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Understanding genetic structure and status of genetic variation of Fasciola hepatica isolates from different hosts, has important implications on epidemiology and effective control of fasciolosis. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) was used to study the genetic variation of F. hepatica in sheep and cattle. DNA was extracted from adult helminthes removed from livers of each infected animal in slaughterhouse at East-Azerbaijan province, North-West of Iran. DNA template amplified by the polymerase chain reaction, using three oligonucleotide decamers with arbitrary DNA sequences as primers. RAPD patterns showed the specific but different pattern DNA patterns for each primer. The intraspecific similarity coefficient within two isolates of F. hepatica was ranged between 69 to 100%. Present findings showed that the interspecific genetic distance was higher than intraspecific genetic distances (19-47% compares to 0-19%). Pair wise similarity matrices generated from each isolates-primer combination were totaled and the similarity coefficient between strains were calculated both manually (Nei and Li method) and software analysis (Free-Tree-Freeware program). The inferred phylogenetic tree on the fingerprinting of these isolates clearly demonstrated the existence of population genetic diversity sub structuring within F. hepatica of sheep and cattle of Iran, raising interesting questions on the host specificity, epidemiology (e.g., zoonotic transmission) and ecology of this fluke. RAPD-PCR is useful for both individual identification and epidemiological investigations in endemic regions.

Employing response surface methodology, the fusion characteristics of poly(vinyl chloride)/nanoclay (NC) composite foams have been considered for optimization. To achieve the highest level of fusion (i.e., the maximum fusion factor as well as the minimum fusion time), different compounds were prepared based on response surface methodology in which various formulation parameters were changed. Through the choice of four design parameters at three selected levels, a total of 31 formulations were designed to probe the effects of different amounts of NC, blowing agent, processing aid, and internal lubricant. In addition, a mathematical model based on fusion characteristics was developed from experimental measurements. The chosen parameters resulted in varying effects on fusion factor and fusion time. Accordingly, the fusion factor was increased by increasing the NC and calcium stearate content, while a different trend was correct with foaming agent and processing aid. In addition, an opposite effect was observed for the fusion times of formulations. The observed behavior is discussed in terms of the effects of constituents on transformation of poly(vinyl chloride) grains, the level of NC exfoliation, and development of rigid interfaces. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:51-59, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present communication describes studies on thirty-three patients with haemorrhagic cystitis. The current epidemic variant of influenza type A virus, A/Tehran/5/75 (H3N2) [antigenically similar to A/Port Chalmers/1/73 (H3N2)], was recovered from the throats of eighteen and the urine of three patients. HI antibody rises to A/Tehran/5/75 virus were detected in over 50% of the cystitis patients tested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The brain's primary immune cells, microglia, are a leading causal cell type in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Yet, the mechanisms by which microglia can drive neurodegeneration remain unresolved. Here, we discover that a conserved stress signaling pathway, the integrated stress response (ISR), characterizes a microglia subset with neurodegenerative outcomes. Autonomous activation of ISR in microglia is sufficient to induce early features of the ultrastructurally distinct "dark microglia" linked to pathological synapse loss. In AD models, microglial ISR activation exacerbates neurodegenerative pathologies and synapse loss while its inhibition ameliorates them. Mechanistically, we present evidence that ISR activation promotes the secretion of toxic lipids by microglia, impairing neuron homeostasis and survival in vitro. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of ISR or lipid synthesis mitigates synapse loss in AD models. Our results demonstrate that microglial ISR activation represents a neurodegenerative phenotype, which may be sustained, at least in part, by the secretion of toxic lipids., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is an occupational disease associated with long-term exposure to power tools leading to hand-transmitted vibration exposure. Prior research has focussed on physical manifestations with little known about the psychological impacts of HAVS., Aims: To examine if HAVS severity and/or functional impairment is associated with psychological outcomes., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study collecting data through a survey and retrospective chart review of workers being assessed for HAVS at an occupational medicine clinic. We collected information on demographics, work conditions, disease characteristics and physical and psychological outcomes as measured through validated instruments (SF-12, QuickDASH, GAD-2, PHQ-2). Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were followed by multivariable models to explore associations between mental health outcomes and predictor variables., Results: Participants (N = 94; 56% response rate) were male with a mean age of 48.2 years. The majority (62%) worked in the mining sector, and 27% of participants reported feeling depressed and 35% reported showing little interest in or pleasure in doing things, while 28% reported clinically significant anxiety symptoms. In multivariable models, the QuickDASH, a measure of upper-extremity function and disability, was the only significant predictor of psychological outcomes., Conclusions: Workers with HAVS have poorer mental health and physical functioning outcomes in comparison to the general population. Employers should consider tailored policies and interventions to address the mental health of workers with HAVS., (© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine.)

