bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of S2 Alar-Iliac screw technique in the treatment of severe spinal sagittal imbalance: a retrospective 2-year follow-up study
Authors: Zhao Yao , Shu Jianchuan , Qi Longtao , Yang Chengxian , Xu Beiyu , Yu Zhengrong , Li Chunde
Published: June 2022

Background: The treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD) remains a significant challenge, especially in elderly patients. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the S2AI screw technique in the treatment of severe spinal sagittal imbalance with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Methods: From January 2015 to December 2018, 23 patients with severe degenerative thoracolumbar kyphosis who underwent placement of S2AI screws for long segment fusion were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into group A (no mechanical complications, 13 cases) and group B (with mechanical complications, 10 cases) according to the occurrence of mechanical complications at the last follow-up. Radiographic parameters were compared between groups preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively and at the last follow-up. Risk factors for mechanical complications were analyzed.

Results: The incidence of mechanical complications was 43.5% and the revision rate was 17.4%. At 1 month postoperatively, sagittal correction was better in group A than in group B (p<0.05). The area under the curve for predicting mechanical complications of sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), PI (pelvic incidence)-LL at 1 month postoperatively were 0.762 (p=0.035), 0.896 (p=0.001) and 0.754 (p=0.041) respectively and the best cut-off values were 24.1°, 32.8°and 12.0°. The sagittal correction of both groups was partially lost at the last follow-up.

Conclusions: A high incidence of mechanical complications was observed in long-segment corrective surgery with the S2AI screw technique for severe spinal sagittal imbalance. Inadequate sagittal correction is a risk factor for the development of mechanical complications.

 
Frequency of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with low back pain
Authors: Zeynizadeh-Jeddi Somayeh , Amani Firouz , Masoumi Sahar
Published: June 2022

Background: Back pain is one of the main causes of disability and has been the most common cause of disability in the last decade. MRI imaging is able to identify soft tissues, including the intervertebral disc, nerves, and muscles, that are potential sources of back pain; it should be noted, however, that in some cases MRI is not able to identify the source of low back pain.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 256 patients who referred to the imaging ward of Ardabil city hospital for lumbar MRI from September 2020 and September 2021. These patients in terms of gender, age, type of insurance, disc dehydration, disc protrusion, disc extrusion, disc sequestration, disc dehydration, spondylolisthesis, retrolysis, presence of Taylor cyst, hemangioma, vertebral fracture, spinal abnormality, spinal abnormality Bone marrow SG, spinal canal stenosis, furaminal stenosis, modic changes and the presence of scoliosis were evaluated.

Results: The mean age of patients was 45.10 with a standard deviation of 14.28 years. 152 patients (59.4%) were male. 240 patients (93.7%) had health insurance.55 patients (21.5%) had normal MRI. The most common MRI findings in the present study were: extrusion (67.6%), intervertebral disc dehydration (59.4%), protrusion (40.2%), spinal canal stenosis (29.7%) furaminal stenosis (24.2%), retrolysis (19.5%), lumbar scoliosis (14.7%), modic changes in the lumbar vertebrae (14.5%), scoliosis (13.7%), hemangioma (10.5%), spondylolisthesis (9.4%), sequestration (3.1%), spinal abnormalities (2%) and bone marrow SG (1.6%).

Conclusions: Based on the results, the most common abnormal findings in MRI of patients with low back pain were: extrusion, protrusion and dehydration of the intervertebral disc. Also, most of these changes were in the lower levels of the lumbar vertebrae.
Understanding the pattern and volume of various orthopaedic disorders observed at a tertiary care hospital, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rathod Girish , Borole Pushkar , Shetty Chandan , Raut Nitin , Britto Namrata , Gawali Vijaykumar
Published: June 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has lead to a huge loss of life and disruption of lifestyle. The pandemic has also led to disruption in the health sector, as significant changes in the pattern of hospital admissions, medical care and variations in disorders have been observed especially in the orthopaedics department. To assess the change in pattern and volume of trauma in our region, we evaluated data from our center for the pandemic period and compared it with the previous years’ data (pre-pandemic period).

Methods: Comparison of orthopaedic in-patient records was carried out of the pre-pandemic and during the COVID-19 period, to assess the effect of COVID-19 on the orthopaedic in-patient load and prevailing diseases. Medical records of the patients were analyzed and the data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS software version 1.0.

Results: Significant reduction in patient load was observed during the pandemic period. Cases of various types of fractures were observed to be high in number, followed by arthritis. The only disorder that was observed to be highly prevalent in both the periods is proximal femur fractures.

Conclusions: A high variation was observed in both the volume and nature of trauma presentations during the COVID-19 lockdown. A significant decrease in overall admissions was observed, this could be related to the period of societal restrictions and nationwide lockdown.

