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Background: Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus. Dyslipidemia was highly prevalent in all the geopolitical zones with the consistent pattern being low HDL-Cholesterol and high LDL-Cholesterol. The prevalence of dyslipidemia ranged from 60% among apparently healthy to 89% among diabetic. To determine Frequency of dyslipidemia in newly-detected type-2 diabetics. Material & Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at department to general Medicine, Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital, Bannu over 189 patients of type-2 diabetics from January 2017 to November 2017 lipid profile was carry out, once the patients were diagnosed. To find out dyslipidemia. Results: Out of 189 patients, 123 were males and 66 females with age range of 35-80 years (Means 57.61 years ±10.25 SD). Over all frequency of dyslipidemia in newly-detected type-2 diabetics (T2DM) were observed in 71.4%. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence to suggest that lipid variables are associated with each other in T2DM patient among the population in this part of the world which aggravates the atherogenic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to assess the internal anatomy of the maxillary sinuses and their septa using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in an Iranian population. Materials and Methods: Resorption of alveolar bone decreases the height of the maxillary alveolar ridge. This height reduction may be so severe that it warrants ridge augmentation by a sinus lift. Manipulation of the maxillary sinuses, as in sinus lift surgery, requires adequate knowledge about the sinus anatomy. Results: Maxillary sinus septum, as an anatomical variation, may complicate the surgical procedures and increase the risk of complications such as sinus membrane perforation. In this retrospective study, 366 sinuses, 190 from females and 176 from males, aged between 10 and 65 years old presenting to the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department of School of Dentistry at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences were evaluated by two oral radiologists. The extension of the maxillary sinuses, presence of septa, number of septa and their location were determined. Data were analyzed using the chi square test (level of significance p≤0.001). The coefficient of agreement between the two oral radiologists was calculated based on Cohen kappa. Septa were present in 40.5% of the maxillary sinuses, out of which, 31.6% had one, 7.9% had two and 1% had three or more septa; 38% of the septa were horizontal while 62% had an oblique orientation. In total, 184 septa were found in 183 patients; out of which, 91 septa were 2 to 5 mm long while 93 septa were longer than 5mm. Conclusions: Comprehensive knowledge about the three-dimensional internal anatomy of the maxillary sinuses acquired by CBCT prior to surgical procedures can greatly help to prevent postoperative complications.

Hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) and electromembrane extraction (EME) are miniaturized extraction techniques, and have been coupled with various analytical instruments for trace analysis of heavy metals, drugs and other organic compounds, in recent years. HF-LPME and EME provide high selectivity, efficient sample cleanup and enrichment, and reduce the consumption of organic solvents to a few micro-liters per sample. HF-LPME and EME are compatible with different analytical instruments for chromatography, electrophoresis, atomic spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electrochemical detection. HF-LPME and EME have gained significant popularity during the recent years. This review focuses on hollow fiber based techniques (especially HF-LPME and EME) of heavy metals and pharmaceuticals (published 2017 to May 2019), and their combinations with atomic spectroscopy, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and voltammetry. Keywords: Hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction, Electromembrane extraction, Heavy metals, Pharmaceuticals, Instrumental techniques

Aims: Menopause is one of the most critical periods in women's lives that although it is a physiological event, but it is accompanied by complications that affect women's quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prediction of the quality of life of menopausal women based on health literacy and self-efficacy. Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 400 postmenopausal women referred to comprehensive health centers in Mashhad in 2018 who were selected by random cluster sampling method. The research tool was a 4-part questionnaire including demographic characteristics, test of functional health literacy in adults (TOFLA), Sherer general self-efficacy and quality of life in menopause. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22 software using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, Spearman’s correlation, and linear regression model. Findings: There was a significant correlation between health literacy (r=-0.352) and self-efficacy (r=-0.338) with quality of life (p

To gain insight into the trend of bacterial nanocellulose research, a bibliometric analysis was performed using the Science Citation Index Expanded database from 2005 to 2020. The study concentrated on the publication’s performance in terms of annual outputs and citations, mainstream journals, categories of the Web of Sciences, leading countries, prominent institutions, and trends in research. Current research priorities and future trends were analyzed after summarizing the most commonly used keywords extracted from words in the paper title analysis, authors’ keyword analysis, and KeyWords Plus. The findings revealed that the annual output in the form of scholarly articles on bacterial nanocellulose research steadily increased during the first quartile of the study period, followed by a very rapid increase in the last five-years of the study. Increasing mechanical strength would remain the main future focus of bacterial nanocellulose research to create its scope in different field of applications.

