Species identification, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and vitamin D3 level in women with vaginal candidiasis: a case-control study in Iran.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a fungal infection that is a global issue of women's health due to its association with morbidity, infertility, and economic costs. This study aimed to compare the vitamin D3 levels between women with VVC to healthy controls and determine the species distribution and susceptibility pattern of isolates. Species identification was performed using sequencing of the ITS-rDNA regions and amplification of the HWP1 gene. Antifungal susceptibility testing was determined by the disk diffusion method. Moreover, serum vitamin D3 levels were measured using a commercial ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Our results indicated that vitamin D3 level in women with VVC was lower than those of healthy women (p-value < .001). Candida albicans complex (62.8 percent) was the most common species, and most species were susceptible to fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and nystatin. In conclusion, our study revealed a potential link between vitamin D3 deficiency and VVC in women. Although our findings showed significantly lower vitamin D3 levels in women with VVC, further research is needed to establish a definitive causative relationship between vitamin D3 deficiency and VVC. Nonetheless, our study highlights the potential importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D3 and the need for further exploration in this area.

Activation of mitosis and angiogenesis in diabetes-impaired wound healing by processed human amniotic fluid.

BACKGROUND: Functional characterization of human amniotic fluid (AF) proteome, 845 proteins, has revealed that top three functions are cell proliferation, movement and differentiation, events fundamental to development, and tissue repair. Although these findings fortify the idea that AF components play roles in regeneration-like fetal wound healing, it is not known whether the components endure processing. Therefore, we processed AF and tested its effects on diabetes-impaired wound healing in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through a germfree procedure, mature and premature AF samples were collected, respectively, from the mothers of full-term and preterm infants. Excisional wounds were generated on the dorsum of diabetic rats. Wounds were treated on day 3 and harvested on day 7 postwounding. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and alpha-smooth muscles actin, markers for mitosis and angiogenesis, respectively, were assessed by in situ immunodetection method. RESULTS: Significant increases in the rate of wound closure and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-expressing cells were observed in AF-treated wounds when compared with that of sham and control wounds. Likewise, the number of large vessels was significantly increased in the wounds treated with the AF. However, population of myofibroblasts was not affected by the treatment. The mature and premature AF were almost equally effective. CONCLUSIONS: Our data, for the first time, show that processed AF accelerates diabetes-impaired wound healing by activating mitosis and angiogenesis, indicating that bioactive molecules in AF may endure processing. We believe that processed forms of this naturally designed "Cocktail" of bioactive molecules may have multiple clinical applications.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/feldspar biohybrid as an adsorbent: optimization of adsorption process via response surface modeling.

Chitosan/feldspar biobased beads were synthesized, characterized, and tested for the removal of Acid Black 1 dye from aquatic phases. A four-factor central composite design (CCD) accompanied by response surface modeling (RSM) and optimization was used to optimize the dye adsorption by the adsorbent (chitosan/feldspar composite) in 31 different batch experiments. Independent variables of temperature, pH, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dose were used to change to coded values. To anticipate the responses, a quadratic model was applied. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tested the significance of the process factors and their interactions. The adequacy of the model was investigated by the correlation between experimental and predicted data of the adsorption and the calculation of prediction errors. The results showed that the predicted maximum adsorption amount of 21.63 mg/g under the optimum conditions (pH 3, temperature 15°C, initial dye concentration 125 mg/L, and dose 0.2 g/50 mL) was close to the experimental value of 19.85 mg/g. In addition, the results of adsorption behaviors of the dye illustrated that the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Langmuir sorption capacity was found to be 17.86 mg/g. Besides, thermodynamic parameters were evaluated and revealed that the adsorption process was exothermic and favourable.

Synthesis and efficiency comparison of reed straw-based biochar as a mesoporous adsorbent for ionic dyes removal.

The reed straw is assessed as a potential source of widely available renewable biomass for biochar production and compared with two other waste-based biomasses, namely fruit stones blend, and brewery spent grains. The biochars were activated via steam and CO2. While steam activation yielded 12 % carbon from reed biomass, CO2 activation resulted in biomass degradation. The characterization of reed biochar showed a mesoporous structure and a high surface area of 514 m2/g. The adsorption tests displayed a decent adsorption capacity of biochar, with values of 92.6 mg/g for methylene violet dye and 35.7 mg/g for acid green dye. Only 1 g/L dosage of reed biochar was able to remove 99 % of the 50 mg/L methylene violet solution in 15 min and 60 % of the 50 mg/L acid green solution in 10 min. The obtained results demonstrate reed biomass as a suitable source for biochar production as well as reed-based biochar as a promising dye adsorbent.