 
A comparative study of radiofrequency micro-needling with platelet rich plasma and fractional LASER in acne scar management
Authors: Hoq Abu Jafar M. Shahidul , Alam M. Shah , Rahman G. M. Matiur
Published: June 2022

Background: Acne scars (AS) results in permanent scarring causes facial disfigurement to the patients. The aim of the study was to assess the comparative effectiveness and outcomes of radiofrequency micro needling and fractional carbon dioxide laser methods in treating acne scars.

Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted in the Ibn Sina diagnostic and consultancy center, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from January 2019 to December 2020. In total 30 patients with acne scar were selected as the study population. Among total participants, 15 patients who underwent radiofrequency micro needling treatment method were denoted as group-1 and the rest 15 patients who underwent carbon dioxide laser treatment method were denoted as group-2 patients. All data were processed, analyzed and disseminated by Microsoft (MS) office and statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 26.

Results: In this study, in group A as per Goodman and Baron scale at the baseline 40% had grade-3 and 60% had grade-4  status. In the same group, after treatment 23.33, 30.00%, 20.00% and 13.33% patients improved up to grade 1, grade 2, grade 3 and grade 4 status respectively. On the other hand, in group-2, after treatment 26.67%, 50.00%, 20.00% and 13.33% patients improved up to grade 1, grade 2, grade 3 and grade 4 status respectively. Finally, according to the mean Goodman and Baron scale scores in both the groups, we found extremely significant correlations between both the baseline and after treatment status where <0001.

Conclusions: Both radiofrequency micro needling and fractional CO2 laser treatment methods are effective for the treatment of acne scars. 
Histopathological and clinical correlation of cutaneous adverse drug reaction
Authors: Singh Pooja , Jaiswal Amit , Arora Kapil
Published: June 2022

Background: The aim was to study the histopathological features of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and its correlation to clinical presentation.

Methods: We carried our study on 80 patients of drug reactions presented in OPD over a period of 24 months. We noted offending drug, time gap between drug intake and appearance of lesion clinically and performed biopsy to study histopathological patterns and their utility as an aid to diagnosis. WHO-UMC causality assessment method was used in few cases with due diligence. AGEP (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis) validation score of the EuroSCAR study group was used and SCORTEN for prognosis of SJS/TEN (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). Histopathological correlation and clinical correlation were statistically analysed.

Results: The most common histopathological finding was vacuolar interface dermatitis and presence of eosinophils. The most common drug responsible was antimicrobials. Histopathological findings were most consistent in cases of FDE and AGEP and differentiating viral exanthems from maculopapular rash was challenging. Erythroderma showed varying patterns of histopathology

Conclusions: Identification of histopathological patterns and clinical correlation is important for distinguishing between cutaneous ADR and the other inflammatory dermatoses. Drug reactions pose clinical challenge thus clinicopathological correlation can help in reaching diagnosis.
Технологии и оборудование для плазменной утилизации медицинских отходов
Authors: Паскалов Г. , Моссэ A.
Published: June 2022

В технологии переработки медицинских отходов, в том числе отходов, образующихся во время пандемии, основными общепринятыми способами являются термические, с использованием топливных или плазменных печей, для сжигания в кислородсодержащей среде или для пиролиза в восстановительной атмосфере с получением синтез-газа (H2 и CO), которые в дальнейшем можно использовать в химической промышленности или в качестве топлива. При этом непосредственное сжигание или пиролиз исходных твердых отходов, обеспечивающие газификацию их органических компонентов, обычно является лишь первой стадией общего технологического процесса. В целом он состоит из трех этапов. На втором этапе доводят до заданного состава газообразные продукты первого этапа, на третьем этапе обезвреживают неорганический остаток – золу, образование которой составляет до 20% несортированных медицинских отходов. Перспективным вариантом рассматриваемой технологии является использование электродуговых плазменных установок. По сравнению с неплазменными печами, даже использующими интенсивные газодинамические режимы работы, достигается ряд существенных преимуществ: уменьшение объема печи (при сохранении производительности сырья) и уменьшение объема уходящих газов примерно на порядок при повышении температуры в реакционной зоне печи до 2000–2300 °С.
The Efficiency of Various Fire Protectants for Wooden Structures
Authors: Fedotov I.O. , Sivenkov A.B. , Khasanova G.Sh.
Published: June 2022

The article deals with the scientific problem of the development and application of various fire protective compositions for wooden structures. Based on the results of theoretical and experimental studies, the authors for the first time attempted to state the influence of the chemical nature and mechanism of flame retardant action on the effectiveness of fire protection means. When assessing the effectiveness of fire protection, the authors paid special attention to the key parameters that determine the fire resistance of wooden structures. The possibility of developing effective fire protection systems, capable not only to provide a certain group of fire protection efficiency but also to influence the parameters of the charring process and the intensity of wood heating temperature is shown. Complex mechanisms of bloating (intumescence) and carbonization in combination with the mechanism of regulating the process of carbonization and wood carbonization, are able to provide the protected material with effective resistance to high temperatures (fire). The use of such types of fire protection allows forming an independent scientific direction associated with the development and use of fire protection systems contributing not only to the effective reduction of fire danger of wood and materials based on it but also to increasing the fire resistance of wooden structures.
Novel 7-Aryliden-3,3a,4,5,6,7-(hexahydro-5-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2-phenyl-3-aryl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine Hydrochloride:
Synthesis and Structure
Authors: Koshetova Zh.A. , Yu V.K. , Iskakova T.K. , Zhumanova N.A. , Beketov K.M. , Malmakova A.E. , Praliyev K.D. , Seilkhanov T.M. , Berlin K.D.
Published: June 2022