Previous studies have suggested that DNA bases promotes the triplet photosensitized formation of singlet oxygen (O2). In this study, chemical evidence supporting previous results are presented. It demonstrates that 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate (dGMP/O2) photosensitizes the formation of oxygen. It also shows that the intermediacy of a dGMO/O2 photoproduct acts as an O2 sensitizer and contributes to the formation of a partial portion of the singlet O2.

Introduction: Propensity score matching (PSM) is a method to reduce the impact of essential and confounders. When the number of confounders is high, there may be a problem of matching, in which, finding matched pairs for the case group is difficult, or impossible. The propensity score (PS) minimizes the effect of the confounders, and it is reduced to one dimension. There are various algorithms in the field of PSM. This study aimed to compared the nearest neighbor and caliper algorithms. Methods: Data obtained in this study were from patients undergoing angiography at Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, between 2011-12. The study was a retrospective case-control using PSM. In total, 604 patients were included in the case and control groups. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the propensity score and adjust the variables, such as age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, smoking status, and triglyceride. Then, the Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for the raw data and two matching algorithms were determined to examine the relationship between type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). Results: Propensity score in the nearest neighbor and caliper algorithms matched the total number of 604 samples, 200 and 178 pairs, respectively. All variables were significantly different between the two groups before matching (P

Introduction: Angiography is used as the gold standard for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is an invasive procedure and has several complications. Also, some patients refuse angiograms for reasons such as fear, high cost, and loss of trust in physician diagnosis. The negative results of this test is more than a third. Therefore, having a statistical predictive model for estimating the risk of CAD, as an evidence-based support system, can help the physician and patient decide on the necessity of angiography. Aims: In this study we aimed to find an evidence-based supportive model for decision making on the necessity of angiography in people who were candidates for angiography by the physician after initial tests. Methods: In this study, 1187 patients who had been referred to Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and diagnosed with physicians after initial tests were enrolled. Demographic data, lipid and blood sugar levels, and the history of underlying disorders were variables that were studied in the statistical model fitting. Initially, generalized additive models were used singularly for quantitative predictors, then by applying right transformations on the predictor variables we entered them simultaneously in logistic and count regression models. These two models were fitted to the data using R software and then compared in terms of predictive accuracy. Findings: Generalized additive models showed that the relationship between CAD with the hs-CRP level was not monotone. Exploratory analyzes showed that 62% of people with hs-CRP level

In the architecture of Iranian-Islamic mosques, besides the geographic directions affecting the climate, the direction of qibla also affects their architecture. In the present study, based on the descriptive-analytical method and using the material flow pattern and the activity relationship chart, the pattern of the path of human movement from the entrance to the altar, as well as the degree of proximity of each space relative to other spaces in this movement path were investigated. After describing and analyzing the qibla axis through the structural study on 12 samples of the traditional mosques of Yazd owing to the attention given by the people of this region to religious discussion and their efforts to focus on the axis qibla direction- the hierarchy of human movement was investigated with reference to the mosque being placed in the axis of the qibla direction considering the geometry, arrangement of forms, and interior functions. Studies in this area indicate that the architects and builders of mosques have considered the preservation of the divine orientation or the qibla, the path of human movement from his early arrival to his placement in the direction of the qibla axis, and the preservation of geometry as the valuable principles. Keywords: Qibla direction, Movement hierarchy, Material Flow Pattern (MFP), Activity Relationship Chart (ARC), Mosques of Yazd city

