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In this manuscript, we survey a numerical algorithm based on the combination of the homotopy perturbation method and the Sadik transform for solving the time-fractional nonlinear modified shallow water waves (called Kawahara equation) within the frame of the Caputo–Prabhakar (CP) operator. The nonlinear terms are handled with the assistance of the homotopy polynomials. The stability analysis of the implemented method is studied by using S-stable mapping and the Banach contraction principle. Also, we use the fixed-point method to determine the existence and uniqueness of solutions in the given suggested model. Finally, some numerical simulations are illustrated to display the accuracy and efficiency of the present numerical method. Moreover, numerical behaviors are captured to validate the reliability and efficiency of the scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research is primarily conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Beliefs about Emotions Scale (BES) in community and clinical samples. The BES is a scale measure used for evaluating individuals' beliefs in terms of how acceptable it is for them to experience and express their emotions. Method: This study was conducted on two separate samples. In the first part, 300 individuals were selected from a general sample in Tehran using the quota sampling method. For the second part of the study, we used purposive sampling to gather data from 119 patients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 121 patients from Somatic Symptoms Disorder (SSD), whose disorders were diagnosed based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. The BES structural validity was examined through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Additionally, test-retest composite and internal consistency indices were explored to investigate the reliability of the BES score. Finally, the associations of the BES score with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ), Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) scores were highlighted to investigate the discriminant and convergent validity of the BES score. Results: According to CFAs, the one-factor model for the BES demonstrated a good fit with the data collected from both the clinical and community samples. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was satisfactory in the community sample (α = 0.84) and the clinical samples of SSD (α = 0.86) and MDD (α = 0.83). The community sample demonstrated high overall test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93, P < 0.001; 95% CI: 0.89 - 0.95). In terms of convergent validity, the findings confirmed that in the MMD sample, there was a significant relationship between the BES and almost all measures (including Depression (r = 0.39, P < 0.01), Anxiety (r = 0.21, P < 0.05), Self-Sacrifice (r = 0.27, P < 0.01), MPS-total score (r = 0.22, P < 0.05), DERS total score (r = 0.50, P < 0.01), and Suppression (r = 0.38, P < 0.01). However, in the SSD group, this finding was not found. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the Persian BES is a reliable and valid scale of maladaptive beliefs about emotions which could be implemented for both clinical and research aims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and financial concerns have motivated road authorities to limit the utilization of natural resources in road construction, particularly the resources that cannot be renewed. To fulfill such requirements, pavement researchers have successfully utilized reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials as an attractive alternative to their natural counterparts. In practice, rejuvenators are often used to amend the properties of the RAP binder. The addition of the rejuvenator in the mixtures containing RAP materials could completely change the behavior of the mixtures. Such changes in the mechanical responses of the asphalt mixtures are essential aspects of pavements' lifetime performance and should be considered during the asphalt mix design. Although the self-healing performance of asphalt mixtures prepared by virgin materials is well researched, a few research studies have been carried out to investigate the healing properties of asphalt mixtures prepared by RAP materials. This paper examines the influence of the addition of rice bran oil (RBO) capsules on the self-healing performance and mechanical properties of the asphalt mixtures containing various amounts of RAP: 20% and 40% and control mix containing no RAP material. In general, it was found that the addition of the capsules into the mixtures with RAP materials decreased the resilient modulus and flow number (FN) values. As a consequence of the fact that some part of the rejuvenator inside capsules is released into the mixture during mixing and compaction; moreover, the skeleton structure of capsules is weaker than aggregates, which allows the reduction in the maximum density. Further, the addition of capsules into the asphalt mixture without RAP has increased the fracture energy since the inclusion of capsules would increase the bond between asphalt binder and aggregates. In contrast, encapsulated mixtures containing RAP materials had lower fracture energy values compared with their corresponding mixtures without capsule addition. Furthermore, the results revealed that the addition of RBO capsules to the mixtures with RAP materials increased the healing performance of mixtures due to the fact that the reduced viscosity of aged asphalt binder had increased following the gradual release of the rejuvenator; therefore, the microcracks were closed and prevented further damages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidant environment and inflammation are the leading cause of chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers. A dressing containing antioxidants would ensure accelerated wound healing. In this study, electrospun gold nanoparticle (GNP)-embedded nanofibers were developed. GNPs (about 7 nm) were synthesized using saffron extract as a reducing and capping agent (GNP-EXT). For comparison, nanoparticles of the same size were also synthesized using citrate (GNP-CIT). Nanoparticle colloids showed a zeta potential of -27 mV. FTIR confirmed the presence of the extract molecules on the nanoparticles. DPPH assay demonstrated the significant radical scavenging properties of the GNP-EXT. The effect of nanoparticles on the viability of NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells was evaluated with an MTT assay that showed no significant toxicity of nanoparticles even in the highest concentration of 250 ppm. Then poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL)- Collagen nanofibers containing GNPs were electrospun. By using SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR, and contact angle measurement, the nanofibers were characterized. Proper cell adhesion and spreading was observed on nanofibers by SEM and Alamar blue assay illustrated appropriate cyto-compatibility on the obtained nanofibers after 5 days of cell seeding. Wound healing assay also confirmed the cell supporting properties and biocompatibility. The results suggest that saffron-synthesized GNP-loaded nanofibers would be considered as potential wound dressings. