bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Highly Viscous 33-mg/mL Hyaluronic Acid Volumizing Filler in the Treatment of Facial Wrinkles: An Open-Labeled, Clinical Trials
Authors: Razavian Elnaz , Tehrani Setareh
Published: December 2023

Background: The 33-mg/mL hyaluronic acid (HA) formulation is a highly concentrated, cross-linked, cohesive, smooth, and completely reversible volumizing filler approved by ConformitÃ© EuropÃ©ene. For the first time, we aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the 33-mg/mL HA filler for soft tissue augmentation in the treatment of facial wrinkles. Materials and Methods: After optimal wrinkle correction was achieved in the patients undergoing treatment by injecting the 33-mg/mL HA filler at the injection site plus one touch-up at a 2-week interval, the safety and efficacy of the filler were assessed on the 5-point Facial Volume Loss Scale through the 1-year study period. Patients were evaluated daily for 14 days and after 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Results: A total of 86 subjects were treated. The mean wrinkle scores of the patients were 3.95+0.79 (range of 3-5) before treatment, 2.3+0.94 (range 1-5) six months after treatment, and 2.93+1.29 (range of 1-5) one year after treatment. Clinically significant mean wrinkle correction (P=0.001) was still evident at>12 months of treatment through 33-mg/mL HA formulation. A clinically significant correction at>12 months after treatment was maintained by 79% of patients. Nodule formation and swelling were more frequent when the 33-mg/mL HA filler was used compared with the use of less concentrated HA fillers. One patient developed angioedema-like swelling and induration last few months. Conclusion: The 33-mg/mL HA filler can provide long-term correction lasting for one year or more. Adverse effects, especially swelling and nodule formation were more common in this filler compared with less concentrated HA fillers. The side effects were correlated with the volume of the injected filler. We recommend using this concentration with low volume or combining high volume with lower concentration. [GMJ.2019;8:e1148]
Comparison of the Effects of Video Modeling and Clinician Modeling on Naming Deficiency in Aphasic Patients
Authors: Kaviani Shohre , Samaei Afshin , Shahverdi Ehsan , Kasbi Fatemeh
Published: December 2023

Background: Â Aphasia is the most frequent disorder that could occur following a stroke. Aphasia has a negative impact on the patient's communication ability through language. One of the common consequences of aphasia is naming deficits that can lead to communication disorders. Therefore, the treatment of aphasia is necessary. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of video modeling and clinician modeling on naming skills of patients with chronic aphasia.Materials and Methods: The design of this prospective single subject study was Aâ€‘Bâ€‘A that performed on four patients with chronic aphasia. participated. This study was administered during three phases including the baseline (three sessions); the intervention (nine sessions); and a follow-up phase (three sessions). The outcome measure was taken in three phases including baseline, intervention, and follow-up. For each patient, the naming score for items modeled by the clinician, the naming score for items modeled video modeling by other, the naming score for self-video modeling, and the reaction time score were recorded.Result: A total of three patients complete the study and one of them refused to continue treatment. The naming score of all modeling types increased in all patients. In the other words, the intervention helped the patients be improved in naming. Also, the results of the reaction time indicated that the video modeling, as well as clinician modeling, could decrease the response time that means the intervention could increase the speed of retrieval processes.Â Conclusion:In our study, all three types of modeling could improve the naming scores in patients with chronic aphasia. Additionally, the findings demonstrate that the clinician and video modeling might increase mental processing for naming verbally. [GMJ. 2019;8:e1158]
Naloxone Ameliorates Spatial Memory Deficits and Hyperthermia Induced by a Neurotoxic Methamphetamine Regimen in Male Rats
Authors: Ghazvini Hamed , Khalifeh Solmaz , Khodamoradi Mehdi , Hajali Vahid , Eliasy Lelia , Kheradmand Afshin , Farnia Vahid , Akhtari Javad , Shahveisi Kaveh , Ghalehnoei Hossein
Published: December 2023

Background: Methamphetamine (METH) as a synthetic psychostimulant is being increasingly recognized as a worldwide problem, which may induce memory impairment. On the other hand, it is well established that naloxone, an opiate antagonist, has some beneficial effects on learning and memory. The present research aimed at evaluating naloxone effects on spatial learning and memory impairment triggered by a neurotoxic regimen of METH in male rats. Materials and Methods: The animals received the subcutaneous (sc) regimen of METH (4Ã—6 mg/kg at 2-h intervals), intraperitoneal (ip) naloxone (4Ã—1 mg/kg at 2-h intervals), or normal saline at four events. The Nal-METH group of rats received four naloxone injections (1 mg/kg, ip) 30 min before each METH injection (6 mg/kg, sc) at 2-h intervals. Seven days later, they were evaluated for spatial learning and memory in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) task. Result: METH regimen induced hyperthermia, as well as a poor performance, in the acquisition and retention phases of the task, indicating spatial learning and memory impairment compared to the controls. Naloxone administration (1 mg/kg, ip) before each METH injection led to significant attenuations of both hyperthermia and METH adverse effects on the rat performance in the MWM task. Conclusion:Â The results revealed that pretreatment with the opiate antagonist naloxone could prevent METH adverse effects on body temperature and memory performance. It seems that the opioidergic system and hyperthermia may, at least partially, be involved in METH effects on spatial memory. [GMJ. 2019;8:e1182]
Validity and Reliability of the Persian Versions of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Modified National Institute of Health Stroke Scale in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Dehghani Reza , Borhanihaghighi Afshin , Shariat Abdolhamid , Nami Mohammad , Nazeri Masoume , Abolhasani Foroughi Amin , Mehrabi Samrad , Emamghoreishi Masoumeh
Published: December 2023

