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Variation of the encoding hyaluronic receptors Hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (rs299295) and Stabilin-2 (rs2271637) genes with prostate neoplasms risk: A case-control and in silico study
No full textBackground: Hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) and Stabilin-2 (STAB2), known as extracellular matrix cell surface protein’s receptors, bind to hyaluronic acid and lead to various cell functions.
Objective: The study aims to investigate the relationship between the HMMR-rs299295 (C>T/ A485V) and STAB2-rs2271637 (C>G/ L2401V) gene variants and the risk of prostate neoplasms in the Mazandaran population, North of Iran.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted based on a case-control and in silico approach. Genomic DNA was extracted from 598 intravenous blood samples, collected from 250 benign prostatic hyperplasia (case group I) and 250 malignant prostate (case group II) neoplasms as cases, and 98 healthy men as control. The HMMR-rs299295 and STAB2-rs2271637 genotypes were identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using PolyPhen-2, GOR IV, and GeneMANIA free web tools.
Results: The study found that the mutant T allele in HMMR-rs299295 and the G allele in STAB2-rs2271637 are associated with an increased risk of prostate neoplasm, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer (p < 0.001). Bioinformatic analyses revealed structural changes and potential damage from these variants. The HMMR-A485V variant might impair interaction with family with sequence similarity 83 member D, and the STAB2-L2401V variant could disrupt domain 7 of FAS1, together they may affect the protein’s physical interactions, especially with mitogen-activated protein kinase 1.
Conclusion: The mutant alleles of T in HMMR-rs299295 and the G in STAB2-rs2271637 may disrupt protein structures and probably contribute to prostate neoplasm progression
Star of the Diabetic Macular Show: Stellate Nonhereditary Idiopathic Foveomacular Retinoschisis (SNIFR)
No full textThis is an Photo Essay and does not have an abstract. Please download the PDF or view the article in HTM
Pilocarpine 1% for Improved Near Vision in Pseudophakic Patients
No full textPurpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1% pilocarpine to enhance near vision in pseudophakic patients with monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized, open-label, pre–post interventional study was conducted on patients who had a history of phacoemulsification and monofocal IOL implantation without any complications at least six months before the intervention. One drop of 1% pilocarpine solution was instilled in one of the patients’ eyes, and near and distance visual acuity was assessed before and 20 minutes after monocular administration of the drop. Adverse effects were monitored for 8 hours. Results: We studied 54 pseudophakic eyes of 54 patients with a mean age of 55.02 ±10.10 years, including 36 males (66.7%). Distance-corrected near visual acuity improved significantly after administering 1% pilocarpine (P < 0.001). After treatment, no significant decrease in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was observed (P = 0.60). Overall, 46 patients (85.2%) exhibited an improvement of more than one line in near vision after treatment; however, eight patients (14.8%) did not show any changes in near vision. Only two patients (3.7%) gained three lines in near vision. Headache, irritation, and nausea were observed in three patients, two patients, and one patient, respectively. Conclusion: The monocular 1% pilocarpine solution significantly improved near visual acuity among patients with pseudophakia and featured an acceptable safety profile. Although this improvement is considerable, it may not be sufficient for complete spectacle independence. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0557800
The Impact of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra on Long-Term Surgical Outcome of Adjacent Single-Level Lumbar Discectomy
No full textIntroduction
The lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) theoretically offloads the inferior intervertebral disc and may reciprocally load up the relevant adjacent disc. In this study, we evaluate the influence of LSTV on clinical outcomes of adjacent discectomy in young adults with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Methods
This retrospective study included two groups. Group A consisted of 32 LDH patients with LSTV (16 males and 16 females), and Group B included 167 LDH patients without LSTV (89 males and 78 females). All patients underwent single-level discectomy at the adjacent level to LSTV and were followed for a minimum of 24 months post-surgery. The diagnosis of LSTV was based on radiography and computed tomography (CT) scanning performed preoperatively for all patients. Outcome measurements were performed with pain assessment at each follow-up visit using a visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and recurrence rate.
Results
At 24 months after discectomy, the mean VAS scores for low back pain (LBP) and leg pain and ODI scores showed no significant differences between the two groups. Recurrence occurred in 25 patients (15%) in Group A and in 4 patients (12.5%) in Group B.
