Sex and age differences in inflammatory bowel disease patients; a nationwide study based on Iranian Registry of Crohn's and Colitis (IRCC).

BACKGROUND: Despite the rising prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), age and sex differences in its outcomes remain understudied. We investigated age and sex differences in IBD patients using a nationwide study in Iran, the Iranian Registry of Crohn's and Colitis (IRCC). METHODS: The IRCC is a national registry that gathered information on adult IBD patients since 2017. The collected data included demographic information, medication history, disease activity, comorbidities, diagnosis age, prognosis, the extent of ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD) location, and extraintestinal manifestations. The statistical methods included the independent Student's t-test, Chi-square test, and binary logistic regression, using R version 4.2.2. RESULTS: Among the 9,392 IBD patients, 7,496 (3,600 females) and 1,896 (808 females) had UC and CD, respectively. Sex difference showed higher odds of active disease in the past six months in male CD patients (OR 1.24 [95%CI 1.03, 1.49]) vs. females, but in male UC patients, the OR was 0.85 [0.78, 0.93]. Severe disease was less likely in CD patients aged 19-59 and >60 vs. <18. Similarly, UC patients <18 had lower odds of severe disease vs. those aged 19-59 and >60. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the importance of understanding age and sex differences in IBD outcomes. These findings contribute to the ongoing global discussion on IBD management and facilitate the development of targeted interventions and personalized care.

Well-defined nanomagnetic nitrilotriacetic acid complex of Cu(ii) supported on silica-coated nanosized magnetite: a new highly efficient and magnetically separable catalyst for C-N bond formation.

A nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) complex of Cu(ii) supported on silica-coated nanosized magnetite Fe3O4@SiO2-Pr-DEA-[NTA-Cu(ii)]2 was prepared as a new well-defined magnetically separable nanomaterial and fully characterized via IR, XRD, FESEM, TEM, TGA, DLS, BET, VSM, solid-state UV-vis spectroscopy, EDX, ICP-OES, and FESEM-EDX map analyses. Thereafter, it was successfully applied as a new easily magnetically separable and reusable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the Buchwald-Hartwig C-N bond formation reaction in DMF at 110 °C. Using this method, various kinds of nitrogen heterocycles, such as imidazoles, 2-methyl-1H-imidazole, benzimidazole, indole, and 10H-phenothiazine as well as aliphatic secondary amines such as piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, dimethylamine, and diethylamine, were reacted with aryl halide compounds, and the desired products were obtained with good to excellent yields. In all cases, the applied catalyst could be recovered easily and rapidly using an external magnet and reused 7 times without significant loss of catalytic activity.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Saline, Chlorhexidine, and Zataria Multiflora and Mentha Piperita Essential Oils in Root Canal Irrigation of Primary Molars.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of saline, 0.5% and 2% Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) essential oil, 0.5% and 2% Mentha piperita (M. piperita) essential oil, and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as root canal irrigants for primary molar teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 64 primary molars were used in this in vitro study. The teeth were randomly assigned to six groups (N=10). The root canals were prepared up to file #35, and all teeth were sterilized before contamination with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis; ATCC 29212) suspension. After 48 hours of incubation, the root canals in each group were irrigated with the respective irrigants. Sterile paper points were then used to collect microbial samples from the root canals. A colony counter was used to count the number of colony-forming units (CFUs). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 (alpha=0.05). Results: The colony count was significantly different among the groups (P<0.001), and 2% M. piperita (P=0.009), 0.5% Z. multiflora (P=0.021), and 0.2% CHX (P=0.002) were significantly more effective than saline in elimination of E. faecalis. The ascending order of microbial count after irrigation was as follows: saline > 0.5% M. piperita > 0.2% CHX > 2% M. piperita > 0.5% Z. multiflora. Conclusion: The current study showed the optimal antibacterial activity of 0.5% Z. multiflora essential oil and 2% M. piperita essential oil against E. faecalis, and indicated their possible efficacy for use as an irrigant for root canal irrigation of primary molars.