Lure specificity, phenology, and damage caused by Epiphyas moths (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Western Australian apple orchards.

Multiple Epiphyas species inhabit southwestern Western Australia, including Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a globally significant, polyphagous pest. This study evaluated the efficacy and specificity of lures designed for 3 Epiphyas species: E. postvittana, Epiphyas pulla (Turner), and the undescribed Epiphyas sp. (1) (Common). Additionally, the study sought to determine the presence and distribution of Epiphyas species in 3 significant apple-growing localities. Trapping, together with partial sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene, found LBAM to be restricted to the Perth Hills and E. pulla, to apple orchards near Manjimup and Pemberton. This geographic disjunction remains unexplained. Epiphyas sp. (1) was not recorded despite using a specifically designed lure. The E. pulla and LBAM traps demonstrated superior efficacy in capturing their target species, while the catch in Epiphyas sp. (1) traps did not significantly differ between the 2. Both E. pulla and LBAM exhibited peak abundance from late spring to the end of summer (October-February), with variations in timing and peak catch of male moths across species, locations, and years. Surveys conducted in April during the harvest period (February-May), when moth traps caught an average of 1-1.8 moths/trap/week, found no Epiphyas larvae or damage on 140,400 mature apples or on 26,000 leaves. While E. pulla and LBAM traps effectively monitor their target moths, genetic identification of trap catch would be necessary if they co-occurred. Encouragingly, the results indicate that both species become relatively rare as harvest season approaches, and neither inflicts significant damage to mature apples under existing management.

The Effect of Early Posttrabeculectomy Bleb Leakage on Surgical Outcome: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of early posttrabeculectomy bleb leakage on trabeculectomy surgery outcomes and success rate. Methods: The present prospective cohort study was conducted on 203 eyes of 203 patients who underwent trabeculectomy at Torfeh and Imam Hossein Medical Centers, Tehran, Iran, between 2016 and 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: those with early bleb leakage (within the 1st month of surgery) and those without bleb leakage. The success rate of surgery was compared 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery in the two groups. The average intraocular pressure (IOP) and the need for medications in patients 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after the trabeculectomy were also compared. Results: Bleb leakage was detected in 33 eyes during the 1st month after a trabeculectomy (16.3%). The mean decrease in IOP in the group with leakage was significantly lower than in patients without leakage at 1, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery (P < 0.05). The need for antiglaucoma medication was significantly higher among patients with bleb leakage at 3 months (P = 0.04) and 9 months (P = 0.047) after surgery (P < 0.05). The success rate at 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery was significantly lower in the group with leakage than the group without. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that early posttrabeculectomy bleb leakage negatively impacts surgery success. Furthermore, IOP reduction was lower in patients with early leakage.

Case report: Stem cell-based suicide gene therapy mediated by the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene reduces tumor progression in multifocal glioblastoma.

Introduction: The prognosis for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a malignant brain tumor, is poor despite recent advancements in treatments. Suicide gene therapy is a therapeutic strategy for cancer that requires a gene to encode a prodrug-activating enzyme which is then transduced into a vector, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The vector is then injected into the tumor tissue and exerts its antitumor effects. Case presentation: A 37-year-old man presented to our department with two evident foci of glioblastoma multiforme at the left frontal and left parietal lobes. The patient received an injection of bone marrow-derived MSCs delivering the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene to the frontal focus of the tumor, followed by ganciclovir administration as a prodrug for 14 days. For follow-up, the patient was periodically assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The growth and recurrence patterns of the foci were assessed. After the injection on 09 February 2019, the patient's follow-up appointment on 19 December 2019 MRI revealed a recurrence of parietal focus. However, the frontal focus had a slight and unremarkable enhancement. On the last follow-up (18 March 2020), the left frontal focus had no prominent recurrence; however, the size of the left parietal focus increased and extended to the contralateral hemisphere through the corpus callosum. Eventually, the patient passed away on 16 July 2020 (progression-free survival (PFS) = 293 days, overall survival (OS) = 513 days). Conclusion: The gliomatous focus (frontal) treated with bone marrow-derived MSCs carrying the HSV-TK gene had a different pattern of growth and recurrence compared with the non-treated one (parietal). Trial registration: IRCT20200502047277N2. Registered 10 May 2020-Retrospectively registered, https://eng.irct.ir/trial/48110.