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In HTLV-1-associated malignant disease, adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL), the interaction of virus and host was evaluated at the chemokines gene expression level. Also, IL-1β and Caspase-1 expressions were evaluated to investigate the importance of pyroptosis in disease development and progression. Methods and results: The expression of host CCR6 and CXCR-3 and the HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL), Tax, and HBZ were assessed in 17 HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers (ACs) and 12 ATLL patients using the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), TaqMan method. Moreover, RT-qPCR, SYBR Green assay were performed to measure Caspase-1 and IL-1β expression. HTLV-1-Tax did not express in 91.5% of the ATLLs, while HBZ was expressed in all ATLLs. The expression of CXCR3 dramatically decreased in ATLLs compared to ACs (p = 0.001). The expression of CCR6 was lower in ATLLs than ACs (p = 0.04). The mean of PVL in ATLL patients was statistically higher than ACs (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the expression of the IL-1β between ATLLs and ACs was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). In contrast, there was a meaningful difference between Caspase-1 in ATLLs and ACs (p = 0.02). Conclusions: The present study indicated that in the first stage of ATLL malignancy toward acute lymphomatous, CXCR3 and its progression phase may target the pyroptosis process. Mainly, HBZ expression could be a novel therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Colon cancer is well-known as a life-threatening disease. Since the current treatment modalities for this type of cancer are powerful yet face some limitations, finding novel treatments is required to achieve better outcomes with fewer side effects. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential of Azurin-p28 alone or along with iRGD (Ac-CRGDKGPDC-amide) as a tumor-penetrating peptide and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for colon cancer. Materials and Methods: Inhibitory effect of p28 with or without iRGD/5-FU was studied in CT26 and HT29, as well as the xenograft animal model of cancer. The effect of p28 alone or along with iRGD/5-FU on cell migration, apoptotic activity, and cell cycle of the cell lines was assessed. Level of the BAX and BCL2 genes, tumor suppressor genes [(p53 and collagen type-Ia1 (COL1A1), collagen type-Ia2 (COL1A2)] were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Results: These findings show that using p28 with or without iRGD and 5-FU raised the level of p53 and BAX but decreased BCL2, compared with control and 5-FU groups in tissues of the tumor, which result in raising the apoptosis. Conclusion: It seems that p28 may be used as a new therapeutic approach in colon cancer therapy that can enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) could induce type IV hypersensitivity. The chemotaxis of the leukocytes toward the site of infection and producing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key factors in the immune pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). Mononuclear cells were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens, and the target from genomic DNA was used for qPCR TB diagnosis and cDNA for specific RT-qPCR gene expression. The subjects were then classified into TB+ and TB− groups, and the expression levels of CFP-10, ESAT-6, CCR1, CCR12 and MMP3,9 were evaluated. The mean level of CCR1 expression in TB+ and TB− patients' BAL was 1.71 ± 0.78 and 0.5 ± 0.22, respectively, which was statistically different (p = 0.01). The CCR2 level, in TB+ (2.07 ± 1.4), was higher than in TB− patients (1.42 ± 0.89, p = 0.01). The MMP9 expression in TB+ was 2.56 ± 0.68, also higher than in TB− patients (1.13 ± 0.35), while MMP3 was lower in TB+ (0.22 ± 0.09) than in TB− (0.64 ± 0.230, p = 0.05). The CCR2/CCR1 and MMP3/MMP9 balance in TB+ were reduced, compared to the TB−. The CFP-10 and ESAT-6 were highly expressed in TB+ patients. The CFP-10 expression had a strong negative correlation with albumin (r = − 0.93, p = 0.001), and a negative correlation with neutrophil (r = − 0.444, p = 0.1 with 90% CI). The MMP-9 expression showed a positive correlation with WBC count (r = 0.61, p = 0.02), in TB+, and had a negative correlation with BMI (r = 0.59, p = 0.02) in TB−. The M.tb CFP-10 might be implicated in lowering CCR2 and MMP3 expression in favour of M.tb dissemination. Moreover, the balance of CCR2/CCR1 and MMP3/MMP9 can be used as prognostic factors in the severity of TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the end of December 2019 new corona virus began to spread from Wuhan, China and caused a worldwide pandemic. COVID-19 deaths and prevalence represented sex discrepant patterns with higher rate of deaths and infection in males than females which could be justified by androgen-mediated mechanisms. This review aimed to assess the role of androgens in COVID-19 severity and mortality. Androgens increase expressions of Type II transmembrane Serine Protease (TMPRSS2) and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), which both facilitate new corona virus entry into host cell and their expression is higher in young males than females. According to observational studies, prevalence of COVID-19 infections and deaths was more in androgenic alopecic patients than patients without androgenic alopecia. The COVID-19 mortality rates in aged men (>60 years) were substantially higher than aged females and even young males caused by high inflammatory activities such as cytokine storm due to hypogonadism in this population. Use of anti-androgen and TMPRSS2 inhibitor drugs considerably modified COVID-19 symptoms. Androgen deprivation therapy also improved COVID-19 symptoms in prostate cancer: overall the role of androgens in severity of COVID-19 and its associated mortality seemed to be very important. So, more studies in variety of populations are required to define the absolute role of androgens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and the need for rapid and accurate screening of rifampin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH)-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates are the most fundamental and difficult challenges facing the global TB control. The present study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution melting-curve analysis (HRMA) in comparison to multiplex allele-specific PCR (MAS-PCR) and xpert MTB/RIF as well as the conventional drug-susceptibility test (DST) and gene sequencing for the detection of INH and RIF resistance in the Mtb isolates. In the present study, a total of 431 Mtb isolates including 11 MDR (%2.55), 7 INH resistance (%1.62), two RIF resistance (%0.46), and 411 sensitive isolates were phenotypically confirmed. HRMA assay identified katG gene mutations and the mabA-inhA promoter region in 15 of 18 INH-resistant samples and rpoB gene mutations were successfully evaluated in 11 out of 13 RIF-resistant samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the HRMA method were 83.3% and 98.8% for INH and 84.6% and 99% for RIF, respectively. The most common mutation in RIF-resistance-determining region (RRDR) occurred at codon 531 (TCG → TTG)(84.6%) and then at codon 513 (CAA → GTA)(7.6%) and 526 (CAC → TAC) (7.6%), which resulted in the amino-acid changes. Also, 88.8% of INH-resistant samples had mutations in the katG gene and the mabA-inhA promoter region, of which the highest mutation occurred at codon 315 (AGC → ACC) of the katG gene. In conclusion, all these results indicated that the sensitivity and specificity of the HRM method were increased when the katG gene and the mabA-inhA promoter region were used as a target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Despite significant progress in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) treatment, the emergence of drug resistance mutations is a main challenging health threat. The data is lacking regarding circulation mutant strains in northeastern Iran; therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate HBV reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors drug resistance mutations in a group of treatment naïve patients in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this study, 25 patients were included. The genomic DNA was extracted from serum samples, and the RT gene of HBV was amplified using specific primers. The PCR products were then subjected to gel electrophoresis and were next sent for sequencing. Finally, the sequences were analyzed using the HBVseq database, mutation list analysis software supported by Stanford University (https://hivdb.stanford.edu). Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.7±16.5. Among the patients, 56% were men. Among 23 cases (92%), no resistance mutation was observed, while 2 cases showed mutations outside the YMDD motif of viral reverse transcriptase causing Lamivudine or Entecavir resistance. The detected mutations included: rt T184A, S202I, S202H, V180I, I169L, and V173L. All sequenced samples were identified as genotype D. Conclusion: Lamivudine/Entecavir resistant variants are circulating in a minority of treatment naïve patients, which may indicate transmission of mutated stains to these patients or may be due to prolonged replication of the virus. This finding might be considered an alarm for increasing circulating mutant variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori is the most important risk factor for non‐cardia gastric cancer (NCGC); however, the magnitude of the association varies across epidemiological studies. This study aimed to quantify the association between H. pylori infection and NCGC, using different criteria to define infection status. Methods: A pooled analysis of individual‐level H. pylori serology data from eight international studies (1325 NCGC and 3121 controls) from the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Consortium was performed. Cases and controls with a negative H. pylori infection status were reclassified as positive considering the presence of anti‐Cag A antibodies, gastric atrophy, or advanced stage at diagnosis, as available and applicable. A two‐stage approach was used to pool study‐specific adjusted odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A meta‐analysis of published prospective studies assessing H. pylori seropositivity in NCGCs was conducted. Results: The OR for the association between serology‐defined H. pylori and NCGC was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87–2.42), which increased to 4.79 (95% CI: 2.39–9.60) following the reclassification of negative H. pylori infection. The results were consistent across strata of sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features and lifestyle factors, though significant differences were observed according to geographic region—a stronger association in Asian studies. The pooled risk estimates from the literature were 3.01 (95% CI: 2.22–4.07) for ELISA or EIA and 9.22 (95% CI: 3.12–27.21) for immunoblot or multiplex serology. Conclusion: The NCGC risk estimate from StoP based on the reclassification of H. pylori seronegative individuals is consistent with the risk estimates obtained from the literature. Our classification algorithm may be useful for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multichannel structures in the design of nerve conduits offer potential advantages for regeneration of damaged nerves. However, lack of biochemical cues and electrical stimulation could hamper satisfactory nerve regeneration. The aim of this study was to simultaneously evaluate the effects of topographical, biological, and electrical cues on sciatic nerve regeneration. Accordingly, a series of multichannel nerve conduit was made using longitudinally-aligned laminin-coated poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanofibers (NF, mean diameter: 455 ± 362 nm) in the lumen and randomly-oriented polycaprolactone (PCL) NF (mean diameter: 340 ± 200 nm) on the outer surface. In vitro studies revealed that the materials were nontoxic and able to promote cell attachment and proliferation on nanofibers and on fibrin gel. To determine the influence of laminin as biological and CNT as electrical cues on nerve regeneration, either of hollow PCL conduits, PLGA NF-embedded, PLGA/CNT NF-embedded or laminin-coated PLGA/CNT NF-embedded PCL conduits were implanted in rats. A new surgery method was utilized and results were compared with an autograft. The results of motor and sensory tests in addition to histopathological examination of the regenerated nerves demonstrated the formation of nerve fibers in laminin-coated PLGA/CNT NF-embedded PCL conduits. Results suggested that these conduits have the potential to improve sciatic nerve regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active wound dressing with physicochemical and biological characteristics is more effective in healing diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). In this study, a 3-layer electrospun nanofiber wound dressings was fabricated, while its outer, middle and inner layers of the scaffold were made of PCL, PCL/collagen and collagen nanofibers, respectively. Various amounts of Melilotus officinalis extract were also loaded in the collagen nanofibers as a biologically active compound. The diameter and morphology of the obtained nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR spectroscopy to analyse the composition of prepared dressings. The efficacy of the fabricated dressings as wound healing agent was assessed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results demonstrated that the mean diameter of nanofibers are 373 ± 179 nm, 266 ± 108 nm, 160 ± 52 nm, and 393 ± 131 nm for PCL, PCL/collagen, pure collagen, and collagen nanofibers containing 0.08 g extract, respectively. The histo-pathology and histomorphometry assessments demonstrate the herbal extract-loaded electrospun dressings (especially containing 0.08 g of the extract) are promising in improving the diabetic ulcer healing. Our results indicated that the combination of drug did not compromise the physicochemical characteristics of wound dressing, while improving its biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Several pathologic complications may lead to defects in urinary bladder tissue or organ loss. In this regard, bladder tissue engineering utilizing electrospun nanofibrous PCL and PCL/chitosan would be promising as replacing structures. Materials and Methods: The resultant nanofibers were characterized for their morphology, diameter and composition by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and also, FT-IR and CHN analyses. Then, isolation of smooth muscle cells of human urinary bladder biopsies was performed and the obtained cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry (ICC). Thereafter, seeded cells on PCL and PCL/CS nanofibers were assayed for their viability/toxicity, and also, cell-scaffold attachments and cell morphologies were investigated. Results: The findings illustrated that PCL and PCL/CS nanofibers of about 100 nm were successfully fabricated. The obtained scaffolds provided appropriate environment for attachment and expansion of seeded detrusor smooth muscle cells. Biocompatibility of both scaffolds was demonstrated by alamar blue assay. After 7 days of study, cells showed higher viability percentage on PCL/CS nanofibers. Conclusion: Nanofibrous PCL or PCL/CS scaffolds could properly help adhesion and proliferation/growth of human bladder smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, for the first time, the distributed‐order time‐fractional forced Korteweg–de Vries equation is