KnE Publishing Platform
Not a member yet
14566 research outputs found
Sort by
Investigating the Relationship Between Paraspinal Fatty Muscle Infiltration (FMI) and the Severity of Degenerative Lumbar Canal Stenosis (LCS): A Correlation Analysis
No full textStudy DesignProspective observational study.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to correlate the degree of paraspinal muscle fatty infiltration with the severity of lumbar canal stenosis, the demographic characteristics of the patient, the radiological parameters, and clinical scores.
Material and MethodologyThis is a single-centre observational study in patients with secondary degenerative lumbar canal stenosis in patients older than 35 with radiological features matching the clinical symptoms. The demographic characteristics, fatty muscle infiltration (FMI) grade of multifidus and erector spinae muscles, lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) grade, neurological status, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, oswestry disability index (ODI) score, and endplate modic changes were recorded. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS v.25. For the comparison of categorical variables between groups, a chi-square test was used. A p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 62.2 ±10.9 years. Of the 150 patients, 60.7% were women. The mean BMI of the patients was 27.8 ± 2.8 kg/m2. 121(80.7%) patients presented with low back pain at their first visit. 36.7% of the patients presented with claudication symptoms at their first visit. It was observed that 3.3% of the patients presented with cauda equina syndrome (CES). The mean duration of symptoms was 20.9 ± 16.3 months. The mean VAS score at the presentation was 5.9 ± 1.3. The mean ODI score at the first visit was 27.7 ± 6.1. Fatty muscle infiltration of the multifidus but not the erector spinae is associated with higher pain and ODI scores. The grade of FMI does not significantly correlate with the grade of LCS. Age significantly affects degenerative paraspinal muscle changes independent of the pathology. Other factors like BMI, gender, presence or absence of modic changes do not significantly affect the severity of stenosis, degree of paraspinal muscle fatty infiltration, and the pain and disability scores of the patients.
ConclusionThe study revealed that the grade of FMI does not significantly correlate with the grade of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis. Age significantly affects degenerative paraspinal muscle changes independent of the pathology
The Role of Genomic Instability in Unexplained Infertility: An Overview
No full textUnexplained infertility (UI) is an ambiguous condition that afflicts a significant number of couples around the world, despite normal findings in routine infertility tests. This review examines the role of DNA damage, especially in spermatozoa, as a potential cause of unexplained infertility. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), often not detected in conventional sperm analysis, has emerged as a key biomarker for assessing male fertility potential. Elevated DNA fragmentation index (DNA) levels, caused primarily by oxidative stress, environmental toxins and incorrect chromatin remodelling, have been associated with poor reproductive performance, including miscarriage and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). In addition, subclinical factors in women, such as early-stage endometriosis or luteal phase defects, may contribute to the diagnosis of uterine fibrosis. Advanced diagnostic techniques such as Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL), Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) and Comet Assay offer more accurate detection of DNA damage. An understanding of these molecular factors is essential for specific treatment strategies and to improve the success rate of both natural and artificial insemination
Fetal Exposure to Anti-Hypersensitive Drug, Zestoretic Delays Estrus Cycle and Suppresses Female Reproductive Potential in Rats at Their Adulthood
No full textThe current investigation is designed to explore the possible role of fetal exposure to the anti-hypersensitive drug zestoretic, a version of lisinopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) and hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic drug) on female fertility efficacy in rats at their adulthood.The pregnant rats were oral gavaged withzestoretic 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight on 7, 9, 11 and 13 days of gestation. The F1 female rats were tested with estrus cycle length and reproductive efficacy.Zestoreticfetal exposure induced significant change (P<0.001) in prolonged estrus cycles, reduced body weight, increased implantation loss and resorptions, conception time, mating index, and fertility index in female F1 rats, indicating potential harm to embryonic development and reduced fertility later in life.Though zestoretic reduces high blood pressure, its prenatal exposure harms F1 female reproductive health, causing prolonged estrus cycles, reduced fertility with increased conception time, resorptions and implantation loss. Although rat study results can’t directly apply to humans, caution and strict dosage adherence are advised when using anti-hypersensitive drugs during pregnancy
