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The present study investigates vibrational behavior of a porous conical hollow rotor. Inner and outer rotor surface, sensor, and actuator strips made of piezoceramic are modeled and positioned, which are symmetrically distributed in the circumferential direction. Kinetic and potential energies were computed considering the effects of Coriolis and centrifugal force. Modeling of the system has been carried out assuming classical theory and using Lagrange approach for simple-supported boundary conditions. Also, the relations of piezoceramic and three types of porosity attend in equilibrium equations. The discretization of kinetic and potential energies using displacement field which is defined as double mixed series based on independent mode shape and time function leads to obtaining the equations in form of ordinary differential. To calculate the natural frequencies, the equations were converted to a special form of state space model. The correctness of the study is examined by comparing it with similar study results. The most consequential parameters affecting the forward and backward natural frequency, such as type and porosity coefficient, size, number, and thickness of piezoceramic, and the rotor angular velocity, are researched. The results demonstrate that the effect of porosity coefficient in various longitudinal modes on natural frequency is different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation analyzes the effects of internal static fluid on the free vibrational behavior of joined shells made of carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber‐reinforced composite. Various types of functionally graded CNTs composite with temperature dependence are considered. Classic shell theory and Love's assumptions combined with Hamilton's principle are used to obtain motion equations. Bernoulli equation, velocity potential, and impermeability condition are employed to the coupling effects of fluid pressure with motion equations of shells. Continuity conditions in the joint point of conical and cylindrical sections are supposed to couple equations of two parts. The generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method is employed to solve equations for various boundary conditions. Experimental modal tests on a sample made by the 3-D printer and prior others' research are used to validate the accuracy of results. Consequently, parametric studies are expressed, such as longitudinal and circumferential mode numbers, semi-vertex angle, distributions of CNTs, CNTs fraction volumes, fluid density, shell thickness, and operating temperature. According to the results, although fluid decreases the frequency generally, the process of changing frequency in terms of other parameters is similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research analyzes the influence of temperature changes on the vibration of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SW-CNTs) composite joined conical-cylindrical shells. The governing dynamic equations of temperature-dependent CNTs with initial thermomechanical stresses are established using the Love shell assumptions and classical shell theory. The initial thermomechanical stresses are derived from the linear membrane approach method. Two possibilities are assumed for the calculation of temperature change: a uniform temperature distribution and steady-state heat transfer by conduction through the thickness of the shell. The initial thermomechanical stresses are determined using the linear membrane approach. The generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method is used to solve the equations after combining it with continuity conditions between the conical part and the cylindrical part and various boundary conditions. After validating the natural frequency and the different types of temperature distribution with the studies of other researchers, the effects of semi vortex of the cone, the volume fraction, and the type of distribution on the temperature rise are given as the results. The type of temperature distribution has the greatest influence among the parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many accidents always happen in the electricity distribution sector, which requires the use of control strategies in this field. Therefore, this study presented a risk assessment method based on a fuzzy Bayesian network (FBN) and William Fine method in low-voltage power distribution systems to reduce the structural uncertainties of the studies and examined the reliability of these systems to achieve proper performance in emergencies. The first step is to develop a fault tree (FT) and event tree (ET) in bow tie (BT) format. In this study, fuzzy theory and expert judgment were used to qualitatively analyze the root events affecting the system failure and determine the relevant probabilities. Then, deductive and inductive reasoning was done after determining the likelihood of basic events (BEs) and establishing the Bayesian network (BN). Then, the final risk was estimated using William Fine's method and fuzzy logic. The results of a case study in a low-voltage power distribution system showed that there were 36 BEs and 20 intermediate events (IEs) for system failure, and the reliability of the system was obtained as 0.96654476 and 0.96654476 based on the FT and FBN, respectively. According to the results of BE25 (no installation of the earth) and BE18 (contact of metal objects with the live wire), the most critical events were based on FBN. The results showed that FBN simulation and its combination with static methods such as BT and William Fine provide a suitable method for the accurate