bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Development of China: A Developmental State ‘With Chinese Characteristics’
Authors:   Winston-Salem State University, Karagiannis Nikolaos , Cherikh Moula ,   Winston-Salem State University, Elsner Wolfram ,   University of Bremen
Published: May 2022

The aim of the paper is twofold: 1. to examine the identities and differences of the Chinese model of the developmental and entrepreneurial state ‘with Chinese characteristics’ with the general East Asian developmental state model, and 2. to derive some perspectives for the future of the particular Chinese model of the developmental state. The paper is structured as follows. The first main section briefly discusses China’s growth performance and policies since World War II with respect to the country’s development efforts. Subsequent sections analyse aspects of the particular economic development framework of China, based on an interventionist heterodox developmental state argument, and describe some critical development policy areas that emanate from such an argument placing great emphasis on industrial targeting while taking the country’s sociocultural and politico-institutional traits into consideration. Some conclusions end the paper.
Emerging Markets: Concepts and Determinants of Development
Authors:   Kobe International University, Strelchenko Olga , Strelchenko Elena ,   Southern Federal University, Kot Vera ,   Southern Federal University
Published: May 2022

The gap in economic development between developed and developing economies has actualized the study of the concepts, causes, and factors of this phenomenon. Although developed economies demonstrate a high GDP per capita, emerging markets are growing at a faster rate. Emerging markets are countries with market economies and possess institutions and standards inherent in developed countries. However, the maturity and quality of these institutions do not fully comply with those in developed countries. Meanwhile, the economic growth rates of emerging markets are significantly higher than those of developed markets. This study analyzes emerging markets and the problem of their income gap compared to developed countries from various economic approaches, including classical mercantilism, liberalism, Marxism, and modern-dependency theory. In addition, the authors analyzed the role of globalization, its impact on emerging markets, and the causes of economic instability and development. Furthermore, the study considers general trends inherent in developed and developing countries and specific ones characteristic only for emerging markets.
Decision-Making Mechanisms by Economic Agents: Evolution of Scientific Ideas
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Grechko Mikhail , Stasev Mikhail ,   Southern Federal University
Published: May 2022

The review article presented by the authors is devoted to the systematization and integration of scientific knowledge in the aspect of research of mechanisms of decision-making by economic agents and allows to present the currently existing scientific groundwork in the indicated subject field in a comprehensive and structured way. The presented review article aims at a comprehensive presentation and structural description of the evolutionary dynamics of the existing body of scientific ideas in the focus of research on the mechanisms of decision-making by economic agents. It is stated that the retrospective analysis is required for the detailed and comprehensive systematization of the existing scientific research on the stated problem. As a significant scientific result, the authors have constructed maps of evolution of scientific ideas in the aspect of research of mechanisms of decision-making by economic agents in retrospect and/or based on the logic of its representation in the subject field of individual directions of behavioral sciences system.
«Sanctions 2022»: The Impossibility and Ban on Regulation by The Russian State in A Blow
Authors:   Dostoevsky Omsk State University, Kapoguzov Evgeny , Chupin Roman ,   Institute of Economics and Industrial Engineering, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2022

The paper discusses the consequences of the sanctions and restrictions imposed in February- March 2022 by a number of foreign countries for the “ordinary consumer”. Differences in the impact of sanctions compared to the previously introduced in 2014 sanctions and counter-sanctions on ordinary consumers are discussed, the meaning of this term is clarified. The aim of the article is to analyze the consequences of collective sanctions for the Russian “ordinary consumer” and discuss the first steps to mitigate the effects of sanctions. “Sanctions 2022” is analyzed for the period from February 22 to March 10, their unprecedented nature, medium and long-term consequences are noted. Estimations of the import dependence of Russian airlines are given and missed opportunities for the period 2014–2022 for import substitution in the aviation industry are identified. The situation is characterized in terms of the macroeconomic background and changes in budgetary opportunities to support socially vulnerable segments of the population, the consequences in terms of economic security, the labor market, and the impact of rising prices for essential food products on welfare. The first government efforts to mitigate the effects of sanctions and restrictions are analyzed and recommendations are discussed on possible areas of support for the “ordinary consumer”.
Sustainable Development Trends of Domestic Companies in The Metallurgical Industry
Authors:   Sochi Institute (branch) of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Degtyarev Pavel
Published: May 2022