Background: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Modified National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (mNIHSS) are two valid and reliable questionnaires that assess stroke severity. This study aimed to examine and compare the validity and reliability of Persian versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS in hospitalized patients.Â Materials and Methods: The English versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS were translated to Persian (forward and backward), and three neurologists examined the face and content validity of both questionnaires. The Persian versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS were used in75 hospitalized stroke patients (hemorrhagic and obstructive) admitted to Namazi teaching hospital, Shiraz, Iran.The reliability and validity of the Persian versions were examined by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and convergent validity.Â Result: The values of Cronbach's alpha for Persian versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS were 0.81 and 0.86, respectively. The scaling success of convergent validity in NIHSS and mNIHSS were 80% and 100%, respectively.Â Conclusion: The Persian versions of NIHSS and mNIHSS were reliable and valid. However, mNIHSS was more valid and reliable than NIHSS. Persian version of mNIHSS can be suggested to be used for assessing stroke severity in hospitalized stroke patients by neurologists and researchers. [GMJ. 2019;8:e1188]

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Useful Medicinal Plants for Vision Impairment in Traditional Iranian Medicine
Authors: Davati Ali , Shayanfar Jamshid , Ghasemi Hassan , Esmaili Seyed Saeed , Alijaniha Fatemeh
Published: December 2023

Vision impairment is an important general health issue that imposes many costs on governments and the health system every year. Despite the decline in infectious eye diseases, which has reduced the vision impairment and blindness over the past two decades, vision impairment is still a major health problem in some parts of the world. In traditional medicine books, visual weakness is referred to as â€œany disturbance in the act of seeingâ€. Many medicinal herbs have been mentioned in books of Traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) for the management of vision impairment. The aim of this study is to review the medicinal plants mentioned in TIM, which are considered effective for the treatment of vision impairment or its enhancement. In this library-based study, medicinal plants effective in the treatment of vision impairment were searched using 6 valid sources of traditional medicine, including Makhzan ol-Adawiya, The Canon of Medicine, Tuhfat al-Momenin, Al-Abniyah An Haqaiq al-adwiya, Al-Shamil Fi al-Sanaâ€™at al-tebiyah, and Ekhtiarate Badiee. This was done in 10 steps (finding keywords, searching for resources, preparing a single list, finding synonyms, classifying, reviewing, extracting plants from compositions, summarizing, scoring and sorting based on the obtained score). A total of 89 medicinal plants were extracted, most of which had a hot and dry temperament. Based on the obtained score, 12 plants got the highest scores (10 and above). The extracted plants can be the basis for further clinical studies to make new effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of vision impairment.[GMJ.2019;8:e1285]
Effects of Experimental Hyperthyroidism on Collagen IV and Laminin-Î±5 Gene Expression in Balb/C Mouse Seminiferous Tubules
Authors: Sadeghi Saeed , Jalali Mahdi , Nikravesh Mohammad Reza , Sankian Mojtaba
Published: December 2023

Background: Hyperthyroidism is one of the disorders of the thyroid gland, an organ that controls the cellular and molecular behaviors of the seminiferous tubule basement membrane (BM), and ultimately, influences its evolutionary process. We aimed to investigate the effects of hyperthyroidism on immunohistochemical characteristics and gene expression levels of collagen IV and laminin-Î±5 in seminiferous tubules BM of Balb/C mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty male Balb/C mice were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 500 mg/l of levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) diluted in drinking water for two months to inducing hyperthyroidism, which was confirmed by radioimmunoassay. At the end of the study, the mice were sacrificed, and their testes were extracted for immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. Results: Although a weak reaction was observed in the experimental specimens, no significant enhancement was noted in color intensity of type IV collagen in the seminiferous tubules BM of the experimental group as compared to the control group (P>0.05). Collagen IV gene expression results in the experimental group were not significantly different from the controls (P>0.05). Thus, there was a significant increase in laminin Î±5 gene expression compared to the control group (P=0.016). Conclusion: Considering the key role of collagen IV and laminin-Î±5 in the seminiferous tubule BM in the testes, the results of this study indicated that hyperthyroidism has important effects on both structures and functions of these two components. [GMJ.2019;8:e1369]
Effect of Fenugreek Use on Fasting Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Gholami-Fesharaki Mohammad , Hassani Seyyedeh Seddigheh , Arezodar Faramarz Fallahi , Esmaeili Seyyed Saeid
Published: December 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of death globally. It causes multiple problems in various organs and incurs heavy costs for patients and the community health system.The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of fenugreek intake on fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1C, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure and quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial study was conducted on patients with T2DMin Tehran, Iran in 2018. The treatment group received 5 g of fenugreek powder,and the placebo group received 5 g of wheat flour twice daily for two months before meals. Results: This study was performed on 62 patients (50% male and 50% female). Both groups had similar demographic characteristics. The results showed a significant difference between the mean FBS (P<0.001), HgA1C (P<0.001), BMI (P<0.001), waist circumference (P<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P=0.005), and quality of life (P=0.015). There was no significant difference in mean systolic blood pressure (P=0.189) between groups.Â  Conclusion: Given the positive effect of fenugreek on FBS, hemoglobin, HbA1C, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and quality of life, it can be recommended for controlling blood glucose in diabetic patients. [GMJ.2019;8:e1432]Â 