identification of distribution systems. Therefore, the approach of the present study can help the decision makers and analysts of the electricity industry to prevent possible failures due to system changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current dietary strategies to manage cancer cachexia and the relevant outcomes did not provide a comprehensive solution. This study will evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean diet on inflammatory markers, nutritional status, muscle mass, and strength among patients with cancer cachexia (CC). Methods: This will be a randomized clinical trial involving men and women diagnosed with localized or advanced colorectal cancer-induced cachexia. In total, 40 patients with CC will be recruited based on inclusion criteria and then these patients will be randomly allocated to receive either a Mediterranean diet (n = 20) or only routine nutritional advice (n = 20) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be nutritional status, muscle mass and strength, and serum concentrations of inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Moreover, we will consider serum albumin and total protein levels, complete blood count (CBC), and quality of life as the secondary outcomes. All outcomes will be measured at the beginning and end (the eighth week) of the study. We will assess participants’ adherence to the prescribed diets by using a 1-day food record in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth weeks of the study. Discussion: Along with adequate calorie and protein intake in cancer cachexia, reducing inflammatory cytokines might be a useful strategy for maintaining nutritional status and body composition. Mediterranean diet has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, and by its components, it might help patients with cachexia to have a better nutritional status and quality of life. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials () RCT20211027052884N1. Prospectively registered on November 09, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, two high step-down bridgeless power factor correction rectifiers based on the switched inductor network (SIN) are introduced. The proposed rectifiers employ the SIN to provide high step-down voltage gain with a higher duty cycle than the competitors. They also offer higher efficiency, lower current stress, and total peak switching device powers. A thorough and straightforward design algorithm in the discontinuous conduction mode is provided that ensures a unity power factor and a low total harmonic distortion with a simple control scheme. As a demonstration of the superior performance of the proposed rectifiers, a 300-W high-gain sepic rectifier setup with 48Vdc output voltage from a 230Vrms/50Hz source is built in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Presenting a collaborative model for the operation of interconnected microgrids. In the proposed model, the microgrids create a big coalition for centralized management and loss reduction. After the coalition forming, the profit of the cooperation is divided among MGs by Shapley value. • The impacts of the proposed model on loss reduction and emission reduction were considered. Also, the performance of the proposed model is compared with the decentralized framework. • Providing a sensitivity analysis on electric vehicles to determine their efficiency on the operation of interconnected microgrids. Microgrids are known as a local energy system that changes the central power plants toward distributed and renewable energy resources. The microgrids provide low-cost, more efficient, and clean energy for the energy systems. Therefore, this paper presents a techno-sustainable-economic framework for the operation scheduling of multi-microgrid systems that are integrated with renewable energy sources, dispatchable resources, and energy storage systems. The proposed model presents a multi-objective optimization model that attempts to simultaneously minimize the total cost, power losses, and carbon emissions by cooperation of each microgrid with other neighboring energy systems. In the cooperative framework, the microgrids form a big coalition to reduce the operation costs by their local energy system and energy trading with neighbor microgrids. Also, microgrids try to minimize the power losses by local energy trading. The Genetic algorithm is used to model the multi-objective cooperative scheduling of microgrids and presents a fair cost allocation to consider the impact of each microgrid in the coalition. The proposed model is tested on the IEEE 33-bus test system and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model reduces the power losses and carbon emissions by 68.67 % and 19.65 % compared to the decentralized framework because of local energy sharing between microgrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) is a stem cell transcription factor and a major regulator of self-renewal and pluripotency of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In many types of cancer, SOX2 is dysregulated due to overexpression associated with tumor progression and low survival rate. Many HCC cases encounter recurrence and metastasis which might be due to CSCs and also apoptosis. Since little is known about the expression pattern of SOX2 and apoptotic genes in HCC, we aimed to determine the prognostic significance of SOX2, Bax, and Bcl-2 in clinicopathological features, tumor progression, and survival rate of the HCC patients. The expression of SOX2, Bax, and Bcl-2 were evaluated using qRT-PCR in 53 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues (FFPE) of patients and 44 controls. Correlation of these genes was analyzed