bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact and self-aligned fluid refractometer based on the Doppler-induced self-mixing effect
Authors: Kumar Bhardwaj Vibhor , Maini Surita
Published: February 2020

The refractive index is one of the key parameters in non-invasive and label-free sensing applications. The past decade has witnessed various miniature optofluidic devices that offer several analytical functions with minuscule samples (picoliter or nanoliter) through the fusion of optics and microfluidic sciences. However, the realization of a compact, wide-range, and less-expensive refractometer is still a great challenge. In this paper, the authors have proposed a novel, to the best of our knowledge, self-mixing optical feedback interferometry (SM-OFI)-based refractometer that correlates the refractive index of a flowing liquid to the induced Doppler frequency shift. The proposed method was experimentally tested on the saline water and benzyl chloride and found close agreement with the literature results. The refractive indices of the saline water and benzyl chloride were measured to be 1.3346 and 1.54079, respectively, with a standard deviation of the order of

10

−
5

. The induced Doppler shift was linearly increased with the concentration of the liquid during the concentration profiling. Hence, the proposed method was also capable to profile the liquid concentration. The well-known compatibility and cost-effectiveness of the SM-OFI setup also support the proposed method for miniature applications. The compactness and the portability of the experimental setup also make it compatible in areas of application where the size of the analytical section is a decisive parameter, such as biosensors, particle manipulators, chemically active devices, lab-on-chip instruments, etc.
Ultra-compact reflective mode converter based on a silicon subwavelength structure
Authors: Wang Tao , Guo Hengquan , Chen Haoxiang , Yang Jianhong , Jia Hao
Published: February 2020

Mode converters play an essential role in mode-division multiplexing systems. A reflective mode converter (RMC), which is utilized to accomplish the mode conversion in the contra-propagation process, can fold the optical path and realize the mode exchange in an optical network. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an RMC based on a silicon subwavelength structure. It can convert the input fundamental mode (

TE
0

) into the first-order mode (

TE
1

) in a

2.0

µ
m
×

2.0

µ
m

footprint. The simulated insertion loss and cross talk are lower than 0.6 dB and

−

20.3

dB

in 1525–1565 nm. Experimental results verify the functionality of the device. The measured insertion loss and cross talk are lower than 2.2 dB and

−

16.2

dB

. To further prove the generality of the methodology, we design another two RMCs realizing the mode conversion functions of

TE
0

to

TE
2

and

TE
0

to

TE
3

modes. The simulated insertion losses are lower than 1.1 dB and 1.8 dB.
Large-scale label-free single-cell analysis of paramylon in Euglena gracilis by high-throughput broadband Raman flow cytometry
Authors: Hiramatsu Kotaro , Yamada Koji , Lindley Matthew , Suzuki Kengo , Goda Keisuke
Published: February 2020

Microalga-based biomaterial production has attracted attention as a new source of drugs, foods, and biofuels. For enhancing the production efficiency, it is essential to understand its differences between heterogeneous microalgal subpopulations. However, existing techniques are not adequate to address the need due to the lack of single-cell resolution or the inability to perform large-scale analysis and detect small molecules. Here we demonstrated large-scale single-cell analysis of Euglena gracilis (a unicellular microalgal species that produces paramylon as a potential drug for HIV and colon cancer) with our recently developed high-throughput broadband Raman flow cytometer at a throughput of >1,000 cells/s. Specifically, we characterized the intracellular content of paramylon from single-cell Raman spectra of 10,000 E. gracilis cells cultured under five different conditions and found that paramylon contents in E. gracilis cells cultured in an identical condition is given by a log-normal distribution, which is a good model for describing the number of chemicals in a reaction network. The capability of characterizing distribution functions in a label-free manner is an important basis for isolating specific cell populations for synthetic biology via directed evolution based on the intracellular content of metabolites.
Determination of refractive index, size, and solid content of monodisperse polystyrene microsphere suspensions for the characterization of optical phantoms
Authors: Naglič Peter , Zelinskyi Yevhen , Likar Boštjan , Bürmen Miran
Published: February 2020

Monodisperse polystyrene microspheres are often utilized in optical
phantoms since optical properties such as the scattering coefficient
and the scattering phase function can be calculated using the Mie
theory. However, the calculated values depend on the inherent physical
parameters of the microspheres which include the size, refractive
index, and solid content. These parameters are often provided only
approximately or can be affected by long shelf times. We propose a
simple method to obtain the values of these parameters by measuring
the collimated transmission of polystyrene microsphere suspensions
from which the wavelength-dependent scattering coefficient can be
calculated using the Beer-Lambert law. Since a wavelength-dependent
scattering coefficient of a single suspension is insufficient to
uniquely derive the size, refractive index and solid content by the
Mie theory, the crucial and novel step involves suspending the
polystyrene microspheres in aqueous sucrose solutions with different
sucrose concentrations that modulates the refractive index of the
medium and yields several wavelength-dependent scattering
coefficients. With the proposed method, we are able to obtain the
refractive index within 0.2% in the wavelength range from 500
to 800 nm, the microsphere size to approximately 15 nm and solid
content within 2% of their respective reference values.
Exploring microstructural variations in highly transparent AlN/SiO2 nano multilayers
Authors: Appleget Chelsea D. , Hodge Andrea M.
Published: February 2020