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Improved Stage Categorization of PTZ-Induced Kindling and Late Enhanced Neurogenesis in PTZ Kindled Mice
Authors: Shahpari Marzieh , Aligholi Hadi , Namavar Mohammad Reza , Vafaee Farzaneh , Emamghoreishi Masoumeh
Published: December 2023

Background: There is no universally accepted behavioral scoring to define the early development of phenothiazine (PTZ) kindling. Therefore, studies investigating alterations of neurogenesis in the PTZ model were mainly focused on full kindled animals rather than early stages of kindling. This study aimed to determine an appropriate behavioral index for categorizing stages of PTZ kindling progress and to evaluate neurogenesis during PTZ kindling.Â Materials and Methods: Twenty-four mice were intraperitoneally injected with a sub convulsive dose of PTZ (40mg/kg) every other day until they became full kindled. The first occurrence of different seizure behaviors and their durations were recorded during kindling development, and the different stages of kindling were categorized. Neurogenesis was evaluated in the lateral subventricular zone (SVZ) at each stage of kindling by immunofluorescence staining.Â Results: First occurrence of restlessness, motionless staring, hind limb tonic extension, Straubâ€™s tail, myoclonic jerk, and tonic-clonic were sequentially observed in more than 80% of animals with increasing PTZ injections. The duration of the myoclonic jerk was significantly longer than the other seizure behaviors. The significantly higher percentage of BrdU-positive cells was found in SVZ of mice showing tonic-clonic in comparison to other seizure behaviors.Â Conclusion: A hierarchy behavior was observed during the kindling process when considering the first occurrence of seizure behaviors. We defined the first occurrence of restlessness, motionless, hind limb tonic extension and Straubâ€™s tail behaviors as an early phase, myoclonic jerk as a borderline phase and tonic-clonic as a late phase of PTZ-induced kindling. Our results indicated an enhanced SVZ neurogenesis at the late phase of kindling.Â [GMJ.2019;8:e1511]
Plant-Derived Essential Oils; Their Larvicidal Properties and Potential Application for Control of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Authors: Osanloo Mahmoud , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi , Sanei-Dehkordi Alireza , Amani Amir
Published: December 2023

Mosquito-borne diseases are currently considered as important threats to human health in subtropical and tropical regions. Resistance to synthetic larvicides in different species of mosquitoes, as well as environmental pollution, are the most common adverse effects of excessive use of such agents. Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) with various chemical entities have a lower chance of developing resistance. So far, no proper classification based on lethal concentration at 50% (LC50) has been made for the larvicidal activity of EOs against different species of Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes. To better understand the problem, a summary of the most common mosquito-borne diseases have been made. Related articles were gathered, and required information such as scientific name, used part(s) of plant, target species and LC50 values were extracted. 411 LC50 values were found about the larvicidal activity of EOs against different species of mosquitoes. Depending on the obtained results in each species, LC50 values were summarized as follows: 24 EOs with LC50 < 10 Âµg/mL, 149 EOs with LC50 in range of 10- 50 Âµg/mL, 143 EOs having LC50 within 50- 100 Âµg/mL and 95 EOs showing LC50 > 100 Âµg/mL. EOs of Callitris glaucophylla and Piper betle against Ae. aegypti, Tagetes minuta against An. gambiae, and Cananga odorata against Cx. quinquefasciatus and An. dirus having LC50 of ~ 1 Âµg/mL were potentially comparable to synthetic larvicides. It appears that these plants could be considered as candidates for botanical larvicides. [GMJ.2019;8:e1532]
In Vitro Spermatogenesis by Three-dimensional Culture of Spermatogonial Stem Cells on Decellularized Testicular Matrix
Authors: Ashouri Movassagh Sepideh , Banitalebi Dehkordi Mehdi , Koruji Morteza , Pourmand Gholamreza , Farzaneh Parvaneh , Ashouri Movassagh Sanaz , Khadivi Farnaz , Jabari Ayob , Samadian Azam , Abbasi Mehdi
Published: December 2023

Background: In the males, Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs) contribute to the production of sex cells and fertility. In vitro SSCs culture can operate as an effective strategy for studies on spermatogenesis and male infertility treatment. Cell culture in a three-dimensional (3D) substrate, relative to a two-dimensional substrate (2D), creates better conditions for cell interaction and is closer to in vivo conditions. In the present study, in order to create a 3D matrix substrate, decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) was used to engender optimal conditions for SSCs culture and differentiation. Materials and Methods: After, testicular cells enzymatic extraction from testes of brain-dead donors, the SSCs were proliferated in a specific culture medium for four weeks, and after confirming the identity of the colonies derived from the growth of these cells, they were cultured on a layer of DTM as well asÂ  in 2D condition with a differentiated culture medium. In the Sixth week since the initiation of the differentiation culture, the expression of pre meiotic (OCT4 & PLZF), meiotic (SCP3 & BOULE) and post meiotic (CREM & Protamine-2) genes were measured in both groups. Results: The results indicated that the expression of pre meiotic, meiotic and post meiotic genes was significantly higher in the cells cultured on DTM (P â‰¤ 0.001). Conclusion: SSCs culture in DTM with the creation of ECM and similar conditions with in vivo can be regarded as a way of demonstrating spermatogenesis in vitro, which can be adopted as a treatment modality for male infertility. [GMJ.2019;8:e1565]Â
A Closer Look at the Validity and Reliability of the Persian Versions of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Modified National Institute of Health Stroke Scale in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Amir Behghadami Mehrdad , Janati Ali
Published: December 2023

