Statistical Significant Increase Research Articles

Estimation of Serum Cystatin-C as early marker of Kidney Dysfunction in correlation with Serum Ferritin among β- Thalassemia Major Patients

The Cystatin C is early predictor for evaluation the kidney functions. The Serum Cystatin C is a cysteine proteinase inhibitor, that the nucleated cells produce it at stable rate. It is filtered through the glomerular filtration membranes of kidneys, and the filtration rate will be unaffected by external factors. A group of recessively inherited hemoglobin disorders called Major Beta-thalassemia and considered the most common genetic disorder all over the world, which could be noticed by the reduction in of β-globin chain synthesis.Objective: To study Serum Cystatin-C estimation as early marker of renal function in relation with other parameters in beta thalassemia patients.Materials and Method: A case-control study was executed on thalassemia patients between February and April 2019 at Al-Zahra’a Teaching Hospital in Najaf/Iraq.Results: the results in this study showed there are significant differences (p< 0.05) between major beta thalassemia patients and control group in regarding to hematological parameters. The result of biochemical parameters showed there are variations between patients and control where there were significant statistical increases in our thalassemic patients comparing to the control about Cystatin-C (1.27±0.33and 0.7±0.24 ng\ml respectively).Conclusion: the cystatin –C is useful marker at major beta thalassemia patients that suffering from renal dysfunction

Assessment of brea gum as an additive in the development of a gluten-free bread

The most prevalent food intolerance is the celiac disease. Consequently the research of different ingredient that can provide a better variety of food product and with higher quality is increasing. In this work the use of brea gum (BG) as enhancer in the development of gluten-free bread was evaluated comparing the result with a more common gum as Arabic gum (AG) and with a control sample. The gums were purified and physic-chemical characterized (moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates). Gluten free samples with and without gums were analyzed by measuring the specific volume (SV) of bread, textural profile and sensory properties. The results showed that BG has more of three times of protein, respect of AG improving nutritional value of the product. Also, samples with BG show a significant statistical increase of SV of bread in any of the proportions studied (2–5% w/w) (p > 0.05) with respect to the control and AG samples. Both hydrocolloids produce a statistical significate improvement in the bread texture, reducing the hardness, the chewability and the gomosity. The sensory analysis performed in samples with 3.5% w/w of gums revealed statistically significant difference in manual texture, flavor and global preference with respect to the control. The BG used is of natural origin and abundant in several regions of America, especially in much of the Argentine territory. Its application in the improvement of gluten-free bread formulations constitutes an opportunity for the food market and in parallel, for the survival of the native forest and its communities.

International health experiences in postgraduate medical education: A meta-analysis of their effect on graduates' clinical practice among underserved populationsExpériences internationales de soins de santé en formation médicale post-doctorale : une méta-analyse des effets sur la pratique clinique des diplômés au sein des populations mal desservies.

BackgroundInternational health experiences (IHEs) are popular among medical learners and provide a valuable learning experience. IHE participants have demonstrated an increased intention to care for underserved populations in the future, but what is its actual impact on practice? This study evaluates the effect of postgraduate IHE participation on the future careers of clinicians regarding their work among underserved populations.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed articles comparing the populations served by physicians who had participated in an IHE with those of physicians who had not participated in an IHE.Results764 titles were scanned, 28 articles were reviewed, with an eventual 3 studies of fair-good or good quality identified. These addressed physicians’ service to domestic underserved populations, and also addressed future service in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). Meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically-significant increase in service by IHE graduates to domestic underserved populations (OR = 2.12; CI = 95%; P = 0.03). The certainty of the evidence was low due to limitations in study design (non-randomised studies) and inconsistency in effects.ConclusionParticipation in an IHE may cause an increase in care for domestic underserved populations in future clinical practice, though further research from high quality randomised trials is needed to increase the certainty of the effect. Further study is needed to establish whether there is a similar effect with increased future service in a LMIC setting.

