bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aflatoxin M1 Transfer Rate from Milk into Cheese and Whey During the Production of Hard Cheese
Authors: Krstović Saša , Vranješ Anka Popović , Kasalica Anka , Jevtić Marija , Jajić Igor
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) transfer from naturally contaminated raw milk into cheese and whey, during the production of Livanjski cheese (hard cheese type). Raw milk samples were collected from 4 farms in Serbia. The samples were then tested for AFM1 content and were later used for hard cheese production. Four cheese samples were produced, and the matching whey samples were also collected. The milk samples included two samples containing AFM1 above the EU maximum level (0.077±0.009 and 0.118±0.008 µg/kg) and the other two samples below the maximum level of 0.05 µg/kg (0.021±0.002 and 0.034±0.004 µg/kg). Regarding AFM1 transfer into cheese from the milk samples containing AFM1 above the EU maximum level, the rate was approximately 4-fold (383% and 410%). On the other hand, in the cheese samples made from milk containing AFM1 below the EU maximum level, almost 10-fold levels of AFM1 content in milk were found (transfer rates of 934% and 961%). As for the whey samples, AFM1 levels were below the levels found in the milk samples (transfer rates of 78%, 74%, 68% and 57%). The difference in the transfer rates for the cheese made from the milk samples contaminated at different levels may indicate the possibility that the AFM1 transfer rate from milk into cheese depends on the content of this toxin in milk.
LC-MS/MS Determination of Tropane Alkaloids in Maize Crop
Authors: Vuković Gorica , Bursić Vojislava , Stojanović Tijana , Petrović Aleksandra , Gvozdenac Sonja , Starović Mira , Kuzmanović Slobodan , Aleksić Goran
Published: January 2019

The undemanding LC-MS/MS method was developed for the synchronized analysis of atropine and scopolamine in maize crop. The dSPE was carried out with 1% acetic acid in acetonitrile/water and a mixture of magnesium sulphate, sodium chloride and sodium citrate. The analytes were separated on a Zorbax XDB C18 column using methanol/water as the mobile phase in gradient mode. The detection was done using a tandem masss spectrometry (MS/MS) in the positive ESI. The tropane alkaloids exhibited excellent linearity in the range of 2-20 µg/kg with the LOQ of 5 µg/kg for maize. The extraction recoveries of atropine and scopolamine were 65.7 and 85.5% with the intraday RSDr 10.25 and 4.29%, respectively. The validated method was appled to real maze samples. One sample contained 18.8 µg/kg of atropine and 6.3 µg/kg of scopolamine.
Lead Farmer Extension Approach and Sustainable Extension Service Delivery in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyelami Benjamin , Akinwale Jonathan , Ladele Ademola
Published: January 2019

Over the years, provision of extension and advisory services has been the main thrust of both the public and private extension services in Nigeria. Meanwhile, the lead farmer extension approach has been deployed for cost effectiveness, broader reach and sustainability. The utility value of this approach needs to be empirically established. This study therefore examined the extent to which the approach has achieved the intended objectives among randomly sampled maize farmers in Iseyin and Saki-West Local Government Areas (LGAs). Interview schedule and focus group discussion among farmer groups were used for the study. Lead farmer extension approach was cost and time effective vis-a-vis the number of farmers reached and the achieved outcome. Almost 70% of the lead farmers encountered late arrivals and impatience from group members during step-down training activities while all of them complained of insufficient funds for refreshment. About 65% of the farmers engaged in selective adoption of the training items owing to various reasons. There was also a significant difference between the knowledge level of the lead farmers and their respective group members while the group members’ assessment of their respective lead farmers’ performance was high. The study concluded that this extension approach was effective and could serve to complement the efforts of extension workers in the state.
Creativity in and for Society
Authors: Glăveanu Vlad Petre
Published: January 2019

In this reply to Kaufman’s paper “Creativity’s Need for Relevance in Research and Real Life” I argue, from a sociocultural and pragmatist standpoint, that creativity matters because it captures the agentic, flexible, open and emergent side of human existence while, at the same time, helping us build, maintain, and transform the societies we live in.
“Generic” Creativity as a Predictor or Outcome of Identity Development?
Authors: Barbot Baptiste
Published: January 2019

In this brief commentary to Kaufman’s call for a “new agenda for positive outcomes” of creativity research, I emphasize how the broad construct of “identity” qualifies as such an outcome. While doing so, I challenge the issue of directionality (predictor vs. outcome) of creativity in relation to relevant correlates by outlining the influence of epistemological position and publication bias in directional interpretations of correlational findings. Through illustrations of various levels of relationships between creativity and identity, I also urge creativity researchers to be more explicit regarding how “generic” creativity is being operationalized in their study, so that more targeted hypotheses regarding the relationship between distinct aspects of creativity and such positive out-come variables may be formulated.
Are the Outcomes of Creativity Always Positive?
Authors: Reiter-Palmon Roni
Published: January 2019

