Yoga Effects on Physical Activity and Sexual Satisfaction among Iranian Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and disabling disease resulting in disabilities in young and middle-aged persons. In this study,researchers explored the effect of yoga techniques on physical activities and sexual function among some Iranian women with MS.Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 Iranian women with multiple sclerosis (MS) were placed in two equally divided control and case groupsthrough random selection to assess pre- and post- effects of yoga exercises on their physical activities and sexual satisfaction levels. Women in case group were offered a series of yoga training and exercises for 3 months, which consisted of 8 sessions per month for 60 to 90 minutes at each session. Yoga training program included the 3 principles of slow motions (Hatayoga), respiratory exercises (Pranayama) and centralization to control mind via meditation, expansion and stasis (Rajayoga). After 3 months both groups were surveyed using the initial questionnaire to evaluate and compare findings with the base-line data.Results: Researchers found significant statistical difference in physical activity and sexual satisfaction levels among the women in case group(P=0.001).Women in case group showed improvement in physical ability while women in control group manifested exacerbated symptoms.Conclusion: Yoga techniques may improve physical activities and sexual satisfaction function of women with MS.Key Words: Yoga; Multiple sclerosis; Quality of life; Sexual satisfactio

Synthesis, Structural Studies, and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory, Antidiabetic, and Antioxidant Activities of 2,3-Dihydroquinazolin-4(1 H)-ones Derived from Pyrazol-4-carbaldehyde and Anilines

A series of new quinazoline derivatives were designed and synthesized via a one-pot condensation reaction between isatoic anhydride and aromatic aldehydes with anilines using aluminum sulfate as a catalyst in refluxing ethanol. Their structures were confirmed by their physical, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy data and evaluated for some biological effects, including the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities as well as some in vivo hematological parameters. The ability of synthesized compounds in the inhibition of α-glucosidase was also investigated through the in silico study. The significant and important changes in some hematological tests were perceived. Notably, compound 4h showed more reducing effects on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This molecule certainly has the potential to be developed as the antihyperlipemic compound. The tested compounds, in particular, compounds 4j and 4l, were found to be uniquely reducing blood sugar levels. The entire synthesized compounds showed the potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared with acarbose as a standard material. Amongst, the compounds 4h and 4i showed the strongest enzyme inhibitory potentials than the standard drug acarbose. There was a good correlation between in vitro and in silico studies for ligands 4i and 4l. The majority of compounds presented a good radical scavenging activity, though the compound 4j exhibited the strongest activity, even to the standard of ascorbic acid. Further studies are required to determine whether these main compounds could be a potential treatment for diabetes and hyperlipidemia diseases

Use of an audit with feedback implementation strategy to promote medication error reporting by nurses

Aims and objectivesTo outline the development and effect of an audit with feedback implementation strategy that intended to increase the rate of voluntary medication error reporting by nurses.BackgroundMedication errors are a serious global health issue. Audit with feedback is a widely used implementation strategy that has potential to modify nurses’ reporting behaviour and improve medication error reporting rates.DesignQuasi‐experimental implementation study (fulfilling the TIDieR checklist) with two pairs of matched wards at a private hospital in Australia was conducted from March 2015–September 2016. One ward from each pair was randomised to either the intervention or control group.MethodNurses within intervention wards received audit with feedback on a quarterly basis over a 12‐month implementation period. Control wards underwent quarterly audits only (without feedback). Feedback consisted of a one‐page infographic poster, with content based on medication error data obtained from audits and the hospitals’ risk management system (RiskMan). The primary outcome—rate of medication errors reported per month—was determined in both groups at pre‐implementation, implementation and postimplementation phases. Differences between groups were compared using generalised linear mixed models with Poisson distribution and log link.ResultsA nonsignificant intervention effect was found for rate of medication errors reported per month. Interestingly, when combining data from both groups, a significant increasing time trend was observed for medication errors reported per month across pre‐implementation and implementation phases (80% increase).ConclusionsThe audit with feedback strategy developed in the present study did not effectively influence the voluntary reporting of medication errors by nurses.Relevance to clinical practiceDespite the lack of intervention effects, the use of a published checklist to optimise the reporting quality of this study will contribute to the field by furthering the understanding of how to enhance audit with feedback implementation strategies for nurses.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163422/2/jocn15447.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/163422/1/jocn15447_am.pd

Expression of efflux pumps and fatty acid activator one genes in azole resistant Candida glabrata isolated from immunocompromised patients

