bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploratory dimensions of the attitude toward occupational health
Authors: García Lirios Cruz
Published: November 2019

In the context of health policies, the psychological processes of identity and stigma are a team that tries to explain assessment processes lifestyles related to vulnerable groups. Indeed, the aim of this study is to establish the validity and reliability of an instrument that measured four dimensions on a scale of attitudes. A cross - sectional and correlational study was conducted to establish the psychometric properties of the instrument with a non - probabilistic intentional sample of 258 students from a public university. The results show both dimensions as preponderant factors of attitude, but their inclusion in the construct was taken as part of a process of spontaneous activation; actions and risks that only carriers close to group can perform.RESUMENEn el contexto de las políticas de salud, los procesos psicológicos de identidad y estigma son un conjunto que trata de explicar los procesos de evaluación de los estilos de vida relacionados con los grupos vulnerables. De hecho, el objetivo de este estudio es establecer la validez y confiabilidad de un instrumento que mide cuatro dimensiones en una escala de actitudes. Se realizó un estudio transversal y correlacional para establecer las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento con una muestra intencional no probabilística de 258 estudiantes de una universidad pública. Los resultados muestran ambas dimensiones como factores preponderantes de la actitud, pero su inclusión en el constructo se tomó como parte de un proceso de activación espontánea; Acciones y riesgos que solo las operadoras cercanas al grupo pueden realizar.RESUMONo contexto das políticas de saúde, os processos psicológicos de identidade e estigma são uma equipe que tenta explicar os processos de avaliação de estilos de vida relacionados aos grupos vulneráveis. De fato, o objetivo deste estudo é estabelecer a validade e a confiabilidade de um instrumento que mede quatro dimensões em uma escala de atitudes. Foi realizado um estudo transversal e correlacional para estabelecer as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento com uma amostra intencional não probabilística de 258 estudantes de uma universidade pública. Os resultados mostram ambas as dimensões como fatores preponderantes de atitude, mas sua inclusão no construto foi tomada como parte de um processo de ativação espontânea; ações e riscos que somente as operadoras próximas ao grupo podem executar.
Financial evolution and scientific publications notes
Authors: Morales Castro Arturo
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTEditorial comparing the evolution of the financial sector and scientific publications.RESUMENEditorial que compara la evolución del sector finaciero y las publicaciones científicas.RESUMOEditorial comparando a evolução do setor financeiro e publicações científicas.
LOBBY AND THE INFLUENCE POWER FROM THE PUBLIC AGENTS’ VIEW
Authors: Vasconcelos César Ricardo Maia de , Nóbrega Kléber Cavalcant , De Paula Gabriel Lacerda
Published: November 2019

The present research aims at exploring and deepening the knowledge about lobby and the influence power from pressure groups along to public agents in favour of the consumer. This qualitative work used a semi-structured interview as a data collecting tool. The results were processed and analysed through the content analysis technique, presented by analysis categories and subcategories. Based on the investigation, it was concluded that the pressure group and lobby activities presented themselves as vital for the acquisition of hypercompetitive advantages, and that the persuasion that originates from privileged information benefits the end consumer.
EXPATRIATION PRACTICES: A STUDY IN LATE MOVERS BRAZILIAN MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES
Authors: Maciel Alessandra Costenaro , Oliva Eduardo de Camargo , Bianchi Eliane Maria Pires Giavina , Pauli Jandir
Published: November 2019

The goal was to analyze the practices of IHRM for expatriation in two late movers brazilian multinational companies. The research follows a qualitative approach, which typology is classified as a study of multiple cases. It is of exploratory and descriptive nature. As a data collection technique, interviews, documental analysis and observation were adopted. The results of the study verify that there are similarities in recruiting and selection practices, compensation, career development and performance assessment in both multinational companies. The key point of this research lies in the evidence that neither the multinational companies provide repatriation programs based on the career development of the expatriate, nor do they contemplate a specific process to evaluate the expatriate’s performance.
MEDICIÓN DE IMPACTOS SOCIOAMBIENTALES Y RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL ORGANIZACIONAL
Authors: Henríquez Fuentes Gustavo Rafael , Garzon Castrillon Manuel Alfonso , Mejia Camilo , Torrenegra Barros Alvaro Jesus , Rada-Llanos Jesús A.
Published: November 2019

Esta revisión de literatura sobre la Responsabilidad Social la presenta como medio para gestionar los impactos sociales y ambientales ocasionados por una organización. Por esta razón, es prioridad entender en este enfoque de gestión el compromiso que adquiere la organización y sus directivas, el desarrollo de estrategias de gestión responsables socialmente y armonizadas con prácticas responsables, y, por último, como medir el desempeño social y ambiental. En este sentido se proponen indicadores para el desempeño socioambiental en las organizaciones; armonizados con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. Como resultado, se construye un cuadro de indicadores ajustable a las actividades de cualquier organización.
Adoção de Blockchain e Digitalização do Bill of Lading na Cadeia de Importação de Contêineres
Authors: Vasconcellos Luis Rigato , De Oliveira Felipe Steiner
Published: November 2019

