bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of COVID-19 by CD24FC; a mini-review to the current knowledge
Authors: Ghasempour Dabaghi Ghazal , Rabiee Rad Mehrdad , Saberian Lillian
Published: September 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is already known for its respiratory infection, but it involved more organs such as the kidney, liver, and heart. Most of the patients with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but 5% of cases are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for severe symptoms, including multi-organ failure and septic shock. Excessive immune responses play an essential role in sepsis development and are associated with worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients. Consequently, reduction of these immune responses may be helpful for managing COVID-19 patients. In this mini-review, we discuss the prospective role of CD24FC, as a recombinant protein with immunomodulatory function, in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and its mechanism of action in the regulation of the immune system.
Lupus anticoagulant in patients with COVID-19: A review
Authors: Nazari Sabet Milad , Ahmadipour Elham , Zamansaraei Shadi
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by a pro-coagulant state that can lead to fatal thromboembolic events. A high prevalence of lupus anticoagulant has been shown in several studies that may at least partially explain the pro-coagulant profile of COVID-19. However, the relation between COVID-19 and lupus anticoagulant is arguable, and no study has clearly evaluated the concussion of lupus anticoagulant on mortality. Methods: We searched the articles that related to lupus anticoagulant and patients with COVID-19. Two authors independently reviewed the search results to select English language articles discussing lupus anticoagulant in patients with COVID-19. Results: Recent studies found conflicting results about the association between lupus anticoagulant and thromboembolic complications of COVID-19. Studies documented a high prevalence of lupus anticoagulants as well as several other studies. Patients with lupus anticoagulants were older, and their C-reactive protein, high-sensitivity troponin, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were significantly higher than patients without lupus anticoagulants. Conclusion: Those started on therapeutic anticoagulation showed more severe and complicated involvements and a higher risk of death. According to our results, lupus anticoagulant is highly prevalent among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Whether these antibodies promote a hypercoagulable state or they are merely a coincidence, epiphenomenon needs further evaluation.
Inhibiting inflammasome; the possible mechanisms of action of azithromycin against COVID-19?
Authors: Saeedi-Boroujeni Ali , Bahadoram Mohammad , Keikhaei Bijan , Mahmoudian-Sani Mohammad-Reza , Khayyat Azadeh , Esmaeilpour Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2021

Cytokine storm and destructive inflammation in the severe form of COVID-19 lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/acute lung injury (ALI), and dysfunction of several different body organs in patients. SARS-CoV-2 contains all inflammasome-activating proteins belonging to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV viruses. Macrolides are known to possess immunomodulatory properties. Given the desirable results of azithromycin treatment for patients with a severe case of COVID-19, based on studies, it could be concluded that the immunomodulatory properties of azithromycin to inhibit inflammasome can help the treatment of patients with this disease.
Clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Jamshidi Sanaz , Hajian Sepideh , Rastgoo Nafiseh
Published: September 2021

