bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulación remota en instalaciones con elevado grado de radiación
Authors: Coloma Sofía , Breñosa Jose M. , Rubio Luis E. , Ferre Manuel , Aracil Rafael
Published: February 2022

La problemática principal en las instalaciones enfocadas a la fusión nuclear, radica en las condiciones ambientales tan extremas que se encuentran en el interior de las áreas de operación y la necesidad de que los equipos cumplan requisitos muy restrictivos para poder aguantar altos niveles de radiación, magnetismo, ultravacío, temperatura, etc. Como no es viable la ejecución de tareas directamente por parte de humanos, se deben utilizar dispositivos de manipulación remota para llevar a cabo los procesos de operación y mantenimiento. Sin embargo, las tareas de teleoperación en entornos con radiación, continúan siendo un reto tecnológico debido al nivel de complejidad y los problemas que presentan. En este sentido, se proponen diferentes soluciones para abordar los inconvenientes del mantenimiento en instalaciones con altos niveles de radiación y poder así garantizar un correcto funcionamiento. Las soluciones expuestas están basadas en la utilización de un multiplexor para la transmisión de señales y la utilización de un algoritmo de control para mejorar la teleoperación en estos entornos, las cuales han sido evaluadas previamente, y han ofreciendo mejoras con respecto a tecnologías actuales.
Detección de vehículos basada en visión por computador para sistema de ayuda a la conducción en tráfico urbano. Generación de hipótesis
Authors: Ibarra-Arenado Manuel , Tjahjadi Tardi , Robla-Gómez Sandra , Pérez-Oria Juan M.
Published: February 2022

La detección de vehículos es una tarea fundamental en los sistemas anticolisión frontal. Los métodos de detección de vehículos basados en visión por computador se dividen generalmente en dos etapas: generación de hipótesis y verificación de hipótesis. El presente artículo se centra en la primera, presentando un método de generación de hipótesis basado en la sombra que los vehículos originan bajo sí mismos. La detección de la sombra se realiza mediante un nuevo enfoque de umbralización por intensidad. En primer lugar, un umbral es establecido a partir de la región de la carretera frente al ego-vehículo. Posteriormente, un segundo umbral es empleado sobre cada candidato con el fin de identificar la posible sombra lateral adyacente al vehículo. El método supera importantes dificultades como la presencia de sombras laterales, indicaciones pintadas en el asfalto y fondos de imagen saturados de objetos. Ensayos realizados en tráfico urbano muestran un comportamiento eficiente y fiable del método.
Estrategia auto-adaptativa basada en técnicas de ingeniería de control para sistemas empotrados distribuidos
Authors: del Toro Matamoros Raúl Mario , Haber Rodolfo , Pruteanu Andrei
Published: February 2022

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo principal el diseño e implementación de estrategias auto-adaptativas para sistemas empotrados distribuidos utilizando metodologías de diseño de la ingeniería de control. Se ha hecho frente a la problemática relacionada con los cambios en el flujo de información a través de las conexiones de la red y al exceso del consumo de energía que ello conlleva en estos sistemas. El problema se ha abordado mediante el desarrollo de una estrategia de auto-adaptación basada en técnicas de control anticipativo, la cual ha sido aplicada a la mejora del comportamiento dinámico del proceso de planificación de tareas en dispositivos distribuidos. La estrategia desarrollada ha sido evaluada satisfactoriamente de forma experimental.
Predicción del índice de fermentación de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) mediante análisis de imagen y redes neuronales
Authors: Abderrahim Mohamed , Condezo-Hoyos Luis , León Roque Noemí , Arribas Silvia M.
Published: February 2022

En el presente estudio se desarrolló y validó un método de predicción del índice de fermentación de granos de cacao usando visión por computador y redes neuronales. El índice fermentación es un indicador de la calidad organoléptica de los granos procesados de cacao. Este control habitualmente se realiza en lotes de granos fermentados mediante la técnica Cut-Test que mide de manera subjetivamente el color. Se implementaron seis modelos de predicción empleando valores de RGB de la superficie y de la parte media de los granos de cacao y de los extractos alcalinos. El índice de fermentación de cacao predichos mediante el modelo redes neuronales basado en los valores RGB de la superficie de los granos y los valores R/G de los extractos se correlacionó positivamente con los valores experimentales (R2 = 0.59). El análisis Bland-Altman y el análisis de regresión Passing- Bablok de validación confirmaron que el modelo puede ser usado para predecir el contenido de aminoácidos libres y consecuentemente el índice de fermentación de los granos de cacao. El modelo de predicción podría ser aplicado in situ en el procesamiento y el control de calidad del cacao mediante la implementación de apps para dispositivos móviles.
Primera aproximación de diseño de un rover minimalista bio-inspirado
Authors: Henríquez Schott Mauricio Ramiro , Santos Matilde
Published: February 2022