studied. We use a numerical method based on the shifted Legendre operational matrix of distributed‐order fractional derivative with Tau method to find approximate solution of distributed‐order forced Korteweg–de Vries equation. This shifted Legendre operational matrix of distributed‐order fractional derivative with Tau method is used to reduce the solution of the distributed‐order time‐fractional forced Korteweg–de Vries equations to a system of algebraic equations. An error analysis and convergence are obtained. Finally, to display the applicability and validity of the numerical method, some examples are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Based on serological studies, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Iranian adults is up to 80%. Gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma are common clinical outcomes of this infection in Iran. Since antibiotic resistance patterns of Helicobacter pylori are geographically different, local studies are highly required. Methods: Eighty isolates of Helicobacter pylori were obtained from patients referred to the endoscopy unit of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad. Demographic features including age, gender, and symptoms were recorded before the sampling. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolates were determined for the five common antibiotics used for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. The agar dilution method was used to evaluate the antibiotic resistance patterns. Results: The patterns of antibiotic resistance were determined, and ,%13.7 ,%41.2 %6.6 ,%8.7, and %6.6 of isolates were resistant to metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and furazolidone, respectively. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the overall rate of antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori especially in the case of metronidazole has increased over time. The resistance rates are generally higher in the age range of 60-30 years and in females for the case of metronidazole. This reminds us of the need for a continuous monitoring program of antibiotic susceptibility patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) is characterized by somatic symptoms that are very distressing or cause considerable functional disability. SSD is associated with various medical and psychiatric conditions and imposes high costs on the health care system. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of SSD are crucial. The somatic symptom scale-8 (SSS-8) is a valuable and brief self-report questionnaire to assess somatic symptom burden. The current study determined the psychometric properties of the Persian version of SSS-8 in depressed samples. Methods: The study data were collected from a clinical setting with individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD, n=122). The convergent validity of SSS-8 was examined by assessing its correlation with the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), the Whiteley index (WI-14), and somatic symptom disorder-B criteria scale (SSD-12) questionnaires. Results: The Cronbach a results confirmed the reliability of SSS-8. Reliability assessment with test-retest showed excellent reliability for scale. The confirmatory factor analysis also approved the SSS-8 single-factor structure. The results of construct validity analysis of the questionnaire showed that SSS-8 has a positive and significant relationship with depression, anxiety, WI, and SSS-12. Conclusion: The Persian version of the SSS-8 is an 8-item self-report questionnaire that health professionals and researchers can use to assess and screen somatic symptoms in individuals diagnosed with MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are chronic severe complications of diabetes disease and remain a worldwide clinical challenge with social and economic consequences. Diabetic wounds can cause infection, amputation of lower extremities, and even death. Several factors including impaired angiogenesis, vascular insufficiency, and bacterial infections result in a delayed process of wound healing in diabetic patients. Treatment of wound infections using traditional antibiotics has become a critical status. Thus, finding new therapeutic strategies to manage diabetic wounds is urgently needed. Nanotechnology has emerged as an efficient approach for this purpose. This review aimed to summarize recent advances using nanotechnology for the treatment of diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Game theory describes the interactions between two players and the pay-off from winning, losing, or compromising. In the present study, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)–host interactions were used as an example for the application of game theory to describe and predict the different outcomes of Mtb-infection and introducing target molecules for use in protection or therapy. Materials and Methods: The gene expression for eight main markers (CCR1, CCR2, IDO, Tbet, TGFβ, iNOS, MMP3, MMP9) of host response and three Mtb virulence factors (Ag85B, CFP-10, ESAT-6) were assessed in broncho-alveolar lavage of TB+ and TB- patients. Results: The players’ strategies in the “Nash equilibrium”, showed that Ag85B is the main virulence factor for Mtb in active phase, and also the most immunogenic factor, if the host can respond by high expression of T-bet and iNOS toward a Th1 response. In this situation, Mtb can express high levels of ESAT-6 and CFP10 and change the game to the latency, in which host responses by medium expression of T-bet and iNOS and medium level of TGF-β and IDO. Consistently, the IDO expression was 134-times higher in TB+s than the TB-s,and the T-bet expression,~200-times higher in the TB-s than the TB+s. Furthermore, Mtb-Ag85B had a strong positive association with CCR2, T-bet and iNOS, but had a negative correlation with IDO. Conclusion: Ag85B and maybe ESAT6 (without its suppressive C-terminal) should be considered for making subunit vaccines. And, preventing IDO formation in dendritic cells might be a novel target for immunotherapy of tuberculosis, to reduce the pressure of immune-suppression on Th1 responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan (CS)‐based nanofibrous scaffolds are very promising in tissue engineering applications. However, electrospinning of CS is not possible unless using toxic solvents such as trifluoroacetic acid or by blending with other polymers. In the present study, we investigated CS‐based nanofibers' fabrication by blending it with kefiran as a natural polysaccharide. A series of solutions with various CS to kefiran ratios were prepared and underwent electrospinning. The effects of main process parameters, including applied voltage and needle tip‐to‐collector distance on nanofibers' diameter and morphology, were also studied. Nanofibers containing 80% CS and 20% Kefiran with an average diameter of 81 ± 17 nm were successfully electrospun. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated the presence of both polymers in blend nanofibers. The diameter of CS/kefiran nanofibers increased with enhanced applied voltage, while needle tip‐to‐collector distance did not significantly affect the mean diameters. Appropriate viability of l929 cells on the obtained scaffolds was demonstrated utilizing Alamar blue assay. Also, cell attachment onto the fiber surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that CS/kefiran nanofibrous scaffolds would be promising for tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we use Chebyshev polynomials to seek the numerical solution of a class of multi-variable order fractional differential equation (MVODEs) that the fractional derivative is described in the Caputo-Prabhakar sense. Using operational matrices, the original equations are transferred to a system of algebraic equations. By solving the system of equations, the numerical solutions are acquired that this system may be solved numerically using an iterative algorithm. The effectiveness and convergence analysis of the numerical scheme is illustrated through four numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a neurodegenerative disease of host-HTLV-1 interactions. In many virus-associated diseases and multiple sclerosis, the importance of vitamin-D and lipid profile has been demonstrated, thus similarly, their impacts were evaluated in HAM/TSP patients, in this study. Vitamin D and lipid profile were assessed in 120 healthy subjects (HSs), along with a proviral load (PVL) in 91 HAM/TSPs and 169 HTLV-1 carriers (ACs). The mean level of triglyceride and LDL in the HAM/TSPs were higher than HSs (P = 0.008 and 0.008, respectively), but no significant difference has been found between ACs and HSs. However, the level of HDL and vitamin-D in the HAM/TSP subjects were lower than HSs (P = 0.01 and P = 0.006, respectively). In HTLV-1 infected subjects, PVL was statistically associated with cholesterol (R = 0.24, P = 0.038), triglycerides (R = 0.26, P = 0.01) and HDL (R = 0.28, P = 0.001), and in HAM/TSPs there was a strong association between the severity of the disease, as determined by the OMDS and cholesterol (P = 0.01). Furthermore, in the HAM/TSPs, positive correlations between vitamin-D and age (R = 0.23, P = 0.028) and triglycerides (R = 0.38, P = 0.001) were found, also a significant correlation between PVL and LDL (R = 0.21, P = 0.001) and a weak correlation between PVL and OMDS (R = 0.4, P = 0.07) were noted. However, there was no correlation between PVL and urinary disturbance. Furthermore, PVL range of more than 600 copies/104 lymphocytes had a strong correlation with OMDS (P = 0.05), but not with urinary disturbance. It's more likely that HAM/TSP patients have an imbalanced lipid profile and low levels of vitamin D and may represent a potentially useful target for intervention in HTLV-1 associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): A new strategy in recent studies is using effective tuberculosis (TB) subunit vaccines combined with appropriate carriers and adjuvants which have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the PLGA:DDA hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) for subcutaneous delivery of a novel multistage subunit vaccine along with MPLA adjuvant against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Materials and Methods: PLGA and PLGA:DDA NPs containing HspX/EsxS fusion protein and MPLA were prepared by double emulsion method (w/o/w). After characterization, these NPs were subcutaneously administered to BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks old. Immunogenicity of formulations were assessed by measuring the level of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 and TGF-β cytokines as well as IgG1, IgG2a and IgA antibodies using ELISA. Results: Both particles had spherical shape and smooth surface with 316.7±12.7 nm in size, surface charge of -33±1.7 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 92.2±2% for PLGA NPs and 249.7±16.7 nm in size, surface charge of 39±1.8 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 35.7±1.4% for PLGA:DDA NPs. The highest IFN-γ response and also IgG2a and IgG1 antibodies titers were observed in groups immunized with PLGA:DDA/HspX/EsxS/MPLA and PLGA:DDA/HspX/EsxS/MPLA as booster as well as PLGA:DDA/HspX/EsxS and PLGA:DDA/HspX/EsxS as booster. Conclusion: With regard to effective induction of IFN-γ and IgG2a immune responses, PLGA:DDA hybrid NP along with MPLA adjuvant have good potentials for improving the immunogenicity of HspX/EsxS multistage subunit vaccine as well as promoting BCG efficacy as a BCG prime-boost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) include sensory and motor disability resulting from the death of neuronal cells and axon degeneration. In this respect, overcoming the consequences of SCI including the recovery of sensory and motor functions is considered to be a difficult tasks that requires attention to multiple aspects of treatment. The breakthrough in tissue engineering through the integration of biomaterial scaffolds and stem cells has brought a new hope for the treatment of SCI. In the present study, human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) were cultured with human Schwann cells (hSC) in transwells, their differentiation into nerve‐like cells was confirmed by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and immunocytochemistry techniques. The differentiated cells (co‐hEnSC) were then seeded on the poly ε‐caprolactone (PCL)/gelatin scaffolds. The SEM images displayed the favorable seeding and survival of the cells on the scaffolds. The seeded scaffolds were then transplanted into hemisected SCI rats. The growth of neuronal cells was confirmed with immunohistochemical study using NF‐H as a neuronal marker. Finally, the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) test confirmed the recovery of sensory and motor functions. The results suggested that combination therapy using the differentiated hEnSC seeded on PCL/gelatin scaffolds has the potential to heal the injured spinal cord and to limit the secondary damage. Combination therapy using the differentiated human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) seeded on poly ε‐caprolactone (PCL)/gelatin scaffolds has the potential to heal the injured spinal cord and to limit the secondary damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is associated with a number of cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities. We examined the association of SpA disease duration and delay in diagnosis with CV-related conditions.Methods: Using data from the COMOSPA study, the associations between SpA disease duration and CV-related conditions were evaluated in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Each model examined 1 CV-related factor as dependent and "SpA disease duration" as a predictor, adjusted for relevant confounders.Results: Data from 3923 subjects (median SpA disease duration 5.1 yrs, interquartile range 1.3-11.8 yrs) were available for analysis. The main CV-related conditions were hypertension (HTN; 22.4%), ischemic heart disease (2.6%), stroke (1.3%), and diabetes mellitus (5.5%). HTN was associated with SpA disease duration in both univariable and multivariable analysis, with an OR of 1.129 (95% CI 1.072-1.189; p < 0.001) for each 5-year increase in SpA disease duration. Other factors associated with HTN were age, male sex, current body mass index, ever steroid therapy, and ever synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy, but not nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID). In subgroup analysis, the strongest association of HTN and disease duration was seen in subjects with the axial-only SpA phenotype (OR 1.202, 95% CI 1.053-1.372) but not in those with peripheral-only SpA (OR 0.902, 95% CI 0.760-1.070). The other CV conditions were not associated with SpA disease duration.Conclusion: Duration of SpA disease in the ASAS-COMOSPA cohort is associated with higher odds of HTN, particularly in those with axial disease, but not with other CV-related conditions. The association with HTN does not appear to be related to NSAID exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial disease and a leading cause of mortality among single-agent infectious diseases following the human immunodeficiency virus infection across the world. Logistic regression is a method of statistical analysis with predictive capability. This multivariate statistical method could be used to evaluate the correlations between independent variables (albeit confounding) and a dependent variable. The present study aimed to assess the influential factors in the incidence of TB based on the estimations of a logistic regression predictive model. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on two groups consisting of 189 TB patients and 189 controls. The influential factors in TB were compared between the groups, including age, gender, marital status, risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), smoking habits, history of asthma, organ transplantation, body mass index (BMI), vitamin D3 level, diabetes, and rate of hemoglobin and malignant diseases. In addition, the predictive potential of the logistic regression model was determined based on various indices, such as sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the regression model were estimated at 78% and 68%, respectively, and the area under the ROC curve was calculated to be 0.821. Among the available influential factors in the dependent variable (i.e., TB), the variables of vitamin D3 and hemoglobin levels and BMI were considered significant. Conclusion: According to the results, the logistic regression model is appropriate for the prediction of TB considering the accuracy and predictive power of its criteria, as well as the area under the ROC curve (0.821), which could provide the test accuracy for the diagnosis TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the regular and singular fractional Sturm-Liouville problem (SLP) where the operator is the Weber fractional derivative of order α. We show then the eigenvalues of fractional SLP are real and the eigenfunctions corresponding to distinct eigenvalues are orthogonal. We also consider a Jacobi type singular fractional SLP and treat the behaviours of its eigenvalues. We further introduce the finite fractional Fourier transform and use this transform for solving the space-fractional diffusion equation problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric particles and liposomes are efficient tools to overcome the low immunogenicity of subunit vaccines. The aim of the present study was formulation and optimization of a new cationic lipid-modified PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) as a delivery system for Mycobacterium tuberculosis HspX/EsxS fusion protein. The cationic lipid-modified PLGA NPs containing HspX/EsxS fusion protein were prepared using a modified double emulsion solvent evaporation method. Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) tools were used to determine physical properties of hybrid NPs. A multi-level full factorial design was used to evaluate the influence of two factors of PLGA:DDA weight ratio (w/w) and PVA concentration (%) on size, surface charge, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency and yield. Finally, the optimal formulation was achieved based on desired responses. Mathematical models were obtained to indicate the relation between the studied factors and responses. The DDA concentration showed an increasing effect on surface charge and also a decreasing effect on particle size, encapsulation efficiency and yield. Higher amounts of DDA increased surface charge of NPs; however, the size, encapsulation efficiency and yield were decreased. The influence of various concentrations of PVA on different physical characteristics of PLGA:DDA hybrid NPs was variable. The optimal formulation consisted of 0.91 (55:5, w/w) weight ratio of PLGA:DDA and 0.5% PVA. The hybrid NPs showed acceptable particle size distribution, strong positive surface charge, prolonged antigen release and good encapsulation efficiency in comparison to PLGA alone. However, further preclinical and clinical studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we employed optical waveguides in a silicon rod base structure to realize AND, OR logical operation simultaneously based on two-dimensional photonic crystals. All of the structure is composed of silicon rods. Employing silicon rods of different radii as defect rods in optical waveguide filtered the desired wavelength. We utilized two similar waveguides as our input bits and two waveguides as AND and OR outputs. The overall footprint of the proposed device is 60 μm2 and hence is very compact. The time responses of device are about 0.5 ps and hence in conjunction with the mentioned characteristics suggest the use of the device for computational applications. The electric field distribution is obtained by the finite-difference time-domain method. In this paper, the logic state of ‘1’ and ‘0’ at output port is defined as the transmission is around ‘1’ and less than 0.25, respectively. The compact size of the proposed structure and the materials used make the proposed device suitable for optical integrated circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of death around the world. Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) is the only vaccine used in TB prevention that has a protective effect in children, but its effectiveness declines in adults. Design and development of new vaccines is the most effective way against TB. The aim of this study was to design and construct a DNA vaccine encoding mtb32C and mpt51 fusion genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Methods: First, mpt51 fragment was amplified by PCR method. The pcDNA3.1+/mtb32C plasmid was transformed into E. coli JM109 and then extracted. The mpt51 gene and pcDNA3.1+/mtb32C plasmid were both digested with EcoRI and BamHI restriction enzymes followed by ligation of mpt51 fragment into the digested vector. The recombinant plasmid containing mtb32C and mpt51 was subsequently transformed into competent E. coli TOP10 strain. The clones were confirmed by colony-PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing. Results: Using agarose gel electrophoresis, a 926 bp fragment corresponded to mpt51 was observed. Digestion of the vector pcDNa3.1+/mtb32C and mpt51 gene was confirmed by electrophoresis. Then, the pcDNA3.1+/mtb32C plasmid was extracted. Sequencing results confirmed the accuracy of the desired plasmid. Conclusion: In this study, we constructed a cloning vector encoding mtb32C/mpt51 gene of M. tuberculosis. The eukaryotic expression of this vector can be confirmed in future studies. It can be considered as a DNA vaccine in animal models later. Successful cloning provides a basis for the development of new DNA vaccines against TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. There have been significant advances in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), with implications for service delivery. We evaluated the state of axSpA rheumatology services and how people with axSpA perceive their care. Methods. An online patient survey was emailed to all members of the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society and advertised widely via social media. Separately, a Web-based questionnaire about axSpA services was sent to rheumatologists at all 172 acute hospital trusts in the UK. Results. From the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society survey, data for 1979 surveys (56% males) were available for analysis. The majority of respondents had longstanding disease and identified their diagnosis as AS, with only 44% aware of the term axSpA. Eighty-two per cent of respondents were currently attending a rheumatologist, with 43% on biologic agents. Satisfaction scores for rheumatology care were high. Respondents' concerns included access during disease flares and adverse effects of analgesics. From