A Comprehensive Examination of Surrogacy within the Islamic Framework

Abstract This review study examines the practice of surrogacy within the Islamic setting, specifically focusing on its legal status and employing a comparative method to analyse the various schools of thought within Islam. The study investigates both conventional and gestational surrogacy, as well as the effects of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and the global commercialization of surrogacy. It provides a contextual analysis of the prevalence and acceptance of infertility rates, societal standards, and varying legal frameworks on a global scale. The research centres on the Islamic standpoint, carrying out a comparative examination of Sunni and Shia perspectives. The paper highlights the socioeconomic difficulties, underscoring the importance of employing sophisticated strategies that strike a balance between technology advancement and ethical principles. The text finishes by emphasising the significance of continuous discussion and flexible legal frameworks to tackle the changing environment of surrogacy in the Islamic world and beyond. Keywords: Surrogacy, Vitro Fertilization, Infertility, Legal framework, Islam.   &nbsp

Received Signal Strength for Randomly Distributed Molecular Nanonodes

We consider nanonodes randomly distributed in a circular area and characterize the received signal strength when a pair of these nodes employ molecular communication. Two communication methods are investigated, namely free diffusion and diffusion with drift. Since the nodes are randomly distributed, the distance between them can be represented as a random variable, which results in a stochastic process representation of the received signal strength. We derive the probability density function of this process for both molecular communication methods. Specifically for the case of free diffusion we also derive the cumulative distribution function, which can be used to derive transmission success probabilities. The presented work constitutes a first step towards the characterization of the signal to noise ratio in the considered setting for a number of molecular communication methods.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures, Nanocom 2017 conferenc

Evaluation of Four Pulpotomy Techniques in Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: This trial was designed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success rates of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement with and without low level laser therapy (LLLT) and compare them to that of formocresol (FC) and ferric sulfate (FS) in primary molar pulpotomies. Methods and Materials: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on a total of 160 teeth selected from 40 patients aged 3-9 years. Patients with at least four primary molars needing pulpotomy, were included in order to have each tooth assigned randomly in one of the four following groups; FC, FS, CEM, and LLLT/CEM. Six- and twelve-month follow-up periods were conducted in order to enable a clinical and radiographic evaluation of the treated teeth. Collected data were analyzed using Cochran Q Tests. Results: The 12-month clinical success rate for each technique was: FC=100%, FS=95%, CEM=97.5% and LLLT/CEM=100% with no significant differences (P>0.05). Furthermore, 12-month radiographic success rate for each technique was: FC=100%, FS=92.5%, CEM=95% and LLLT/CEM=100% with no significant differences (P>0.05). Conclusion: Favorable outcomes of four treatment techniques in pulpotomy of primary molar teeth were comparable. CEM with/without LLLT may be considered as a safe and successful pulpotomy treatment modality compared to current conventional methods.Keywords: Calcium-Enriched Mixture; CEM Cement; Ferric Sulfate; Formocresol; Low Level Laser Therapy; Primary Molar; Pulpotomy

Beneficial Effects of Artocarpus Lakoocha Extracts in Rat Models Suffering from Atherosclerosis

Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of A. lakoocha extracts by utilizing the rat models with induced hyperlipidemia.Methodology: Twenty-four well-fed rats (Wistar breed), were selected for the current study, weighing average 150-250 grams each and divided into three groups; GROUP I served as healthy control group, fed with normal diet composed of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Group II were hyperlipidemic rats, with atherosclerosis, and considered as disease group. They were fed with high fat diet. Group III rats were fed with extracts of A. lakoocha, extending from day 20 up to day 60 of this experiment.Results In the disease group, significantly decreased (P < 0.001) expression levels of IL-5 were found in (14.76 ± 2.65) compared with control group (26.54 ± 3.98). IN the group treated with A. lakoocha extracts (22.01 ± 4.53) significantly enhanced (P < 0.01) the expression levels of IL-5 were observed. In addition, plasma IL-6 levels were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) in the disease group (44.19 ± 10.90) compared with the control group (32.59 ± 4.51). Treatment of rats with A. lakoocha extract (20.22 ± 2.75) caused significant reduction (P < 0.001) in the expression levels of IL-6 as compared with the disease group. Significantly raised (P < 0.01) expression levels of TNF-α within the disease group (31.78 ± 4.71) compared with the control group (23.34 ± 2.25) group. Moreover, A. lakoocha extracts (24.60 ± 4.26) significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the expression of TNF-α levels, compared with the disease group.  Conclusion: Current study demonstrates that A. lakoocha extracts significant protective and anti-inflammatory properties in selected rat models, subsequently leading to atherosclerosis. The present study highlighted the down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-6 and NF-кB, while simultaneously up-regulating the plasma levels of IL-15, in rat models treated with extracts of A. lakoocha

