Effects of ultrasound on Transforming Growth Factor-beta genes in bone cells

Therapeutic ultrasound (US) is a widely used form of biophysical stimulation that is increasingly applied to promote fracture healing. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), which is encoded by three related but different genes, is known to play a major part in bone growth and repair. However, the effects of US on the expression of the TGF-beta genes and the physical acoustic mechanisms involved in initiating changes in gene expression in vitro, are not yet known. The present study demonstrates that US had a differential effect on these TGF-beta isoforms in a human osteoblast cell line, with the highest dose eliciting the most pronounced up-regulation of both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 at 1 hour after treatment and thereafter declining. In contrast, US had no effect on TGF-beta2 expression. Fluid streaming rather than thermal effects or cavitation was found to be the most likely explanation for the gene responses observed in vitro

Determination of Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazards of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the Grains Available at Penang Markets, Malaysia, Using High-purity Germanium Detector

In the present study, the concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K and their radiological hazards in 18 types of grain samples, collected from local markets in Penang, Malaysia, are investigated using high-purity germanium detector (HPGe). The results indicated that the concentration of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in grain samples was ranged from 56.97 to 86.13 Bq.kg−1, from 34.71 to 52.14 Bq.kg−1, and from 517.05 to 997.59 Bq.kg−1, respectively. The results of the average annual ingestion dose of natural radionuclides of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were found to be 66.555, 35.199, and 15.328 μSv y−1, respectively. These  results are below  the standard worldwide value (290 μSv y−1) that was  reported by UNSCEAR. Therefore, the studied samples are considered safe in terms of the radiological health hazards, and there is no health hazard from the grain in this region

Lean-excellence business management for manufacturing SMEs focusing on KRI

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop an effective framework for implementing Lean strategies in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Design/methodology/approach Based on the integration of LM tools and techniques with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) criteria a systematic Lean implementation framework for manufacturing SMEs has been proposed. The core values, drivers and tools of the proposed framework were further developed based on case studies in three SMEs in the KRI. Findings Proposed framework is able to provide a simple pathway for SMEs to systematically implement Lean techniques in seven functional areas in order to create Lean culture in the organisation. Business performance measurement in terms of profitability, customer satisfaction, employee’s satisfaction, competitiveness growth and ergonomic improvement is presented in favour of evaluating Lean outcomes appropriately. It also presents the experience of small firms in implementing Lean programmes to show that Lean is valid in SMEs. Research limitations/implications The framework concentrates only on the internal issues of the organisation, while external variables such as national culture and external support are excluded. Practical implications The framework assists improvements in SMEs that either initially attempt to start Lean journey or those that are at more advanced levels towards excellent-Lean manufacturing. The framework can also be used as a self-assessment model to determine the degree of Lean readiness. Originality/value To the best knowledge of the author, it is the first framework that integrates Lean techniques with MBNQA criteria to support Lean implementation in SMEs. It is also the first study regarding Lean-excellence in the KRI.Published onlin

Heavy metals in blood and urine impact on the woman fertility

This study was designed to investigate heavy metals that were associated with fertility of women. Heavy metals have been identified as factors affecting human fertility. For a lot of women, whole blood specimens were analyzed for Pb, Zn, As, Mg, Co, Sn, Ag, Sb, Fe, and Cr using ICP–MS. Heavy  metals as estimated  has an impact on the hormonal profile and fertility in women. Findings indicate that Fe, Mg and Zn may impact female fecundity, also findings indicate that Fe, Mg and Zn caucus a different affects in the blood and urine samples , Fe >Mg> Zn > Pb > Sn > Cr as shown by the high concentrations of  Fe, Mg,  Pb,  and Zn,  in the blood and in urine samples.  Fe >Mg> Zn > Pb > Sn > Cr as shown by the high concentrations of Fe, Mg, Pb, and Zn  in the blood and in urine samples. Significant difference(p<0.001) found in blood concentration of these metals, where highest concentration was found in Fe, while the lowest observed in Cr, also showed significant (p<0.001) difference among the concentrations of these metals in urine. The highest concentration was noticed in Mg, while the lowest was in Cr, Keyword: Heave metals, blood, urine, lead, women infertilit

Estimation the dose on radiosensitive tissue for women in dwelling and health risks caused to reduce the fertility women and cancer in gonads in Iraqi Kurdistan regions.

