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Abstract Background Less is known whether the amino acid composition of dietary protein sources effects on long-term health outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the association between dietary amino acid composition and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Methods This study used data from the Golestan Cohort Study, which was performed in the Golestan Province of Iran from January 2004 to June 2008. Mortality, which was the primary outcome, was ascertained through September 2022. The Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality according to the quintiles of amino acid consumption, taking the third quintile as the reference. Results A total of 47,337 participants (27,293 [57.7%] women) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 51.9 (8.9) years were included. During a median follow-up of 15 years, 9,231 deaths were documented. Regarding essential amino acid intakes, the HRs of all-cause mortality were 1.16 (95% CI, 1.07–1.26) in the first quintile, compared with the reference group (P for non-linear trend

Abstract Objective One of the main features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increased adipose tissue, which can result in hormonal disturbances. In the present study, we aimed to investigate which indicator of obesity could better associate with hormonal disturbances in PCOS women. Methods In this cross-sectional analysis, women with PCOS were included according to the Rotterdam criteria. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for biochemical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters. Anthropometric measures comprised body composition indices (assessed by bioelectric impedance analysis [BIA]), waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Linear regression modeling was used to assess the association between anthropometric indices and hormonal imbalance, adjusted for age, mensuration status, and the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were utilized to ascertain the sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off points of various anthropometric indices in identifying hyperandrogenism. Results A total of 129 PCOS women with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 32.0 (23.0–32.0) years and a median BMI of 26.3 (23.00-29.70) kg/m2 were enrolled. In the adjusted linear regression model, BMI (β = 0.053, P

IntroductionTrichinellosis, caused by Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis), remains a prevalent parasitic zoonosis. Developing new drugs targeting and understanding the immune response against the infection is imperative. Previous research has inadequately explored the efficacy of crude myrrh extract and myrrh-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against trichinellosis, as well as their impact on histopathological, and immunological factors.MethodsThis study evaluated the effects of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using myrrh, crude myrrh extracts, and albendazole on the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. It also examined the associated histopathological changes and alterations in key immunological markers, including Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Five groups of 12 mice were allocated as follows: group 1: non-infected, non-treated (negative control), group 2: infected, non-treated (positive control), group 3: infected and treated with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (40 μg/mL), group 4: infected and treated with myrrh crude extract (800 mg/kg), and group 5: infected and treated with albendazole (50 mg/kg). Treatment was orally administered starting on the 2nd day post-infection and continued for three successive days. Mice of all groups were euthanized on the 6th day post-infection, and the intestine of each was isolated for parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry evaluation of MMP-9, as well as assessment of cytokines level (IFN-γ and IL-10 gene expressions) via Real-time PCR technique.ResultsThe present study showed a considerable reduction in adult worm count among the treated groups. The mortality rates of adult worms were 88.64% in the silver nanoparticles treated group, 85.17% in the myrrh crude extract group, and 94.07% in the albendazole-treated group. Histopathological examination revealed prominent alterations in the intestine of the infected non-treated mice, which were markedly restored by treatment. Immunohistochemical examination accompanied by significant reduction in MMP-9 expression in the infected mice treated with AgNPs compared to the infected non-treated group, reflecting the role of AgNPs in downgrading the inflammatory reaction in the intestine of infected mice.ConclusionCollectively, this study demonstrates the novel antiparasitic potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized with myrrh against T. spiralis in infected mice. The treatment was associated with moderate rise in IFN-γ gene expression and IL-10 expression, highlighting its therapeutic efficacy against T. spiralis.

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Abstract Background Impact of Isocitrate dehydrogenase1 (IDH1) and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in glioblastoma (GBM) have been of great interest due to their implications in prediction of prognosis of several types of cancer. It was aimed to investigate the clinical role of IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation pattern among GBM patients versus non-neuro-oncological diseases (NND) patients and their impact on survival criteria. Methods Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections of 58 GBM and 20 non-neuro-oncological diseases patients were recruited and IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation was detected using Cast-PCR technology and Methyl II quantitative PCR approach, respectively. Results were assessed with other clinicopathological criteria and survival patterns. Results IDH1 mutation was detected among 15 GBM cases (15/58) and it was not reported among NND (P = 0.011). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to discriminate between MGMT methylation among studied groups. Patients with MGMT methylation ≥ 66% were reported as high methylation, which was recorded significantly in 51.7% and 100% of GBM cases and NND, respectively. Both showed significant difference with performance status, while MGMT methylation was significantly related with tumor size and tumor location. IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation reported significant increase with GB patients revealed complete response to treatment. Survival pattern was better for IDH1 mutation and MGMT high methylation as compared to IDH1 wild type or MGMT low–moderate methylation, respectively, and favorable survival was detected when both were combined than using either of them alone. Conclusion Detection of IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation among GB patients could aid in prediction of their response to treatment and their survival patterns, and their combination is better than using any of them alone.

