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Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is among the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections, particularly prevalent among sexually active individuals. While many HPV infections clear up over time, some may progress to various cancers such as anal cancer, cervical cancer and, vaginal cancer. This study examines the prevalence of different HPV genotypes, classified as high-risk (HR) and low-risk (LR), among females of various age groups who visited the laboratory in Karaj. Material and methods Genital specimens were gathered from the individuals involved in the study and subjected to DNA extraction (DNA/RNA extraction AmpliSense, Moscow, Russia) followed by amplification using Real-Time PCR. HR- and LR-HPV genotypes were identified using the GenoFlow HPV Array test kit (GenoFlow; DiagCor Bioscience, Hong Kong) and homemade HPV genotyping kit. Demographic information such as age, was examined alongside statistical virological data. Results Overall, 367 (17%) out of the 2109 (100%) female cases tested positive for HPV. Among these, 219 (46.2%) were classified as low-risk, 44 (9.3%) as potentially high-risk, and 211 (44.5%) as high-risk. The highest percentage of positive test results was detected in individuals under 30 years old (35%) and those aged 40–50 (18%). Individuals in the

The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasing worldwide, and the role of diet in its etiology has been established. The Dietary inflammatory index (DII) has attracted significant attention in evaluating associations between diet and diseases due to the role of chronic inflammation as an underlying cause of numerous disease processes. Therefore, the relationship between DII score and the risk of T2DM is evaluated in the Iranian population for the first time. Methods: 113 newly diagnosed T2DM patients and 226 apparently disease-free control cases aged 23-59 participated in this case-control study. A valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intake. Then, energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) scores were computed and categorized into quartiles based on values in the population study. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between DII and the risk of T2DM after controlling for important potential confounders and effect modifiers. Results: A significant association was observed between E-DII score and T2DM in the crude model (P-trend

Abstract The influenza virus (IFV) imposes a considerable health and economic burden globally, requiring a comprehensive understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent lipid peroxidation cell death pathway, holds unique implications for the antioxidant defense system, with possible contributions to inflammation. This exploration focuses on the dynamic interplay between ferroptosis and the host defense against viruses, emphasizing the influence of IFV infections on the activation of the ferroptosis pathway. IFV causes different types of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis. IFV-induced ferroptotic cell death is mediated by alterations in iron homeostasis, intensifying the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and promoting lipid peroxidation. A comprehensive investigation into the mechanism of ferroptosis in viral infections, specifically IFV, has great potential to identify therapeutic strategies. This understanding may pave the way for the development of drugs using ferroptosis inhibitors, presenting an effective approach to suppress viral infections.

Abstract Gastric cancer remains a significant health challenge despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Early detection is critical to reducing mortality, necessitating the investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying gastric cancer progression. This study focuses on BRD4 expression and its correlation with miR-26a-3p, DLG5-AS1, and JMJD1C-AS1 lncRNAs in gastric cancer. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets revealed significant upregulation of BRD4 in gastric cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, correlating negatively with miR-26a-3p and positively with DLG5-AS1 and JMJD1C-AS1 lncRNAs. Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed these findings in 25 gastric cancer tissue samples and 25 normal samples. BRD4's overexpression was associated with reduced survival rates and older patient age. MiR-26a-3p, a known tumor suppressor, showed decreased expression in gastric cancer tissues, with ROC analysis suggesting it, alongside BRD4, as a potential diagnostic biomarker. Additionally, bioinformatics predicted miR-26a-3p’s interaction with BRD4 mRNA. Upregulated lncRNAs DLG5-AS1 and JMJD1C-AS1 likely act as competing endogenous RNAs, sponging miR-26a-3p, thus promoting BRD4 dysregulation. These lncRNAs have not been previously studied in gastric cancer. The findings propose a novel BRD4/lncRNA/miRNA regulatory axis in gastric cancer, highlighting the potential of BRD4, DLG5-AS1, and JMJD1C-AS1 as biomarkers for early diagnosis. Further studies with larger sample sizes and in vivo and in vitro experiments are needed to elucidate this regulatory mechanism’s role in gastric cancer progression.

Abstract One of the most common bacteria that cause nosocomial infections is Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumoniae), especially in patients who are very sick and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The frequency of multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKP) has dramatically increased worldwide in recent decades, posing an urgent threat to public health. The Western world’s bacteriophage (phage) studies have been revitalized due to the increasing reports of antimicrobial resistance and the restricted development and discovery of new antibiotics. These factors have also spurred innovation in other scientific domains. The primary agent in phage treatment is an obligately lytic organism (called bacteriophage) that kills the corresponding bacterial host while sparing human cells and lessening the broader effects of antibiotic usage on commensal bacteria. Phage treatment is developing quickly, leading to many clinical studies and instances of life-saving medicinal use. In addition, phage treatment has a few immunological adverse effects and consequences in addition to its usefulness. Since K. pneumoniae antibiotic resistance has made treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections challenging, phage therapy (PT) has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. The effectiveness of phages has also been investigated in K. pneumoniae biofilms and animal infection models. Compared with antibiotics, PT exhibits numerous advantages, including a particular lysis spectrum, co-evolution with bacteria to avoid the emergence of phage resistance, and a higher abundance and diversity of phage resources than found in antibiotics. Moreover, phages are eliminated in the absence of a host bacterium, which makes them the only therapeutic agent that self-regulates at the sites of infection. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the role of PT in treating these infections. This study summarizes the state of knowledge on Klebsiella spp. phages and provides an outlook on the development of phage-based treatments that target K. pneumoniae in clinical trials. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), is a preventable leading cause of blindness in infants and is a condition in which the immature retina experiences abnormal blood vessel growth. The development of ROP is multifactorial; nevertheless, the risk factors are controversial. This study aimed to identify risk factors of time to development of ROP in Iran. Methods This historical cohort study utilized data from the hospital records of all newborns referred to the ROP department of Farabi Hospital (from 2017 to 2021) and the NICU records of infants referred from Mahdieh Hospital to Farabi Hospital. Preterm infants with birth weight (BW) ≤ 2000 g or gestational age (GA) 2000 g or GA ≥ 34 wk. The outcome variable was the time to development of ROP (in weeks). Random survival forest was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 338 cases, including 676 eyes, were evaluated. The mean GA and BW of the study group were 31.59 ± 2.39 weeks and 1656.72 ± 453.80 g, respectively. According to the criteria of minimal depth and variable importance, the most significant predictors of the time to development of ROP were duration of ventilation, GA, duration of oxygen supplementation, bilirubin levels, duration of antibiotic administration, duration of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), mother age, birth order, number of surfactant administration, and on time screening. The concordance index for predicting survival of the fitted model was 0.878. Conclusion Our findings indicated that the duration of ventilation, GA, duration of oxygen supplementation, bilirubin levels, duration of antibiotic administration, duration of TPN, mother age, birth order, number of surfactant administrations, and on time screening are potential risk factors of prognosis of ROP. The associations between identified risk factors were mostly nonlinear. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the nature of these relationships in managing treatment and designing early interventions.

