Geometric properties of Kohanz apple fruits

Kohanz is a domestic apple variety which is grown in Iran.  It is sensitive to packing conditions.  Bad packages normally cause decline in its quality.  Therefore, apple's geometric properties are of important consideration in the design of the fruit's packaging facilities.  In this study, a sample of 38 freshly harvested apple fruits was obtained, 82 images of their sides were acquired and geometric dimensions were measured.  Their axial dimensions, equivalent diameter and sphericity were obtained using a vernier caliper with accuracy of 0.05 mm, while the cross section area, eccentricity, perimeter and roundness were measured using a color based image processing method.  Their arithmetic mean diameter was 57.6 mm, while the mean eccentricity was 0.3058, mean roundness was 0.5858 and mean sphericity was 0.9985.  Therefore, the packing design must be collections of spheroid spaces with diameters of about 6.8 mm which will include all of the apples

Self-report demands of patients referred to social workers in Taleghani hospital, Tehran

  Background: Social workers have a responsibility to tackle the social determinants of health which cause health inequities. The hospitals’ social work units have the responsibility to improve patients' physical, mental, and social health. In this regard, understanding patients' demands is essential. The objective of the present study was to determine self-report demands of patients who were referred to social work unit in Taleghani hospital, Tehran.  Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on the clients who were referred to social work unit of Talghani hospital, Tehran. Data was collected during autumn 2015 using convenience sampling method. Data collection form included demographic characteristics of the participants, the reason for referral to the social worker, self-report demands of the patients, and the response of the social worker to the patients. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0.   Results: Of all clients who had attended social work unit, 772 accepted to participate in the study (response rate 87.1%). About 43% of the patients were female. Out of 990 requests, about 50% of the clients needed assistance to resolve financial problems. Help for resolving familial and insurance problems were the subsequent demands of the clients. Meanwhile, the most common response given by the social worker to the patients’ demands was financial assistance (n=276) (28.9%), and helping to resolve patient's familial problems (n=107) (11.2%) and offering health insurance services (n=106) (11.1%) were the second and the third most common responses, respectively.  Conclusion: The present study showed that still we have a long way to meet the aims of social work unit for empowering the patients and their families to withstand difficult conditions following the disease

Influence of mycorrhizal fungi and biochar on nitrogen use efficiency correlated with yield and yield components of wheat

Mycorrhizal symbiosis increases mineral nutrient uptake, especially when nitrogen applies to the fields together with biochar. To evaluate the influence of the biochar application and different levels of nitrogen on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), yield and yield components of wheat associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) A factorial experiment with in randomized complete block design with four replications was implemented for two years (2016-2018). The experimental factors included nitrogen at four levels (urea source with 46% nitrogen) 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N/ha, Rhizophagus Irregularis inoculum at two levels (without and with application), and biochar at three levels 0, 4 and 8 ton/ha. The results demonstrated that plant inoculated with mycorrhiza inoculum combined with 4 ton/ha of biochar showed a significant increase in, root colonization (8%). The application of will be This study proves that application of 100 kg N/ha with an amount of 4 ton/ha of biochar and AMF inoculationhas a useful and effective role in the enhancement of growth and yieldof wheat

YKL-40 Gene Expression and Plasma Levels of CD30 are not Affected by Isoflurane or Propofol: Pilot Study

Background: It has been hypothesized that the body's response to anesthesia techniques can increase risk of cancer recurrence and metastatic disease after surgery and also can modulate immune responses. Some acute inflammatory markers have been measured to survey the immunomodulatory effect of anesthesia, but in this research, we studied the plasma level of CD30 and YKL-40 gene expression which can present major changes of the immune system.Materials and Methods: Our study was a controlled before and after study. 34 women with biopsy-proven breast cancer were randomized to receive either propofol general anesthesia (n=17) or standard isoflurane general anesthesia (n=17). There were no significant differences between the two patient groups in age, body weight, and height, length of general anesthesia, operative time and group of surgery. The blood samples were collected in two different sets, before anesthesia and 72-h postoperatively. Soluble CD30 (sCD30) plasma level was measured by ELISA and YKL-40/CHI3L1 gene expression was evaluated by real-time-PCR.Results: The results showed that the anesthetics, propofol and isoflurane, have no effect on the expression of YKL-40. Despite increased in the expression of YKL-40 that was observed in patients receiving isoflurane, this increase was not statistically significant. There was no significant increase or decrease in plasma concentrations of sCD30.Conclusion: YKL-40 and sCD30 are not affected by isoflurane or propofol.  So, in immunological perspective, there is no preference in use of isoflurane or propofol in breast cancer patients

Green space and the health of the older adult during pandemics: a narrative review on the experience of COVID-19