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is an irreversible decrease in kidney function with severe consequences. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate clinical and paraclinical characteristics of hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical performed on 105 patients undergoing hemodialysis referred to Bou Ali and Velayat hospitals in Qazvin. The data were included age, gender, duration of dialysis, kind of vascular access, kind of catheter, site of catheters, weight, height, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, kind of flux, use of midodrine, kind of dialysis solution, number of dialysis per week, calcium (Ca), iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), Kt/V, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60.97±15.13 years and 44.8% of the patients were females. The mean number of dialysis per week was 2.84 times with a mean duration of 3.90 years. The mean Cr level was 8.89±3.14 mg/dL. Males had higher level of BUN (55.91±16.06 mg/dL versus 65.24±17.53 mg/ dL, P=0.006) and Cr (8.09±2.43 mg/dL versus 9.59±3.47 mg/dL, P=0.010). Arteriovenous fistula/AVF was the most common vascular access (76.2% of cases). With increasing BUN, number of dialysis per week and weight, the level of Cr increases significantly (P<0.05). In the younger patients, Cr showed low level compared to the older patients. Conclusion: The number of dialysis per week, weight and BUN level is factors to predict the level of Cr and with increasing these factors, the level of Cr increases. The mean Cr level was high which showed inadequacy of hemodialysis in these patients. The level of Cr and BUN is higher in men.
Frequency of Helicobacter pylori in patients hemodialysis its correlation with demographic and biochemical factors; a single center study
Authors: Rostami Ali , Nasri Hamid
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Hemodialysis is one of the most common methods of treating chronic kidney disease (CKD). The start time of dialysis is determined depending on the clinical findings and subjective and objective parameters. However, factors such as patient perception and anxiety related to starting dialysis can modify these parameters. Patients on hemodialysis often have gastrointestinal complications; however, it is unclear whether Helicobacter pylori infection is more prevalent in these patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relative frequency of levels of H. pylori antibody in hemodialysis patients and its relationship with demographic and biochemical factors of hemodialysis patients in a hemodialysis center. Patients and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional and the target population of patients is the hemodialysis center of Amin hospital in 2019. The sampling method was a non-probabilistic sampling. The sample size in the present study was 85 people. The collected information was entered into SPSS software version 22 and analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. The significance level in the present study was less than 0.05. Results: In total, 85 patients participated in the present study, of which 68% were men and the rest were women. The cut-off point and the positive and negative border of laboratory results for H. pylori were 18.8 U/mL. The mean level of H. pylori antibody was 87.353 ± 104.17 U/mL. In this study, significant relationship between the level of H. pylori antibody and Parathyroid hormone (PTH) was detected. PTH level was lower in patients with a positive result for H. pylori. No further relationship was detected between H. pylori infection and biochemical parameters and blood indices, as well as Kt/V and urea reduction rate (URR) was detected. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the mean level of H. pylori antibody between men and women. Accordingly, there was no significant correlation between H. pylori antibody level and age of patients, duration and number of dialysis sessions and body mass index. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, mean level of PTH was significantly lower in patients with a positive result for H. pylori. No significant relationship was observed between H. pylori infection with other demographic and biochemical factors.
Evaluation of the relationship between different factors of self-management and control of diabetes in diabetic patients group
Authors: Afshari Sara , Kalhor Narges , Vahedian Mostafa , Shajari Rasoul , Sharifimoghadam Soroush , Tabarraii Riehane
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases that severely affects the quality of life. Self-Management and glycemic control minimize the development and progression of diabetes’s complications. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate self-care behaviors and their relationship with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in patients with type 2 diabetes, using the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ). Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on type 2 diabetic patients referred to the Shahid Beheshti hospital of Qom. A total of 325 patients with type-2 diabetes participate in the study. Diabetes self-management parameters were assessed using the translated (Persian) version of the DSMQ. Results: The mean score of self-management (±SD) in patients was 26.82 (±9.43). In addition, the mean HbA1c and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels of the participants respectively were 8.35 (±1.97) and 187.25 (±77.51). There was a significant inverse correlation between self-management score metabolic control indices. (P<0.001). Health care use subscales have been best associated with better glycemic control (P<0.001) and physical activity had the least effect on it (P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that there is a significant relationship between self-management indicators and control of diabetes.
Effect of semen washing methods on diminishing the transmission of viral infections in artificial reproductive technology
Authors: Aliakbari Fereshteh , Taghizabet Neda , Rezaei-Tazangi Fatemeh , Kharazi Nejad Ebrahim
Published: September 2021

