Search

To compare the effect of telenursing and face-to-face training on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with a burn injury. This clinical trial with pretest–posttest design on 3 groups was conducted in Kermanshah, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. Convenience sampling was used. A tertiary hospital in Kermanshah, west of Iran. A total of 90 patients with burns of grade 2 and 3 after discharge from the hospital were randomly assigned to 3 groups including telenursing (30), face-to-face training (30), and control (30). Each intervention group received 1-on-1 telephone training and face-to-face training in 8 sessions (2 sessions of 15 to 20min/wk). The control group received regular care. QOL was evaluated by the Burn Specific Health Scale–Brief (BSHS-B). The mean BSHS-B scores before and after intervention for telenursing, face-to-face, and the control group were 71.43±21.92 and 133.06±11.97; 64.83±26.16 and 124.83±23.05; and 58.63±20.89 and 73.13±33.04, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference among the 3 groups with respect to the training methods after intervention (P <.001). In addition, post hoc test did not show a significant difference between the telenursing and face-to-face groups (P =.244). Educational methods in the form of telenursing and face-to-face training were effective and promoted QOL in survivors of burn injuries. Both telenursing and face-to-face training can be used to improve the QOL of survivors of burn injuries during the rehabilitation phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Arsenic induced mitochondrial instability, β cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. • A compensatory mechanism with SirT3 elevation was observed during arsenic toxicity. • Metformin and berberine protected mitochondria via somehow comparable mechanisms. Abstract Background A large body of evidence indicates that accumulation of oxidative stress originated from impaired mitochondrial respiratory chain is the main cause for the development of numerous diseases including diabetes and cancer. Arsenic exposure is a potential risk factor for type 2 diabetes development which, by disrupting mitochondrial respiration and SirT3 enzyme activity, enhances reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and evokes oxidative stress. In this study the impact of arsenic exposure on the mitochondrial function and SirT3 from rat's liver were examined in the presence or absence of metformin and berberine. Methods Serum glucose and insulin levels were assessed in rats exposed to the diabetogenic concentration of arsenic. Isolated hepatocytes and mitochondria were then further evaluated to determine any deleterious consequences. Results Diabetogenesis triggered by arsenic contributed to the mitochondrial ROS overproduction, impaired complex II activity, glucose homeostasis, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. An increased SirT3 level indicated the compensatory mechanism to deal with this condition. Protective effect of metformin and berberine against these toxic insults were found to be associated with the mitochondrial SirT3 pathway. This pathway through the regulation of mitochondria-associated ROS production and glucose homeostasis in the liver may play a crucial role against the diabetogenic effect of arsenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanoparticles such graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon dots offer the potential to improve environmental treatment technologies due to their unique properties such as low toxicity and high metal sorption capacity. However, there are no studies on facilitated transport and remobilization of pre-sorbed metals by carbon dot (CD) nanoparticles in quartz sand columns. Here, we investigate the effects of solution ionic strength (IS; 1, 100 and 200 mM NaCl) and pH (Chen et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2010; Cornell and Schwertmann, 2006), initial CD concentration (200, 400, 600 and 800 mg L −1 ), and clay content (10, 20 and 30%w kaolinite) in quartz sand columns on the transport, retention and remobilization of Cu and Pb in saturated (upward flow) quartz porous media. Batch sorption experiments were employed to underpin the findings of the column transport experiments. Both CD and quartz adsorbed Cu and Pb from water, but adsorption was higher on CD than quartz. Co-transport experiment demonstrated the CD-facilitated transport of Cu and Pb. Sequential transport experiments (first three phases) demonstrated the retention of Cu and Pb in the quartz column, with higher retention of Pb compared to Cu. The Cu and Pb retention was attributed to their sorption on the quartz grains and precipitation under the experimental conditions investigated in this study. Cu retention increased with the increase in ionic strength, pH and clay content. Pb was nearly totally retained in the quartz column at all experimental conditions. The subsequent injection of CD resulted in Cu and Pb remobilization to different extents, except in the presence of high kaolinite concentration. CD is most efficient in remobilizing Cu and Pb at 400 mg L −1 CD concentration and under low ionic strength ( ca . 1–100 mM), low pH ( ca . 6) and in the absence of clays. Deviation from these conditions results in reduced remobilization of Cu and Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) are widely used in consumer products due to their small size and unique physicochemical properties. Therefore, their release and distribution into the surface and subsurface environment is a subject of concern. Several studies have evaluated the transport and retention of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes, but none investigated the transport and retention of carbon dots (CDs). The aim of this research is to fill this knowledge gap by evaluating the transport and retention of CDs in saturated and unsaturated porous medium. Here, we investigate the effects of solution ionic strength (IS, 1–700 mM NaCl) and pH (4–9), the initial concentration of CDs (50–200 mg L −1 ), and porous media grain size (0.20–0.50 mm, 0.50–1 mm, 1–1.5 mm and 1.5–2 mm grain diameters) on the transport and retention of CDs in saturated (upward flow) and unsaturated (downward flow) quartz porous media. A mathematical model based on the advection-dispersion equation coupled with the second-order kinetics was used to fit the breakthrough curves and to calculate the attachment and straining rates under the different experimental conditions. These analyses were underpinned by characterization of CD surface functional groups, surface charge and aggregation under the different experimental conditions, calculation of CD-CD and CD-quartz sand interaction potential according to DLVO theory. Transport and retention of CDs in quartz porous media are consistent with those observed for other types of carbon-based ENPs such as fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. Mobility of CDs in