Analysis of aromatase (CYP19) gene in Iranian women with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory, estrogen dependent disease that affects up to 10% of all women of fertile age. It is characterized by the presence and proliferation of functional endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The aim of this study was to assess whether intron 4 (TTTA)n repeat and TCT deletion/insertion polymorphisms of CYP19 gene are associated with endometriosis in northern Iran. This study involved 110 patients with endometriosis and 200 healthy controls, who were genotyped for (TTTA) repeats in the fourth intron of the CYP19 gene. Genomic DNA from patients and controls was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of eight alleles were observed in our study population, ranging from 7 repeats to 13 repeats. (TTTA) repeat lengths of 69 were classified as short (S), and those P10 were classified as long (L). Compared to women who possessed the S/S genotype, those who carried L/L (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 3.33–9.29) had significantly increased risk of endometriosis. There was a significant trend between L/L genotype and higher stage of endometriosis (P <0.001). In conclusion, a significant association was identified between endometriosis and the CYP19 gene polymorphism, with endometriosis having longer CYP19 repeat lengths than control subjects. The strong association of CYP19 gene polymorphism with high-stage endometriosis suggests that CYP19 may have a prognostic implication.Keywords: CYP19; Aromatase; Endometriosis; Gene polymorphismThe Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics (2013) 14, 165–16

The impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns on road transport air pollution in London: a state-space modelling approach

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the implementation of legal restrictions on individual activities, significantly impacting traffic and air pollution levels in urban areas. This study employs a state-space intervention method to investigate the effects of three major COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020, November 2020, and January 2021 on London’s air quality. Data were collected from 20 monitoring stations across London (central, ultra-low emission zone, and greater London), with daily measurements of NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 for four years (January 2019–December 2022). Furthermore, the developed model was adjusted for seasonal effects, ambient temperature, and relative humidity. This study found significant reductions in the NOx levels during the first lockdown: 49% in central London, 33% in the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ), and 37% in greater London. Although reductions in NOx were also observed during the second and third lockdowns, they were less than the first lockdown. In contrast, PM10 and PM2.5 increased by 12% and 1%, respectively, during the first lockdown, possibly due to higher residential energy consumption. However, during the second lockdown, PM10 and PM2.5 levels decreased by 11% and 13%, respectively, and remained unchanged during the third lockdown. These findings highlight the complex dynamics of urban air quality and underscore the need for targeted interventions to address specific pollution sources, particularly those related to road transport. The study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of lockdown measures and informs future air quality management strategies

Social annotation tools in higher education: a preliminary systematic review

This review discusses the evidences in using SA tools in higher education settings. Using a detailed inclusion/exclusion procedure, 71 studies were included. A large number of studies were centred on system design issues and the evaluation of designed tools within education and computer technology classes, with blended learning modality among undergraduates. Findings suggested there was a gradual increase in the frequency of SA-based publications, with Science Direct, Taylor & Francis, and IEEE as the three databases with the most SA publication experiences. Findings were mostly derived from quasi-experiments. Of the four major topics recognised, 'system design and implementation issues' was categorised as the first topic, followed by 'the effectiveness of SA tools on process-oriented measures', 'the effectiveness of SA tools on outcome-oriented measures', and 'the improvement of SA tools and learning design'. Process-oriented and outcome-oriented measures dominating the studies were quantity and quality of annotations and reading performance, respectively

Students’ perceptions of online discussions, participation and e-moderation behaviours in peer-moderated asynchronous online discussions

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between students’ perceptions of online discussions, participation and e-moderation behaviours in peer-moderated asynchronous online discussions. Using survey data, the learning system’s activity log and discussion transcripts, the authors analysed how 84 learners’ perceptions of online discussions influenced their participation and e-moderation behaviours. The results showed that Cognitive and Skill II (critical thinking skills) perceptual aspects significantly influenced the quantity posting and participation patterns. Meanwhile, Skill I (reading and writing skills) and Efficacy were critical factors that influenced quantity non-posting participation. It was also found that the perceptual aspects significantly influenced learners’ e-moderation behaviours to the extent that Affection and Efficacy were critical factors that influenced lower-level e-moderation supports, while Cognition, Affection and Skill II were critical factors that influenced higher-level e-moderation supports. All e-moderation supports were found to be correlated with peers’ quantity posting and participation patterns, except for Access and motivation support

Analyzing the social networks of high- and low-performing students in online discussion forums

An ego network is an individual’s social netwrk relationships with core members. In this study, the ego network parameters in online discussion spaces of high- and low-performing students were compared. The extent to which students’ ego networks changed over the course were also analyzed. Participation in 7 weeks of online discussions were analyzed for 12 high-performing students and 9 low-performing students. Results suggested that ego networks’ compositions of high- and low-performing students were significantly different. Particularly, high-performing students had denser ego networks and tended to exhibit a higher level of centralities than low-performing students. Results of network visualization indicated that high-performing students increased and kept their networks stable over the course in comparison to low-performing students, who had fragmented networks. Several networks’ change mechanisms for high- and low-performing groups are also identified and discussed

The comparative effects of manganese nanoparticles and their counterparts (bulk and ionic) in Artemisia annua plants via seed priming and foliar application

