AIM:To investigate the effect of wearing corneoscleral contact lens on visual acuity, and corneal parameters in keratoconus patients.METHODS:In this prospective study, 43 cases(83 eyes)with keratoconus were included and examined. A corneoscleral contact lens was fitted, and thorough exams were carried out at baseline, 3 and 6 mo after wearing lenses, including slit lamp examination, objective and subjective refraction, uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), keratometry(Kmax, K1 and K2), central corneal thickness and endothelial cells count.RESULTS: Mean BCVA(LogMAR)improved from 0.34±0.23 with the spectacles to 0.03±0.05 with the corneoscleral contact lenses in 6 mo(P<0.001). Kmax changed from 52.80±5.93 D to 51.51±5.64 D in 6 mo(P<0.001), central corneal thickness changed from 483.84±34.69 μm to 476.28±35.38 μm(P<0.001), and endothelial cell count changed from 2559.18±275.7 cells/mm2 to 2572.73±274.3 cells/mm2 after wearing corneoscleral contact lens for 6 mo(P<0.001).CONCLUSION: Corneoscleral lenses could significantly increase visual acuity, since there were no clinical noticeable changes in the corneal parameters, this lenses can be used safely in patients with keratoconus.

Aims: This study was aimed to produce biodegradable cellulose acetate films impregnated with bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances to be used in food packaging. Methodology and results: Bacterial isolates were isolated from different sources and tested for their antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion assay. The isolate that showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC 51659, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MG847103 and Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 was identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain N1 (OM019104) based on 16S rRNA based method of identification. The extracted bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances were partially purified with acetone precipitation and SP-Sephroase cation exchange chromatography. There was no change in the antimicrobial activity after treatment with the catalase enzyme, but there was a total loss in the activity after treatment with proteolytic enzymes. The obtained bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances showed pH stability over a wide range of pH values and thermal stability as it recovered 95% of its antimicrobial activity even after autoclaving for 15 min. Different concentrations of cellulose acetate (3 to 12%) were tested to develop the active antimicrobial films. The most flexible concentrations for food packaging were prepared and impregnated with partially purified bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances. The prepared films showed promising antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Conclusion, significance and impact of study This study highlights the usage of active packaging in food preservation. Cellulose acetate films activated with the partially purified bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances have anti-staphylococcal activity, which can potentially be used in food packaging to prolong the shelf-life of perishable foo

Background: and Purpose Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the cerebellar hemisphere represents a new option in treating essential tremor (ET) patients. We aimed to determine the efficacy of cerebellar rTMS in treating ET using different protocols regarding the number of sessions, exposure duration, and follow-up duration. Methods: A randomized sham-controlled trial was conducted, in which 45 recruit patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups. The first (active group) comprised 23 patients who were exposed to 12 sessions of active rTMS with 900 pulses of 1-Hz rTMS at 90% of the resting motor threshold daily on each side of the cerebellar hemispheres over 4 weeks. The second group (sham group) comprised 22 patients who were exposed to 12 sessions of sham rTMS. Both groups were reassessed at baseline and after 1 day, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin tremor-rating scale (FTM). Results: Demographic characteristics did no differ between the two groups. There were significant reductions both in FTM subscores A and B and in the FTM total score in the active-rTMS group during the period of assessment and after 3 months (p=0.031 and 0.011, respectively).However, subscore C did not change significantly from baseline when assessed at 2 and 3 months (p=0.073 and 0.236, respectively). Furthermore, the global assessment score was significantly higher in the active-rTMS group (p>0.001). Conclusions Low-frequency rTMS over the cerebellar cortex for 1 month showed relative safety and long-lasting efficacy in patients with ET. Further large-sample clinical trials are needed that include different sites of stimulation and longer follow-ups.

This study investigated the effect of ethanol extracts of horsetail, alfalfa, ortie, chêne and aleppo oak on blood coagulation in vitro. Extraction was performed by the maceration method. Extracts were mixed with platelet and plasma, then prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and platelet aggregation tests were conducted. Alfalfa extract had a dose-dependent effect on the PT. Ortie, and horsetail, reduced the PT significantly compared to control group. Alfalfa, horsetail, and ortie reduced the APTT, but their effect was insignificant compared to the control group. The pooled extract showed the highest effect compared to the single extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Horsetail and alfalfa induced platelet aggregation in response to arachidonic acid but not in response to collagen. In the case of ortie, no aggregation occurred regarding the arachidonic acid, and incomplete was observed in response to collagen. Interestingly, blood clotting occurred immediately after adding the chêne, aleppo oak and the pooled extract, and therefore platelet poor plasma (PPP) and platelet rich plasma (PRP) became jelly. Generally, chêne and aleppo oak, as well as pooled extract, were more effective in inducing both primary and secondary coagulation pathways via shortening the PT and APTT, and induction of platelet aggregation.