The hippocampus is a heterogenous structure that exhibits functional segregation along its longitudinal axis. We recently showed that in male mice, microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, differ between the dorsal (DH) and ventral (VH) hippocampus, impacting long-term potentiation (LTP) mainly through the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signaling. Here, we assessed the specific features of the hippocampal poles in female mice, demonstrating a similar LTP amplitude in VH and DH in both control and Cx3cr1 knock-out mice. In addition, the expression levels of Cx3cr1 and Cx3cl1 mRNA do not differ between the two poles in control mice. These data support the critical role of the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signaling in setting the physiological amount of plasticity, equally between poles in females. Although BDNF is higher in DH compared to VH, the expression levels of inflammatory markers involved in plasticity and of phagocytosis markers in microglia are comparable between the two poles. In accordance, microglia soma and arborization area/perimeter, and microglial ultrastructure are similar across regions, with the exception of microglial density, cells arborization solidity and circularity that are higher in DH. Understanding the molecular processes underlying microglial sex differences and their potential implications for plasticity in specific brain regions is of major importance in physiological and pathological conditions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The brain presents various structural and functional sex differences, for which multiple factors are attributed: genetic, epigenetic, metabolic, and hormonal. While biological sex is determined by both sex chromosomes and sex hormones, little is known about how these two factors interact to establish this dimorphism. Sex differences in the brain also affect its resident immune cells, microglia, which actively survey the brain parenchyma and interact with sex hormones throughout life. However, microglial differences in density and distribution, morphology and ultrastructural patterns in physiological conditions during adulthood are largely unknown. Here, we investigated these aforementioned properties of microglia using the Four Core Genotypes (FCG) model, which allows for an independent assessment of gonadal hormones and sex chromosomal effects in four conditions: FCG XX and Tg XY - (both ovaries); Tg XX Sry and Tg XY Sry (both testes). We also compared the FCG results with XX and XY wild-type (WT) mice. In adult mice, we focused our investigation on the ventral hippocampus across different layers: CA1 stratum radiatum (Rad) and CA1 stratum lacunosum-moleculare (LMol), as well as the dentate gyrus polymorphic layer (PoDG). Double immunostaining for Iba1 and TMEM119 revealed that microglial density is influenced by both sex chromosomes and sex hormones. We show in the Rad and LMol that microglia are denser in FCG XX compared to Tg XY Sry mice, however, microglia were densest in WT XX mice. In the PoDG, ovarian animals had increased microglial density compared to testes animals. Additionally, microglial morphology was modulated by a complex interaction between hormones and chromosomes, affecting both their cellular soma and arborization across the hippocampal layers. Moreover, ultrastructural analysis showed that microglia in WT animals make overall more contacts with pre- and post-synaptic elements than in FCG animals. Lastly, microglial markers of cellular stress, including mitochondrion elongation, and dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, were mostly chromosomally driven. Overall, we characterized different aspects of microglial properties during normal physiological conditions that were found to be shaped by sex chromosomes and sex hormones, shading more light onto how sex differences affect the brain immunity at steady-state., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval: All animal experiments and procedures were approved by the Université Laval (2021-830 and 2023-1372) and the University of Victoria (AUP 2020-013) animal care committees, strictly following the recommendations from the Canadian Council on Animal Care. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

How microglia digest Alzheimer's fibrillar amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques that are too large to be phagocytosed is not well understood. Here, we show that primary microglial cells create acidic extracellular compartments, lysosomal synapses, on model plaques and digest them with exocytosed lysosomal enzymes. This mechanism, called digestive exophagy, is confirmed by electron microscopy in 5xFAD mouse brains, which shows that a lysosomal enzyme, acid phosphatase, is secreted toward the plaques in structures resembling lysosomal synapses. Signaling studies demonstrate that the PI3K-AKT pathway modulates the formation of lysosomal synapses, as inhibition of PI3K1β or AKT1/2 reduces both lysosome exocytosis and actin polymerization, both required for the formation of the compartments. Finally, we show that small fibrils of Aβ previously internalized and trafficked to lysosomes are exocytosed toward large Aβ aggregates by microglia. Thus, the release of lysosomal contents during digestive exophagy may also contribute to the spread and growth of fibrillar Aβ., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The chemical synthesis and uses of the pH-sensitive probe ApHID have been included and described in a pending patent application, for which S.S.-D. and F.R.M. are co-authors., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Air pollution poses a critical global challenge with severe environmental and human health implications. The associated health risks, including premature mortality, underscore the urgency of effective mitigation strategies. Many studies focus on control strategies without considering specific contaminant types, and there is a notable gap in research on cost-effective, eco-friendly methods, especially in countries facing substantial air pollution challenges. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive review of various air pollutants and proposing optimal passive design strategies for mitigating them in building facades. Through a structural process and comparative analysis of existing literature, this study evaluates the cost, maintenance, applicability of retrofitting, and removal efficacy of three categories of control strategies: bio-filtration, adsorbents, and water-based approaches. The results confirm that biological air purification systems are more effective than other methods at reducing PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and VOCs. Moreover, the cost analysis confirms that the more costly approaches are photocatalytic filters and metal-organic frameworks derived from the adsorbent solutions. Thus, the study suggests applying cost-effective techniques like facade biofiltration, and water-based curtain façade in areas with high air pollution. In terms of the applicability of retrofitting, the results ascertain adsorbent strategies are the most effective for reducing air pollutants in existing buildings followed by water-based methods. Considering limitations associated with certain strategies, such as the high cost and regular maintenance, this study proposes five integrated strategies for the effective control and removal of pollutants from building exteriors. By addressing these gaps in knowledge and offering practical insights, this research contributes valuable guidance for architects, policymakers, and practitioners in developing sustainable, efficient solutions to combat indoor air pollution effectively., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study examined dark microglia-a state linked to central nervous system pathology and neurodegeneration-during postnatal development in the mouse ventral hippocampus, finding that dark microglia interact with blood vessels and synapses and perform trogocytosis of pre-synaptic axon terminals. Furthermore, we found that dark microglia in development notably expressed C-type lectin domain family 7 member A (CLEC7a), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) and required TREM2, differently from other microglia, suggesting a link between their role in remodeling during development and central nervous system pathology. Together, these results point towards a previously under-appreciated role for dark microglia in synaptic pruning and plasticity during normal postnatal development.

