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Nanobioinformatics has clearly emerged as a key player in the realm of biomedical sciences and pharmaceuticals. The nanobioinformatics field continues to grow rapidly, and companies investing time and money in this area will likely see the need for adequate intellectual property protection for such technologies as a key issue. In fact, it is often argued that the continued advancement of the field of nanobioinformatics movement is highly dependent on the ability to obtain intellectual property protection, and particularly patent protection, for such innovations. The nanobioinformatics community needs to provide guidance to its members regarding intellectual property matters. Nanobioinformatics comprises a wide array of components, and it follows that a wide array of protection might be available, depending on the particular nature of the nanobioinformatics component and its intended use such as from patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret protection. Because of the tremendous growth and investment in the field of nanobioinformatics, it is important to consider whether IP protection is available to offset the cost of development and create new efficiencies. The IP protection of nanobioinformatics is still in the begging and there will be a lot of discussions on this hot point of innovation. In this paper, current problems and intellectual property practice in the nanobioinformatics are presented and analyzed. The paper just aimed to outline the framework of main types of intellectual property forms of nanobioinformatics. This paper presents current and global position of IP protection in bioinformatics database. In this lightning talk, I will describe the manner in which several areas related to intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing and standards are more than likely to arise in each of the three main themes that have been identified as part of an envisioned system of nanobioinformatics. The key goal for nanobioinformatics will be to integrate a vast amount of biological data in order to recognize patterns which will assist in gaining important knowledge about health and disease, and which will in turn assist in finding ways to improve health and treat disease. With such an important goal in mind, it is crucial that intellectual property protections are sufficiently balanced with the need to ensure the open flow of data and preserve the collaborative nature of the science. It is this balanced approach in intellectual property regimes that will be crucial in maintaining the necessary elements required to drive the science and technology of nanobioinformatics forward. The paper seeks to analyze the diffusion process of biological information and develops an argument that nanobioinformatics primary database should be put in public domain, though they may be given financial subsidies by the government or other public funds according to the diffusion phase of biological information. Therefore, guidelines for sharing and proof-of-concept projects will help to ameliorate any cultural reticence toward information sharing, provided intellectual property interests are adequately represented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Short tandem repeat (STR) loci are the most informative DNA genetic markers for attempting to individualize biological material for application in paternity and forensic cases. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected and the total genomic DNA was extracted. The DNA samples were used for genotyping VWA and TPOX STR loci using PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results: This report presents allele frequency data and parameters of biological or legal interest, such as heterozygosity value, polymorphic information content (PIC), genetic diversity index (GD) and population parameter (θ) in Arab and non-Arab population of Khuzestan province (Iran) for the loci VWA and TPOX. Blood samples (N= 392 for VWA and N=308 for TPOX) were collected from individuals unrelated throughout Khuzestan province. The loci were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and silver staining. Chi-square test showed that neither STR loci were in agreement with the Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusion: The examined STR loci in this study have proven a relatively high genetic variation in the Iranian population. The data could be used for construction of a forensic genetic database for the Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased impedance to flow in the uterine arteries assessed by value of the Doppler is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially pre-eclampsia. We investigated the predictive value of a uterine artery Doppler in the identification of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as 'pre-eclampsia' and 'small fetus for gestational age' (SGA). Materials and Methods: Three hundred and MH seventy-nine women, with singleton pregnancy, between 18 and 40 years of age, without risk factors, randomly underwent Doppler interrogation of the uterine arteries, between 16-22 weeks of gestation. Those who had a mean pulsatility index (PI) of >1.45 were considered to have an abnormal result, and were evaluated and compared with those who had normal results