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Mannheimia haemolytica (M. haemolytica) is an organism causing pneumonia in ruminants. M. haemolytica causes severe economic losses to the global livestock industry. Several diagnostic methods have been developed, including bacterial culture, bacterial DNA detection and serological assays. Diagnosis of M. haemolytica is based on the bacteriological methods such as isolation of the microorganisms from clinical samples. Available methods are time consuming and not easy to perform. Serological tests based on recombinant proteins may provide higher sensitivity and specificity than culture tests. There is a need for new diagnostic methods to detect M.haemolytica -specific antibodies. In this study, a latex agglutination test (LAT) was developed based on recombinant outer membrane pasteurella lipoprotein E (rPlpE) for detecting specific antibodies against M. haemolytica. Expressed recombinant PlpE was coated with latex particles for a latex agglutination test. The recombinant PlpE was able to detect anti-M. haemolytica IgG in positive sera, but showed no immunoreaction with Pasteurella multocida and negative samples. These results suggest that the rPlpE can be used to detect the specific anti Mannheimia haemolytica - IgG Antibodies. Because the recombinant proteins can be produced efficiently and are inexpensively, their use in diagnostic kits such as LATs as reagents can reduce the cost of them. This rapid and specific anti M. haemolytica antibody detection method using recombinant proteins can save cost and be widely applied for efficient and practical detection of. M. haemolytica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chloridazon belongs to the pyridazinone group of herbicides. Pyridazinone derivatives are known to have various pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer effects. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity, apoptotic, anti-metastasis, and anti-angiogenesis effects of chloridazon-loaded alginate-chitosan nanocapsules on the 4T1 breast cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: The 4T1 cell line was cultured in RPMI 1640 media and treated with different concentrations of chloridazon-loaded alginate-chitosan nanocapsules. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay, while cell vitality was assessed using the NR uptake assay. Apoptosis was induced and observed through acridine orange and propidium iodide staining. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes associated with metastasis (MMP-2 & MMP-9) and angiogenesis (VEGF-A) were analyzed using the RTPCR technique. Results: The chloridazon-loaded nanocapsules displayed increased cytotoxicity on the 4T1 cell line in a dose-dependent manner. As the treatment dose increased, both cell viability and vitality decreased. The IC50 of the nanoformulation was measured as 74 µg/ml based on the dose-response curve. Additionally, the nanoformulation was found to induce apoptosis and decrease the expression levels of genes related to metastasis (MMP-2 & MMP-9) and angiogenesis (VEGF-A). Notably, the doses of 100 µg/ml and 160 µg/ml of the nanoformulation exhibited the most significant effects. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that the chloridazon-loaded alginate -chitosan nanocapsules have the potential to exert cytotoxic effects on the 4T1 breast cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work a novel polymer/metal oxide composites containing Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Ag2O nanoparticles (NP) were fabricated under room and elevated temperatures. The PVC/Ag2O NC has been fabricated to enhance the electronic application such as memory devices, sensors, electronic luminescent devices and medical applications. The Ag2O NP was synthesized by dropwise mixing process having 25 nm in size with spherical surface morphology. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was taken for (1) virgin PVC film (2) PVC/Ag2O NC and PVC/Ag2O (heat treated) Composites. The formation of absorbance peaks, their shifting, intensity and maximum absorbance values were considered in all the three CC, C-Cl and C-H classified stretching modes of vibrations for different composites. It was found in C-C stretch range the virgin PVC back bone chain occurs at 1101 cm-1 which shifted to 1076 cm-1 for PVC/Ag2O NC, further shift is evident for PVC/Ag2O (heat treated) Composites at 1151 cm-1. In addition rocking vibration and wagging of methylene group changes in the same fashion. The change in spectral feature takes places due to filling of Ag2O NP in PVC matrix, indicates that changes in dipole moments occur as a result of molecular vibrations. It is also observed the absorbance peaks value is high for virgin PVC film for all modes of stretching vibration, which decreases for Ag2O/PVC (NC) further decrease is evident for Ag2O/PVC (NC) heat treated composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, airships have many uses and have been considered because they combine the benefits of a ship and an aircraft and the low cost of energy consumption. In this research, with the help of numerical solutions and analytical solutions in Datcom, three common configurations of an airship at various angles of attack are investigated. The results of numerical and analytical solutions are compared. Flow condition was considered at an altitude of 4 km above the ground. The same results are not obtained in numerical and analytical solutions. Certainly, numerical results can be cited more than analytical solutions because Datcom software has computational errors and has been simplified. It has been developed for the analytical flow solution on the slender body. However, despite the existing error, this software can be used to extract computational processes and sensitization some parameters. The results show that the approach of the tail fins to the tip of the airship increases the lift-to-drag ratio, and with increasing the length-to-diameter ratio, the aerodynamic performance also improves. In all variants, converting the fins to a cross-type variant improves the vehicle's aerodynamic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New methods of dietary calcium restriction to control hypocalcaemia and reproductive problems have always been the focus of research. This study was conducted to compare two new methods including two diets containing Zeolite and anionic salt with a conventional method of the low-Ca diet. Sixty periparturient cows were used through a completely randomized statistical design (CRD) with repeated measurements in time. Experimental diets were included: 1. low-Ca (Ca=0.44%), 2. anionic-Kipro (Ca=1%), 3. zeolite (Ca=0.44%). Traits were included: feed and nutrients intake, milk characteristics, plasma calcium concentration, body condition score (BCS), and incidence of reproductive problems. Feed, energy, and nutrient intake of low-Ca were higher than anionic-Kipro and zeolite groups (P≤0.01). Raw and corrected milk yield of anionic-Kipro was at maximum, but fat% and fat yield of zeolite was higher than other groups (P≤0.01). Total plasma and ionized calcium concentration at 6 and 12 hours after calving of low-Ca and zeolite diets were higher than the anionic-Kipro group (P≤0.01). BCS of zeolite and anionic-Kipro diets (2.98 and 2.95) was higher