In the current conditions of severe sanctions restrictions, more difficult access to capital markets in order to attract long-term investment resources, a sharp increase in the exchange rate, enterprises in the real sector of the economy faced a difficult choice of setting the priority of tasks - full financing of current activities or cutting part of costs in order to implement long-term projects, including those related to sustainable development. A number of experts have already expressed the point of view related to the fact that the sustainable development programs of domestic companies will be suspended, since the necessary resources simply will not be enough to finance them. In this article, the author, considering the concept of sustainable development, proves that for large industrial enterprises this concept has long been organically built into the overall development strategy of the enterprise, therefore, “freezing” programs related to ESG is impossible in practice, or it will lead to extremely adverse consequences for companies. On the contrary, it is during the crisis period that the main attention should be focused on observing the long-term interests of the company and the interests of its stakeholders, which will help the company in the post-crisis period become one of the industry leaders not only in Russia, but also in the world. This statement is confirmed by specific examples from the experience of a number of companies. Within the framework of this article, the main attention is focused on enterprises related to the metallurgical industry, since at the moment most of the representatives of this particular industry are included in the rating of Russian leading companies in sustainable development, and the experience of implementing the ESG principles in this industry is quite wide and represents of particular interest to consider.
Bacterial biofilms: role of quorum sensing and quorum quenching
Authors: GHOSH DHRITISHREE , SETH MADHUPA , MONDAL PRIYAJIT , MUKHOPADHYAY SUBHRA KANTI
Published: May 2022

Bacterial biofilms provide an adjustable strategy to manage themselves in the existing conditions. Biofilms of pathogenic bacteria act as a reservoir for various device and non-device related diseases which are tough to cure. Exposure to a high dose of antibiotics is not an appropriate solution to this problem as high antibiotic concentrations lead to the generation of Multi-drug resistant strains as well as affect the human body. So, it is needed to bypass the use of antibiotics to prevent bacterial biofilms. In this context, Quorum Sensing (QS) may be a potential target since biofilm formation is regulated by QS. N-acyl homoserine lactones (N-AHL) act as predominant QS signal molecules in Gram-negative bacteria. Counteraction of the QS-regulated activities using quorum quenching may be an alternative way to combat biofilm formation in bacteria. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) and QQ enzymes play a significant role in this regard either by interference with the signal generation, perception, or by degradation, and chemical modification, respectively. Many quorum quenching enzymes have been reported from bacteria. Extremophilic bacteria have also been reported to produce potent quorum quenching enzymes which can effectively break down N-AHLs.
Current and emerging molecular technologies for the diagnosis of plant diseases – An overview
Authors: Azizi Mohammad Malek Faizal , Mardhiah Noor Hani , Lau Han Yih
Published: May 2022

Plant diseases caused by numerous pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi are responsible for substantial economic losses in the agricultural industry worldwide. Specific, sensitive, and efficient diagnostic tools have been developed worldwide to mitigate and prevent the pathogenic threat. The diagnostic tools have revolutionized from classical methods to more advanced molecular diagnostic approaches such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), biosensor, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Hence, this review describes the current and emerging molecular diagnostic tools to distinguish and identify pathogens in crops.
Assessment of Variability and Genetic Diversity Study in an Advanced Segregating Population in Rice with Blast Resistance Genes Introgression
Authors: HASAN NORAISHAH , Yusop Mohd Rafii , Harun Abdul Rahim , Mazlan Norida , Syd Ali Nusaibah , Abdullah Shamsiah
Published: May 2022

Blast disease caused by a pathogenic fungus, Magnaphorthe oryzae, is the most destructive disease and has resulted in more than 50% of crop losses worldwide, including in Malaysia. The present study was conducted to investigate genetic variability among 36 advanced lines of MR264 × PS2 rice with blast resistance genes introduced at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. Traits such as days of maturity, plant height, grain width, and seed setting rate exhibited negative skewness in this study, indicating a doubling of gene effects. Seed setting rate and 1000 grain weight showed positive kurtosis, indicating gene interactions. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was slightly higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits, indicating that environmental influences affect the expression of these traits. High heritability associated with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was observed for filled grains per panicle. In addition, the second-highest value for high heritability and the high genetic advance was observed for the number of tillers. Cluster and principal component analysis revealed that 36 advanced lines were grouped into four clusters based on ten agromorphological traits. Clusters A and C had higher mean values for most of the traits studied than clusters B and D. Desirable recombinants for higher yields with a broad genetic base can be generated by using cross lines from different clusters.
Relationship of altitude, individual seed weight, and kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus with biochemical parameters of various Ethiopian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accessions
Authors: Syraji Yonas , P.R. Jeyaramraja
Published: May 2022