Effect of high volume hemodiafiltration on secondary hyperparathyroidism among hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background: Despite increasing knowledge of the uraemic syndrome,both morbidity and mortality remain unacceptably high in patients with chronic kidney disease. Study investigates the differences between conventional hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration in the context of chronic kidney disease metabolic bone disease findings, serum calcium (sCa), phosphate (sPO4) and intact parathyroid hormone (PTHint) concentrations. Patients and methods: This prospective cross over study was approved by Almaadi hospital committee and included 95patients with CKD5 on regular hemodialysis for at least 6months.Patients were divided into two groups:Group A:60patients scheduled 6months conventional high flux(hf-HD)(Period1) followed by 6months of post-dilutional –HDF (Period2). Group B:(controls)included 35patients were kept on conventional hf-HD for12months.(Period3)for 1st 6months and(Period4) for 2nd 6months.The main variables evaluated at the start as well as at the end of each period were sCa, sPO4 and PTH int. Results: There was highly significant statistical decrease in Phosphorus level in period2 compared to other groups after 2nd to 6th month and average of overall (p<0.001).A significant statistical decrease was found in Parathormone level and CRP in period2 compared to other groups after 1month to 6th month and average of overall (p<0.05).There was significant statistical decrease in Albumin level in period2 compared to other groups after 2nd to 6th month and average of overall (p<0.05).There was a significant statistical increase in kt/v in period2 compared to other groups after 1st to 6th month and average of overall (p<0.05). Conclusion: The switch over from conventional Hf-HD to Ol-HDF results in a significant reduction of both PO4 and PTH concentrations, no significant changes in Ca concentrations.

COVID-19 and Broadband Speeds: A Multi-Country Analysis

COVID-19 has forced the residents of many nations to shelter-in-place, either by choice or by mandate. As a result, Internet use has skyrocketed, putting stress on both fixed and mobile broadband networks. In this BULLETIN, I take an early look at the performance of broadband networks with respect to download speeds. Using weekly speed data for fixed and mobile networks for months preceding and following March 2020, I find sizable reductions in speed for several countries, but also some increases in speed. Larger negative effects appear more often for lower-income countries and those with slower networks, with a few exceptions including France. Significantly, fixed networks in the United States were resilient to the traffic surges; there were no statistically-significant changes in download speeds. Mobile networks in the United States, alternately, were found to have a statistically-significant increase in download speeds.

GENOTOXIC AND PROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF EXTRACTS FROM INULA BRITANNICA (FAM. COMPOSITAE)) IN THE BODY OF LABORATORY MICE

The protective and mutagen-modifying activity of the complex of biologically active substances(BAS) in the extract from the underground part of the plant Inula britannica in the cells of the visceral organs of laboratory mice was studied. Alkaline variation of the comet assay was used to determine genotoxic/antigenotoxic activity. The frequency of single-stranded DNA breaks in the cells of the brain andbone marrow, lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, stomach, spleen was assessed by the following parameters: %of DNA in tail, Olive tail moment, damage index. It was found that extracts of BAS in concentrations of100.0 mg/l and 150.0 mg/l did not show genotoxic activity, the frequency of single-strand breaks in allstudied organs did not statistically significantly exceed the spontaneous level in intact animals. Whenexposed to asymmetric dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), the cells of the studied organs showed a statisticallysignificant increase in the number of single-stranded DNA breaks compared to intact laboratory mice.When combined with UDMH as a positive control, extract of Inula britannica significantly reduces thegenotoxic effect of xenobiotics. The frequency of DNA breaks in animals that simultaneously receivedUDMH and Inula britannica extract was statistically significantly lower compared with mice that received only UDMH. All this suggests the presence of antimutagenic and antigenotoxic activity in theextract of Inula britannica.Key words: Inula britannica, biologically active substances, mutagen, antimutagen, genotoxicity,DNA comet assay.

