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In this study, modification of regular masks using composite nanofibers containing porous nanostructures has been considered in order to increase their efficiency in dealing with new threats. For this purpose, polystyrene was used as a low-cost polymer to prepare nanofibers and modify the surface of the respirator mask. ZIF-8 nanostructures with different sizes (14, 23, 65,144, and 265 nm) and zinc oxide nanoparticles, with an approximate size of 36 nm, were added to polymer nanofibers.2-methyl imidazole and Zn(NO3)2 were used to synthesize nanostructures. Two different methods (injection and stabilization) were used to incorporate nanostructures into fibers. The percentage of ZIF-8 and ZnO nanostructures were 0.5 and 2 wt% respects to polystyrene, respectively. Synthesis reactions and preparation of fibrous filters were carried out at ambient temperature. FESEM, FTIR, EDAX, TGA, and XRD techniques were used to identify the prepared nanoparticles and fibers. To evaluate the performance of the modified filters, their efficiency in removing suspended particles below 2.5 microns as well as CO2, SO2 and NO2 gases was surveyed. The results showed that ZIF nanoparticles with arbitrary sizes have been synthesized and successfully stabilized on the surface of nanofibers. Modifying the surface of the commercial mask by electrospinning method resulted in forming a fibrous layer with an approximate diameter of 700 nm and the presence of stabilized nanostructures in both methods was confirmed using FESEM images. Adding the nanofibers to the surface of the filter significantly increased their efficiency in removing suspended particles and toxic gases. The optimized modified filter contained ZIF-8 with14nm dimension and could remove sub-micron particles, CO2, NO2, and SO2 gases by 99, 91, 87, and 86%, respectively, making it as effective as commercially available N-95 masks. Moreover, it was observed that the incorporation of nanostructures by the stabilization method was more effective in improving the filtering efficiency of the fibrous mask. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are isolated from the hospital environments and known as Trojan horses for medical essential microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the presence of FLA and two critical agents of nosocomial infections, in the hospital wards. Sixty samples were collected from four communities and cultured onto non-nutrient agar (NNA). After total DNA extraction, FLA were characterized using PCR and sequencing. The presence of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using real-time and conventional PCR, respectively. Acanthamoeba sp. was characterized in 30 (50%) samples. Two (6.6%) and one (3.3%) samples were positive for Vahlkampfiidae and Vermamoeba vermiformis, respectively. S. aureus was detected in 13 (43.3%) of samples, while none of them were positive for methicillin-resistant gene. C. albicans DNA was detected in one (3.3%) FLA-positive sample. The isolation of FLA from hospital suggests an essential role these eukaryotes in the inter-ward circulation of nosocomial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of matrix variate data is becoming increasingly common in the literature, particularly in the field of clustering and classification. It is well known that real data, including real matrix variate data, often exhibit high levels of asymmetry. To address this issue, one common approach is to introduce a tail or skewness parameter to a symmetric distribution. In this regard, we introduce here a new distribution called the matrix variate skew-t distribution (MVST), which provides flexibility, in terms of heavy tail and skewness. We then conduct a thorough investigation of various characterizations and probabilistic properties of the MVST distribution. We also explore extensions of this distribution to a finite mixture model. To estimate the parameters of the MVST distribution, we develop an EM-type algorithm that computes maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of the model parameters. To validate the effectiveness and usefulness of the developed models and associated methods, we performed empirical experiments, using simulated data as well as three real data examples, including an application in skin cancer detection. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of the developed approach in handling asymmetric matrix variate data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After cryopreservation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage sperm. Antioxidants are the primary defense against oxidative damage. Berberine is a bioactive alkaloid found in Berberis vulgaris, Curcuma longa, and Ergon grape, and is a potent antioxidant. Due to the negative effects of free radicals in oxidative stress processes, antioxidant chemicals are required to protect sperm. However, berberine has low bioavailability, making it less effective. Loading techniques on nanoparticles and nanotechnology can help overcome this limitation. Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized with barberry extract, and berberine was loaded on them. Berberine nanoparticles were then synthesized using anti-solvent precipitation with a syringe pump technique. The synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed by EDX, UV-visible, FE-SEM, Zeta-Potential, and FTIR tests. In this experiment, we aim to investigate the impact of nano-berberine and berberine loaded on Se-NPs on goat sperm parameters after freeze-thawing. We assessed the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in vitro fertility, and the subsequent embryo development of zygote with treated sperm after determining the optimal concentration of various chemicals on sperm parameters. The study found that all treatments had significant differences from the control group in terms of motility, viability, DNA and membrane integrity, ROS level, lipid peroxidation, in vitro fertility ability, and the capacity to develop inseminated oocytes (p < 0.05). The most significant outcomes were observed with berberine loaded on Se-NPs and the combination of selenium nanoparticles with berberine nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No study has investigated the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) and pre-diabetes development. Furthermore, prior investigations on the association between UPF and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) were primarily conducted in Europe and America, and studies in other regions are lacking. We investigated the association between ultra-processed foods and the risk of pre-diabetes and T2D in a cohort of Iranians. Methods: This prospective study, with a sample size of 1954 for pre-diabetes and 2457 for T2D, was conducted among adults' participants (aged ≥ 18 years) from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). We defined UPF intake using NOVA calcification as a proportion of total energy, and calculated its average intake during the follow-ups. The hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for pre-diabetes/T2D across tertiles of total UPF and per 10% of its increment were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. We also investigated the possibility of non-linear association using a restricted cubic spline regression. Results: We identified 766 and 256 cases of pre-diabetes and T2D, respectively, during a median follow-up of 7 years for pre-diabetes and 8.6 years for T2D. In the multivariable adjusted model, a 10% increase in total UPF intake was associated with a 12% higher risk of pre-diabetes (HR = 1.12; 95% 1.02, 1.23). The incidence of pre-diabetes was also higher in those in tertile 3 than those in tertile 1 (HR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.52). Following additional adjustment for diet quality, the results remained unchanged. Spline regression demonstrated a J-shaped association between UPF and the risk of pre-diabetes; the risk of pre-diabetes did not increase until UPF consumption exceeded about 24% of total energy intake. Of the individual UPF, hydrogenated fat/mayonnaise/ margarine group was related to an increased risk of pre-diabetes. The total UPF and its individual items were not associated with T2D. Conclusions: This study found a positive, non-linear relationship between total UPF and the risk of pre-diabetes in Iranian adults. Our data could not show any significant association between UPF and T2D risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to detect atherosclerosis. Patients typically experience anxiety and stress before and during the angiography procedure. Furthermore, self-care ability is crucial following angiography. Aim: This study aims to describe the design and evaluation of a mobile application focusing on stress, anxiety, and self-care abilities in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Method: The researchers developed a mobile application for patients undergoing angiography. The application provides information about angiography and tips for enhancing self-care following the procedure. An interventional study was conducted on 70 patients admitted to the angiography ward in hospitals in Kerman, Iran, between 2022 and 2023. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: control and intervention. The interventional group received the intervention application the night before angiography. Two groups completed the Anxiety and Stress Questionnaire (DAS) and Kearney-Flescher Self-Care Survey before the intervention. The researchers used questionnaires that had been prepared and previously utilized in other studies. The two groups completed the anxiety and stress questionnaire within three to six hours and the self-care questionnaire one month after angiography. SPSS 15 software was used for data analysis, with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: The study found that the majority of participants were women. Before the study, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety, stress, and self-care scores. However, after the study, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in average anxiety and stress scores (p < 0.001). Additionally, compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvement in average self-care score (p < 0.001). Conclusion: According to this study, AP can be effective in influencing the anxiety, stress levels, and self-care ability of patients who undergo coronary angiography. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety while increasing self-care. Instructive software is user-friendly, cost-effective, and can be recommended by nurses and doctors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive impairments are fundamental characteristics of schizophrenia, significantly impacting the overall functioning of individuals with the disorder. However, the trajectory of cognitive deficits and the factors influencing their changes over the course of treatment remain poorly understood. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the changes in cognitive status of patients with schizophrenia and the factors that influence these changes following hospitalization and treatment. Methods: The study utilized a longitudinal design, enrolling thirty hospitalized patients (15 males and 15 females) from the psychiatric inpatient unit of a general educational hospital. Cognitive assessments were conducted upon admission and discharge. A Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model was used to analyze the data, accounting for demographic and clinical variables such as age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), family history, and smoking status. Results: The findings revealed a reduction in cognitive deficits following hospitalization and treatment. Significant improvements were observed in verbal memory, working memory, and executive function. However, older patients showed poorer performance in motor speed, verbal fluency, and symbol coding compared to younger patients. Male patients and smokers demonstrated lower cognitive functioning, particularly in verbal fluency, symbol coding, and executive function. Conclusions: This study highlighted the positive effect of comprehensive inpatient treatment on reducing cognitive impairments in individuals with schizophrenia. While improvements were noted in several cognitive domains, the persistence of certain deficits, particularly in relation to demographic factors (age, gender, and smoking status), underscores the need for further research and tailored cognitive rehabilitation interventions. A personalized, multidimensional approach to managing cognitive deficits in schizophrenia could lead to better functional outcomes and enhance the quality of life for affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Cerium oxide nanoparticles (Ceo2 NPs) are considered one of the most effective nanomaterials for drug delivery. The current study aimed to investigate the anticancer activities of doxorubicin-loaded Ceo2 NPs (DOX-Ceo2 NPs) against the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: Ceo2 NPs were synthesized using the GREEN synthesis method and loaded with DOX (DOX-Ceo2 NPs). The physicochemical properties of the Ceo2 NPs were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, DLS, zeta potential, and electron microscopy (SEM/TEM). Cultured MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with different concentrations of bare Ceo2 NPs, free DOX, and DOX-Ceo2 NPs. In addition, HDF cells were treated with different concentrations of Ceo2 NPs. MTT, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays were performed to determine the cell viability, migration, and apoptosis, respectively. qPCR was performed to investigate the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, including caspase (CASP) 3, 8, 9, and Bcl-2. Results: The XRD and FTIR results confirmed the synthesis of pure and crystalline structured-Ceo2 NPs. The average size, PDI, and zeta potential of the Ceo2 NPs were approximately 239.1 nm, 0.074, and -9.04 mV, respectively. In vitro assays showed that DOX-Ceo2 NPs exhibited higher cell proliferation inhibition, migration suppression, and apoptosis induction through the upregulation of CASP3, CASP8, and CASP9 genes and downregulation of Bcl-2. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate the potential of Ceo2 NPs for the efficient delivery of DOX and, subsequently, the improvement of its anticancer activities. Therefore, DOX-Ceo2 NPs have the potential to be proposed as promising anticancer agents for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: One highlighted pathogenesis mechanism of diseases is the negative impact of pro-inflammatory diets (PD) on the gut microbiome. This systematic review aimed to study the link between dietary inflammatory index (DII), as an indicator of PD, and gut microbiome. Methods: A systematic search was done in PubMed and Scopus, adhering to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The assessment of the included studies' quality was performed using the critical appraisal checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results: Ten articles were included eight cross-sectional, one case-control, and, one cohort study. Seven and three included articles reported a weak and moderate relationship between gut microbiome and DII scores, respectively. DII scores were linked to variety in microbiome composition and diversity/richness. More importantly, anti-inflammatory diets as measured by lower DII scores were linked to a more desirable gut microbiome profile. Prevotella stercorea, Veillonella rogosae, Morganella morganii, Ruminococcus torques, Eubacterium nodatum, Alistipes intestine, Clostridium leptum, Morganellaceae family, Enterobacteriaceae family, and, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron were related to higher DII scores. While, Butyrate-producing bacteria such as Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae families, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Akkermansia muciniphila were related to lower DII scores. Conclusion: An anti-inflammatory diet, as measured by a lower DII score, might be linked to variations in the composition and variety of the microbiome. Therefore, the DII score could be useful in microbiota research, however, this possibility needs to be investigated more precisely in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study a liquid extract from the seaweed Sargassum boveanum (LESb) was prepared using four different methods and solvents. The optimal method, where the extract was prepared using microwave digestion, was selected, and its spray solution was applied to maize (SC704) plants at different concentrations (0.0%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5% LESb (V/V)) and three irrigation levels: non-stress (80% of field capacity (FC), 60% FC, and 40% FC). Water stress (40% and 60% FC) limited plant growth by disrupting physiological and biochemical functions. However, the concentration of 1.5% LESb demonstrated a significant improvement in various traits compared to the 0.0% LESb. This improvement included an increase in shoot dry weight by 15.46%, 27.55%, and 57.52% under conditions of 80%, 60%, and 40% FC. Additionally, there was an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), by 13.27%, 30.42%, and 32.19% under conditions of 80%, 60%, and 40% FC, respectively, which could effectively reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. At the concentration of 1.5% there was an increase in proline content by 20.07%, 19.50%, and 10.40% under conditions of 80%, 60%, and 40% FC, respectively, as well as an increase in soluble sugar content under conditions of 60% and 40% FC compared to 0.0% LESb. The relative water content (RWC) also improved with the 1.5% LESb under 60% and 40% FC conditions, by 29.23% and 25.97%, respectively, compared to 0.0% LESb. These results indicate that a concentration of 1.5% LESb can effectively alleviate the negative effects of water stress on maize plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the influence of dietary factors on inflammatory markers that may affect the disease course in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), this study aimed to assess the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) score and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. This cross-sectional study included 158 patients with UC. The Mayo Clinic score was used to determine the disease severity. A food frequency questionnaire was applied to gather the dietary information, then the Shivappa et al. method was used for the calculation of DII. An association between disease severity (dependent factor) and DII score quartiles (independent factors) was conducted by a logistic regression adjusted to different covariates. In this study, 53.8% of participants were in remission or had mild disease activity. The mean DII score was − 0.24 ± 0.66. The mean DII score was significantly lower in patients with remission (-0.34 ± 0.71) compared with patients who were in the active phase (-0.1 ± 0.57) of UC (P = 0.02). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of severe disease were 3.33 times higher among patients who had a more pro-inflammatory diet compared with patients who had an anti-inflammatory diet [OR: 3.33 (95%CI: 1.13, 9.76), p = 0.02]. In conclusion, there was a significant association between higher intake of a pro-inflammatory diet and UC severity. So, from a clinical point of view, there is a need to apply an anti-inflammatory diet to decrease disease severity in patients with ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite low incidence, neuroblastoma, an immunologically cold tumor, is the most common extracranial solid neoplasm in pediatrics. In relapsed/refractory cases, the benefits of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) and other therapies are limited. Natural killer (NK) cells apply cytotoxicity against tumor cells independently of antigen-presenting cells and the adaptive immune system. The primary endpoint of this trial was to assess the safety of the injection of allogenic, ex vivo-expanded and primed NK cells in relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma patients after auto-HSCT. The secondary endpoint included the efficacy of this intervention in controlling tumors. NK cells were isolated and primed ex vivo (by adding interleukin [IL]-2, IL-15, and IL-21) in a GMP-compliant CliniMACS system and administered to four patients with relapsed/refractory MYCN-positive neuroblastoma. NK cell injections (1 and 5 × 107 cells/kg in the first and second injections, respectively) were safe, and no acute or sub-acute adverse events were observed. During the follow-up period, one complete response (CR) and one partial response (PR) were observed, while two cases exhibited progressive disease (PD). In follow-up evaluations, two died due to disease progression, including the case with a PR. The patient with CR had regular growth at the 31-month follow-up, and another patient with PD is still alive and receiving chemotherapies 20 months after therapy. This therapy is an appealing and feasible approach for managing refractory neuroblastomas post-HSCT. Further studies are needed to explore its efficacy with higher doses and more frequent administrations for high-risk neuroblastomas and other immunologically cold tumors. Trial registration number: irct.behdasht.gov.ir (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, No. IRCT20201202049568N1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitrinite reflectance (VR) is a critical measure of source rock maturity in geochemistry. Although VR is a widely accepted measure of maturity, its accurate measurement often proves challenging and costly. Rock–Eval pyrolysis offers the advantages of being cost-effective, fast, and providing accurate data. Previous studies have employed empirical equations and traditional machine learning methods using T-max data for VR prediction, but these approaches often yielded subpar results. Therefore, the quest to develop a precise method for predicting vitrinite reflectance based on Rock–Eval data becomes particularly valuable. This study presents a novel approach to predicting VR using advanced machine learning models, namely ExtraTree and XGBoost, along with new ways to prepare the data, such as winsorization for outlier treatment and principal component analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction. The depth and three Rock–Eval parameters (T-max, S1/TOC, and HI) were used as input variables. Three model sets were examined: Set 1, which involved both Winsorization and PCA; Set 2, which only included Winsorization; and Set 3, which did not include either. The results indicate that the ExtraTree model in Set 1 demonstrated the highest level of predictive accuracy, whereas Set 3 exhibited the lowest level of accuracy, confirming the methodology's effectiveness. The ExtraTree model obtained an overall R2 score of 0.997, surpassing traditional methods by a significant margin. This approach improves the accuracy and dependability of virtual reality predictions, showing significant advancements compared to conventional empirical equations and traditional machine learning methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dolerite structures, such as dykes and sills are the main target for groundwater exploration in the Karoo Supergroup area which is the main stratigraphic unit in South Africa. Morgenzon Farm is one of the sites in the Karoo Supergroup, including a dolerite dyke, which is of interest here. The magnetization/susceptibility and resistivity of the dolerite dyke are significantly larger than those of the encompassing sedimentary materials. Therefore, the low induction number electromagnetic (EM-LIN) and magnetometry approaches may be useful for its detection. The EM-LIN is composed of three techniques: EM38, EM31, and EM34, with the latter being manipulated. Since both EM34 and magnetometry inverse problems are linear, a regularized weighted minimum length solution algorithm is utilized for their inverse modelling, but with one main discrepancy: the model weighting function for the magnetometry method is attained from the multiplication of depth weighting and compactness constraints, while the model weighting function is only equal to depth weighting for the EM34 approach. Recovered susceptibility and conductivity sections derived respectively from magnetic and EM34 data sets show high consistency. Inverted models represent a dolerite dyke in the middle of the profile with a depth range of 4 to 15m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The exact molecular and cellular processes that cause benign urological diseases in the stromal and epithelial components of the urinary tract are yet unknown. Reviewing and analyzing the data linking microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in the pathophysiology of benign urological conditions, including overactive bladder (OAB), bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), and Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is the objective of the current systematic review. Materials and Methods: Evidence including all case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that measure participants’ MicroRNA as a biomarker for benign urological diseases has been gathered in January 2024, through searching MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest databases. Studies considered eligible that present information on the reference Gene, profile type, and serum levels of microRNA from patients diagnosed with benign urological disease including benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostate enlargement (BPE), overactive bladder (OAB), and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). These studies were appraised by the quality assessment checklist of Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Results: A total of 4,587 records related to miRNAs in urological diseases were retrieved. Of these, we identified 28 records for our systematic study. The most frequently associated miRNA was 92a-3p identified which was found upregulated in OAB diagnosis. In BOO, miR-146a-5p was identified to be upregulated. miR-146a-5p was upregulated in BO, and for other benign conditions, different miRNAs were reported. 491-5p miRNAs were found deregulated in OAB-related studies. We expected other miRNAs to have the same trend in the OAB studies. InSUI miR-93 was the most frequent downregulated miRNA. The other reported miRNAs had similar frequencies. Conclusion: When it comes to the early detection and treatment of benign urological conditions, 92a-3p, miR-21, miR-199a-5p, and miR-146a-5p, and 491-5p have the potential to be employed as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target. The creation of pre-RNA or anti-RNA molecules within carrier vehicles that may be safely administered to patients should be made possible by technological advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HbF induction is an appropriate strategy to ameliorate the severity of β-thalassemia symptoms. Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most common chemical agent introduced as an HbF inducer but responsiveness to HU is variable and the introduction of HbF inducers alternative to HU with low cytotoxicity has been a crucial challenge. Resveratrol is an HbF inducer agent that may have favorable effects on the differentiation of hematopoietic erythroid progenitors (HEPs). The present study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol on γ-globin, stress response, and anti-apoptotic gene expression among hydroxyurea (HU)-responders and HU-nonresponders (HU-NR). Four cases of HU-R and four cases of HU-NR were studied. HEPs of the patients were cultured, and the expression of γ-globin, Foxo3, and Bclxl was assessed. Moreover, the differentiation and apoptotic rate of the cells were investigated using flow cytometry analysis. In three cases, the γ-globin gene expression increased after resveratrol treatment. All of the HU-NR patients were also non-responders to resveratrol (Res-NR). The expression of Foxo3 and Bclxl genes was higher in responders to resveratrol (Res-R) compared to non-responders (Res-NR). The rate of apoptosis in Res-R patients was also lower than in Res-NR. Responders to resveratrol also had a higher rate of HEP maturation. The cells of both HU–NR and Res-NR patients could not adapt to stress conditions and proceed to the erythroid differentiation. In conclusion, resveratrol increased the γ-globin expression in HEPs of β-thalassemia patients. The response was observed only in R-HU patients with similar cellular pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and may pose severe risks to human health. The presence of aflatoxins in commercial food products such as pistachio can bring severe economic drawbacks during harvest, production, and exportation. This study aimed to reduce aflatoxin levels in raw pistachio by active food packaging film enriched with silver nanoparticles and quinoa peptides and extend the shelf-life. The pistachios contaminated with Aspergillus flavus were packaged in a nanocomposite film enriched with silver nanoparticles, quinoa peptide with antifungal properties, and low-density polyethylene at varying percentages. Then, all samples were stored at 25°C for 30 days. The amount of Aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, and G2) were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the percentage of film composition and time significantly affected aflatoxin values during storage (P < 0.05). The control sample had the highest amount of aflatoxins, while the sample was packaged with a film containing 35% silver nanoparticles, and the quinoa peptide had the lowest amount of aflatoxin at the end of the storage period. Based on the results obtained, the combined use of silver nanoparticles and quinoa peptides in pistachio packaging reduced aflatoxins and increased the shelf life of raw pistachio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSulfur mustard (SM) exposure has delayed harmful effects, including premature biological aging. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of aging markers (i.e., ANRIL, P16INK4a, TBX2, and TERRA) and assess their correlation with the severity of SM exposure in the long term. The study was conducted on two volunteer groups. 1) SM-exposed group, exposed to SM once in 1987 during the war; divided into three subgroups based on the injury severity, asymptomatic (without any clinical signs), mild, and severe; 2) Non-exposed group. In the SM-exposed group, ANRIL transcript was decreased, especially in subgroups of mild and severe. TBX2 transcript was also decreased in the total SM-exposed group. This decrease was more significant in the mild and severe subgroups than in asymptomatic ones. P16INK4a transcript was increased in the SM-exposed group, especially in the asymptomatic subgroup. The increase in TERRA transcript was also significant in all subgroups. There was a positive correlation between the TERRA transcript and the severity of injury, while this correlation was negative for the ANRIL. It is concluded that the delayed toxicity of SM may be associated with dysregulation of aging markers leading to premature cellular aging. These markers’ alterations differed according to the severity of SM injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We previously documented the beneficial effects of rice bran oil (RBO) on cardiac function and atherogenic cardiometabolic factors in men with coronary artery disease. Therefore, the existing evidence in this area aims to be expanded by investigating the impact of adding RBO to a daily standard diet on emerging insulin resistance surrogate markers, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, and metabolic disturbances in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) through an open-label controlled trial. Methods: A total of 50 overweight/obese adults (mean body mass index (BMI) = 31.08 kg/m2) with at least 3 MetSyn components were randomly allocated to either the control group, which received a standard diet plan, or the intervention group, which was supplemented with 30 g/d RBO for 8 weeks. BMI, MetSyn components, metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), triglyceride‒glucose‒BMI (TyG‒BMI), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and plasma polyphenol levels were measured before and after this open-label trial. Results: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for baseline values revealed that, compared with patients who received only a standard diet, those who were supplemented with 30 g/d RBO presented significantly lower total cholesterol (P value = 0.005; effect size (ES):-0.92), LDL-cholesterol (P value = 0.048; ES:-0.62), fasting blood glucose (P value = 0.014; ES:-0.77), MDA (P value = 0.002; ES: -1.01), METS-IR (P value < 0.001; ES: -1.24), and TyG-BMI (P value = 0.007; ES:-0.85) after 8 weeks. Additionally, RBO consumption resulted in significantly higher levels of HDL-C (P value = 0.004; ES:0.94) and TAC (P value < 0.0001; ES:2.05). However, no significant changes were noted in BMI, waist circumference, serum triglycerides, plasma polyphenols, or blood pressure. Conclusion: Although the current findings suggest that the hypocholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidative effects of 30 g/d RBO seem to be promising for MetSyn patients, they should be considered preliminary. Therefore, further well-designed clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthogonal Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (ONMF) with orthogonality constraints on a matrix has been found to provide better clustering results over existing clustering problems. Because of the orthogonality constraint, this optimization problem is difficult to solve. Many of the existing constraint-preserving methods deal directly with the constraints using different techniques such as matrix decomposition or computing exponential matrices. Here, we propose an alternative formulation of the ONMF problem which converts the orthogonality constraints into non-convex constraints. To handle the non-convex constraints, a penalty function is applied. The penalized problem is a smooth nonlinear programming problem with quadratic (convex) constraints that can be solved by a proper optimization method. We first make use of an optimization method with two gradient projection steps and then apply a post-processing technique to construct a partition of the clustering problem. Comparative performance analysis of our proposed approach with other available clustering methods on randomly generated test problems and hard synthetic data-sets shows the outperformance of our approach, in terms of the obtained misclassification error rate and the Rand index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the final products of the Maillard reaction, formed through the interaction of carbohydrates and proteins. Reactive dicarbonyl compounds such as methylglyoxal (MGO) serve as precursors for AGEs formation. Elevated levels of MGO/AGEs are observed in conditions like obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes, negatively impacting oocyte development. Previous studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide, a gasotransmitter with anti-AGEs effects, is produced in a process influenced by vitamin B6. R-α-lipoic acid (ALA) inhibits protein glycation and AGEs formation while stimulating glutathione (GSH) production. Taurine mitigates oxidative stress and acts as an anti-glycation compound, preventing in vitro glycation and AGEs accumulation. This study aimed to explore the ameliorative effects of a micronutrient support (Taurine, ALA and B6: TAB) on mouse oocytes challenged with MGO. Our results indicate that MGO reduces oocyte developmental competence, while TAB supplementation improves maturation, fertilization, and blastocyst formation rates. TAB also restores cell lineage allocation, redox balance and mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction in MGO-challenged oocytes. Furthermore, cumulus cells express key enzymes in the transsulfuration pathway, and TAB enhances their mRNA expression. However, TAB does not rescue MGO-induced damage in denuded oocytes, emphasizing the supportive role of cumulus cells. Overall, these findings suggest that TAB interventions may have significant implications for addressing reproductive dysfunctions associated with elevated MGO/AGEs levels. This study highlights the potential of TAB supplementation in preserving the developmental competence of COCs exposed to MGO stress, providing insights into mitigating the impact of dicarbonyl stress on oocyte quality and reproductive outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Co–W and Co–W/Si 3 N 4 coatings were electrodeposited at different temperatures and Si 3 N 4 concentrations, respectively, to investigate the effects of these parameters on the chemical composition, thickness, morphology, structure, and corrosion behavior of the resulting coatings. Increasing the bath temperature from 25 to 65 °C resulted in less defective Co–W coatings with fine nodular morphologies, higher tungsten content (43.1 wt% at 65 °C), and smaller corrosion current density (2 vs. 7.8 μA cm−2). With the addition of 2–25 g L−1 Si 3 N 4 particles to the electrodeposition bath and the co-deposition of up to 8.1 wt% of these particles within the Co–W matrix, the nodular morphology gradually changed to cauliflower and then powdery form, and the tungsten content of the coatings decreased. The decrease in tungsten content resulted in structural changes from amorphous to nanocrystalline. According to the potentiodynamic polarization and EIS results, the Co–W/Si 3 N 4 coatings deposited from baths containing 5 and 10 g L−1 of Si 3 N 4 particles had the best corrosion resistance among the samples. The corrosion current density of Co–W/10 g L−1 Si 3 N 4 coating was 0.7 μA cm−2, which is significantly smaller than that of bare steel substrate (27 μA cm−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine ecosystems serve as vital indicators of biodiversity, providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Canada's extensive coastal regions encompass a rich range of marine habitats, necessitating accurate mapping techniques utilizing advanced technologies, such as remote sensing (RS). This study focused on a study area in Pistolet Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada, with an area of approximately 170 km2 and depths varying between 0 and −28 m. Considering the relatively large coverage and shallow depths of water of the study area, it was decided to use airborne bathymetric Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, which used green laser pulses, to map the marine habitats in