Groundnut is one of the five extensively grown oil crops of Ethiopia. Groundnut kernels contain 40-50% fat, 20-50% protein, and 10-20% carbohydrate and are rich in vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, falacin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. This study aimed to determine individual seed weight, kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, and biochemical parameters in groundnut seeds collected from different areas of Ethiopia. Groundnut germplasm in the form of seeds was collected from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI), further information about each accession location and altitude was also collected from the institute.  Parameters such as individual seed weight (ISW), kernel colonization by A. flavus, and biochemical parameters (i.e. total carbohydrate, protein, and total free amino acids) were measured in the groundnut seeds. A negative relationship between ISW and altitude (p<0.01) was observed in this study which indicates that an increase in altitude would result in a decrease in seed weight. A positive relationship between altitude with total carbohydrate (p<0.01) and with total free amino acids (p<0.05) was also observed. Low-ISW accessions exhibited significantly higher total carbohydrates while high-ISW accessions exhibited significantly higher total free amino acids in their seeds. Groundnut seeds of EBI accessions with 0% kernel colonization contained less total carbohydrate, and the accessions with 100% kernel colonization contained the highest total carbohydrates. Besides, total carbohydrates correlated positively with kernel colonization (p<0.01). So, it is postulated that high total carbohydrate makes groundnut seeds susceptible to A. flavus colonization.
Targeting Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS CoV-2 spike protein with selected phytochemicals: an in-silico approach for identification of potential drug
Authors: Tuli Hardeep , Bansal Poonam , Sharma Varruchi , Mohapatra Ranjan K. , Dhama Kuldeep , Priti  , Sharma Anil K
Published: May 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus -2 (S ARS-CoV-2) emerging variants particularly those of concern contain numerous mutations that influence the behavior and transmissibility of the virus and could adversely affect the efficacies of existing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines and immunotherapies. The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants have resulted in different waves of the pandemic within the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On 26 November 2021 World Health Organization designated omicron (B.1.1.529) as the fifth variant of concern which was first reported from South Africa on November 24, 2021, and thereafter rapidly spread across the globe owing to its very high transmission rates along with impeding efficacies of existing vaccines and immunotherapies. Omicron contains more than 50 mutations with many mutations (26-32) in spike protein that might be associated with high transmissibility. Natural compounds particularly phytochemicals have been used since ancient times for the treatment of different diseases, and owing to their potent anti-viral properties have also been explored recently against COVID-19. In the present study, molecular docking of nine phytochemicals (Oleocanthal, Tangeritin, Coumarin, Malvidin, Glycitein, Piceatannol, Pinosylnin, Daidzein, and Naringenin) with omicron spike protein (7QNW (electron microscopy, resolution 2.40 Å) was done. The docking study revealed that selected ligands interact with the receptor with binding energy in the range of -6.2 to-7.0 kcal/mol. Pinosylnin showed the highest binding energy of -7.0 kcal/mol which may be used as potential ligands against omicron spike protein. Based on the docking studies, it was suggested that these phytochemicals are potential molecules to be tested against omicron SARS-CoV-2 and can be used to develop effective antiviral drugs.
Isolation and determination of Vibrio spp. pathogen from Sciaenops ocellatus suffering from hemorrhagic disease under cage culture in Vietnam
Authors: Linh Nguyen Quang , Yen Pham Thi Hai , Tram Nguyen Duy Quynh
Published: May 2022

This study was carried out to isolate and determine the Vibrio spp. from the Red drum fish (Sciaenops ocellatus) suffering from the hemorrhagic disease in Vietnam.  In this study, 18 strains of Vibrio bacteria were identified from 27 samples of Red drum fish. The isolated bacterial strains were identified with the 16S rRNA sequencing method and checked for morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics by using the API 20E KIT. Results of the study revealed the presence of twelve strains of V. alginolyticus, three strains of V. fluvialis, and three strains of V. orientalis. All Vibrio strains have gene similarities with those on the Genbank ranging from 98.05 to 100%. The biochemical characteristics of these 18 isolates were similar and these are susceptible to tetracycline and doxycycline and entirely resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin.
Por uma abordagem funcional e multimodal para estudos linguísticos
Authors: Ponciano Fernandes Cláudia Regina , Leal Aragão Keila Gabryelle
Published: May 2022

Embora diversos estudiosos tenham discorrido sobre funções da linguagem, como Bühler (1934), Morris (1967), Britton (1970), possibilitando pesquisas ancoradas em diversas teorias funcionalistas, neste trabalho, a temática se desenvolve por meio das ideias de Jakobson (1985), Halliday (1989) e Kress e van Leeuwen (2006). Partindo dessa perspectiva, este trabalho tem por objetivo discutir as relações entre funções e metafunções desses estudiosos como possibilidades de embasamento teórico-metodológico em pesquisas, desenvolvendo um diálogo em prol de uma abordagem multimodal para análise de textos. O estudo ancora-se nas funções da linguagem de Jakobson (1985), nas metafunções de Halliday (1989), para textos verbais, e nas metafunções de Kress e van Leeuwen (2006) para textos visuais. Em termos metodológicos, este trabalho constitui-se em ensaio teórico, desenvolvendo-se em torno de uma proposta comparativa entre as referidas funções e metafunções, culminando na defesa de uma abordagem multimodal para análises de textos. Inicialmente, são descritas as possíveis semelhanças e diferenças entre as funções e as metafunções da linguagem estabelecidas por esses estudiosos já citados. Em seguida, argumentos são apresentados em prol de uma abordagem multimodal para estudos linguísticos que relacionem o verbal e o visual. Por último, destacamos como relevante a divulgação dessas abordagens como ferramentas analíticas para textos multimodais e a participação dos estudiosos da linguagem em formações continuadas regulares como meio de ampliação desses conhecimentos.
“Quem salvará nossos filhos?”
Authors: Danrley Barra de Menezes Rafael , Vieira da Silva Francisco
Published: May 2022