Abstract Background Epidemiologic findings suggest that measures of body fat distribution predict health outcomes independent of the overall body fat assessed by body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to evaluate the associations of overall and regional body fat with the severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in type 2 diabetic patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods Bioelectric impedance analysis and two newly developed anthropometric indices, namely, A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI), were used to estimate the body fat. Based on fibroscan parameters, significant hepatic fibrosis and severe steatosis were defined as ≥F2 and >66%, respectively. Results Higher total body fat (odds ratio [OR] 1.107, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.038–1.182, p = 0.002), trunk fat (OR 1.136, 95% CI 1.034–1.248, p = 0.008) and leg fat (OR 1.381, 95% CI 1.139–1.674, p = 0.001) were associated with liver fibrosis. However, in contrast to the total body fat (OR 1.088, 95% CI 1.017–1.164, p = 0.014) and leg fat (OR 1.317, 95% CI 1.066–1.628, p = 0.011), the trunk fat was not associated with severe hepatic steatosis. BRI performed better than trunk, leg and total body fat in predicting hepatic steatosis (OR 2.186, 95% CI 1.370–3.487, p = 0.001) and fibrosis (OR 2.132, 95% CI 1.419–3.204, p 0.05). Conclusion BRI revealed a superior predictive ability for identifying the degree of hepatic steatosis and stiffness than other obesity indices. Additionally, higher levels of adiposity in the trunk, legs, and overall body were linked to an increased risk of developing liver fibrosis. Although trunk fat did not show an association with severe hepatic steatosis, an increase in leg and total fat was related to liver steatosis.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a geometrical isomer of linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. However, the studies reported inconstant results about the CLA-related effects on lipid profiles. As a result, meta-analysis and systematic review were performed to survey the CLA supplementation-related effect on lipid profile including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). To identify the relevant research, a systematic comprehensive search was initiated on the medical databases such as Scopus and PubMed/Medline until December 2022. The overall effect size was estimated by weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random effect meta-analysis. In the final quantitative analysis, the meta-analysis considered 35 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1,476 participants (707 controls and 769 cases). The pooled results demonstrated that CLA supplementation, compared with olive oil, significantly increased serum TG levels (WMD: 0.05 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.1; p = 0.04; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.91). With regard to TC level, CLA supplementation compared with placebo significantly reduced TC concentrations (WMD: −0.08 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.14 to −0.02; p < 0.001; I2 = 82.4%). Moreover, the non-linear dose–response analysis indicated a decreasing trend of TC serum level from the 15th week of CLA supplementation compared with olive oil (Pnon-linearity = 0.01). The present meta-analysis and systematic review of 35 RCTs showed that the CLA intervention was able to raise the level of TG in comparison to olive oil; however, it can decrease TC level compared with placebo and olive oil.

Background. The effects of oligopin as an antioxidant on polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) have not yet been examined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the oligopin supplementation on PCOM among patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial was carried out at Shariati Hospital, Arash Hospital, and Yas Hospital, Tehran, Iran, to determine the effect of oligopin (50 mg/d) or placebo in PCOS patients. The ultrasonographic ovarian morphology was assessed in women aged 18–40 years, before and after 3 months of intervention. Results. Among 45 randomized participants, 32 participants, of whom 17 were in the oligopin group and 15 were in the placebo group completed the trial. There was only one adverse event in the oligopin group. The mean (standard deviation) age of the patients was 30.47 (6.30) years and the median (interquartile range) BMI was 27.50 (23.42–33.55). Three months of oligopin therapy significantly decreased ovarian stromal area (p=0.01) and stromal/total area (p=0.003). However, no significant differences were observed in the ovarian volume, ovarian area, 2–9 mm antral follicle counts, or peripheral follicle distribution pattern at 3 months. Conclusion. Among participants with PCOS, the use of oligopin (50 mg) daily, as compared with a placebo, resulted in improvement of the stromal area and stromal/total area at the end of the 3 months of treatment. Further studies are, however, needed to evaluate the longer-term efficacy and safety. This trial is registered with IRCT20140406017139N3.