Developing Lines of Queensland Fruit Flies with Different Levels of Response to a Kairomone Lure.

The Queensland fruit fly (Q-fly), Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) is a serious horticultural pest in Australia because it is highly invasive and destructive. Among all pest management practices, sterile insect techniques (SIT) and male annihilation techniques (MAT) are important control options for many tephritid fruit fly pests, including Q-fly. However, simultaneous applications of MAT and SIT require the wild males to be responsive to a lure while the released sterile males remain largely unresponsive. In this study, a series of artificial selection experiments was conducted to develop lines of Q-fly with different levels of response to the male-specific lure Cue-lure® (CL). After only five cycles of artificial selections, lines of high responsiveness (HR) and low responsiveness (LR) males diverging significantly in their response to the lure were developed. In the field cage experiment, the number of trapped males in fruit fly traps was significantly lower in the LR line than both the HR line and the control which supports the laboratory results. However, when artificial selection was stopped at F5 and retested after two generations, the number of unresponsive males dropped drastically compared to the rate of response of wild flies. Because the selection can be conducted only on males, it would be difficult to eliminate the dominant responsive alleles in the system without continuous selection.

Hollow Filaments Synthesized by Dry-Jet Wet Spinning of Cellulose Nanofibrils: Structural Properties and Thermoregulation with Phase-Change Infills.

We use dry-jet wet spinning in a coaxial configuration by extruding an aqueous colloidal suspension of oxidized nanocellulose (hydrogel shell) combined with airflow in the core. The coagulation of the hydrogel in a water bath results in hollow filaments (HF) that are drawn continuously at relatively high rates. Small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) reveals the orientation and order of the cellulose sheath, depending on the applied shear flow and drying method (free-drying and drying under tension). The obtained dry HF show Young's modulus and tensile strength of up to 9 GPa and 66 MPa, respectively. Two types of phase-change materials (PCM), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and paraffin (PA), are used as infills to enable filaments for energy regulation. An increased strain (9%) is observed in the PCM-filled filaments (HF-PEG and HF-PA). The filaments display similar thermal behavior (dynamic scanning calorimetry) compared to the neat infill, PEG, or paraffin, reaching a maximum latent heat capacity of 170 J·g-1 (48-55 °C) and 169 J·g-1 (52-54 °C), respectively. Overall, this study demonstrates the facile and scalable production of two-component core-shell filaments that combine structural integrity, heat storage, and thermoregulation properties.

Changes of Protein Expression after CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout of miRNA-142 in Cell Lines Derived from Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: As microRNA-142 (miR-142) is the only human microRNA gene where mutations have consistently been found in about 20% of all cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), we wanted to determine the impact of miR-142 inactivation on protein expression of DLBCL cell lines. METHODS: miR-142 was deleted by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout in cell lines from DLBCL. RESULTS: By proteome analyses, miR-142 knockout resulted in a consistent up-regulation of 52 but also down-regulation of 41 proteins in GC-DLBCL lines BJAB and SUDHL4. Various mitochondrial ribosomal proteins were up-regulated in line with their pro-tumorigenic properties, while proteins necessary for MHC-I presentation were down-regulated in accordance with the finding that miR-142 knockout mice have a defective immune response. CFL2, CLIC4, STAU1, and TWF1 are known targets of miR-142, and we could additionally confirm AKT1S1, CCNB1, LIMA1, and TFRC as new targets of miR-142-3p or -5p. CONCLUSIONS: Seed-sequence mutants of miR-142 confirmed potential targets and novel targets of miRNAs can be identified in miRNA knockout cell lines. Due to the complex contribution of miRNAs within cellular regulatory networks, in particular when miRNAs highly present in RISC complexes are replaced by other miRNAs, primary effects on gene expression may be covered by secondary layers of regulation.

