bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artesanato e Turismo de Base Comunitária: interrelações e desafios na comunidade Ilha Grande dos Paulinos (Tutóia, Maranhão)
Authors: Moraes Glaucia Maria Da Conceição , Carvalho Karoliny Diniz
Published: September 2022

O artigo possui como objetivo central analisar as possibilidades para o desenvolvimento do Turismo de Base Comunitária (TBC) na comunidade Ilha Grande dos Paulinos (Tutóia, Maranhão) com foco na sua produção artesanal. Para tanto, delineou-se os seguintes objetivos específicos: a) discutir a relação o TBC como opção para o Bem Viver das comunidades tradicionais; b) caracterizar a comunidade Ilha Grande dos Paulinos; c) verificar o interesse das artesãs em participar do planejamento de ações voltadas para o desenvolvimento turístico do lugar e d) analisar o potencial do TBC como via de fomento ao artesanato neste local e contexto específicos. O embasamento teórico da pesquisa permeou discussões sobre o artesanato como patrimônio cultural e a sua apropriação pelo turismo com vistas a refletir sobre as potencialidades de projetos de TBC como fator de desenvolvimento local. Realizou-se uma pesquisa de campo por meio de entrevistas com 05 artesãs da comunidade, além do registro fotográfico da produção artesanal. De acordo com os resultados da pesquisa, o artesanato tradicional foi percebido como elemento importante da identidade das artesãs e o turismo como promotor da qualidade de vida. Ressalta-se a necessidade de ampliar as redes de cooperação público e privada a fim de fomentar a cadeia produtiva do artesanato e fortalecer as práticas artesanais por meio da atividade turística, além de incentivar a visitação turística na ilha, alicerçado nos preceitos da socioeconomia solidária.
Lições aprendidas para gestão de crise no setor de turismo de Florianópolis durante a pandemia Covid-19
Authors: Lacerda Leonardo Lincoln Leite de , Santos Juliana Frandalozo Alves dos , Cunha Cristiano José Castro de Almeida
Published: September 2022

O município de Florianópolis tem no turismo, hotelaria e eventos, um importante setor de desenvolvimento. Durante a pandemia de Covid-19, o setor foi bastante afetado devido à redução na mobilidade de pessoas e medidas de controle do contágio. Com o objetivo de identificar e compreender as lições aprendidas por profissionais do setor público de turismo de Florianópolis durante a gestão da pandemia em 2020, foram entrevistados seis profissionais da Secretaria Municipal de Turismo, Tecnologia e Desenvolvimento Econômico. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado o método qualitativo de análise temática. Os resultados mostram oito conjuntos de temas inter-relacionados que agregam o aprendizado: decisões técnicas e protocolos sanitários; informação e comunicação; capacidade de aprendizagem e capacitação; resiliência organizacional; retomada e recuperação; lições pessoais; fiscalização e penalização; alteração na forma de turismo.
Dar, receber e retribuir: a tríplice obrigação sócioantropológica no turismo rural
Authors: Pugen Bianca , Deponti Cidonea Machado , Cadoná Marco André
Published: September 2022

Esta pesquisa buscou compreender se é possível realizar uma leitura do turismo rural na comunidade de Morro Azul, em Três Cachoeiras, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, a partir da Lógica da Reciprocidade. O turismo rural é uma prática que vem servindo, em determinadas comunidades, como instrumento para agregar renda às propriedades rurais e para estimular a valorização da cultura e do ambiente local, contribuindo, assim, para melhoria da qualidade de vida dos habitantes destas áreas. Os resultados da pesquisa apontaram a possibilidade de coexistência de duas lógicas socioeconômicas no turismo rural: a lógica do intercâmbio e a lógica da reciprocidade. Esta última é que parece estimular os agricultores a trabalharem em conjunto em prol de um objetivo comum.
“O museu vai às escolas”: possibilidades de apropriação e promoção do patrimônio cultural do Seridó potiguar
Authors: Silva Eduarco Cristiano Hass da
Published: September 2022

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar e analisar parte dos resultados do projeto “O museu vai às escolas” – roteiros histórico-culturais para a preservação e promoção da memória seridoense. Metodologicamente, foram mobilizadas a revisão de literatura, a análise documental histórica e a educação patrimonial, bem como a análise da produção de um livro digital interativo e a realização de um curso de extensão. Considerando o caráter interdisciplinar do projeto analisado, o presente estudo recorre a um escopo de leitura amplo, articulando Turismo Cultural, História, Museologia e Educação, a partir de um conjunto de conceitos, sendo eles patrimônio histórico e cultural, Turismo Cultural, roteiro histórico cultural e museus. Os resultados demonstram diferentes possibilidades de apropriação do patrimônio cultural, especialmente do Seridó potiguar, seja na esfera da Educação ou do Turismo.
Patrimônio cultural e imaginário turístico - L'Algérie contemporaine illustrée (1881) de Mary Elizabeth Herbert
Authors: Dazzi Camila
Published: September 2022

