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Arthralgia is a common presenting symptom of many rheumatic diseases. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to progression of skeletal symptoms to definite disease in susceptible subjects. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and unexplained arthralgia. Patients with arthralgia not related to a definite clinical condition were selected prospectively among subjects presented to a rheumatology clinic. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was measured by ELISA method and levels less than 20 ng/ml were considered as deficient levels. Serum 25-OHD levels and proportion of 25- OHD deficiency was compared in patients versus control. The association of serum 25-OHD and arthralgia was assessed by calculation of odds ratio (OR) using regression analysis. 167 patients with mean age of 38 ± 13.3 and 283 controls with mean age of 42.6±14.37 years (P=0.001) were studied. In patients mean serum 25-OHD was lower and proportion of deficiency was higher (P=0.001 for both). Serum 25-OHD deficiency was associated with 3.01 times increased risk of arthralgia (OR=3.01, 95% CI, 2.0- 4.25, P=0.001). After adjusment for age and sex, the risk of arthralgia remained significan at OR= 2.71(95%CI, 1.79- 4.11,P=0.001). The odds of arthralgia decreased with increasing serum 25-OHD from OR=3.48 (95% CI,197- 6,P=0.001) at serum <10 ng/ml to 3.39 (95%CI,1.93-5.98, P=0.001) at 10-19.9; and 1.31 (95%CI, 0.69-2.5, P=0.42) at 20-29.9 ng/ml. These findings indicate significant association of vitamin D deficiency and arthralgia. Regarding vitamin D deficiency as an environmental factor for development or progression of rheumatic diseases, this study justifies identification and correction of vitamin D deficiency in patients with arthralgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study compares the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) references in assessment of overweight and obesity among Iranian adolescents. Methods: The data of this study was drawn from a cross sectional study of a representative sample of 1200 adolescents aged 12 17 years in Babol, northern Iran. A standard procedure was used to measure height and weight and the body mass index was calculated. Each subject was classified as overweight and obese based on IOTF cut off values of BMI and CDC references BMI percentile sets by age and sex. The kappa coefficients were estimated for the degree of agreement. Results: In assessment of obesity/overweight prevalence, the CDC and IOTF references produced a similar estimate by age group and sex. The maximum differences was about 1% and the kappa coefficients was 0.96 to 1 (P = 0.001). While for assessment of obesity, the CDC reference produced slightly a higher rate of obesity and the difference in prevalence between the two sets of references was ranged from 1.4% to 3.2% with kappa coefficients: 0.90 to 0.70 (P = 0.001) depending on the age group and sex and a greater difference was observed among younger age group. Conclusion: The findings suggest an excellent agreement between the TOTF and CDC references in assessment of overall overweight/ obesity prevalence among adolescent boys and girls. While in assessment of obesity prevalence alone the degree of agreement between the two sets of references slightly diminished. Overall, the two references are comparable and the agreement varies a little with respect to age and sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kawasaki disease is an acute vasculitis that occurs mainly in children. Cervical lymphadenopathy is one of the major presenting manifestations of Kawasaki disease. We report a case of Kawasaki disease with para aortic lymphadenopathy, as an unusual feature in this disease. Case Presentation: This 2.5 year old girl presented with persistent high grade fever, erythematous rash, bilateral non purulent conjunctivitis, red lips, and edema of extremities. Laboratory results included an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytosis, anemia, and positive C-reactive protein. On second day after admission she developed abdominal pain. Ultrasonography of abdomen revealed multiple lymph nodes around para aortic area, the largest measuring 12mm×6mm. Treatment consisted of aspirin and high dose intravenous γ-globulin. Ultrasonography and CT scan of abdomen performed one week later showed disappearance of the lymph nodes. Conclusion: There are few previous reports of lymphadenopathy in unusual sites such as mediastinum in Kawasaki disease. Para aortic lymph nodes enlargement might be an associated finding with acute phase of Kawasaki disease. In these patients a close observation and ultrasonographic follow up will prevent unnecessary further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypropylene nanocomposite films containing different contents of silane treated and untreated nanoperlite were fabricated using a corotating twin screw extruder and film blowing machine. The crystallinity, rheological, optical, morphological, and surface behavior of the resulting nanocomposites are characterized. We studied the crystallization and physical dispersion of nanoperlite in the polypropylene nanocomposite using X-ray diffraction, in which we observed that the peak intensity decreases gradually with increasing filler loading for both types (treated and untreated) of nanoperlite. However, the β-crystal phase of polypropylene was more affected in the treated nanoperlite nanocomposites. According to rheological studies, both types of nanocomposites show similar behavior at higher frequencies, and the nanoperlite type does not show any sign of effect at higher frequencies. However, in lower frequencies, they show different trends in complex viscosity. The contact angle and surface energy indicate the untreated nanoperlite nanocomposites demonstrate hydrophilic behavior, while the treated nanoperlite nanocomposites are hydrophobic. The silane treated nanoperlite improved the light transmittance and optical properties compared to the untreated nanoperlite. Finally, according to the morphological studies, the silane treated nanoperlite show better and finer dispersion in the polypropylene matrix. The results show that the silane treatment enhances the adhesion of the polypropylene/nanoperlite interfaces, suggesting the nanocomposite with 2% silane-treated nanoperlite could be a promising choice in food packaging industries. • PN nanocomposites demonstrate hydrophilic behavior, while PTN is hydrophobic. • Treated nanoperlite increased the transmittance more than untreated nanoperlite. • The β-crystal phase of PP in XRD more affected by addition of treated nanoperlite. • PP/treated nanoperlite nanocomposites showed smoother surface and better dispersion. • Nanocomposite with 2% treated nanoperlite showed the best optimum properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Falls are a major health issue in the elderly people and an important cause of bone fracture. The aim of this study was to determine the association between quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and falls in the elderly subjects. Methods: All eligible participants of the Amirkola Cohort Study entered the study. Data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory examinations were provided between 2011 to 2014. Occurrence of falls during previous year was determined by interview and review of the medical records. The study patients were divided into low, moderate and high muscle strength groups according to QMS values ≥ 30, 15–30, and < 15 kg respectively). Association between muscle strength and falls was determined by using multiple logistic regression analysis with calculation of odds ratio (OR). Results: A total 1028 participants (females, 44.3%) were analyzed and 178(17.3%) subjects experienced a fall. Individuals with falls had higher age ( p = 0.001) and lower QMS value ( p = 0.001). After adjustment for all clinical and demographic variables, occurrence of falls was negatively associated with QMS and positively associated with age > 70 years old. Compared to group with QMS ≥ 30 kg, the prevalence of falls in low and moderate QMS groups increased by OR = 3(95% CI, 1.78–5.05) and 2.18 (95% CI, 1.22–3.42) respectively. Conclusion: These findings indicate that older subjects with lower QMS are at greater risk of falls. These findings provide a rational for muscle strengthening exercise in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based transparent thin films including rGO, rGO/PVP and rGO/PVP/Ag (TFs) were prepared by drop casting method. The reduction process was performed using HI vapor. The physicochemical, morphological and structural characteristics of the prepared samples were studied using different characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of prepared samples were evaluated by Z-scan technique using a He-Ne laser (632 nm), respectively. Results showed that the nonlinear refraction index (n2) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) of the prepared rGO/PVP thin film are higher than that reported before. Adding Ag NPs caused a considerable improvement in the NLO characteristics of rGO/PVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the elderly, decline in physical activity (PA) is associated with decreased quality of life. To determine the prevalence and the associated factors of low PA in the elderly. All participants of the Amirkola town aged ≥60 years were studied. Data were collected for demographics, clinical and biochemical parametes. PA was determined by using physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE) questionnaire. In statistical analysis the study population was classified as normal or low PA defined as PASE score < 100. The two groups were compared according to demographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics using chi square test with calculation of odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A total of 1297 individuals with respective mean age of 70.15 ± 7.1 and 67.6 ± 6.8 years for low and normal group (p = 0.001) were studied. Low PA was observed in 612 patients (47.1%). Prevalence of low PA was negatively associated with, higher level of education (OR = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.51–0.80, p = 0.001), higher arm muscle strength (OR = 0.77, 95% CI, 0.62–0.96, p = 0.02), but positively associated with male sex (OR =1.56, 95% CI, 1.25–1.94), hypertension (OR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.1–1.73), disequilibrium (OR = 2.2, 95% CI, 1.74–2.9) and age. Compared with age group at 60–64 years, prevalence of low PA increased by OR = 1.74 (95% CI, 1.25–2.34) in age group 70–74 years, by OR = 2.51 (95% CI, 1.52–4.15) at age group 80–84 years, and OR = 7.74 (95% CI, 3.17–18.89) in those aged ≥85 years old. The findings of this study indicate that age, male sex, hypertension and disequilibrium are positively associated with low PA whereas female sex, muscle strength and education level are protective against low PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The main goal of this study is to observe the exact effect of nanoperlite and its silane treatment on thermal behavior and degradation mechanism as well as thermomechanical properties of nanocomposites. In this regard, polypropylene (PP) with various contents of untreated nanoperlite and silane treated nanoperlite were prepared using a twin-screw