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Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire
Authors: Masjedi Arani Abbas , Batebi Sepideh , Jafari Mahdi , Sadeghi Amir , Saberi Isfeedvajani Mohsen , Davazdah Emami Mohammad Hassan
Published: December 2023

Background: It is essential in clinical care services to measure the symptoms of functional dyspepsia both in the primary examination and treatment outcomes. No valid assessment tool is already available for functional dyspepsia in Iran. The present study aimed at evaluating the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Leeds dyspepsia questionnaire (LDQ). Materials and Methods: The LDQ was completed by 67 subjects with no dyspepsia symptoms and 93 subjects with certain functional dyspepsia diagnosed via endoscopy by a gastroenterologist and other clinical assessments. After definite diagnosis of functional dyspepsia, the participants were assessed by the LDQ. The psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire were then documented to investigate its reliability, validity, and responsiveness. Results: The internal consistency of the LDQ ranged from 0.80 to 0.89 and its test-retest reproducibility was 0.96. The LDQ was significantly correlated with all domains of dyspepsia symptom severity index (DSSI) and also with some of the domains of gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS). The LDQ had a sensitivity of 90.3% with a great specificity and a very good predictive validity. Moreover, a significant responsiveness to changes was observed (P<0.05). Conclusion: The LDQ is a valid, reliable, reproducible, and self-rated instrument responsive to change, which can be used to measure the frequency and severity of functional dyspepsia symptoms in clinical trials. [GMJ.2019;8:e1609]Â
The Effect of Cupressus Sempervirens on Ulcerative Colitis: Do Pathological Changes Improve by Oxidative Stress Amelioration?
Authors: Samimi Nastaran , Farjam Mojtaba
Published: December 2023

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Investigating the Maternal Factors Associated with Preschool Childrenâ€™s Food Preferences; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Farajzadeh-Moghanjoughi Nayyereh , Kheirouri Sorayya , Alizadeh Mohammad , Farsad-Naeimi Alireza
Published: December 2023

Background: Dietary patterns of children are determined by their food preferences, and mothers have important implications for these preferences. This study was aimed to investigate the maternal factors associated with childrenâ€™s food preferences. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 576 healthy children aged 3-6 years participated from nursery schools through simple cluster sampling method and maternal factors associated with childrenâ€™s food preferences were determined using a researcher designed, validated tool through face-to-face interview with mothers. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using General Linear Model to assess the correlations between different variables. Results: The children with diploma-educated mothers had fewer preferences in consuming nuts, vegetables, and fruits, and children with academic-educated mothers had fewer preferences in consuming nuts, beans, vegetables, fruits, drinks, condiments, and snacks (P<0.05). Children with employed mothers had fewer preferences for beans and drinks (P<0.02). Drinks preferences were lower among children whose mothers had good nutritional knowledge score (P<0.03). Proteins, beans, fruits, condiments, and snacks preferences were higher among children whose mothers had good nutritional attitude score (P<0.05). A positive correlation was found between the food preferences of children and mothers (0.377<B<0.570, P<0.001) in all food groups.Â  Conclusion: The results of the study showed that mothersÌ“ educational level and their high nutritional knowledge and attitude could not guarantee the healthy dietary patterns of children. To promote childrenâ€™s dietary patterns, it is imperative to improve the food preferences of mothers through specialized training. [GMJ.2019;8:e1652]Â
A Short Review on the Model of Government Support Programs for Special Patients in Iran, United Kingdom, United States of America, Italy, and Sweden
Authors: Hosseini Esmaeil , Mahmoudi Majd Abadi Mahmoud , Masoudi Asl Irvin , Karami Matin Behzad
Published: December 2023

Over the past few decades, caring for special patients has taken center stage in healthcare systems. Moreover, what necessitates conducting a comparative study into the conditions of special patients and designing a suitable model are as follows: high admission rates of these patients in hospitals, continual recurrence of the illness, sky-high costs of treatment and medicine, lack of coordination between the services offered by hospitals and community needs, and severe pressure of special patients on their families. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the models of government support programs for special patients in Iran, the United Kingdom, the USA, Italy and Sweden through a descriptive-documentary method. The findings revealed that the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the private sector were the major providers of health services to special patients in most of the countries under study. It was also demonstrated that the services offered to special patients are jointly mainly funded by governments, associations, and non-governmental organizations and partially by insurance premiums and so forth. The results also indicated that the bulk of healthcare provision was shouldered by non-governmental sectors and the contribution of charitable people. Finally, it can be concluded that both health-related policies and the health of special patients can be closely honed and monitored through the formation of committees on the health of special patients at the Supreme Council of Health, the establishment of an office for special patients at the Vice-chancellery for Health at the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, provision of decentralized services, and financing through taxation and contribution of charitable people and international organizations. [GMJ.2020;9:e1403]
Value of Delta Fractional Flow Reserve (Î”FFR) For Predicting Coronary Ischemic Lesions
Authors: Eftekharzadeh Sayyed Ali , Pishgahi Mehdi , Eslami Vahid , Safi Morteza , Namazi Mohammad hasan , Eftekharzade Amir
Published: December 2023