The combined role of diabetes and obesity in susceptibility to musculoskeletal disorders and its subtypes in older men and women in India

Background and aims In later life, diabetes and obesity can cause a change in musculoskeletal systems that can lead to aching joints and a myriad of other musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatism, bone fractures etc., resulting in significant morbidity including pain and disability. There is a paucity of research to know how comorbidity of diabetes and obesity increase musculoskeletal disorders among older people. Therefore, the present study used nationally representative data to examine the interaction of diabetes and obesity on musculoskeletal disorders and its subtypes including arthritis, osteoporosis, and rheumatism among older men and women in India. Methods Data were extracted from the first wave of the nationally representative survey Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) conducted in 2017-18. The final sample includes 31,464 people aged 60 years or above. Primary outcome variable was any listed musculoskeletal disorders and secondary outcomes were its subtypes including arthritis, osteoporosis, and rheumatism based on self-reported questions. Diabetes and obesity based on anthropometric index of weight and height (i.e., body mass index (BMI) with a standard cut-off of 30 kg/m2 or over) were considered as explanatory variables of interest. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between diabetes and musculoskeletal disorders. Interaction analysis was performed by both additive and multiplicative scales. Results Comparing older people without diabetes, the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and its subtypes were higher among those with diabetes, particularly arthritis disorders in older women. Diabetes was significantly correlated with the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and its subtypes including arthritis and osteoporosis even after controlling potential factors. The combination of diabetes and obesity was significantly and positively associated with musculoskeletal disorders (aOR: 4.14; p-value < 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.96 to 8.74) and its subtype only arthritis (aOR: 4.36; p-value < 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.76 to 10.8) comparing to those without both the conditions. However, the association was strong for older women as compared to older men. Notwithstanding, multiplicative scale interaction showed statistically significant for musculoskeletal disorders and its three subtypes among older women, however it was not significant for osteoporosis and rheumatism disorders among older men. When we analyzed interaction on additive scale, we found it only for arthritis disorder among older women suggesting the risk from obesity (relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI): -0.83, 95% CI: -1.44 to -0.22, attributable proportion due to interaction (AP): -0.54, 95% CI: -1.05 to -0.03, synergy index (S): 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.93) was additive to the risk from diabetes. Conclusions This study suggests an elevated risk of musculoskeletal disorders among Indian older adults with diabetes. The result of this study also suggests an interactive association of diabetes and obesity with musculoskeletal disorders, particularly with arthritis disorder. There is a need to pay attention to the BMI level while treating diabetes in Indian older population

Serumski srčani troponin I kao biljeg srčane degeneracije uzrokovane pokusnim trovanjem ovaca salinomicinom.