Há uma significativa mudança na gestão de supply chain através da tecnologia blockchain que pode implicar uma maior transparência e segurança entre os participantes da cadeia de suprimentos. Por outro lado, segmentos como a logística internacional ainda utilizam grande quantidade de documentos físicos e geram um enorme volume de informações oriundas de diferentes elos da cadeia. Um dos documentos físicos mais importantes desse segmento é o Bill of Lading (BL), estando sujeito a fraudes e extravios. Este artigo objetiva propiciar uma melhor compreensão de como a adoção da tecnologia de blockchain pelo transporte marítimo internacional de contêineres pode contribuir para o fluxo documental do BL e alterar as questões de rastreabilidade, segurança e governança da cadeia. A metodologia adotada é qualitativa, utilizando-se um estudo de caso de uma empresa pioneira em seu segmento que pretende digitalizar e integrar a cadeia logística internacional com base na utilização de blockchain. Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas em profundidade e análise de documentação. Os resultados foram avaliados considerando duas proposições teóricas e permitiram concluir que a adoção de uma plataforma digital estruturada com blockchain pode, de fato, aumentar a eficiência e a confiança entre os envolvidos, aumentar a segurança e diminuir fraudes por meio da digitalização de documentos, aumentar a transparência por meio de rastreabilidade em tempo real e favorecer a colaboração entre os participantes. Por outro lado, ainda é uma tecnologia em amadurecimento, requer a participação massiva dos participantes da cadeia para integração de informações e pode enfrentar barreiras regulatórias.
Komiske og historiske pantomimer rundt 1800
Authors: Gjervan Ellen Karoline
Published: November 2019

Between 1750 and 1850, several itinerant troupes visited Norway. The theatrical plays they presented belonged to popular entertainment genres. In this article I examine the pantomimes these troupes performed in Norway: comical and historical pantomime. The aim of this examination is to provide a broader understanding of the two kinds of pantomimes presented by itinerant troupes in Norway around 1800. I end the article by looking at historiographical reasons as to why these performances have been more or less excluded from written, Norwegian theatre histories.
Dilemmas and Trade-Offs in Peacemaking: A Framework for Navigating Difficult Decisions
Authors: Kraus Anne Isabel , Frazer Owen , Kirchhoff Lars , Kyselova Tatiana , Mason Simon J. A. , Palmiano Federer Julia
Published: November 2019

This article focuses on the dilemmas and trade-offs that third parties face when mediating violent political conflicts. Should they ignore human rights violations because pushing the issue could jeopardize relationships with political actors who grant access for humanitarian aid? Will bringing moderates and hardliners together help the peace process or radicalize moderate actors? What should dialogue facilitators do when the act of identifying non-mainstream groups to be included into dialogue increases division and polarization? The activity of peacemaking is inherently characterized by such process and strategy dilemmas where two equally compulsory imperatives seem not to be attainable at the same time. The article proposes a framework to break out of either-or thinking in these situations. We argue that: 1) making oneself aware of how a decision is perceived, and 2) systematically exploring a set of different strategies for creating new unexpected options helps to ease these decisions and avoid rotten compromises. The model reworks and combines existing problem-solving strategies to create a new explorative option generation approach to peacemaking dilemmas and trade-offs. Some of these strategies, such as sequencing and incrementalization, are already well-established in peacemaking. Others, such as compartmentalization and utilization, are rather unconsciously used. All identified strategies, however, are not yet systematically employed to manage third parties’ own dilemmas and trade-offs. Under the suggested framework, these strategies can act in complement to synthesize creativity and strategic thinking with surprising ease. Using examples from the authors’ peacemaking activities and observations in Myanmar, Thailand, and Ukraine, the article demonstrates the real-world benefits of the framework in terms of decision assessment and optional thinking.
Political Trade-Offs: Democracy and Governance in a Changing World
Authors: Landman Todd , Lauth Hans-Joachim
Published: November 2019

The investigation of trade-offs in political science receives only limited attention, although many scholars acknowledge the importance of trade-offs across a variety of different areas. A systematic and comprehensive examination of the topic is missing. This thematic issue of Politics and Governance sheds light on this research deficit by providing a holistic but also an integrative view on trade-offs in the political realm for the first time. Researchers of trade-offs from different political areas present and discuss their findings, and promote a fruitful exchange, which overcomes the current isolation of the approaches. They consider the theoretical and methodological questions as well as the identification of empirical trade-offs. Furthermore, they provide insights into the possibility to balance trade-offs and strategies, which could help actors to find such compromises.
Study of etiology of pleural effusion in Telangana population
Authors: Mohiuddin Mohd Ifthekhar , Patel Parth N.
Published: November 2019