Background: The decrease in fractional flow reserve (FFR) after adenosine administration from baseline FFR value (termed as Î”FFR) may reflect the compensatory capacity of the microvascular circulation and thus may predict significant coronary stenotic lesions. We aimed to investigate whether baseline FFR and Î”FFR can help identify the coronary ischemic lesion and its severity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 154 consecutive patients (Mean age 62.42 Â± 9.36 years) that underwent coronary angiography and with definitive intermediate coronary lesions at any of the coronary vessels. FFR was calculated by dividing the mean distal intracoronary pressure by the mean arterial pressure. Î”FFR was also defined as the difference between baseline FFR and hyperemic FFR (considering FFR<0.75 as the criteria for ischemia). Results: The area under receiver-operating characteristic curve for baseline FFR was found as 0.933, and for Î”FFR was 0.946 indicated high values of both indices for predicting ischemic lesions. The best cut-off point for baseline FFR and Î”FFR for discriminating ischemic lesions from the normal condition was 89.5 (yielding a sensitivity of 92.2% and a specificity of 68.0%) and 9.5 (yielding a sensitivity of 96.0% and a specificity of 85.3%), respectively. Conclusion: Our study could successfully demonstrate the high value of both baseline FFR and Î”FFR for predicting coronary ischemic lesions with the cut-off values of <89.5 and >9.5, respectively. [GMJ.2020;9:e1528]
Investigation of the Dose-Enhancement Effects of Spherical and Rod-Shaped Gold Nanoparticles on the HeLa Cell Line
Authors: Amani Samad , Mehdizadeh Alireza , Movahedi Mohammad Mehdi , Keshavarz Marzieh , Koosha Fereshteh
Published: December 2023

Background: Cervical cancer cells are known as radioresistant cells. Current treatment methods have not improved the patientsâ€™ survival efficiently; thus, new therapeutic strategies are needed to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy. Gold nanomaterials with different shapes and sizes have been explored as radiosensitizers. The present study compared the radiosensitizing effects of gold nanorods (AuNRs) with spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the HeLa cell line irradiated with megavoltage X-rays. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxicity of AuNRs and AuNPs on HeLa cells in the presence and absence of 6-MV X-ray was investigated using the MTT assay. For this aim, HeLa cells were incubated with and AuNPs and AuNRs at various concentrations (5, 10, and 15 Âµg/mL) for 6 hours. Afterward, HeLa cells were irradiated with 6-MV X-ray at a single dose of 2 Gy. Results: The results showed that the addition of AuNRs and AuNPs could enhance the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells. Both AuNRs and AuNPs showed low toxicity on HeLa cells, while AuNRs were more toxic than AuNPs at the examined concentrations. Moreover, it was found that AuNRs could enhance the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells more than spherical-shaped AuNPs. Conclusion: This study revealed that the shape of nanoparticles is an effective factor when they are used as radiosensitizing agents during radiotherapy. [GMJ.2020;9:e1581]
The Role of Helicobacter Pylori Proinflammatory Outer Membrane Protein and Propolis in Immunomodulation on U937 Macrophage Cell Model
Authors: Falsafi Tahereh , Soudi Hengameh , Gharavi Sara
Published: December 2023

Background: Regarding the important role of proinflammatory outer membrane protein (OipA) in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection and immunomodulatory activity of propolis, we aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity effect of a purified recombinant OipA protein and propolis in the induction of two cytokines, interferon-gamma (IFN-Î³) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), in a macrophage cell model. Materials and Methods: The recombinant protein used in the present study corresponding to the oipA expressing a 34-35 kDa protein. OipA protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The purified OipA protein (2.5- 40 Î¼g /mL) and the propolis ethanolic extract (5-40 Î¼g/mL) were incubated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-treated human myelomonocytic cell line U937 cells. IL-4 and IFN-Î³ levels were measured after 48 hours of incubation using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The amounts of IL-4 and IFN-Î³ were significantly increased. The optimum concentration of OipA for the secretion of IL-4 was 5 Î¼g/ml (P<0.0001). At higher concentrations, the amount of IL-4 diminished until suppression at 40 Î¼g/mL. The optimum concentration of propolis, resulting in the most significant increased secretion of both IL-4 and IFN-Î³ was 40 Î¼g/mL (P=0.0001 and P=0.0004). Conclusion: We found that an OipA concentration of 10 Î¼g/mL was more effective for IFN-Î³ production; however, it was not effective for the high production of IL-4. Therefore, it is postulated that the OipA could mainly induce a Th1 response through the production of IFN-Î³. We also observed propolisâ€™s capability to induce IFN-Î³ production; however, the effective concentration for this was the same as for IL-4. Therefore, as an adjuvant, proper concentration of propolis is required for OipA to give the optimum response. [GMJ.2020;9:e1687]
Pregnancy-Associated Osteoporosis Presented with Femoral Neck Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yoosefi Sedigeh , Faraji Azam , Shomali Zahra
Published: December 2023