O artigo analisa discursos sobre a “ideologia de gênero” em postagens de redes sociais de candidatos no período eleitoral de 2018. O aparato teórico que conduz a investigação encontra respaldo, principalmente, nos estudos discursivos foucaultianos. O corpus é formado por quatro publicações em redes sociais de candidatos a cargos do Poder Legislativo (deputado estadual e federal), os quais se vinculavam à base aliada do então presidenciável Jair Bolsonaro. Sobre a metodologia, convém mencionar que se trata de um estudo descritivo-interpretativo de natureza qualitativa. As análises mostram que os discursos sobre a “ideologia de gênero” emolduram tal prática como um mal a ser combatido, especialmente porque deturpa valores da religião cristã e fere a inocência das crianças. Os candidatos inserem-se, portanto, numa posição de combate a tal “ideologia de gênero” e, a partir disso, buscam engajamento junto aos potenciais eleitores na web.
Artes do Corpo e Dialogismo em Soneto 116: potencialidades para uma educação estética do olhar
Authors: Gonçalves Jean Carlos
Published: May 2022

O presente artigo pretende refletir sobre as relações entre Artes do Corpo e Dialogismo no projeto verbo-visual cênico Soneto 116 (W. Shakespeare) – Direção de José Roberto Jardim – com Fernanda Nobre, em 2021, de modo a investigar possibilidades para uma educação estética do olhar na contemporaneidade. Inserida na esfera virtual de produção, circulação e recepção em Artes do Corpo, termo polissêmico que nos permite considerar a adaptação da cena a diversos formatos e plataformas desencadeada radicalmente pela pandemia global de covid-19, a obra apresenta possibilidades de discussão sobre temas fundantes que constituem os estudos da linguagem na atualidade. Apoiado no pensamento do grupo de intelectuais russos que denominamos hoje Bakhtin e o Círculo, o trabalho mobiliza alguns conceitos que integram a macro noção Dialogismo, a partir dos quais se debruça sobre seu objeto de análise. Os resultados apresentam contribuições para o campo dos estudos da linguagem e da educação, aos quais interessam o funcionamento do discurso em campos diversos, inclusive os do teatro e da performance, e também para o universo (hoje mais expandido do que outrora) das Artes do Corpo, o qual temos enfrentado, já há algum tempo, a partir das lentes bakhtinianas.
The role of a consciousness-raising task in a focused-task sequence
Authors: Xavier Rosely , Gesser Andressa Regiane
Published: May 2022

This paper analyzes the role of explicit information on the learning of subject and object wh-questions in a sequence of tasks. Two sequences of focused tasks (ELLIS, 2003) were designed to incorporate flooded and enhanced subject and object wh-questions in the input. The activities were the same, except for a consciousness-raising task (C-RT) in one of the sequences, which was devised to promote learners’ explicit knowledge of the target structures. Two groups of EFL high school students participated in the study. The data were collected through a pre- and a post-test that required the production and the recognition of the structures. The groups’ performance was compared, and the results showed that the focused-task sequence containing the C-RT was not promising, possibly due to learners’ internal factors which may play down the role of explicit knowledge in the foreign language learning process.
Brasil acima de tudo, Deus acima de todos
Authors: Faria Carvalho Flaviane , Andrade de Oliveira Paiva Beatriz
Published: May 2022

O discurso presidencial de posse se mostra relevante não só por expressar a concepção político-ideológica do novo governante, mas também pelo seu alcance e influência na sociedade. À vista disso, o presente artigo visa analisar o discurso de posse do presidente brasileiro Jair Bolsonaro, buscando detectar quais condições sociais e/ou ideológicas o fundamentariam. Para tanto, adotou-se como quadro teórico-metodológico: o trabalho desenvolvido por van Dijk (2001, 2008), interessado na análise das conexões existentes entre a materialidade do discurso e as relações sociais, em interface com a proposta de Charaudeau (2006), a partir da qual selecionou-se as seguintes categorias de análise: as condições de Simplicidade, Credibilidade, Dramatização, escolhas lexicais mais recorrentes, significado das palavras, temáticas mais recorrentes, sinônimos, metáforas e ethos. Quanto aos principais resultados encontrados, foi possível observar que o discurso analisado, dotado de forte viés populista, baseou-se na tríade “pátria, família e religião”, apresentando ideais voltados para a recuperação da esperança nacional, bem como marcas ufanistas e religiosas em sua configuração.
Gatilhos afetivos do discurso e a compra e venda de estímulos semióticos no Twitter
Authors: Bonfante Gleiton Matheus
Published: May 2022