The microstructure of optically optimized transparent AlN/SiO2 nano multilayers were investigated and compared with baseline repeated bilayer configurations. The multilayered films were synthesized by magnetron sputtering and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and spectrophotometry with multifunctional behavior evaluated by nanoindentation and residual stress analysis. The optically optimized AlN/SiO2 multilayers exhibit higher transmittance (%T300-800nm≈95%), distinct crystalline/amorphous interfaces, and changes in the grain morphology as compared to the periodic baseline samples (%T300-800nm≈70-80%). Varying both layer thickness and layer ratio to maximize transparency showed a significant impact on microstructure and interface character.
Experimental realization of sub-micron patterning using counter-propagating interfering lightsheets (iCLASS)
Authors: Mohan Kavya , Mondal Partha Pratim
Published: February 2020

A light-sheet-based plane-selective sub-micron patterning technique is proposed to fabricate 1D sub-micron patterns with specificity and selectivity. The proposed technique is termed as, interfering coherent light-sheet assisted structure synthesis (iCLASS). The technique uses specialized 2π optical illumination geometry to expose the photoresist film. Counter-propagating light sheets (satisfying phase-matching condition) produce 1D interference pattern with feature size below the diffraction limit. A conventional S1813 photoresist coated on a cleaned glass substrate is exposed to the light-sheets pattern and subsequently, the photoresist film is developed to imprint the sub-micron pattern. AFM study confirms imprinted 1D pattern with a periodicity and feature-size of approximately, λ/2. Analysis show that the light-dose interaction-time (τ
exp
, τ
dev
) plays crucial role in determining the periodicity of 1D sub-micron pattern.
Study of Antioxidant and Membrane Resistant Peculiarities of a New Cyan Containing Lactone in Membranes of Hepatocytes with Sarcoma-45
Authors: Galoyan G.M. , Ghazaryan P.A.
Published: February 2020

The antioxidant and membrane resistant peculiarities of a new derivative (2-cyan-3,4,4-trymethil-2-buten-4-olyd - CTBO) of cyan containing unsaturated lactones have been studied in membranes of hepatocytes with Sarcoma-45 1.

The results of our previous research 1, 2, 3 showed significant changes of phospholipid (PL) exchange in hepatocytes of microsomal membranes at experimental animals vaccinated with Sarcoma-45 tumor strain. It is manifested in significant changes of quantitative and qualitative contents of membrane phospholipids separate fractions, increase of cytotoxic lysophospholipids (LPCs), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidic acid (PA) levels, significant decrease of phosphatitylcholines (PC) and sphingomyeline (SP) contents, statistically significant changes of PL/PL ratio, peroxidation ratio intensity, dramatic increase of phospholipase A2 (PLA2)activity, quantitative and qualitative changes of adenyl nucleotides, as well as disorders of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) system activity 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
The Genetic Multiplicity- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type I
Authors: Bajaj Anubha
Published: February 2020

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a syndrome emerging from characteristic mutations of MEN1 gene with concurrently enunciated multiple endocrine and tumours and associated non-endocrine neoplasm. Previously designated as Werner’s syndrome, MEN1 syndrome denominates genomic mutation within chromosome 11q13 or a tumour suppressor gene with a distinctive protein product nomenclated as “menin”. MEN1 syndrome demonstrates an autosomal dominant pattern of disease inheritance where genomic mutations delineate a comprehensive (100%) disease penetrance. MEN1 gene was initially identified in 1997 upon chromosome 11q13. Although twelve genetic mutations were primarily identified, currently beyond eighteen hundred genomic mutations are scripted1, 2. MEN1 syndrome is comprised of diverse combination of twenty or more endocrine and non-endocrine tumours exemplifying a classic triad of pituitary, parathyroid and pancreatic neoplasm. Diverse non endocrine tumours enunciated with MEN1 syndrome are denominated with meningioma, ependymoma or angiofibroma1, 2. Endocrine tumours are discerned on account of excessive hormonal secretion engendered from various neoplasm or on account of neoplastic evolution. Approximately 10% instances can occur due to a de-novo genomic variant. Offspring of an individual with MEN1 syndrome quantifies a 50% possibility of inheriting the genomic variant. Cogent prenatal diagnosis can be determined in instances where specific genomic variant of a particular family is known. Physical, psychological and social restrictions are prevalent with MEN1 syndrome. Heterozygotes with MEN1 genetic variant are denominated as carriers and manifest a two- fold possible mortality1, 2.
ELISA Based Detection of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type F in Red Meat and Canned Fish
Authors: Yadav Shiv Kumar , Singh Monika , Ponmariappan S.
Published: February 2020

