Knowledge and practice of urban Iranian pregnant women towards folic acid intake for neural tube defect prevention.

To assess the knowledge and practice of urban Iranian pregnant women regarding periconceptional folic acid intake for neural tube defect (NTD) prevention. The population-based study was done on 676 primiparous women in an urban area in Golestan province in northern Iran from June to November, 2008. A questionnaire was completed by the subjects regarding their knowledge of folic acid. Questionnaires were administered to women who were seeking routine antenatal care at health centres, private gynaecological clinic and the Dezyani Gynaecologic and Obstetric Hospital. Questions covered knowledge and use of folic acid supplements and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Out of the 676 women surveyed, 96.2% reported that they heard of folate. Of these, only 27.6% knew that folate was something important in the prevention of neural tube defects. Overall, 20.12% of the total women took folic acid during periconceptional period. The most common information sources on folate were healthcare service (54.5%). Besides, 37.6% of the subjects who heard about folate were aware that green leafy vegetables were fortified with folic acid. In univariate analysis, knowledge and intake of folic acid was not associated with education and the age of women. A healthcare plan for intervention to increase the knowledge and intake of folic acid by pregnant women during the protective period is required

Molecular epidemiology of high-risk types of Human Papillomaviruses (16, 18) in pap-smear, the North East of Iran

Background: Cervical Cancer is one of the most important and commonly diagnosed types of cancer in females. There are different causes of cervical cancer, amongst which recurrent and persistent infection with HPV types 16 and 18 are the most renowned ones. These genotypes are the main factors in 99% of cases in developed countries and 70% in developing ones. Due to the importance of these viruses in cervical cancer, molecular detection of HPV and its high risk genotypes in Gorgan was designed. Methods: Pap smears and swabs specimens were taken from 308 women. Papanicola staining method and cytology were used. Nucleic acid was extracted by proteinase K phenol-chloroform standard method and then assessed by using beta-globin primer. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was then performed for papilomaviruses on all patients and positive cases from both types, including HPV 16 and 18 genotypes, were detected. Results: Three hundred and eight women (15-75 years old) with mean age of 37.54±10.6 were recruited. Seventy six cases (20.1%) of whom were infected with HPV and 48.6% with HPV16 or 18 positive. Normal cytology was seen in 226 cases and 41 patients (18.1%) were HPV positive. Amongst those 152 cases with inflammation or abnormal cytology, 35 cases (23%) were HPV positive. No significant relation was reported between different variables and HPV infections. Conclusions: Due to high rate of HPV infection, as well as its high risk genotypes in different studies, more careful screening of women by Pap smear is recommended

Assortment Optimization with Customer Choice Modeling in a Crowdfunding Setting

Crowdfunding, which is the act of raising funds from a large number of people's contributions, is among the most popular research topics in economic theory. Due to the fact that crowdfunding platforms (CFPs) have facilitated the process of raising funds by offering several features, we should take their existence and survival in the marketplace into account. In this study, we investigated the significant role of platform features in a customer behavioral choice model. In particular, we proposed a multinomial logit model to describe the customers' (backers') behavior in a crowdfunding setting. We proceed by discussing the revenue-sharing model in these platforms. For this purpose, we conclude that an assortment optimization problem could be of major importance in order to maximize the platforms' revenue. We were able to derive a reasonable amount of data in some cases and implement two well-known machine learning methods such as multivariate regression and classification problems to predict the best assortments the platform could offer to every arriving customer. We compared the results of these two methods and investigated how well they perform in all cases

Computational stress analysis using finite volume methods

There is a growing interest in applying finite volume methods to model solid mechanics problems and multi-physics phenomena. During the last ten years an increasing amount of activity has taken place in this area. Unlike the finite element formulation, which generally involves volume integrals, the finite volume formulation transfers volume integrals to surface integrals using the divergence theorem. This transformation for convection and diffusion terms in the governing equations, ensures conservation at the local element level. This is seen as a major attraction for finite volume methods. The research presented in this thesis details the development of a cell vertex based finite volume formulation for complex analysis like geometrically nonlinear modelling and plate analysis. For both geometrically nonlinear and plate analysis a series of simulation results are presented and are compared with conventional finite element results. Further research has been carried out to solve stress problems in multi-physics phenomena using a Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) frame-work. This approach has the advantage in that it uses the similarities between fluid and solid momentum equations to introduce some modifications in a CFD code that allows a complete CFD solution procedure to be used for the simultaneous calculation of the velocity, temperature and displacement variables. The results of this integrated approach are compared with results obtained by using techniques which solve the problem by 111 using two solvers (one for solid regions, one for fluid regions). In summary, the novelty of the research detailed in this thesis is: • Finite volulne formulation for elastic large strain analysis. Comparison of this approach with traditional finite element techniques: - Cell-vertex finite volume method is as accurate as finite element approach but slower in solution time. • Finite volume formulation for structural plate analysis. Comparison with traditional finite element method: - Novel finite volume approach is as accurate as finite element approach. - Does not display locking problems (observed with finite element methods) and is comparable in solution times. • Formulation of an integrated CFD solver for coupled flow, heat transfer and stress calculations. Comparison with a 2-solver approach: - Integrated approach is much faster and substantially less memory intensive than 2-solver approach. Comparisons between the new formulation and traditional approaches are made in terms of accuracy and solution speed

