The Association of Balance, Fear of Falling, and Daily Activities With Drug Phases and Severity of Disease in Patients With Parkinson

Introduction: In the elderly, functional balance, fear of falling, and independence in daily living activities are interrelated; however, this relationship may change under the influence of drug phase and the severity of disease in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson disease. This study aimed to investigate the association of functional balance, fear of falling, and independence in the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) with the drug on- and drug off-phases. Methods: A total of 140 patients with Parkinson disease (age: Mean±SD; 60.51±12.32 y) were evaluated in terms of their functional balance, fear of falling, and independence in their daily activities by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-ADL (UPDRS-ADL), respectively, in drug on- and drug off-phases. The Hoehn and Yahr scale recorded global disease rating. The Spearman coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests were used to find out whether the distribution of scale scores differs with regard to functional balance or disease severity. Results: A strong correlation was found between the functional balance, fear of falling, and independence in ADL with both drug phases. The results also showed the significant difference in the distribution of the FES-I and UPDRS-ADL scores with regard to functional balance (except independence in ADL in drug off-phase). Also, the distribution of the scores of BBS, FES-I, and UPDRS-ADL showed significant differences with regard to disease severity. Conclusion: The study showed a strong correlation between functional balance, fear of falling, and independence in ADL that can be affected by the drug phase and severity of the disease. However, more studies are needed to understand this relationship precisely.This work was supported by the Student Research Committee in Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.S

The comparison of the effectiveness of contingency management and trans-theoretical model on the risk of sexual behaviors in cocaine users: A short report study

BACKGROUND: A transtheoretical model (TTM) can be considered as a cognitive and motivational view, a component which plays a significant role in addiction. Further, the theoretical basis of contingency management (CM) treatment is the origin of behaviorism and relies on operant conditioning. The present study is performed aiming to determine the effectiveness of TTM and CM on cocaine use and sexual risk behaviors in cocaine users.METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial with 6-month follow-up, which was performed from 15 December 2014 to 20 November 2015, 75 male cocaine users were selected based on a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method and were randomly divided into three groups by block randomization. The experimental group received a 12-week CM protocol and TTM and the control group was placed on the waiting list. Pre-test, post-test (after 12 weeks of training), and follow-up (six months) were administered. Data analysis was carried out using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffe’s post hoc test, and chi-square test through SPSS software.RESULTS: The mean age of the CM group, TTM group, and control group was estimated 26.12, 25.31, and 23.91, respectively. The primary outcome showed that CM and TTM had a significant effect on decreasing the sexual thoughts, sexual hyperactivity, and high risk behaviors. This effectiveness was stable until six months (P = 0.008), however there was not a significant difference between the two treatments (P = 0.200). The secondary outcome showed that in the changing stages, TTM (F-72%) and CM (F-60%) had a significant effectiveness which maintained until the follow-up stage.CONCLUSION: The findings more enhance the hope to integrate the theoretical approaches into the clinical interventions

Trend in global burden attributable to low bone mineral density in different WHO regions: 2000 and beyond, results from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019

Background: We aimed to document the current state of exposure to low bone mineral density (BMD) and trends in attributable burdens between 2000 and 2019 globally and in different World Health Organization (WHO) regions using the Glob al Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. Methods: We reviewed the sex-region-specific summary exposure value (SEV) of low BMD and the all-ages numbers and age-standardized rates of disabili ty-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and deaths attributed to low BMD. We compared different WHO regions (Africa, the Easte rn Mediterranean Region, Europe, Region of the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Wes tern Pacific), age categories, and sexes according to the estimates of the GBD 2019 report. Results: The global age-standardized SEV of low BMD is estimated to be 2 0.7% in women and 11.3% in men in 2019. Among the WHO regions, Africa had the highest age-standardized SEV of low BMD in women (28.8% (95% uncertainty in terval 22.0–36.3)) and men (16.8% (11.5–23.8)). The lowest SEV was observed in Europe in both women (14.7% (9.9–21.0)) and men (8.0% (4.3–13.4)). An improving trend in th e global rate of DALY, death, and YLL was observed during 2000–2019 (−5.7%, −4.7%, and −11.9% change, respectively); however, the absolute numbers increased with the highest increase observed in global YLD (70.9%) and death numbers (67.6%). South east Asia Region had the highest age-standardized rates of DALY (303.4 (249.2–357.2) ), death (10.6 (8.5–12.3)), YLD (133.5 (96.9–177.3)), and YLL (170.0 (139–197.7)). Conclusions: Overall, the highest-burden attributed to low BMD was observed in the Southeast Asia Region. Knowledge of the SEV of low BMD and the attributed burden can increase the awareness of healthcare decision-makers to adopt appropriate strategies for early screening, and also strategies to prevent falls and fragility fractures and their consequent morbidity and mortality