Background: Pregnancy-associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare condition characterized by reduced bone mineral density during the third trimester or lactation. Multiple risk factors, such as genetic, sedentariness, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency, are associated with PAO. In the majority of cases, PAO is presented with a compression fracture in vertebras, but in our case, it presented with a fracture of the femoral neck. Case Report: A 29-year-old, gravida one woman, developed right hip joint pain during the gestational age 34 weeks who referred to our clinic. Despite conservative management, the pain intensified. The patient delivered a healthy neonate in the 38th week of gestation and afterward underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic, revealing a bruised bone in the femoral neck. Since she had developed a femoral neck fracture during the postpartum period, she underwent open reduction and fixation of the femoral neck. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) revealed osteoporosis of the vertebras and femoral neck. She received calcium supplements and alendronate, and the pain was relieved. On 2-year and 4-year follow-up, she was found to be osteopenic with significant improvement in DEXA indices. Conclusion: PAO is a rare condition among young women. This condition should be kept in mind when hip joint or back pain is encountered during pregnancy. [GMJ.2020;9:e1750]
Role of MicroRNAs in Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Acute Heart Failure: Ambassadors from Intracellular Zone
Authors: Sadat-Ebrahimi Seyyed-Reza , Aslanabadi Naser
Published: December 2023

Acute heart failure (AHF) is one of the burdensome diseases affecting a considerable proportion of the population. Recently, it has been demonstrated that micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) can exert diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic roles in a variety of conditions including AHF. These molecules play essential roles in HF-related pathophysiology, particularly, cardiac fibrosis, and hypertrophy. Some miRNAs namely miRNA-423-5p are reported to have both diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. However, some studies suggest that combination of biomarkers is a much better way to achieve the highest accuracy such as the combination of miRNAs and N-terminal pro b-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT pro-BNP). Therefore, this review discusses different views towards various roles of miRNAs in AHF. [GMJ.2020;9:e1818]
Factors Affecting Academic Performance of Students: A Cross- Sectional Study of Secondary Schools of Kotli AJ&K
Authors: Shaheen Muhammad Naqeeb ul Khalil , Shah Nazir Haider , Jehangir Rida
Published: December 2023

This study was conducted to examine the Factors Affecting the Academic performance of students at the secondary level in Kotli AJ&K. The population of the study consisted of approximately 4000 government students studying at the secondary level. The researcher selected 350 students of secondary level in Kotli City as the sample in this study through the continent sampling technique. The current study was quantitative in nature. Descriptive research was used to conduct the study and a survey method was conducted for data collection. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used as a tool in this study. There are many factors that influence the academic performance of students such as school factors, parental, social and economic conditions, teacher factors, and many more. It is recommended that the educational authorities may introduce need-based scholarships for deserving students so that the student's academic performance may not get influenced by the economic status of the family.
Evaluating the Contribution of GDP, Technological Advancements, and Renewable Energy Consumption in Carbon Emissions to the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals: Insights from China
Authors: Hassan Waseem , Hussain Naveed , Hussain Shahzeb
Published: December 2023

The proposed research examines how renewable energy consumption, GDP, and carbon emission technology affect China's sustainable development goals. The writer utilized OECD and World Bank databases to gather 2000–2020 secondary data. The inferential and descriptive technique assesses the Chinese understanding of how renewable energy consumption, GDP, and technological advancements concern sustainable development goals. In this research effort, the final acquired data were input into SPSS and evaluated to obtain statistical conclusions. SPSS Statistical software has been utilized to calculate the empirical study's results utilizing descriptive statistics, regression analysis, factor analysis, and one-way ANOVA. The study's methodology describes the analysis criteria and recommendations to test hypotheses and achieve goals. This research may stimulate renewable energy consumption, GDP, and technological advancements to mitigate carbon emissions and achieve China's Sustainable Development Goals. Implementing renewable energy initiatives and encouraging constructive economic growth can do this.
Men-women Interaction in TV Advertisements: A Critical Discourse Analytical Exploration of Issues and Implications
Authors: Tanveer Fajer , Mateen Zunaira , Hussain Muhammad Sabboor
Published: December 2023

Television advertisements are fundamental in our society and have been the subject of analysis by several analysts and researchers interested in studying gender roles and stereotypes. This research article aims to explore the nature of men-women interaction in Pakistani TV advertisements and examine what issues arise from it, using Fairclough’s 3-dimensional discourse analysis model on a sample of 7 advertisements. Based on the findings, a questionnaire-type survey was conducted to understand further the effect of gender roles, their representation and relationships on the audience’s perception. The research reveals that Pakistani TV advertisements promote and challenge gender stereotypes,moving towards gender neutrality. This research provides analysts with a new outlook to analyze advertisements that not just reveal dominant/submissive relationships but also a healthy, positive and cooperative relationship between husband and wife.
Efficiency of HEC's Quality Assurance Agency's (QAA) Framework: Perceptions of Quality Enhancement Cells' (QECs) Executives of Pakistani Universities
Authors: Naqvi Syeda Um E Laila , Naz Farah , Sharif Iqra
Published: December 2023

This qualitative study examined Pakistani Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) executives' views on the HEC's Quality Assurance and Agency (QAA) framework's effectiveness in higher education. Thematic analysis was used to discover and analyse QEC executives' various viewpoints on the HEC's QAA framework's efficacy using in-depth interviews with 20 purposive sampled participants. Analysis revealed two themes: "Ideal Role Model" and "Loopholes in the Model." Within the "Ideal Role Model" subject, several interviewees saw the HEC's QAA framework as a thorough and adequate model for ensuring and improving higher education quality. In contrast, the "Loop Holes in the Model" topic highlighted most respondents' concerns. This research enhances the knowledge of Pakistan's higher education quality assurance dynamics. This research shows the challenges of ensuring and improving higher education quality from many viewpoints. Addressing these viewpoints and creating a dynamic, adaptive, and culturally relevant quality assurance system are essential for Pakistan's higher education growth.
ІНТЕНСИВНІСТЬ НАКОПИЧЕННЯ ВАЖКИХ МЕТАЛІВ НАСІННЯМ ТА ШРОТОМ СОНЯШНИКУ
Authors: Гуцол Г. , Мазур О.
Published: December 2023