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is the most toxic protein molecule so far known to animals and humans, due to its extreme toxicity, CDC has been listed as category ‘A' Biological warfare agents. In India, there is no commercial detection system available for the detection of botulism. The present study was aimed to develop an ELISA based detection system for botulinum neurotoxin serotype F in red meat and canned fish. Polyclonal antibodies were generated against the recombinant BoNT/F LC protein and IgG was purified. Sandwich ELISA system was successfully optimized with LOD of ~ 7.8 ng/ml in PBS. Similarly, different concentrations of BoNT/F were spiked in red meat and canned fish and extracted the toxin and the detection LOD was achieved for red meat ~ 62 ng/ml and for canned fish ~ 31 ng/ml. The developed detection system is highly specific. The developed assay will be useful for the screening of botulinum toxins in a large number of food samples.
Foodoceuticals Ensuring Improved Well Being Beyond basic Nutrition
Authors: Yadav Dev Kumar , Sharma Gopal Kumar , Semwal Anil Dutt
Published: February 2020

Adequate nutrition is very essential for Armed Forces in terms of maintaining the nutritional status. In the present review it was complied about dietary habit and required diet for Service personnel to become fit and control the life style disease such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular disease etc. It also focuses on functional foods rather than normal diet which are recommended as ration pack for armed forces. Functional foods enrich and improve the quality of dietary intake. It also represents promising avenues of nutritional in recent days of global dietetics. Functional ingredients such as essential fatty acids, antioxidants, dietary fibre, isoflavones, β-carotene etc are included in ration pack. It also provide large varieties of functional foods are made available to the consumers with the intension to provide dietary management of life style diseases while enhancing our overall well being conversely. It must be understood that these foods and ingredients are not instant medicine or ultimate remedies for imbalance dietary habits as proper diet management. It also provides comprehensive approach for good physical and mental health.
Optimisation of Processing Parameters for the Preparation of Vegetable Curd from Decorticated Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum)
Authors: Yadav Dev Kumar , H.C Veerakyathappa , Patki Prakash Eknath , Sharma Gopal Kumar
Published: February 2020

Current study aims to develop and optimise the processing parameters for the preparation of imitated curd by using vegetable milk extracted from decorticated sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum). Experiments were planned to optimise curdling process for sesame milk with respect to inoculum (1-5%), lactose (1-5%), added proteins (1-3%). It was established that total solid content in a range of 9-10%, dispersion stability with 30-45% scored well (7.8±0.2) on preferential sensory test i.e. nine-point hedonic scale. Sesame milk supplemented with 5% lactose, 1% electrolyte salt mix, 1% sucrose was subjected to fermentation (10±1.0) hrs at 35±2°C) with 5% inoculum (lactic acid bacteria culture) resulted into a vegetable curd with desired consistency (855.6±47.5 g.sec), acidity (0.57±0.02% lactic acid equivalent; LAE), flavor and overall acceptability (OAA). The Solid Not Fat (SNF) content of optimised vegetable curd was found to be 22.20±0.40%, with protein, fat and ash content as 6.70±0.06%, 6.91±0.06% and 0.92±0.01% respectively. The characteristics of vegetable milk (non-dairy) and toned milk (dairy) were well comparable on various aesthetic parameters (fluidity, color, flavor and taste). Proportional characterisation of vegetable (non-dairy) curd with dairy curd relating to its nutritional profile, color analysis, textural and rheological parameters established its similarity. Such dairy analogues may be considered as substitute to various dairy products where milk-based products are scanty or non-available.
Development of an Energy Efficient Stern Flap for Improved EEDI of a Typical High speed Displacement Vessel
Authors: Kumar Y. Hemanth , Kumar R. Vijaya
Published: February 2020

The surge in maritime trade is leading to large scale deployment of high-speed displacement ships by all nations. Cargo vessels are designed for a voyage in pre-determined routes at consistent speeds. On the other hand, high-speed displacement vessel engines designed with a capability to cater for top speeds are under-utilised during their normal course of operation. This sub-optimal utilisation impacts efficiency and increases emissions. In this study, a most favourable stern flap is designed for reducing the energy efficiency design index of a typical high-speed displacement vessel with a slender hull. CFD simulations and experimental model testing were conducted for 12 different stern flap configurations for determining most favourable flap design in the Froude no of 0.17-0.48. Performance of the most favourable stern flap was established by calculating, energy efficiency design index (EEDI) and fuel consumption based on typical operating profile. NOx, VOC and PM emissions were estimated in with and without flap condition. Studies demonstrated that the stern flap reduced effective power demand, average fuel consumption and emissions by about 8 per cent, which when considered for the ship’s operating life cycle, are significant. The most favourable stern flap reduced EEDI by 3.74 units and 1.98 units as compared to the bare hull condition and the required EEDI respectively, thereby demonstrating that EEDI could be used as an index to indicate stern flap efficiency.
A Robust Cooperative Modulation Classification Scheme with Intra sensor Fusion for the Time correlated Flat Fading Channels
Authors: Marković Goran , Sokolović Vlada
Published: February 2020