La competición internacional “Google Lunar X PRIZE” promovió las propuestas para lanzar, alunizar y operar un rover robótico en la superficie lunar. Con ese contexto, en este trabajo se plantean los requerimientos del sistema y escenarios de validación, así como una primera aproximación al diseño un rover minimalista, de reducidas masa y volumen, bio-inspirado en el caminar de los insectos, los cuales evolutivamente están optimizados para caminar en terrenos altamente irregulares como los encontrados en la Luna. Los resultados muestran un correcto desempeño del sistema de tracción y del diseño en general, lo cual valida las premisas del desarrollo y permiten enfocarse en la construcción de un prototipo que será validado en escenarios reales.
Estudio de un guante de datos en un sistema robotizado colaborativo para cirugía laparoscópica asistida por la mano
Authors: Santos Lidia , González José L. , de la Fuente Eusebio , Fraile Juan C. , P. Turiel Javier
Published: February 2022

La inclusión de un guante quirúrgico inteligente en una cirugía laparoscópica asistida por la mano dentro de un sistema colaborativo robotizado permitiría enviar información sobre la posición que toma la mano del cirujano durante la intervención. Para ello debe poder definirse los movimientos de la mano de forma unívoca. Con dicho guante también se podría definir unas zonas de seguridad en las que dicho sistema robotizado colaborativo no podría trabajar para evitar colisiones con la mano del cirujano. Para ello proponemos la selección de dos tipos de volumen dependiendo de la posición que adopte la mano del cirujano.
Estudio de consumos de gas en entornos residenciales basado en redes neuronales
Authors: Porto Alain , Irigoyen Eloy , Basogain Xabier
Published: February 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es la mejora de la eficiencia de suministro de gas en distritos residenciales. Para alcanzar tal logro, se han empleado Redes Neuronales Artificiales (RNA), que son técnicas no paramétricas muy utilizadas en diversos ámbitos de la ciencia e ingeniería dado que permiten abstraer relaciones fuertemente no lineales. Haciendo uso de RNA se ha construido un modelo que obtiene el consumo de gas (en Kwh) total diario en distritos residenciales, con un horizonte de predicción de 7 días. Se han introducido series temporales de consumo para obtener este modelo y variables meteorológicas para mejorar la predicción. Con el fin de encontrar la mejor RNA que modele el comportamiento de dicha variable de consumo se ha diseñado una batería de experimentos, considerando el número de neuronas en la capa oculta, el número de realimentaciones a la entrada y el número de realimentaciones a la salida. Este estudio utiliza el error cuadrático medio cometido por cada una de las redes para calificar su fiabilidad y precisión. El análisis se ha llevado a cabo mediante una serie de herramientas específicas diseñadas con tal fin.
Tonatiuh, un trazador de rayos basado en simulación de Monte Carlo y con licencia GNU GPL
Authors: Palacín Luis G. , Mutuberria Amaia , Les Íñigo , Burisch Michael , Bernardos Ana , Sánchez Marcelino
Published: February 2022

Tonatiuh es un trazador de rayos, basado en simulación de Monte Carlo. Es especialmente ´útil para el cálculo de mapas de flujo y eficiencias ópticas de cualquier sistema termosolar, incluyendo estructuras complejas y campos de heliostatos. Pretende estar en la vanguardia de las herramientas de simulación de plantas termosolares. Desde 2006, el desarrollo de Tonatiuh está liderado por el departamento de Energía Solar Térmica del CENER. Tonatiuh trabaja bajo licencia GNU GPL, es de c´odigo abierto y su uso es libre. Desde el CENER se anima a la utilización de Tonatiuh, así como a la participación en su desarrollo y extensión, especialmente a las universidades, centros tecnológicos y empresas del sector. El presente documento muestra algunas de las herramientas y aplicaciones incorporadas en Tonatiuh, a través de dos ejemplos.
Digital Infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago: Analysis, Challenges, and Action Plan
Authors: García Zaballos Antonio , Puig Gabarró Pau , Iglesias Rodriguez Enrique
Published: February 2022

This document presents an analysis of the state of digital connectivity in Trinidad and Tobago and an action plan to close the existing gap between the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and those of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. There is also a large gap within the country between urban, densely populated regions and rural, remote, or difficult-to-access regions. Among the impediments to closing the gap are: lack of investment in infrastructure in the most remote areas; limited bandwidth of citizens, institutions and companies that are far from this infrastructure; and lack of competition among internet companies. The government is making efforts in the areas of a universal service fund, spectrum management, and the formulation of the national ICT plan to improve access conditions in the country. Finally, the document estimates the investment gap in the region and in Trinidad and Tobago specifically.
Inteligencia artificial en el sector de maquinaria agrícola de Argentina: diagnóstico de madurez y recomendaciones de política para acelerar la adopción
Authors: Abuhamad Grace , Salveson Cory , Stubrin Lilia , Braga Carlos
Published: February 2022

