Abstract: Quantitative radiobiological models can be used to
assess the optimum clinical outcome from sophisticated therapeutic
modalities by calculating tumor control probability (TCP) and normal
tissue complication probability (NTCP). In this study two 3D-CRT
and an IMRT treatment plans were developed with an initial
prescription dose of 60 Gy in 2 Gy/fraction to prostate. Sensitivity of
TCP and Complication free tumor control probability (P+) to the
different values of α/β ratio was investigated for various prescription
doses planned to be delivered in either a fixed number of fractions (I)
or in a fixed dose per fraction (II) in each of the three different
treatment plans. High dose/fraction and high α/β value result in
comparatively smaller P+ and IMRT plans resulted in the highest P+,
mainly due to the decrease in NTCP. If α/β is lower than expected,
better tumor control can be achieved by increasing dose/fraction but
decreasing the number of fractions.
Abstract: Phthalates are ubiquitous environmental pollutants
well known because of their endocrine disrupting activity in human
organism. The aim of our study was, by biological monitoring,
investigate exposure to phthalates of Roma ethnicity group i.e.
children and adults from 5 families (n=29, average age 11.8 ± 7.6
years) living in western Slovakia. Additionally, we analysed some
associations between anthropometric measures, questionnaire data
i.e. socio-economic status, eating and drinking habits, practise of
personal care products and household conditions in comparison with
concentrations of phthalate metabolites. We used for analysis of urine
samples high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass
spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to determine concentrations of
phthalate metabolites monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl
phthalate (MnBP), mono-iso-butyl phthalate (MiBP), mono(2-ethyl-
5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (5OH-MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)
phthalate (5oxo-MEHP) and mono(2-etylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP).
Our results indicate that ethnicity, lower socioeconomic status and
different housing conditions in Roma population can affect urinary
concentration of phthalate metabolites.
Abstract: Background: Worldwide, at least 2.8 million people
die each year as a result of being overweight or obese, and 35.8
million (2.3%) of global DALYs are caused by overweight or
obesity. Obesity is acknowledged as one of the burning public
health problems reducing life expectancy and quality of life. The
body composition analysis of the university population is essential
in assessing the nutritional status, as well as the risk of developing
diseases associated with abnormal body fat content so as to make
nutritional recommendations. Objectives: The main aim was to
determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in University
students using Anthropometric analysis and BIA methods. Material
and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 283 university students
participated. The body composition analysis was undertaken by
using mainly: i) Anthropometric Measurement: Height, Weight,
BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and skin fold
thickness, ii) Bio-electrical impedance was used for analysis of
body fat mass, fat percent and visceral fat which was measured by
Tanita SC-330P Professional Body Composition Analyzer. The
data so collected were compiled in MS Excel and analyzed for
males and females using SPSS 16. Results and Discussion: The
mean age of the male (n= 153) studied subjects was 25.37 ±2.39
years and females (n=130) was 22.53 ±2.31. The data of BIA
revealed very high mean fat per cent of the female subjects i.e.
30.3±6.5 per cent whereas mean fat per cent of the male subjects
was 15.60±6.02 per cent indicating a normal body fat range. The
findings showed high visceral fat of both males (12.92±3.02) and
females (16.86±4.98). BMI, BF% and WHR were higher among
females, and BMI was higher among males. The most evident
correlation was verified between BF% and WHR for female
students (r=0.902; p
Abstract: To ensure targeting of apoferritin nanocarrier with
encapsulated doxorubicin drug, we used a peptide linker based on a
protein G with N-terminus affinity towards Fc region of antibodies.
To connect the peptide to the surface of apoferritin, the C-terminus of
peptide was made of cysteine with affinity to gold. The surface of
apoferritin with encapsulated doxorubicin (APODOX) was coated
either with gold nanoparticles (APODOX-Nano) or gold(III) chloride
hydrate reduced with sodium borohydride (APODOX-HAu). The
reduction with sodium borohydride caused a loss of doxorubicin
fluorescent properties and probably accompanied with the loss of its
biological activity. Fluorescent properties of APODOX-Nano were
similar to the unmodified APODOX; therefore it was more suited for
the intended use. To evaluate the specificity of apoferritin modified
with antibodies, ELISA-like method was used with the surface of
microtitration plate wells coated by the antigen (goat anti-human IgG
antibodies). To these wells, the nanocarrier was applied. APODOX
without the modification showed 5× lower affinity to the antigen than
APODOX-Nano modified gold and targeting antibodies (human IgG
antibodies).