Background: Among 86 patients aged between 18 to 65 of both sexes having pleural effusion due to various clinical etiologies were studied.Methods: Chest x-ray PA. was studied, 20 ml of pleural fluid was aspirated to study bio-chemically, microbiologically and pathological. Echo-cardiography, USG abdomen and biopsy of pleura was also done in same patients in whom diagnosis or etiology was unclear.Results: Among 59(68.6%) had fever, 68(79%) had cough, 40(46.5%) had breathlessness, 20(23.2%) had pedal edema, 42(48.8%) had chest pain, 5(5.8%) had abdominal distention. 52(60.4%) had tubercular pleural effusion 34(39.5%) had non- tubercular pleural types of non-tubercular PE effusion (PE) included 8(23.5%) synpneumonic, 5(14.7%) had CCF, 11(32.3%) had malignancy, 2(5.88%) had RA, 2(5.88%) had dengue fever, 2(5.88%) had pancreatitis, 4(11.7%) had Hypoproteinaemia.Conclusions: This pragmatic approach to pleural effusion for patients with different clinical manifestations as pleural fluid analysis is gold standard method in evaluation pleural effusion of different etiology. Background: Among 86 patients aged between 18 to 65 of both sexes having pleural effusion due to various clinical etiologies were studied.Methods: Chest x-ray PA. was studied, 20 ml of pleural fluid was aspirated to study bio-chemically, microbiologically and pathological. Echo-cardiography, USG abdomen and biopsy of pleura was also done in same patients in whom diagnosis or etiology was unclear.Results: Among 59(68.6%) had fever, 68(79%) had cough, 40(46.5%) had breathlessness, 20(23.2%) had pedal edema, 42(48.8%) had chest pain, 5(5.8%) had abdominal distention. 52(60.4%) had tubercular pleural effusion 34(39.5%) had non- tubercular pleural types of non-tubercular PE effusion (PE) included 8(23.5%) synpneumonic, 5(14.7%) had CCF, 11(32.3%) had malignancy, 2(5.88%) had RA, 2(5.88%) had dengue fever, 2(5.88%) had pancreatitis, 4(11.7%) had Hypoproteinaemia.Conclusions: This pragmatic approach to pleural effusion for patients with different clinical manifestations as pleural fluid analysis is gold standard method in evaluation pleural effusion of different etiology.
Cloning, sequence, expression and characterization of human beta-mannosidase.
Authors: Samra Zahoor Qadir , Athar Muhammad Amin
Published: November 2019

Beta-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.25, MANB) dissects the non-reducing end of N-linked mannose moieties of glycoproteins in eukaryotic cells. The human beta-mannosidase gene was amplified by RT-PCR, cloned and sequenced. The DNA sequence was compared with reported human beta-mannosidase DNA sequence and sixteen nucleotide differences were found. The deduced amino-acid sequence showed that seven codons coded the same amino acids and nine codons coded different amino acids with reference to nucleotide substitution positions but did not affect recombinant MANB enzyme activity. No splice mutation was observed after comparison with reported MANB DNA sequences. A 75% homology of deduced amino-acid sequence was observed with mouse, goat and bovine beta-mannosidase amino-acid sequences. The cloned beta-mannosidase gene was subcloned into pET22b+ and pET28a+ expression vectors to transform the BL21-codon plus cells for expression of recombinant MAN22 and MAN28 enzymes, respectively. The optimized conditions for overexpression of recombinant beta-mannosidase enzyme were induction with 1 mM IPTG for 12 h at 37 degrees C. The expressed beta-mannosidase enzyme was purified to homogeneity by a combination of DEAE-ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography. The molecular mass of MAN22 and MAN28 enzymes is 97 kDa by SDS/PAGE and is confirmed by western blot analysis. The recombinant enzymes are active at 37 degrees C and at pH 5.0 and showed activity with p-nitrophenyl-beta-d-mannopyranoside and not with p-nitrophenyl-alpha-d-mannopyranoside. The K(m) value of enzymes was 2.53 mM. The enzyme activity was inhibited by Zn(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Pb(2+), Ag(1+), iodoacetate, SDS, DMF, DMSO and ethanol. Fe(3+), Ca(2+) Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Triton X-100 and PMSF did not inhibit the enzyme activity. Northern blot analysis showed a transcript of about 3.7 kb in all cells and tissues studied. This is the first report on the expression and characterization of recombinant human MANB enzyme.
Effects of inhibitor of Src kinases, SU6656, on differentiation of megakaryocytic progenitors and activity of alpha1,6-fucosyltransferase.
Authors: Kaminska Joanna , Klimczak-Jajor Edyta , Skierski Janusz , Bany-Laszewicz Urszula
Published: November 2019

alpha1,6-fucosyltransferase (FUT8) attaches fucose residues via an alpha1,6 linkage to the innermost N-acetylglucosamine residue of N-linked glycans. Glycans with this type of structure are present in GpIIb/GpIIIa complex (CD41a) which is present on megakaryocytes (Mks) and platelets. CD41a is the earliest marker of megakaryocytopoiesis. The aim of this study was to analyse the morphology, phenotype, ploidy level and activity of FUT8 during induced differentiation/maturation of Mk progenitor cells in ex vivo culture. We used SU6656, a selective inhibitor of Src tyrosine kinases, as differentiation-inducing agent for Mks. The addition of SU6656 to the culture system of megakaryocytic progenitors from cord blood CD34(+) cells and Meg-01 cell line induced their maturation towards later stages of Mk differentiation with increased activity of FUT8. We suggest FUT8 as a candidate for an early marker of differentiation and possibly of the ploidy level of Mks. We confirm a special status of FUT8 in megakaryocytopoiesis.
Pdr12p-dependent and -independent fluorescein extrusion from baker's yeast cells.
Authors: Lushchak Volodymyr , Abrat Oleksandra , Miedzobrodzki Jacek , Semchyshyn Halyna
Published: November 2019