this region. Along with this LiDAR data, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage, high-resolution multispectral drone imagery, true color Google Earth (GE) imagery, and shoreline survey data were also collected. These datasets were preprocessed and categorized into five classes of Eelgrass, Rockweed, Kelp, Other vegetation, and Non-Vegetation. A marine habitat map of the study area was generated using the features extracted from LiDAR data, such as intensity, depth, slope, and canopy height, using an object-based Random Forest (RF) algorithm. Despite multiple challenges, the resulting habitat map exhibited a commendable classification accuracy of 89%. This underscores the efficacy of the developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) model for future marine habitat mapping endeavors across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first domestic wheat variety to be monocot diploid is einkorn wheat. A comprehensive evaluation of einkorn wheat's quality reveals that, in comparison to other polyploid wheat, this ancient wheat offers several dietary benefits. Einkorn wheat-based meals are high in protein, lipids (mostly polyunsaturated fatty acids), fructans, and trace minerals such as iron and zinc, but low in fiber. In terms of nutritional value, einkorn wheat has significantly better nutritional qualities due to its proper concentration of various antioxidant compounds, including carotenoids, tocols (lipid-soluble constituents consisting of tocopherols and tocotrienols), conjugated polyphenols, alkyl resorcinols, and phytosterols, as well as its low beta-amylase and lipoxygenase activity, which reduces the degradation of antioxidants during food processing. Conversely, einkorn wheat exhibits a higher polyphenol oxidase activity and comparatively lower levels of polyphenol, although these characteristics result in fewer adverse effects when compared to other varieties of wheat. However, it should be noted that einkorn wheat is unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease. The current movement in consumer preferences for functional meals suggests that wheat may still be useful for human consumption, particularly in the development of novel, high-quality food products, and specialty items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The obnoxious p-median problem consists of locating p facilities among a set of sites such that the sum distance from any demand to its nearest facility and the dispersion among facilities are maximized. In this paper, the multi-objective colliding bodies optimization algorithm (MOCBO) is utilized to obtain the trade-off curve of the obnoxious p-median problems. The performance of the developed optimization method is investigated for locating obnoxious facilities through two case studies to maximize the two conflicting objectives. The performance of the MOCBO algorithm is further compared with those of the MPSO and NSGA-II algorithms representative of the state of the art in the field of multi-objective optimization. In this study, the MOCBO algorithm showed suitable convergence performance and generalization abilities compared to the MPSO and NSGA-II algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In areas with restriction of water resource access for agricultural activities, one of the most challenging issues is determining irrigation depth in such a way that gets high efficiency. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate three different irrigation scenarios; in which irrigation depth was determined by WASH_1D/2D model and FAO method; as well as rainfed (no irrigation) treatment, in the fine textured soil under potato cultivation. The results showed that simulating method could optimize water use with considering weather forecast data as 6 irrigation events and 12.6 mm depth, compared to 10 irrigation events and 37.3 mm depth for FAO method. A significant difference was observed among gained yield under irrigated and rainfed plots that implied irrigation importance even in rainy season. The applied water efficiency values for simulated and FAO methods was gained as 198 and 70 g/mm, respectively; which indicate the WASH_1D/2D model may be an appropriate choice to determine irrigation depth considering water use optimizing in regions with water supply problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last few decades, identifying the physiological pathways involved in appetite regulation has become popular among researchers. Although studying feeding regulation in birds, especially in poultry (for breeding purposes) and ornamental birds (for therapeutic purposes), is extremely important, limited experiments have been conducted on these animal models. Until today, more than 50 neurotransmitters affecting birds' appetite have been identified. In the current study, we overviewed the role of one of the most important neural mediators, neuropeptide Y (NPY), in regulating avian appetite. Based on the findings, the presence of this neuropeptide and its receptors in the key areas of food intake regulation, especially the hypothalamus's arcuate nucleus (ARC), has been proven. Numerous studies on birds have repeatedly shown the hyperphagic effects of NPY. Among the different NPY receptors, type 1, 2, and 5 receptors play the most important role in appetite regulation. It has also been observed that the interaction of NPY with neurotransmitters such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1), vasotocin, bombesin, opioids, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is effective in NPY-induced hyperphagia. In addition, the NPY system is also involved in the effects of various mediators such as adiponectin, neuropeptide W (NPW), phoenixin-14, visfatin, adrenomedullin, spexin, kisspeptin, insulin, and somatostatin on appetite regulation. Finally, NPY seems to be one of the most important appetite-stimulating factors in birds and also plays an undeniable role in the effects of other neurotransmitters on appetite regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Maintaining proper current sharing among distributed generation (DG) units while regulating the output voltage is a challenging control issue in DC microgrids. The conventional droop control is widely used at the primary level of control to tackle this issue, but this method faces some limitations in voltage control and current sharing. To address this problem, this paper presents a new distributed secondary control method that determines the resistance of transmission lines by injecting an external pulse to the reference voltage of each converter and measuring output voltage and current changes. The proposed secondary control signal, denoted as Ui, enables simultaneous proportional current sharing and voltage restoration in the DC microgrid by correcting the droop coefficients based on the determined resistances. In order to ensure the stability of the proposed method, the small signal stability analysis of the closed‐loop system is conducted, considering various parameter changes. In contrast to similar methods, the proposed method introduces a new hybrid technique of voltage setpoint shifting and droop parameter adjustment that achieves precise proportional current sharing and voltage restoration, even when faced with varying resistive loads and constant power loads (CPLs). Additionally, the proposed method demonstrates outstanding characteristics, such as high convergence speed, the ability to determine transmission line resistances instead of assuming them to be known, and robustness in plug‐and‐play scenarios and communication system failures. The simulation results in MATLAB and experimental tests confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and other markers of chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) provide valuable insights into disease processes, treatment options and patient prognosis. However, limited research has explored potential associations with ethnicity or season, particularly in multi-ethnic populations residing in high-latitude regions. Methods We evaluated CKD-BMD markers in a diverse cohort of CKD patients, who were participants of The CANADIAN AIM to PREVENT (the CAN AIM to PREVENT) study. FGF-23, calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in 1234 participants with pre-dialysis CKD (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate: 41.8 ± 14.3 mL/min) were analyzed. Mixed-effects general linear regression models adjusted for demographic and biological factors were used to compare repeated measurements across patient groups categorized by ethnicity (East Asian, White, South Asian, Black, Southeast Asian) and seasons. Results Compared with other groups, White participants exhibited 8.0%–18.5% higher FGF-23 levels, Black participants had 0.17–0.32 mg/dL higher calcium levels, White participants had 10.0%–20.1% higher 25-OHD levels, South Asian participants had 7.3%–20.1% lower 25-OHD levels and Black participants had 22.1–73.8% higher iPTH levels, while East Asian participants had 10.7%–73.8% lower iPTH levels. Seasonal variations were also observed. FGF-23 levels were 11.9%–15.5% higher in summer compared with other seasons, while calcium levels were 0.03–0.06 mg/dL lower in summer. 