with clinicopathological features and tumor progression. The correlationship between SOX2 expression and ALBI grade as prognostic indicators were calculated. Survival rates were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival curves. SOX2 and Bcl-2 were remarkably overexpressed in HCC patients compared to controls (p = 0.04 and p = 0.003, respectively). A significant association was found for both SOX2 and Bcl-2 overexpression with TNM staging (p = 0.02, p = 0.04) and tumor grading (p = 0.01, p = 0.003), respectively. A significant correlation was observed: patients with SOX2 overexpression had a lower 5-year overall survival rate (p = 0.04); however, there was no significant association between Bcl-2 and survival (p = 0.5). Collectively, overexpression of SOX2 and Bcl-2, alone or combined, may be a potential marker to evaluate prognosis and response to HCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural and physiological changes in sperm and semen parameters reduce fertility in diabetic patients. Securigera Securidaca (S. Securidaca) seed is a herbal medicine with hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-hypertensive effects. The question now is whether this herbal medicine improves fertility in diabetic males. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of S. Securidaca seeds (HESS), glibenclamide and a combination of both on fertility in hyperglycemic rats by comparing histological and some biochemical changes in testicular tissue and sperm parameters. The treatment protocol included administration of three doses of HESS and one dose of glibenclamide, as well as treatment with both in diabetic Wistar diabetic rats and comparison of the results with untrated groups. The quality of the testicular tissue as well as histometric parameters and spermatogenesis indices were evaluated during histopathological examination. Epididymal sperm analysis including sperm motility, viability, abnormalities, maturity, and chromatin structure were studied. The effect of HESS on the expression of LDH and FGF21 genes and tissue levels of glycogen, lactate, and total antioxidant capacity in testicular tissue was investigated and compared with glibenclamide. HESS improved sperm parameters in diabetic rats but showed little restorative effect on damaged testicular tissue. In this regard, glibenclamide was more effective than the highest dose of HESS and its combination with HESS enhanced its effectiveness so that histological tissue characteristics and sperm parameters were were comparable to those of healthy rats. The expression level of testicular FGF21 gene increased in diabetic rats, which intensified after treatment with HESS as well as glibenclamide. The combination of HESS and glibenclamide restored the expression level of testicular LDH gene, as well as tissue storage of glycogen, lactate and LDH activity, and serum testosterone to the levels near healthy control. S. Securidaca seeds can be considered as an effective supplement in combination with hypoglycemic drugs to prevent infertility complications in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effect of different levels of bioplex manganese along with probiotics and multi‐enzymes on the performance and immune system of broilers, 640 one‐day‐old male chicks of the Ross 308 strain were reared and the data analysed in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment with four levels of bioplex manganese (0, 60, 72 and 84 mg per kg of diet), two levels of Parsilact probiotic (0 and 200 mg per kg of diet) and two levels of Combo multi‐enzyme (0 and 1,000 mg per kg of diet) in a completely randomized design with 16 experimental treatments, 4 replicates and 10 chickens per replicate during a period of 42 days. The results showed that the performance of the broiler chickens in the diets containing 72 and 84 mg bioplex manganese along with probiotics and multi‐enzymes had the greatest difference compared to the control (p <.05). Compared to the control with 0 mg/kg manganese; the bursa of Fabricius weight was greater in chickens fed diets containing additional manganese (p <.05). The concentration of antibodies produced against Newcastle disease virus, as well as the concentrations of IgG, IgM and total immunoglobulins produced against SRBC, were highest in the group fed a diet containing 84 mg manganese along with probiotics and multi‐enzymes (p <.05). The results show combining additional manganese with probiotics and multi‐enzymes in chicken diets leads to better performance as well as a stronger immune system of chickens. The results show combining additional manganese with probiotics and multi‐enzymes in chicken diets leads to better performance as well as a stronger immune system of chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Placenta previa, accompanied by placenta percreta, which involves invasion of the bladder, presents a significant risk of excessive bleeding during and after delivery. This case highlights that prophylactic embolization, conservative surgery, and careful monitoring offer an effective approach to avoid hysterectomy in cases of placenta percreta with adjacent organ involvement. Placenta previa complicated by placenta percreta is associated with a high risk of massive intra and post‐partum hemorrhage. We present a case of a 35‐year‐old woman (G2 P1) who was referred to the Akbar‐Abadi hospital at 13 weeks of gestation. Color Doppler ultrasound indicated complete placenta previa‐percreta with bladder invasion. After induction of fetal demise, bilateral uterine and bladder artery endovascular embolization was conducted for the patient. After 48 h, under ultrasound guidance, surgical resection of residual