bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agriculture Development Programs for Poverty Reduction Evidences from Indonesia and China - Comparative Study Case
Authors: Rusliyadi Muhamad , Libin Wang
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview description of important differences in agriculture development China and Indonesia in poverty reduction efforts in rural areas and some strategy. Obviously with the view of some of the existing literature by presenting data and facts or opinions with the collaboration of several institutions associated with the topic. This paper will provide an objective picture of the development from agricultural sector level of evidence both Indonesia and China. China and Indonesia is agriculture based country with a program of integrated rural development as a whole to be a target of poverty reduction programs. Several agriculture programs related to poverty reduction has been launched and have a good impact or significance, especially in China that is able to reduce extreme poverty from 30% in 1978 to less than 3% in 2008. Certainly many lessons can be obtained from this success, especially the concept and strategy development in rural China to be a reference of other States in its development model, especially for poverty alleviation programs.
Trends and Variability of Wheat Crop in Pakistan
Authors: Abid Saleem , Masood M Asif , Anwar M Zubair , Zahid Saleem , Raza Irum
Published: September 2021

The main focus of the study was to analyze trends and variability of wheat crop in Pakistan. Semi-log trend model was used to find trends and growth rate in area, yield and production of wheat crop whereas the variability was measured by Cuddy-Della Valle index of variability. The findings of the study illustrate that wheat area in Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan was increased over the time whereas cultivated area of wheat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was marginally decreased during 1981-85 to 2011-15. The results show that there was substantial increase in wheat yield and production in all four provinces of Pakistan. The increase in wheat yield may due to the adoption of new varieties of wheat in the country over the time. It was also concluded from the results that area and yield of wheat in Baluchistan recorded the highest degree of variability whereas in Punjab province area and yield of wheat crop were noticed the lowest degree of variability. Similarly, the maximum variability in wheat production was recorded for Baluchistan province followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Mostly the variability in wheat production was due to the variability in wheat area and their yield.
Determinants of Vietnam’s Potential Trade: A Case Study of Agricultural Exports to the European Union
Authors: Linh Pham Hoang , Doanh Nguyen Khanh , Quynh Nguyen Ngoc
Published: September 2021

This study aims at quantifying the determinants of Vietnam’s potential exports to the EU, taking agricultural commodities as a case study. In order to achieve this, we employed a stochastic frontier analysis to estimate Vietnam’s potential agricultural exports, and a system GMM approach to analyze the determinants of the estimated potential agricultural exports of Vietnam. The results showed that Vietnam’s potential agricultural exports to the EU have been high and on an upward trend. In addition, factors such as financial market development, trade freedom, technological readiness, and labor freedom have positive impacts on Vietnam’s potential agricultural exports to the EU. Measures to improve the financial market development, remove trade barriers, increase technological capability, and promote labour freedom are strongly suggested in order to enable Vietnam’s agricultural exports to attain its maximum level.
Determinants of Farmers’ Intention of Applying New Technology in Production: The Case of Vietgap Standard Adoption in Vietnam
Authors: Tinh Luong , Hung Phan Tran Minh , Dzung Doan Gia , Trinh Vo Hoang Diem
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of farmers’ intention of applying new technology with the case of VietGAP standard application in vegetable production in a developing country such as Vietnam. Using the survey data of agricultural workers in a framework of revised technology acceptance model, the analysis finds that farmers’ intention to apply or continue applying VietGAP is driven by factors such as mutual communication, awareness of benefits, environment, behavioral control, and governmental support based on authorities’ policies and risk awareness. Unlike other studies, this paper illustrates that awareness of the brand name related risk and producers’ health benefits have statistically significant impacts on farmers’ intentions.
The Effects of Climate Change on Rural Livestock Farming: Evidence from Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Maluleke Witness , Tshabalala Ntwanano Patrick , Barkhuizen Jaco
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study is to identify the perceptions of the conspicuous rural livestock farmers as well as the officials from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) on the effects of climate change on rural livestock farming practices. From a qualitative standpoint, this study purposively selected participants from Limpopo Province, focusing on Giyani, Lenting, Ga-Mphahlele and Malamulele areas comprising of rural livestock farmers [12:3 = 36] and DAFF officials [6:2]. Overall, 42 participants formed part of this study through Face-to-Face and Focus Group Discussions. It is found that the loss and damage related to the contrary effects of climate change are insufficiently applied in the chosen rural areas of Limpopo Province. The local and regional collaborations by the responsible spheres of government are not strengthened and promoted, leading to inefficient strategies and approaches to addressing related conditions. Therefore, the significance of risk transmission and dissemination via regional cooperation regarding climate change adaptation are pivotal in rural settings.
Transitioning to Organic Rice Farming in Thailand: Drivers and Factors
Authors: Seerasarn Nareerut , Miller Servel A , Wanaset Apinya
Published: September 2021