extruder and an extrusion film blew machine. Regardless of the type, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests show no chemical reaction between PP and nanoperlite and relatively good dispersion of nanoparticles was obtained in the system. The results of thermal studies represent a reduction in all the properties of nanoperlite/PP nanocomposites including thermal stability, while, the addition of silane treated nanoperlite shows less reduction and better thermal stability. Based on Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method, thermal degradation kinetics and mean activation energies of the untreated nanoperlite filled nanocomposites show higher values. Finally based on thermomechanical studies, treated nanoperlite-filled nanocomposites show lower values for tan D comparing to untreated nanoperlite-filled nanocomposites, as the storage modulus is reinforced and the loss modulus decreased. Overall, nanocomposites with 2–4% of treated nanoperlite showed nearly the same behavior of 4–6% of untreated nanoperlite filled nanocomposites and due to better dispersion, thermal and morphological properties, these films can be proper alternatives for packaging industries. Highlights • PP and treated/untreated nanoperlite nanocomposite films were prepared. • The effect of silane treatment of perlite on thermomechanical behavior was observed. • Nanocomposite with 2% treated nanoperlite showed best thermomechanical properties. • PP/treated nanoperlite nanocomposites showed smoother surface and better dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] R3-MYBs involved in cell fate by interfering with MBW-complexes were examined in relation to anthocyanin accumulation. [•] In response to nitrogen depletion, expression of CPC and ETC3/CPL3 increased two and 9-fold, respectively. [•] CPC, but not ETC3/CPL3 or TRY negatively affected anthocyanin accumulation in response to nitrogen depletion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and objective: Patients with rheumatic disease taking long-term disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are expected to have a higher risk of infection due to the alterations in cellular immunity associated with these medications. However, the potential risks associated with these drugs remain unclear. This study aimed to estimate the risk of COVID-19 infection in patients with rheumatic disease taking disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Methods: Patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease taking DMARDs with or without long-term (> 6 months) HCQ treatment prior to the COVID-19 outbreak were selected consecutively. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made based on the history of symptoms suggestive of the disease and/or serum IgG positivity. During statistical analysis, the risk of COVID-19 infection was calculated in rheumatic patients taking DMARDs versus controls, as well as in patients taking HCQ versus those who are not. The ORs and 95% CIs were also calculated. The participants in the control group were selected from individuals without RD. Results: A total of 800 patients with RD and 449 controls were analyzed. COVID-19 infection was detected in 16.8% of rheumatic patients versus 17.6% of controls (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.7–1.28). The proportions of COVID-19 infection in HCQ users versus non-users were 15.3% and 18.1%, respectively (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.61–1.26). These results remained unchanged after adjusting for all covariates using logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: These findings indicate that rheumatic patients taking DMARDs are not at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection, and that HCQ therapy has no influence on the risk of COVID-19 infection. Key points • The risk of COVID-19 infection is not higher in patients with RD on DMARD therapy. • The prevalence of COVID-19 infection in HCQ users has not significant difference relative to non-users. • Significant percent of RD patients taking DMARDs had asymptomatic infection. • There was a positive association between leflunamide therapy and the risk of COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemical function of LEUCINE CARBOXYL METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (LCMT1) is to transfer a methyl group from the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the catalytic subunits of PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 2A (PP2Ac), PP4 and PP6. This post-translational modification by LCMT1 is found throughout eukaryotes from yeast to animals and plants, indicating that its function is essential. However, Arabidopsis with knocked out LCMT1 still grows and develops almost normally, at least under optimal growth conditions. We therefore proposed that the presence of LCMT1 would be important under non-optimal growth conditions and favoured plant survival during evolution. To shed light on the physiological functions of plant LCMT1 , phenotypes of the lcmt1 mutant and wild type Arabidopsis were compared under various conditions including exposure to heavy metals, variable chelator concentrations, and increased temperature. The lcmt1 mutant was found to be more susceptible to these environmental changes than wild type and resulted in poor growth of seedlings and rosette stage plants. Element analysis of rosette stage plants mainly showed a difference between the lcmt1 mutant and wild type regarding concentrations of sodium and boron, two-fold up or halved, respectively. In both lcmt1 and wild type, lack of EDTA in the growth medium resulted in enhanced concentration of copper, manganese, zinc and sulphur, and especially lcmt1 growth was hampered by these conditions. The altered phenotype in response to stress, the element and mRNA transcript analysis substantiate that LCMT1 has an important role in metal homeostasis and show that functional LCMT1 is necessary to prevent damages from heat, heavy metals or lack of chelator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Regulation of nitrate reductase (NR) by reversible phosphorylation at a conserved motif is well established in higher plants, and enables regulation of NR in response to rapid fluctuations in light intensity. This regulation is not conserved in algae NR, and we wished to test the evolutionary origin of the regulatory mechanism by physiological examination of ancient land plants. Especially a member of the lycophytes is of interest since their NR is candidate for regulation by reversible phosphorylation based on sequence analysis. We compared Selaginella kraussiana, a member of the lycophytes and earliest vascular plants, with the angiosperm Arabidopsis thaliana, and also tested the moss Physcomitrella patens. Interestingly, optimization of assay conditions revealed that S. kraussiana NR used NADH as an electron donor like A. thaliana, whereas P. patens NR activity depended on NADPH. Examination of light/darkness effects showed that S. kraussiana NR was rapidly regulated similar to A. thaliana NR when a differential (Mg2+ contra EDTA) assay was used to reveal activity state of NR. This implies that already existing NR enzyme was post-translationally activated by light in both species. Light had a positive effect also on de novo synthesis of NR in S. kraussiana, which could be shown after the plants had been exposed to a prolonged dark period (7 days). Daily variations in NR activity were mainly caused by post-translational modifications. As for angiosperms, the post-translational light activation of NR in S. kraussiana was inhibited by 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1*1-dimethylurea (DCMU), an inhibitor of photosynthesis and stomata opening. Evolutionary, a post-translational control mechanism for NR have occurred before or in parallel with development of vascular tissue in land plants, and appears to be part of a complex mechanisms for coordination of CO2 and nitrogen metabolism in these plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, poly lactic acid (PLA) based nanocomposites containing perlite nanoparticles were prepared by melt mixing method. Various characterization techniques were employed to evaluate the performance PLA/nanoperlite nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were characterized via FTIR to investigate the functional groups and chemical structure of the nanocomposites. Thermal properties of the nanocomposites, examined by DSC, showed that the increase of nano-perlite content in the PLA matrix reduces the crystallinity and melting temperature of the nanocomposites. The rheological studies indicated that both of storage and loss modulus are increased when the nanoperlite is added up to 5 wt%. However, the modulus is reduced in samples containing more than 5 wt% nanoparticle due to their agglomeration. The in-vitro degradation studies of the nanocomposites at elevated and normal temperatures showed hydrolytic degradation around 13–15 months. The surface behavior results implied that the water contact angle values exhibit a reducing trend when the nanoperlite content increases up to 3 wt%, which can be related to the decreased crystallinity of PLA and also to the hydrophilic nature of perlite. Moreover, the adhesion of osteoblast cells and their viability on an electrospun scaffold, made of optimized sample, showed the initial implications of potential applications of the nanocomposites in bone regeneration and biomedical applications. These multipurpose nanocomposites can also be used for packaging applications. • Nanocomposites show higher hydrophilic behavior upon addition of nanoperlite. • Thermal properties specially T g reduced by increase in the nanoperlite content. • Nanocomposite with 3–5% nanoperlite shows optimum mechanical and thermal properties. • The optimized nanocomposite can be used for multipurpose applications. • Electrospun scaffold showed noodle-like pattern with great cell attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes, a currently threatening disease, has severe consequences for individuals' health conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the changes in the longitudinal outcome of blood sugar using a three-level analysis with the presence of missing data in diabetic patients., Methods: A total of 526 diabetic patients were followed longitudinally selected from the annual data collected from the rural population monitored by Tonekabon health centers in the North of Iran during 2018-2019 from the Iranian Integrated Health System (SIB) database. In analyzing this longitudinal data, the three-level model (level 1: observation (time), level 2: subject, level 3: health center) was carried out with multiple imputations of possible missing values in longitudinal data., Results: Results of fitting the three-level model indicated that every unit of change in the body mass index (BMI) significantly increased the fasting blood sugar by an average of 0.5 mg/dl (p=0.024). The impact of level 1 (observations) was insignificant in the three-level model. Still, the random effect of level 3 (healthcare centers) showed a highly significant measure for health centers (14.62, p<0.001)., Conclusion: The BMI reduction, the healthcare centers' socioeconomic status, and the health services provided have potential effects in controlling diabetes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (© The Author(s).)

Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) produces an inflammatory process and plays a critical role against infection and in the control of viral infection. The present study was conducted to determine the status of serum TNF-α in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)., Methods: In this cross-sectional study the serum TNF-α level, sex, and age, were determined in patients with COVID-19. The association between variables was determined using the student t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, multiple logistic regression analysis, and the statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)-18 (p < 0.05)., Results: A total of 91 (women 41.75%, and men 58.24%) patients with a mean serum TNF-α level of 9.9 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) were considered. In all (100%) patients, the TNF-α serum level was more than the normal limit (P=0.95). 95.60% of patients suffered severe COVID-19, with a TNF-a serum level of 10.20 pg/mL (P=0.87). Mean TNF-α serum levels in women and men were 11.37 pg/mL and 8.8 pg/mL, respectively (P= 0.17). In the age group of > 70 years (11.30 pg/mL), serum TNF-α concentration was higher than the other age groups (p>0.05)., Conclusion: A significant proportion of women and men patients with COVID-19 in the middle and old age had a high concentration of serum TNF-α which may indicate the severity of the disease. Serum TNF-α level is different in women and men of different ages, so it can contribute to treatment strategies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s).)

Surgical meshes play a significant role in the treatment of various medical conditions, such as hernias, pelvic floor issues, guided bone regeneration, and wound healing. To date, commercial surgical meshes are typically made of non-absorbable synthetic polymers, notably polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene, which are associated with postoperative complications, such as infections. Biological meshes, based on native tissues, have been employed to overcome such complications, though mechanical strength has been a main disadvantage. The right balance in mechanical and biological performances has been achieved by the advent of bioresorbable meshes. Despite improvements, recurrence of clinical complications associated with surgical meshes raises significant concerns regarding the technical adequacy of current materials and designs, pointing to a crucial need for further development. To this end, current research focuses on the design of meshes capable of biomimicking native tissue and facilitating the healing process without post-operative complications. Researchers are actively investigating advanced bioresorbable materials, both synthetic polymers and natural biopolymers, while also exploring the performance of therapeutic agents, surface modification methods and advanced manufacturing technologies such as 4D printing. This review seeks to evaluate emerging biomaterials and technologies for enhancing the performance and clinical applicability of the next-generation surgical meshes. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In the ever-transforming landscape of regenerative medicine, the embracing of engineered bioabsorbable surgical meshes stands as a key milestone in addressing persistent challenges and complications associated with existing treatments. The urgency to move beyond conventional non-absorbable meshes, fraught with post-surgery complications, emphasises the necessity of using advanced biomaterials for engineered tissue regeneration. This review critically examines the growing field of absorbable surgical meshes, considering their potential to transform clinical practice. By strategically combining mechanical strength with bioresorbable characteristics, these innovative meshes hold the promise of mitigating complications and improving patient outcomes across diverse medical applications. As we navigate the complexities of modern medicine, this exploration of engineered absorbable meshes emerges as a promising approach, offering an overall perspective on biomaterials, technologies, and strategies adopted to redefine the future of surgical meshes., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Minghao Zheng is a consultant to Orthocell Ltd and holds stock in the company., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: The spectrum of the clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spans from asymptomatic or mild disease to severe respiratory failure, while different factors are related to its mortality rate. This research aimed to determine the clinical and laboratory characteristics and the associated factors of mortality in patients with COVID-19., Materials and Methods: Data were collected from hospitalized patients (May to June 2020), and COVID-19 was confirmed in patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient group was classified into survivor and deceased groups. The chi-square and the independent t-test with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 18, were used for analysis., Results: Mean age, hemoglobin, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), white blood cells, and level of procalcitonin in non-survivors were significantly higher than in survivors. Serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) had a significant relationship with Ddimer (p = 0.0006). The risk of mortality in patients with serum CRP ≥ 100 mg/dl was significantly higher than those with CRP < 100 mg/dl (odds ratio (OR) = 4.8 (95% CI, 1.33-12.44, p = 0.01)., Conclusion: COVID-19 has different clinical features and can be an asymptomatic, mild, or severe disease. Thus, findings about the disease and the consequent outcomes differ in patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical features and consequences of COVID-19 infection., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