Seminal infections were considered to be an etiologic factor of male infertility. Semen washing is used as an appropriate technique in artificial reproductive technology (ART) for serodiscordant couples when the partner of male is contaminated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of semen washing methods in reducing the transmission of viral infections in ART. In this narrative review we investigated accessible information from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IranMedex, Irandoc, Magiran, SID, MEDLIB and Scientific Information Database until 2019. The MeSH terms of semen washing, HIV, assisted reproduction, serodiscordant, and virus transmission were used. According to the search strategy, 89 articles were discovered. After checking the titles, abstracts and manuscripts, a collection of 45 papers were chosen pursuant to the suitability indexes. The studies were performed around different categories of semen washing (swim up, density gradient) in serodiscordant couples. Some studies highlighted that semen washings can completely prevent viral transmission, but a few do not believe this claim. However, scientific researchers have revealed that sperm washing may diminish the possibility of infection in serodiscordant couples where the male partner is infected. Swim up in combination with density gradient is a suitable method to diminish the transmission of infections.
Effect of allopurinol on diabetic nephropathy; a double-blind clinical trial study
Authors: Mardani Saeed , Kadkhodaei-Elyaderani Farzaneh , Momeni Ali , Saeedi Maryam
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease) is the most common cause of renal failure. Objectives: Regarding the role of allopurinol in the improvement of diabetic kidney disease, this study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of allopurinol in diabetic nephropathy patients. Patients and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was performed on 60 patients with diabetic kidney disease referenced to nephrology clinic during 2019-2020. Patients were divided into case (treated with allopurinol 100 mg/d) and control (received placebo pill) groups. Three and six months of intervention, complete blood count (CBC), fasting blood sugar levels (FBS), serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, creatinine (Cr) and uric acid (UA) levels, 24 hours urinary protein, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were measured and compared between the two groups. Results: After six months, reduction of UA and 24 hours urinary protein were not significant in the control group (P > 0.05) but it was significant in the allopurinol group (P < 0.05). In the allopurinol group, NLR and PLR levels decreased significantly during the six months (P < 0.01) however there was no significant change in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Low dosage of allopurinol (100 mg/d) reduces UA, proteinuria, NLR and PLR in patients after six months. Therefore it can be used for diabetic nephropathy patients as a supplementary, inexpensive and safe treatment.
Association between serum insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 levels and chronic kidney disease in diabetic patients
Authors: Vasilkova Volha N. , Mokhort Tatsiana V. , Pchelin Ivan Y. , Bayrasheva Valentina K. , Naumenko Elena P. , Korotaeva Ludmila E. , Filiptsova Natallia A.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a potent mitogen for glomerular mesangial cells which can stimulate cell migration and the production of fibronectin, proteoglycan, and type IV collagen, thereby promoting the development of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the associations between serum levels of IGF-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and CKD in diabetic patients. Patients and Methods: We investigated 102 Belarusian men and women with diabetes type 2 aged 56.67±0.81 years. Control group included 68 healthy people the same age. We estimated GFR with the use of the CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equation to determine eGFRcr_cys. Serum total IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were measured using immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) (Beckman Coulter, Czech Republic s.r.o.). Results: Patients with diabetes had significantly lower level of IGF-1 than controls. However, IGFBP-3 levels were similar in the two groups. Diabetic patients with CKD had significantly higher levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 than diabetic patients without CKD (P=0.0031). However, according to multivariate analysis, only IGF-1 and cystatin C were associated with renal impairment. In detail, the odds of having eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 increased with rising IGF-1 levels (OR: 1.025, [CI 1.002-1.048]). Conclusion: Our study revealed that higher serum IGF-1 levels were positively associated with CKD in patients with diabetes. We suggest that IGF-1 might be a predictor of CKD in patients with diabetes. Further research is necessary to confirm the observed this association and to detect the causal relations.
Acute kidney injury in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iran; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Saghafi Alireza , Aghaali Mohammad , Saghafi Hossein
Published: September 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the complications in COVID-19 patients, which is reported with widely varied incidence rates in different studies and is known to have a major impact on prognosis and outcome of the disease. It is noticed that there are considerable differences in AKI rates between different countries. Rates in China are generally much lower than in Western Europe and the United States. One of the potential explanations is heterogeneity along racial and ethnic lines. This study aims to systematically investigate the scientific resources regarding AKI prevalence among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iran, and run a meta-analysis on currently published data. Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify the articles discussing the occurrence of AKI in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Iran. All observational and interventional studies with English full-text providing necessary data for analysis were included with no limitation in time of release or peer-review. Around, 4069 confirmed cases (age; 10-94) from 22 studies were included in the pooled outcome measurement. The proportion of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Iran who developed AKI was 24% (95% CI: 17-31%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to measure the prevalence of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Iran. The geographical dissimilarities in the proportion of AKI among COVID-19 patients suggest a role for ethnical and racial differences in the tendency to develop renal involvement.
Exposure of cigarette smoke aggravates noise induced kidney damage
Authors: Alizadeh Jamshid , Jaffarzadeh Zohre , Ahmadi Angali Kambiz , Ahmadizadeh Massumeh
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Noise is defined as an interfering and unwanted sound. Exposure to noise induces health problems in humans and animals. Cigarette smoke (CS) has also been known to cause serious problems in health hazard and leads to many kinds of diseases. However, the effects of these agents on the kidney are poorly studied. Objectives: The current study purposes to investigate the impact of noise and/or CS on rat’s kidney Materials and Methods: Four groups of six Wistar adult male rats were used. They randomly were divided into four groups of rats. The first group was used as control. The second group was exposed to noise. The third group was exposed to cigarette smoking and the fourth group was exposed to both noise and CS. The experiments were repeated for two weeks (five days per week). Twenty-four hours after last exposure, the animals were killed by sodium pentobarbital overdose. Renal function was evaluated by the determination of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Oxidative stress was estimated by glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays. Results: The concentrations of BUN and creatinine remarkably raised (P ≤ 0.05) in all groups compared to those in control rats. However, elevations of the biochemical tests were more predominant in rats exposed to combined noise and CS. Elevation of MDA was observed in all exposed rats, while it was more pronounced in the animals exposed to the combined noise and CS when compared to control, CS or noise exposure rats alone. The level of GSH decreased in all exposed groups. It was more obvious in rats exposed to the combined noise and CS when compared to those of control and exposure rats to noise or CS separately. Conclusion: Exposure to noise or CS impaired renal function. Generation of oxidative stress at least in part may be responsible for their nephrotoxicity. Our findings demonstrated CS aggravated noise induced impairment of renal function.
Unusual presentation of acute kidney injury with Tumour Lysis Syndrome
Authors: Baig Mirza Yasar , Chinnadurai Rajkumar , Chrysochou Constantina
Published: September 2021