Abstract Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for a substantial number of deaths in Afghanistan. Understanding the prevalence and correlates of major NCD risk factors could provide a benchmark for future public health policies and programs to prevent and control NCDs. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of NCD risk factors among adults aged 18–69 years in Afghanistan. Methods We used data from the Afghanistan STEPS Survey 2018. The study population were 3650 (1896 males and 1754 females) adults aged 18–69 years sampled from all 34 provinces through a multistage cluster sampling process. Information on behavioural and biological risk factors was collected. We used STATA (version 18.0) for data analysis. Results Of the total participants, 42.8% were overweight or obese, 8.6% were current smokers, 26.9% had insufficient physical activities, 82.6% had low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and only 0.5% had ever consumed alcohol. Approximately 15% of participants had a high salt intake, while 25% and 8% had elevated blood pressure and blood glucose levels, respectively. Similarly, around 18% had elevated total cholesterol. The study revealed a lower prevalence of current smoking among females [AOR = 0.17, 95%CI (0.09–0.30)] compared with males, but a higher prevalence in those who had higher education levels [1.95 (1.13–3.36)] compared with those with no formal education. Insufficient physical activity was higher in participants aged 45–69 years [1.96 (1.39–2.76)], females [4.21 (1.98–8.84)], and urban residents [2.38 (1.46–3.88)] but lower in those with higher education levels [0.60 (0.37–0.95)]. Participants in the 25th to 75th wealth percentiles had higher odds of low fruit and vegetable consumption [2.11 (1.39–3.21)], while those in the > 75th wealth percentile had lower odds of high salt intake [0.63 (0.41–0.98)]. Being overweight/obese was more prevalent in participants aged 45–69 years [1.47 (1.03–2.11)], females [1.42 (0.99–2.01)], currently married [3.56 (2.42–5.21)] or ever married [5.28 (2.76–10.11)], and urban residents [1.39 (1.04–1.86)]. Similarly, high waist circumference was more prevalent in participants aged 45–69 years [1.86 (1.21–2.86)], females [5.91 (4.36–8.00)], those being currently married [4.82 (3.12–7.46)], and those being in 25th to 75th wealth percentile [1.76 (1.27–2.43)]. A high prevalence of elevated blood pressure was observed in participants aged 45–69 years [3.60 (2.44–5.31)] and currently married [2.31 (1.24–4.31)] or ever married [6.13 (2.71–13.8)] participants. Elevated blood glucose was more prevalent in older adults ([1.92 (1.09–3.39)] for 45–69 and [3.45 (2.44–5.31)] for 30–44 years), urban residents [2.01 (1.33–3.03)], and ever-married participants [4.89 (1.48–16.2)]. A higher prevalence of elevated cholesterol was observed in females [2.68 (1.49–4.82)] and those currently married [2.57 (1.17–5.63)] or ever married [4.24 (1.31–13.73)]. Conclusion This study used up-to-date available data from a nationally representative sample and identified the prevalence of NCDs and associated risk factors in Afghanistan. Our findings have the potential to inform and influence health policies by identifying people at high risk of developing NCDs and can assist policymakers, health managers, and clinicians to design and implement targeted health interventions.

Objective (s): Considering the role of self-care in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases and in order to properly increase the importance of health to society, paying attention to the self-care is a priority. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of an educational intervention in the context of social messengers on the awareness of the health workers regarding the self-care program. Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 705 employees (doctors, nurses, midwives, health care workers) of health centers in Ilam province, Iran during 2020 and 2021. To collect data, a self-designed questionnaire containing 330 questions related to the 22 educational packages of the national self-care program provided by the Ministry of Health was used. The questionnaire was completed before an educational intervention and 9-months follow-up. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 24 software and through paired t-test and chi-square test. Results: The results indicated a significant increase in the awareness of health workers in the field of self-care program during a period of nine months after the educational intervention using the virtual educational method. A statistically significant relationship was observed between increasing the level of awareness of health workers with variables such as age (0.01), education level (0.05), gender (0.01) and organizational position (0.01). Conclusion: Considering the important and fundamental role of health workers in improving the level of health literacy of the society and on the other hand the growing trend of access to social messengers, it is suggested with a cascade approach and based on social accountability, suitable educational programs to improve the awareness of health workers and subsequently health ambassadors at the household level should be prioritized.

Abstract Background There is no consensus on the frequency and timing of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in tendon healing. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single versus multiple PRP injections in the healing of patellar tendon defects in the experimental model, through histological and biomechanical investigation. Methods Forty-four male skeletally mature Dutch rabbits were randomly divided into the five study groups ( A, B,C, D,E). After creating a longitudinal acute patellar tendon defect on both knees (One-third the width of the patella tendon), the right legs of the rabbits were used as the intervention group and the left legs as the control groups. Animals in groups A, B, and C were euthanized on days 7, 14, and 28, respectively, after the first PRP injection. Animals in group D received the second PRP injection on day 10 and was euthanized on day 14. Animals in group D received the second and third PRP injections on days 10 and 20, respectively, and were euthanized on day 28. The outcomes were evaluated histologically (modification of Movin’s Grading) and biomechanically. Results The inflammatory condition was exaggerated in groups D and E. Load at failure was higher in the non-injected side of groups D and E, while there was no significant difference between the right and left legs of the three groups A, B and C. In other word, groups with a single PRP injection were more resistant to the increasing load compared to the groups with multiple PRP injections. Conclusions PRP improves tendon healing if injected early after injury, while its injection after the initial phase of injury hampers tendon healing. In addition, a single PRP injection seems to be more effective than multiple PRP injection. Therefore, in cases where PRP injection is indicated for tendon repair, such as acute tendon injury, we recommend using a single PRP injection during tendon repair surgery.

Abstract The present systematic review provides an overview and analysis of methodological underpinnings of self-regulated learning (SRL) research in ESL/EFL contexts. A search of five academic databases was conducted for studies published from 2017 to 2022. Adopting Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the search yielded 31 studies conducted in various countries and educational settings. Informed by a 16-item coding scheme, the analysis found that SRL research is more nested within higher education. The results provided evidence to substantiate the idea that quantitative approaches towards SRL research is in the ascendency. Experimental and survey designs were identified as the most preferred research designs. The results revealed an absolute dominance of questionnaire/scale as the most frequently utilised data collection instrument. As for data analysis software, SPSS and Mplus were applied in the majority of studies. The results demonstrated that correlation, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) were among the most widely applied statistical tests. Finally, writing, compared to other language skills/subskills, was found to receive a surge of interest in SRL research. The study concludes with some suggestions for further future research.