A Claisen-Schmidt type reaction of 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)piperidin-4-one with differ¬ent aromatic aldehydes led to corresponding dienones with a yield of 65‒71%. 7-Arylidene-3,3a,4,5,6,7-(hexahydro-5-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2-phenyl-3-aryl-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridines were synthesized by heterocyclization of 3,5-dia¬rylidene-piperidin-4-ones with phenylhydrazine hydrochloride in methanol at 70 °C over 4‒6 h. The X-ray crystal structure determination of 7-(p-methoxy¬benzyliden)-3,3a,4,5,6,7-(hexahydro-5-(2-ethoxyethyl)-2-phenyl-3-(p-methoxy¬phenyl)-2H-pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine hydrochloride (the deposition number is CCDC 862410) was completed. The piperidine and pyrazoline rings are close to a chair and envelope conformations, respectively.
Application of the thin-wire integral representation of the electromagnetic field to solving the problem of diffraction of electromagnetic waves on conducting bodies
Authors: Tabakov Dmitry P. , Morozov Sergey V. , Klyuev Dmitriy S.
Published: June 2022

The article is devoted to numerical methods for solving the problem of diffraction of electromagnetic waves by conducting bodies. Two approaches to solving the problem are considered. The first one is based on the use of the thin-wire integral representation of the electromagnetic field (TP-method) for a grid model of the body surface. The second approach is associated with the use of the basis functions of RaoWiltonGlisson when solving a vector integral equation formulated with respect to the electric current density on the body surface (RWG-method). The diffraction of a plane linearly polarized electromagnetic wave by a sphere is considered as a test problem. The results of calculations of the normalized diagrams of the scattered field are presented. It is shown that there are practically no visual differences for the results obtained using both approaches. At the same time, it should be noted that the TP method is much simpler in numerical implementation than the RWG method.
Study of digital diagram formation for optimum interference and noise reduction in antenna arrays of different shapes with directional radiators
Authors: Nechaev Yury B. , Peshkov Ilya V.
Published: June 2022

In the paper the digital beamforming is examined in azimuth and elevation, which allows more accurate formation of nulls and maximum of the radiation pattern. The minimum variance distortionless response beamformer, the sample matrix inversion algorithm using regularization, and the null steering algorithms at the output of cylindrical, hemispherical and planar lattices are considered. The ratio of the useful signal power to the active interference plus noise resulting power and the bit error ratio at the output of digital antenna arrays are estimated depending on the directivity of the antenna elements and the number of averaging samples. It has been established that a hemispherical antenna array can significantly increase the transmission reliability in comparison with the considered ones, which will reduce the computational load without using complicated diagramming algorithms.
Speech Intelligibility Index: A Literature Review
Authors: Taghavi Seyyed Mohanmmad Reza , Mohammadkhani Ghassem , Jalilvand Hamid
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim: Speech is known as the most important auditory signal that humans deal with it. Noise can mask speech and prevent spoken information from reaching us. Researchers have been trying to develop indexes to assess speech intelligibility. Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) is one of these indicators and we intend to introduce its nature and applications.
Recent Findings: SII is a method that numerically demonstrates the ability to hear speech in difficult listening situations. The number 1.0 indicates that all spoken information is available, while 0.0 indicates that the person does not have access to any information. Hearing loss changes a person’s scores on this index, so we need to use corrective factors to more accurately estimate speech intelligibility. In children, the SII score is different from adults. This indicator can be used in the improvement of hearing aid fitting and more accurate adjustment of cochlear implants. The frequency importance function used to calculate SII has a unique shape in each language. Therefore, SII will also differ in different languages, depending on the nature of each language.
Conclusion: SII has emerged as a practical indicator among objective assessments of speech intelligibility. Many have tried to extend and prepare it for use in different groups. Therefore, care should be taken about the use of this index in hearing-impaired people, children, with hearing aids or cochlear implant patients, etc. Evaluation of this index in other languages can help to better adjust the hearing aid based on the characteristics of each language.
 