The association between acylcarnitine and amino acids profile and metabolic syndrome and its components in Iranian adults: Data from STEPs 2016

BackgroundEvidence, albeit with conflicting results, has suggested that cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), dyslipidemia, and hypertension, are highly associated with changes in metabolic signature, especially plasma amino acids and acylcarnitines levels. Here, we aimed to evaluate the association of circulating levels of amino acids and acylcarnitines with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in Iranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 1192 participants from the large–scale cross-sectional study of Surveillance of Risk Factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Iran (STEP 2016). The circulating levels of amino acids and acylcarnitines were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in individuals with MetS (n=529) and without MetS (n=663).ResultsThe higher plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids (Val, Leu), aromatic amino acids (Phe, Tyr), Pro, Ala, Glu, and the ratio of Asp to Asn were significantly associated with MetS, whereas lower circulating levels of Gly, Ser, His, Asn, and citrulline were significantly associated with MetS. As for plasma levels of free carnitine and acylcarnitines, higher levels of short-chain acylcarnitines (C2, C3, C4DC), free carnitine (C0), and long-chain acylcarnitines (C16, C18OH) were significantly associated with MetS. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that factor 3 (Tyr, Leu, Val, Met, Trp, Phe, Thr) [OR:1.165, 95% CI: 1.121-1.210, P<0.001], factor 7 (C0, C3, C4) [OR:1.257, 95% CI: 1.150-1.374, P<0.001], factor 8 (Gly, Ser) [OR:0.718, 95% CI: 0.651-0.793, P< 0.001], factor 9 (Ala, Pro, C4DC) [OR:1.883, 95% CI: 1.669-2.124, P<0.001], factor 10 (Glu, Asp, C18:2OH) [OR:1.132, 95% CI: 1.032-1.242, P= 0.009], factor 11 (citrulline, ornithine) [OR:0.862, 95% CI: 0.778-0.955, P= 0.004] and 13 (C18OH, C18:1 OH) [OR: 1.242, 95% CI: 1.042-1.480, P= 0.016] were independently correlated with metabolic syndrome.ConclusionChange in amino acid, and acylcarnitines profiles were seen in patients with MetS. Moreover, the alteration in the circulating levels of amino acids and acylcarnitines is along with an increase in MetS component number. It also seems that amino acid and acylcarnitines profiles can provide valuable information on evaluating and monitoring MetS risk. However, further studies are needed to establish this concept

Life cycle assessment of academic buildings at UBC

This report is the final project in CIVL 498C, a course that introduces students to the practice of Life Cycle Assessment. It is part of a continuing study of buildings on campus, with the purpose of improving UBC’s environmental footprint. This study was based on a life cycle assessment of various buildings on campus done by students in the same course last year. Their results were updated and used as a benchmark for this project. The scope of this project is to gain more information about UBC’s buildings, so that strategic decisions about new projects can be made in the future. The results can also be used as an educational tool for people to learn more about the environmental impacts of buildings on campus. Some of the most noteworthy findings in the life cycle assessment are: - Concrete constitutes about 81% of all construction materials in terms of mass. - The ‘Upper Floor Construction’ of all the buildings is the largest building element assessed, with a total of 38% of all the construction materials. - ‘Roof Construction’ was found to have the most significant environmental impact. - The ‘Product Stage’ (manufacturing, transportation, material extraction) is the life cycle stage with the biggest impact Comparisons were made between buildings in terms of “impact per square meter”. A number of environmental impacts were considered, such as global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, non-renewable energy use, and fossil fuel consumption. A cost analysis was also made, which can help designers make decisions between choosing construction materials. Some strategies to institutionalize life cycle assessment at UBC were also outlined. There are a number of ways to educate people about the concept, such as events, guest lectures, a newsletter, or through social media. Designers of buildings on campus can use modelling tools and a life cycle inventory database to make the process easier. With strong communication and education, life cycle assessment can be institutionalized into UBC policy to move towards a green future. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”Applied Science, Faculty ofCivil Engineering, Department ofUnreviewedUndergraduat

Effect of preheating temperature on the porosity and microstructure of martensitic hot work tool steel manufactured with L-PBF

Additive manufacturing (AM) brings the possibility to produce tools with a complex design of the cooling channels to achieve desired properties in the working piece. However, AM of tool steels can be challenging due to the residual stresses and crack formation which may be mitigated by optimizing process parameters. In this study, process parameters development in the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of a martensitic hot work tool steel was under investigation. Having power, scanning speed and hatch distance as variables, a design of experiment was performed to map a process window to produce dense components. In addition, the same sets of process parameters were applied at different preheating temperatures to study and discuss the effect of three preheating temperatures on the porosity, microstructure and hardness of the manufactured components. The characterization of the parts was done using optical and scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and micro-hardness test. The results showed that the martensitic hot work tool steel can be manufactured with L-PBF with high densities above 99.95%. © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V