ASSESSMENT OF 14-3-3 PROTEIN ETA AND ANTI-CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE (ANTI-CCP) IN JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS VERSUS ADULT ONSET RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background: 14-3-3(eta) protein, is an intracellular chaperone (cellular adapter) protein, which released to the extra cellular space during the early stages of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and acts as an inducer of innate immune system. Many inflammatory mediators and pathways that involved in the pathogenesis and progression of RA have been upregulated through 14-3-3 eta protein. So, this marker in addition to existing biomarkers can augment the lab efficacy in the early identification and progression assessment of the RA. Objective: Investigating the existence of anti-CCP antibodies and 14-3-3 protein eta in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and RA patients, comparing that with healthy controls and correlated their levels with Disease Activity Score (DAS 28). Patients and Methods: Serum levels of 14-3-3 eta protein and anti-CCP were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 40 patients including 20 JIA cases (group I), 20 RA cases (group II), and 40 apparently healthy controls. Results: There were highly significant statistical increases in RF, and anti-CCP antibodies in JIA patients as compared with their controls, while there was insignificant statistical difference between both groups regarding 14-3-3 protein eta. There were significant statistical increases in14-3-3 protein eta and anti-CCP antibodies in adult RA patients as compared with their controls. In JIA patients, there was significant increase in disease activity score 28 (DAS 28) among patients with +ve RF and +ve anti-CPP, meanwhile there were non-significant relation between DAS 28 and CRP results. Among cases with RA, there was non-significant relation between DAS 28 and the 3 markers (CRP, RF, and anti-CCP antibodies). At cutoff point of 0.19 ng/ml (which was used in many previous studies as the best for 14-3-3 eta protein), our results showed sensitivity and specificity for this marker in JIA (15% and 100%) . In RA, we found 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity for this marker at the same cutoff point. Our study revealed that serum 14-3-3 eta protein level was significantly correlated to disease severity score 28 (DAS 28) for JIA (r = 0.49 / P = 0.0288), while for RA (r = 0.8502 / P= 0.0001). Conclusion: anti-CCP antibodies were prevalent among polyarticular onset JIA patients compared to other subtypes of the disease. 14-3-3 protein had +ve correlation with disease severity in both groups and needs further evaluation on larger samples.

Strengthening Geriatric Content in an Associate Degree Nursing Program: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study was to strengthen geriatric content in an associate degree nursing 1st semester freshman fundamentals course and evaluate changes in the scores related to students’ knowledge and attitudes toward older adults. A quasi-experimental within-subject pretest–posttest design was utilized. The Facts on Aging Quiz and Multifactorial Attitude Survey were used to assess knowledge and attitudes of 22 nursing students at the beginning and end of the semester. Although there was no significant statistical increase in knowledge, there was an overall increase in knowledge. Three of the 20 statements showed a statistically significant increase in attitude. The results of this study may be helpful for education and practice in providing appropriate education to associate degree nursing students in the care of older adults.

Fluorinated Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles: Enamel Demineralization Prevention and Antibacterial Effect of Orthodontic Bonding Resin.

Orthodontic treatment involving the bonding of fixed appliances to tooth surfaces can cause white spot lesions (WSLs). WSLs increase the likelihood of cavity formation and hence require preservation and prosthetic restoration. Therefore, the prevention of WSLs is of greater importance than treatment. Application of fluoride or the use of fluoride-containing mouthwash can prevent WSLs, but this requires patient cooperation and additional time and cost. Bioactive glass containing 2.5% fluoride was synthesized and mixed with the orthodontic bonding adhesive Transbond XT Low Flow (LV) at ratios of 1, 3, and 5% to prepare orthodontic adhesive samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the samples. The Vickers hardness test, bracket retention test, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) of the samples were analysed to determine their mechanical properties. To determine the biological cytotoxicity, the cell activity of the samples was evaluated using cell viability tests and the antibacterial activity was analysed using Streptococcus mutans. To evaluate the anti-demineralization effect, the sample was bonded to extracted teeth and a pH cycle test was performed. Micro computed tomography data were obtained from the bonded teeth and sample, and the anti-demineralization effect was evaluated using the ImageJ software program. The Vickers hardness of the sample was higher than that of LV and was dependent on the concentration of fluoride-containing bioactive glass (FBAG). The bracket retention test and ARI of the sample showed no significant differences from those of LV. The cell viability test showed no significant changes at 24 and 48 h after application of the sample. The fluoride ion release test indicated an ion release rate of 9.5–17.4 μg/cm2. The antibacterial activity of the experimental group containing FBAG was significantly higher than that of the LV group. The anti-demineralization test showed a concentration-dependent increase. However, the resin containing 5 mass% FBAG (FBAG5) showed a statistically-significant increase compared with LV. The orthodontic adhesive containing FBAG showed antibacterial and anti-demineralization effects, thus indicating possible WSL prevention activity.