Da reflexão acerca de uma ferramenta analítica prática para analistas do discurso interessados em afeto, surgiu o gatilho afetivo do discurso. Esse artigo, por sua vez, surge da necessidade de explicar e expandir o conceito gatilho afetivo proposto em Bonfante (2018), assim como localizar esse instrumental analítico dentro da indexicalidade. Para ilustrar a operacionalização do conceito em uma análise, o artigo se lança à observação das performances online dos cash master e cash slave, prática sexual pública no Twitter intermediada pela plataforma e pela linguagem. O artigo também fornece exemplos do que se faz com a linguagem em contextos sensuais na sociedade de plataforma. Entre as conclusões, está a sugestão de que estudos afetivos da linguagem online podem lucrar eticamente de uma crítica ao neoliberalismo.
“É um processo muito difícil"
Authors: Puhl Pereira Tamires , Carnin Anderson , Mira Caio
Published: May 2022

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar narrativa oral de uma professora de Língua Portuguesa, a fim de compreender como ela (re)constrói sua(s) identidade(s) profissional(is) e se posiciona ao avaliar situações sobre o contexto de ensino remoto emergencial. Para tanto, o estudo é ancorado nos princípios teóricos da análise de narrativas, considerando os aspectos linguísticos-interacionais e discursivos a partir dos estudos de Labov ([1972] 2008); Moita Lopes (2001); Bastos; Biar (2015); Abreu; Nobrega (2020). Os dados foram gerados em um encontro de formação continuada realizado no ano de 2020, durante a pandemia de Covid-19. A metodologia do trabalho é de cunho qualitativo-interpretativista e se baseia nos conceitos dos estudos da narrativa oral. Os resultados sugerem que, ao construir a narrativa, a professora organiza as experiências narradas, avaliando as situações e se posicionando conforme as identidades assumidas, ora de uma professora preocupada que valoriza os benefícios do ambiente de ensino remoto, ora como alguém que se encontra em meio a um desafio pedagógico sem precedentes.
The prevalence and major determinants of non-compliance with anti-seizure medication among children
Authors: Afsharkhas Ladan , Zamani Shabnam , Tavasoli Azita , Zamani Babak , Talebi Atefeh
Published: May 2022

Background: A wide range of adherence to the use of anti-seizure medications has been reported among children with the disease, and accordingly, various factors on the degree of adherence to the drug have been reported. But in our society, there is no clear picture of drug adherence and related factors among children with seizures. We evaluated the frequency of adherence to anti-seizure medication as well as related factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 children with epilepsy who referred to Ali Asghar Hospital in Tehran, Iran, during 2019 and 2020. Along with demographic characteristics, adherence to antiepileptic medications was assessed by the Modified Morisky Scale (MMS).
Results: The overall frequency of adherence to anti-seizure medications among children was reported to be about 41.7%. Among all baseline characteristics, much higher adherence was revealed in patients with educated parents. The rate of drug adherence in children with a history of perinatal morbidities was much lower than in other patients. The type of seizure could also affect the rate of drug adherence as the highest and the lowest adherence was found concerning focal impaired awareness seizure (57.1%) and atonic seizures (11.1%) indicating a significant difference (P = 0.022). The most common causes of non-adherence to treatment were expressing inability to treat the patient (23.0%), parents’ forgetfulness to give medicine to the child (18.3%), and not taking medication when traveling or leaving home (16.7%).
Conclusion: The lower level of education of the parents, type of seizure, as well as the presence of underlying perinatal morbidity in the child can predict non-compliance with anticonvulsant medication regimens among affected children.
Validation of myasthenia gravis activity of daily living questionnaire: Persian version
Authors: Faghani Shahriar , Okhvat Ali Asghar , Karimi Narges , Moassefi Mana , Maroufi Seyed Farzad , Nafissi Shahriar , Fatehi Farzad
Published: May 2022

Background: The 8-item myasthenia gravis activity of daily living (MG-ADL) questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating myasthenia gravis (MG)-associated disability. This study aims to assess its validity and reliability in the Iranian population.
Methods: A total number of 58 patients with MG were qualified for the examination. All 58 patients completed the Persian translation of 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life (MG-QOL15) and MG-ADL questionnaires initially, and 30 filled out the MG-ADL questionnaire 2 to 4 weeks after the initial visit. Pearson correlation coefficient of questionnaires, internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha (α), and test-retest repeatability of the questionnaire were evaluated.
Results: The Pearson correlation coefficient of Persian versions of MG-QOL and MG-ADL was 0.93 (P < 0.01). The Persian MG-ADL showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.89) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.99, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: The Persian MG-ADL is a valid and reliable questionnaire for the determination of activities of daily life in Iranian patients with MG.
Brain, heart, and sudden death
Authors: Oveisgharan Shahram , Ghaffarpasand Fariborz , Sörös Peter , Toma Mustafa , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , Hachinski Vladimir
Published: May 2022