both saturated and unsaturated porous media increases with the decrease in ionic strength, increase in pH, and increase in collector grain size. Retention of CDs increases with the increase in IS, decrease in pH and decrease in grain size. Generally, CDs mobility was higher under saturated than under unsaturated flow conditions, for the same experimental conditions. Overall, CDs tend to be highly mobile and could travel for long distances at a wide range of environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new integrated process of biofuel production is introduced and analyzed. This process consists of lignocellulosic biomass fast pyrolysis, gasification, electrical power generation and latest bio-oil upgrading in biorefinery processes. Upgrading processes include hydrotreating, distillation, hydrocracking and steam reforming units. Biomass is converted to bio-oil, gas and bio-char through fast pyrolysis which is then used in biorefinery and gasification. Simulation results show that 1 kg/s hybrid poplar biomass generate about 0.68 kg/s bio-oil, 0.16 kg/s gas and 0.17 kg/s char. Also 5.62 MW electrical power can be gained from the steam cycle. The excess heat of gasification can be used as a part of the required heat source in the process. Moreover the produced syngas is used in the steam reforming unit to provide the required hydrogen in the refinery. In addition, by heat integration the consumption of hot and cold utilities decreased and consequently the process performance improved. The obtained results show that synthetic biofuel yield is about 0.49 wt% and 0.51 wt% gasoline/diesel blendstocks. Moreover economic analysis, sensitivity analysis was also done to study the effects of major operating parameters, i.e., steam reforming temperature, steam/carbon ratio of gasification and greenhouse gas emission, on the process performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work attempts to discriminate between the geochemical features of magmatic-hydrothermal systems involved in the early stages of mineralization in high grade versus low grade porphyry copper systems, using chemical compositions of silicate and sulfide minerals (i.e., plagioclase, biotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite). The data indicate that magmatic plagioclase in all of the porphyry copper systems studied here has high An% and Al content with a significant trend of evolution toward AlAl 3 SiO 8 and □Si 4 O 8 endmembers, providing insight into the high melt water contents of the parental magmas. Comparably, excess Al and An% in the high grade deposits appears to be higher than that of selected low grade deposits, representing a direct link between the amounts of exsolving hydrothermal fluids and the potential of metal endowment in porphyry copper deposits (PCDs). Also, higher Al contents accompanied by elevated An% are linked to the increasing intensity of disruptive alteration (phyllic) in feldspars from the high grade deposits. As calculated from biotite compositions, chloride contents are higher in the exsolving hydrothermal fluids that contributed to the early mineralization stages of highly mineralized porphyry systems. However, as evidenced by scattered and elevated log ( f H 2 O)/( f HF) and log ( f H 2 O)/( f HCl) values, chloride contents recorded in biotite could be influenced by post potassic fluids. Geothermometry of biotite associated with the onset of sulfide mineralization indicates that there is a trend of increasing temperature from high grade to low grade porphyry systems. Significantly, this is coupled with a sharp change in copper content of pyrite assemblages precipitated at the early stages of mineralization such that Cu decreased with increasing temperature. Based on EMPA and detailed WDS elemental mapping, trace elements do not exhibit complex compositional zoning or solid solution in the sulfide structure. Nevertheless, significant amounts of Cu and Au are contained in pyrite assemblages as micro- to nano-sized inclusions, especially in the high grade fertile porphyry deposits. However, unexpectedly high concentrations of Te, Se, and Re may be associated with early stage of sulfide mineralization, especially when there is no epithermal lithocap. This may highlight the significance of trace metals partitioning in the sulfides formed at the early stages of mineralization in PCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to prepare transferrin (Tf) targeted liposomal 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) to improve the safety and efficacy of the drug. Liposomes were prepared using thin layer method. Morphology of liposomes was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and their particle size was also determined. The in vitro cytotoxicity was investigated via MTT assay on HT-29 (as cancer cell) and fibroblast (as normal cell). Moreover, cytotoxicity mechanism of targeted liposomes was determined through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ Ψ m ) and release of cytochrome c . Results showed that encapsulation efficiency (EE%) was 58.66 ± 0.58 and average size of liposomes was 107 nm. Also, nano-particles were spherical as shown by TEM. MTT assay on HT-29 cells revealed the higher cytotoxic activity of targeted liposomes in comparison to free drug and non-targeted liposome. In contrast, comparing with cancer cells, targeted liposomes had no cytotoxic effect on normal cells. In addition, targeted liposomes induced apoptosis through activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways, as evidenced by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c . Results of the study indicated that targeted liposomes would provide a potential strategy to treat colon cancer by inducing apoptosis via mitochondria signaling pathway with reducing dose of the drug and resulting fewer side-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports degradation, dehalogenation and mineralization of trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) exploring advanced oxidation/reduction processes (AORPs) in a chemical-less VUV reactor. The performance of VUV process was almost independent of solution pH. The complete degradation and dechlorination of TCAA up to initial concentration of 50 mg/L achieved in the VUV process at a neutral solution pH within a relatively short reaction time of 30 min. The observed first-order degradation rate of TCAA increased from 2.35 to 12.20 mg/L.min with the increase of initial concentration from 1 to 100 mg/L. The major water anions did not considerably influenced the decomposition of TCAA. The hydroxyl radical and hydrated aqueous electrons simultaneously contributed in degradation and dechlorination of TCAA in the VUV process. Around 87% of TCAA (10 mg/L) was mineralized in the VUV process with 30 min. The degradation intermediates determined using LC/MS were found to be simple non-chlorinated substances mainly formic and acetic acids. A low energy was consumed in VUV to attain the efficient decomposition