Present work, described the risk of indoor radon  concentration on the women ?s body tissue, such as  bladder, gonads, and uterus.  Minimum and  maximum annual effective dose A. E. D. to  uterus and many tissues were found  2.39 m Svy-1 and 32.28 mSvy-1,  respectively. The lowest radon concentration detected was found in the living room   94.883 Bq m-3, and the highest radon concentration detected was found in the kitchen  364.412  Bq m-3. The distribution of indoor radon concentration was high in many houses and many pose health risk affected on women fertility causative the infertility and cancer in gonads. The large variation of the indoor radon activity between different dwellings can be explained depending on the age of the house, ventilation conditions and the type of building materials, nature of the soil underneath, and geological considerations.  Majority of the houses had poor ventilation attributed to the absence of ventilators.  Dose is higher in old houses than in new ones because the ventilation rates in new houses are higher than those in old houses. The results showed significant difference ( p value  <  0.001) found between kitchen and living results, where concentration of radon in kitchen had higher results medians than results of living. Significant difference ( p value  <  0.001)  found among organs in living room, where the gonads are the organ with highest concentration while bladders were the lowest,  also significant difference ( p value  <  0.001)  found among participants organs in kitchen room Key words: Infertility, gonads cancer, indoor radon, human risk, CR-39NTDs, annual effective dose

Collection, Storage and Protein Extraction Method of Gingival Crevicular Fluid for Proteomic Analysis

قد يعكس السائل اللثوي (GCF)  الأحداث المرتبطة بحركة الأسنان التقويمية. تم إجراء محاولات لتحديد المؤشرات الحيوية التي تعكس قوة تقويم الأسنان المثلى ، والعواقب غير المرغوب فيها (مثل ارتشاف الجذر) وطرق واساليب تسريع حركة الأسنان . ان الهدف من هذه الدراسة هوانشاء طريقة مثلى لتجميع وتخزين واستخلاص البروتين الكلي القياسي من السائل اللثوي من مواقع اللثة الصحية ظاهريا من مرضى تقويم الأسنان تتماشى مع الطرق المتطورة لتحديد وتشخيص البروتينات كمؤشرات حيوية. تضمنت الدراسة ثمانية عشر مريضًا اللذين يحتاجون إلى قلع كل من الضواحك الأولى للفك العلوي والتي تم تعيينها عشوائيًا لتسليط القوة إما للقوة الثقيلة (225 جم) أو القوة الخفيفة (25 جم) ، وتم جمع السائل اللثوي لفترات زمنية متعددة بعد ساعة واحدة ويوم واحد و 7 أيام و 14 يومًا و 21 يومًا و 28 يومًا من بدء التجربة. تم استخدام اشرطة لثوية لجمع السائل، اما محلول الفوسفات الملحي (PBS) لاستخلاص وانتزاع البروتينات من هذه الشرائط  بسرعة طرد مركزي تبلغ 10000 دورة في الدقيقة لمدة 5 دقائق وتخزينها عند -80 درجة مئوية. أجري اختبار برادفورد لتقدير تركيز البروتين ، ثم تم إجراء التحليل الكهربائي لهلام دوديسيل كبريتات الصوديوم (SDS-PAGE) لمعرفة درجة نقاء البروتينات في العينات التي تم جمعها وتم التحقق من صحة طريقة الجمع عن طريق النشاف المناعي الغربي لإنزيم اللعاب ألفا أميليز. أظهر بروتوكول الجمع والتخزين واستخلاص البروتين الحالي أفضل النتائج لاستخلاص البروتين ونقاوته مع مجموعة مثبتة خالية من التلوث باللعاب. وتوصلت الدراسة الى إن حجم السائل الصغير من المواقع الصحية ومشاكل التبخر لمثل هذا السائل الواعد يحفزنا على التحقيق في بروتوكول جديد يتيح الحفظ الأمثل لعينة السائل اللثوي وقد يعمل البروتوكول المتبع حاليًا كمرجع للدراسات البروتينية المستقبلية التي تبحث عن المؤشرات الحيوية لـسائل اللثوي في تشخيص ومراقبة حركة الأسنان التقويمية.Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) may reflect the events associated with orthodontic tooth movement. Attempts have been conducted to identify biomarkers reflecting optimum orthodontic force, unwanted sequallea (i.e. root resorption) and accelerated tooth movement. The aim of the present study is to find out a standardized GCF collection, storage and total protein extraction method from apparently healthy gingival sites with orthodontics that is compatible with further high-throughput proteomics. Eighteen patients who required extractions of both maxillary first premolars were recruited in this study. These teeth were randomly assigned to either heavy (225g) or light force (25g), and their site specific GCF was collected at baseline and after 1hr, 1day, 7days, 14days, 21days and 28days post force application. Periostrips were used for GCF collection and subsequent phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used for immediate protein elution with centrifugal speed of 10000rpm for 5min and stored at -80°C. Protein concentration was estimated using Bradford colorimetric assay. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was carried out to resolve the purity of proteins in the collected samples and the method of collection was validated by western immuno-blotting of alpha amylase salivary enzyme. The current collection, storage and protein extraction protocol showed the best protein recovery and purity with validated collection free of salivary contamination. In conclusion, tiny GCF volume from healthy sites and evaporation issues of such promising non-invasive fluid motivate us to investigate a standardized protocol enabling optimal preservation of GCF sample and the currently followed protocol may serve as a reference for future proteomic studies searching for GCF biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring orthodontic tooth movement