Acquired azole resistance in opportunistic fungi causes severe clinical problems in immunosuppressed individuals. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of azole resistance in clinical isolates of Candida glabrata. Six unmatched strains were obtained from an epidemiological survey of candidiasis in immunocompromised hosts that included azole and amphotericin B susceptible and azole resistant clinical isolates. Candida glabrata CBS 138 was used as reference strain. Antifungal susceptibility testing of clinical isolates was evaluated using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) methods. Complementary DNA-Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) technology, semiquantitative RT-PCR, and sequencing were employed for identification of potential genes involved in azole resistance. Candida glabrata Candida drug resistance 1 (CgCDR1) and Candida glabrata Candida drug resistance 2 (CgCDR2) genes, which encode for multidrug transporters, were found to be upregulated in azole-resistant isolates (�2-fold). Fatty acid activator 1 (FAA1) gene, belonging to Acyl-CoA synthetases, showed expression in resistant isolates �2-fold that of the susceptible isolates and the reference strain. This study revealed overexpression of the CgCDR1, CgCDR2, and FAA1 genes affecting biological pathways, small hydrophobic compounds transport, and lipid metabolism in the resistant clinical C.glabrata isolates. © 2016 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Determination of organic pollutants in sediment & some commercial species biota from eastern waters of Hormozgan province

This survey was conducted to determine the petroleum pollutants in sediment & some commercial aquatics of species in eastern waters of Hormozgan province during 2006-2008. We have selected 3 stations at 5, 10 and 20 meters depth in each of Sirik, Kuh-e-mobarak and Jask area. The selected biota were Penaeus indicus & Psettodes eruemi.Selected components of PAHs in sediment & biota samples were: Naphthalene (Na), Acenaphthylene (AcPY), Acenaphthene (AcP), Fluorene (FL), Phenantheren (PHEN), Anthracene (AN), Fluornthene (FLUR), Pyrene (PY), Benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), Chrysene(CHRY), Benzo(b) fluoranthene (BaF), Benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), Benzo(a) pyrene (BaP), Dibenzo(a,h)anthrancene (dBAn), Benzo(ghi)perylene (BPe), Indeno (1,2.3-cd)pyrene (IcdP) . Our results were: Based to our results Bioaccumulation of PAHs didn't relate to sex and length of selected biota. Percent of naphthalene as a PAH with two rings has a significant difference against other PAHs in all areas. High ratio of HPAH to LPAH, show the combustion source of PAHs. Values for total PAHs at shrimp in Sirik, Kuh-e- mobarak & Jask area were 349.9 ±236.7, 809.1± 605.4 & 1015±1300.1 ng/g. Values for total PAHs at Psettodes eruemi, in Sirik, Kuh-e- mobarak & Jask area were 494 ±460.8, 1465.3±1678.2 and 292.3±400.7 ng/g respectively. In shrimp samples, the values for total PAHs had significant difference between Jask & Kuh e-mobarak, whereas for Psettodes eruemi, the significant difference was observed in Jask & Kuh-e-mobark. In sediment, concentration of total PAHs and their components didn't show any significant difference with area and depth of sampling at 95% confidence level. Average concentration of total PAHs and their components with 2, 3, 4, 5and 6 rings were 279.7±117.4, 4.5± 9.3, 6.2±7.1, 5.4±1.4, 263.6±113.9 respectively. Based to NOAA standards, pollution level of sediment is lower than ERL values

Environmental impacts of shrimp farms on coastal waters in Tiab area, Hormozgan province, south of Iran

Shrimp farming industry has rapidly expanded in the south of Iran and in particular in Honnozgan Province along the coastal line during the past decade. A survey was conducted for evaluation of environmental impacts of effluents from the shrimp farms during culture season (July-December 2003) of Tiab area in Hormozgan Province. The physicochemical parameters such as air and water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, nitrite, nitrate, total ammonia, inorganic phosphorus and total phosphorus were recorded monthly from 9 stations. The stations consisted of two inlets (stations 13 3), two outlets of effluents (stations 2, 4) and the remaining 5 stations were located along the coastal lines. The parameters were measured at 21-40°C, 22on39°C, 37-54ppt, 7.85-8.38, 4-8.1mg/L, 0.2-8.5mg/L, 0.11-0 .186mg/L, 0.001-0.029mg/L, 0- 0.016mg/L, Ome0.043mg/L and 0.014-1.4mg/L) respectively. The results showed that the range of most of the measured parameters such as water temperature, salinity, BOD5, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate and TP in the outflow waters (2, 4) were higher than inflow (1, 3) and coastal waters (5, 6, 7, 8 ,9). Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated a significant difference between outlet effluent and other stations (P<0.05). We also concluded that the nutrients in the culture effluents are somewhat used by fauna of the Tiab creek, hence decreasing the pollutant load of the effluent