than the low-Ca diet (2.86) significantly (P≤0.01). The frequency of severe and subclinical hypocalcaemia and reproductive problems in two new proposed methods and younger cows was at least (P≤0.01). New dietary calcium limiting methods with zeolite and anionic-Kipro supplementation had good results on milk traits with better control on plasma calcium concentration and prevention of reproductive disorders and could be advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of energy generation from wind is considered one of the main ways to develop renewed energy in some areas worldwide. The important point in generating energy from wind is the permanent wind availability, which is called the existence of effective wind. According to studies, there is no effective wind at ground level in many areas of the world, while this wind is available at altitude. The Accessibility of wind in altitude has led to the development of various technologies in energy production from airborne systems. In this research, airborne wind energy systems technologies have been investigated, and a tethered-glider was designed and analyzed using analytical methods for energy generation at a 200-meter altitude. The main factor in designing a glider is the optimal ratio of lift to drag coefficient; For calculating lift to drag coefficient, the vortex lattice method (VLC) is used in this paper. The results illustrate that a glider with a wingspan of 5.2 meters can produce a maximum of 10 kilowatts of energy over one cycle. Increasing this ratio can increase energy production efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Endometriosis is a significant cause of chronic abdominal pain and infertility in females, often overlooked due to its resemblance to other abdominopelvic pathologies. This study aims to compare the diagnostic performance and agreement rate between an abbreviated MRI protocol (aMRI) and a full MRI protocol (fMRI) for detecting pelvic endometriosis., Methods: We retrospectively analysed 446 consecutive MRI exams, including both full (fMRI) and abbreviated (aMRI) protocols, performed for suspected pelvic endometriosis. An expert radiologist assessed the presence of endometriosis at 14 distinct anatomical sites. Each MRI protocol was interpreted in random order, with a minimum two-week interval between sessions to minimize recall bias. Agreement between the protocols was evaluated using kappa statistics., Results: The average age of the patients was 34.13 years. The highest incidences of endometriosis were found in the ovaries (88.8%) and the recto-uterine pouch (65%). The MRI protocols demonstrated perfect agreement (kappa coefficient = 1) for the ovaries, bladder, uterus, and caesarean section scar. High agreement was also observed in the rectum and uterine ligaments (kappa coefficients of 0.98 and 0.97). Detection of malignant transformation in existing ovarian endometriomas showed substantial concordance with a kappa coefficient of 0.66., Conclusions: An abbreviated non-contrast MRI protocol exhibits diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of a comprehensive protocol in detecting pelvic endometriosis, with similar confidence and reproducibility., Advances in Knowledge: This study demonstrates that an abbreviated MRI protocol is as effective as a full protocol in diagnosing pelvic endometriosis, potentially allowing for quicker, cost-effective imaging without compromising diagnostic accuracy., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Institute of Radiology.)

This study was designed to investigate the dichotomous effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) at varying concentrations (0, 50, 100, 1000, and 2500 ppm) on the physiological, biochemical, and antioxidative defense responses of Persian dragonhead plants cultivated in hydroponic conditions. Over 21 days of treatment, an increase in fresh shoot biomass by 26.2% and plant height by 18.2% was observed at exposure to 50 ppm TiO 2 NPs. Exposure to 100 ppm NPs negatively affected the biosynthesis of carotenoids, chlorophyll pigments (a, b, and total), and protein content. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed TiO 2 NPs deposition within intercellular spaces and cell walls of root tissues. The physiological stress was prominent in response to 2500 ppm NPs as evidenced by a significant increase in proline and sugar content compared to the control. The enzymatic antioxidative defense was significantly upregulated by the enhanced activity of catalase (CAT) across exposure ranges 100-2500 ppm NPs, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) at 100 and 2500 ppm NPs, and peroxidase (POD) at 100 ppm NPs in plant roots. The antioxidant proficiency was further corroborated by increases in total flavonoids by 30.43% at 2500 ppm, saponins by 253.7%, and iridoids by 22.3% at 100 ppm NPs, relative to control. The results suggest that TiO 2 NPs fostered growth promotion at sub-lethal doses, and induced adverse biochemical changes at elevated concentrations, prompting the activation of intrinsic defense mechanisms to enhance plant resilience against NPs stresses. The optimal nano-stimulation performance was observed at 50 ppm TiO 2 NPs, which was suggested for the high yield targets, signifying a potential boon for agricultural productivity., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are taken up by most cells, however specific or preferential cell targeting remains a hurdle. This study aims to develop an EV that targets cells involved in inflammation, specifically those expressing intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). To target these cells, we overexpress the ICAM-1 binding receptor "lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1" (LFA-1) in HEK293F cells, by sequential transfection of plasmids of the two LFA-1 subunits, ITGAL and ITGB2 (CD11a and CD18). The LFA-1 receptor was strongly overexpressed on the EVs released by the transfected cells. We further loaded these EVs with a therapeutic peptide, targeting myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (Myd88; EV Myd88 ), through a developed EV open-and-close procedure. Myd88 is a downstream common intracellular messenger for most TLR-receptors. EV expression of LFA-1 increases EV binding to ICAM-1-expressing cells, an effect that was dose-dependently inhibited by a specific neutralizing ICAM-1 antibody. Further, activated human endothelial cells treated with LFA-1 EV Myd88 had increased uptake of these EVs, resulting in dose-dependent inhibition of induced release of IL-8, presumably by targeting Myd88. We conclude that LFA-1-expressing EV Myd88 may be a candidate suitable for delivering therapeutic peptides in inflammatory diseases associated with TLR-activation., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: MB, KSP, CL and JL have equity in Exocure Sweden AB, developing EVs for therapeutic purposes. JL consults for ExoCoBio INC (South Korea)., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Skin regeneration, repair, and the promotion of hair growth are intricate and dynamic processes essential for preserving the overall health, functionality, and appearance of both skin and hair. These processes involve a coordinated interplay of cellular activities and molecular signaling pathways that ensure the maintenance and restoration of skin integrity