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The consequences of the baryon-quark phase transition (PT) are probed for the structure of a hybrid neutron star (HNS) by utilizing the Maxwell construction (MC). A statistical-based mean-field (MF) approach, which complies with the Thomas–Fermi approximation, is employed for the baryonic equation of state (EOS) of baryonic matter, while the EOS of quark matter is expressed within the standard NJL model. We find that including density-dependent terms in the phase-space nucleon–nucleon interaction softens the hybrid EOSs, resulting in mostly better agreement with the experimental constraints, and providing lower values of the gravitational mass, radius, and tidal deformability for a HNS. On the other hand, stiffening the hybrid EOS by strengthening the quark vector interactions increases the maximum gravitational mass, while the corresponding radius and tidal deformability are reduced. Based on the constant-sound-speed (CSS) parameters of the baron-quark PT, we show that the formation of a stable 2 M ⊙ HNS is allowed under the MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5 α-Reductase type 2 deficiency, caused by mutations in the SRD5A2 gene, leads to an autosomal recessive disorder of sex differentiation (DSD) in 46, XY persons. A 2 years old female with ambiguous genitalia was referred to Genetic Foundation of Khorasan Razavi (GFKR), IRAN. Her secondary sex characteristics, level of sex hormones, the development of reproductive system and karyotype were assessed. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was preformed to find the pathogenic genetic variations associated with ambiguous genitalia. Also, Sanger sequencing was used to verify the WES results in the patient. Segregation analysis was performed to confirm mutation in the parents and other relatives. Physical examination and ultrasonography data demonstrated that the patient have testis in the left labium majus and right groin but does not have a uterus or ovaries. Sex hormone examination revealed that hormone therapy was successful and the level of FSH, LH, testosterone, and dihydrotestostron (DHT) was 2.8 mlu/ml, 2.4 mlu/ml, 15ng/dl, 21pg/ml, respectively. Cytogenetic study showed 46XY compatible to normal male karyotype. According to WES result and Sanger sequencing a homozygote loss of function mutation (c.16C>T; p.Gln6Ter) in SRD5A2 has been detected. Segregation analysis confirmed the mutation in the family. Homozygote mutation in SRD5A2 is the main cause of disorders of sex development in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the thermodynamic instabilities of asymmetric nuclear matter (ANM) from the mechanical (isoscalar) and chemical (isovector) points of view in the framework of a statistical model that complies with the Thomas–Fermi approximation, employing the Myers and Swiatecki (MS) interactions. Our findings show that the spinodal instabilities drive the dense system towards lower asymmetry parameters, while neither pure mechanical nor pure chemical natures are predicted. Meanwhile, by paying attention to the behavior of the nuclear symmetry free energy, which plays a significant role in determining the chemical instability, the instability goes predominantly in the mechanical direction. The results of this model are consistent with those from other theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel laboratory-scale anaerobic hybrid upflow sludge blanket filtration bioreactor was designed and operated to improve the performance of the upflow sludge blanket filtration process for nutrient removal from municipal wastewater. The effect of operating parameters, including nutrient concentration [total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP)], biomass concentration, and hydraulic retention time (HRT), on nutrient removal were evaluated using response surface methodology. An industrial moving packed bed with 550 m2/m3 total specific surface area was used as the reactor media. It was found that increasing biomass concentration and HRT improved the removal efficiency for TN and TP. The results indicated that increasing nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations resulted in decreased removal rates. Additionally, there was an acceptable level of agreement between the experimental and model data (R2: 0.9896 and 0.9907 for TN and TP, respectively). The maximum removal efficiencies under optimum conditions were predicted by Design-Expert software to be 93% and 95% for TN and TP, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth factors and cytokines including FLT3 Ligand (FLT3L) have many applications in cellular and molecular biology studies, and also as therapeutical agents. FLT3L was expressed in Pichia pastoris through cloning from human leukemic K562 cell line as well as using a codon-optimized synthetic construct. Codon adaptation index (CAI) was increased from 55 in the native sequence up to 95 after optimization. Significant changes occurred in the codons for Pro, Arg, Leu and Ser toward the favored codons in P. pastoris. Both forms of expressed FLT3L (from the native and optimized sequences) were capable of stimulating proliferation of the FDC-P1 cells expressing human wild-type FLT3 (FD-FLT3-WT). Sequence optimization resulted in 55-fold increase in the yield of active FLT3L (290 μg/mL of product in the crude supernatant). Amino acid residues 27-162 are sufficient for the biological function of human FLT3L. Pichia pastoris is a highly efficient and cost-effective system for expression of endotoxin-free FLT3L; however, codon optimization is necessary for its optimal expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equation of state (EOS) of nuclear matter is investigated in a semi-classical mean-field (MF) approach. Starting from the phase-space NN-interaction of Myers and Swiatecki [ Nucl. Phys. A 601 (1996) 141], the EOS of nuclear matter by the Thomas-Fermi approximation is derived. A