Keywords: Speech intelligibility index; hearing loss; children; hearing aid; cochlear implant; language
Validity and Reliability of theArabicVersion of Children’s Auditory Performance Scale
Authors: Ghuzlan Ghufran , Mohsen Samer Mohamad
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim: Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is seen  in  a wide array of populations, including children and adults. CAPD  is characterized  by deficits  in one or more auditory abilities, causes difficulties in auditory discrimination, temporal and binaural processing although hearing thresholds are in the normal range. Children’s auditory performance scale (CHAPS) is a screening instrument. This study examined the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of children’s auditory performance scale.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 healthy children were included. The children’s ages ranged from seven to nine years, and they passed the screening test using distortion product otoacoustic emissions before administering the scale in the translation process, the back- translation method was used, in addition to the face validity procedure. Teachers fulfilled the questionnaire in the presence of an audiologist. After two weeks, the scale was re-administrated, and then the statistical analysis was done to examine the reliability and validity of Arabic version of CHAPS (CHAPS-AR).
Results: The internal consistency was examined with Cronbach’s α (α=0.997), for test- retest reliability, Pearson›s (r) was examined (r=0.994) and when executing the face validity, five experts agreed that the CHAPS-AR has a clear structure, syntax and it is easy to understand and use.
Conclusion: The Arabic version of CHAPS can be considered a reliable and valid screening instrument for clinical and research use
 
Keywords: Central auditory processing disorder; screening; children; auditory; Arabic; validity
Speech Intelligibility in Children with Cochlear Implants Compared to Normal-Hearing Peers Matched for Chronological Age and Hearing Age
Authors: Tavakoli Mahdiye , Jalilevand Nahid , Kamali Mohammad , Modarresi Yahya , Zarandy Masoud Motasaddi
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim: Cochlear implants (CIs) can lead to the development of verbal communication in areas such as sound repertoire, speech intelligibility (SI), and conversational skills. The SI refers to the ability to make recognizable speech sounds. Children with CIs may experience poorer SI than normal- hearing (NH) children. This study aims to compare the SI between children with CIs and NH peers matched for chronological age and hearing age.
Methods: The speech samples of 40 monolingual Persian-speaking children, including 20 children with CIs and 20 NH children were used in this study. The children’s SI was analyzed using three measures of the percentage of correct consonants, percentage of correct vowels, and percentage of intelligible words. One speech-language pathologist and two non-professional listeners transcribed each speech sample.
Results: The results showed no significant difference in any measures of SI between CI children and NH hearing age-matched peers, but there was a significant difference between CI children and NH chronological age-matched peers (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The SI in Persian-speaking children with CIs is the same as in NH hearing age-matched peers, but it was poorer compared to NH chronological age-matched peers. If the children with hearing impairments receive CIs sooner, their SI can be greater. Cochlear implantation improves SI by increasing the hearing experience.
Keywords: Speech intelligibility; percentage of correct consonants; percentage of correct vowels; percentage of intelligible words; cochlear implant; hearing age
Impacts of BMI & IL-4 Genetic Polymorphisms (rs2243250 C/T & rs2227284 A/C) on Iranian Breast Cancer Patients: a Pilot Study
Authors: Shahidi Samanehsadat , Tahmasebi Fard Zahra
Published: June 2022

Background & Objective: Breast cancer is a phenotypically complex and diverse genetic disease caused by changes in the structure and expression of specific genes. Immune system factors are also involved in the etiology of this neoplasm. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of genetic changes (rs2243250 & rs2227284) on the interleukin 4 gene and body mass index on breast cancer risk in Iranian women.
Material & Methods: From women referring to Shohada-Tajrish Hospital, 100 women with breast cancer and 100 healthy women were selected. After blood sampling and DNA extraction, the women’s genotypes were determined using the RFLP-PCR technique. The results were evaluated by SPSS software version 21 and chi-square and logistic regression tests.
Results: Analysis of the results with different genetic models showed the effect of rs2243250 on breast cancer (p<0.05), but rs2227284 was not associated with breast cancer (p>0.05). People with the CC / TT genotype (polymorphism) were more likely to get breast cancer. Also, the increase in body mass index was significantly associated with both polymorphisms studied. Also, carriers of the TT genotype of rs2243250 polymorphism were more likely to develop breast cancer with aging.
Conclusion: Genetic alterations in the IL-4 gene and obesity probably contribute to breast cancer, and carriers of both genetic modifications (CC / TT) are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Prevalence of Listeria Monocytogenes in Raw Milk of the Healthy Cattle in Lorestan Province (Iran) by PCR
Authors: Ebadifar Amir Mohamad , Jaydari Amin , Shams Nemat , Rahimi Heidar
Published: June 2022

Background & Objective: The prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogene) in milk and dairy products, the high complications and damage associated with zoonotic Listeriosis have led to this bacterium being considered as a risky infection for public health.
Materials & Methods: In the present descriptive and cross-sectional study, to investigate the prevalence of L. monocytogene, 100 samples of raw milk obtained from industrial farms in Lorestan province in winter and spring of 2019-2020 were collected and 16SrRNA and hlyA genes were detected using PCR reaction to identify Listeria genus and L. monocytogene species, respectively.
Results: Based on the observed results, three samples (3%) were positive for Listeria genus, while no report of L. monocytogens species was observed.
Conclusion: The results of this study did not show evidence of the presence of L. monocytogenes in raw cow milk, which indicates the sanitation and desirable nutritional conditions in industrial farms. Therefore, due to the presence of Listeria (other species of Listeria) in raw milk, if you consume raw and unpasteurized milk, the risk of human infection with listeriosis should not be ignored.
Analysis of the Expression of Dopamine Receptors, DRD1 and DRD5, in Cancerous Tissue of Patients with Breast Cancer and the Impact of Quercetin on the Expression of These Receptors in Hs578t and HDF Cell Lines
Authors: Kiani Rad Kowsar , Rigi Garshasb , Reiisi Somayeh
Published: June 2022