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) by the breakdown of intracellular contents during treatment for malignancies with large tumour burden. We report a case with an unusual presentation of AKI needing renal replacement therapy. Investigation of the cause for AKI led to the diagnosis of an underlying malignancy (lymphoma). Treatment of a Bell’s palsy with steroids before presenting to our service has caused the AKI giving us the overarching diagnosis of TLS in this patient with lymphoma.
A potential role of fecal oxalate-degrading activity in oxalate homeostasis in end-stage renal disease patients; a descriptive pilot study
Authors: Stepanova Natalia , Tolstanova Ganna , Korol Lesya , Akulenko Iryna , Savchenko Olena , Kolesnyk Mykola
Published: September 2021

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have significant differences in plasma oxalic acid (POx) concentration under the same treatment conditions. Objectives: In the present study, we adopted the method of redoximetric titration with a KMnO4 solution to evaluate the effect of total fecal oxalate-degrading activity (ODA) on oxalate homeostasis in ESRD patients which has never been reported before. Patients and Methods: A total of 56 participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional pilot study, including 24 healthy volunteers (a control reference group) and 32 ESRD patients. Among the ESRD patients, there were 21 hemodialysis (HD) and 11 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Total ODA in fecal samples as well as POx concentration, daily urinary oxalate (UOx) and PD effluent oxalate excretion were determined. Cohen’s d was computed to calculate the effect size using post-hoc analysis. Results: Total ODA in fecal microbiota ranged from -23 to 24%/0.01 g of feces and was statistically higher in healthy volunteers compared with the ESRD patients. The ESRD patients with positive total fecal ODA status had higher UOx excretion level and lower POx concentration compared with the patients with negative total fecal ODA status. Cohen’s d effect size was 1.99 and 1.05, respectively. Total fecal ODA was an independent risk factor associated with POx elevation in the ESRD patients. Conclusion: Our pilot study firstly demonstrated a potential role of total fecal ODA in oxalate homeostasis in ESRD patients. The results might be useful for determining sample size considerations and providing groundwork for future research projects.
The effect of intensive hemodialysis on pulmonary arterial pressure and left ventricular systolic function in patients with end-stage renal disease; a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Akiash Nehzat , Ahmadi Halili Shahla , Darabi Forough , Moradi Maryam
Published: September 2021