L'Algérie, publicado em Paris em 1881, é um relato de viagem escrito pela Baronesa Mary Elizabeth Herbert sobre sua estadia na Argélia em 1871. Relatos de viagem ilustrados do século XIX sobre os territórios colonizados pelos franceses no Norte da África, como o L`Algérie, participaram na construção de um imaginário turístico estereotipado sobre esses territórios que permanece até hoje. Dentre os atrativos que neles eram apresentados por meio de imagens e textos, estavam representações exoticizadas das antigas edificações do passado árabe-berbere das colônias francesas no Magrebe. A nossa hipótese é a de que o L'Algérie é uma produção orientalista que ajudou no processo de compreensão dos monumentos árabe-berberes da Argélia como exóticos e pitorescos. Nosso objetivo foi apresentar uma breve análise do livro de modo a evidenciar o caráter exótico atribuído às antigas construções da Argélia, construções estas que começaram a ser compreendidas como monumentos no século XIX, e que hoje são reconhecidas como Patrimônios Culturais pela Argélia.
New Biomarkers in Early Diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury in Children
Authors: Bazargani Behnaz , Moghtaderi Mastaneh
Published: September 2022

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common condition with a high risk of mortality and morbidity, so, early diagnosis and management of AKI is very important in clinical practice. Despite significant progress in the management of AKI, it still carries high morbidity and mortality. BUN and serum creatinine are not very sensitive nor specific for the diagnosis of AKI because they are affected by many renal and non-renal factors that are independent of kidney injury or kidney function and change significantly only after significant kidney injury and with a substantial time delay. Detection of biomarkers of AKI made predominantly by the injured kidney tissue are essential for the early diagnosis of AKI. An ideal biomarker should be one that could be easily measured, with no interference with other biologic variables, and be able to clarify early phases of kidney damage. The most common biomarkers studied are Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), Interleukin-18 (IL-18), Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (KIM-1), Cystatin-C, L type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (L-FABP), N-Acetyl- β-D Glucosaminidase (NAG), netrin-1, vanin-1, and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) and calprotectin.
Antibodies Produced Toward Recombinant RBD and Nucleocapsid Neutralize SARS-COV-2
Authors: Rezaei Amir , Nazarian Shahram , Samiei Abianeh Hossein , Kordbacheh Emad , Alizadeh Zahra , Mousavi Gargari Seyed Latif
Published: September 2022

Background: The highly contagious SARS-COV-2 virus spread rapidly from China and formed a global pandemic. The virus has infected over 509 million people worldwide and killed about 6.32 million up to date. Up on invasion, the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of Spike protein plays a crucial role in the entry of the virus into the host cell. The virus N protein is another protein that has a critical role for genome packaging.
 
Methods: As bioinformatics approaches, the cassette design, codon adaptation, and protein stability were investigated in this study. Synthetic genes of RBD and N were cloned separately in pET28a + expression vector. They were transferred into Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21 DE3 host cell, and expression of recombinant proteins was induced with IPTG. The recombinant proteins were purified by column chromatography and approved by Western blotting. Animal immunization was performed with each of the recombinant proteins individually and in combination of the two. The antibody titer of the blood serum from control and immunized mice groups was determined by ELISA technique. Finally, the anti-spike neutralization test was performed.
 
Results: The expression and purification of RBD protein were monitored on SDS-PAGE, two bands of about 28 and 45 kDa for RBD and N appeared on gel distinctly, which were further validated by Western blotting. According to ELISA results, related antibodies were traced to a dilution of 1/64000 in immunized sera. The neutralization test exhibited produced antibodies' potency to bind the virus proteins. Using SPSS software, statistical analysis was performed by Duncan's test and T-test.
 
Conclusion: According to the present study, recombinant proteins, either RBD alone or in combination with N adequately stimulated the immune response, and the raised antibodies could neutralize the virus in in vitro test.
A Panel of Circulating microRNAs as a Potential Biomarker for the Early Detection of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Saliminejad Kioomars , Mahmoodzadeh Habibollah , Soleymani Fard Shahrzad , Yaghmaie Marjan , Khorram Khorshid Hamid Reza , Mousavi Seyed Asadollah , Vaezi Mohammad , Ghaffari Seyed Hamidollah
Published: September 2022

Background: The high mortality rate of Gastric Cancer (GC) is a consequence of delayed diagnosis. The early diagnosis of GC could increase the five-year survival rate among patients. We aimed to find a panel of microRNAs (miRNA) for the detection of GC in the early stages.
 
Methods: In this case-control study, we selected consistently upregulated miRNAs from the results of 12 high-throughput miRNA profiling studies in GC. In the profiling phase, the differential expressions of 13 candidate miRNAs were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in two pooled RNA samples prepared from the plasma of eight GC patients and eight matched controls. In the validation phase, significantly upregulated miRNAs from the profiling phase were further evaluated in the plasma samples of 97 patients with stage I-IV gastric adenocarcinoma and 100 healthy controls.
 