The paper by Kaufman (2018) calls for more research on the consequences of creativity. While we typically think about the positive consequences of creativity, it is important to understand that creativity can have negative, both intended and unintended consequences. In this commentary, I review the nascent literature on negative and malevolent creativity, and specifically discuss concerns regarding measurement. Having a consistent way to evaluate and measure negative creativity is critical to our understanding and future research.
Heat Balance of Horizontal Ground Heat Exchangers
Authors: Kupiec Krzysztof , Gwadera Monika
Published: January 2019

This work refers to the modelling of heat transfer in horizontal ground heat exchangers. For different conditions of collecting heat from the ground and different boundary condition profiles of temperature in the ground were found, and temporal variations of heat flux transferred between the ground surface and its interior were determined. It was taken into account that this flux results from several different mechanisms of heat transfer: convective, radiative, and that connected with moisture evaporation. It was calculated that ground temperature at great depths is greater than the average annual ambient temperature.
On the geoid and orthometric height vs. quasigeoid and normal height
Authors: Sjöberg Lars E.
Published: January 2019

The geoid, but not the quasigeoid, is an equipotential surface in the Earth’s gravity field that can serve both as a geodetic datum and a reference surface in geophysics. It is also a natural zero-level surface, as it agrees with the undisturbed mean sea level. Orthometric heights are physical heights above the geoid,while normal heights are geometric heights (of the telluroid) above the reference ellipsoid. Normal heights and the quasigeoid can be determined without any information on the Earth’s topographic density distribution, which is not the case for orthometric heights and geoid. We show from various derivations that the difference between the geoid and the quasigeoid heights, being of the order of 5 m, can be expressed by the simple Bouguer gravity anomaly as the only term that includes the topographic density distribution. This implies that recent formulas, including the refined Bouguer anomaly and a difference between topographic gravity potentials, do not necessarily improve the result. Intuitively one may assume that the quasigeoid, closely related with the Earth’s surface, is rougher than the geoid. For numerical studies the topography is usually divided into blocks of mean elevations, excluding the problem with a non-star shaped Earth. In this case the smoothness of both types of geoid models are affected by the slope of the terrain,which shows that even at high resolutions with ultra-small blocks the geoid model is likely as rough as the quasigeoid model. In case of the real Earth there are areas where the quasigeoid, but not the geoid, is ambiguous, and this problem increases with the numerical resolution of the requested solution. These ambiguities affect also normal and orthometric heights. However, this problem can be solved by using the mean quasigeoid model defined by using average topographic heights at any requested resolution. An exact solution of the ambiguity for the normal height/quasigeoid can be provided by GNSS-levelling.
Revisiting the Charney Baroclinic Instability Problem and Point-jet Barotropic Instability Problem, Part II: Matched Asymptotic Expansions & Overreflection Without Delta-Functions
Authors: Boyd John P.
Published: January 2019

Baroclinic instability generates the cyclones and anticyclones of midlatitude weather. Charney developed the first effective theory for the infancy of this cyclogenesis in 1947. His linear eigenproblem is analytically solvable by confluent hypergeometric functions. It is also, with extension of the domain of the coordinate from [0,∞] to [−∞,∞] by reflection about the origin, the point-jet model of barotropic instability, important for tropical cyclogenesis. (Note that the coordinate is height z in the Charney model, but latitude y for the point-jet bartropic instability. It is a great simplification that the Charney and point-jet instability problems are mathematically identical, but it also is confusing that the mathematical analysis in y also applies to the Charney problem with the substitution of z for y.) Unfortunately, the theory is full of distributions like the Dirac delta-function and the reflected Charney eigenfunction has a discontinuous first derivative at y = 0. Here we regularize the Charney problem by replacing a linear mean current, U = |y|, by either U = є log(cosh(y/є)) or U = є y erf(y/є), followed by matched asymptotic perturbation expansions in powers of the small regularization parameter є. The series is carried to third order because the lowest nonzero correction to the phase speed is O(є2) and this correction is determined simultaneously with the third order approximation to the eigenfunction. The result is both an explicit, analytic regularization of a problem important in atmospheric and ocean dynamics, but also a good school problem because the series is explicit with nothing worse than polylogarithms and confluent hypergeometric functions. The primary meteorological conclusion is that the delta functions in the Charney problem are harmless as demonstrated both by third order perturbation theory and by spectrally-accurate numerical solutions. The physics of the regularized Charney problem is not significantly changed from that of the original Charney problem.
Physical cues of biomaterials guide stem cell fate of differentiation: The effect of elasticity of cell culture biomaterials
Authors: Irawan Vincent , Higuchi Akon , Ikoma Toshiyuki
Published: January 2019