Transplantation of bioengineered dermal derived matrix-scaffold in combination with hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves wound healing in diabetic rats.

Successful treatment of diabetic wounds requires multifactorial approaches. Herein we investigated the effects of a bioengineered three-dimensional dermal derived matrix-scaffold (DMS) in combination with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in repairing of wound model in diabetic rats. Thirty days after induction of diabetes, a circular wound was created and treatments were performed for 21 days. Animals were randomly allocated into the untreated group, DMS group, HBO group, and DMS+HBO group. On days 7, 14, and 21, tissue samples were obtained for stereological, molecular, and tensiometrical assessments. Our results showed that the wound closure rate, volume of new dermis and epidermis, numerical density fibroblasts and blood vessels, collagen density, and biomechanical characterize were significantly higher in the treatment groups than in the untreated group, and these changes were more obvious in the DMS+HBO ones. Moreover, the expression of TGF-ß, bFGF, miRNA-21, miRNA-146a, and VEGF genes were meaningfully upregulated in treatment groups compared to the untreated group and were greater in the DMS+HBO group. This is while expression of TNF-α and IL-1ß, as well as the numerical density of neutrophil and macrophage decreased more considerably in the DMS+HBO group than in the other groups. Overall, using both DMS engraftment and HBO treatment has more effects on diabetic wound healing.

Large-amplitude plasma wave generation by laser beating in inhomogeneous magnetized plasmas.

Large-amplitude plasma wave is known to accelerate electrons to high energies. The electron energy gain mainly depends on plasma wave amplitude. In this paper, we investigate the excitation of large-amplitude plasma waves by laser beat-wave in an inhomogeneous plasma. The idea behind this work is to employ linear and radial plasma density profiles to enhance the plasma wave amplitude. PIC simulations are used to validate the numerical solution of the nonlinear wave equation in cylindrical dimensions through the finite difference method. Furthermore, the effects of the quadratic-radial plasma density profiles and magnetic field on the plasma wave excitation are investigated. The study shows that compared to the linear density profile of plasma, the plasma wave amplitude in the case of a linear-radial density profile is far more pronounced. For the linear-radial density profile, the plasma wave amplitude remains steady over greater distances of propagation compared to the linear density profile, resulting in reduced immediate damping effects. It can also be seen that the plasma wave amplitude is higher for the quadratic-radial than for the linear-radial density profiles. The effect of a longitudinal magnetic field on plasma wave amplitude is investigated. It can be seen that the plasma wave amplitude is increased by applying a magnetic field. This study may provide a way to enhance the plasma wave field for accelerating the electrons in laser-plasma accelerators.

Risk factors associated with underweight in children aged one to two years: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Underweight is a prevalent health issue in children. This study aimed to identify factors associated with underweight in children aged 1-2 years in Hamadan city. Unlike the studies conducted in this field, which are cross-sectional and do not provide information on the effect of age changes on underweight, our longitudinal approach provides insights into weight changes over time. On the other hand, this study focuses on the high-risk age group of 1 to 2 years, which has only been addressed in a few studies. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 414 mothers with 1 to 2 year-old children referred to the health centers of Hamadan city, whose information is in the SIB system, a comprehensive electronic system, were examined to identify factors related to underweight. The response variable was weight-for-age criteria classified into three categories: underweight, normal weight, and overweight. A two-level longitudinal ordinal model was used to determine the factors associated with underweight. RESULTS: Of the children studied, 201 (48.6%) were girls and 213 (51.4%) were boys. Significant risk factors for underweight included low maternal education (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.10-11.47), maternal unemployment (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.05-10.91), maternal height (AOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92), lack of health insurance (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.04-7.84), gestational age less than 24 years (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 16.28-0.97), child age 12-15 months (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.37-3.74), and child's birth weight (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.70-0.58). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it seems that the possibility of being underweight among children is more related to the characteristics of mothers; therefore, taking care of mothers can control some of the weight loss of children.