Abstract The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. HEV is classified into eight genotypes, labeled HEV-1 through HEV-8. Genotypes 1 and 2 exclusively infect humans, while genotypes 3, 4, and 7 can infect both humans and animals. In contrast, genotypes 5, 6, and 8 are restricted to infecting animals. While most individuals with a strong immune system experience a self-limiting infection, those who are immunosuppressed may develop chronic hepatitis. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and mortality due to HEV infection. In addition to liver-related complications, HEV can also cause extrahepatic manifestations, including neurological disorders. The immune response is vital in determining the outcome of HEV infection. Deficiencies in T cells, NK cells, and antibody responses are linked to poor prognosis. Interestingly, HEV itself contains microRNAs that regulate its replication and modify the host’s antiviral response. Diagnosis of HEV infection involves the detection of HEV RNA and anti-HEV IgM/IgG antibodies. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment for acute infection, while chronic HEV infection may be cleared with the use of ribavirin and pegylated interferon. Prevention remains the best approach against HEV, focusing on sanitation infrastructure improvements and vaccination, with one vaccine already licensed in China. This comprehensive review provides insights into the spread, genotypes, prevalence, and clinical effects of HEV. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for further research and attention to HEV, particularly in cases of acute hepatitis, especially among solid-organ transplant recipients.

Plague is an important and serious zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. This study is a narrative review. The required data for the research were gathered through a search in search engines such as Google Scholar and international scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Elsevier, and Lilacs, as well as Persian databases like the Barakat Knowledge Network System (Barakatkns), the Scientific Information Database (SID), the Iranian Medical Library (Medlib), and Civilica. The search was conducted using both Persian and English keywords, including "Plague," "Yersinia pestis," "Plague outbreak," "Flea," and "Control," through individual and combined searches over a period from 1974 to June 2024. In the present article, the agents and types of plague, its transmission methods, diagnostic approaches, the status of plague in the world and Iran, fleas in Iran, and methods for prevention and control of the disease will be discussed. This disease has caused three major historical pandemics, including the Black Death in the 14th century, which claimed millions of lives in Europe, Asia, and Africa and profoundly affected the populations of the impacted countries. Recently, the highest number of human plague cases has been reported from Madagascar. The main vector of the disease in humans is known as Xenopsylla cheopis worldwide. In Iran, records of human plague date back to the past. Climate change and ecological shifts may influence the distribution of plague vectors and hosts, increasing the risk of its resurgence even in areas where the disease is currently dormant. In Iran, increasing interactions between human communities and wildlife, along with changes in agricultural practices influenced by climatic factors, could facilitate the spread of the plague. Reports of the pathogen in rodents and dogs in western Iran (Kurdistan and Hamadan) underscore the significance of the potential re-emergence of plague in the region. There are three clinical forms of this disease bubonic, septicemic, and pulmonary. The most common type of plague is bubonic plague, which occurs following the bite of a flea that has previously fed on an infected animal. It presents with symptoms including fever, headache, chills, weakness, fatigue, and swollen, inflamed lymph nodes. Delayed treatment increases the risk of mortality associated with the disease. Plague, with a history of horror and devastation, remains a global health challenge. Understanding the current situation of this disease and reviewing its prevention and control is very important to prevent its re-emergence. Considering the current plague situation in Iran, there is a need for continuous monitoring and more detailed studies on the ecology of vectors, as well as the development of effective strategies for disease control and prevention. International cooperation in scientific research and exchanging information about plague outbreaks and control strategies are among the other effective approaches in this field. Finally, strengthening the health infrastructure and developing educational programs for the community is one of the most important requirements to prevent the spread of plague and other infectious diseases in Iran.

Background and purpose: As an endogenous antioxidant, bilirubin has surprisingly been inversely correlated with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Thereupon, the current evaluation was designed to assess the positive effects of bilirubin on the autophagy flux, as well as the other pathogenic processes and parameters involved in the expansion of NAFLD. Experimental approach: Thirty adult male rats weighing 150-200 g with free access to sucrose solution (18%) were randomly subdivided into 5 groups (n = 6). Subsequently, the animals were euthanized, and their blood specimens and liver tissue samples were collected to measure serum biochemical indices, liver histopathological changes, intrahepatic triglycerides content, and tissue stereological alterations. Furthermore, the expression levels of autophagy-related genes (Atgs) were measured to assess the state of the autophagy flux. Findings/Results: Fasting blood glucose, body weight, as well as liver weight, liver-specific enzyme activity, and serum lipid profile indices markedly decreased in rats that underwent a six-week bilirubin treatment compared to the control group. In addition, histopathological studies showed that hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, inflammation, and necrosis significantly decreased in the groups that received bilirubin compared to the control animals. Bilirubin also caused significant alterations in the expression levels of the Atgs, as well as the Beclin- 1 protein. Conclusion and implication: Bilirubin may have potential ameliorative effects on NAFLD-associated liver damage. Moreover, the beneficial effects of bilirubin on intrahepatic lipid accumulation and steatosis were comparable with the group that did not ever receive bilirubin.

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) is an important disease with high relatively prevalence. In the present study, the ultrasonographic and radiographic findings of the gastro-intestinal tract were detected in dogs suffering from hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic diarrhea. Thirty dogs between 2 until 11 months of age (mean= 5.43 months) were examined with confirmed canine parvovirus enteritis by immunochromatography assay (ICA). The studied dogs were categorized into three groups and each group was divided into subgroups (less than 6 months) and (above 6 months). The mean of wall thickness of stomach, small intestine and colon were recorded 1.38, 2.14 and 0.9 mm for group A1 and 1.5, 1.96 and 0.84 mm for group A2 respectively. The above parameters were detected for groups B1, B2, C1 and C2. The mean of peristaltic contractions in small intestine of different groups A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 were recorded 1.6, 1.4, 2.18, 1.5, 2.1 and 2.4 respectively. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between groups A and B with C group (p0.05). The obtained results showed that hemorrhagic diarrheas (parvovirus and non-parvovirus) can decrease the number of peristaltic contractions in small intestine. Changes in echogensity were seen as hyperechoic (6 out of 30; 20%) and hypoechoic (5 out of 30; 16.67%). Although none of the above changes are pathognomonic for canine parvovirus enteritis, but the above findings in combination with other signs can be highly helpful in the treatment process.

Background and Aim: The increase in inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of six weeks of total body resistance training (TRX) and oral consumption of aqueous extract of mango leaves (Mangifera indica) on serum TNF-α level and body mass index (BMI) in overweight and obese non-athletic men. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 48 overweight and obese non-athletes aged 20 to 25 years were randomly assigned to four groups: control, mango leaf extract, exercise + placebo, and exercise + extract. For six weeks (three sessions per week), participants engaged in total body resistance training (TRX) and consumed aqueous mango leaf extract (two capsules of 500 mg per day). Serum TNF-α level were measured 24 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last training session using the ELISA method. Additionally, measurements for weight, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were recorded. Results: After six weeks of intervention, serum TNF-α levels significantly decreased in the exercise + placebo, exercise + extract, and mango leaf extract groups compared to pre-test values (P = 0.0001). In the post-test, both the exercise + extract and exercise + placebo groups, along with the mango leaf extract group, demonstrated a significant reduction in TNF-α levels compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, body weight, BMI, and WHR were significantly reduced in the exercise + placebo and exercise + extract groups compared to the mango leaf extract and control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Six weeks of TRX training combined with the consumption of mango leaf extract may effectively reduce inflammatory markers such as TNF-α, as well as decrease BMI and WHR in young overweight and obese non-athletes. These findings suggest valuable insights for implementing effective exercise programs aimed at addressing obesity in young men.