Abstract: Aim of this research study is to investigate and
establish the characteristics of brain dominances (BD) and multiple
intelligences (MI). This experimentation has been conducted for the
sample size of 552 undergraduate computer-engineering students. In
addition, mathematical formulation has been established to exhibit
the relation between thinking and intelligence, and its correlation has
been analyzed. Correlation analysis has been statistically measured
using Pearson’s coefficient. Analysis of the results proves that there
is a strong relational existence between thinking and intelligence.
This research is carried to improve the didactic methods in
engineering learning and also to improve e-learning strategies.
Abstract: Obesity and osteoporosis are the two diseases whose
increasing prevalence and high impact on the global morbidity and
mortality, during the two recent decades, have gained a status of
major health threats worldwide. Obesity purports to affect the bone
metabolism through complex mechanisms. Debated data on the
connection between the bone mineral density and fracture prevalence
in the obese patients are widely presented in literature. There is
evidence that the correlation of weight and fracture risk is sitespecific.
This study is aimed at determining the connection between
the bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS)
parameters in Ukrainian women suffering from obesity. We
examined 1025 40-89-year-old women, divided them into the groups
according to their body mass index: Group A included 360 women
with obesity whose BMI was ≥30 kg/m2, and Group B – 665 women
with no obesity and BMI of
Abstract: Hemoglobin (HB) indicates anemia level and by
extension may reflect the nutritional level and perhaps the immunity
of an individual. Some antiretroviral drugs like Zidovudine are
known to cause anemia in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).
A cross sectional study using demographic data and blood specimen
from 218 female commercial sex workers attending antiretroviral
therapy (ART) clinics was conducted between December, 2009 and
July, 2011 to assess the effect of zidovudine on hematologic, and
RNA viral load of female sex workers receiving antiretroviral
treatment in north western Nigeria. Anemia is a common and serious
complication of both HIV infection and its treatment. In the setting of
HIV infection, anemia has been associated with decreased quality of
life, functional status, and survival. Antiretroviral therapy,
particularly the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has
been associated with a decrease in the incidence and severity of
anemia in HIV-infected patients who have received a HAART
regimen for at least 1 year. In this study, result has shown that of the
218 patients, 26 with hemoglobin count between 5.1 – 10g/dl were
observed to have the highest viral load count of 300,000 –
350,000copies/ml. It was also observed that most patients (190) with
HB of 10.1 – 15.0g/dl had viral load count of 200,000 – 250,000
copies /ml. An inverse relationship therefore exists i.e. the lower the
hemoglobin level, the higher the viral load count even though the test
statistics did not show any significance between the two (P = 0.206).
This shows that multivariate logistic regression analysis
demonstrated that anemia was associated with a CD4 + cell count
below 50/μL, female sex workers with a viral load above 100,000
copies/mL, who use zidovudine.
Severe anemia was less prevalent in this study population than in
historical comparators; however, mild to moderate anemia rates
remain high. The study therefore recommends that hematological and
virologic parameters be monitored closely in patients receiving first
line ART regimen.
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the possible protective effects of L‐carnitine against gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity. Forty male albino rats were divided into 4 groups (10 rats each); Group 1: normal control, group 2: induced nephrotoxicity (gentamicin 50 mg/kg/day S.C; 8 days), group 3: treated with L‐ carnitine (40 mg/kg/d SC for 12 days) and group 4: treated with L‐ carnitine 4 days before and for 8 days in concomitant with gentamicin. Gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity (group 2): caused significant increase in serum urea, creatinine, urinary N‐acetyl‐B‐D‐ glucosaminidase (NAG), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), urinary total protein and kidney tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) with significant decrease in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), serum catalase and creatinine clearance and marked tubular necrosis in the proximal convoluted tubules with interruption in the basement membrane around the necrotic tubule compared to the normal control group. L‐carnitine 4 days before and for 8 days in concomitant with gentamicin (group 4) offered marked decrease in serum urea, serum creatinine, urinary NAG, urinary GGT, urinary proteins and kidney tissue MDA, with marked increase in serum SOD, serum catalase and creatinine clearance with marked improvement in the tubular damage compared to gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity group. L‐carnitine administered for 12 days produced no change in the parameters mentioned above as compared to the normal control group. In conclusion: L‐carnitine could reduce most of the biochemical parameters and also improve the histopathological features of kidney asscociated with gentamicin induced‐nephrotoxicity.