for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia and small for gestational age. The relationship between the variables was assessed with the use of the chi-square test. Results: There were 17 cases (4.5%) of abnormal uterine artery Doppler results and 15 of them (88.2%) developed pre-eclampsia and four cases (23.5%) had neonates small for gestational age. For predicting pre-eclampsia, the mean uterine artery PI had to be >1.45, had to have a specificity of 95.5% (95% CI, 70-92%), a sensitivity of 79% (95% CI, 43-82%), a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.9% (95% CI, 72-96%), and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88.2% (95% CI, 68-98%). In the case of 'small for gestational age' it had to have a specificity of 96.5% (95% CI, 42-68%), a sensitivity of 57% (95% CI, 53-76%), an NPV of 99.2% (95% CI, 70-92%), and a PPV of 23.5% (95% CI, 30-72%). Conclusion: Uterine artery Doppler evaluation at 16-22 weeks of gestation might be an appropriate tool for identifying pregnancies that may be at an increased risk for development of pre-eclampsia and small fetus for gestational age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotechnology is now being greatly improved by nanotechnology opening new possibilities for research and corresponding inventions. The idea of using nanotechnology to improve patient integration of scaffolding, cell, and grafting procedures has been revolutionary. One particular area which potentially could benefit from this is cell and tissue engineering, including the use of biomedical scaffolds to reduce recovery times and offer new health solutions. Nanotechnology contributes to the development of organs and tissues through of stem cells by providing scaffolds and functionalized surfaces to bring stem cells to do what they are supposed to do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of government spending and macroeconomic uncertainty on Private sector investment in Iran during 1971 to 2008. Co-integration and vector error-correction models are used to obtain the estimates of the co-integrating relations and the long-run dynamics, respectively. The uncertainty measure generated from exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (EGARCH(1,1)) process .The results show that government spending, uncertainty and interest rate have significant negative effect on private investment in the long run in Iran while the GDP has significant positive effect on private investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a 'technological revolution,' bionanotechnology will be a key technology for economic devel-opment in the twenty-first century. Bionanotechnology has achieved remarkable success in research and development, innovation, legal protection and commercialization in western countries. Legislation and regulations are in place to assess risk, comply with safety measures (especially with respect to nanotoxicology) and regulate the outcomes of such research. With a promise of wide-spread application, bionanotechnology research is still at an early stage of development in world. This technology raises issues that are in conflict with intellectual property rights protection and non-commercial laws (such as the environmental laws or privacy rights). Rapid technological advances and commercialization of the emerging field of bionanotechnology will challenge traditional international and domestic regulatory regimes, including intellectual property rights. Granting of intellectual property rights on bionanotechnological inventions could be a very contentious issue from cultural, legal, ethical and religious points of view. This could be even more complicated once it acquires an international dimension. Consequently a review of the current international patent framework for this emerging technology is crucial. This paper will focus, with respect to current and future bionanotechnology, on the applicability of the patent provisions of TRIPS Agreement, the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Legal Protection of Biotechnological Inventions, and the provisions of the European Patent Convention pointed to the field of bion-anotechnology. With the commercialization of bionanotechnology already occurring, exploration of the international intellectual property and bionanotechnology interface is timely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In spite of the advances in therapeutic modalities, morbidity, due to multiple sclerosis (MS), still remains high. Therefore, a large body of research is endeavouring to discover or develop novel therapies with improved efficacy for treating MS patients. In the present study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of apigenin (Api) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from MS patients. We also developed an acetylated form of Api (apigenin3-acetate) to improve In its blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Additionally, we compared its anti-inflammatory properties to original Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate (a standard therapy), as a potential option in treating MS patients. Materials and Methods: The current study was an experimental-interventional research. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for apigenin-3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate were determined in healthy volunteers’ PBMCs (n=3). Gene expressions of T-box transcription factor (TBX21 or T-bet) and IFN-γ, as well as proliferation of T cells isolated from MS patients’ PBMCs (n=5), were examined in co-cultures of apigenin-3-acetate, Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate after 48 hours of treatment, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Our findings showed that apigenin-3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate at concentrations of 80, 80, and 2.5 M could inhibit Th1 cell proliferation after 48 hours (P=0.001, P=0.036, and P=0.047, respectively); they also inhibited T-bet (P=0.015, P=0.019, and P=0.022) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) gene expressions (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that Api may have anti-inflammatory properties, possibly by inhibiting proliferation of IFN-producing Th1 cells. Moreover, comparative immunomodulatory effects were found for the acetylated version of apigenin-3-acetate versus Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work's goal was the fabrication of a graphene oxide-based nanocomposite biosensor for the determination of bevacizumab (BVZ) as a medicine for colorectal cancer in human serum and wastewater fluids. For the fabrication electrode, graphene oxide was electrodeposited on GCE (GO/GCE), and then DNA and monoclonal anti-bevacizumab antibodies were immobilized on the GO/GCE surface, respectively (Ab/DNA/GO/GCE). Structural characterization using XRD, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the binding of DNA to GO nanosheets and the interaction of Ab with the DNA/GO array. Electrochemical characterization of Ab/DNA/GO/GCE using CV and DPV indicated immobilization of antibodies on DNA/GO/GCE and sensitive and selective behavior of modified electrodes for determination of BVZ. The linear range was obtained 10–1100 μg/mL, and the sensitivity and detection limit values were determined to be 0.14575 μA/μg.mL−1 and 0.02 μg/mL, respectively. To verify the applicability of the planned sensor for determination of BVZ in human serum and wastewater fluid specimens, the outcomes of DPV measurements using Ab, DNA, GO, and GCE and the results of the Bevacizumab ELISA Kit for determination of BVZ in prepared real specimens showed good conformity between the outcomes of both analyses. Moreover, the proposed sensor showed considerable assay precision with recoveries ranging from 96.00% to 98.90% and acceptable relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 5.11%, illustrating sufficiently good sensor accuracy and validity in the determination of BVZ in prepared real specimens of human serum and wastewater fluids. These outcomes demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed BVZ sensor in clinical and environmental assay applications. [Display omitted] • To develop a biosensor based on graphene oxide nanocomposite. • Immobilizing DNA and monoclonal anti-bevacizumab antibody on graphene oxide. • Performance of the sensor for assessments of bevacizumab in wastewater fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioenergy pathways based on waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies are potential solutions to address two major societal challenges: climate change and a lack of sustainable municipal solid waste (MSW) diversion solutions. This study identifies and addresses the absence of an integrated decision-making framework that includes upstream operations (collection, separation, and delivery) and energy recovery technologies of the MSW supply chain. Modeling tools are developed for each WTE stage and integrated for the first time under a single cost and carbon footprint assessment framework. This framework is validated using two case studies to capture urban and rural characteristics. The first pathway includes gasification and an Internal Combustion Engine, and the second pathway consists of combustion and an Organic Rankine Cycle. The outcomes of this study show that Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions of the WTE pathways are slightly higher than fossil-based heating. This difference is explained by two factors. First, upstream logistics (often overlooked) are a major contributor to the net GHG emissions (36% in rural cases), and their emissions would offset the potential credits when replacing the current heating systems with the WTE pathways. Secondly, MSW is not entirely carbon neutral, and when the fossil-based carbon is accounted for, WTE pathways show higher GHG emissions for both rural (12–16%) and urban (17–19%) communities, which confirms that the WTE pathways still require more technology optimization and improvement. However, integrated framework revealed that WTE pathways are economically competent to reduce the current heating cost by up to 36% in rural and 25% in urban communities. • A new bottom-up decision making framework has been developed including all upstream and downstream stages. • Two simulation tools has been used to model upstream and downstream stages of multiple waste to energy pathways. • The new framework has been validated through two Canadian case studies covering specificities of urban and rural communities. • Plastic waste stream is included as a mix in the feedstock providing a practical recycling pathway. • Cost