bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Breed of Sheep on the Characteristics of Zamorano Cheese
Authors: Fernández Domingo , Combarros-Fuertes Patricia , Renes Erica , Abarquero Daniel , Fresno José María , Tornadijo María Eugenia
Published: May 2021

This work aimed to study the effects of using ewe’s milk from Churra, Assaf, or both breeds on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Zamorano cheese at the end of ripening. Zamorano cheese is a hard variety with protected designation of origin (PDO) produced in the province of Zamora (Spain) with raw or pasteurized ewe’s milk. Five batches of Zamorano cheese were produced with pasteurized ewe’s milk. One batch was elaborated using milk from the Churra breed, the other using milk from the Assaf breed, and the remaining three employed milk mixtures of Churra and Assaf breeds in the proportions 75:25, 50:50 and, 25:75, respectively. Cheeses made with a higher proportion of Churra milk showed a predominance of hydrophilic peptides, while hydrophobic peptides predominated in cheeses with a greater percentage of milk from the Assaf breed. The largest content of most free amino acids was found in cheeses produced with the highest percentage of Churra milk. These cheeses presented the highest values for fat acidity index and free fatty acids content and showed greater elasticity and adhesiveness, as well as lower granularity and hardness. In the sensory evaluation, aftertaste and persistence were higher in these cheeses, being scored with the best overall values.
Factors That Affect E-Learning Platforms after the Spread of COVID-19: Post Acceptance Study
Authors: Al-Maroof Rana Saeed , Alhumaid Khadija , Akour Iman , Salloum Said
Published: May 2021

The fear of vaccines has led to population rejection due to various reasons. Students have had their own inquiries towards the effectiveness of the vaccination, which leads to vaccination hesitancy. Vaccination hesitancy can affect students’ perception, hence, acceptance of e-learning platforms. Therefore, this research attempts to explore the post-acceptance of e-learning platforms based on a conceptual model that has various variables. Each variable contributes differently to the post-acceptance of the e-learning platform. The research investigates the moderating role of vaccination fear on the post-acceptance of e-learning platforms among students. Thus, the study aims at exploring students’ perceptions about their post-acceptance of e-learning platforms where vaccination fear functions as a moderator. The current study depends on an online questionnaire that is composed of 29 items. The total number of respondents is 630. The collected data was implemented to test the study model and the proposed constructs and hypotheses depending on the Smart PLS Software. Fear of vaccination has a significant impact on the acceptance of e-learning platforms, and it is a strong mediator in the conceptual model. The findings indicate a positive effect of the fear of vaccination as a mediator in the variables: perceived ease of use and usefulness, perceived daily routine, perceived critical mass and perceived self-efficiency. The implication gives a deep insight to take effective steps in reducing the level of fear of vaccination, supporting the vaccination confidence among educators, teachers and students who will, in turn, affect the society as a whole.
Distance Protection of Series Capacitor Compensated Lines: Practical Considerations, Industrial Status and Development
Authors: Hoq Md Tanbhir , Taylor Nathaniel
Published: May 2021

The introduction of series capacitors in transmission lines causes problems in terms of reliability and the security of distance protection relays. As distance protection is widely used in the transmission network, the challenge of applying it to series compensated lines has been taken up by utilities and relay manufacturers in various ways. In the field of power system protection, developments are largely driven by relay manufacturers, and are often not published in the academic literature; the status and trend of the relay manufacturer’s development are better found in their product manuals and patent activity. Further insight into specific implementations by transmission utilities can be found from publications in industry-led forums and some academic journals. This article surveys the status and development of distance protection for series compensated lines, with a focus on industrial implementation and practical considerations. Factors that influence the protection of series compensated lines are presented. Implementation examples reported by utilities are summarized as examples of the different situations encountered and the methods used to deal with them. It is observed that many utilities use communication-aided protection in series compensated lines, and distance protection is used with reduced reach. Solutions described in relay manuals are presented to demonstrate the manufacturers’ approaches to problems associated with series capacitor protection. While there are methods to counter voltage inversion, current inversion seems to represent a more serious challenge. A patent overview indicates the trends in this domain to be moving towards time-domain-based faster protection methods.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Effect of a Swirler with a High Swirl Number in a Biogas Combustor
Authors: Vigueras-Zúñiga Marco Osvaldo , Ramírez-Ruíz Carlos Augusto , Herrera-May Agustín L. , Tejeda-del-Cueto María Elena
Published: May 2021