Background & Objectives: The expression of neurotransmitters during cancer progression is one of the factors to consider. This study aimed to evaluate the possible expression changes in dopamine receptors (DRD1 and DRD5), in breast tumor tissue compared to healthy adjacent samples, and the effect of quercetin on the expression of these receptors.
Materials & Methods: Expression levels of DRD1 and DRD5 were evaluated in 20 breast tumors and healthy adjacent samples using qPCR. The RNA was extracted from all samples, followed by cDNA synthesis and real-time PCR. In vitro experiment was accomplished on breast cancer cell line, Hs578t. Cells were treated with quercetin and evaluated cell viability by MTT assay. DRD1 and DRD5 gene expression was performed in treatment cells compared to untreated control. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance.
Results: The results showed that the DRD1 and DRD5 were unregulated in breast cancer tissue (p<0.01). For cellular experiment, MTT assays revealed that the quercetin induced a significant decrease in cell viability and proliferation in dose and time-dependent but it was not seen in a normal cell line (HDF). Hs578t cells showed a significant reduction of DRD5 in response to quercetin. DRD1 gene downregulation was indicated significant in 72h treatment.
Conclusions: The effect of quercetin on the expression of genes encoding DRD1 and DRD5 showed that this substance reduced the expression of these two genes in treated Hs578t cells compared to untreated cells in the same cell line.
Rapid Homemade Reverse Transcriptase PCR Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis for SARS-CoV-2 Based on E and M genes
Authors: Morovvati Abbas , Javadi Ali , Dehghani Sanij Somayeh , Zarei Mohammad Reza , Molazadeh Shima , Badakhsh Mina , Zargar Mohsen
Published: June 2022

Background & Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 spreads worldwide and needs detection systems capable of rapid diagnostic of this virus (SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this study is to design the homemade RT-PCR method for the Detection and phylogenetic analysis of this virus.
Material & Methods: The genes selected for diagnosis were E and M genes for this virus. PCR product was cloned in pTZ57R/T plasmid for preparation of positive control. In order to determine the sensitivity of this molecular method, the genes mentioned in the clone pTZ57R/T vector and the Limit of detection (LOD) the genes were determined and phylogenetic analysis was performed using partial E and M gene sequences.
Results: PCR product was observed for E and M genes 156 and 547 bp on the Agarose gel. The LOD of the E and M gene was 60 and 82 copies. There was also a positive response to the samples of patients who were positive by other methods.
Conclusions: Since this virus is considered to be the cause of a pandemic in different countries all over the world, the present study is very important as a method of rapid and low-cost molecular diagnosis for monitoring this virus. Phylogenetic analysis is necessary for epidemiological studies for the control and prevention of the disease.
Stages Passing of Distress in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Research Study
Authors: Arabi Sedighe , Asghari Bibi Aghdas
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Cancer patients are extremely vulnerable psychologically and may suffer a variety of psychological trauma. This can have a significant impact on their cancer resistance and recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate the transition process of crisis in cancer patients, considering the high number of cancer in the country.
Methods: This study was conducted using a qualitative paradigm. In this study, narrative research approach and narrative interview technique was run in order to achieve the transition stages in crisis in cancer patients. During the interview with 14 cancer patients in Gonabad City, theoretical saturation was obtained. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin (1990) comparative analysis.
Results: Cancer patients went through 8 stages before accepting death. These stages included Disease shock, denial of disease, concealment, anger, depression, religious perception, acceptance of illness and acceptance of death.
Conclusion: Due to the need to know the crisis process in people with cancer and the high number of patients, the results of this study can be used for people with the patients to deal with them properly, as well as for researchers, managers and planners to know more. The needs of cancer patients and evidence-based planning should be used.
Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Nano niosomal Delivery system Containing paclitaxel drug for Drug Delivery to Osteosarcoma Cell Line (Saos-2)
Authors: Pourmahmoudian Mohammad Javad , Kalantar Seyed Mahdi , Haghiralsadat Bibi Fatemeh
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer which current chemotherapy treatment strategies have not been very successful due to multiple drug resistance and diverse side effects. The use of nano niosomal delivery system as a drug delivery is one of the new approaches to overcome these limitations. Paclitaxel is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of various types of cancers. In this study, various niosomal formulations was designed and synthesized to load Paclitaxel to increase drug efficiency on Saos-2 cell line and overcome the problems of the present treatment..
Methods: Various neosomal formulations containing paclitaxel anti-cancer drug were designed and synthesized. For this purpose, neosomal formulations were prepared based on the ratio of different cholesterol and surfactants. Niosomal formulations and their effects on drug loading and drug release were then studied and interpreted. Cytotoxicity on Saos-2 cell line was assessed using GraphPad Prism 9 MTT test software.  
Results: PEGylate's niosomal formulation with cholesterol: Tween 60 and ratio (25:75) has the highest paclitaxel insertion efficiency of 74.89%, size 115.4 nm, surface charge of -12.97 mV and the release 79.83%.  This formulation had the highest cumulative release and was considered as a final and optimal was selected. Optimal PEGylate's niosomal system containing paclitaxel was able to show higher toxicity on Saos-2 cell line than free drug. Moreover, this nanosystem alone and without drug had no significant toxicity effect in normal fibroblast cell line (HFF).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the use of PEGylated niosomal nanocarriers can be used as a promising strategy for future studies in the treatment of bone cancer, especially osteosarcoma.
Lack of effect of plasma of myocardial preconditioned, ischemic and ischemic-reperfused rats of myocardium on differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocytes
Authors: Esmailidehaj Mansour , Esmaeili Hassan , Chavoushi Elham , Rezvani Mohammad Ebrahim , Azizian Hossein
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Numerous studies have shown that enriched plasma protects myocardial cells against ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rat enriched plasma by preconditioning, ischemia, and reperfusion on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) into cardiomyocytes.

