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Introduction: Several landmark randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the efficacy of sodium‐glucose co‐transport 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in reducing all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations. Much interest surrounds their mechanism of action and whether they have direct effects on reverse cardiac remodelling. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis of placebo controlled RCTs evaluating the impact of SGLT2 inhibition on imaging derived markers of reverse cardiac remodelling in patients with HF. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) Statement and Cochrane Collaboration. Data interrogation of each major database including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library was performed. RCTs evaluating HF patients >18 years comparing SGLT2 inhibitor versus placebo‐control were included. Outcome measures included left ventricular end‐diastolic volume and volume index (LVEDV/LVEDVi), left ventricular end‐systolic volume and volume index (LVSDV/LVSDVi), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMi), left atrial volume index (LAVi) and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS). Studies with an HF with preserved ejection fraction population were excluded from analysis of parameters, which would be significantly affected by baseline LVEF, such as volumes and LVEF. The mean difference and standard error were extracted from each study and a random effects model used pool the mean difference and standard error across studies. A pre‐specified sub‐group analysis was performed to stratify results according to imaging modality used (cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography). This study is registered on PROSPERO: CRD42023482722. Results: Seven randomized, placebo‐controlled trials in patients with HF comprising a total population of 657 patients were included. Overall LVEF of included studies ranged from 29 ± 8.0% to 55.5 ± 4.2%. In studies included in analysis of HFrEF parameters, baseline LVEF ranged from 29 ± 8% to 45.5 ± 12%. Pooled data demonstrated SGLT2 inhibition, compared with placebo control, resulted in significant improvements in mean difference of LVEDV [−11.62 ml (95% confidence interval, CI −17.90 to −5.25; z = 3.67, P = 0.0004)], LVEDVi [−6.08 ml (95% CI −9.96 to −2.20; z = 3.07; P = 0.002)], LVESV [−12.47 ml (95% CI −19.12 to −5.82; z = 3.68; P = 0.0002)], LVESVi [−6.02 ml (95% CI −10.34 to −1.70; z = 2.73; P = 0.006)], LVM [−9.77 g (95% CI −17.65 to −1.89; z = 2.43; P = 0.02)], LVMi (−3.52 g [95% CI −7.04 to 0.01; z = 1.96; P = 0.05)] and LVEF [+2.54 mL (95% CI 1.10 to 3.98; z = 3.62; P = 0.0005)]. No significant difference in GLS (n = 327) [+0.42% (95%CI −0.19 to 1.02; P = 0.18)] or LAVi [−3.25 ml (95% CI −8.20 to 1.69; z = 1.29; P = 0.20)] was noted. Conclusion: This meta‐analysis provides additional data and insight into the effects of SGLT2 inhibition on reverse cardiac remodelling in patients with HF. Compared with placebo control, we found that treatment with a SGLT2 inhibitor produced significant improvements in several markers of reverse cardiac remodelling. [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]

The joints of cold-formed steel (CFS) portal frames with box sections are primarily formed either through stiffened welded connections or by bolted end plates, which typically involve costly full penetration butt welds. In New Zealand, CFS portal frames with nested tapered box beam (NTBB) sections are popular, and the joints of these portal frames are also formed through a bolted end plate system. In literature, it was found that welds in these joints are prone to cracking in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) under bearing opening moments (tension). Therefore, this paper focuses on proposing an alternative connection system (bolted-side plate) for eaves joints without any weld, aiming to reduce the overall cost of construction and increase construction speed. The performance (strength and stiffness) of these joints is mainly dependent on the geometric details of the bolted-side plate, which is limited in Australia/New Zealand standards (AS/NZ 4600). Herein, a non-linear finite element (FE) model was developed for the NTBB portal frame and validated against the experimental test results from the literature. Firstly, the validated FE model was used to investigate the feasibility of using bolted-side plates for NTBB portal frames and found that the bolted-side plate can increase the ultimate capacity of NTBB portal frame by 9%. A parametric study was then conducted by considering different geometric details of the bolted-side plates under both closing (gravity) and opening (wind uplift) moments. Finally, unified design equations for the moment capacity of bolted-side plates were proposed based on the results of the parametric study, and their accuracy was assessed through reliability analysis. [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]

Despite reaching enormous achievements in therapeutic approaches worldwide, GBM still remains the most incurable malignancy among various cancers. It emphasizes the necessity of adjuvant therapies from the perspectives of both patients and healthcare providers. Therefore, most emerging studies have focused on various complementary and adjuvant therapies. Among them, metabolic therapy has received special attention, and metformin has been considered as a treatment in various types of cancer, including GBM. It is clearly evident that reaching efficient approaches without a comprehensive evaluation of the key mechanisms is not possible. Among the studied mechanisms, one of the more challenging ones is the effect of metformin on apoptosis and senescence. Moreover, metformin is well known as an insulin sensitizer. However, if insulin signaling is facilitated in the tumor microenvironment, it may result in tumor growth. Therefore, to partially resolve some paradoxical issues, we conducted a narrative review of related studies to address the following questions as comprehensively as possible: 1) Does the improvement of cellular insulin function resulting from metformin have detrimental or beneficial effects on GBM cells? 2) If these effects are detrimental to GBM cells, which is more important: apoptosis or senescence? 