and hair vitality. Recent advancements in regenerative medicine have underscored the significant role of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes as key mediators in these processes. Exosomes, emerging as a promising cell-free therapy in tissue engineering, hold substantial potential due to their ability to influence various biological functions. This review explores the mechanisms by which MSC-derived exosomes facilitate skin regeneration and repair, and hair growth, their therapeutic applications, and the future research directions in this emerging field., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Electrospun nanofibers with a high surface area are attractive materials for biomedical applications. They have potential use in scaffolds, drug delivery, bio face masks, wound dressings, and biosensors. Various surface modifications have been developed to improve their chemical and physical properties. These modifications include physical, chemical, biological, and nano-treatment approaches. The physical modification includes annealing, stretching, and plasma treatment. Chemical modification includes functionalization with chemical groups, while biological modification involves coating with proteins, enzymes, or antibodies. Nanotreatment approaches use nanomaterials to modify the surface of nanofibers. These modifications enhance the characteristics of the biomedical nanofibers, making them more effective and efficient for their intended applications. The review summarizes the latest research on electrospun nanofiber modification procedures, strategies, and utilities for various biomedical applications. It provides insights into the conditions and requirements of each modification approach and their effects on the properties of the nanofibers. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of functionalizing nanofibers to meet the most important specific requirements and the potential of electrospun nanofibers in various biomedical applications., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

This study presents a novel, eco-friendly method for removing methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) from wastewater, addressing its environmental impact and elevated chemical oxygen demand (COD) from gas refineries. We employed two wetland plants, Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia, utilizing a hydroponics approach to assess MDEA removal efficiency. Wastewater samples from the Ilam gas refinery in Iran were tested at varying initial concentrations (50 to 1600 ppm) over three consecutive 7-day periods, with a 1-day rest interval. Key factors influencing MDEA absorption-contact time, initial effluent concentration, and pH-were systematically analyzed. Results indicated a significant decrease in pH, COD, and MDEA concentration during the first four days. Kinetic modeling employed pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) models, alongside adsorption isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dobinin-Radeshkovich, and Louis), to evaluate MDEA absorption capacity. The Langmuir isotherm best described the absorption characteristics of both plants. Maximum adsorption capacities were recorded for P. australis at 1.181, 2.018, and 3.77 mg/L across the experimental periods, while T. latifolia showed values of 0.779, 1.099, and 2.99 mg/L. Kinetic analysis favored the pseudo-second-order model for both species. Our findings suggest that P. australis is the more effective candidate for phytoremediation of MDEA in wastewater treatment applications., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. Consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the formation of Lewy bodies, which are primarily composed of misfolded α-Synuclein (α-Syn). DJ-1 is a crucial protein involved in the correct folding of α-Syn, and mutations impairing its function are associated with the onset of PD. One such mutation, the L166P substitution in DJ-1, which has been linked to early-onset PD and results in the loss of DJ-1's homodimer structure. Recent studies have shown the presence of DJ-1 in Lewy bodies, but its interaction with α-Syn is unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the interaction between α-Syn and DJ-1 in both its wild-type (wDJ-1: homodimer) and L166P mutant (mDJ-1: monomer) forms using molecular dynamics simulation. Our results indicated that α-Syn binds more tightly to mDJ-1 than to wDJ-1. Gibbs free energy landscape analysis showed that the bonded α-Syn to mDJ-1 complex represents a stable conformation, whereas only a partial connection of α-Syn to wDJ-1 was observed. Generally, it appears that the monomer form of DJ-1 resulting from the L166P mutation can form a stable complex with α-Syn, potentially intensifying the formation of Lewy bodies. Thus, the identification of aggregated α-Syn with DJ-1 may serve as a potential biomarker for PD.

Introduction: Cerebral ischemic strokes cause brain damage, primarily through inflammatory factors. One of the regions most affected by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) is the hippocampus, specifically the CA1 area, which is highly susceptible to ischemia. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of quercetin on hippocampal CA1 neurons following MCAO., Materials and Methods: Fifty-six male Albino Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (intact, sham, stroke, vehicle, and three quercetin-treated groups receiving 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively), each containing 8 rats. Various assessments, including brain water content, the rotarod test, the Bederson neurological score, the Morris water maze (MWM) test, the shuttle box test, histopathological evaluations, and measurements of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels, were conducted across the groups., Results: Compared with control rats, 5 and 10 mg/kg quercetin-treated rats presented significant improvements in brain water content, neurological function, and motor function and improved performance in the MWM and shuttle box tests. Histopathological analyses revealed better preservation of CA1 neurons in these groups. Additionally, IL-10 levels significantly increased, whereas IL-1β levels significantly decreased. However, the group receiving 20 mg/kg quercetin showed no statistically significant changes in the parameters assessed (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Quercetin may help prevent or ameliorate brain injuries caused by acute stroke, suggesting its neuroprotective effects. The reduction in IL-1β and increase in IL-10 may play key roles in quercetin's protective mechanism., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was conducted without commercial input or involvement in the design, implementation, analysis, or reporting. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Laboratory Animals, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Ethics Approval Code: IR.MAZUMS.AEC.1401.046). All procedures performed in this study were in accordance with the ARRIVE guidelines and the ethical standards of the Institutional Research Ethics Committee of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and in accordance with the Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and associated guidelines. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s).)