During the past 30 years, rate of coronary artery disease (CAD), as the main cause of sudden death (SD), has decreased more than rate of SD. Likewise, cause of SD remains elusive in not a trivial portion of its victims. One possible reason is attention to only one organ, the heart, as the cause of SD. In fact, SD literature focuses more on the heart, less on the brain, and seldom on both. A change is required. In this paper, we first review the pathological findings seen in heart autopsies of SD victims after psychological stressors such as physical assault victims without internal injuries. Then, we summarize new studies investigating brain areas, like the insula, whose malfunctions and injuries are related to SD. Next, we review prototypes of neurological diseases and psychological stressors associated with SD and look at heart failure (HF)-related SD providing evidence for the brain-heart connection. Finally, we propose a new look at SD risk factors considering both brain and heart in their association with SD, and review strategies for prevention of SD from this perspective.
Natalizumab-induced thrombocytopenia: A case report
Authors: Azimi Amirreza , Abna Zohreh , Ghadiri Fereshteh , Mehrabi Farzad
Published: May 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy on Depression in Infertile Women
Authors: Dastjerdi Reza , Jami Maryam , Khazaei Zohreh
Published: May 2022

Background:Infertility is an individual and social problem that affects people’s life quality and has been addressed in several scientific fields. Nevertheless, the psychosocial needs of infertile couples during the medical treatment process are discussed to a lesser degree. Objectives:This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression in infertile women referring to the infertility clinic of Birjand University of Medical Sciences.
Methods:This randomized controlled trial (RCT), with two groups of control and experiment, is performed on infertile women referring to the university clinic in 2019. Beck Depression Inventory was used for data collection. The cognitive-behavioral intervention was conducted during 10 sessions. Data analysis was administered by SPSS version 19 using statistical tests like t-test and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results:The mean age of women in the experimental and control group was 28 ± 4.1 and 28.04 ± 3.64 years, respectively. There was a significant difference between experimental and control groups in the mean score of depression (P < 0.05). Also, the post hoc test showed the stable effect of cognitive-behavioral training on reducing depression in infertile women after the intervention and during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:Given the positive impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing depression in infertile women, it is suggested to consider the psychological needs of couples during medical treatment.
Short-term and Long-term Impacts of Foreign Direct Investment on the Development of Iran’s Health Sector
Authors: Aalipour Afshin , Hassanvand Darioush , Zahed Gharavi Mehdi , Behzadifar Masoud
Published: May 2022

Background: The health sector (health care sector) is considered one of the key sectors in every country and is known as an infrastructure in economic development since the factor directly affects labor productivity and increases production and economic growth. Thus, the health system’s quality may be considered a crucial and attractive factor of foreign direct investment (FDI) along with infrastructures like education, labor, and research and development costs.
Objectives: The present study evaluated the short-term and long-term impacts of foreign direct investment on the development of the health sector.
Methods: According to the time series data, the ARDL method tests the research hypotheses from 1981 to 2020. The present method can use data of nature I (0) and I (1) simultaneously.
Results: During the years 1982 to 2021 with the increase of foreign capital in the health sector of Iran, health indicators have changed significantly. The rates of some diseases have decreased and in the meantime, the financial resources needed for the health sector have been provided to some extent. According to the coefficients, the highest impact on health expenditures in the short term, foreign directs investment and the lowest impact on the percentage of people living with AIDS.
Conclusions: The research findings indicate that foreign direct investment has had positive and significant impacts on the development of the health sector in Iran in both the short and long terms.
Letter to Editor: Importance of Implementing Resistance Economy Policies in the Field of Medicines and Health Technologies
Authors: Sarrafkia Ali , Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim , Dargahi Hosein
Published: May 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Remote Monitoring in Patients with Diabetes Type 2
Authors: Salehi Sahar , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Mobinizadeh Mohammadreza , Esfahani Ensieh Nasli , Riazi Hossein , Mahdavi Hezaveh Alireza , Azadbakht Mahdi , Bavandpour Elahe , Jamali Maryam
Published: May 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the economic evaluation of remote monitoring of type 2 diabetic patients for controlling glycosylated hemoglobin, compared to routine care.
Methods: Economic evaluation was carried out to calculate the unit cost of the remote patient monitoring (RPM) technology and routine treatment for type 2 diabetics, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and sensitivity analysis using the key variables, such as population size and cost items (in five categories of equipment and devices, building, staff, overhead costs, and consumables costs).
Results: Considering the ICER in the base-case model and in comparison to the routine treatment of type 2 diabetes, the remote type 2 diabetes monitoring system was placed in the second quarter (i.e., more effective and affordable technology) of the graph as the most dominant alternative (RPM vs. routine care: Total annual cost difference: -38476.477 US$/Unit reduction in hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] difference: 0.488). The results of the sensitivity analysis revealed that in all scenarios, RPM was dominant, compared to routine treatment (the optimum ICER: -610.128 US$ per “Unit reduction in HbA1c” for the scenario with a 10% increase in the costs of the control and intervention group).
Conclusions: The RPM is a dominant alternative in comparison to routine treatment. The results indicated that the RPM interventions of 2 diabetes play an effective role in the reduction of HbA1c, which might be considered the rationale for policymakers to use this technology.
The Role of Probiotics in Improving Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Marzban Ameneh , Rahmanian Vahid , Marzban Abdolrazagh , Ramezani Siakhulak Fariba
Published: May 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
The Effectiveness of "Philosophy for Children-Based Educational Program" on Breakfast Consumption of Elementary Students: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: KarimiRad Masoomeh , Maghami Hamid Reza , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh , Madadizadeh Farzan , Khodayarian Mahsa
Published: May 2022

