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AbstractIn this article, for the first time, the free vibration and modal shapes of sandwich folded plate with honeycomb core are studied. The current article investigates the free vibrational mode shapes and frequencies of sandwich folded plate made of auxetic honeycomb core and graphene platelet-reinforced functionally graded composite (FG-GPLRC) coating layers which standing on the normal-shear folded supports. The structures are supported by normal-shear folded supports. The negative Poisson’s ratio exhibited by honeycomb materials results in distinct physical and mechanical properties, profoundly impacting the behavior of structures constructed from this material. While structures with basic shapes like rectangular, circular, and spherical configurations find limited applications across various industries, the versatility of folded structures makes them highly suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, given their more complex geometries. Dynamic equations are formulated within the framework of the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) for each flat section of the folded plate. The continuous equality conditions for displacements, rotations, and stresses at the junction edges of the two flat sections are rigorously satisfied. To effectively solve these equations, a robust numerical technique known as the generalized differential quadrature method (GDQM) is employed specifically tailored for the 2D analysis of folded plates. Furthermore, the study investigates the influence of various parameters, including material properties and geometry, on the frequencies and mode shapes of the folded structures, shedding light on the intricate interplay between these factors in shaping the dynamic response of the structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a third cause of death worldwide. The immune system plays a significant role in the tumor microenvironment and identifying its components involved in cancer development can aid in finding new biomarkers for prognosis, treatment monitoring, and immune-based therapies. Interleukin 13 (IL-13) is a cytokine produced by immune cells that has been implicated in tumor invasion, proliferation, and metastasis. Previous studies have shown that IL-13 causes the phosphorylation of Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), which may contribute to the development and progression of cancer. This study investigated the levels expression of IL-13 and TYK2 in the tissue and serum of CRC patients and explored their possible association with pathological and clinical factors. Methods: 105 patients with CRC and 105 healthy individuals were involved in the study. Tissue and blood samples were collected. The quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) technique was used to assess the expression levels of the IL-13 and TYK2 CRC tissue samples in comparison with the adjacent control tissue. Result: The expression levels of IL-13 were lower and TYK2 were found to be higher in CRC tissue compared to normal tissue. Additionally, serum levels of IL-13 were decreased in CRC patients while TYK2 levels were elevated. A significant negative correlation was found between the expression levels of IL-13 in both serum and tissue and the cancer stage. Conclusion: These results suggest that IL-13 and TYKMay 2 play essential roles in CRC development and progression and may serve as potential biomarkers for early detection and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to introduce a robust numerical approach to simulate complex small‐scale mediums such as trabecular bone tissue in form of a cylindrical specimen taken from human vertebra. Consideration of previous related studies indicates that there are several challenges in utilizing standard finite element (FE) techniques for the analysis of such biomechanical structures. This is mainly due to their time‐consuming procedure required for generating geometry conforming meshes. In this regard, the finite cell method (FCM) is an interesting alternative because it is based on the concept of the fictitious domain technique in which underlying meshes do not need to conform to the boundary of the domain. Since the considered trabecular bone tissue consists of a complex small‐scale internal morphology, generating a FE mesh is rather complicated. So, the application of the FCM can be justified by overcoming the mentioned shortcomings of FE methods for this problem. Using FCM, it is possible to simulate the mentioned trabecular cylinder from vertebral body using higher order cells of regular shapes where the geometry is taken care of through the numerical integration. The input for the present numerical tool corresponding to the complex internal morphology of the proposed tissue is given by a high‐resolution microCT scan. The outcome of the FCM will be compared to results obtained by mechanical testing of the specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of biopolymer-based nanocomposites in food packaging is growing significantly. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to examine the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO), polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS), and, for the first time, their hybrid on polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposites. For this matter, different concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt% of each nanoparticle and the hybrid were incorporated into the PCL nanocomposites via the solution casting method. Their chemical structures and interactions, crystalline structures, and morphology were investigated by FT-IR, WAXD, and SEM. Moreover, it was observed through contact angle and surface free energy experiments that an increase in the nanoparticle concentration corresponded to an increase in the contact angle values. The incorporation of hybrid POSS and ZnO equilibrated well between Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation of the samples in their single status. Accordingly, the addition of the hybrid nanoparticles up to 3 wt% significantly increased the modulus and yield strength of PCL nanocomposites without any significant sacrifice in toughness. Also, PPZ3 (containing an optimal 3%wt. of hybrid nanoparticles) demonstrated the lowest permeability against both water vapor and O2 gas, exhibiting reductions of approximately 30 and 55% when compared to pristine PCL. Finally, the antibacterial properties of the nanocomposite films were investigated for S. aureus and E. coli bacteria and revealed. In addition to the antibacterial properties of ZnO and POSS nanoparticles, increasing the concentration of hybrid nanoparticles up to 5 wt% expanded S. aureus's inhibitory zone. The balanced mechanical, and barrier characteristics, enhanced morphologies, and antibacterial effects of the novel hybrid nanocomposites present novel opportunities in the field of food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Wound healing is a major therapeutic concern in regenerative medicine. The current study aimed to investigate the second-degree burn wound treatment in rats using rat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and manganese nanoparticles (MnO2-NPs) in a polycaprolactone/gelatin electrospun nanofiber scaffold. After the synthesis of nanoparticles and electrospinning of nanofibers, the SEM analysis, contact angle, mechanical strength, blood compatibility, porosity, swelling, biodegradability, cell viability, and adhesion assays were performed. According to the results, the PCL/Gel/5%MnO2-NPs nanofiber (Mn-5%) was determined to be the most suitable scaffold. The ADSCs-seeded Mn-5% scaffolds were applied as a burn wound dressing. The wound closure rate, IL-1ß, and IL-6 level, hydroxyproline, and glycosaminoglycans content were measured, and the hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemistry stainings were carried out. Results: Based on the results, in Mn+S (ADSCs+PCL/Gel/5%MnO2-NPs nanofiber) and N+S (ADSCs+PCL/Gel nanofiber) groups, the IL-6 and IL-1ß levels were reduced, and the percentage of wound closure, glycosaminoglycans, and hydroxyproline content were increased compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, the lowest amount of a-SMA was observed in these two groups, demonstrating stem cells' role in reducing a-SMA levels and thus preventing fibrosis. Moreover, the amount of a-SMA in the Mn+S group is lower than in the N+S group and, is closer to healthy skin. According to histology results, the best type of treatment was observed in the Mn+S group. Conclusion: In conclusion, the ADSCs-seeded PCL/Gel/5%MnO2-NPs scaffold demonstrated considerable therapeutic effects in burn wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grounding language in vision is an active field of research seeking to construct cognitively plausible word and sentence representations by incorporating perceptual knowledge from vision into text-based representations. Despite many attempts at language grounding, achieving an optimal equilibrium between textual representations of the language and our embodied experiences remains an open field. Some common concerns are the following. Is visual grounding advantageous for abstract words, or is its effectiveness restricted to concrete words? What is the optimal way of bridging the gap between text and vision? To what extent is perceptual knowledge from images advantageous for acquiring high-quality embeddings? Leveraging the current advances in machine learning and natural language processing, the present study addresses these questions by proposing a simple yet very effective computational grounding model for pre-trained word embeddings. Our model effectively balances the interplay between language and vision by aligning textual embeddings with visual information while simultaneously preserving the distributional statistics that characterize word usage in text corpora. By applying a learned