of TCAA. The VUV process was efficiently operated in continuous-flow mode for degradation, dechlorination and mineralization of TCAA. Therefore, the VUV photoreactor is an emerging and feasible chemical-less AORP which can be efficiently operated in continuous-flow regime for high-rate decomposition and mineralization of halogenated organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Miocene Dalli porphyry Cu–Au deposit in the central part of Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc is the first reported Au-rich porphyry Cu deposit in the Zagros orogenic belt. The Cu–Au mineralization is mainly hosted in diorite and quartz diorite intrusions, presenting as numerous veinlets in the altered wall rocks, with potassic, phyllic, and propylitic alteration developed. Based on the mineral assemblages and crosscutting relations of veinlets, hydrothermal mineralization–alteration occurred in at least three stages, characterized by veinlets of (1) Qtz + Kfs + Mag ± Ccp, (2) Qtz + Py + Ccp ± Bn ± Cv ± Cc and, (3) Qtz + Chl + Bt. The ore-bearing intrusions exhibit typical geochemical characteristics of subduction zone magmas, including LREE fractionated pattern, strong enrichment in LILE (Cs, Rb, Ba, Pb, and U), and depletion of HFSE, with marked negative Ti and Nb anomalies. The adakite-like ore-hosting porphyry intrusions are characterized by a systematic gradual decreasing and increasing of Y and Eu/Eu ∗ with increasing SiO 2 content, respectively. Moreover, they exhibit a significant increasing trend of Sr/Y with decreasing of Y, which indicates progressive hornblende fractionation and suppression of plagioclase fractionation during the evolution toward high water content of parental magma. A relatively flat HREE pattern with low Dy n /Yb n and Nb/Ta values may represent that amphibole played a more important role than garnet in the generation of the adakitic melts in the thickened lower crust. Based on the phase assemblages confirmed by detailed laser Raman spectroscopy analyses and proportion of solid, liquid, and gaseous components, five types of fluid inclusions were recognized, which are categorized as; (1) liquid-rich two phase (liquid H2O + vapor H2O ) (IIA), (2) vapor-rich two phase (vapor H2O/CO2 + liquid H2O ) (IIB), (3) high saline simple fluids (IIIA; liquid H2O + vapor H2O + Hl), (4) high saline opaque mineral-bearing fluids (IIIB; liquid H2O + vapor H2O + Hl + Hem + Ccp + Py) and (5) multi-phase type (IIIAB; liquid H2O + vapor H2O + Hl + Anh + Hem + Mag + Ccp). In early stage veins, the homogenization temperature of multiphase inclusions as high as 620 °C, with corresponding salinities of up to 75 wt.% NaCl equivalent represent the initial ore-forming fluids. From early to late stage veins, the gradual decrease of homogenization temperature of saline inclusions (IIIAB, IIIA, and IIIB) from 620 to 340 °C (corresponding salinities of 75–35 wt.% NaCl equivalent) may reflect fluid boiling and mixing of the early magmatic fluids with circulating groundwater. The common association of hematite and anhydrite daughter phases with the most primitive inclusions (IIIAB) in early-stage veins and the lack of CO 2 -bearing inclusions in the middle to late stage veins reveal CO 2 content and oxygen fugacity of the fluids was significantly decreased from early to main stage of sulfide mineralization (second generation of veins). It seems that magnetite crystallization and CO 2 -escape have a decisive role in oversaturation of S 2− and subsequent rapid and large-scale precipitation of sulfides in second generation of veins at the Dalli deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide variety of porphyry copper deposits have been reported along the Cenozoic Urumieh–Dokhtar magmatic arc in Iran. The formation of these deposits is attributed to closure of Neo-Tethys and the subsequent collisional tectonic regime during the Tertiary. This study presents whole-rock rare earth element (REE) data for the giant to small (Sarcheshmeh, Meiduk, Sungun, Darreh-Zerreshk, Dalli, Iju, Parkam and Ali-Abad) with sub-economic (Daraloo and Reagan) porphyry copper systems. The data indicate a temporal and geochemical evolution from sub-economic porphyry systems to economic deposits. All the economic and sub-economic porphyry copper systems exhibit LREE enrichment relative to HREE, whereas the economic deposits exhibit a relatively steep downward LREE to HREE profile, reflecting higher LREE abundance. The Eu anomalies vary from distinct negative in sub-economic deposits (Eu/Eu* = 0.28–0.70) to either markedly less negative or positive anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.45–1.67) in economic deposit. The economic porphyry deposits are characterized by relatively high La/Sm and Sm/Yb values, representing high crustal assimilation in a relatively thickened crust and provide insight into fractionation of hornblende with minor garnet in deep crustal parts (MASH zone). Compared with sub-economic deposits, the steep downward LREE to MREE and flatter to slightly upward MREE to HREE in economic deposits indicate hornblende involvement (magma evolution toward more volatile content). It seems that in an ongoing process of closure of Neo-Tethys, during compression and crustal shortening, the early Eocene–Oligocene sub-economic intrusions are followed by adakite-like hydrous Miocene (and younger) economic Cu-bearing intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effects of ASAs on moisture resistance behavior of mastic was evaluated. • Additive B provided the best moisture resistance followed by additive C and A. • The failure mode of BBS experiment was mainly cohesion failure. • The POTS of specimens containing granite had higher than limestone ones with ASA. Commonly referred to as stripping, moisture sensitivity is described as the stripping of bitumen from the surface of aggregates. This phenomenon occurs when adhesion bonds between asphalt mastics and the surface of aggregates are fractured mainly due to cohesion failures in the asphalt cement. For evaluating the effect of bitumen-aggregates adhesion and also asphalt mastic cohesion, the bitumen bonding strength (BBS) test on wet and dry conditions was implemented, with regard to a few studies in this field. The experimental program for this study consists of using one binder source Flint Hills PG 64-22, three liquid anti stripping additives (ASA), and two aggregate substrate (limestone and granite). This research aimed to examine the effect of various ASA and mineral fillers on moisture failure resistance in asphalt mastic by the use of BBS experiment. The findings indicated that in dry condition, samples with no additive and containing limestone filler had higher pull-off tensile strength (POTS) than those with granite. While, by addition of ASA, all specimens containing granite had higher POTS compared to those with limestone. In addition, the failure of most of the asphalt mastics was cohesive, except asphalt mastics containing granite