and GHG breakdown are used to identify conversion technology gaps for future R&D targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution is a global problem and many countries are strengthening their regulations to mitigate the related environmental degradation and health risks and to support the development and deployment of circular economy for various types of plastics. As Canada also develops its strategy for regulating single-use plastic as one element of the plastic pollution, aligned federal and provincial policies are essential. This study presents an analysis of existing and emerging policies to provide guidance on Canada's future regulations. Qualitative and quantitative data regarding plastic regulations were gathered from similar countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States and relevant scientific articles. Analysis was also conducted of current Canadian regulations that both impact and guide the path for plastic regulation, international examples provided guidance for future Canadian regulations. The analysis found that there is a need for public education on the gravity of plastic pollution to gain their support; for establishing pioneering provinces or cities in plastic regulations to learn from and provide other cities with support; and to start with banning items with available alternatives, to be followed by phasing out other items that are more difficult to replace. The study also showed potential areas of improvement in impact data. The need for reliable regulatory performance data against a baseline scenario; consistency in methodology; and proper scoping to reduce the risk of displacement or exclusivity in policy were identified., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles were prepared using Zingiber officinal extract which were used as an efficient and reusable catalyst in the practical synthesis of polysubstituted imidazoles by means of a convenient reaction of aromatic aldehydes with ammonium acetate and benzil under microwave irradiation and H 2 O as solvent. The structure of the compounds was studied by IR and 1 H-NMR spectrum. The most important benefits of this process are operational simplicity, reasonable reaction times, and excellent yield of products. The results show that the optimal conditions for the formation of imidazole derivatives are as follow: power of 400 W, reaction time of 4-9 min, H 2 O as a solvent, and 15 mmol of catalyst amount., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), is a pathological dilatation of the aortic segment with the tendency to expand, dissect or rupture, and risk of mortality. The progression rate is mainly slow. As the risk of rupture increases with the size of the aortic diameter, it is important to diagnose TAA appropriately to prevent mortality., Case Presentation: Here, we present a case with a fast-growing TAA, complicated by subclinical dissection in a middle-aged gentleman, associated with non-compaction left ventricle, diagnosed 6 months after the first diagnosis of this co-occurrence, successfully managed by an uneventful surgical procedure. The pathological examination was the key to the diagnosis of this concealed phenomenon, i.e. a fast-growing aortic aneurysm complicated by subclinical dissection., Conclusion: This case report emphasizes the importance of close follow-up of patients with fast-growing TAA for considering remote possibility of this silent life-threatening disease; subclinical dissecting aneurysm, especially in patients with other cardiac comorbidities. Although imaging modalities can help accurate diagnosis, in cases with fast-growing TAA, we should not wait for imaging signs of dissection and/or rupture., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The present work introduces a one-step and facile hydrothermal procedure as a green process for the first time to synthesize nickel(II) oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. The as-prepared nanomaterials were used as high efficient, low toxic and cost catalyst for the synthesis of some organic compounds. Ni(NO 3 ) 2 and some natural extract were used as a surfactant for the first time to synthesis NiO nanomaterials. A high synthesis yield (91%) was obtained for S 2 . Rietveld analysis affirmed the cubic crystal system of the obtained NiO nanocatalyst. The morphology studies were carried out with the FESEM method and the images revealed a change from non-homogenous to homogenous spherical particles when the Barberryas was used instead of orange blossom surfactant. Besides, the images revealed that the particle size distribution was in the range of 20 to 60 nm. The synthesized catalysts were used for the first time in Biginelli multicomponent reactions (MCRs) for the preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs) under the present facile reaction conditions. High yield (97%) of the final product was achieved at the optimum condensation reaction conditions (Catalyst: 60 mg; temperature: 90 °C and time: 90 min) when ethyl acetoacetate/methyl acetoacetate (1 mmol), benzaldehyde (1 mmol) and urea (1.2 mmol) were used. A kinetic study affirmed pseudo-first-order model for Biginelli reactions followed the pseudo-first-order model., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: There has been an extensive range of incidence and mortality