Epidemiological Laws of HIV Infection Spreading in Western Kazakhstan
No full textThe problems associated with HIV infection continue to remain the focus of attention of the public health organizations all over the world and in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The fist cases in the country were reported from the early 1990s following the breakup of the Soviet Union and the acquisition of independence by the country. During this period, the loosening of borders and economic instability enabled significant international labor migration; thereby becoming one of the sources of the spread of infection. The purpose of the study was to analyze trends in the prevalence of HIV infection and mortality due to HIV/AIDS in the Aktobe Region based on information collected by the Aktobe Regional Center for Prevention and Control of HIV Infection. Research design: descriptive, retrospective. The following objects of research were electronic blank forms based on the results of generalized notifications of the incidence and prevalence of HIV infection, the structure of registered cases of HIV infection by transmission routes, prevalence in the age group from 15 to 49 years, the dynamics of new HIV infection as well as death from HIV infection (according to the materials of the epidemiological department of the Aktobe Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS), for 2020-2024. The findings highlight the challenge and the necessity to reinforce actions in the prevention, diagnosis and population education on the subject of HIV infection. The gravity of HIV epidemic in Aktobe region is on the rise: the prevalence of HIV infection in general population tends to increase; the disease is mostly registered among men, and in adult age group (15-49 years), with sexual way of transmission and at risk groups - men who have sex with men (MSM). The death rates due to HIV are declining since last 5 years
Toward a Circular Economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council: A Comprehensive Benchmarking Analysis and Strategic Framework for Regional Advancement
No full textThe Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region faces unprecedented environmental challenges that necessitate a fundamental transition from linear to circular economic models. This comprehensive study presents the implementation of the first systematic benchmarking analysis of the circular economy (CE) across all six GCC countries, addressing a critical research gap in regional comparative assessments. Through a mixed-methods approach incorporating social, technological, economic, environmental, and political (STEEP) analysis and multi-criteria comparative benchmarking, this research evaluates the current state, identifies performance disparities, and proposes strategic frameworks for advancement. Our findings revealed significant heterogeneity across the region, with the UAE leading in recycling rates (94.5%) and policy frameworks, while other countries lag substantially. Qatar demonstrates strong policy ambitions with 25% GHG reduction targets by 2030. Saudi Arabia shows promise with Vision 2030 initiatives targeting 82% waste diversion from landfills. Smaller states like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are implementing focused sectoral approaches. The analysis identifies five critical enablers: integrated policy frameworks, technological innovation, financial mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and regional collaboration. Economic modeling indicates potential savings of $138 billion by 2030 across the GCC through comprehensive CE adoption, with opportunities for 77,000 new jobs in Saudi Arabia alone. This study contributes to sustainable development literature by providing the first comprehensive regional benchmarking framework and offering evidence-based policy recommendations tailored to the unique socio-economic and environmental contexts of GCC countries
Comparison of the effects of platelet-rich plasma and nanocurcumin on the sperm quality parameters in frozen-thawed semen of men with asthenoteratozoospermia: A lab trial study
No full textBackground: Cryopreservation of sperm can adversely affect sperm quality, particularly in individuals with asthenoteratozoospermia. Various substances are added to the cryopreservation medium to prevent cellular damage.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and nanocurcumin (nCur) on sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation, and oxidative stress levels in cryopreserved semen.
Materials and Methods: In this lab trial study, semen samples of 20 men with asthenoteratozoospermia who referred to Rastak and Ghavamzadeh Infertility Centers, Arak, Iran from June-August 2024 were collected. Each sample was divided into 5 groups: control (no treatment), PRP50, PRP100, nCur10, and nCur20. The control samples underwent freezing without additives. Post-thawing assessments included sperm motility, viability, DNA fragmentation index, and malondialdehyde levels to evaluate oxidative stress.