percreta tissue was conducted as much as possible. Eight weeks later, a follow‐up sonography showed the minimum residual placenta tissue and she regained menstrual cycles after 2 months. This case indicated that the combination of prophylactic embolization, conservative surgical management with placenta left in situ, and follow‐up with serial color Doppler monitoring, is an optimum method to avoid hysterectomy in placenta percreta patient with adjacent organ invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformer neural networks have revolutionized natural language processing by effectively addressing the vanishing gradient problem. This study focuses on applying Transformer models to time-series forecasting and customizing them for a simultaneous multistep-ahead prediction model in surrogate model predictive control (MPC). The proposed method showcases improved control performance and computational efficiency compared to LSTM-based MPC and one-step-ahead prediction models using both LSTM and Transformer networks. The study introduces three key contributions: (1) a new MPC system based on a Transformer time-series architecture, (2) a training method enabling multistep-ahead prediction for time-series machine learning models, and (3) validation of the enhanced time performance of multistep-ahead Transformer MPC compared to one-step-ahead LSTM networks. Case studies demonstrate a significant fifteen-fold improvement in computational speed compared to one-step-ahead LSTM, although this improvement may vary depending on MPC factors like the lookback window and prediction horizon. • Transformer and LSTM models compared in Model Predictive Control. • New multistep Transformer architecture proposed for MPC. • Transformer MPC outperforms LSTM-based MPC with 15x speedup. • Practical implementation on fluidized-bed gold ore roaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration of Ascaris lumbricoides through the papilla of Vater in humans, and entry into the biliary tree, is well‐recognised. Ascaris suum and Toxocara vitulorum have been recovered from the liver of swine and buffalo. We necropsied a Persian Kurdish filly at age 6 months, weighing ∼100 kg. Death evidently was caused by oleander (Nerium oleander) intoxication. An 8‐cm adult male Parascaris was found at the lobar‐left hepatic bile duct junction. We suggest that the nematode entered anteriorly into the hepatic tree, via the duodenum, major duodenal papilla, bile duct, left hepatic duct and finally the lobar duct. Considering the brief 4‐h elapsed time between death and necropsy, and the 18‐cm distance from the major duodenal papilla to the location of the parasite, we conclude that entry into the biliary tree likely occurred ante‐mortem. We advise consideration of Parascaris infection in differential diagnosis of equine hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a new Z-source inverter inspired by the quasi-inductor-switched Z-source inverter is presented. The new inverter has an acceptable boost factor, and gain voltage compared to the similar Z-source inverter. Also, in this new topology, the capacitors’ voltage stress has been decreased compared to similar inverters. In this converter, a capacitor is replaced with the side diodes of the quasi-Z-source inverter. The input current in this inverter is continuous and it is a low figure that at the moment of switching off about 54 A (V in = 120 V). The high inrush current damages the converter components. The operation of this inverter has been checked in different modes and the voltage and current equations of all elements have been calculated. The new converter can be extended to n-cascade, and it makes to achieve a higher boost factor with a low-duty cycle. The ingredients used in the new topology are fewer than those of the switched-inductor Z-source inverter. The analysis and extraction of all voltage stress such as capacitors, diodes, switches, all currents such as inductors, dc-link average, inrush current, voltage gain and boost factor of the new topology have been done and compared with other structures. The DC-link voltage (Vi ) is 148 V with an input voltage of 120, so the boost factor is 1.43. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The non-surgical treatment outcome of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma remains to be defined. We aimed to assess the outcomes of definitive chemoradiation (CRT) of GEJ tumors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was entirely carried out in the radiation oncology ward of Cancer Institute of Iran. We included patients with adenocarcinoma histology whose tumors had involved the gastro-esophageal junction and underwent chemoradiotherapy without surgery. In the final analysis, we evaluated 50 patients with non-metastatic adenocarcinoma of GEJ (Siewert's type I and II) from 2008 to 2017. The primary outcome was overall survival; secondary outcomes were progression-free survival and local and distal metastasis. Results: The reasons for not undergoing surgery in order of frequency from highest to lowest were patient refusal or medical unfitness for surgery, tumor unresectability or progress at the time of operation and incident metastasis in pre-op restaging, and. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year overall survival rates were 53%, 26%, and 12%, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year progression-free survival rates were 44%, 18%, and 10%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of survival was a distant failure (P=0.031). Conclusion: Although the outcomes of non-surgical treatments are disappointing in GEJ adenocarcinomas, a few patients may experience long-term survival using definitive CRT. This option should be discussed with all patients who are not candidates for surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foreign body aspiration is a common accident with life-threatening outcomes. Rigid bronchoscopy is considered an effective tool in the diagnosis and treatment of this complication; however, there is still no agreement on the preferred ventilation method for the treatment of patients with foreign body aspiration. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the cardiovascular and respiratory outcomes followed by ventilation methods in patients with foreign body aspiration undergoing rigid bronchoscopy. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the information was recorded from 90 patients' files, including age, gender, aspirated foreignbody, interval from aspiration to referral, signs, andsymptoms, comorbidity, bronchoscopic results, ventilationmethod during the procedure, occurrence of respiratory complications, heart rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, length of hospital stay, and mortality of patients. The data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 22). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 90 reviewed cases, 57.67% were male, and the mean age was 2.06-1.25 years. The most common aspirated foreign body was peanuts (38.89%). The mostcommonclinical signs were cough (81.11%) and wheezing (51.11%). The mostcommonsymptoms were wheezing (54.44%) and decreasing respiratory sounds (46.67%). Bronchoscopy was associated with foreign body extraction in 65.6% of the patients. The relationship between the ventilation method with blood pressure changes, length of hospital stay, cardiopulmonary complications, and oxygen saturation was not significant; however, the cases with spontaneous breathing referred at shorter intervals from aspiration and experienced fewer heart rate changes. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed no preference between spontaneous and controlled ventilation during rigid bronchoscopy in patients with foreign body aspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pemphigus disease activity measurements: pemphigus disease area index, autoimmune bullous skin disorder intensity score, and pemphigus vulgaris activity score. Self-assessment Pemphigus Vulgaris Activity Score (SA-PVAS): A new tool for patients to self-assess their disease severity Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune blistering mucocutaneous disease with an unpredictable course.1,2 For assessing the severity of PV, several scoring systems have been developed such as Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) and Pemphigus Vulgaris Activity Score (PVAS).3 We conducted this study to evaluate the translated simplified version of the PVAS called Self-Assessment PVAS (SA-PVAS) in comparison with the PDAI. [Extracted from the article]

Background and purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) is an essential treatment modality against cancer and becoming even more in demand due to the anticipated increase in cancer incidence. Due to the rapid development of RT technologies amid financial challenges, we aimed to assess the available RT facilities and the issues with achieving health equity based on current equipment compared to the previous reports from Iran. Materials and methods: A survey arranged by the Iran Cancer Institute's Radiation Oncology Research Center (RORC) was sent to all of the country's radiotherapy centers in 2022. Four components were retrieved: the reimbursement type, equipment, human resources, and patient load. To calculate the radiotherapy utilization rate (RUR), the Lancet Commission was used. The findings were compared with the previous national data. Results: Seventy-six active radiotherapy centers with 123 Linear accelerators (LINACs) were identified. The centers have been directed in three ways. 10 (20 LINACs), 36 (50 LINACs), and 30 centers (53 LINACs) were charity-, private-, and public-based, respectively. Four provinces had no centers. There was no active intraoperative radiotherapy machine despite its availability in 4 centers. One orthovoltage X-ray machine was active and 14 brachytherapy devices were treating patients. There were 344, 252, and 419 active radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapy technologists, respectively. The ratio of LINAC and radiation oncologists to one million populations was 1.68 and 4.10, respectively. Since 2017, 35±5 radiation oncology residents have been trained each year. Conclusion: There has been a notable growth in RT facilities since the previous reports and Iran's situation is currently acceptable among LMICs. However, there is an urgent need to improve the distribution of the RT infrastructure and provide more facilities that can deliver advanced techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) frequently coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and synergistically contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a commonly used noninvasive test for assessing endothelial function. The main objective of this study was to explore FMD in patients with T2DM with and without NAFLD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, conducted on people with T2DM, NAFLD was defined as controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score > 302 dB/m. Endothelial dysfunction was detected when arterial FMD of brachial artery was equal or less than 0.7%. Regression analyses were applied to assess factors associated with impaired FMD. Result: A total of 147 patients (72 with NAFLD and 75 without NAFLD) were included in the final analysis. Patients with NAFLD were more likely