of breast cancer (BC), and the comprehensively available treatments for BC have not been completely successful in achieving satisfactory outcomes up to date., Hypothesis: Recently, we are watching intense attention paid to the utilization of natural compounds as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Quercetin, a dietary flavonol in a large group of commonly consumed foods, is widely illustrated to apply inhibitory effects on cancer progression through several mechanisms including apoptosis enhancement, cell cycle arrest, metastasis and angiogenesis inhibition, antioxidant replication and estrogen receptor modulation., Methods: We reviewed the most relevant papers published from 2009 to 2018 (except 15 articles), using "pub med" and "web of science" and the search terms "Quercetin"; "Breast cancer"; "Flavonoid"; "Apoptosis"; "Cell cycle"; "chemotherapy"; "Drug resistance"; "Metastasis; "Oxidative stress", "Breast cancer receptors" and "Quercetin derivatives". We selected studies on the association of quercetin with breast cancer in different dimensions., Results: Despite the remarkable number of studies on quercetin's efficacy, multiple aspects of this herbal compound have not been clarified well and this review provides a summarized update of the recent evidence on biologically available efficacies of quercetin which would establish a further biological basis for the potential therapeutic acquisition of quercetin as an anticancer drug., Conclusion: Basic, epidemiological and genetic studies point to the potential role of quercetin in the treatment of breast cancer, but randomized and controlled trials are of great importance to establish the clinical efficacy of quercetin in ill or at-risk subjects.

The main objective of this study was to develop models for accurate prediction of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and diversion based on demographic and socio-economic variables, with planned application of generating Canada-wide MSW inventories. Models were generated by mapping residential MSW quantities with socio-economic and demographic parameters of 220 municipalities in the province of Ontario, Canada. Two machine learning algorithms, namely decision trees and neural networks, were applied to build the models. Socio-economic variables were derived from Canadian Census data at regional and municipal levels. A data pre-processing and integration framework was developed in Matlab® computing software to generate datasets with sufficient data quantity and quality for modeling. Results showed that machine learning algorithms can be successfully used to generate waste models with good prediction performance. Neural network models had the best performance, describing 72% of variation in the data. The approach proposed in this study demonstrates the feasibility of creating tools that helps in regional waste planning by means of sourcing, pre-processing, integrating and modeling of publically available data from various sources., (Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The responses of a polymer ridge waveguide Young interferometer with and without a bilayer of Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 , fabricated by atomic layer deposition, are studied and compared when applied as an aqueous chemical sensor. The phase shift of the guided mode, as a result of the change in refractive index of the cover medium, is monitored. The results indicate that the over-coating affects the linearity of the sensor response. The effect of concentration on the linearity of the sensor response is investigated by applying different concentrations of water-ethanol solution. Although the performance of the sensor is improved by the additional layers, the study reveals a non-monotonic behavior of the device. We show that it comes mainly from the adsorption of ethanol molecules on the surface of the films. Such an understanding of the platform is crucial for sensing of analytes involving polar molecules.

Linkage studies and epidemiological findings indicate that some possible genes in schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar mood disorder (BPD) are common. Numerous evidences for linkage of two diseases on chromosome 22 have been found. These findings suggest that one or more genes in the 22q11.21 region may be involved in the development of both disorders. In the present case-control study, association between the mentioned disorders and a genetic polymorphism (rs165599) of catechol O- methyltransferase ( COMT , OMIM: 116790) was studied. Here 100 BPD patients, 100SCZ patients, and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. The samples were matched in terms of gender and ethnicity. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant association this polymorphism and risk of SCZ. The AG (OR=7.41, 95% CI: 3.21-17.1, P<0.001) and GG genotypes (OR=13.9, 95% CI: 5.61-34.4, P<0.001) increased the risk of SCZ compared with the GG genotypes. The AG (OR=14.3, 95% CI: 4.16-49.4, P<0.001) and AA genotypes (OR=54.2, 95% CI: 15.3-191, P<0.001) significantly associated with the risk of BPD. The risk of SCZ ( x 2 =37.4, P<0.001) and BPD ( x 2 =66.2, P<0.001) significantly increased as a function of numbers of the A allele. The present study revealed that this polymorphism associated with risks of SCZ, and BPD.