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Abstract Body mass index (BMI) is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to identify BMI trajectory patterns and evaluate their association with T2DM during 18 years of follow-up. We included 6026 participants aged 20 to 65 from the prospective population-based Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The BMI trajectory patterns were identified using latent growth mixture modeling (LGMM) during the measurement period. The association between the BMI trajectory patterns and future T2DM was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard regression models. Three BMI trajectory patterns of low-increasing (38.6%), medium-increasing (47.1%), and high-increasing (14.3%) were detected. The participants in the medium-increasing and high-increasing BMI trajectory groups had HRs of 1.87 (95% CI 1.53–2.28) and 3.41(95% CI 2.71–4.29) for T2DM incidence, respectively. Within the normoglycemic subpopulation, the high-increasing BMI group had an HR of 3.82 (95% CI 2.79–5.24) compared to the low-increasing BMI group, while in the prediabetic subpopulation, the high-increasing BMI group had an HR of 2.93 (95% CI 2.04–4.19) compared to the low-increasing BMI group. Body weight varies in a relatively stable pattern in adulthood over the long-term period. Medium and high-increasing BMI trajectory patterns have a significantly increased risk for future T2DM in both normoglycemic and prediabetic individuals. Identifying BMI trajectory patterns can help healthcare providers in early prediction, risk assessment, and monitoring strategies development for the prevention of T2DM.

Abstract This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between urinary sodium (UNa) to potassium (UK) ratio, different phenotypes of elevated blood pressure (BP), and microalbuminuria (MAU) in a cohort of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Adult participants (n = 1782, mean age of 43.0 ± 13.7 years and 46.0% were men) were recruited (2015–2017) for measurements of spot urinary metabolites, i.e., Na, K, creatinine (Cr), microalbumin, and BP. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the relative risk ratios (RRR) of elevated BP phenotypes [i.e., isolated systolic (ISH), diastolic (IDH), and systolic-diastolic (SDH) hypertension], and binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of MAU across quintile categories and per each SD-increment of UNa-K ratio. Mean UNa, UK, and its ratio was 137 ± 57.4, 72.1 ± 36.6 mmol/L, and 2.31 ± 1.41, respectively. Subjects with UNa-K > 3.14 had higher prevalence of ISH (3.4 vs. 1.1%), SDH (11.0 vs. 6.2%), and MAU (14.1 vs. 6.2%) (P for all 3.14 vs.

Abstract This study aimed to examine the association between blood pressure (BP) with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and emotional states, considering the disease awareness and commitment to treatment among the Iranian adult population. This cross-sectional study uses the data of 7257 and 2449 individuals aged ≥ 20 who had completed data on HRQoL and emotional states, respectively. Linear and logistic regression were used to evaluate the mentioned association. The results showed that commitment to treatment had an inverse association with physical HRQoL in both sexes, except for bodily pain in men. Concerning mental HRQoL, in women, poor medication adherence was linked to a decline in mental HRQoL and social functioning, while good treatment adherence was associated with a reduction in the mental health domain. However, except for a decrease in vitality of hypertensive males with high treatment adherence, no significant association was found between their mental HRQoL and BP. In women, increased commitment to treatment was associated with anxiety, whereas poor commitment was related to depression and stress. The undiagnosed disease was not associated with any HRQoL and emotional state deficits. This study highlights the significance of psychiatric assessment, counseling, and support services while taking into account gender-specific differences among hypertensive patients. It also emphasizes the necessity for customized interventions for both men and women to improve their mental well-being and adherence to treatment.