The influence of different types of fixed orthodontic appliance on the growth and adherence of microorganisms (in vitro study)

Orthodontic appliances serve as different impact zones and modify microbial adherence and colonization, acting as foreign reserves and possible sources of infection. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different types of fixed orthodontic appliances on the growth and adherence of microorganisms in oral flora which are Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Candida albicans. Sixty-four of four different fixed orthodontic appliance-samples were used, divided into four groups of sixteen. Type I: Sapphire brackets- Coated wires, type II: Sapphire brackets- Stainless steel wires, type III: Stainless steel brackets- Coated wires and type IV: Stainless steel brackets- Stainless steel wires. Oral strains of S. mutans and Candida albicans were studied in the present study using biochemical test then microbial suspensions were prepared to do the tests of each microorganism including the antimicrobial effects of different appliance-samples on the growth of microorganisms and their adhesion tests. The results showed significant differences between the different appliances in terms of inhibition zone formation (P<0.001). The adhesion test, which is classified into low, medium and high, showed the adhesion of S. mutans, is low with type I and II, medium with type III and high with type IV, whereas the adhesion of Candida albicans is medium with both type I and II and high with both type III and IV with high significant differences (P<0.001). Appliance with high esthetic appearance, sapphire brackets and coated arch wire, showed the least adherence of S. mutans and Candida albicans in comparison to other appliances with less esthetic and more metal components

Cold Sore, Cold Soul? An Examination of Orolabial Herpes in Film

[EN] The sociocultural phenomenon of herpes is attributed to two strains of the herpes simplex virus: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes orolabial cold sores while herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is typically identified in genital lesions, though both viruses may cause clinically similar signs and symptoms anywhere in or on the body. While these infections are extremely prevalent and typically benign, media sources such as film have perpetuated a negative public perception of the disease. Thus, a large portion of society continues to associate these conditions with sexual misconduct and moral failing. Despite decades of available antiviral therapy to shorten and suppress outbreaks, movies continue to exploit herpes for degradation and for humor. Portrayal of genital herpes in films is avoided in order to avert unnecessary and grotesque nude scenes, so depictions of cold sores are preferred. This article analyzes the use of orolabial herpes lesions in selected English language films released from 1984-2012. [ES] El fenómeno sociocultural del herpes se debe a los dos tipos del virus de herpes simple: el virus del herpes simple tipo 1 (HSV-1) que causa el herpes labial, y el tipo 2 (HSV-2) que se identifica normalmente en lesiones genitales, aunque ambos virus pueden causar signos y síntomas similares en cualquier lugar del cuerpo. A pesar de que estas infecciones son de elevadísima prevalencia y típicamente benignas, los medios de comunicación y el cine han dado una percepción negativa de las mismas. Así, una gran parte de la sociedad continua asociando estos problemas a conductas sexuales irresponsables y valores morales deteriorados. Aunque desde hace décadas existe terapia antiviral para acortar y suprimir los brotes, el cine continúa explotando esta enfermedad para crear situaciones humillantes o cómicas. La representación del herpes genital en las películas suele evitarse a fin de huir de escenas de desnudos innecesarias y grotescas, apareciendo las aftas bucales de forma mucho más común. El artículo analiza el uso de las lesiones orales herpéticas en películas de habla inglesa desde el año 1984 hasta 2012

Assessment the Natural Radioactivity of Radionuclides ( 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs) in Wheat Grain

This paper investigates the activity concentration of radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs) in the wheat grain samples using a high-purity germanium detector. Thirty-six wheat grain samples were collected from different locations of Koya City, Iraqi Kurdistan region. Average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in wheat grain are found to be 0.407 ± 0.097 Bq.kg-1 for 226Ra, 0.36 ± 0.14 Bq.kg-1 for 232Th and 109.25± 2.214 Bq.kg-1 for 40K, respectively. The measured activity concentrations for the radionuclides are compared with the reported data from other countries. In addition, the fallout radionuclide of 137Cs has no detection of in the wheat grain samples. The radium equivalent activity Raeq, internal and external hazard indices Hin and Hex, and annual gonadal dose equivalent are calculated for the measured samples. The total ingestion dose is 113.19 µSv.y-1, which is below the world average value of 290 µSv.y-1