MIMO Interference Alignment Over Correlated Channels with Imperfect CSI

Interference alignment (IA), given uncorrelated channel components and perfect channel state information, obtains the maximum degrees of freedom in an interference channel. Little is known, however, about how the sum rate of IA behaves at finite transmit power, with imperfect channel state information, or antenna correlation. This paper provides an approximate closed-form signal-to-interference-plus-noise-ratio (SINR) expression for IA over multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) channels with imperfect channel state information and transmit antenna correlation. Assuming linear processing at the transmitters and zero-forcing receivers, random matrix theory tools are utilized to derive an approximation for the post-processing SINR distribution of each stream for each user. Perfect channel knowledge and i.i.d. channel coefficients constitute special cases. This SINR distribution not only allows easy calculation of useful performance metrics like sum rate and symbol error rate, but also permits a realistic comparison of IA with other transmission techniques. More specifically, IA is compared with spatial multiplexing and beamforming and it is shown that IA may not be optimal for some performance criteria.Comment: 21 pages, 7 figures, submitted to IEEE Transactions on Signal Processin

Integrated modeling and optimization for environmental and social sustainability in multi-energy systems

openThe optimization of Multi-Energy Systems (MES) has traditionally been centered around economic objectives and the minimization of operational greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). However, the broader environmental and social impacts of these systems, especially those related to their life cycle and beyond mere GHG emissions, necessitate a more holistic optimization approach. This study introduces a novel and comprehensive objective function, the Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI), for optimizing Multi-Energy Systems. The IWI is defined as the weighted sum of three types of capital—human, natural, and produced—thereby integrating societal and environmental considerations into the optimization process in a comprehensive manner. By conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the technologies and energy carriers within the MES, their implications on human and natural capitals are evaluated, while produced capital is assessed through investments in infrastructure and technology manufacturing, directly influencing economic growth and societal well-being. Utilizing mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) in a Python framework with the Gurobi solver, this research optimizes the design and operation of an MES to both maximize the IWI and reduce overall costs. A reference case is considered, where electricity and heat are supplied through the grid and natural gas boilers, respectively. The optimization of a grid-integrated case study, featuring photovoltaic modules (PV), heat pumps (HP), internal combustion engines (ICE), boilers (BOIL), electrical (EES), and thermal energy storage (TES) demonstrates that focusing solely on cost minimization results in a 46% savings compared to the reference case, yet it adversely impacts the IWI, reducing it to -0.03 points when all capitals are equally weighted. Prioritizing IWI maximization, on the other hand, substantially elevates the index to 0.114 points but incurs costs 42% higher than those associated with the cost-minimization scenario. Through multi-objective optimization that balances cost and IWI objectives, the study reveals that significant enhancements in societal wealth are attainable with low expenses, achieving a notable improvement in IWI of 0.056 points alongside a cost reduction of 41% compared to the reference case, and only 8% higher than the cost-minimization scenario. This research also underscores the critical importance of balanced capital weighting in optimizing MES for sustainable development, paving the way for energy systems that strategically integrate economic, environmental, and social considerations