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requires hemodialysis or kidney transplantation for the patients to survive. Objectives: The present study was conducted to examine whether intensive hemodialysis and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration correction can improve left ventricular (LV) function and pulmonary arterial hypertension in ESRD patients? Patients and Methods: This prospective clinical trial was designed to examine patients referring to public hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2016-2017. All the patients treated with intensive hemodialysis for two months were included in the study. The Hb concentration was corrected by the subcutaneous injection of erythropoietin at the dose of 50-150 IU/kg three times per week. Results: Thirty-one ESRD patients with high pulmonary arterial pressure participated in this study. After the intervention, blood Hb levels increased significantly in the ESRD patients from 9.20±1.39 g/dL to 10.96±1.01 g/dL (P<0.0001). Pulmonary arterial pressure decreased significantly from 53.52±10.63 mmHg to 43.32±10.92 mm Hg (P<0.0001). Left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly based on the visual assessment and Simpson’s method (2D echocardiography) from 41.06±10.76 to 43.00±11.28 and 46.26±13.72 to 48.36±13.90, respectively (P<0.0001). Absolute value of two dimensional global longitudinal strain (GLS) increased significantly from 13.99±5.05 to 15.14±5.32 (P<0.0001) after the intervention. Conclusion: Intensive hemodialysis for two months resulted in a significant increase in Hb concentrations, improved the LV systolic function and decreased pulmonary hypertension in ESRD patients. Trial registration: The trial protocol was approved in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20180212038705N1, https://www.irct.ir/trial/29593; Ethic code: IR.AJUMS. REC.1396.911).
Investigating the consequence of chronic exposure to radiation on renal biomarkers among selected radiologic technologists
Authors: Makkawi Mohammed , Alasmari Sultan , Shubayr Nasser , Alashban Yazeed , Zaman Gaffar , Eisa Nashwa , Khairy Hussain , Hadi Ahmed , Mawkili Najla
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Chronic radiation exposure, particularly among technicians using medical imaging instruments, may contribute to chronic disease, including renal dysfunction. Investigating the potential association of this exposure with biochemical changes may assist disease detection and prevention. Objectives: The study explores the risk of renal dysfunction among radiologic technologists (RTs) with ten years or more of diagnostic imaging experience to evaluate the association of accumulated radiation doses and possible renal injury. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the effective accumulative radiation dose from 2009 to 2019 among RTs of radiological department at a general hospital in southern Saudi Arabia. Blood samples were collected, and key biomarkers analyzed using a fully automated biochemical analyzer. Serum levels of the following were measured; sodium, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), chloride, creatine kinase (CK), calcium, albumin, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein and potassium. In statistical analysis, P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Even with exposure to only low-level radiation sources, RTs were statistically predisposed to variation in biochemical profiles. RTs exhibited GGT and CK levels higher than that of controls, while serum chloride was significantly low. Conclusion: The current study found a significant change in renal biochemical profiles among RTs who had worked in a radiological department for more than ten years. The association between GGT, CK with Kidney diseases was reported in several reports. Chronic exposure to radiation may contribute to a rise in GGT and CK levels and reduction of chloride and thus could develop the risk of renal diseases.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of effect of synthetic erythropoietin on hemoglobin in dialysis patients
Authors: Nourmohammadi Hassan , Abdan Zahra , Ramezanpour Melina , Abdollahipour Razieh , Sarokhani Diana , Fakhri Moloud , Hasanpour Dehkordi Ali
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to the insufficient production of erythropoietin by the kidneys. The administration of erythropoietin is one of the most common methods for the treatment of patients with anemia. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the administration of synthetic erythropoietin on hemoglobin levels in dialysis patients using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: In order to identify the related studies, the international databases of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched from 2015 to 2020 using standard and valid keywords. The data were analyzed using STATA software (version 14), and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In 12 reviewed articles with a sample size of 4,060 individuals, the standard effect size of the effect of synthetic erythropoietin on Hb in dialysis patients was reported as 2.08 (95% CI: 1.53-2.63), which was statistically significant; however, erythropoietin biosimilars did not show similar results. Conclusion: The administration of erythropoietin to hemodialysis patients increases Hb levels by more than 2 units.
Effect of vitamin D on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Zahed Narges Sadat , Namakchian Maryam , Davoudi Zahra , Taherkhani Adineh
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Quality of sleep is among the factors that affect the improvement of life quality. The previous studies showed that 50%-80% of hemodialysis patients experience sleeping disturbances. Additionally, dialysis patients commonly experience vitamin D deficiency. Objectives: We aimed to determine the impact of vitamin D deficiency therapy on sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: Thirty hemodialysis patients with 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) ≥5 were enrolled in this clinical trial. Patients were treated with 50000-unit vitamin D per week for 12 weeks. After treatment, the PSQI score was recalculated for each patient. Results: Nineteen out of 30 patients (63.3%) were men and 11(36.7%) were women, with a mean age of 56.7 ± 14.3 years. The mean of vitamin D level was 18.61 ± 6.32 ng/mL before treatment and 41.14 ± 9.62 ng/mL after the treatment. The mean of PSQI score at the start of study was 9.97 and after treatment with vitamin D3, it was 9.47 (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Treatment of vitamin D deficiency did not have any effect on the sleep quality according to the PSQI score in hemodialysis patients. Trial registration: This randomized controlled trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20200223046593N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/46126, ethical code; IR.SBMU.RETECH.REC.1397.1277).
Relationship between sexual function and type 2 diabetes in infertile men referred to Royan institute
Authors: Jafari Torkamani Zahra , Dolatian Mahrokh , Omani-Samani Reza , Alizadeh Ahad , Navid Behnaz
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Endocrine disorders are one of the causes of infertility and sexual dysfunction is one of the neurological complications of diabetes. Objectives: The present study investigated the relationship between sexual function and type 2 diabetes in infertile men referring to the Royan Institute in 2019. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 on 150 non-diabetic infertile men and 126 diabetic infertile men who referred to the Royan institute and were qualified in terms of research inclusion criteria. The convenience sampling method was used. The tools used to collect data include a demographic checklist, an 11-item version of Sexual Quality of Life-Male (SQOL-M), and a 15-question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire. Results: A total of 276 people were evaluated in this study. The mean age of participants was 40.98 (7.44) years in the diabetic group and 35.2 (6.08) years in the non-diabetic group. Sexual function, failure to reach ultimate pleasure, sexual desire, satisfactory sexual intercourse, overall sexual satisfaction, erectile function, as well as the standard index of sexual quality of life (SQOL-M score) showed no statistically significant difference between diabetic and non-diabetic infertile men (P> 0.05). In people with normal body mass index (BMI) and employees, the relationship between diabetes and the overall score of sexual function was statistically significant (P< 0.05). In addition, there is a significant relationship between diabetes and the SQOL-M in people under 37 years of age and people with primary infertility (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Age and BMI are the two main factors influencing sexual function. In the present study, statistical relationship of these two factors in two groups of diabetics and non-diabetic infertile men not in general but in subgroups was proved. Our investigation indicated no statistically significant relationship between the two groups of diabetic and non-diabetic infertile men in any of the factors of sexual function and the standard index of male quality of sexual life.
The effects of sevelamer carbonate on blood glucose and inflammatory factors in patients with diabetic kidney disease; a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Botshekan Shadi , Mahmoodnia Leila , Momeni Ali , Jafari Tina , Hasanpour Dehkordi Ali , Ghafari Goosheh Mohammadsaleh
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease) is a complication of diabetes that begins and progresses with several factors, including hyperglycemia, inflammation and oxidative stress. Objective: This study demonstrates the effect of sevelamer carbonate administration on hemoglobin A1c levels, blood sugar and inflammatory factors in diabetic nephropathy patients. Patients and Methods: In this clinical trial, 48 diabetic patients under treatment of least one drug who have proteinuria (urinary protein to creatinine ratio greater than 0.5) ≥ 2 times during the past 18 months, received sevelamer carbonate or placebo for two months. Patients’ blood samples were taken before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: According to the results, fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) showed no significant difference between the study groups before and after the intervention (P>0.05). The mean ICAM-1(intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule1) showed no significant difference between the study groups before the intervention (P>0.05). However we found a meaningful difference after the intervention, which was significantly lower in the intervention group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Sevelamer carbonate administration in patients with diabetic nephropathy has a significant effect on decreasing ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels. Trial registration: The trial protocol was approved in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (identifier: IRCT20191111045401N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/43662, ethical code; IR.SKUMS. REC.1397.181).
HEALTHCARE REFORM IN BULGARIA - NEED OF STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT
Authors: Tsvetanova-Kraeva Galya Nikolaeva
Published: September 2021