alignment, we are able to indirectly ground unseen words including abstract words. A series of evaluations on a range of behavioral datasets shows that visual grounding is beneficial not only for concrete words but also for abstract words, lending support to the indirect theory of abstract concepts. Moreover, our approach offers advantages for contextualized embeddings, such as those generated by BERT (Devlin et al, 2018), but only when trained on corpora of modest, cognitively plausible sizes. Code and grounded embeddings for English are available at (https://github.com/Hazel1994/Visually_Grounded_Word_Embeddings_2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae (tomato spotted wilt virus, TSWV) is transmitted by the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. Epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acids (EpOMEs) function as immune-suppressive factors, particularly in insects infected by viral pathogens. These oxylipins are produced by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) and are degraded by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that TSWV modulates the EpOME level in the thrips to suppress antiviral responses and enhance its replication. TSWV infection significantly elevated both 9,10-EpOME and 12,13-EpOME levels. Following TSWV infection, the larvae displayed apoptosis in the midgut along with the upregulated expression of four caspase genes. However, the addition of EpOME to the viral treatment notably reduced apoptosis and downregulated caspase gene expressions, which led to a marked increase in TSWV titers. The CYP and sEH genes of F. occidentalis were identified, and their expression manipulation using RNA interference (RNAi) treatments led to significant alternations in the insect's immune responses and TSWV viral titers. To ascertain which viral factor influences the host EpOME levels, specialized RNAi treatments targeting genes encoded by TSWV were administered to larvae infected with TSWV. These treatments demonstrated that NSS expression is pivotal in manipulating the genes involved in EpOME metabolism. These results indicate that NSs of TSWV are crucially linked with the elevation of host insect EpOME levels and play a key role in suppressing the antiviral responses of F. occidentalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the relationship between certain HLA-DRB1 alleles and palindromic rheumatism (PR) in the Azeri population. PR is a type of arthritis characterized by temporary episodes of joint inflammation. The study reveals that specific HLA-DRB1 alleles are more prevalent in PR patients, but their presence does not significantly correlate with the development of rheumatoid arthritis or specific autoantibodies. The research suggests a potential genetic predisposition to PR in the Azeri population. Additionally, the study acknowledges the limitations of a small sample size and highlights the need for further research due to the rarity of the disease and differences between ethnic groups. [Extracted from the article]

In the present article, a closed-form solution is carried out for the vibration response of CNT/GPL/fiber/polymer hybrid composite macro/micro/nanoplates resting on elastic support. Multi-layered fiber/polymer hybrid plates with either functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) material or functionally graded graphene platelets reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) material are two different types of plate considered here. The distribution of reinforcing nanocomposites can be uniform or functionally graded through the plate layers. The governing vibration equations are developed in the framework of the nonlocal elasticity theory of Eringen and using the first-order shear deformation plate theory. In the analytical solution procedure, the partial differential equations of motion are simplified to a series of homogeneous ordinary differential equations using a displacement field for Levy-type of the boundary conditions. The general solution of the obtained equations is expressed in terms of exponential functions. Using that the displacements should satisfy the remaining boundary conditions, the vibrational frequencies are derived. Finally, the influences of different parameters including geometry and material properties such as nonlocal parameter, number and angle of layers, volume fraction, and type of distribution of reinforcing nanocomposites are investigated and discussed. Natural frequencies for various boundary conditions are illustrated. The numerical results illustrate that the effects of the nonlocal parameter on the frequency decrease when one of the boundaries is free, and these effects increase when one of the boundaries is clamped for both FG-CNTRC and FG-GPLRC plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the following research, the buckling of multilayered CNT/GPL/Fibre/Polymer hybrid composite Levy-type nanoplates resting on Winkler–Pasternak support is investigated using modified nonlocal first-order plate theory. The different layers of the plate are assumed to be reinforced with functionally graded carbon nanotube composite or functionally graded graphene platelets composite. Modified nonlocal first-order plate theory is used to capture the molecular effects at nanoscale and extract the buckling equations. The along-thickness variation of reinforcing nanocomposites may be uniform or functionally graded, and functionality can be linear or nonlinear based on specific functions presented by scientists. Using a closed-form analytical solution, these partial differential governing equations are changed to a set of coupled ordinary differential equations that may be solved for the Levy-type boundary conditions (i.e., two opposite edges with simply supported and two other with edges arbitrary). The obtained results may be used as a useful benchmark for validation of other works developed in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the emergence of drug resistance of pathogens, it seem various strategies to be required to discover and develop new antimicrobial agents. Plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be promising alternative candidates against a variety of pathogens. Recently, various plant peptides have been identified and classified. Plant defensins are a class of cysteine-rich peptides with broad antimicrobial spectrum effects. In this study, an antimicrobial plant defensin peptide was identified successfully from EST library of garlic (Allium sativum L.) as well as expressed in E. coli expression system. The coding sequence of garlic defensin consist of an open reading frame (ORF) containing 216 base pairs that encodes a peptide of 71 amino acids with a putative extracellular signal peptide (24 amino acids) at the N- terminus. Analyze experimental data obtained from antimicrobial susceptibility assays shows that the garlic defensin has antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as models for Gram-negative and Gram positive bacteria, respectively. On the other hand, it was found that this defensin also possessed temperature and pH stability and its activity remained constant in different temperature and pH conditions. In summary, our findings provides important insights for producing and developing new potential antimicrobial compounds by using chemical synthesis and/or recombinant techniques in the future. [Display omitted] • Antimicrobial peptides represent a large family of small cysteine-rich cationic peptides. • Plant defensins play important roles in plant immune responses against pathogenic bacteria. • A plant defensin from garlic (Allium sativum L.) were identified using in silico and in vitro methods. • Some structural, physicochemical, and biological features of identified defensin were investigated and characterized. • This defensin appears can be considered as a potential peptide antibiotic drug for development and further assessment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Supportive end-of-life care plays a significant role for patients with cancer. Significantly, art and aesthetics in nursing are regarded as key components of nursing practice. They may contribute to supportive end-of-life care that nurses provide for patients with cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of aesthetic care training on nurses' perceptions of end-of-life care in patients with cancer. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with two groups of nurses working in the oncology wards of two hospitals in Kerman, Iran. A sample consisting of 100 nurses was selected by census and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 49) and a control group (n = 51). The experimental group received educational workshops on aesthetic care over four weekly-held 90-minute sessions. Both groups completed the Oncology Nurses' Perceptions of End-Of-Life Care (ONPEoLC) Scale before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 21 using t-test, Chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA. The significance level was set to p < 0.05. Results: The mean baseline scores on the ONPEoLC Scale were 163.08 ± 13.58 in the experimental group and 163.27 ± 14.57 in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Post-intervention mean scores in the experimental and control groups were 187.1 ± 18.22 and 159.11 ± 22.11, respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). One month after the intervention, the experimental and control groups' mean scores were 190.89 ± 11.13 and 165.80 ± 11.69, respectively, with a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, designing aesthetic care educational programs is an effective way to improve nurses' understanding of end-of-life care. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing faculties and educational policymakers utilize aesthetic care training to improve the nurses' perceptions of end-of-life care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Due to its curative anti-cancer properties, the evergreen tree yew (Taxus baccata L.) was well-known before recently. Water deficit is one of the most important environmental issues that has a detrimental influence on plant biochemical and physiological processes. By regulating plant processes at the molecular level, melatonin (MT), as a bioactive elicitor, helps plant growth and withstand stress. The goal of this research was to ascertain the impact of exogenous MT on several crucial phytochemical and physiological characteristics of yew under water scarcity. Methods: Under drought stress conditions (40, 60, 80 and 100% Field capacity (FC)), MT was applied on the leaves of yew plants at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 µM. Results: Exogenous application of MT (200 µM) caused varied biochemical responses and the highest shoot and root weight in plants. During mild drought stress, MT application increased RWC and chlorophyl content. Also, MT-treated plants in conditions of moderate drought stress (i.e., 60% FC) had higher essential oil (EO) content and yield than untreated plants. α-Pinene and β-Myrcene, as two main compounds, were highest in plants not treated with melatonin under severe drought stress (40% FC). The highest E-β-Caryophyllene and α-Humulen (two other major components) were obtained from 200 µM and control, respectively, under 100% FC. Conclusions: This research can be viewed as a useful approach to alleviate the negative impacts of water deficit stress, especially on pharmaceutical products, because the use of melatonin boosted the growth and phytochemical properties of yew in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sustainable enzymatic strategy for the preparation of amides by using Candida antarctica lipase B as the biocatalyst and cyclopentyl methyl ether as a green and safe solvent was devised. The method is simple and efficient and it produces amides with excellent conversions and yields without the need for intensive purification steps. The scope of the reaction was extended to the preparation of 28 diverse amides using four different free carboxylic acids and seven primary and secondary amines, including cyclic amines. This enzymatic methodology has the potential to become a green and industrially reliable process for direct amide synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is highlighted by high incidence of mortality and morbidity. Scutellarin is a flavone extracted from certain medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. This research study was done to investigate the beneficial effect of scutellarin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) murine model of AKI. Five groups of mice were used including control (without LPS injection), LPS group (LPS injection, 10 mg/kg), and LPS + Scutellarin25, 50, and/or 100 groups (receiving scutellarin orally at different doses of 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg before LPS injection). Scutellarin pretreatment effectively lowered kidney function markers (BUN, creatinine, and cystatin C), improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) besides enhancement of level, and/or gene expression for nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and also reduced oxidative stress factors including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, scutellarin reduced tissue level and/or gene expression of inflammatory markers comprising toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and properly raised anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. Moreover, scutellarin enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and attenuated histopathological changes in renal tissue subsequent to LPS challenge. Beneficial effects of scutellarin was associated with improvement of gene expression regarding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its coactivator PGC-1α as specific markers of mitochondrial biogenesis. These results indicate that scutellarin could protect against LPS-provoked AKI through restraining inflammation and oxidative stress and maintenance of mitochondrial health and biogenesis which is partly mediated through its regulation of Nrf2/PPAR-γ/PGC-1α/NF-kB/TLR4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: The spinal hydatid cyst is a benign pathology but has considerable morbidity. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients having signs and symptoms of spinal compression, particularly in endemic areas. Hydatid cyst is a parasitic infection caused by larvae of Echinococcus spp. Approximately 60%–70% of patients with spinal hydatidosis have lesions in the liver, 15%–20% have lung involvement, and only 0.5%–2% have bone involvement. Primary spinal hydatid cysts account for about 1% of cases. A 38‐year‐old woman with a history of back and chest pain that eventually led to numbness in the abdomen and legs was admitted to Iranmehr Hospital. The patient had a positive family history of hydatid cysts, and her brother had two pulmonary infestations when he was 40 years old. The cyst was not recognizable with MRI, and the patient was first admitted to diagnose a spinal cord tumor. During the surgery, a hydatid cyst was recognized. The cystic lesion was completely removed without any cystic rupture. Spinal hydatidosis is a rare disease with considerable morbidity and poor prognosis. It should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses when approaching a patient with spinal compression syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CH 3 OH steam reforming is an attractive way to produce hydrogen with high efficiency. In this study, CuO.xAl 2 O 3 (x = 1, 2, 3, and 4) were fabricated based on the solid-state route, and the calcined samples were employed in methanol steam reforming at atmospheric pressure and in the temperature range of 200–450 °C. The results revealed that all samples have a high BET area (173–275 m2 g−1), and their crystallinity was reduced by increasing the alumina content in the catalyst formulation. The catalytic activity tests showed that the CH 3 OH conversion and H 2 selectivity decreased by rising the Al 2 O 3 ·CuO molar ratio. The methanol conversion enhanced from 13% to 85% by increasing the reaction temperature from 200 °C to 450 °C over the CuO·Al 2 O 3 catalyst, due to the higher reducibility of this catalyst at lower temperatures compared to other prepared samples. The influence of calcination temperature (300–500 °C), GHSV (28,000–48000 ml h−1. g−1 cat), feed ratio (C:W = 1:1 to 1:9), and reduction temperature (250–450 °C) was also determined on the yield of the chosen sample. The results revealed that the maximum methanol conversion decreased from 90 to 79% by raising the calcination temperature from 300 to 500 °C due to the reduction of surface area and sintering of species at high calcination temperatures. [Display omitted] • The CuO–Al 2 O 3 catalysts were synthesized by the mechanochemical method. • Various molar ratios of CuO:Al 2 O 3 were used in methanol steam reforming. • The CuO–Al 2 O 3 (CuO:Al 2 O 3 = 1:1) possessed the best performance in this process. • The influence of calcination temperature and processing conditions were studied on the catalyst efficiency. • The high reducibility degree of the sample with an equimolar ratio of particles is the main reason for its better activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the dynamic instability of the hybrid fiber/nanocomposite-reinforced toroidal shells is investigated. By using the approximation of Fourier series and applying the Galerkin method, a semi-analytical solution is achieved. The proposed method provides an accurate assessment of the dynamic stability of the shell with no computational costs in comparison to the numerical methods. By comparing the obtained results for some examples with those available in the present literature, the accuracy of present formulation is approved. In order to evaluate the effects of geometrical and mechanical specifications on the dynamic instability of the proposed shells, a comprehensive parametric study is performed, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Iranian-Islamic spiritual well-being questionnaire (SWBQ), which involves 22 items adapted to the Iranian cultural context. Methods: The current study was descriptive-analytical. After designing the questions according to the Iranian-Islamic culture based on the literature review, the content validity was examined by experts (five people with a PhD in psychology), and the content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) indices were used to check the quantitative content validity. To check the face validity, ten people aged 18 to 60 were used as a sample. Also, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to check construct validity, and Cronbach’s α, test retest, and Spearman-Brown and Guttman split-half coefficients were used to check reliability. In examining the construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire, 400 adults aged 18 to 60 years were selected and assessed as a sample from Mashhad City in 2021 by available sampling. Results: The CVR for five experts was obtained to be >0.99, and the CVI for 22 terms of the questionnaire was obtained ≥0.79, which is in the desired range. The exploratory factor analysis identified six factors, which together explained 77.25% of the total variance. The results obtained from the confirmatory factor analysis supported the proposed model. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the Iranian-Islamic SWBQ and its factors was obtained from 0.77 to 0.91. In the split-half method, Spearman-Brown and Guttman correlation coefficients were 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. The test re-test reliability coefficients of the total score of the questionnaire and subscales were between 0.78 and 0.83. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the Iranian-Islamic SWBQ has favorable psychometric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional muscle-machine interfaces like Electromyography (EMG), have significant drawbacks, such as crosstalk, a non-linear relationship between the signal and the corresponding motion, and increased signal processing requirements. In this work, we introduce a new muscle-machine interfacing technique called lightmyography (LMG), that can be used to efficiently decode human hand gestures, motion, and forces from the detected contractions of the human muscles. LMG utilizes light propagation through elastic media and human tissue, measuring changes in light luminosity to detect muscle movement. Similar to forcemyography, LMG infers muscular contractions through tissue deformation and skin displacements. In this study, we look at how different characteristics of the light source and silicone medium affect the performance of LMG and we compare LMG and EMG based gesture decoding using various machine learning techniques. To do that, we design an armband equipped with five LMG modules, and we use it to collect the required LMG data. Three different machine learning methods are employed: Random Forests, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Temporal Multi-Channel Vision Transformers. The system has also been efficiently used in decoding the forces exerted during power grasping. The results demonstrate that LMG outperforms EMG for most methods and subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood product transfusion is a double-edged sword; it can be lifesaving in many circumstances, yet life-threatening serious complications may occur. Although transfusion-related reactions have decreased over the years as a result of hemovigilance networks all over the world, human errors still remain an important concern. In this case report, we describe a patient undergoing elective spinal surgery who received an incompatible blood product. Then we will describe measures to mitigate such errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient battery thermal management (BTM) is key to the safety and performance of Lithium-ion batteries. This study focuses on cooling a module of 15 prismatic Lithium-titanate cells at an 8C discharge rate using finite volume numerical modeling. Initially, the impact of Reynolds numbers and microchannel count on temperature is examined. Then, Phase change materials (PCM) are introduced to increase thermal management efficiency. Three cases for optimizing the hybrid-BTM system are compared: nanoparticles (1%–5% volume fraction), copper foam (93 % porosity), and micro-encapsulated PCM slurry (5%–15 % volume fraction). The results indicate that an increase in microchannels improves the performance evaluation criterion (PEC) by 93.1 %. Additionally, using copper foam increases the PEC by 18.43 %, 17.44 %, 16.53 %, and 16.31 % at Reynolds numbers 800, 1200, 1600, and 2000, respectively. Furthermore, the BTM system using 5 % nanoparticles demonstrates the best performance, reducing the module temperature by 2.41 % in the presence of copper foam and by 1.78 % in the pure state. Moreover, while the MPCM slurry effectively reduces the module temperature to a desirable level, the high pumping costs significantly decrease the PEC. Additionally, the total entropy of the BTM system follows frictional entropy, although thermal entropy effects dominate the PCM. • Analysis of active and hybrid battery thermal management systems. • First and second laws of thermodynamics thoroughly examined. • Nanoparticles and foam enhance hybrid system performance. • Reducing battery module temperature enhances performance and increases safety. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an analytical approach to investigate the geometrically nonlinear response of doubly curved imperfect shallow shells made of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG_CNTRC) under in-plane and lateral loads. For all of the case studies, the edges of shells are assumed to be diaphragm supports, which are subjected to in-plane edge-loads. The governing equations are developed for thin shells based on the classical theory considering the geometric nonlinear terms using the Von Karman–Donnell sense. The Galerkin method is used to solve the extended nonlinear system of differential equilibrium and compatibility equations. The solution results in a closed-form formula representing the equilibrium path (load-deflection relationship) of the shell which is validated by numerical methods, such as finite element and mesh-free methods. The parametric studies are performed for doubly curved and cylindrical shells subjected to uniform external pressure and in-plane edge loads, respectively. The effects of various parameters such as volume fraction of FG_CNTRCs and geometrical properties on the equilibrium paths are examined in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analytical solution for free-vibration and stability analyses of hybrid-composite toroidal shells. The considered hybrid material incorporates the composition of fibers and nanocomposite-reinforced matrix (NCRM) such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GPLs). The governing differential equations are extended based on the first-order transverse shear deformation theory (FSDT) and are solved by employing the approximation of Fourier series and Galerkin method. The considered hybrid composite material in the parametric studies are consisted of three layers in which the polymeric matrix are reinforced by CNTs in some layers and reinforced by GPLs in the other layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work introduced a framework to investigate the effectiveness of proton boron fusion therapy (PBFT) at the cellular level. The framework consisted of a cell array generator program coupled with PHITS Monte Carlo package with a dedicated terminal-based code editor that was developed in this work. The framework enabled users to model large cell arrays with normal, all boron, and random boron filled cytoplasm, to investigate the underlying mechanism of PBFT. It was found that alpha particles and neutrons could be produced in absence of boron mainly because of nuclear reaction induced by proton interaction with 16O, 12C and 14N nuclei. The effectiveness of PBFT is highly dependent on the incident proton energy, source size, cell array size, buffer medium thickness layer, concentration and distribution of boron in the cell array. To quantitatively assess the effectiveness of PBFT, of the total energy deposition by alpha particle for different cases were determined. The number of alpha particle hits in cell cytoplasm and nucleus for normal and 100 ppm boron were determined. The obtained results and the developed tools would be useful for future development of PBFT to objectively determine the effectiveness of this treatment modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fuzzy cellular automata is proposed to simulate bone degradation during osteoporosis. The initial three-dimensional (3D) bone microstructure is obtained from computed tomography (CT) images. Cellular automata algorithm is implemented to the 3D lattice and a Sugeno Fuzzy inference system is designed with nine sets of fuzzy rules to simulate the degradation process. A distance vector parameter is defined to describe the number of neighborhood cells that each cell can have a connection with. It is shown that by increasing the value of this distance vector, the results converge toward a quasi-constant degraded microstructure. The obtained microstructure is considered to be the final result and compared to prediction of bone degradation of the literature based on phase exchange calculated from mechanical strain energy. It is shown that the fuzzy cellular automata model predicts a more realistic bone degradation and microstructure distribution than the phase exchange method while having a model significantly simpler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geometric nonlinear response of spherical shells made of sandwich functionally graded material (SFGM) under uniform external pressure incorporating the effects of transverse shear deformations is considered. The equilibrium and compatibility nonlinear differential equations can be solved by using the modified interaction method. All of the equations are developed based on the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT). In the present study, the geometric nonlinear problem has been solved for special boundary conditions including movable and fixed clamped supports in the meridional direction. A closed-form nonlinear load-deflection relationship is developed for SFGM shell which expresses the equilibrium path of the shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel, cold-formed portal framing system that comprises tapered box members formed from two cold-formed nested channel sections. The proposed method possesses structural and nonstructural advantages, such as improved seismic performance, enhanced building hygiene through bird and dust resistance, further corrosion resistance, and aesthetic improvement, as a result of fly bracing removal. The novelty of the box member lies in the tapering ability of the section, leading to material and paint savings. To examine the failure mechanisms and structural performance of the tapered box portal frame and to investigate the adequacy of the design method, two full-scale portal frames with an 18.16-m span were built and tested to failure under two common loading scenarios. The first was lateral cyclic loading into the inelastic range in conjunction with a vertically acting permanent load. The possibility of ductile plastic hinge formation in a severe earthquake was investigated using lateral cyclic testing. The second was vertical loading to failure. A novel economic loading setup was used to apply the gravity load on the frame. For the seismic design of this section type, slenderness limits are proposed for seismic applications along with the design ductility. A