The interface tissue between bone and soft tissues, such as tendon and ligament (TL), is highly prone to injury. Although different biomaterials have been developed for TL regeneration, few address the challenges of the TL-bone interface. Here, we aim to develop novel hybrid nanocomposites based on poly( p -dioxanone) (PDO), poly(lactide- co -caprolactone) (LCL), and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles suitable for TL-bone interface repair. Nanocomposites, containing 3-10% of both unmodified and chemically modified hydroxyapatite (mHA) with a silane coupling agent. We then explored biocompatibility through in vitro and in vivo studies using a subcutaneous mouse model. Through different characterisation tests, we found that mHA increases tensile properties, creates rougher surfaces, and reduces crystallinity and hydrophilicity. Morphological observations indicate that mHA nanoparticles are attracted by PDO rather than LCL phase, resulting in a higher degradation rate for mHA group. We found that adding the 5% of nanoparticles gives a balance between the properties. In vitro experiments show that osteoblasts' activities are more affected by increasing the nanoparticle content compared with fibroblasts. Animal studies indicate that both HA and mHA nanoparticles (10%) can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines after six weeks of implantation. In summary, this work highlights the potential of PDO/LCL/HA nanocomposites as an excellent biomaterial for TL-bone interface tissue engineering applications., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:Behzad Shiroud Heidari reports financial support was provided by Western Australia Department of Jobs Tourism Science and Innovation. Barry Doyle reports financial support was provided by Australian Research Council. Minghao Zheng reports financial support was provided by Australian Research Council. Behzad Shiroud Heidari and Barry Doyle have patent #PCT/AU2021/050782 issued to The University of Western Australia., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a strongly conserved and major protein phosphatase in all eukaryotes. The canonical PP2A complex consists of a catalytic (C), scaffolding (A), and regulatory (B) subunit. Plants have three groups of evolutionary distinct B subunits: B55, B' (B56), and B''. Here, the Arabidopsis B' group is reviewed and compared with other eukaryotes. Members of the B'α/B'β clade are especially important for chromatid cohesion, and dephosphorylation of transcription factors that mediate brassinosteroid (BR) signaling in the nucleus. Other B' subunits interact with proteins at the cell membrane to dampen BR signaling or harness immune responses. The transition from vegetative to reproductive phase is influenced differentially by distinct B' subunits; B'α and B'β being of little importance, whereas others (B'γ, B'ζ, B'η, B'θ, B'κ) promote transition to flowering. Interestingly, the latter B' subunits have three motifs in a conserved manner, i.e., two docking sites for protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), and a POLO consensus phosphorylation site between these motifs. This supports the view that a conserved PP1-PP2A dephosphorelay is important in a variety of signaling contexts throughout eukaryotes. A profound understanding of these regulators may help in designing future crops and understand environmental issues.

Biopolymers play a critical role as scaffolds used in tendon and ligament (TL) regeneration. Although advanced biopolymer materials have been proposed with optimised mechanical properties, biocompatibility, degradation, and processability, it is still challenging to find the right balance between these properties. Here, we aim to develop novel hybrid biocomposites based on poly( p -dioxanone) (PDO), poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (LCL) and silk to produce high-performance grafts suitable for TL tissue repair. Biocomposites containing 1-15% of silk were studied through a range of characterisation techniques. We then explored biocompatibility through in vitro and in vivo studies using a mouse model. We found that adding up to 5% silk increases the tensile properties, degradation rate and miscibility between PDO and LCL phases without agglomeration of silk inside the composites. Furthermore, addition of silk increases surface roughness and hydrophilicity. In vitro experiments show that the silk improved attachment of tendon-derived stem cells and proliferation over 72 h, while in vivo studies indicate that the silk can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines after six weeks of implantation. Finally, we selected a promising biocomposite and created a prototype TL graft based on extruded fibres. We found that the tensile properties of both individual fibres and braided grafts could be suitable for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair applications., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: B.S.H. and B.J.D. are inventors on a patent application (PCT/AU2021/050782) titled “Biocompatible polymer compositions” submitted by The University of Western Australia that covers the material composition described in this work. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Introduction: Depression and anxiety share similar symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and these conditions are often not diagnosed or overlooked in RA. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression/anxiety in RA and their correlation with RA activity., Material and Methods: Rheumatoid arthritis patients who presented at a rheumatology clinic were selected consecutively. The diagnosis of RA was confirmed by the ACR/EULAR criteria, disease activity was assessed by Disease Activity Score based on the 28-joint count (DAS28) and patients with DAS28 > 2.6 were considered to have active RA. The diagnosis of depression and anxiety was made by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Pearson test was used to determine the correlation between DAS28 and HADS scores., Results: Two-hundred patients (female, 82%) with a mean age of 53.5 ±10.1 years and mean disease duration of 6.6 ±6.8 years were studied. Depression was diagnosed in 27 (13.5%) patients and anxiety in 38 (19%) patients. The DAS28 score correlated positively with depression ( r = 0.173, p = 0.014) and anxiety score ( r = 0.229, p = 0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis after adjustment for all covariates, age < 40 years and female sex were independently associated with RA activity in patients with depression, with OR = 4.21 ( p = 0.002) and OR = 3.56 ( p = 0.028) respectively., Conclusions: These findings indicate that depression and anxiety are prevalent in RA and correlate positively with active disease in particular in depressive female patients aged < 40 years., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Narodowy Instytut Geriatrii, Reumatologii i Rehabilitacji w Warszawie.)

Tendon and ligament (TL) injuries affect millions of people annually. Biopolymers play a significant role in TL tissue repair, whether the treatment relies on tissue engineering strategies or using artificial tendon grafts. The biopolymer governs the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, degradation, and fabrication method of the TL scaffold. Many natural, synthetic and hybrid biopolymers have been studied in TL regeneration, often combined with therapeutic agents and minerals to engineer novel scaffold systems. However, most of the advanced biopolymers have not advanced to clinical use yet. Here, we aim to review recent biopolymers and discuss their features for TL tissue engineering. After introducing the properties of the native tissue, we discuss different types of natural, synthetic and hybrid biopolymers used in TL tissue engineering. Then, we review biopolymers used in commercial absorbable and non-absorbable TL grafts. Finally, we explain the challenges and future directions for the development of novel biopolymers in TL regenerative treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Minghao Zheng is consultant to Orthocell Ltd and hold stock in the company., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Background: Despite advances in preventive measures, COVID -19 spread and mortality is continuing due to delay in timely diagnosis. This problem is partly dependent on variations in disease characteristics, distribution of risk factors particularly comorbidities and demographic characteristics of patients. This study aimed to determine the clinical presentation and associated factors of mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID -19 infection., Methods: Patients were divided into survivor and deceased groups, and clinical and laboratory findings and factors associated with mortality between the two groups were compared by calculating odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI)., Results: A total of 257 patients (female 45.1%) with a mean age of 59.8+15.7 years and a mean hospital stay of 4.89+3.57 days were studied. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic renal disease (CRD) were found in 29.6%, 37.5%, 16.3% and 3.5% of all patients, respectively. Forty-one (16%) patients died. Factors such as age >50 years, coexisting CRD, serum creatinine > 2 mg/dl; SPO2 <70% lymphocytes < 20% during hospitalization were independently associated with mortality. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 10.08 (1.39-73); 4.51(1.15-17.61); 6 (1.14-31.5); 16.8(2.93-96.7); and 4.9(1.31-18.1), respectively. Most of the expected effective drugs were not associated with lower mortality., Conclusion: These results indicate a high in-hospital mortality rate in COVID -19 patients. Some mortality factors occurring during hospitalization were reversible and could be prevented by timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest.