It is widely accepted that stem cells directly sense the elasticity of two-dimensional (2-D) substrates and differentiate into a distinct cell type dependent on the substrate elasticity (direct-sensing differentiation: soft and hard substrates promote differentiation into soft and hard tissue lineage, respectively). Biologically, native extracellular matrices (ECMs) are constantly remodeled through out the life of individuals, which inadvertently introduce changes of mechanical properties. Therefore, direct-sensing differentiation might not fully take into account the responses of stem cells in the actual ECMs microenvironment. Recent investigations in three-dimensional (3-D) cell culture environment suggested the inconsistency of direct-sensing differentiation. Stem cells specifically differentiate not only by sensing the elasticity of materials but also by considering the cellular traction exerted to reorganize the matrices and the matrices deformation. This paper aims to expand further how the cells incorporate the elasticity cues and traction-mediated deformation in final differentiation fates of stem cells. To achieve the aim, we introduced an empirical model based on the investigations in 3-D cell culture environment. The empirical model would serve as a useful framework for future studies intended to investigate the relationship of traction-mediated deformation and commitment of stem cells for variety of tissue lineage in 2-D or 3-D cell culture environment.
Transdermal Evaporation Drug Delivery System: Concept to Commercial Products
Authors: Parhi Rabinarayan , Swain Suryakanta
Published: January 2019

Since two decades or so transdermal route established itself as better alternative to traditional oral route. This is possible due to continuous innovations in transdermal drug delivery (TDD), which not only enables researchers from academia and industry to successfully develop and launch many new pharmaceuticals but also allow to include new classes of drugs that can be developed into transdermal formulations. These successes are achieved due to the use of novel techniques based on either physical or chemical approaches. However, both of these techniques suffer due to their own disadvantages. Comparatively, a simple method of supersaturation to enhance drug permeation across skin has created a new wave of interest. Even though the application supersaturated principle in topical and TDD has been used from 1960s, but proper control of drug release and formation of stable supersaturated states has been the core of intense research in the last decade. Out of various methods used to get supersaturated system, evaporation method is considered as most efficient and practically feasible for TDD. Therefore, in this review concept of supersaturation, selection of solvent system and the mechanism of inhibition of crystallization are discussed. Application of evaporation systems in the development of transdermal formulations such as solutions, semisolids and metered dose therapeutic systems (MDTS) and the commercial evaporative systems are also discussed in this review.
Bio Pharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class IV Drug Nanoparticles: Quantum Leap to Improve Their Therapeutic Index
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Kaur Ramneek , Rajput Rashi , Singh Manisha
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class IV compounds, exhibits least oral bioavailability, low solubility and intestinal permeability among all pharmaceutical classes of drugs. Thus, these drugs need more compatible and efficient delivery system. Since, their solubility in various medium, remains a limitation so, polymeric nano coacervates based drug loading with modified approach for them may prove to be a solution ahead. Therefore, in present study Chitosan is opted for encapsulating the BCS class IV drug (Hydrochlorothiazide) to attain better stability, enhanced permeability and lower toxicity. Methods: For this study, Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was opted for formulating chitosan based nano-coacervate system. Results: Optimized HCTZ nanocoacervates exhibited the average particle size of 91.39 ± 0.75 nm with Poly-dispersity index score of 0.159 ± 0.01, indicating homogeneity of colloidal solution. Zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of HCTZ nanocoacervates were recorded as -18.9 ± 0.8 mV and 76.69 ± 0.82 % respectively. Further, from TEM and SEM evaluation the average particle size for the same were found in conformity (35-50 nm), with almost spherical morphology. Also, the EDX (Electron Dispersive X-ray) spectrometry and FT – IR analysis of optimized formulation indicated the balanced chemical composition and interaction between the polymeric molecules. The HCTZ nano coacervates showed the linear diffusion profile through the dialysis membrane. Conclusion: We can conclude from the present study that the optimized HCTZ nano coacervates may prove to be a suitable potential option for effective delivery of BCS class IV drugs.
Investigating the Cytotoxicity of Folate-Conjugated Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles on KB and A549 Cell Lines
Authors: Akbarzadeh Fatemeh , Khoshgard Karim , Hosseinzadeh Leila , Arkan Elham , Rezazadeh Davood
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Lately, bismuth-based nanomaterials have been widely utilized in medical researches such as imaging, drug delivery and radio-sensitization. Despite their advantages, bismuth-based compounds have shown toxic effects in humans. There are few studies on cytotoxicity effects of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) in-vitro. In this study, we aimed to investigate cytotoxicity of bare and also folate and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-conjugated Bi2O3 NPs on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (KB) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines. Methods: Bi2O3 NPs were synthesized and conjugated with folate and 5-ALA. KB and A549 cells were cultured and incubated with 10, 20, 50 and 100 μg/ml concentrations of bare and folate-5-ALA-conjugated NPs. The survival rates were obtained after 2 and 24 hours incubation of the cells with NPs using MTT assay. Also, apoptosis and ROS generation induced by the NPs in the treated cells were obtained using Caspases-3 activity assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Results: Bi2O3 NPs were successfully synthesized with average size of 19.2 ± 6.5 nm, then conjugated with 5-ALA and folate. Either naked or folate-conjugated NPs were easily taken up by the cells in a concentration-dependent manner and showed cytotoxic effects. The significant cell death was noted at the concentrations more than 50 μg/ml for both compounds. Conclusion: Results indicated low cytotoxicity of the prepared NPs at lower incubation periods, which is very important for their further applications. However, 24 hours incubation of the cells with both forms of NPs caused more cell killing and the cytotoxicity increased with increasing concentrations of the NPs.
Evaluation of Flavonoid Derivative and Doxorubicin Effects in Lung Cancer Cells (A549) Using Differential Pulse Voltammetry Method
Authors: Amjadi Mohammad , Mohammadi Khoshraj Jalal , Majidi Mir Reza , Baradaran Behzad , Guardia Miguel de la
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Electrochemical measurements have prompted the progress as a consequence of their affectability, cost-affectivity and comparatively short examination time. The aim of this study was the fast evaluation of the effect of chemotherapy compounds on the viability of lung cancer cells (A549) via electrochemical methods. Methods: Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used as a primary method to distinguish between electrochemical behavior of normal and lung cancer cells. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was employed as a complementary analyses method for the impact of doxorubicin (DOX) and Flavonoid modified drug (FMD) (US patent Application number: 62548886) on Lung cancer cells. Results: Only one oxidative peak, at approximately -0.15 V was detected through DPV method in cancer cell line. While a significant distinguish was not seen in CV. The current intensity (I) was decreased in cancer cells with increasing the DOX and FMD levels (t=99.027, α=0.05, P=0.0000), (t=135.513, α=0.05, P=0.0000), respectively. Conclusion: The movement of cancerous cells towards death through chemotherapy drugs such as DOX and FMD can make distinct and significant changes in the electrochemical behaviors of those cells.
An Experimental Study on the Mechanical and Biological Properties of Bio-Printed Alginate/Halloysite Nanotube/Methylcellulose/Russian Olive-Based Scaffolds
Authors: Roshangar Zineh Babak , Shabgard Mohammad Reza , Roshangar Leila
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Cartilage shows neither repairs nor regenerative properties after trauma or gradual wear and causes severe pain due to bones rubbing. Bioprinting of tissue-engineered artificial cartilage is one of the most fast-growing sciences in this area that can help millions of people against this disease. Methods: Bioprinting of proper bioscaffolds for cartilage repair was the main goal of this study. The bioprinting process was achieved by a novel composition consisting of alginate (AL), Halloysite nanotube (HNT), and methylcellulose (MC) prepared in bio-ink. Also, the effect of Russian olive (RO) in chondrocytes growth on bioscaffolds was also investigated in this work. Compressive, hardness and viscosity tests, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), water-soluble Tetrazolium (WST) assay, and also transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out. Results: The results show that in constant concentrations of AL, MC, and RO (20 mg/ml AL, 20 mg/ml MC, and 10 mg/ml RO) when concentration of HNT increased from 10 mg/ml (T-7) to 20 mg/ml (T-8) compressive stiffness increased from 241±45 kPa to 500.66±19.50 kPa. Also, 20 mg/ml of AL in composition saved proper water content for chondrocyte growth and produced good viscosity properties for a higher printing resolution. Conclusion: RO increased chondrocytes living cell efficiency by 11% on bioprinted scaffolds in comparison with the control group without RO. Results obtained through in-vivo studies were similar to those of in-vitro studies. According to the results, T-7 bio-ink has good potential in bioprinting of scaffolds in cartilage repairs.
Smog, Cognition and Real-World Decision-Making
Authors: Chen Xi
Published: January 2019