Aim: This article aims to examine the demographic and clinical traits of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients, particularly focusing on the potential links between vitamin D levels, BMI, and dermatological features., Methods: A retrospective review of medical records involving 128 patients diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) over a 3-year-period was conducted. The analysis emphasized investigating the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients while evaluating key parameters., Result: Nevus anemicus was present in 32.8% of NF1 patients, and a significant association was found between nevus anemicus and low vitamin D levels ( P = 0.001). We also observed a notable correlation between low vitamin D levels and an increased likelihood of neurofibromas ( P < 0.001). Additionally, there appears to be an inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the number of neurofibromas., Conclusion: Our study suggests a correlation between lower vitamin D levels and key dermatological characteristics in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) individuals. Specifically, we observed associations with nevus anemicus prevalence and increased neurofibromas. This observation enriches NF1's understanding, offering practical implications for patient management by emphasizing the importance of monitoring and addressing vitamin D levels., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Dermatology.)

Objectives: This study explored the prevalence and degree of misalignment between gastroenterologists and people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and investigated communication features related to misalignment., Methods: A mixed-methods approach incorporated qualitative and quantitative analyses of consultations and post-consultation patient and doctor interviews. Gastroenterologists at two Australian teaching hospitals and IBD patients participated in this study. Doctor-patient misalignment about topics discussed in consultations was quantified using patient and doctor interviews. Predictors of misalignment were hypothesised through a linguistic analysis of consultations and tested quantitatively., Results: Data from 69 patients and seven gastroenterologists showed that consultation participants had different perceptions about at least one aspect of care in 36 % of the consultations. Predictors of misalignment included missing the opportunity to clarify an issue or concern and missing the opportunity to explain the rationale for a diagnosis or recommendation., Conclusion: Staying on the topic until the patient is ready to move on and using so-called related messages in questions and explanations increases the likelihood of doctor-patient alignment., Practice Implications: Generic and IBD-specific clinician- and patient-targeted interventions should cover strategies for adequately discussing patients' issues and concerns and clinicians' clinical reasoning. These strategies should also be considered in designing health promotion activities., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Neda Karimi has received grant support from Janssen and educational support from Ferring, and Pfizer. Alison R Moore received grant support from Janssen. Ashleigh Jones declares that they have no known conflict of interest. Annabelle Lukin received grant support from Janssen. Joseph L Pipicella is a current UNSW Post-Graduate Student on a scholarship (The Australian Government, Department of Education and Training: Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship). Astrid-Jane Williams has served as a speaker and/or consultant for Pfizer, Janssen, Abbvie, Takeda, Dr Falk Pharma, Celltrion and Ferring, and has received research funding from Ferring. Watson Ng had been on advisory board for AbbVie and received research funding from AbbVie, Janssen, Takeda, Shire, and Aspen-Orphan. Ria Kanazaki has received research and educational support from Pfizer, Abbvie, Takeda, and Janssen. Viraj Kariyawasam has received honoraria for Advisory board participation with Janssen, AbbVie and speakers fees and educational support and/or research support from Abbvie, Janssen, Dr Falk, Ferring, Takeda, Shire, and Celltrion. Nikola Mitrev has received research and education support from Takeda, Ferring, Celltrion, Janssen and Feresinious Kabi, as well as conference support from Dr Falk. Keval Pandya has received an educational grant from Takeda and Janssen. He has received conference support from Ferring. Jane M Andrews received speaker fees, research support, honoraria for advisory Board participation and industry consultation from AbbVie, Allergan, Anatara, Atmo Capsule, Bayer, BMS 2020, Celgene, Celltrion, Falk, Ferring Fresenius Kabi, Gilead, Hospira, Immuninc, ImmunsanT, Janssen, MSD, Nestle, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, Shire, Takeda, Vifor, RAH research Fund, The Hospital Research Fund 2020–2022, and The Helmsley Trust 2020–2023. She is the Crohn’s Colitis Cure Board Chair and a Central Adelaide Local Health Network employee. Susan J Connor has received honoraria for advisory Board participation, speaker fees, educational support and/or research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, Celltrion, Chiesi, Dr Falk, Eli-Lilly, Ferring, Fresenius Kabi, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Organon, Pfizer, Sandoz, Takeda, Agency for Clinical Innovation, Gastroenterological Society of Australia, Medical Research Future Fund, and The Leona M and Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Simulation-based training (SBT) provides a safe space for medical trainees to experience realistic scenarios. SBT has been found to improve trainee performance in paediatric procedures. However, limited evidence exists regarding its effects on higher-level outcomes. This scoping review aims to identify studies that investigate the impact of SBT for procedural skills on T3 (patient outcomes) and T4 level outcomes (latent safety threats [LSTs], and hospital level costs) in paediatrics., Methods: Full-text articles were included if they focused on medical trainees, used simulation training for paediatric procedures and reported T3/T4 level outcomes. Six databases were searched from January 2011 to September 2022. Search strategies were developed with the assistance of a librarian. Three independent reviewers performed pilot screenings before title/abstract and full-text screenings. A data extraction sheet was created to gather information on interventions, outcomes, research design, and other study characteristics., Findings: After title/abstract screening of 4,076 sources, 50 were included for full-text review, with 15 articles selected for data extraction. Four were randomised control studies (RCTs), fourteen focused on T3 level outcomes including mortality rates, and one measured LSTs. There were no studies reporting cost-related data. Three of the studies focused on bag-and-mask ventilation, and eight mentioned the use of mannequins., Discussion: We highlight the potential effectiveness of simulation-based training of paediatric procedural skills in improving patient outcomes, such as reduced mortality rates and incidence of illness/injury., Conclusion: Though the quality of research designs was low, researchers used different simulation modalities and outcome measures and showed a positive impact of SBT(e.g., decreased mortality rates)., (© 2024 The Author(s). The Clinical Teacher published by Association for the Study of Medical Education and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of using dynamic MRI to measure the features of cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI)., Design and Setting: Fifteen healthy participants (9 females and 6 males, aged 25 to 77) underwent dynamic MRI in a sagittal T2 HASTE view at a rate of 0.60 Hz for 30 s. The MRI videos were analyzed using video tracking software. Three points were marked: the glabella, the midpoint of the sella turcica, and a symmetrical point of the glabella on the occiput. The