Climate change as a worldwide phenomenon is the cause of multinational agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Biogas is one of the most promising biofuels for the integration of clean energy sources; however, biogas has the disadvantage of a low calorific value. To overcome this problem, mechanical devices such as swirlers are implemented in combustion chambers (CCs) to increase their combustion efficiencies. A swirler induces rotation in the airstream that keeps a constant re-ignition of the air–fuel mixture in the combustion. We present the numerical modeling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental testing of combustion with biogas in a CC, including an optimized swirler in the airstream with a swirl number (Sn) of 2.48. A turbulence model of the renormalization group (RNG) was used to analyze the turbulence. Chemistry was parameterized using the laminar flamelet model. The numerical model allows visualizing the recirculation zone generated at the primary zone, and partially at the intermediate zone of the CC caused by the strong swirl. Temperature distribution profiles show the highest temperatures located at the intermediate and dilution zones, with the last one being a characteristic feature of biogas combustion. A strong swirl in the airstream generates low-velocity zones at the center of the CC. This effect centers flame, avoiding hot spots near the flame tube and flashback at the structural components. Regarding pollutant emissions, the goal of a biogas that generates less pollutants than nonrenewable gases is accomplished. It is observed that the mole fraction of NO in the CC is close to zero, while the mole fraction of CO2 after combustion is lowered compared to the original mole fraction contained in the biogas (0.25). The mole fraction of CO2 obtained in experimental tests was 0.0127. Results obtained in the numerical model for temperatures and mole fractions of CO2 and NO show a behavior similar to that of the experimental model. Experimental results for mole fraction of CO emissions are also presented and have a mean value of 0.0009. This value lies within allowed pollutant emissions for CO according to national environmental regulations.
Experimental Investigation on the Characteristic Mobilization and Remaining Oil Distribution under CO2 Huff-n-Puff of Chang 7 Continental Shale Oil
Authors: Zhu Jianhong , Chen Junbin , Wang Xiaoming , Fan Lingyi , Nie Xiangrong
Published: May 2021

The Chang 7 continental shale oil reservoir is tight. The recovery factor is extremely low, the remaining oil is very high, and injecting water to improve oil recovery effectiveness is too hard. Therefore, in this paper, physical simulation experiments of CO2 huff-n-puff shale oil and NMR tests were conducted to study the cycle numbers and permeability on the recovery degree, as well as the characteristics of shale oil mobilization and the remaining oil micro distribution. The results showed that the cumulative oil recovery factors (ORFs) gradually increased in the natural logarithmic form, the single cycle ORFs decreased rapidly in exponential form with the huff-n-puff cycle number, and the biggest economic cycle numbers were between approximately 3 and 5. Furthermore, the higher the permeability, the higher the ORF, but the difference of ORF decreased between the two experimental samples with the cycles. In addition, the gap of production and recovery degree was large between the different scale pores, the ORF of macropores was 6–8 times that of micropores, and the final remaining oil was mainly distributed in the micropores, accounting for 82.29% of the total amount; meanwhile, the macropores comprised less than 0.5%. In the process of huff-n-puff, CO2 flowed into macropores, mesopores, and smallpores under the pressure differential effect, but a small amount of CO2 slowly diffused into micropores, resulting in the ORF of the former with more free oil being higher and the ORF of micropores with more adsorbed oil being lower. Therefore, promoting a better contact and reaction between CO2 and shale oil of micropores is one of the key ways to effectively develop the Chang 7 continental shale oil and enhance oil recovery.
Experimental Study on the Lateral Seepage Characteristics in the Tension Saturated Zone
Authors: Gong Yongfeng , Liu Zuo , Ma Chuanming , Li Minghong , Guo Xu
Published: May 2021

To study the lateral seepage field in the tension saturated zone (TSZ), an experiment with no evaporation and precipitation infiltration was carried out in a self-made seepage tank filled up with fine sand. Based on the data and plots obtained, the lateral seepage field distribution features in the TSZ can be divided into three area for discussion: ascending area, descending area, and the nearly horizontal flow area. In the ascending and descending area, the total water potential gradient diminished from the recharge area to the discharge area and the seepage velocity was faster. In the nearly horizontal flow area, the total water potential gradient was lower and the seepage velocity was slower. The pressure potential gradually decreased horizontally from the recharge area to the discharge area, while in the vertical profile, it gradually decreased from the bottom to the top in the whole seepage area. In the absence of evaporation, the vertical water exchange among the saturated zone, TSZ, and unsaturated zone in nearly horizontal flow area is weak. Contrarily, in the ascending area and descending area, vertical water flows through both the phreatic surface and the upper interface of the TSZ. When there is lateral seepage in the TSZ, the thickness of the TSZ generally increases from the ascending area to the nearly horizontal area and then to the descending area. It should be pointed out that in the nearly horizontal area, the TSZ thickness is approximately equal to the height of the water column. Overall, the lateral seepage in the TSZ can be regarded as a stable siphon process, hence the siphon tube model can be further used to depict this lateral seepage.
Parametric Optimization of Isotropic and Composite Axially Symmetric Shells Subjected to External Pressure and Twisting
Authors: Barski Marek , Romanowicz Paweł J. , Chwał Małgorzata , Stawiarski Adam
Published: May 2021