Cognitive functioning is critical as in our daily life a host of real-world complex decisions in high-stakes markets have to be made. The decision-making process can be vulnerable to environmental stressors. Summarizing the growing economic and epidemiologic evidence linking air pollution, cognition performance and real-world decision-making, we first illustrate key physiological and psychological pathways between air pollution and cognition. We then document the main patterns of air pollution affecting cognitive test performance by type of cognitive tests, gender, window of exposure, age profile, and educational attainment. We further extend to a review of real-world decision-making that has been found to be affected by air pollution and the resulting cognitive impairments. Finally, rich implications on environmental health policies are drawn based on existing evaluations of social costs of air pollution.
Caregiving Appraisal by Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors in Nigeria
Authors: Vincent-Onabajo Grace , Gayus Pwadi , Masta Mamman Ali , Ali Muhammad Usman , Gujba Fatima Kachalla , Modu Ali , Hassan Saleh Usman
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Attending to caregiving experiences of family caregivers of stroke survivors is important in person-centered stroke rehabilitation. This study explored caregiving appraisals by family caregivers of stroke survivors in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of family caregivers’ negative and positive appraisals of caregiving was conducted using the 24-item 4-domain revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale (rCAS). Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to identify differences in caregiving appraisals based on specific caregiver and stroke survivor variables. Results: Seventy-three caregiver and care recipient dyads participated in the study. Mean age of the caregivers was 31.51 (9.82) years. From a score of 5, and higher scores depicting higher appraisal, mean (SD) score for caregiving satisfaction and caregiving mastery (positive appraisal domains) was 4.23 (0.97) and 4.04 (0.92) respectively while 2.29 (0.98) and 2.11 (0.93) were respectively recorded for caregiving burden and environmental impact (negative appraisal). Caregivers’ gender, age, and employment status resulted in significantly different appraisals with female caregivers having higher caregiving mastery (U = 446, P<0.05), caregiving satisfaction (U = 384.5, P<0.01), and also caregiving burden (U = 382.5, P<0.01) compared to their male counterparts; while older (U = 330; P<0.05) and employed (U = 437.5, P<0.05) family caregivers reported higher caregiving satisfaction and burden respectively than younger and unemployed family caregivers. Conclusion: Given the comparatively higher positive caregiving appraisal, and the documented benefits of positive caregiving appraisal, efforts should be geared towards identifying effective means of reinforcing positive appraisal, and reducing negative stroke caregiving appraisal, especially for female, older and employed family caregivers.
Medication Adherence and its Related Factors in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Angioplasty
Authors: Salari Arsalan , Rouhi Balasi Leila , Ashouri Asieh , Moaddab Fatemeh , Zaersabet Fatemeh , Nourisaeed Azam
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) has no effect on coronary artery atherosclerosis, thus the modification of physiological risk factors seems essential to prevent coronary artery disease (CAD). Then PCI patients have to receive multiple drug therapies in an attempt to prevent the recurrence of cardiac events. In spite of the evidence based on medication adherence to prevent post-PCI CAD development, medication adherence is the main concern for health care system. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the medication adherence and its related factors among these patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the statistical community was the patients undergoing PCI at medical educational hospital of Dr. Heshmat in Rasht, Iran. 269 patients were selected by convenient sampling method. The data were collected by a questionnaire consisting of 4 parts, namely the socio-individual factors, Morisky medication adherence scale, hospital anxiety and depression scale and cardiac patient’s self-efficacy scale. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics and the significance variables in univariate analysis were examined in a multi logistic regression model through considering co-linearity. Results: The results showed that 75 patients (28%) didn’t adhere to the medication. In addition, the majority of them were reported to have clinical anxiety (44.2%) and mild depression (55.8%). Also, based on the results derived from multiple logistic regressions, only the spouse's educational level and family history of coronary artery disease were significant predictors of medication adherence. Conclusion: The current study findings display lack of complete post-PCI medication adherence, which underscores the importance of the existence of cardiac rehabilitation systems in the society. Therefore, it is recommended that cardiac rehabilitation centers be built in the society.
Evaluation of stress distribution in bone and three-unit fixed implant-supported prostheses with zirconia and titanium abutments: A 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Hamedirad Fahimeh , Ghaffari Tahereh , Mehanfar Navideh
Published: January 2019