Сьогодення показує, що соняшник залишається одним із прибуткових продуктів на внутрішньому ринку, який, за рахунок власного виробництва, насичується повністю. Родючість ґрунтів Вінниччини дозволяє вирощувати соняшник, а широкий спектр застосування його сприяє поступовому збільшенню посівних площ.
Зростання посівних площ соняшнику в Україні супроводжується збільшенням норм внесення мінеральних добрив та пестицидів і призводить до підвищення ризику накопичення токсичних речовин, зокрема важких металів, у його насінні та продуктах переробки.
Досліджено вміст токсичних речовин у ґрунті при вирощуванні соняшнику. Порівняно вміст важких металів свинцю, кадмію, міді та цинку в насінні й шроті соняшнику з їх вмістом у ґрунті. Зіставлено отримані показники з гранично допустимими концентраціями. Розраховано коефіцієнти накопичення важких металів свинцю, кадмію, міді та цинку насінням соняшнику. Обчислено величини переходу важких металів з ґрунту в насіння соняшнику та соняшниковий шрот.
Серед хімічних токсикантів ґрунту, які потенційно можуть накопичуватись у насінні соняшнику та його шроті, найбільшу небезпеку становлять свинець, мідь, цинк, кадмій, цезій та кобальт. Водночас ртуть, молібден, бор та залізо за наявного вмісту в досліджуваному ґрунті не становлять небезпеки. За фактичного рівня забруднення ґрунту рухомими формами свинцю, кадмію, міді та цинку в межах 0,13–0,26 ГДК, їх вміст у насінні соняшнику становив 0,11–0,17 ГДК. У соняшниковому шроті вміст досліджуваних важких металів відносно насіння соняшнику найбільше зріс: міді – у 2,9 раза, свинцю – у 1,49 раза, кадмію – у 1,45 раза, цинку – у 1,43 раза. Проте фактична частка такого вмісту важких металів щодо гранично допустимої концентрації становила 0,03–0,09 ГДК. Найвищий коефіцієнт накопичення важких металів з ґрунту в насінні соняшнику встановлений за цинком – 1,81, та міддю – 1,71, тоді як за свинцем та кадмієм він становив відповідно 0,06 та 0,12.
УРОЖАЙНІСТЬ ТА ЯКІСТЬ КАПУСТИ ЦВІТНОЇ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД НОРМ РІДКИХ КОМПЛЕКСНИХ ДОБРИВ (РКД 3: 18:18)
Authors: Дидів О.
Published: December 2023

Капуста цвітна вимоглива до родючості ґрунту, а також до забезпечення макро- та мікроелементами. Високий урожай капусти цвітної одержують на родючих, суглинкових ґрунтах, pH ‒ близьке до нейтрального. За порушення балансу мінеральних речовин у ґрунті та нестачі вологи рослини відстають у рості. Одним із ефективних мінеральних добрив в екологічному сенсі є рідкі комплексні добрива (РКД 3:18:18), які легко засвоюються рослинами. В умовах Західного Лісостепу України на темно-сірих опідзолених легкосуглинкових ґрунтах проведені дослідження з вивчення впливу різних норм рідких комплексних добрив (РКД 3:18:18) на врожайність та біохімічний склад капусти цвітної.
Предметом дослідження був гібрид капусти цвітної Lecanu F1. Схема досліду передбачала такі варіанти: 1) контроль (без добрив); 2)РКД – 40л/га; 3)РКД – 80л/га; 4)РКД – 120л/га; 5)РКД – 160л/га; 6)РКД – 200л/га.
У середньому за два роки досліджень великі головки (діаметр – 17 і 18см) масою 1380 і 1460г, щільністю 9 і 8 балів, одержали у варіантах: РКД – 160л/га та РКД – 200л/га, тоді як на контролі (без добрив) ці показники були найменші і становили відповідно: діаметр – 13см, маса ‒ 620г. За розсадного способу вирощування капусти цвітної з використанням рідких комплексних добрив (РКД) у нормі 120л/га та 160л/га одержали високий урожай товарних головок (42,6 і 47,1т/га), що перевищує контроль (без добрив ‒ 29,7т/га) відповідно на 12,9 і 17,4т/га. Встановлено, що підвищені норми рідких комплексних мінеральних добрив (200л/га) не сприяють суттєвому підвищенню врожайності.
Рідкі комплексні добрива підвищували якість головок капусти цвітної, зокрема найвищий вміст сухої речовини (9,38%), загального цукру (4,72%), вітаміну «С» (62,82мг/%), білка (2,84%) одержали у варіанті з внесенням РКД у нормі 120л/га. Уміст нітратного азоту в усіх варіантах досліду не перевищував гранично допустимої концентрації. З метою одержання високого врожаю (47,1т/га) з доброю якістю продукції капусти цвітної гібрида Lecanu F1 за розсадного способу вирощування на темно-сірих опідзолених ґрунтах в умовах Західного Лісостепу України пропонується вносити рідке комплексне мінеральне добриво (РКД3:18:18) в нормі 160л/га. Встановлено, що підвищені норми рідких комплексних добрив (200л/га) не сприяють суттєвому зростанню врожайності.
ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ НОВОГО ПРОТРУЙНИКА НАСІННЯ ВАЙБРАНС ІНТЕГРАЛ ПРОТИ ХВОРОБ І ШКІДНИКІВ НА ЯЧМЕНІ ЯРОМУ
Authors: Косилович Г. , Голячук Ю.
Published: December 2023