Background: Less is known whether the amino acid composition of dietary protein sources effects on long-term health outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the association between dietary amino acid composition and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Methods: This study used data from the Golestan Cohort Study, which was performed in the Golestan Province of Iran from January 2004 to June 2008. Mortality, which was the primary outcome, was ascertained through September 2022. The Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality according to the quintiles of amino acid consumption, taking the third quintile as the reference. Results: A total of 47,337 participants (27,293 [57.7%] women) with a mean (standard deviation) age of 51.9 (8.9) years were included. During a median follow-up of 15 years, 9,231 deaths were documented. Regarding essential amino acid intakes, the HRs of all-cause mortality were 1.16 (95% CI, 1.07–1.26) in the first quintile, compared with the reference group (P for non-linear trend < 0.001). Similarly, non-linear associations were observed between risk of all-cause mortality and intake of branched-chain, aromatic, sulfur-containing, or non-essential amino acids (P for non-linear trend < 0.001 for all comparisons), with higher HRs for participants in the first quintiles. There was an age interaction for the associations between dietary amino acids and mortality (P for interaction ˂0.05). While high amino acid diets were detrimental in middle-aged adults (< 65 years), increased hazards of mortality were observed among older adults (≥ 65 years) with low amino acid intake. Conclusions: This study showed the non-linear trend between amino acids intake and risk of mortality in the middle-aged and older Iranian population. Overall, our findings suggest that diets lower in amino acids were associated with increased hazards of mortality, particularly among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: One of the main features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is increased adipose tissue, which can result in hormonal disturbances. In the present study, we aimed to investigate which indicator of obesity could better associate with hormonal disturbances in PCOS women. Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, women with PCOS were included according to the Rotterdam criteria. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for biochemical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters. Anthropometric measures comprised body composition indices (assessed by bioelectric impedance analysis [BIA]), waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Linear regression modeling was used to assess the association between anthropometric indices and hormonal imbalance, adjusted for age, mensuration status, and the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were utilized to ascertain the sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cut-off points of various anthropometric indices in identifying hyperandrogenism. Results: A total of 129 PCOS women with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 32.0 (23.0–32.0) years and a median BMI of 26.3 (23.00-29.70) kg/m2 were enrolled. In the adjusted linear regression model, BMI (β = 0.053, P < 0.001), waist circumference (β = 0.021, P = 0.001), WHtR (β = 3.325, P = 0.002), total fat mass (β = 0.021, P = 0.002), trunk fat mass (β = 0.038, P = 0.006), and leg fat mass (β = 0.045, P = 0.004) were positively associated with free androgen index (FAI). In addition, BMI (β=−0.017, P = 0.003), waist circumference (β=−0.008, P = 0.002), WHtR (β=−1.167, P = 0.004), total fat mass (β=−0.008, P=0.003), trunk fat mass (β=−0.017, P=0.001), and leg fat mass (β=−0.018, P=0.004) were negatively associated with the serum level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). WHtR showed the greatest area under the curve (AUC) value (AUC = 0.676, P = 0.001) for identifying hyperandrogenism (FAI ≥ 4.97 or total testosterone ≥ 0.7 ng/mL) in PCOS women with corresponding sensitivity of 87.30% and specificity of 39.70%. Conclusions: WHtR is related to hyperandrogenism in PCOS better than other anthropometric measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a major challenge for faba bean production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated the effect of deficit irrigation and organic or bio-fertilization on faba bean yield and water use efficiency (WUE). The experiment was conducted in two consecutive winter seasons in Egypt, and the average results of the two seasons were presented because there were no significant differences between the two seasons. The experimental design was split-plot with three replicates in each season. The main plots were assigned to the amounts of irrigation water [3330 m3 ha−1 (I1), 2830 m3 ha−1 (I2), and 2330 m3 ha−1 (I3)] and the subplots were devoted to the fertilization treatments [control, humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and effective micro-organisms (EM)]. The results showed that the plant height and branch numbers were increased by 139.95 and 242.03%, respectively, for HA at irrigation treatment of I2 over the control. Adding HA increased chlorophyll and protein contents by 209.04 and 295.46%, respectively, over the control at