Results: In the profiling phase, six miRNAs (miR-18a, 21, 25, 92a, 125b and 221) were significantly upregulated in the GC patients compared to the controls (p<0.05). However, in the validation phase, only significant up-regulation of miR-18a, 21 and 125b was confirmed (p<0.05). A panel of miR-18a/21/125b was able to detect GC patients with stage I-IV from the controls (p<0.001; AUC=0.92, sensitivity=86%; specificity=85%). In addition, the panel could distinguish the early-stage GC (I+II) from the control group with an AUC of 0.83, a sensitivity of 83%, and a specificity of 75%.
Conclusion: A panel of circulating miR18a/21/125b could be suggested as a potential biomarker for the early detection of GC.
Bioactive Materials Derived from Menstrual Blood Stem Cells Enhance the Quality of In Vitro Bovine Embryos
Authors: Amini Mohammad Sobhan , Naderi Mohammad Mehdi , Shirazi Abolfazl , Aminafshar Mehdi , Borjian Boroujeni Sara , Pournourali Mostafa , Malekpour Ali
Published: September 2022

Backgrounds: The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of bioactive materials derived from Menstrual Blood Stem Cells (MenSCs) to the oocyte maturation medium may improve the quality of bovine embryos in vitro.
 
Methods: MenSCs were collected from 6 healthy women (between 26 and 36 years old) and after 3 days of culture, their bioactive materials were frozen. The bovine Cumulus-Oocyte-Complexes (COCs) were aspirated from ovarian slaughterhouse and the oocytes with more than three layers of cumulus cells were cultured in vitro in media supplemented with (treatment) and without (control) 10% MenSCs’ bioactive materials. After IVM/IVF, the presumptive zygotes were cultured for 8 days.
 
Results: The blastocyst rate on day 8 in treatment group was higher than control (40.2±1.9 vs. 23±4.2.3, p=0.001). The ratio of Trophectoderm (TE) and Inner Cell Mass (ICM) (ICM/TE) cells was also greater in treatment group compared to control (30.3±2 vs. 14.9±1; p=0.001). The re-expansion of vitrified blastocysts, 24 hours after warming, in treatment group was higher than control (93.3±2.5 vs. 66.2±8.8; p=0.01). The expression of some genes related to pluripotency and implantation (OCT4, CDX2, and IFNT) were increased in treatment group compared to control (p<0/05).
 
Conclusion: In conclusion, the addition of MenSCs’ bioactive materials during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes could improve the quantity and quality of bovine IVP embryos. Also, the expression of some genes associated with pluripotency and implantation in the blastocyst would be increased.
Evaluation of PLGA-Encapsulated Recombinant GroEL of S. typhi immune Responses Against Enterohaemorrhagic and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Parvane Milad , Nazarian Shahram , Kordbache Emad , Fathi Javad , Minae Mohamad Ebrahim , Ramezani Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2022

Background: Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) elicit humoral and cellular immune responses. Due to their high sequence homology, they can be developed as a new immunogen for cross prophylactic and vaccination effects against infectious agents such as Enteropathogenic and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EPEC and EHEC). This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and cross-protective efficacy of rGroEL of Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) encapsulated in poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles against EPEC and EHEC.
 
Methods: Recombinant GroEL was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The protein was encapsulated in PLGA by the double emulsion method, and the nanoparticles were characterized physicochemically. BALB/c mice were immunized, and the efficacy of the protein to elicit immune responses was assessed.
 
Results: Over-expression in E. coli led to corresponding 64.5 kDa protein bands in Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Non-ag-gregated nanoparticles had a spherical shape with a mean diameter of 194.3±3 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 89.5±2.5%. Antibody isotyping revealed that GroEL immunization induced both IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies. Moreover, immunization of the mice with recombinant GroEL protein conferred 80 and 60% protection against lethal infections by EPEC and EHEC, respectively. Furthermore, organ burden studies revealed a significant reduction in infection in the immunized mice compared to the non-immunized ones. Passive immunization with anti-GroEL sera also protected 50% of the mice against the lethal doses of EHEC and EPEC strains.
 
Conclusion: The findings indicated that immunization of the mice with recombinant GroEL of S. typhi elicited cross-protection against other bacterial infections. This represented the immense potential of GroEL to be developed as a single vaccine against multiple pathogens.
Comparative Antioxidant and Anti-gout Activities of Citrullus colocynthis loaded Fruit Silver nanoparticles with its Ethanolic extract
Authors: Karunakaran Suganya , Hari Rajeswary
Published: September 2022

Background: The biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant materials is a rapidly developing method with several alternative medical applications. This comparative study of ethanolic fruit extract of Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis) (EFECC) and synthesized silver nanoparticles (CC-AgNPs) were carried out for antioxidants and anti-gout arthritic activities.
 
Methods: The AgNPs were synthesized using C. colocynthis fruit and its characterization was done by UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, XRD and FT-IR. The 90% ethanol was used for extract preparation. Antioxidant activity was analyzed by DPPH and the Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) method. In vitro anti-arthritic activity was tested by xanthine oxidase inhibition, protein denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization assay.
 
Results: The synthesized CC-AgNPs were confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy and TEM images displayed spherical shapes with 10-45 nm size range. Furthermore, the functional groups and crystalline structure of CC-AgNPs were determined by FT-IR and XRD analysis. The biosynthesized CC-AgNPs exhibited an excellent free radical scavenging ability than EFECC. In anti-arthritic activity, the CC-AgNPs showed effective inhibition of xanthine oxidase production, protein denaturation, and damaged RBC membranes compared to EFECC.
 