25-OHD levels were 5.6%–10.6% higher in summer and autumn compared with other seasons. Conclusions This study shows that FGF-23 and CKD-MBD markers in a Canadian pre-dialysis CKD cohort vary independently by ethnicity and season. Further research is needed to understand the reasons and clinical significance of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its rarity, pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) presents a significant diagnostic challenge. Due to its similarity to other pulmonary vascular diseases, such as pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, it is characterized by abnormal pulmonary capillary proliferation, which is a rare cause of primary pulmonary hypertension. This case was the first reported instance of PCH in Shahid Rajaee Heart Hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2023, which was confirmed by genetic testing. It highlighted the importance of considering PCH among the differential diagnoses for pulmonary hypertension, even in adolescent patients. The 13-year-old patient's main complaints were progressive exertional dyspnea and chest pain. He had no previous medical history and had not taken any pharmaceutical or herbal medications. Critical clinical findings included a heart murmur, an electrocardiogram revealing right ventricular hypertrophy, and echocardiogram evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The main diagnosis was PCH, as shown by CT findings of pulmonary artery dilatation and diffuse nodular ground glass opacities. Genetic tests indicated pathogenic EIF2AK4 mutations and suspicion of PCH. Therapeutic intervention included vasodilator therapy, which exacerbated the patient's condition. This case emphasized the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for rare causes of pulmonary hypertension, such as PCH. The outcome was to prepare the patient for lung transplantation. To differentiate PCH from other pulmonary vascular diseases, a combination of clinical presentation, radiologic studies, genetic analysis, and response to treatment is required to determine appropriate management, particularly lung transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proper sedation in ill children can enhance treatment outcomes, provide comfort, control pain, reduce delirium, and prevent self-extubation. This study aimed to compare the "Comfort Scale" with the "State Behavioral Scale" (SBS) in children under mechanical ventilation in the ICU to develop a sedation protocol. Methods: This study assessed 50 children, ranging from one month to 15 years of age, who were hospitalized in the ICU of Mofid Hospital for over four months. The convenience sampling method was used to select participants, who were then divided into two groups of 25 each (one for the Comfort Scale and one for the SBS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with a P-value of less than 0.05, which is considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 30.3 months (ranging from 1 to 150 months), with 19 female patients (38%) and 31 male patients (62%). The time taken for scoring by hospital staff was significantly shorter in the SBS group than in the Comfort Scale group (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of hospitalization duration and the amounts of benzodiazepines and opiates used (P > 0.05). Both tools were associated with a decrease in the length of hospitalization. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the SBS requires less time to administer than the Comfort Scale and can be considered a rapid method. Utilizing both the SBS and Comfort Scale can reduce the length of hospital stays and, consequently, the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we have presented a design of a quantum optomechanical gyroscope, consisting of a Michelson interferometer on a rotating table. An optical cavity with two moving mirrors is placed on one of the interferometer arms. Mirrors have freedom of movement in the x direction. Also, a sinusoidal movement in the y direction is applied to the entire optical cavity. The Coriolis force acting on the mirrors leads to a change in the optical path length of the cavity and then causes a change in the resonance frequency of it. This leads to an additional phase of radiation inside the cavity. We use the Heisenberg–Langevin equations of motion, to calculate the signal and noise of the output radiation of the interferometer, and then calculate the minimum rotation rate and its sensitivity that can be obtained from our gyroscope. It is shown that by using two moving mirrors, the sensitivity has been improved by more than 56 % compared with the cavity with one moving mirror. On the other hand, at temperatures of T = 0 K , T = 1 m K and T = 300 K , and by drawing the Allan deviation curve, Angular Random Walk noise and Bias Stability of the gyroscope were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dots are small semiconductors less than 50 nanometers in size, exhibiting unique optical and electronic properties due to quantum mechanics. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are particularly popular due to their size-dependent fluorescence, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and ease of access. CQDs have significant potential applications in various chemical fields. In this study, CQDs were successfully synthesized using a green, one-step hydrothermal method involving citrus (tangerine). The synthesized CQDs were characterized using UV-VIS, XRD, IR, and TEM methods. The CQDs were then reacted with silver oxide to form CQD/Ag composite, and chitosan polymer was used to synthesize carbon quantum dots/Ag/Chitosan (CQD/Ag/Chit) bio-composite. The product was characterized using ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy to confirm the bonds. This composite has potential applications in biological fields, as chitosan and silver have strong antibacterial properties, and their combination with active CQDs can enhance these properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium and its alloys are advantageous in clinical applications due to their excellent mechanical properties and suitable biological properties. However, due to their high corrosion rate in physiological environments, these alloys' application was limited. Polypyrrole (PPy) coatings were potentiostatically deposited on AZ31 alloy to reduce its corrosion rate in this study. The effect of applied potential and monomer concentration on the coatings' characteristics and properties such as wettability, corrosion resistance, and adhesion strength was studied. The coatings had cauliflower and porous micro-granular morphologies, according to scanning electron microscope images. The thickness and average roughness of the coatings increased from 0.3 to 3.8 µm and 18.3 to 43.7 nm, respectively, as the monomer concentration in the deposition bath was increased from 0.1 to 0.2 M. Increasing the applied potential had the same effect on thickness and roughness. According to the water contact angle (WCA) results, the alloy and all of the PPy coatings were hydrophilic. However, increasing the monomer concentration of the bath and the applied potential increased the WCA of the coatings. The electrochemical behavior of the samples in Ringer's solution was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. All of the coatings outperformed the bare substrate in terms of corrosion resistance. The corrosion current density of the optimum PPy coating obtained from a bath with 0.2 M pyrrole monomer at 3 V was approximately seven times lower than that of the AZ31 alloy. In the cross-cut adhesion test, this coating also demonstrated the best adhesion to the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aims to assess the feasibility of groundwater resources in two soft and hard formations of the Shamil-Takht basin using logic and operators Fuzzy and Boolean in the GIS environment. For this purpose, eight and seven thematic layers in the soft and the hard formations were investigated and analyzed separately. The layers were prepared in a raster format in the GIS environment and then each of the layers was classified according to the values of usefulness obtained with Fuzzy membership degree and 0 and 1 Boolean values. In the next step, AND and Gamma operators for Fuzzy layers and Algebraic Multiplication operators for Boolean logic were used in combining layers. The groundwater potential map of the studied area was obtained from the desired pixels resulting from performing the operations at the output. Based on this, in Fuzzy logic, 77.1% of the area of soft formation and 11% of the area of hard formation, and in Boolean logic, 24.1% of the area of soft formation and 1.74% of the area of hard formation had the possibility of water sources. Areas with high potential of groundwater resources were in areas with low slope and cultivated and areas with weak potential of water resources were in areas with alluvial and sedimentary formations. Also, the field investigations confirm that the emerging springs and existing wells in the Shamil-Takht basin are located in the areas with the lowest slope and high density of the waterway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Oral cancers are the 6th most common malignancy worldwide and oral squamous cell carcinoma, comprises over 90% of oral cancers. This study investigates the relationship between physical activity level during the lifetime and oral squamous cell carcinoma risk. Methods: 100 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and 200 healthy individuals participated in this case-control study. Physical activity level was evaluated via the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire. The occupational, household, and sports domains of lifetime physical activity were determined. Case and control groups' participants were matched in terms of sex, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption by the Frequency Matching Method. Mann-Whitney U Test was applied to compare physical activity levels between groups. Results: The Body Mass Index was higher among cases compared with controls. The average amounts of lifetime physical activity among cases and controls were approximately