Background: Rotator Cuff (RC) tendon tearing is a common clinical problem and there is a high incidence of revision surgery due to re-tearing. In an effort to improve patient outcome and reduce surgical revision, scaffolds have been widely used for augmentation of RC repairs. However, little is known about how scaffolds support tendon stem cell growth or facilitate tendon regeneration. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the structural and biological properties of a bioactive collagen scaffold (BCS) with the potential to promote tendon repair. Additionally, we conducted a pilot clinical study to assess the safety and feasibility of using the BCS for repair of RC tears., Methods: A series of physical, ultrastructural, molecular and in vitro tests determined the biocompatibility and teno-inductive properties of this BCS. In addition, a prospective case study of 18 patients with RC tendon tears (>20 ​mm in diameter) was performed in an open-label, single-arm study, involving either mini-open or arthroscopic surgical RC repair with the BCS. Clinical assessment of RC repair status was undertaken by MRI-imaging at baseline, 6 and 12 months and patient evaluated questionnaires were taken at baseline as well as 3, 6 & 12 months., Results: The BCS consists of highly purified type-I collagen, in bundles of varying diameter, arranged in a higher order tri-laminar structure. BCS have minimal immunogenicity, being cell and essentially DNA-free as well as uniformly negative for the porcine α-Gal protein. BCS seeded with human primary tendon-derived cells and exposed to 6% uniaxial loading conditions in vitro , supported increased levels of growth and proliferation as well as up-regulating expression of tenocyte differentiation marker genes including TNMD, Ten-C, Mohawk and Collagen-1α1. To test the safety and feasibility of using the BCS for augmentation of RC repairs, we followed the IDEAL framework and conducted a first, open-label single arm prospective case series study of 18 patients. One patient was withdrawn from the study at 3 months due to wound infection unrelated to the BCS. The remaining 17 cases showed that the BCS is safe to be implanted. The patients reported encouraging improvements in functional outcomes (ASES, OSS and Constant-Murley scores), as well as quality of life assessments (AQoL) and a reduction in VAS pain scores. MRI assessment at 12 months revealed complete healing in 64.8% patients (11/17), 3 partial thickness re-tears (17.6%) and 3 full thickness re-tears (17.6%)., Conclusion: The BCS is composed of type-I collagen that is free of immunogenic proteins and supports tendon-derived cell growth under mechanical loading in vitro . This pilot study shows that it is safe and feasible to use BCS for RC argumentation and further controlled prospective studies are required to demonstrate its efficacy., The Translational Potential of This Article: The results of this study indicate that this bioactive collagen scaffold has unique properties for supporting tendon growth and that it is non-immunogenic. The clinical study further confirms that the scaffold is a promising biological device for augment of human rotator cuff repairs., Competing Interests: MHZ and AW are consultants to Orthocell Ltd and hold stock in the company. CL is the Director of Research and Development at Orthocell Ltd. All the other authors declare that they have no competing financial interests., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Background: To determine whether routine administration of calcium supplementation is useful in postmenopausal women, while it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications., Methods: A literature search was performed using Medline/PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar by using relevant keywords., Results: Calcium supplement exerts a small protective effect against bone loss which disappears after cessation. Antifracture effect of supplemental calcium is limited to older frail women or community-dwelling residents who are vitamin D deficient and have inadequate dietary calcium intake. The results of studies on the association between calcium supplementation and cardiovascular complications are contradictory and do not lead to a decisive conclusion CONCLUSION: Current data do not support routine calcium supplementation to all postmenopausal women for prevention of bone loss or bone fracture., (Copyright © 2020 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Main Conclusion: This work reveals information about new peroxisomal targeting signals type 1 and identifies trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase I as multitargeted and is implicated in plant development, reproduction, and stress response. A putative, non-canonical peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1) Pro-Arg-Met > was identified in the extreme C-terminus of trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP)I. TPP catalyzes the final step of trehalose synthesis, and the enzyme was previously characterized to be nuclear only (Krasensky et al. in Antioxid Redox Signal 21(9):1289-1304, 2014). Here we show that the TPPI C-terminal decapeptide ending with Pro-Arg-Met > or Pro-Lys-Met > can indeed function as a PTS1. Upon transient expression in two plant expression systems, the free C- or N-terminal end led to the full-length TPPI targeting to peroxisomes and plastids, respectively. The nucleus and nucleolus targeting of the full-length TPPI was observed in both cases. The homozygous T-DNA insertion line of TPPI showed a pleiotropic phenotype including smaller leaves, shorter roots, delayed flowering, hypersensitivity to salt, and a sucrose dependent seedling development. Our results identify novel PTS1s, and TPPI as a protein multi-targeted to peroxisomes, plastids, nucleus, and nucleolus. Altogether our findings implicate an essential role for TPPI in development, reproduction, and cell signaling.

Aims: To investigate the association of obesity phenotypes with non-obese components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) by considering the presence of general adiposity and central obesity., Methods: We analyzed the data of population-based cross-sectional study of 981 adults' individuals who were community dwelling in urban population of Babol, the north of Iran. The demographic characteristics and anthropometric measures and hypertension were collected with standard method by trained nurses. The fasting blood sugar, CHL, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C were measured by enzymatic method. The presence of cardiometabolic risk factors were analyzed according to the combination of obesity phenotypes either overweight/obese or central obese. The logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of obesity phenotypes in compared with normal weight not central obese in association of presence of metabolic abnormality., Results: The 394 (40.6%) individuals were both overweight/obese and central obese and 295 (30.1%) persons were "normal weight not central obese" and the minority 28(2.9%) were normal weight but central obese and the remainder 260 (26.5%) were "overweight/obese not central obese". Overweight/obese not central obese increased significantly the odds of presence of ≥2 non-obese components of metabolic abnormality by 2.17 times (95%CI OR: 1.51, 3.13) but the OR was elevated for the joint phenotypes of overweight/obese and central obese (OR = 4.16 (95%CI: 2.85, 6.06) as compare with normal weight not central obese., Conclusions: Overweight/obese alone increased the risk of cardiometabolic abnormality but being overweight/obese and central obese a further elevated the risk compared with "normal weight not central obese"., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background/aim: Vitamin D displays an immunologic effect which can modulate function of Th17-related cytokines and thereby prevent perpetuation of inflammation in chronic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review aims to conduct a literature review to provide a summary of recent studies addressing the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and RA based on epidemiological, immunological and therapeutic aspects., Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar were searched for relevant papers published between 2000-2018., Results: Low intake of vitamin D increases the risk of incident RA, and vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be inversely associated with RA activity in most of these studies. However, characteristics of RA and serum vitamin D status differ across the studies. The results of studies on the effect of supplemental vitamin D in RA vary, from no efficacy to significant improvement in disease activity, as well as quality of life. This should be attributed to variations in dosage of vitamin D, duration of treatment, baseline serum vitamin D in RA patients and characteristics of RA across diverse studies., Conclusion: Current data indicate a therapeutic potential for vitamin D in RA. However, further studies are needed to identify an optimal and effective dosage, duration of treatment and patients who will get the best benefit from the treatment., (© 2019 The Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology (MJR).)