filler and the one with limestone filler and additive C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Nasirabad manganese occurrence is located to the south of the Neyriz in the Fars province. Structurally and lithologically, this occurrence lies in the southwest part of the Zagros Thrust Belt and was deposited as Mn-nodules and interconnected ore-bearing interlayer's with radiolarite cherts in the vicinity of the Neyriz ophiolites. The present work deals with the geology and geochemistry of the Nasirabad manganese occurrence with a discussion of its genesis. High Mn/Fe (average 18.85) and high Ba (average 28,830ppm) with low Pb (2.0ppm) and LREE>HREE, La n /Nd n (average 4.5), Dy n /Yb n (average 1.2) and negative Eu anomaly suggest distal hydrothermal source. The Co/Zn (average 2.2), Ce/La ratio (average 0.67) and trace element discrimination diagrams indicate hydrothermal–hydrogenous processes. Y/Ho ratio (average 24.85) and strong positive correlation coefficient between major oxides and some high field strength elements (HFSE) like; TiO2 vs Fe2O3 (r =0.98), Al2O3 vs Zr (r =0.97), Al2O3 vs Fe2O3 (r =0.98), Zr vs K2O (r =0.98), Nb vs TiO2 (r =0.92), Th vs Fe2O3 (r =0.76), Th vs MgO (r =0.86) reveal the presence of volcaniclastics and (or) terrigenous detritals of mafic composition being deposited into the depositional basin. It seems that intermittent interlayering of mafic detrital material derived from volcanic eruption of the Neyriz island arc directly affected the physicochemical conditions of hydrothermal ore precipitation in this basin and consequently the Nasirabad manganese ores represent hydrothermal–hydrogenous geochemical characteristics. The Nasirabad is an example of non-sulphidic, oxic Mn-mineralization. Similar trend between the enrichment and depletion of some bioessential elements (e.g., Mn, As, Ba, Sr, Co, Ce) might have been resulted from selective sequestering of metal ions by microbial processes and hence hydrogenous characteristics may also be the result of biogenetic processes. Moreover the high dilution of distal hydrothermal exhalations by sea water cannot be ruled out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Effects of SBR, CR, ASAs on moisture susceptibility of SMA mixtures was investigated. • The FE, ITS and Mr of mixtures improved by incorporation of CR and SBR. • ASA (B) has the best impact on enhancing the moisture susceptibility of mixtures. • ANN had better performance than SVR for the prediction of TSR, RMR, and FER values. Precise estimation of the moisture susceptibility of mixtures is a difficult approach because of the complicated characteristics of used materials under numerous environmental and traffic situations. As the virgin binder has low performance to different traffic and environmental conditions, utilization of additives are proposed. Current research discovers the possible utilization of artificial neural network (ANN) in forecasting the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures modified by different additives. Over 100 samples were fabricated with three types of anti-stripping agents (named A, B, and C) with various contents (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% by weight of binder), one percentage of CR (7% by weight of binder), one percentage of SBR (2% by weight of binder), and one type of AC-85/100 penetration grade bitumen, and tested through different tests such as; Texas boiling test, Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR), Fracture Energy Ratio (FER), and Resilient Modulus Ratio (RMR). Also, some physical and rheological properties of modified binders were investigated. The fracture energy (FE), indirect tensile strength (ITS) and resilient modulus (Mr) of mixtures improved by incorporation of CR and SBR. Also, have positive impact in enhancing the properties of mixtures. Based on results, ASA (B) has the best impact on enhancing the moisture susceptibility of mixtures. Moreover, some prediction models were proposed to compare with experimental methods. Support vector regression (SVR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were designed for the prediction of TSR, RMR, and FER values. The results showed that ANN had better performance than SVR in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic is found in soil, food, water and earth crust. Arsenic exposure is associated with chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes. One of complex effects of arsenic is on weight gain or loss. Involvement of arsenic in both weight loss and gain signaling pathways has previously been reported; however, too little attention has been paid to its weight reducing effect. Animal studies exhibited a role of arsenic in weight loss. In this regard, arsenic interference with endocrine system, leptin and adiponectin hormones as well as thermogenesis is more evidence. Apparently, arsenic-induced weight lossis generally meditated by its interaction with thermogenesis. In this review we have discussed the irregularities in metabolic pathways induced by arsenic that can lead to weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strike-slip salt diapir systems have been scarcely investigated and have probably been underrecognized. The western Fars Arc of the Zagros Mountains hosts the most remarkable example of salt extrusions associated with seismogenic strike-slip faults within an oblique collisional setting. This study, mainly based on field mapping and observations carried out in the Kareh Bas fault system and the Dandenjan Diapir, explores several issues with practical implications related to these active fault-salt systems: (1) role of precursor diapirs on the initiation of shortening structures; (2) fault segmentation controlled by precursor diapirs, emergence of diapirs, and the development of pull-apart basins; (3) the relative timing of emergence of salt extrusions associated with a propagating strike-slip fault; (4) Quaternary deformation and paleoseismic evidence associated with the Kareh Bas fault; (5) the impact of the salt detachment depth on the seismogenic potential of the segmented Kareh Bas fault system; and (6) clustering of large potentially coseismic landslides in the vicinity of the Kareh Bas fault system. • Strike-slip fault segmentation controlled by precursor diapir. • Active pull-apart basin associated with salt extrusion. • Chronological sequence of salt extrusions associated with propagating fault. • Sesimogenic potential of tear strike-slip fault above deep salt detachment. • Spatial association between active fault and large coseismic? landslides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent Neural Networks are classes of Artificial Neural Networks that establish connections between various nodes in a directed or undirected graph for investigation of the temporal dynamical. In this study, different Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) architectures are utilized for quantitative analysis of aluminum alloys by the laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. The fundamental harmonic (1064 nm) of a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser pulse is employed to generate the LIBS plasma for the prediction of constituent concentrations of the aluminum standard samples. For the purpose of predicting concentration, Recurrent Neural Networks based on different networks, such as Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), Simple Recurrent Neural Network (Simple RNN), and as well as Recurrent Convolutional Networks comprising of Conv-SimpleRNN, Conv-LSTM and Conv-GRU are employed. Then, a comparison is made among prediction by classical machine learning methods of support vector regressor (SVR), the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Decision Tree algorithm, Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), Random Forest Regression (RFR), Linear Regression, and k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm. Results demonstrated that the machine learning tools based on Convolutional Recurrent Networks had the best efficiencies in prediction of the most of the elements among other multivariate methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is the first regional-scale reconnaissance of 11 brine springs located in the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt (ZFTB). The springs represent a hypersaline character (Cl− ≥ 20000 mg/L) and emerge in evaporates, marl, and gypsum successions of the Lower Miocene Gachsaran Formation, which is considered as the most important cap-rock of Zagros oil reservoirs. Assessing the hydrochemical features in February and April proved that most of the springs are constantly of Na-Cl type with salinity were probably undergone by the contribution of oil-field related brines. Notably, the presented data indicate that the maximum salt production of springs reaches 173 tons/day, and at least in some of the springs (e.g., Ghale-Madrese 3 and Dobalutan), the Li concentration reaches the threshold for economic extraction from brine processing. Most of the springs discharge into the Karun River, which is considered as an important river in western Iran, providing water for many cities, villages with agricultural projects, and industrial factories. Considering the notable contents of NaCl in most of the studied springs (TDS = ≥42269 mg/L; average 200440 mg/L), the potential for economic lithium recovery, and undesirable environmental effects, especially on quality and water resources ecosystem, attention and consideration of these springs seem to be necessary. • Most of the brine springs in the ZFTB are associated with evaporates of Lower Miocene Ghachsaran Formation. • Geochemical signals indicate the possible contribution of oilfield-related brines. • Brine springs of ZFTB could be considered as the potential for economic lithium recovery. • Brine springs are an unseen factor contributing on the pollution of Karun River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to manage and control the pathogen release from waste streams of various municipal, industrial, and agricultural pollution sources, it is crucial to investigate the impact of release pathways of such contaminants on their fate and transport in groundwater, especially in respect to natural heterogeneities encountered in aquifers. In this laboratory scale study, we investigate the impacts of different release scenarios of Escherichia coli bacteria, including spatially distributed surface recharge and single-point deep injection, as well as mono-pulse and continuous injection on the transport of Escherichia coli within both single-layered and multilayer aquifers. The results demonstrate earlier arrival of bacteria breakthrough curve (BTC) than conservative solute within a single-layer system with textural and continuum scale heterogeneities, attributed to size exclusion mechanism and preferential flow paths. Size exclusion may be responsible for multiple peaked BTCs observed in all cases of mono-pulse injection of bacteria through both single layer and multi-layer systems. The higher breakthrough of bacteria suspension introduced through a distributed source compared to the point source injection at the same flow rate (19% and 53% in middle and top layers, respectively) suggests that natural hydrologic events such as storm may be more influential in the transport of pathogens in soils than point injections of bacteria in engineering applications such as bioremediation. Moreover, our results reveal that the concentration of the semi-steady state breakthrough formed under distributed and continuous injection condition increases significantly with an increase in the recharge flow rate. This would suggest that a variation in hydrologic conditions can significantly mobilize pathogens which are already deposited in soils. Unlabelled Image • Earlier arrival of bacteria than solute even within single layer media • Size exclusion responsible for multiple peaked breakthrough curves • Greater transport of bacteria fed as a distributed source than deep injection • Variation in hydrologic condition may remobilize pathogens deposited in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The microorganisms in the BTF produced high amount of biosurfactant. • Enhanced biodegradation and mineralization of styrene was recorded. • H 2 O 2 efficiently stimulated the performance of the BTF. • Control of excess biomass accumulation achieved with H 2 O 2. • Peroxidase and catalase efficiently mediated the styrene biodegradation and mineralization. Biotrickling filters (BTFs) applied to hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) suffer from limited mass transfer. Phase transfer kinetic and equilibrium effects limit the biodegradation of hydrophobic VOCs especially at high concentrations. This study evaluates two strategies for overcoming the problem. First, a natural process was used to enhance the aqueous availability of styrene, a hydrophobic VOC model, by inoculating the BTF with a mixture of biosurfactant–generating bacteria. This method achieved a maximum elimination capacity (ECmax) of 139 g m-3h−1 in the BTF at an empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 60s. The highest concentrations of the biosurfactants surfactin and rhamnolipid were 205 and 86 mg L-1, respectively, in this step. Sequencing 16S rRNA confirmed the presence of biosurfactant-producing bacteria capable of biodegrading styrene in the BTF including Bacillus sonorensis , Bacillus subtilis , Lysinibacillus sphaericus , Lysinibacillus fusiformis , Alcaligenes feacalis , Arthrobacter creatinolyticus , and Kocuria rosea. Second, the effect of adding H 2 O 2 to the recycle liquid on the BTF performance was determined. The biodegradation and mineralization of styrene in the BTF operated at a loading rate of 266 g m-3h−1 and H 2 O 2 /styrene molar ratio of 0.05 with EBRT as short as 15 s were 94% and 53%, respectively, with the EC of 250 g m-3h−1. High concentrations of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and catalase: 56 and 7 U g biomass -1, respectively) were produced and biosurfactant generation was increased in this step, contributing to enhanced styrene biodegradation and mineralization. The styrene biodegradation and mineralization values in the BTF in the last day operated under similar conditions but without H 2 O 2 were 11.4% and 5.3%, respectively. The bacterial population had no considerable change in the BTF after adding H 2 O 2. Accordingly, stimulating the BTF inoculated with biosurfactant-generating bacteria with H 2 O 2 is a promising strategy for improving the biodegradation of hydrophobic VOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In the present study, a novel 5FU and OXA co-loaded PHBV/PLGA NPs was developed which induced apoptosis in cancer cells. NPs were prepared by the double emulsion method and their preparation was optimized using D-optimal design of response surface methodology (RSM). 