Conclusion: The antioxidant activities and in vitro anti-arthritic assays revealed that CC-AgNPs are better anti-gout agents than EFECC. This research suggested that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from C. colocynthis fruit are an important target in the field of anti-gout drug discovery.
Association between PTCH1 and RAD54B Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Non-syndromic Orofacial Clefts in the Northeast Population of Iran
Authors: Farimani Reza Morvaridi , Azimi-Nezhad Mohsen , KhorramKhorshid Hamid Reza , Ebadifar Asghar , Tohidkhah Saba , Jafarian Zahra , Kamali Koorosh , Nazari Zeinab , Ebrahimzadeh-Vesal Reza
Published: September 2022

Background: Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip with or without cleft Palate (NSCL/P) is a common developmental disorder of the head and neck with a multifactorial etiology. The current study aimed to evaluate the potential association of PTCH1 (rs10512248) and RAD54B (rs12681366) polymorphisms with NSCL/P in the Northeast Iranian population.
 
Methods: In the present study, blood samples were taken from 122 subjects with NSCL/P and 161 healthy controls. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) were used to conduct genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
 
Results: Although differences were observed between cases and controls in rs10512248 and rs12681366, our data did not support a significant association of these polymorphisms with NSCL/P in our population.
 
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that polymorphisms of rs10512248 and rs12681366 may not be potential risk factors for NSCL/P in the Northeast Iranian population due to the multifactorial and multiethnicity characteristics of some genes.
Effects of Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide Microgels Containing Antibiofilm Substances on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Chronic Wounds
Authors: Etemadinia Akram , Seyfoori Amir , Rahimi Foroushani Abbas , Mazaheri Nezhad Fard Ramin , Bakhtiari Ronak
Published: September 2022

Background: Biofilm formation helps Pseudomonas ‎aeruginosa (P. ‎aeruginosa) survive in various environments. Microgels can be effective in treatment of bacterial infections. The major aim of this study was to investigate effects of poly-N-isopropyl-acrylamide microgels (PNIPAM) on P. aeruginosa.
 
Methods: Totally‎, ‎100 P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from chronic wound infections‎. Quantitative assessments of biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility were carried out. Furthermore, algD, lasR, and PA2714 genes were amplified to investigate gene frequencies and expression rates.
 
Results: Significant decreases were seen in lasR expression in EDTA-treated samples‎. Significant decreases were observed in expression of algD and lasR treated with xylitol. Decreased ‎expression of PA2714 was seen in samples treated with xylitol with no significance. ‎
 
Conclusion: The PNIPAM containing xylitol ‎or EDTA could penetrate biofilms of P. aeruginosa and significantly decrease expression of lasR and algD. This can be a novel strategy in the management of chronic wounds.
Mitochondrial Transfer from Menstrual Blood Stromal/Stem Cells Promotes Survival of Cardiomyocytes Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Manshori Mahmood , Kazemnejad Somaieh , Golshahi Hannaneh
Published: September 2022

The Article Abstract is not available.
أنظمة الري بالأفلاج في إمارة رأس الخيمة: الوضع الحالي والآفاق المستقبلية لحفظها وحمايتها
Authors: راينولدز ويل
Published: September 2022

تعتبر محطات الأفلاج المائية في إمارة رأس الخيمة شهادة على البراعة البشرية، ومع ذلك فقد تم التخلي عنها إلى حد كبير بسبب انخفاض منسوب المياه وتراجع زراعة نخيل التمر ونقص الصيانة. تتناول هذه الورقة الظروف الحالية لمحطات المياه وآفاق الحفاظ عليها، وكذلك التأثير المحتمل للحفاظ عليها على التنمية المستدامة لمستقبل إمارة رأس الخيمة من حيث التراث، والسياحة، والموارد الطبيعية، والشركات المحلية.
Sleep status in multiple sclerosis: Role of vitamin D and body mass index
Authors: Yazdchi Mohammad , Khanalizadeh Ramin , Nasiri Ehsan , Naseri Amirreza , Talebi Maliheh , Talebi Mahnaz
Published: September 2022

Background: Sleep disorders are major but neglected symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to describe the sleep status in patients with MS.
Methods: We selected mildly-disabled [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score < 4] patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). After determining the level of vitamin D in a blood sample of the patients, the validated Persian versions of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, high blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), age, neck circumference, and gender (STOP-Bang) questionnaires were filled and the sleep condition was described. Besides, the impact of age, sex, disease duration, and EDSS on sleep status was determined.
Results: 37.87% of 103 included patients with MS had poor sleep quality. 21.35% rate of subthreshold, 10.67% rate of moderate, and 1.94% rate of severe insomnia were also observed. Only 1.94% of patients had a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). There was a significant relation between Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score with ISI (r = 0.45, P < 0.01), PSQI (r = 0.53, P < 0.01), and STOP (r = 0.20, P = 0.03). A significant correlation between STOP with BMI (r = 0.24, P = 0.01) and age (r = 0.21, P = 0.03) was also observed. Sleep status was not significantly different in groups of the patients based on vitamin D, overweight, or sex.
Conclusion: Poor sleep quality is a common finding among mildly-disabled patients with MS. There is also a 33.99% rate of subthreshold or clinical insomnia in different severities. Quality of sleep and insomnia is not significantly correlated to BMI, level of vitamin D, and sex in patients with MS.
The association between body mass index, demographic and clinical characteristics with cognitive performance in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Rezaeimanesh Nasim , Saeedi Roghayyeh , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Ghadiri Fereshteh , Naser Moghadasi Abdorreza
Published: September 2022