Background: Attention to children's nutrition is important; since they are the most sensitive and vulnerable group in the community against malnutrition and food shortages. Therefore, this study aims to design, implement, and evaluate the effect of educational programs based on (philosophy for children) on thinking skills about healthy breakfast consumption of sixth-grade elementary school students in Yazd. Methods: The present clinical trial study was performed on 120 sixth-grade students of public schools in Yazd. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire in control and experimental groups before and after the educational program. Results: The results showed that the mean score of critical thinking after the intervention (38.7 ± 81.1) in the experimental group (EG) increased compared to before the intervention (29.2 ± 96.4), which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Based on the results, the difference observed in the mean score of critical thinking, caring, and creative thinking of sixth-grade students before and after the intervention in the two groups was significant (P < 0.001). On the other hand, the mean score of students' critical, caring, and creative thinking in the EG increased. In other words, the designed educational program improved all three skills in the EG. The mean scores of critical, caring, and creative thinking of sixth-grade students in the control group (CG) before and after the educational program in two stages were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the implementation of philosophy education programs for children raises the level of critical thinking, caring, and creative skills in students to eat a healthy breakfast. Therefore, increasing philosophical thinking in students and improving the studied skills through education, even virtually, can be very valuable and effective.
The Effect of Spirulina on Anxiety in Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Triple-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ghaem Far Zohreh , Babajafari Siavash , Kojuri Javad , Nouri Mehran , Ashrafi-Dehkordi Elham , Mazloomi Seyed Mohammad
Published: May 2022

Background: High blood pressure, coronary heart disease (CHD), and anxiety ailments entirely lead to many illness in patients and impose expenses on the health care system. Anxiety can significantly predict future CHD consequences. Spirulina is a known antioxidant that has a role in anxiety. The hypothesis was that Spirulina could alleviate anxiety and positively affect hypertension and its consequences. Nonetheless, there are scarce recently developed investigations on assessing the effect of consuming Spirulina on anxiety in human beings. Methods: The present study assessed the effect of Spirulina on anxiety in 48 Iranian patients with hypertension (female and male) aged 24–65 years in a randomized triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The patients were given either 2 g Spirulina in the form of spirulina-fortified dressing or placebo. Anxiety levels were evaluated for each patient before and after eight weeks following consumption products with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: Forty-one participants completed the intervention. At the baseline, there was no significant difference in anxiety levels between groups, and they also had the same levels of stress based on the Holmes-Rahe questionnaire. The results showed no significant difference in the level of anxiety between groups after the intervention (P = 0.93). Conclusion: Although no positive results were seen in this study, this novel issue has a potential for further investigations to make comprehensive decisions.
A Comparison of Fatty Acid Profiles in Highly Demanded Traditional and Fast Foods in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Madani Roya Alsadat , Kermani Shabnam , Sami Masoud , Esfandiari Zahra , Karamian Ebrahim
Published: May 2022

Background: High consumption of fatty acids is known as a dietary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of study was to survey of fatty acid profiles in the traditional/fast foods commonly consumed in Iran. Methods: Gas chromatography was used in the present study to determine the composition of fatty acids in 40 most popular traditional/fast foods consumed in Isfahan, Iran. The food samples were collected from 19 restaurants. Results: In all the tested samples, palmitic acid was at the highest level of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (P < 0.05). Although in both groups of foods, the levels of trans fatty acids (TFAs) were above 2% in 30% of examined foods, the higher amounts of TFAs were found in traditional foods (P < 0.05). The results show that traditional foods contain higher levels of SFAs and TFAs than fast foods. Conclusions: The alarming findings of the present study should compel the relevant authorities in Iran to adopt and implement appropriate policies that systematically and continually control the types of food prepared and served in restaurants in order to minimize the intake of SFAs and TFAs.
Evaluation of the Quality Characteristics of Probiotic Ice Cream Produced from a Mixture of Camel Milk and Cow Milk during Frozen Storage
Authors: Mazreati Mehran , Nateghi Leila
Published: May 2022