This research focuses on determining the drivers and factors that influence conversion to organic rice farming to better inform local and national policies. It provides an insight into the procedures in the decision-making process of farmers and the practices they use. Questionnaire and interview data from farmers in the leading rice production region, Surin, were analyzed using logistic regression to understand the drivers of organic rice farming and the barriers and challenges of adapting to this practice. The findings highlight the critical role of extension farm officers in promoting, educating, and motivating farmers to adopt organic farming. The ability to access (affordable) loans through local cooperative and land ownership was also a key motivational factor. Young people (under 25) are not engaging with farming generally, and this is a major barrier to long-term growth of the organic rice industry in Thailand.
Analysis of the Problems and Minimization Initiatives Addressed by Bangladeshi Farmers During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Md Sekender Ali  , Siddik Md. Saeed , Nur-E-Alam Sk Md , Khanam Tayeba , Khatun Most Moriom
Published: September 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic is heavily impacting not only the health sector but also every economical sector all over the world. Bangladesh is among the major agriculture production-based economies and is suffering greatly during this pandemic. This paper presents the current agricultural situation in Bangladesh based on a survey involving various pools of experts. It also visualizes the strategies used to assess the competency of initiatives aimed at minimizing the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 117 expert agricultural personnel in Bangladesh (75.27% male and 24.73% female). Twenty-eight problems were identified that are faced by the farmers of Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these, twenty two were severe while six were less so. It was found that problems relating to product wastage, low product-level pricing, the absence of traders, and transportation issues were identified as top ranking. Twenty-six initiatives were introduced and adopted by different organizations in Bangladesh to minimize agricultural problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these, five were highly effective and the remainder moderately so. It was found that initiatives related to government directives and financial support were identified as the top ranked. Based on analysis of data, this paper concludes with several suggestions aimed at minimizing the problems faced by farmers in Bangladesh arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Future of Saudi Arabia’s Date Exports Using a Cointegration Model
Authors: Alnafissa Mohamad , Alderiny Mahmoud , Alamri Yosef , Alhashim Jawad
Published: September 2021

Dates represent an important export crop for Saudi Arabia that attracts foreign exchange. There is an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to extend its date exports to the international market due to production exceeding consumption and comparative advantage in date production. This paper explores the future export market for Saudi dates by analyzing the factors that affect Saudi date exports and highlighting this crop’s comparative advantage. Also, the paper uses autoregressive and distributed lag methodology with data from 1980 to 2017 to predict the future for exported dates between 2020 and 2025. The relationship between the export of dates and other exogenous variables shows there are significant effects from domestic production, domestic consumption of dates, and the price of exported dates in both the long and short term. In contrast, the comparative advantage of Saudi dates shows a significant effect only in the short term, because there has been no active program to promote Saudi dates in global markets. The explanatory variables predict that 2019 Saudi date exports will increase by 3.8-fold in 2025, with the total export amount over 700 thousand tons. Thus, there is an opportunity to develop more programs that target the international market in support of date farms and exporters, and to support market research directed at satisfying the international market.
Bioactive Compounds and Biochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Minor Indigenous Fruits in Bangladesh
Authors: M.M Molla , A.A Sabuz , M.G.F Chowdhury , M.H.H Khan , M Alam , T.A.A Nasrin , A Khatun , M.M Islam
Published: September 2021