to develop FMD ≤ 7% (77.8% vs. 58.7%, P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, NAFLD (OR = 2.581, 95% CI (1.18–5.62), P = 0.017) and hypertension (HTN) (OR = 3.114, 95% CI (1.31–7.35), P = 0.010) were associated with an increased risk of impaired FMD. However, female sex was associated with a decreased risk of impaired FMD (OR = 0.371, 95% CI (0.15–0.87), P = 0.024). Conclusion: NAFLD is associated with endothelial dysfunction in people with T2DM. This risk is comparable with the risk imposed by HTN, highlighting the importance of screening and management of NAFLD in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant risk factor for the development of critical limb ischemia (CLI), the most advanced stage of peripheral arterial disease. The concurrent existence of T2DM and CLI often leads to adverse outcomes, namely limb amputation. Objective: To identify biomarkers for improving the screening of CLI in high-risk people with T2DM. Methods: We investigated metabolome profiles in serum samples of 113 T2DM people with CLI (n = 23, G2) and without CLI (n = 45, G0: no lower limb stenosis (LLS) and n = 45, G1: LLS < 50%), using hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) approach. Principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used to analyze 1H NMR data. Results: Twenty potential metabolites that could discriminate people with T2DM and CLI (G2) from non-CLI patients without LLS (G0) were determined in serum samples. The correct percent of classification for the PLS-DA model for the test set samples was 85% (n = 20) and 100% (n = 5) for G0 and G2 groups, respectively. Non-CLI patients with LLS < 50% (G1) were projected on the PCA abstract space built using 20 discriminatory metabolites. Eleven people with T2DM and LLS < 50% were prospectively followed, and their ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured after 4 years. A promising agreement existed between the PCA model's predictions and those obtained by ABI values. Conclusion: The findings suggest that confirmation of blood potential metabolic biomarkers as a complement to ABI for screening of CLI in a large group of high-risk people with T2DM is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most important fundamental issues in mental health is patients' satisfaction with the beauty of their teeth and their compatibility with complete dentures. Therefore, this study investigated the role of early maladaptive schemas and body image in the level of satisfaction with complete dentures among patients referred to the dental clinic of Islamic Azad University of Tabriz, Iran, in 2021-2022. Methods: The research was a descriptive correlational study. This study's statistical population included all candidates for complete dentures referring to the dental clinic of Islamic Azad University of Tabriz in 2021-22, from among which, 168 people were selected through convenience sampling method. The research tools included the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF) (1988), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI) Littleton et al. (2005), and Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ) by Davies and Ware (1982). The collected data were analyzed using multiple regression tests in SPSS software. Results: The results showed a relationship between the components of early maladaptive schemas [failure (B = -0.225), defectiveness/shame (B = -0.279), social isolation/alienation (B = 0.278), abandonment/instability (B = 0.331), subjugation (B = -0.264), and dependence/incompetence (B = 0.246)] and the level of satisfaction with complete dentures among the patients (P < 0.05). The results also showed a significant relationship between the components of body image and the level of satisfaction with complete dentures (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that early maladaptive schemas and body image playa role in the satisfaction level of patients referred to the dental clinic of Islamic Azad University of Tabriz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nigella sativa (N. sativa), one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs with antioxidant properties, increases blood insulin levels and lowers fasting blood sugar. Nuclear Erythroid Factor-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) are two antioxidant factors that are increased by oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. The present study investigated how hydroalcoholic extract of N. sativa seed (HENS) increases blood insulin levels, taking into account changes in antioxidant factors and expression of insulin transcription factors. Materials and methods: Two groups of male diabetic wistar rats were treated orally with HESN at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg-body weight for one month. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin were measured using standard kits by photometric and ELISA methods, respectively. The expression levels of the Nrf2, FGF21 and β-Klotho genes as well as the insulin gene-stimulating transcription factors of MafA and PDX-1 were evaluated using real-time PCR. Oxidative stress was assessed by assessing serum total oxidation status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results: HSEN showed a significant reducing effect on FBS and oxidative biomarkers and an increasing effect on serum insulin levels in treated diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetics (P < 0.05). The elevated levels of NRF2 and FGF21 in the liver and pancreas of the diabetic control group were significantly reduced after treatment with both HESN doses (P < 0.05). Following the ameliorative effects of HENS on pancreatic tissue and the reduction