Biomimetic functionalized metal organic frameworks as multifunctional agents: Paving the way for cancer vaccine advances.

Biomimetic functionalized metal-organic frameworks (Fn-MOFs) represent a cutting-edge approach in the realm of cancer vaccines. These multifunctional agents, inspired by biological systems, offer unprecedented opportunities for the development of next-generation cancer vaccines. The vast surface area, tunable pore size, and diverse chemistry of MOFs provide a versatile scaffold for the encapsulation and protection of antigenic components, crucial for vaccine stability and delivery. This work delves into the innovative design and application of Fn-MOFs, highlighting their role as carriers for immune enhancement and their potential to revolutionize vaccine delivery. By mimicking natural processes, Fn-MOFs, with their ability to be functionalized with a myriad of chemical and biological entities, exhibit superior biocompatibility and stimuli-responsive behavior and facilitate targeted delivery to tumor sites. This review encapsulates the latest advancements in Fn-MOF technology, from their synthesis and surface modification to their integration into stimuli-responsive and combination therapies. It underscores the significance of biomimetic approaches in overcoming current challenges in cancer vaccine development, such as antigen stability and immune evasion. By leveraging the biomimetic nature of Fn-MOFs, this work paves the way for innovative strategies in cancer vaccines, aiming to induce potent and long-lasting immune responses against malignancies.

A Reexamination of Peto's Paradox: Insights Gained from Human Adaptation to Varied Levels of Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation.

Humans have generally evolved some adaptations to protect against UV and different levels of background ionizing radiation. Similarly, elephants and whales have evolved adaptations to protect against cancer, such as multiple copies of the tumor suppressor gene p53, due to their large size and long lifespan. The difference in cancer protection strategies between humans and elephants/whales depends on genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and evolutionary pressures. In this paper, we discuss how the differences in evolutionary adaptations between humans and elephants could explain why elephants have evolved a protective mechanism against cancer, whereas humans have not. Humans living in regions with high levels of background radiation, e.g. in Ramsar, Iran where exposure rates exceed those on the surface of Mars, seem to have developed some kind of protection against the ionizing radiation. However, humans in general have not developed cancer-fighting adaptations, so they instead rely on medical technologies and interventions. The difference in cancer protection strategies between humans and elephants/whales depends on genetics, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and evolutionary pressures. In this paper, we discuss how the differences in evolutionary adaptations between humans and elephants could explain why elephants have evolved a protective mechanism against cancer, whereas humans have not. Studying elephant adaptations may provide insights into new cancer prevention and treatment strategies for humans, but further research is required to fully understand the evolutionary disparities.

Professor John Roderick Cameron's Influence on Radiation Safety in Terrestrial and Space Environments.

Professor John Roderick Cameron (1922-2005) stands out as a trailblazer in the field of medical physics, whose innovative work has deeply influenced radiation protection and the broader medical radiation field through sound technical judgment and insight. Best known for inventing the bone densitometry device, his pioneering efforts have reshaped modern medical practices far beyond his initial breakthroughs. Cameron's explorations extended into the realms of space biomedical science and models of terrestrial radiation, areas where his insights continue to resonate today. As the Emeritus Professor of Medical Physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a founding member of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, Cameron laid crucial groundwork for safety standards in environments with high natural radiation levels. His leadership was instrumental in advancing thermoluminescence dosimetry, radiation measurement, and image quality assurance, driving progress in both academia and clinical practices. Moreover, through establishing Medical Physics Publishing, Cameron played a pivotal role in spreading vital research and educational materials across the fields of health physics and medical physics. This commentary reflects on Cameron's far-reaching contributions, highlighting his critical work in space radiation research and terrestrial radiation models-key to the future of interplanetary travel and potential human settlement on planets like Mars. His research in areas of high background radiation, like Ramsar, Iran, has been fundamental in developing strategies for biological protection in space, which are essential for ensuring astronaut safety during long-duration space missions. We honor Professor Cameron's profound legacy, celebrating his visionary spirit and the lasting impact of his contributions on generations of scientists in radiation science.