Networks with distributed sensors, e.g. cognitive radio networks or wireless sensor networks enable large-scale deployments of cooperative automatic modulation classification (AMC). Existing cooperative AMC schemes with centralised fusion offer considerable performance increase in comparison to single sensor reception. Previous studies were generally focused on AMC scenarios in which multipath channel is assumed to be static during a signal reception. However, in practical mobile environments, time-correlated multipath channels occur, which induce large negative influence on the existing cooperative AMC solutions. In this paper, we propose two novel cooperative AMC schemes with the additional intra-sensor fusion, and show that these offer significant performance improvements over the existing ones under given conditions.
Constrained Optimal Control of A Fractionally Damped Elastic Beam
Authors: Billur İskender Eroğlu Beyza , Avcı Derya , Özdemir Necati
Published: February 2020

This work presents the constrained optimal control of a fractionally damped elastic beam in which the damping characteristic is described with the Caputo fractional derivative of order 1/2. To achieve the optimal control that involves energy optimal control index with fixed endpoints, the fractionally damped elastic beam problem is first converted to a state space form of order 1/2 by using a change of coordinates. Then, the state and the costate equations are set in terms of Hamiltonian formalism and the constrained control law is acquired from Pontryagin Principle. The numerical solution of the problem is obtained with Grünwald-Letnikov approach by utilizing the link between the Riemann-Liouville and the Caputo fractional derivatives. Application of the formulations is demonstrated with an example and the illustrations are figured by MATLAB. Also, the effectiveness of the Grünwald-Letnikov approach is exhibited by comparing it with an iterative method which is one-step Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method.
Mediational Recognition and Metaphysical Power: A Systematic Analysis
Authors: Koskinen Heikki J.
Published: February 2020

Interhuman relations sometimes suffer from a lack of adequate recognition. Here I ask whether this can be caused by the “third” of representations of a superhuman ultimate object or source of recognition, that is, a personal God. In arguing for a positive answer, I articulate a notion of mediational recognition, and present a systematic analysis of a trilateral form of recognition in which one party claims to mediate normative judgements of another party to a third one. The analysis then focuses on the structure of metaphysical power that can be generated by religious groups and institutions.
Enhanced sum frequency generation for ultrasensitive characterization of plasmonic modes
Authors: Gao Min , He Yuhan , Chen Ying , Shih Tien-Mo , Yang Weimin , Chen Huanyang , Yang Zhilin , Wang Zhaohui
Published: February 2020

Highly sensitive characterization of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) modes lays the solid foundation for wide SPR-related applications. Herein, we discover that these SPR modes based on all-metal nanostructures without any probed molecule can be characterized with ultrahigh sensitivities at both excitation and emission wavelengths by utilizing plasmon-enhanced sum frequency generation (PESFG) spectroscopy. The theory of PESFG for sensitively characterizing SPR modes is first validated experimentally. Moreover, we have elaborately demonstrated that PESFG strongly depends on both the resonant wavelengths of SPR modes and spatial mode distributions when azimuthal angles of excitations are varied. Our study not only enhances the understanding of the mechanism that governs PESFG, but also offers a potentially new method for exploring new-style SPR modes (e.g. plasmon-induced magnetic resonance and bound states in the continuum) by PESFG.
Macroeconomic uncertainty and forecasting macroeconomic aggregates
Authors: Reif Magnus
Published: February 2020

Can information on macroeconomic uncertainty improve the forecast accuracy for key macroeconomic time series for the US? Since previous studies have demonstrated that the link between the real economy and uncertainty is subject to nonlinearities, I assess the predictive power of macroeconomic uncertainty in both linear and nonlinear Bayesian VARs. For the latter, I use a threshold VAR that allows for regime-dependent dynamics conditional on the level of the uncertainty measure. I find that the predictive power of macroeconomic uncertainty in the linear VAR is negligible. In contrast, using information on macroeconomic uncertainty in a threshold VAR can significantly improve the accuracy of short-term point and density forecasts, especially in the presence of high uncertainty.
New quaternary selenides Tl4Sb8Sn5Se24 and Tl5Sb2Sn4Se14−x (x=0.5)
Authors: Barchiy Ihor , Sabov Marian , Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Stetskiv Andrij , Marciniak Bernard , Różycka-Sokołowska Ewa , Sabov Victoria
Published: February 2020

Synthesis, structural characterization and chemical bonding peculiarities of two new quaternary selenides of the Tl4Sb8Sn5Se24 and Tl5Sb2Sn4Se14−x (x = 0.5) are reported. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The Tl4Sb8Sn5Se24 phase is a new structure type and crystallizes in the triclinic P 1̅ space group (a = 7.9061(13) Å, b = 13.9035(16) Å, c = 21.4665(17) Å, α = 80.058(8)°, β = 84.727(10)°, γ = 73.542(12)°, wR
2 = 0.0258, 8200 F
2 values, 373 variables). The Tl5Sb2Sn4Se14−x (x = 0.5) phase represents a new structure type with a tetragonal unit cell (P 4/mbm, a = 8.1570(10) Å, c = 21.946(3) Å, wR
2 = 0.0346, 1953 F
2 values, 44 variables). Crystallographic analysis together with linear muffin-tin orbital band structure calculations reveals that both structures we conform to the concept of Zintl-Klemm and exhibit semiconductor properties.
Structures and phase transitions of (BrCH2CH2NH3)2CdBr4 and (BrCH2CH2CH2NH3)2CdBr4 as investigated by 81Br NQR, DTA, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction
Authors: Ishihara Hideta , Koga Asuka , Suzuki Koh-ichi , Terao Hiromitsu
Published: February 2020