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is one of the problems that patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) suffer from. We aimed to assess the association between demographic and clinical features as well as body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function in patients with NMOSD.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 41 patients with definite diagnosis of NMOSD. Serum status of neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G (NMO-IgG) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Cognitive function was assessed by Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) battery which is validated for Persian people before and North American Adult Reading Test (NAART).
Results: The mean score of NAART test was higher in participants with normal weight compared with overweight patients (40.47 ± 3.51 vs. 36.00 ± 5.74, P = 0.02). Current age was negatively correlated with Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS)-Sorting (P = 0.05, r = -0.30). The correlation of duration of disease and cognitive performance was not significant (P > 0.05). Higher physical disability based on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was correlated with lower results in Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) (P < 0.01, r = -0.50), California Verbal Learning Test-second edition (CVLT-II)-Delayed Recall (P = 0.02, r = -0.35), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (P = 0.03, r = -0.33) subtests of MACFIMS. Annual relapse rate was indirectly correlated with CVLT-II (P = 0.03, r = -0.34) and CVLT-II-Delayed Recall (P = 0.01, r = -0.38). Male participants obtained better scores in Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) subtest (P = 0.05). NMO-IgG seropositive patients had poorer performance in terms of CVLT-II-Delayed Recall, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), and D-KEFS-Descriptive (P < 0.05). Participants with bachelor and master education degrees showed significantly better results compared to those with high school degree (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Investigating the clinical and demographic factors affecting cognitive impairment can increase the awareness of health care providers for early diagnosis of cognitive impairment in patients with NMOSD and increase the quality of health services.
The effect of energy conservation strategies on fatigue, function, and quality of life in adults with motor neuron disease: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fateh Hamid Reza , Askary-Kachoosangy Reihaneh , Shirzad Niloofar , Akbarzadeh-Baghban Alireza , Fatehi Farzad
Published: September 2022

Background: Fatigue is one of the most frequent complaints in patients with motor neuron diseases (MNDs), with a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL). There is lack of enough evidence for current pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments of fatigue in this population to be applied in clinical setting. Energy conservation strategies are one of the key interventions for fatigue management in chronic diseases. We aimed to investigate the effect of applying these techniques in the fatigue management of patients with MND.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study was carried out on 28 patients with MND. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. In addition to routine treatment, patients in the intervention group participated in 3 weekly 1-hour energy conservation programs provided by an experienced occupational therapist. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score, 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were measured at baseline, immediately after the last intervention session, and one month later.
Results: FSS and COPM significantly changed after the course in the intervention group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Both FSS and COPM improved significantly toward the final assessment only in the intervention group. The SF-36 changes were not significant in each of the groups.
Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, using energy conservation strategies could lead to better mid-term fatigue management and occupational performance improvement, but it did not improve QOL in patients with MND.
A retrospective study of the safety and efficacy of rituximab in Iranian patients with myasthenia gravis: A single-center experience
Authors: Ziaadini Bentolhoda , Karimi Narges , Panahi Akram , Okhovat Ali Asghar , Fatehi Farzad , Nafissi Shahriar
Published: September 2022

Background: This retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of rituximab (RTX) for the management of myasthenia gravis (MG).
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 61 patients with refractory and non-refractory MG who received RTX. The Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) profile was used to assess MG symptoms and their effects on daily activities at the start of RTX and in the last follow-up. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Post-Intervention Status (MGFA-PIS) scale has been used as an outcome measure after treatment with RTX in the 12th month and the last follow-up.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.31 ± 13.53 years (range: 15-78 years). Of 61 patients, eight (13.1%) were double seronegative, 29 (47.5%) had anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR+) antibody, and 24 (39.3%) had anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase antibody (MuSK+). According to the mean rank table, the results of this study showed that the drug was more effective in improving the symptoms of MuSK+ patients compared to the other two groups (P = 0.006). The mean MG-ADL was 4.86 ± 1.83 before treatment and 1.51 ± 2.02 in the last follow-up visit. Paired t-test showed a significant association between MG-ADL before and after treatment in the last visit [t(55): 11.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.79-3.99, P = 0.001)].
Conclusion: This retrospective study showed a considerable effect of RTX as induction therapy in patients with MG, especially those with MuSk+ MG.
The effect of pyridostigmine on post-stroke dysphagia: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rahimi-Jaberi Abbas , Askari Yadollah , Rahimi-Jaberi Khojasteh , Moghadam Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Background: Swallowing is one of the most complex functions of the central nervous system (CNS), which is controlled by different parts of the brain. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is one of the most common complications after stroke. Despite a variety of behavioral, compensatory, and rehabilitative methods, many stroke patients still suffer from swallowing disorders that adversely affect their quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pyridostigmine on patients with post-stroke dysphagia.
Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 40 patients suffering from post-stroke dysphagia. Patients were assigned randomly into two groups: intervention and control groups (20 in each group). The intervention group was treated with pyridostigmine (60 mg, three times a day, 30 minutes before each meal for three weeks), and the control group received placebo treatment in the same way. All patients (intervention and control) were evaluated according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Functional Communication Measures (FCM)/American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) criteria at baseline and after three weeks of intervention. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: In the intervention group, the mean values of NIHSS, mRS, and ASHA/FCM were significantly reduced following three weeks of treatment with pyridostigmine (P = 0.002, P = 0.003, and P < 0.001, respectively), but no significant differences were found in the mean NIHSS, mRS, and ASHA/FCM in the placebo group.
Conclusion: Although pyridogestamine is somewhat effective in post-stroke dysphagia, it has not been shown to be more important in preventing aspiration pneumonia and length of hospital stay.
B vitamins and their combination could reduce migraine headaches: A randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Nematgorgani Shiva , Razeghi-Jahromi Soodeh , Jafari Elham , Togha Mansoureh , Rafiee Pegah , Ghorbani Zeinab , Ahmadi Zeynab Sadat , Baigi Vali
Published: September 2022