Abstract: In recent years a new method of combination
treatment for cancer has been developed and studied that has led to
significant advancements in the field of cancer therapy. Hyperthermia
is a traditional therapy that, along with a creation of a medically
approved level of heat with the help of an alternating magnetic AC
current, results in the destruction of cancer cells by heat. This paper
gives details regarding the production of the spherical nanocomposite
PVA/γ-Fe2O3 in order to be used for medical purposes such as tumor
treatment by hyperthermia. To reach a suitable and evenly distributed
temperature, the nanocomposite with core-shell morphology and
spherical form within a 100 to 200 nanometer size was created using
phase separation emulsion, in which the magnetic nano-particles γ-
Fe2O3 with an average particle size of 20 nano-meters and with
different percentages of 0.2, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 were covered by
polyvinyl alcohol. The main concern in hyperthermia and heat
treatment is achieving desirable specific absorption rate (SAR) and
one of the most critical factors in SAR is particle size. In this project
all attempts has been done to reach minimal size and consequently
maximum SAR. The morphological analysis of the spherical
structure of the nanocomposite PVA/γ-Fe2O3 was achieved by SEM
analyses and the study of the chemical bonds created was made
possible by FTIR analysis. To investigate the manner of magnetic
nanocomposite particle size distribution a DLS experiment was
conducted. Moreover, to determine the magnetic behavior of the γ-
Fe2O3 particle and the nanocomposite PVA/γ-Fe2O3 in different
concentrations a VSM test was conducted. To sum up, creating
magnetic nanocomposites with a spherical morphology that would be
employed for drug loading opens doors to new approaches in
developing nanocomposites that provide efficient heat and a
controlled release of drug simultaneously inside the magnetic field,
which are among their positive characteristics that could significantly
improve the recovery process in patients.
Abstract: Background: Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
is the most common symptom when ordinary individuals and athletes
are exposed to unaccustomed physical activity, especially eccentric
contraction which impairs athletic performance, ordinary people
work ability and physical functioning. Multitudes of methods have
been investigated to reduce DOMS. One of the valuable methods to
control DOMS is repeated bout effect (RBE) as a prophylactic
method. Purpose: To compare the repeated bout effect of
submaximal eccentric with maximal isometric contraction on induced
DOMS. Methods: Sixty normal male volunteers were assigned
randomly into three equal groups: Group A (first study group): 20
subjects received submaximal eccentric contraction on non-dominant
elbow flexors as a prophylactic exercise. Group B (second study
group): 20 subjects received maximal isometric contraction on nondominant
elbow flexors as a prophylactic exercise. Group C (control
group): 20 subjects did not receive any prophylactic exercises.
Maximal isometric peak torque of elbow flexors and patient related
elbow evaluation (PREE) scale were measured for each subject 3
times before, immediately after, and 48 hours after induction of
DOMS. Results: Post-hoc test for maximal isometric peak torque and
PREE scale immediately and 48 hours after induction of DOMS
revealed that group (A) and group (B) resulted in significant decrease
in maximal isometric strength loss and elbow pain and disability
rather than control group (C), but submaximal eccentric group (A)
was more effective than maximal isometric group (B) as it showed
more rapid recovery of functional strength and less degrees of elbow
pain and disability. Conclusion: Both submaximal eccentric
contraction and maximal isometric contraction were effective in
prevention of DOMS but submaximal eccentric contraction produced
a greater protective effect against muscle damage induced by
maximal eccentric exercise performed 2 days later.
Abstract: Mustard leaves are rich in folates, vitamin A, K and
B-complex. Mustard greens are low in calories and fats and rich in
dietary fiber. They are rich in potassium, manganese, iron, copper,
calcium, magnesium and low in sodium. It is very rich in antioxidants
and Phytonutrients. For the optimization of process variables
(moisture content and mustard leave powder), the experiments were
conducted according to central composite Face Centered Composite
design of RSM. The mustard leaves powder was replaced with
composite flour (a combination of rice, chickpea and corn in the ratio
of 70:15:15). The extrudate was extruded in a twin screw extruder at
a barrel temperature of 120°C. The independent variables were
mustard leaves powder (2-10 %) and moisture content (12-20 %).
Responses analyzed were bulk density, water solubility index, water
absorption index, lateral expansion, antioxidant activity, total
phenolic content, and overall acceptability. The optimum conditions
obtained were 7.19 g mustard leaves powder in 100g premix having
16.8% moisture content (w.b).