Durante la última década, el ritmo de mejora de la inteligencia artificial (IA) sorprendió incluso a los más expertos, creando nuevos mercados y oportunidades de progreso en numerosas áreas. En el 2020, el BID decidió explorar opciones de política pública para promover la adopción de la IA y para ello, seleccionó el sector de la maquinaria agrícola de Argentina. Con cerca de 1,200 empresas, se trata de una industria intensiva en ciencia, tecnología e innovación, susceptible de introducir mejoras en autonomía y automatización en las máquinas existentes, desarrollar nuevos dispositivos y servicios, y optimizar procesos de negocio. Para el desarrollo de este proyecto, el BID contrató a Element AI, una de las compañías líderes en el desarrollo de IA a nivel mundial, para (1) evaluar la madurez del sector en la adopción de IA, a partir de un modelo de madurez que distingue cinco dimensiones (estrategia, datos, tecnología, recursos humanos y gobernanza), a lo largo de cinco etapas de madurez a través de las que evolucionan las empresas (exploración, experimentación, formalización, optimización y transformación), y (2) proponer recomendaciones para la acción, según tres perfiles de beneficiarios: firma, clúster y sector público. Este informe presenta los resultados de la evaluación de la madurez y una serie de conclusiones y propuestas, que pueden ser útiles para las futuras políticas públicas que estimulen el desarrollo y la adopción de aplicaciones de IA en el sector de la maquinaria agrícola argentina, y también en otros sectores industriales de la región.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Cell-Based Therapeutic Strategy Targeting the Telomerase Activity of KG1 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Fathi Ezzatollah , Farahzadi Raheleh
Published: February 2022

A predominant challenge in the discovery approach to curative leukemia is investigating the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on leukemic cells. We aimed to investigate the role of MSCs in targeting telomerase enzyme and consequently telomere length of leukemic cells. For this purpose, the KG1 cell as leukemia cell line was co-cultured with MSCs in the trans-well system. After seven days of co-culture, KG1 cells were collected, and telomerase activity, telomere length, and hTERT gene expression were analyzed by PCR-ELISA TRAP assay and real-time PCR, respectively. Also, the potentially involved ERK pathway was analyzed at gene and protein levels by real time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. It was found that MSCs caused a significant decrease in telomerase activity, telomere length, and hTERT gene expression. The following results showed that MSCs resulted in a significant decrease in the ERK expression levels. It can be concluded that the co-culture of MSCs with KG1 cells be involved in the telomerase targeting via ERK signaling pathways. This study concluded that the co-culture of MSCs with AML leukemic cells could secrete a significant amount of cytokines that cause to inhibit the proliferation of AML cell lines via ERK signaling pathway. The recognition of cytokines as well as growth factors involved in the anti-proliferative effect of MSCs requires further investigation. This effect as a therapeutic strategy could be considered in the basic experimental studies.
Evaluation of Vimentin Expression in Colorectal Cancer and Its Association With Prognostic Factors
Authors: Aryannejad Forough , Aryannejad Armin , Ranjbari Nastaran , Kheradmand Parvin
Published: February 2022

Vimentin is a cellular marker that has recently been considered in the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), and its expression appears to indicate increased malignancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of vimentin in CRC patients and its association with prognostic factors. This retrospective study was performed on CRC patients who had undergone colectomy at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, in 2019 and 2020. Data around the microscopic degree of the tumor differentiation and the status of lymph node involvement were extracted from the patients' pathology reports. Immunohistochemistry staining for vimentin was performed on biopsy specimens, and its expression was assessed and compared in both CRC specimens and normal colon tissues. Appropriate statistics were used with P<0.05 considered as statistically significant. Out of 31 CRC patients, vimentin expression was moderate-positive in 20 (64.5%) and strong-positive in 11 patients (35.5%). Mean percentage of stained cells, the intensity of staining, and vimentin expression in the immunohistochemistry evaluations had no significant relationship with tumor grade and tumor invasion rate (P>0.05), but they showed a significant relationship with lymph node involvement (P<0.05) and mean percentage of stained cells, the intensity of staining, and expression of vimentin marker increased with increasing lymph node involvement. In the normal tissue samples, 5 out of 30 samples showed weak-to-moderate vimentin expression. Vimentin expression was significantly associated with lymph node involvement; however, further studies with larger sample sizes are required to determine its probable association with other prognostic variables.
Clinical Comorbidity Phenotype in Knee Osteoarthritis is Associated With Higher Intensity Scores
Authors: Tekaya Aicha Ben , Hamdi Ons , Rouached Leila , Bellil Mehdi , Slimi Afef , Bouden Selma , Saidane Olfa , Tekaya Rawdha , Mahmoud Ines , Abdelmoula Leila
Published: February 2022