Background: The B vitamins can potentially help prevent migraine. This study was designed to examine the effects of supplementation with thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12), folic acid (B9), and a combination of these vitamins on women with episodic migraine (EM).
Methods: This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial conducted on 120 women with EM. The participants were divided into the 6 groups of B1 (n = 20), B6 (n = 20), B12 (n = 20), B9 (n = 20), vitamin B complex (n = 20), and placebo (n = 20). Subjects received 1 capsule daily for 12 weeks. As part of the baseline and post-intervention phases, paper-based headache diaries were used to record the number of abortive drugs consumed and the frequency of headache attacks, and the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS) was used to assess migraine disability.
Results: A 16-week study on women with EM revealed that the mean changes in the frequency of headache attacks decreased significantly in all vitamin groups in comparison with the placebo group (P < 0.001). In contrast to the placebo, there was also a significant improvement in the migraine disability score in each vitamin group (P < 0.001). The 12-week supplementation with vitamins B9, B1, B6, B12, and B complex also brought on a significant decrease in the use of abortive drugs compared to the placebo group (P = 0.032).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that B1, B6, B12, and B9, and a combination of these vitamins could be effective as an adjuvant in treatment and prophylaxis of EM. Further large trials with long-term follow-ups will be required to confirm our results.
Safety and efficacy of remote ischemic preconditioning in patients with severe carotid artery stenosis before carotid artery stenting: A proof-of-concept, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Asadi Maedeh , Hooshmandi Etrat , Emaminia Fatemeh , Mardani Hanieh , Keshtvarz-Hesamabadi Ali Mohammad , Rismanchi Mojtaba , Rahimi-Jaberi Abbas , Ostovan Vahid Reza , Fadakar Nima , Borhani-Haghighi Afshin
Published: September 2022

Background: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has been proposed as a possible potential treatment for ischemic stroke. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of micro-embolic brain infarcts after RIPC in patients with stroke who underwent elective carotid artery stenting (CAS) treatment.
Methods: This study was managed at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in southwest Iran. Patients undergoing CAS were randomly allocated into RIPC and control groups. Patients in the RIPC group received three intermittent cycles of 5-minute arm ischemia followed by reperfusion using manual blood cuff inflation/deflation less than 30 minutes before CAS treatment. Afterward, stenting surgery was conducted. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), was acquired within the first 24 hours after CAS.
Results: Seventy-four patients were recruited (79.7% men, age: 72.30 ± 8.57). Both groups of RIPC and control had no significant difference in baseline parameters (P > 0.05). Fifteen patients (40.5%) in the RIPC group and 19 (54.1%) patients in the control group developed restricted lesions in DWI MRI. In DWI+ patients, there were no significant differences according to the number of lesions, lesion surface area, largest lesion diameter, cortical infarcts percent, and ipsilateral and bilateral infarcts between the two groups.
Conclusion: Although RIPC is a safe and non-invasive modality before CAS to decrease infarcts, this study did not show the advantage of RIPC in the prevention of infarcts following CAS. It may be because of the small sample size.
Investigation of therapeutic effects of wearable robotic gloves on improving hand function in stroke patients: A systematic review
Authors: Fardipour Shima , Hadadi Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Background: Over the past decades, wearable robotic gloves due to their positive features are used by clinicians to improve motor function in the upper extremity. This systematic review aims to evaluate the studies that investigated the therapeutic effects of wearable robotic gloves to improve hand function in stroke patients.
Methods: The most related databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, IEEE, and Google Scholar were systematically searched and studies were collected up to September 2021. The methodological quality assessment was done using an adapted version of the Downs and Black checklist.
Results: Of the 2674 articles searched, 5 studies were recognized as being relevant in this systematic review. The methodological quality of all included studies was between 7 to 10 points of adapted 12-point score of Downs and Black checklist. All studies concluded that the introduced robotic device had a good therapeutic effect on investigated patients' hand function. The studies had limitations in terms of the level of evidence, sample size, stroke patient groups, and therapeutic process.
Conclusion: There is no standard approach with definite intervention timing to evaluate the effect of such devices. Therefore, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic effects of wearable robotic gloves on improving hand function after a stroke.
The effect of prehospital notification by emergency medical service on outcomes in patients receiving recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA)
Authors: Rafie Shahram , Mofrad-Booshehri Narges , Shalil-Ahmadi Davood , Maraghi Elham
Published: September 2022