Introduction: It can be expected that postmenopausal women are living longer than ever with the advances in medical science. Therefore, the health of women in the years after menopause is very important. The purpose of the present study was to determine the associated factors with the use of health services among postmenopausal women in Mashhad based on the theory of planned behavior and the role of health literacy. Instruments and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was carried out on 245 postmenopausal women aged 45-56 years old in Mashhad in 2018. The subjects were selected by random cluster sampling method. The research tools were a demographic questionnaire, health literacy of adult and native-based questionnaire based on the planned behavior theory, which was completed through the interview. Data were analyzed by SPSS 24 software, using Kruskal–Wallis test, linear regression method, Pearson correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance. Findings: Among the demographic features, the variables of income and level of education were effective in the health literacy of the postmenopausal women (p=0.001). The health literacy of the target group was inadequate so that the mean of this variable was 54.06±20.69 which is equivalent to the boundary level. The most effective structure that had the most predictive capability was the perceived behavioral control structure with the regression coefficient of 0.6 for the behavior structure and 0.11 for the behavioral intention structure. Conclusion: The health literacy of the postmenopausal women is in the undesirable level and the perceived behavioral control construct is the most effective factor in the intent and behavior of the postmenopausal women.

Abstract In today's world, the use of the Internet by users is expanding, virtual social networks with a variety of functions that can influence spying methods with their hidden function. This article examines the sociological impact of the performance of virtual social networks on spouse selection practices. In the theoretical framework, the theories of William Good, Giddens and Habermas have been used. The research method used, survey and data collection tool is a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study was both men and women in Tehran who have been married for the past five years. Using cluster sampling method and then the quota of 385 people were selected as a statistical sample. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire and the data were analyzed based on descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS22 software, Lisrel structural equation modeling software. Data analysis shows that there is a significant relationship between the expansion of the public sphere, the formation of communication understanding, increasing awareness and social mobility with spouse selection methods. Also, using the structural equation model, the effect of expanding the public sphere (0.38), increasing communication understanding (0.56), increasing awareness (0.81) and social mobility (0.56).

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) is a common, genetically inherited cause of early childhoodonset ataxia that is classically characterized by progressive cerebellar malfunction, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, genome instability, and immunodeficiency. There is vast phenotype variation in patients with A-T and recently, dystonia, an extrapyramidal movement disorder. Here, we report the case of a 10-year-old girl who had experienced repeated diarrhea and mild gait ataxia since the age of two years. At age seven, ataxia and ocular telangiectasia were evident and immunoglobulin level assessment showed hyper IgM immune phenotype, thus a diagnosis of A-T was made based on clinical and laboratory findings, and she was started on intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Generalized dystonia appeared when she was 10-years-old. Molecular analysis revealed two heterozygous mutations, c.6259delG and c.6658C>T, in the ATM gene of which one (c.6259delG) is novel. Dystonia can be part of the clinical picture in the A-T disorder and may even mask ataxia. This should be considered as a major feature mainly in variant A-T, which may occur without general ataxia and may be misdiagnosed in adults with primary dystonia.