The crystal structures of (BrCH2CH2NH3)2CdBr4 (1) and (BrCH2CH2CH2NH3)2CdBr4 (2) have been determined at T = 113 K: orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 843.8(4), b = 775.4(4), c = 2339.6(11) pm, Z = 4 for 1; orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 858.7(3), b = 783.6(2), c = 2519.4(7) pm, Z = 4 for 2. Both crystals are isomorphic, showing distinctive layered perovskite-related structures, in which the cations orient their aliphatic parts toward each other in their cation layers and connect to the infinite anion layers with their ammonium parts through N–H · · · Br hydrogen bonds. 81Br NQR and differential thermal analysis measurements for both compounds revealed the existence of successive phase transitions as seen in n-(CH3CH2CH2NH3)2CdBr4 (3). These phase transitions appear to be induced by the activated motions of the cations. The changes in the hydrogen bonding schemes resulting from the motions of the cations lead to the different phases of the respective crystals.
Effect of geographical origin on yield and composition of cone essential oils of Cedrus libani A. Rich. growing in Lebanese protected areas and variability assessment in comparison with literature survey
Authors: Zgheib Raviella , El Beyrouthy Marc , El Rayess Youssef , Dahi Mira , Nehme Nancy , Azzi-Achkouty Samar , Iriti Marcello
Published: February 2020

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis together with principal component analysis revealed that geographical origin influenced the yield and composition of the essential oils (EOs) extracted by hydrodistillation performed for 3 h using a Clevenger-type apparatus, from the cones of Cedrus libani A. Rich., growing wild at four Lebanese natural reserves and protected areas: Bsharri, Chouf, Ehden, and Tannourine, and from a cultivated cedar growing in Qartaba. Essential oil chemical variability established between the different studied provenances suggested the involvement of abiotic factors such as geographical conditions, cultivation conditions, soil composition, and environmental factors in the chemical polymorphism of C. libani cones EOs. α-Pinene/β-pinene characterized Ehden (β-pinene 35.6%/α-pinene 27.7%), Chouf (α-pinene 37.3%/β-pinene 26.1%), Bsharri (α-pinene 27.7%/β-pinene 21.4%), and Tannourine (α-pinene 25.1%/β-pinene 16.0%) samples, whereas Qartaba EO was distinguished by the dominance of myrcene (30.6%), α-pinene(26%), and limonene (14.1%). Comparison with the existing literature reinforced the chemical variability of C. libani EOs. This current study helped the estimation of a best harvest location for a good EO quality production, resource optimization, and pharmacological properties evaluation, according to the market demand.
Effect of pleurodesis with negative pressure suction plus bleomycin on malignant pleural effusions; a clinical trial
Authors: Rahimian Masoud , Khazani Fard Salar , Samet Mohammad , Aghaei Meybodi Fatemeh
Published: February 2020

Introduction: About 50% of patients with metastatic cancers suffer from malignant pleural effusion. The goals of treatment for these patients should be to relieve pain, restore normal function, reduce or eliminate hospitalization, and make efficient use of medical care resources. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of negative pressure suction on the success rate of pleurodesis with bleomycin on malignant pleural effusion. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted as before-after interventional study, without randomization. For all patients, 1 mg/kg bleomycin diluted with 50 mL distilled water, was injected into the chest tube. After changing the position of the patient, the clamp was opened and the tube was connected to the central suction with two chest bottles. The negative pressure suction was 20 cmH2O. Before intervention and four weeks after the intervention, a simple decubitus lateral chest X-ray was taken and the amount of malignant pleural effusion was assessed and compared with the amount of pleural effusion before the insertion of the chest tube. If the pleural effusion level was greater than 10 mm from the outer part of the chest, pleurodesis was considered unsuccessful Results: The mean age of patients was 60.44 ± 10.48 years (32-79 years); of which 12 patients (48%) were male. The most common cancer was lung cancer (48%). The success rate of treatment with bleomycin accompanied by negative pressure suction was 80% without a significant relationship with age, gender and type of cancer. Additionally, the results showed the improvement of the respiratory status and the pain level after the pleurodesis. The only side effect after bleomycin injection was fever in 84% of patients. Conclusion: Bleomycin treatment accompanied by negative pressure suction can improve malignant pleural effusion and this method is recommended for these patients.
TAFRO syndrome with skin manifestations treated with bortezomib and tocilizumab; a case report
Authors: Mohaddes Seyedeh Tahereh , Borojerdi Zahra Rezaei , Miri Maryam , Moeini Nodeh Mohammad , Rezaei Alireza , Ghorban Sabbagh Mahin , Sajjadi Samane , Seyyedi khabbaz Fatemeh , Ranjbar Amin
Published: February 2020