Abstract Rhizomania is the most destructive sugar beet disease in the world, and in recent years, it has widespread in most of the sugar beet growing areas in Iran. Since the control of this soil-borne disease is a difficult task, the use of resistant genotypes is known as the best measure against the disease. The ultimate goal of sugar beet breeders is to produce genotypes that can be used in both infected and non-infected fields without any reduction in terms of yield and quality. Twenty-one sugar beet genotypes along with four controls were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications in fields with natural infection to rhizomania in five research stations. Important sugar beet traits including root yield, sugar yield, sugar content, and white sugar yield were evaluated for two years (2021 and 2022). For all traits, location was the main source of variation that spanned 33 to 55% of the total sum of the square followed by the location×year×genotype accounted for 3–40% of the variation. Based on the results of analysis of variance, multivariate stability parameters were computed to evaluate the genotypes’ stability. The first two principal components (IPCA1 and IPCA2) generated by GGE biplot contributed for 31.3 and 17.5% difference in genotype×environment interaction for root yield, respectively. According to the GGE biplot, genotypes RM-11 and RM-12 were identified as the winning genotypes across environments for both root yield and white sugar yield traits whereas AMMI model identified RM-14 and RM-9 (for root yield) and RM-1 (for white sugar yield) as best genotypes. Based on the ideal genotype ranking, RM-11 and RM-10 were the best performer with a high mean yield as well as stability in the studied environments. The biplot rendered using the weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB) and root yield and white sugar yield identified RM-11 and RM-9 as superior genotypes in terms of yield and stability. The selected genotypes can be used in breeding programs to transfer the disease resistance and cultivar development.

Abstract Numerous variables that regulate the metabolism of Sertoli cells and sperm have been identified, one of which is sex steroid hormones. These hormones play a vital role in maintaining energy homeostasis, influencing the overall metabolic balance of the human body. The proper functioning of the reproductive system is closely linked to energy status, as the reproductive axis responds to metabolic signals. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression patterns of metabolite interconversion enzymes in testicular cells (Sertoli cells and spermatogonia) of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients, as compared to normal controls, to understand the molecular mechanisms contributing to NOA. We used microarray and bioinformatics techniques to analyze 2912 genes encoding metabolite interconversion enzymes, including methyltransferase, monooxygenase, transmembrane reductase, and phosphohydrolase, in both testicular cells and normal samples. In sperm, the upregulation of MOXD1, ACAD10, PCYT1A, ARG1, METTL6, GPLD1, MAOA, and CYP46A1 was observed, while ENTPD2, CPT1C, ADC, and CYB5B were downregulated. Similarly, in the Sertoli cells of three NOA patients, RPIA, PIK3C3, LYPLA2, CA11, MBOAT7, and HDHD2 were upregulated, while NAA25, MAN2A1, CYB561, PNPLA5, RRM2, and other genes were downregulated. Using STRING and Cytoscape, we predicted the functional and molecular interactions of these proteins and identified key hub genes. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted significant roles for G1/S-specific transcription, pyruvate metabolism, and citric acid metabolism in sperm, and the p53 signaling pathway and folate metabolism in Sertoli cells. Additionally, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were performed to validate these findings, revealing significant alterations in gene expression and cellular distribution in NOA patients. Together, these results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying NOA and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Abstract The transcription factors NANOG and POU5F1 (OCT4) play crucial roles in maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem (ES) cells. While their functions have been well-studied, the specific interactions between NANOG and POU5F1 and their combined effects on pluripotency in ES-like and Epiblast cells remain less understood. Understanding these associations is vital for refining pluripotent stem cell characterization and advancing regenerative medicine. In this matter, we investigated the associations between NANOG and POU5F1 in maintaining pluripotency in ES-like and Epiblast cells and how these interactions contribute to the distinct pluripotent states of these cells. In the present paper, we examined the pattern of NANOG expression by the immunocytochemical method in embryonic stem-like (ES-like) cells and compared it with its expression pattern in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Similarly, we examined the expression pattern of POU5F1 in ES-like cells, ESCs, and epiblast cells and compared the expression pattern of these two genes with each other. On the other hand, using Fluidigm Biomark system analysis, we compared the amount of NANOG mRNA in these three cell lines and differentiated and undifferentiated Spermatogonial stem cells in several passages. Microscopic observations indicated the cytoplasmic expression of NANOG in the considered cells; moreover, they showed a similar expression pattern of NANOG with POU5F1 in the experimented cells. It has also been suggested that the more limited the cell’s pluripotency, the lower the expression of these two genes. However, the decrease in NANOG expression is less than that of POU5F1. Fluidigm real-time RT-PCR analysis also confirmed these results. During the experimental process, protein-protein (PPI) network analysis shows a significant association of NANOG with other stem cell proteins, such as POU5F1. Our findings reveal distinct yet overlapping roles of NANOG and POU5F1 in maintaining pluripotency in ES-like and Epiblast cells. The differential binding patterns and functional interactions between these factors underscore the complexity of pluripotency regulation in different stem cell states. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing pluripotency and highlights potential targets for enhancing stem cell-based therapies.

