Search

Abstract Background Despite the beneficial effects of a plant-based diet on colorectal cancer (CRC), no study has yet investigated the relationship between a Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and CRC in the Iranian population. Therefore, the present case-control study aimed to assess the relationship between this index and CRC. Methods The current research was conducted on 71 patients with CRC (case group) and 142 (control group) admitted to hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The PHDI (0-150 points) was calculated based on a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between CRC and PHDI and its sub-scores. Results After adjusting for the role of potential confounders, lower odds of CRC were observed in the second tertile of the total ratio score (odds ratio (OR) = 0.334; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.127–0.878, P = 0.026) and the last tertile of PHDI (OR = 0.407; 95% CI: 0.183–0.907, P = 0.028), total adequacy score (OR = 0.261; 95% CI: 0.110–0.622, P = 0.002), and total moderation score (OR = 0.380; 95% CI: 0.162–0.891, P = 0.026) in comparison to the first tertile of each index. Conclusions The current study’s findings indicated a reverse relationship between PHDI, total adequacy, moderation, and ratio scores with the CRC odds. However, it is suggested that more research be performed in this field in the future to confirm the results of this study.

Abstract Background Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an inflammatory disease characterized by increased reactive oxygen species. Diets rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may be linked to a reduced risk of developing HT. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) with HT in Iranian adults. Methods The study was a hospital-based case-control study conducted on 230 participants (115 cases and 115 controls). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ data were used to calculate DII and DTAC scores. Anthropometric measurements, thyroid function, and antibody tests were evaluated using standard methods. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed in both raw and adjusted models to determine the association between DII and DTAC scores with HT. Results The average age of the participants was 39.76 ± 9.52 years. The mean body mass index in the case and control groups was 28.03 ± 6.32 and 26.43 ± 5.13 (kg/m2), respectively (P = 0.036). In the HT group, the DII level was higher (P

Abstract Suspended drums made of 2D materials hold potential for sensing applications. However, the industrialization of these applications is hindered by significant device-to-device variations presumably caused by non-uniform stress distributions induced by the fabrication process. Here, we introduce a methodology to determine the stress distribution from their mechanical resonance frequencies and corresponding mode shapes as measured by a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). To avoid limitations posed by the optical resolution of the LDV, we leverage a manufacturing process to create ultra-large graphene drums with diameters of up to 1000 μm. We solve the inverse problem of a Föppl–von Kármán plate model by an iterative procedure to obtain the stress distribution within the drums from the experimental data. Our results show that the generally used uniform pre-tension assumption overestimates the pre-stress value, exceeding the averaged stress obtained by more than 47%. Moreover, it is found that the reconstructed stress distributions are bi-axial, which likely originates from the transfer process. The introduced methodology allows one to estimate the tension distribution in drum resonators from their mechanical response and thereby paves the way for linking the used fabrication processes to the resulting device performance.

Abstract Background Wilms tumor (WT), also known as nephroblastoma, is rare in adults, accounting for merely 3% of all nephroblastomas or 0.2 cases per million individuals. Extrarenal Wilms tumor (ERWT) emerges outside the renal boundaries and comprises 0.5 to 1% of all WT cases, with even rarer incidences in adults. Oncogenic mutations associated with ectopic nephrogenic rests (NR) may contribute to ERWT development. Diagnosis involves surgical resection and pathology examination. Due to scarce cases, adults often rely on pediatric guidelines. We thoroughly searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to establish our case’s uniqueness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented incidence of extrarenal Wilms tumor within the spinal canal in the adult population. Case presentation A 22-year-old woman with a history of congenital lipo-myelomeningocele surgery as an infant presented with a 6-month history of back pain. This pain gradually resulted in limb weakness, paraparesis, and loss of bladder and bowel control. An MRI showed a 6 × 5 × 3 cm spinal canal mass at the L4-S1 level. Consequently, a laminectomy was performed at the L4-L5 level to remove the intramedullary tumor. Post-surgery histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the tumor as ERWT with favorable histology without any teratomatous component. Conclusion This report underscores the rarity of extrarenal Wilms tumor (ERWT) in adults, challenging conventional assumptions about its typical age of occurrence. It emphasizes the importance of clinical awareness regarding such uncommon cases. Moreover, the co-occurrence of spinal ERWTs and a history of spinal anomalies warrants further investigation.

