluate sperm parameters.
Results: Sperm parameters such as count, motility, viability, morphology, tail length, Daily Sperm Production (DSP), the diameter of seminiferous tubules, the height of the germinal epithelium, and the number of germ cells and Sertoli cells were significantly decreased in the sodium arsenite group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased, and serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced in the sodium arsenite group. The mentioned parameters were compensated for in the sodium arsenite+Vit C group compared to the sodium arsenite group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Vitamin C can decrease the undesired changes induced by sodium arsenite in the male reproductive system.
Determination of Caffeine, Total Phenol, and Heavy Metals Content in Green and Black Tea Collected From Gilan Province, Iran by spectroscopic method
Authors: Shokrzadeh Mohammad , Hosseinzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Boustani Mansoureh , Habibi Emran
Published: May 2022

Background: Because of its stimulating and valuable effects, tea is the most commonly used beverage in the world after water. These effects are due to caffeine and phenolic compounds in tea. Also, most of the tea in Iran is planted in Gilan Province. However, food pollution from heavy metals is one of the most important problems.
Objectives: In this research, we measured the total phenolic content, caffeine, lead, cadmium, and chromium in green and black tea cultivated in Gilan Province.
Methods: Ten samples of green and black tea were purchased from different regions of Gilan Province. Methanol and dichloromethane extracts were prepared. Total phenol and caffeine were detected by spectroscopy. Quantification of heavy metals was done by digestion methods and examined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
Results: The Mesn±SD amounts of total phenolic content, caffeine, lead, cadmium, and chromium in green tea from all regions comprised 27.13±1.54%, 3.20±0.01%, 0.81±0.66 ppm, 1.54±1.39 ppm, and 0.28±0.20 ppm, respectively, and these amounts in black tea were 14.90±1.53%, 3.20±0.05%, 1.00±0.79 ppm, 1.65±0.93 ppm, and 0.24±0.15 ppm, respectively.
Conclusion: The content of total phenol and lead in tea was different in various regions of Gilan Province. Green tea contains more phenolic compounds than black tea, but the caffeine in green and black tea is almost equal. The amounts of cadmium and chromium in some Gilan Province areas are higher than the standard level, which needs to be investigated.
A Survey on the First 100 COVID-19 Patients Admitted to a Referral Center in Northern Iran in Early 2020
Authors: Abbaspour Kasgari Hamideh , Moradi Siavash , Babamahmoodi Farhang , Shabani Amir Mohammad , Davoodi Lotfollah , Davoudi Badabi Alireza
Published: May 2022

Background: Lymphopenia is an important but nonspecific laboratory indicator of COVID-19.
Objectives: To describe epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of the first cases of the COVID-19 referred to a center dedicated to COVID-19 patients in Iran.
Methods: This research is a retrospective cross-sectional study on 100 confirmed cases with COVID-19, hospitalized from February 25 to March 10, 2020, in Qaemshahr Razi Hospital in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The main demographic data, clinical features, including outcomes, laboratory findings, and therapeutic protocols, were collected in a structured form and analyzed.
Results: The Mean±SD age of the patients was 56.7±15.6 years. Fifty-nine percent (n=59) of the patients were male. Nineteen percent (n=19) were admitted to the ICU. The median (IQR) time from disease onset to hospital admission was 5 (3-7) days. The most common symptoms were fever (73%), dyspnea (67%), dry cough (61%), and myalgia (61%). The severity of the disease was moderate in most patients (n=54). The average hospital stay for patients was 7 days. The non-survivor cases in comparison to survived ones were from a higher age group (65 vs 52 years; P=0.001), had a higher frequency of underlying diseases (68.4% vs 39.5%; P=0.039), had a lower peripheral capillary O2 saturation at the time of admission (79% vs 94%; P<0.001), and were more likely to have lymphopenia (63.2% vs 37%; P=0.034).
Conclusion: Lymphopenia, increased neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and decreased peripheral capillary O2 saturation are commonly seen in COVID-19 patients, especially among severe cases, and can be used in developing clinical prediction rules.