Background. For esthetic considerations in anterior regions, abutments with high-strength ceramics such as alumina and zirconia have been developed as substitutes for titanium abutments. The present study was designed to investigate the distribution of stress in prosthesis and bone components of an implant-supported FPD with different abutments by using 3D finite element analysis. Methods. Ceramic FPDs were made from the canine to the upper left second premolar with titanium fixtures. In order to investigate the stress distribution, forces of 100 and 300 N were applied at angles of 0, 15 and 35 degrees to the central fossa of the second premolar and pontic, as well as the cingulum of the canine crown. Force loading was static. After analyzing the mechanical properties of the materials, boundary conditions and loading were performed according to the existing averages, and subsequently, the results obtained from this analysis were analyzed. Results. The highest level of stress was observed in the distal crest of the posterior implant (23.20 MPa) under lateral forces (15 and 35 degrees) in a model with both titanium abutments. Conclusion. Lateral forces induced higher accumulation of stress in the implant and surrounding bone, while abutment change did not affect the distribution of stress.
Apically extruded debris and irrigants during root canal filling material removal using Reciproc Blue, WaveOne Gold, R-Endo and ProTaper Next systems
Authors: keskin cangul , Sarıyılmaz Evren
Published: January 2019

Background. The present study aimed to compare the amount of apically extruded debris and irrigants produced by various nickel-titanium instruments. Methods. A total of 100 single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were root canal treated and prepared for agar gel model. The root canal fillings were removed using Reciproc Blue, ProTaper Next, R-Endo, WaveOne Gold systems or hand instrumentation. The mean weights of apically extruded materials were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests. Results. Hand instrumentation resulted in significantly more debris and irrigants than other systems (P<0.05). The mean amount of apically extruded debris and irrigants produced by Reciproc Blue system was significantly greater than motordriven instruments (P<0.05). No significant difference was detected between ProTaper Next and WaveOne Gold systems (P>0.05), while they both produced significantly less apically extruded material than R-Endo system (P<0.05). Conclusion. All the instruments caused apical extrusion. ProTaper Next and WaveOne Gold systems were associated with significantly less apical extrusion.
3D printing of a novel dental implant abutment
Authors: Kalman Les
Published: January 2019