Leakage-proof microencapsulation of phase change materials by emulsification with acetylated cellulose nanofibrils.

We use acetylated cellulose nanofibrils (AcCNF) to stabilize transient emulsions with paraffin that becomes shape-stable and encapsulated phase change material (PCM) upon cooling. Rheology measurements confirm the gel behavior and colloidal stability of the solid suspensions. We study the effect of nanofiber content on PCM leakage upon melting and compare the results to those from unmodified CNF. The nanostructured cellulose promotes paraffin phase transition, which improves the efficiency of thermal energy exchange. The leakage-proof microcapsules display high energy absorption capacity (ΔHm = 173 J/g) at high PCM loading (up to 80 wt%), while effectively controlling the extent of supercooling. An excellent thermal stability is observed during at least 100 heating/cooling cycles. Degradation takes place at 291 °C, indicating good thermal stability. The high energy density and the effective shape and thermal stabilization of the AcCNF-encapsulated paraffin points to a sustainable solution for thermal energy storage and conversion.

Cellulose Nanofibrils Endow Phase-Change Polyethylene Glycol with Form Control and Solid-to-gel Transition for Thermal Energy Storage.

Green energy-storage materials enable the sustainable use of renewable energy and waste heat. As such, a form-stable phase-change nanohybrid (PCN) is demonstrated to solve the fluidity and leakage issues typical of phase-change materials (PCMs). Here, we introduce the advantage of solid-to-gel transition to overcome the drawbacks of typical solid-to-liquid counterparts in applications related to thermal energy storage and regulation. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is form-stabilized with cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) through surface interactions. The cellulosic nanofibrillar matrix is shown to act as an organogelator of highly loaded PEG melt (85 wt %) while ensuring the absence of leakage. CNFs also preserve the physical structure of the PCM and facilitate handling above its fusion temperature. The porous CNF scaffold, its crystalline structure, and the ability to hold PEG in the PCN are characterized by optical and scanning electron imaging, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. By the selection of the PEG molecular mass, the lightweight PCN provides a tailorable fusion temperature in the range between 18 and 65 °C for a latent heat storage of up to 146 J/g. The proposed PCN shows remarkable repeatability in latent heat storage after 100 heating/cooling cycles as assessed by differential scanning calorimetry. The thermal regulation and light-to-heat conversion of the PCN are confirmed via infrared thermal imaging under simulated sunlight and in a thermal chamber, outperforming those of a reference, commercial insulation material. Our PCN is easily processed as a structurally stable design, including three-dimensional, two-dimensional (films), and one-dimensional (filaments) materials; they are, respectively, synthesized by direct ink writing, casting/molding, and wet spinning. We demonstrate the prospects of the lightweight, green nanohybrid for smart-energy buildings and waste heat-generating electronics for thermal energy storage and management.

Cauda equina syndrome due to herpes simplex virus type 2-associated meningoradiculitis (Elsberg syndrome) after posterior lumbar spinal fusion surgery: Case report and review of literature.

Elsberg syndrome is a rare but well-defined clinical condition, including acute or subacute lumbosacral meningoradiculitis, which might be accompanied by myelitis and is often associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. We report the case of an immunocompetent 24-year-old man who presented with perineal pain, saddle hypoesthesia, and urinary retention associated with Elsberg syndrome due to HSV-2 infection 20-day after the posterior lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium enhancement showed mildly enhanced and swollen right sacral nerve roots. One week after the admission, electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG-NCS) demonstrated severe axonal damage and radiculopathy at right S3 and S4 roots. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated protein, positive HSV-2 IgG index, and positive HSV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir for 14 days and showed a gradual improvement in anal sphincter control and urination. Therefore, according to our findings, surgery might have an immunosuppressing role, and in cases with symptoms of cauda equina syndrome (CES) and systemic infection, in the postoperative setting, viral meningoradiculitis should be considered.