Background: According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines, in acute stroke, the door-to-computed tomography (CT) scan (DTC) time should be less than 25 minutes, and time to injection of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) [door-to-needle (DTN) time] should be less than 60 minutes.
Methods: We had a tendency to prospectively collect the clinical and time information of patients who received r-tPA during one year after the initiation of prehospital notification (PN). Patients were divided into three groups, covering patients transferred by Emergency Medical Service (EMS) with and without PN, and non-EMS. We then contrasted the impact of EMS with PN and EMS use on onset-to-needle time (ONT), and the neurological outcome. Good outcome was determined as Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) ≤ 2 at 3-month follow-up.
Results: Among 102 studied patients, 64% were transferred by EMS, of whom 53.9% entered PN. Compared with non-PN groups, EMS with PN group showed significantly shorter DTN and DTC time, as well as ONT.
Conclusion: Our study showed that EMS with PN, rather than EMS, significantly improved stroke outcome by shortening of ONT.
Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor (DLGNT) with hydrocephalus as an initial symptom mimicking tuberculous meningitis: A case report
Authors: Malekian Nazila , Okhovat Ali Asghar , Fatehi Farzad , Abdi Siamak , Sinaei Farnaz , Sikaroodi Hajir , Saffar Hiva , Hajiabadi Mohamadreza , Ghorbani Askar
Published: September 2022

The Article Abstract is not available.
Insecticide Resistance in the West Nile Encephalitis, Japanese Encephalitis, Avian Malaria and Lymphatic Elephantiasis Vector, Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae) in Iran
Authors: Azarm Amrollah , Nasrabadi Mohammad , Shahidi Fatemeh , Dehghan Awat , Nikpoor Fateme , Zahraie-Ramazani Alireza , Molaeezadeh Seyede Maryam , Bozorgomid Faramarz , Tashakori Ghazal , Vatandoost Hassan
Published: September 2022

Background: Culex pipiens complex is considered as a vector of some important diseases such as West Nile fever, equine encephalitis, Rift valley fever, St. Louis encephalitis, Elephanthiasis and avian malaria in the world. The main measure for vector control is using insecticides. High use of insecticides caused resistance in the populations. The aim of this study was to review the status of insecticide resistance in the vector.
Methods: Insecticide resistance in this species was found by the available papers and map of the data for carbamates, organochlorine, organophosphates, pyrethroids, microbial and insect growth regulator insecticides were done. An intensive search of scientific literature was done in “PubMed”, “Web of Knowledge”, “Scopus”, “Google Scholar”, “SID”, and related resources.
Results: Results showed that a wide variety of resistance to different insecticides in the country. Due to importance of this species in transmission of diseases.
Discussion: resistance management strategies should be further considered to prevent from in secticide resistance and replacement of novel approach for vector control.
Molecular Evaluation of the Novel Coronavirus Infection of Cockroaches and Flies Collected from Kamkar-Arabnia Hospital in Qom City, Central Iran: with Innovated Internal Control
Authors: Fotouhi-Ardakani Reza , Kababian Majid , Saghafipour Abedin , Alirezaei Melika , Vatandoost Hassan
Published: September 2022

Background: Due to the confirmation of the presence of the novel coronavirus in the feces and municipal sewerage system, and the feeding of domestic insects from fecal matter, as well as the ability of these insects to mechanically transmit microbes from the sewerage system. This study was aimed at molecular evaluation of the novel coronavirus infection isolated on cockroaches and flies collected from Kamkar-Arabnia Hospital in Qom City, Iran.
Methods: Totally, 18 samples; (12 samples cockroaches and 6 flies) from the external surface of cockroaches and houseflies as well as their digestive system were prepared. After designed and synthetized exogenous heterologous internal control, the RNA was extracted to investigate the contamination of these samples with the novel coronavirus. To detect the virus, the E and RdRp genes were identified.
Results: Investigation of coronavirus E gene using the multiplex one-step qPCR technique on the collected samples showed an amplification plot in CT= 35.70 related to the internal surfaces of cockroaches collected from the treatment and sick room of the hospital. Also, the design of internal control to ensure the accuracy of the extraction process was successful.
Conclusions: According to the findings of the present study regarding detecting the presence of the coronavirus infection in the digestive system of domestic insects such as American cockroaches and considering their ability to mechanically transmit viruses, it is recommended to control the domestic insects that are in close contact with humans in crowded places such as hospitals and health centers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Evaluation of Susceptibility Status of Phlebotomus papatasi, the Main Vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, to Different WHO Recommended Insecticides in an Endemic Focus, Central Iran
Authors: Saeidi Zahra , Vatandoost Hassan , Zaim Morteza , Ahmadkhaniha Reza , Rassi Yavar , Zahraei-Ramazani Alireza , Arandian Mohammad Hossein , Jafari Reza , Hubert Galani Yamdeu Joseph , Sanei-Dehkordi Alireza , Yaghoobi- Ershadi Mohammad Reza , Akhavan Amir Ahmad
Published: September 2022