Aims: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and the associated factors of metabolically unhealthy in normal-weight and metabolically healthy in obese., Methods: We analyzed the data of a representative sample of 986 participants recruited among adult population of north of Iran. Data were collected regarding demographic characteristics, lifestyle, body mass index, abdominal obesity measures, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. The participants were classified as metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy normal-weight (MUNW). Metabolically unhealthy was defined as the presence of  ≥2 non-obese components of metabolic syndrome based on ATP III criteria., Results: The prevalence rate of MUNW and MHO accounted for 17.2% and 15.1% respectively. Mean age of participants with metabolically unhealthy was significantly greater than metabolically healthy in both normal weight and overweight/obese (P=0.001). The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed in normal-weight individuals, a significant association of MUNW was found with age group of 50-59 years(OR=3.83, 95%CI: 1.71-8.57) and 60-70 years by OR=4.74(95%CI:1.79-12.54) as compared with age group of 20-29 years. It was also associated with current smoking. While metabolically healthy state in overweight/obese was inversely associated with age 50-59 years by OR=0.26 (95%CI:0.13-0.54) and age 60-70 years by OR=0.15 (95%CI:0.05- 0.39) and higher WC by OR=0.47 (95%CI:0.31-0.72) but positively associated with female-sex by OR=1.74 (95%CI:1.07-2.82)., Conclusion: Aging and smoking are significantly associated with metabolic abnormalities in normal-weight while aging, abdominal obesity negatively and female positively associated with metabolically healthy in obese., (Copyright © 2017 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Long-term treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with prednisolone (PRED) is associated with bone mineral density (BMD) loss. This study aimed to determine the status of BMD in non-compliant women who used PRED alone for RA., Methods: Non-adherent RA taking < 7.5 mg daily PRED without DMARDs for > 6 months, and RA patients taking methotrexate +PRED (RA control) were compared with age-matched non-RA controls. BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method and osteoporosis (OP) was diagnosed by WHO criteria. Influence of PRED on RA bone mass, and the risk of OP in RA was assessed by comparing PRED users RA and RA control,versus non-RA controls., Results: Sixty-four PRED user RA, 39 RA controls and 111 non RA-controls, with respective mean (±SD) age of 52±11; 8, 51±11; and 52±7.5 years (P=0.91) were studied. Median duration of treatment in PRED users and RA control was 2.5 and 4 years, respectively. BMD g/cm 2 at the femoral neck (FN-BMD) and lumber spine (LS-BMD) in PRED users and RA control was significantly lower than non-RA control (P=0.001). The prevalence of OP at either FN or LS in both RA groups was significantly higher than controls (P=0.001). In PRED users, the risk of OP increased by OR=4.9, P=0.001) and in RA controls by OR=1.7 (P=0.20). The risk of OP in PRED user RA was 2.89 times (P=0.014) greater than RA controls., Conclusions: These findings indicate significantly lower BMD, and higher prevalence of osteoporosis in non-compliant women with RA taking low-dose PRED alone for a median period of 2.5 years, as compared with patients taking standard treatment comprising methotrexate +PRED., Competing Interests: None declared.

Main Conclusion: PP2A catalytic subunit C2 is of special importance for light/dark regulation of nitrate reductase activity. The level of unmethylated PP2A catalytic subunits decreases in darkness. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) dephosphorylates and activates nitrate reductase (NR) in photosynthetically active tissue when plants are transferred from darkness to light. In the present work, investigation of Arabidopsis thaliana PP2A mutant lines revealed that one of the five PP2A catalytic subunit genes, e.g., C2, was of special importance for NR activation. Impairment of NR activation was, especially pronounced in the c2c4 double mutant. Though weaker, NR activation was also impaired in the c2 single mutant, and c1c2 and c2c5 double mutants. On the other hand, NR activation in the c4c5 double mutant was as efficient as in WT. The c4 single mutant had low PP2A activity, whereas the c2 single mutant possessed WT levels of extractable PP2A activity. PP2A activity was low in both c2c4 and c4c5. Differences in extracted PP2A activity among mutants did not strictly correlate with differences in NR activation, but underpinned that C2 has a special function in NR activation in vivo. The terminal leucine in PP2A catalytic subunits is generally methylated to a high degree, but regulation and impact of methylation/demethylation is barely studied. In WT and PP2A mutants, the level of unmethylated PP2A catalytic subunits decreased during 45 min of darkness, but did not change much when light was switched on. In leucine carboxyl methyl transferase1 (LCMT1) knockout plants, which possess mainly unmethylated PP2A, NR was still activated, although not fully as efficient as in WT.

In this study, an optimized interface-modified ternary blend with antibacterial activity based on polylactic acid/starch/poly ε-caprolactone (PLASCL20), mixed with nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) via melt blending. This method results in a homogeneous nanocomposite blend in which the addition of 3% nHA improves the overall properties such as hydrolytic degradation, hydrophilicity, antibacterial activity and the drug release comparing to PLASCL20. Moreover, the simultaneous use of nHA and encapsulated triclosan (LATC30) compensated the negative effect of triclosan through increasing the possible cell attachment. According to the contact angle results, nHA was thermodynamically driven into the interface of PLA and PCL/Starch phases. The addition of 3% nHA showed a good adjustment between the hydrolytic degradation and the release profile, therefore, their electrospun microfibers demonstrated an improved fibroblast (L929) cell attachment. The aforementioned nanocomposite blend is a suitable antibacterial candidate for many medical applications with minimum side effects due to the controlled release of triclosan., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, injection molding of three poly lactic acid (PLA) based bone screws was simulated and optimized through minimizing the shrinkage and warpage of the bone screws. The optimization was carried out by investigating the process factors such as coolant temperature, mold temperature, melt temperature, packing time, injection time, and packing pressure. A response surface methodology (RSM), based on the central composite design (CCD), was used to determine the effects of the process factors on the PLA based bone screws. Upon applying the method of maximizing the desirability function, optimization of the factors gave the lowest warpage and shrinkage for nanocomposite PLA bone screw (PLA9). Moreover, PLA9 has the greatest desirability among the selected materials for bone screw injection molding. Meanwhile, a finite element analysis (FE analysis) was also performed to determine the force values and concentration points which cause yielding of the screws under certain conditions. The Von-Mises stress distribution showed that PLA9 screw is more resistant against the highest loads as compared to the other ones. Finally, according to the results of injection molding simulations, the design of experiments (DOE) and structural analysis, PLA9 screw is recommended as the best candidate for the production of biomedical materials among all the three types of screws., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Quadriceps muscle weakness and vitamin D deficiency are associated with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and vitamin D in KOA., Methods: Patients with KOA aged 40 years and above were studied. QMS was assessed by the dynanometry method and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) by the ELISA method. Serum 25-OHD<20 ng/mL was considered as a deficiency. The intensity of knee pain was determined by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Pain Scale. The Pearson test was used for correlation analysis between QMS and serum 25-OHD as well as knee pain., Results: A total of 92 patients (female, 80%) with a mean age of 49.6±11.7 years were studied. QMS was correlated positively with serum 25-OHD (r=0.304, r=9.24%, P=0.005) and negatively with knee pain (r=-0.232, r=5.3%, P=0.034). After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, the positive correlation increased to a higher level (r=0.496, r=24.9%, P=0.01). For each 1 ng/mL increase in serum 25-OHD, the value of QMS increased by 14.2%±3.5% (P=0.014). There was no significant correlation between serum 25-OHD and knee pain (P=0.13)., Conclusions: These findings demonstrated a significant correlation between QMS with both serum vitamin D and knee pain, indicating a confounding role for quadriceps muscle in the association between serum vitamin D and osteoarthritis knee pain. On the basis of the findings of this study, vitamin D supplementation may affect pain by strengthening quadriceps muscle in KOA.