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between screen time and green time with academic engagement and academic performance of secondary school students in Tabriz city.Methods: The present study was part of cross-sectional and descriptive studies of the correlation and prediction type. Three hundred eighty-five people from Tabriz secondary school students were selected in the first semester of the 2022-2023 academic year by multi-stage cluster sampling based on Morgan's table. All sample members completed Reeve's academic engagement scale (AES) and Screen Time Questionnaire (STQ). The student's GPA was considered their academic performance and was evaluated by adding two questions to the research questionnaires of the green time variable. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, simultaneous regression, and SPSS23 statistical software.Results: The results showed a negative and significant relationship between screen times, the dimensions of academic engagement, and the student's GPA. It was also found that there is a positive and significant relationship between green time and the dimensions of academic engagement (except the emotional involvement dimension) and students' GPA. Screen time and green time significantly contributed to explaining students' academic engagement and academic performance.Conclusion: The results highlighted the importance of screen and green time in educational variables.

We assessed how climate change may impact net primary production (NPP) and reference evapotranspiration (ET0) from the Zagros region of western Iran covered extensively by oak, -Quercus branti Lindl. forests. The daily meteorological parameters of temperature (T), precipitation (P), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), and sunshine hours were obtained from 20 meteorological stations throughout the region over a 30-year period (1988-2017). Net primary production and ET0 were estimated by the synthetic and the FAO Penman-Monteith models, respectively. A non-dimensional relative sensitivity coefficient was used to examine the sensitivity of NPP and ET0 to changes in the meteorological parameters. The sensitivity analyses were carried out for T, P, and WS within a possible range of ± 10%, ± 30%, and ± 10%, respectively, from the long-term mean. Except for the P with no notable trend, other meteorological parameters exhibited upward or downward trends. The mean NPP and ET0 values were estimated to be 6.5 t ha-1 y-1 and 3.9 mm d-1 across the Zagros region, respectively. Net primary production was found to be more sensitive to precipitation with a sensitivity coefficient of 0.66 and less sensitive to temperature with a sensitivity coefficient of 0.40. The ET0 sensitivity coefficients in response to T changes doubled relative to WS (0.33 against 0.63). Identifying the contributing factors in NPP and ET0 trends is important for understanding the relative impacts of climate change and human activities in arid and semi-arid regions.

In this paper, we introduce the cigar- shaped metric . Such metric can be obtained by the Schwarzschild black hole. Here, we write the Dirac equation in the corresponding background. We take some change of variable for the above equation and re- write the mentioned equation similar to the hypergeometric equation. We take advantage from the known polynomial( hypergeometric) and factorized the Dirac equation in cigar- shaped background in terms of first order equations and achieve the wave function. Also, this first order equations lead us to use super symmetry(SUSY) approach and obtain the energy spectrum. SUSY quantum mechanics can be used to solve ordinary differential equation. Using this method, we obtained the energy spectrum of the Fermions on the aforementioned background. Then, by computing the partition function, we obtained the statistical quantities of the system. Finally, we take information from thermodynamic and investigate the thermal properties of the system.

In contemporary British academic institutes and centers, a range of research is conducted on the Islamic world, including Shiite studies. British researchers have for long asserted that their approach to Islamic and Shiite studies is historical, claiming that unlike earlier anti-Islamic research by the Church, they just aim to learn more about Islamic and Shiite beliefs, without engaging in theological debates about Shiism and its doctrines. Contemporary Western, and particularly British, scholars claim to diverge from evangelical and colonialist approaches and instead adopt a scholarly and academic approach. However, it appears that think tanks in the UK that shape general policies may not align with the claims made by these researchers. We examine these two approaches by draw ing upon image-making theory and its application in individual and organizational decision-making. On this theory, images are grounds of such decisions, and reality only makes sense within such images. I argue that “images” form the basis of Islamic and Shiite studies. Given this perspective, we address the following question: Is the approach to Shiite studies in the UK consistent with the claims made by British scholars?

Abstract Background Child stunting is prevalent in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), but an information gap remains regarding its current prevalence, correlates, and the impact of vaccination against this condition in Afghanistan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of moderate and severe stunting and the potential impact of basic and full vaccination among children under five in Afghanistan. Methods This is a secondary analysis of the 2022-23 Afghanistan Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) including 32,989 children under 5. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the distribution of independent variables and the prevalence of stunting across them. Chi-square analysis was used to examine the association between each independent variable with stunting. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the risk of stunting across different independent variables. Results A total of 32,989 children under 5 years old were included in this study. Of those 44.7% were stunted with 21.74% being severely stunted. Children aged 24–35 and 36–47 months faced the highest risk as compared to those aged 1–5 months. The prevalence was lower in female children and they were less likely to experience severe stunting. Stunting was more prevalent in rural areas, with children there 1.16 to 1.23 times more likely to be affected than urban counterparts. Lower wealth correlated with higher stunting. Younger maternal age at birth (≤ 18) correlated with increased stunting risks, particularly in severe cases. Parental education was inversely related to stunting; higher education levels in parents, especially fathers, were associated with lower stunting rates. Households with more than seven children showed a 25% and 44% higher risk of moderate and severe stunting, respectively, compared to families with 1–4 children. Improved sanitation, but not drinking water sources, was linked to reduced stunting in the adjusted model. Vaccination had a protective effect; in the adjusted analysis, basic and full vaccinations significantly lowered the risk of severe stunting by 46% and 41%, respectively. Conclusion In this nationally representative study, the prevalence of stunting was substantial (44.7%) in Afghan children. Additionally, the findings emphasize the critical factors associated with child stunting and underscore the protective role of vaccination against this condition, which provides policymakers with directions for policy efforts and intervention strategies to reduce child stunting in Afghanistan.

Purpose: This systematic review aims to investigate the management and outcomes of pelvic ring fractures (PRFs) during pregnancy, emphasizing maternal and fetal mortality rates, mechanisms of injury, and treatment modalities. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search of databases from 2000 to 2023, identifying 33 relevant studies. Data extraction included demographics, fracture types, treatment methods, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI criteria. Results: Maternal mortality stood at 9.1%, with fetal mortality at 42.4%. Maternal factors impacting mortality included head trauma and hemodynamic instability. Fetal mortality correlated with mechanisms like motor vehicle accidents and maternal vital signs. Surgical and conservative treatments were applied, with a majority of pelvic surgeries performed before delivery. External fixators proved effective in fracture stabilization. Conclusion: Pelvic ring fractures during pregnancy present significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Early stabilization and vigilant monitoring of maternal vital signs are crucial. Vaginal bleeding/discharge serves as a critical fetal risk indicator. The choice between surgical and conservative treatment minimally influenced outcomes. Multidisciplinary collaboration and tailored interventions are essential in managing these complex cases.

