The Relationship between Depression and Insomnia Symptoms Amongst a Sample of UK University Students

Umair Akram,asha akram,Maria Gardani,Antonia Ypsilanti,Kristofor McCarty,Sarah Allen,Lambros Lazuras 대한수면학회 2019 sleep medicine research Vol.10 No.1

Research exploring the relationship between mental health difficulties and insomnia amongst stu- dents in the UK remains limited. This study further examined the extent of potential relationships between insomnia, anxiety and depression symptoms amongst university students in the UK. A sample of 487 students from four northern universities completed The Insomnia Severity Index, SLEEP-50, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales. Approximately one fifth of students expe- rienced mild to severe levels of depressive symptoms, and two thirds reported anxious symptoms. One quarter of students indicated insomnia symptoms in the clinical range, however the preva- lence of sleep-disorders other than insomnia remained low (< 5%). Finally, symptoms of insomnia and apnoea were significantly related to depression, after controlling for co-morbid anxiety. The current outcomes highlight the high prevalence of depressive and insomnia symptoms amongst university students in the UK. Considering the relationship between insomnia and depression, stu- dent-focused mental health services should explore the possibility of treating insomnia to circum- vent depression.

Développer l’expression écrite du français par les activités de pensée critiquey

Soodeh Eghtesad,Akram Inanloo Khajlo 고려대학교 응용문화연구소 2020 에피스테메 Vol.0 No.24

This study analyzes the impact of a practical teaching of critical thinking on the writing skills of French language learners in an institutional context in Iran. Learners were divided into two groups, an experimental group and a control group; Honey's (2005) Critical Thinking Questionnaire was administered to the participants and their scores were analyzed to ensure that there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding their critical thinking abilities at the beginning of the training. Learners completed five semesters of coursework with identical course objectives and activities. However, the experimental group also received critical thinking training through media analysis, debates, and problem-solving activities. The analysis of the data, which consisted of qualitative analysis of students’ writings in the middle and at the end of the training, indicates that the experimental group outperformed the control group in writing. These results imply that critical thinking activities had a positive impact on learners' writing skills since they allowed them to perform writing tasks by paying attention to the writing as a process, rather than only focusing on the final product. Soodeh Eghtesad・Akram Inanloo Khajlo 121 [RÉSUMÉ] Développer l’expression écrite du français par les activités de pensée critique Soodeh Eghtesad・Akram Inanloo Khajlo Cette étude tente d’analyser l'impact de l'enseignement de la pensée critique sur le développement des compétences d'écriture des apprenants du français langue étrangère en contexte insitutionnel en Iran. Les apprenants étaient divisés en deux groupes, un groupe expérimental et un groupe témoin et le questionnaire de pensée critique de Honey (2005) était administré aux participants des deux groupes afin d’assurer qu'il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre les deux groupes concernant leur capacité de pensée critique au début de la formation. Les apprenants ont suivi cinq semestres de formation dont les objectifs du cours et les activités étaient identiques, mais le groupe expérimental a également reçu une formation à la pensée critique à travers des activités d’analyse des médias, de résolution de problèmes, et de débats, tandis que le groupe témoin n’a suivi aucune formation à la pensée critique. L’analyse des données, qui consiste en analyse qualitative des écritures des apprenants des deux groupes au milieu et à la fin de la formation, montre que le groupe expérimental a surpassé le groupe témoin en matière de production écrite, ce qui indique que l’enseignement de la pensée critique avait un impact positif sur les compétences d’écriture des apprenants, puisqu’elle les a rendus capables d’écrire en faisant attention au processus d’écriture plutôt que focaliser uniquement sur le produit final.

Effects of Betulinic Acid on the Male Reproductive System of a Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Mouse Model

Akram Ahangarpour,Ali Akbar Oroojan,Layasadat Khorsandi,Golshan Arzani,Golshan Afshari 대한남성과학회 2016 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.34 No.3

Purpose: The present study was conducted to evaluate the favorable or harmful effects of betulinic acid (BA) on a diabetic reproductive system.Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice (20∼25 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, diabetes, diabetes+BA (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg), and diabetes+ metformin (200 mg/kg). A diabetic model was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) injection intraperitoneally 15 minutes after an intra-peritoneal administration of nicotinamide (NA) (120 mg/kg). BA and metformin were gavaged for 2 weeks after confirmed diabetes induction in the treatment groups. One day after the last treatment, plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were evaluated. The cauda epididymis and testis were removed to analyze the sperm count and testis histopathology.Results: LH levels increased in diabetic (p<0.001) and diabetic BA-treated mice (p=0.009). Plasma levels of testosterone (p< 0.001) and sperm count (p=0.04) decreased in these groups when compared to the control group. Furthermore, administration of 10 mg/kg (p=0.001), 20 mg/kg (p=0.004), or 40 mg/kg (p<0.001) of BA led to a greater reduction in plasma testosterone levels compared to the diabetes group. Seminiferous tubule vacuole numbers increased in diabetic and diabetic BA-treated mice, but testis morphology and FSH level assessment revealed no significant differences between the groups.Conclusions: STZ-NA can induce diabetic alterations in the male reproductive system and the administration of BA in diabetic treated mice resulted in a worse outcome.

Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding in Peru: analysis of the 2018 Demographic and Family Health Survey

Akram Hernández-Vásquez,Horacio Chacón-Torrico 한국역학회 2019 Epidemiology and Health Vol.41 No.-

OBJECTIVES: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce neonatal mortality. We sought to determine the prevalence and determinants of EIBF in Peru. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analytical study of the 2018 Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey as a secondary data source. In total, 19,595 children born during the 5 years prior to the survey were included in the study. The dependent variable (EIBF status), socio-demographic variables, and pregnancy-related variables were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model to identify the determinants of EIBF. RESULTS: The prevalence of EIBF in the study population was 49.7%. Cesarean deliveries were associated with a lower likelihood of EIBF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05 to 0.07) than were vaginal deliveries. Newborns born at public health centers (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.65) had a higher rate of EIBF than those not born at public or private health centers. Women from the jungle region (aOR, 2.51; 95% CI, 2.17 to 2.89) had higher odds of providing EIBF than those from the coast. Mothers with more than a secondary education (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.76) were less likely to breastfeed during the first hour of the newborn’s life than women with primary or no education. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of Peruvian children do not breastfeed during the first hour after birth. The major determinants of EIBF status were the delivery mode and the region of maternal residence. Strategies are needed to promote early breastfeeding practices.

A unified stabilized finite volume method for Stokes and Darcy equations

Akram Boukabache,Nasserdine Kechkar 대한수학회 2019 대한수학회지 Vol.56 No.4

In this paper, we present and analyze a cell-centered collocated finite volume scheme for incompressible flows to compute solutions simultaneous to Stokes and Darcy equations by applying a pressure jump stabilization term to avoid locking. We prove that the new stabilized FV formulation satisfies a discrete inf-sup condition and error estimates for both problems. Finally, we present some numerical examples confirming this analysis.

Rabbit submandibular salivary gland replantation

Akram A. Almansoori,Namuun Khentii,Wei Hong Hei,Nari Seo,Sung Ho Lee,Soung Min Kim,Jong Ho Lee 대한구강악안면외과학회 2017 대한구강악안면외과학회지 Vol.43 No.5

Objectives: To test the feasibility of submandibular salivary gland (SMG) replantation techniques and the survival of the replanted glands. Such a study can provide a rationale for later allotransplantation procedures, along with implementation of conventional and advanced immunosuppression therapy. Materials and Methods: Six SMG replantations were performed in New Zealand white rabbits. One week postoperatively, 99mTc scintigraphy was performed and the uptake ratio and salivary excretion fraction were calculated. Two to four weeks later, submandibular glands were excised, fixed, and stained with H&E for histomorphometric evaluation. Results: Intraoperatively, all glands showed patent blood perfusion except gland 5. Positive tracer uptake and saliva excretion were documented by scintigraphy. On excision, all of the glands except glands 4 and 5 looked viable, with a red color and patent pedicles. Gland 4 was infected and filled with creamy pus, while gland 5 looked pale and necrotic. Histologically, glands 1, 2, 3, and 6 had preserved normal glandular tissue with slight variations from the contralateral normal glands, as their parenchyma was composed of mildly atrophic acini. Conclusion: Four out of six replanted SMGs successfully survived. The glands maintained good viability and function. Such success depends on safe harvesting, short anastomosis time, and strict control of infection.

Design Structure Matrix: A Model Proposal and Implementation on Harbor and Building Design Project

Akram, Salman,Kim, Jeonghwan,Pi, Seungwoo,Seo, Jongwon Korea Institute of Construction Engineering and Ma 2013 한국건설관리학회 논문집 Vol.14 No.1

Design is an iterative, generative, and multidisciplinary process by its nature. Iteration occurs often in most of the engineering design and development projects including construction. Design iterations cause rework, and extra efforts are required to get the optimal sequence and to manage the projects. Contrary to simple design, isolation of the generative iterations in complex design systems is very difficult, but reduction in overall iterations is possible. Design depends upon the information flow within domain and also among various design disciplines and organizations. Therefore, it is suggested that managers should be aware about the crucial iterations causing rework and optimal sequence as well. In this way, managers can handle design parameters related to such iterations pro-actively. There are a number of techniques to reduce iterations for various kinds of engineering designs. In this paper, parameter based Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is chosen. To create this DSM, a survey was performed and then partitioned using a model. This paper provides an easy approach to those companies involved in or intend to be involved in "design and build projects".