Abstract Smartphone addiction is a public health problem and is increasing globally. It is important to know the latest status of this phenomenon in different region of the world. This study aimed to investigate smartphone addiction in an Iranian student population. The participants were a random sample of Shahroud Schoolchildren Eye Cohort study in 2018. Smartphone addiction was measured by the Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version (SAS-sv) questionnaire. The prevalence and mean estimates were reported with 95% confidence intervals. The analysis of variance, t-test and multiple logistic regression were used for analysis of data. The mean age of 2682 participating students was 13.5 year with an age range of 10 to 15 year, and 1197 (44.6%) of them were girls. The mean SAS-sv score was 27.96 (95% CI: 27.36–28.58) for boys and 26.10 (95% CI: 25.34–26.80) for girls. This score follows a U-shaped pattern with a lower mean score observed at age 8. The Prevalence of smartphone addiction was 29.8% (95% CI: 28.1–31.5) in studied population. Compared to 10 year old students, smartphone addiction was higher in 14 (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.7) and 15 (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5–3.8) years old students. Smartphone addiction was higher in boys (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5–3.0; P value

Abstract Asynchronous teledermatology (TD) has shown promise in improving access to dermatological care, yet studies reveal varied methodologies and results. This study aimed to design a mobile app using the store-and-forward model, marking a pioneering effort in Iran to facilitate written documentation of patient history and skin lesion imagery for accurate diagnosis. Conducted from July 2022 to July 2023, this study involved the development and implementation of a smartphone app to collect clinical data and photographs from 89 patients at a dermatology clinic. Diagnoses made at the clinic served as the gold standard. Three dermatologists independently reviewed the app-recorded data, providing diagnoses that were compared to in-person assessments using the Kappa coefficient and agreement percentage. Lesions were predominantly located on the whole body (47%), with psoriasis (19.1%), acne vulgaris (11.2%), and eczema (10%) being the most common. The overall inter-observer Kappa value demonstrated excellent agreement at 0.856. The study's findings endorse the use of a mobile app for TD as an effective adjunct in regions with scarce dermatological services, such as Iran. To promote the broader application of TD, ongoing research is essential to further establish its reliability and practicality.

Abstract Integrin adaptor proteins, like tensin-2, are crucial for cell adhesion and signaling. However, the function of tensin-2 beyond localizing to focal adhesions remain poorly understood. We utilized proximity-dependent biotinylation and Strep-tag affinity proteomics to identify interaction partners of tensin-2 in Flp-In 293 T-REx cells. Interactomics linked tensin-2 to known focal adhesion proteins and the dystrophin glycoprotein complex, while also uncovering novel interaction with the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH. We demonstrated that Y483-phosphorylation of tensin-2 regulates the glycolytic rate in Flp-In 293 T-REx and MEF cells and found that pY483 tensin-2 is enriched in adhesions in MEF cells. Our study unveils novel interaction partners for tensin-2 and further solidifies its speculated role in cell energy metabolism. These findings shed fresh insight on the functions of tensin-2, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for diseases associated with impaired cell adhesion and metabolism.

Abstract Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) represent an interesting inorganic material widely utilized across various fields including sensing, antimicrobial applications, optical coatings, water purification, fuel additives, absorbents, and catalysis, owing to their exceptional broad energy band gap, surface affinity, and strong chemical and thermal durability. In this investigation, MgO NPs were successfully synthesized through a green approach employing fruit extract from the gingerbread tree (Hyphaene thebaica). Analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed their agglomerated quasi-spherical shape with a size range of 20–60 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern exhibited prominent peaks at planes (200) and (220), indicating the high crystallinity of MgO NPs with a crystallite size of 32.6 ± 5 nm while Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis highlighted the composition comprises 40.47% Magnesium and 48.64% Oxygen by weight. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed characteristic Mg-O bonds through peaks at 560 cm−1 and 866 cm−1, while Raman spectroscopy affirmed the cubic structure of MgO. Subsequently, the photocatalytic performance of MgO NPs under visible light irradiation was evaluated. Remarkably, the addition of 1 g/L of MgO nano-catalyst resulted in a degradation efficiency of 98% after 110 min on methylene blue dye, showcasing the high catalytic activity of MgO NPs. This remarkable photocatalytic efficiency emphasizes the potential of MgO NPs in environmental remediation.