Minor fruits are a potential source of antinutrients, but there is no complete primary data source in the Bangladeshi context. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to acquire documentation for a database of the composition of selected minor fruits. The total phenolic (TPH), vitamin C, total carotene, and ß-carotene contents and antioxidant activity of selected minor fruits were determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and reducing power assays (RPA). Phenolic compounds were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and autosampler. Results revealed that minor fruits contain different phytochemicals, particularly TPH, ascorbic acid, total flavonoid (TF), ß-carotene, total carotenoid (TC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC); values ranged, respectively, 0.23-176.50 mg GAE/g, 16.67-664.92 mg/100 g, 2.26-150.02 mg QE/100 g, 1.41-6897.57 µg/100 g, 1.26-98.24 mg/100 g and 1.15-47.46 mg/100 g. In the parameters antioxidant activity, total antioxidant capacity, DPPH, reducing power capacity (RPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal chelating capacity (MCC), nitric oxide (NO), and free radical scavenging activity, IC50 ranged 0.01-278.24 µg of ascorbic acid/mg of extract, 39.70-250.00%, 3.21-634.00%, 0.02-1817.88 µM Fe2SO4/100g, 22.29-210.43%, 0.02-70.50%, and 4.98-856.70 µg/g, respectively. Among the identified and quantified phenolic acids, leading examples were gallic acid (279.06 mg/100 g), vanilic acid (43.77 mg/100 g), Þ-courmaric acid (178.96 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (20.44 mg/100 g), and lutein (91.13 µg/100 g) in aonla, day fruit, elephant apple, and bilimbi. Moreover, all selected minor fruits are rich sources of bioactive, biochemical, and antioxidant compounds with potential for use in therapeutic applications.
Comparative Characteristics of Cerebral Neuronal Patterns after Single and Prolonged Radiation Exposure
Authors: Gundarova O. P. , Fedorov V. P. , Kvaratskheliya A. G. , Maslov N. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative assessment of radiation-induced patterns in cerebral neurons after a single and prolonged exposure to radiation.Material and methods. The experiment was carried out in compliance with the rules of bioethics, on 240 white outbred male rats at the age of 4 months, exposed to a single or prolonged exposure to γ-quanta of 60Со in total doses of 0.1; 0.2; 0.5 and 1.0 Gy. Neuromorphological and histochemical methods were used to assess morphometric and tinctorial parameters of nerve cells, the content of protein and nucleic acids, as well as the activity of some dehydrogenases in the early (1st day) and long-term periods (up to 18 months) of the postradiation period. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using Statistica 6.1 software packages, parametric methods were used (Student's t-test, regression and variance analysis), the significance level was 95%.Results. Despite a number of features of neuromorphological indicators dynamics, these irradiation regimes do not cause functionally significant changes in neurons. Among the influencing factors (radiation dose and time elapsed after irradiation), the radiation dose has a greater effect on the structural and functional state of neurons, but the elapsed time levels the resulting changes and most neuromorphological parameters do not have significant differences with the control. The revealed changes, as a rule, have a borderline character, and the level of their significance fluctuates around the indicators of age control within insignificant limits. One can find out a certain instability of the structural and functional organization and tension of the functioning of neurons under the irradiation regimes under consideration. At the same time, in the early periods of observation, more pronounced fluctuations in neuromorphological parameters occur with prolonged radiation exposure, and in later periods – with a single one. In general, no significant differences in the response of neurons to single and prolonged irradiation at the same total dose were found.Conclusion. No significant radiation-induced changes in the state of neurons have been established for all dose-time parameters and modes of exposure. The irradiation dose has a greater effect on neurons, but the time elapsed after irradiation regimens the resulting changes and the majority of neuromorphological parameters have no significant differences from the control. The considered modes of irradiation do not have significant differences among themselves by the response of neurons.
Bronchial Glands: Age, Regional and Individual Structural Features
Authors: Klochkova S. V. , Akmatov T. A. , Alexeeva N. T. , Nikityuk D. B.
Published: September 2021

The aim was to study the quantitative indicators and structure of the distribution of the glands in human main bronchi in the age aspect.Material and methods. The object of the study was the glands in the walls of the main bronchi, obtained as a single complex together with the lower part of the trachea, including the area of bifurcation. Samples were taken from 110 corpses of people in the age range from the neonatal period to 87 years (10 observations in each age group), who died from causes not related to the pathology of the respiratory system and did not have pathological changes in the respiratory system at autopsy. For micro-macroscopy using an MBS-9 binocular microscope, the glands in the walls of the main bronchi were selectively stained with methylene blue according to R.D. Sinelnikov, followed by fixation in a saturated solution of ammonium picric acid. The following characteristics were analyzed: the shape of the glands, their total number on the total preparation, the density of their location (the number of the mouths of the excretory ducts per 1 cm2), the width of their initial section. Due to the normal distribution of the data, the methods of parametric statistics based on the Statistica 6.0 program were used for statistical data processing. Statistical data processing included the calculation of the arithmetic mean indicators, their errors, the analysis of the amplitude of the variation series of each indicator was carried out.Results. The performed macro-microscopic examination revealed an asymmetry in the distribution of glands – the number and density of distribution of glands was 1.50–2.10 times higher (p <0.05) for the left bronchus than for the right and 1.56–2.91 (p <0.05) times more in the cartilaginous than in the membranous part. At the same time, the width of the orifice of the gland showed opposite patterns. In terms of age, there was an increase in the number of glands and their size with a maximum by the age of 21–35 and a subsequent decrease by senil age. The distribution density decreased throughout the entire period of life.Conclusion. The revealed age, regional and individual features of the structure of the glandular apparatus of the main human bronchi may be of interest both in scientific research and in clinical practice, forming a basic description of the structural norm.
CDX2 Protein as a Surrogate Marker of Gastric Mucosal Atrophy
Authors: Parygina M. N. , Mozgovoi S. I. , Shimanskaya A. G. , Kononov A. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study is to develop an approach to assess the severity of the gastric mucosa (GM) atrophy based on the immunohistochemical (IHC) technique to improve diagnostic quality of the stage of chronic gastritis (CG) and to implement predictive assessment of risk factors of gastric cancer development.Material and methods. The study included 155 cases of CG selected in accordance with Operational Link for Gastritis Assessment (OLGA)-system (2 samples of antral gastric mucosa (GM), 1 sample of angular GM and 2 samples of corpus GM). All biopsy samples were examined using histological and IHC (CDX2) techniques. An expression semi-quantitative index was developed to characterize CDX2. The results obtained were statistically processed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, the Spearman correlation coefficient, and the construction of logistic regression models.Results. It was found that the value of the CDX2 index assessed within the GM biopsy samples positively correlates with the gradation of atrophy (r=0.665 (p<0.001)). A positive correlation remains between the CDX2sum index, calculated by summing the CDX2 index values at each of the GM points, and the stage of chronic gastritis according to the OLGA classification (r=0.70 (p<0.01)). When assessing the contribution of changes at each point of biopsy sampling and retrospective correlation of the CDX2 index at two points of the GM and the stage of chronic gastritis, the greatest correlation was found for points 3 (stomach angle) and 5 (greater curvature of the gastric body), at three points – for points 1 (greater curvature antrum), 3 and 5 (r=0.592 (p<0.01)). Logistic regression models were built to predict the stage of chronic gastritis based on the CDX2 index in the specified combinations of points. The following model was chosen as the optimal one: to take biopsies at three points (1, 3, 5) and assess their CDX2 index, with sensitivity equal 80.4%, specificity equal 82.8% and diagnostic accuracy equal 83.9%.Conclusion. The CDX2 semi-quantitative index can be used to evaluate GM atrophy. The performed regression analysis demonstrates its predictive role. The constructed regression model based on the CDX2 semi-quantitative index calculation at two/three points of GM allows increasing predictive value of biopsy investigations and accuracy of stratified assessment of the gastric adenocarcinoma risk development in patients with CG.
Integrating Psychiatry and Medical Biotechnology as a Way to Achieve Scientific, Precision, and Personalized Psychiatry
Authors: Shamabadi Ahmad , Hasanzadeh Alireza , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: September 2021