Background: Nosocomial infections are a global problem in hospitals all around the world. It is considered a major health problem, especially in developing countries. The increase in the patient's stay in hospitals has increased the mortality rate, and consequently, the costs drastically increase. The main purpose of using disinfectants in the hospital environment is to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections. Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) causes lysis and increases susceptibility to antimicrobial agents in the planktonic form of bacteria. This substance affects the permeability of the outer membrane of bacteria. It also prevents the formation of biofilms by bacteria., Materials and Methods: In the current study, 120 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) were confirmed by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Antibiogram was performed and then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of isolates against 5% sodium hypochlorite, ethanol %70, sayasept-HP 2%, chlorhexidine 2%, dettol 4/8% were evaluated. In addition, the disinfectant effect was re-evaluated with the mixture of EDTA solution. All isolates were examined for biofilm presence by crystal violet staining method in triplicates and repeated three times for each strain. Also for all isolates detection of efflux pump genes (Qac-E, qacE-Δ1, SUG-E) by PCR technique was done., Results: Antibiogram results of A. baumannii showed that 6.7% were Multi-drug-resistant (MDR), and 89.2% were Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates. The highest effect of disinfectants was related to 5% sodium hypochlorite, and the least effect was 70% ethanol. EDTA increases the efficacy of selected disinfectants significantly. The highest prevalence of the efflux pump genes was related to SUG-E (95%) and Qac-E (91.7%), and, the qacE-Δ1 gene with 12.5%. The biofilm production rate was 91.3% among all isolates., Conclusion: The best and safest way to disinfect hospital floors and surfaces is to choose the right disinfectants, and learn how to use them properly. In this study, a mixture of disinfectants and EDTA had a significant effect on bactericidal activity. it was found that improper use of disinfectants, especially the use of sub-inhibitory dilutions, increases the resistance of bacteria to disinfectants., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Impairment of oligodendrocytes and myelin contributes to neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Regeneration of myelin (remyelination) decreases the vulnerability of demyelinated axons, but this repair process commonly fails with disease progression. A contributor to inefficient remyelination is the altered extracellular matrix (ECM) in lesions, which remains to be better defined. We have identified fibulin-2 (FBLN2) as a highly upregulated ECM component in lesions of MS and stroke and in proteome databases of Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. Focusing on MS, the inhibitory role of FBLN2 was suggested in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, in which genetic FBLN2 deficiency improved behavioral recovery by promoting the maturation of oligodendrocytes and enhancing remyelination. Mechanistically, when oligodendrocyte progenitors were cultured in differentiation medium, FBLN2 impeded their maturation into oligodendrocytes by engaging the Notch pathway, leading to cell death. Adeno-associated virus deletion of FBLN2 in astrocytes improved oligodendrocyte numbers and functional recovery in EAE and generated new myelin profiles after lysolecithin-induced demyelination. Collectively, our findings implicate FBLN2 as a hitherto unrecognized injury-elevated ECM, and a therapeutic target, that impairs oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin repair.

The postbiotic derived from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum bacteria was produced in three culture media: milk, MRS, and whey, and its antibacterial and antifungal properties were evaluated. To investigate the production efficiency of postbiotics, three methods, heating, sonication and centrifugation, were utilized to prepare postbiotics in MRS broth culture medium. The antibacterial potency of the postbiotic was evaluated using the agar well-diffusion method, and MIC and MBC tests were conducted for different treatments. The results of the study showed that the postbiotic prepared in food environments such as milk and cheese whey can have antibacterial and antifungal properties similar to the postbiotic prepared in the MRS culture medium. However, it is possible to enrich food matrices such as milk and cheese whey and make further adjustments in terms of pH settings. Additionally, the thermal process was able to create a nanoscale postbiotic, which is a significant achievement for the application of postbiotics in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The future outlook of postbiotics clearly indicates that the emergence of this generation of probiotics can have an attractive and functional position in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, future research focusing on this subject will contribute to the development of this generation of postbiotics., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: Bacterial wound infections have recently become a threat to public health. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae highlights the need for a new treatment method. The effectiveness of bacteriophages has been observed for several infections in animal models and human trials. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of bacteriophages in the treatment of wound infections associated with MDR and biofilm-producing K. pneumoniae and compared its effectiveness with that of gentamicin., Methods: A lytic phage against MDR K. pneumoniae was isolated and identified. The effectiveness of phages in the treatment of wound infection in mice was investigated and its effectiveness was compared with gentamicin., Results: The results showed that the isolated phage belonged to the Drexlerviridae family. This phage acts like gentamicin and effectively eliminates bacteria from wounds. In addition, mice in the phage therapy group were in better physical condition., Conclusion: Our results demonstrated the success of phage therapy in the treatment of mice wounds infected with K. pneumoniae. These results indicate the feasibility of topical phage therapy for the safe treatment of wound infections., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

