A Review on the Life Cycle Assessment of Cellulose: From Properties to the Potential of Making It a Low Carbon Material

The huge plastic production and plastic pollution are considered important global issues due to environmental aspects. One practical and efficient way to address them is to replace fossil-based plastics with natural-based materials, such as cellulose. The applications of different cellulose products have recently received increasing attention because of their desirable properties, such as biodegradability and sustainability. In this regard, the current study initially reviews cellulose products’ properties in three categories, including biopolymers based on the cellulose-derived monomer, cellulose fibers and their derivatives, and nanocellulose. The available life cycle assessments (LCA) for cellulose were comprehensively reviewed and classified at all the stages, including extraction of cellulose in various forms, manufacturing, usage, and disposal. Finally, due to the development of low-carbon materials in recent years and the importance of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, the proposed solutions to make cellulose a low carbon material were made. The optimization of the cellulose production process, such as the recovery of excessive solvents and using by-products as inputs for other processes, seem to be the most important step toward making it a low carbon material.     

Tribulus terrestris for treatment of sexual dysfunction in women: randomized double-blind placebo - controlled study

Background

Tribulus terrestris as a herbal remedy has shown beneficial aphrodisiac effects in a number of animal and human experiments. This study was designed as a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of Tribulus terrestris in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder during their fertile years. Sixty seven women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder were randomly assigned to Tribulus terrestris extract (7.5 mg/day) or placebo for 4 weeks. Desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were measured at baseline and after 4 weeks after the end of the treatment by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Two groups were compared by repeated measurement ANOVA test.

Results

Thirty women in placebo group and thirty women in drug group completed the study. At the end of the fourth week, patients in the Tribulus terrestris group had experienced significant improvement in their total FSFI (p < 0.001), desire (p < 0.001), arousal (p = 0.037), lubrication (p < 0.001), satisfaction (p < 0.001) and pain (p = 0.041) domains of FSFI. Frequency of side effects was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Tribulus terrestris may safely and effectively improve desire in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Further investigation of Tribulus terrestris in women is warranted.     

Double acetabular wall—a misleading point for hip arthroplasty: an anatomical, radiological, clinical study

Purpose

Despite the great attention focused on cup positioning in primary total hip arthroplasty (PTHA), it is surprising to find so few studies that have dealt with cup placement. A common thwarting problem for correct cup placement during PTHA is the existence of osteophytes, which obscure the anatomical landmarks. In this study we aimed to evaluate the morphology of acetabular osteophyte formation in patients with osteoarthritis.

Method

We evaluated 276 patients with hip complaints, using plain X-rays and CT scans.

Results

Of these patients, 57 underwent surgery. We developed a staging system for central osteophytes in hip osteoarthritis based on the radiographic and anatomical findings of our patients.

Conclusion

We recommend routine use of CT scans for patients scheduled for PTHA in order to assess the stage of osteophyte before surgery and, thus, reduce the risk of failure resulting from the interrupted acetabular landmarks.     

Case report of oral cavity infestation in a 3-year old jackass with Limnatis nilotica from Ilam province,west of Iran

Leeches (phylum: Annelida, class: hirudinea) could infest wide range of livestock such as cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse, mule, ass, dog, pig and even human. In November 2013, a 3-year old jackass from Dehloran county, Ilam province, Iran, was infected through his mouth due to drinking spring water. Symptoms including stress, anxiety and tachycardia were seen. After examining oral cavity of jackass, a leech was observed in upper gum. The leech was measured after separation which was three inches in length. The leech was adult which has dark green with orange lines, and it was identified as Limnatis nilotica species. It seems that using spring, subterranean water, pond etc. is the main causes of livestock infestation with leech. Ranchers could be recommended to decontaminate leech waters to prevent further leech infestation cases.     

The small heat shock protein Hsp27 protects cortical neurons against the toxic effects of β‐amyloid peptide

Neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques are considered to be hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and the toxic effects of amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) lead to activation of stress‐related signaling and neuronal loss. The small heat shock protein Hsp27 is reported to be increased in AD brains and to accumulate in plaques, but whether this represents a potentially protective response to stress or is part of the disease process is not known. We hypothesized that increased expression of Hsp27 in neurons can promote neuronal survival and stabilize the cytoskeleton in the face of Aβ exposure. By using neonatal rat cortical neurons, we investigated the potential role of Hsp27 in neuronal cultures in the presence or absence of Aβ. We initially tested whether a heat stress (HS) would be sufficient to induce endogenous Hsp27 expression. HS not only did not result in neuronal Hsp27 up‐regulation but made the cells more vulnerable to Aβ exposure. We then used cDNA transfection to overexpress EGFP‐Hsp27 (or the empty vector) in cultures and then assessed neuronal survival and growth. Transfected neurons appeared healthy and had robust neuritic outgrowth. Aβ treatment induced significant cell death by 48–72 hr in nontransfected and empty‐vector‐expressing cultures. In contrast, cultures expressing Hsp27 did not display significant apoptosis. Our results show that Hsp27‐expressing neurons were selectively protected against the deleterious effects of Aβ treatment; neuronal degeneration was prevented, and Aβ‐induced alterations in mitochondrial size were attenuated. We also demonstrate that Hsp27 expression can enhance neurite growth in cortical neurons compared with control vector‐transfected cells. Overall, our study provides new evidence that Hsp27 can provide a protective influence in primary cortical neurons in the face of toxic concentrations of amyloid. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Clinical trial of adjunctive celecoxib treatment in patients with major depression: a double blind and placebo controlled trial