The world has experienced an unprecedented boom in nanotechnology. Nanoparticles (NPs) are likely to act as biostimulants in various plants due to having high surface/volume value. However, understanding the actual effect of NPs is essential to discriminate them from other counterparts in terms of being applicable, safe and cost-effective. This study aimed to assay the impact of manganese(III) oxide (Mn2O3)-NPs via seed-priming (SP) and a combination of SP and foliar application (SP+F) on Artemisia. annua performance at several times intervals and comparison with other available manganese (Mn) forms. Our findings indicate that SP with MnSO4 and Mn2O3-NPs stimulates the processes that occur prior to germination and thus reduces the time for radicle emergence. In both applications (i.e., SP and +F), none of the Mn treatments did show adverse phytotoxic on A. annua growth at morpho-physio and biochemical levels except for Mn2O3, which delayed germination and further plant growth, subsequently. Besides, from physio-biochemical data, it can be inferred that the general mechanism mode of action of Mn is mainly attributed to induce the photosynthetic processes, stimulate the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and up-regulation of proline and phenolic compounds. Therefore, our results showed that both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants could be influenced by the application of Mn treatments in a type-dependent manner. In general, this study revealed that Mn2O3-NPs at the tested condition could be used as biostimulants to improve germination, seedling development and further plant growth. However, they are not as effective as MnSO4 treatments. Nonetheless, these findings can be used to consider and develop Mn2O3-NPs priming in future studies to improve seed germination and seedling quality in plants

The role of particle size and other properties on silo discharge behaviour of chipped wood biomass

To achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the UK government emphasizes the pivotal role of sustainable bioenergy in electricity, transportation, and heating. However, challenges persist in handling biomass particulate solids in production facilities, leading to economic impacts. This study investigates the flow characteristics of stemwood chips from four tree species using a novel drum chipper. Experimental analyses include bulk density measurements, silo discharge studies, biomass flow property assessments, and wall friction measurements. Comparative analyses are performed using Jenike’s procedure for building wedge-shaped silos, with a focus on predicting the critical opening size to prevent arching. Additionally, the paper delves into the creation of statistical models aimed at identifying key factors influencing the flow behaviour during silo discharge. Emphasis is placed on understanding potential discrepancies between theoretical predictions and experimental results concerning critical silo openings for arch-free discharge. The results contribute to understanding the factors influencing the flow behaviour of wood chips, informing silo design considerations. Our findings suggest limitations in applying traditional silo design methods, urging further research for more accurate predictions

Twelve-month observational study of children with cancer in 41 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death. It is unclear whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childhood cancer mortality. In this study, we aimed to establish all-cause mortality rates for childhood cancers during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the factors associated with mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study in 109 institutions in 41 countries. Inclusion criteria: children <18 years who were newly diagnosed with or undergoing active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour, glioma, osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of 2327 cases, 2118 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 12 months. Results All-cause mortality was 3.4% (n=71/2084) at 30-day follow-up, 5.7% (n=113/1969) at 90-day follow-up and 13.0% (n=206/1581) at 12-month follow-up. The median time from diagnosis to multidisciplinary team (MDT) plan was longest in low-income countries (7 days, IQR 3-11). Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with 12-month mortality, including low-income (OR 6.99 (95% CI 2.49 to 19.68); p<0.001), lower middle income (OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96 to 5.61); p<0.001) and upper middle income (OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.02 to 6.03); p<0.001) country status and chemotherapy (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.86); p=0.008) and immunotherapy (OR 0.27 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.91); p=0.035) within 30 days from MDT plan. Multivariable analysis revealed laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR 5.33 (95% CI 1.19 to 23.84); p=0.029) was associated with 30-day mortality. Conclusions Children with cancer are more likely to die within 30 days if infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, timely treatment reduced odds of death. This report provides crucial information to balance the benefits of providing anticancer therapy against the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with cancer

Designed to evaluate early maladaptive schemas in normal soldiers and addicted soldiers

Aim: The present research is designed to evaluate early maladaptive schemas in normal soldiers and addicted soldiers. Methods: The study used past-reviewing comparative. The population consists of all the soldiers who were randomly selected from among 122 soldiers (62 addicted and 60 normal soldiers). General Health Questionnaire (1979) was used for measuring the general health of normal soldiers and also Young Short Questionnaire (2005) for measuring addicted soldiers schemas. The data were analyzed by SPSS16 software and difference analysis statistical method. Result: There is a significant statistical difference between the two groups in all design. The schemas of abandonment/instability, defectiveness/shame, and dependence/incompetence were more important predictors for the risk of addiction. Conclusions: The primary maladaptive schemas among soldiers addicted to opium exist with more frequency. Knowing them better is beneficial for preventing and treating the problem

Comparison of Matricaria chamomilla oil, Trachyspermum copticum oil and Clonidin on Withdrawal syndrome in Narcotics Anonymous

Comparison of Matricariachamomilla oil, Trachyspermumcopticum oil and Clonidine on Withdrawal syndrome in Narcotics Anonymous Abstract: Introduction: Study aimed to compare the effects of chamomile oil , oil copticum and clonidine withdrawal syndrome NA groups was performed . Method and Materials: This study is a Double-blind one stage clinical trial with the comparison group. The sample consisted of 135 patients who were randomly NA groups in thecontrol and intervention groups (two groups) were placed. In intervention groups1, chamomile oil, in the intervention group2, oil copticum common and in control group treated with clonidine withdrawal is received. COW's symptoms questionnaire was recorded in6steps, and the results were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Baseline mean and standard deviation of withdrawal syndrome in the group of Matricariachamomilla oil, Trachyspermumcopticum oil and Clonidine respectively (241/7 ± 15/24), (845/8 ± 52/26) and (469/7 ± 03/23) and after the intervention (442/7 ± 11/12), (452/8 ± 42/11) and (775/7 ± 51/8), respectively. ANOVA test showed that the three groups before the intervention (p=0/32) and after (p= 0/70) no significant difference in the degree of addiction syndrome. Conclusion: Vegetable oil on the impact of the withdrawal syndrome More studies are needed. Keywords: Matricariachamomilla oil, Trachyspermumcopticum oil, Clonidin withdrawal syndrome, Narcotics Anonymou