3) What determines the cellular decision between apoptosis and senescence? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Reading proficiency and problem-solving capabilities represent two distinct yet significant cognitive faculties that exert a considerable influence on both personal and societal dimensions of individuals' lives. Problem-solving constitutes a fundamental component of cognitive processing. In the absence of an accurate delineation and comprehension of the problem, selecting an appropriate method for its resolution becomes untenable. A critical competency requisite for the accurate interpretation of the problem is reading proficiency. This study aims to examine the correlation between the reading capabilities of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their aptitude for solving mathematical verbal problems. Methods: The methodology employed in this research is descriptive (non-experimental) quantitative and correlational in nature. The statistical population comprises high-functioning autism students (level one) attending both regular and specialized educational institutions within Khuzestan province. Data acquisition was facilitated through the use of a standardized reading skills questionnaire alongside a researcher-developed questionnaire focused on verbal and mathematical problems. The analytical approach adopted involved regression analysis and hierarchical methods. Results: The results indicated a significant correlation between the reading proficiency of students with autism spectrum disorder and each of its respective dimensions with the ability to solve mathematical verbal problems. Conclusions: Furthermore, enhancing each of these competencies is likely to concurrently bolster the verbal problem-solving capabilities of students with autism spectrum disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the broad acceptance of distance education (DE), with university professors and students conducting the teaching–learning process remotely from their homes. The propose of this study to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify risk factors associated with DE that may contribute to an increased incidence of these disorders among university professors. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study took a comparative approach and involved 310 university professors in Iran. Data were gathered using an online questionnaire. Initially, demographic and occupational information of the professors, hours of physical activity, and hours spent using electronic devices were recorded. Participants were then asked to report MSDs in various body areas throughout the previous year and the previous seven days. Finally, MSDs risk factors such as workstation ergonomics during computer, laptop, smartphone, and tablet use, as well as working postures during online teaching or offline content development during the COVID-19 pandemic, were examined. Results: The majority of the participants were male (66.13%), with a PhD (46.77%) and a faculty member position (74.2%). On average, the use of computers and laptops increased by 2.67 h and 2.72 h, respectively, during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. This increase was statistically significant (P < 0.001). MSDs incidence increased significantly before and during the COVID pandemic was observed in the areas of the neck, shoulders, lower and upper back, arms, forearms, wrists and fingers (P < 0.05). The highest cumulative incidence (Cin) of MSDs was related to the neck (Cin = 24.20%), upper back (Cin = 21.29%), low back (Cin = 18.06%) and fingers (Cin = 16.13%). The prevalence of MSDs during the COVID pandemic was significantly associated with employment status (P = 0.042), work experience (P = 0.016), age (P = 0.027), increase in the use of computers/ laptops (P < 0.001), decrease of the smartphone/tablet distance from the body (P = 0.047), workstation (smartphone-tablet, computer, laptop) (P < 0.05), head position (smartphone-tablet) (P = 0.029), display height (computer/laptop) (P = 0.045) and physical activity (P = 0.006). Conclusions: It appears that the increased duration of smartphone, computer, and laptop use, combined with decreased physical activity and detrimental changes in ergonomic conditions of workstations during the quarantine period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a shift from dynamic to static tasks and an increase in the prevalence and incidence of MSDs among university professors. [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]

This study employs a sophisticated bi‐level optimization methodology to model the most efficient operation of microgrids (MGs) within the operational framework of distribution companies (DCs). In this bi‐level optimization problem, the upper level strives to maximize the profits of both MGs owners and DCs, while the lower level is dedicated to ensuring load balance, managing distributed generation, and implementing load curtailment strategies. The coordination of power transmission is facilitated by the DCs. At the upper level of decision‐making, the optimal pricing strategies for power transactions are determined, accounting for various factors such as market prices, demand response programs, and uncertainties in wind speed. Through the utilization of a bi‐level optimization framework, this study comprehensively captures the complex interactions between MGs and DCs, taking into consideration the objectives and constraints of both entities. This approach offers a more precise representation of the decision‐making process in retail electricity markets, thereby providing valuable insights into the optimal operation of MGs within the DCs setting. [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]

Tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLCD) and tomato leaf curl disease (TLCD) cause serious losses in tomato production, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions. In 2014–2015, tomato samples with TYLCD/TLCD-like symptoms were collected from different provinces of Iraq and infection with tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) identified. To study the diversity of TYLCV, DNA of eight positive samples from this survey was used for rolling-circle amplification, cloning and sequencing. Pairwise nucleotide sequence comparisons with complete genomes showed that the Iraqi TYLCV isolates belonged to the strains TYLCV-IL and TYLCV-Mld. In a phylogenetic analysis, the Iraqi TYLCV-IL isolates grouped into three distinct clades, consisting of TYLCV-IL (A) and the two new variants TYLCV-IL (D) and TYLCV-IL (E). The Iraqi isolate of TYLCV-Mld grouped into the newly proposed TYLCV-Mld (D) variant. For one sample, sequencing also revealed co-infection with tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPalV). The phylogenetic tree of ToLCPalV DNA-A showed a close relationship between the isolates of different hosts from Iraq and Iran. No evidence of recombination was detected in ToLCPalV DNA-A, but recombination was observed for the TYLCV isolates. The results indicate that there is a high diversity of TYLCV in Iraq, including new variants, that is partly shared with Kuwait and countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Occurrence of multiple TYLCV variants and ToLCPalV can act as a potential threat to tomato production in Iraq. [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]

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) a central nervous system autoimmune disorder, mainly affecting young adults and more prevalent among women, can lead to sexual dysfunction (SD) among both males and females with MS. Female sexual dysfunction can be defined as dyspareunia, a lack of sexual desire, disorders in the arousal and orgasm phases, and sexual pain disorders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes in sexual function among females with MS whose treatment was switched from first-line injectable medications to other agents after a six-month duration. And assess the changes in all three domains of SD. Methods: In this longitudinal study females diagnosed with MS, aged between 18 and 50 years old, and were candidates for switching their treatment from interferon beta-1a (intra-muscular and subcutaneous), and Glatiramer Acetate (GA), to Fingolimod, Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF), or Natalizumab (NTZ) due to patients' convenience and tolerability and adverse events were included. "Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19" was used to evaluate the SD changes before and six months after the new treatment initiation. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS V.24 software. Histograms and the Shapiro-Wilk test were used to assess the normality of the variables; due to the non-normal distribution of quantitative variables (except for age), the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the scores, before and six months after the medication change. The level of significance was considered less than 0.05. Results: Out of 107 female participants (average age: 35.09 ± 5.61), The mean of overall MSISQ-19 scores, before and six months after the medication change were not significant (p-value = 0.091). However, considering the subdomains, the medication changes only affected the tertiary subdomain of MSISQ-19 (p-value = 0.017). Still, the scores of other subdomains did not change significantly (p-value = 0.761 for primary SD and 0.479 for secondary SD). Also, there wasn't any significant difference between EDSS before and after the medication change (p-value = 0.461). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this was the first study, assessing the effect of MS medication change on the improvement of SD among patients. According to the results of the presented cross-sectional study, we found that during a six-month period, the tertiary subdomain of MSISQ-19 symptoms improved significantly, while the changes in other SD domains were not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Over the course of 2023, numerous key clinical trials with valuable contributions to clinical cardiology were published or presented at major international conferences. This review seeks to summarise these trials and reflect on their clinical context. Methods: The authors collated and reviewed clinical trials presented at major cardiology conferences during 2023 including the American College of Cardiology (ACC), European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EuroPCR), European Society of Cardiology (ESC), Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT), American Heart Association (AHA), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), TVT-The Heart Summit (TVT) and Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT). Trials with a broad relevance to the cardiology community and those with potential to change current practice were included. Results: A total of 80 key cardiology clinical trials were identified for inclusion. Key trials in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and antiplatelet management such as HOST-IDEA, T-PASS and STOP-DAPT3 were included in addition to several pivotal interventional trials such as ORBITA 2, MULTISTARS-AMI, ILUMIEN-IV, OCTIVUS and OCTOBER. Additionally, several trials evaluated new stent design and technology such as BIOSTEMI, PARTHENOPE and TRANSFORM. Structural intervention trials included long-term data from PARTNER 3, new data on the durability of transcatheter aortic valve intervention (TAVI), in addition to major new trials regarding transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention from TRISCEND II. Heart failure (HF) and prevention covered several key studies including DAPA-MI, STEP-HF, ADVOR, DICTATE HF and CAMEO-DAPA. In cardiac devices and electrophysiology, several trial exploring novel ablation strategies in atrial fibrillation (AF) such as PULSED AF and ADVENT were presented with further data evaluating the efficacy of anticoagulation in subclinical AF in NOAH-AFNET 6, FRAIL AF and AZALEA-TIMI 71. Conclusion: This article presents a summary of key clinical cardiology trials published and presented during the past year and should be of interest to both practising clinicians and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultracentrifugation is an attractive method for separating full and empty capsids, exploiting their density difference. Changes of the serotype/capsid, density of loading material, or the genetic information contained in the adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) require the adaptation of the harvesting parameters and the density gradient loaded onto the centrifuge. To streamline these adaptations, a mathematical model could support the design and testing of operating conditions. Here, hybrid models, which combine