Conclusions
In the patients with LDH who underwent microlumbar discectomy, after a mean follow-up period of 48.4 ± 13.7 months, we could not find any significant difference in terms of pain, disability, patient satisfaction, or recurrence rate between the group with versus without LSTV
The Prevalence and Spectrum of Cytopenia on Peripheral Blood Samples in Rural Punjab
No full textCytopenia refers to reduced red blood cell count, white blood cell count, or platelet count which manifest as anemia, leucopenia, or thrombocytopenia and are commonly associated with underlying medical conditions. Till date, very little is known about the prevalence of unexplained cytopenia and their distribution in the general population, especially in rural areas in developing countries like India. The current study analyzes a total of 6260 peripheral blood samples of Complete Blood Count (CBC) for the duration of one year to learn about the prevalence and spectrum of cytopenia. Prevalence of pancytopenia was -1.34% (84 patients out of 6260) and it was twice as prevalent in females as compared to males. Pancytopenia in most females was associated with microcytic anemia of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) <80fl, while pancytopenia in males was associated with macrocytic anemia of MCV>100fl. The prevalence of bicytopenia was found to be 13.92% (872 patients out of 6260). The prevalences of isolated cytopenia of anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia were found to be 41.53% (2600 cases out of 6260), 4.84% (303 cases out of 6260), and 20% (1208 cases out of 6260), respectively. Most of the patients with cytopenia (94%) presented with the chief complaints of fatigue and weakness. Fever was a major complaint among 28% of total patients. This study provides information regarding the prevalence and spectrum of cytopenia in rural Punjab, which may further help in the early diagnosis and treatment of its respective etiological factors
Proposed Marketing Strategy of Batik MSMEs in Bandung Using Porter's Five Forces Case Study: Hasan Batik and Rumah Batik Komar
No full textBatik is a local Indonesian product widely sold by MSMEs and is competitive in the international market. In this digital era, coupled with significant online business growth, Indonesia’s opportunities for batik export are also increasing. Therefore, Batik MSMEs need to pay special attention to formulating business strategies to compete in the digital age and capitalize on export opportunities. Much research on developing digital marketing targeting batik exports has yet to be conducted, so more in-depth analysis is needed. This research was performed using a qualitative descriptive method with literature study and direct observation of two batik MSMEs in Bandung and found the potential for developing marketing strategies for international markets. The results of this study are proposed digital marketing strategies using Porter’s Five Forces, Resource-Based View, and TOWS analysis to determine the strengths of the batik industry, especially in the export business, to increase profits.
Keywords: Batik, digital marketing, MSME, Porter’s Five Force
Comparative Study of the Philosophical Meaning of “Rumah Gadang Ukiran Cino” Carvings and its Implementation in Minangkabau People's Life
No full textRumah Gadang refers to a traditional house belonging to the Minangkabau people, known for its distinctive Gonjong roof and intricate flora and fauna carvings. These carvings are rich in symbolic motifs and hold valuable life lessons for the Minangkabau people. However, a unique variation of Rumah Gadang exists in Koto Tangah Simalanggang, Lima Puluh Kota district. It is dubbed the Rumah Gadang Ukiran Cino, it features Chinese-style carvings with distinct techniques and colors. This research uses a qualitative descriptive-analytical research method that aims to understand the philosophical meanings behind the carving motifs on the Rumah Gadang Ukiran Cino through a comparative study with the original carving motifs on the initial type of The Rumah Gadang house. Peculiarly, the Chinese carving motifs in the Rumah Gadang Ukiran Cino share the same fundamental meanings as the primary Minangkabau motifs, which allows them to still serve as a valuable guide for the social life of the residents of Minangkabau.
Keywords: carvings, Minangkabau culture, philosophical meaning, rumah gadan
Zero-waste Pattern for Breastfeeding Mothers' Clothes According to the Style of Today's Working Women
No full textToday’s working women must carry out double obligations when they have a family. A woman who is also a working young mother must continue to carry out her responsibilities as a mother. If she is acting as a mother running an exclusive breastfeeding program, of course, she will breastfeed and get used to pumping milk even after returning to work. The need for fashion for breastfeeding/pumping breast milk comfortably and remaining fashionable when used for work is one of the challenges for designers. Besides being comfortable for working mothers, today’s fashion designs must support the eco-friendly movement. One of the fashions that seek to be environmentally friendly according to current design trends is the design principle with a zero-waste pattern. Literature study, experimentation, market research, and iteration design methods will be used in developing clothing designs for working mothers in the breastfeeding phase. The focus of nursing clothes that are currently developing uses many zippers/pull buttons and rubber to increase quick access to breastfeeding/pumping. The materials used have varied from t-shirts and polyester to cotton. In this study, we will focus on seeking development without using zippers and rubber and compare several fabrics to obtain the comfort and style that best suits today’s working mothers.
Keywords: zero-waste pattern, nursing clothes, working mother
Utilizing Digital Body Tracking Systems to Develop Sustainable and Ideal Workspace
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI), with its accuracy and nonbiased performance, has the potential to analyze human needs and provide more appropriate spaces. AI, especially body tracking systems, has the potential to detect human necessities based on their behaviors and body conditions. This research aims to explore AI’s body tracking systems to detect detailed human motion, position, and body temperature, to fulfill human-specific necessities in their workspaces. The results showed that the body tracking system effectively identifies human necessities for spatial comfort based on their preferences and habits. It also showed responsive and accurate data to control energy and material efficiency used and needed. To conclude, the body tracking system has the potential to generate a sustainable and ideal workspace. A healthy and well-being environment can be fulfilled through a sustainable workspace and support creative industries’ sustainability through human productivity.
Keywords: artificial intelligence, body tracking system, human comfort, human necessities, sustainable workspac
It is Not All About the Tech or the Art
No full textIn any design project, the technology must be correct and in any art project, the work must be captivating. While this is essential for a successful outcome, the author believes that it should be simply considered as the result, which it is assumed will be delivered. This project is the path to this outcome and presents a myriad of other challenges. In this paper, the author looks at two projects, First, the £18 million project to design significant improvements to Belfast’s digital infrastructure; and second, the preparation of a 12-venue series of exhibitions featuring paintings drawn from the heritage of the Huguenots in Ireland. This paper aims to chart the way through the delivery of these two projects, with an approach that focuses on highlighting the core challenges of understanding vision, environment, and culture, describing how these were handled. The unavoidable conclusion is that the activities and skills applied in the two sectors reveal more similarities than differences. In pulling back the curtain, he contradicts the romantic myths of designer geeks and freewheeling artists. This paper will contribute to the world of art and design practically by filling in the existing gaps regarding how to handle large projects.
Keywords: technology, art, design, project