Methods: In this experimental and laboratory study, BMMSCs were extracted from the femur bone of male Wistar rats weighting 250-300 g. BMMSCs of the third passage were divided into six groups according to the type of plasma received: 1) control, 2) azacytidine, 3) azacytidine and non-ischemic plasma recipient, 4) azacytidine and preconditioned plasma recipient , 5) azacytidine and ischemic plasma recipient 6) azacytidine and plasma reperfusion recipient groups. In all groups except group 1, to initiate cardiomyocyte differentiation, BMMSCs were exposed to azacytidine (10 μM) for 24 hours. Plasma (25 μg / ml) was added to the culture medium each time the culture medium was changed. After 21 days, the expression level of myocardial βMHC, desmin, and troponin I genes was assessed using qRT-PCR.

Results: The expression of myocardial βMHC, desmin, and troponin I genes was significantly increased in all groups received azacytidine (groups 2 to 6) (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the expression of myocardial βMHC, desmin, and troponin I genes, the doubling time, and migration between the plasma receiving groups (groups 3 to 6) compared to the group 2 (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The findings of present study showed that the plasma collected during ischemia, ischemia- reperfusion, and ischemia preconditioning had no effect on the differentiation of BMMSCs into cardiomyocytes in the presence of azacytidine.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Trichomonas vaginalis Infection among Pregnant Women Seeking Primary Health Care in Sana'a City, Yemen
Authors: Al-Mekhlafi Abdulsalam M. , Al-Eryani Samira M. A.
Published: June 2022

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for Trichomonas vaginalis infection among pregnant women seeking health care in Sana’a city.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women seeking health care in private clinics and governmental primary health care centers in Sana’a during the period from October 2014 to June 2015. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as well as possible risk factors of T. vaginalis infection were collected from 287 pregnant women using a pre-designed questionnaire by trained researchers. Vaginal discharges were then collected and examined microscopically for motile T. vaginalis trophozoites.

Results: The overall prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was 11.1%, with a higher infection rate among pregnant women aged 26-40 years old, housewives and rural residents. Age, literacy status and the age at first sexual intercourse were signiﬁcantly associated with T. vaginalis infection among pregnant women. Presence of vaginal discharge (OR = 8.33; 95% CI: 2.47–28.03, P <0.001), itching (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.02–6.48, P = 0.027) and presence of unpleasant odor (OR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.63–11.70, P = 0.001) were the clinical manifestations significantly associated with T. vaginalis among pregnant women.

Conclusions: T. vaginalis is prevalent among pregnant women seeking health care in Sana’a, particularly housewives, illiterate women and those coming from rural areas. Presence of vaginal discharge with unpleasant odor and itching are associated with a higher risk of infection among symptomatic women. Further large-scale studies are required to determine the prevalence and risk factors among women of the reproductive age in Yemen.
Fracture Strength of Acrylic Resin Reinforced with Glass Fibers in Simulated Implant-Supported Overdenture Abutments
Authors: Moftah Heba M. , Turkmani Ibrahim , Darwich Khaldoun
Published: June 2022

Objective: To evaluate the effect of glass fibers on acrylic resin fracture strength in simulated implant-supported overdenture (IOD) abutments.

Methods: A model was designed to simulate the clinical situation of an IDO (50 12 1.5 mm). Thirty models were divided into three equal groups: ten models not supported with glass fibers (control group), ten models with one layer of glass fibers (experimental group I) and ten models with two layers of glass fiber (experimental group II). All models were exposed to a three-point bending test, and fracture loads were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test.