TAFRO syndrome is a new presentation of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease which is termed as thrombocytopenia, anasarca, myelofibrosis, renal failure and organomegaly (TAFRO). The exact pathophysiology of TAFRO syndrome is unclear and management is mostly based on case reports and expert opinion. In this report, a 37 years old male patient with TAFRO syndrome is discussed. The patient was referred with fever, sweating, anorexia, abdominal distension and generalized edema which has been hospitalized multiple times for such complaints. The patient also developed skin lesions dispersed in red nodules, which was reported as "granuloid hemangioma". Renal biopsy suggested mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis and bone marrow specimen showed hypercellular active marrow with reticulin fibrosis. The lymph node biopsies were reported as Castleman disease. This report demonstrates that different manifestations of TAFRO syndrome may overlap with other syndromes and can be managed by Bortezomib and Tocilizumab.
Association of FOXP3 gene polymorphisms with risk of preeclampsia in Lur population of Iran
Authors: Akbari Soheila , Shahsavar Farhad , Khodadadi Babak , Yasin Ahmadi Seyyed Amir , Abbaszadeh Saber , Rafiei Alavi Seyyed Ezatollah
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Regulatory T lymphocytes have an effective role in induction of immune tolerance and angiogenesis during pregnancy. Differentiation and replication of these lymphocytes from other T cells is controlled by FOXP3 transcriptional factor. FOXP3 gene is polymorphic. Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the role FOXP3 common polymorphisms in susceptibility to preeclampsia in Lur populations of Lorestan province of Iran. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on three polymorphisms rs2232365 A/G, rs3761548 C/A and rs5902434 del/ATT using polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR SSP). A total of 100 participants were subjected to be studied. Data analysis was done using Fisher’s exact test and multivariate logistic regression. Results: In rs2232365 polymorphism, AA genotype was a risk factor (P=0.002) and AG genotype was a protecting factor (P<0.001). In polymorphism of rs3761548, CA genotype was a risk factor (P=0.036) and AA genotype was a protecting factor (P=0.015). In polymorphism rs5902434, del/del genotype was a risk factor (P=0.013) and del/ATT genotype was a protecting factor (P<0.001). After adjusting the effects of genotypes, CA genotype of rs3761584 polymorphism was considered as an attributable risk factor (P=0.040; odds ratio [OR] =4.19). Conclusion: The present population showed a unique association for the role of FOXP3 polymorphism in susceptibility to preeclampsia in comparison to previous studies.
Is FEV1 associated with quality of life in children with cystic fibrosis? An original article
Authors: Shirzadi Rohola , Navaei Safoura , Modaresi Mohammadreza , Masiha Farzad
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a serious genetic life-shortening disease. Quality of life (QoL) measurement related to CF children is a relatively new field of research, which includes the patient’s perspective in research and clinical practice. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the QoL in children with CF and its association with FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second). Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 7-14 years old children with CF attending children’s medical center from March 2017 to March 2018. Throat swab cultures and spirometry evaluation was performed for all patients. FEV1 was determined and the 6-min walk test (6MWT) was conducted. The patient’s psychological status was assessed using the Persian version of pediatric QoL inventory. ANOVA, t test, and chisquare tests were used for data analysis. Results: Seventy-six subjects with the mean age of 10.49±3.18 years were studied since 59% of them (n=44) were boys. The mean total QoL was 65.34±17.73. Patients with lower pulmonary function had a lower QoL. There was a significant association between FEV1 and school and emotional functioning (P=0.005 and P=0.002, respectively). A significant association was found between SPO2 (peripheral capillary oxygen saturation) reduction after 6MWT and FEV1 decline (P=0.001). Additionally, a significant association was detected between FEV1 and the distance walked during 6MWT (P=0.030). Conclusion: Regarding the association between pulmonary function and QoL in CF patients and lower QoL score in our study, the importance of assessing pulmonary function in these patients should not be neglected.
Prognostic significance evaluation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and Ki-67 expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Rahimi Hossein , Rezaei Borojerdi Zahra , Ataei Azimi Sajad , Rashidian Elnaz , Jafarian Amirhossein
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphatic neoplasm, accounting for about 30–40% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases. Objectives: DLBCL is a progressive disease with clinical, genetic and molecular heterogeneity. The prognostic value of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and Ki-67 in DLBCL patients has been controversial. Patients and Methods: In this study, we investigated the correlation of BCL2 and Ki-67 expression with clinical features such as age, gender, B symptoms and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, subtypes of DLBCL, its staging and prognosis in 36 cases of DLBCL. The expression of BCL2 and Ki-67 was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results: There was no significant correlation between BCL2 expression and staging (P=0.082), however Ki-67 expression had a significant correlation with staging (P=0.002). There was no statistically significant correlation between BCL2 and Ki-67 with prognosis of the disease. We found a significant correlation between the germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non- GCB subtypes with BCL2 expression (P=0.024), since patients with non- GCB subtype had a higher BCL2 expression. Our study also demonstrated a significant relationship between BCL2 and Ki-67 expression, therefore, with the increase of the expression of a marker, another increases (P=0.045). Conclusion: BCL2 and Ki-67 expressions were not associated with prognosis. Overexpression of Ki-67 was associated with higher clinical stages. BCL2 expression is higher in non-GCB subtype of DLBCL. Therefore, our study shows that the subsequent studies of BCL2 and other biomarkers in the DLBCL should be based on the DLBCL subtypes.
Diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin for diagnosis of bacterial infection in patients with chronic kidney disease under hemodialysis
Authors: Estakhri Rasoul , Moghadasian Niaki Nava , Noshad Hamid , Asghari Mohammad , Barghi Hojjat
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Bacterial infections are common causes of mortality and morbidity among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients under hemodialysis. Objectives: In this study the diagnostic value of serum procalcitonin for diagnosis of bacterial infections in patients with CKD under hemodialysis was assessed. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative investigation, 47 patients with CKD under hemodialysis were enrolled to the study. We studied the relationship of serum procalcitonin (PTC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (before and after dialysis) with "positive bacterial culture" and "systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)" results. Sensitivity and specificity were determined by ROC test. Results: Serum PTC before and after dialysis as well as the CRP before dialysis had no significant association with positive bacterial culture (P=0.492, P=0.1 and P=0.268 respectively), however after-dialysis CRP had a significant association with positive bacterial culture (P=0.032). Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it may be concluded that the diagnostic value of serum PTC for diagnosis of positive culture bacterial infections in hemodialysis patients is not satisfactory since the serum CRP level especially after dialysis is more useful.
Comparing the effect of including omega-3 to treatment regimen in elderly patients with ulcerative colitis with placebo: A randomized clinical tria
Authors: Biglari Abhari Maryam , Farokhnezhad Afshar Pouya , Alimoradzadeh Raheleh , Mirmiranpour Hossein
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease which reduces the quality of life and patients’ productivity. People in different ages could be affected since its complications such as colon perforation and cancer are common. Oxidative stress is reported to create an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense systems which occurs in inflammatory tissues and predisposing malignant tumors. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 on inflammatory, antioxidant, and oxidative markers of patients with ulcerative colitis. Patients and Methods: Seventy elderly patients with ulcerative colitis referring to Rasoul-e-Akram hospital (Iran University of Medical Sciences) with mild or moderate phase of the disease were investigated. Patients were undergoing their protocol treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to the block randomization assignment, including 35 patients (routine + omega-3) or control (routine + placebo). Based on a researcher-made checklist, the severity of the disease, as well as the oxidant, antioxidant, and inflammatory factors of the patients were determined before and after 2 months of treatment. Finally, the changes in these factors were compared between groups. Results: Among the 70 participants, 35 were in the control and 35 in the intervention group. All subjects were present during the whole period of the study, so the attrition rate was 0%. No significant difference was observed between the mean of BMI (body mass index) as kg/m2, waist circumference (cm), systolic pressure (mm Hg), and diastolic pressure (mm Hg) in both groups before and after the intervention. The measure of optimal changes in serum levels of MDA (malondialdehyde oxidant), AGEs (advanced glycation end-products), oxidized LDL (oxidized low density lipoprotein), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and the improvement of antioxidant catalase copper markers were significantly higher in the intervention group, compared to the control one. Conclusion: Administration of omega-3 as an auxiliary component in the treatment of patients significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory and oxidative markers and a significant increase in antioxidant markers in the serum and improved blood pressure in patients with ulcerative colitis.
The impact of colchicine in preventing postpericardiotomy syndrome; a double-blind clinical trial study
Authors: Mashayekhi Navid Reaza , Alisaeedi Alireza , Rostami Alireza , Soltani Parvin
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Post-pericardiotomy syndrome is a relatively common complication after open heart surgery. In recent years, colchicine had a good effect on treatment of the pericarditis. Objectives: This study aimed to study the effect of colchicine to prevent post-pericardiotomy syndrome in patients who had open heart surgery. Patients and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 240 patients undergone open heart surgery. Eligible patients were selected by simple sampling and randomly divided into two groups; 120 subjects in the experimental group receive colchicine (1 mg for patients greater than 70 kg and 0.5 mg for patients lower than 70 kg) and 120 subjects in the control group who received the placebo. Patients were followed up regarding the incidence of post-pericardiotomy syndrome after the surgery during hospitalization and in follow up visits in one month and six months after hospital discharges. Results: In total, the incidence rate of post-pericardiotomy syndrome was 33.7% (81 subjects). A significant difference of post-pericardiotomy syndrome between two groups was seen. We found post-pericardiotomy syndrome in 12.1% (29 patients) of colchicine group versus 21.6% (52 patients) in the placebo group (chi-square test). The incidence rate based on the Kaplan-Meier curve, in the second week to one month after the surgery, was lower in colchicine group while in third to the sixth month it had a constant trend. Conclusion: Colchicine is effective for prevention the post-pericardiotomy syndrome without any life-threatening complication.
Serum parameters and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Mirbolouk Fardin , Baharvand Fatemeh , Salari Arsalan , Shakiba Maryam , Moayerifar Mani , Gholipour Mahboobeh
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. SYNTAX (SX) score is a useful index that scores lesion severity during coronary angiography (CA) and can predict the patient’s outcome. Recent studies have associated a number of serum parameters with SX score, including platelet volume, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Objectives: We aimed to study the SX score in association with various serum parameters to find a valuable parameter for prediction of CAD severity. Patients and Methods: This study consisted of 363 patients referred to Heshmat hospital (Rasht) from March 2016 to October 2016 with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Serum laboratory parameters were measured after 12 hours of fasting. Severity of CAD was evaluated during CA by SX score. The associations were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression model. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.68±11.03 years; since 26.2% of cases had severe, 43% had moderate, and 30.8% had mild CAD. Comparing to mild CAD, the multivariate adjusted model showed higher significant odds of severe CAD for one elevation of platelets (odds ratio [OR] =2.18 (95% CI: 1.35-3.50), white blood cells (WBCs) (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.17-2.35) RDW (red cell distribution width), (OR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.08-2.35) and serum creatinine (OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.16-2.63). Conclusion: Plasma platelets, WBC and RDW and also serum creatinine were all independently correlated with severity of CAD.
Intravenous contrast agents in diabetic patients taking metformin; an updated review on current concepts
Authors: Asgharpour Masoumeh , Danialy Rouzbeh , Mirhashemi Seyedhadi , Ebrahimi Semko
Published: February 2020