Abstract Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is an uncommon monogenic type of diabetes mellitus. Detecting genetic variants for MODY is a necessity for precise diagnosis and treatment. The majority of MODY genetic predisposition has been documented in European populations and a lack of information is present in Iranians which leads to misdiagnosis as a consequence of defects in unknown variants. In this study, using genetic variant information of 20,002 participants from the family-based TCGS (Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study) cohort, we evaluated the genetic spectrum of MODY in Iran. We concentrated on previously discovered MODY-causing genes. Genetic variants were evaluated for their pathogenicity. We discovered 6 variants that were previously reported in the ClinVar as pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) for MODY in 45 participants from 24 families (INS in 21 cases, GCK in 13, HNF1B in 8, HNF4A, HNF1A, and CEL in 1 case). One potential MODY variant with Uncertain Risk Allele in ClinVar classification was also identified, which showed complete disease penetrance (100%) in four subjects from one family. This is the first family-based study to define the genetic spectrum and estimate the prevalence of MODY in Iran. The discovered variants need to be investigated by additional studies.

Abstract Talin2 is localized to large focal adhesions and is indispensable for traction force generation, invadopodium formation, cell invasion as well as metastasis. Talin2 has a higher affinity toward β-integrin tails than talin1. Moreover, disruption of the talin2-β-integrin interaction inhibits traction force generation, invadopodium formation and cell invasion, indicating that a strong talin2-β-integrin interaction is required for talin2 to fulfill these functions. Nevertheless, the role of talin2 in mediation of these processes remains unknown. Here we show that talin2 binds to the N-terminus of non-muscle myosin IIA (NMIIA) through its F3 subdomain. Moreover, talin2 co-localizes with NMIIA at cell edges as well as at some cytoplasmic spots. Talin2 also co-localizes with cortactin, an invadopodium marker. Furthermore, overexpression of NMIIA promoted the talin2 head binding to the β1-integrin tail, whereas knockdown of NMIIA reduced fibronectin and matrix metalloproteinase secretion as well as inhibited cell attachment on fibronectin-coated substrates. These results suggest that talin2 binds to NMIIA to control the secretion of extracellular matrix proteins and this interaction modulates cell adhesion.

Abstract In this study, rapid expansion of a supercritical solution into a Liquid Solvent (RESOLV) was used for the first time to produce pharmaceutical nanoparticles of Prazosin hydrochloride (PRH). The Taguchi method (robust design) was utilized to design the experiments and ensure obtaining the optimal process conditions. The pressure (15–25 MPa), temperature (308–328 K) and nozzle diameter (300–700 μm) effects on the morphology and size distribution of the resulting particles were also examined. The size of the particles decreased from about 40 μm to the range of (252–418 nm). FTIR, DLS, FESEM, XRD, DSC were used to characterize the primary and processed PRH particles. According to DSC investigations, RESOLV-produced PRH showed lower crystallinity than original PRH.

Abstract This study aims to assess the kinetics of Fischer–Tropsch (FT) reaction over the cobalt-manganese nanoparticles supported by silica oxide. Nanoparticles were synthesized by the thermal decomposition method using "[Co(NH3)4CO3]MnO4" complex and characterized by XRD, TEM, and BET techniques. The kinetics of the process were evaluated using a combination of Langmuir–Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) and response surface methodology. Correlation factors of 0.9902 and 0.962 were obtained for the response surface method (RSM) and LHHW, respectively. The two methods were in good agreement, and the results showed that the rate-determining step was the reaction of the adsorbed methylene with the adsorbed hydrogen atom, and only carbon monoxide molecules were the most active species on the catalyst surface. A temperature of 502.53 K and a CO partial pressure of 2.76 bar are proposed as the optimal conditions by RSM analysis. The activation energy of CO consumption reaction was estimated to be 61.06 kJ/mol.