Abstract: Breast cancer is in the top rate of cancer. We analyzed
the prevalence of obesity and its association with breast cancer and
finally we reviewed 25 article that 320 patient and 320 control which
enrolled to our study. The distribution of breast cancer patients and
controls with respect to their anthropometric indices in patients with
higher weight, which was statistically significant (60.2 ± 10.2 kg)
compared with control group (56.1 ± 11.3 kg). The body mass index
of patients was (26.06+/-3.42) and significantly higher than the
control group (24.1+/-1.7). Obesity leads to increased levels of
adipose tissue in the body that can be stored toxins and carcinogens
to produce a continuous supply. Due to the high level of fat and the
role of estrogen in a woman which is endogenous estrogen of the
tumor and regulates the activities of growth steroids, obesity has
confirmed as a risk factor for breast cancer. Our study and other
studies have shown that obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer. And
it can be prevented with a weight loss intervention for breast cancer
in the future.
Abstract: Sodium formate is the chemical substance used for
food additive. Catalase is the important antioxidative enzyme in
protecting the cell from oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species
(ROS). The resultant level of oxidative stress in sodium formatetreated
lymphocytes was investigated. The sodium formate
concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/mL were treated in
human lymphocytes for 12 hours. After 12 treated hours, catalase
activity change was measured in sodium formate-treated
lymphocytes. The results showed that the sodium formate
concentrations of 0.4 and 0.6 mg/mL significantly decreased catalase
activities in lymphocytes (P < 0.05). The change of catalase activity
in sodium formate-treated lymphocytes may be the oxidative damage
marker for detect sodium formate exposure in human.
Abstract: Background: The change in foot posture can possibly
generate changes in the pelvic alignment. There is still a lack of
evidence about the effects of bilateral and unilateral flatfoot on
possible changes in pelvic alignment. The purpose of this study was
to investigate the effect of flatfoot on the sagittal and frontal planes of
pelvic postures. Materials and Methods: 56 subjects, aged 18–40
years, were assigned into three groups: 20 healthy subjects, 19
subjects with bilateral flexible second-degree flat foot, and 17
subjects with unilateral flexible second-degree flat foot. 3D
assessment of the pelvis using the formetric-II device was used to
evaluate pelvic alignment in the frontal and sagittal planes by
measuring pelvic inclination and pelvic tilt angles. Results: ANOVA
test with LSD test were used for statistical analysis. Both Unilateral
and bilateral second degree flatfoot produced significant (P
Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of
synchronous music in Gymnastics' motor skill performance among
undergraduate female students in physical education college at Basra
University. The researcher used experimental design. 20 female
students of physical education divided equally into two groups, (10)
experimental group with music, (10) control group without music.
All participants complete 6 weeks in testing. Data analysis based on
T-test shows significant difference at (α = 0.05) in all skills level
between experimental and control groups in favor of experimental
group. Results of this study contribute to developing the role of
synchronous music in improving gymnastic skills performance.
Abstract: EEG correlates of mathematical and trait anxiety level
were studied in 52 healthy Russian-speakers during execution of
error-recognition tasks with lexical, arithmetic and algebraic
conditions. Event-related spectral perturbations were used as a
measure of brain activity. The ERSP plots revealed alpha/beta
desynchronizations within a 500-3000 ms interval after task onset
and slow-wave synchronization within an interval of 150-350 ms.
Amplitudes of these intervals reflected the accuracy of error
recognition, and were differently associated with the three conditions.
The correlates of anxiety were found in theta (4-8 Hz) and beta2 (16-
20 Hz) frequency bands. In theta band the effects of mathematical
anxiety were stronger expressed in lexical, than in arithmetic and
algebraic condition. The mathematical anxiety effects in theta band
were associated with differences between anterior and posterior
cortical areas, whereas the effects of trait anxiety were associated
with inter-hemispherical differences. In beta1 and beta2 bands effects
of trait and mathematical anxiety were directed oppositely. The trait
anxiety was associated with increase of amplitude of
desynchronization, whereas the mathematical anxiety was associated
with decrease of this amplitude. The effect of mathematical anxiety
in beta2 band was insignificant for lexical condition but was the
strongest in algebraic condition. EEG correlates of anxiety in theta
band could be interpreted as indexes of task emotionality, whereas
the reaction in beta2 band is related to tension of intellectual
resources.