Background: The pathophysiology of depression is associated with the hyperactivity of immune inflammatory responses. Cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors such as celecoxib reduce the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the efficacy of celecoxib as an adjuvant agent in the treatment of major depression in a six‐week double blind and placebo controlled trial. Methods: Forty adult outpatients who met the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for major depression participated in the trial. Patients have a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score of at least 18. Patients were allocated in a random fashion: 20 to fluoxetine 40 mg/day plus celecoxib 400 mg/day (200 mg bid) (morning and evening) and 20 to fluoxetine 40 mg/day plus placebo. Patients were assessed by a psychiatrist at baseline and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the medication started. Results: Although both protocols significantly decreased the score of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression over the trial period, the combination of fluoxetine and celecoxib showed a significant superiority over fluoxetine alone in the treatment of symptoms of major depression. There were no significant differences in the two groups in terms of observed side effects. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that celecoxib may be an effective adjuvant agent in the management of patients with major depression and anti‐inflammatory therapies should be further investigated. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Letters to the Editor

Besides sexual pleasure, the Iranian married women have different reasons for sex. According to Interpersonal Exchange Model of Sexual Satisfaction in sexual interaction, women give something and get something in return, but what it is that Iranian married women attain? How can we explain their rewards by interpersonal exchange model? Can “values” be called rewards?

This study was undertaken to determine Iranian married women's rewards in sex by using the interpersonal exchange model of sexual satisfaction, and with regard to the cultural values among a sample of Iranian married women.

Thirty-four participants were recruited through purposive sampling of married women in Tehran; the data collection consisted of semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results are reported in four themes to present the participants' rewards in their sex. The themes consist of (1) meeting the physical needs of the couple; (2) strengthening couple emotional relationships; (3) taking control of life; and (4) values and beliefs governing the sexual relationship.

Using a qualitative research, Iranian married women's rewards in sex were determined. Our findings highlight the potential role of cultural values in reducing dissatisfaction with one's sex life.     

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: A Population-Based Study of Iranian Women

IntroductionTo date, few studies have investigated the prevalence of sexual pain in the context of the new diagnostic concept of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD).AimTo evaluate the prevalence of GPPPD and its associated factors.MethodsThis was a population-based, cross-sectional study of 590 healthy married women age 18–70 years conducted between May and October 2017 in Tehran, Iran.Main Outcome MeasuresResearch tools included demographic characteristics checklist, factors affecting GPPPD, sexual distress and self-reporting of pain during intercourse, 2 standard questionnaires on depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9) and Binik’s guideline for the diagnosis of GPPPD.Results196 women (33%) reported pain or fear in answer to self-report questions. Administration of Binik’s guideline yielded a GPPPD prevalence of 16% (n = 94 women); however, this number decreased to 62 women (10.5%) when sexual distress was taken into account; thus, the final prevalence of GPPPD was considered to be 10.5%. However, if the threshold in Binik’s guideline was lowered to also include those reporting “somewhat” pain in addition to the group reporting “moderate” and “quite a bit or always,” then the prevalence of GPPPD increased to 25.8%. The results of backward logistic regression identified a strong aversion to looking at or touching the genitalia (odd ratio [OR] = 4.3), low sexual satisfaction (OR = 3.1), and severe depression (OR = 6.6) as independent risk factors for a diagnosis of GPPPD and secure financial status (OR = 0.3) and a high level of marital satisfaction (OR = 0.2) as protective factors against a diagnosis of GPPPD.Clinical ImplicationsReliable diagnosis of GPPPD is crucial. Application of validated tools may mitigate the overestimation of GPPPD prevalence. Simultaneously, clinicians’ judgment is essential in assessing a reasonable threshold and preventing underestimation that leads to the exclusion of women suffering from pain.Strengths & LimitationsThe present study is one of the few evaluating the prevalence of GPPPD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) definition and Binik’s guideline. The study also aims to point out some new perspectives on merging the 2 concepts of vaginismus and dyspareunia. Study limitations include the evaluation of factors affecting GPPPD based on self-reporting and possible recall bias.ConclusionFurther research is needed to determine the appropriate threshold for a diagnosis of GPPPD. We suggest that a woman with mild to moderate pain or fear of vaginal penetration is under sexual distress and cannot be neglected. In addition, problems may arise following the DSM-5 merging of the 2 disorders of vaginismus and dyspareunia, owing to the significant prevalence and distress of lifelong vaginismus in some cultures.Alizadeh A, Farnam F, Raisi F, et al. Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder: A Population-Based Study of Iranian Women.J Sex Med 2019;16:1068–1077.