Abstract Background Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the large arteries and is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) globally. Increased levels of adhesion molecules in cardiac tissue serve as prognostic markers for coronary artery occlusion risk. Given the antioxidant properties of bilirubin and its inverse correlation with atherosclerosis, this study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of bilirubin on atherosclerotic indices and heart structure in high-fat diet-fed diabetic rats with atherosclerosis. Methods Atherosclerosis was induced in three out of five groups of adult male Sprague Dawley rats through a 14-week period of high-fat diet (HFD) consumption and a single low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg). The atherosclerotic rats were then treated with intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg/day bilirubin for either 6 or 14 weeks (treated and protected groups, respectively), or the vehicle. Two additional groups served as the control and bilirubin-treated rats. Subsequently, the mRNA expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), lectin-like LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1), and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Histopathological and stereological analyses were performed to assess changes in the heart structure. Results Bilirubin significantly decreased the expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, LOX-1, and iNOS genes in the treated group. Moreover, bilirubin mitigated pathological damage in the left ventricle of the heart. Stereological analysis revealed a decrease in the left ventricle and myocardium volume, accompanied by an increase in vessel volume in rats treated with bilirubin. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that mild hyperbilirubinemia can protect against the progression of atherosclerosis and heart failure by improving lipid profile, modulating adhesion molecules, LOX-1, and iNOS gene expression levels.

Abstract Background Informal care plays an essential role in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding health insurance packages that reimburse caregivers' services through cost-sharing policies could increase financial resources. Predicting payers' willingness to contribute financially accurately is essential for implementing such a policy. This study aimed to identify the key variables related to WTP/WTA of COVID-19 patients for informal care in Sanandaj city, Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 425 COVID-19 patients in Sanandaj city, Iran, and 23 potential risk factors. We compared the performance of three classifiers based on total accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, negative likelihood ratio, and positive likelihood ratio. Results Findings showed that the average total accuracy of all models was over 70%. Random trees had the most incredible total accuracy for both patient WTA and patient WTP(0.95 and 0.92). Also, the most significant specificity (0.93 and 0.94), sensitivity (0.91 and 0.87), and the lowest negative likelihood ratio (0.193 and 0.19) belonged to this model. According to the random tree model, the most critical factor in patient WTA were patient difficulty in personal activities, dependency on the caregiver, number of caregivers, patient employment, and education, caregiver employment and patient hospitalization history. Also, for WTP were history of COVID-19 death of patient's relatives, and patient employment status. Conclusion Implementing of a more flexible work schedule, encouraging employer to support employee to provide informal care, implementing educational programs to increase patients' efficacy, and providing accurate information could lead to increased patients' willingness to contribute and finally promote health outcomes in the population.

Abstract This study explored the dynamics of students' knowledge co-construction in an asynchronous gamified environment in higher education, focusing on peer discussions in college business courses. Utilizing epistemic network analysis, sequence pattern mining, and automated coding, we analyzed the interactions of 1,319 business students. Our findings revealed that externalization and epistemic activity were prevalent, demonstrating a strong link between problem-solving and conceptual understanding. Three primary discussion types were observed: argumentative, epistemic, and social, each with unique patterns of engagement and idea integration. Effective knowledge co-construction patterns included open-ended questions with an epistemic focus, debates serving as intense knowledge co-construction arenas, and social interactions fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. The introduction of gamification elements led to increased student engagement and participation. Our findings emphasize the significance of structured analysis, collaboration, and argumentation in promoting effective knowledge co-construction in peer learning settings. This study offers insights into the temporal interplay of discourse dimensions and their potential for collaborative learning, enhancing our understanding of how learning analytics can be employed to discover ways in which students co-construct knowledge in asynchronous gamified environments.

Abstract Background Behavioral activation has gained increasing attention as an effective treatment for depression. However, the effectiveness of Behavioral Activation Group Therapy (BAGT) in controlled conditions compared to its self-help programs requires more investigation. The present study aimed to compare their effectiveness on depressive symptoms, repetitive negative thinking (RNT), and performance in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 40 patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were recruited based on a structured clinical interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5). Participants were allocated to BAGT (n = 20) and self-help behavioral activation (SBA; n = 20) groups. BAGT received ten weekly sessions (90 min), while the SBA group followed the same protocol as the self-help intervention. Participants were evaluated at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and the 2-month follow-up using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), repetitive thinking questionnaire (RTQ-31), and work and social adjustment scale (WSAS). Results The results of a Mixed ANOVA analysis revealed that participants who underwent BAGT showed significant improvement in depression, rumination, work, and social functioning post-treatment and at the 2-month follow-up. However, the SBA group did not show significant changes in any outcome. The study also found that, based on clinical significance, 68% of the BAGT participants were responsive to treatment, and 31% achieved a high final performance status at the 2-month follow-up. Discussion BAGT was more effective than SBA in MDD patients. Participants’ engagement with self-help treatment is discussed. Trial registration The present trial has been registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Center (IRCT ID: IRCT20181128041782N1|| http://www.irct.ir/ ) (Registration Date: 04/03/2019).

Abstract Aims L-carnitine plays a role related to cardiometabolic factors, but its effectiveness and safety in CVD are still unknown. We aim to assess the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on CVD risk factors. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until October 2022. The main outcomes were lipid profiles, anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance, serum glucose levels, leptin, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated using a random-effects model. Results We included the 21 RCTs (n = 2900) with 21 effect sizes in this study. L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect on TG (WMD = − 13.50 mg/dl, p = 0.039), LDL (WMD = − 12.66 mg/dl, p

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to provide a model for dynamic knowledge management in Iranian government organizations.Method: This research is applied in terms of purpose, survey-exploratory in terms of approach, and qualitative in terms of type. The statistical population of this research was a group of experts, including university professors, and senior managers of the Zanjan Province Industry, Mining and Trade Organization, and based on theoretical sampling, 11 of them were selected as a statistical sample and were interviewed. The approach adopted in this research to analyze the interviews was theme analysis.Findings: The results of the research led to the presentation of a new model in the field of dynamic knowledge management in Iranian government organizations, including five main variables (including: promotional levers of dynamic knowledge management, intra-organizational factors of dynamic knowledge management, extra-organizational factors of dynamic knowledge management, executive levers of dynamic knowledge management, and expected consequences of dynamic knowledge management).Conclusion: The results of this research showed that if dynamic knowledge management is implemented well in Iran's government organizations, it can be expected that organizational productivity and agility and the satisfaction of stakeholders will improve.

