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The neuromodulation effect after ventricular arrhythmia (VA) ablation is unclear. The study aimed to investigate skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) changes in patients receiving catheter ablations for idiopathic VA. Of 43 patients with drug-refractory symptomatic VA receiving ablation, SKNA was continuously recorded for 10 min during resting from electrocardiogram lead I configuration and bipolar electrodes on the right arm 1 day before and 1 day after ablation. Twenty-two patients with acute procedure success and no recurrence during follow-ups were classified as sustained success group (group 1). Other 21 patients were classified as failed ablation group (group 2). Baseline SKNA showed no significant difference between the two groups. Post-ablation SKNA in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1. In patients with ablation involved right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), the post-ablation SKNA was also significantly higher in group 2. In contrast, there was no difference in post-ablation SKNA between groups in patients receiving non-RVOT ablation. The neuromodulation response after RVOT ablation may correspond to the sympathetic nerve distribution at RVOT. Augmentation of sympathetic activity after VA ablation indicates an unsuccessful VA suppression, especially in patients receiving ablation of RVOT VA. [Display omitted] • Neuromodulation can be observed after ablation of ventricular arrhythmia. • The change of sympathetic tone after ablation differs among patients. • Elevated post-ablation sympathetic tone indicates an unsuccessful right ventricular outflow tract ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2009.10.005 Byline: Azgur Azluk (a), Abdelghani A. Elimam (b), Eduardo Interaminense (c) Keywords: Mixed integer programming; Workload smoothing; Delivery dates; Heuristics; Incentives Abstract: Service firms periodically face fluctuating demand levels. They incur high costs to handle peak demand and pay for under-utilized capacity during low demand periods. In this paper, we develop a mixed integer programming (MIP) model based on the real life experience of a Brazilian telecommunications firm. The model determines the optimum staffing requirements with different seniority levels for employees, as well as the distribution and balancing of workload utilizing flexibility of some customers in their service completion day. The proposed MIP uses monetary incentives to smooth the workload by redistributing some of the peak demand, thereby increasing capacity utilization. Due to the intractable nature of optimizing the proposed MIP model, we present a heuristic solution approach. The MIP model is applied to the case of the examined Brazilian Telecommunications firm. The computational work on this base case and its extensions shows that the proposed MIP model is of merit, leading to approximately seventeen percent reduction in the base case operating costs. Extensive computational work demonstrates that our heuristic provides quality solutions in very short computational times. The model can also be used to select new customers based on the workload, the revenue potential of these new customers and their flexibility in accepting alternate service completion dates. The generic structure of the proposed approach allows for its application to a wide variety of service organizations facing similar capacity and demand management challenges. Such wide applicability enhances the value of our work and its expected benefits. Author Affiliation: (a) Decision Sciences Department, College of Business, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA (b) Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, Egypt (c) Business Development, MCI, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA Article History: Received 2 July 2008; Accepted 13 October 2009

A heuristic procedure based on tabu search (TS) and intelligent memory structures is developed to solve the problem of audit staff scheduling. The TS method works by developing a feasible schedule derived from a greedy forward dispatching procedure. It then improves on the initial schedule by conducting a series of intensification and diversification procedures. Test results reveal that the method can be used in highly constrained scheduling problems that include rigid precedence relations and impacted completion times and resources.

A study on integer programming prototypes for the establishment of optimal sequences of wastewater treatment methods and minimum cost, energy efficient composite wall and roof structures is presented. It was established that the two applications that were used can be formulated as multiple-constrained shortest path. The first mathematical model has been deployed for a combined industrial and sanitary wasterwater facility in Kuwait. The other has been applied to assist design engineers in complying with government policies for the thermal resistance to building structures.

Audit staff scheduling problems that take into account the overlapping relationships between audit activities and the changeover times and costs for the auditors are discussed. Specifically, the problem is characterized as an integer linear program (ILP) based on an activity network with lead/lag relationships to minimize the number of decision variables. The ILP model, which is implemented in a four-auditor two-engagement example, results in lower cost schedules and audits.