distances between these points were measured across 46 frames. Amplitudes and rates of asymmetrical CRI waves were calculated using Excel formulas., Results: The mean wave frequencies were 5.65 Hz for the anteroposterior distance, 6.2 Hz from sella turcica to occiput, and 6.76 Hz from sella turcica to glabella. The mean wave amplitudes were 0.39 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.49 mm for the respective distances. Both intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and reliability coefficient (R) indicated excellent reliability (R, ICC > 0.90). The technical error of measurement (TEM) exceeded 1 mm for the anteroposterior and sella-to-occiput distances, while it was 0.32 mm for the sella-to-glabella distance., Conclusions: Dynamic MRI demonstrates potential in measuring the features of CRI, particularly in assessing CRI wave rate. While the ICC values indicate high reliability, the TEM values suggest that using MRI to measure CRI wave amplitude may only be dependable for the distance from the sella to the glabella., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: This study was approved by the ethics committee at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, and informed consent was obtained from all subjects, under supervision of a medical practitioner specialist, MRI procedure was done by MR Radiographer with 15 years of experience in MRI and 3 year of experience in dynamic MRI procedure. Health, dignity, integrity of the participants was ensured and objectives, procedures, and potential risks and benefits of the study were clearly communicated to the them. Participation in this study was completely voluntary and participants were informed they are able to leave the research at any stage, they decided to. They were informed their names and data captured would be completely confidential and would not published in even abbreviations. Ethics committee number: (IR.USWR.REC.1401.237). Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Supplementing with antioxidants may be one of the most efficient means of minimizing oxidative stress during workouts in obese individuals. The aim of this study is to identify the results after twelve weeks of CrossFit workouts combined with Spinach thylakoid extract on the levels of insulin resistance (insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR]), fasting blood sugar (FBS), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in obese males. Sixty-eight males with an average age of 27 ± 8 yrs and a BMI of 32.6 ± 2.6 kg.m - 2 were randomly split into four groups each consisting of seventeen individuals. : control group (CG), supplement group (SG), training group (TG), and training + supplement group (TSG). After initial assessments, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started on a 12 weeks of the CrossFit workouts program involving three sessions per week each lasting up to 60 min. Participants in supplement groups ingested 30 min before lunch, 5 gof Spinach thylakoid extract per day or one sachet of raw corn starch in the control group. Baseline and post-intervention measurements were performed 48 h pre- and post-last session, respectively. The findings revealed noteworthy relationships between the exercise groups and timefor TAC, SOD, GPx, MDA, CK, and LDH (p < 0.001, ES: 0.88, 0.88, 0.8, 0.4, 0.7, and 0.7, respectively). In addition, there were statistically significant differences among study groups after attending the intervention program in TAC (ES: 0.88), SOD (ES: 0.92), GPX (ES: 0.85), MDA (ES: 0.5), CK (ES: 0.7) and LDH (ES: 0.8). The effect sizes of insulin (0.77), glucose (0.21), and HOMA-IR (0.44) varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the groups. The results demonstrated that CrossFit workouts for 12 weeks combined with Spinach thylakoid extract in men with obesity may prevent oxidative damage caused by obesity and CrossFit workouts., Competing Interests: Declarations Institutional Review Board Statement Every process followed the most recent edition of the Helsinki Declaration. The Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCTID: IRCT20151228025732N77) and the Research and Ethics Committee of the Islamic Azad University, Damghan branch (Ethics code: IR.IAU.DAMGHAN.REC.1401.034) approved the research methodology. Informed consent Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Fuel management is undertaken to mitigate the adverse consequences of wildfire. Finite mitigation budgets demand selective prioritization of forest stands for targeted fuel reduction treatments. A range of modeling methods have been used to identifiy optimal fuel treatment plans at various spatial and temporal scales of investigation; however, strategic analysis of fuel management alternatives can involve a range of limitations and challenges, including the prevalence of one-time solutions, static models lacking dynamic adaptability, and challenges in accounting for the stochastic nature of fire behaviour. To navigate these complexities, our study combines remote sensing-based analysis with a random search optimization algorithm to inform strategic fuel management and wildfire mitigation planning. For two communities in Alberta, Whitecourt and Hinton, we assessed landscape fire exposure within and around the built environment and rated hazardous fuels by the number of buildings they exposed (i.e., Building Exposure load, BEL). Through the assessment of BEL and the outcomes of the optimization algorithm, our model identified key areas for intervention, enabling a more informed allocation of mitigation resources. We found good alignment between expert-derived fuel treatment areas and our model-derived fuel reduction areas, PFRs, confirming the utility and relevance of our findings. The methodology is adaptable to diverse regional fuel characteristics and it also offers a phased implementation to assisting communities with financial constraints. The suggested systematic approach aids communities that lack local expertise in developing proactive fuel treatment strategies. Additionally, this study emphasizes the need to combine fuel treatment prioritization with community involvement, acknowledgment of potential local limitations, and financial planning to enhance its effectiveness and adaptability., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The aim is to compare the efficacy and safety of three different weight-adjusted intravenous erythropoietin (EPO) doses in patients with indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (TON)., Methods: This study is a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, dose-finding trial on patients aged ≥7 years with a confirmed diagnosis of indirect TON in ≤3 weeks. The trial had a 3-day treatment period and a 3-month follow-up period. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to receive EPO at doses of 900 IU/kg (300 IU/kg/day), 1800 IU/kg (600 IU/kg/day) or 3600 IU/kg (600 IU/kg/day on presentation and then 1 month later) EPO. The changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), colour vision and relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) were assessed., Results: Out of 118 eligible patients, 95 were randomised and 93 (31 in each group) completed the follow-ups. Three groups were not different regarding baseline BCVA (p=0.66), colour vision (p=0.25) and RAPD (p=0.79). All three groups showed a significant improvement of BCVA and RAPD with no significant differences among the groups. Colour vision showed a significant improvement only in the group with 3600 IU/kg EPO (p=0.005), even though final colour vision was not significantly different between the groups (p=0.49). Initial vision of no light perception (OR=7.79 (95% CI: 2.98 to 20.36), p<0.001), older age (OR=4.76 (95% CI: 1.92 to 11.76), p<0.001), longer trauma-treatment interval (OR=2.72, 95% CI: 1.16 to 6.33, p=0.02) and posterior orbital fractures (OR=2.63 (95% CI: 1.13 to 6.13), p=0.02) led to a significantly worse visual recovery., Conclusion: Increasing dose of EPO in patients