identical. However, only a statistically significant difference between time spent on total lifetime physical activities and the oral squamous cell carcinoma risk was discovered. Moreover, there were no statistically significant odds ratios in examining the risk associated with each domain of activities. Conclusions: The total time spent on lifetime physical activity may decrease the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma; However, the total level and intensity of lifetime physical activity are not significantly associated with the oral squamous cell carcinoma risk. Further studies are required in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, design of cytotoxic agents based on microbial toxins is attracted for researchers. Pertussis-like toxin subunit A (PltA) of typhoid toxin is ADP-ribosyl transferase and had the cytotoxicity and cell arrest property in G2/M phase of human cancer cell line. To translocate and its increase to the cells, PltA requires the cell penetrating part. Here, the catalytic PltA (named Typh) was attached to Tat peptide as a cell penetrating agent and expressed as a new recombinant fusion protein (named Tat-Typh) in E. coli BL21. After that, recombinant Tat-Typh was purified using Ni + chromatography column and confirmed by western blotting. Finally, its cytotoxicity effects and cell penetration activity were evaluated by, MTT assay, Annexin-V/PI staining and western blotting methods, respectively. Our results showed that Tat-Typh had the significant cytotoxic effect at 25, 50, 150 and 200 µg/mL concentrations (P < 0.05). In addition, cell treating with 50 µg/mL Tat-Typh was resulted in to increase the percentage of necrotic cells compared to control groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, binding of Tat fragment to Typh protein caused to increase the speed of entry of Tat-Typh to cells compared to Typh alone. In conclusion, it is observed that Tat-Typh protein is able to increase the cell penetration properties of catalytic Pertussis-like toxin subunit A and has the cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The exact molecular and cellular processes that cause benign urological diseases in the stromal and epithelial components of the urinary tract are yet unknown. Reviewing and analyzing the data linking microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in the pathophysiology of benign urological conditions, including overactive bladder (OAB), bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), and Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is the objective of the current systematic review. Materials and Methods: Evidence including all case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that measure participants' MicroRNA as a biomarker for benign urological diseases has been gathered On January 2024, through searching MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest databases. Studies considered eligible that present information on the reference Gene, profile type, and serum levels of microRNA from patients diagnosed with benign urological disease including benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostate enlargement (BPE), overactive bladder (OAB), and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). These studies appraised by the quality assessment checklist of Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Results: A total of 4,587 records related to miRNAs in urological diseases were retrieved. Of these, we identified 28 records for our systematic study. The most frequently associated miRNA was 92a-3p identified which was found upregulated in OAB diagnosis. In BOO, miR-146a-5p was identified to be upregulated. miR-146a-5p was upregulated in BO, and for other benign conditions, different miRNAs were reported. 491-5p miRNAs were found deregulated in OAB-related studies. We expected other miRNAs to have the same trend in the OAB studies. InSUI miR-93 was the most frequent downregulated miRNA. The other reported miRNAs had similar frequencies. Conclusion: When it comes to the early detection and treatment of benign urological conditions, 92a-3p, miR-21, miR-199a-5p, and miR-146a-5p, and 491-5p have the potential to be employed as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target. The creation of pre-RNA or anti-RNA molecules within carrier vehicles that may be safely administered to patients should be made possible by technological advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous crystallization of pharmaceuticals has been in the center of attention during the past two decades, with a more focus on the large‐scale production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The increasing demand for pharmaceuticals requires high‐throughput production of drug crystals with different solubilities, stabilities, shapes, habits, polymorphs, and size distributions. With numerous advantages including low cost, ease of scale‐up, and superior control over polymorph and size distribution of drug crystals, antisolvent crystallization is one of the most promising crystallization methods recently attempted. However, it fails to deliver the required characteristic where the crystal systems tend to grow and for the preparation of metastable polymorphs. This review focuses on the most recent efforts to tackle these drawbacks by coupling antisolvent crystallization with cooling, supercritical‐assisted, microfluidics‐assisted, and membrane‐assisted crystallization. This systematic review aims to provide a concise summary of each coupled antisolvent technique and their positive and negative aspects. This review can be used as a guideline for pharmacist, biologists, and chemists, who are interested in the crystal engineering of pharmaceuticals to pave the way for further developments in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of single‐cell protein (SCP), as a valuable by‐product and substitute for soybean meal, and multistrain probiotics on the performance, blood biochemistry, intestinal histomorphology, ileal microbiota, and immune responses in laying hens. Leghorn laying hens were randomly assigned to nine experimental treatments with eight replicates of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of three levels of replacement of soybean meal with SCP (0.0%, 30%, and 60%) and three levels of probiotics (0.0, 50, 100 mg/kg) offered through 70 days of main recording. The result indicated that replacing 30% soybean meal with SCP in the diet significantly increased the eggshell weight, thickness, and strength; however, hens receiving 60% SCP replacement showed lower productive performance. During the second 35‐d trial, hens receiving at least 50 mg/kg probiotics produced higher eggshell weight, thickness, and strength than the control hens. Remarkable lower levels of serum cholesterol content were observed in the SCP and probiotic‐supplemented diets. The significant reduction in the ileal pH, Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. enumerations and a remarkable increase in Lactobacillus count was observed after feeding incremental levels of probiotics. The highest villus height to crypt depth ratio, antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (in secondary response) and Newcastle disease vaccine, as well as egg production and egg mass, were found in the hens that received 30% SCP replacement in combination with 50 or 100 mg/kg probiotic (SCP × Probiotic). The present study concluded that feeding SCP, as a cheap protein alternative source, along with probiotics while reducing production costs can support productive performance via modulating the intestinal microbiomes and health indices and fortifying the immune system in laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oligonychus washingtoniae Mushtaq, Kamran & Alatawi, 2022 (Acari: Tetranychidae) is reported for the second time in the world based on new materials from Iran. The ontogenetic changes in leg chaetotaxy and new data of this species is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Work-family conflict is a fundamental issue that affects employees and is one of the most common complaints of any organization. Social capital and organizational commitment can be mentioned among the factors related to work-family conflict. Thus, the aim of this research was to investigate the relationship between social capital and work-family conflicts with the mediating role of organizational commitment. Method: This research is practical regarding the purpose and descriptive regarding the data collection method. The statistical population of this research is all the people working in the bazaar of Tehran. In this research, a convenient sampling method was used. Research tools include the work-family conflict questionnaire of Netmier, Bowles and McMarian (1996), the social capital questionnaire of the American Social Capital Association and the organizational commitment questionnaire of Balfour and Wechsler (1996). SPSS and smartPLS softwares were also used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that the relationship of social capital with organizational commitment, and organizational commitment with work-family conflict are significant. In addition, This research confirmed the mediating role of organizational commitment in the relationship between social capital and work-family conflict. Discussion: The results of the present study showed that organizational commitment can mediate the relationship between work-family conflict and social capital; Therefore, special attention must be paid to organizational commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic problems need dynamic solutions. High motility of the cervical spine causes a common age-related degenerative condition called cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), manifested by neurological impairments. An accurate and reliable diagnosis of CSM is crucial for determining appropriate management strategies. Traditional static magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the gold standard for imaging CSM; however, it may not fully capture dynamic changes during neck movement. Dynamic flexion-extension (DFE) MRI is an innovative imaging technique that allows for real-time visualization of cervical spine motion. This review article aims to scrutinize the role of DFE MRI in assessing CSM, its added value to clinical implementations, and its limitations. Finally, by addressing the knowledge gaps, this survey sheds light on the road ahead to incorporate DFE MRI into a standard version of the practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the catalytic activity of calcined M3Al (M: Sr, Cd, Ni, Co, and Ca) and the effect of replacing divalent cations with Ca2+ in calcined MxCa3 − xAl hydrotalcite on the catalytic conversion of benzaldehyde and acetophenone to chalcone via Claisen–Schmidt condensation has been investigated. A series of M3Al and MxCa3 − xAl were synthesized by the co-precipitation method and characterized by SEM, BET, FT-IR, EDS, XRD, CO2-TPD techniques, and the Hammett indicator method. The results showed that the synthesized samples have normal surface area, high crystallinity, and three types of moderate, strong, and stronger basic sites. The catalytic activity is effectively dependent on the number of stronger alkaline sites. The effects of different parameters such as calcination temperature, solvents, catalyst amount, catalyst reusability, and the effects of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups were investigated. In optimum conditions over 0.04 wt% Sr0.5Ca2.5Al catalyst, at atmospheric pressure, 60 °C, in ethanol, yield (%) of chalcone was achieved at 87%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since HCV virus is the primary cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, prompt diagnosis and timely treatment of this disease can prevent many complications. Due to the importance and necessity of this study, it aims to comparatively evaluate RT-PCR and ELISA methods in order to detect the presence of HCV infection in patients admitted to Baghiyatallah Hospital. Methods: Sera of 49 patients admitted to Baghiyatallah Hospital since September, 2019 to August, 2020, were tested for RNA detection of HCV virus using RT-PCR and for the presence of anti-HCV antibody at the same time. Results: In this study, the mean age of patients was approximately 38.3+6.3. The percentage of positive cases of HCV virus in the studied patients according to ELISA test and PCR test were 28.6% and 20.4%, respectively. Percentage of HCV positive cases had p = 0.001 based on PCR and ELISA tests by age group, number of sexual partners, history previous HCV infection, liver cirrhosis, addiction and treatment of previous HCV infection which was significantly different; However, it was not significant in terms of gender (p = 0.5232). According to Kappa coefficient, the percentage of agreement is 91.8 in both methods which indicates that the two models are consistent (P = 0.001) and the diagnostic value of ELISA versus PCR with sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 89.7%, respectively. Conclusion: ELISA susceptibility to anti-HCV antibody is more than 99%, but its specificity is low compared to RT-PCR method. On the other hand, these tests show only hepatitis C affection and does not distinguish between chronic acute or improved infection. It is not able to detect patients in the window phase, so the simultaneous application of ELISA and molecular methods is recommended to diagnose and follow the treatment of HCV virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Along with the negative effects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms on individuals, various psychological factors are thought to be associated with these symptoms. The aim of the current study was to compare psychological vulnerability and self-efficacy in teenagers with or without ADHD syndrome. Methods: This study was conducted using comparative method. The statistical population comprised all the first-grade middle school students of Karaj City, Iran, in 2018 (n = 100). A total of 100 people (50 people with ADHD by referring to Alborz Health Counseling Center and 50 normal people by referring to the first secondary school in Karaj) were selected and tested by a convenience sampling method. To collect data, SelfEfficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) and Symptom Checklist-25 (SCL-25) were administered. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used at the level of descriptive statistics, as well as multiple regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent t-tests. The analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Results: Based on the results, f values observed regarding obsessive-compulsive (F = 20.01, P = 0.001), depression (F = 19.48, P = 0.001), anxiety (F = 8.74, P = 0.001), morbid phobia (F = 5.58, P = 0.001), and psychosis (F = 19.06, P = 0.001) were significant at the level of P ≤0.05. Therefore, there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the symptoms of the above mental disorders. Moreover, social (F = 8.05, P = 0.001), educational (F = 2.70, P = 0.001), and emotional (F = 9.42, P = 0.001) self-efficacy were significant at the level of P ≤0.05. Conclusion: According to the results, self-efficacy and psychological vulnerability in adolescents with ADHD are lower than in normal adolescents. Since inefficiency and mental damage can bring problems in the later stages of development, it is suggested that schools focus more on the extracurricular and collective activities of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red Bed type sediment-hosted stratabound copper (SSC) deposits consist of replaced, disseminated to veinlets copper sulphides, hosted by thick, haematite-stained sequences of sandstone, conglomerate, and siltstone. More than 120 sediment-hosted stratabound copper (SSC) deposits and occurrences have been reported in Iran. Ravar–Tabas–Eshghabad is the major Red Bed type SSC belt in Iran, with a cumulative tonnage of more than 400 Mt ore at ~1–2% Cu. These deposits are hosted in Garedu Red Bed Formation (including reddish conglomerates and micro-conglomerates, red siltstones and sandstones), and copper sulphides (chalcocite, with minor chalcopyrite and bornite) are concentrated in local reducing conditions that are achieved around plant fossil accumulations, within grey paleochannels in the upper part of the Garedu Red Bed Formation. These deposits are usually explored using geochemical, geophysical, and remote sensing methods. However, the host layers usually extend laterally up to tens of kilometres, and the critical point is to find the paleochannels in the host horizons where organic matter and plant fossils accumulate, especially in underground mining and boreholes. The lateral extension of ore-bearing lenses is usually 50–150 m, so it is not easy to find them within the reduced horizons. Recognizing neotocite textures (including diffusion, radial DLA (diffusion-limited aggregation), cat footprint, and spotty), and distribution in the host rocks of the Red Bed type SSC deposits can be used as a clue to find the ore lenses, organic matter, and plant fossil accumulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This systematic review aims to gain the studies regarding the effect of Nigella Sativa (N. sativa) on adipokines including leptin, adiponectin and resistin. Design/methodology/approach: Search was carried out using databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar with no restriction on language or date until February 2023 and alert services were applied to identify any paper after the primary search. Findings: Eighteen animal and human studies were eligible for the current systematic review. Leptin and resistin levels showed a downward tendency after consuming N. sativa and its ingredients [e.g. oil, thymoquinone (TQ) and thymol] as well as its extracts (e.g. water extract). Furthermore, considering 4 of 8 animal research studies and 2 of 5 human studies that evaluated adiponectin levels, a significant increase was observed after using N. sativa and its ingredients (e.g. oil, TQ and thymol). Originality/value: The present paper collates evidence from animal and human studies regarding the effect of N. sativa on adipokines including leptin, adiponectin and resistin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving the potential for plasma particle interactions by modifying the Deutsch potential has been considered in many studies. One very convenient way to do this is to utilize the method as a dielectric function. In this method, by applying different potentials, it tries to provide corrective terms in the initial potential. As a result of using this method, an effective potential function is obtained from which the plasma characteristics including state equation and thermodynamic features can be derived. Because the screening effects between plasma particles are not taken into account by the Deutsch potential and therefore show different results from the real values, in this paper, we have tried to add corrective terms with the help of Hulthen potential and dielectric response function to it. Thus, an effective potential was obtained and then its equation of state was derived consequently. Finally, the results of this modified potential and the equation of state were compared with the results of other works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]