Evaluation of the short-term effect of tillage practices on soil hydro-physical properties

 Tillage is one of the most important practices that have a significant influence on the soil hydro-physical properties. In this study, the impact of the type and number of input variables with five different methods of the Retc model to predicting the moisture retention curve and soil water content in three surfaces tillage NT (No-tillage), CP (Chisel Plough) and MP (Moldboard Plough) and the impact of tillage systems on soil hydro-physical properties were evaluated. According to results, when the field capacity and wilting point moisture was added to input data in Retc to predict the moisture curve model parameters, the EF was increased in MP (0.977, 0.95) and CP (0.891, 0.86) treatments compare the NT (0.665, 0.608). The Mualem–Van Genuchten model can describe satisfactorily the simulation of soil physical properties. The S-index, which was also affected by tillage, was greater than 0.066 in all tillage treatments, indicating good soil physical quality. Results indicated that NT had the highest and lowest values of bulk density (1.55 Mgr.m-3) and total available water (TAW) (0.038 m.m-1), respectively, and the differences between NT and MP in total porosity was significant. Overall, in most soil layers, tillage practices affected the porosity and total available water in the order MP > CP > NT. Water retention curves indicated that the water retention capacity was greater in tilled than in no-tilled and saturated hydraulic conductivity values were greater in tilled treatments than in NT soil

A review of the most important native medicinal plants of Iran effective on gastric acid

Gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric acid hypersecretion are highly prevalent. Gastrointestinal diseases manifest frequently with gastric and duodendal ulcers, gastritis, and dyspepsia which are due to impaired gastric acid secretion. Given the frequency of developing gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric acid hypersecretion and consequently gastric ulcer, the aim of this review article is to report the native medicinal plants of Iran that are used to decrease or neutralize gastric acid. Ziziphora clinopodioidesl, Achillea wilhelmsii, Allium sativum, Amirkabiria odoratissim, Heracleum persicum L. and Medicago sativa are the most native medicinal plants of Iran used to treat gastric acid hypersecretion. Certain compounds such as pulegon, cisisopulegon, cineol, thymol, alpha and betapinene, piperitenone, terpenoids, flavonoids, allicin, tannin, terpenoids, saponin, sterol, and leucoanthocyanin, 3, 4, and 7-trihydroxy flavonol, caffeic acid, and fetalid existing in these plants may be the main agents for reducing gastric acid

Comparison of prevalence rates of restless legs syndrome, self-assessed risks of obstructive sleep apnea, and daytime sleepiness among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

Prevalence rates for restless legs syndrome (RLS) and risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in individuals with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) are unknown. The aims of the present study were to assess symptoms of RLS and self-assessed risks of OSA in individuals with NMOSD and CIS, to compare these prevalence rates with those of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to associate RLS and OSA with expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, paresthesia, and medication.; A total of 495 individuals (mean age = 34.92 years, 84.9% females) were assessed. Of these, 24 had NMOSD, 112 had CIS and 359 had MS. Trained neurologists ascertained individuals' neurological diagnoses, assessed their EDSS scores, and conducted a clinical interview to assess RLS. Additionally, participants completed questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, risks of snoring and OSA, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, paresthesia and medication.; Prevalence rates of RLS were 45.8% in NMOSD, 41.1% in CIS, and 28.7% in MS. Prevalence rates of self-assessed risks of OSA were 8.3% in NMOSD, 7.7% in CIS, and 7.8% in MS; these rates were not significantly different. Across the entire sample and within the diagnostic groups, RLS and OSA scores were unrelated to EDSS, daytime sleepiness, fatigue or medication.; Individuals with NMOSD, CIS and MS have high prevalence rates for RLS and self-assessed risks of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), which are unrelated to EDSS, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, paresthesia, or medication. Sleep issues should be monitored during routine check-ups for individuals with NMOSD and CIS

Sociodemographic and Illness-Related Indicators to Predict the Status of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) Five Years after Disease Onset