Fluorescein efflux from S. cerevisiae cells was measured to study the peculiarities of fluorescein transport system, which is important for yeast resistance to certain drugs and weak organic acid preservatives. Glucose-independent and glucose-stimulated fluorescein effluxes were characterized using iodoacetate, cyanide and orthovanadate, inhibitors of glycolysis, electron transport chain, and ATPases, respectively. It is supposed that in glucose-free medium fluorescein extrusion is ATP-dependent and the energy for this efflux is mainly provided by respiration. In glucose-containing medium, glycolysis plays a critical role for extrusion of fluorescein. The results indicate that acetic acid inhibits the fluorescein efflux from yeast cells. The inhibition constant of glucose-stimulated fluorescein efflux is significantly lower in parental strain than in two mutants defective in PDR12 (ABC-transporter Pdr12p) or WAR1 (transcription factor of Pdr12p). It can be suggested that the membrane protein Pdr12 is involved in fluorescein extrusion from the yeast cells, but component(s) other than Pdr12p is (are) also important.
Intranuclear trafficking of plasmid DNA is mediated by nuclear polymeric proteins lamins and actin.
Authors: Ondrej Vladan , Lukásová Emilie , Krejcí Jana , Kozubek Stanislav
Published: November 2019

Functions of nuclear polymeric proteins such as lamin A/C and actin in transport of plasmid DNA were studied. The results show that the lamina plays an important role in plasmid DNA's entry into the cell nucleus from the cytoplasm. Selective disruption of lamin A/C led to a halt in plasmid DNA transport through the nuclear envelope. Inside the nucleus, plasmid DNA was frequently localized at sites with impaired genome integrity, such as DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), occurring spontaneously or induced by ionizing radiation. Polymeric actin obviously participates in nuclear transport of plasmid DNA, since inhibition of actin polymerization by latrunculin B disturbed plasmid transport inside the cell nucleus. In addition, precluding of actin polymerization inhibited plasmid co-localization with newly induced DSBs. These findings indicate the crucial role of polymeric actin in intranuclear plasmid transport.
Antigen levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor and its gene polymorphism related to microvessel density in colorectal cancer.
Authors: Przybylowska Karolina , Szemraj Janusz , Kulig Andrzej , Dziki Adam , Ulanska Joanna , Blasiak Janusz
Published: November 2019

We determined the distribution of genotypes and frequencies of alleles of the (CA)(n) repeat polymorphism in intron 3 of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) gene, uPAR antigen levels and microvessel density (MVD) in tumour and distant mucosa samples from 52 patients with colorectal cancer. The uPAR level was higher for patients with high MVD comparing to patients with lower MVD which may suggest that uPAR can be correlated with progression of colorectal cancer. The significant relationship between the high MVD and uPAR antigen level appeared to be independent of the (CA)(n) repeat polymorphism because no differences in the level of uPAR antigen between carriers of alleles were found. The received results, indicate that uPAR might be considered as a target in colorectal cancer patients' therapy.
Changes in phosphorylation of histone H2A.X and p53 in response of peripheral blood lymphocytes to gamma irradiation.
Authors: Vilasová Zdenka , Rezácová Martina , Vávrová Jirina , Tichý Ales , Vokurková Doris , Zoelzer Friedo , Reháková Zuzana , Osterreicher Jan , Lukásová Emilie
Published: November 2019

The main aim of this study was to compare the reaction of quiescent and proliferating, i.e. phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to gamma-radiation, and analyse changes of proteins related to repair of DNA damage and apoptosis, such as gammaH2A.X, p53, p53 phosphorylation at serines-15 and -392, and p21 and their dose dependence. Freshly isolated PBMCs in peripheral blood are predominantly quiescent, in G(0) phase, and with very low amounts of proteins p53 and p21. Using confocal microscopy we detected dose dependent (0.5-5 Gy) induction of foci containing gammaH2A.X (1 h after gamma-ray exposure), which are formed around radiation-induced double strand breaks of DNA. Apoptosis was detected from 24 h after irradiation by the dose of 4 Gy onwards by Annexin V binding and lamin B cleavage. Seventy two hours after irradiation 70% of CD3(+) lymphocytes were A(+). Neither increase in p53 nor its phosphorylation on serine-392 after irradiation was detected in these cells. However, massive increase in p21 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A) was detected after irradiation, which can be responsible for late occurrence of apoptosis in these quiescent cells. PHA-stimulation itself (72 h) caused an increase in early apoptosis (A(+)PI(-)) in comparison to non-stimulated PBMCs (38% A(+) resp. 13.4%). After PHA-stimulation also the amount of gammaH2A.X, p53, and p21 increased, but no phosphorylation of p53 on serine-392 or -15 was detected. Reaction to gamma-radiation was different in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes: the p53 pathway was activated and p53 was phosphorylated on serines-15 and -392 4 h after irradiation by the dose of 4 Gy. Phosphorylation of p53 at serine-15 increased in a dose-dependent manner in the studied dose range 0.2-7.5 Gy. Also the amount of p21 increased after irradiation. Seventy two hours after irradiation of PHA-stimulated CD3(+) T lymphocytes by the dose of 4 Gy 65% of cells were A(+).
Amino acid substitutions of His296 alter the catalytic properties of Zymomonas mobilis 10232 levansucrase.
Authors: Li Shu Ying , Chen Ming , Li Gang , Yan Yong Liang , Yu Hai Ying , Zhan Yu Hua , Peng Zi Xin , Wang Jin , Lin Min
Published: November 2019