Health reform is a specific research object that is characterized by internal dynamics, depending on a number of external factors and effects on the health of the population. It is a versatile process and develops in a complex environment. Here we start from the understanding that improving the healthcare system needs different changes. The healthcare system‘s reform must not ignore the national specificities of the country concerned but should be done through the necessary variety of measures: purposefulness, lasting and long-term structural changes that cover the national, regional and local levels of the change. It must be acceptable both to the needs of citizens and professionals. Each organization has a definite and regular cycle of development. There are certain defects in it. These defects are always the expression of a particular process, which in most cases lead to crises in the organization. It may be due to factors in the external environment, but necessarily develops within the organization‘s internal environment. This brief commentary shows that the reform is organically inherent in any organization. It aims to protect the organization and to guarantee the fulfillment of its mission and its own development for a certain period. It is precisely the inevitability and necessity of reforms that I consider to be a mandatory addition to the definition of healthcare reform. We can summarize that healthcare reform is a process in which changes in health policy and normative basis are made simultaneously or consistently. They affect the economic relations, the institutions and the organizational and structural structure of the health system, in which it goes into a qualitatively new state. This process is inherent in each healthcare system during its development, as the aim is to increase its efficiency for citizens and society as a whole. In the various publications, as the beginning of the healthcare reform different years in the last decade of the last century have been indicated. The new healthcare legislation started in 1998-1999, but there are also opinions that the beginning of the reform dates back to 1989. Implementation of the reform is inconceivable without the adequate use of modern management approaches and methods without a new management style at all levels of the healthcare system. Here, a serious analysis of the health status of the population and the risk factors are made as well as the activity of the healthcare system. Implementation of the reform is inconceivable without the adequate use of modern management.
CLASSIFICATION OF INNOVATIONS
Authors: Bichurova Iva
Published: September 2021

The predominant part of research and methods of studying innovation focus on technological changes in products or processes. Non-technological or purely organizational and management innovation is relatively less explored, although it is very often closely related to changes in products, services, or processes of their creation. In the late 1990s, studies of technological and non-technological innovation reveal an ever closer intertwining of these types of innovations. The notion of value innovation has begun to be used. In the paper, the classification of innovations is made from different angle and criteria - according to their importance, according to the object of innovation, according to the motivation for their implementation, according to the degree of novelty of the product. from the point of view of consumers and others. The most well-known division of innovations in "pulled" and "pushed" is also presented, as well as the opinion of leading international organizations and committees dealing with innovation. The categories of open innovation, lead-user innovation, distributed innovation, frugal innovation or even "reverse" or " jugaad innovation " and "sustainable and green innovation" are clarified.
INTERNET TECHNOLOGY IN FUNCTION OF THE QUALITY OF ACCOMMODATION OFFER
Authors: Cvijanović Drago , Vujović Slavoljub , Premović Jelena
Published: September 2021