Salinomycin is an ionophore with antimicrobial properties. It is a dietary additive used as a growth promoter for ruminants and as a coccidiostat in chickens. However, over-dosage or misuse situations can lead to a series of toxic syndromes. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is the part of the troponin complex (I, C and T) within the sarcomere in myocardial cells that regulates contraction of the heart muscle. cTnI is released from injured myocardiocytes into circulation, so it can be a specifific biomarker in myocardial necrosis. The purpose of this study is to propose cTnI for diagnostic cardiac degeneration induced by experimental toxicosis with salinomycin in sheep. Twenty Iranian mixed breed adult female fat-tailed sheep (BW: 33.3 ± 3.4 kg) were used in this study. The sheep were randomly divided in to five equal groups. Group I (control) received 20 mL normal Saline. Groups II, III, IV and V were orally administered 1 mg/kg (twice a day for two days), 2, 3 and 4 mg/kg (once a day for two days) salinomycin, respectively. Following drug administration, blood samples were collected at different time intervals (2, 5, 8, 14 and 21 days) in order to determine various biochemical parameters (cTnI, CK, LDH, ALT and AST). In all groups, the heart sounds of the animals were carefully heard and electrocardiogram (ECG) was taken to determine the type of probable arrhythmia. The results illustrated a significant increase in the activity of cTnI. Numerous arrhythmias were recorded, such as: sinus tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia and supraventricular premature contraction. All animals with arrhythmias showed a significant increase in the activity of cTnI. Cardiac muscle necrosis observed macroscopically on post mortem examination revealed myocardial degeneration. Overall, the results of this study indicate that cTnI may be considered as a valuable biomarker in diagnosing cardiac degeneration due to salinomycin toxicosis.Salinomicin je ionofor s antimikrobnim svojstvima. Rabi se kao dodatak hrani koji u preživača ima ulogu promotora rasta, a u pilića ulogu kokcidiostatika. Prevelike količine i pogrešna uporaba salinomicina mogu dovesti do teških sindroma trovanja. Srčani troponin I (cTnI) je dio troponinskog kompleksa (I, C i T), unutar sarkomere srčanih mišićnih stanica, koji regulira kontrakcije srčanog mišića. Budući da se oslobađa iz oštećenih miokardiocita u krvotok, cTnI može biti specifičan biomarker kod nekroze srčanog mišića. Svrha istraživanja bila je predložiti da se cTnI primjeni u dijagnostici srčane degeneracije uzrokovane pokusnim trovanjem ovaca salinomicinom. U istraživanje je bilo uključeno 20 odraslih, masnorepih ovaca, križanki iranskih pasmina (TM: 33,3 ± 3,4 kg). Ovce su metodom slučajnog izbora bile podijeljene u pet skupina iste veličine. Skupina I (kontrola) dobila je 20 mL otopine soli. Skupine II, III, IV i V dobile su oralnim putem salinomicin i to u količini od 1 mg/kg (dva puta dnevno kroz dva dana), odnosno 2, 3 i 4 mg/kg (jednom dnevno kroz dva dana). Odmah nakon toga uzimani su uzorci krvi u različitim vremenskim razmacima (2, 5, 8, 14 i 21 dana) s ciljem određivanja različitih biokemijskih pokazatelja (cTnI, CK, LDH, ALT i AST). U svim skupinama pažljivo su osluškivani srčani tonovi i određivan elektrokardiogram s ciljem otkrivanja tipa moguće srčane aritmije. Rezultati pokazuju značajno povećanje aktivnosti cTnI. Zabilježene su i mnoge aritmije kao što su sinusna tahikardija, supraventrikularna tahikardija, sinusna aritmija i supraventrikularna preuranjena kontrakcija. Sve su životinje uz aritmiju očitovale i značajno povećanje aktivnosti cTnI. Razudbom nakon uginuća makroskopski je opažena nekroza i degeneracija srčanog mišića. Zaključno, rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da cTnI može biti vrijedan biomarker u dijagnostici srčane degeneracije prouzročene trovanjem salinomicinom

Evaluation and Analysis of Rate Control Methods for H.264/AVC and MPEG-4 Video Codec

Audio, image and video signals produce a vast amount of data. The only solution of this problem is to compress data before storage and transmission. In general there is the three crucial terms as, Bit Rate Reduction, Fast Data Transfer and Reduction in Storage. Rate control is a vigorous factor in video coding. In video communications, rate control must ensure the coded bitstream can be transmitted effectively and make full use of the narrow bandwidth. There are various test models usually suggested by a standard during the development of video codes models in order to video coding which should be suffienciently be efficient based on H.264 at very low bit rate. These models are Test Model Number 5 (TMN5), Test Model Number 8 for H.263, and Verification Model 8 (VM8) for MPEG-4 and H.264 etc. In this work, Rate control analysis for H.264, MPEG-4 performed. For Rate control analysis test model verification model version 8.0 is adopted

Phylogenetic Groups of Escherichia coli Strains from Patients with Urinary Tract Infection in Iran Based on the New Clermont Phylotyping Method