Iodinated contrast agents are routinely used to diagnose a variety of diseases especially malignant tumors. They are crucial for accurate depiction of tumors, monitoring the response to treatment, and assessing possible recurrence of malignant lesions. Unfortunately, there are potential adverse effects associated with their administration. Metformin as an antidiabetic drug is prescribed widely. The drug is usually administered to control type II diabetes mellitus. One of the most important side effects of metformin is the possibility of lactate accumulation and occurrence of metforminassociated lactic acidosis (MALA), which develops under various circumstances including decreased renal function or concurrent use of toxic agents. Since, intravascular injection of iodinated contrast agents for radiologic purposes may result in kidney injury, it is suggested that metformin should be held in diabetic patients with renal failure before administration of contrast media and not to be taken by the patient again till 48 hours after the procedure and assessment of kidney function which should be normal.
How to increase dialysis adequacy; A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dashti Afsaneh , Shahgholian Nahid , Mafi Maryam , Goudarzi Fateme , Hoseinigolafshani Seyedehzahra
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Studies have shown when hemodialysis treatment is sufficiently effective, complications of uremic syndrome, additional treatment costs and hospitalization length are reduced. Several methods have been proposed to improve hemodialysis adequacy. Objectives: In this study, the effects of the synchronic use of the stepwise profile dialysis fluid flow rate with increased blood flow rate (BFR) were studied on hemodialysis adequacy. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-over clinical trial study conducted on 34 hemodialysis patients selected from a hemodialysis center of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups (n= 17 patients in each group) in two sequences. In the first sequence, the subjects received four routine hemodialysis sessions in group one and four hemodialysis sessions with the stepwise profile of the fluid flow rate with increased BFR in group two. In the second sequence, the treatment methods were exchanged. Hemodialysis sessions were performed in both sequences, consecutively. Each session was at least three hours. Hemodialysis adequacy was measured using Kt/V software on the hemodialysis machines after each session. Results: The mean score of dialysis adequacy was 0.89 in the routine method and 1.26 in the profile with increased BFR. There was a statistically significant difference between the methods (t= -7.9, df = 33, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that the stepwise profile of the dialysis fluid flow rate with increased BFR should be used synchronously to improve hemodialysis adequacy.
Association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms and the risk of diabetic nephropathy; a meta-analysis
Authors: Gupta Akriti , Sharma Shubhangi , Lakkakula Saikrishna , Bhaskar Lakkakula VKS
Published: February 2020