Toxoplasma gondii Strains: Bioinformatic Analysis of Heat shock protein 60 Gene in Experimentally Infected Mice

Background and study aim: There is a need for more detailed characterisation of T. gondii strains to determine the level of genetic variability which is useful in effective diagnosis, treatment and control of toxoplasmosis. This work aimed to assess the difference between the two sequences of Hsp60 gene of both RH and ME 49 strains of T. gondii and to investigate its role in the virulence of the parasite. Materials and Methods: Two strains of T. gondii parasite RH and ME-49 were used for experimental infection of mice groups which were divided into group I (infected with RH strain), group II (infected with ME-49), and group III (non-infected non treated group). Results: Histopathological examination showed that there was a statistically significant increase in the intensity of infection in liver and spleen of group I and in kidney and brain of group II, with no difference between both groups organs. Molecular and Bioinformatics studies included Primers design using primer 3 program, primer 2 (P2) was selected and used in PCR amplification according to its highest product size 247 bp. The results of Insilico PCR amplification program that was carried out to amplify Hsp60 gene theoretically using primer 2 (P2) showed higher number of positive samples that detected in group II than group I, there was significant statistical increase in frequency of brain infection in group II. Conclusion: Our results showed that PCR was a highly sensitive, specific and rapid technique for detecting T. gondii. It revealed higher positive results in chronic strain (ME49) especially in brain tissue than acute strain (RH) but it may show false negative results in some samples. Both PCR technique and histopathological examination showed that the preferred tissue for detection of T. gondii in experimentally infected mice was liver & spleen in acute strain (RH) and brain & kidney in chronic strain (ME49). Bioinformatic analysis of Hsp60 gene sequences of both (RH & ME 49) strains of T. gondii showed that there was a polymorphism in some nucleotides between the 2 sequences.

THE EFFECT OF ASSOCIATED CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE ON THEINDICATORS OF PRECURSOR OFTYPE B NATURAURETIC PEPTIDE AND PROADRENOMEDULLIN AMONG PATIENTSWITH ISCHEMIC CA

The study showed that a statistically significant increase of NT-proBNP levels (779,36 [473; 2193] pg/ml) and MR-proADM (1,72 [1,56; 1,98] nmol/l) relative to the control values (69.90 [48.96; 91.00] pg / ml and 0,49 [0,18; 0,58] nmol/l, respectively) is common for the patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The presence of concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among the patients is associated with more pronounced increase in the level of NT-proBNP (872,37 [510; 2355] pg/ml) and MR-proADM (1,97 [1,75; 2,19] nmol/l) compared with a group of patients with isolated ischemic cardiomyopathy. This can be considered as one of the compensation links for this comorbid combination

Twenty-three-gauge pars plana approach versus limbal approach for removal of congenital cataracts

Purpose To compare the 23-G vitrectomy system via pars plana approach with the limbal approach for the management of congenital cataract in Egyptian infants attending Mansoura Ophthalmic Center, Delta, Egypt. Patients and methods A total of 30 eyes of 21 infants with congenital cataract who attended Mansoura Ophthalmic Center, Egypt, were included. They were sorted out into two groups; each included 15 eyes. Group I underwent pars plana approach and group II underwent anterior limbal approach for phacoaspiration, posterior capsulorhexis, and anterior vitrectomy. Postoperative examination and follow-up results were recorded. Results There was significant statistical increase in mean duration of surgery in group I (59.27±12.69) than group II (39.93±9.04), with P value less than or equal to 0.001. There was no significant statistical difference in intraocular pressure values at preoperative period, at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively in the studied groups .There was no significant statistical difference in the incidence of visual axis opacification, secondary glaucoma, anterior chamber reaction, capsular phimosis, and wound leak between the two groups. However, there was a significant statistical increase in the incidence of preretinal hemorrhage in group I (26.7%, n=4) when compared with group II (0%, n=0), with P value of 0.032. There was no significant statistical difference in the incidence of secondary glaucoma during a 6-month follow-up period. Conclusion Posterior approach and anterior approach can be used safely for infantile cataract, and the application of the technique depends on surgeon experience and skills.

The Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test: safety and reliability with older intensive care unit patients at discharge.

ObjectiveAssess the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test safety and clinimetric properties in older patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit.MethodsTest safety was assessed according to the incidence of adverse events and through hemodynamic and respiratory data. Additionally, reliability properties were investigated using the intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of measurement, standard error percentage change, Altman-Bland plot and a survival agreement plot.ResultsThe overall suitability of the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test was found to be low, with 29.8% meeting the inclusion criteria. Only 44% of the hospitalized patients who met the inclusion criteria performed the test, with no need for discontinuation in any patient. Heart rate (79.7 ± 10.2bpm/86.6 ± 9.7bpm; p = 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (118 ± 21.4mmHg/129 ± 21.5mmHg; p = 0.031) were the only variables that presented a significant statistical increase, with no evidence of exacerbated response to the test. Additionally, no adverse events were reported from participating and both test-retest and interrater reliability were high (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.99).ConclusionThe Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test was proven to be safe and to have excellent reliability. Its clinical use, however, may be restricted to high-functioning older adults in hospital settings.

Effectiveness of Assertiveness Training on the Level of Self-Esteem among Alcoholic Patients of Selected De-addiction Centers in Chennai

In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of participation in assertiveness training programmeupon the level of self esteem of alcoholic patients. 60 alcoholic patients (30 in control group and 30 inexperimental group) completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.. The alcoholic patients in the controlgroup were allowed to participate in all alcoholism unit treatment and activities except those involvingassertiveness training. Post test was done on the 15th day. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferentialstatistics. Participants in the intervention group were associated with a statistically-significant increase inlevel of overall self-esteem scores between the pretest and post test data (p<0.001). The findings indicatethat self-esteem was low among patients who consumed alcohol for a period of ? 10 years compared to theircounterparts The self-esteem level of alcoholic patients improved through participation in assertivenesstraining programme.

Hand Hygiene Awareness of the Middle School Students and Use of Theater Performance

Present study has been conducted to investigate the effects of raising the awareness of middle-school students toward hand hygiene via using theater performances. The population of this intervention study consists of 5th and 6th graders studying at the Middle-school. Prior to using the theater performance, 15.7% of students practiced proper hand-washing technique while after the theater, the ratios escalated to 33.8%. After the intervention, there was a statistically significant increase in the ratio of respondents having emphasized the need to wash hands as shown by the demonstrated technique(p&amp;lt;0.05). İt was demonstrated that upon performing drama, entertainment and didactic scenarios integrated theater activities among middle-school students, there was a heightened level of hand-hygiene awareness toward a manifold of issues in the short term. In addition it was detected that by teaching the proper technique students achieved to double increase their knowledge on hand hygiene.

Ex Vivo Gene-Edited Cell Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease: Disruption of the BCL11A Erythroid Enhancer with Zinc Finger Nucleases Increases Fetal Hemoglobin in Plerixafor Mobilized Human CD34+ Cells