empirical functions with artificial neural networks, are proposed to describe the separation of full and empty capsids as a function of material and operational parameters, i.e., the harvest model. In addition, critical quality attributes are estimated by a quality model which is operating on top of the harvest model. The performance of these models was evaluated using test data and two additional blind runs. Also, a "what-if" analysis was conducted to investigate whether the models' predictions align with expectations. It is concluded that the models are sufficiently accurate to support the design of operating conditions, though the accuracy and applicability of the models can further be increased by training them on more specific data with higher variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Poverty alleviation, regional balances and balanced development are considered in all upstream documents and the development plans after the revolution in Iran. The political leaders and policy-makers have also emphasized on them continuously. Nevertheless, there are always major imbalances and differences in poverty and development levels among Iran’s provinces. In this study, unlike previous studies, regional imbalances are measured in terms of political economy. This study tries to explain regional imbalances with economicpolitical power and then adjust it with consider to population, area and distance of the provinces from the center of political power. To doing so, at first, the economic-political power matrix is formed for Iran’s provinces and then the economicpolitical power is calculated using TOPSIS method during the period of 2004-2019. After that, this matrix is adjusted using population, area and distance of provinces from capital city. The results show that even with the adjustment, economicpolitical power among regions is significantly differ. The regions cannot be considered homogeneous from the point of view of economic-political power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, probiotics are considered to be living microorganisms whose consumption has a certain number of beneficial effects on the consumer. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a new probiotic extract (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis KUMS Y33) on the differentiation process of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) into adipocytes and osteocytes and, as a result, clarify its role in the prevention and treatment of bone age disease. Several bacteria were isolated from traditional yogurt. They were evaluated to characterize the probiotic’s activity. Then, the isolated hADSCs were treated with the probiotic extract, and then osteogenesis and adipogenesis were induced. To evaluate the differentiation process, oil red O and alizarin red staining, a triglyceride content assay, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, as well as real-time PCR and western blot analysis of osteocyte- and adipocyte-specific genes, were performed. Ultimately, the new strain was sequenced and registered on NBCI. In the probiotic-treated group, the triglyceride content and the gene expression and protein levels of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ2 (adipocyte-specific markers) were significantly decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05), indicating an inhibited adipogenesis process. Furthermore, the probiotic extract caused a significant increase in the ALP activity, the expression levels of RUNX2 and osteocalcin, and the protein levels of collagen I and FGF-23 (osteocyte-specific markers) in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05), indicating an enhanced osteogenesis process. According to the results of the present study, the probiotic extract inhibits adipogenesis and significantly increases osteogenesis, suggesting a positive role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and opening a new aspect for future in-vivo study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Quality of Life (QOL) of couples with infertility can be affected by Irrational Thoughts (IT) regarding childbearing and it might be influenced by Religious Teachings (RT) as a mediator. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between QOL and IT of childbearing with the mediating role of RT in couples with infertility in Shahrekord City, Iran. Method: This analytical correlational study was conducted among 196 couples with infertility who were referred to Shahrekord Infertility Center, Iran selected by a convenient sampling method. Data were collected using the questionnaires on QOL provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), IT designed by Flex and Religious Teaching. Results: The mean score of QOL was 76.42± 20.137, IT 32.20± 9.019 and RT was 150.84± 40.97. A significant relationship was found between the mean scores of QOL and IT of childbearing with the mediating role of RT in couples with infertility (P=0.001). Moreover, mean scores of study concepts had no significant relationship with demographic variables (gender, education, and infertility duration) among the participants. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the QOL of couples with infertility can be improved by strengthening the RT and reducing the IT of childbearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the theoretical foundations and successful practical applications of auctions in infrastructure allocation, such as radio waves, wireless communications, airports, and ports, the use of this method in allocating rail infrastructure capacity is limited. This paper addresses this gap by proposing an intelligent auction-based capacity allocation algorithm for railways. Unlike previous timetable-based models, the algorithm utilizes a two-objective integer optimization model, offering a practical solution for real-world problems. An additional contribution of the proposed model is the consideration of two crucial objectives: increasing revenue (or profit) and improving freight transportation performance, which have been overlooked in previous algorithms. The algorithm incorporates the enhanced constraint method to generate the optimal Pareto curve. Empirical results from the Iranian railway experimental network demonstrate the algorithm's efficiency, with performance improvements of 6% or more and over a 150% increase in the profit margin of the infrastructure manager compared to the current traditional method. [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]