Abstract Context Advance Care Planning (ACP), as a process for expressing and recording patients' preferences about end-of-life care, has received increasing attention in recent years. However, implementing ACP has been challenging in Iran. Objectives To assess the readiness for advance care planning and related factors in the general population of Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Iran in 2022. The data was collected using demographic information questionnaire and The RACP Scale. The purpose and methodology of the research was explained to all participants, and upon their agreement an informed consent was obtained. Participants were invited to fill out the questionnaires wherever is more convenient for them, either alone or if needed, with the help of the researcher to protect their privacy. Chi-square, fisher exact test and multiple logistic Regression model were used to assess the effective factors on the RACP. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26. Results A total of 641 people with an average age of 36.85 ± 12.05 years participated in this study. Of those, 377 (58.8%) had high RACP. The logistics model showed an association between the chance of readiness for receiving ACP with participants’ education level, such that the chance of readiness in those with Master's or Ph.D. degrees was three times higher than those with a diploma (p = 0.00, OR:3.178(1.672, 6.043)). However, the chances of readiness in those with bachelor’s degrees was not significantly different from those with a diploma (p = 0.936, OR: 0.984 (0.654, 1.479)). Moreover, the chance of readiness was 1.5 higher in participants over 40 years of age compared with participants under the age of 40 (P = 0.01, OR: 1.571(1.10, 2.23)). Conclusion According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that there is a relatively RACP among people in Iranian society. The readiness of individuals for ACP increases by their age and education level. Therefore, by holding appropriate training intervention, we can increase the readiness of the public for ACP to improve their end-of-life outcome.

Abstract Background Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) including different species are isolated from different human clinical samples. ECC is armed by many different virulence genes (VGs) and they were also classified among ESKAPE group by WHO recently. The present study was designed to find probable association between VGs and antibiotic susceptibility in different ECC species. Methods Forty-five Enterobacter isolates that were harvested from different clinical samples were classified in four different species. Seven VGs were screened by PCR technique and antibiotic susceptibility assessment was performed by disk-diffusion assay. Result Four Enterobacter species; Enterobacter cloacae (33.3%), Enterobacter hormaechei (55.6%), Enterobacter kobei (6.7%) and Enterobacter roggenkampii (4.4%) were detected. Minimum antibiotic resistance was against carbapenem agents and amikacin even in MDR isolates. 33.3% and 13.3% of isolates were MDR and XDR respectively. The rpoS (97.8%) and csgD (11.1%) showed maximum and minimum frequency respectively. Blood sample isolated were highly virulent but less resistant in comparison to the other sample isolates. The csgA, csgD and iutA genes were associated with cefepime sensitivity. Conclusion The fepA showed a predictory role for differentiating of E. hormaechei from other species. More evolved iron acquisition system in E. hormaechei was hypothesized. The fepA gene introduced as a suitable target for designing novel anti-virulence/antibiotic agents against E. hormaechei. Complementary studies on other VGs and ARGs and with bigger study population is recommended.

Summary: In this study, different levels of copper and L-arginine (LA) were used in diets for pullets. The effects of these supplements were examined on sexual maturation parameters, blood biochemical profiles, immune system, and antibodies titer against Influenza A (H9N2-subtype), Newcastle (B1 Type), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) H120 vaccine strain during the rearing phase of pullets. A total of 360 Hy-Line W-80 white layer-type pullets (13-week-old) were used in two test periods: the first period (developer) from the age of 13-15 weeks, and the second period (pre-layer) from the age of 16-17 weeks. The pullets were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with two levels of supplemental Cu (15 and 30 mg/kg in the developer diet, denoted as Cu15, Cu30) and three levels of LA. These include the recommended level according to Hy-line (RHL), as well as 20% higher (LA20) and 40% higher (LA40) than the recommended level in the diet. The experiment was design a randomized complete block with 6 treatments. Each treatment had 6 replicates, with 10 birds per pen. The total duration of the experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Dietary inclusion of Cu15+LA40, Cu30+RHL, and as well as the use of diet supplemented with Cu30+LA20 increased shank length compared to the group fed Cu15+RHL in developer period (P

Transformer-based semantic segmentation architectures excel in extracting road networks from very-high-resolution (VHR) satellite images due to their ability to capture global contextual information. Nonetheless, there is a gap in research regarding their comparative effectiveness, efficiency, and performance in extracting road networks from multicity VHR data. This study evaluates 11 transformer-based models on three publicly available datasets (DeepGlobe Road Extraction Dataset, SpaceNet-3 Road Network Detection Dataset, and Massachusetts Road Dataset) to assess their performance, efficiency, and complexity in mapping road networks from multicity, multidate, and multisensory VHR optical satellite images. The evaluated models include Unified Perceptual Parsing for Scene Understanding (UperNet) based on the Swin transformer (UperNet-SwinT), and Multi-path Vision Transformer (UperNet-MpViT), Twins transformer, Segmenter, SegFormer, K-Net based on SwinT, Mask2Former based on SwinT (Mask2Former-SwinT), TopFormer, UniFormer, and PoolFormer. Results showed that the models recorded mean F-scores (mF-score) ranging from 82.22% to 90.70% for the DeepGlobe dataset, 58.98%–86.95% for the Massachusetts dataset, and 69.02%–86.14% for the SpaceNet-3 dataset. Mask2Former-SwinT, UperNet-MpViT, and SegFormer were the top performers among the evaluated models. The Mask2Former, based on the SwinT, demonstrated a strong balance of high performance across different satellite image datasets and moderate computational efficiency. This investigation aids in selecting the most suitable model for extracting road networks from remote sensing data.

Considering the environmental problems and energy prices, waste energy recovery is one of the subjects that should be given more attention. Currently, internal combustion engines (ICEs) are the most used heat engines. In the present paper, while introducing four different configurations with different equipment arrangements, the waste energy recovery using the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) from a widely used ICE in the shipping fleet is evaluated. All four designs include a single-loop ORC but with a different number of heat exchangers. Case 1 is simple, case 2 includes a recuperator, case 3 includes a preheater, and case 4 includes both a recuperator and a preheater. Due to the low temperature of wasted energy in ICEs, suitable working fluids are selected and for all fluids, the effects of inlet pressure to turbo-expander (TE), inlet pressure to the condenser, changes of ICE power, and TE isentropic efficiency are investigated. The results show that the set (ICE + ORC) best net energy and exergy efficiencies are related to case 4, and equal 42.77 % and 41.74 %, respectively. The amount of destroyed exergy in the cycle for cases 1 to 4 equals 2640 kW, 2595 kW, 2625 kW, and 2560 kW, respectively. Considering the exergy content of consumed fuel, the exergy efficiency of the cases equals 40.31 %, 41.53 %, 40.62 %, and 41.74 %, respectively. Increasing TE inlet pressure from 3 to 8 bar increases the avoidance of CO2 production from about 200 tons per year to about 700 tons.

The primary goal of this work is to provide easy-to-use and cutting-edge optimization software designed to handle uncertainties, intended for use in research and education. Robustimizer offers efficient uncertainty quantification through exact analytic formulas using specific surrogate models, such as Gaussian Processes. Moreover, it supports integration with other software packages, and automatic updating of initial design space through exploration–exploitation techniques, among other features. This software has proven its value in sustainable manufacturing, where optimizing processes to reduce environmental impact while managing uncertainties is critical. In this article, the Robustimizer graphical user interface is introduced as a domain-independent optimization tool for surrogate-model-based robust and reliability-based design or process optimization.