Objectives.In2013,ClermontclassifiedE.colistrainsintoeightphylogeneticgroupsusinganewquadruplexPCRmethod.Theaims ofthisstudyweretoidentifythephylogeneticgroupsofE.colibasedonthismethodandtoassesstheirantibioticresistancepatterns inBushehr,Iran.Methods.Inthiscross-sectionalstudy,140E.coliisolatesweresubjectedtophylogenetictypingbyaquadruplex PCR method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method. Results. Phylogenetic group B2 was mostpredominant(39.3%),followedbyunknown(27.1%),E(9.3%),CandcladeI(each6.4%),B1(5%),FandD(each2.9%),and A(0.7%).Themostcommonantibioticresistancewasrelatedtoamoxicillin(82.1%)andtheleasttomeropenem(0.7%).82.14%of isolatesweremultipledrugresistant(MDR).AntibioticresistancewasmainlydetectedingroupB2(50%).Conclusions.Ourfindings showedthehighprevalenceofMDRE.coliisolateswithdominanceofgroupB2.About25%ofE.coliisolatesbelongtothenewly describedphylogroupsC,E,F,andcladeI.Suchstudiesneedtobedonealsoinotherregionstoprovidegreaterunderstandingof theantibioticresistancepatternandtheprevalencesofdifferentphylogeneticgroups

Dijagnostičke vrijednosti proteina akutne faze u iranskoga domaćega goveda invadiranoga praživotinjom Theileria annulata

This study was conducted to assess the pattern of changes and the relative value of acute phase proteins (APP) including haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin and fi brinogen in Iranian indigenous cattle infected with Theileria annulata. The diseased group comprised 24 Iranian indigenous dairy cattle, 2-3 years old, naturally infected with Theileria annulata. The infected animals were divided into 4 subgroups with different parasitemia rates (<1% and 1-3%). As a control group, 10 uninfected cattle were also sampled. Blood samples were collected and all measurements were made using validated methods. There were significant differences in red blood cells (RBCs), packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) and concentrations of Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen between healthy cattle and those infected with T. annulata with different parasitemia rates (P<0.05). As the parasitemia rate increased in infected cattle, a signifi cant decrease was observed in RBCs, PCV and Hb. In contrast, with the increase in the parasitemia rate, a significant increase in Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen was evident. The optimal cut-off point was set by the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) method to >5.68 μg/mL for SAA, >0.09 g/L for Hp, >0.049 g/L for ceruloplasmin and >1.90 g/L for fibrinogen, with corresponding 71.50% sensitivity and 100% specificity for SAA, 83.30% sensitivity and 70% specificity for Hp, 50% sensitivity and 90% specificity for ceruloplasmin and 71.30% sensitivity and 80% specificity for fi brinogen. In conclusion, measuring SAA with the highest sensitivity, specificity and AUC compared to other APPs, can be a suitable indicator of inflammatory reactions in indigenous cattle infected with Theileria annulata.Istraživanje je provedeno s potrebom da se utvrdi dinamika promjena i relativne vrijednosti proteina akutne faze, uključujući haptoglobin (Hp), serumski amiloid A, ceruloplazmin i fibrinogen, u iranskoga domaćega goveda invadiranoga praživotinjom Theileria annulata. Skupina pokusnih životinja sadržavala je ukupno 24 iranska domaća mliječna goveda u dobi od dvije do tri godine invadirana praživotinjom Theileria annulata. Invadirane životinje bile su podijeljene u četiri podskupine s obzirom na različite razine parazitemije (5,68 μg/mL za serumski amiloid A, >0,09 za haptoglobin, >0,049 g/L za ceruloplazmin i >1,90 g/L za fibrinogen. Za serumski je amiloid osjetljivost iznosila 71,50% dok je specifičnost bila 100%. Osjetljivost je za haptoglobin iznosila 83,30% dok je specifičnost iznosila 70%. Za ceruloplazmin je osjetljivost iznosila 50%, a specifičnost 90%. Za fibrinogen je osjetljivost iznosila 71,30% dok je specifičnost iznosila 80%. Zaključno se može reći da mjerenje vrijednosti serumskoga amiloida A može biti prikladan pokazatelj upale uzrokovane praživotinjom Theileria annulata jer se u odnosu na ostale proteine akutne faze odlikuje najvišom razinom osjetljivosti, specifičnosti i AUC