bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Corrosion Properties of Polyaniline/Polyurethane Composite Coatings on Mild Steel Using Coconut-Based/PPG Blend Polyols
Authors: Bonilla Marjune Tamayo , Ruda Archie Gomera , Estrada Dave Joseph E. , Ubas Kurt Sterling M. , Mutia Aaron Andrew B. , Lubguban Arnold A. , Capangpangan Rey Y. , Labis Joselito P. , Tilendo Amierson C. , Sayson Noel Lito B. , Alguno Arnold C.
Published: October 2023

Polyurethane coating has been widely used as a protective coating due to its wide range of mechanical strength, excellent abrasion resistance, toughness, low-temperature flexibility, and chemical resistance, simplicity in production and application, and superior protection on corrosion to mild steel. No studies have been reported utilizing coconut-based/PPG blend polyols to produce polyurethane-based protective coatings on mild steel. Therefore, in this work, we fabricated polyurethane-based protective coating using coconut-based/PPG blend polyols for anti-corrosion application. Due to low adhesion strength of Polyurethane-based protective coating, the incorporation of nano-fillers into the polymer matrix improved the adhesion strength of the coating due to its functional benefits and its effects gave rise to increased intermolecular bonding, hydrogen bonding, van der waals, magnetism, and surface energy. Therefore, we fabricated PANI/PU composite coatings with varied amounts of polyaniline nanoparticles on mild steel using coconut-based/PPG blend polyols exposed in 3.5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution for anti-corrosion application. Characterizations like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Potentiodynamic Polarization (Tafel plot), contact angle, adhesion test, FESEM, XRD, and UV-VIS were used in this study. Tafel plot revealed that PU-based and PANI/PU composite coatings exhibited a significant reduction in corrosion current density (Icorr), perhaps due to the adsorption of inhibitor in the surface of the mild steel which reduced corrosion rate of the metal by retarding the anodic process and impeding the corrosive species from the surroundings. Among all fabricated coatings, 0.5-PANI/PU composite coating was the best, having a less corrosion rate of 5.66x10-5 mmpy compared to others. In addition, its surface was more compact, smooth, rigid, and no voids present at the interface according to the result of FESEM, suggesting better corrosion protection to mild steel. Hence, PU-based protective coating and PANI/PU composite coatings using coconut-based/PPG blend polyols inhibited the penetration of the corrosive species and served as an adequate barrier protection against corrosion for mild steel.
Development and Characterization of Epoxy/Banana Pseudo-Stem Nanocellulose (BPNC) Composites as Anti-Corrosion Coatings on Mild Steel
Authors: Ubas Kurt Sterling M. , Grumo Jessalyn C. , Ruda Archie Gomera , Bonilla Marjune Tamayo , Mutia Aaron Andrew B. , Labis Joselito P. , Sayson Noel Lito B. , Alguno Arnold C.
Published: October 2023

In the Philippines, bananas are one of the most exported agricultural products, with up to 6 million metric tons of annual harvest. Because of this, harvesting bananas generates waste like banana pseudo-stems. Banana pseudo-stems offer a good source of nanocellulose, and it was found that these have very similar chemical compositions to jute and sisal fibers, which are the most common sources of cellulose today. This only indicates that banana pseudo-stems could be utilized for different industrial and engineering applications. Epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings have attracted attention in industrial and engineering applications. Epoxy/banana pseudo-stem nanocellulose (Epoxy/BPNC) composites as anti-corrosive fillers were prepared by incorporating BPNC into the epoxy matrix to improve the anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coatings on mild steel surfaces. Their anti-corrosion properties were explored by the Tafel polarization technique under immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solutions as corrosive medium. According to the results, it can be observed that epoxy/BPNC composite coatings significantly improve the anti-corrosion performance on mild steel surfaces with a 1.5 wt.% BPNC loading ratio as the optimized concentration. Furthermore, it can be seen that the optimized concentration of the BPNC loading ratio (1.5 wt.%) has a lower corrosion rate (CR = 2.7109 x 10-6 mm/year) compared to that of the bare mild steel (CR = 6.11190 x 10-2 mm/year). Additionally, the SEM results showed that the presence of BPNC in the epoxy matrix has a significant protective effect compared to pure epoxy alone.
Increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid tin content in stannosis
Authors: Altraja Alan , Nigol Kaidi , Altraja Siiri , Viitak Anu
Published: October 2023