irrigation regime of I2. Adding HA significantly increased pods number, pods weight per plant, and total green yield by 380.21, 314.51, and 420.28%, respectively, over the control. The WUE value was 4.51 kg m−3 by adding HA under deficit irrigation I2 compared to irrigation I3 (2.64 kg m−3) while the WUE value was 4.58 kg m−3 at normal irrigation (I1). Overall, the application of organic or bio-fertilizers, especially humic acid, could mitigate the negative effects of deficit irrigation and improve faba bean yield and WUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of substituted benzo[h]chromene, benzochromenopyrimidine, and benzochromenotriazolopyrimidine derivatives were synthesized via chemical transformations of iminonitrile, ethoxymethylene amino, and cyanomethylene functionalities. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were assured by spectroscopic data and elemental analysis. The larvicidal efficacy of these compounds against Culex pipiens L. larvae was investigated, revealing potent insecticidal activity, particularly for compounds 6, 10, and 16, exceeding that of the standard insecticide chlorpyrifos. The mode of action of these compounds was explored through molecular docking studies, indicating their potential as acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) blockers. The structure–activity relationship analysis highlighted the influence of substituents and fused heterocyclic rings on larvicidal potency. These findings suggest that the synthesized compounds hold promise as potential candidates for developing novel and effective mosquito control agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiologic findings suggest that measures of body fat distribution predict health outcomes independent of the overall body fat assessed by body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to evaluate the associations of overall and regional body fat with the severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in type 2 diabetic patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: Bioelectric impedance analysis and two newly developed anthropometric indices, namely, A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI), were used to estimate the body fat. Based on fibroscan parameters, significant hepatic fibrosis and severe steatosis were defined as ≥F2 and >66%, respectively. Results: Higher total body fat (odds ratio [OR] 1.107, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.038–1.182, p = 0.002), trunk fat (OR 1.136, 95% CI 1.034–1.248, p = 0.008) and leg fat (OR 1.381, 95% CI 1.139–1.674, p = 0.001) were associated with liver fibrosis. However, in contrast to the total body fat (OR 1.088, 95% CI 1.017–1.164, p = 0.014) and leg fat (OR 1.317, 95% CI 1.066–1.628, p = 0.011), the trunk fat was not associated with severe hepatic steatosis. BRI performed better than trunk, leg and total body fat in predicting hepatic steatosis (OR 2.186, 95% CI 1.370–3.487, p = 0.001) and fibrosis (OR 2.132, 95% CI 1.419–3.204, p < 0.001). Moreover, the trunk to leg fat ratio and ABSI were not independent predictors of either steatosis or fibrosis (p > 0.05). Conclusion: BRI revealed a superior predictive ability for identifying the degree of hepatic steatosis and stiffness than other obesity indices. Additionally, higher levels of adiposity in the trunk, legs, and overall body were linked to an increased risk of developing liver fibrosis. Although trunk fat did not show an association with severe hepatic steatosis, an increase in leg and total fat was related to liver steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi, residing within plants without causing disease, are known for their ability to produce bioactive metabolites with diverse properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal activities, while also influencing plant defense mechanisms. In this study, five novel endophytic fungi species were isolated from the leaves of Psychotria poeppigiana Müll. Arg., a plant from the Rubiaceae family, collected in the tropical Amazon region of Bolivia. The endophytic fungi were identified as a Neopestalotiopsis sp., three Penicillium sp., and an Aspergillus sp. through 18S ribosomal RNA sequencing and NCBI-BLAST analysis. Chemical profiling revealed that their extracts obtained by ethyl acetate contained terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. In a bioautography study, the terpenes showed high antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. Notably, extracts from the three Penicillium species exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 62.5 to 2000 µg/mL against all three pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria). These findings highlight the potential of these endophytic fungi, especially Penicillium species as valuable sources of secondary metabolites with significant antibacterial activities, suggesting promising applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the considerable efforts reported so far to enhance seed priming, novel ideas are still needed to be suggested to this sustainable sector of agri-seed industry. This could be the first study addressing the effect of nitric oxide (NO) under open field conditions. The impacts of seed redox-priming using sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and osmo-priming