The concentration of cell-type specific extracellular vesicles (EVs) is a promising biomarker for various diseases. However, concentrations of EVs measured by optical techniques such as flow cytometry (FCM) or particle tracking analysis (PTA)  in clinical practice are incomparable. To allow reliable and comparable concentration measurements suitable reference materials (RMs) and SI-traceable (SI-International system of units) methods are required. Hollow organosilica beads (HOBs) are promising RM candidates for concentration measurements of EVs based on light scattering, as the shape, low refractive index, and number concentration of HOBs are comparable to EVs of the respective size range that can be detected with current optical instrumentation. Here, we present traceable methods for measuring the particle size distribution of four HOB types in the size range between 200 and 500 nm by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as the number concentration by single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS). Based on the size and shape results, traceable reference values were obtained to additionally determine the refractive index of the shell of the HOB samples by FCM. Furthermore, the estimated refractive indexes of the HOBs plausibly agree with the refractive indexes of EVs of corresponding size. Due to their narrow size distribution and their similar shape, and low refractive index, all HOB samples studied are suitable RM candidates for calibration of the measured sample volume by optical methods within the photon wavelength range used, and thus for calibration of number concentration measurements of EVs in the size range indicated. This was confirmed as the number concentration values obtained by PTA and two independent flow cytometric measurements agreed with the concentration reference values obtained by two independent spICP-MS measurements within the calculated uncertainty limits., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study aims to understand how socioeconomic, geographic and cultural factors affect the food security status of Syrian refugee households in Quebec, Canada. Using a mixed methods study design, 49 households were assessed for their food security and socioeconomic status, followed by structured interviews with 35 households and 9 service providers. 52% of refugee households were food insecure, and although not significantly different, food insecurity was higher among privately sponsored refugee households in the Montreal area. Food insecurity appears mainly due to food access issues. Syrian refugees possess agricultural and cooking skills that could be beneficial in promoting community food security.

Brain aging, which involves a progressive loss of neuronal functions, has been reported to be premature in probands affected by schizophrenia (SCZ). Evidence shows that SCZ and accelerated aging are linked to changes in epigenetic clocks. Recent cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging analyses have uncovered reduced brain reserves and connectivity in patients with SCZ compared to typically aging individuals. These data may indicate early abnormalities of neuronal function following cyto-architectural alterations in SCZ. The current mechanistic knowledge on brain aging, epigenetic changes, and their neuropsychiatric disease association remains incomplete. With this review, we explore and summarize evidence that the dynamics of gut-resident bacteria can modulate molecular brain function and contribute to age-related neurodegenerative disorders. It is known that environmental factors such as mode of birth, dietary habits, stress, pollution, and infections can modulate the microbiota system to regulate intrinsic neuronal activity and brain reserves through the vagus nerve and enteric nervous system. Microbiota-derived molecules can trigger continuous activation of the microglial sensome, groups of receptors and proteins that permit microglia to remodel the brain neurochemistry based on complex environmental activities. This remodeling causes aberrant brain plasticity as early as fetal developmental stages, and after the onset of first-episode psychosis. In the central nervous system, microglia, the resident immune surveillance cells, are involved in neurogenesis, phagocytosis of synapses and neurological dysfunction. Here, we review recent emerging experimental and clinical evidence regarding the gut-brain microglia axis involvement in SCZ pathology and etiology, the hypothesis of brain reserve and accelerated aging induced by dietary habits, stress, pollution, infections, and other factors. We also include in our review the possibilities and consequences of gut dysbiosis activities on microglial function and dysfunction, together with the effects of antipsychotics on the gut microbiome: therapeutic and adverse effects, role of fecal microbiota transplant and psychobiotics on microglial sensomes, brain reserves and SCZ-derived accelerated aging. We end the review with suggestions that may be applicable to the clinical setting. For example, we propose that psychobiotics might contribute to antipsychotic-induced therapeutic benefits or adverse effects, as well as reduce the aging process through the gut-brain microglia axis. Overall, we hope that this review will help increase the understanding of SCZ pathogenesis as related to chronobiology and the gut microbiome, as well as reveal new concepts that will serve as novel treatment targets for SCZ., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Ben-Azu, del Re, VanderZwaag, Carrier, Keshavan, Khakpour and Tremblay.)