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common osteoarticular disease. Its prevalence increases with age, as well as the coexistence of other chronic diseases. Recent research has revealed an association between OA and cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between knee OA and comorbidities has not been fully studied. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between knee OA and comorbidities. In this cross-sectional study, patients with knee OA were enrolled. Sociodemographic data, as well as comorbidities, were collected. Grading of knee OA was performed using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system. The functional impact of knee OA was assessed by KOOS-Physical Function Shortform (KOOS-PS). This study assessed 104 patients with knee OA (10 men and 94 women). The mean age was 65.83±11.08 years. Mean VAS pain was 6.56±1.72. Mean KOOS-PS was 15.58±6.73. Up to 81 patients (77.9%) had severe knee OA, according to the KL grading system. Comorbidity was noted in 92 cases (88%). The most frequent comorbidities were obesity (62.5%), hypertension (61.5%), and dyslipidemia (43.3%). Comorbidities in knee OA were associated with age (P=0.04), axial deviation in the sagittal plane (P=0.01), neuropathic pain component (P=0.02), and VAS pain (P=0.04). Our study also showed a significant correlation between comorbidities and structural grading of knee OA (P=0.04). However, comorbidities were not correlated with the KOOS-PS score (P=0.06). The accumulation of comorbidities is significantly associated with higher intensity scores in knee OA. Physicians should additionally pay close attention to the prevention and treatment of comorbidities in the routine management of OA.
Cross-Reacting Material 197, a Specific Inhibitor of HB-EGF, and Its Anticancer Effects
Authors: Tanhapour Maryam , Golestani Abolfazl , Vaisi-Raygani Asad , Aminian Mahdi
Published: February 2022

Genetic heterogeneity and metastasis remain the most challenging aspects of cancer treatment.Recent studies have introduced a mutant of diphtheria toxin,cross-reacting material197 (CRM197), as a new promising biological anticancer drug to improve cancer therapy in patients previously resistant to chemotherapy. Weak toxicity of CRM197accounts forthe stimulation ofcell apoptosis and the antitumor effect. Increasing evidence has indicated that the expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like (HB-EGF) growth factorincreases in most cancer cells, and CRM197 is its specific inhibitor.This study has focused on the structure, properties, and anticancer activity of CRM197.
Cancer has an Independent Association with Death in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Single-center Study in Iran
Authors: Ghalehtaki Reza , Kolahdouzan Kasra , Rezaei Saeed , Bagheri Farzaneh , Jafari Fatemeh , Chavoshi Mohammadreza , Mohammadi Negin , Seyyedsalehi Monireh Sadat , Nahvijou Azin , Mousavi Darzikolaee Nima , Salarvand Samaneh , Kazemian Ali , Aghili Mahdi , Zendehdel Kazem
Published: February 2022