His296 of Zymomonas mobilis levansucrase (EC 2.4.1.10) is crucial for the catalysis of the transfructosylation reaction. The three-dimensional structures of levansucrases revealed the His296 is involved in the substrate recognition and binding. In this study, nine mutants were created by site-directed mutagenesis, in which His296 was substituted with amino acids of different polarity, charge and length. The substitutions of His296 with Arg or Trp retained partial hydrolysis and transfructosylation activities. The positively charged Lys substitution resulted in a 2.5-fold increase of sucrose hydrolysis. Substitutions with short (Cys or Ser), negatively charged (Glu) or polar (Tyr) amino acids virtually abolished both the activities. Analysis of transfructosylation products indicated that the mutants synthesized different oligosaccharides, suggesting that amino acid substitutions of His296 strongly affected both the enzyme activity and transfructosylation products.
IL-7Ra Association and Genotype-Dependent Severity and Response to IFN-β Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Majid , Aminoshareah Parvin , Mohammadi Mahmoud , Tavasoli Ali Reza , Zamani Mahdi
Published: November 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease arising from interactions of both environmental and genetic factors. The SNP rs6897932 is located in IL‐7Ra gene associated with MS susceptibility in some population. In this study, we investigated the possible association of SNP rs6897932 with MS susceptibility in 157 Iranian MS patients and 152 healthy controls. We also studied genotype-dependent severity and response to IFN-β in MS. Unlike some previous studies, our results clearly demonstrate that there are no significant differences in distribution of the SNP rs6897932 in our chosen Iranian MS patients and controls. Furthermore our results show, Interferon beta (IFN-β) therapy over a period of two years demonstrated an IL‐7Ra genotype-dependent therapeutic effect in MS population. Patients carrying TT or TC genotypes gave a better response to IFN-β treatment, whereas patients carrying the homozygous CC genotype were the worst responders to IFN-β treatment. In other words, despite the lack of linkage the therapeutic response to the severity and progression of MS was related to the genotype of SNP rs6897932 presented in our patient. Therefore, in light of our findings reported here, to reach higher certainties, further studies are needed to associate IL-7Ra gene with the pathogenesis of MS.
© 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Acta Med Iran 2019;57(4):208-215.
Correlation of Electrodiagnostic and Clinical Findings in Unilateral S1 Radiculopathy
Authors: Rayegani Seyed Mansoor , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Loni Elham , Rahimi Navid , Rahimi-Dehgolan Shahram , Sedighipour Leyla
Published: November 2019

Lumbosacral radiculopathy is a challenging diagnosis, and Electrodiagnostic study (EDX) is a good complementary test for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Physical examination, MRI and electrodiagnosis have different diagnostic values in this regard. MRI can provide anatomical evidence and is useful in choosing a treatment process, but it could also have false positive results. In this study, we assessed the correlation of clinical and electrodiagnostic findings in patients with positive MRI findings for S1 radiculopathy. EDX was performed for 87 patients referred with clinical and MRI diagnosis of S1 radiculopathy. The consistency between EDX results, MRI, and clinical findings were evaluated by Pearson chi 2 and odds ratio. Fifty-eight percent of patients had disc protrusion, and 42% had extrusion. Physical examination revealed absent Achilles reflex in 83% and decreased S1 dermatome sensation in 65%. In this study, EDX sensitivity was about 92%. The highest consistency among EDX parameters and physical examination findings was between absent H-reflex and decreased Achilles reflex (OR=6.20, P=0.014), but there was no significant consistency between H-reflex and neither muscular weakness nor SLR test result (P>0.05). There was also no relationship between type of disc herniation in MRI and H reflex. There was correlation between H-reflex abnormalities and absent ankle reflex in patients with unilateral L5-S1 disc herniation in MRI. Results of this study showed that in patients with positive MRI for L5-S1 disc protrusion and S1 nerve root compression, it is still beneficial to perform EDX for selected patients.
© 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Acta Med Iran 2019;57(4):229-234.
Sexual Dysfunction in Female Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross Sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Gatmiri Seyed Mansour , Bordbar Marjan , Raisi Firoozeh , Nourian Anahid
Published: November 2019

There has been little attention to sexual dysfunction (SD) in women undergoing hemodialysis (HD), therefore few studies are found in this field. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of SD, assess its association with biochemical factors, employment and educational status, economic situation, depression, anxiety, and medication. End stage renal disease (ESRD) married women aged 18 to 60 years presenting to Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) hospitals’ (Imam Khomeini, Sina, and Baharloo) from April to September 2017 were included in the study. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to evaluate SD. Patients were divided into two groups with SD (scores≤28) and without SD (scores˃28). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire was used to investigate anxiety and depression; patients with scores equal to or more than 11 were implied as depressed or anxious. Demographic data, duration of dialysis, ESRD causes and biochemical tests were also collected. Thirty patients (81.1%) out of 37 showed SD who were older, had lower educational and economic status, had higher hemoglobin levels and used erythropoietin products and Venofer® (iron sucrose injection) less; most of these patients were housewives. The incidence of SD among patients was high. Erythropoietin and Venofer use was less frequent in patients with SD compared to the other group. This suggests that these two products have a role in treatment of SD rather than the treatment of anemia.
© 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Acta Med Iran 2019;57(4):244-252.
Comorbidities in Iranian Obese Psoriatic Patients Compared With Non-Obese Patients
Authors: Zargari Omid , Azimi Seyyede Zeinab , Barat Tara , Lajevardi Vahideh , Kazemnejad Ehsan , Shahidi Dadras Mohammad
Published: November 2019