Stannosis is a rare non-fibrotic pneumoconiosis that follows the chronic inhalation of tin particles. Apart from occupational history and radiographic findings, no diagnostic criteria exist for stannosis. Therefore, analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to support stannosis might be of significant value. We present a case of a 74-year-old male patient, who developed progressive dyspnea and dry cough 35 years after working full-time as a tinner for 17 years. His post-bronchodilator forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second were 111% and 108% predicted, respectively, accompanied by a disproportionately low diffusing capacity of the lung (34.4% predicted). Contents of tin, lead and copper were measured in both the BALF and the systemic circulation by electrothermal atomic and flame absorption spectrometry. The patient had a 38.5-, 48.5-, 88- and 85- fold higher BALF concentration of tin than did four male individuals (controls) without stannosis or an exposure to other heavy metals (crude figures and standardized for total protein, albumin, and potassium contents, respectively). Moreover, there was no difference in the BALF concentrations of lead and copper, or any of the heavy metals in the peripheral blood stream between the patient and the controls. The relative coefficient of excretion of 24.9 for tin in the patient and of <1 both for tin in the controls and for other metals in the patient, as well as for all metals in the controls refers to the deposition of tin locally into the lungs of the patient via chronic inhalation. This case study indicates that weighed measurement of tin in the BALF could provide significant support to the clinical diagnosis of stannosis.
Two cases of monoclonal nodular pulmonary amyloidosis and review of the literature
Authors: Endicott Kendal M. , Hynes Conor F. , Hsieh Cindy M. , Paal Edina , Trachiotis Gregory
Published: October 2023

Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis (NPA) is an uncommon pathology of insoluble protein depositing in pulmonary parenchyma. This localized pulmonary form of amyloidosis is most often found to contain combinations of kappa and lambda immunoglobulin light chain and immunoglobulin heavy chain proteins with a polyclonal lymphoplasmacystic infiltrate. Herein we present two cases of NPA of the rarely reported monoclonal (light-chain restricted) form with review of the literature and discussion of the clinical, radiographic, and histologic features of NPA.
Unusual diagnosis of urinothorax: a case report
Authors: Saseedharan Sanjith , Pathrose Edwin J. , Kubal Vaibhav , Pandhare Anand
Published: October 2023

Urinothorax is a rare cause of pleural effusion characterized by the collection of urine in the pleural space. The index of suspicion should be higher when a pleural effusion is associated with cases of urinary tract obstruction or obstructive uropathy (renal calculi) and trauma. The characteristic feature in the diagnosis of urinothorax lies in the biochemistry, where the ratio of pleural fluid to serum creatinine is higher than 1. The present case is a unique instance of urinothorax with left urinoma and hydronephrosis where the ratio of pleural fluid to serum creatinine is below one.
Diagnostic Competence of Creatine Kinase BB, in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Its Prognostic Value
Authors: Forouzan Arash , Fahimi Mohammad Ali , Iran Bastan Amir Sadegh , Delirrooyfard Ali
Published: October 2023

Background:

Due to the very high and increasing prevalence, essential complications, and risk factors for psychiatric disorders, it is necessary to introduce screening tests for diagnosing and predicting mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) prognosis.

Materials and Methods:

After completing the consent form and recording information and examination findings of patients with mild trauma, venous blood samples were taken from these patients. The samples were measured by observing the cold chain. After 3 months from mTBI, the post concussion symptoms questionnaire (PCSQ) and the short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire for physical and mental evaluations were performed. Statistical tests analyzed the relationship between different variables and serum Creatine kinase BB (CKBB) levels.

Results:

Statistic analyses showed no relation between CKBB level of serum and age, gender, level of consciousness, PCSQ, and SF 36 scale, and the interval between trauma and arrival to the hospital. Further, there is a significant correlation between CK-BB levels and intracranial damage based on Fisher's exact test.

Conclusion:

This study and following more significant considerations can introduce a serum-based biomarker panel that can accurately differentiate patients with complicated mTBI from those with uncomplicated.
Bone Densitometry and Fat Index after Sleeve and Subsleeve Gastrectomy in Animal Model
Authors: Khazraei Hajar , Hosseini Seyed Vahid , Amini Masood , Amirzadeh Saeed , Dehghanian Amirreza , Sobhani Zahra , Kasraei Hengameh
Published: October 2023

Background:

Previous studies have reported that gastrectomy and fundectomy can induce osteopenia. Body fat index is a new index of obesity that shows central obesity and other risks of obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a bariatric surgery and a new technique introduced as subsleeve, which only resected fundus of the stomach. In this study, it has been shown the effect of subsleeve and SG on fat index and bone densitometry in an animal model.

Materials and Methods:

Rabbits were underlined SG, fundectomy (surgical removal of fundus), or sham-operated (controls without any resection), and after 12 weeks, fat index and bone densitometry were obtained.

Results:

Our study showed that there was no significant difference between SG and fundectomy groups in bone mass density and fat mass after surgery in comparison with presurgery condition. SG group were associated with lower fat index and bone density, and it showed significantly decrease in weight after 1.5 months.

Conclusion:

Sub-SG did not show any significant effect on fat index and bone densitometry in comparison with SG. However, we found lower fat index in sleeve group of rabbits, but it was not statistically significant.
Comparative Study of Demographic and Toxico-Clinical Factors of Patients with Acute Poisoning Admitted to General Intensive Care Unit Versus Specific Intensive Care Unit for Poisoning Cases
Authors: Nemati Koroush , Mirzaee Nahid , Babak Anahita , Eizadi-Mood Nastaran
Published: October 2023

Background:

There is no dedicated specific intensive care unit (ICU) for poisoning cases due to the small number of poisoned patients in some poisoning centers and patients may hospitalized in the general ICU. In this study, we compared the outcome of hospitalization in poisoning and general ICU, in matched patients to demographical and toxico-clinical factors.