Background: COVID-19 could cause severe complications in those with pre-existing conditions such as cancer. Here, we aimed to assess the outcome of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients with a history of cancer.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we extracted medical records of patients with any cancer history among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Our patients were admitted between February 20th and July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was death, and the secondary outcomes were overall survival, COVID-19-specific mortality, admission to intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital stay. A group of individuals without cancer history was selected from the COVID-19 cohort and matched for age, gender, and pre-existing conditions. We utilized univariate and multivariate logistic regression to analyze the association between studied variables and primary outcomes.
Results: We identified 46 patients with cancer and COVID-19. The median age was 63, and 54.3% were male. According to the univariate logistic regression analysis, death was 5.3 (CI95%: 1.75-15.85) times more probable in cancer patients than controls (p=0.003). The multivariate analysis adjusted for having cancer and sex, age, and having any comorbidity showing this figure was 5.5 (CI95%:1.8-16.8) (p=0.003). The 30- and 90-day COVID-19 specific mortality was 30% (CI95%:17-43) and 33% (CI95%: 20-46), respectively.
Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 with a history of cancer have a considerably higher risk of death irrespective of age, gender, and other pre-existing conditions. Patients with advanced cancers and concurrent bacterial infections need the most vigorous care.
The Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, nutritional Practice and physical activity and its relation with quality of life in patients with breast cancer An investigation of quality of life and factors affecting it in women with breast cancer
Authors: Abdous Narges , Nazarali Parvaneh , Ramezankhani Azam , Fallah Fateme
Published: February 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between nutritional knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) and physical activity (PA) on the quality of life (QOL) in women with breast cancer (BC).
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved all women with BC who referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran during the years 2018-2019 that by using Cochran formula, 220 of them were selected by convenience sampling and answered the questionnaire including Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), Nutritional Knowledge, Attitude, Practice Survey (KAP) and Quality of life Questionnaire for breast cancer patients (QLQ-30). To determine the share of nutritional variables and physical activity (PA) in predicting QOL, standard multiple regression was used by SPSS 22 software.
Results: The findings of the study showed that the BC patients’ PA (109.61±110.831), QOL (49.805±16.830) and KAP (K= 46.028±11.879; A=45.540±19.754; P=46.870±12.362) were not in a good condition.The best functional outcomes of QLQ-30 questionnaire were found for social functioning (73.560±26.873) and role functioning (73.560±26.873) subscales whereas emotional functioning was found lowest (58.257±24.298).Also, the results showed thatNutrition-RelatedKnowledge (β=144; P=0.036), Attitudes (β=160; P=0.038), and Practice (β=0.596; P=0.045) and PA (β=0.042; P=0.001) were significant factorsinpredictingcancer patients’ quality of life.
Conclusion: The study showed that active patients have a good QOL, also, right nutritional choices and performance by the patients can result in better quality of life, therefore, the patients should receive special interventions at this time.
Analysis of carbapenemases genes of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from Tehran heart center
Authors: Pourgholi Leyla , Farhadinia Hadi , Hosseindokht Maryam , Ziaee Shayan , Nosrati Rahim , Nosrati Marjan , Boroumand Mohammadali
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives: Emerging of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is one of the major con- cerns among healthcare systems. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility pattern and carbapenemase genes of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from Iranian hospitalized patients.
Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 71 CRKP strains isolated from different clinical specimens collected in Tehran Heart Center (Tehran, Iran). A Modified Hodge test (MHT) was done for the detection of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae. The presence of bla method. KPC , bla VIM , bla IMP , bla , and bla OXA-48 -type carbapenemases was evaluated by the PCR
Results: We identified 8.82% (71/805) of K. pneumoniae isolates as CRKP by MHT test. The antibiotic susceptibility indi- cated that all isolates were resistant to imipenem, meropenem, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, ceftriaxone, cephalothin, ciprofloxacin, and augmentin, and then mostly resistant to aztreonam, cefoxitin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethox- azole with 98.6%, 98.6%, 97.2%, and 94.4%, respectively. The lowest resistance was related to amikacin with 46.5% (33/71 isolates). The level of imipenem MIC for all carbapenem-resistant isolates was estimated ≥32 µg/mL. Among positive iso- lates for carbapenemase genes, the most frequent gene was bla . It was found in 48 (67.6%) isolates followed by bla VIM in 28 (39.4%) isolates. bla IMP, bla , and bla KPC genes were identified in 19 (26.8%), 13 (18.3%) and 5 (7.0%) isolates, respectively. These genes were not detected in nine isolates.
Conclusion: The relatively high frequency of some carbapenemase genes suggests major concern about the emergence of isolates containing carbapenem resistance genes as a potential health threat.
High frequency of SCCmec type IV and multidrug-resistant SCCmec type I among hospital acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Birjand Imam Reza Hospital, Iran
Authors: Sadeghi Moghaddam Toktam , Namaei Mohammad Hasan , Afshar Davoud , Yousefi Masoud
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives: The ever-increasing of antibiotic resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a major threat to public health worldwide. Molecular typing is used to determine the source of MRSA infections as well as to control and prevent the spread of these pathogens. The present study aimed to investigate the char- acteristics of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types and antibiotic resistance of community- acquired (CA-) and hospital acquired (HA-) MRSA isolates.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of 109 clinical S. aureus isolates were determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion and microdilution broth methods. MRSA isolates were confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of the mecA gene. SCCmec typing was performed by a mul- tiplex PCR assay among MRSA isolates.
Results: The prevalence of MRSA isolates was 39.4%. Linezolid, vancomycin, and ceftaroline were the most effective agents against MRSA isolates. The incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and resistance to most antibiotics were signifi- cantly higher in MRSA than methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) isolates (P<0.05). SCCmec types I, III, and IV were identified in 27.9%, 23.3%, and 37.2% of MRSA isolates, respectively. SCCmec type I and IV were the most prevalent SCCmec types in HA-MRSA isolates (each was 32.4%). While SCCmec type IV (66.7%) was the most frequently SCCmec type associated with CA-MRSA isolates.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated a high rate of MDR among MRSA isolates. The high existence of SCCmec type IV was reported among the HA-MRSA isolates, which can indicate the spread of MRSA community isolates to hospital settings. Therefore, appropriate antibiotic stewardship plans and microbiological surveillance initiatives must be implemented in healthcare facilities to monitor and limit the spread of these resistant bugs.
Anti-Angiogenic and Anti-Proliferative Effects of Physalis Alkekengi Hydroalcholic Extract on Breast Cancer in Mice
Authors: Teimouri M , Pooladi M
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: The Physalis alkekengi is a herbaceous plant belonging to Solanaceae family. According to research, this plant can help inhibit cancer cell growth.
Materials & Methods: In this study, the extract of Physalis alkekengi was used to suppress angiogenesis in Balb/c mice. First, the MC4L2 cells were injected in the mice breastbone and the tumor began to grow in this area, then the mice were killed and the tumor removed from the mice and inserted in the test mice by surgical technique. Then, the mice were gavaged for 3 weeks at 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg daily Physalis alkekengi extract, and then the mice were killed and their tumor tissue removed, and tumor growth, apoptotic cell tissue and expression of VEGF gene were studied.
Results: The results of this study showed that the hydroalcholic extract of Physalis alkekengi had a significant effect on tumor growth reduction in experimental groups 2 (50mg/kg body weight) and 3 (100 mg/kg) compared to the control group. Also, the results of the apoptotic cell in tissue showed that the extract of Physalis alkekengi significantly induced apoptotic and necrotic cells in experimental groups in comparison with the control group. The results of RT- PCR showed that the expression of VEGF gene in the experimental groups (50 mg/kg body weight) was significantly (P <0.001) less than that of the control group.
Conclusion: In the end, it was concluded that the extract of the Physalis alkekengi has anti-tumor properties and can be considered as an anti-cancer drug in future clinical studies.
Characterization of Common β-Thalassemia Major Mutations in Southwest Iran with Respect to Biochemical Parameters, Oxidative Status and Complications
Authors: Yaghooti H , Sadat Mirlohi M , Shirali S , AminAsnafi A
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Beta-thalassemia are among the most common autosomal recessive genetic disorders in Iran, especially in Khuzestan province. Beta-thalassemia exhibits significant phenotype heterogeneity and there are currently more than 200 known mutations in this region. Oxidative stress exacerbates multiple disorders, including thalassemia, an inherited hemolytic anemia caused by globin gene mutations. We aim to characterize significant mutations of widespread β-thalassemia in south-western Iran with respect to biochemical parameters, oxidative status and complications of diseases.
Material & method: Forty-five patients, aged between 15-35 years with β-thalassemia major were selected. The patients were receiving regular blood transfusion and chelation therapy and have been previously characterized to bear beta globin gene mutations. The subjects’ medical histories were documented by review of previous medical records. We also determined biochemical parameters including glycemic and iron indices, hepatic and renal function tests, oxidative stress markers and levels of advanced glycation end product species (Carboxy methyl lysine and Pentosidin).
 Results: The most common mutation was found to be CD36/37(28.9%) followed by IVSII-1, and IVSI-110. Values of iron indices were significantly different in various mutation groups. Carboxy methyl lysine and pentosidine were found to be higher in the β-thalassemia patients with IVSII-1 and IVSI-110, respectively. Also sLOX-1 was found to be significantly higher in IVSI-110 group. Complications of the disease were differently presented in mutation groups and hemochromatosis, hepatomegaly, and diabetes were among the most common problems.
Conclusion: About 72 % of β-thalassemia major cases in southwest Iran result form 3 common mutations with different clinical and laboratory presentations. Molecular genetic testing can be helpful to evaluate the patients’ situation.
The Primer Specificity is Critical to Getting Right Results in Real Time PCR
Authors: Moulazadeh A , Ghanbariasad A
Published: February 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
Case Report of Treatment of a Patient with Bipolar II Disorder through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Based on the Emotion-Goal Detachment
Authors: Zadehmohamadi F , Sohrabi F , Ashrafi E , Shams J
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe mood disorder. In this study adjunctive psychotherapy of cognitive-behavioral therapy based on emotion-goal detachment was developed and used to treat a patient with bipolar II disorder.
Case Report: A 24-year-old girl, who was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder participated in this study. When she was receiving pharmacotherapy, she went to a psychotherapy clinic and complained about depression symptoms. Her depression symptoms, matched the major depressive disorder (MDD) in accordance with DSM-IV-TR. She also complained about anxiety about her presence at the university.
Results: She participated in 18 weekly sessions of The Emotion-Goal- detachment -Based CBT along with pharmacotherapy. She regulated and pursued her goals during the therapy. At the end, she showed no symptoms of MDD in accordance with DSM-IV-TR criteria.
Conclusion: The proposed CBT model was meant to mitigate the effects of emotions on goal pursuit so that it will not be affected by emotional dysregulation.
Sequencing the Exon.4 of the LDL Receptor Gene in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the Population of Bushehr, Southwestern Iran: the Possible New Mutations
Authors: Parviz Sh , Hosseini SJ , Movahed A
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common genetic disease in the world and an autosomal dominant disease characterized by increased plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations. The clinical diagnosis of the disease is based on family history, the findings of medical examinations, and the measurement of cholesterol levels. The most important cause of FH is the mutation in one of the LDL-R, APOB, and PSCK9 genes. About 90% of mutations occur in the LDL-R gene, which accounts for a total of 2,000 different mutations. Different types of mutations have been observed on different exons of the LDL-R gene, but most of the mutations have been reported on Exon 4. The aim of this study was to sequence and analyze Exon 4 in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in Bushehr province in Iran.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 32 patients were selected based on global criteria for diagnosing the disease, and a portion of LDL-R containing complete sequence of exon 4 was amplified using LDLRE4F1/ LDLRE4R1 Primers and blood genomic DNA as a template. PCR products were sequenced and compared with reference sequence to find probable muta­tions.
Results: The results of sequencing and comparison with the reference sequence showed that no mutation was found in the exon 4 LDL-R gene. Therefore, this exon did not play a role in FH in the population under study.
Conclusion: Therefore, the cause of FH may be due to the mutations in other areas of the LDL-R gene or other genes, such as APOB and PSCK9.
α- Glucosidase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities of Moluccella aucheri (Boiss.) Scheen Extracts
Authors: Doorandishan M , Gholami M , Mirkhani H , Ebrahimi P , Jassbi AR
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: α-Glucosidase is one of the main enzymes in the intestinal absorption of carbohydrates. Inhibition of this enzyme can improve postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Also, antioxidants can ameliorate diabetes complications resulted from oxidative stress. In this study α-glucosidase inhibition, antioxidant activity and total phenol content of different extracts and obtained fractions of Moluccella aucheri have been evaluated.
Materials & Methods: The ethanol extract of aerial parts of M. aucheri was fractionated using liquid extraction method with petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, respectively. The extracts and the resulting fractions of M. aucheri were tested against α-glucosidase enzyme from yeast using an in vitro colorimetric model at λ 405 nm. Antioxidant activity was assessed using two different methods, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the scavenging activity of DPPH radicals’ methods.
Results: The screening results indicated that the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the methanol extract were potentially higher than ethanol extract, while the ethanol extract inhibited α-glucosidase enzyme to a greater extent. Ethyl acetate fraction illustrated potentially the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, but its inhibition activity against α-glucosidase was placed after the petroleum ether fraction. Two previously isolated methoxy flavones; genkwanin, 5-hydroxyl-7, 4'-dimethoxyflavone inhibited the α-glucosidase enzyme strongly.
Conclusion: Since the ethyl acetate extract has both considerable antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, it may be considered as a potential crude drug for diabetes.
Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on FAS Gene Expression Level in Testicular Tissue of Acrylamide-Treated Adult Rats
Authors: Shahrzad E , Shariati M , Naeimi S , Edalatmanesh MA
Published: February 2022