The past decade has witnessed increasing evidence for a crucial role played by glial cells, notably astrocytes, in Alzheimer's disease (AD). To provide novel insights into the roles of astrocytes in the pathophysiology of AD, we performed a quantitative ultrastructural characterization of their intracellular contents and parenchymal interactions in an aged mouse model of AD pathology, as aging is considered the main risk factor for developing AD. We compared 20-month-old APP-PS1 and age-matched C57BL/6J male mice, among the ventral hippocampus CA1 strata lacunosum-moleculare and radiatum, two hippocampal layers severely affected by AD pathology. Astrocytes in both layers interacted more with synaptic elements and displayed more ultrastructural markers of increased phagolysosomal activity in APP-PS1 versus C57BL6/J mice. In addition, we investigated the ultrastructural heterogeneity of astrocytes, describing in the two examined layers a dark astrocytic state that we characterized in terms of distribution, interactions with AD hallmarks, and intracellular contents. This electron-dense astrocytic state, termed dark astrocytes, was observed throughout the hippocampal parenchyma, closely associated with the vasculature, and possessed several ultrastructural markers of cellular stress. A case study exploring the hippocampal head of an aged human post-mortem brain sample also revealed the presence of a similar electron-dense, dark astrocytic state. Overall, our study provides the first ultrastructural quantitative analysis of astrocytes among the hippocampus in aged AD pathology, as well as a thorough characterization of a dark astrocytic state conserved from mouse to human., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: To explore and catalog ways Indigenous Traditional Healing practices are supported within the mainstream healthcare system through policies and programs in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand., Data Sources: A scoping review was conducted, guided by the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Databases for sources of information include CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Public Health ProQuest, Global Health EBSCO, iPortal, and grey literature., Study Selection: 2 reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the studies for inclusion against the selection criteria independently. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were transferred to Covidence for further abstract and full-text review., Data Extraction: Of a total of 2,017 articles identified, 22 met the inclusion criteria for data extraction for this scoping review. Data items extracted include study title, authors, year of publication, publication type, publication source, support policy or program, health system or service, Indigenous Traditional Healing practices, and significant findings., Data Synthesis: 2 categories emerged from the analysis of the source of evidence. That is, healthcare systems and services with programs and policies supporting Indigenous Traditional Healing practices, and ways Indigenous Traditional Healing was adopted and utilized within the identified support programs., Conclusions: This study demonstrated the various ways Indigenous Traditional Healing practices are supported within the mainstream healthcare systems in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Indigenous Traditional Healing practices can be utilized as either the primary choice of treatment, to support Western biomedical treatment or through the adoption of Indigenous Traditional knowledge within the mainstream healthcare system., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Microglia, the immune resident cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are now recognized as performing crucial roles for maintaining homeostasis and determining the outcomes of various pathological challenges across life. While brightfield microscopy is a powerful and established tool to study microglia-mediated mechanisms underlying neurological diseases, microglial density and distribution are some of the most frequently investigated parameters. Their quantitative assessment provides relevant clues regarding dynamic densitometric changes in the microglial population across various CNS regions. Investigators often rely on a manual identification and analysis of these cells within key regions of interest, which can be time-consuming and introduce an experimenter bias. Automation of this process, which has been gaining popularity in recent years, represents a potential solution to minimize both experimenter's bias and time investment, thus increasing the efficacy of the experiment and uniformity of the collected data. We aimed to compare manual versus automatic analysis methods to determine whether an automatic analysis is efficient and accurate enough to replace a manual analysis in both homeostatic and pathological contexts (i.e., adult healthy and lipopolysaccharide-challenged adolescent male mice, respectively). To do so, we used a script that runs on the ImageJ software to perform microglial density analysis by automatic detection of microglial cells from brightfield microscopy images. The main core of the macro script consists in an automatic cell selection step using a threshold followed by a spatial analysis for each selected cell. The resulting data were then compared with the values obtained using a well-established manual method. Overall, the evaluation of the established automatic densitometry method with manual density and distribution analysis revealed similar results for the density and nearest neighbor distance in healthy adult mice, as well as density and distribution in lipopolysaccharide-challenged adolescent mice. Applying machine learning to the automatic process could further improve the accuracy and robustness of the method., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Purpose: Clinical Pathways (CPWs) are multidisciplinary, evidence-based, complex interventions designed to standardize patient care. In Saskatchewan, development, implementation and evaluation of the seven provincial CPWs (Hip & Knee, Spine, Pelvic Floor, Prostate Assessment, Fertility Care, Lower Extremity Wound Care and Acute Stroke) present significant challenges, leading to low utilization. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to CPW utilization by Saskatchewan family physicians., Methods: To identify the facilitators and barriers to CPWs, a qualitative interpretive approach consisted of eight one-on-one key informant interviews and five focus groups held with 30 family physicians in two larger urban and two smaller Saskatchewan cities. Inductive, thematic analysis of the interviews based on the Theoretical Domain Framework for behavioral changes was used to identify facilitators and barriers to CPW uptake and utilization., Results: Fifty-one themes were mapped under 14 Theoretical Domain Framework domains. Major barriers included the following: system-level (knowledge and communication, social/professional identity, family physician engagement and education); objective clarification (goals, belief about consequences of implementing CPW); and technical and resource related (administrative, access to local specialists, enforcement and incentives). The most prominent barrier was lack of systematic CPW promotion and inconsistencies in communication between the following: organization-to-practitioner; organization-to-organization; and practitioner-to-practitioner. Facilitators who mitigated barriers were need for optimized and integrated information technology services (i.e., Electronic Medical Records) and optimism towards CPW usage and patient outcomes., Conclusions: This exploratory study identified specific improvements and recommendations required to promote uptake of CPWs based on perceived facilitators and barriers.