Besides concerns about the increasing prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the significant burdens and costs, there are concerns about its validity. The dilemma of validity went so far that studies described the diagnoses in psychiatry as scientifically worthless. We suggest integrating psychiatry and medical biotechnology and using biotechnological products in psychiatric aspects help psychiatry become more precise, strengthen its position among other sciences, and increase its scientific credibility by giving examples. For this matter, we need different inputs to choose between the vast outputs. The most common inputs are clinical symptoms, cognitive function, individual and environmental risk factors, molecular markers, genetic markers, neuroimaging signs, and big data. Some molecular markers have been shown to have a relationship with psychiatric disorders such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). Genetic studies might evolve the most accurate part of precision psychiatry. Currently, and through the developments in technology, genome-wide association studies have become available. In neuroimaging signs, psychiatric disorders are associated with generalized rather than focal brain network dysfunction, and functional magnetic resonance imaging could be performed to study them. It would exhibit different aberrancies in various psychiatric disorders. In big data, the constitution of predictive models and movement toward precision psychiatry can be led by using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Identification of a Novel Homozygous Mutation in BBS10 Gene in an Iranian Family with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome
Authors: Dehani Mohammad , Zare-Abdollahi Davood , Bushehri Ata , Dehghani Azadeh , Effati Jalil , Miratashi Seyed Ali Mohammad , Khorram Khorshid Hamid Reza
Published: September 2021

Background: Bardet–Biedl Syndrome (BBS) is a rare pleiotropic autosomal recessive disease related to ciliopathies with approximately 25 causative genes. BBS is a multisystemic disorder with wide spectrum of manifestations including truncal obesity, retinal dystrophy, male hypogenitalism, postaxial polydactyly, learning difﬁculties, and renal abnormalities.
Methods: A consanguineous Iranian family with a 28-year-old daughter affected with BBS, resulting from a first cousin marriage, was examined. After clinical examination, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was applied. Following the analysis of exome data, Sanger sequencing was used to confirm as well as to co-segregate the candidate variant with the phenotype.
Results: A novel homozygous variant [c. 2035G>A (p.E679K)] in exon 2 of the BBS10 gene was found which was categorized as likely pathogenic based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines and criteria. In this study, the variant was fully co-segregated with the phenotype in the family.
Conclusion: Despite overlapping with other ciliopathies in terms of the phenotype, the BBS has high genetic heterogeneity and clinical variability even among affected members of a family. The symptoms observed in patients are largely related to the genes involved and the type of mutations in the BBS. In this study, in addition to phenotype description of the proband harboring a novel disease-causing variant in BBS10 gene, the spectrum of BBS symptoms was expanded. The findings of this study can be useful in genetic counseling, especially for risk estimation and prenatal diagnosis.
The factors affecting male infertility: A systematic review
Authors: Jafari Hamideh , Mirzaiinajmabadi Khadigeh , Latifnejad Roudsari Robab , Rakhshkhorshid Marzieh
Published: September 2021