This report demonstrates the development of carbon fibers (CFs) decorated with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) as an efficient photocatalyst for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) as a model dye. Carbon fibers were produced by carbonization of polyacrylonitrile fibers, previously produced by centrifugal spinning. Subsequently, the CFs were decorated with TiO2 NPs (CFs@TiO2) by tailored soaking protocol using aqueous TiCl4 solution with different concentrations (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 M). SEM analyses revealed that soaking in TiCl4 produced a smooth, conformal, continuous TiO2 nanoparticulate coating with thickness increasing from 40.4 ± 21.2 to 257.9 ± 63.9 nm with increasing TiCl4 concentration. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the anatase nature of TiO2. Photocatalytic decomposition rates of MB were assessed under UV light illumination for all CFs@TiO2 samples, and it was revealed that the lowest amount of TiO2 NP on C yielded the highest rates. The synergistic interaction between CFs and TiO2 NPs with a uniform morphology and a well-crystalline anatase structure, present in an optimal amount of fiber bodies, is the key reason for the remarkable photocatalytic performance. This work shows that C fibers decorated with an optimal amount of TiO2 NPs have a great potential as an effective photocatalytic material.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the digital age, the call for intelligent governance has become paramount. This study offers a nuanced exploration of global sustainable governance, integrating the Seven Pillars of Sustainability (7PS) framework and innovation culture. Utilizing structural equation modeling and data from diverse government organizations, this research empirically established the 7PS framework's pivotal role in enhancing organizational sustainability, supported by a robust 95% confidence level. Notably, it unveiled the transformative influence of innovation culture in amplifying the 7PS's impact. The methodological innovation lies in strategically applying the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP), assigning priority weights to 7PS criteria, and identifying culture as the linchpin. This approach provided a robust framework for dissecting the complex interplay of emerging technologies, sustainable engineering, and cybersecurity. The study delves into the X.0 wave/age (X.0 = 5.0) theory, offering insights into the intricate dynamics of innovation, sustainability, and governance. Beyond academic discourse, this research informs practical strategies globally, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transitioning to SME 5.0/hybrid SMEs. Emphasizing inclusivity and diversity as catalysts for innovation, it scrutinizes contemporary challenges amid technological evolution and cybersecurity threats. Functioning as a visionary compass, the study elucidates the path to a 7PS sustainable future. It signifies a paradigm shift, transcending boundaries between knowledge domains. The fusion of the 7PS framework, X.0 wave theory, and fuzzy AHP navigates global governance, digital resilience, and cybersecurity, offering a transformative roadmap. This research contributes by substantiating the pivotal role of culture in emerging technologies, augmenting global tech-sustainable governance, fortifying digital resilience, and safeguarding cybersecurity.

Abstract Background The acquisition of clinical competence is considered the ultimate goal of nursing education programs. This study explored the relationship between learning styles and clinical competency in undergraduate nursing students. Methods A descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2023 with 276 nursing students from the second to sixth semesters at Abhar School of Nursing, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, Kolb’s learning styles, and Meretoja’s clinical competence assessments completed online by participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, employing descriptive statistics and inferential tests (independent T-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation) at a significance level 0.05. Results The predominant learning styles among nursing students were divergent (31.2%), and the least common was convergent (18.4%). The overall clinical competency score was 77.25 ± 12.65. Also, there was a significant relationship between learning styles and clinical competency, so the clinical competency of students with accommodative and converging learning styles was higher. (P