rotational stiffness value for a nominally pinned portal frame column base was also suggested in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop a double-layer film composed of an intelligent, gelatin-based film integrated with active polyvinyl alcohol electrospun nanofibers (PVANFs). Eggplant skin extract (ESE), a colorimetric indicator, was incorporated into the gelatin-based film at varying concentrations ranging from 0 % to 8 % w /w. The gelatin film containing 8 % ESE was identified as the optimal formulation based on its superior color indication, water barrier, and mechanical properties. Savory essential oil (SEO)-loaded PVANFs were electrospun onto the optimized gelatin film to fabricate the double-layer film. Analysis of the chemical and crystalline structures and the double-layer film's thermal properties confirmed the gelatin film's physical integration with PVANFs. Morphological examination revealed a smooth surface on the film and a uniform fibrillar structure within the PVANFs. Furthermore, the developed double-layer film effectively detected spoilage in trout fish while controlling pH, oxidation, and microbial changes during storage. • A double-layer film consisting of PVA nanofibers and gelatin film was produced. • The double-layer film showed acceptable mechanical properties. • The electrospinning of PVA on gelatin film did not change morphology of nanofibers. • The double-layer film was successful in the detection of trout fish spoilage. • The double layer film controlled the spoilage of fish samples during storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of exogenous melatonin on the expression of key genes in the taxol biosynthesis pathway (DBAT and TXS) and on taxol accumulation in Taxus baccata L. plants under different drought stress conditions. The research sought to determine how melatonin could modulate biochemical pathways to enhance plant resilience and secondary metabolite synthesis under stress.The research was structured as a factorial experiment using a randomized complete design, with melatonin treatments at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 300 µM and drought stress levels corresponding to 100, 80, 60, and 40% field capacity. The primary endpoints analyzed were gene expression, taxol accumulation, plant growth parameters, and secondary metabolite production.The administration of 100 µM melatonin under mild drought conditions (80% FC) significantly enhanced the expression of the DBAT and TXS genes and resulted in the highest taxol production (1.93 mg g-1). Higher concentrations of melatonin (200 µM) were most effective in improving plant physiological traits including shoot and root biomass, height, and total chlorophyll content. Enhanced synthesis of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was particularly evident under moderate drought stress (60% FC) with melatonin treatments, underscoring an improved antioxidant capability.Melatonin significantly improves drought resilience and stimulates the biosynthesis of taxol in Taxus baccata. These findings support the potential of melatonin in agricultural applications to boost plant growth, enhance stress tolerance, and increase the production of economically important secondary metabolites.Methods: This study aimed to assess the impact of exogenous melatonin on the expression of key genes in the taxol biosynthesis pathway (DBAT and TXS) and on taxol accumulation in Taxus baccata L. plants under different drought stress conditions. The research sought to determine how melatonin could modulate biochemical pathways to enhance plant resilience and secondary metabolite synthesis under stress.The research was structured as a factorial experiment using a randomized complete design, with melatonin treatments at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 300 µM and drought stress levels corresponding to 100, 80, 60, and 40% field capacity. The primary endpoints analyzed were gene expression, taxol accumulation, plant growth parameters, and secondary metabolite production.The administration of 100 µM melatonin under mild drought conditions (80% FC) significantly enhanced the expression of the DBAT and TXS genes and resulted in the highest taxol production (1.93 mg g-1). Higher concentrations of melatonin (200 µM) were most effective in improving plant physiological traits including shoot and root biomass, height, and total chlorophyll content. Enhanced synthesis of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was particularly evident under moderate drought stress (60% FC) with melatonin treatments, underscoring an improved antioxidant capability.Melatonin significantly improves drought resilience and stimulates the biosynthesis of taxol in Taxus baccata. These findings support the potential of melatonin in agricultural applications to boost plant growth, enhance stress tolerance, and increase the production of economically important secondary metabolites.Results: This study aimed to assess the impact of exogenous melatonin on the expression of key genes in the taxol biosynthesis pathway (DBAT and TXS) and on taxol accumulation in Taxus baccata L. plants under different drought stress conditions. The research sought to determine how melatonin could modulate biochemical pathways to enhance plant resilience and secondary metabolite synthesis under stress.The research was structured as a factorial experiment using a randomized complete design, with melatonin treatments at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 300 µM and drought stress levels corresponding to 100, 80, 60, and 40% field capacity. The primary endpoints analyzed were gene expression, taxol accumulation, plant growth parameters, and secondary metabolite production.The administration of 100 µM melatonin under mild drought conditions (80% FC) significantly enhanced the expression of the DBAT and TXS genes and resulted in the highest taxol production (1.93 mg g-1). Higher concentrations of melatonin (200 µM) were most effective in improving plant physiological traits including shoot and root biomass, height, and total chlorophyll content. Enhanced synthesis of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was particularly evident under moderate drought stress (60% FC) with melatonin treatments, underscoring an improved antioxidant capability.Melatonin significantly improves drought resilience and stimulates the biosynthesis of taxol in Taxus baccata. These findings support the potential of melatonin in agricultural applications to boost plant growth, enhance stress tolerance, and increase the production of economically important secondary metabolites.Conclusions: This study aimed to assess the impact of exogenous melatonin on the expression of key genes in the taxol biosynthesis pathway (DBAT and TXS) and on taxol accumulation in Taxus baccata L. plants under different drought stress conditions. The research sought to determine how melatonin could modulate biochemical pathways to enhance plant resilience and secondary metabolite synthesis under stress.The research was structured as a factorial experiment using a randomized complete design, with melatonin treatments at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, and 300 µM and drought stress levels corresponding to 100, 80, 60, and 40% field capacity. The primary endpoints analyzed were gene expression, taxol accumulation, plant growth parameters, and secondary metabolite production.The administration of 100 µM melatonin under mild drought conditions (80% FC) significantly enhanced the expression of the DBAT and TXS genes and resulted in the highest taxol production (1.93 mg g-1). Higher concentrations of melatonin (200 µM) were most effective in improving plant physiological traits including shoot and root biomass, height, and total chlorophyll content. Enhanced synthesis of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was particularly evident under moderate drought stress (60% FC) with melatonin treatments, underscoring an improved antioxidant capability.Melatonin significantly improves drought resilience and stimulates the biosynthesis of taxol in Taxus baccata. These findings support the potential of melatonin in agricultural applications to boost plant growth, enhance stress tolerance, and increase the production of economically important secondary metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of ionizing radiation with matter is a stochastic process and statistical analysis of such a process would be a crucial step in understanding radioactivity. Geiger–Müller (GM) counter is a widely used radiation detector used in nuclear radiation surveying, which produces counts upon exposure to a radioactive source. There are a variety of multi-purpose software that can be used to perform statistical analysis of measured counts from a GM counter. However, statistical analysis is a lengthy, error prone and time-consuming process, which gets more tedious when the number of measurements increases. In the present work, we have developed an open-source and easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) computer program named RadStat for statistical analysis of counts measured by a GM counter. RadStat has its own scripting syntaxes and bundled with gnuplot for quick visualization of output results. We believe the present open-source GUI program would be a useful tool for research and teaching of nuclear radiation physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a vapor-phase deposition technique that has attracted increasing attention from both experimentalists and theoreticians in the last few decades. ALD is well-known to produce conformal, uniform, and pinhole-free thin films across the surface of substrates. Due to these advantages, ALD has found many engineering and biomedical applications. However, drawbacks of ALD should be considered. For example, the reaction mechanisms cannot be thoroughly understood through experiments. Moreover, ALD conditions such as materials, pulse