Background: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Currently, no factors have been identified to predict the long-term course of NMOSD. To counter this, we analyzed data of 58 individuals with NMOSD at disease onset and about five years later. Methods: Medical records of 58 individuals with NMOSD (mean age: 31.13 years at disease onset; 86.2% female) were retrospectively analyzed. At baseline, a thorough medical and disease-related examination was performed; the same examination was repeated about five years later at follow-up, including treatment-related information. Mean outcome measure was the difference in EDSS (Expanded Disease Severity Scale) scores between baseline and follow-up. Results: Mean disease duration was 4.67 years. Based on the differences of the EDSS scores between baseline and follow-up, participants were categorized as improving (n = 39; 67.2%), unchanged (n = 13; 22.4%) and deteriorating (n = 6; 10.3%). Deteriorating was related to a higher progression index, and a higher number of attacks, while the annualized relapse rate reflecting the number of attacks per time lapse did not differ between the three groups. Improving was related to a higher intake of rituximab, and to a higher rate of seropositive cases. Unchanged was related to a lower rate of seropositive cases. Factors such as age, gender, somatic and psychiatric comorbidities, symptoms at disease onset, relapse rates, number and location of cervical plaques, or brain plaques and thoracolumbar plaques at baseline did not differ between those improving, deteriorating or remaining unchanged. Conclusions: Among a smaller sample of individuals with NMOSD followed-up about five years later, individuals deteriorating over time reported a higher progression index, while the annualized relapse rate was unrelated to the progress of disease. Overall, it appears that the course of NMOSD over a time lapse of about five years after disease onset is highly individualized. Accordingly, treatment regimen demands a highly individually tailored approach

Clinical Characteristics and Disability Progression of Early- and Late-Onset Multiple Sclerosis Compared to Adult-Onset Multiple Sclerosis

Compared to the adult onset of multiple sclerosis (AOMS), both early-onset (EOMS) and late-onset (LOMS) are much less frequent, but are often under- or misdiagnosed. The aims of the present study were: 1. To compare demographic and clinical features of individuals with EOMS, AOMS and LOMS, and 2. To identify predictors for disability progression from relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary progressive MS (SPMS).; Data were taken from the Isfahan Hakim MS database. Cases were classified as EOMS (MS onset 18 years), LOMS (MS onset >50 years) and AOMS (MS >18 and 50 years). Patients' demographic and clinical (initial symptoms; course of disease; disease patterns from MRI; disease progress) information were gathered and assessed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regressions were conducted to determine differences between the three groups in the time lapse in conversion from relapsing remitting MS to secondary progressive MS.; A total of 2627 MS cases were assessed; of these 127 were EOMS, 84 LOMS and 2416 AOMS. The mean age of those with EOMS was 14.5 years; key symptoms were visual impairments, brain stem dysfunction, sensory disturbances and motor dysfunctions. On average, 24.6 years after disease onset, 14.2% with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) were diagnosed with secondary progressive MS (SPMS). The key predictor variable was a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score at disease onset. Compared to individuals with AOMS and LOMS, those with EOMS more often had one or two relapses in the first two years, and more often gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions. For individuals with AOMS, mean age was 29.4 years; key symptoms were sensory disturbances, motor dysfunctions and visual impairments. On average, 20.5 years after disease onset, 15.6% with RRMS progressed to SPMS. The key predictors at disease onset were: a higher EDSS score, younger age, a shorter inter-attack interval and spinal lesions. Compared to individuals with EOMS and LOMS, individuals with AOMS more often had either no or three and more relapses in the first two years. For individuals with LOMS, mean age was 53.8 years; key symptoms were motor dysfunctions, sensory disturbances and visual impairments. On average, 14 years after disease onset, 25.3% with RRMS switched to an SPMS. The key predictors at disease onset were: occurrence of spinal lesions and spinal gadolinium-enhancement. Compared to individuals with EOMS and AOMS, individuals with LOMS more often had no relapses in the first two years, and higher EDSS scores at disease onset and at follow-up.; Among a large sample of MS sufferers, cases with early onset and late onset are observable. Individuals with early, adult and late onset MS each display distinct features which should be taken in consideration in their treatment