Implant-supported crowns remain an ideal treatment option for the replacement of a missing tooth. The provisionalization phase remains a critical step between surgery and final crown placement, guiding soft tissue healing and providing esthetics and function. Although there are several possible pathways for provisionalization, the options are time-consuming, technically difficult and expensive, resulting in confusion and frustration for the dentist and cost and time for the patient. A novel dental implant abutment has been developed that aims to resolve the shortcomings of current abutments and the provisionalization process. 3D printing or additive manufacturing, with plastic and metal, were employed as an alternative approach for production of the prototype abutment. Scanning, computer-aided design and 3D plastic and metal printing were employed. Abutments were fabricated in MED690 VeroDentPlus and Duraform 316L stainless steel, respectively. Prototypes were printed with a claimed accuracy of 16 µm (plastic) and 8 µm (metal). The prototypes were qualitatively assessed for functionality by implant threading and simulated provisionalization process in a laboratory setting. The plastic prototypes were not suitable due to threading issues and material weakness. Metal prototypes tolerated artificial tooth fabrication successfully but concerns with thread pitch and accuracy remained. 3D metal printing appears to be a suitable alternative to traditionally machined implant components; however, post-production processing seems to be required. Further research is warranted.
Evaluation of the Additive Effect of Domperidone on Patients with Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Taghvaei Tarang , Kazemi Arash , Hosseini Vahid , Hamidian Mehdi , Tirgar Fakheri Hafez , Hashemi Seyyed Abbas , Maleki Iradj
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem with annoying symptoms. It is associated with negative impact on quality of life. Prokinetic agents may be used in combination with acid suppression agents as an adjunctive in patients with GERD refractory to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) therapy, rather than as sole treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combination of PPI with domperidone (a prokinetic agent) compared with PPI alone in the treatment of patients with refractory GERD. METHODS This study was a double blind clinical trial on 29 patients with GERD refractory to PPI during the period of one month. By randomization, the patients were divided into two groups. Group A was treated by pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily and domperidone three times a day for a month, while group B was treated by pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily and placebo three times a day. In this study endoscopy was performed to evaluate the prevalence of erosive esophagitis, non-erosive reflux, and hiatal hernia. Manometry was conducted to study the prevalence of dysmotility. GERD symptom questionnaires including the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Carlson Dennett, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 health survey (SF36) were used before and after treatment for screening GERD and assessing treatment response. RESULTS There were 17 (58.62%) women and 12 (41.37%) men. The prevalence of erosive esophagitis and non-erosive reflux, was 10.34% and 89.66%, respectively. There was a significant difference comparing reflux symptoms before and after treatment between the two groups according to reflux and Carlson Dennett questionnaires. At the end of the study, symptoms of reflux significantly improved by treatment. Although, the quality of life questionnaire scores improved by treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in response to treatment between the two groups. CONCLUSION In this research, we showed that adding domperidone to PPI could not make any improvement in patients with refractory reflux regarding the quality of life and improving the symptoms.
Promising Antibacterial Effect of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles against Several Multidrug Resistant Uropathogens
Authors: Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie Hadi , Heidari Hamid , Rezaei Vahid , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Javad , Motamedifar Mohammad
Published: January 2019

Background: Recently, nanotechnology has been demonstrated to be a promising application to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance. In the present study, we aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) on several multiple-drug resistant (MDR) uropathogenic strains. Methods: This in vitro case-control study was performed on 4 uropathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial property was evaluated by well diffusion method at different concentrations of CuO NPs. Results: Overall, NPs concentration of 10, 25 and 50 µg/mL showed the remarkable antibacterial activity. A lower effect was seen against S. aureus strains. CuO NPs exhibited maximum bacterial growth inhibition against E. faecalis strains. In most of the cases, the zone of inhibition in 50 µg/mL concentration was closest to control positive antibiotics. Conclusion: In summary, CuO NPs as an alternative to conventional antibiotics that are currently used showed dose-dependent on antibacterial activity against different uropathogens, specificity towards pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. This promising antibacterial activity of CuO NPs suggesting the development of NPs coatings on the different surface of biomedical materials for applications in different antimicrobial control systems.
Physicochemical and Aerosolization Assessment of Inhalable Spray Dried Fluconazole Powder
Authors: Hamishehkar Hamed , Pourtahmaseb Maryam , Babazadeh Afshin , Alipour Shohreh
Published: January 2019