Abstract Oxidative desulfurization (ODS) has emerged as a prominent technique for the removal of sulfur compounds from fuels, aiming to comply with stringent environmental regulations and minimize sulfur dioxide emissions. Herein, Fenton-like deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were synthesized as a catalyst and reaction medium and their application for the ODS process was investigated. The study encompassed the optimization of DES composition, reaction conditions, and the influence of different parameters on the desulfurization efficiency. The experimental findings demonstrated that the Fenton-like DES exhibited outstanding catalytic activity in the oxidative desulfurization of fuel. The optimized conditions involved conducting the reaction at room temperature for 2.5 h, using 200 mg of the prepared DES (HNFM-FeCl4) as both the extraction solvent and catalyst. An oxidant-to-sulfur (O/S) ratio of approximately 3:1 was maintained, with a 30 wt% H2O2 solution utilized as the oxidant. The analysis of the reaction products using GC–MS revealed a remarkable yield of 98% for dibenzothiophene sulfone. The DES provided a suitable medium for the reaction, enhancing the solubility and availability of sulfur compounds. The iron catalyst, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, facilitated the oxidation of sulfur-containing compounds to their corresponding sulfones, which can be easily separated from the fuel phase. The DES catalysts exhibited stability and recyclability, making them suitable for practical applications in fuel desulfurization processes.

Abstract This study aimed to examine the interaction between diet quality indices (DQIs) and smoking on the incidence of hypertension (HTN), stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and all-cause mortality. We prospectively followed 5720 participants and collected dietary data via a validated food frequency questionnaire to calculate DQI-international (DQI-I) and DQI-revised (DQI-R). Considering an interaction analysis, we classified participants based on diet quality (median: higher/lower) and smoking status. Over 9 years of follow-up, higher diet quality scores were associated with a lower risk of stroke and mortality. While current smokers had a higher risk of stroke and mortality but had a lower risk of developing HTN. Compared to the current smokers with lower diet quality, nonsmokers with higher diet quality according to the DQI-I [HR 0.24; 95% CI (0.08, 0.66)], and DQI-R [HR 0.20; 95% CI (0.07, 0.57)] had a lower risk of stroke. Moreover, the lower risk of mortality was more evident in nonsmokers with higher DQI-I [HR 0.40; 95% CI (0.22–0.75)] and DQI-R scores [HR 0.34; 95% CI (0.18–0.63)] compared to nonsmokers with lower diet quality. While higher DQI-I and DQI-R scores were associated with a lower risk of stroke and mortality, this beneficial effect may be negated by smoking.

Abstract Cyclodextrins (CDs) can enhance the stability and bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds by encapsulating them within their cavities. This study utilized molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the interaction mechanisms between hydrocortisone (HC) and various methylated CD derivatives. The results reveal that the loading of HC into CD cavities follows different mechanisms depending on the degree and position of methylation. Loading into βCD and 6-MeβCD was more complete, with the hydroxyl groups of HC facing the primary hydroxyl rim (PHR) and the ketone side facing the secondary hydroxyl rim (SHR). In contrast, 2,3-D-MeβCD and 2,6-D-MeβCD showed a different loading mechanism, with the ketone side facing the PHR and the hydroxyl groups facing the SHR. The root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis demonstrated that methylation increases the flexibility of CD heavy atoms, with 3-MeβCD and 2,3-D-MeβCD exhibiting the highest flexibility. However, upon inclusion of HC, 3-MeβCD, 2,3-D-MeβCD, 2-MeβCD, and 6-MeβCD showed a significant reduction in flexibility, suggesting a more rigid structure that effectively retains HC within their cavities. The radial distribution function revealed a significant reduction in the number of water molecules within the innermost layer of the methylated CD cavities, particularly in TMeβCD, indicating a decrease in polarity. The presence of HC led to the release of high-energy water molecules, creating more favorable conditions for HC loading. Conformational analysis showed that methylation caused a partial decrease in the area of the PHR, a significant decrease in the area of the middle rim, and a notable decrease in the area of the SHR. The loading of HC increased the area of the PHR in most derivatives, with the most pronounced increase observed in 2,6-D-MeβCD and 6-MeβCD. The analysis of interaction energies and binding free energies demonstrated that the binding of HC to methylated CD derivatives is thermodynamically more favorable than to βCD, with the strongest association observed for 6-MeβCD, 2-MeβCD, and 2,3-D-MeβCD.