Background: Migraine headaches have been associated with sensory hyperactivity and anomalies in social/emotional responses. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential involvement of orexin 1 receptors (Orx1R) within the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in the modulation of pain and psychosocial dysfunction in a nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced rat model of migraine. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were injected with NTG (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) every second day over nine days to induce migraine. The experiments were done in the following six groups (6 rats per group): untreated control, NTG, NTG plus vehicle, and NTG groups that were post-treated with intra-BLA microinjection of Orx1R antagonist SB-334867 (10, 20, and 40 nM). Thermal hyperalgesia was assessed using the hot plate and tail-flick tests. Moreover, the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests were used to assess anxiety-like behaviors. The animals’ sociability was evaluated using the three-chamber social task. The NTG-induced photophobia was assessed using a light-dark box. Results: We observed no change in NTG-induced thermal hyperalgesia following administration of SB-334867 (10, 20, and 40 nM). However, SB-334867 (20 and 40 nM) aggravated the NTG-induced anxiogenic responses in both the EPM and OF tasks. The NTG-induced social impairment was overpowered by SB-334867 at all doses. Time spent in the dark chamber of light-dark box was significantly increased in rats treated with SB-334867 (20 and 40 nM/rat). Conclusions The findings suggest a role for Orx1R within the BLA in control comorbid affective complaints with migraine in rats.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),which caused the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,has affected more than 400 million people worldwide.With the recent rise of new Delta and Omicron variants,the efficacy of the vaccines has become an important question.The goal of various studies has been to limit the spread of the virus by utilizing wireless sensing technologies to prevent human-to-human interactions,particularly for healthcare workers.In this paper,we discuss the current literature on invasive/contact and non-invasive/non-contact technologies(including Wi-Fi,radar,and software-defined radio)that have been effectively used to detect,diagnose,and monitor human activities and COVID-19 related symptoms,such as irregular respiration.In addition,we focused on cutting-edge machine learning algorithms(such as generative adversarial networks,random forest,multilayer perceptron,support vector machine,extremely randomized trees,and k-nearest neighbors)and their essential role in intelligent healthcare systems.Furthermore,this study highlights the limitations related to non-invasive techniques and prospective research directions.

Objective: Studies of the effects of estrogens on the male reproductive system have emphasized the role of these hormones in male fertility. Sesame oil has many phytoestrogenic compounds and may improve male fertility. This study investigated the effects of sesame oil and different concentrations of estrogen on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in male mice. Methods: Twenty old NMRI (The Naval Medical Research Institute) male mice (40 weeks; weight, 30–35 g) were treated with sesame oil or different concentrations of estrogen (estradiol, 1 and 10 μL/kg/ day) or received no treatment (controls). After 35 days, sperm parameters and DNA integrity were assessed and analyzed. Results: Sperm count, progressive motility, and morphology were decreased in the group that received 10 μL/kg of estradiol. A remarkably lower percentage of DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were detected in the group that received 1 μL/kg of estradiol. In the groups that received sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol, the numbers of spermatogonia and Leydig cells were higher than in controls. The combination of sesame oil and 1 μL/kg of estradiol led to improved sperm parameters and chromatin and testicular structure. Conclusion Based on this study, consumption of sesame oil and a low concentration of estradiol may improve testicular function in older mice.

Objectives: Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom experienced by cancer patients and has a profound effect on their quality of life (QOL). The study aimed to determine the impact of fatigue on QOL among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to identify the risk factors associated with severe fatigue incidence. Methods: This was an observational prospective study carried out at multiple centers. In total, 172 breast cancer patients were included. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Questionnaire was used to measure QOL, while the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was used to assess the severity of fatigue. Results: The total average mean and standard deviation of QOL were 84.58±18.07 and 4.65±1.14 for BFI scores, respectively. A significant association between fatigue and QOL was found in linear and multiple regression analyses. The relationships between fatigue severity and cancer stage, chemotherapy dose delay, dose reduction, chemotherapy regimen, and ethnicity were determined using binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusion The findings of this study are believed to be useful for helping oncologists effectively evaluate, monitor, and treat fatigue related to QOL changes.

Objectives: Fatigue is the most frequently reported symptom experienced by cancer patients and has a profound effect on their quality of life (QOL). The study aimed to determine the impact of fatigue on QOL among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and to identify the risk factors associated with severe fatigue incidence. Methods: This was an observational prospective study carried out at multiple centers. In total, 172 breast cancer patients were included. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Questionnaire was used to measure QOL, while the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) was used to assess the severity of fatigue. Results: The total average mean and standard deviation of QOL were 84.58±18.07 and 4.65±1.14 for BFI scores, respectively. A significant association between fatigue and QOL was found in linear and multiple regression analyses. The relationships between fatigue severity and cancer stage, chemotherapy dose delay, dose reduction, chemotherapy regimen, and ethnicity were determined using binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusion The findings of this study are believed to be useful for helping oncologists effectively evaluate, monitor, and treat fatigue related to QOL changes.

Objective: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and mindfulness practices have been proposed as a potential approach to improve executive functions (EFs) and reduce craving in persons with substance use disorders. Based on the neural mechanisms of action of each of these interventions, the combination of both non-pharmacological interventions might have additive effects. In the current study, the effects of tDCS combined with mindfulness-based substance abuse treatment (MBSAT) to improve EFs and reduce craving were investigated in early abstinent methamphetamine abuse. Methods: Eighty (youths aged between 18 and 21) early-abstinent methamphetamine users were randomly assigned to the research groups (tDCS group [n = 20], mindfulness group [n = 20], combined mindfulness-tDCS group [n =20], and sham group [n = 20]). Active tDCS (1.5 mA,20 min, 12 sessions) or sham tDCS was appliedover the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the MBSAT protocol was used over twelve 50-min sessions. Results: Both in the post-test phase (immediately after the intervention) and follow-up phase (one month after the intervention), performance in most EFs tasks significantly improved in the combination group which received real tDCS ＋ MBSAT, as compared to baseline values and sham stimulation group. Similarly, a significant reduction in craving was observed after intervention inall treatment groups, but not the sham stimulation group. Interestingly, the increase in EFs and the reduction in craving post versus pre tDCS ＋ MBSAT intervention were correlated. Conclusion Findings from the current study provide initial support for the clinical effectiveness of combination tDCS ＋ MBSAT, possibly influencing cognitive/affective processes.