Higher Disease and Pain Severity and Fatigue and Lower Balance Skills Are Associated with Higher Prevalence of Falling among Individuals with the Inflammatory Disease of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorder that is associated with impaired vision, sensory loss, pain, fatigue, and spasms in the upper and lower limbs. Typically, persons with this disorder are also at higher risks of falls. Given this, the aims of the study were to compare the prevalence rates of falling for NMOSD cases and healthy controls (HCs), and to predict falling in the former group based on sociodemographic, psychological, and illness-related factors.; A total of 95 adults with NMOSD (Mean age = 34.89 years; 70.5% females) and 100 matched HCs took part in the study. All participants completed a series of questionnaires covering sociodemographic information and falling rates. The NMOSD individuals also reported on disease duration, pain, fatigue, and fear of falling, while their balance performance was objectively assessed.; Compared to healthy controls, the NMOSD cases had a 2.5-fold higher risk of falling. In this latter group, higher scores for pain, fatigue, fear of falling, and higher EDSS scores were distinguished between fallers and non-fallers, and objective balance skills had no predictive value.; Compared to healthy controls, NMOSD sufferers had a 2.5-fold higher risk of experiencing falls. In this group, disease impairments (EDSS, fatigue, pain) predicted falling. Specific interventions such as regular resistance training might reduce the risk of falling

Improving thermal characteristics and energy absorption of concrete by recycled rubber and silica fume

The two conventional disposal methods as landfilling and incineration of waste rubber raise environmental concerns. It is while burying rubber in concrete enhances flexibility and thermal properties due to its inherent ductility and insulation properties. In this study, a comprehensive approach has been adopted to investigate the effects of the amount and size of rubber particles combined with silica fume on the thermal characteristics, energy absorption, and mechanical properties of concrete, including its workability, specific weight, thermal conductivity, thermal performance, compressive strength, flexural strength, and flexural toughness. In addition, statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the experimental results. It was observed that in concrete containing 50% fine or 50% coarse rubber aggregates combined with 15% silica fume, the thermal conductivity decreases by 45% and 43%, respectively. The energy absorption of concrete samples with 100% fine or 100% coarse rubber particles increased by 2.8 and 4.5 times, respectively, compared to those with 20% rubber. Appropriate equations were developed to estimate the compressive and flexural strengths of concrete with rubber particles while statistical analyses exhibited error levels of 11% and 15%, respectively, for such equations. The compressive and flexural strengths decreased by an average of 68% and 62%, respectively, in samples containing 100% crumb rubber. Likewise, these factors experienced an average reduction of 73% and 71%, respectively, in specimens with 100% rubber powder compared to those with 20% rubber

Testing the degree of persistence of Covid-19 using Fourier quantile unit root test

In this paper, we test the stochastic properties of daily accumulated number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 (ANCCC) in the 20 countries using Fourier quantile unit root test. The results indicate that the negative shocks to ANCCC series have long lasting effects in all countries (except China) and big positive shocks have permanent effects in some countries. Our results have important policy implications

Comparison of sleep complaints and quality of life between patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) and healthy controls

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder which is associated with sleep disturbances and a lower quality of life. The aims of the study were: (1) Comparing sleep characteristics, quality of life, and symptoms of depression and anxiety between patients with NMOSD and healthy controls (HCs). (2) Predicting sleep characteristics among patients with NMOSD based on psychological and illness-related factors. A total of 41 patients with NMOSD (Mean age = 37.48 years; 73.2% f) and 46 matched HCs took part in the study. Individuals with NMOSD reported on illness duration, fatigue and EDSS scores; further, all participants completed self-rating questionnaires covering sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, quality of life, depression and anxiety. Compared to HCs, individuals with NMOSD reported a lower quality of life, higher symptoms of anxiety and depression, and more symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Among individuals with NMOSD, longer illness duration and higher fatigue scores predicted poor sleep quality. Compared to HCs, individuals with NMOSD reported poorer quality of life and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Further, among individuals with NMOSD, sleep characteristics are predicted by a complex variety of illness-related factors