Materials and Methods:

This historical cohort study was conducted from September 2020 to January 2022 in the general and poisoning ICUs of Khorshid Hospital affiliated to the University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. Patient characteristics, clinical, and toxicological information as well as the therapeutic measures and outcome were collected from hospital medical records and analyzed.

Results:

Totally, 178 (60.1% male and 39.9% female) patients met inclusion criteria. Medicines (56.2%) and opioids (25.3%) followed by pesticides (14%) were the most common substances. Suicide was the type of exposure in 78.7% of the cases. Most patients suffered from lung (19.1%) and kidney (15.2%) injuries. The mortality rate was 23.6%. The median length of hospital stay (P-value < 0.001) and duration of ventilator usage was higher (P-value < 0.001) in general ICU compared to specific ICU for poisoning cases. No significant difference with respect to demographic, toxico-clinical variables and mortality rate was found between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Among poisoned patients admitted to ICU, reported mortality rate was relatively high. Patients who hospitalized in the specific ICU for poisoning cases have lower length of hospital stay and duration of mechanical ventilation compared to general ICU.
Evaluation of the Incidence of the Esophagogastric Pre-Cancerous Mucosal Lesions after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Keleidari Behrooz , Melali Hamid , Mahmoudieh Dehkordi Mohsen , Sayadi Masoud , Allahbakhshian Farsani Fatemeh , Fakhrolmobasheri Mohammad , Mostafavi Mahmood
Published: October 2023

Background:

Bariatric surgery is associated with significant risk reduction for obesity-related and hormone-mediated cancers; however, few studies report gastric or esophageal cancer development after bariatric surgery. This study evaluates the incidence of pre-cancerous mucosal lesions one year after bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Eligible patients for omega-loop gastric bypass and classic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) underwent upper endoscopy before bariatric surgery and one year after the procedure. Several biopsies were obtained from esophagogastric mucosa, all of which were evaluated by pathologists regarding the development of any pre-cancerous lesion.

Results:

A total of 108 patients were included in the study. Seventy-one underwent omega bypass and 37 classic RYGB. Follow-up endoscopy indicated no dysplastic changes in esophagogastric mucosa one year after the surgery. The number of patients with gastric intestinal metaplasia was 22 and 25 before and after the surgery, respectively, which was not a statistically significant increase.

Conclusion:

Bariatric surgeries might not increase the risk of developing pre-cancerous lesions in the esophagogastric mucosa. Further epidemiological studies may help to establish this finding.
A Comparative Study of the Effect of Anesthesia Induction with the Use of Four Drug Combinations Including “Propofol,” “Etomidate-Propofol,” “Thiopental,” and “Midazolam-Thiopental” on Hemodynamic Changes during the Insertion of Laryngeal Mask in Eye Surgery
Authors: Shetabi Hamidreza , Montazeri Kamran , Ghoodjani Yalda
Published: October 2023

Background:

This study aimed to compare the efficacies of four anesthetic induction drugs (thiopental, propofol, midazolam-thiopental, and etomidate-propofol) on cardiovascular response during laryngeal mask airway (LMA) placement in eye surgery.

Materials and Methods:

The present clinical trial study included 128 patients who were candidates for ophthalmic surgery in four groups. Patients in the first group were given a combination of midazolam (0.04 mg/kg) with thiopental (2.5 mg/kg) (Group T + M). We administered propofol alone (2.5 mg/kg) to patients in the second group (Group P). The third group received a combination of etomidate (0.1 mg/kg) with propofol (1 mg/kg) (ET + P group) and patients in the fourth group received thiopental drug (5 mg/kg) alone (Group T). Then, the stability of patients' hemodynamic parameters before anesthesia was evaluated and compared immediately after anesthesia, 1, 3, and 5 min after LMA placement.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the four groups in changes in oxygen saturation level (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the difference between decreased systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure over time was not significant in 5 min in both Groups T + M and T (P > 0.05). In addition, the stability of these two groups was higher than the other two groups (P < 0.05) and the most unstable group was Group P. The changes pulse ratein the P group were significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

According to the results of the current study, thiopental and Midazolam can be used as an effective induction compound to facilitate LMA insertion with higher hemodynamic stability compared to propofol alone, propofol and etomidate, and thiopental alone.
The Effect of Shock Wave Therapy on Improving the Symptoms and Function of Patients with Dupuytren's Contracture
Authors: Taheri Parisa , Salek Najmeh , Mousavi Maryam , Maghroori Razieh
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

We aimed to evaluate the effect of shock wave therapy on the improvement of symptoms and function of patients with Dupuytren's contracture.

Materials and Methods:

This research is a pre-post intervention study, conducted among patients referred to the physical medicine clinics of Isfahan during 2019–2020. In this study, subjects experienced shock wave therapy for 6 sessions, each in a week, and improvement of symptoms and function were assessed and compared after the period of study and follow-up (before treatment, 6 weeks after treatment, and 14 weeks after treatment). The pain visual analog scale and disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand questionnaire were completed for all patients at the mentioned time, and the finger contraction angle was also measured by a goniometer over these intervals.