Optimizing PGRs for in vitro shoot proliferation of pomegranate with bayesian-tuned ensemble stacking regression and NSGA-II: a comparative evaluation of machine learning models.

BACKGROUND: The process of optimizing in vitro shoot proliferation is a complicated task, as it is influenced by interactions of many factors as well as genotype. This study investigated the role of various concentrations of plant growth regulators (zeatin and gibberellic acid) in the successful in vitro shoot proliferation of three Punica granatum cultivars ('Faroogh', 'Atabaki' and 'Shirineshahvar'). Also, the utility of five Machine Learning (ML) algorithms-Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Ensemble Stacking Regression (ESR) and Elastic Net Multivariate Linear Regression (ENMLR)-as modeling tools were evaluated on in vitro multiplication of pomegranate. A new automatic hyperparameter optimization method named Adaptive Tree Pazen Estimator (ATPE) was developed to tune the hyperparameters. The performance of the models was evaluated and compared using statistical indicators (MAE, RMSE, RRMSE, MAPE, R and R2), while a specific Global Performance Indicator (GPI) was introduced to rank the models based on a single parameter. Moreover, Non­dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm­II (NSGA­II) was employed to optimize the selected prediction model. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the ESR algorithm exhibited higher predictive accuracy in comparison to other ML algorithms. The ESR model was subsequently introduced for optimization by NSGA­II. ESR-NSGA­II revealed that the highest proliferation rate (3.47, 3.84, and 3.22), shoot length (2.74, 3.32, and 1.86 cm), leave number (18.18, 19.76, and 18.77), and explant survival (84.21%, 85.49%, and 56.39%) could be achieved with a medium containing 0.750, 0.654, and 0.705 mg/L zeatin, and 0.50, 0.329, and 0.347 mg/L gibberellic acid in the 'Atabaki', 'Faroogh', and 'Shirineshahvar' cultivars, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the 'Shirineshahvar' cultivar exhibited lower shoot proliferation success compared to the other cultivars. The results indicated the good performance of ESR-NSGA-II in modeling and optimizing in vitro propagation. ESR-NSGA-II can be applied as an up-to-date and reliable computational tool for future studies in plant in vitro culture.

Complete clinical response to chemoradiation in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of tongue: Case report of a rare tumor in a rare location.

Key Clinical Message: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon malignancy of head and neck. Although the cornerstone of treatment is surgery, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) might be used as an effective treatment for unresectable tumors. Herein we report a case of massive ACC of base of tongue with durable complete response to definitive CRT. Abstract: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor accounting for 1% of all head and neck cancers. The best treatment option is complete surgical resection with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. When surgical resection is not feasible, definitive radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy can be considered. Herein we report a non-smoker 72-year-old woman presented with throat discomfort and sensation of a lump. Evaluation revealed an unresectable adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of tongue in whom complete clinical response was achieved after definitive concurrent chemoradiation. Although the cornerstone of treatment is complete surgical resection, this case report indicates that concurrent chemoradiotherapy might result in complete clinical response and could be used as a definitive treatment in selected ACC tumors.

Knowledge on Human Papillomavirus Infections, Cancer Biology, Immune Interactions, Vaccination Coverage and Common Treatments: A Comprehensive Review.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a circular, double-stranded DNA virus and recognized as the most prevalent sexually transmitted infectious agent worldwide. The HPV life cycle encompasses three primary stages. First, the virus infiltrates the basal cells of the stratified epidermis. Second, there is a low-level expression of viral genes and preservation of the viral genome in the basal layer. Lastly, productive replication of HPV occurs in differentiated cells. An effective immune response, involving various immune cells, including innate immunity, keratinocytes, dendritic cells, and natural killer T cells, is instrumental in clearing HPV infection and thwarting the development of HPV-associated tumors. Vaccines have demonstrated their efficacy in preventing genital warts, high-grade precancerous lesions, and cancers in females. In males, the vaccines can also aid in preventing genital warts, anal precancerous lesions, and cancer. This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough and detailed exploration of HPV infections, delving into its genetic characteristics, life cycle, pathogenesis, and the role of high-risk and low-risk HPV strains. In addition, this review seeks to elucidate the intricate immune interactions that govern HPV infections, spanning from innate immunity to adaptive immune responses, as well as examining the evasion mechanisms used by the virus. Furthermore, the article discusses the current landscape of HPV vaccines and common treatments, contributing to a holistic understanding of HPV and its associated diseases.