Practical examples affirm that the quality of a total offer of some specific destination has been directly caused by the quality of the accommodation facilities, while indirectly it has been caused by factors such as: how well the tourist and public infrastructure have been build-up and equipped, hospitality and friendly behaviour of population, the quality and the value of natural and geographical environment, the tourist-geographical position, etc. There is much space for innovation in order to improve the accommodation facility quality, starting from designing – a conceptual design, construction of a facility, room equipping (interior), etc. In order to determine the significance of the internet in terms of the accommodation offer quality of the specific tourist destination, the authors were carrying out the primary quantitive research, by which was comprised totally 220 respondents. The following methods and techniques were used to analyse data: Descriptive Analysis (frequencies, percentages, arithmetic mean), Multiple Linear Regression and Pearson's Coefficient of Correlation. Level of the statistical significance was set to p<0.05, and all the obtained data were processed in the programme SPSS, version 19.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN THE ARMY OF REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Authors: Solunchevski Mende , Kotevska - Dimovska Maria
Published: September 2021

Human resources are a segment of the overall management which involves sequential conduction of many steps starting from providing employment or human resources up to their leaving the organization or system. Macedonian Army is an armed force of all citizens of the Republic. A main feature of the Army is defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic. Human resources (HR) are the most important of all resources in the Army. Effective and efficient achievement of its crucial function of the Army depends on human resources. Accordingly, modern management of human resources is essential for effectiveness and efficient functioning of the Army of Republic Macedonia.
El problema de la tolerancia religiosa
Authors: Szpilard Ezequiel Leonardo
Published: September 2021

En la tesina hemos examinado el problema de la tolerancia religiosa, a partir de los escritos de Marsilio de Padua (2009; 2004), Thomas Hobbes (2005; 1992; 1969) y John Locke (1999; 1998; 1997a; 1997b; 1997c; 1985; 1968). La elección de los pensadores modernos ha respondido a la relevancia de sus contribuciones para la discusión acerca del problema que supone la tolerancia religiosa en la Modernidad.1 La interpretación que hemos propuesto en relación con los aportes de Hobbes, ha permitido considerarlo como un autor que exhortó a la diversidad como una estrategia para la regulación de la religión. En cuanto a Locke, hemos señalado su defensa de la tolerancia en nombre de la racionalidad, su reivindicación de la utilidad de una actitud tolerante como medio para preservar la coexistencia pacífica. Observamos que las contribuciones de ambos pensadores trascendieron ampliamente los horizontes de su tiempo para arribar a nuestros días con una vigencia sorprendente. De allí que estos autores se convierten en lecturas obligatorias sobre esta materia al intentar buscar posibles soluciones a uno de los problemas políticos más apremiantes. Sin embargo, es importante señalar que, en la historia del pensamiento político, el principio de tolerancia fue desarrollado, no solo por autores modernos, sino asimismo por autores medievales (Bejczy, 1997; Nederman, 1998; 2000), entre ellos, Marsilio de Padua. Este pensador tuvo una influencia decisiva en el pensamiento filosófico-político de los teóricos modernos anteriormente mencionados a raíz de sus aportes a la discusión de la tolerancia, sus contribuciones en lo que se refiere a la circunscripción del poder pontificio, su crítica a la doctrina de la plenitudo potestatis papal y sus reflexiones en torno a la relación entre el poder temporal y espiritual. Por tal motivo, dedicamos un primer capítulo a presentar y analizar los argumentos filosóficos-políticos centrales de Marsilio de Padua, con el fin de señalar los alcances de este antecedente medieval en el desarrollo de la noción moderna del principio de tolerancia religiosa. En el segundo capítulo, examinamos los argumentos de Hobbes, e intentamos señalar que su preocupación central fue, no tanto la tolerancia religiosa, sino antes bien el problema de la regulación de la religión. En el tercer capítulo, pasamos revista de los aportes de Locke en lo que respecta a esta materia desde una perspectiva liberal. Por último, en el cuarto capítulo realizamos un estudio comparativo entre Marsilio y Hobbes, por un lado, y entre este último y Locke, por otro.
The Association between Fishermen Status and Food Security of Fishermen Families in the West Aceh District
Authors: Iskandar Wardah , Maulidya Rizki , Ishalyadi Ishalyadi
Published: September 2021