self-consistent semi-classical approach is presented by employing the Landau Fermi-Liquid theory (LFT). In our statistical approach, the phase-space occupation number can be expressed in terms of an extended effective mass which is affected by both temperature and nucleonic density. Accordingly, an explicit expression of the nucleonic chemical potential inside the nucleonic occupation number can be obtained. Special attention is also devoted to the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry free energy at different temperatures. The results of this model are compared with other theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equation of state (EOS) of hyperon-rich matter for neutron stars (NSs) is investigated in a semi-classical mean-field (MF) model. We present a new generalized baryon-baryon interaction in phase space to derive the EOS by the Thomas-Fermi approximation. Our findings have profound consequences for the structure and properties of NSs. Within this statistical model, the EOS of NS matter with hyperons is stiff enough. Consequently, the results for the maximum mass of NSs are consistent with and . It is also revealed that the hyperon-hyperon interactions slightly soften the EOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CCL20/macrophage inflammatory protein-3α ( MIP-3α) represents one of the potent chemoattractive proteins for dendritic cells ( DCs). Herein, we investigated whether in vivo genetic modification of tumour cells aimed at intratumoural production of MIP-3α might lead to accumulation of DCs in tumour tissue. Mice injected with CT26, received recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vectors (Ad MIP-3α) expressing MIP-3α protein. This was complemented by injections of Cp G. Interestingly, MIP-3α gene therapy combined with Cp G injections resulted in specific cytotoxicity. This was associated with significant suppression of tumour growth rate. These findings demonstrate the potential of strategies that utilize in vivo overexpression of chemokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of the Thomas-Fermi approximation as a semi-classical mean-field method, by constructing hyperon-nucleon interaction, we find a phenomenological equation of state (EOS) for $\beta$-stable baryonic matter. Our findings have profound consequences for neutron stars (NS) properties and compositions. Among these consequences, strange hyperons in the baryonic structure produce a strong softening of the EOS and also reduce the corresponding maximum mass of neutron stars. We also study hadron-quark phase transition in the interior of neutron stars by using the MIT bag model for the quark phase. We have found that NS have a large population of baryons but they are not dense enough to form a pure quark phase structure in the interior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Middle Eastern and North African countries are undergoing nutrition transition, a transition which is associated with an increased burden of non-communicable diseases. This necessitates the evaluation of dietary patterns in these regions. The present study aimed to assess changes in dietary patterns in Middle Eastern and North African countries between 1961 and 2007.Design: Availability of energy and fifteen main food items during 1961-2007 was examined using FAO food balance sheets from the FAOSTAT database.Setting: Fifteen countries including nine in the Middle East and six in North Africa were selected and the average availability of total energy and different food items in these regions were compared.Results: Over the 47 years studied, energy and food availability (apart from animal fats and alcoholic beverages) has increased in the Middle East and North Africa. In both regions the proportion of energy derived from meat and vegetable oils has increased significantly while that from cereals decreased significantly. In addition, the proportion of energy from milk and dairy products and vegetables has shown an ascending trend in North Africa while the proportion of energy from fruits has shown a descending trend in the Middle East.Conclusions: The study results reveal an unfavourable trend towards a Westernized diet in the Middle East and, to a certain extent, in North Africa. Tailored nutritional education encouraging healthy eating for prevention of the burden of chronic diseases in these countries seems essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective – To estimate the frequency of cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis (CVST) and its seasonal variation. Methods – A clinic-based prospective case-register study was conducted from 2001 to 2004. Hundred and twenty-two consecutive definite CVST patients (26 men and 96 women) treated in two major neurological centres of Isfahan, Iran, were included in the study. Part of examination included an assessment of CVST including conventional angiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging and self-reported medical history. Population data were obtained from the 1996 Iran Census. The mean (standard deviation) age of participants was 35.5 (11.9) years. Results – The annual frequency (95% confidence interval) of CVST was 12.3 (10.1, 14.5) per million in a population of 2,472,751, with higher rate in women than in men [19.9 (15.5, 23.9) women and 5.1 (3.2, 7.1) men] and with increasing age in women (up to 50 years), but not in men. The female/male ratio was 3.9 (2.5–6.0). The monthly frequency of CVST ranged from 0.6 per million (0.1, 1.1) in August to 2.1 (1.2, 3.0) in September. The seasonal CVST rate ranged from 2.2 per million (1.3, 3.2) in summer to 4.3 (3.1, 5.7) in autumn. The differences were statistically significant either for the months or season ( P < 0.05). Conclusion – The findings of this study show the CVST frequency in adults. More women than men are present with CVST and its frequency increased during autumn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]