Pathologic response to neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer and impact on outcome

BACKGROUND: Downstaging and pathologic complete response (pCR) after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) may improve progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) after curative therapy of locally advanced adenocarcinoma of rectum. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pathologic response subsequent to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma and any impact of response on oncological outcome [disease-free survival (DFS), OS]. METHODS: A total of 127 patients with histologically-proven rectal adenocarcinoma, locally advanced, were treated with preoperative radiotherapy and concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5 FU), and followed by curative surgery. Pathologic response to neoadjuvant treatment was evaluated by comparing pathologic TN (tumour and nodal) staging (yp) with pre-treatment clinical staging. DFS and OS were compared in patients with: pCR, partial pathologic response and no response to neoadjuvant therapy. RESULTS: 14.96% (19 patients) had a pCR, 58.27% [74] showed downstaging and 26.77% [34] had no change in staging. At follow-up (range, 4-9 years, median 6 years 2 months or 74 months), 17.32% [22] showed recurrence: 15.74% [20] distant metastasis, 1.57% [2] pelvic failure. 10.5% [2] of the patients with pCR showed distant metastasis, none showed local recurrence. In the downstaged group, nine developed distant failure and two had local recurrence (14.86%). Distant failure was seen in 26.47% [9] of those with no response to neoadjuvant treatment. DFS and OS rates for all groups were 82.67% and 88.97% respectively. Patients with pCR showed 89.47% DFS and 94.7% OS. In partial responders, DFS was 85.1% and OS was 90.5%. In non-responders, DFS and OS were 73.5% and 82.3% respectively. Patients with pCR had a significantly greater probability of DFS and OS than non-responders. Rectal cancer-related death was 11.02% [14]: one patient (5.26%) with pCR, 9.47% [7] in the downstaged group and 17.64% [6] of non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients showed some response to neoadjuvant treatment. Findings of this study indicate tumour response to neoadjuvant CRT improves the long-term outcome, with a better result in patients with pCR

Limbic system associated membrane protein mutation in an iranian family diagnosed with ménière's disease

Background: Ménière's disease (MD) is a common inner ear disorder which is characterized by recurrent attacks of vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the affected ear. MD is a complex disorder; although six genes have been linked to familial autosomal dominant form of the disease, in many cases, the exact genetic etiology remains elusive. Methods: To elucidate the genetic causes of MD in an Iranian family, we performed exome sequencing on all members of the family: consanguineous parents and four children (two affected and two unaffected). Variant filtering was completed using a customized workflow keeping variants based on segregation with MD in autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance pattern, minor allele frequency (MAF), and in-silico prediction of pathogenicity. Results: Analysis revealed that in this family, 970 variants co-segregated with MD in AR pattern, out of which eight variants (one intergenic, four intronic, and three exonic) were extremely rare. The exonic variants included a synonymous substitution in USP3 gene, an in-frame deletion in ZBED2 gene, and a rare, highly conserved deleterious missense alteration in LSAMP gene. Conclusion: The phenotype observed in the proband described here, i.e. vertigo, poor sense of smell, tinnitus, and borderline hearing ability, may originate from aberrant changes in the cerebellum and limbic system due to a deleterious mutation in the LSAMP gene; hence, LSAMP mutation is a possible candidate for the etiology of MD in this family. © 2020 The authors and IJLTER.ORG. All rights reserved

Clinical and radiological characteristics of pediatric patients with COVID-19: focus on imaging findings

Purpose: CT imaging has been a detrimental tool in the diagnosis of COVID-19, but it has not been studied thoroughly in pediatric patients and its role in diagnosing COVID-19. Methods: 27 pediatric patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were included. CT examination and molecular assay tests were performed from all participants. A standard checklist was utilized to extract information, and two radiologists separately reviewed the CT images. Results: The mean age of patients was 4.7 ± 4.16 (mean ± SD) years. Seventeen patients were female, and ten were male. The most common imaging finding was ground-glass opacities followed by consolidations. Seven patients had a single area of involvement, five patients had multiple areas of involvement, and four patients had diffuse involvement. The sensitivity of CT imaging in diagnosing infections was 66.67. Also, some uncommon imaging findings were seen, such as a tree-in-bud and lung collapse. Conclusion: CT imaging shows less involvement in pediatric compared to adult patients, due to pediatric patients having a milder form of the disease. CT imaging also has a lower sensitivity in detecting abnormal lungs compared to adult patients. The most common imaging findings are ground-glass opacities and consolidations, but other non-common imaging findings also exist. © 2020, Japan Radiological Society