Increases in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) are associated with improved clinical outcomes in the inherited hemoglobinopathies. We are developing a novel gene-edited cell therapy to treat patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) and beta-thalassemia (BT) using autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) genetically modified with zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) to restore high levels of HbF expression. The ZFNs have been designed to specifically target the GATA motif within an intronic erythroid-specific enhancer (ESE) of BCL11A, the gene encoding a transcriptional regulator of the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch. Previously, we reported successful ZFN-mediated, ex vivoBCL11A gene editing in dual mobilized HSPCs, i.e. peripheral stem cells mobilized with a combination of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor1. The editing procedure was optimized for high on-target/low off-target modification levels and increases in HbF in erythroid progeny. This drug product, ST-400, passed extensive safety testing and is currently in a phase 1/2a clinical trial for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03432364).An analogous drug product, BIVV003, is being developed as a therapeutic for SCD. In patients with SCD, the use of G-CSF for stem cell mobilization is not recommended due to the risk of clinical complications. Therefore, peripheral HSPCs are obtained from SCD patients via single agent, plerixafor mobilization and apheresis2-5. Understanding the effect of this change in mobilization strategy on ZFN editing efficiency and specificity is a key element in preparing for SCD gene-edited cell therapy. In the present studies, we demonstrate comparability of ZFN editing outcomes in single and dual mobilized HSPCs obtained from healthy donors. In plerixafor mobilized HSPCs from five healthy donors at research scale, ZFN-mediated gene editing induced an efficient modification at the BCL11A ESE target site (>75% of alleles modified, as measured by MiSeq deep sequencing) with high post-editing viability (77%). Similar gene editing efficiencies (>70%) were obtained in HSPCs at clinical manufacturing scale (n=2). Further, in vitro HbF protein levels and HbF+ cell frequencies within erythroid progeny of edited cells were increased by >4 and 3-fold respectively - compared to non-edited cells in the same culture conditions, using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography and flow cytometry (n=4 healthy donors at research scale). Single cell clone analysis revealed that ZFN-mediated gene editing targeted both alleles of BCL11A at high frequency (91-94% of edited cells within erythroid progeny) with high levels of replicable GATA-disrupting indel patterns. On average, each edited allele contributed an additional 17.6% increase in HbF production in vitro, with a statistically-significant increase in HbF level for biallelic edited vs. unedited controls (3.4 fold).Critical to BIVV003 use in clinical trials, ZFN-mediated gene editing did not impair single agent mobilized HSPC function in vitro based on measurements of colony forming unit (CFU) production and frequencies of long-term HSC (LT-HSC) and common myeloid progenitor (CMP) cells by flow cytometry. In agreement with this data, injection of BIVV003 into immune-deficient NBSGW mice resulted in robust long-term engraftment (21 weeks) without any impact on the number of HSPCs and their differentiated progeny. Overall, these data demonstrate potential efficacy of ZFN-edited HSPCs (BIVV003) as a novel cell therapy for SCD patients.Holmes et al., 2017 (ASH abstract)Fitzhugh et al., 2009Lagresle-Peyrou et al., 2018Hsieh and Tisdale, 2018Yannaki et al., 2012 DisclosuresMoran:Bioverativ, a Sanofi Company: Employment. Ling:Bioverativ, a Sanofi Company: Employment. Lessard:Bioverativ, a Sanofi Company: Employment. Vieira:Bioverativ a Sanofi Company: Employment. Hong:Bioverativ, a Sanofi Company: Employment. Holmes:Sangamo Therapeutics: Employment. Reik:Sangamo Therapeutics: Employment. Dang:Sangamo Therapeutics: Employment. Gray:Sangamo Therapeutics: Employment. Levasseur:Bioverativ, a Sanofi Company: Employment. Rimmele:Bioverativ, a Sanofi Company: Employment.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the pelvic organ prolapse: A parametric biomechanical modeling.

To evaluate the role of soft tissue and ligaments damage and level of pelvic muscles activation versus intra-abdominal pressure, on pelvic organ prolapse. This was a computational modeling based on the finite element analysis. Three pelvic muscles, four pelvic ligaments, and three organs (urethra, vagina, and rectum) were simulated. The model was subjected to total 41 472 analysis cases including three intra-abdominal pressures, two damaging levels for the ligaments, three damaging levels for the muscles, and four intentional levels of activation for muscles. Increased intra-abdominal pressures caused significant statistical increase of the pelvic organ prolapse (P = 0.000) up to 10 mm downward. Ligaments' defect had no statistically-significant effect on prolapse of the organs (P = 0.981 for rectum, P = 0.423 for urethra, and P = 0.752 for vagina). Damage in the pelvic floor muscles and low intentional level of activation also deteriorated the prolapse (P = 0.000). Increase of the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) as may be existed during pregnancy or physical activity increased the organ prolapse. Damages of the ligaments caused less effects on the prolapse. Loss of the passive properties of the muscles which is probable after delivery or aging moderately deteriorated the prolapse disorder. However, activation of the pelvic floor muscles prevented the prolapse. Different recruitments of the muscles, specifically the pubococcygeus (PCM), could compensate the possible defects in other tissues. Targeted pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) could also be effective in older adults due to considerable role of the pelvic muscles' intentional activation.