Objectives: In this study, socio-economic factors associated with Afghan refugee households' food insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty, insufficient quality and food intake were determined., Design: Household Food Insecurity Assess Scale measurement was applied to assess food insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty, insufficient quality and insufficient food intake. Descriptive analysis and multivariable regression models were used to determine the associated factors., Setting: The study was carried out in urban areas of Tehran province in Iran., Participants: To collect data, interviews were conducted among 317 Afghan households. The questionnaire was administered via face-to-face interviews to either the breadwinner of the selected households or a member who could respond on behalf of the household., Results: About 11·3 % of Afghan households who resettled in Tehran province were food secure, while 11·7 % were marginally, 40·7 % moderately and 36·3 % severely food insecure. Economic and financial factors were inversely and significantly associated with food insecurity. Employment, income, distance from the central market and personal saving were inversely associated with food insecurity, while other determinants, including the length of living time in Tehran, house type and the number of male and female children, had a direct association with food insecurity., Conclusions: The associations of socio-economic factors with three categories of food insecurity differed. Elimination of occupation bans that the Iranian government imposes on refugees provides simple access to financial supports like long-term loans, and opening a bank account for refugees will benefit both Iranians and refugees.

Objective: We aim to identify relevant studies from 2000 to 2020 regarding methanol poisoning outbreaks and map the existing literature with a focus on the epidemiology and global burden of disease., Introduction: Methanol poisoning occurs in individuals or as an outbreak. Illicit productions are responsible for most methanol poisoning outbreaks; however, there are some occupational, suicidal, and homicidal incidences as well. In methanol poisoning outbreaks, medical facilities get overwhelmed quickly. The current WHO fact sheet dates back to 2014 and there have been no updates since. Based on our preliminary search, it seems that the course of methanol outbreaks has changed., Inclusion Criteria: The study will include peer-reviewed articles and gray papers that focus on the epidemiology of methanol poisoning outbreaks. This review will consider all methanol poisoning outbreak victims without any limitation in geographical, social, cultural, or gender-based demographics., Methods: A three-step search strategy will be used. First, an initial search will be done in MEDLINE and Scopus to identify key terms. Those key terms will then be searched across included databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) and sources for gray literature. In a third step, references and Google Scholar will be searched manually. Two reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts, then full texts for identifying inclusion criteria and data extraction. Disagreements will be resolved by a senior author. Extracted data will be tabulated and mapped. Quantitative data will be reported using descriptive numerical summary analysis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 JBI.)

Background: Nonspecific chronic neck pain is increasing according to work-related gestures and modern lifestyle. Myofascial pain syndrome is a common problem and may be a primary disease. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of cervical myofascial pain syndrome in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain with normal MRI. We also examined the correlation between patients' age as well as pain severity and duration., Methods: Patients with neck pain radiating to their upper extremity were examined despite normal MRI findings. We evaluated 10 different muscles based on myofascial pain syndrome criteria and also recorded pain intensity and functional ability using visual analogue scale and neck disability index, respectively. A physical therapist with at least 10 years of clinical experience with myofascial pain syndrome performed all physical examinations., Results: A total of 126 patients (69 females and 57 males) participated in this study, out of whom, 14 patients (11.1%) had no muscular involvement, while 112 cases (88.9%) revealed at least one trigger point. The infraspinatus and scalene muscles were the most commonly involved muscles accounting for 38.9% and 34.9% of all the involvements, respectively. The severity of pain was significantly associated with the disability of the patients (r=0.64, P<0.001 ). However, the correlation between pain and the number of trigger points was not significant (r=-0.19, P=0.31 ). Finally, the least significantly correlated variables were disability and the number of trigger points (r=-0.17, P=0.05 ). Patient's age was significantly correlated neither with the number of trigger points (r=-0.04, P=0.62), nor the pain duration (r=0.07, P=0.39 )., Conclusion: Myofascial pain syndrome is a common disorder in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain, despite normal MRI findings. Although, pain is not correlated with the number of trigger points in these patients, we demonstrated a small correlation between patients' disability and the latter variable.

The present study comparatively assesses how Afghan refugees in Pakistan understand both the factors and barriers affecting their food security status before and after refuge. Through qualitative in-depth interviews with 25 Afghan refugee families, we assess how quality of life, together with perceptions of a balanced meal, food environments both pre- and post-migration and push and pull factors of migration, impact food security and food choices for refugee families. Furthermore, our results reveal that regardless of the length of protracted status for Afghan refugees, food insecurity remains as a consistent condition for refugee families.