Background: In recent years, the incidence of male infertility has increased worldwide. It is necessary to study the factors that influence male infertility in each area/region for better management.
Objective: To determine the factors affecting male infertility in the Iranian male population.
Materials and Methods: An online search was conducted in electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Scopus to identify articles on the factors associated with male infertility, published in English and Persian. The keywords used to perform the search included “factor”, “epidemiology”, “causes of infertility”, and “male infertility”. The search was conducted without a time restriction, up to April 2020.
Results: The search resulted in a total number of 691 studies. After an assessment of the articles, finally 14 studies were included in this study with a total number of 26,324 infertile males. The factors associated with male infertility included semen abnormalities, varicocele and testis disorder, smoking, exposure to heat, obesity, anabolic steroids, vascular abnormalities, anti-spermatogenesis factors, antidepressants, taking ranitidine and cimetidine, penile discharge and genital ulcers, painful micturition, occupational factors, alcohol, chronic disease, sexual disorder, Surgical and urological diseases, genetic factors and herpes infection. Among these, the semen and varicocele disorders were common in most studies.
Conclusion: The present review suggests that the factors affecting male infertility in Iran are similar to those reported from other countries. The results of this study can be used in adopting appropriate strategies for infertility management in Iran.
Key words: Male, Infertility, Sterility, Urogenital diseases.
Relative frequency of hepatitis B virus, human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes simplex viruses in the semen of fertile and infertile men in Shiraz, Iran: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Afrakhteh Hossein , Joharinia Negar , Momen Akhtar , Dowran Razieh , Babaei Abouzar , Namdari Parisa , Motamedifar Mohammad , Namavar Jahromi Bahia , Sarvari Jamal
Published: September 2021

Background: About 8-12% of couples on reproductive age suffers from infertility worldwide. Since 1993, the role of genital tract infections by microbes, including viruses that can infect the sperm, in human infertility has been proposed.
Objective: To investigate the frequency of hepatitis B virus (HBV), human papilloma virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in the semen of fertile and infertile men referred to the Mother and Child Hospital, Shiraz, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 350 men including 200 infertile and 150 fertile men were included. All semen samples were allowed to liquefy, followed by the assessment of sperm parameters. DNA was extracted using a DNA extraction kit (CinaGene, Tehran, Iran) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Detection of HBV, HPV, EBV, and HSV1/2 was done by the PCR method.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 36 ± 7 yr. Molecular results showed that 16 samples (8%) of infertile men and 5 (3.3%) of fertile men were positive for HBV, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.069). Only one sample of the fertile participants was positive for HPV. None of the semen samples of the infertile or fertile groups was positive for the presence of EBV or HSV1/ 2.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that HBV, HPV, EBV, and HSV might not be involved in men’s infertility. Further studies are recommended for clarifying the role of these viruses in infertility.
Key words: Male infertility, Hepatitis B virus, Human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes simplex viruses.
Association of miR-146a and miR196a2 genotype with susceptibility to idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss in Iranian women: A case-control study
Authors: Babakhanzadeh Emad , Danaei Hamid , Abedinzadeh Mohammad , Reza Ashrafzadeh Hamid , Ghasemi Nasrin
Published: September 2021

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is the most common complaint of pregnancy in females with a prevalence of 5%. Numerous documents have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms are able to change miRNA transcription and/or maturation, which may alter the incidence of disorders such as RPL.
Objective: To assess the relationship of miR-146aC > G (rs2910164) and miR-196a2T > C (rs11614913) with RPL susceptibility in Iranian women.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 214 women who had experienced at least two consecutive spontaneous miscarriages (case) and 147 normal individuals without a history of miscarriage (control). MiR-146aC > G and miR-196a2T > C genotypes were evaluated via the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.
Results: The genotypes incidence did not show a significant difference in pre-miR-146aC > G polymorphism CC vs CG + GG (p = 0.854; OR = 0.933; 95% CI) and CC + CG vs GG (p = 0.282; OR = 1.454; 95% CI). Also, no significant difference was observed between pre-miR-196a2T > C polymorphism TT vs TC + CC (p = 0.862; OR = 0.938; 95% CI) and TT + TC vs CC and (p = 0.291; OR = 1.462; 95% CI) in both the case and control groups.
Conclusion: The results showed that although the distribution of miR-146aC > G and miR-196a2T > C was different between the unknown RPL and control groups, these variances were not statistically significant.
Key words: RPL, miR-146a, miR196a2, Polymorphism, RFLP.
Aromatic amino acids play a harmonizing role in prostate cancer: A metabolomics-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Akbari Ziba , Taghipour Dijojin Roghayeh , Zamani Zahra , Haji Hosseini Reza , Arjmand Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common health problem worldwide. The rate of this disease is likely to grow by 2021. PCa is a heterogeneous disorder, and various biochemical factors contribute to the development of this disease. The metabolome is the complete set of metabolites in a cell or biological sample and represents the downstream end product of the omics. Hence, to model PCa by computational systems biology, a preliminary metabolomics-based study was used to compare the metabolome profile pattern between healthy and PCa men.
Objective: This study was carried out to highlight energy metabolism modification and assist the prognosis and treatment of disease with unique biomarkers.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional research, 26 men diagnosed with stage-III PCa and 26 healthy men with normal PSA levels were enrolled. Urine was analyzed with proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, accompanied by the MetaboAnalyst web-based platform tool for metabolomics data analysis. Partial least squares regression discriminant analysis was applied to clarify the separation between the two groups. Outliers were documented and metabolites determined, followed by identifying biochemical pathways.
Results: Our findings reveal that modifications in aromatic amino acid metabolism and some of their metabolites have a high potential for use as urinary PCa biomarkers. Tryptophan metabolism (p < 0.001), tyrosine metabolism (p < 0.001), phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis (p < 0.001), phenylalanine metabolism (p = 0.01), ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis (p = 0.19), nitrogen metabolism (p = 0.21), and thiamine metabolism (p = 0.41) with Q2 (0.198) and R2 (0.583) were significantly altered.
Conclusion: The discriminated metabolites and their pathways play an essential role in PCa causes and harmony.
Key words: Metabolomics, Prostate cancer, Aromatic amino acids, 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
Therapeutic Application of Saffron for Improvement of Women’s Health: A Review of Literature
Authors: Bagheri Sayna , Kashani Ladan
Published: September 2021