The present paper is devoted to the problem of the optimal design of thin-walled composite axially symmetric shells with respect to buckling resistance. The optimization problem is formulated with the following constraints: namely, all analyzed shells have identical capacity and volume of material. The optimization procedure consists of four steps. In the first step, the initial calculations are made for cylindrical shells with non-optimal orientation of layers and these results are used as the reference for optimization. Next, the optimal orientations of layers for cylindrical shapes are determined. In the third step, the optimal geometrical shape of a middle surface with a constant thickness is determined for isotropic material. Finally, for the assumed shape of the middle surface, the optimal fiber orientation angle θ of the composite shell is appointed. Such studies were carried for three cases: pure external pressure, pure twisting, and combined external pressure with twisting. In the case of shells made of isotropic material the obtained results are compared with the optimal structure of uniform stability, where the analytical Shirshov’s local stability condition is utilized. In the case of structures made of composite materials, the computations are carried out for two different materials, where the ratio of E1/E2 is equal to 17.573 and 3.415. The obtained benefit from optimization, measured as the ratio of critical load multiplier computed for reference shell and optimal structure, is significant. Finally, the optimal geometrical shapes and orientations of the layers for the assumed loadings is proposed.
Development and Application of Computerized Risk Registry and Management Tool Based on FMEA and FRACAS for Total Testing Process
Authors: Chang Jeonghyun , Yoo Soo Jin , Kim Sollip
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives: Risk management is considered an integral part of laboratory medicine to assure laboratory quality and patient safety. However, the concept of risk management is philosophical, so actually performing risk management in a clinical laboratory can be challenging. Therefore, we would like to develop a sustainable, practical system for continuous total laboratory risk management. Materials and Methods: This study was composed of two phases: the development phase in 2019 and the application phase in 2020. A concept flow diagram for the computerized risk registry and management tool (RRMT) was designed using the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and the failure reporting, analysis, and corrective action system (FRACAS) methods. The failure stage was divided into six according to the testing sequence. We applied laboratory errors to this system over one year in 2020. The risk priority number (RPN) score was calculated by multiplying the severity of the failure mode, frequency (or probability) of occurrence, and detection difficulty. Results: 103 cases were reported to RRMT during one year. Among them, 32 cases (31.1%) were summarized using the FMEA method, and the remaining 71 cases (68.9%) were evaluated using the FRACAS method. There was no failure in the patient registration phase. Chemistry units accounted for the highest proportion of failure with 18 cases (17.5%), while urine test units accounted for the lowest portion of failure with two cases (1.9%). Conclusion: We developed and applied a practical computerized risk-management tool based on FMEA and FRACAS methods for the entire testing process. RRMT was useful to detect, evaluate, and report failures. This system might be a great example of a risk management system optimized for clinical laboratories.
Effectiveness of Silver Diammine Fluoride Applications for Dental Caries Cessation in Tribal Preschool Children in India: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Janakiram Chandrashekar , Ramanarayanan Venkitachalam , Devan Induja
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Silver Diammine Fluoride (SDF) is an emerging caries preventive treatment option that is inexpensive, safe, and easily accessible. The evidence is clear that the use of SDF at concentrations of 38% is effective for arresting caries in primary teeth. However, the determination of an optimal SDF application frequency for a cavitated lesion in pragmatic settings is warranted especially among high dental caries risk groups. Hence, the primary objective of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness of annual, bi-annual, and four times a year application of 38% SDF application in arresting active coronal dentinal carious lesions on primary teeth among tribal preschool children aged 2–6 years. Methods and Analysis: This study is designed as a randomized, controlled trial consisting of three parallel arms with an allocation ratio of 1:1:1. The trial will enroll 480 preschool tribal children with a cavitated carious lesion (2–6 years) attending a primary health care Centre in Wayanad district, India. Each arm will receive 38% SDF application on an annual (baseline), bi-annual (baseline and 6 months), and four times a year (baseline, 2nd, 4th, and 8th week), respectively. The analysis will be performed both at the tooth- and person-level. Ethics and Dissemination: This trial will be conducted following the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and local guidelines (Indian Council of Medical Research). The protocol has been approved by Institutional Review Committee (IRB). This trial has been registered prospectively with the Clinical Trial Registry of India [Registration No: CTRI/2020/03/024265].
Future Forecasting of COVID-19: A Supervised Learning Approach
Authors: Rehman Mujeeb Ur , Shafique Arslan , Khalid Sohail , Driss Maha , Rubaiee Saeed
Published: May 2021