The over usage of multiple antibiotics contributes to the emergence of a whole range of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria causing enterogenic infections in poultry science. Therefore, finding an appropriate alternative natural substance carrying an antibacterial capacity would be immensely beneficial. It has been previously discovered that the different types of cupric salts, especially copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO 4 ·5H 2 O), to carry a potent bactericidal capacity. We investigated the neutralizing effect of CuSO 4 ·5H 2 O (6.25μg/ml) on the reactive oxygen species generation, and expression of MyD88, an essential adaptor protein of Toll-like receptor, and NF-κB in three intestinal epithelial cell lines exposed to 50ng/ml lipopolysaccharide. In order to find the optimal cupric sulfate concentration without enteritis-inducing toxicity, broiler chickens were initially fed with water containing 0.4, 0.5, and 1mg/l during a period of 4days. After determination of appropriate dosage, two broiler chickens and turkey flocks with enteritis were fed with cupric compound for 4days. We found that cupric sulfate can lessen the cytotoxic effect of lipopolysaccharide by reducing the reactive oxygen species content (p<0.05). Additionally, the expression of MyD88 and NF-κB was remarkably down-regulated in the presence of lipopolysaccharide and cupric sulfate. The copper sulfate in doses lower than 0.4mg/ml expressed no cytotoxic effect on the liver, kidney, and the intestinal tract while a concentration of 0.5 and 1mg/ml contributed to a moderate to severe tissue injuries. Pearson Chi-Square analysis revealed the copper cation significantly diminished the rate of mortality during 4-day feeding of broiler chicken and turkey with enteritis (p=0.000). Thus, the results briefed above all confirm the potent anti-bactericidal feature of cupric sulfate during the course of enteritis., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The immune system is evolved to defend the body against pathogens and is composed of thousands of complicated and intertwined pathways, which are highly controlled by processes such as transcription and repression of cellular genes. Sometimes the immune system malfunctions and a break down in self-tolerance occurs. This lead to the inability to distinguish between self and non-self and cause attacks on host tissues, a condition also known as autoimmunity, which can result in chronic debilitating diseases. Early growth response genes are family of transcription factors comprising of four members, Egr1, Egr2, Egr3 and Egr4. All of which contain three cyc2-His2 zinc fingers. Initially, Egr2 function was identified in the regulation of peripheral nerve myelination, hindbrain segmentation. Egr3, on the other hand, is highly expressed in muscle spindle development. Egr2 and Egr3 are induced due to the antigen stimulation and this signaling is implemented through the B and T cell receptors in the adaptive immunity. T cell receptor signaling plays a key role in Egr 2 and 3 expressions via their interaction with NFAT molecules. Egr 2 and 3 play a crucial role in regulation of the immune system and their involvement in B and T cell activation, anergy induction and preventing the autoimmune disease has been investigated. The deficiency of these transcription factors has been associated to deficient Cbl-b expression, a resistant to anergy phenotype, and expression of effector and activated T cells.

Introduction: This study assessed apical extrusion during treatment with GentleWave (GW; Sonendo Inc, Laguna Hills, CA), a conventional open-ended 30-G needle (CN), or Endovac (EV; SybronEndo, Orange, CA) in root canals enlarged to different dimensions with and without apical constriction., Methods: Sixteen mandibular molars were mounted in an in vitro apparatus. Roots were immersed in a pressure-regulated chamber containing distilled water with pressure kept at 5.88 ± 0.15 mm Hg to simulate periapical back pressure. Mesiobuccal (curved ≤30°) and distal (straight) canals were instrumented to the working length (WL) as follows: minimal instrumentation (MI, #15/.04), traditional instrumentation (#35/.06), or overinstrumentation (OI, #35/.06, to the WL + 1 mm). Canals were tested 5 times each with distilled water using GW, CN (at WL-3 mm), or EV and the mass (g) of extruded water recorded. Extrusion frequency and mean extruded mass were compared for each canal, irrigation group, and canal instrumentation mode (Wilcoxon t test, P < .05)., Results: No extrusion occurred with GW and EV, whereas the frequency of extrusion with CN was 33%. Mean extruded water mass using CN ranged in mesial canals from 0.000 ± 0.000 g (OI) to 0.047 ± 0.098 g (MI) and in distal canals from 0.123 ± 0.191 g (MI) to 0.505 ± 0.490 g (OI). With traditional instrumentation and OI instrumentation, extruded mass in distal canals was significantly higher than in mesial canals (P < .002) and distal canals with MI (P < .020)., Conclusions: Within this study's limitations, root canal treatment with GW and irrigation with EV was not associated with extrusion. Extruded irrigation mass using the open-ended 30-G needle depended on the canal type and enlargement. These results have to be interpreted with caution, and further investigations are warranted to evaluate the possibility of extrusion using GW in different tooth types and clinical situations., (Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Studies using conventional endodontic protocols show insufficient cleaning of root canal systems, often resulting in persistent infection and treatment failure. The GentleWave System (GWS; Sonendo, Inc, Laguna Hills, CA) has been shown to result in a higher tissue dissolution rate in a study using bovine muscle. The purpose of this study was to compare the debridement efficacy of the GWS with a traditional method for cleaning root canals., Methods: Forty-five freshly extracted molars were randomly separated into 3 treatment groups (n = 15/group): group 1, no treatment; group 2, conventional rotary instrumentation and needle irrigation; and group 3, minimal instrumentation and the GWS treatment. Roots were prepared per standard histologic tissue processing after hematoxylin-eosin staining; sections were microscopically examined, and the percentage of soft tissue and debris remaining within the canals was morphometrically calculated. Images of the apical and middle regions of the roots were blindly analyzed., Results: Significant differences (Welch's t test) were found between groups 2 and 3 in both apical (P = .0015) and middle (P = .0179) regions of the mesial roots of mandibular molars and mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars. Groups 2 and 3 resulted in cleaning 67.8% and 97.2% of the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual root canals of mandibular molars and the mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars, respectively, whereas the results were similar among groups 2 and 3 in the apical and middle regions of distal roots. Groups 2 and 3 revealed significantly less debris