with TON did not result in a better BCVA, colour vision and RAPD improvement., Trial Registration Number: NCT03308448., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Variants in the CHRNE gene can lead to a condition called congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), which affects the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). CHRNE mutations are the most common cause of CMS. Seventy-seven patients with a possible diagnosis of CMS were referred to the neuromuscular clinic of Shariati Hospital affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) to determine the underlying defect in a group of individuals with a possible diagnosis of CMS. Clinical features and morphological and molecular data on 33 patients with mutations in CHRNE were described. Age of onset, age at diagnosis, consanguinity, family history, motor milestone delay, ophthalmoparesis, generalized fatigue, dysphagia, neurophysiologic findings, and response to treatment of the patients were assessed. Nineteen CHRNE variants including 10 novel ones were identified. The most common mutations were c.1327del; (p.Glu443LysfsTer64) in four different families and c.1252-1267dup; (p.Cys423SerfsTer38) in three families. Clinical onset was mostly at birth or under one year with bilateral fatigable ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, bulbar weakness, and proximal muscle weakness. All patients were treated with pyridostigmine ± salbutamol, which resulted in improvement of motor function, dysphagia, and breathing., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Mental health challenges are common following cancer diagnosis, negatively impacting treatment and quality of life for breast cancer (BC) patients. This pilot study provides an understanding of the impacts of BC diagnosis and care experiences on the mental health of patients seen at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. We conducted 40 in-depth interviews, including 10 women with newly diagnosed BC, 10 women with metastatic BC, 10 family members and 10 healthcare professionals. Data were transcribed, translated into English as needed and coded using Dedoose software. Following BC diagnosis, it was reported that patients faced various physical, social, psychological and spiritual factors affecting their mental health and quality of life. Our interviews with each group indicated that BC patients experienced feelings of stress, anxiety and depression related to treatments and accompanying side effects. Disclosure concerns, financial impacts, relationship strain and negative outlooks on life were common among BC patients. The findings indicate that BC diagnosis and care experiences influence mental health in this population. With this basis, understanding and addressing the mental health challenges of BC patients is crucial to improve mental health and quality of life., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests exist., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

This study examines the critical role of aquaporins (AQPs) in skin physiology and aging pathophysiology. The skin plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by acting as a protective barrier against external pathogens and excessive water loss, while also contributing to the appearance and self-esteem of individuals. Key physiological features, such as elasticity and repair capability, are essential for its proper function. However, with aging, these characteristics deteriorate, reducing the skin's ability to tolerate environmental stressors which contribute to external aging as well as internal aging processes, which negatively affect barrier function, immune response, and overall well-being. AQPs, primarily known for facilitating water transport, are significant for normal skin functions, including hydration and the movement of molecules like glycerol and hydrogen peroxide, which influence various cellular processes and functions. In this context, we categorized aquaporin dysfunction into several hallmarks of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell depletion, impaired macroautophagy, dysbiosis, and inflamm-aging. Eight aquaporins (AQP1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11) are expressed in various skin cells, regulating essential processes such as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and also immune response. Dysregulation or altered expression of these proteins can enhance skin aging and related pathologies by activating these hallmarks. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of targeting aquaporins to mitigate skin aging and improve skin physiologic functions.

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a long-lived tree endemic to Africa with economic, ecological, and cultural importance, yet its genomic features are underexplored. Here, we report a chromosome-level reference genome anchored to 42 chromosomes for A. digitata, alongside draft assemblies for a sibling tree, two trees from distinct locations in Africa, and A. za from Madagascar. The baobab genome is uniquely rich in DNA transposons, which make up 33%, while LTR retrotransposons account for 10%. A. digitata experienced whole genome multiplication (WGM) around 30 million years ago (MYA), followed by a second WGM event 3-11 MYA, likely linked to autotetraploidy. Resequencing of 25 trees identify three subpopulations, with gene flow across West Africa distinct from East Africa. Gene enrichment and fixation index (Fst) analyses show baobab retained multiple circadian, flowering, and light-responsive genes, which likely support longevity through the UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) pathway. In sum, we provide genomic resources and insights for baobab breeding and conservation., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has long been the conventional method for targeting deep brain structures, but noninvasive alternatives like transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation (tTIS) are gaining traction. Research has shown that alternating current influences brain oscillations through neural modulation. Understanding how neurons respond to the stimulus envelope, particularly considering tTIS's high-frequency carrier, is vital for elucidating its mechanism of neuronal engagement. This study aims to explore the focal effects of tTIS across varying amplitudes and modulation depths in different brain regions. An excitatory-inhibitory network using the Izhikevich neuron model was employed to investigate responses to tTIS and compare them with transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS). We utilized a multi-scale model that integrates brain tissue modeling and network computational modeling to gain insights into the neuromodulatory effects of tTIS on the human brain. By analyzing the parametric space, we delved into phase, amplitude, and frequency entrainment to elucidate how tTIS modulates endogenous alpha oscillations. Our findings highlight a significant difference in current intensity requirements between tTIS and tACS, with tTIS requiring notably higher intensity. We observed distinct network entrainment patterns, primarily due to tTIS's high-frequency component, whereas tACS exhibited harmonic entrainment that tTIS lacked. Spatial resolution analysis of tTIS, conducted via computational modeling and brain field distribution at a 13 Hz stimulation frequency, revealed modulation in deep brain areas, with minimal effects on the surface. Notably, we observed increased power within intrinsic and stimulation bands beneath the electrodes, attributed to the high stimulus signal amplitude. Additionally, Phase Locking Value (PLV) showed slight increments in non-deep areas. Our analysis indicates focal stimulation using tTIS, prompting further investigation into the necessity of high amplitudes to significantly affect deep brain regions, which warrants validation through clinical experiments., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Karimi, Amirfattahi and Zeidaabadi Nezhad.)