of oxidative stress, the expression level of MafA and PDX1 genes approached the level of these factors in healthy rats (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed the therapeutic effects of HENS on diabetic pancreas by reducing oxidative stress and tissue damage, modifying the expression levels of PDX-1 and MafA genes, and regulating insulin secretion and blood glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the last decades, magnetic nanoparticles have been considered and are being studied for employment in tumor therapy and imaging. Also, alongside their utilization in the role of MRI contrast factors, investigations of targeting tumor cells with biomolecules like anticancer drugs, antibodies, and siRNA, the utility of magnetic nanoparticles is evaluated. This preliminary work aimed to investigate the effects of iron oxide NPs on embryo growth and development with an emphasis on brain morphology and teratogenic effects. Methods: After recognizing the air sac with candling, one hundred sixty fertile eggs of the Ross 308 broiler strains were divided into 8 groups (n=20). Group 1 (control) received 0.3 mL serum normal. Groups 2, 3, and 4 received iron oxide nanoparticles as maghemite with doses of 100, 250, and 500 ppm, respectively. Groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 received iron oxide NPs as magnetite with doses of 100, 250, 500, and 2500 ppm, respectively. Twenty days after injections, death day, chicken, brain, liver, heart, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen weights and teratogenic samples were recorded, and brain tissues from all chickens were collected for histological evaluations. Results: The results demonstrated that iron oxide NPs had teratogenic effects such as the lack of formation of abdominal wall muscles and exposing the heart out of the thorax. Also, alterations were observed in the weight ratio of the liver, spleen, and bursa of Fabricius in experimental groups compared to the control group. In the microscopic assessment of the brain tissue, hyperemia, neuronophagia, edema around vessels, necrosis, and vacuolation of neurons were noticeable. Conclusion: It can be concluded that iron oxide NPs affect the growth and development of embryos and can cross the BBB and penetrate the brain tissue by affecting brain morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of the major and minor glands in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) is crucial for understanding this mammal’s biological and ecological relationships. This study aimed to compare the macro- and microanatomies of the major and minor salivary glands in Persian squirrels. Five euthanized adult Persian squirrels were used for this investigation. The macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were carried out after dissection, and tissue samples were fixed and slides prepared. Afterward, specific staining methods were used for the histochemical study. The results of this investigation indicated that Persian squirrels, as pets and wild rodents, have several minor salivary glands, including caudal buccal, lingual, palatine, and palatoglossal salivary glands. The rostral buccal region and labial region of the Persian squirrel were sectioned serially, but there were no salivary secretory units in these regions. The parotid gland was completely acinar serous, the submandibular salivary gland was branched tubuloacinar seromucous, and the sublingual gland was tubuloacinar seromucous. In addition, in this research, the two parts of the sublingual gland, monostomatice, and polystomatic parts, were completely determined. The striated, intercalated, interlobar, and excretory ducts composed the ductal system of the major salivary glands in Persian squirrels. The interlobar septa between the lobules contained blood vessels and interlobar ducts. The myoepithelial cells were seen around the secretory units of all major salivary glands. In conclusion, it can be noticed that the major and minor salivary glands of the Persian squirrel had been scattered in the oral cavity, such as the palatine, tongue, and buccal regions, and the secretory units of these glands were different from other rodents due to the difference in nutrition of the Persian squirrel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Post-surgery radiation can reduce the risk of loco-regional relapse in high-intermediate-risk endometrial cancer. High-dose-rate vaginal cuff brachytherapy (HDR-BRT) is an acceptable method of radiation in majority of endometrial cancer cases. Although 2D planning is frequently used for treatment based on physical examination without any imaging, measurement of the dose received by organs-at-risk (OARs) is not possible. Therefore, the present study was the first to compare dose delivered to target and OARs in 2D vs. 3D planning in patients treated with cobalt-60 source. Material and methods: In this study, organs including vagina wall, bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were contoured on computed tomography (CT) scan images of 37 endometrial cancer patients, and doses delivered to organs were recorded. Statistics, such as D90, D99, V100, V150, V200, D0.1cc, D1cc, and D2cc were determined. Results: D90 and D99 were lower in 3D treatment planning in comparison with 2D. Although V100 was more in 3D planning, V150 and V200 were less. Analyzing D0.1cc, D1cc, and D2cc of OARs revealed that doses given to rectum, sigmoid, and bladder were less in 3D planning compared to 2D. Conclusions: Comparison of 2D and 3D planning results showed that 3D planning could deliver an appropriate dose to the target while sparing more OARs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]