Regulation of granulosa cells during follicular development and ovulation

L'efficacité de la reproduction bovine a considérablement diminué dans les dernières décennies et cette diminution constitue un problème économique majeur. Pour mieux contrer ce problème, la physiologie des cellules stéroïdogéniques ovariennes dont les cellules de granulosa (CG) doit être mieux comprise au cours des dernières étapes de la croissance folliculaire, de l'ovulation et de la lutéinisation. En ce sens, nous avons précédemment identifié divers gènes induits dans les CG des follicules ovulatoires bovins par la LH/hCG incluant Ankyrin-repeat and SOCS-box protein 9 (ASB9). Cependant, les mécanismes d’action d’ASB9 dans les CG étaient encore indéfinis. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d'élucider le rôle d'ASB9 dans les CG ainsi que ses effets sur ses partenaires spécifiques PAR1, TSG6 et TAOK1. Un modèle in vivo de CG provenant de follicules à différentes phases de développement: petits follicules (SF), follicules dominants (DF) et follicules ovulatoires (OF), et un modèle in vitro de CG en culture ont été utilisées. L'inhibition d’ASB9 dans les CG via CRISPR/Cas9 a montré une augmentation significative de PAR1, PCNA, CCND2 et CCNE2 et une diminution significative de TAOK1, TSG6 et CASP3. Dans le modèle in vivo, PAR1 a été différentiellement exprimé dans DF et TSG6 et TAOK1 ont été induits dans OF. L'inhibition de l'ASB9 a aussi entraîné une diminution de l'apoptose des CG et de l'activité caspase3/7. Des analyses Western blot ont démontré que l'induction d'ASB9 dans OF, après l'injection d'hCG, était concomitante avec une diminution significative des niveaux de phosphorylation de MAPK3/1 tandis que pMAPK3/1 augmentait après l'inhibition d'ASB9. Ces résultats supportent qu'ASB9 pourrait être un régulateur de l'activité et de la fonction des CG en ciblant des protéines spécifiques qui affectent la signalisation MAPK, limitant la prolifération des CG. Ces résultats contribuent à une meilleure compréhension de l’activité ovarienne et de la reproduction bovine.The efficiency of bovine reproduction has considerably decreased in recent decades and this decrease constitutes a major economic problem. To better counter this problem, the physiology of ovarian steroidogenic cells including granulosa (CG) cells needs to be better understood during the later stages of follicular growth, ovulation and luteinization. In this sense, we have previously identified various genes induced in the CGs of bovine ovulatory follicles by LH / hCG including Ankyrin-repeat and SOCS-box protein 9 (ASB9). However, ASB9 mechanisms of action in GC were still undefined. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the role of ASB9 in CG as well as its effects on target partners PAR1, TSG6 and TAOK1, and on MAPK signaling. An in vivo model of GC from follicles at different developmental stages: small follicles (SF), dominant follicles (DF), and ovulatory follicles (OF) and an in vitro model of cultured GC along with the CRISPR/Cas9 approach to inhibit ASB9 were used. Inhibition of ASB9 in GC resulted in significant increase in PAR1, PCNA, CCND2, and CCNE2 and significant decrease in TAOK1, TNFAIP6, and CASP3 expression. From in vivo samples, PAR1 was differentially expressed in DF as compared to OF while TSG6 and TAOK1 were induced in OF. Further analyses showed an increase in GC number and a decrease in apoptosis and caspase3/7 activity following ASB9 inhibition. Western blot analyses demonstrated that ASB9 induction in OF by hCG was concomitant with a significant decrease in MAPK3/1 phosphorylation levels while pMAPK3/1 increased following ASB9 inhibition. These results provide strong evidence that ASB9 is a regulator of GC activity and function by modulating MAPK signaling pathway likely through specific binding partners such as PAR1, therefore controlling GC proliferation. These results contribute to a better understanding of ovarian activity and bovine reproduction

Serum level of lactate dehydrogenase, homocystein, hemoglobin and platelet in preeclampsia

Objectives: Pre-eclampsia affects approximately 5-8% of pregnant women. The aim of this study was to compare the serum level of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Homocystein, Hemoglubin and platelet in pregnant women diagnosed as pre-eclampsia and a normal group in Gorgan city, Northeastern Iran from 2007-2008. Methodology: In this case control study, 50 cases of pre-eclampsia were compared with the control group women hospitalized in Dezyani hospital. Pre-eclampsia criteria were: Blood pressure more than or equal to 140/90 mm hg and Proteinuria greater or equal to 300 mg/ 24 hours urine sample in the third trimester. Hemoglobin, platelet, LDH and hemocystein were measured. Data were analyzed by the mean of SPSS-14 program & Chi-2 or t-student were used. Results: The difference of BMI and family incomes was significant between two groups (P-value0.01). Hemocystein level was more than normal range in five patients with pre-eclampsia (P-value<0.001). Conclusions: In this study, hemocystein level was significantly higher in pre-eclampsia patients but LDH, hemoglobin and platelet level had no significant difference

The Fourth Wave of Feminism and the Lack of Social Realism in Cyberspace

Recent years have witnessed a surge in research on the impact of the cyberspace on social movements. The feminist movement has built a vocal platform online which attempts to underscore sexual violence against women. Scholars have begun to suspect that the internet has ushered in a new wave, the fourth wave of feminism. The fourth wave’s main feature is its reliance on social media. The accessibility, reach of a widespread audience, low costs and user-friendly environment have encouraged women to use social media to speak out against various forms of sexual violence directed against women. It is also assumed that going forward; the movement will also tackle issues such as the gender pay gap, neoliberal policies, maternity leave, and cultural sexism. Moreover, the internet-based movement is striving to bring to the fore the topic of intersectionality, that is, the intersection of oppressive institutions, and the attempt to rectify the failings of past waves by representing those oppressed by multiple institutions such as sexism, classism, and racism. This commentary provides an overview of the emerging academic literature on the fourth wave of feminism and critically reflects the lack of social realism in its existing form of knowledge production

Extensive Idiopathic External Root Resorption in First Maxillary Molar: A Case Report

External root resorption of permanent teeth is a multifactorial process. Several etiologic and predisposing factors have been related to external root resorption. Idiopathic external root resorption is defined as cases of external root resorption without a distinct etiologic factor. This article presents an extensive idiopathic external root resorption of maxillary first molar with irreversible pulpitis in an 18-year-old patient. The resorption was diagnosed in conventional radiographs and confirmed with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images. Unlike other reports in this field, and despite the severe resorption of all roots, there was no abnormal tooth mobility. Cold and electric pulp tests confirmed tooth vitality and revealed irreversible pulpitis. Therefore the exact etiology of the resorption remained unclear. Considering the poor prognosis due to severe root resorption, extraction and implant replacement was indicated