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is gradually being recognized as a systemic inflammatory disorder. Psoriasis and obesity are strongly linked, but there is not enough data whether obese psoriatic patients present differently from non-obese psoriatic patients. To compare the phenotype, clinical features, severity, baseline comorbidities and laboratory findings among psoriatic patients with/without obesity all the psoriatic patients, from three centers, who were receiving systemic therapy were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: those with obesity and those without obesity. We included 497 patients: 154 (31%) patients were obese and 343 (69%) were non-obese. Obese patients had more comorbidities, particularly hyperlipidemia, followed by hypertension and diabetes. Fasting blood sugar and serum lipids were significantly higher among obese subjects. Given the differences between obese patients and non-obese patients, the former group should be followed and managed more closely and with specific attention.
© 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Acta Med Iran 2019;57(4):253-261.
Scrotal Lesions of Metastatic Rectal Adenocarcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Moghimi Mansour , Aryanfar Amir , Vahedian-Ardakani Hassanali , Joukar Fatemeh
Published: November 2019

Secondary scrotal tumors originating from viscera are rare and indicate a poor prognosis. We report a patient who underwent abdominoperineal resection due to his rectal cancer. Tumor recurrence at the surgical site led to prostate involvement. About 1 month after the prostatectomy, scrotal skin metastasis presented as bilateral papulonodular lesions. Finally, brain metastasis occurred and caused his death. Also, several ways by which malignancies can metastasize to scrotum have been discussed.
© 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Acta Med Iran 2019;57(4):262-266.
Sarcoidosis Following Rhinoplasty: Report of Four Cases
Authors: Faghih Habibi Ali , Nemati Shadman , Alizadeh Pegah , Mikaeeli Saman
Published: November 2019

Sarcoidosis is a systemic idiopathic disease, characterized by non-caseating granulomas, primarily affecting the lungs and the lymphatics. Skin involvement is common and lesions may appear in scar tissues. In the present report, four cases of scar sarcoidosis following rhinoplasty are presented which were diagnosed based on serology tests, radiography imaging and histopathology findings. Three women and one man between 32 to 54-year-old are discussed in this report. Skin lesions on their nose were found after an average of 3.8 years of their septorhinoplasty surgeries. Two of the patients had systemic signs such as fever, cough and arthritis. Patients with diagnosed sarcoidosis were treated appropriately. Rhinoplasty is a common procedure today, and the fact that rhinoplasty may lead up to scar sarcoidosis in susceptible people can be an item for surgeons for consideration.
© 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Acta Med Iran 2019;57(4):267-270.
Gynecomastia, as an Extremely Rare Presentation of Chest Wall Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of the Articles
Authors: Heydari Soleyman , Behzadnia Mohammad Javad , Saboori Fatemeh
Published: November 2019

Male breast enlargement as gynecomastia may be as a sign of underlying systemic diseases. Male breast malignancy is also considered in differential diagnosis. We present a young man with primary chest wall lymphoma as gynecomastia, without pre-existing problem or other disease. Here, we present his clinical manifestation, management, and his early outcome. Chest wall lymphoma as an initial presentation of isolated chest wall mass in males is a rare clinical entity and its presentation as gynecomastia is even extremely unusual.
© 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
Acta Med Iran 2019;57(4):276-279.
MicroRNAs as Novel Potential Biomarker in Gastric Cancer: Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers
Authors: Mosallaei Meysam , Simonian Miganoosh
Published: November 2019

Abstract
No Association between Estrogen Receptor-Β Rs4986938 and Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: LI Zhaofang , YANG Xiaoli , ZHANG Rongqiang , ZHANG , Dandan , LI Baorong , ZHANG Di , LI Qiang , XIONG Yongmin
Published: November 2019

Background: The association between estrogen receptor-β (ESR2) rs4986938 polymorphism and the risk of various types of cancer have been investigated in previous studies. However, the results remained disputable. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between ESR2 rs4986938 polymorphism and the risk of cancer.
Methods: We searched for relevant articles collected by the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library up to March 30, 2018. The association was assessed using Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: The meta-analysis involved a total of 23 studies in 20 papers, including 24,334 cases and 31,707 controls. No significant association was detected between the rs4986938 polymorphism and cancer risk in the additive model (A compared with G: OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.92-1.02, P=0.20), dominant model (AA+AG compared with GG: OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.93-1.03, P=1.00), recessive model (AA compared with AG + GG: OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.86-1.03, P=0.18), heterozygous model (AG compared with GG: OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.94-1.01, P=0.14), and homozygous model (AA compared with GG: OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.87-1.06, P=0.39). Results of subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity and cancer types further validated the results.
Conclusion: We found no evidence of an association between rs4986938 and the risk of overall cancer.
Development of a Korean Hyperthyroidism-Specific Health Status Scale
Authors: YEOUM Soongyo , PARK Sunah
Published: November 2019

Background: The aims of this study were to develop a hyperthyroidism-specific health status scale of Korea (K-HHSS) and to verify its validity and reliability.
Methods: A methodological study was performed with hyperthyroid patients to assess the following properties: content validity, item analysis, Cronbach’s α, intraclass correlation coefficients, and confirmatory factor analysis. The data were obtained from 80 patients with hyperthyroidism given medical care at C university hospital in Seoul in 2017.
Results: The construct validity was supported by the item-analysis correlations ranging between 0.31 and 0.82. The internal consistency reliability was from 0.70 to 0.85, and the scale’s stability was confirmed by intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.57 and 0.97. Construct reliability was 0.81 and the average variance extracted (AVE) was 0.72. These inclusion criteria resulted in the selection of 30 items in 7 categories.
Conclusion: This scale will be useful as a limited health-measuring index for the nursing assessment of patients with hyperthyroidism in Korea.
Factors Associated with Dual Practice in Surgery Specialists: Application of Multi-Level Analysis on National Registry Data
Authors: BAYAT Mahboubeh , KHALILNEJAD Roghaye , AKBARI-SARI Ali , HARIRCHI Iraj , SALEHI ZALANI Gholamhossein , MIRBAHAEDDIN S. Elmira , KHODADOST Mahmoud , JAFARI POOYAN Ebrahim , YASERI Mehdi , SHOKRI Azad
Published: November 2019