A little over a year after the official announcement from the WHO, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to dramatic consequences globally. Today, millions of doses of vaccines have already been administered in several countries. However, the positive effect of these vaccines will probably be seen later than expected. In these circumstances, the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 still remains the only way to slow the spread of this virus. However, it is difficult to predict whether a person is infected or not by COVID-19 while relying only on apparent symptoms. In this context, we propose to use machine learning (ML) algorithms in order to diagnose COVID-19 infected patients more effectively. The proposed diagnosis method takes into consideration several symptoms, such as flu symptoms, throat pain, immunity status, diarrhea, voice type, body temperature, joint pain, dry cough, vomiting, breathing problems, headache, and chest pain. Based on these symptoms that are modelled as ML features, our proposed method is able to predict the probability of contamination with the COVID-19 virus. This method is evaluated using different experimental analysis metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The obtained experimental results have shown that the proposed method can predict the presence of COVID-19 with over 97% accuracy.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Virtual Reality Trackers for Computing Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters
Authors: Guaitolini Michelangelo , Petros Fitsum E. , Prado Antonio , Sabatini Angelo M. , Agrawal Sunil K.
Published: May 2021

Ageing, disease, and injuries result in movement defects that affect daily life. Gait analysis is a vital tool for understanding and evaluating these movement dysfunctions. In recent years, the use of virtual reality (VR) to observe motion and offer augmented clinical care has increased. Although VR-based methodologies have shown benefits in improving gait functions, their validity against more traditional methods (e.g., cameras or instrumented walkways) is yet to be established. In this work, we propose a procedure aimed at testing the accuracy and viability of a VIVE Virtual Reality system for gait analysis. Seven young healthy subjects were asked to walk along an instrumented walkway while wearing VR trackers. Heel strike (HS) and toe off (TO) events were assessed using the VIVE system and the instrumented walkway, along with stride length (SL), stride time (ST), stride width (SW), stride velocity (SV), and stance/swing percentage (STC, SWC%). Results from the VR were compared with the instrumented walkway in terms of detection offset for time events and root mean square error (RMSE) for gait features. An absolute offset between VR- and walkway-based data of (15.3 ± 12.8) ms for HS, (17.6 ± 14.8) ms for TOs and an RMSE of 2.6 cm for SW, 2.0 cm for SL, 17.4 ms for ST, 2.2 m/s for SV, and 2.1% for stance and swing percentage were obtained. Our findings show VR-based systems can accurately monitor gait while also offering new perspectives for VR augmented analysis.
Calibration and Cross-Validation of Accelerometer Cut-Points to Classify Sedentary Time and Physical Activity from Hip and Non-Dominant and Dominant Wrists in Older Adults
Authors: Migueles Jairo H. , Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina , Alcantara Juan M. A. , Leal-Martín Javier , Mañas Asier , Ara Ignacio , Glynn Nancy W. , Shiroma Eric J.
Published: May 2021

Accelerometers’ accuracy for sedentary time (ST) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) classification depends on accelerometer placement, data processing, activities, and sample characteristics. As intensities differ by age, this study sought to determine intensity cut-points at various wear locations people more than 70 years old. Data from 59 older adults were used for calibration and from 21 independent participants for cross-validation purposes. Participants wore accelerometers on their hip and wrists while performing activities and having their energy expenditure measured with portable calorimetry. ST and MVPA were defined as ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs) and ≥3 METs (1 MET = 2.8 mL/kg/min), respectively. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses showed fair-to-good accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.62–0.89). ST cut-points were 7 mg (cross-validation: sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.80) and 1 count/5 s (cross-validation: sensitivity = 0.91, specificity = 0.96) for the hip; 18 mg (cross-validation: sensitivity = 0.86, specificity = 0.86) and 102 counts/5 s (cross-validation: sensitivity = 0.91, specificity = 0.92) for the non-dominant wrist; and 22 mg and 175 counts/5 s (not cross-validated) for the dominant wrist. MVPA cut-points were 14 mg (cross-validation: sensitivity = 0.70, specificity = 0.99) and 54 count/5 s (cross-validation: sensitivity = 1.00, specificity = 0.96) for the hip; 60 mg (cross-validation: sensitivity = 0.83, specificity = 0.99) and 182 counts/5 s (cross-validation: sensitivity = 1.00, specificity = 0.89) for the non-dominant wrist; and 64 mg and 268 counts/5 s (not cross-validated) for the dominant wrist. These cut-points can classify ST and MVPA in older adults from hip- and wrist-worn accelerometers.
Flow Control in Porous Media: From Numerical Analysis to Quantitative μPAD for Ionic Strength Measurements
Authors: Mehrdel Pouya , Khosravi Hamid , Karimi Shadi , Martínez Joan Antoni López , Casals-Terré Jasmina
Published: May 2021

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) are a promising technology to enable accurate and quantitative in situ assays. Paper’s inherent hydrophilicity drives the fluids without the need for external pressure sources. However, controlling the flow in the porous medium has remained a challenge. This study addresses this problem from the nature of the paper substrate and its design. A computational fluid dynamic model has been developed, which couples the characteristics of the porous media (fiber length, fiber diameter and porosity) to the fluidic performance of the diffusion-based µPAD sensor. The numerical results showed that for a given porous membrane, the diffusion, and therefore the sensor performance is affected not only by the substrate nature but also by the inlets’ orientation. Given a porous substrate, the optimum performance is achieved by the lowest inlets’ angle. A diffusion-based self-referencing colorimetric sensor was built and validated according to the design. The device is able to quantify the hydronium concentration in wines by comparison to 0.1–1.0 M tartaric acid solutions with a 41.3 mM limit of detection. This research showed that by proper adjustments even the simplest µPADs can be used in quantitative assays for agri-food applications.
Learning Macromanagement in Starcraft by Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Huang Wenzhen , Yin Qiyue , Zhang Junge , Huang Kaiqi
Published: May 2021