Background & Objectives: Acrylamide (ACR) is a chemical with toxic effects on various body tissues. The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the level of testicular apoptosis in acrylamide-treated adult rats.
Material & Methods: Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 equal groups. The intact control group was without treatment, the positive control group (PC) received 50 mg/kg ACR by oral gavage, the negative control group (NC) received 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, the animals in experimental groups of 1 (EXP1), 2 (EXP2) and 3 (EXP3) received 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg NAC intraperitoneally, respectively, and then all groups received 50 mg/kg acrylamide by oral gavage. The treatment period in all groups was 28 days. At the end of the study, FAS mRNA expression level was measured by real-time PCR and testicular tissue was evaluated histopathologically.
Results: The PC group showed a significant increase in FAS gene expression level (p<0.05) and spermatogenic degradation compared to the intact control and NC groups. The EXP1 and EXP2 groups showed decrease in FAS gene expression level (p˃0.05) and spermatogenesis improvement in a dose-dependent manner while the EXP3 group exhibited a significant decrease in FAS gene expression level (p˂0.05) and complete spermatogenesis recovery compared to the PC group.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that ACR increases apoptosis and destroys spermatogenesis by increasing FAS gene expression levels. In contrast, at the maximum dose (40 mg/kg), NAC could inhibit ACR-induced apoptosis by reducing FAS gene expression and improves spermatogenesis in rats.
Self-Care Education Based on Learning Style and its Impact on Lifestyle of Patients with Hypertension
Authors: Ghorbani Z , Imani E , Hoseini Teshnizi S
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Some more effective management of this disease can be achieved by making changes in the lifestyles of patients by self-care education. It is important to use new educational methods to better influence education on people's learning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of using educational tools appropriate to learning style during self-care training on the lifestyle of hypertensive patients.
Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 44 patients with hypertension who were divided into four groups of visual, auditory, reading/writing and kinesthetic based on their answers to the VARK learning style questionnaire. Patients' self-care training was conducted in the form of four 60-minute sessions based on the learning style of each group. Before and two months after the intervention, the LSQ lifestyle questionnaire was completed by all patients, and finally, data were analyzed using SPSS ver.21.
Results: According to the results of the present study, the mean score of lifestyle dimensions of all research units at all stages of lifestyle increased significantly after the educational intervention compared to before the intervention, (p< 0.001). Also, the increase in the mean of the total lifestyle score after the intervention compared to the time before it was statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the favorable effect of self-care education based on learning style in promoting patients' lifestyle, this educational method can be used as a cheap and practical method in changing the behavior of hypertensive patients.
Association between COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Available Treatment Options
Authors: Heiat F , Hosseinzadeh R , Abyazi MA , Ranjbar R , Khonche A , Heiat M
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging outbreak which has involved almost all of the countries of the world now. While the main symptoms of the disease are known to be respiratory symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath, extrapulmonary symptoms have also been reported in many cases of COVID-19. Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and liver injury are amongst the most common extrapulmonary symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Materials & Method: We used Scopus, PubMed, and Google scholar databases for this review. The last search was run on November 21, 2020
Results: Liver injury is mostly accompanied by an elevation in AST and ALT levels and a slight increase in serum billirubin levels that is observed in approximately 14.8-53.1% of COVID-19 patients.1-29% of COVID-19 patients present nausea and vomiting and 2 to 10% develop diarrhea. Abdominal pain is seen in about 2.2-6% of COVID-19 patients and most frequently seen in severely ill patients.
Conclusion: Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting and liver injury are the most common GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients while abdominal pain is not pretty common. There are no medications of proven efficacy to treat COVID-19 or its GI manifestations so far.
Comparing The Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles and Selenium Nanocomposites on Food Intake and Anxiety-like Behaviors
Authors: Hajinezhad MR , Samzadeh Kermani AR
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Selenium nanoparticles (Se -NPs) and selenium nanocomposites (Se -NCs) have different biological effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effects of selenium nanoparticles and selenium nanocomposites (Se –NCs) on anxiety, food intake, and brain histology of rats. 
Materials & Methods: Thirty-two male adult Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups. The control group received saline, the Selenium powder group received 1 mg/kg /day selenium powder orally for 21 days, and the selenium nanoparticle group received three weeks of oral gavage of Se –NPs. The selenium nanocomposites group received three weeks of oral gavage of nanocomposites. Finally, cumulative food consumption and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed, and, after that, rats were bled and sacrificed for further biochemical and histopathological investigations.
Results: Oral administration of Se powder at a dose of 1 mg/kg /day for 21 days had no significant effect on the brain superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities. There was also no significant change in the levels of brain glutathione concentration (GSH), brain MDA, and behavioral parameters. Selenium nanoparticles also showed no significant alterations in brain biochemical parameters, behavioral effects, and brain histology. The oral administration of Selenium nanocomposites significantly increased brain superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione content and had positive effects on behavioral parameters.
Conclusion:  The present study showed that Se -NCs have behavioral effects and could induce significant biochemical changes in brain oxidative status.
Molecular Epidemiology Study of Suspected Meningitis Cases in Tehran and Alborz Provinces
Authors: Mirjalili A , Mollazadeh SH
Published: February 2022