Results: Treatment with PRP50 (p < 0.001) and nCur20 (p = 0.001) significantly increased sperm motility compared to the control group. All treatment groups showed a significant increase in viable sperm following freezing (p < 0.001), with PRP50 demonstrating the most pronounced effects (p < 0.001). While no improvements in sperm morphology were observed after freezing, PRP and nCur significantly reduced DNA fragmentation index after freezing (p < 0.001), with PRP50 being the most effective (p < 0.001). Additionally, both PRP and nCur significantly decreased malondialdehyde levels compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: PRP and nCur effectively improve sperm parameters in cryopreserved semen from individuals with asthenoteratozoospermia, particularly emphasizing the superior efficacy of PRP at a concentration of 50 in improving sperm quality. These results support the potential use of these agents as additives in sperm cryopreservation protocols to improve reproductive outcomes
Comparison of Vernier Acuity Measured with Three Different Water-induced Blur Simulation Methods
No full textPurpose: Human vision is subnormal in an aquatic environment, and studies have used different methods to measure visual functions with water-induced blur (WIB). In this study, we compared vernier acuity measured using three different WIB simulation methods. Methods: Sixty young adults (20 in each group) with best-corrected visual acuity of ≥6/6 participated in the study. Three different methods, one for each study group, were used to simulate WIB in order to measure the vernier acuity. The methods comprised M1: a glass tank filled with water containing a wave motor to produce waves, M2: a sprinkler with uncontrolled water splash against the glass, and M3: a sprinkler with controlled water splash against the glass. For each of the three methods, vernier acuity was measured binocularly (three trials of 50 presentations each) both at baseline (without simulated WIB) in the absence of WIB and under simulated WIB. This was conducted using FrACT presented on the Display++ monitor at a distance of 2 meters from the participant. The vernier target consisted of two vertical lines (1 x 15 arcmin) with a vertical separation of 0.5 arcmin. Results: The mean baseline vernier acuity (arcsec) was found to be similar (F [2, 57] = 0.20, P = 0.82) among all three groups (M1: 13.28 ± 5.84, M2: 14.44 ± 6.34, M3: 14.05 ± 3.28). Vernier acuity with simulated WIB was least degraded with M1 (19.84 ± 8.40) and more degraded with M2 (288.74 ± 56.61), followed by M3 (49.14 ± 20.13). One-way ANOVA revealed a significant difference among the three methods (F [2, 57] = 354.72, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the impact of simulated WIB on vernier acuity is not comparable due to differences in the strength of blur and the varied spatial and temporal properties of different simulated WIB methods. This emphasizes the need to develop a blur metric specific to WIB to objectively quantify its effect on different visual functions
Metastatic Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma to the Right Lower Eyelid Presenting as a Chalazion
No full textPurpose: Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive tumor with a high metastatic rate that rarely metastasizes to the periocular region.
Case Report: A 50-year-old male with a previous two-year history of primary stage IV LMS presented with metastatic retroperitoneal LMS, which was initially incorrectly described as an eyelid chalazion refractory to medical management. An excisional biopsy sent to pathology revealed metastatic retroperitoneum LMS. There was resolution of ocular irritation following biopsy, and an oncology referral was made.
Conclusion: This case of metastatic LMS to the eyelid mimicking a chalazion is rare, as only six other cases have been described previously. Our case contributes to this discussion by highlighting the importance of considering metastatic disease and performing a full-thickness biopsy in a patient presenting with a non-resolving eyelid chalazion. Recognizing tumor spread to the eyelid can be an important step in the diagnosis, surveillance, and management of metastatic LMS
Behavioral and Cognitive Self-regulation in 3- to 4-year-old Children: A Case Study from the UAE
No full textSelf-regulation is a crucial skill for understanding child development, as it contributes to children’s competence, approach, persistence, and overall learning and achievement. We conducted a case study of early self-regulation in seven 3- to 4-year-old children at a nursery in the United Arab Emirates. In an earlier study, this nursery room received high-quality ratings based on an objective and well-established environmental rating scale. In this follow-up study, a new observational measure was used to assess young children’s self-regulation during authentic playful activities – the Preschool Situational Self-Regulation Toolkit (PRSIST) assessment. This assessment measures children’s overall self-regulation, including its cognitive and behavioral components. Capturing these children’s self-regulation aimed to evaluate their ability to manage cognitive and behavioral responses in authentic play-based contexts and to explore how these skills manifest in a high-quality early childhood education setting. The findings highlighted average to high levels of self-regulation among the children studied who were enrolled in this high-quality nursery. This research study contributes evidence to existing data, emphasizing the importance of addressing self-regulation development in early childhood education curricula to potentially enhance the holistic development of young children
Optimizing the Role of Government in Environmental Law Enforcement: Challenges and Solutions from the Perspective of State Administrative Law
No full textIn optimizing the role of government in enforcing environmental law, seen from the perspective of State Administrative Law, requires comprehensive efforts. The main challenges include limited resources, lack of coordination between institutions, and inconsistent policy implementation. Solutions include increasing environmental awareness, strengthening social supervision, and utilizing information technology to support environmental law enforcement. This study aims to explain that the government needs to have a competent and independent supervisory unit to oversee the implementation of environmental regulations. This supervision can be done through routine inspections, online monitoring, and receiving reports from the public. The research used a descriptive normative method with primary and secondary data sources. The ultimate goal is for the role of government and society to play an important role in enforcing environmental law. Community participation can be in the form of social supervision, reporting violations, and support for law enforcement efforts. The government needs to increase public awareness of the importance of environmental protection and the importance of compliance with environmental laws. This socialization can be done through various media, including social media, as well as schools and community activities