Results: IOD models reinforced with two layers of glass fibers (experimental group II) showed a mean ultimate load at fracture of 48.69 ± 3.71 Newton (N) compared to mean loads of 32.78 ± 2.41 N and 24.42 ± 2.73 N for the models reinforced with one layer (experimental group I) and non-reinforced with glass fibers (control group), respectively. ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between the three groups regarding the mean ultimate load at fracture, and Bonferroni post-hoc test showed statistically significant differences between both experimental groups and the control group as well as between experimental group I and experimental group II.

Conclusions: The fracture strength of IDO abutments increases significantly by the addition of acrylic resin pre-impregnated with glass fibers, even when the thickness of acrylic is thin.
Prevalence of Nocturnal Enuresis among Schoolchildren in Sana’a City, Yemen
Authors: Al-Zubairi Lutf M. , Al-Emad Adel A. , Bin Mohanna Mabrook , Al-Bada’ani Tawfik H.
Published: June 2022

Objective: To estimate the prevalence, frequency and time of nocturnal enuresis (NE) among primary schoolchildren in Sana’a city, Yemen.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study was conducted among 2689 schoolchildren in the primary schools of four randomly selected districts in Sana’a city in the period from September 2012 to December 2013. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, frequency, time, psycho-social effects and the factors possibly associated with NE among children were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results: The overall prevalence of NE was 11.2%, which was significantly higher among males than females (13.0% vs. 10.0%, respectively; P = 0.044) and decreased significantly with increasing age (P <0.001). More than half of children (55.3%) in Sana’a city had the habits of drinking excess fluids and tea at night and/or deep sleeping. Of physical and health disorders, difficulty in breathing and urinary tract infections were the two most frequent conditions among children with NE, being observed among 29.6% and 23.9% of cases, respectively. However, urogenital anomalies and mental retardation were the least frequent conditions in children with NE, being observed among 5.8% and 1.3% of cases, respectively. On the other hand, marital problems (24.8%) and arrival of a new baby (17.9%) were the most frequently observed social conditions among children with NE, while death in the family (8.5%) and parental separation (6.0%) were the least frequently observed conditions.

Conclusions: NE is prevalent among 11.2% of schoolchildren in Sana’a city with a significantly higher, though slight, rate among males. This rate is lower than the rates reported from Aden and Mukalla cities in the country and from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. However, it is higher than those reported from Iran and Malaysia. About a third of children experience nightly NE, whereas the lowest proportion of children experience NE twice a month. The habits of drinking excess fluid and tea at night and/or deep sleeping, the disorders of difficulty in breathing and urinary tract infections and the social conditions of marital problems and arrival of a new baby are the most frequent observations among children with NE in Sana’a city.
Carryover effects of crop thinning and foliar N fertilisation on grape amino N composition
Authors: Verdenal Thibaut , Dienes-Nagy Ágnes , Zufferey Vivian , Spring Jean-Laurent , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Viret Olivier , Van Leeuwen Cornelis
Published: June 2022

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for vine development and yield; it is also involved in the winemaking process and significantly affects wine composition. It is therefore essential to control and optimise plant N use to ensure an adequate N composition of the grapes at harvest. An improved understanding of the impact of cultivation practices on plant N metabolism would allow a better orientation of technical choices with the objective of quality and sustainability (i.e., fewer inputs, more efficiency).Our trial focused on the impacts of fertilisation and crop thinning on grape N composition. A wide crop load gradient was set up in a homogeneous plot of Chasselas (Vitis vinifera L.) in an experimental vineyard in Switzerland. Foliar urea was applied at veraison in order to compare it with an unfertilised control. Vine development and grape composition were evaluated over two years, with particular attention to the carryover effects of both fertilisation and crop thinning.Foliar N fertilisation effectively increased the amount of N in grapes at harvest in the same year, but had no impact on grape ripeness or carryover effect on year n + 1. Conversely, crop thinning improved grape maturity by reducing fruit N and C demand. Interestingly, amino N proportions could be distinguished according to crop load, while the global grape N concentration at harvest remained unchanged. Some amino acids were more affected by crop thinning than others. The concentrations of alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serine and threonine were reduced by crop thinning. Crop thinning had a strong carryover effect on year n + 1. The carryover impact of crop thinning on grapes in terms of both maturation index and N composition could be observed at the onset of grape ripening on year n + 1.This experiment highlighted the influence of the previous year’s agricultural practices on grape C and N accumulation before and during the ripening phase. Consequently, the modulation of grape composition at harvest should be considered over two consecutive years. These results will contribute to the improvement of predictive models and sustainable agronomic practices in perennial crops.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN ABU DAUN BAMBU SEBAGAI PENGGANTI SEBAGIAN SEMEN TERHADAP KUAT TEKAN BETON SEBAGAI PENDUKUNG BAHAN AJAR MATA KULIAH TEKNOLOGI BETON
Authors: Aji Firmansyah  , Anisah  , Santoso Sri Handoyo
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the compressive strength of concrete using bamboo leaf ash as a partial replacement of cement with a target compressive strength of 25 MPa at the age of 28 days with the use of water cement factor (FAS) 0,5 and variation percentage levels of bamboo leaf ash that be used are 0%, 5%, 7%, 9%, and 11% of the total weight of cement. The The amboo leaf ash used comes from Andong bamboo species. In this study use the experimental method with cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 15 cm and a height of 30 cm as many as 3 samples in each percentage level of bamboo leaf ash. Concrete mix design refers to SNI 03-2834-2000. The results obtained indicate that bamboo leaf ash can increase the compressive strength of concrete when compared to the control concrete in this study even though the increase is not too large. The compressive strength of concrete at the age of 28 days at 0%, 5%, 7%, 9%, and 11% percentages levels  of bamboo leaf ash were 16,448 MPa ; 18,768 MPa ; 18,297 MPa ; 14,958 MPa ; dan 12,827 MPa.
Digital Public Relations Practices in Ecological Municipalism: A Study on the Ecological Municipal Capital of 2021, Lahti
Authors: ÜNLÜ Simge , YAŞAR Lütfiye , BİLİCİ Erdal
Published: June 2022