StarCraft is a real-time strategy game that provides a complex environment for AI research. Macromanagement, i.e., selecting appropriate units to build depending on the current state, is one of the most important problems in this game. To reduce the requirements for expert knowledge and enhance the coordination of the systematic bot, we select reinforcement learning (RL) to tackle the problem of macromanagement. We propose a novel deep RL method, Mean Asynchronous Advantage Actor-Critic (MA3C), which computes the approximate expected policy gradient instead of the gradient of sampled action to reduce the variance of the gradient, and encode the history queue with recurrent neural network to tackle the problem of imperfect information. The experimental results show that MA3C achieves a very high rate of winning, approximately 90%, against the weaker opponents and it improves the win rate about 30% against the stronger opponents. We also propose a novel method to visualize and interpret the policy learned by MA3C. Combined with the visualized results and the snapshots of games, we find that the learned macromanagement not only adapts to the game rules and the policy of the opponent bot, but also cooperates well with the other modules of MA3C-Bot.
Effect of two commercial acellular dermal scaffolds on biological behavior of human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Moghaddas Omid , Miremadi Behdokht , Seyed Jafari Ehsan
Published: May 2021

Background. Periodontal regeneration is an essential goal of periodontal therapy. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been recommended as an alternative to autogenous grafts. However, since it is devoid of cells and vasculature, there are concerns regarding the biological behavior of cells on ADM. This study aimed to assess the effects of two commonly used ADMs on biological behavior, i.e., attachment and proliferation, of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods. This in vitro, experimental study was conducted on explanted and cultured HGFs. ADM types 1 and 2 (n=26; measuring 10×15 mm) were rinsed with saline solution, adapted to the bottom of 52 wells, exposed to HGFs with a cell density of 16,000 cells/mL, and incubated at 37°C for 12, 24, and 84 hours and seven days. Cell attachment was assessed 12 hours after incubation using 4›,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and methyl-thiazol-diphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assay under a fluorescence microscope. Cell viability was assessed at 24 and 84 hours and one week using the MTT assay. Cells were then platinum-coated, and their morphology was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results. HGFs were evaluated in 60 samples in three groups (n=20). Cell attachment was the same in the three groups, as shown by the MTT assay and DAPI test (P=0.6). Cell viability at one week was 3.73±0.02, 2.88±0.29, and 2.13±0.24 in the control, ADM 1, and ADM 2 groups, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P=0.01). Conclusion. Both scaffolds were the same in terms of attachment of HGFs. However, ADM 1 was superior to ADM2 in terms of cell viability and morphology at one week. It was concluded that the quality of acellular dermal scaffolds could significantly influence cellular behaviors and tissue maturation.
Evaluating the effect of probiotic supplementation in the form of mouthwash along with scaling and root planing on periodontal indices in patients with stage III and grade A generalized periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ghasemi Shima , Babaloo Amir Reza , Mohammadi Behnam , Esmailzadeh Mahdieh
Published: May 2021

Background. Periodontal disease is a chronic polymicrobial infectious condition. Non-surgical treatments, including scaling and root planing (SRP) with or without adjunctive treatments, are among the recommended treatment options for this condition. This study investigated the effect of probiotic supplementation in the form of mouthwash with SRP on periodontal indices in patients with stage III grade A generalized periodontitis. Methods. Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n=18) and received SRP treatment along with a placebo in one group and probiotic supplementation in the other. After SRP, the test group used daily probiotics for 20 days. The control group subjects were treated only with SRP and placebo mouthwash. Periodontal indices were determined at three time intervals: at baseline and after one and three months. The data were analyzed using SPSS 17. P<0.05 was considered statistically significantd. Results. There were significant differences in BOP levels in both the test and control groups between different intervals, with no significant difference between the groups. The significance of changes in the CAL and PI indices were similar to those in BOP. There were significant differences in PD levels between the groups after one and three months using the mouthwash. There were also significant differences between the PD values at different intervals in both groups. Conclusion. This study’s results showed that probiotic supplementation as a mouthwash, along with SRP, had a positive effect on periodontal indices in patients with stage III and grade A generalized periodontitis.
Clinical and radiographic diagnostic study of strontium ranelate and metal-substituted hydroxyapatite bone graft materials in diabetes mellitus with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Khashaba Omar , Alasfar Atef , Elgendy Enas Ahmed , Mowafey Bassant
Published: May 2021