Abstract  Withdrawal and lateral resistance of wood screw in three hardwood species of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and poplar (Populus deltoides 75/51) were studied. Measured values of ultimate withdrawal resistance of wood screws were compared with predicted values. Moreover, shear strength parallel to the grain of wood as an input parameter of the expression given by Eckelman was measured. Measured values of lateral resistance of wood screw connection were compared with predicted values of yield limit equations, and dowel bearing strength of wood as the input parameter of yield limit equations was measured. Results show that the expression by Eckelman gives a more accurate prediction than the expression given in NDS. Furthermore, yield limit equations accurately predicted observed yield mode, and in the three species lateral resistance was predicted lower than the measured values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity increases the risk of different diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, certain types of cancers, and some neurological diseases. Physical exercise helps improve quality of life and reduces the risk of many diseases. Irisin, a hormone induced by exercise, is a fragmented product of FNDC5 (a cell membrane protein) and acts as a linkage between muscles and other tissues. Over the past decade, it has become clear that irisin is a molecular mimic of exercise and shows various beneficial effects, such as browning of adipocytes, modulation of metabolic processes, regulation of bone metabolism, and functioning of the nervous system. Irisin has a role in carcinogenesis; numerous studies have shown its impact on migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells. The receptor of irisin is not completely known; however, in some tissues it probably acts via a specific class of integrin receptors. Here, we review research from the past decade that has identified irisin as a potential therapeutic agent in the prevention or treatment of various metabolic-related and other diseases. This article delineates structural and biochemical aspects of irisin and provides an insight into the role of irisin in different pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinsonism-associated deglycase-PARK7/DJ-1 (PARK7) is a multifunctional protein having significant roles in inflammatory and immune disorders and cell protection against oxidative stress. Mutations in PARK7 may result in the onset and progression of a few neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease. This study has analyzed the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) resulting in single amino acid substitutions in PARK7 to explore its disease-causing variants and their structural dysfunctions. Initially, we retrieved the mutational dataset of PARK7 from the Ensembl database and performed detailed analyses using sequence-based and structure-based approaches. The pathogenicity of the PARK7 was then performed to distinguish the destabilizing/deleterious variants. Aggregation propensity, noncovalent interactions, packing density, and solvent accessible surface area analyses were carried out on the selected pathogenic mutations. The SODA study suggested that mutations in PARK7 result in aggregation, inducing disordered helix and altering the strand propensity. The effect of mutations alters the number of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in PARK7, as calculated from the Arpeggio server. The study indicated that the alteration in the hydrophobic contacts and frustration of the protein could alter the stability of the missense variants of the PARK7, which might result in disease progression. This study provides a detailed understanding of the destabilizing effects of single amino acid substitutions in PARK7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques are used for solving the intractable engineering problems. In this study, it is aimed to study the application of artificial bee colony algorithm for predicting the performance of circular diamond saw in sawing of hard rocks. For this purpose, varieties of fourteen types of hard rocks were cut in laboratory using a cutting rig at 5 mm depth of cut, 40 cm/min feed rate and 3000 rpm peripheral speed. Four major mechanical and physical properties of studied rocks such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Schimazek abrasivity factor (SF-a), Mohs hardness (Mh), and Young’s modulus (Ym) were determined in rock mechanic laboratory. Artificial bee colony (ABC) was used to classify the performance of circular diamond saw based on mentioned mechanical properties of rocks. Ampere consumption and wear rate of diamond saw were selected as criteria to evaluate the result of ABC algorithm. Ampere consumption was determined during cutting process and the average wear rate of diamond saw was calculated from width, length and height loss. The results of comparison between ABC’s results and cutting performance (ampere consumption and wear rate of diamond saw) indicated the ability of metaheuristic algorithm such as ABC to evaluate the cutting performance.

Abstract Background Bangladesh has achieved major gains in maternal and newborn survival, facility childbirth and skilled birth attendance between 1991 and 2010, but excess maternal mortality persists. High-quality maternal health care is necessary to address this burden. Implementation of WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC), whose items address the major causes of maternal deaths, is hypothesized to improve adherence of providers to essential childbirth practices. Method The SCC was adapted for the local context through expert consultation meetings, creating a total of 27 checklist items. This study was a pre-post evaluation of SCC implementation. Data were collected over 8 months at Magura District Hospital. We analysed 468 direct observations of birth (main analysis using 310 complete observations and sensitivity analysis with the additional 158 incomplete observations) from admission to discharge. The primary outcome of interest was the number of essential childbirth practices performed before compared to after SCC implementation. The change was assessed using adjusted Poisson regression models accounting for clustering by nurse-midwives. Result After checklist introduction, significant improvements were observed: on average, around 70% more of these safe childbirth practices were performed in the follow-up period compared to baseline (from 11 to 19 out of 27 practices). Substantial increases were seen in communication between nurse-midwives and mothers (counselling), and in management of complications (including rational use of medicines). In multivariable models that included characteristics of the mothers and of the nurse-midwives, the rate of delivering the essential childbirth practices was 1.71 times greater in the follow-up compared to baseline (95% CI 1.61–1.81). Conclusion Implementation of SCC has the potential to improve essential childbirth practice in resource-poor settings like Bangladesh. This study emphasizes the need for health system strengthening in order to achieve the full advantages of SCC implementation.