Abstract: Several embryonic cellular mechanism including cell
cycle, growth and apoptosis are regulated by phosphatidylinositol-3-
kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway. The goal of present study is to
determine the effects of annatto (Bixa orellana)-derived δ-tocotrienol
(δ-TCT) on the regulations of PI3K/Akt genes in murine morula.
Twenty four 6-8 week old (23-25g) female balb/c mice were
randomly divided into four groups (G1-G4; n=6). Those groups were
subjected to the following treatments for 7 consecutive days: G1
(control) received tocopherol stripped corn oil, G2 was given 60
mg/kg/day of δ-TCT mixture (contains 90% delta & 10% gamma
isomers), G3 was given 60 mg/kg/day of pure δ-TCT (>98% purity)
and G4 received 60 mg/kg/day α-TOC. On Day 8, females were
superovulated with 5 IU Pregnant Mare’s Serum Gonadotropin
(PMSG) for 48 hours followed with 5 IU human Chorionic
Gonadotropin (hCG) before mated with males at the ratio of 1:1.
Females were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for embryo collection
48 hours post-coitum. About fifty morulas from each group were
used in the gene expression analyses using Affymetrix QuantiGene
Plex 2.0 Assay. Present data showed a significant increase (p
Abstract: The objective of the study is to assess the
implementation of LED lighting into forest machine work in the dark.
In addition, the paper includes a wide variety of important and
relevant safety and health parameters. In modern, computerized work
in the cab of forest machines, artificial illumination is a demanding
task when performing duties, such as the visual inspections of wood
and computer calculations. We interviewed entrepreneurs and
gathered the following as the most pertinent themes: (1) safety, (2)
practical problems, and (3) work with LED lighting. The most
important comments were in regards to the practical problems of
LED lighting. We found indications of technical problems in
implementing LED lighting, like snow and dirt on the surfaces of
lamps that dim the emission of light. Moreover, service work in the
dark forest is dangerous and increases the risks of on-site accidents.
We also concluded that the amount of blue light to the eyes should be
assessed, especially, when the drivers are working in a semi-dark cab.
Abstract: This paper presents results of the survey regarding the
awareness about HIV/AIDS among HIV-infected individuals. A
questionnaire covering various aspects of HIV-infection was
conducted among 110 HIV-infected individuals who attended the
G.A. Zaharyan Moscow Tuberculosis Clinic, Department for
treatment of TB patients with HIV. The questionnaire included
questions about modes of HIV transmission and preventive measures
against HIV/AIDS, as well as questions about age, gender, education
and employment status. The survey revealed that the respondents in
the whole had a good knowledge regarding modes of HIV
transmission and preventive measures against HIV/AIDS: about
83,6% male respondents and 85,7% female respondents gave an
accurate answers regarding the HIV-infection. However, the
overwhelming majority of the study participants, that is, 88,5% men
and 98% women, was quite ignorant about the risk of acquiring HIV
through saliva and toothbrush of HIV-infected individual. Though
that risk is rather insignificant, it is still biologically possible. And
this gap in knowledge needs to be filled. As the study showed another
point of concern was the fact, that despite the knowledge of HIV
transmission risk through unprotected sex about 40% percent of HIVpositive
men and 25% of HIV-positive women did not insist on using
condoms with their sexual partners. These findings indicate that there
are still some aspects about HIV-infection which needed to be
clarified and explained through more detailed and specific
educational programs.
Abstract: Background: Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) have
been widely used by manual therapists over the past years, but still
limited research validated its use and there was limited evidence to
substantiate the theories used to explain its effects. Objective: To
investigate the effect of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) on anterior
pelvic tilt in patients with lumbar spondylosis. Design: Randomized
controlled trial. Subjects: Thirty patients with anterior pelvic tilt from
both sexes were involved, aged between 35 to 50 years old and they
were divided into MET and control groups with 15 patients in each.
Methods: All patients received 3sessions/week for 4 weeks where the
study group received MET, Ultrasound and Infrared, and the control
group received U.S and I.R only. Pelvic angle was measured by
palpation meter, pain severity by the visual analogue scale and
functional disabilities by the Oswestry disability index. Results: Both
groups showed significant improvement in all measured variables.
The MET group was significantly better than the control group in
pelvic angle, pain severity, and functional disability as p-value were
(0.001, 0.0001, 0.0001) respectively. Conclusion and implication: the
study group fulfilled greater improvement in all measured variables
than the control group which implies that application of MET in
combination with U.S and I.R were more effective in improving
pelvic tilting angle, pain severity and functional disabilities than
using electrotherapy only.