In this study, the use of Twitter for public relations purposes of the Lahti municipality was analyzed. The study aims to reveal the public relations focus of the ecological municipality approach. In this context, Tweets shared on the Twitter account of the municipality between November 1 and November 30, 2021, were analyzed by discourse and content analysis method in the 2020.2.2 version of the Maxqda program. The findings obtained from the analysis are: In the process that Lahti was elected as an ecological municipality, it shared the most on municipal services and ecological city. The main topics shared by the municipality were identified as Covid-19, Lahti activism, ecological city, and municipal services. The main headings of the macro discourse of this process, which covers municipal services; Lahti city is urban transportation, openings, tender announcements, meetings, cooperation, and events. When these discourse titles are analyzed at the micro-level, it is seen that a simple, active, and everyday language is used. When the shares are examined in rhetoric, reference representation is quite intense in persuasiveness. As a result; It is seen that the municipality of Lahti fulfills the principles of corporate citizenship on Twitter, which it uses for recognition and promotion purposes.
Club Convergence: Do public investments play a role in regional income per capita convergence in Turkey?
Authors: COŞKUN Nuran , DEMİR Eylül Ece
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates club convergence in real GDP per capita in NUTS 2 level at Turkey from 2005 to 2019 by using Phillips and Sul (2009, 2007) procedure. After determining the initial clubs, to seek merging clubs we perform Phillips and Sul (2009) and Lyncker and Thoennessen (2017) procedure. As a result, we find 7 convergence clubs and one divergent club following Phillips and Sul (2009, 2007) and we don’t find any merging clubs following Phillips and Sul (2009) and Lyncker and Thoennessen (2017) procedure. After determining the convergence and merging clubs, this paper also scrutinizes the dynamic effects of public capital on regional convergence employing system generalized method-of-moments (System GMM) estimators. It has been concluded that from System GMM results, share of public investments in GDP do not have a significant role as a determinant of any clubs.
A Study on the Investigation of Sustainability Practices of Global Brands in the Fashion Market
Authors: ÖNDOĞAN Ece Nüket , ÖNDOĞAN Ziynet , TOPUZOĞLU Berru
Published: June 2022

Due to the careless use of natural resources, developments in technology, industrialization and population growth, environmental pollution and resource depletion are experienced in the world. The garment clothing and fashion industry has a significant impact on the rapid depletion of natural resources. The rapid change in fashion, especially in the garment clothing industry, negatively affects sustainability in the use of resources. Besides these; the careless use of large amounts of water and chemicals in production, and the release of waste to nature also harm the sustainability of life. These negative factors have started to increase consumption with environmental awareness, especially among consumers who care about nature. Conscious consumers' interest in nature has led to an increasing emphasis on sustainability in production and consumption by brands in ready-to-wear and other sectors. Especially in the Industry 4.0 process, the concept of sustainability has become one of the most important issues for global brands. The production of garment clothing products with natural fibres and materials is of great importance in terms of sustainability. These materials are compatible with nature and can be recycled. In apparel, due to long supply chains, energy and labour intensive production, ecological, economic and social sustainability studies are of high importance in the production and process management process.

In the research, application examples of global brands in the ready-to-wear and fashion sector, based on sustainability studies, were examined. For example; Stella McCartney, one of the luxury fashion brands; uses organic cotton, eco-friendly fibre and recyclable polyester and cashmere for sustainability. While Mara Hoffman uses tencel fabric and organic cotton, Gucci has banned PVC in its products since 2015 and prefers to use a carbon zero footprint in its work. While DeFacto, one of the global ready-to-wear brands, implements many environmental projects related to PET bottles, water use and textile waste, global brands such as Nike, GAP, Levi's, C&A, Inditex group, Nude Jeans also carry out exemplary studies on sustainability. As can be seen from the global brand examples, brands, on sustainability; develop applicable strategies in the fields of development goals, management of production and operation processes, supply policies, waste management.