Протруювання насіння перед сівбою – важлива ланка виробництва рослинницької продукції, істотний резерв підвищення продуктивності рослин та поліпшення якості врожаю. Передпосівна обробка насіннєвого матеріалу, метою якої є захист рослин від хвороб, джерелом інфекції яких може бути насіння чи ґрунт, а також захист проростків і сходів рослин від ґрунтових шкідників, має першочергове значення в сучасних системах захисту рослин ячменю ярого від шкідливих організмів.
Пропонуємо для обробки насіння ячменю ярого перед сівбою застосовувати фунгіцидно-інсектицидний протруйник Вайбранс Інтеграл, 23,5% тк.с. (седаксан, 25 г/л + флудиоксоніл, 25 г/л + тебуконазол, 10 г/л + тіаметоксам, 175г/л) у нормі витрати 2л/т. Використання для протруювання насіння ячменю ярого препарату Вайбранс Інтеграл було ефективним заходом для запобігання ураження рослин збудниками кореневих гнилей (Fusarium, Cochliobolus sativus), летючої (Ustilago nuda) та твердої (Ustilago hordei) сажок, сітчастої (Pyrenophora teres) та смугастої (Pyrenophora graminea) плямистостей листя, а також для обмеження пошкодження сходів рослин ґрунтовими шкідниками (Agriotes), злаковими блішками (Phyllotreta vittula, Chaetocnema hortensis), п’явицями (Oulema melanopus, Oulema lichenis), злаковими мухами (Mayetiola destructor, Oscinella pusilla) і попелицями (Sitobion avenae, Brachycolus noxius). Результати наших досліджень підтверджують високу фунгіцидну дію препарату проти насіннєвої та ґрунтової інфекції, а також його високу інсектицидну дію проти ґрунтових і шкідників сходів.
Протруювання насіння ячменю ярого пестицидом Вайбранс Інтеграл, 23,5% тк.с. ̶ 2,0л/т не мало негативного впливу на посівні якості, навпаки, препарат забезпечив кращі, ніж на контролі, на 1,7–1,9%, показники енергії проростання та лабораторної схожості.
За використання фунгіцидно-інсектицидного препарату Вайбранс Інтеграл для протруювання насіння ячменю ярого перед сівбою одержано вищу врожайність – істотний додатковий урожай зерна порівняно з контролем становив 13,4ц/га.
ГРИГОРІЙ ОВКСЕНТІЙОВИЧ АНДРУЩЕНКО: ЖИТТЄВИЙ ШЛЯХ ВЧЕНОГО ТА УКРАЇНСЬКЕ ҐРУНТОЗНАВСТВО
Authors: Гнатів П. , Швидка Т. , Іванюк В. , Полюхович М. , Гаськевич О. , Пархуць Б. , Вега Н. , Кунинець Р.
Published: December 2023

Висвітлено життєвий шлях відомого ґрунтознавця, професора Львівського національного університету природокористування Г.О.Андрущенка. Він пройшов тернисту стежину із родини хлібороба до знаного вченого ґрунтознавця. Історично ґрунтознавство на Заході України було започатковане 1856 року в Дублянах, з початком діяльності професорів Северина Плахетка та Еміля Годлєвського. Наприкінці XІXст. Рільнича школа в Дублянах активно розвивалася, у 1880 році вона набуває статусу Вищої рільничої школи, згодом – Академії. Професори Юзеф Мікуловський-Поморський та Мар’ян Гурський зосередилися винятково на ґрунтознавстві та хімії ґрунтів. З переїздом у 1945 році Григорія Андрущенка в Дубляни і початком його діяльності на кафедрі ґрунтознавства започатковані дослідження ґрунтів західних областей України, Казахстану, країн Західної півкулі та Індокитаю. Вчений організував вивчення властивостей ґрунтів та способів підвищення їх родючості. Григорій Андрущенко долучився до створення сучасних лабораторій для навчальної і науково-дослідної роботи: хімічної та фізичної, з набором відповідних реактивів і приладів; оптичної, з найновішим обладнанням, зокрема спектрографом ДФС-3, спектрофотометром, мікрофотометром, фотоелектроколориметром, полум’яним фотометром фірми Цейс, рН-метрами; ізотопної лабораторії; музею ґрунтів, у якому представлені моноліти усіх ґрунтів західних областей України. Результати багаторічних досліджень ювіляра посприяли виділенню показників, які мають важливе значення для діагностики ґрунтів, а саме: співвідношення органічних і мінеральних форм заліза, органічних і мінеральних фосфатів у ґрунтах; різкі зміни у вмісті і складі фосфатів по профілю. Науковець зробив значний внесок у картографії ґрунтів, зокрема у великомасштабному зніманні ґрунтів і узагальненні результатів досліджень.