Process quality assessment with imaging and acoustic monitoring during Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Acoustic monitoring of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has shown a high sensitivity to stochastic defects, e.g., cracks, pores and lack of fusion (LOF), and melting instability. The advantage of this method is the possibility to filter raw data and extract acoustic signal features for the data analysis, thus minimizing data and computing time. In this research during the build of components from hot work tool steel powder, acoustic signals and powder bed images were acquired for post-process data analysis and search for correlations with LOF. Different densities caused by LOF were obtained by changing the shielding gas velocity. In the analysis, selected combinations of features with the relationship between the build phases and the final properties such as density and surface roughness, were investigated. For the current dataset prediction of the optimal state showed an accuracy of 98%. This investigation suggests the applicability of the smart data-centric machine learning method to predict the relationship of process parameters, monitoring signals, and material properties. © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V

سطح سرمی PRO.BNP در بیماران مبتلا به حمله حاد بیماری انسدادی مزمن ریه با و بدون وجود نارسایی قلبی

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common respiratory disorders. Various studies have been conducted to evaluate the predictive power of proBNP (pro-brain natriuretic peptide) in heart diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the serum level of proBNP in patients with acute attack of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with and without heart failure. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 112 patients who presented to the Adalatian Emergency Department of Imam Reza Hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2016 and 2017. The serum level of proBNP was measured. Patients were subjected to echocardiography and Ejection Fraction evaluation by an experienced cardiologist using the image point HX echocardiography device. Finally, patients with and without heart failure were compared using SPSS version 16 software. Results: 75 patients (66.96%) did not have heart failure and 37 patients (33.04%) had heart failure. Basic characteristics including age, gender, smoking, and drug abuse were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the average number of hospitalizations was 3.2 ± 1.6 in patients with heart failure and 1.7 ± 0.8 in those without heart failure (P=0.001). The average proBNP level in patients with heart failure (16702.1 ± 6660.0 pg/dL) was significantly higher than that of patients without heart failure (1396.8 ± 161.2 pg/dL) (P=0.001). Conclusion: The level of proBNP is significantly higher in COPD patients with heart failure, and the number of hospitalizations is also significantly higher in these patients.هدف: بیماري انسدادي مزمن ریوي یکی از شایعترین اختلالات تنفسی است. مطالعات مختلفی برای ارزیابی قدرت پیشگویی ProBNP در بیماری های قلبی انجام شده است. هدف از این مطالعه مقایسه سطح سرمی PRO.BNP در بیماران مبتلا به حمله حاد بیماری انسدادی مزمن ریه با و بدون وجود نارسایی قلبی بود. روش کار: اين مطالعه مقطعی بر روی 112 بیمار مراجعه کننده به اورژانس عدالتیان بیمارستان امام رضا (ع) دانشگاه علوم پزشکي مشهد در سال 1395 و 1396 انجام شد. سطح سرمی PRO.BNP اندازه گیری شد. بیماران با استفاده از دستگاه اکوکاردیوگرافی image point HX توسط یک کاردیولوژیست با سابقه تحت اکوکاردیوگرافی و بررسی Ejection Fraction قرار گرفتند. در نهایت بیماران در دو دسته دچار نارسایی قلبی و بدون نارسایی قلبی با استفاده از نرم افزار SPSS نسخه 16 مورد مقایسه قرار گرفتند.    یافته­ ها: 75 بیمار (96/66درصد ) بدون نارسایی قلبی و 37 بیمار(04/33 درصد) مبتلا به نارسایی قلبی بودند. خصوصیات پایه از جمله سن، جنسیت، استعمال دخانیات و مصرف مواد مخدر بین دو گروه تفاوت معنی داری نداشت. با این حال میانگین دفعات بستری در بیماران با نارسایی قلبی 6/1 ± 2/3 نوبت و بدون نارسایی قلبی 8/0 ± 7/1 نوبت بود (001/0P=). میانگین PRO.BNP در بیماران با نارسایی قلبی (0/6660 ± 1/16702 پیکوگرم در دسی لیتر) به طور معنی داری بیشتر از بیماران بدون نارسایی قلبی (2/161 ± 8/1396پیکوگرم در دسی لیتر) بود (001/0P=).   نتیجه ­گیری: سطح PRO.BNP در بیماران دچار COPD با نارسایی قلبی به طور معناداری بالاتر است و در این بیماران تعداد دفعات بستری در بیمارستان به طور معناداری بیشتر است