Purpose: Since ptosis is an early feature of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), patients are commonly misdiagnosed with other causes of ptosis. This study aims to report the type and frequency of misdiagnosis and time lag to diagnosis and the palpebral fissure transfer (PFT) procedure in patients with CPEO., Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with CPEO who underwent PFT between 2006 and 2017. The data on previous diagnoses and treatments, age at definitive diagnosis of CPEO, and clinical manifestations were recorded. While the diagnosis of CPEO was based on clinical examination, 75% (24/32) of patients had undergone a confirmatory muscle biopsy and genetic tests., Results: There were 32 patients (19 females) with a mean age of 24.8 years (range, 13-36) at the final diagnosis and 34.1 years (range, 15-56) at the time of PFT. Also, 78% (25/32) of patients had been initially misdiagnosed with congenital ptosis (60%; 15/25) and ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) (40%; 10/25). The majority of patients (20/32) had one to three previous eyelid surgical procedures, of which 90% (18/20) were performed before the definitive diagnosis of CPEO. The mean time lag from the first surgical procedure to CPEO diagnosis and PFT was 6.2 and 14.7 years, respectively., Conclusion: In a referral center, 78% of the patients with CPEO were initially misdiagnosed with congenital ptosis and OMG, and 56% of them underwent ptosis repair before the diagnosis. While the onset of the disease was in the first or second decades of life, diagnosis was delayed up to a mean age of 25 years. Reviewing early family photos and paying attention to other signs of CPEO could prevent misdiagnosis., Competing Interests: Dr. Clark is a professional speaker for Horizon Therapeutics. No disclosure for the other authors., (Copyright © 2024 Karimi et al.)

Aims The primary aim of this study is to assess the reliability of rehabilitative sonography as a non-invasive imaging technique for measuring the visible cross-sectional area (CSA) of the deep suboccipital muscles. Objectives Objectives involve determining both the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of sonographic measurements to ensure consistent and reproducible results across different sessions and examiners. The ultimate goal is to validate rehabilitative sonography as a reliable tool for clinical and research applications in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions involving the deep suboccipital muscles. Design and setting Seventeen participants, including nine women and eight men without neck or vertebral pain, were evaluated using MSK sonography. The visible CSA of suboccipital muscles was assessed using real-time B-mode sonography in a sitting position with a linear probe (5 cm, 7.5 MHz) aligned perpendicularly to the muscle fibers of the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPM) in one sonogram and the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) and rectus capitis posterior major (RCPMJ) in another. Two experienced examiners performed sonography measurements, and the procedure was repeated one hour and again one day later. Results Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values for Examiner 1 were 0.84 and 0.79 for RCPM, 0.84 and 0.71 for RCPMJ, and 0.86 and 0.77 for OCI at the one-hour and one-day repetitions, respectively. ICC values for Examiner 2 were 0.86 and 0.77 for RCPM, 0.77 and 0.86 for RCPMJ, and 0.61 and 0.64 for OCI at the one-hour and one-day repetitions, respectively. Inter-rater ICC values were 0.77 for RCPM, 0.82 for RCPMJ, and 0.68 for OCI. Standard error of measurement (SEM) values for Examiner 1 were 11.63 and 13.92 mm² for RCPM, 10.30 and 7.91 mm² for RCPMJ, and 22.84 and 34.61 mm² for OCI. SEM values for Examiner 2 were 11.82 and 13.40 mm² for RCPM, 11.91 and 7.04 mm² for RCPMJ, and 39.20 and 37.73 mm² for OCI. SEM values between examiners were 13.74 mm² for RCPM, 10.36 mm² for RCPMJ, and 36.03 mm² for OCI. Conclusions These findings suggest that sonography is a reliable method for measuring the CSA of the RCPM, RCPMJ, and OCI muscles, provided that the examiners are well-trained and consistent in their techniques and that the average of three measurements is used., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Ethics Committee of University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences issued approval IR.USWR.REC.1401.237. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Masoudi et al.)

Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to compare the remineralizing effects of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on artificially induced enamel white spot lesions (WSLs). Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 45 sound extracted premolars were immersed in a demineralizing solution (pH=4.5) for 96 hours, and were randomly divided into 3 groups of TCP, MI Paste Plus, and control. They were exposed to the remineralizing agents for 5 minutes once a day for 30 days. After mounting the teeth in resin blocks and polishing, they underwent a microhardness test at 3 different depths from the enamel surface. Data were analyzed by Prism software, two-way ANOVA, and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Results: The volume percentage of mineral content (VPM) was significantly different among the three groups at 30-, 60- and 90µm depths (P<0.0001). At 30µm depth, CPP-ACPF was significantly more effective than TCP (P<0.0001). At 60- and 90µm depths, there was no significant difference between CPP-ACPF and TCP (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both CPP-ACPF and TCP had significant efficacy for remineralization of artificially induced enamel WSLs under in vitro conditions., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

The current research was conducted to explore, for the first time, Tagetes erecta L. (family Asteraceae) fruits from northwest Iran in terms of the chemical composition of essential and fixed oils, their cytotoxic activities, and the inhibitory effect of essential oil on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The volatile oil was obtained through hydrodistillation (Clevenger apparatus). According to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, the essential oil was rich in cyclic monoterpenoids, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-one (19.99%), D-limonene (12.75%), terpinolene (11.64%) and also the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (19.09%). Furthermore, the seeds of T. erecta were extracted using hexane by the maceration method. The analysis of fatty acid profile of the fixed oil by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) demonstrated that the most predominant fatty acids in fixed oil were linoleic acid (59.53%), palmitic acid (13.70%), stearic acid (10.20%), and oleic acid (9.20%). The cytotoxic activity of essential oil, crude oil, and fraction A (obtained from fixed oil) were evaluated by using the MTT assay on MCF7 (human breast cancer cell line), PC3 (human prostate cancer cell line), and U87MG (human glioblastoma cell line). Finally, the effect of essential oil on inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was evaluated using real-time PCR. The essential oil exhibited vigorous cytotoxic activity on the U87MG cell line, with an IC 50 value of 32.65 μg/mL. Interestingly, the essential oil significantly inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade compared to the non-treated group. Our results suggest that the essential oil holds promise as an anticancer agent for glioblastoma cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report on the profile of the essential oil of T. erecta fruits and its implications for targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, is known for nutrient-recycling through the bioconversion of organic waste into protein-rich insect larvae that can be processed into an animal feed ingredient. However, information on species distribution and its genetic structure in Iran is scarce., Methods and Results: We directed a survey on the Caspian Sea coast, with a reconstructing demographic relationships study using two parts of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1 (COI) gene (barcode and 3' end regions) and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) to identify BSF' genetic diversity in retrospect to the global diversity and the potential origin of the Iranian BSF population. Larvae and adults were recovered from highly decomposed poultry manure, in May 2020. Sequence analysis of both regions of COI gene (about 1500 bp) revealed a single haplotype, identical to that of haplotype C, a worldwide commercial strain originated from Nearctic, Palearctic, or African biogeographic regions. However, the ITS2 locus was confirmed to be invariable across samples from diverse biogeographic regions., Conclusion: The results proved the presence of BSF in north of Iran. However, it is not possible to determine with certainty when and where this species first established in Iran, and they have likely been released to nature due to the existence of companies importing and breeding such flies. Due to heavy international trading, the introduction and settlement of this fly in the southern coasts of the country is highly suggested., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Boukan et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Biomarkers are needed to improve diagnosis, gauge progression, and evaluate treatment. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a promising biomarker for detecting microstructural alterations in the white matter tracts. This study aimed to assess DTI metrics as biomarkers and to examine their relationship with clinical assessments in patients with ALS. Eleven patients with ALS and 21 healthy controls (HCs) underwent 3T MRI with DTI. DTI metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD), were compared between key motor and extra-motor tract groups. Group comparisons and correlations between DTI metrics also correlated with clinical scores of disability (ALSFRS-R), muscle strength (dynamometry), and motor unit loss (MUNIX). Widespread differences were found between patients with ALS and HCs in DTI metrics, including decreased FA and increased diffusivity metrics. However, MD and RD are more sensitive metrics for detecting white matter changes in patients with ALS. Significant interhemispheric correlations between the tract DTI metrics were also observed. DTI metrics showed symmetry between the hemispheres and correlated with the clinical assessments. MD, RD, and AD increases significantly correlated with lower ALSFRS-R and MUNIX scores and weaker dynamometry results. DTI reveals microstructural damage along the motor and extra-motor regions in ALS patients. DTI metrics can serve as quantitative neuroimaging biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of progression, and treatment. Combined analysis of imaging, electrodiagnostic, and functional biomarkers shows potential for characterizing disease pathophysiology and progression., Competing Interests: The authors declares no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Regenerative medicine investigates the conversion of pancreatic ductal cells into functional islet cells, offering innovative treatments for conditions such as diabetes. Ductal cells, primarily supporting the pancreas' exocrine functions, can differentiate into various cell types, including islet cells, under specific conditions, opening new avenues in research and therapy. The outlined protocol elaborates on the conversion process, covering ductal cell differentiation induction, and insulin-producing capacity assessment. The primary objective is to address the shortage of insulin-secreting cells for transplantation, thereby advancing diabetes treatment methodologies., (© 2024. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.)

Isolating pancreatic ductal cells from rats is a critical procedure in pancreatic research, offering valuable insights into pancreatic function, pathology, and potential treatments. The process involves several key steps, beginning with the proper removal of the rat's pancreas, followed by the initiation of the ductal cell isolation procedure. This aims to obtain pure and viable ductal cell populations for further experimentation and analysis., (© 2024. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.)

Currently, there are no resources to support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women with breast cancer to make decisions about undergoing breast reconstruction (BR). This study evaluated the usability and acceptability of decision aids (DAs) for Vietnamese- and Arabic-speaking women. This two-phase qualitative recruited Vietnamese- (Phase 1) and Arabic-speaking (Phase 2) adult (age ≥ 18 years) women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and could read Vietnamese/Arabic. Women participated in either think-aloud telephone interviews (Phase 1) or semi-structured telephone interviews (Phase 2) and provided feedback on the DA. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed from Vietnamese/Arabic to English, and inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Additionally, Arabic-speaking women completed the Preparation for Decision Making (PrepDM) scale in Round 2. Twenty-five women were recruited in two phases (Phase 1: Vietnamese-speaking women, n = 14; Phase 2: Arabic-speaking, n = 11). Three themes were developed in Phase 1: (1) DA content and reception; (2) linguistic attributes and cultural appropriateness; and (3) factors that improve the DAs' impact. Three themes were developed in Phase 2: (1) varying perceptions of DA content; (2) linguistic and cultural suitability of information; and (3) impact of DA on decision making. Women from both phases identified areas for improvement: minimising the use of medical terminology, considering the cultural taboos associated with the word 'breast', and addressing remaining information gaps. Both language DAs were generally perceived as acceptable and useful in providing information about BR options and prompting women's reflections about the suitability of BR as part of their treatment. The mean PrepDM score for Arabic-speaking women in Round 2 was 4.8/5 (SD = 0.3). Further work is needed to ensure that culturally adapted DAs take into account the myriad of information needs and health literacy levels. The key role of healthcare professionals in shared decision making among CALD populations should also be considered.