Saffron or crocus sativus L. (C. sativus) has been widely used as a food additive as well as a therapeutic agent in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in Asian countries. This spice consists of three bioactive components, including picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin, which exert alleviating effects in a wide range of disorders (e.g.cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurodegenerative, psychiatric and female-specific disorders). Anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative characteristics were reported for this herbal agent. Additionally, several studies have addressed the potential role of saffron in modulating the serotonergic system, which could be helpful in treatment of some diseases specific to women such as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Postpartum Depression (PPD), postmenopausal symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. Nowadays, use of herbal medicine instead of chemical prescriptions has become very popular due to their generally lesser side effects and cultural acceptability. In the present report, we provided an overview of the current literature regarding the potential effects of saffron on women’s health. Taken together, saffron seems a spice with strong beneficial impacts on various aspects that a woman might challenge with. Further trials could pave the way for the introduction of saffron as a routine safe treatment of aforementioned conditions in women population.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Routine Blood Tests in Patients with COVID-19 in Iran, Tehran
Authors: Asanjarani Behzad , Siri Goli , Eshagh Hosseini Seyed Mahmoud , Abdollahi Hamed , Hasibi Mehrdad , Erfanian Reza , Eshagh Hosseini Mohammad Mehdi , Alesaeidi Samira , Asadollahi-Amin Ali
Published: September 2021

Background: Routine blood testing consists of Complete Blood Count (CBC) indices together with Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) which have significant roles in both diagnosis and prognosis of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods: A total number of 942 COVID-19 patients and 400 healthy persons as the control group were enrolled in this study. All patients were admitted to a single center and were divided into two groups according to disease severity (severe or non-severe). Routine laboratory findings of peripheral blood sample were collected and then analyzed.
Results: Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) had the highest sensitivity and specificity value for COVID-19 diagnosis. Among patients with different severities of COVID-19, the amount of neutrophil, NLR, platelet, hemoglobin, Red cell Distribution Width (RDW) and total bilirubin was significantly different (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Some indices of complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel have diagnostic and prognostic roles in COVID-19 patients, which are helpful in early diagnosis, predicting severity and adverse outcomes of patients with COVID-19.
Aberrant Behaviors of Heavy Vehicle Drivers Carrying Hazardous Materials at an International Border in Iran
Authors: Sadeghi Teymur , Arghami Shirazeh , Kamali Koorosh , Sadeghi Gholamreza
Published: September 2021

Background: Most road collisions are directly attributed to human factors. Since aberrant behaviors of drivers play a pivotal role in the occurrence of road accidents, it is worth studying driver behaviors in a riskier situation of carrying hazardous materials.  This study aimed to evaluate the behaviors of the drivers carrying hazardous materials at the international border of Bashmaq-Marivan, Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 250 Iranian drivers carrying hazardous materials at the international border of Bashmaq-Marivan. The participants were included taking a census. Data were collected using the Manchester Driver Behavior Questionnaire (MDBQ). Data analysis was performed by SPSS v 16. The p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The drivers carrying inflammable liquids had more lapses compared to those carrying inflammable gases. The drivers with less driving experience and higher driving speed had more errors, as well as aggressive and ordinary violations. Higher rates of aggressive violations and errors were detected in young drivers, while the drivers with higher rates of accidents had comparatively more lapses and ordinary violation.
Conclusion: Considering the effects of age, driving experience, high speed, and accident experience on aberrant behaviors in driving, it is recommended that public training targeting specific groups be implemented regarding the legal constraints of driving.
The Relationship between Third Ventricle Diameter, Motor Disability and Cognitive Decline in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kamali Maede , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , Almasi-Dooghaee Mostafa , Babaie Mahla , Esmaeili Sara , Nouri-Shirazi Shabnam , Abbasi Mohammad Hossein , Abdi Yasaman , Mirzaasgari Zahra
Published: September 2021