Dissecting the genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effects in multi-environmental trials (METs) is a critical step in any breeding program before introducing new commercial varieties for cultivation in specific regions or across diverse environments. This dataset explores the application of two novel selection models: the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) and the multi-trait index based on factor analysis and ideotype-design (FAI-BLUP). These models incorporate comprehensive stability parameters to identify high-yielding and stable barley genotypes across varying environmental conditions. In both models, the first three factors (FAs) with eigenvalues greater than 1 accounted for 92.3% of the total variation. The BLUP-based parameters, along with grain yield (GY) and the mean variance component (Ɵ), showed a positive selection deferential (SD) and correlated with the second factor (FA2). Notably, these models identified G3, G10, and G14 as the most stable genotypes. In conclusion, this dataset underscores the utility of comprehensive stability parameters and advanced selection models in identifying high-yielding, stable genotypes within the framework of METs.

Study region: Six climate zones in Iran: Zone 1 (humid Caspian region), Zone 2 (cold and semi-arid northwestern Iran), Zone 3 (mild and semi-humid western Iran), Zone 4 (mild and semi-arid northeastern Iran), Zone 5 (warm and semi-arid southwestern Iran), and Zone 6 (warm and arid eastern, southern, and southeastern Iran). Study focus: This study evaluates the performance of seven gridded precipitation datasets (CRU TS, TMPA 3B43, GPCC, IMERG, MERRA-2, ERA5, and PDIR) against rain gauge data. The accuracy of these datasets in representing precipitation patterns is assessed from 2000 to 2017, with a focus on their performance across diverse climate zones in Iran. New insights for the region: In Zone 1, ERA5 performs best in winter and autumn, while GPCC excels in spring and summer. In Zones 2 and 3, GPCC is the top performer in most seasons, while CRU TS performs best in autumn and winter for Zone 2. In Zone 4, GPCC outperforms all datasets year-round. In Zone 5, TMPA 3B43 performs best in winter, with GPCC slightly outperforming others in other seasons. Overall, ERA5 is most accurate in Zone 1, while GPCC performs best in other zones, with PDIR consistently underperforming across all zones. GPCC captures interannual precipitation variability well, making it the best overall performer. We recommend ERA5 for real-time monitoring in Zone 1, while GPCC is better suited for long-term studies in areas with dense rain gauge networks.

The present research addresses the current challenges by proposing an approach to identify suitable sites for wind power plants in Qazvin province, Iran, using Geographic Information System (GIS), multi criteria decision-making technique and technical software. In other words, a wind power plant was modeled using HOMER software for technical assessment in two zones at the site identified by GIS software. Twenty-one factors were analyzed to minimize costs and environmental impacts while maximizing power output. The results indicate that Qazvin has significant potential for implementing wind systems, with approximately 1,522 km2 (10 %) of the studied area classified as “highly suitable to suitable”. In contrast, approximately 6,987 km2 (44.19 %) of the studied area are less suitable or not suitable for installation wind systems. Moreover, the technical and physiographic and legal restriction criteria with the weights of 0.54 and 0.08 are the most and least effective in determining the optimal location, respectively. In addition, the sub criteria of wind speed, wind density and distance from power distribution network have the most effectiveness with weights of 0.33, 0.13, and 0.07, respectively. The weight consistency rate is equal to 0.12, which indicates the comparisons are consistent and stable. Besides, the technical results indicate that the annual power capacity of power plant equals aproximatly102 MWh, which the most powers were produced on march with the amount of approximately 6700 and 5000 in zone 1 and zone 2, respectively. The added capacity can effectively fulfill a substantial portion of the province’s demand and influence the province’s energy portfolio.

One of the common traumatic injuries is burns. In deep burns, the standard of care (SOC) is surgical excision and skin grafting, still, some patients do not have consent to do the surgical procedure because of operation fear, comorbidity disorder, or contraindications for anesthesia. This study applied a novel repairing gel, also called SUPRAZ, to treat patients with deep burns to achieve outcomes similar to those of SOC. This gel was made from approved biochemical components involved in wound healing mechanisms. Over 18 months, from 2022 to 2024, this controlled single-arm clinical trial including 22 patients aged 4–80 years with deep partial or/and full thickness burns covering 0.5–12 % of their total body surface area was conducted. Despite the emphasis on surgery, these patients did not consent to do surgery. Therefore, repairing gel was applied topically on the burn area. Repairing gel time to heal the area of burns was 24.9 ± 8.5 (mean ± SD; days). The pain subsided after 10–15 min of use. During the 3–12 months follow-up of the patients, there were no signs of hypertrophic scars and keloids. The repairing gel was safe and can be used for patients who do not consent to surgery. Multicenter clinical trials are needed to substantiate the efficacy of repairing gel and achieving comparable long-term results to SOC in deep-burned patients. Trial registration: IRCT20191228045924N6.

Abstract In 2021, Svante, in collaboration with BASF, reported successful scale up of CALF-20 production, a stable MOF with high capacity for post-combustion CO2 capture which exhibits remarkable stability towards water. CALF-20’s success story in the MOF commercialisation space provides new thinking about appropriate structural and adsorptive metrics important for CO2 capture. Here, we combine atomistic-level simulations with experiments to study adsorptive properties of CALF-20 and shed light on its flexible crystal structure. We compare measured and predicted CO2 and water adsorption isotherms and explain the role of water-framework interactions and hydrogen bonding networks in CALF-20’s hydrophobic behaviour. Furthermore, regular and enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations are performed with both density-functional theory (DFT) and machine learning potentials (MLPs) trained to DFT energies and forces. From these simulations, the effects of adsorption-induced flexibility in CALF-20 are uncovered. We envisage this work would encourage development of other MOF materials useful for CO2 capture applications in humid conditions.

Rock physics plays an important role in the oil, gas, and water industries by providing essential data for reservoir management. This study focuses on predicting Shear Wave Velocity (Vs), a key geophysical parameter, using the Deep Belief Network (DBN) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms. The dataset is divided for training, validation, and testing, revealing that the DBN model surpasses the RF and empirical models in accuracy. With a low RMSE value of 0.0398 km/s in testing and an R2 of 0.9775, the DBN model demonstrates precision in Vs prediction. The analysis identifies specific parameters—Measure Depth (MD), Caliper (CALL), Gamma Ray (GR), Shallow Electrical Resistivity (RES-S), Medium Electrical Resistivity (RES-M), Deep Electrical Resistivity (RES-D), Compressional Wave Velocity (DCT), Neutron Porosity (NPHI), and Photoelectric Coefficient Index (PEF)—as significantly influencing Vs, while CALI and GR have a relatively lesser effect. The results of the Vs prediction indicated that the DBN algorithm excels in deep feature extraction, unsupervised pretraining, and efficient handling of complex data. Ultimately, the DBN algorithm proves to be a superior and time-saving alternative for Vs prediction and analysis in subsurface reservoirs.