with calcium chloride (CaCl2), both applied individually or successively, were investigated under salinity stress conditions on wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). Various parameters, including water relations, growth, yield, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant activities (enzymatic and non-enzymatic), were recorded to assess the outcomes of these priming agents on mitigating the negative impacts of salinity stress on wheat plants. Water consumptive use (ETa) and irrigation water applied (IWA) decreased with seeds priming. Successive priming with SNP + CaCl2 induced the greatest values of crop water productivity (CWP), irrigation water productivity (IWP), seed index, grain yield and grain nitrogen content.Under salinity stress, the dry weight of plants was decreased. However, hydro-priming and successive chemical priming agents using combinations of calcium chloride and sodium nitroprusside (CaCl2 + SNP & SNP + CaCl2) preserved growth under salinity stress.Individual priming with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) resulted in the lowest recorded content of sodium in the shoot, with a value of 2 ppm. On the other hand, successive priming using CaCl2 + SNP or SNP + CaCl2 induced the contents of potassium in the shoot, with values of 40 ppm and 39 ppm, respectively. Malondialdehyde decreased in shoot significantly withapplicationof priming agents. Successive priming with CaCl2 + SNP induced the highest proline contents in shoot (6 µg/ g FW). The highest value of phenolics and total antioxidants contents in shoot were recorded under successive priming using CaCl2 + SNP and SNP + CaCl2.Priming agents improved the activities of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase enzymes. The successive priming improved water relations (ETa, IWA, CWP and IWP) and wheat growth and productivity under salinity stress more than individual priming treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wadi Ranga sulfidic jasperoids in the Southern Eastern Desert (SED) of Egypt are hosted within the Neoproterozoic Shadli metavolcanics as an important juvenile crustal section of the Arabian Nubian Shield (ANS). This study deals with remote sensing and geochemical data to understand the mechanism and source of pyritization, silicification, and hematization in the host metavolcanics and to shed light on the genesis of their jasperoids. The host rocks are mainly dacitic to rhyolitic metatuffs, which are proximal to volcanic vents. They show peraluminous calc-alkaline affinity. These felsic metatuffs also exhibit a nearly flat REE pattern with slight LREE enrichment (La/Yb = 1.19–1.25) that has a nearly negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.708–0.776), while their spider patterns display enrichment in Ba, K, and Pb and depletion in Nb, Ta, P, and Ti, reflecting the role of slab-derived fluid metasomatism during their formation in the island arc setting. The ratios of La/Yb (1.19–1.25) and La/Gd (1.0–1.17) of the studied felsic metatuffs are similar to those of the primitive mantle, suggesting their generation from fractionated melts that were derived from a depleted mantle source. Their Nb and Ti negative anomalies, along with the positive anomalies at Pb, K, Rb, and Ba, are attributed to the influence of fluids/melt derived from the subducted slab. The Wadi Ranga jasperoids are mainly composed of SiO2 (89.73–90.35 wt.%) and show wide ranges of Fe2O3t (2.73–6.63 wt.%) attributed to the significant amount of pyrite (up to 10 vol.%), hematite, goethite, and magnetite. They are also rich in some base metals (Cu + Pb + Zn = 58.32–240.68 ppm), leading to sulfidic jasperoids. Pyrite crystals with a minor concentration of Ag (up to 0.32 wt.%) are partially to completely converted to secondary hematite and goethite, giving the red ochre and forming hematization. Euhedral cubic pyrite is of magmatic origin and was formed in the early stages and accumulated in jasperoid by epigenetic Si-rich magmatic-derived hydrothermal fluids; pyritization is considered a magmatic–hydrothermal stage, followed by silicification and then hematization as post-magmatic stages. The euhedral apatite crystals in jasperoid are used to estimate the saturation temperature of their crystallization from the melt at about 850 °C. The chondrite (C1)-normalized REE pattern of the jasperoids shows slightly U–shaped patterns with a slightly negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.43–0.98) due to slab-derived fluid metasomatism during their origin; these jasperoids are also rich in LILEs (e.g., K, Pb, and Sr) and depleted in HFSEs (e.g., Nb and Ta), reflecting their hydrothermal origin in the island arc tectonic setting. The source of silica in the studied jasperoids is likely derived from the felsic dyke and a nearby volcanic vent, where the resultant Si-rich fluids may circulate along the NW–SE, NE–SW, and E–W major faults and shear zones in the surrounding metavolcanics to leach Fe, S, and Si to form hydrothermal jasperoid lenses and veins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The effects of oligopin as an antioxidant on polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) have not yet been examined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the oligopin supplementation on PCOM among patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods. This randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was carried out at Shariati Hospital, Arash Hospital, and Yas Hospital, Tehran, Iran, to determine the effect of oligopin (50 mg/d) or placebo in PCOS patients. The ultrasonographic ovarian morphology was assessed in women aged 18–40 years, before and after 3 months of intervention. Results. Among 45 randomized participants, 32 participants, of whom 17 were in the oligopin group and 15 were in the placebo group completed the trial. There was only one adverse event in the oligopin group. The mean (standard deviation) age of the patients was 30.47 (6.30) years and the median (interquartile range) BMI was 27.50 (23.42–33.55). Three months of oligopin therapy significantly decreased ovarian stromal area (p = 0.01) and stromal/total area (p = 0.003). However, no significant differences were observed in the ovarian volume, ovarian area, 2–9 mm antral follicle counts, or peripheral follicle distribution pattern at 3 months. Conclusion. Among participants with PCOS, the use of oligopin (50 mg) daily, as compared with a placebo, resulted in improvement of the stromal area and stromal/total area at the end of the 3 months of treatment. Further studies are, however, needed to evaluate the longer‐term efficacy and safety. This trial is registered with IRCT20140406017139N3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet molasses is a low-value byproduct from the sugar industry. It contains significant amounts of sucrose (approx. 50% (w/w)), which can be used for many different applications, for example, as feedstock for the production of fuel (as ethanol) and biobased chemicals such as 5-hydoxymethyl furfural (HMF). To produce platform chemicals, sucrose is hydrolyzed into its monomeric C6 sugars: glucose and fructose. When comparing the hydrolysis rates of molasses with a pure sucrose solution, the specific reaction rate is much slower (Qp/x,60min = 93 and 70 gprod L−1 h−1 gcell−1 for pure sucrose and crude molasses, respectively) at the same sucrose concentration (300 g/L) and process conditions. To clarify why molasses inhibits the enzymatic hydrolysis rate, the influence of its viscosity and inorganic and organic composition was investigated. Also, the effects of molasses and treated molasses on pure enzymes, invertase (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 0.05 mg/mL), compared with hydrolysis using whole cells of Baker's yeast (3 mg/mL), were tested. The results indicate an inhibitory effect of potassium (Qp/x,60min = 76 gprod L−1 h−1 gcell−1), generally at high salt concentrations (Qp/x,60min = 67 gprod L−1 h−1 gcell−1), which could be correlated to the solution's high salt concentrations and possibly the synergistic effects of different ions when applying concentrations that were four times that in the molasses. Also, the viscosity and sucrose purity seem to have an effect, where pure sucrose solutions and thick juice from the sugar mill yielded higher hydrolysis rates (Qp/x,60min = 97 gprod L−1 h−1 gcell−1) than molasses-type solutions with a higher viscosity (Qp/x,60min = 70–74 gprod L−1 h−1 gcell−1). Attempting to further understand the effects of different components on the invertase activity, an in silico investigation was performed, indicating that high salt concentrations affected the binding of sucrose to the active site of the enzyme, which can result in a lower reaction rate. This knowledge is important for future scale-up of the hydrolysis process, since reduced hydrolysis rates require larger volumes to provide a certain productivity, requiring larger process equipment and thereby higher investment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to determine the distribution of enteric parasitic infections and related risk factors among rural communities of Guilan province, Northern Iran, and to compare the results with the situation in the past. Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still considered as a major public health concern, particularly in human communities with poor economy and sanitation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in rural areas of Masal and Shanderman district from February to December 2020. A total of 917 stool samples were collected and examined for presence of intestinal helminthes and protozoa using direct, formalin-ether and Kato-Katz techniques. Results: A total of 156 (17%) out of 917 examined individuals were infected with intestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of protozoa, helminths and mixed infections were 11.8% (108/917), 4.5% (41/917) and 0.8% (7/917), respectively. Blastocystis was the most prevalent intestinal protozoa (9.6%) followed by Giardia lamblia (1.9%), Endolimax nana (1.1%), E. coli (0.8%) and Entamoeba hartmani (0.1%). The highest prevalence of intestinal helminths belonged to Trichostongylus spp. (3.5%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%). Statistical analysis showed significant association between giardiasis and sex (P<0.03). On the other hand, prevalence of enteric helminths was influenced by close contact with livestock, keeping herbivorous animals at home, job, education, and consumption of uncooked vegetables (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate a decreasing