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Background: In Iran, there is a lack of information and studies on acute rheumatic fever (ARF), a global health issue. The limited understanding of ARF's prevalence and primary clinical symptoms has led to confusion. This research investigates the characteristics of children aged 3-17 years who experience ARF with monoarthritis as their initial symptom. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of medical records of children diagnosed with ARF was conducted. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of monoarthritis as the first manifestation of ARF and its association with age, gender, family history, and cardiac involvement. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test with a significance level of < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%, using SPSS software (Version 23). Results: The study included 62 patients with ARF, comprising 41 (66.1%) boys with an average age of 8.48±3.27 years. Among these patients, 12 exhibited cardiac involvement according to the revised Jones criteria, with 5 clinical carditis and 7 cases of subclinical carditis. Monoarthritis was the initial symptom in seven patients (11.29%); five (71.4%) also had carditis. There was a significant association (p

The presence of pharmaceutical wastewater can pose significant challenges to the environment. Since conventional wastewater treatment processes are not efficient for the complete separation of drug materials, solvent extraction through a hollow fiber membrane contactor could be a promising alternative. In this study, a developed polysulfone (PSF) hollow fiber membrane was fabricated using a non-solvent phase separation (NIPS) method to extract penicillin G from aqueous solutions in the membrane contactor system. From the characterization experiments, the prepared polysulfone membrane demonstrates an outer surface contact angle of 69.6°, critical water entry pressure (CEPw) of 250 kPa, total porosity of 72.2%, and collapsing pressure of 500 kPa. The extraction of penicillin G from the aqueous phase was performed with a 5% w/w solution of Aliquat 336. The effect of the operating parameters on the extraction flux of penicillin G was investigated using the response surface method (RSM). The optimum penicillin G flux of 1.46×10-3 kg/m2s was found at an operating pressure of 100 kPa, an aqueous phase flowrate of 70.5 ml/min, and an organic phase flowrate of 200 ml/min. Therefore, the developed PSF hollow fiber membrane contactor can be considered a proper choice to remove antibiotics (penicillin G) from aqueous solutions.

Membrane fouling during the filtration process is a perennial issue and could lead to reduced separation efficiency. In this work, poly(citric acid)-grafted graphene oxide (PGO) was incorporated into a matrix of single-layer hollow fibre (SLHF) and dual-layer hollow fibrr (DLHF) membranes, respectively, aiming to improve membrane antifouling properties during water treatment. Different loadings of PGO ranging from 0 to 1 wt% were first introduced into the SLHF to identify the best PGO loading for the DLHF preparation with its outer layer modified by nanomaterials. The findings showed that at the optimized PGO loading of 0.7 wt%, the resultant SLHF membrane could achieve higher water permeability and bovine serum albumin rejection compared to the neat SLHF membrane. This is due to the improved surface hydrophilicity and increased structural porosity upon incorporation of optimized PGO loading. When 0.7 wt% PGO was introduced only to the outer layer of DLHF, the cross-sectional matrix of the membrane was altered, forming microvoids and spongy-like structures (more porous). Nevertheless, the BSA rejection of the membrane was improved to 97.7% owing to an inner selectivity layer produced from a different dope solution (without the PGO). The DLHF membrane also demonstrated significantly higher antifouling properties than the neat SLHF membrane. Its flux recovery rate is 85%, i.e. 37% better than that of a neat membrane. By incorporating hydrophilic PGO into the membrane, the interaction of the hydrophobic foulants with the membrane surface is greatly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the use of a combination of hydrothermal and sol–gel methods to produce porous titanium dioxide (PTi) powder with a high specific surface area of 112.84 m2/g. The PTi powder was utilized as a filler in the fabrication of ultrafiltration nanocomposite membranes using polysulfone (PSf) as the polymer. The synthesized nanoparticles and membranes were analyzed using various techniques, including BET, TEM, XRD, AFM, FESEM, FTIR, and contact angle measurements. The membrane’s performance and antifouling properties were also assessed using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a simulated wastewater feed solution. Furthermore, the ultrafiltration membranes were tested in the forward osmosis (FO) system using a 0.6-weight-percent solution of poly (sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) as the osmosis solution to evaluate the osmosis membrane bioreactor (OsMBR) process. The results revealed that the incorporation of PTi nanoparticles into the polymer matrix enhanced the hydrophilicity and surface energy of the membrane, resulting in better performance. The optimized membrane containing 1% PTi displayed a water flux of 31.5 L/m2h, compared to the neat membrane water value of 13.7 L/m2h. The membrane also demonstrated excellent antifouling properties, with a flux recovery of 96%. These results highlight the potential of the PTi-infused membrane as a simulated osmosis membrane bioreactor (OsMBR) for wastewater treatment applications.