Results:

Twenty patients, 11 (55%) men and 9 (45%) women participated in the study. The mean and standard deviation of their age was 66.6 ± 7.11 years. The trend of pain severity of patients was continuously and significantly decreasing up to 14 weeks, which implies the effectiveness of the intervention (P < 0.05). Moreover, the patients’ functional status improved due to the continuation of the intervention, and its trend was decreasing up to 14 weeks (P < 0.05). As for the contraction angle, there was a continuous and significant decreasing trend until week 14, and the intervention was also effective on the contraction angle (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that shock wave therapy can be effective in improving the symptoms and function of patients with Dupuytren's Contracture.
Comparison of Ultrasound and Tumor Marker CA125 in Diagnosis of Adnexal Mass Malignancies
Authors: Behnamfar Fariba , Esmaeilian Fatemeh , Adibi Atoosa , Rouholamin Safoura
Published: October 2023

Background:

CA125 is the most used tumor marker for ovarian cancer monitoring and diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity to predict malignancy in women with adnexal tumors using CA125 measurement and ultrasound criteria before the pathological examination.

Materials and Methods:

This observational diagnostic study was conducted on 300 patients with obvious diagnosis of adnexal mass consists of ovarian masses, fallopian tubes, and masses within the broad ligament referring to Alzahra and Beheshti Hospitals from 2018 to 2019. Ultrasound examinations were done before surgery and malignancy risk was investigated by the ADNEX criterion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (likelihood ratio [LR]+ and LR−), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated.

Results:

From 284 patients, 260 masses were categorized in benign, 18 were in borderline, and 18 masses were malignant. The mean age of patients with malignant tumors was significantly higher than the others (P = 0.01). Differences in the level of CA-125 were not statistically significant (P = 0.78). Furthermore, the proportion of ascites in the malignant group (16.3%) was significantly higher than the others (P = 0.003). The AUC in ADNEX model (cutoff ≥9%) for differentiation of benign and malignant tumors was 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69–0.80) with a sensitivity of 0.63 (95% CI: 0.41–0.81) and a specificity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74–0.84). Receiver operating characteristic analysis for CA-125 revealed that this variable is not capable for discrimination between benign and malignant tumors as the AUCs of the aforementioned variable were 0.60, 0.60, and 0.52 for the whole patients, premenopause, and postmenopause categories.

Conclusion:

CA-125 marker, along with other ultrasound findings, can be more accurate in identifying the malignancy of the adnexa tumor.
Evaluation of Bowel Management Program on Quality of Life in Children with Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Shahba Zohreh , Ahmadi Bahareh , Haji Bandeh Saeedg , Hosseinpour Mehrdad
Published: October 2023

Background:

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a common disorder that affects the psychological, social, and mental aspects in children. It was showed that the quality of life (QoL) in children with FI was in low level. Bowel management program (BMP) is one of the most effective and low-cost therapies in selected children with FI, but it has also significant effects on mental functions. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of BMP on the QoL of children with FI.

Materials and Methods:

In a case series study, we prospectively included all school-age children suffering from FI who had visited in colorectal follow-up center of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Patient eligibility included children with FI between 8 and 12 years who were candidate of BMP. The QoL was assessed by Persian version of pediatric QoL (PedsQL) 4.0.

Results:

In this study, 24 children with FI were studied. Our results showed that total QoL score is significantly different after BMP. The mean score of physical performance before and after BMP was significantly different (P = 0.02). In terms of emotional performance, the mean score of this dimension before and after starting of BMP was significantly different (P = 0.06). In terms of social performance, the mean score of this dimension before and after starting of BMP was significantly different (P = 0.008).

Conclusion:

BMP is a low-cost and affordable treatment that can have a significant impact on improving the QoL of the child by improving intestinal function.
Can Coronavirus Disease 2019 Effect on Human Reproduction?
Authors: Abdolrazaghnejad Ali , Miraj Sepideh
Published: October 2023

Since the main role in the pathogenesis of the coronavirus is attributed to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptor, it could possibly be a hypothesis in the differential sex-based pathogenesis of the coronavirus. The virus inserts its genetic material into the cell through its ACE2 receptors and replicates it by intracellular proteins. ACE2 receptors are highly expressed in cell membranes of various tissues in the body, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, macrophage cells, and especially on the surface of type 2 pneumocytes in the lungs, ovaries, uterus, vagina, placenta, and testes. Therefore, cells having a higher expression of the ACE2 may be a specific target for coronavirus binding and infectivity. Due to the increase of infections in males, concerns have been appeared about the potential impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on their fertility and reproductive organs. Thus, it is necessary to investigate if COVID-19 disturbs female and male fertility, so this review aimed to study the comprehensive evidences on the association of COVID-19 with human reproduction.
Pie-Crusting Technique of Medial Collateral Ligament for Total Knee Arthroplasty in Varus Deformity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Motififard Mehdi , Ravanbod Hadi , Rahmati Rashed , Saleki Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Background:

We aimed to better understand the outcomes/complications of pie-crusting technique using blade knife during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with knee genu varum deformity.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. English and Persian language articles were considered on the use of pie-crusting technique during TKA in patients with knee genu varum/varus deformity using related keywords and Medical Subject Headings terms with reported postoperative complications and outcomes.