Study Design: Systematic Reviews. Objectives: To investigate predictors of surgical outcomes for mild Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) by reviewing all related studies conducted at this point. Methods: An electronic search was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science until June 23, 2021. Full-text articles reporting surgical outcome predictors of mild DCM cases were eligible. We included studies with mild DCM which was defined as a modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score of 15 to 17 or a Japanese Orthopaedic Association score of 13 to 16. Independent reviewers screened all the records, and discrepancies between the reviewers were solved in a session with the senior author. For risk of bias assessment, RoB 2 tool was used for randomized clinical trials and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies. Results: After screening 6 087 manuscripts, only 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Lower pre-operative mJOA scores and quality-of-life measurement scores were reported by multiple studies to predict better surgical outcomes compared to other groups. High-intensity pre-operative T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was also reported to predict poor outcomes. Neck pain before intervention resulted in improved patient-reported outcomes. Two studies also reported motor symptoms prior to surgery as outcome predictors. Conclusion: Lower quality of life before surgery, neck pain, lower pre-operative mJOA scores, motor symptoms before surgery, female gender, gastrointestinal comorbidities, surgical procedure and surgeon's experience with specific techniques, and high signal intensity of cord in T2 MRI were the surgical outcome predictors reported in the literature. Lower Quality of Life (QoL) score and neck prior to surgery were reported as predictors of the more improved outcome, but high cord signal intensity in T2 MRI was reported as an unfavorable outcome predictor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel bidirectional DC–DC converter with high voltage conversion ratio and capability of cancelling input current ripple. The proposed converter uses two coupled inductors and switched‐capacitor circuit to increase the voltage conversion ratio. The input current ripple at low voltage side can be eliminated for a pre‐selected duty cycle by adjusting special values of magnetizing inductances of coupled inductors. The input current is divided into two paths of the primary winding of coupled inductors that causes the decrease in the current stresses of switches. The proposed converter has five switches that consist the internal diodes of switches to bring about bidirectional power flow and have boost and buck operations. Here, the proposed topology is analysed in all operating modes and the current and voltage stresses of switches, input current ripple cancelling condition and voltage conversion ratio are calculated. Finally, the accuracy performance of the proposed converter is reconfirmed through EMTDC/PSCAD simulation and experimental results for boost operations. [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]

Previously, we have developed DynamicMC for modeling relative movement of Oak Ridge National Laboratory phantom in a radiation field for the Monte Carlo N-Particle package (Health Physics. 2023,124(4):301–309). Using this software, three-dimensional dose distributions in a phantom irradiated by a certain mono-energetic (Mono E) source can be deduced through its graphical user interface. In this study, we extended DynamicMC to be used in combination with the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS) by providing it with a higher flexibility for dynamic movement for an anthropomorphic phantom. For this purpose, we implemented four new functions into the software, which are (1) to generate not only Mono E sources but also those having an energy spectrum of an arbitrary radioisotope (2) to calculate the absorbed doses for several radiologically important organs (3) to automatically average the calculated absorbed doses along the path of the phantom and (4) to generate user-defined slab shielding materials. The first and third items utilize the PHITS-specific modalities named radioisotope-source and sumtally functions, respectively. The computational cost and complexity can be dramatically reduced with these features. We anticipate that the present work and the developed open-source tools will be in the interest of nuclear radiation physics community for research and teaching purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear communication over wireless channels demands overcoming their disruptive effects. Doubly-selective fading channels, with rapidly changing parameters, pose a particular challenge for accurate channel estimation. Traditional models often falter, lacking solutions or becoming overly complex. This is where deep learning takes center stage. In OFDM systems, pilots assist in estimating the channel response, but they also come at the cost of reduced data throughput. Adaptive adjustment of pilot patterns based on the channel state offers a promising solution. This paper introduces a deep learning-based framework that leverages adaptive pilots for fast-varying channels. We employ two deep neural networks. First, the pilot adaptation network dynamically selects the pilot pattern, reacting to the channel coherence bandwidth. Second, the channel estimation network extracts features from the channel frequency response using a 1D convolutional neural network. It then harnesses the power of long short-term memory layers to learn the channel behavior and estimate the response across all pilots and data subcarriers. Training and testing datasets are generated using WINNER II. The entire communication link, equipped with our proposed method, undergoes rigorous simulations, evaluated by both bit error rate and pilot overhead. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed scheme outperforms the previous methods, because it yields the same or better errors with less pilot overhead. This translates to a substantial data rate boost, paving the way for faster wireless communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trauma can lead to significant complications and mortality for victims of accidents. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the mortality caused by trauma and its related factors. Methods: The present study was conducted using the data available in the Isfahan Trauma Registration System (ITR) and Hospital Information Systems (HIS). The number of 1266 deceased trauma patients who were registered in this system over 18 months (between September 2020 and March 2022) were included in the study and analyzed. Results: Out of 1266 patients who died from trauma, 604 (47.7%) patients experienced early death, 427 (33.7%) delayed mortality, and 235 (18.6%) late mortality. The mechanism and type of trauma, and the pre-impact conditions were significantly different between the three death categories (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in oxygen level (SpO2), heart rate, and respiratory rate at the time of admission and at the time of death between the three categories of mortality (P<0.05). Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was a predictor of early, delayed, and late mortality. Injury Severity Score (ISS) was a predictor of delayed mortality and age was also a predictor of late mortality. Conclusion: The present study's results indicate that ISS and GCS are significant prognostic indicators of mortality in trauma patients, warranting greater attention during admission. The combination of GCS and ISS appears to improve the accuracy of outcome prediction, thereby enabling the creation of a novel predictive model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study applies the mental model and cognitive mapping method to involve stakeholders in delineating the mutual relations between sources of water, energy, and food (WEF) production in the Varamin Plain (VP). Through involving farmers and managerial experts, the approach facilitates the deployment of community communication patterns to recognize and comprehend problems and move from single-loop learning to double-loop learning. The dynamic model was driven from the final mental model of the participants to reflect changes in the systems over time. The system dynamic (SD) model incorporates three scenarios for enhancing irrigation efficiency, managing groundwater extraction, and satisfying environmental needs. The results uncovered that the surface and underground water resources of the VP will gradually decrease within the next two decades in the range of 158 and 2700 million cubic meters (MCM) per year. Also, the plain suffers from water insecurity and a 162 MCM shortage. Consequently, focusing on understanding the nexus and nexus governance can enhance resource management and achieve sustainable development goals. Essentially, promoting collaborative governance, such as creating cooperative organizations and implementing double-loop learning, and instituting a water market, regulatory governance, and monitoring laws can improve the state of Varamin Plain's resources. These results carry important policy implications for using mental models to consider dynamics for discussions on participatory management of the WEF system nexus and environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a Quantum Cascade Detector, photocurrent is generated by the absorption of infrared and terahertz radiation in the quantum-well-based modules arranged in series. Consequently, the current responsivity is by construction inversely proportional to the number of cascading modules. Upon absorption of a photon, the electron travels through only a single period of the detector, with a mean free path corresponding to the period length. Therefore, the shot noise power density is expected to decrease by the same factor under sufficiently high illumination, reflecting the same inverse relationship with the number of cascading modules. This phenomenon leads to sub-Poissonian noise characteristics. We experimentally observe this effect in a 90-period Quantum Cascade Detector operating at 4.5 μm, confirming a reduction in the shot noise contribution by the anticipated Fano factor of 1/90. This measurement underscores the suitability of these detectors for coherent detection scenarios, particularly where shot noise dominates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frequent bacterial plaque buildup at the gingival margin and crevice can provoke an inflammatory reaction in gingival tissues which manifests as gingivitis. Probiotics could serve as a beneficial complementary therapy for treating gingival inflammation. The main aim of this research was to investigate the effect of the Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 probiotic strain on the treatment of gingivitis. Methods: Patients with gingivitis, who were referred to a private clinic and were systematically healthy, were included in this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were instructed to use either placebo or Lactobacillus plantarum suspensions for one minute two times a day after tooth-brushing for four weeks. Then, the clinical parameters of gingivitis, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and oral hygiene index (OHI-s), were measured in the first, second, and fourth weeks. A total of forty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups. The mean age of the experimental and control groups was 29.10 and 28.48, respectively. Results: The mean scores of BOP, GI, PI, and OHI-s reduced over time in both the control and test groups. However, according to the Mann-Whitney test, the difference between the two groups was not significant at the same time intervals (P ≥ 0.05) and only GI showed a significant difference in the fourth week (GI-3, P = 0.006). Nevertheless, the experimental group experienced a higher overall reduction rate than the control group. The BOP, GI, PI, and OHI-s scores decreased by 0.081, 0.204, 0.186, and 0.172 times in the second week, respectively, resulting from the interaction of time and the intervention, which considerably diminished these indices. Conclusion: This study shows the potential of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 suspension as a promoting therapeutic adjuvant in the treatment of gingivitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), a potent anti-inflammatory compound purified from Boswellia species, was investigated in a preclinical study for its potential in preventing and treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic inflammatory liver disorder. The study involved thirty-six male Wistar rats, equally divided into prevention and treatment groups. In the prevention group, rats were given a high fructose diet (HFrD) and treated with AKBA for 6 weeks, while in the treatment group, rats were fed HFrD for 6 weeks and then given a normal diet with AKBA for 2 weeks. At the end of the study, various parameters were analyzed including liver tissues and serum levels of insulin, leptin, adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interferon gamma (INF-ϒ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Additionally, the expression levels of genes related to the inflammasome complex and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-ϒ), as well as the levels of phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase alpha-1 (AMPK-α1) protein, were measured. The results showed that AKBA improved NAFLD-related serum parameters and inflammatory markers and suppressed PPAR-ϒ and inflammasome complex-related genes involved in hepatic steatosis in both groups. Additionally, AKBA prevented the reduction of the active and inactive forms of AMPK-α1 in the prevention group, which is a cellular energy regulator that helps suppress NAFLD progression. In conclusion, AKBA has a beneficial effect on preventing and avoiding the progression of NAFLD by preserving lipid metabolism, improving hepatic steatosis, and suppressing liver inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung transplantation (LTx) remains controversial in patients with absent peristalsis (AP) given the increased risk for gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Furthermore, specific treatments to facilitate LTx in those with AP have not been widely described. Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TES) has been reported to improve foregut contractility in LTx patients and therefore we hypothesize that TES may augment the esophageal motility of patients with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM). Methods: We included 49 patients, 14 with IEM, 5 with AP, and 30 with normal motility. All subjects underwent standard high‐resolution manometry and intraluminal impedance (HRIM) with additional swallows as TES was delivered. Results: TES induced a universal impedance change observable in real‐time by a characteristic spike activity. TES significantly augmented the contractile vigor of the esophagus measured by the distal contractile integral (DCI) in patients with IEM [median DCI (IQR) 0 (238) mmHg‐cm‐s off TES vs. 333 (858) mmHg‐cm‐s on TES; p =.01] and normal peristalsis [median DCI (IQR) 1545 (1840) mmHg‐cm‐s off TES vs. 2109 (2082) mmHg‐cm‐s on TES; p =.01]. Interestingly, TES induced measurable contractile activity (DCI > 100 mmHg‐cm‐s) in three out of five patients with AP [median DCI (IQR) 0 (0) mmHg‐cm‐s off TES vs. 0 (182) mmHg‐cm‐s on TES; p <.001]. Conclusion: TES acutely augmented contractile vigor in patients with normal and weak/ AP. The use of TES may positively impact LTx candidacy, and outcomes for patients with IEM/AP. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine the long‐term effects of TES in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Günther et al. (2022) investigated the relationship between words and images in which they concluded the possibility of a direct link between words and embodied experience. In their study, participants were presented with a target noun and a pair of images, one chosen by their model and another chosen randomly. Participants were asked to select the image that best matched the target noun. Building upon their work, we addressed the following questions. 1. Apart from utilizing visually embodied simulation, what other strategies subjects might have used? How much does this setup rely on visual information? Can it be solved using textual representations? 2. Do current visually-grounded embeddings explain subjects' selection behavior better than textual embeddings? 3. Does visual grounding improve the representations of both concrete and abstract words? For this aim, we designed novel experiments based on pre-trained word embeddings. Our experiments reveal that subjects' selection behavior is explained to a large extend on text-based embeddings and word-based similarities. Visually grounded embeddings offered modest advantages over textual embeddings in certain cases. These findings indicate that the experiment by Günther et al. (2022) may not be well suited for tapping into the perceptual experience of participants, and the extent to which it measures visually grounded knowledge is unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using nano‐ceramic coatings and assess microbial adherence after long‐term use of a chemical cleanser. Thirty‐six PMMA samples were fabricated, polished and coated with a nano‐thin TiO2 or mixed TiO2/ZrO2, with uncoated samples as controls. Six samples in each group (n = 12) were soaked in Polident denture cleaner 180 times for 30 min, while six were soaked in deionized water. Surface roughness of PMMA before and after being soaked in Polident was assessed. All samples were subsequently exposed to Candida albicans for 6 h and the adherent cells were determined by viable colony count. Two‐way analysis of variance was performed for statistical analysis. No significant difference in surface roughness was noted between the uncoated and coated PMMA before soaking. After soaking, surface roughness of the uncoated PMMA increased from 0.164 to 0.532 μm (p <.05). No significant change was observed for TiO2‐coated (0.105–0.143 μm) or TiO2/ZrO2‐coated PMMA (0.104–0.141 μm). Attachment of C. albicans to PMMA soaked in water showed significantly less attachment to both TiO2‐coated (1.4 × 103 cfu/ml) and TiO2/ZrO2‐coated PMMA (1.6 × 103 cfu/ml) than to the uncoated PMMA (2.6 × 103 cfu/ml). After soaking in Polident, the uncoated PMMA had significantly less C. albicans attachment than coated samples. Less attachment was noted on the TiO2/ZrO2‐coated PMMA then the TiO2‐coated samples (p <.05). Nano‐ceramic TiO22/ZrO2 coating of PMMA denture base material alters surface properties thus reduces oral microbial adhesion. It represents a promising alternative to the chemical disinfection for PMMA denture materials. [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]

