Microbial and biochemical characteristics of fermented fish sausage from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) mince by application of Pediococcus pentasaceus at different incubation temperatures

Fermented sausage is a favorite kind of meat-product that has allocated great proportions of meat consumption in the world. For the first time in Iran in this study the production of Fermented sausage from minced meat of common carp was assessed by means of lactic acid bacteria at different incubating temperatures as 15, 25, and 35˚C. To prepare the fish sausage, common carp mince was grounded and mixed with NaCl (3%), glucose (3%) and lactic acid bacteria at 5 log CFU/g and afterward were incubated for 48 h. During the incubation of fish sausage, microbiological tests, moisture and protein content, and TVB-N were measured. According to the results, the higher temperature of 35˚C stimulated the rapid growth of lactic acid bacteria, resulting in a rapid decline in pH, and consequently suppressed the growth of pseudomonas, Micrococcaceae and Enterobacteriacea

Molecular and serological survey of selected viruses in free-ranging wild ruminants in Iran

A molecular and serological survey of selected viruses in free-ranging wild ruminants was conducted in 13 different districts in Iran. Samples were collected from 64 small wild ruminants belonging to four different species including 25 Mouflon (Ovis orientalis), 22 wild goat (Capra aegagrus), nine Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii) and eight Goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) during the national survey for wildlife diseases in Iran. Serum samples were evaluated using serologic antibody tests for Peste de petits ruminants virus (PPRV), Pestiviruses [Border Disease virus (BVD) and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus (BVDV)], Bluetongue virus (BTV), Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1), and Parainfluenza type 3 (PI3). Sera were also ELISA tested for Pestivirus antigen. Tissue samples including spleen, liver, lung, tonsils, mesenteric and mediastinal lymph nodes and white blood cells (WBCs) were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for PPRV, Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV), Pestivirus, BTV, Ovine herpesvirus type 2 (OvHV-2) and BHV-1. Serologic tests were positive for antibodies against PPRV (17%), Pestiviruses (2%) and BTV (2%). No antibodies were detected for BHV-1 or PI3, and no Pestivirus antigen was detected. PCR results were positive for PPRV (7.8%), FMDV (11%), BTV (3%), OvHV-2 (31%) and BHV-1 (1.5%). None of the samples were positive for Pestiviruses.Farhid Hemmatzadeh, Wayne Boardman, Arezo Alinejad, Azar Hematzade, Majid Kharazian Moghada

Online politicizations of science: Contestation versus denialism at the convergence between COVID-19 and climate science on Twitter

This study investigates how scientific knowledge is politicized on Twitter. Identifying discursive modes of online politicization and analyzing how they relate to different online issue publics allows us to weigh in on the scholarly debate about when the politicization of science on social media becomes problematic in a democratic context. This is a complicated question in “knowledge societies” where increasing science–politics confluence means that some degree of politicization is necessary for science–informed policymaking and (online) public debate. We look at how pandemic science was politicized through becoming discursively linked with an already highly politicized science issue on Twitter, namely, climate change. Our mixed-methods analysis demonstrates that some politicizations of science seek to contest science-informed policy while others are better characterized as ideological science rejection. We argue for the advantages of this approach of identifying science rejection over approaches that seek to distinguish information from dis-/misinformation

The low abundance of CpG in the SARS-CoV-2 genome is not an evolutionarily signature of ZAP

The zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) is known to restrict viral replication by binding to the CpG rich regions of viral RNA, and subsequently inducing viral RNA degradation. This enzyme has recently been shown to be capable of restricting SARS-CoV-2. These data have led to the hypothesis that the low abundance of CpG in the SARS-CoV-2 genome is due to an evolutionary pressure exerted by the host ZAP. To investigate this hypothesis, we performed a detailed analysis of many coronavirus sequences and ZAP RNA binding preference data. Our analyses showed neither evidence for an evolutionary pressure acting specifically on CpG dinucleotides, nor a link between the activity of ZAP and the low CpG abundance of the SARS-CoV-2 genome

The Second to Fourth Digit Ratio in Elite and Non-Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers

A low second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) has been reported to correlate with high performance and athletic potential of an individual in sport. It has been suggested that 2D:4D is a relatively weak predictor of strength and a stronger predictor of efficiency in aerobic exercise. Comparing extreme groups on a continuum of sports performance requiring high power (physical strength) output would be helpful to resolve this issue. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the 2D:4D ratio of world-class elite Greco-Roman wrestlers (n = 10) taking part in Olympic fitness camps in 2013 with the 2D:4D ratio of non-elite collegiate wrestlers (n = 20), and age-matched sedentary males (n = 40). The 2D:4D ratios of elite wrestlers were lower compared to non-elite athletes (p < 0.01, right hand d = 1.70, left hand d = 1.67) and the control group (p < 0.0001, right hand d = 3.16, left hand d = 2.00). No significant differences were noted among the groups for right - left 2D:4D. We concluded that 2D:4D may discriminate between non-elite and world-class wrestlers. We also suggest that a low 2D:4D ratio could be linked to performance potential in wrestlers. As such, 2D:4D may provide additional information, which is valuable in determining the potential athleticism of an individual, when it is used in conjunction with other measures. © 2017 Editorial Committee of Journal of Human Kinetics 2017

Munchausen by internet: current research and future directions.

The Internet has revolutionized the health world, enabling self-diagnosis and online support to take place irrespective of time or location. Alongside the positive aspects for an individual's health from making use of the Internet, debate has intensified on how the increasing use of Web technology might have a negative impact on patients, caregivers, and practitioners. One such negative health-related behavior is Munchausen by Internet

Artificial Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction for more Natural Knee Kinematics

Aim:The aims of this study were to define the design criteria of an artificial ACL which could reproduce the non-linear load-elongation characteristics of the native ACL, and to investigate the mechanical behaviour of a novel ACL reconstruction design consisting of a metallic elastic system and a polymeric cord.Introduction:Kinematic and survivorship studies on the ACL intact and ACL deficient knees have emphasised the importance of preserving and/or reconstructing the ACL [1], [2]. The unique mechanical properties of the ACL and the non-linear relationship between the ACL forces and the quadriceps muscle forces at different flexion angles are the key elements in providing normal kinematics.Current synthetic ACL reconstruction grafts have shown poor long-term results, mainly due to wear, creep, fatigue and mechanical failure. None of the synthetic and biological grafts used for the ACL reconstruction have been able to replicate the normal mechanical behaviour of the ACL and prevent degenerative disease progression such as osteoarthritis.Method:Desired mechanical properties of the artificial ACL were defined based the results of in vitro and in vivo biomechanical studies. Suitable materials were found for the prosthetic ACL which met the required design criteria. Implicit finite element analyses were performed on a spring-cord construct design and the output force-elongation data compared to the estimated in-vivo natural ACL properties found in the literature.Results:It was shown that an artificial ACL should have a non-linear stiffness with low resistance to the initial load (~30 Nmm-1 stiffness in the toe region) and increased stiffness under higher load (~110 Nmm-1 stiffness in the linear region). Suitable materials for the ACL reconstruction design (i.e. CoCrMo alloy and UHMWPE fibres) were identified based on their biocompatibility, strength, strain, creep and fatigue propertiesThe FEA results showed that the mechanical properties of the novel artificial ACL deisgn closely resembled that of the natural ACL at 30° of flexion. A validation test was performed on prototype samples, which supported the finite element data.ConclusionsThe non-linear force-elongation properties of the native ACL can be reproduced by an artificial ACL reconstruction system in the ACLD knees

Assessment of staff performance in cssd unit by 360 degree evaluation method

BACKGROUND: 360-degree evaluation is a method that an employee is evaluated by the others and given feedback to him/her. Considering the proper implementation of the sterilization process is important in the prevention of nosocomial infections and has a direct impact on the quality of performance of the surgical team in the operating room. This study was conducted to the Evaluation of CSSD Unit Personnel Performance in Sterilization Process using the 360 Degree technique. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the educational hospitals of Gillan Province in IRAN, between 2018 and 2019. Assessment of staff performance in CSSD Unit was done by 360 Degree evaluation method in five different stages. The evaluators included the infection control nurses, Supervisors of the sterilization unit, the researcher and the staff of these units as self-assessors. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: The evaluation mean scores were as following: The researcher, 75.97 ± 18.9; infection control nurse, 87.62 ± 7.2; unit supervisor, 87.61 ± 7.8 and staff self-assessment, 88.01 ± 8.1; at different stages of the sterilization process. From all assessors view, the highest and lowest scores were related to the cleaning and Health dimensions. CONCLUSION: According to assessor's agreement in scoring of different stages of the sterilization process, the 360-degree evaluation method is a valuable tool in assessment of the staff performance in important tasks. By applying this method, it can be ethically prevented evaluators' individual judgments. © 2020 Australasian College of Health Service Management. All rights reserved