5FU-OXA loaded NPs were evaluated by SEM, DSC and DLS. NPs were spherical as shown by SEM and the results of DSC indicated that both drugs successfully entrapped into NPs. 5FU-OXA loaded NPs exhibited higher cytotoxicity effect than free drugs on cancer cells. For the first time to our knowledge, these results showed that more ROS generation and stronger activation of the ROS-dependent apoptotic pathway were induced by 5FU and OXA delivered by NPs. Furthermore, it was observed that NPs were hemocompatible. Co-loaded NPs exhibited significantly higher antitumor efficiency compared to free drugs combination, indicating this co-delivery system provides great potential in cancer therapy. The results of present study also confirmed that PHBV/PLGA NPs can be served as a promising platform for the co-delivery of antitumor drugs and present a new view for treatment of cancer with reducing side effect of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Folate-liposomal 5FU had higher cytotoxic activity on cancer cells. • Targeted liposomes were found to cell death via mitochondrial pathway. • In vivo results showed significant decreasing in tumor volume by targeted liposome. Abstract The aim of this study was to develop and characterize 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) containing targeted liposomes in order to enhance the efficacy and safety of the drug. Folic acid (FA) was used as a targeting ligand. The in vitro cytotoxicity of formulation against HT-29, Caco-2, CT26, HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines was evaluated using MTT assay. Mechanism of cell death induced by targeted liposomes was further investigated via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), change in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δ Ψ m), release of cytochrome c and activity of caspase 3/7. The in vivo tumor inhibition study was also performed after administration of drug and targeted 5FU liposome. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of the optimized formulation was 39.71%. Particle size of liposomes was around 174 nm and the nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the drug remained in an amorphous state in liposomes. According to the MTT results, targeted liposomes exhibited higher cytotoxicity than 5FU and liposomal 5FU. Targeted liposomes were found to trigger necrosis in HT-29 cells; while, in HeLa cells, targeted liposomes activated apoptotic pathway by collapse of Δ Ψ m , increased activity of cytochrome c as well as caspases activity. in vivo results showed that targeted liposomes reduced tumor volume significantly in comparison with 5FU (169.00 mm3 tumor volume vs 326.40 mm3). From these findings, it can be concluded that folic acid targeted liposomes may provide a new platform for selective delivery of drugs to cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major celestite deposits in Zagros Fold belt are associated with coastal marine carbonate and evaporate sediments of Oligo-Miocene Asmari and Lower Miocene Ghachsaran Formations. In the Abolfares region, celestite mineralization is extended in the western limb of Bangestan anticline in the carbonates of Early Miocene (middle part of Asmari Formation), underlying by dolomitic carbonates of Burdigalian. From bottom to top three main types of mineralization can be distinguished in the study area: (1) layer texture resulting from replacement of algal limestone by celestite minerals with some parts showing idiomorphic crystals (geodes) along the walls of the cavities, (2) celestite occurrence as irregular massive shape interconnected small crystals and nodules, and (3) celestite mineralization associated with steeply dipping veins and open space fracture fillings, resulting from late-stage epigenetic processes. Highlightly, the ore-hosting carbonate rocks were deposited in an intertidal – supratidal protected setting with hypersaline conditions, in accordance with other celestite deposits of the Zagros Fold belt. The abundance of diagenetic crystallization rhythmites, carbonate and anhydrite inclusions as confirmed by Laser Raman spectroscopy analysis, high Sr/Ba values (average; 8726.1) and strong negative correlations between SO 3 vs CaO (R 2 = 0.98), SrO vs CaO (R 2 = 0.96) with positive correlations between Ba vs SrO (R 2 = 0.54) and SO 3 vs SrO (R 2 = 0.98) highlight the role of high Sr late-diagenetic brines in replacement of carbonates with celestite minerals. It seems that the inception of compressional folding during or soon after the deposition of the Asmari Formation in the carbonate platform at the margin of NW-trending basin in the foreland of the Zagros orogenic belt lead to the upward refluxing of penetrated high-Sr diagenetic brines and celestite mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of CR-PP combinations on binder and mixture performance was evaluated. • CR-PP can produce similar rutting and fatigue damage enhancement compared with SBS. • CR-PP modification results in higher separation potential and lower workability. • RBFNN model has high accuracy in predicting the modified mixture's performance. The study aimed to assess the suitability of substituting styrene–butadienestyrene with waste crumb rubber-polypropylene blends as modifiers to enhance the performance characteristics of asphalt binders and mixtures. Six crumb rubber-polypropylene blends including three styrene–butadienestyrene percentages were used to modify a base binder and then the modified binders were used to fabricate asphalt concrete mixtures. To obtain the physical and compatibility behavior of the unmodified and modified binders, various conventional binder tests such as softening point, penetration, and storage stability were employed. Dynamic shear rheometer, multiple stress creep recovery, and linear amplitude strain tests were performed on unaged and long-term aged samples to achieve a broad understating of rheological characteristics at high and intermediate temperatures. In order to assess the influence of the modifiers on asphalt