Background: Respiratory fungal diseases therapy is still facing challenges as a result of increasing autoimmune disorders, cancers, and immunosuppressive medication usage. Fluconazole is a wide spectrum antifungal agent and is still used successfully in the treatment of opportunistic infections in combination with other antifungal agents. Since, the treatment of respiratory fungal diseases requires prolonged hospitalization; it may increase the chances of other opportunistic infections. Considering the reported drug resistance and adverse effects of systemic administration, it appears that localized pulmonary antifungal therapy may be a suitable alternative route. According to the reported suitable inhalation properties of spray dried powders; spray drying technique was used to prepare fluconazole powders. Methods: Different spray drying parameters such as inlet temperature, pump rate, aspiration%, solvent type, as well as fluconazole concentration were evaluated for powder production. The optimized formulations were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and aerodynamic parameters. Results: All selected formulations showed a smooth surface with similar mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) in a respiratory acceptable range. While optimized powder showed a lower geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 1.5 with higher fine particle fraction (FPF) of 26% and almost complete deposition recovery of 97%. Conclusion: Based on in vitro characterization results, it appears that spray drying is an appropriate and cost-effective technique for the production of inhalable fluconazole powder. It is characterized by a narrower size distribution and delivers a higher dose which may be more cost effective for mass production.
New Natural Marine Antacid Drug from Cuttlebone
Authors: Mostoufi Azar , Bavarsad Neda , Aryanfar Sahar , Akhgari Abbas
Published: January 2019

Background: Antacids are the most commonly used medications for fast symptomatic relief of gastric disorders. Because of adverse effects, low efficiency and the high cost of some chemical antacids, identifying a natural medicine with high efficiency and low cost seems useful. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to prepare antacid tablets from Cuttlefish bone and assessment of its antacid properties. Methods: 24 different formulations of cuttlefish bone were prepared by direct compression using different fillers (starch, cellulose, lactose, and mixture of those) in different ratios of the drug. Characterization of powders and tablets was done on all formulations and marketed dosage forms (calcium carbonate and Al-Mg). Results: Weight uniformity, hardness, and friability of all formulations were in acceptable range. Tablets prepared by calcined cuttlebone disintegrated in longer time due to their higher hardness which were mostly higher than 5 Kg. Also, disintegration time of formulations 50-50 (lower dose of cuttlebone) was less than other tablets (2 minutes or less). Results of antacid capacity showed that formulations 90-10 and 80-20 raise the acidic pH of the medium above 7.5, which were the same as or more than the capacity of the marketed tablets.
Discussing the Undiscussed: What Ingredients are Missing in Faculty Udevelopment Programs?
Authors: Kumar Dinesh
Published: January 2019

Background: Faculty development programs are essential for the advancement of faculty competence and organizational vitality. This is a multidimensional, daunting task because it involves transforming early career faculty with newer professional competencies such as educators, researchers and leaders. To get accustomed to these newer roles and responsibilitiesin medical education, faculty development programs must be modified and upgraded over time.However, a number of quintessential themes required for contemporary medical education practices are not routinely being addressed, particularly in medical schools in developing countries. Methodology: This narrative review explores some practical complications in the existing faculty development programs and describes six areas to consider as the field of faculty development moves forward: incorporation of faculty identity, faculty vitality, barriers to faculty mentoring,breaking down silos, missing the grounds of evaluation, and importance of phronesis (that is,good character and good judgment). Conclusion: By exploring frequently encountered challenges in designing and implementing faculty development activities, this article asks medical educators to advance faculty development programs beyond formal activities and situate these in a wider context to aid collaboration between colleagues.
The Process of Knowledge Acquiring in Nursing Education: Grounded Theory
Authors: Hassanian Zahra Marzieh , Ahanchian MohammadReza , Karimi-Moonaghi Hossein
Published: January 2019

Background: Knowledge acquisition, as a part of knowledge management, plays a valuable role in nursing education. Hence, the education system seeks strategies that allow nursing faculty members and students to acquire knowledge and build experiences. The present study explores the process of acquiring knowledge in nursing education. Methods: In this study, which was carried out in Mashhad School of Nursing and Midwifery,Iran, the grounded theory (GT) method proposed by Strauss and Corbin was used. Data were collected through 29 semi-structured interviews, including 17 interviews with faculty members and 12 interviews with nursing students using purposeful and theoretical sampling. Using Strauss and Corbin’s method, the data were compared partially, deeply, and persistently. Results: The main concern of this study was a knowledge deficit in clinic knowledge by nursing students, which seems to indicate a shortage in learning and acquiring knowledge. The core category was the relative acquisition of knowledge of nursing which is not advanced. Within a context of relative dynamism, factors that facilitate or constrain knowledge acquisition were examined within a process of the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and its application to clinical nursing knowledge along with nursing experience. The consequence is expected to bean improvement in nursing knowledge among nursing students in clinical practice Conclusion: Acquiring up-to-date and advanced nursing knowledge is essential in the development process. It is necessary to encourage the acquisition of knowledge, which primarily includes knowledge acquisition in the mission and strategic planning of nursing education.As a result, there should be operational planning for improvements in the gain of practical knowledge.
Developing Communities of Practice Model to Enhance Knowledge and Improve Learning among Faculty Members (Case Study: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences)
Authors: Seyednazari Nayer , Maleki Avarsin Sadegh , Yari Haj Atalou Jahangir
Published: January 2019