Background. The present study aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic effect of strontium ranelate and metal-substituted hydroxyapatite as bone graft materials on treating chronic periodontitis among diabetes mellitus patients. Methods. A randomized split-mouth study was conducted on 20 sites in 10 controlled type II diabetic patients suffering from chronic periodontitis. After phase I therapy, the sites were randomly allocated by a computer-generated table into two groups. Group 1: A mucoperiosteal flap was elevated in 10 sites, followed by the placement of strontium ranelate mixed with Gengigel. Group 2: A mucoperiosteal flap was elevated in 10 opposite sites, followed by the placement of metal-substituted hydroxyapatite mixed with Gengigel. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 3- and 6-month intervals. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used at baseline and after six months to assess bone gain. Results. The two treatment modalities resulted in a statistically significant reduction in clinical parameters at the 3- and 6-month intervals compared to the mean baseline value. Intergroup comparison showed a significant reduction in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss in group 1 compared to group 2. Comparison of the two sides by CBCT showed a significant increase in the alveolar bone height in the SR group than the metal-substituted hydroxyapatite group. Conclusion. Clinical and radiographic results showed a significant improvement in the two groups and provided evidence that strontium ranelate is promising in treating periodontal diseases.
Challenges of COVID 19-Related Quarantine for Diabetes Type 2 Patients
Authors: Firouzkouhi Mohammadreza , Abdollahimohammad Abdolghani , Doosti-Irani Mehri
Published: May 2021

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Are Aorta Artery Diameter and Inferior Vena Cava Diameter a Reliable Predictor index in Traumatic Patients with Hemorrhagic Shock?
Authors: Shahsavarinia Kavous , Habibi Peyman , Taghizadieh Ali , Moharamzadeh Payman , Rahmani Farzad , PourSafar Tahmoures , Gilani Neda
Published: May 2021

Background: Intravascular volume is the most important factor in determining patients' hemodynamic status. This present study aimed to assay the predictive value of aorta artery diameter and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter in trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 69 trauma patients who referred to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz. Inclusion criteria were all trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock. Patients with diseases such as liver disease,cardiovascular,coronary heart disease and concurrent dehydration were excluded. Odds ratios and Adjusted odds ratios for the risk of events were obtained using cumulative logit ordinal regression model with version 15 of Stata software. Results: There were 58 men (84/1%) and 11 women (15/9%) with an average age of 36.4±12.4 year. Findings showed that for one unit increase in the diameter of the aorta by controlling the effect of other variables, the odds of mortality decreased for 2% compared with hospitalization in ward or intensive care unit (ICU). The reduction was also statistically significant (P=0.037). Furthermore, by modifying the effect of other variables, one unit increase in the diameter of IVC during inhale and exhale, increases the odds of hospitalization in ward or ICU. Conclusion: This study showed that the diameter of the aorta and also the diameter of IVC during inhale and exhale can be used to predict the outcome of trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock and eventually to take steps for emergent and effective treatment.
Prevalence of Calreticulin exon 9 Mutation in Iranian Cardiovascular Patients
Authors: Mohammad Taghi Zade Mohammad Javad , Saki Najmaldin , Heybar Habib
Published: May 2021

Background: Calreticulin (CALR) is a 46 kDa protein in the endoplasmic reticulum and is one of the major proteins in ca2+ binding; it has a key role in oxidative stress, transcription factor activation, and as a chaperone in newly synthesized protein and glycoprotein folding. The high expression of CALR is pivotal for cardiac development in the embryonic period. It has been showed that mutation in exon 9 of CALR causes loss of C-terminal function and contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Objective: It could conceivably be hypothesized that in addition to the general risk factors, the specific gene defects which are less considered can contribute to CVD development. In this regard in this study the possible existence of CALR mutations in CVD development is determine in patients younger than 40. Method: Thirty patients younger than 40 were recruited for this study, 86.7% (26) were male, and just 13.3% (4) were female. The amplification refractory mutation system-PCR was used to identified mutation in exon 9. The CVD risk factors, including blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, history of smoking, alcohol drinking, and familial CVD development were evaluated. Result: In none of the patients, CALR mutations were detected. Since CALR defect causes accumulation of glycogen in the heart's cells and contributes to CVD development, our results confirm this, so that 76.7% of patients did not have diabetes. Conclusion: The findings of the current study show there is no significant differences between exon 9 CALR mutation and CVD development.
The effects of Silibinin on nitrosative stress and matrix metalloproteinase -9 expression in Balb/c mice with breast cancer tumor
Authors: Soleimani Farhad , Sharifi Rasoul , Mahmoodi Minoo , Kasaee Mehrdad
Published: May 2021