Water pollution with petroleum compounds is one of the most important environmental problems in oil-rich countries, due to its adverse effect on soil, water, and human beings. The hydrophilic hollow fiber membranes were produced by polymer blending of polyamide imide and sulfonated poly ether ether ketone. Membrane structure and function were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis, N2 permeation, overall porosity, collapse pressure, water contact angle, pure water flux tests. A membrane bioreactor system was used for oily wastewater treatment. From FESEM, a more open structure with larger finger-like was observed by increasing the PAI / SPEEK ratio. Using the PAI / SPEEK ratio of 85/15, the water contact angle of the membrane was decreased from 74° to 58° which showed a significant hydrophilicity improvement. From compaction test, pure water flux of the membranes showed a gradual decrease during 2.5 h and then reached a steady state with minimal changes. During a period of about 5 hours of the oil separation through the MBR process, the plain PAI membrane and the blend PAI-SPEEK membrane showed water flux reduction of about 35% and 21%, respectively. Under 5 bar transmembrane pressure and the addition of 30 mg/l of oil spill eater (OSEII) enzyme, the oil concentration decreased from 36 ppm to 1.2 ppm in the wastewater, which represents the oil removal efficiency of about 97%. In this work, the optimum state for oil removal was obtained in terms of adding OSEII and aeration.

Wetting and fouling have significantly affected the application of membrane distillation (MD). In this work, a dip-coating method was used for improving surface hydrophobicity of the polyetherimide (PEI) hollow fiber membrane. An air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) process was applied for treatment of the methylene blue (MB) solution. The porous PEI membrane was fabricated by a dry-wet spinning process and the hydrophobic 2-(Perfluoroalkyl) ethanol (Zonyl® BA) was used as the coating material. From FESEM, the modified PEI-Zonyl membrane showed an open structure with large finger-like cavities. The modified membrane displayed a narrow pore size distribution with mean pore size of 0.028 μm. The outer surface contact angle of the PEI-Zonyl membrane increased from 81.3° to 100.4° due to the formation of an ultra-thin coated layer. The pure water flux of the PEI-Zonyl membrane was slightly reduced compared to the pristine PEI membrane. A permeate flux of 6.5 kg/m2 h and MB rejection of 98% were found for the PEI-Zonyl membrane during 76 h of the AGMD operation. Adsorption of MB on the membrane surface was confirmed based on the Langmuir isotherm evaluation, AFM and FESEM analysis. The modified PEI-Zonyl membrane can be a favorable alternative for AGMD of dyeing wastewaters. HIGHLIGHTS The porous PEI membrane was modified by surface coating of Zonyl® BA.; A narrow pore size distribution with mean pore sizes of 0.028 μm was observed.; The outer surface water contact angle was increased from about 81° to 100°.; A more stable AGMD of the MB solution was found for the modified membrane.; A lower flux decline ratio was observed for the modified PEI-Zonyl membrane.;