Fipronil (FPN) is an insecticide used in agriculture. This study focused on the biotransformation process and the histopathological effects of FPN in the liver of grass carp. Fish were exposed to environmental concentrations of FPN (3, 6, and 10 ug l-1) for up to 14 d. The alterations in phase I and II biotransformation enzyme activity (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase [EROD] and glutathione-S-transferase [GST]), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and histopathology in the liver were studied on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 14th days. Results showed that EROD (dose-dependent) and GST activity (time-dependent) increased. The MDA content increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The most common types of hepatological damage were steatosis, vein dilatation, pyknosis, and increased melanomacrophage centers, probably due to oxidative stress originating from biotransformation enzyme activity (R2 = 0.88 for GST and MDA). The degree of tissue change (DTC) at the highest dose indicated moderate damage to the liver (R2 = 0.82 for GST and DTC). Nevertheless, the level of EROD and GST activity and MDA content indicated complex interactions among various phase I and phase II biotransformation enzymes which should be investigated in future studies with more replications.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the common causes of hypothyroidism. Although various factors are involved in its development, recently the role of oxidative stress in its pathogenesis has been known. The present study aimed to investigate the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and salivary superoxide dismutase (SOD) in patients with HT compared with the control group. The present case-control design included patients aged 18-80 years suffering from HT referred to the endocrine clinic. Eligible patients were selected by the available sampling method. Complete unstimulated saliva was collected under a rest state in a comfortable room between 10:00 AM and 12:00 AM and a checklist was used to collect data. The chi-square, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for data analysis using SPSS 22 software. The mean age of the participants was 36.55±9.37 years (range: 20-56). The two groups were the same in terms of age and gender (P>0.05). The findings indicated that the difference in the means CAT between the two groups was 22.63 which was strongly and statistically significant (P

Abstract Self‐organized anodic TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layers prepared by anodization of Ti substrates have attracted great interest within the last 20 years, due to their unique properties and low‐cost synthesis. This mini review article aims to shortly summarize the most recent developments in the TNT layer synthesis and applications. It presents the synthesis of high aspect ratio (HAR) TNT layers in a short time by accelerating the TNT layer growth rates in lactic acid containing electrolytes. Furthermore, the etching of TNT layers towards TNT bundles of homogeneous size and single tube powders is discussed, as well as the possibility to grow TNT layers on non‐planar Ti substrates, which cannot be directly connected to the potentiostat (e.g., Ti spheres or 3D Ti meshes). As a relatively new application, the employment of TNT layers in microwave resonator sensors is introduced. Last, but not least, approaches of upscaling the TNT layer size from the laboratory scale towards significantly larger scale are outlined and reviewed.

Abstract Although strain engineering and soft-clamping techniques for attaining high Q-factors in nanoresonators have received much attention, their impact on nonlinear dynamics is not fully understood. In this study, we show that nonlinearity of high-Q Si3N4 nanomechanical string resonators can be substantially tuned by support design. Through careful engineering of support geometries, we control both stress and mechanical nonlinearities, effectively tuning nonlinear stiffness of two orders of magnitude. Our approach also allows control over the sign of the Duffing constant resulting in nonlinear softening of the mechanical mode that conventionally exhibits hardening behavior. We elucidate the influence of support design on the magnitude and trend of the nonlinearity using both analytical and finite element-based reduced-order models that validate our experimental findings. Our work provides evidence of the role of soft-clamping on the nonlinear dynamic response of nanoresonators, offering an alternative pathway for nullifying or enhancing nonlinearity in a reproducible and passive manner.

Abstract General and electronic health literacy are important factors engaging in healthy behaviors and maintaining good health. The present study explored demographic factors associated with general and electronic health literacy in the Iranian adult population. Via stratified cluster sampling, trained interviewers visited adult residents in Qazvin Province, Iran between January, and April 2022. The participants (N = 9775; mean age = 36.44 years; 6576 [67.3%] females) completed the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults (HELIA) assessing health literacy and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) assessing electronic health literacy. Demographic data, including age, gender, educational level, marital status, and living location (city or rural), were collected. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to classify the participants into different health literacy/electronic health literacy levels. The relationships between health literacy/electronic health literacy levels and demographic factors were examined using χ2 or analysis of variance. The LCA used HELIA scores to suggest five classes of health literacy and eHEALS scores to suggest three classes of electronic health literacy. For general and electronic health literacy, similar relationships were with demographic factors: females as compared with males had better general/electronic health literacy; younger people as compared with older people had better general/electronic health literacy; higher educational level was associated with better general/electronic health literacy; and city residents as compared with rural residents had better general/electronic health literacy. In conclusion, Iranian governmental agencies may wish to target on males, older adults, people with low educational level, and rural residents to improve their health literacy.