Background: Dual practice by surgery specialists is a widespread issue across health systems. This study aimed to determine the level of dual practice engagement and its related factors among Iran’s surgery specialists.
Methods: A pre-structured form was developed to collect the data about surgery specialists worked in all 925 Iran hospitals in 2016. The forms were sent to the hospitals via medical universities in each province. The data were merged at the national level and matched using medical council ID codes, national ID codes and eventually a combination of the first name, surname and father's name. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assessing the association between dual practice with study variables.
Results: Overall, 14931 surgeons were participated (93% response rate) and 6405 (57% of) engaged in DP on total. Urinary tract & genital and neurosurgery specialties had the highest rank with 69%. DP was more frequent in specialists with higher age and experience, populated provinces, higher deprivation, and share of private hospitals. Faculty physicians (OR=0.69), full-time geographic physicians (OR=0.17), specialists with more than 25 years’ experience (OR=2.59) and age more than 40 yr (OR=1.3) had significant association with dual practice.
Conclusion: Multi-approach strategy is needed to control dual practice through tax regulations, income cap, and limitations in work hours and number of visits in private sector.
Intra-Species Diversity of Leishmania major and L. tropica from Clinical Isolates of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Southwest Iran Inferred by ITS1-rDNA
Authors: MIRZAPOUR Aliyar , SPOTIN Adel , BEHNIAFAR Hamed , AZIZI Hakim , MALEKI Bahman , SHAKERAMINIA Homayon , SEYYED TABAEI Seyyed Javad
Published: November 2019

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) as a public health concern is increasingly circulating by causative agents of Leishmania tropica and L. major in Iran. As regard to recent treatment failure and controlling problems, the accurate elucidation of heterogeneity traits and taxonomic status of Leishmania spp. should be broadly addressed by policymakers. This study was designed to determine the genetic variability and molecular characterization of L. major and L. tropica from Iranian CL patients.
Methods: One hundred positive Giemsa-stained slides were taken from clinical isolates of CL at Pol-e-Dokhtar County, Southwest Iran, from May 2014 to Sep 2016. DNAs were directly extracted and amplified by targeting ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene following microscopic observation. To identify Leishmania spp. amplicons were digested by restriction enzyme HaeIII subsequent PCR-RFLP technique. To reconfirm, the isolates were directly sequenced to conduct diversity indices and phylogenetic analysis.
Results: Based upon the RFLP patterns, 84 and 16 isolates were explicitly identified to L. tropica and L. major respectively. No co-infection was found in clinical isolates. The high genetic diversity of L. tropica (Haplotype diversity 0.9) was characterized compared to L. major isolates (Hd 0.476). The intra-species diversity for L. tropica and L. major isolates corresponded to 3%-3.9% and 0%-0.4%, respectively.
Conclusion: Findings indicate the L. tropica isolates with remarkable heterogeneity than L. major are predominantly circulating at Pol-e-Dokhtar County. Occurrence of high genetic variability of L. tropica may be noticed in probable treatment failure and/or emerging of new haplotypes; however, more studies are warranted from various geographic regions of Southwest Iran, using large sample size.
Rapid Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) in Clinical Respiratory Specimens
Authors: ARFAATABAR Maryam , NOORI GOODARZI Narjes , AFSHAR Davoud , MEMARIANI Hamed , AZIMI Ghasem , MASOORIAN Ensieh , POURMAND Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2019

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) worldwide, especially among children and debilitated populations. The present study aimed to investigate a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for rapid detection of M. pneumoniae in clini-cal specimens collected from patients with pneumonia.
Methods: Throat swabs were collected from 110 outpatients who suffered from pneumonia. Throat swab samples were obtained from patients referred to the hospital outpatient clinics of Tehran University hospitals, Iran in 2017. The presence of M. pneumoniae in the clinical specimens was evaluated by LAMP, PCR and culture methods. Sensitivity and specificity of the LAMP and PCR assays were also determined.
Results: Out of 110 specimens, LAMP assay detected M. pneumoniae in 35 specimens. Detection limit of the LAMP assay was determined to be 33fg /μL or ~ 40 genome copies/reaction. Moreover, no cross-reaction with genomic DNA from other bacteria was observed. Only 25 specimens were positive by the culture method. The congruence between LAMP assay and culture method was ‘substantial’ (κ=0.77). Specificity and sensitivity of LAMP assay were 88.2%, 100% in compare with culture. However, the con-gruence between LAMP assay and PCR assay was ‘almost perfect’ (κ=0.86). Specificity and sensitivity of LAMP assay were 92.5%, 100% in compare with PCR.
Conclusion: Overall, the LAMP assay is a rapid and cost-efficient laboratory test in comparison to other methods including PCR and culture. Therefore, the LAMP method can be applied in identification of M. pneumoniae isolates in respiratory specimens.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Moderate-Intensity Circuit Band Resistance Exercise Program Improve Aerobic Exercise Ability in Older Adults
Authors: CHOI Hyun-Min , KIM Tai-Hyung
Published: November 2019