Background: Among the factors associated with cancer are the nitrosative stress and increased expression of some Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP). Silibinin has an anti-tumor effect, therefore, the present study evaluates the effects of slibinin on nitrosative stress indices and Matrix Metalloproteinase -9 (MMP-9) expression in the animal models of breast cancer. Methods: In this study, 48 Balb/c mice were divided into 6 groups (each group contains 8 mouse): healthy ( control and cancer ) and treatment groups: treatment groups included cancerous mice which receiving 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg of silibinin for 3 weeks. In order to induce cancer, 4T1 cell line was used. After enrolling serum and breast tumor samples, NO level and MMP-9 expression in breast tumor biopsy were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and T-test (p <0.05). Results: The results revealed that the use 80 mg of silibinin resulted in significantly decreased in NO level in cancerous mice(170.88±15.42μM/ml) compared with untreated cancerous mice(190.38±21.19 μM/ml) (p=0.05). Furthermore, the use of three dose of silibinin led to a non-significant reduction of MMP-9 in the treatment group compared to untreated cancerous mice. Conclusion: Silibinin treatment has been shown to improve nitrosative stress in breast cancer mice.
Comparison study of combination of cryotherapy & intralesional injection and multipuncture of bleomycin vs cryotherapy in resistant palmoplanter warts
Authors: Amirnia Mehdi , Ranjkesh Mohamad , Mousavi Mir ahad
Published: May 2021

Background: Although many warts are treated with usual methods, resistant cases are common problems. Bleomycin is one of the drugs used for resistant cases. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of cryotherapy and intralesional bleomycin injection combination with cryotherapy in the treatment of resistant warts. Methods: Sixty patients with resistant warts were selected and randomly divided into two groups of 30 A and B patients. In each group, cryotherapy was performed three sessions during 0, third and, sixth weeks in case of visible lesions. In group B, in addition to cryotherapy in week 0, and in the presence of visible lesions during week 3, injections of intra-lesions of bleomycin 1 mg/ml were administered. Treatment outcomes and possible complications were evaluated during the third and sixth weeks. Results: The response to the treatment was defined as poor, moderate, and well by the physician, which was 16.7%, 53.3% and, 10% in group A after 3 weeks of treatment, respectively and was 16.7%, 50% and, 33.3% in group B, respectively. The response to the treatment after 6 weeks of treatment was 33.3%, 40%, and 26.7% in group A and was 6.7%, 40%, and 53.3% in group B, respectively. Conclusion: Combined treatment of cryotherapy and intralesional bleomycin injection is more effective than cryotherapy in the treatment of resistant warts.
Determining the degree of alignment of prostate carcinoma in a rectal biopsy with radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate carcinoma
Authors: Hassanzadeh Kamaleddin , Lotfi Behzad , Shokuhi Behroz , Safaralizadeh Ali
Published: May 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of alignment of prostate carcinoma in a rectal biopsy with radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate carcinoma to determine which biopsy samples are consistent with surgical specimens. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, out of 122 patients with prostate cancer who had undergone radical prostatectomy surgery in Sina hospital of Tabriz 65 patients with clinical records and pathological reports of needle biopsy, and radical prostatectomy biopsy specimens were available.The required information was recorded in questionnaire made for this study, and then the pathologic report and Gleason score and lymph-vascular involvement of the specimens were determined separately and finally the Trans rectal pathology report of the biopsy was compared with the histopathology report of radical prostatectomy in each patient. Results: The most common Gleason score and radical prostatectomy score were 6 (41.5%) and 6(40%), respectively. The lowest frequency of Gleason score, radical of the prostatectomy, and Trans rectal biopsy score were 10 (3.1%), 8(4.6%)%), and 4(4.6%), respectively. Generally, 24.6% of the prostatectomy samples were similarly scored, while 63.1% reported Trans rectal biopsy specimens and 12.3% reported low Trans rectal biopsy. By grouping the samples into histopathology levels this association was 41.5% identical in terms of scores and 49.2% in excess and 9.2% in lower reporting. The most common histopathology degree was rarely (49%) in Trans rectal biopsy and moderate in 40% in radical prostatectomy about 43% of badly differentiated cancers in the surgical specimens remained at the same level and the highest reporting rates were in the group with a good degree of distinction (66%). The highest correlation between rectal biopsy samples and radical prostatectomy samples was at the 6th grade and lowest compliance rate was in 4th and 8th grades. Conclusion: The highest degree of alignment was in the bad differentiation group, which indicates the high predictive power of biopsy specimens at this degree of differentiation. The present study suggests that the size of the smaller prostate and the high pre-surgical PSA may be predictive of increasing the Gleason score after radical prostatectomy.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis L4/ L5 radiological parameters in patient with L5 Sacralization
Authors: Kazempour Azar Aydin , Aghazadeh Javad , Salehpour Firooz , Kamalifar Amir , Mirzaei Farhad , Rezakhah Amir , Kamalifar Samar
Published: May 2021