Abstract Background Health literacy and e‐health literacy are important factors helping people shape awareness of health behaviours in different aspects, including sleep hygiene behaviours. Good sleep hygiene behaviours promote sleep quality and are beneficial to overall mental wellbeing. Objective We aimed to examine if sleep hygiene behaviours may mediate the association between health literacy/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing. Methods Adult Iranian subjects (n = 9775; mean [SD] age = 36.44 [11.97] years; 67.3% females) completed the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults, eHealth Literacy Scale, three items on sleep hygiene behaviour that have been used in prior research and the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Data were then subjected to structural equation modelling (SEM) including 500 bootstrapping resampling to examine whether sleep hygiene is a mediator in the relationship between health literacy/e‐health literacy and mental wellbeing. Findings Both health literacy and e‐health literacy were significantly associated with mental wellbeing (r = .63 for health literacy and .39 for e‐health literacy; p

Resonators based on two-dimensional (2D) materials have exceptional properties for application as nanomechanical sensors, which allows them to operate at high frequencies with high sensitivity. However, their performance as nanomechanical sensors is currently limited by their low quality (Q)-factor. Here, we make use of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) to apply pure in-plane mechanical strain, enhancing both their resonance frequency and Q-factor. In contrast to earlier work, the 2D material resonators are fabricated on the MEMS actuators without any wet processing steps using a dry-transfer method. A platinum clamp, which is deposited by electron beam-induced deposition, is shown to be effective in fixing the 2D membrane to the MEMS and preventing slippage. By in-plane straining the membranes in a purely mechanical fashion, we increase the tensile energy, thereby diluting dissipation. This way, we show how dissipation dilution can increase the Q -factor of 2D material resonators by 91%. The presented MEMS actuated dissipation dilution method does not only pave the way toward higher Q -factors in resonators based on 2D materials, but also provides a route toward studies of the intrinsic loss mechanisms of 2D materials in the monolayer limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-viral gene delivery is a new therapeutic in the treating genetic disorders. The most important challenge in nonviral gene transformation is the immunogenicity of carriers. Nowadays, The immunogenicity of nanocarriers as a deliverer of nucleic acid molecules has received significant attention. In this research, hematite green nanocarriers were prepared in one step with rosemary extract. Synthetic nanocarriers were investigated by using XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis), FESEM-EDX (field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy), HR-TEM (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy), VSM (value stream mapping), TGA- DTG (thermal gravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis), FT-IR (fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), BET (brunauer–emmett–teller) and BJH (barrett-joyner-halenda) analyses. The cytotoxicity of synthetic nanocarriers was evaluated on HEK-293Tcell lines at concentration of 1–500 μg/ml using MTT method. Finally, targeted transfection of GFP plasmid using green porous particles was performed using an external magnetic field. Biogenic hematite nanoparticles with hexagonal crystal structures have a 3D pile flower-like morphology. The existence of rosemary phytochemicals in the construction of nanoparticles has caused minimal toxicity and high biocompatibility of nanocarriers. Also, TGA studies confirmed the stability of bionic nanoparticles. Superparamagnetic green nanocarriers at concentrations above 500 μg/ml is not toxic to HEK293T cells. The delivery efficiency of the plasmid was optimal at an N/P ratio of 3. Therefore, the porous α-Fe2O3 green nanocarriers are non-viral and safe carriers with potential applications in gene therapy.

Key Clinical Message Despite the acceptable results in patients receiving organs from COVID‐19‐positive donors, more extensive studies over a longer period are still needed for more accurate conclusions. Abstract Organ transplantation is a major concern during the current COVID‐19 pandemic worldwide. The use of COVID‐19‐positive organ donors has raised widespread concerns in the field of transplantation. In this study, we characterized the outcome of a heart transplant from an organ donor positive for COVID‐19.