Many studies have so far confirmed the efficiency of phytochemicals in the treatment of prostate cancer. Eupatorin, a flavonoid with a wide range of phytomedical activities, suppresses proliferation of and induces apoptosis of multiple cancer cell lines. However, low solubility, poor bioavailability, and rapid degradation limit its efficacy. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the use of mPEG-b-poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) coated iron oxide nanoparticles as a carrier could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of eupatorin in DU-145 and LNcaP human prostate cancer cell lines. Nanoparticles were prepared by the co-precipitation method and were fully characterized for morphology, surface charge, particle size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug-release profile. The inhibitory effect of nanoparticles on cell viability was evaluated by MTT test. Apoptosis was then determined by Hoechest staining, cell cycle analysis, NO production, annexin/propidium iodide (PI) assay, and Western blotting. The results indicated that eupatorin was successfully entrapped in Fe3O4@mPEG-b-PLGA nanoparticles with an efficacy of (90.99 ± 2.1)%. The nanoparticle’s size was around (58.5 ± 4) nm with a negative surface charge [(−34.16 ± 1.3) mV]. In vitro release investigation showed a 30% initial burst release of eupatorin in 24 h, followed by sustained release over 200 h. The MTT assay indicated that eupatorin-loaded Fe3O4@mPEG-b-PLGA nanoparticles exhibited a significant decrease in the growth rate of DU-145 and LNcaP cells and their IC50 concentrations were 100 μM and 75 μM, respectively. Next, apoptosis was confirmed by nuclear condensation, enhancement of cell population in the sub-G1 phase and increased NO level. Annexin/PI analysis demonstrated that eupatorin-loaded Fe3O4@mPEG-b-PLGA nanoparticles could increase apoptosis and decrease necrosis frequency. Finally, Western blotting analysis confirmed these results and showed that Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the cleaved caspase-3 level were up-regulated by the designing nanoparticles. Encapsulation of eupatorin in Fe3O4@mPEG-b-PLGA nanoparticles increased its anticancer effects in prostate cancer cell lines as compared to free eupatorin. Based on these results, this formulation can provide a sustained eupatorin-delivery system for cancer treatment with the drug remaining active at a significantly lower dose, making it a suitable candidate for pharmacological uses.

Background: In Iran, there is a lack of information and studies on acute rheumatic fever (ARF), a global health issue. The limited understanding of ARF's prevalence and primary clinical symptoms has led to confusion. This research investigates the characteristics of children aged 3-17 years who experience ARF with monoarthritis as their initial symptom. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of medical records of children diagnosed with ARF was conducted. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of monoarthritis as the first manifestation of ARF and its association with age, gender, family history, and cardiac involvement. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test with a significance level of < 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%, using SPSS software (Version 23). Results: The study included 62 patients with ARF, comprising 41 (66.1%) boys with an average age of 8.48±3.27 years. Among these patients, 12 exhibited cardiac involvement according to the revised Jones criteria, with 5 clinical carditis and 7 cases of subclinical carditis. Monoarthritis was the initial symptom in seven patients (11.29%); five (71.4%) also had carditis. There was a significant association (p<0.001) between monoarthritis and carditis. Conclusion: The study concludes that monoarthritis may be an early sign of ARF in children and correlates significantly with cardiac involvement. However, more extensive research with more significant participant numbers is necessary to understand ARF in Iran comprehensively. A thorough cardiac examination is also crucial for patients with ARF and monoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim American College Of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) guideline has a recommendation for early diagnosis of head injuries following mild trauma. In this study we examined the prediction power, sensitivity, and specificity of this clinical guideline in the need for computed tomography (CT) scan Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was performed for 6 months on patients over 18 years old referred to the emergency department of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Arak who met ACEM criteria for head CT scan for suspected mild trauma. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, trauma mechanism, physical injuries caused by head trauma, and history of drug abuse were recorded. The consciousness level (Glasgow Coma Scale) was checked every two hours. Patients underwent treatment if there was a pathology in CT images, and those with no clear pathology were discharged after 6 hours and, followed up by phone for two weeks, and in case of any abnormality in the level of consciousness, they were re-examined by CT scanning. Ethical Considerations This study has an ethical approval obtained from Arak University of Medical sciences (code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.227). Results 500 patients, 335 male (67%) and 165 females (33%) with the mean age of 46.39± 2.01 years were studied; the sensitivity the ACEM guideline for predicting the need for CT scan in patients with mild head trauma were 100% with a specificity of 3.46% (for the second recommendation, the sensitivity was 100% with a specificity of 6.7%) which indicated that the test was highly sensitive to diagnosing the patients, but its specificity was low. Conclusion The ACEM guideline had high sensitivity to predicting the need for CT in patients with mild head trauma, but had very low specificity which makes it an unacceptable criterion for rejecting or performing CT scan in these patients.