and purge durations, and temperature should be optimized for every experiment. It is practically impossible to perform many experiments to find materials and deposition conditions that achieve a thin film with desired applications. Additionally, only existing materials can be tested experimentally, which are often expensive and hazardous, and their use should be minimized. To overcome ALD limitations, theoretical methods are beneficial and essential complements to experimental data. Recently, theoretical approaches have been reported to model, predict, and optimize different ALD aspects, such as materials, mechanisms, and deposition characteristics. Those methods can be validated using a different theoretical approach or a few knowledge-based experiments. This review focuses on recent computational advances in thermal ALD and discusses how theoretical methods can make experiments more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida antarctica lipase B-catalyzed hydrolysis of carbocyclic 5–8-membered cis β-amino esters was carried out in green organic media, under solvent-free and ball-milling conditions. In accordance with the high enantioselectivity factor (E > 200) observed in organic media, the preparative-scale resolutions of β-amino esters were performed in tBuOMe at 65 °C. The unreacted β-amino ester enantiomers (1R,2S) and product β-amino acid enantiomers (1S,2R) were obtained with modest to excellent enantiomeric excess (ee) values (ees > 62% and eep > 96%) and in good chemical yields (>25%) in one or two steps. The enantiomers were easily separated by organic solvent/H2O extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a disorder of growth control and cell differentiation caused by the abnormal expression of multiple genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulators of numerous biological processes, especially in the development of diseases. Abnormal expression of some lncRNAs causes disease, especially cancer, and disease resistance. lncRNAs may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and can be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers, and may also have therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Studies show that many lncRNAs have different effects on cell activity by regulating multiple downstream targets, such as signaling pathways that are signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). The STAT3 signaling pathway is one of the most critical pathways in developing various diseases, including cancer, which plays a vital role in cellular processes, disease onset and progression, and stem cell regeneration by regulating its target genes. STAT3 has been proven to be an anticancer target in various contexts. Types of genes can activate the STAT3 pathway in cancer. Many lncRNAs have been identified associated with the STAT3 pathway that is upstream or downstream. Oncogenic lncRNAs, including PVT1, HOTAIRM1, and MCM3AP-AS1, increase STAT3 expression, while tumor suppressor lncRNAs, such as TSLNC8, TPTEP1, and DILC decrease STAT3 expression. These lncRNAs can affect STAT3 signaling activity through numerous molecular mechanisms, including sponge of microRNAs, transcriptional activation/inhibition, and epigenetic alterations. Numerous studies show that targeting lncRNAs and molecules associated with the STAT3 signaling pathway are promising therapeutic strategies for various cancers. This review highlighted the mechanisms of the upstream lncRNAs of the STAT3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most key areas of dentistry is dental implant surgery. The use of digital equipment and software in dentistry has developed considerably in recent years compared to other fields of medicine. Since examining the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, along with case studies, can help physicians make informed decisions, this review study aims to raise the awareness of dentists to make easier decisions about using guided or free-hand surgery. When planning for a dental implant, one of the most challenging questions that doctors face is which method to use (guided surgery or free-hand). Choosing the right method, such as other clinical considerations, will depend on the individual circumstances of each patient and the preference of the treating physician. Free-hand surgery is a cost-effective method in which the flap is reflected, and, according to the doctor's diagnostic information, an implant is placed, which in many cases is a useful method. Guided surgery has the highest level of accuracy and control, in which osteotomy is designed and printed through a digital surgery guide, and depending on the complexity of the case and the patient's anatomy, it has a higher level of value than free surgery. The surgical guide helps the surgeon make the implant surgery more accurate, safer, simpler, at a lower cost, and in less time. In fact, there are patterns that convey information about the position of the tooth to the dentist before the implant is placed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monte Carlo method is employed in this study to simulate the proton irradiation of a water-gel phantom. Positron-emitting radionuclides such as 11C, 15O, and 13N are scored using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport Code System Monte Carlo code package. Previously, it was reported that as a result of 16O(p,2p2n)13N nuclear reaction, whose threshold energy is relatively low (5.660 MeV), a 13N peak is formed near the actual Bragg peak. Considering the generated 13N peak, we obtain offset distance values between the 13N peak and the actual Bragg peak for various incident proton energies ranging from 45 to 250 MeV, with an energy interval of 5 MeV. The offset distances fluctuate between 1.0 and 2.0 mm. For example, the offset distances between the 13N peak and the Bragg peak are 2.0, 2.0, and 1.0 mm for incident proton energies of 80, 160, and 240 MeV, respectively. These slight fluctuations for different incident proton energies are due to the relatively stable energy-dependent cross-section data for the 16O(p,2p2n)13N nuclear reaction. Hence, we develop an open-source computer program that performs linear and non-linear interpolations of offset distance data against the incident proton energy, which further reduces the energy interval from 5 to 0.1 MeV. In addition, we perform spectral analysis to reconstruct the 13N Bragg peak, and the results are consistent with those predicted from Monte Carlo computations. Hence, the results are used to generate three-dimensional scatter plots of the 13N radionuclide distribution in the modeled phantom. The obtained results and the developed methodologies will facilitate future investigations into proton range monitoring for therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important and simple ways to improve the performance of heatsinks is to make small changes in their designs. In this work, considering a reference structure for a pin-fin heatsink, different modes are examined through simulation by shifting the location of input/output currents. The operating fluid is water, and by raising its Reynolds number (Re) number in the laminar flow range (500–2000), functional parameters such as convective heat transfer coefficient (h), distribution of temperature in fluid/heatsink, thermal resistance, performance evaluation criterion value as well as the thermal and frictional entropy generation rates are evaluated. The significant point of the results was that, the geometry in which the inlet and outlet streams were perpendicular to the top plate and on either side of the diameter, and the geometry in which the input and output were placed on two opposite sides (rectangular widths) showed the highest efficiencies. In contrast, the placement of the input/output currents in one direction of the side plate had the lowest performance. Although boosting the inlet flow velocity increased heat transfer, it augmented the production of thermal and frictional entropy (especially frictional) as well as raised the pumping power. The highest PEC value obtained was equal to 1.131, which belongs to the geometry in which the input and output were placed on two opposite sides (rectangular widths) and occurred at Re = 1000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine whether adjunctive use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a‐PDT) in peri‐implant diseases improves clinical outcomes in smokers. An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE (through PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The primary outcome measures were bleeding on probing (BOP) and pocket depth (PD). Plaque index (PI) was the secondary outcome. Four RCTs, (188 participants) comprised of 118 cigarette smokers, 38 E‐cig smokers and 32 water pipe smokers with follow‐up periods ranged from 6 weeks to 6 months were recruited. All trials applied diode laser in one session with wavelengths ranged from 660 to 670 nm. There was a significant difference between mechanical debridement (MD)+a‐PDT and MD alone groups in PD (WMD = −1.26 mm, 95% CI: −2.19 to −0.32, P = 0.01) and PI (WMD = −10.60%, 95% CI: −14.46 to −6.74, P < 0.001) at 3‐month follow‐up. However, a great amount of heterogeneity was observed (PD: χ2 = 199.19, I2 = 98%, P < 0.001 and PI: χ2 = 25.63, I2 = 84.4%, P < 0.001). Due to methodological heterogeneity and small number of studies, this systematic review was unable to reach conclusive evidence in regards of adjunctive a‐PDT efficacy in improving clinical parameters in smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) has been suggested to improve the glycemic profile (GP) among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and pre-diabetes patients, although the precise effect of the findings has not yet been assessed. The current study aimed to conduct a systematic review and analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of cumin consumption on GP. Methods: PUBMED, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to identify studies up to February 2024. Qualifying studies conducted RCTs examining the effects of cumin consumption compared to control on GP. Summary statistics included weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Pooled analysis includes a total of seven RCTs (eight treatment arms) with 588 participants. Meta-analysis revealed a significant relationship between the intake of cumin and reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: - 22.59 mg/dl; 95% CI: -41.62, -3.55; p = 0.020) as well as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD: -0.83; 95% CI: -1.06, -0.59; p<0.001). However, insulin levels, beta-cell function (HOMA-B), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and insulin sensitivity (QUICKI) showed no significant alteration. In subgroup analysis, studies using doses >75 g/d showed a significant decrease in insulin, and HbA1c and a significant increase in HOMA-IR. Furthermore, a considerable reduction was noted in insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR within the trials that lasted > 8 weeks. Conclusion: The findings of our study indicate that cumin significantly improves patients' GP by lowering FBG and HbA1c values. To determine the advantages of cumin on GP, more research is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meningioma is associated with the development of vasogenic edema defined as disrupted blood brain barrier. Vitamin D3 through its own nuclear receptor can regulate the expression of many effective agents on the integrity of the blood brain barrier. This study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative serum levels of 25(OH)D and peritumoral brain edema in patients with meningioma. One hundred and twelve patients with meningioma completed the study. Serum 25(OH)D levels assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were done for all patients at the beginning of the study. The percentage of edema index (EI) was used to estimate the extent of peritumoral brain edema through preoperative MRI. The median serum level of 25(OH)D in the patients with the percentage of EI < 100% was significantly higher than those with > 100% (65.58 vs. 37.33, P < 0.001). The median percentage of EI was 24.9. Preoperative serum levels of 25(OH)D had an inverse and significant correlation with the percentage of EI as by increasing each 1 ng/mL of serum 25(OH)D, EI was decreased approximately 4% (95% CI; −5.984 to −1.952, P < 0.001). Vitamin D may be a protective factor for peritumoral brain edema of meningioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does the human brain encode visual object categories? Our understanding of this has advanced substantially with the development of multivariate decoding analyses. However, conventional electroencephalography (EEG) decoding predominantly uses the mean neural activation within the analysis window to extract category information. Such temporal averaging overlooks the within-trial neural variability that is suggested to provide an additional channel for the encoding of information about the complexity and uncertainty of the sensory input. The richness of temporal variabilities, however, has not been systematically compared with the conventional mean activity. Here we compare the information content of 31 variability-sensitive features against the mean of activity, using three independent highly varied data sets. In whole-trial decoding, the classical event-related potential (ERP) components of P2a and P2b provided information comparable to those provided by original magnitude data (OMD) and wavelet coefficients (WC), the two most informative variability-sensitive features. In time-resolved decoding, the OMD and WC outperformed all the other features (including the mean), which were sensitive to limited and specific aspects of temporal variabilities, such as their phase or frequency. The information was more pronounced in the theta frequency band, previously suggested to support feedforward visual processing. We concluded that the brain might encode the information in multiple aspects of neural variabilities simultaneously such as phase, amplitude, and frequency rather than mean per se. In our active categorization data set, we found that more effective decoding of the neural codes corresponds to better prediction of behavioral performance. Therefore, the incorporation of temporal variabilities in time-resolved decoding can provide additional category information and improved prediction of behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel, two-degree of freedom mathematical model of mechanical vibrations of the heart that generates heart sounds in CircAdapt, a complete real-time model of the cardiovascular system. Heart sounds during rest, exercise, biventricular (BiVHF), left ventricular (LVHF) and right ventricular heart failure (RVHF) were simulated to examine model functionality in various conditions. Simulated and experimental heart sound components showed both qualitative and quantitative agreements in terms of heart sound morphology, frequency, and timing. Rate of left ventricular pressure (LV dp/dtmax) and first heart sound (S1) amplitude were proportional with exercise level. The relation of the second heart sound (S2) amplitude with exercise level was less significant. BiVHF resulted in amplitude reduction of S1. LVHF resulted in reverse splitting of S2 and an amplitude reduction of only the left-sided heart sound components, whereas RVHF resulted in a prolonged splitting of S2 and only a mild amplitude reduction of the right-sided heart sound components. In conclusion, our hemodynamics-driven mathematical model provides fast and realistic simulations of heart sounds under various conditions and may be helpful to find new indicators for diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac diseases. New & noteworthy: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first hemodynamic-based heart sound generation model embedded in a complete real-time computational model of the cardiovascular system. Simulated heart sounds are similar to experimental and clinical measurements, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Our model can be used to investigate the relationships between heart sound acoustic features and hemodynamic factors/anatomical parameters. Author summary: Among various vital signals used for diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac diseases, heart sounds are not employed precisely because physicians subjectively assess their auscultatory findings. On the other hand, recorded heart sounds are also difficult to quantitatively relate to different cardiac conditions given the complex nature of their generation. We therefore employed cardiovascular modeling and developed a novel hemodynamics-driven mathematical model for heart sound generation to unravel the relationships between heart sounds and other vital signals. Simulated and experimental heart sound components showed qualitative and quantitative agreements in terms of heart sound morphology, frequency, and timing, not only during normal conditions, but also during simulated exercise and heart failure. Our model can be used to understand generation of heart sounds in more details and may be helpful to find new diagnostic indicators and treatment methods of cardiac disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some concepts in nuclear radiation physics are abstract and intellectually demanding. In the present paper, an "MCHP platform" (MCHP was an acronym for Monte Carlo simulations + Human Phantoms) was proposed to provide assistance to the students through visualization. The platform involved Monte Carlo simulations of interactions between ionizing radiations and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) adult male human phantom. As an example to demonstrate the benefits of the proposed MCHP platform, the present paper investigated the variation of the absorbed photon dose per photon from a 137Cs source in three selected organs, namely, brain, spine and thyroid of an adult male for concrete and lead shields with varying thicknesses. The results were interesting but not readily comprehensible without direct visualization. Graphical visualization snapshots as well as video clips of real time interactions between the photons and the human phantom were presented for the involved cases, and the results were explained with the help of such snapshots and video clips. It is envisaged that, if the platform is found useful and effective by the readers, the readers can also propose examples to be gradually added onto this platform in future, with the ultimate goal of enhancing students' understanding and learning the concepts in an undergraduate nuclear radiation physics course or a related course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain ventricles is called hydrocephalus, which results in increased intracranial pressure preventing brain growth or causing damage to intracranial structures due to raised intracranial pressure. One of the most common treatment options for this pathology includes the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to drain the excess fluid. The location of catheterization is traditionally considered as an important factor affecting shunt survival. In this study, we aimed to systematically review all available documents to determine the advantage and superiority of frontal or occipital shunt entry points as the two main approaches. A database search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Ovid, and Google Scholar using "ventriculoperitoneal", "shunt placement", and "hydrocephalus" as the main key terms. Resultant articles were screened for relevancy based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria by two authors independently. After excluding irrelevant documents, the data of 11 related articles consisting of 3947 patients were extracted and qualitative data synthesis and