Fishermen are one of the livelihoods of the people in Indonesia, they depend on sea products, referring to development priorities in improving the quality of people and society that produce superior Indonesian humans, of course, also determined by adequate nutrition and nutritional adequacy is largely determined by food security in a family. The purpose of this study to determine the association between status of fishermen with food security in fishing families in the district West Aceh. This research method uses a cross-sectional study. The sample in this study amounted to 122 fishing families. Data collection was carried out by means of direct interviews covering the status of fishermen and food security, data analysis included univariate analysis, bivariate with independent sample t-test, and multivariate regression analysis. The results of research on 122 fishing families known that 56.25% of fishermen families who have capital have good food security, while 90.48% of laboring fishing families have poor food security. Bivariate analysis shows the variable of food security, with the status of fishermen having a value of P<0.05 which can be assumed that there is a significant difference between food security and the status of fishermen.
Pre-conception Nutrition Care, Nutritional Knowledge, Nutritional Practices, and cultural Belief among pregnant women: A Qualitative Study in Aceh
Authors: Ahmad Aripin , Wagustina Silvia , Estuti Wiwit , Arifin Syuja’ Rafiqi
Published: September 2021

Health care during pre-conception and pregnancy is one of the important factors that can improve pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to explore how pre-conception care, nutrition knowledge and practices, and the factors that influence it in pregnant women. This study used a cross-sectional design with a qualitative study approach. The subject was 11 pregnant women who were selected as well as 5 health workers. The data pre-conception of care and nutrition practices before pregnant, nutrition knowledge and nutrition practices, food taboo and suggestion, cultural belief influence, and data sources of information and nutritional information needs was carried out using the Focus Group Discussion. The results showed that most of the pregnant women did not get and done pre-conception nutrition care, had insufficient nutritional knowledge and the practice of balanced nutrition was still low. There is still an influence of cultural belief in the form of food taboos and food suggestions, and the lack of sources of information and nutritional information towards nutrition practice. It is necessary to develop media and nutrition educational methods to improve nutrition and health care  during pre-conception and pregnancy, and further studies are needed specifically on the role of family factors, especially grandmothers, mothers in-laws, and family members on nutrition practices in pregnant women.
The Relationship Between Body Mass Index with Body Fat Percentage of Participants EXPO 2021 Universitas Teuku Umar
Authors: Putri Suci Eka , Lubis Adelina Irmayani
Published: September 2021

Body mass index (BMI) is to monitor nutritional status adults, especially those related to deficiency and overweight. Body fat percentage can describe the risk of degenerative diseases.This study was conducted to measure the relationship between BMI and body fat percentage. Methods An analytical study was conducted to 41 male and 51 female participant from Universitas Teuku Umar. The body weight was measured using scales, whereas the body height was measured using microtoise. The body fat percentage was measured using Karada Scan. The BMI was calculated by dividing the body weight in kilogram divided by body height in meter square. Data was collected from 16-18th February 2021 and analyzed by Pearson’s correlation test. The results showed BMI underweight, normal, and overweight were 10,9, 57,6, and 31,5. High body fat percentage in men were 75,6% and in women were 35,5%. There is a relationship between the nutritional status of the women group and the body fat percentage with p-value is obtained = 0.021. Furthermore, for men, there is no relationship between nutritional status in the men group and the body fat percentage. There is a relationship between nutritional status and body fat percentage in women. Among this population, BMI can still be used to determine body fat percentage
Scurrula ferruginea (Jack) Danser: Therapeutic Applications and Future Opportunities
Authors: Safrida Safrida , Hayuningtyas Afwa
Published: September 2021

Scurrula ferruginea (Jack) Danser from Loranthaceae is one such mistletoe that grow in tropical countries and has been used as therapeutic agent for curing of diseases, such as anticancer, antihypertensive, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiasthma, anti-hyperglycemic, and analgesic. Regardless of S. ferruginea various kinds of health benefits, their available data and literature review are still limited, especially in Indonesia. The scientific studies existence in this review can promote the potency development of S.ferruginea. We suggest critical future opportunities and research directions of S.ferruginea that could improve understanding toward evidence-based medicinal herbs.
Achievement Gaps by Parental Income and Education Using Population-Level Data from Norway
Authors: Sandsør Astrid Marie Jorde , Zachrisson Henrik Daae , Karoly Lynn A. , Dearing Eric
Published: September 2021

We study a decade of achievement gaps 5th through 10th grade by parental income and education in Norway using administrative population data. Norway is a wealthy and egalitarian country with a homogeneous educational system, yet achievement gaps between students at the 90th and 10th percentiles of parental income and between students with parents who have at least a master and at most a high school degree are large (0.55-0.93 and 0.70-0.99 standard deviations, respectively), increasing by grade level. Gaps are equivalent to approximately 2-2.5 years of schooling. Income achievement gaps increased by about 10% of a standard deviation over the 11-year time period, whereas education achievement gaps remained stable. This suggests that the choice of socioeconomic indicator measure may explain why researchers disagree on trends in achievement gaps.