Effect of Protein Supplement on Paraspinal Muscles in Spine Fusion Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunction and weakness due to atrophy of the paraspinal muscles is a major issue after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery, resulting in pain and disability. Considering the role of protein in muscle regeneration, it seems that protein supplements after surgery may prevent muscle atrophy. To date, to our knowledge, no intervention study has investigated the effect of protein supplementation on the volume of paraspinal muscles, pain, or disability after PSF. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients were randomly assigned to a control (placebo + diet with 1.2 g/kg body weight of protein, n = 40) or a protein supplementation (36 g/day + a diet with 1.2 g/kg body weight of protein, n = 40) group, which received intervention from 48 hours before to 1 month after surgery. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the paraspinal muscles was measured by thin-slice computed tomography, and pain and disability were assessed using the visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of protein supplementation, the CSAs of multifidus and psoas muscles on both sides were significantly higher in the supplementation group than the placebo group (P <.001). Less atrophy was seen in the right erector spinae and quadratus lumborum muscles in the group receiving protein supplements than the placebo group (P < .001). In addition, protein supplementation was significantly negatively correlated with both pain (P < .001) and disability (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we demonstrated that 36 g/day protein supplementation significantly increased the CSA of muscles and reduced the atrophy, pain, and disability after PSF surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Combining cell therapy with human autologous Schwann cell and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell in patients with subacute complete spinal cord injury: safety considerations and possible outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Cellular transplantations have promising effects on treating spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and Schwann cells (SCs), which have safety alongside their complementary characteristics, are suggested to be the two of the best candidates in SCI treatment. In this study, we assessed the safety and possible outcomes of intrathecal co-transplantation of autologous bone marrow MSC and SC in patients with subacute traumatic complete SCI. METHODS: Eleven patients with complete SCI (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS); grade A) were enrolled in this study during the subacute period of injury. The patients received an intrathecal autologous combination of MSC and SC and were followed up for 12 months. We assessed the neurological changes by the American Spinal Injury Association's (ASIA) sensory-motor scale, functional recovery by spinal cord independence measure (SCIM-III), and subjective changes along with adverse events (AE) with our checklist. Furthermore, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and urodynamic study (UDS) were conducted for all the patients at the baseline, 6 months, and 1 year after the intervention. RESULTS: Light touch AIS score alterations were approximately the same as the pinprick changes (11.6 ± 13.1 and 12 ± 13, respectively) in 50% of the cervical and 63% of the lumbar-thoracic patients, and both were more than the motor score alterations (9.5 ± 3.3 in 75% of the cervical and 14% of the lumbar-thoracic patients). SCIM III total scores (21.2 ± 13.3) and all its sub-scores ("respiration and sphincter management" (15 ± 9.9), "mobility" (9.5 ± 13.3), and "self-care" (6 ± 1.4)) had statistically significant changes after cell injection. Our findings support that the most remarkable positive, subjective improvements were in trunk movement, equilibrium in standing/sitting position, the sensation of the bladder and rectal filling, and the ability of voluntary voiding. Our safety evaluation revealed no systemic complications, and radiological images showed no neoplastic overgrowth, syringomyelia, or pseudo-meningocele. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that autologous SC and bone marrow-derived MSC transplantation at the subacute stage of SCI could reveal statistically significant improvement in sensory and neurological functions among the patients. It appears that using this combination of cells is safe and effective for clinical application to spinal cord regeneration during the subacute period.

Intracerebral Administration of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells as HSV-TK Gene Vehicle for Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiform: Safety and Feasibility Assessment.

Widespread investigation has revealed the promising ability of suicidal genes in the treatment of glioma tumors; nevertheless, promoting their effects relies on the ability to apply suitable vehicles and techniques. In this study, the safety and feasibility of using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combination with prodrug for treatment of patients with primary and secondary glioblastoma multiform (GBM) was assessed. Five GBM patients were recruited. Following gross total resection of the tumor and adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, intracerebral injection of autologous MSCs transduced with lentivirus containing herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) was performed followed by intravenous administration of ganciclovir for 2 weeks. The treatment was well tolerated by all patients. Mild-to-moderate fever, headache, and cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis were evident in three, two, and one patient, respectively. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients were 95.79 ± 51.40 and 128.85 ± 48.81 weeks, respectively. The 1-year PFS and OS were 60% and 100%, respectively, among our patients, and two patients had more than 3 years of OS and more than 2 years of PFS. It seems that intracerebral administration of bone marrow MSC containing the HSV-TK gene in combination with intravenous ganciclovir would be safe and feasible in the treatment of patients with GBM.