Sea water acclimation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) modulates the mucosal transcript immune response induced by Vibrio anguillarum and Aeromonas salmonicida vaccine, and prevents further transcription of stress-immune genes in response to acute stress.

Mucosal tissues appear to be more important in fish than in mammals due to living in a microbial-rich aquatic milieu, yet the complex interaction between the immune and the neuroendocrine system in these tissues remains elusive. The aim of this work was to investigate the mucosal immune response in immunized rainbow trout vaccinated with Alpha ject vaccine (bivalent), kept in fresh water (FW) or transferred to seawater (SW), and to evaluate their response to acute stress (chasing). Acute stress resulted in higher levels of plasma cortisol (Sham + Stress and Vaccine + Stress). A similar response was observed in skin mucus, but it was lower in Vaccine + Stress compared with stressed fish. With a few exceptions, minimal alterations were detected in the transcriptomic profile of stress-immune gene in the skin of vaccinated and stressed fish in both FW and SW. In the gills, the stress elicited activation of key stress-immune components (gr1, mr, ß-ar, hsp70, c3, lysozyme, α-enolase, nadph oxidase, il1ß, il6, tnfα, il10 and tgfß1) in FW, but fewer immune changes were induced by the vaccine (nadph oxidase, il6, tnfα, il10 and igt) in both SW and FW. In the intestine, an array of immune genes was activated by the vaccine particularly those related with B cells (igm, igt) and T cells (cd8α) in FW with no stimulation observed in SW. Therefore, our survey on the transcriptomic mucosal response demonstrates that the immune protection conferred by the vaccine to the intestine is modulated in SW. Overall, our results showed: i) plasma and skin mucus cortisol showed no additional stress effect induced by prolonged SW acclimation, ii) the stress and immune response were different among mucosal tissues which indicates a tissue-specific response to specific antigens/stressor. Further, the results suggest that the systemic immune organs may be more implicated in infectious events in SW (as few changes were observed in the mucosal barriers of immunized fish in SW) than in FW.

How assisted eating becomes a caring practice in institutional settings: Embodied gestures and stages of assisted eating.

Assisted eating is a basic caring practice and the means through which many individuals receive adequate nutrition. Research in this area has noted the challenges of helping others to eat while upholding their independence, though has yet to explicate how this caring practice is achieved in detail and across the lifespan. This paper provides an empirical analysis of assisted eating episodes in two different institutions, detailing the processes through which eating is collaboratively achieved between two persons. Data are video-recorded episodes of infants during preschool lunches and care home meals for adults with dementia, both located in Sweden. Using EMCA's multimodal interaction analysis, three core stages of assisted eating and their underpinning embodied practices were identified: (1) establishing joint attention, (2) offering the food, and (3) transferring food into the mouth. The first stage is particularly crucial in establishing the activity as a collaborative process. The analysis details the interactional practices through which assisted eating becomes a joint accomplishment using a range of multimodal features such as eye gaze, hand gestures, and vocalisations. The paper thus demonstrates how assisted eating becomes a caring practice through the active participation of both caregiver and cared-for person, according to their needs. The analysis has implications not only for professional caring work in institutional settings but also for the detailed analysis of eating as an embodied activity.