pooled analysis were performed. The results of the included studies showed that although the outcomes of a higher percentage of the total review population were in favor of frontal shunt placement, there was no significant superiority for neither of these two approaches after pooled analysis of available failure rates. Findings have shown that each approach has benefits and drawbacks, and there may be other factors such as age and valve design besides the position of shunt placement that may affect the survival rate. Also, the accuracy of shunt placement as an independent factor affects the failure rate and can be improved with various image-guidance methods to minimize shunt failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a disorder of growth control and cell differentiation caused by the abnormal expression of multiple genes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulators of numerous biological processes, especially in the development of diseases. Abnormal expression of some lncRNAs causes disease, especially cancer, and disease resistance. lncRNAs may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and can be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers, and may also have therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. Studies show that many lncRNAs have different effects on cell activity by regulating multiple downstream targets, such as signaling pathways that are signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). The STAT3 signaling pathway is one of the most critical pathways in developing various diseases, including cancer, which plays a vital role in cellular processes, disease onset and progression, and stem cell regeneration by regulating its target genes. STAT3 has been proven to be an anticancer target in various contexts. Types of genes can activate the STAT3 pathway in cancer. Many lncRNAs have been identified associated with the STAT3 pathway that is upstream or downstream. Oncogenic lncRNAs, including PVT1, HOTAIRM1, and MCM3AP-AS1, increase STAT3 expression, while tumor suppressor lncRNAs, such as TSLNC8, TPTEP1, and DILC decrease STAT3 expression. These lncRNAs can affect STAT3 signaling activity through numerous molecular mechanisms, including sponge of microRNAs, transcriptional activation/inhibition, and epigenetic alterations. Numerous studies show that targeting lncRNAs and molecules associated with the STAT3 signaling pathway are promising therapeutic strategies for various cancers. This review highlighted the mechanisms of the upstream lncRNAs of the STAT3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • EpOMEs act as resolving immune responses in insects. • EpOMEs elevate a baculoviral virulence by inhibiting anti-viral responses. • AUDA inhibits EpOME degradation and enhances the baculoviral virulence. Epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acids (EpOMEs) are produced from linoleic acid by a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) and play a crucial role in terminating excessive and unnecessary immune responses during the late infection stage in insects. This suggests that an increase in the EpOME level may enhance the virulence of insect pathogens against pests. This study tested this hypothesis using a specific inhibitor against soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to degrade EpOMEs, which leads to elevated endogenous EpOME levels. A baculovirus, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), was used to infect three different lepidopteran insects (Spodoptera exigua , Maruca vitrata , and Plutella xylostella) by oral feeding or hemocoelic injection treatments. Within one hour, the viral infection induced the expression of three different phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2) genes and, after 12 h, up-regulated the expressions of CYP and sEH genes in Spodopera exigua. As expected, AcMNPV virulence was suppressed by the addition of arachidonic acid (a catalytic product of PLA 2) but was enhanced by the addition of either of the EpOME regioisomers. In addition, treatment with a specific sEH inhibitor (AUDA) increased AcMNPV virulence against three different lepidopteran insects, presumably by increasing endogenous EpOME levels. This enhanced effect of EpOMEs on virulence was further supported by specific RNA interference (RNAi), in which RNAi specific to CYP expression decreased AcMNPV virulence while a specific RNAi against sEH expression significantly enhanced virulence. In response to AcMNPV infection, TUNEL assay results showed that S. exigua larvae exhibited apoptosis in the midgut, fat body, and epidermis. Inhibition of apoptosis by a pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, significantly increased virulence. Similarly, the addition of AUDA to the viral treatment suppressed the gene expression of five inducible caspases and cytochrome C to suppress apoptosis, which led to a significant increase in the tissue viral titers. These results indicate that EpOMEs play a role in terminating excessive and unnecessary immune responses against viral infection during the late stage by down-regulating antiviral apoptosis in lepidopteran insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Folded structures hold significant importance in aerospace technology due to their distinct design, effectively reconciling strength with a lightweight framework. Within aerospace applications, these structures fulfill diverse roles, serving as pivotal elements in aircraft wings, fuselage sections, and essential components of spacecraft and satellites. This study delves into the free vibration behavior of folded sandwich plates composed of a porous core and functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) coatings, resting on a two-parameter elastic foundation. Leveraging first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT), elasto-dynamic equations are established for each individual plate segment. Utilizing the two-dimensional generalized differential quadrature method (2D-GDQM), these equations are discretized. Subsequently, by applying boundary conditions to all six edges, including traditional clamped, simply supported, and free configurations, and incorporating continuity conditions for displacements, forces, and moments at the joint borders, natural frequencies and modal shapes are extracted for the folded plate structure. The validity of the proposed formulation and results is demonstrated by comparing them with numerical examples for both composite flat and folded plates. This comparison provides strong support for the accuracy and reliability of the present study. The study comprehensively examines the influence of various parameters on natural frequencies, including modal shape visualizations under different boundary configurations, plate thickness, crank angle, porosity parameter, core thickness, foundation stiffness, and CNTs distribution type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon immune challenge, recognition signals trigger insect immunity to remove the pathogens through cellular and humoral responses. Various immune mediators propagate the immune signals to nearby tissues, in which polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) derivatives play crucial roles. However, little was known on how the insects terminate the activated immune responses after pathogen neutralization. Interestingly, C20 PUFA was detected at the early infection stage and later C18 PUFAs were induced in a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. This study showed the role of epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acids (EpOMEs) in the immune resolution at the late infection stage to quench the excessive and unnecessary immune responses. In contrast, dihydroxy-octadecamonoenoates (DiHOMEs) were the hydrolyzed and inactive forms of EpOMEs. The hydrolysis is catalyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Inhibitors specific to sEH mimicked the immunosuppression induced by EpOMEs. Furthermore, the inhibitor treatments significantly enhanced the bacterial virulence of Bacillus thuringiensis against S. exigua. This study proposes a negative control of the immune responses using EpOME/DiHOME in insects. [Display omitted] • Little was known on how the insects terminate the activated immune responses after pathogen neutralization. • C20 PUFA was detected at the early infection stage and later C18 PUFAs were induced in a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. • At the late infection stage, EpOMEs play crucial roles in quenching the excessive and unnecessary immune responses. In contrast, DiHOMEs were the hydrolyzed and inactive forms of EpOMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) was synthesized on nickel cobalt phosphide (NiCoP)-coated nickel foam (NF) using cyclic voltammetry (CV) as an effective electrode material in supercapacitor. The physical, chemical, and electrochemical properties of the electrodes were evaluated using different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD). The electrochemical performance of this bilayer-structured electrode was investigated. The two-layered structure of NiCoP@MoS 2 provided a high specific capacitance of 2352.407 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, energy density of 52 Wh Kg−1 at power density of 321 W kg−1. Consequently, the NiCoP@MoS 2 electrode material is expected to be a promising option for supercapacitor applications and other energy devices. [Display omitted] • Nickel cobalt phosphide (NiCoP) was synthesized on the nickel foam (NF) by using the cyclic voltammetry electrodeposition method. • To improve the electrochemical performance, molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) was electrodeposited on the NiCoP-coated NF using CV. • Hybrid supercapacitor showed high specific capacitance (2352.40 F g−1 at 1 A g−1). • High energy density (52 Wh kg−1 at 321 W kg−1) was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]