IntroductionAging is an inevitable process that leads to changes in various dimensions of older adult life, including physical, psychological, and social aspects. Unfortunately, older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by adverse experiences such as the Corona outbreak.AimThe current study examines the lived experience of older adults in facing the conditions of the Corona epidemic to see how green spaces at various scales can influence the physical and mental health of this group.MethodRelevant articles published, from 2019 to February 17, 2023, were searched using in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies published in English and all studies passed a quality evaluation.ResultIn the final search, 40 articles were selected and analyzed. The majority of studies conducted during the pandemic categorized the impact of green spaces on the health of older adults into three main categories: Place-based attribute, Process, and Function.ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrated that people were using private green spaces (gardens, balconies, etc.), small local green public spaces, sitting and gathering spaces in the neighborhood, nearby open spaces, and urban green-blue spaces throughout the epidemic era. They visited green spaces outside the city and urban areas, including urban gardens, agricultural areas, forestlands, and pastures. In this research, we investigated the characteristics of these spaces and classified them into four physical categories: urban landscape, land use, activity, movement, and accessibility. The results showed that exposure to nature or green space improved physical and mental health and increased attention and decision-making quality in older people. We have proposed design implications recommendations for crises to improve safety, security, and social capital by increasing the safe access of older adults to diverse and high-quality green spaces on different scales, which will ultimately enhance the physical and mental health of people in different age groups

Synergic effects of some plant-derived essential oils and Iranian isolates of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae Sorokin to control Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

IntroductionThe bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus, is one of the most important pests of the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. The pest attacks P. vulgaris seeds while they are still in the field. However, the damage continues during storage, where it causes the most significant losses.MethodsThe present study was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal activity, and synergic effects of three essential oils (EOs) extracted from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and three isolates from an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), Metarhizium anisopliae, including IRAN2273C, IRAN2252C, and IRAN1018C against the adults of A. obtectus. The effects of EOs were also evaluated on mycelial growth and conidiation of the fungal isolates.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that all the EOs and the EPF exhibited insecticidal activity against A. obtectus. According to calculated LC50, L. angustifolia (1.2526 µl/l) and F. vulgare (0.9247 µl/l) EOs caused significantly higher mortality than A. dracunculus (3.1980 µl/l) against A. obtectus. The results of the pathogenicity of M. anisopliae isolates revealed that all isolates had insecticidal activity against A. obtectus. The cumulative mortality of insects varied from 59.12% in IRAN1018C to 80.86% in IRAN2273C. According to the compatibility test results, all EOs were compatible with fungal isolates except for A. dracunculus, which was toxic to the IRAN2252C isolate and showed incompatibility. The mortality of A. obtectus adults differed significantly among combined treatments of EOs and M. anisopliae isolates. According to the calculated synergic ratio, combinations of essential oils and fungal isolates had additive or synergistic effects on the mortality of A. obtectus. Based on the present findings, A. obtectus adults were susceptible to fennel, and lavender EOs, and their mortality was amplified when the EOs were combined with M. anisopliae isolates. These results can be helpful for the integrated management of A. obtectus during storage

Oral Health Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Insulin Treatment Compared With Metformin: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: Due to the important influence of glycemic control on oral health, this study aimed to compare the gingival index and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving insulin and metformin. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 130 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin and metformin were studied in two groups based on the type of treatment. The information for DMFT and gingival indices were obtained using the oral examination. In the insulin group, participants received insulin Lantus 0.2 unit/kg once daily, and in the metformin group, participants received metformin tablets 500 mg every 12 hours. Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was measured by lab test in all participants. Finally, HbA1c, the information of DMFT, and gingival indices were compared between the two groups. Results: The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in decayed, missed, and restored teeth, as well as the overall DMFT index between the two groups. The gingival index was significantly higher in the insulin group (P=0.046). Conclusions: Gingival health of insulin users is poorer than metformin users, but it seems that type of diabetes treatment does not affect the DMFT inde

Role of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in addiction disorders

Background: Addiction disorders pose significant challenges to public health, necessitating innovative treatments. This assesses deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a potential intervention for addiction disorders. Methods: A literature review was carried out with a focus on the role of DBS in addiction disorders and its future implications in neurosurgical research. Results: The online literature shows that DBS precisely modulates certain brain regions to restore addiction-related neural circuits and promote behavioral control. Conclusion: Preclinical evidence demonstrates DBS’s potential to rebalance neural circuits associated with addiction, and early clinical trials provide encouraging outcomes in enhancing addiction-related outcomes. Ethical considerations, long-term safety, and personalized patient selection require further investigation

The effects of natural nano-sized clinoptilolite and Nigella sativa supplementation on serum bone markers in diabetic rats