Background and Objective: Meningitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. Bacterial and viral causative agents play a role in meningitis appearance to various degrees. Thus, effective vaccines and antimicrobial and supportive treatments need to be developed and monitoring should be performed in different regions for controlling this disease. Most previous studies have focused on a small number of bacterial agents, and the viral profile of this disease is not precisely monitored in Iran, especially in overpopulated regions. Moreover, limited new applied methods with high precision and sensitivity for the detection of meningitis agents indicate the necessity of determining meningitis agents by rapid molecular methods, which was the aim of the current study.    
Materials and Methods: Overall, 148 samples obtained from suspected meningitis patients from different age groups admitted to Tehran and Karaj hospitals were evaluated by new methods involving specific primers for 16s rRNA, PCR, and Real-time PCR tests. 
Results:  It was found that viral infection, especially infection with human enterovirus, remains the main cause of meningitis in Iran, and Neisseria meningitides is the most common bacterial isolate detected in meningitis cases.
Conclusion: Despite the decreasing trend in meningitis incidence, according to World Health Organization recommendation, implementing an enhanced surveillance system to provide high-quality data on the epidemiological profile of meningitis per each region is necessary.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about a Newer Class of Antidiabetic Drug (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) Among the Health Care Professionals of Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Authors:   College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, Aldhobaib Alwaleed Yousef , Rabbani Syed Imam ​ , Mobark Mugahid A
Published: February 2022