Abstract Network approaches to psychopathology have become increasingly common in mental health research, with many theoretical and methodological developments quickly gaining traction. This article illustrates contemporary practices in applying network analytical tools, bridging the gap between network concepts and their empirical applications. We explain how we can use graphs to construct networks representing complex associations among observable psychological variables. We then discuss key network models, including dynamic networks, time‐varying networks, network models derived from panel data, network intervention analysis, latent networks, and moderated models. In addition, we discuss Bayesian networks and their role in causal inference with a focus on cross‐sectional data. After presenting the different methods, we discuss how network models and psychopathology theories can meaningfully inform each other. We conclude with a discussion that summarizes the insights each technique can provide in mental health research.

Speech production and perception involve complex neural dynamics in the human brain. Using magnetoencephalography, our study explores the interaction between cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical connectivities during these processes. Our connectivity findings during speaking revealed a significant connection from the right cerebellum to the left temporal areas in low frequencies, which displayed an opposite trend in high frequencies. Notably, high-frequency connectivity was absent during the listening condition. These findings underscore the vital roles of cortico-cortical and cortico-subcortical connections within the speech production and perception network. The results of our new study enhance our understanding of the complex dynamics of brain connectivity during speech processes, emphasizing the distinct frequency-based interactions between various brain regions.

Objective:. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety of the first wearable augmented reality assistance system (ARAS) specifically designed for pancreatic surgery and its impact on perioperative outcomes. Background:. Pancreatic surgery remains highly complex and is associated with a high rate of perioperative complications. ARAS, as an intraoperative assistance system, has the potential to reduce these complications. Methods:. This prospective, single-center study included 20 patients who underwent pancreatic surgery using ARAS. These patients were matched in a 1:3 ratio with 60 patients from our retrospective data who underwent standard pancreatic resection. Matching variables were selected based on factors associated with poor intraoperative outcomes. Results:. A higher proportion of patients in the ARAS group were diagnosed with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (20.0% vs 6.7%, P = 0.085). Additionally, more patients in the ARAS group required arterial resection compared with the control group (15.0% vs 0.0%, P = 0.002). Nevertheless, the ARAS group had a significantly shorter operative time (246 vs 299 minutes, P = 0.004) and required significantly fewer intraoperative blood transfusions (0.0 ± 0.0 vs 0.5 ± 1.4 units, P = 0.014). None of the patients in the ARAS group had positive resection margins (0.0% vs 20.0%, P = 0.045). Furthermore, patients in the ARAS group experienced a significantly shorter hospital stay (13.8 ± 6.6 vs 17.9 ± 8.2 days, P = 0.046). Conclusions:. ARAS is a safe and effective assistance system for pancreatic surgery, offering superior perioperative outcomes compared with standard procedures.

A 15-year-old male presented at a neurosurgeon’s office following a traffic accident. A CT scan revealed bone deficiency in the temporoparietal area. The surgical solution involved implanting a 3D-printed prosthesis into the skull. Axial 3D created the model using stereolithography 3D printing technology with Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA). The use of 3D printing as a surgical aid is gaining popularity. Our experience with the presurgical model demonstrates its utility in individualized surgical planning for skull defects.

Introduction: One of the most important and complex functions of saliva is its defensive role, which is mainly performed by immunoglobulins, especially secretory IgA. This study investigated the effect of orthodontic treatment on changes in the salivary levels of IgA. Materials and Methods: Forty patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were examined in two fixed and removable groups. Saliva collection was done in three stages: before orthodontic treatment and three and six months after orthodontic treatment. Salivary IgA level was measured using the ELISA method. First, the salivary samples were centrifuged, and then the amount of IgA in the upper part of the solution was determined using the ELISA method. Results: In the fixed and removable orthodontic treatment groups, the amount of salivary IgA before treatment, three months after treatment, and six months after treatment, according to ANOVA, showed a significant difference in the mean of salivary IgA levels. Conclusion: With the start of orthodontic treatment, one can witness an increase in the defense mechanisms of saliva, as evidenced by an increase in the amount of IgA, with differences between fixed and removable orthodontic treatments. Keywords: Orthodontic treatment; Saliva; IgA.

Transmembrane integrin-associated protein CD47 functions as a potent innate immunity checkpoint and is upregulated by many types of malignant cells, including melanoma during tumor progression. Binding of CD47 to its target receptor, SIRPα, on myeloid cell lineages leads to the initiation of the downstream signaling cascades that inhibit innate immunity anti-tumor responses. Molecular mechanisms underlying upregulation of CD47 during melanoma progression remain largely unknown. In this report, we performed ATAC-Sequencing on patient-derived melanoma cells, as well as, the analysis of ATAC-Seq datasets covering clinical melanoma samples to demonstrate a significant increase in chromatin accessibility for the CD47 promoter region in comparison to normal cells and tissues. Additionally, profiling of multiple CD47 transcript isoforms established that upregulation of CD47 in malignant cells occurs at the mRNA level. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) approaches along with the analysis of ChIP-Seq cancer datasets, we identified the transcription factor NRF-1 which binds at multiple sites within the proximal CD47 promoter region. In combination with serial deletions of CD47 promoter, we defined the minimal DNA region required for its activation, as well as, specific DNA locations within that region, which are preferentially occupied by NRF-1 in tumor cells.

Functional SNPs serve as biological markers that aid biologists and breeders in identifying genes linked to specific traits. This study explored the relationship between QTLs associated with drought tolerance and functional SNPs using two populations: Vada × Susptrit (V × S) and Cebada Cappa × Susptrit (C. Cappa × S). Bioinformatics tools were employed to analyze significant SNPs within QTL regions, revealing markers on chromosomes 1H, 2H, 3H, 5H, and 7H for the V × S population, and on 4H and 6H for C. Cappa × S. In total, 24 proteins/enzymes related to drought tolerance were characterized in the V × S population. At the same time, 10 were identified in C. Cappa × S. Notable proteins, including Phytochrome B and SAPK7, were located on chromosome 4H. These proteins play crucial roles in the plant's response to drought stress, with documented regulatory effects. Gene ontology analysis indicated four cellular components—membrane, nucleus, chloroplast, and proteasome complex—and five biological processes, such as oxidation-reduction and protein phosphorylation. The proteins exhibited diverse molecular functions, including ATP binding and kinase activity. Overall, the study highlights potential functional SNP markers for validating QTLs related to drought tolerance in barley.

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of Leca‐filled barriers, both single and double‐walled trenches, on mitigating ground vibrations due to harmonic loads. A three‐dimensional finite element program, validated in comparison by aforementioned studies, was used alongside automated models created via Plaxis and Python integration. This approach facilitated the evaluation of trench effectiveness in both active and passive design scenarios. Our findings suggest that optimal trench dimensions for effective vibration reduction in active designs are a depth and width of approximately 1λr and 0.2λr, respectively. In passive designs, while trench depth becomes less significant, width plays a crucial role in both single and double‐wall systems. Additionally, a support vector machine algorithm was developed to forecast the performance of single‐wall trenches, showing a high correlation with numerical model outcomes. This underscores the algorithm's utility in predicting trench efficiency, highlighting the practical application of machine learning in geotechnical engineering.