Introduction: Many studies confirm that diabetes mellitus is associated with higher risks of bone fracture. The beneficial effects of Nigella sativa (NS) and clinoptilolite in preventing/reducing some diabetes-related disorders have been shown. This study was conducted to examine the effects of separate and concurrent supplementation of natural nano-sized clinoptilolite (NCLN) and NS on serum bone markers in rats with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 42 (case=36 and control=6) adult male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: diabetic and non-diabetic. An oral glucose tolerance test and a homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) test were conducted to confirm diabetes. Then, the diabetic group was divided into 4 subgroups: [1] control (n=9), [2] NS 1%/food (n=9), [3] NCLN 2%/food (n=9), [4] NS 1%/food + NCLN 2%/food (n=9). After 7 weeks, serum levels of bone markers were determined using ELISA kits. Results: Analysis showed that serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the NCLN group (1318.6 ± 217.5 U/L) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than other intervented groups. On the other hand, serum levels of calcium in NCLN+NS group (10.8 ± 2.6 mg/dL) were higher (P=0.027) compared to all other study groups. However, rats in the NS group had higher (535.8 ± 49.3 pg/mL) PTH (P<0.0001) compared to other supplementation groups. There were no significant differences in vitamin D and osteoprotegerin. Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that bone mineralization may be affected by concurrent use of NS and NCLN through influencing calcium circulation. Moreover, dietary NS administration is strongly related to an augmented level of PTH

Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Regularly updated data on stroke and its pathological types, including data on their incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability, risk factors, and epidemiological trends, are important for evidence-based stroke care planning and resource allocation. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) aims to provide a standardised and comprehensive measurement of these metrics at global, regional, and national levels. Methods We applied GBD 2019 analytical tools to calculate stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and the population attributable fraction (PAF) of DALYs (with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]) associated with 19 risk factors, for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. These estimates were provided for ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and all strokes combined, and stratified by sex, age group, and World Bank country income level. Findings In 2019, there were 12·2 million (95% UI 11·0–13·6) incident cases of stroke, 101 million (93·2–111) prevalent cases of stroke, 143 million (133–153) DALYs due to stroke, and 6·55 million (6·00–7·02) deaths from stroke. Globally, stroke remained the second-leading cause of death (11·6% [10·8–12·2] of total deaths) and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined (5·7% [5·1–6·2] of total DALYs) in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the absolute number of incident strokes increased by 70·0% (67·0–73·0), prevalent strokes increased by 85·0% (83·0–88·0), deaths from stroke increased by 43·0% (31·0–55·0), and DALYs due to stroke increased by 32·0% (22·0–42·0). During the same period, age-standardised rates of stroke incidence decreased by 17·0% (15·0–18·0), mortality decreased by 36·0% (31·0–42·0), prevalence decreased by 6·0% (5·0–7·0), and DALYs decreased by 36·0% (31·0–42·0). However, among people younger than 70 years, prevalence rates increased by 22·0% (21·0–24·0) and incidence rates increased by 15·0% (12·0–18·0). In 2019, the age-standardised stroke-related mortality rate was 3·6 (3·5–3·8) times higher in the World Bank low-income group than in the World Bank high-income group, and the age-standardised stroke-related DALY rate was 3·7 (3·5–3·9) times higher in the low-income group than the high-income group. Ischaemic stroke constituted 62·4% of all incident strokes in 2019 (7·63 million [6·57–8·96]), while intracerebral haemorrhage constituted 27·9% (3·41 million [2·97–3·91]) and subarachnoid haemorrhage constituted 9·7% (1·18 million [1·01–1·39]). In 2019, the five leading risk factors for stroke were high systolic blood pressure (contributing to 79·6 million [67·7–90·8] DALYs or 55·5% [48·2–62·0] of total stroke DALYs), high body-mass index (34·9 million [22·3–48·6] DALYs or 24·3% [15·7–33·2]), high fasting plasma glucose (28·9 million [19·8–41·5] DALYs or 20·2% [13·8–29·1]), ambient particulate matter pollution (28·7 million [23·4–33·4] DALYs or 20·1% [16·6–23·0]), and smoking (25·3 million [22·6–28·2] DALYs or 17·6% [16·4–19·0]). Interpretation The annual number of strokes and deaths due to stroke increased substantially from 1990 to 2019, despite substantial reductions in age-standardised rates, particularly among people older than 70 years. The highest age-standardised stroke-related mortality and DALY rates were in the World Bank low-income group. The fastest-growing risk factor for stroke between 1990 and 2019 was high body-mass index. Without urgent implementation of effective primary prevention strategies, the stroke burden will probably continue to grow across the world, particularly in low-income countries.publishedVersio