Results:

Primary search resulted in 81 studies of them 9 included in our study (ages ranged: 19 years to 62 years). No perioperative complications and/or any significant differences between pie-crusting and control group were observed. Except for two studies that found no significant positive effect for the use of pie-crusting, other studies found pie-crusting a useful and promising technique. Four studies found significant improvement in pie-crusting group compared to control in terms of functional Knee Society Score (KSS), range of motion (ROM), medial gap, and the knee-specific KKS. Three records found no significant differences in terms of functional KSS, ROM; however, they reported fewer use of constrained inserts or a reasonable correction of femoral tibial angle. No serious complications were reported.

Conclusions:

Due to the inconsistency of the results on the efficiency and outcomes of pie-crusting, we cannot make a firm conclusion and more high-quality studies are needed in this regard. However, this method can be considered as a safe method which depends on the skill of surgeon.
Genetic Diversity of Helicobacter pylori Isolates from Patients with Gastric Diseases in Isfahan
Authors: Vazirzadeh Jina , Karbasizadeh Vajihe , Falahi Jamal , Moghim Sharareh , Narimani Tahmineh , Rafiei Rahmatollah
Published: October 2023

Background:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a spiral-shaped bacterium colonizing the human stomach, is generally acquired in childhood. This pathogen is highly diverse and can be used as genetic markers for predict the history of human migrations. This study aimed to determine the genetic diversity of H. pylori isolates from patients with dyspepsia by the multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and update data on the prevalence of H. pylori among Iranian dyspeptic patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 165 gastric biopsy specimens were obtained from patients with dyspepsia referred to Dr. Shariati Hospital of Isfahan, Iran, from April to July 2018. The status of H. pylori infection was determined by FISH in paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. MLST of seven housekeeping genes was performed for 20 H. pylori isolates. The phylogenetic tree was plotted using CLC v8 and iTol software.

Results:

The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 53.3%. In the results of the analysis of MLST, a total of 14 new STs were recorded. The results of the global analysis showed that all the isolates, with a wide diversity, have a genetic affinity with members of the European population, such as Italy and Russia, and are in the hpEurope haplotype.

Conclusion:

Given the high prevalence of H. pylori infection in this region, early and accurate identification of patients seems necessary. Sequence analysis and determination of the origin of the phylogeny of strains can be effective in clinical management and monitoring of risk factors for chronic and recurrence of infection.
Frequency of Human Platelet Antigens −1 to −5 and −15 in Turkmen Blood Donors
Authors: Nozarimirarkolaei Maedeh , Dadashi Maryam , Ghasemi Ali , Samiee Shahram , Shaeigan Mojgan , Zadsar Maryam
Published: October 2023

Background:

Due to the presence of platelet antigen polymorphisms, human platelet membrane glycoproteins can be identified as an alloantigen or autoantigen. The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies of human platelet antigens (HPAs)-1 to-5 and-15 in Turkmen blood donors and establish a panel of accredited HPAs negative donors as well as an HPA-typed platelet donor registry.

Materials and Methods:

HPA-1 to-5 and-15 typing was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer techniques on 80 unrelated Turkmen donors who were referred to Aq-Qala Blood Transfusion Center in Golestan Province from September 2018 to October 2019.

Results:

The frequencies of HPA phenotypes were determined as follows: HPA-1aa: 92.5%, HPA-1ab: 7.5%, HPA-2aa: 77.5%, HPA-2ab: 20.0%, HPA-2bb: 2.5%, HPA-3aa: 75.3%, HPA-3ab: 50%, HPA-3bb: 11.2%, HPA-4aa: 100%, HPA-5aa: 78.5%, HPA-5ab: 21.5%, HPA-15aa: 41.2%, HPA-15ab: 56.2% and HPA-15bb: 17.5%.

Conclusion:

Determining the genotype of HPAs that play an important role in platelet refractory can improve the management of alloimmunization due to the incompatibility of HPAs between the recipients and donors. Therefore, the registration process for national platelet donors can help patients accelerate and improve the quality of transfused platelets.
Involvement of Basolateral Amygdala Dopamine D1 Receptors in the Acquisition and Expression of Morphine-Induced Place Preference in Rats
Authors: Rezaei Zahra , Alaei Hojjatallah , Reisi Parham
Published: October 2023

Background:

In the present study, the effects of intra-basolateral amygdala (BLA) blockade of dopamine D1 receptor on morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) were investigated in male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods:

A 5-day CPP paradigm was used. Morphine was injected subsequently at effective (5 mg/kg) and ineffective (0.5 mg/kg) doses. SCH 23390 (0.5– μg/rat), as a selective D1 receptor antagonist, was microinjected bilaterally into the BLA.