Enhancing seismic performance of ductile moment frames with delayed wire-rope bracing using middle steel plate

Akram Ghalandari,Mohammad Reza Ghasemi,Babak Dizangian 국제구조공학회 2018 Steel and Composite Structures, An International J Vol.28 No.2

Moment frames have considerable ductility against cyclic lateral loads and displacements; however, sometimes this feature causes the relative displacement to exceed the permissible limits. This issue can bring unfavorable hysteretic behavior on the frame due to the reduction in the stiffness and resistance against lateral loads. Most of common bracing systems usually control lateral displacements through increasing stiffness while result in decreasing the capacity for energy absorption. This has direct effect on hysteresis curves of moment frames. Therefore, a system that is capable of both having the capacity of energy absorption as well as controlling the displacements without a considerable increase in the stiffness is quite important. This paper investigates retrofitting of a single-storey steel moment frame using a delayed wire-rope bracing system equipped with the ductile middle steel plate. The steel plate is considered at the middle intersection of wire ropes, where it causes cables to be continuously in tension. This integrated system has the advantage of reducing considerable stiffness of the frame compared to cross bracing systems as a result of which it could also preserve the frame's energy absorption capacity. In this paper, FEM models of a delayed wire-rope bracing system equipped by steel plates with different geometries have been studied, validated, and compared with other researchers' laboratory test results.

Effects of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Rhus coriaria (Sumac) Seeds on Reproductive Complications of Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Type-2 Diabetes in Male Mice

Akram Ahangarpour,Ali Akbar Oroojan,Hamid Heidari,Ehsan Ghaedi,Mohammad Reza Rashidi Nooshabadi 대한남성과학회 2014 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.32 No.3

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhus coriaria seeds on the reproductive system of nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetic mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 56 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n=8): control; diabetic mice; diabetic mice administered glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg); diabetic mice who received the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds (200 and 400 mg/kg groups); and normal mice who received this extract (200 and 400 mg/kg groups). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) 15 minutes after an injection of nicotinamide (120 mg/kg). Then, glibenclamide and the above mentioned extract were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, serum samples, the testes, and the cauda epididymis were removed immediately for hormonal, testis morphology, and sperm parameter assessments. Results: Body and testicular weight, sperm count and viability, and serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone levels were significantly lower in the diabetic mice (p<0.05). The diabetic mice treated with 400 mg/kg of the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds recovered from these reductions (p<0.05). Further, glibenclamide alleviated hormonal and sperm count depletion in diabetes-induced mice (p<0.05). Conclusions: The present results indicated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds has anti-infertility effects in diabetic males.

Changes in Urinary Stone Composition in the Tunisian Population: A Retrospective Study of 1,301 Cases

Akram Alaya,Abdellatif Nouri,Mohsen Belgith,Hammadi Saad,Riadh Jouini,Mohamed Fadhel Najjar 대한진단검사의학회 2012 Annals of Laboratory Medicine Vol.32 No.3

Background: Studies that evaluate the effect of age on stone composition are scarce. The aim of this study was to highlight the changes in epidemiological characteristics (stone composition and location) of urolithiasis according to patients’ age. Methods: We studied 1,301 urolithiasis patients with age ranging from 6 months to 92 yr (781 males and 520 females). Stone analysis was performed using a stereomicroscope and infrared spectroscopy to determine the morphological type and molecular composition of each stone. Results: The annual average incidence of new stone formation was 31.7 per 100,000 persons. In 71.8% of cases, calculi were located in the upper urinary tract. Compared to other age groups, children and old men were more affected by bladder stones. Calcium oxalate monohydrate was the most frequent stone component, even though its frequency decreased with age (59.5% in young adults and 43.7% in the elderly, P<0.05) in favor of an increase in uric acid stones (11.5% in young adults and 36.4% in the elderly, P<0.05). Struvite stones were rare (3.8%) and more frequent in children than in adults. Conclusions: The analysis of these data showed that urinary stones in Tunisian patients are tending to evolve in the same direction as the stones in patients from industrialized countries. Background: Studies that evaluate the effect of age on stone composition are scarce. The aim of this study was to highlight the changes in epidemiological characteristics (stone composition and location) of urolithiasis according to patients’ age. Methods: We studied 1,301 urolithiasis patients with age ranging from 6 months to 92 yr (781 males and 520 females). Stone analysis was performed using a stereomicroscope and infrared spectroscopy to determine the morphological type and molecular composition of each stone. Results: The annual average incidence of new stone formation was 31.7 per 100,000 persons. In 71.8% of cases, calculi were located in the upper urinary tract. Compared to other age groups, children and old men were more affected by bladder stones. Calcium oxalate monohydrate was the most frequent stone component, even though its frequency decreased with age (59.5% in young adults and 43.7% in the elderly, P<0.05) in favor of an increase in uric acid stones (11.5% in young adults and 36.4% in the elderly, P<0.05). Struvite stones were rare (3.8%) and more frequent in children than in adults. Conclusions: The analysis of these data showed that urinary stones in Tunisian patients are tending to evolve in the same direction as the stones in patients from industrialized countries.