Behaviour of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Deficient Knees after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA)

Abstract:Introduction: ACL-deficiency is a contraindication for UKA because it has been linked with early failure, in particular tibial tray loosening [1]; but a more recent study has shown no difference in the survivorship in ACL-deficient patients at 5 years post-operatively [2]. The purpose of this study was to examine the movement of ACL-deficient knees after UKA when stair climbing, to assess the function of ACL-deficient knees after UKA. Methods:This case-control study involved fluoroscopically examining 16 ACL-deficient knees (14 patients) which had undergone medial UKA. Fluoroscopy videos were taken in the sagittal plane. A matching group of 16 ACL-intact knees (13 patients) were then assessed; groups were matched for age, follow-up time, and gender, and no significant differences were found between the groups (Table 1). Starting with their leg on the step at a knee flexion angle (KFA) of 90°, patients were asked to step up, while ensuring their knee remained within the view of the fluoroscope. The patellar tendon angle (PTA) and KFA was measured on each frame of each fluoroscopic video, and the total time taken to perform the exercise was noted. The PTA is the angle between the patellar tendon and the tibial mechanical axis and it represents the anterior posterior translation of the femur relative to the tibia. In addition, patients were asked to complete three questionnaires; the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Tegner Activity Score (TAS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Pain Score. Results:No differences were found in the OKS (p=0.35), TAS (p=0.15) or VAS Pain score (p=0.73) between the two groups. When the KFA was ~30° the PTA was 5° lower in the ACL-deficient group compared with the ACL-intact group (p=0.0002, Fig 1). A 2.9° reduction in PTA was also observed at a KFA of 60° (p=0.007, Fig 1). ACL-deficient group took 30.7% (13 s) longer to perform the step-up exercise on average compared to the ACL-intact group, which was significant (p=0.0007).Discussion and Conclusion:The lower PTA in the ACL-deficient knees at 30°, 40° and 60° KFA indicates increased anterior translation of the tibia. A healthy ACL resists anterior tibial translation; therefore the absence of ACL function appears to have caused knee instability at these particular angles. In addition, the increased time taken for the ACL-deficient group to step up indicates hesitancy when stair climbing and may relate to the reduced proprioception within the knee. This study highlights the importance of ACL function in maintaining knee stability after UKA. Knee instability may relate to the tibial loosening reported for ACL-deficient knees after UKA; however, no sign of loosening was observed in this study. ACL reconstruction in conjunction with UKA has been shown to restore stability and may be the best option for ACL-deficient patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis.References:[1] J Goodfellow et al., J Bone Joint Surg [Br]. 1988; 70-B(5):692-701[2] A Boissonneault et al., Knee Surg Sport Tr A. 2013;21(11):2480-

Susceptibility to mycobacterial disease due to mutations in IL-12Rβ1 in three Iranian patients

In the last decade, autosomal recessive interleukin-12 receptor β1 (IL-12Rβ1) deficiency, the most common cause of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD), has been diagnosed in a few children and adults with severe tuberculosis in Iran. Here, we report three cases referred to the Immunology, Asthma and Allergy ward at the National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD) at Masih Daneshvari Hospital from 2012 to 2017 with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria infections due to defects in IL-12Rβ1 but with different clinical manifestations. All three were homozygous for either an IL-12Rβ1 missense or nonsense mutation that caused the IL-12Rβ1 protein not to be expressed on the cell membrane and completely abolished the cellular response to recombinant IL-12. Our findings suggest that the presence of IL-12Rβ1 deficiency should be determined in children with mycobacterial infections at least in countries with a high prevalence of parental consanguinity and in areas endemic for TB like Iran