Plagiarism is a complex issue especially among non-native students and it has received a lot of attention from researchers and scholars of academic writing. Some scholars attribute this problem to cultural perceptions and different attitudes toward texts. This study evaluates student perception of different aspects of plagiarism. A small group of postgraduate students in a Malaysian university were asked to categorize ten cases of plagiarism instances. They were also asked to identify plagiarized paraphrased versions of five excerpts of different source texts provided. The findings showed that students had misconceptions about different aspect of plagiarism including citation conventions, collusion, using another writer's idea, and style of writing. Further analysis has shown that students were aware that plagiarism is wrong but they could not correctly identify the multiple forms in which plagiarism could happen. These findings indicate that students need to be taught and exposed to various forms and layers of plagiarism so that they would know how best to avoid it in their own writing.

Background and objective: Diabetes is a chronic illness which has serious physical and mental complication. Physical activity is one of the most important factors in preventing the mental complications of chronic illnesses. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of designed program of physical activity based on Pender health promotion model on type 2 diabetic middle-aged women’s mental health. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study carried out on 102 diabetic middle aged women referring to Diabetes Assembly of Varamin randomly put in two groups of case and control in 2016. The tools of study were demographic and Mental Health Middle-aged Woman (MHMW) questionnaire. Program of physical activity based on Pender health promotion model was accomplished for the women in the case group. At the beginning of study and two month after the intervention, mental health of both case and control group were evaluated. The data were analyzed using SPSS16, chi-square, t-test and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: After the intervention, the score of mental health in case group was 188/80 ±16/51 and in control group was 162/82 ±15/05; there was meaningful difference between them (P

Citation is one of the most prominent features of academic writing through which academic writers both exhibit the breadth of their scholarship in a specific research area and subtly demonstrate their memberships of the disciplinary community. Citations are important rhetorical devices that allow seasoned writers to promote their current research findings persuasively and efficiently. This paper reports the results of a case study on citation practices in 14 research papers written by non-native expert and novice writers who belong to the same discipline and work in a major research university in Malaysia. Different types and functions of citations found in the established scholars' papers were compared to those of the novice academic writers within the same research field. The findings indicated that types and functions of citations employed were different: novice writers mainly used citation to attribute while the experts used citations strategically to provide support and justify their claims. Novices mainly used citations in isolation whereas expert writers succinctly synthesized various sources and made greater use of non-integral citations. The results of the study could provide better understanding of the rhetorical functions of citations in academic writing and offer pedagogical opportunities for teaching academic writing to novice research writers. (Contains 5 tables.)

Background: Atherosclerotic stenosis of the major intracranial arteries is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. There are limited treatments for severe intracranial stenosis, and stent placement versus medical treatment remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare functional outcomes of these two modalities in patients with severe symptomatic intracranial stenosis. Methods: At a single center, between 2008 and 2011, patients with angiographically demonstrated severe (70–90%) symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis were divided into two groups: group A, which received only medical treatment, and group B, which underwent endovascular stent implant treatment. The severity and location of the stenosis was determined by digital subtraction angiography and the Warfarin-Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease (WASID) trial criteria in all patients. The exclusion criteria were: specific causes other than atherosclerosis, such as artery dissection, fibromuscular dysplasia, vasculitis, radiation and intracranial hemorrhage, focal neurological deficit that did not correlate to internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery stenosis. All procedures were done under light anesthesia. Technical success was defined as the reduction of stenosis to Results: Overall, 63 patients (29 in group A and 34 in group B) were evaluated and followed for a mean period of 15.22 months (range 6–25). The technical success rate was 97% in a total of 34 stents in 34 patients. There was no difference between the early (within 30 days) adverse event rates of the two groups. The median follow-up duration for the stent implant patients was 15 months (range 6–25), and for the medically treated cohort it was 14 months (range 8–25). The re-stenosis rate was 5.8% and the total number of late (>30 days) adverse events, including stroke, myocardial infarction and death, was 1 (2.9%) and 6 (20.7%) in the stent implant and medical groups, respectively (p = 0.042). The stent implant group had significantly better favorable functional outcomes according to the mRS than the medical group (93.9 vs. 63.0%). The cumulative secondary adverse event-free survival was significantly lower in the stent implant group. Conclusion: Stent implants can be considered more durable and safe for patients with symptomatic severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery, despite optimal medical therapy. Randomized, multicenter trials are required to confirm these results.