Covering of Plate after Anterior Cervical Fusion in Patients with Complete Spinal Cord Injury to Prevent Esophageal Injury: Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal injury after anterior corpectomy and fusion is a rare but life-threatening complication. It may cause mediastinitis due to anatomical continuity between the retropharyngeal space and the mediastinum, with reported high mortality rates. The acute and subacute injuries are most commonly of iatrogenic origin, while late perforation has been described several weeks to years later as a result of continuous friction or pressure of the instruments against the posterior wall of the esophagus, leading to ischemia and necrosis. This phenomenon is more common among quadriplegic patients who have undergone corpectomy and insertion of expandable or mesh cages and plate probably due to chronic erosion by hardware at the supine position. METHODS: Since 2015, we have applied the technique of using a patch of autologous fascia lata to cover the anterior cervical plate by suturing to the longus colli muscles in 58 quadriplegic patients; the mean follow-up was 35.2 (28-41) months. RESULTS: Since we started using this procedure, based on our follow-up at our center, there have been no cases of late esophageal perforation among quadriplegic patients. CONCLUSION: As a technical note, it seems like this method would be able to reduce the prevalence of esophagus injury among quadriplegic patients. However, to substantiate the efficacy of this technique, long-term follow-up and larger sample size are needed because esophageal injury occurs rarely.

The Effect of Counseling Based on Sexual Self-Concept via Social Networks on Smartphone in Infertile Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Infertility can affect the physical, mental and emotional aspects of a person's life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sexual counseling via social networks on Smartphone in sexual self-concept of infertile women. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, 80 eligible infertile women referred to the fertility centers of Alborz University of Medical Sciences from April to July 2018. They were randomly assigned into intervention) sexual counseling with routine infertility counseling) and control groups )routine infertility counseling(. Eight counseling sessions via social networks were held for both groups. The Snell's sexual self-concept questionnaire was completed by participants before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19 with a significance level of P<0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of women was 30.76±0.72 years and the most infertility duration was more than 36 months. The results of a repeated measure showed that there were significant differences in positive self-concept domain between the two groups during the time by comparing the means (120.4±17.9 versus 105.1±16.8). We also found an increasing trend of the scores in positive sexual self-concept domain (110.6±18.42, 120.1±18.7, 120.4±17.9) (P<0.001) and a decrease in negative sexual self-concept domain (24.3±7.87, 20.2±7.77, 19.65±6.97) (P<0.001) in intervention group. In the situational self-concept, there were no difference between the two groups during the time (P=0.06). CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study showed that counseling through social networks was effective in improving the sexual self-concept in infertile women, thus ameliorating the couples' sexual relations. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20160503027728N9.

Dataset for natural organic matter treatment by tailored biochars.

The dataset presented here are collected for tailoring biochars from pinecone biomass through chemical modification for the adsorption of natural organic matter (NOM) from lake water. The data includes schematics, figures and tables. The characterization of biomass and tailored biochars by Brunauer, Emmett and Teller surface area measurement (BET), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) along with the adsorption of NOM from lake water by the tailored bichars and the desorption using alkaline solution are provided. This is complimentary dataset for the experimental set-up and data gathered related to the article [1] on biochar fabrication and lake water treatment. See this article [1] for further information and discussion.

Is beta-thalassemia trait a protective factor against ischemic cerebrovascular accidents?

OBJECTIVE: In this research, we sought to determine the association between beta-thalassemia trait and ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA). METHODS: In acase-control study, 148 patients with thromboembolic cerebrovascular events were evaluated for the presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and beta-thalassemia trait. A total of 156 age- and sex-matched patients with no cardiac or cerebrovascular diseases, serving as the control group, were also investigated for the above-mentioned risk factors. RESULTS: We found that 6.1% of patients with ischemic CVA and 12.2% of the control group had beta-thalassemia trait (P = .066). In male patients, the negative association between ischemic CVA and presence of beta-thalassemia trait was significant (P = .008). In patients, the prevalence of hypertension was also significantly different between those with and without beta-thalassemia trait (P = .01); those with beta-thalassemia trait had a lower mean blood pressure than those without the trait. CONCLUSION: beta-Thalassemia trait may have a protective effect against ischemic CVA that might be caused by the lower arterial blood pressure observed in those with this trait.