trend in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Guilan province in comparison to the past few decades. Hookworm infections, which was very prevalent in the area, are now rare, while trichostrongylosis showed a high prevalence in rural residents of the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent progress in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has offered several benefits, including high geometrical freedom and the ability to create bioinspired structures with intricate details. Mantis shrimp can scrape the shells of prey molluscs with its hammer-shaped stick, while beetles have highly adapted forewings that are lightweight, tough, and strong. This paper introduces a design approach for bioinspired lattice structures by mimicking the internal microstructures of a beetle's forewing, a mantis shrimp's shell, and a mantis shrimp's dactyl club, with improved mechanical properties. Finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental characterisation of 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) samples with bioinspired structures were performed to determine their compression and impact properties. The results showed that designing a bioinspired lattice with unit cells parallel to the load direction improved quasi-static compressive performance, among other lattice structures. The gyroid honeycomb lattice design of the insect forewings and mantis shrimp dactyl clubs outperformed the gyroid honeycomb design of the mantis shrimp shell, with improvements in ultimate mechanical strength, Young's modulus, and drop weight impact. On the other hand, hybrid designs created by merging two different designs reduced bending deformation to control collapse during drop weight impact. This work holds promise for the development of bioinspired lattices employing designs with improved properties, which can have potential implications for lightweight high-performance applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of gas diffusion electrode (GDE) based flow cell can realize industrial-scale CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RRs). Controlling local CO2 and CO intermediate diffusion plays a key role in CO2RR toward multi-carbon (C2+) products. In this work, local CO2 and CO intermediate diffusion through the catalyst layer (CL) was investigated for improving CO2RR toward C2+ products. The gas permeability tests and finite element simulation results indicated CL can balance the CO2 gas diffusion and residence time of the CO intermediate, leading to a sufficient CO concentration with a suitable CO2/H2O supply for high C2+ products. As a result, an excellent selectivity of C2+ products ~ 79% at a high current density of 400 mA·cm−2 could be obtained on the optimal 500 nm Cu CL (Cu500). This work provides a new insight into the optimization of CO2/H2O supply and local CO concentration by controlling CL for C2+ products in CO2RR flow cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel benzimidazole-based derivatives were synthesized and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated against two human cancer cells, SW480 and A549, and the normal human MRC-5 cells, using the MTT assay. N -(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazole-6-carboxamide (5o) showed excellent cytotoxicity with IC 50 values of 0.15 ± 0.01 and 3.68 ± 0.59 μM against A549 and SW480. Compound 5o had 38.5-, 62.9- and 3.1-fold superior cytotoxicity than cisplatin (IC 50 = 5.77 ± 1.60 μM), etoposide (IC 50 = 9.44 ± 1.98 μM), and doxorubicin (IC 50 = 0.46 ± 0.02 μM), respectively against A549 cells. Moreover, 5o exhibited high selectivity towards A549 (SI = 794.6) and SW480 (SI = 32.4) cancer cells compared with the normal MRC-5. Further studies revealed the ability of 5o to induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle at the S phase in A549 cells. Molecular docking studies revealed 5o was well accommodated within the pocket of topoisomerase IIα-DNA, as a possible target. Molecular dynamics simulation studies confirmed the stability of the 5o-IIα-DNA complex. Compound 5o was predicted to have appropriate drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

The development of recyclable crosslinked thermosetting fibres is a challenging research topic. In the present work, we have designed and synthesized polyurethane fibres from fructose-derived 5-chloromethylfurfural (CMF) and lignin-derived monomeric phenols. The greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of CMF showed comparable results to that of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a high potential sugar-based platform molecule. The wet-spun biobased polyurethane fibres produced could be conveniently crosslinked using Diels-Alder chemistry to effectively enhance the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties. At a mildly elevated temperature (140 °C), the chemically crosslinked fibres could be effectively de-crosslinked, which enabled complete separation from a mixture with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and cotton fibres. These results outline a potential strategy to design and fabricate new biobased fibres with reversible crosslinking, which may enable fibre-to-fibre recycling., (© 2024 The Authors. ChemSusChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)