Background and Objective: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most important public health challenges. Self-efficacy and health literacy play a key role in self-care for diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of training based on self-efficacy theory on health literacy, self-care behaviors and self-efficacy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 70 patients with type 2 diabetes that were randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control. Data were evaluated with standard questionnaires including TOHFLA, SDSCA, CIDS. The educational programs were implemented for the experimental group, then after the intervention, the results were analyzed by SPSS16 software. Results: Before the intervention, the two groups did not show a significant different in terms of mean scores for self-efficacy (t=0.29, P=0.77), self-care behavior (t=0.42, p= 0.67) and health literacy scores (t=0.38, p=0.69). However, after the educational intervention, the mean scores of the test group increased and both groups indicated a significant difference in mean scores of self-efficacy (t=0.099, p=0.001), self-care behavior (t=3.13, p=0.003) and health literacy scores (t=2.66, p=0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that educational intervention based on self-efficacy theory is effective to improve self-efficacy and health literacy in diabetic patients. Therefore, the use of self-efficacy strategies is recommended for control programs in health care among diabetic people.

The metal complex, cis-Rh(phen)2Cl2+ (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), absorbs in the near UV region and is apparently transparent in the red region of the electromagnetic radiation. We have previously shown that the chemical can be photosensitized by the red light absorbing dye, methylene blue, and the activated compound forms permanent bonds with DNA. In the present paper we report that despite the negligible absorption of the metal complex beyond UVA (320–400 nm) region, irradiation with red light populates a highly reactive excited state, which forms covalent linkages with DNA. The purified DNA photoadducts indicate binding as high as 105 nmol Rh, which corresponds to 1.8% metal incorporation. The quantum efficiency for covalent binding of Rh complex to DNA with the 633 nm-excitation is in the range of 0.01–0.02 under anaerobic conditions. These data reveal that one Rh atom occurs approximately every 300 DNA bases. HPLC and UV/Vis analyses of the enzymatic digest of the photoadducts support that the DNA–Rh photoadducts are stable to nucleolytic enzymes. The DNA photomodification is inhibited by the presence of oxygen indicating that the new excited state of cis-Rh(phen)2Cl2+ to be different from that populated by UVA excitation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, a polymer-silica nanocomposite using the sol-gel method was synthesized in three steps at room temperature. The nanocomposite material was formed with an organic compound (polyethylene glycol) and inorganic silica nanoparticles. Furthermore, the size and the distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix were characterized by a transmission electron microscope (TEM). In addition, the refractometer analysis was used to measure the refractive index of the nanocomposite. Following that, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray diffraction and high X-ray diffraction have also used to characterize the polymer and the inorganic part of the nanocomposite. TEM studies showed the distribution of nanoscale silica particles of the size of 50-100 (nm) in the polymer matrix. Furthermore, the refractive index of the nanocomposite was measured about 1.4, which was very close to the refractive index of the natural lens (1.411). Additionally, the FTIR spectra showed OH groups in FTIR spectroscopy, which confirmed the hydrophilic property of silica nanoparticles and the two sharp peaks at the angles of 19° and 23° in the X-ray diffraction analyses, which were in the nature of the crystallinity of polyethylene glycol. Finally, the results showed the surface modification of nanoparticles and their incorporation in a polymer matrix, which led to the formation of the desired nanocomposite that was made of inorganic (silica nanoparticles) and an organic (polyethylene glycol) compound.