Abstract The study introduces a groundbreaking continuous system that combines an extruder and grinder to enable catalyst-free and solvent-free reactions under mild conditions. This temperature-controlled system facilitates the synthesis of highly functionalized chromenes, which have valuable applications in generating combinatorial libraries and complex target molecules. The newly developed mill extruder machine offers several advantages for industrial production on a large scale. It effectively reduces waste, saves energy, and enhances time efficiency. This system represents a significant advancement in the field, providing a new strategy for one-pot synthesis of various types of highly functionalized spirooxindoles and chromenes. Remarkably, these reactions can be accomplished within a short timeframe of 2–10 min, yielding impressive results of 75–98%. The results demonstrate superior performance compared to traditional reaction methods, making it an appealing tool and hotspot area of research in green chemistry.

Abstract The development of environmentally friendly catalysts for organic transformations is of great importance in the field of green chemistry. Aldehyde oxidation reactions play a crucial role in various industrial processes, including the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals. This paper presents the synthesis and evaluation of a new metallosalen carbon nitride catalyst named Co(salen)@g-C3N4. The catalyst was prepared by doping salicylaldehyde onto carbon nitride, and subsequently, incorporating cobalt through Schiff base chemistry. The Co(salen)@g-C3N4 catalyst was characterized using various spectroscopic techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Furthermore, after modification with salicylaldehyde, the carbon nitride component of the catalyst exhibited remarkable yields (74–98%) in oxidizing various aldehyde derivatives (20 examples) to benzoic acid. This oxidation reaction was carried out under mild conditions and resulted in short reaction times (120–300 min). Importantly, the catalyst demonstrated recyclability, as it could be reused for five consecutive runs without any loss of activity. The reusable nature of the catalyst, coupled with its excellent yields in oxidation reactions, makes it a promising and sustainable option for future applications.

Abstract Apple is the most important fruit tree in West Azarbaijan province of Iran. In a survey of apple orchards, a disease with crown and collar canker and necrosis symptoms was observed in three young apple orchards in Urmia, affecting 15% and 1% of ‘Red Delicious’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ cultivars, respectively. A fungus with typical characteristics of the asexual morph of Cytospora was regularly isolated from the diseased tissues. Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses inferred from the combined dataset of the ITS-rDNA, parts of LSU, tef1-α, rpb2, and act1 genes revealed that the isolates represent a new species of Cytospora, described herein as Cytospora balanejica sp. nov.. The pathogenicity of all isolates was confirmed on apple cv. ‘Red Delicious’ based on Koch’s postulates. Also, the reaction of 12 other apple cultivars was assessed against five selected isolates with the highest virulence. The results showed that except for cv. ‘Braeburn’, which did not produce any symptoms of the disease, the other 11 cultivars showed characteristic disease symptoms including sunken and discolored bark and wood. The mean length of the discolored area was different among the 11 so-called susceptible cultivars, hence cvs. ‘M4’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ showed the highest and the lowest lesion length, respectively. Moreover, the aggressiveness of the five tested isolates was different, and the isolates BA 2-4 and BA 3-1 had the highest and lowest aggressiveness, respectively. Based on our observations on the potential ability of the fungus to cause disease on young and actively growing apple trees, it will be a serious threat to apple cultivation and industry.

Abstract Globally, breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. In breast cancer, microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential for both the initiation and development of tumors. It has been suggested that the tumor suppressor microRNA-561-3p (miR-561-3p) is crucial in arresting the growth of cancer cells. Further research is necessary to fully understand the role and molecular mechanism of miR-561 in human BC. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of miR-561-3p on ZEB1, HIF1A, and MYC expression as oncogenes that have the most impact on PD-L1 overexpression and cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle in breast cancer (BC) cell lines. The expression of ZEB1, HIF1A, and MYC genes and miR-561-3p were measured in BC clinical samples and cell lines via qRT-PCR. The luciferase assay, MTT, Annexin-PI staining, and cell cycle experiments were used to assess the effect of miR-561-3p on candidate gene expression, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. Flow cytometry was used to investigate the effects of miR-561 on PD-L1 suppression in the BC cell line. The luciferase assay showed that miRNA-561-3p targets the 3′-UTRs of ZEB1, HIF1A and MYC genes significantly. In BC tissues, the qRT-PCR results demonstrated that miR-561-3p expression was downregulated and the expression of ZEB1, HIF1A and MYC genes was up-regulated. It was shown that overexpression of miR-561-3p decreased PD-L1 expression and BC cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through downregulation of candidate oncogenes. Furthermore, inhibition of candidate genes by miR-561-3p reduced PD-L1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Our research investigated the impact of miR-561-3p on the expression of ZEB1, HIF1A and MYC in breast cancer cells for the first time. Our findings may help clarify the role of miR-561-3p in PD-L1 regulation and point to this miR as a potential biomarker and novel therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract This study investigates the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) across four metabolic phenotypes: Metabolically Healthy-No Obesity (MH-NO), Metabolically Unhealthy-No obesity (MU-NO), Metabolically Healthy-Obesity (MH-O), and Metabolically Unhealthy-Obesity (MU-O). Data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, collected from 1999 to 2020, were used to categorize participants based on a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and metabolic health status, defined by the presence of three or four of the following components: high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein, and high fasting blood sugar. CKD, characterized by a glomerular filtration rate