This article is a Letter to the Editor and does not include an Abstract.
A Seroprevalence Study of Toxoplasmosis in Female Students in Zahedan, South East of Iran
Authors: JAFARI-MODREK Mohammad , HASANZADEH Raheleh , AZIZI Hakim , HATAM-NAHAVANDI Kareem
Published: November 2019

This article is a Letter to the Editor and does not include an Abstract.
Smallpox Eradication in Shiraz during 1926 to 1941
Authors: NADIM Mostafa , ZARGARAN Arman
Published: November 2019

This article is a Letter to the Editor and does not include an Abstract.
Effective Self-Efficacy Factors in Empowerment of Health Care Networks Managers in East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Ardebil Provinces, Iran
Authors: Yousef Yaghoobi Fatemeh , Riahi Leila , Tabibi Seyed Jamaleddin , Majdabadi Farahani Mahmood Mahmoodi
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Empowerment has determinant role in developing the ability of individuals in order to achieve sustainable improvement in efficiency of the health care organizations. This study was carried out to identify the variables and effective self-efficacy components affecting the manager’s empowerment in Health­ Care Networks during 2018-19.
Methods: This is an applied and exploratory study. At first, the variables involving in the empowerment of human resources were extracted by reviewing the literature as well as interviewing with the specialists. Then, the conceptual model was designed, the questionnaire compiled and its validity and reliability confirmed. The data were collected through the completing of the questionnaire by 416 managers who were chosen via stratified random sampling method and analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.
Results:  According to the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the variable “continuous training” with the factor loading of 0.84 was found the most important variable. Concerning the standard coefficients of confirmatory factor analysis, variables of all the three components of self-efficacy were significant (p<0.001) and the component “Believe in responsibly ability and skill in work” (factor loading = 0.96) had the higher effect on self-efficacy. The impact rate of self-efficacy in empowerment with 0.96 and the variables “having job skills” and "emotional arousal" with 0.79 factor loading are considered as the most significant variables.
Conclusion: The Universities of Medical Sciences and Health Care Networks can improve the ability of the managers through continuous training, promotion of professional skills, responsibility and presenting the successful models and experiences.
The Study of Blood Pressure Related Factors Based on Health Belief Model in Yazd in 2017
Authors: Mirhoseini SeyedJalil , Mazloomy mahmoodabad SeyedSaeed , Moqaddasi Amiri Mohammad , Alizadeh Somayeh
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Hypertension is a chronic disease that causes a great deal of harm to the individual, which is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide, accounting for one eighth of all deaths. This disease is not treatable but it is manageable. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors related to hypertension based on health belief model in Yazd.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 400 people over 30 years old in Yazd city. Sampling was done by cluster method. Subjects were included in the study according to the address of the headers. Questionnaires were completed by self-report and interview. Data collection tools were demographic questionnaire, awareness questions and health belief model. SPSS 15 software was used for data analysis. Statistical indices, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman correlation were used to analyze the results.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of age were 44.08 ±11.6 years. There was a significant relationship between demographic variables of age, gender, occupation, education, marital status and history of hypertension in relatives. Among the constructs of health belief model, only the perceived barriers showed a significant relationship with blood pressure (P <0.01).
Conclusion: Since there is a significant relationship between perceived barriers and hypertension, it is suggested that future interventions be designed to reduce perceived barriers (No need to change lifestyles, lack of time for physical activity, cost of regular blood pressure control, and no family accompanying diet changes) and blood pressure control.
Kariyer Psikolojik Danışmanlığı ve Mesleki Rehberlik Alanında Türkiye’de Yayınlanan Makalelerin İncelenmesi
Authors: ÇARKIT Ersoy
Published: November 2019

Bu araştırmanın amacı, 2002-2017 yılları
arasında Kariyer Psikolojik Danışmanlığı ve Mesleki Rehberlik alanında
Türkiye’de yayınlanan makaleleri inceleyerek bu alandaki araştırma eğilimlerini
belirlemektir. Bu araştırmada Ulusal Akademik Ağ ve Bilgi Merkezi’nde (ULAKBİM)
yer alan hakemli dergilerde yayınlanan 93 makale analiz kapsamına alınmıştır.
Makaleler “Yayın Kodlama Formu”ndaki araştırma yılı, yazar sayısı, araştırma
yöntemi, çalışma grubu, çalışma grubu büyüklüğü ve konu alanları olmak üzere 6
farklı temada değerlendirilmiştir. Bu çalışma, nitel araştırma yöntemiyle
yürütülmüştür. Veriler doküman incelemesi yöntemiyle toplanmış, içerik analizi
ve uyum analizi kullanılarak çözümlenmiştir. Araştırmanın sonuçlarına göre;
yıllar ve tercih edilen araştırma yöntemleri arasında bir uyum olmadığı tespit
edilmiştir. Ayrıca en fazla lise öğrencileri örneklemiyle çalışıldığı,
ilişkisel araştırmaların çoğunlukta olduğu, en fazla iş doyumu ve mesleki
olgunluk konularında çalışmaların yapıldığı tespit edilmiştir.