the rheumatology survey, the concept and terminology of axSpA was widely accepted by respondents (88%). The majority of centres had at least one rheumatologist with a specialist interest in axSpA (62%), dedicated axSpA clinics (58%) or a multidisciplinary team for axSpA (64%). BASDAI (99%), BASFI (74%) and BASMI (65%) were routinely performed. All centres had access to MRI scans, but scanning protocols varied and were often sub-optimal. Conclusion. Although overall satisfaction with rheumatology care was high, the results indicate significant unmet patient needs and discrepancies in service provision. This information will inform the development of quality standards for axSpA in order to improve quality and deliver equitable care for all patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, gold nanoshell (GNS) were synthesised utilising the Halas method. The obtained nanoparticles (NPs) were characterised by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. FTIR spectra demonstrated the successful functionalisation of silica NP with 3‐aminopropyl trimethoxysilane. SEM and TEM images showed the morphology and diameter of the synthesised silica NPs (137 ± 26 nm) and GNS. UV–Vis spectrum illustrated the maximum absorbance of the resultant GNS and their average hydrodynamic diameter was 159 nm. For in vitro study, HCT‐116 cells were exposed to gold nanoshells and intense pulsed light in different experiment groups. The results showed that exposing the cells to nanoshells and 30 s irradiation would efficiently decrease the viability percentage of the cells to about 30% compared with the control. A continued exposure of 4 min decreased the viability of the cancer cells to 20%. The results demonstrated that photothermal therapy would be promising in treatment of colon cancer cells utilising gold nanoshells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we study the Hyers–Ulam stability of the linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations with the Prabhakar derivative. By using the Laplace transform, we show that the introduced fractional differential equations with the Prabhakar fractional derivative is Hyers–Ulam stable. The results generalize the stability of ordinary and fractional differential equations in the Riemann–Liouville sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Production of effective tuberculosis (TB) vaccine is necessity. However, the development of new subunit vaccines is faced with concerns about their weak immunogenicity. To overcome such problems, polymers-based vaccine delivery systems have been proposed to be used via various routes. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of polymeric particles as future vaccine delivery systems/adjuvants for parenteral and non-parenteral immunization against TB. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Science-Direct, and the ISI web of knowledge databases were searched for related keywords. A total of 420 articles, written up to June 25, 2016, were collected on the potential of polymeric particles as TB vaccine delivery systems after parenteral and non-parenteral immunization. Thirty-one relevant articles were selected by applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: It was shown that the immunogenicity of TB vaccines had been improved by using biodegradable and non-biodegradable synthetic polymers as well as natural polymers and they are better able to enhance the humoral and cellular immune responses, compared to TB vaccines alone. The present study revealed that various polymeric particles, after M. tuberculosis challenge in animal models, provide long-lasting protection against TB. PLGA (poly (lactide-co-glycolide)) and chitosan polymers were widely used as TB vaccine delivery systems/adjuvants. Conclusion: It seems that PLGA and chitosan polymers are well-suited particles for the parenteral and non-parenteral administration of TB vaccines, respectively. Non-biodegradable synthetic polymers in comparison with biodegradable synthetic and natural polymers have been used less frequently. Therefore, further study on this category of polymers is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: More than two billion people are latently infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis. Most tuberculosis (TB)-subunit vaccines currently in various stages of clinical trials are designed for prevention of active TB, but not to prevent reactivation of latent TB-infection. Thus, there is an urgent need for an effective multi-stage vaccine based on early-expressed and latently-expressed antigens that prevents both acute and latent infections. Areas covered: Here, we reviewed the published pre-clinical and clinical studies of multi-stage subunit vaccines against TB, and the protective capacities of the vaccines were compared with BCG, either alone or in combination with different vaccine delivery systems/adjuvants. The results revealed that multi-stage subunit vaccines induced a wide variety of immune-responses to all forms of TB, including CD8 + T-cell-mediated cytolytic and IFN-γ responses comparable to those induced by the BCG. They could potentially be used as a booster vaccine to improve the efficacy of the BCG. Expert commentary: Multi-stage TB-vaccines could boost BCG-primed immunity, decrease bacterial loads and provide efficient protection against progressive TB-infection, especially in the latent phase. These types of vaccines administered before and after TB-infection can act as pre-exposure, post-exposure and even therapeutic vaccines. In the near future, these vaccines could provide a new generation of prime-vaccines or BCG prime-boosters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: The purpose of this study was to clone, express, and purify a novel multidomain fusion protein of Micobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a prokaryotic system. Methods: An hspX/esxS gene construct was synthesized and ligated into a pGH plasmid, E. coli TOP10 cells were transformed, and the vector was purified. The vector containing the construct and pET-21b (+) plasmid were digested with the same enzymes and the construct was ligated into pET-21b (+). The accuracy of cloning was confirmed by colony PCR and sequencing. E. coli BL21 cells were transformed with the pET-21b (+)/hspX/esxS expression vector and protein expression was evaluated. Finally, the expressed fusion protein was purified on a Ni-IDA column and verified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Results: The hspX/esxS gene construct was inserted into pET-21b (+) and recombinant protein expression was induced with IPTG in E. coli BL21 cells. Various concentrations of IPTG were tested to determine the optimum concentration for expression induction. The recombinant protein was expressed in insoluble inclusion bodies. Three molar guanidine HCl was used to solubilize the insoluble protein. Conclusions: An HspX/EsxS Mtb fusion protein was expressed in E. coli and the recombinant protein was purified. After immunological analysis, the HspX/EsxS fusion protein might be an anti-tuberculosis vaccine candidate in future clinical trial studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among various methods, nerve tissue engineering (NTE) is one of the applicable methods to reconstruct damaged nerve tissues. Electrospinning technique and biomaterials are often considered to fabricate fibrous tissue engineered conduits which have great similarity to the extracellular matrix on fiber structure. Polymer blending is one of the most effective methods for the production of new materials with outstanding features. In this study, conduit structures as main part of the peripheral nerve