Background: Increased serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in asthma and its association with disease severity has been investigated in many studies. This study aimed to determine serum hs-CRP status in asthma versus healthy controls and to examine its ability in predicting asthma control., Methods: Serum CRP was measured by ELISA method using a high sensitive CRP kit. Severity of asthma was determined using Asthma Control Test. Spearman and chi square tests were used for association and correlation respectively. The predictive ability was determined by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Accuracy was determined by determination of area under the ROC curve (AUC)., Results: A total of 120 patients and 115 controls were studied. Median serum hs-CRP in asthma was higher than control (P=0.001. In well controlled asthma the hs-CRP decreased significantly compared with poorly controlled (P=0.024) but still was higher than control (P=0.017). Serum hs-CRP at cutoff level of 1.45 mg/L differentiated the patients and controls with accuracy of 63.5 % (AUC= 0.635±0.037, P=0.001). Serum hs-CRP ≤ 2.15 mg/L predicted well controlled asthma with accuracy of 62.5% (AUC= 0.625±0.056, p=0.025). After adjusting for age, sex, weight and smoking, there was an independent association between serum hs-CRP >1.45 mg/L and asthma by adjusted OR=2.49, p=0.018)., Conclusion: These findings indicate that serum hs-CRP in asthma is higher than healthy control and increases with severity of asthma and decreases with. Thus, serum hs-CRP measurement can be helpful in predicting asthma control and treatment response.

Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition with recurrent attacks in a significant proportion of patients. The present case- control study was conducted to assess the influence of serum vitamin D normalization on recurrent attacks of vitamin D deficient patients., Methods: Diagnosis of BPPV was made based on history and clinical examination and exclusion of other conditions. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) was measured using ELISA method and a levels of < 20 ng/ml was considered a deficiency of vitamin D. Inclusion criteria were as follows: history of recurrent attacks and serum 25-OHD<20.ng/ml. While the patients with history of trauma, surgery and chronic systemic diseases were excluded. The patients were classified into two groups: treatment and control, intermittently. Both groups received Epley rehabilitation therapy one session per week for 4 weeks but the treatment group received an additional supplement of 50.000 IU of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) weekly for two months to achieve serum 25-OHD ≥ 30 ng/ml and the study patients were followed-up for 6 months., Results: Twenty-seven patients were allocated to each group. At baseline, serum 25-OHD was similar (10.7±2.3 vs 11.41±1.9, P=0.23). At month 2, serum 25-OHD in the treatment group increased significantly to ≥ 30 ng/ ml, whereas serum 25-OHD in the control group remained unchanged (34.2±3.3 vs 10.6 10.6±2.2 ng/ml, P=0.001). During the follow-up period, attacks of BPPV in the treatment group decreased significantly compared with the control group (14.8% vs 96.3% OR= 0.18, P=0.001)., Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the normalization of serum vitamin D significantly reduces BPPV recurrences.

Background: Several factors are associated with the development or exacerbation of pain in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In this study, we reviewed this context based on relevant studies., Methods: Recent published studies which have addressed the relationship between pain and KOA were summarized., Results: Correlates of the clinical, demographic features, laboratory tests and abnormalities on radiographic as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the knee pain have been discussed. The results indicated that many factors such as synovitis, synovial effusion, obesity, as well as structural lesions determined by MRI or radiographic examination, serum cytokines, inflammatory markers are determinants of pain in KOA., Conclusion: This context requires further investigations for identification of additional factors which initiate pain in asymptomatic KOA.

Background: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is linked to vitamin D deficiency. This clinical trial aimed to determine the influence of vitamin D supplementation on intensity of BPPV., Methods: The study population was selected consecutively and the diagnosis of BPPV was made by history and clinical examination and exclusion of other conditions. Intensity of BPVV was assessed based on VAS score (0-10). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was measured using ELISA method and levels < 20 ng/ml was considered a deficiency. All patients received rehabilitation treatment using Epley's maneuver one time per week for one month. Serum 25-OHD deficient patients were classified as treated and non-treated groups (rehabilitation with or without 50.000 IU cholecalciferol weekly for two months).The results of treatment were compared with vitamin D sufficient group as control. All patients were followed-up for 6 months., Results: After two months of treatment, in both vitamin D treated and non-treated groups the intensity of BPPV decreased significantly as compared with control (P=0.001 for both groups) but at endpoint, the intensity of BPPV aggravated and regressed to the baseline value in vitamin D deficient non-treated group (P=0.001) whereas, in vitamin D treated group, improvement of BPPV remained stable and unchanged over the study period., Conclusion: This study indicates that correction of vitamin D deficiency in BPPV provides additional benefit to rehabilitation therapy (Epley maneuver) regarding duration of improvement. These findings suggest serum 25-OHD measurement in recurrent BPPV.

Background: Application noninvasive ventilation in the patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reduced mortality. This case-control study was designed to compare efficiency and outcome of non-invasive (NIV) versus invasive positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) in respiratory failure due to COPD., Methods: The patients were assigned to NIV or IPPV intermittantly.The clinical parameters, including RR (respiratory rate), BP (blood pressure), HR (heart rate) and PH, PaCO2, PaO2 before and 1, 4 and 24 h after treatment were measured. Demographic information such as age, sex, severity of disease based on APACHE score, length of stay and outcome were recorded., Results: Fifty patients were enrolled in the NIV group and 50 patients in IPPV. The mean age was 70.5 in NIV and 63.9 in invasive ventilation group (p>0.05). In IPPV group, the average values of PH: PCO2: and PO2, were 7.22±0.11, 69.64 + 24.25: and 68.86±24.41 .In NIV, the respective values were 7.30±0.07, 83.94±18.95, and 60.60±19.88. In NIV group, after 1, 4 and 24 h treatment, the clinical and ventilation parameters were stable. The mean APACHE score in was IPPV, 26.46±5.45 and in NIV was 12.26±5.54 (p<0.05). The average length of hospital stay in IPPV was 15.90±10 and in NIV 8.12±6.49 days (p<0.05). The total mortality in the NIV was 4 (8%) and in IPPV, 27 patients (54%) (p<0.05)., Conclusion: This study indicates that using NIPPV is a useful therapeutic mode of treatment for respiratory failure with acceptable success rate and lower mortality. The application of NIPPV reduces hospital stay, intubation and its consequent complications.