The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of UV-Vis and FT-IR fingerprints combined with multivariate statistical tools to classify and authenticate Iranian standard herbs and spices, and their mislabeled and adulterated samples in single and fusion models. The proposed strategy is an alternative, rapid, easy, and economical approach for herbs and spices authentication. Sixty-three samples of different herbs and spices were collected across several cities in Iran. The potency of Savitzky-Golay(SG) smoothing in combination with autoscaling for improving the accuracy of clustering well studied and principal component analysis (PCA), PCA-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied for classification. Additionally, data mining of spectral sets was performed using Kohonen self-organization maps (SOMs) of smoothed and unsmoothed individual data sets and classification results were compared. Also, the discriminant models using fusion matrix were built by concatenation of SG smoothed-autoscaled SOMs clusters of FTIR and UV-Vis (SG-autoscaled-SOMs) spectra. The results of different models showed that the accuracy of single SG-autoscaled-SOMs-FTIR data was better than SG-autoscaled-UV-Vis data and the accuracy of SG-autoscaled-SOMs-fusion technique was better than the other models. This method predicted the class of samples more accurately (more than 95%). The authentication and quality of fraud samples were identified more correctly with respect to raw data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are going to design simulate an all optical OR gate based on two-dimensional photonic crystals. The proposed structure was designed based on phase shift keying technique. The working principle of the proposed structure is based on constructive and destructive interference of optical beams. The simulation results shows that the rise and fall times are 0.8 and 0.2 ps, respectively. [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]

Anastomotic leakage is one of the major complications of colorectal surgery, which might lead to reoperation, increased hospital stays, further intervention and mortality. Vacuum-assisted closure by devices such as Endo-SPONGE® produced by (B-Braun Medical B.V.) is currently being used to treat leakage and fistula. In this study, we aimed to assess the handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain for anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection. This prospective study included 22 patients who had undergone sponge drain placement to treat anastomotic leakage. All patients had anastomotic leaks or defects after left anterior rectal resection (LAR) without ileostomy. They were treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy before the surgery and then subjected to rigid recto-sigmoidoscopy for 30 days following the operation. Any sign of leakage, such as perianal and pelvic pain, was immediately identified and followed up with a CT scan and another recto-sigmoidoscopy. Twenty-two patients were enrolled in this study, 12 men (54.5%) and 10 women (47.4%). All patients had received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with an average follow-up of 22.30 ± 3.81. 75% of patients (15 cases) were successfully treated, and 17 patients (85%) underwent successful ostomy closure. Treatment failed in 5 patients (25%), including three men and two women. This study shows that handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain is a cost-effective method of anastomotic leakage management with efficacy similar to that of Endo-SPONGE®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Over the course of 2022, numerous key clinical trials with valuable contributions to clinical cardiology were published or presented at major international conferences. This review seeks to summarise these trials and to reflect on their clinical context. Methods: The authors reviewed clinical trials presented at major cardiology conferences during 2022, including the American College of Cardiology (ACC), European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EuroPCR), European Society of Cardiology (ESC), Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT), American Heart Association (AHA), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), TVT-The Heart Summit (TVT) and Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT). Trials with a broad relevance to the cardiology community and those with potential to change current practice were included. Results: A total of 93 key cardiology clinical trials were identified for inclusion. Interventional cardiology data included trials evaluating the use of new generation novel stent technology and new intravascular physiology strategies such as quantitative flow ratio (QFR) to guide revascularisation in stable and unstable coronary artery disease. New trials in acute coronary syndromes and intervention focused on long-term outcomes of optimal medical therapy (OMT), revascularisation in ischaemic dysfunction and left main (LM) intervention. Structural intervention trials included latest data on optimal timing and anticoagulation strategies in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), in addition to expanding evidence in mitral and tricuspid valve interventions. Heart failure data included trials with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, iron replacement and novel drugs such as omecamtiv. Prevention trials included new data on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and polypill strategies. In electrophysiology, new data regarding optimal timing of ablative therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) in addition to novel screening strategies were evaluated. Conclusion: This article presents a summary of key clinical cardiology trials published and presented during the past year and should be of interest to both practising clinicians and researchers. [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]

In the current study, the complete genome of an isolate of cotton leaf curl Gezira virus (CLCuGeV), identified for the first time from Malva parviflora in Iraq, was amplified using rolling circle amplification and sequenced. The Iraqi isolate of CLCuGeV shared highest nucleotide identity at 98.2% with an Israeli isolate and clustered with isolates of the Egyptian and Cameroon strains in phylogenetic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]