than group 1 (P < .005)., Conclusions: The GWS showed a significantly greater cleaning capacity and reduction in residual debris within the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals of mandibular molars and the mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars than those cleaned conventionally., (Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Previous studies have shown the difficulty in removing calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) paste from the root canals before root filling., Methods: Mesial and distal canals of 30 mandibular molars were prepared with the WaveOne Primary (25/.08) and Large file (40/.08) (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK), respectively. All canals were then filled with Ca(OH)2. The teeth were divided into the following 3 treatment groups (each with n = 10): (1) instrumentation with needle irrigation, (2) instrumentation with irrigation and passive ultrasonic activation (PUI), and (3) the GentleWave system (Sonendo, Inc, Laguna Hills, CA) without instrumentation. The irrigation time in each group was 7.5 minutes. To further test the efficiency of the GentleWave system, shorter times of 90 seconds were tested using water alone. Reconstructed micro-computed tomographic scans were used to measure the volume of the canals and Ca(OH)2 after instrumentation, initial filling of Ca(OH)2, and after its removal. The percentage of Ca(OH)2 remaining in the canals was calculated., Results: None of the 10 teeth (30 canals) in the conventional irrigation and PUI groups were completely cleaned of Ca(OH)2 in 7.5 minutes. In the apical third of mesial and distal canals, respectively, conventional irrigation removed 47.82% ± 16.36% and 77.68% ± 12.82%, PUI removed 61.66% ± 25.54% and 88.85 ± 12.06%, and the GentleWave system removed significantly more Ca(OH)2 (P < .05) with 100% and 98.78% ± 3.84%. Additional experiments in 10 teeth, using only water as the irrigant, revealed that the GentleWave system removed 99.85% and 99.97% of Ca(OH)2 within 90 seconds without the use of any instruments in the mesial and distal canals, respectively., Conclusions: The study confirms the difficulty to remove Ca(OH)2 from root canals using conventional methods. The GentleWave system removed the paste within 90 seconds using water irrigation alone., (Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The present study describes the physical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of biodegradable films prepared by incorporating different concentrations (1, 2, and 3% v/v) of Zataria multiflora Boiss (avishan-e shirazi) essential oil (ZEO) into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) film. The films' tensile strength, elongation at break, water-vapor permeability, optical characteristics, microstructure, and antimicrobial and antioxidant properties were investigated. The results indicated that the film containing 1% ZEO had the highest tensile strength and elongation at break. The control film showed the lowest water-vapor permeability. The resulting optical data showed that the control films were transparent in appearance; transparency was significantly reduced by an increase in ZEO concentration. Solubility in water decreased with increased ZEO. Films with ZEO, especially at higher concentrations, were more effective against all tested bacteria than the control film. Those films incorporating essential oil revealed antioxidant properties as well; this effect was greatly improved when the proportion of ZEO was increased. The results indicated that the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of ZEO is retained when it is used in CMC film. These properties with some good physical characteristics suggest applications for ZEO-incorporated film in a wide range of food products., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel Multisonic Ultracleaning System (Sonendo Inc, Laguna Hills, CA) in tissue dissolution in comparison with conventional irrigation devices., Methods: Pieces of bovine muscle tissue (68 ± 2 mg) were placed in 0.7-mL test tubes (height: 23.60 mm, inner diameter: 6.00 mm, outer diameter: 7.75 mm) and exposed to 5 minutes of irrigation by different devices. Endodontic devices included the Multisonic Ultracleaning System, the Piezon Master 700 (EMS, Dallas, TX) ultrasonic system with agitation, the EndoVac negative-pressure irrigation system (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), and a conventional positive-pressure 27-G irrigation needle at a flow rate of 10 mL/min. The systems were tested with 0.5%, 3%, and 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at room temperature (21°C) as well as 40°C. Irrigation with sterile water was used as a control. The mass of tissue specimens was measured and recorded before and after the use of each device, and if the specimen was completely dissolved visually within 5 minutes, the dissolution time was recorded. The rate of tissue dissolution (%/s) was then calculated., Results: The Multisonic Ultracleaning System had the fastest rate of tissue dissolution (P < .05), at 1.0% ± 0.1% per second using 0.5% NaOCl, 2.3% ± 0.9% per second using 3% NaOCl, and 2.9% ± 0.7% per second using 6% NaOCl. This tissue dissolution rate was more than 8 times greater than the second fastest device tested (P < .01), the Piezon Master 700 ultrasonic system, which resulted in a tissue dissolution rate of 0.328% ± 0.002% per second using 6% NaOCl at 40°C. For all irrigation devices tested, the rate of tissue dissolution increased with a higher concentration and temperature of the NaOCl solution., Conclusions: The novel Multisonic Ultracleaning System achieved a significantly faster tissue dissolution rate when compared with the other systems examined in vitro., (Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A new strategy for the synthesis of thiolated carboxymethyl chitosan-g-cyclodextrin nanoparticles by an ionic-gelation method is presented. The synthetic approach was based on the utilization of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate during cyclodextrin grafting onto carboxymethyl chitosan. The use of the 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate resulted in reactions between cyclodextrin and active sites at the C6-position of chitosan, and preserved amino groups of chitosan for subsequent reactions with thioglycolic acid, as the thiolating agent, and tripolyphosphate, as the gelling counterion. Various methods such as scanning electron microscopy, rheology and in vitro release studies were employed to exhibit significant features of the nanoparticles for mucosal albendazole delivery applications. It was found that the thiolated carboxymethyl chitosan-g-cyclodextrin nanoparticles prepared using an aqueous solution containing 1 wt% of tripolyphosphate and having 115.65 (μmol/g polymer) of grafted thiol groups show both the highest mucoadhesive properties and the highest albendazole entrapment efficiency. The latter was confirmed theoretically by calculating the enthalpy of mixing of albendazole in the above thiolated chitosan polymer.