Disseminated protothecosis: Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Human protothecosis is an uncommon infection caused by Prototheca spp that rarely infects humans. AIM: Description of a rare disease and a review of its articles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reported a 24-year-old man who presented with red-brown papules and plaques on the trunk's lateral side. We reviewed the literature about disseminated protothecosis and reported our experience with a patient with protothecosis between 2021 and 2023. RESULTS: Overall, 54 cases of disseminated protothecosis were evaluated, 39 were due to P. wickerhamii, 12 were due to P. zopfii (22.2%), and three were due to Prototheca spp. We found that males were more affected (37 cases, 68.5%) than females (16 cases, 29.6%). The mean age of patients was 39.53 ± 22.48 years. However, disseminated protothecosis can affect people of any age (1-80 years). In contrast to P. wickerhamii, which causes blood, skin, brain, and gastrointestinal tract infections, P. zopfii was mainly found in the blood (7/22) and did not have a significant difference in the mortality rate (P = 0.11). DISCUSSION: Disseminated protothecosis is a rare disease in immunocompromised patients but is generally rarer in immunocompetent hosts. Several underlying disorders include immunocompromised patients, prolonged application of steroids, diabetes mellitus, malignancies, organ transplantation, AIDS, and surgeries. Amphotericin B has been the most effective agent for protothecosis and is reserved for visceral and disseminated infections. Regarding localized cutaneous types, excision or surgical debridement is used. CONCLUSION: Mulberry's appearance and appropriate cultural environments are helpful in diagnosing it.

Distinct neurological phenotypes associated with biallelic loss of NOTCH3 function: evidence for recessive inheritance.

BACKGROUND: NOTCH3 variants are known to be linked to cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). However, some null NOTCH3 variants with homozygous inheritance cause neurological symptoms distinct from CADASIL. The aim of this study was to expand the clinical spectrum of this distinct condition and provide further evidence of its autosomal recessive inheritance. METHODS AND RESULTS: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on a proband who exhibited livedo racemosa, ataxia, cognitive decline, seizures, and MRI white matter abnormalities without anterior temporal pole lesions. Segregation analysis was conducted with Sanger sequencing. WES of the proband identified a novel homozygous NOTCH3 null variant (c.2984delC). The consanguineous parents were confirmed as heterozygous variant carriers. In addition, three heterozygous NOTCH3 null variants were reported as incidental findings in three unrelated cases analyzed in our center. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern in this early-onset leukoencephalopathy, in contrast to CADASIL's dominant gain-of-function mechanism; which is a clear example of genotype-phenotype correlation. Comprehensive genetic analysis provides valuable insights into disease mechanisms and facilitates diagnosis and family planning for NOTCH3-associated neurological disorders.

Heart-specific NFAT5 knockout suppresses type I interferon signaling and aggravates coxsackievirus-induced myocarditis.

Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) is an osmosensitive transcription factor that is well-studied in renal but rarely explored in cardiac diseases. Although the association of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) with viral myocarditis is well-established, the role of NFAT5 in this disease remains largely unexplored. Previous research has demonstrated that NFAT5 restricts CVB3 replication yet is susceptible to cleavage by CVB3 proteases. Using an inducible cardiac-specific Nfat5-knockout mouse model, we uncovered that NFAT5-deficiency exacerbates cardiac pathology, worsens cardiac function, elevates viral load, and reduces survival rates. RNA-seq analysis of CVB3-infected mouse hearts revealed the significant impact of NFAT5-deficiency on gene pathways associated with cytokine signaling and inflammation. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo investigation validated the disruption of the cytokine signaling pathway in response to CVB3 infection, evidenced by reduced expression of key cytokines such as interferon ß1 (IFNß1), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), interleukin 6 (IL6), among others. Furthermore, NFAT5-deficiency hindered the formation of stress granules, leading to a reduction of important stress granule components, including plakophilin-2, a pivotal protein within the intercalated disc, thereby impacting cardiomyocyte structure and function. These findings unveil a novel mechanism by which NFAT5 inhibits CVB3 replication and pathogenesis through the promotion of antiviral type I interferon signaling and the formation of cytoplasmic stress granules, collectively identifying NFAT5 as a new cardio protective protein.

rGO/ZIF-8 Aerogel for Effective Removal of Malachite Green from Wastewater.