Background: Ice cream is one of the most important and popular frozen desserts based on cow milk that is popular in the world. Due to the valuable properties of camel milk and with the aim of diversifying the production of this product and improving its nutritional quality, Methods: In the present study, ratios of 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of camel milk were replaced. The probiotic ice cream formulation contained Lactobacillus acidophilus and the samples were stored in a freezer at -18 °C and on the days after (first) production, thirty and sixty days were subjected to physicochemical, microbial, and sensory tests. Results: The results showed that the trend of changes in pH, specific gravity and volume increase was irregular. In contrast, the trends of fat changes, melting resistance, and sensory properties were decreasing. In physicochemical tests, treatment based on 40% cow milk had the highest pH value and volume increased, while the highest viscosity and melting resistance were related to camel milk treatment. The highest fat content and specific gravity belonged to 80% camel milk treatment. Treatment based on 40% cow milk showed the highest L. acidophilus count, while the treatment based on 60% cow milk had the lowest count. In terms of sensory properties, this treatment received the highest flavor and overall acceptance scores in terms of evaluators, while the highest color and texture score belonged to the treatment based on 40% and 70% camel milk, respectively. Conclusion: The overall results showed that cow milk can be replaced by probiotic ice cream formulation with different proportions of camel milk and obtained a desirable product. Finally, treatments based on higher ratios of camel milk had better quality properties and 60% of camel milk was selected as optimum treatment.
Is Aflatoxin More in the Milk of Lactating Mothers Who Have Previously Had COVID-19?
Authors: Seifi Sepideh
Published: May 2022

Background: Breast milk provides the ideal nutrition for infants. It has a nearly perfect mix of vitamins, protein, and fat. Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the mother and infant. Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. The present study aimed to measure aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) levels in breast milk and identify nutritional and socio-demographic factors associated with AFM1 levels. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess AFM1 levels in the breast milk of 100 mothers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 20 of whom had COVID-19 in the past 4 months during June 2020-March 2021. The participants were given a questionnaire to answer nutritional and socio-demographic questions, such as age, place of residence, COVID-19, educational status, employment status, and body mass index (BMI). Results: The mean age of mothers was 29.1 ± 4.9 years. Based on the results, 39/100 samples had AFM1 more than 5 ng/l, and all 20 mothers who previously had COVID-19 had AFM1 in their milk. The mean AFM1 was 7.10 ng/l and ranged 5.37–9.01 ng/l. Consumption of milk and yogurt also significantly increased AFM1 in milk. Moreover, place of residence and BMI and COVID-19 had a statistically significant effect on the presence of AFM1. Conclusion: The AFM1 contamination was significantly associated with the consumption of milk and yogurt by the lactating mother. Breastfeeding mothers should be careful in their food intake and try to fit their BMI. The presence of aflatoxin in the lactating mothers who previously had COVID-19 indicates that their children are more vulnerable.
Food Security Status and Its Related Factors in the Elderly in Yazd
Authors: Anbari-Nogyni Zeynab , Zimorovat Alireza , Gheflati Alireza , Entezari Mohamadreza , Mozaffari-khosravi Hassan
Published: May 2022

Background: Increasing population aging is a global challenge and has occurred very rapidly in all parts of the world. The elderly population is more at risk of diseases, and their improper condition may impair their ability to live and cook at home. Food insecurity endangers public health as well as nutritional status, especially in the elderly. The present study aims to investigate the food security status and its associated factors in adults aged over 60‏ years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 elderly (88 men and 112 women) referring to health centers in Yazd. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to record demographic information. The standardized FaCPS-FSSM (Farsi Current Population Survey-Food Security Survey Module) questionnaire was used to assess the food security of the elderly. The participants’ food security and their relationship with the studied variables were evaluated by chi-square and ANOVA statistical tests using SPSS software version 20. Results: The findings indicate 44% complete food security, 12.5% mild insecurity, 8.5% moderate insecurity, and 35% severe food insecurity in the elderly participated in the study. Moreover, a significant relationship was observed between education level (P = 0.01), marital status (P = 0.01), income (P = 0.001), and some chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular (P = 0.02), gastrointestinal disorders (P = 0.03), and hyperlipidemia (P = 0.01) with food insecurity (P ˂ 0.05). Conclusion: The present study shows a significant prevalence of food insecurity (56%) in the elderly. A significant relationship was also observed between some chronic diseases and food insecurity. Therefore, it is recommended to perform educational programs, intervention studies, and cohort studies to improve food insecurity, especially in the elderly with the mentioned chronic diseases.
Association between Food Insecurity and Weight Disorders of Children and Adolescents in Iranian Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Derakhshandeh-Rishehri Seyedeh-Masomeh , Hassanzadeh-Rostami Zahra , Faghih Shiva
Published: May 2022

Background: The link between food insecurity and weight disorders of children or adolescents remains controversial. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the association between food insecurity and weight disorders of children and adolescents in Iran. Methods: PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Magiran, and SID databases were searched up to August 2020. Study selection, data extraction, and bias assessment in the included studies were performed by two reviewers independently. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random effects model. Results: The pooled ORs of cross-sectional studies showed that food insecurity was not associated with the odds of underweight (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.52, 2.70) with no evidence of publication bias but high heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 80 %; P < 0.05). Similarly, the pooled ORs demonstrated that there was no association between food insecurity and obesity in children and adolescents of Iranian population (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.91, 1.82) with no evidence of publication bias and heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 0.0 %; P = 0.52). Conclusions: There was no association between food insecurity and underweight or obesity in children and adolescents of Iranian population.