Results:

Effective dose of morphine induced a significant CPP, and increased the locomotor activity during the testing phase. The results showed that morphine-induced CPP was significantly suppressed by D1 receptors antagonist in BLA in the acquisition phase and caused an aversion even at high doses. The antagonist also significantly prevented CPP expression. Morphine increased the motor activity, but the D1 receptors blockade, significantly reduced it.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest a possible role for BLA dopamine D1 receptors in reward responses in morphine dependency.
Evaluation of Herbal Hair Lotion Loaded with Rosemary for Possible Hair Growth in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Begum Asia , Sandhya S , Kumar Anoop N , Ali Syed S.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) is a common household plant with needle-like leaves and white flowers that belongs to the family Lamiaceae and has various medicinal properties including ailments of hair and scalp, cardiovascular, nervous disorders, etc., In the current work, we have focused on formulation and evaluation of 1% hair lotion incorporated with methanolic extract of R. officinalis.

Materials and Methods:

The aerial parts of the plant were extracted with methanol and then the nature of phytochemicals were identified by chemical tests. It showed the presence of proteins, amino acids, fats and oils, steroids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, volatile oil, and vitamins. The extract was formulated to a suitable hair lotion and then evaluated for its various quality control parameters. Finally, the lotion was evaluated for hair growth promoting activity on C57BL/6 mice, using water as control and 2% minoxidil hair lotion as standard.

Results:

It was observed that the formulated 1% herbal hair lotion passed all the evaluation parameters and showed a significant hair growth promoting activity than the standard drug-treated animals.

Conclusion:

Although several researches have been carried out on the rosemary, an investigation on formulation of hair lotion adding the extract of the aerial part of the plant is for the first time. Since our formulation exhibited an excellent activity, it can be well thought out to be an alternative to the commercially available hair growth promoters with a lot of unwanted effects.
Determination of the Effectiveness of Epinephrine Spray on the Papillae in Preventing Pancreatitis after Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Karami Mohammad , Salemi Bahman , Ardestani Mohammad Shafigh
Published: October 2023

Background:

As the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is acute pancreatitis, researchers have paid due attention to minimize this complication using various drugs, one of which is epinephrine. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of epinephrine spray on the papilla in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

Materials and Methods:

The present double-blind clinical trial was performed on 164 patients undergoing ERCP. Patients in both groups received 50 mg rectal suppository as usual before ERCP. Then, during ERCP, epinephrine or normal saline was sprayed topically on the major papillae. After the intervention, patients were evaluated in terms of the incidence of PEP.

Results:

The results of the present study revealed that the incidence of PEP in the epinephrine and control groups was 2.4% and 4.9%, respectively (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the incidence of bleeding after ERCP, number of accidental pancreatic duct cannulation, the increase in vision during common bile duct cannulations, the need for precut sphincterotomy, and the number of hospitalization days (P > 0.05). In addition, the chance of developing PEP was lower and higher in patients with higher ages (odds ratio [OR]: 0.86; P = 0.030) and biliary sludge (OR: 4.97; P = 0.042), respectively.

Conclusion:

As compared with indomethacin alone (control group), it seems that the administration of epinephrine can be effective in reducing the incidence of PEP, although this relationship was not recognized to be significant in this study and only the age and the presence of sludge had a negative and positive relationship with the incidence of PEP, respectively.
Environmental Contamination of Different Areas of Isfahan Province of Iran with Toxocara spp. Eggs using Molecular Methods
Authors: Pourshahbazi Gholamreza , Khanahmad Hossein , Khadivi Reza , Pestehchian Nader , Yousefi Hossein A. , Abdizadeh Rahman , Mobarakeh Somayeh Mousavi , Boldaji Fatemeh Hoseini , Darani Hossein Yousofi
Published: October 2023

Background:

Toxocariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Infective stage of this parasite for human develops on soil. So, in this work contamination of the soil of public environments in five geographical areas of Isfahan province of Iran has been investigated.

Materials and Methods:

In this descriptive study, 355 soil samples were collected from parks, children's playgrounds, student dormitories, and university environments, and examined by Flotation method. The samples were then inspected using microscopic and molecular methods.

Results:

From the 355 examined soil samples in 77 (21.69%), and 87 (24.50%) cases Toxocara eggs were detected by microscopic and molecular methods, respectively. In the molecular method, 31 (8.70%) cases of T. cati and 44 (12.39%) cases of T. canis were identified.

Conclusion:

Toxocara eggs were identified in all areas of Isfahan province, although contamination rate was higher in Fereydun Shahr and Semirum counties.
Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease Based on Machine Learning Algorithms Support Vector Machine, Artificial Neural Network, and Random Forest
Authors: Saeedbakhsh Saeed , Sattari Mohammad , Mohammadi Maryam , Najafian Jamshid , Mohammadi Farzaneh
Published: October 2023

Background:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is known as the most common cardiovascular disease. The development of CAD is influenced by several risk factors. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods of this disease have many and costly side effects. Therefore, researchers are looking for cost-effective and accurate methods to diagnose this disease. Machine learning algorithms can help specialists diagnose the disease early. The aim of this study is to detect CAD using machine learning algorithms.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, three data mining algorithms support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest were used to predict CAD using the Isfahan Cohort Study dataset of Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center. 19 features with 11495 records from this dataset were used for this research.