In this study, dopamine-modified graphene aerogel (DGA) is synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method using graphene oxide as the precursor and dopamine as the reducing agent. Subsequently, in situ immersion synthesis is conducted to obtain ZIF-8 loaded on a dopamine-modified graphene aerogel skeleton (ZDGA), featuring a regular honeycomb interconnected mesoporosity and a high specific surface area of 532.8 m2/g. The synthesized ZDGA exhibited exceptional adsorption performance for the cationic dye malachite green. At room temperature, ZDGA achieved an impressive equilibrium adsorption capacity of 6578.34 mg/g. The adsorption process followed pseudo-secondary kinetics and adhered to the Langmuir model, indicating chemically dominated adsorption on a monomolecular layer. Intraparticle diffusion was the primary rate determinant, with π-π stacking, electrostatic adsorption, hydrogen bonding, and Lewis acid-base interactions serving as the key driving forces. It has an ideal specific surface area and good cycling performance, which highlights its potential application in dye wastewater treatment.

A formulation for asphalt concrete air void during service life by adopting a hybrid evolutionary polynomial regression and multi-gene genetic programming.

Bitumen, aggregate, and air void (VA) are the three primary ingredients of asphalt concrete. VA changes over time as a function of four factors: traffic loads and repetitions, environmental regimes, compaction, and asphalt mix composition. Due to the high as-constructed VA content of the material, it is expected that VA will reduce over time, causing rutting during initial traffic periods. Eventually, the material will undergo shear flow when it reaches its densest state with optimum aggregate interlock or refusal VA content. Therefore, to ensure the quality of construction, VA in asphalt mixture need to be modeled throughout the service life. This study aims to implement a hybrid evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) combined with a teaching-learning based optimization (TLBO) algorithm and multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP) to predict the VA percentage of asphalt mixture during the service life. For this purpose, 324 data records of VA were collected from the literature. The variables selected as inputs were original as-constructed VA, VA orig (%); mean annual air temperature, MAAT (°F); original viscosity at 77 °F, η o r i g , 77 (Mega-Poises); and time (months). EPR-TLBO was found to be superior to MGGP and existing empirical models due to the interquartile ranges of absolute error boxes equal to 0.67%. EPR-TLBO had an R2 value of more than 0.90 in both the training and testing phases, and only less than 20% of the records were predicted utilizing this model with more than 20% deviation from the observed values. As determined by the sensitivity analysis, η o r i g , 77 is the most significant of the four input variables, while time is the least one. A parametric study showed that regardless of MAAT , η o r i g , 77 , of 0.3 Mega-Poises, and VA orig above 6% can be ideal for improving the pavement service life. It was also witnessed that with an increase of MAAT from 37 to 75 °F, the serviceability of asphalt concrete takes 15 months less on average.

Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Can Change the Composition of Secondary Metabolites in Fruits of Solanum nigrum L.

Solanum nigrum is a common weed in arable land, while being used in traditional medicine around the world due to its remarkable levels of valuable secondary metabolites. Agronomic and biological techniques can alter the production of a specific metabolite by influencing plant growth and metabolism. The effects of colonization with three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), including Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizoglomus intraradices, and Rhizoglomus fasciculatum, on the chemical composition of S. nigrum fruits were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. More than 100 different chemical constituents were evaluated by GC-MS. Our study revealed that the levels of phenols (quinic acid), benzenes (hydroquinone), sulfur-containing compounds, lactone and carboxylic acids were improved by R. intraradices. In contrast, hydroxymethylfurfural increased by 68 % in R. fasciculatum inoculated with uninoculated S. nigrum plants, and this species was also the most efficient in inducing sugar compounds (D-galactose, lactose, and melezitose). Our results suggest that AMF colonization is an effective biological strategy that can alter the chemical composition and improve the medicinal properties of S. nigrum.