The Effect of Religious Psychotherapy Emphasizing the Importance of Prayers on Mental Health and Pain in Cancer Patients.

The religious aspect is the most important aspect of the human nature that helps the human achieve the meaning and purpose of life as well as playing a very important role in the health of patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of religious psychotherapy emphasizing the importance of prayers on mental health and pain in cancer patients. This study is a clinical trial that was conducted in 2017 in Yasuj, Iran. According to the purpose of the study, the patients were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. Prayers 15 and 23 of the SahifehSajjadiyeh book were read at the beginning of the treatment sessions, and the patients were asked to pay attention to the meaning of prayer. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. Before implementing the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of mental health score of the patients in the experimental and control groups were equal to 16.40 (2.21) and 16.56 (1.56). But after implementing the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of mental health score were equal to 11.24 (2.93) and 16.82 (1.83) which illustrates a significant statistical increase. Implementing the supportive spiritual intervention has been tested to enhance the mental health and reduce the pain of patients in the experimental group. Regarding this improvement, it is suggested a religious intervention be implemented to increase these patients' health in a participatory way.

Correlation of increased numbers of tumor-infiltrating T regulatory, CD19 and CD8 T cells in well differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma

Evidence from cancer patients suggests that increases in T-regulatory lymphocyte (Treg) activity may be associated with poor immune responses against tumor antigens, and contribute to immune dysfunction. Since there have been contradictory reports concerning the physiological roles of the Treg and inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment, the inflammatory cell influx was investigated for different malignancygrades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A total of 42 patients with OSCC were selected. Tumors were histologically graded as well, moderately, or poorly differentiated. Tissue microarrays were performed to immunohistochemically measure the expression of CD8, Foxp3, CD19, and IL-10. Significant statistical increases (p&lt;0.05) were observed in the numbers of Foxp3+ and CD8+ inflammatory cells, as well as inIL-10 expression, in the well differentiated tumors, compared to the poorly differentiated tumors. No differences between the three different histological grades were observed in the numbers of CD19+ cells. The relationship between the tumor grade and Treg and CD8 cell recruitment in patients with OSCC underlined the fact that the immune system is deregulated as a consequence of the disease.

Distribution of vesicle pools in cerebellar parallel fibre terminals after depression of ectopic transmission.

At parallel fibre terminals in the cerebellar cortex, glutamate released outside of the active zone can activate AMPA receptors on juxtaposed Bergmann glial cell processes. This process is termed “ectopic” release, and allows for directed transmission to astroglial cells that is functionally independent of synaptic transmission to postsynaptic Purkinje neurons. The location of ectopic sites in presynaptic terminals is uncertain. Functional evidence suggests that stimulation of parallel fibres at 1 Hz exhausts ectopic transmission due to a failure to rapidly recycle vesicles to the ectopic pool, and so would predict a loss of vesicles in the near vicinity of extrasynaptic glial processes. In this study we used this stimulation protocol to investigate whether the distribution of vesicles within the presynaptic terminal is altered after suppression of ectopic release. Stimulation at 1 Hz had only a minor impact on the distribution of vesicles in presynaptic terminals when analysed with electron microscopy. Vesicle number and terminal size were unaffected by 1 Hz stimulation, but the relative abundance of vesicles in close proximity to the active zone was marginally reduced. In contrast, the fraction of vesicles facing glial membranes was unchanged after suppression of ectopic transmission. 1 Hz stimulation also resulted in a small but statistically-significant increase in the distance between glial membrane and presynaptic terminal, suggesting withdrawal of glial membranes from synapses is detectable in ultrastructural anatomy within minutes. These results raise doubts about the location of ectopic release sites, but indicate that neuron-glial association varies on a dynamic time scale.