Abstract The quality of drinks affects the functioning of the liver. In recent decades, the variety of high-calorie and sweet drinks has increased. The objective of this study was to explore the association between Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adults. We included 6,276 participants aged 35 to 65 from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study at baseline. NAFLD is defined based on the fatty liver index (FLI), calculated using anthropometric measurements and non-invasive markers. The HBI was developed using a combination of water, low-fat milk, 100% fruit juice, sugar-sweetened beverages, met fluid requirement and % energy from beverages. Logistic and linear regression models were employed to investigate the associations of the HBI and high FLI. The average FLI was significantly lower in the first tertile of HBI compared to the third tertile (47.83 vs. 45.77; P = 0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, the odds of high FLI decreased by 28% (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.63, 0.82) in the second tertile of HBI and by 21% in the third tertile (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70, 0.91). There was no correlation between gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels with HBI. The study findings indicate an inverse association between high FLI and HBI. Therefore, it is recommended to consume healthy beverages and without added sugar. However, additional longitudinal studies are required to examine the association between beverage consumption and the development of NAFLD.

Abstract Dyslipidemia, as a metabolic risk factor, with the strongest and most heritable independent cause of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. We investigated the familial transmission patterns of dyslipidemia through a longitudinal family-based cohort, the Tehran Cardiometabolic Genetic Study (TCGS) in Iran. We enrolled 18,729 individuals (45% were males) aged > 18 years (mean: 38.15 (15.82)) and observed them over five 3-year follow-up periods. We evaluated the serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with the first measurement among longitudinal measures and the average measurements (AM) of the five periods. Heritability analysis was conducted using a mixed-effect framework with likelihood-based and Bayesian approaches. The periodic prevalence and heritability of dyslipidemia were estimated to be 65.7 and 42%, respectively. The likelihood of an individual having at least one dyslipidemic parent reveals an OR = 6.94 (CI 5.28–9.30) compared to those who do not have dyslipidemic parents. The most considerable intraclass correlation of family members was for the same-sex siblings, with ICC ~ 25.5%. For serum concentrations, heritability ranged from 33.64 to 60.95%. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that familial transmission of dyslipidemia in the Tehran population is strong, especially within the same-gender siblings. According to previous reports, the heritability of dyslipidemia in this population is considerably higher than the global average.

Abstract Ionogels are gaining popularity as a potential replacement for volatile organic solvents in various processes, such as catalysts, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and medicinal chemistry, due to their low toxicity, high thermal stability, and good solubility. Magnet-responsive ion gels with high magnetic susceptibility are promising and can be used as catalysts, sensors, and MRI contrast agents. Herein, we fabricated simple and novel magnet choline carbomer ionogels using a precipitation-deposition method with carbomers and choline hydroxide. The morphology and structure of the resulting ionogels were analyzed using various characterization techniques, including FTIR, EDX, TGA, and SEM spectroscopy. These magnet ionogels were effective catalysts for a one-pot, three-component synthesis of benzopyran derivatives, providing mild reaction conditions, environmental friendliness, and good to excellent (78–96%) yields within a short reaction time (1–2 h). Additionally, the magnet ionogels were easily recyclable, and they could be reused up to five times without catalytic deactivation.