Background: Due to the importance of the teaching and learning process in medical sciences,it is necessary to provide an appropriate context to facilitate knowledge sharing. Communities of practice (CoPs) is one strategy for sharing explicit knowledge and learning among individuals.This research aimed to develop CoPs model at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive-survey research was conducted on 245 faculty members selected through a simple random sampling method at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences who had the rank of professor, associate professor and assistant professor in the 2017-2018 academic year. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed by analyzing main components that were verified by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability of components was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The CoPs model consists of six components including participatory leadership, goals/aims, boundary and size, interactions, formal structures, and informal structures. There was a significant relationship observed between all components. The strongest correlations were observed between the boundary-size and interactions (0.85), goals/aims and leadership(0.78), and informal structure and leadership (0.76). In examining the relationships between each component, the strongest correlation was found between CoPs and informal structure(0.88), participatory leadership (0.87), and interactions (0.85) and the weakest relationship was observed between formal structure and CoPs (0.61). Results of determining fit indices indicated validity of the CoPs model (χ2/df =2.69, CFI= 0.92, IFI= 0.92, NFI= 0.88, RMSEA= 0.09). Conclusion: university managers using this model and strengthening the informal aspects of existing communities increase the possibility of faculty members’ interactions from different units and having them participate in decision making related to teaching and learning processes to take effective steps towards academic development of this university.
MEYVE VE SEBZELERDE HASAT SONRASI FUNGAL HASTALIKLARIN ANTAGONİSTİK MAYALAR İLE BİYOKONTROLÜ
Authors: AĞIRMAN Bilal , AKALIN Meltem Necla , ERTEN Hüseyin
Published: January 2019

Dünya genelinde taze meyve ve sebzelerde meydana gelen
ve %50 oranına kadar ulaşabilen önemli kayıplar çoğunlukla hasat sonrası
hastalıklardan kaynaklanmaktadır. Günümüzde, hasat sonrası hastalıklara neden
olan patojenlerin kontrolünde sentetik fungusit kullanımı ön plana çıkmaktadır.
Ancak, toplumun gıda zincirinde kimyasal kalıntıyı azaltma isteği ve fungusit
dirençli patojenlerin gelişmesi hasat sonrası hastalıkların kontrolünde etkili
ve güvenilir yeni kontrol stratejilerinin araştırılmasına yol açmıştır. Hasat
edilen meyve ve sebzelerde meydana gelen kayıpların azaltılması amacıyla
sentetik fungusit kullanımına alternatif olarak biyokontrol ajanların kullanımı
umut verici bir yöntem olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Biyokontrol amacıyla kullanılan
çeşitli mikrobiyel ajanlar arasından özellikle mayaların önemi genellikle antibiyotik
üretmemeleri, çok sayıda patojene karşı etkili olmaları vs. gibi birçok olumlu
özelliğinden dolayı vurgulanmıştır. Bu derlemede; meyve-sebzelerde meydana
gelen hasat sonrası hastalıklar, biyokontrol, antagonist ve fungal patojenler
hakkında bilgi verilmiş, antagonizm mekanizmaları, mikrobiyel antagonistlerin
biyoetkinliklerini arttırma yöntemleri ve mikrobiyel antagonistlerin ticari
uygulamaları detaylı bir şekilde ele alınmış ve literatürde yapılan son
çalışmalar özetlenmiştir.
Fragmentação partidária e partidos pequenos no Brasil (1998-2014)
Authors: Nascimento Willber
Published: January 2019

Qual é o efeito dos partidos pequenos na fragmentação partidária brasileira? Neste artigo, fazemos uma breve revisão acerca da fragmentação partidária e do seu debate no cenário brasileiro, bem como os apontamentos da literatura acerca de sua relação com os partidos pequenos. Partimos da hipótese de que estes partidos exercem um efeito positivo e mais forte sobre a fragmentação do sistema partidário. Metodologicamente combinamos estatística descritiva, teste t para amostras emparelhadas e teste de correlação para mensurar o efeito dos partidos pequenos nas eleições para a Câmara dos Deputados. Os resultados indicam que: (1) sem os partidos pequenos a fracionalização continuaria elevada; (2) sem os partidos pequenos o NEP seria de 2,9 partidos em média no período; (3) partidos médios tem um peso maior na fragmentação, principalmente levando em conta que eles representam uma parcela menor do número total de partidos que disputam em uma UF.
Legados e memórias em disputa
Authors: Machado Germana Nery
Published: January 2019

A obra “30 anos de democracia no Brasil: avanços e contradições” escrita pelos pesquisadores do Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas sobre Democracia (CBPD), da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul e organizada por Teresa Cristina Schneider Marques, André Ricardo Salata e Fabrício Pontin, é o objeto de análise da presente resenha. Trata-se de uma coletânea que aborda a transição política como um fator importante para a compreensão das contradições da democracia brasileira. A obra é dividida em três partes: política e desigualdades, política externa brasileira na era democrática e justiça, criminalidade e democracia. Apresentarei uma pequena síntese das contribuições da obra para a compreensão do processo de democratização e como isso afetou a qualidade do desenvolvimento da democracia no Brasil.