Results:

All three algorithms achieved relatively close results. However, the SVM had the highest accuracy compared to the other techniques. The accuracy was calculated as 89.73% for SVM. The ANN algorithm also obtained the high area under the curve, sensitivity and accuracy and provided acceptable performance. Age, sex, Sleep satisfaction, history of stroke, history of palpitations, and history of heart disease were most correlated with target class. Eleven rules were also extracted from this dataset with high confidence and support.

Conclusion:

In this study, it was shown that machine learning algorithms can be used with high accuracy to detect CAD. Thus, it allows physicians to perform timely preventive treatment in patients with CAD.
Vertigo Can Give Notice of Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis
Authors: Azimzadeh Kiarash , Tabibian Farinaz , Emami Ardestani Parisa
Published: October 2023

Identification of uncommon clinical features of herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) worth noting. Vertigo has been rarely reported as a symptom of encephalitis due to Herpesviridae. However, no case had vertigo as the only neurologic presentation at the onset of the disease. Hereby, a patient with vertigo as the first neurologic symptom of HSVE is described and possible pathophysiological mechanisms are explained.
Application of the Intracranial Arterial Pulsatility Index for Determination of Prognosis after Lacunar Infarct
Authors: Saadatnia Mohammad , Zandifar Alireza , Alizadeh Maryam , Kim Jorge Du Ub , Shafaat Omid , Tierradentro-García Luis Octavio , Manouchehri Navid , Khorvash Fariborz
Published: October 2023

Background:

We aimed to investigate the usefulness of intracranial arterial pulsatility index to assess the prognosis of lacunar infarcts.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-nine patients with confirmed acute lacunar infarct were enrolled in the study. A transcranial color-coded sonography was performed to assess the pulsatility index of bilateral middle cerebral, posterior cerebral, vertebral, and proximal internal carotid arteries. Patients' clinical status was assessed using a modified Rankin scale. Spearman correlation was used for reporting the relation between quantitative data. Statistical significance was defined as a two-tail p-value of less than 0.05.

Results:

The mean age ± standard deviation was 64.1 ± 9.07 years old, and 57.1% of the patients were male. Upon discharge, only 8.2% of the patients were ranked as 0 on the modified Rankin scale; however, after a 6-month follow-up period, this number increased to 49%. There were no significant differences between the left and right pulsatility index measurements in any of the assessed arteries. Patients with vertebral artery pulsatility indexes >1 on their primary assessment had significantly worse outcomes during the first, third, and sixth months follow-up (all r > 0.3, p-values < 0.01). Pulsatility indexes from other arteries did not predict the prognosis.

Conclusion:

Sonography-assisted assessment of the vertebral artery blood flow during the early stage of lacunar infarct provides a reliable reference for prognosis estimation.
Relation of Social Support Status and Social Health in People with Drug Abuse
Authors: Nourafkan Afsaneh , Amini Zahra
Published: October 2023

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the status of social support in people with drug abuse and its relationship with social health in patients referring to addiction treatment centers in Isfahan.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed in Isfahan addiction treatment centers in 2019–2020. The study population was the total number of people with drug abuse in Isfahan addiction treatment centers that 300 people with substance abuse and 300 people as control group were included. Social support and social health questionnaires were distributed among the participants. The Keez Social Health Questionnaire, designed in the United States in 2004, is about daily life and the social environment and measures social health. Another questionnaire was the social support of Sherbon and Stewart (MOS). This scale was a self-report tool that measured the amount of social support received by the subject.

Results:

The results showed a positive, direct, and significant relationship between the dimensions of social support and social health in the group of patients with drug abuse (P < 0.05). Comparison of social support and its dimensions in the two control and affected groups showed that the scores in the healthy group were significantly higher than the affected group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

According to the results of this study, the level of social support and social health in people with substance abuse is less than other people in society, and to improve the social health of people with substance abuse, more social support should be provided.
Schwannoma of the Rectosigmoid Colon
Authors: Mokhtari Maral , Iranpour Pooya , Golbahar Haghighi Ardalan , Ghahramani Leila
Published: October 2023

Schwannoma is a rare tumor in the colon which originates from the peripheral nerve plexus. Most of the cases have been asymptomatic but occasionally present as an obstructive mass. Abdominal investigations are effective in some cases, but usually, they are not informative. A significant number of cases have been detected after their operation by histopathology examination. Immune and histochemical staining shows the spindle cells that have been positive for S-100 and vimentin, but negative for CD34 and smooth muscle actin. If the diagnosis of Schowannoma is confirmed preoperatively, segmental resection is recommended. In this case report, we presented a 58-year-old woman with pelvic mass and normal colonoscopy that mimic extramural large uterine myoma with extraluminal pressure effect on the rectosigmoid.
Clinicopathological Appraisal of Cutaneous Cysts: A 2-Year Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Khullar Geeti , Chandra Mithilesh
Published: October 2023