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) causes brain atrophy at the early stages of the disease which leads to progressive motor and cognitive dysfunction. Brain atrophy can be diagnosed indirectly by measuring the Third Ventricle Diameter (TVD) using Trans Cranial Sonography (TCS). The purpose of the current study was evaluation of TVD in MS patients using TCS to examine its possible correlation with cognitive dysfunction and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Methods: Seventy-four patients with a definite diagnosis of MS were enrolled in this study. Transverse diameter of the third ventricle was measured using TCS. All patients were assessed by neurological examination and the level of disability was measured via EDSS. The cognitive performance was assessed by the Brief  International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS). Pearson’s correlation was performed to evaluate possible correlations and p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: From the total 74 individuals, 58.1% were diagnosed with Relapse-Remitting MS (RRMS) (n=43) and 43.9% with Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS) (n=31). The mean EDSS score was 1.81±1.38 (Range of 0-10). The mean TVD was 5.61±1.82 cm which had no statistical correlation with the EDSS score, but it was significantly wider in group with EDSS score>3 when compared to the group with EDSS score≤3 (p-value=0.0001). The mean BICAMS score was 0.65±0.57 and there was no statistical correlation between BICAMS score and TVD.
Conclusion: Measuring the diameter of the third ventricle using TCS appears to be an appropriate method to diagnose brain atrophy and is associated with cognitive dysfunction in the process of MS. Our data emphasized no association between the diameter of the third ventricle and cognitive dysfunction.
The Effect of Telerehabilitation on Quality of Life, Exercise Capacity, and Spirometry Indexes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Masih Daneshvari Hospital
Authors: Ghadimi Somayeh , Fakharian Atefeh , Abedi Mohsen , Zahiri Reyhaneh , Norouz Afjeh Mahsan , Mirenayat Maryam Sadat
Published: September 2021

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) leads to limited activity and reduced quality of life. Treatment of this disease is a long-term process that requires the cooperation of patients in monitoring and treatment.
Methods: In the present study which was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021 in Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 75 patients were randomly divided into telerehabilitation and control groups. Patients in the control group received pulmonary rehabilitation including respiratory, isometric, and aerobic exercises for 8 weeks, three times per week. In the second group, patients were given a lung rehabilitation booklet and asked to repeat the exercises three times a week for four weeks according to a specific schedule. In addition, patients installed Behzee care application on the mobile phone that recorded various indicators such as heart rate, SpO2, dyspnea, fatigue, and daily activities. This application reminded the patient of the program every day and at a specific time.
Finally, the patients’ conditions were compared in the two groups after 8 weeks using CAT and mMRC questionnaires and 6-Minute Walk (6MW) exercise indices as well as spirometry tests.
Results: In all four indicators (6MW, CAT,  and mMRC questionnaires as well as spirometry), patients showed improvement after rehabilitation (p<0.001). This improvement was significantly higher in the telemedicine group compared to the other group (p<0.01).
Conclusion: The use of telerehabilitation in COPD patients is effective in improving spirometry indices, quality of life, as well as activity and sports indices.
Predictability of Discrimination Coefficient and Difficulty Index of Psychiatry Multiple-Choice Questions
Authors: Soraya Shiva , Shabani Amir , Kamalzadeh Leila , Kashaninasab Fatemeh , Rashedi Vahid , Saeidi Mahdie , Seddigh Ruohollah , Asadi Shabnam
Published: September 2021

Background:  Multiple-choice questions are among the most common written tests. This study aimed to evaluate the faculty members’ability to determine and predict the level of difficulty and discrimination coefficient of multiple-choice tests at Psychiatry Department.
Methods: All faculty members at Psychiatry Department of Iran University of Medical Sciences participated in this study. The difficulty and discrimination coefficient of all questions (150 questions) of the mid-term exam of psychiatric residents were measured with both software program and formulas by hand. Then, from each group of questions with high, medium, and low difficulty coefficient, 10 questions (30 questions in total) were selected and provided to faculty members for ranking each question in terms of difficulty and discrimination coefficient. Finally, the correlation between faculty members’ evaluation and standard results was measured by the Spearman’s correlation. To calculate the discrimination coefficient, the number of people who answered a question correctly in the low-score group was subtracted from the high-score group and then the result was divided by the number of people in a group.
Results: Twenty-five faculty members participated in this study. There was a significant negative correlation between difficulty level and discrimination coefficient in the whole group (r=-0.196, p=0.045), but this was not the case in the upper and lower groups (r=-0.063, p=0.733). In addition, the correlation between the discrimination coefficient obtained from the formula and the average discrimination coefficient of faculty members was not significant (r=-0.047, p=0.803).
Conclusion: It seems that the ability of faculty members to predict the discrimination coefficient and difficulty level of questions is not sufficient.
The Effects of Silymarin and N-Acetylcysteine on Liver and Kidney Dysfunction in Subjects with Severe Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Shabani Sepideh , Kaveh Baghbahadorani Fahimeh , Jazaeri Farahnaz , Ganji Foruzan , Mortazavi Nayyereh Sadat , Mahmoudnia Leila
Published: September 2021