Background: Inflammatory process in hemodialysis patients involves hematopoiesis. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of inflammation with hemoglobin in patients under hemodialysis., Methods: Patients under maintenance hemodialysis for more than 3 months were studied. Serum high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) was measured by immunoturbidimetric method and hemoglobin < 11 g/dl was considered as anemia. Iron deficiency anemia was confirmed by percent transferrin saturation < 20 %. Correlation coefficient, linear regression and odds ratio (OR) were used to determine the relationship., Results: A total of 73 patients aged 50 ± 16.9 years with median hemodialysis duration of 24 (3-280) months entered the study. High serum hs-CRP (> 5 mg/l) was found in 42 (57.5 %) and anemia in 32 (43.8 %) patients. High CRP was significantly associated with anemia OR = 20.8 (95 % CI 5.35-81, p = 0.001). After adjustment for age, dialysis duration, blood indices and serum albumin, the odds of anemia in the high CRP group remained at a significant level of 16.7 (95 % CI 3.7-75, p = 0.001). Hemoglobin levels conversely correlated with serum hs-CRP (r = -0.607, r (2) = 0.36, p = 0.001). In linear regression analysis for each 1 mg/l increase in serum hs-CRP, hemoglobin value increased by 12.4 % (p = 0.002). Serum iron at cutoff level of 54 µg/dl discriminated patients with and without iron deficiency anemia with sensitivity of 93.3 %, specificity of 84 % and accuracy of 90 % (AUC ± SE = 0.901 ± 0.04 (95 % CI, 0.805-0.998, p = 0.001)., Conclusion: These findings indicate that in hemodialysis patients, the inflammatory process alters hemoglobin level in converse correlation with CRP concentration with a linear relationship pattern. Serum iron <54 µg/dl indicates iron deficiency anemia with high accuracy.

Background: Inflammatory process has a substantial contribution in the development of anemia in chronic hemodialysis patients. Low serum albumin in hemodialysis patients is considered a marker of inflammation. The present longitudinal study aimed to determine the relationship between low baseline serum albumin and future development of anemia., Methods: The population of this study consisted of all patients on standard maintenance hemodialysis for at least three months or longer. Patients were classified as high or low serum albumin level (≥ or < 3.9 gr/dl). All patients received the standard treatment of anemia. The main objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of anemia defined as hemoglobin levels < 11 gr/dl between the two study groups at the end of the study period., Results: A total of 82 patients (50% females) with mean±SD age of 55±16.8 years and mean dialysis duration of 5.2±4 years were followed-up for an average period of 10±1 (range, 8-11) months, however 48 patients with high serum albumin and 24 patients with low serum albumin group completed the study. At baseline, the two groups were similar regarding hemoglobin (9.8±1.2 vs 9.16±1.6 gr/dl, P=0.95) levels. At endpoint, prevalence of anemia in high albumin group was significantly lower than the low albumin group (50% versus 83.3% P=0.005)., Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that low serum albumin in hemodialysis patients is a predictor of anemia indicating unresponsiveness to conventional treatment of anemia.

Background: Vitamin D has a potential to modulate inflammatory response against noxious particles in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study was conducted to determine the status of serum vitamin D in COPD versus healthy group., Methods: The patients presented to the outpatient pulmonary clinic of Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital, Babol Iran. Diagnosis of COPD was confirmed based on airflow limitation defined as FEV1/FVC ratio <70% and FEV1< 80% of predicted. All eligible patients aged ≥ 40 years old entered the study. Pulmonary infection, tuberculosis, pleural effusion, congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and embolism, restrictive airway disease, conditions leading changes in vitamin D metabolism and absorption were excluded. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) was determined by electrocheminluminescence method and levels <20, 20-29, and ≥30ng/ml were considered as deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency. In statistical analysis, the frequency of serum 25-OHD deficiency and insufficiency in patients were compared regarding age of ≤ 50 or >50 years old. All patients were males and age and sex-matched controls were selected among healthy subjects accompanied COPD patients., Results: Ninety patients and 100 controls with respective mean (±SD) age of 64.8±11.7 and 62.6±11.7 years old (P=0.19) were studied. Compared with control, proportions of serum 25-OHD deficiency and insufficiency in patients >50 years were higher and deficiency was lower (61.5% vs 87.5%, P=0.11)., Conclusion: These findings indicate that a significant proportion of young COPD patients have insufficient serum 25-OHD. Regarding a positive relationship between 25-OHD and FEV1 in COPD, these findings highlight serum 25-OHD assessment in COPD for recognizing high risk patients.

The two Arabidopsis basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factors GLABRA3 (GL3) and ENHANCER OF GLABRA3 (EGL3) are positive regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis, and form protein complexes (MBW complexes) with various R2R3 MYB transcription factors and a WD40 repeat protein TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABROUS1 (TTG1). In earlier studies, GL3, in contrast to EGL3, was shown to be essential for accumulation of anthocyanins in response to nitrogen depletion. This could not be fully explained by the strong induction of GL3 in response to nitrogen depletion because the EGL3 transcripts were constitutively at a relatively high level and transcripts levels of the two genes were similar under nitrogen depletion. Here the GL3 and EGL3 proteins were characterized with respect to their affinities for PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT2 (PAP2), a R2R3-MYB which is induced by nitrogen depletion and is part of MBW complexes promoting anthocyanin synthesis. GL3 and EGL3 were also tested for their binding to MYBL2, a negative regulator of anthocyanin synthesis and MBW complexes. Using heterologously expressed proteins and Microscale Thermophoresis, GL3 showed binding constants (Kd) of 3.5±1.7 and 22.7±3.7 μM, whereas EGL3 showed binding constants of 7.5±2.3 and 8.9±1.4 μM for PAP2 and MYBL2, respectively. This implies that MYBL2 will not inhibit a MBW complex containing GL3 as easily as for a complex containing EGL3. In transgenic plants where EGL3 reaches high concentrations compared with MYBL2 the equilibrium is shifted and MYBL2 is not likely to be an efficient competitor, hence anthocyanin formation could be restored by either EGL3 or GL3 genes when overexpressed by help of the 35S promoter. The present work underpins that GL3 is essential for anthocyanin accumulation under nitrogen depletion not only due to transcriptional activation, but also because of binding properties to proteins promoting or inhibiting the activity of the MBW complex., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The eukaryotic, highly conserved serine (Ser)/threonine-specific protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) functions as a heterotrimeric complex composed of a catalytic (C), scaffolding (A), and regulatory (B) subunit. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), five, three, and 17 genes encode different C, A, and B subunits, respectively. We previously found that a B subunit, B'θ, localized to peroxisomes due to its C-terminal targeting signal Ser-Ser-leucine. This work shows that PP2A C2, C5, andA2 subunits interact and colocalize with B'θ in peroxisomes. C and A subunits lack peroxisomal targeting signals, and their peroxisomal import depends on B'θ and appears to occur by piggybacking transport. B'θ knockout mutants were impaired in peroxisomal β-oxidation as shown by developmental arrest of seedlings germinated without sucrose, accumulation of eicosenoic acid, and resistance to protoauxins indole-butyric acid and 2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid. All of these observations strongly substantiate that a full PP2A complex is present in peroxisomes and positively affects β-oxidation of fatty acids and protoauxins., (© 2015 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.)