Background: L5 Sacralization is normal variation in lumbar anatomy, but many authors believed this condition because of concentration of pressure in L4/ L5 level can speed up degenerative process (disk degeneration or listhesis…). However no study was compare spondylolisthesis radiological parameters in patient with and without sacralization of L5, our purpose is evaluation of radiological parameters in spondylolistesisL4/L5 in patient with and without L5 sacralization. Methods: In cross sectional study we divided 78 patient with spondylolisthesis of L4/L5 in two group with (n=24) and without (n=54) L5 sacralization and evaluated facet osteoarthritis, degree of listhesis (%), disk degeneration, and facet orientation in two group and result was compared, Results: There was no significant difference in the degree of anterior slippage of L4 on L5 (17.02±6.21 versus 16.65±4.87, p=0.809), facet orientation (54.99±12.18 versus 56.23±4.35, p=0.642), facet osteoarthritis (3.43±0.59 versus 3.53±0.37, p=0.527), or disc degeneration (4.50±0.51 versus 4.35±0.61, p=0.340) between the two groups Conclusion: There is no significant relation between radiological parameters in two group and we thought influence of L5 sacralization on degenerative process of L4/L5 less significant than previously expected, but future study with large number of patient need to clarify the role of fixed L5 on degenerative process in lumbar spine.
Seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in children living in rural areas of Ahar and Osku Counties in East Azarbaijan Province, North-west of Iran in 2018
Authors: Maghsood Amirhossein , Parsaei Mahdi , Azimi Afshin , Mohebali Mehdi , Akhoundi Behnaz , Sarafraz Sedigeh , Hasanzadeh Mahdi , Alizadeh Saber , Shahnami Ahad
Published: May 2021

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is an endemic disease in some areas of Iran, including East Azarbaijan, Ardabil, Fars and Bushehr provinces. The disease is sporadic in other parts of the country. According to the reports of numerous cases of the disease from Ahar and Osku counties (cities), East Azarbaijan province and the lack of new study on the prevalence of the disease, this study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of VL in the children of Ahar and Osku counties, in East Azarbaijan Province. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected in the test tube without anticoagulants, from children under 8 years from rural areas of Ahar and Osko, in 2018. The samples were evaluated using Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) to measure anti Leishmania infantum antibodies for titer up to 1:3200. Results: Out of 209 children <8 years in selected centers in Ahar and Osku, two cases (0.95%) revealed anti-Leishmania antibodies titer 1:3200. Initially, one of the two positive individuals in the study had a suspicious antibody titer of 1:1600, whose antibody titer increased to 1:3200 after 4 weeks. Conclusion: The Kala-azar, in spite of low endemicity, is one of the health problems in Ahar and Osku in East Azarbaijan Province. This study suggests the necessity of supplementary studies based on molecular approaches in the region and other parts of the province.
Comparison of diagnostic value of nerve conduction studies and F-wave in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Gorji Zahra , Azadeh Hamid
Published: May 2021

Background: Diagnosis of polyneuropathy is typically made using sensory and motor nerve conduction studies (NCS). These tests include measurement of amplitude, velocity, and delay of sensory and motor waves. These waves cannot assess the entire length of the nerve, proximal parts in special. F-wave is the only test capable of measuring the entire length of the nerve. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of F-wave in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. Methods: This is a retrospective study assessing the value of nerve conduction studies and F-wave in the diagnosis of 148 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy referred to hospitals under the supervision of the University of Iowa from October 1, 2016, to September 5, 2018. Motor neurons of median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves and sensory neurons of median, ulnar, and sural nerves were assessed using two techniques of NCS and F-wave. Then the data were compared. Results: The results of this study showed that F-wave in all of the evaluated nerves (median, ulnar, tibial and peroneal) detected abnormalities to more extents than routine NCS (P <0.001). When total neuronal abnormalities were accumulated, this value was 82٪ for NCS, while 99٪ for the F wave (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Findings of the current study showed that the assessment of delayed nerve conducting through F-waves can diagnose diabetic polyneuropathy to better extents as compared to NCS. Further evaluations are recommended.
Boswellic Acids as Promising Leads in Drug Development against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Haghaei Hossein , Soltani Somaieh , Aref Hosseini Seyedrafie , Rashidi Mohammad Reza , Karima Saeed
Published: May 2021

Biological activity of Boswellia extract (BE) has been attributed to its main active ingredients; i.e. Boswellic acids (BAs). BE/BAs possess a promising therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders; including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The multifactorial nature of AD pathophysiology necessitates the development of the disease-modifying agents (DMA). Recent multi-targeting approaches for the DMAs development have brought more attention to the plant-derived compounds regarding their better human compatibility because of their biologic origin. This review addresses the current knowledge on the anti-AD activity of BE/BAs based on the available in silico, in vitro, in vivo studies and clinical trials. The contribution of BE/BAs in inflammatory pathways, Tau and β-amyloid proteins, microtubule functions, oxidative stress, cholinesterase and diabetes/insulin pathways involved in AD have been discussed. BAs efficacy in different AD-related pathways has been confirmed in vitro and in vivo. They can be considered as valuable scaffold/lead compounds for multi-targeted DMAs in anti-AD drug discovery and development.