Background: Silymarin and N-acetylcysteine are antioxidant supplements with protective effects on the liver and kidneys. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of silymarin and N-acetylcysteine on liver and kidney disorders against severe pre-eclampsia.
Methods: In the present single-blind clinical trial, 60 mothers who underwent termination of pregnancy due to severe pre-eclampsia were divided into two groups. The first group received 70 mg of silymarin and the second group received 600 mg of N-acetylcysteine at 3 doses immediately, 12 and 24 hours after delivery. Patients were monitored for blood pressure, platelet and biochemical markers of liver injury and kidney function 12, 36 and 60 hours after drug administration.
Results: Over time, the mean Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), levels in the two groups of silymarin and N-acetylcysteine significantly decreased (p<0.001). Silymarin and N-acetylcysteine were not significantly different in reducing the increased creatinine and BUN levels.
Conclusion: N-acetylcysteine and silymarin help patients with pre-eclampsia to improve kidney and hepatic dysfunction; however, silymarin was more effective in decreasing ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH levels than N-acetylcysteine. N-acetylcysteine was more effective in decreasing BUN and creatinine levels than silymarin.
Increasing Radiation Exposure in Routine Dental Radiography as a Possible Side Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic: An Experimental Report
Authors: Mortazavi Hamed , Anbari Fahimeh
Published: September 2021

The article's abstract is not available.
Летопись российской селекции овощных культур
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC), Soldatenko Alexey , Pivovarov Victor ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC), Sychev Sergey ,   Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center (FSBSI FSVC)
Published: September 2021

В книге на основе архивных документов представлено становление и развитие селекции овощных культур в России, 100-летняя история – от Грибовской овощной селекционной опытной станции до Федерального научного центра овощеводства. Книга предназначена для научных работников, селекционеров, семеноводов, технологов, специалистов сельскохозяйственного производства, преподавателей, аспирантов и студентов вузов и всех интересующихся историей своей страны.
​Assessment of Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN) Content during Different Stages of Growth in Johnson Grass (Sorghum helepensis)
Authors: Jadav C.N. , Makwana R.B. , Parikh S.S.
Published: September 2021

Background: Johnson grass (Sorghum helepensis) is not a cultivated fodder crop but it is a wild variety seen on farm bunds after rainfall in which Sorghum vulgare (Gundrijowar) fodder crops were cultivated in kharif season in Saurashtra region of Gujarat state. At different stages of growth, Johnson grass contains cyanogenic glycosides of varying level which liberate hydrocyanic acid in rumen when it consumed by ruminant animals due to rumen microflora (Toxic level of HCN is 20 mg/ 100 gm dry matter). The current study aimed to estimate varying levels of HCN in Johnson grass to keep dairy farmers informed of safe level of HCN for harvesting. Methods: An investigation was carried out at Cattle Breeding Farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat for three consecutive years 2013-2015 in kharif season. Non-cultivated (Sorghum helepensis) fodder samples were collected for quantitative HCN concentration from farm bunds nearby eight sown plots of Gundrijowar (Sorghum vulgare) from 15 DAS and sampling were continued at fortnightly intervals till the plots exhibit 25% flowering stage. Result: Result of obtained data in present study revealed that concentration of HCN in Johnson grass in kharif season decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) on attaining 25% flowering stage during the year 2013, 2014 and 2015. It was concluded that Green Johnson grass can be fed to ruminant animals safely at 25% flowering stage.
Temperature and Light Effects on Germination Behaviour of African Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) Seeds
Authors: Botey H.M. , Ochuodho J.O. , Ngode L. , Dwamena H. , Osei-Tutu I.
Published: September 2021

Background: A preliminary study of the African eggplant seeds obtained from farmers sources recorded a wide variation in percentage germination under ambient conditions (25±2°C). The germination percentage ranged from 0% to 25%, while fresh seeds ranged between 53% and 87%. As temperature and light are important factors of seed germination, the current study investigated the effect of temperature on the germination pattern and the influence of light interaction with temperature on seed germination of African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) under controlled conditions. Methods: Seeds of two cultivars of African eggplant were subjected to constant and alternating temperatures and under three light exposure regimes. Seed quality was accessed by per cent germination, mean germination time, time to reach 50% germination, germination index and mean daily germination. Result: The highest percentage germination under constant temperatures was recorded at 25°C (76%) and 20°C (74%). The maximum temperature and light conditions required for maximum seed germination quality (76-95%) at the shortest time (4-5 days) was 30/20°C under alternating 8/16 hours light and dark.