Background:

Cysts, primarily epidermal and trichilemmal, are commonly seen in clinical practice. Rupture, infection, inflammation, and rarely malignant transformation may complicate the cysts. This study aims to analyze the clinicohistological features of cutaneous cysts.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of patients with the diagnosis of cyst confirmed on histopathology over the past two years (2020–2021) was performed. Clinical details comprised of age, gender, site of involvement, size, duration, and associated symptoms. Histological examination included cyst wall lining, type of keratinization, complications like rupture, inflammation, foreign body giant cell reaction, calcification, and malignant change.

Results:

A total of 324 cases with mean age of 37.9 years and equal gender distribution were identified. Most frequent diagnosis was epidermal cyst in 89.8%, followed by trichilemmal cyst in 8.9% of cases. Rare types included follicular hybrid cyst, verrucous cyst, vellus hair cyst, and steatocystoma. Most common complication was cyst rupture in 54.3% of epidermal cysts. Proliferating epidermal and proliferating trichilemmal cysts were noted in one and two cases, respectively. Two cases revealed malignancy arising in the wall of epidermal cyst.

Limitations:

The retrospective study design and non-availability of follow-up data, especially for proliferating cysts and cysts with malignant transformation were the main limitations of this study.

Conclusion:

Histopathologic examination of excised cutaneous cysts is paramount in reaching accurate diagnosis of the type of cyst and associated secondary changes to enable appropriate management.
A Clinico-Mycological and Histopathological Study of Recurrent Dermatophytosis
Authors: Y Urmila , Gopal K. V. T. , Turpati Narayana Rao , Karri Sudhir Babu , Raju P. V. K.
Published: October 2023

Background:

A few recent studies have shown fungal elements within the hair follicle epithelium, which may act as a reservoir and responsible for recurrent dermatophytosis.

Objectives:

To assess the clinical patterns, mycological profile, and histopathology of recurrent dermatophytosis and to determine the prevalence of fungal hyphae in the hair follicle epithelium and other appendages.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and fifty clinically diagnosed cases of recurrent dermatophytic infection were included. Skin samples were taken for direct microscopy, fungal culture, and histopathological analysis. Haematoxylin and eosin and special staining with periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Gomori's methenamine silver (GMS) were performed to detect the fungal hyphae in the skin and hair follicle epithelium.

Results:

The most common clinical pattern observed was tinea corporis et cruris in 64 patients (42.66%). On direct microscopy and fungal culture, positive results were obtained in 116 cases (77.33%) and 78 (52%) cases, respectively. Presence of fungal hyphae in the stratum corneum, hair follicle, and acrosyringium was seen in 107 patients (71.33%), 47 patients (31.33%), and five patients (3.33%), respectively. Out of the 52 cases with hair follicle and eccrine gland involvement, history of fixed drug combinations (FDC) cream use was present in 42 cases (80.76%) and absent in ten cases (19.24%) (P = 0.000062).

Limitations:

Skin samples were taken only from a single skin lesion. Higher incidence of follicular invasion may have been detected if multiple biopsy samples were taken.

Conclusion:

Hair follicle/eccrine sweat gland involvement was observed in nearly one-third of the patients, which may act as a reservoir and may be responsible for recurrence and chronicity. Histopathology should be considered as an important adjuvant tool in recurrent dermatophytosis to establish the extent of the infection, which guides the further management.
Vulvar Sarcomatoid Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Rare Entity
Authors: Gund Gayatri , Chadha Akansha , Dongre Atul , Nayak Chitra
Published: October 2023

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid features is an extremely rare histological variant of squamous cell carcinoma with co-existence of both epithelial and mesenchymal features. A 70-year-old woman presented with genital lesions for 4 months with associated burning and pain. Examination revealed well-defined bilaterally symmetrical hyperpigmented plaques on labia majora, fleshy erythematous growth on labia minora. Biopsy from the fleshy mass was suggestive of sarcomatoid malignancy. However, immunohistochemistry was positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and negative for desmin and smooth muscle actin. Biopsy from hyperpigmented plaque was suggestive of Bowens disease. On the basis of histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings, diagnosis of vulvar sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma with Bowens disease was made and patient was started on external beam radiation therapy. Sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma of vulva is very rare cancer that has an aggressive and fatal course. Diagnosis has traditionally been difficult due to a large ratio of sarcomatous to squamous cell component. Due to its rarity, there are no distinct guidelines to direct therapy and care.
Multiple cerebral infarctions in a patient having acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kumar Amarjeet , Singh Kunal , Smita Shuchi , Rawal Shreem
Published: October 2023

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is known to have systemic, local, and vascular complications. Multiple cerebral infarctions are a very rare complication of AP. This is a case of idiopathic severe AP with sepsis in which the patient developed multiple cerebral infarcts. The patient was treated conservatively and later improved with supportive care.