Background: Among neglected zoonotic diseases, leishmaniases caused by Leishmania parasite through infected female sand fly bite, are a group of diseases found in 98 countries and territories representing a critical burden of disease worldwide. Vector management plays a crucial role in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases by WHO’s global plan. The objective of the current study was to assess the susceptibility status of wild phlebotomine sand flies from Esfahan Prov- ince, central Iran, to the recommended insecticides by WHO.
Methods: Sand flies were collected by mouth aspirator in Matin Abad desert Eco-resort and were tested using WHO adult mosquito test kit against Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) 4%, Deltamethrin 0.05%, Malathion 5% and Propoxur 0.1%. The number of knockdown sand flies were recorded during exposure time in ten minutes interval for DDT and Deltamethrin and they were allowed to recover for 24 hours. Knockdown Time50 (KD50) and KD90 were generated for them using Probit software. They were mounted and identified by valid keys.
Results: Among the tested insecticides against female Phlebotomus papatasi, DDT, Deltame- thrin, and Malathion recorded the highest mortality rate of 100%, followed by Propoxur with 92.2% mortality for a one-hour exposure. For DDT, KD50 and KD90 were calculated 21.87 and 42.93 and for Deltamethrin, they were 23.74 and 56.50 minutes respectively. Total sand flies ex-posed with DDT and Deltamethrin shed their leg(s).
Conclusion: It is concluded that Ph. papatasi from central Iran is susceptible to DDT, Deltame- thrin, Malathion, and Propoxur.
Evaluation of Nanoemulsion of Eucalyptus globulus Oil as Potent Botanical Larvicide Against Malaria Vector, Anopheles stephensi and West Nile Vector, Culex pipiens Under Laboratory and Semi-field Conditions
Authors: Sabzalizade Sara , Amani Amir , Vatandoost Hassan , Hosseini Fatemeh , Najafi-Taher Roya , Basseri Hamid Reza
Published: September 2022

Background: Due to undesired environmental impact of insecticides as well as resistant of vectors to them, the development of organic and natural insecticides has been more considered. In the current study, we developed nanoemulsion of eucalyptus and investigated lavicidal activity of it against malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi and Culex pipiens under laboratory as well as semi-field conditions.
Methods: An optimized nanoemulsion was prepared by mixing Eucalyptus oil, Tween 80 and ethanol at ratio of 1:2:1.5 in distilled water, then, stirred for 20 minutes at room temperature. The product was then used for bioassay tests against 3-4th instar larvae of Anopheles stephensi as well as Culex pipiens. Furthermore, a semi-field trial was carried out to evaluate larvicidal activity of nanoemulsion of eucalyptus.
Results: Nanoemulsion of eucalyptus showed significantly high lavicidal activity comparing with bulk eucalyptus essential oil. The LC50 and LC90 value of nanoemulsion against An. stephensi were 111.0 and 180.8 ppm respectively and 29.5 and 73.7 ppm for Cx. pipiens, respectively. In the semi field condition, the Nanoemulsion of eucalyptus decreased 1-2nd instar larval density of Culicines and Anophelines to 90.1% and 85.2%, respectively.
Conclusions: The nano formulation of eucalyptus oil showed high larvicidal activity. Therefore, nanoemulsion of eucalyptus oil can be used as an eco-friendly larvicide against mosquitoes.
Detection of Deltamethrin Resistance in Cattle Tick, Rhipicephalus microplus Collected in Western Haryana State of India
Authors: Gupta Snehil , Surbhi . , Kumar Sachin
Published: September 2022

Background: Out of 931 species of ticks, Rhipicephalus microplus is the most widely studied tick species due to its pivotal role in transmission of babesiosis and anaplasmosis, resulting in huge economic loss in cattle and buffalo’s industry. Chemical control using deltamethrin forms the mainstay of tick control strategy because of high potency and low toxicity. However, inadvertent use of deltamethrin has led to the development of deltamethrin resistance in field ticks.
Methods: The engorged female ticks were collected in a plastic container covered with a cotton plug from 10 places (Jarwa, Barwa, Khajakhera, Banisi, Nakipur, Dhangar, Badopal, Shivalya Dharamshala, Siwani and Meham) of five districts of western Haryana. The Larval Packet Test (LPT) was conducted for the characterization of resistance in field tick.
Results: In the present study, ticks were collected from 10 places from 5 districts of western Haryana and evaluated against deltamethrin using larval packed test. The LC50 values (confidence interval) of ticks larvae against del- tamethrin collected from Nakipur, Dhangar, Barwa, Badopal, Shivalya Dharamshala, Siwani, Jarwa, Khajakhera, Meham and Banisi are 73.6 (67.2–81.9), 61.2 (61.6–98.5), 52.7 (14.4–101.0), 140.0 (86.7–448.6), 65.8 (37.1–95.2), 232.1 (201.0–304.7), 3.72 (0.20–9.87), 21.3 (12.0–31.6), 107.6 (96.8–127.6), 54.2 (43.4–58.4) ppm, respectively. The resistance factor ranges from 0.31 to 11.86, indicating variable resistance among field isolates.
Conclusion: Data generated on deltamethrin resistance status in R. microplus from Haryana, India can be used as an indicator for the management of the species in the state.