regeneration based on polymer blend nanocomposites poly(ε-caprolactone)/collagen/nanobioglass (PCL/collagen/NBG) were manufactured by electrospinning technique. Various properties of electrospun mats were investigated by using contact angle, tensile, degradation time, porosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The SEM analysis was shown that size range and average pore size of polymer blend nanocomposite nanofibers were about 250-400 nm and 0.7 µm, respectively, with an optimum porosity of 62.5%. The XRD result was shown that synthesized nanoparticles of NBG had amorphous structures. Also, FTIR analysis indicated that good interaction between polymer-polymer macromolecules and polymer particles. The contact angle and tensile tests were indicated that electrospun webs showed good hydrophilicity and toughness properties. According to SEM, MTT assay and DAPI staining technique, the ability to support cell attachment and viability of samples were characterized. In vitro study indicated electrospun collagen/PCL/NBG nanofibrous conduit promoted Human Endometrial Stem cells (hEnSCs) adhesion and proliferation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1960-1972, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to prepare a hybrid three-dimensional scaffold that mimics natural tendon tissues. It has been found that a knitted silk shows good mechanical strength; however, cell growth on the bare silk is not desirable. Hence, electrospun collagen/polyurethane combination was used to cover knitted silk. A series of collagen and polyurethane solutions (4%–7% w/v) in aqueous acetic acid were prepared and electrospun. According to obtained scanning electron microscopy images from pure collagen and polyurethane nanofibers, concentration was set constant at 5% (w/v) for blend solutions of collagen/polyurethane. Afterward, blend solutions with the weight ratios of 75/25, 50/50 and 25/75 were electrospun. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated the smooth and uniform morphology for the optimized nanofibers. The least fibers diameter among three weight ratios was found for collagen/polyurethane (25/75) which was 100.86 ± 40 nm and therefore was selected to be electrospun on the knitted silk. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the chemical composition of obtained electrospun nanofibers on the knitted silk. Tensile test of the specimens including blend nanofiber, knitted silk and commercial tendon substitute examined and indicated that collagen/polyurethane-coated knitted silk has appropriate mechanical properties as a scaffold for tendon tissue engineering. Then, Alamar Blue assay of the L929 fibroblast cell line seeded on the prepared scaffolds demonstrated appropriate viability of the cells with a significant proliferation on the scaffold containing more collagen content. The results illustrate that the designed structure would be promising for being used as a temporary substitute for tendon repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most common mental conditions. Proteome profiling may help identifying important proteins and finally shed lights to complexity of OCD underlying mechanisms. Here, by the application gel-based proteomic approach the proteome profile of patients with washing subtype of OCD before and after treatment with Fluoxetine (positive responders) are compared to healthy matched controls. However, only one of the differentially expressed proteins is examined and introduced in this paper. Proteomic analysis was done by the application of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE), combined with (MALDI-TOF-TOF MS)-based. Furthermore, network analysis and biological annotation were handled by Cytoscape Plug-in and CluePedia. The proteome comparison between groups identified protein with the significant expression changes (p<0.05 and fold change = 1.5). While the expression level of Ig Kappa Chain C Region is significantly decreased in OCD patients before any treatments, the trend is almost normalized after treatment with Fluoxetine in positive responders. In addition, interaction profile of IGKC shows that the interacting proteins may be affected as the expression pattern of IGKC changes in OCD patients. In conclusion, IGKC may be introduced as potential biomarker in our study; yet, investigation in bigger sample size and application of validation methods is a requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To investigate the impact of gender on multimorbidity in northern Iran. Design A cross-sectional analysis of the Golestan cohort data. Setting Golestan Province, Iran.Study population 49 946 residents (age 40–75 years) of Golestan Province, Iran. Main outcome measures Researchers collected data related to multimorbidity, defined as co-existence of two or more chronic diseases in an individual, at the beginning of a representative cohort study which recruited its participants from 2004 to 2008. The researchers utilised simple and multiple Poisson regression models with robust variances to examine the simultaneous effects of multiple factors. Results Women had a 25.0% prevalence of multimorbidity, whereas men had a 13.4% prevalence (p<0.001). Women of all age-groups had a higher prevalence of multimorbidity. Of note, multimorbidity began at a lower age (40–49 years) in women (17.3%) compared with men (8.6%) of the same age (p<0.001). This study identified significant interactions between gender as well as socioeconomic status, ethnicity, physical activity, marital status, education level and smoking (p<0.01). Conclusion Prevention and control of multimorbidity requires health promotion programmes to increase public awareness about the modifiable risk factors, particularly among women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human endometrial and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be differentiated into a number of cell lineages. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential candidates for cellular therapy. The differentiation of human bone marrow MSCs (hBM-MSCs) and endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) into motor neuron-like cells has been rarely investigated previously; however, the comparison between these stem cells when they are differentiated into motor neuron-like cell is yet to be studied. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate and compare the capability of hBM-MSCs and hEnSCs cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) and poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffold to differentiate into motor neuron-like cells in the presence of neural inductive molecules. Engineered hBM-MSCs and hEnSCs seeded on PCL nanofibrous scaffold were differentiated into beta-tubulin III, islet-1, Neurofilament-H (NF-H), HB9, Pax6, and choactase-positive motor neurons by immunostaining and real-time PCR, in response to the signaling molecules. The data obtained from PCR and immunostaining showed that the expression of motor neuron markers of both hBM-MSCs and hEnSCs differentiated cells on PCL scaffold are significantly higher than that of the control group. The expression of these markers in hEnSCs differentiated cells was higher than that in hBM-MSCs. However, this difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, differentiated hBM-MSCs and hEnSCs on PCL can provide a suitable three-dimensional situation for neuronal survival and outgrowth for regeneration of the central nervous system. Both cells may be potential candidates for cellular therapy in motor neuron disorders. However, differentiation of hEnSCs into motor neuron-like cells was better than hBM-MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]