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is involved in the homocysteine metabolism. Two common variants of MTHFR gene (677C>T and 1298A>C), have been reported to reduce the MTHFR enzyme activity and leading to plasma hyperhomocysteinemia. There are a number of recent case-control studies that investigated the association between the MTHFR polymorphism and diabetic nephropathy (DN), albeit with inconsistent results. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the associations between the genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR with susceptibility to DN. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase and Google scholar from inception till March 18, 2019. For MTHFR 677C>T analysis, a total of 23 studies including DM controls (3095 cases and 3187 DM controls) and 12 studies including non-DM controls (1590 cases and 2052 nonDM controls) were taken. For MTHFR 1298A>C analysis, a total of 7 studies using DM controls (959 cases and 1209 DM controls) and 3 studies using non-DM controls (400 cases and 802 nonDM controls) were taken. Meta-analysis showed that mutant genotypes of the 677C>T (OR: 1.58; 95%CI: 1.16-2.14) and 1298A>C (OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.16-1.65) polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene were associated with increased risk of DN (diabetic kidney disease). MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms revealed significant heterogeneity between studies. Further, there was no evidence for publication bias for these polymorphisms. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides strong evidence that MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C polymorphisms may be associated with increased risks of DN. However, further studies are still needed to accurately determine whether MTHFR genetic polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to DN.