mixtures, various test methods were implemented including indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, and four-point beam fatigue and dynamic creep tests. The findings of the physical tests represented a decline in penetration and a rise in softening point by the crumb rubber-polypropylene and styrene–butadienestyrene modifications compared with the base one. Results of the storage stability test proved that only 3% styrene–butadienestyrene modified was a storage-stable blend at high construction temperatures and the instability increased by incorporating more polymer content. According to the rotational viscosity test, all of the modifications increased the viscosity, reducing the workability of the modified mixture. Based on the rheological tests, the addition of the modifiers resulted in a reduction in phase angles, and an increase in complex modulus at high temperatures, thereby decreasing binder sensitivity to permanent deformation. With increasing the percentage of the polymer, more improvement would be obtained regarding rutting resistance. At intermediate temperatures, however, the complex modulus of modified binders decreased while no notable changes were observed for phase angle compared to the base binder. Considering the mechanical test results, the crumb rubber-polypropylene and styrene–butadienestyrene modified mixtures resulted in an enhancement in indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, four-point beam fatigue, and dynamic creep tests results which would cause better resistance against rutting, fatigue damage, and moisture susceptibility compared with the base one. Besides, a radial bias function neural network model was designed to predict tensile strength ratio, and fracture energy ratio. The results showed the high performance of this method in the estimation of these values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotreatment is an environmentally friendly process for pollution control. A novel biotreatment process was investigated for the degradation of plastic wastes. The biodegradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films using a bacterial consortium capable of peroxidase production in the presence of H 2 O 2 was investigated for a 12-month period. Effective biodegradation was observed using the selected bacterial consortia; a 19.8% weight loss was detected during 12 months of biotreatment of the LDPE films. The daily addition of H 2 O 2 to the bioreactor stimulated the microbial activity resulted in improving the weight loss to 22.5% due to the in-situ production of peroxidase. The number average molecular weight (Mn) decreased by 20.1 and 49.5% when the polyethylene sample was biotreated for 12 months in the absence and presence of H 2 O 2 , respectively. The depolymerization of the LDPE films during the biotreatment using the selected bacterial consortia was confirmed by increasing the value of polydispersity index. The morphological and structural analyses confirmed the efficient decomposition of the LDPE films using the selected bacterial species, showing that the selected bacteria could use the LDPE films and/or their degradation intermediates as carbon and energy sources. Overall, using a peroxidase-generating bacterial mixed culture is a promising biotechnique for the efficient biodegradation of the polyethylene wastes. [Display omitted] • Biodegradation of the LDPE films using a bacterial mixed culture was examined. • Efficient biodegradation of the plastic films was recorded within 12 months. • Adding H 2 O 2 to the bioreactor stimulated the LDPE biodegradation due to the formation of peroxidase. • H 2 O 2 -stimulated biodegradation is a promising method for treating the polyethylene wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage to the mitochondria may lead to serious conditions that are difficult to treat. Doxorubicin is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of malignancies in children and adults, and reportedly causes damage to the mitochondria. Unfortunately, the dangerous cardiac side effects of doxorubicin appear when the patient is in the midst of a vigorous fight against the disease, either by taking doxorubicin alone or in combination with other drugs. This study aimed to determine whether exogenous healthy and functional mitochondria are internalized by cells, can it help the survival of these cells, and can reduce cardiotoxicity. For this purpose, isolated, pure, and functional exogenous mitochondria were injected into the tail vein of a rat model of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. After that, the heart function of the rats and their antioxidant status, inflammatory markers, and histopathological examination were investigated. Our findings show that intravenous mitochondrial transplantation provided efficient mitochondrial uptake and reduced cardiotoxicity by reducing ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation. In addition, the levels of ATP and antioxidant enzymes increased after mitochondrial transplantation; therefore all of these complex processes resulted in the reduction of apoptosis and necrosis in rat heart tissue. These promising results open the way to more effective cancer treatment without the side effects of related drugs. Transplanting exogenous mitochondria probably enhances the cell's mitochondrial network, potentially treating mitochondria-related disorders such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, although the exact relationship between mitochondrial damage and these conditions remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously showed that folate liposomes of 5FU made from Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) induced cell death in HT-29 and HeLa cells more potently than bulk 5FU. Also, a primary 5FU liposomal formulation with phosphatidyl choline (PC) exhibited higher cytotoxicity in murine colon cancer cells. In the present study, optimization of 5FU PC liposome, mechanism of cell death induction in human cancer cell lines and its safety along with other assays have been employed for targeted PC liposomes of 5FU. Liposomes were prepared using thin layer method and optimization of preparation was assessed using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Folic acid (FA) was employed as the targeting ligand. Morphology of 5FU loaded liposomes and changes in their thermal behavior were assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. In vitro cytotoxicity was explored using MTT assay in HT-29, Caco-2, HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines. Cytotoxicity mechanism of the targeted delivery system was searched through the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ Ψ m), the release of cytochrome c , the activity of caspase 3/7 and apoptosis and necrosis rate. Liposomes were spherical in shape and 5FU was successfully encapsulated into liposomes rather in an amorphous state. Our interesting results showed that in HT-29 cells targeted liposomes triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential, releasing of cytochrome c and promoting the substantial activity of caspase 3/7. In HeLa cells, however, targeted liposomes particularly activated necrosis pathway through the overproduction of ROS. Folate-liposomal 5FU showed significantly higher antitumor efficiency compared to free drug. The results of this study offer new prospects for cancer therapy with reducing systemic drug exposure and associated toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin is a potent and broad-spectrum antineoplastic medication prescribed for both solid and hematological malignancies. Despite its value, the clinical use of doxorubicin is limited due to cardio-oncologic complication and cardiotoxic adverse effect. Among the mechanisms proposed for its toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction has gained more attention. Therefore, if damaged mitochondria are replaced by normal efficient mitochondria, cardiac toxicity is expected to be reduced or improved. In this way, we have studied the efficiency of transplantation of freshly isolated rat liver mitochondria in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes that have been damaged by doxorubicin. For this purpose, isolated mitochondria were characterized using mitochondrial complex II, membrane potential and swelling evaluations, and also fluorescence and electron microscopy. Afterward, the effect of mitotherapy on the damaged cardiomyocytes was investigated by using annexin V/PI staining, MTT, ROS, MMP, lipid peroxidation, GSH and ATP evaluations. Transplanted mitochondria could remarkably enter the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Addition of mitochondria to the damaged cardiomyocytes, significantly increased cell viability by reducing the level of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, increasing of ∆Ψ, ATP and GSH contents and decreasing of apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Our results showed that mitotherapy has a significant restorative effect on cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin, which promises a better future to reduce the complications of cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), known as highly ordered crystalline hybrid structures, are the products of coordination polymerization of transition metals and organic ligands. MOFs are best known for their extensive specific surface area, hierarchically porous and tailorable 1D, 2D, or 3D micro-and nanostructure, and acceptable biocompatibility. Because of the multiplicity of metallic and organic units used in MOFs synthesis, tailor-made MOFs can be synthesized to be served as building blocks of advanced biological materials and systems. Recently, synthesis of green MOFs has received much more attention for nanobiomedicine usage. We review herein synthesis and biomedical application of green MOFs by analyzing their components, including green solvents, ligands, linkers, auxiliary linkers, and sustainable organic precursors. First, MOFs were classified in terms of their general toxicity level and biological behavior by considering the chemistry of ligands, linkers, and green organic precursors. Second, applications of bio-MOFs and nano-MOFs in medicine were categorized. Third, chemistry of green MOFs used as pro-drug and their potential and effects related to bioimaging, drug delivery, and multimodal therapeutics were systematically reviewed and discussed. Fourth, concluding remarks and challenging aspects of future developments of bio-MOFs and nano-MOFs were underlined. [Display omitted] • The most comprehensive review article about Green synthesized MOFs for a wide range of biomedical applications. • An in-depth discussion on the MOFs and their relationship with their biomedical applications. • A fully chemical, physical and biological comparison between these green synthesized MOFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A theoretical description of the physics of interference mechanism for two nearby vacancy defects in a zPNR is presented. • The analytical expression for the wave function associated with two nearby vacancies in phosphorene is introduced. • An interesting realization of a two-level quantum system in the material is proposed. • A new way to tune the electronic transport properties of zPNR in practice is suggested. Double-level quantum systems are good candidates for revealing coherent quantum transport properties. Here, we consider quantum interference effects due to the formation of a two-level system (TLS) coupled to the edge channel of a zigzag Phosphorene nanoribbon (ZPNR). Using the tight-binding approach, we first demonstrate the formation of a TLS in bulk Phosphorene sheet due to the existence of two nearby vacancy impurities. Then, we show that such a TLS can couple to the quasi-one-dimensional continuum of the edge states in a ZPNR which results in the appearance of two-dip Fano-type line shapes. To this end, we generalize the Lippmann–Schwinger approach to study the scattering of edge electrons in a ZPNR by two coupled impurity defects. We obtain an analytical expression of the transmission coefficient which shows that the positions and widths of the antiresonances can be controlled by changing the intervacancy distance as well as their distance from the edge of the ribbon. This work constitutes a clear example of the multiple Fano resonances in mesoscopic transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sirt3 enzyme and mitochondrial abnormality can be related to excess fatigue or muscular dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS).Ellagic acid (EA) has a mitochondrial protector, iron chelator, antioxidant, and axon regenerator in neurons.In this study the effect of EAon muscle dysfunction, its mitochondria, and Sirt3 enzyme incuprizone-induced model of MSwas examined. Demyelination was induced by a diet containing 0.2% w/w cuprizone (Cup) for 42 days and EA administered daily (5, 50, and 100 mg/kg P.O) either with or without cuprizone in mice. Behavioral tests were assessed, and muscle tissue markers ofoxidative stress, mitochondrial parameters, mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, the Sirt3 protein level, and Sirt3 expression were also determined. Luxol fast blue staining and the behavioral tests were performed toassess the implemented model. In Cup group an increased oxidative stress in their muscle tissues was observed. Also, muscle mitochondria exhibited mitochondria dysfunction, lowered mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, Sirt3 protein level, and Sirt3 expression.EA prevented most of these anomalous alterations. Sub-chronicEA co-treatment dose-dependently ameliorated behavioral and muscular impairment in mice that received Cup.EA can effectively protect muscle tissue against cuprizone-induced demeylination via the mitochondrial protection, oxidative stress prevention and Sirt3 overexpression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]