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) is a newer class of drugs used in the treatment of adult type-2 diabetes mellitus. The use of the drugs needs appropriate methods of administration including precautions and carry some potential risks such as pancreatitis and thyroid cell neoplasia. In this cross-sectional study, a pre-validated questionnaire with fixed-answers was used to assess the medical practitioner’s response towards recently approved drugs. Their replies were recorded in an excel sheet. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests to determine the significant value. p<0.05 was used to indicate the significance of the results. The data from the study indicated that 107 health care professionals such as physicians, nurses and pharmacists with differences in age, gender, nationality, qualification and experience took part in the survey. The overall correct response to the questions of knowledge domain was found to be 73.5%, attitude – 78.5% and practice – 80.3%. However, some critical information about the method of administration, precautions and possible risks associated with the therapy is lacking among the participants. A significant variation (P<0.05) was found for some of the demographic variables such as profession, qualification and age of the participants. The finding from the study suggests that the medical professionals have good knowledge, better attitude and proper practice about the GLP-1RA that is being approved for the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus. However, some of the vital aspects of the medication need update. Continuing medical education programs could be one of the most suitable strategies suggested for enlightening the information on the recent additions to the therapy. Keywords Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Medical professionals, Type­2 diabetes, GLP­1RA
The Third Census of Outdoor Orientation Programs in the United States, 2019
Authors: Bell Brent J.
Published: February 2022

This study investigated the number of outdoor orientation programs—high-impact transition programs for college students—in the United States. Researchers used a census methodology to identify the number of outdoor orientation programs existing at accredited, residential, bachelor’s degree-granting colleges and universities within the United States (N = 1,217). Researchers found 212 outdoor orientation programs (OOPs), representing 17% of the identified colleges, the largest number of OOPs in the history of these programs. A follow-up survey found OOPs were notably aligned in risk management procedures (medical training of leaders, tracking incidents, etc.) and programmatic similarities (use of name games, problem-solving and initiative activities). Programs diverged in the use of curricular activities (i.e., solo experiences) and the specifics of risk management (i.e., physician oversight). The COVID-19 pandemic led to 83% of programs being cancelled in 2021. A question remains as to how well these high-impact programs will recover after the pandemic.