Byline: A.A. Elimam Abstract: The paper presents a Decision Support System (DSS) for the production planning of Agricultural pesticide. The unique features of pesticide production are identified and the resulting planning trade-off's are explained. The DSS consists of six loosely coupled modules. A mathematical programming model forms the basis of the DSS, whose objective is to minimize the total cost of production. The model is also designed to capture seasonal demand fluctuations, variations in labor cost, source, cost and availability of raw material and plant operating mode. The DSS is illustrated by planning the manufacturing of nine products on two production lines to satisfy demand over eighteen months. The system has been in use for pesticide production planning in a major US plant for more than five years. Such use helped in rationalizing production planning decisions and led to tangible savings in production and inventory cost, over the duration of its use. Author Affiliation: Business Analysis and Computing Systems, College of Business, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA

Linseed or flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L) is an ancient perennial plant species regarded as a multipurpose plant mostly due to its seed unique richness in omega-3 fatty acids. The extensive biochemical analysis of linseed further resulted in the identification of its other components i.e., lignans with potential applications in the improvement of human health. Linseed oil that amount for 40% of its seed weight is an edible oil in demand as a dietary supplement owing to its several health benefits. This comprehensive review based on research papers and patents capitalizes on linseed oil, the major product of linseed with emphasis on the interrelationship between extraction methods, holistic chemical composition, sensory characters, and nutritional value. Overview of the different analytical approaches for linseed oil analysis and its quality control assessment is presented i.e., adulteration detection highlighting for each application advantages and limitations. Different oil extraction as well as processing methods are reviewed and in context to their influence on the final oil quality and/or biological effects. The review recapitulates on the rancidity prevention approaches to ensure best oil quality and shelf life. The extraction method as well as the pretreatments appeared to dramatically affect the yield and the quality of the oil. • Details on the main classes of compounds in linseed oil. • Oil rancid products mechanisms of formation is presented highlighting factors. • Analytical methods used for ensuring oil quality and adulteration are described. • Formulation of linseed oil in nutraceuticals to improve its stability. • This review provides data to improve health value, safety and consumer acceptance of linseed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees are important pollinators and take micronutrients from different natural floral resources and turbid water to adequately meet their nutritional requirements. But the role of micronutrients for honey bee health is not well understood. Here, the present study was conducted to determine honey bees' micronutrients preference in summer and winter seasons. Also, the impact of micronutrients on foraging behaviour and brood increase was studied in different honey bee colonies. The results elucidated that honey bees exhibited a strong preference for a salt solution compared to deionized water during the summer and winter seasons. However, there was a notable switch in salt preference between seasons. Overall, honey bees showed significantly more foraging activity, more pollen collection, and increased brood area after sodium consumption compared to other minerals in the summer season. Further, pollen collection and brood area were significantly higher after the use of potassium in the winter season. Thus, the food preference of honey bees is strongly linked with the seasons and the availability of the floral resources. Our data suggested that honey bees may seek specific nutrients during variation of the seasonal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of several parameters on the electrocoagulation process has been studied in order to optimize the evolution of the fluoride removal percentage and the energy consumption. Optimum experimental conditions of fluoride removal were determined as: pHi = 6, J = 0.27 mA/cm², tEC = 30 min, [NaCl] = 0.5 g/L, di = 1 cm, S/V = 7.2 m-1 and Stirring speed = 300 rpm with two aluminum electrodes. These operating conditions are allowed to achieve fluoride removal of over 85% in a relatively short operating time with low energy consumption (0.0396 kWh/m³). The results fitted with the Langmuir and Freundlich equations showed that fluoride removal was achieved by a monolayer adsorption, with a finite number of identical sites. To study the rate-limiting step, the kinetic data of fluoride were analyzed using first-order and second-order kinetic models. Under optimal conditions with 10 and 20 min treatment, fluoride was completely removed for initial concentration of 3 and 6 mg/L respectively. Moreover, for fluoride initial concentration of 10 mg/L, it is possible to reach a residual concentration under the limit recommended by WHO for fluoride concentration in drinking water (1.5 mg/L) with lowest consumption of electricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Subclinical inflammation and presence of almost all indicators of systemic inflammation are found in type 2 diabetic patients. Such a systemic and subclinical inflammatory process can be characterized by elevated circulating levels of inflammatory markers. Aim To study the state of subclinical inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and establish a correlation between glycemic control and inflammatory markers. Methods This research included 90 subjects divided into 2 groups; Group A: 70 patients with type 2 diabetes and Group B: 20 Age and sex matched people as the control group. All patients were clinically examined, had laboratory investigations including; fasting and 2 h postprandial blood sugar, HbA1c, serum ferritin., high sensitivity C-reactive protein hs-CRP, kidney functions tests, liver function tests, complete blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and antinuclear antibody. Results The estimated levels of ESR, FBS, serum ferritin, hs-CRP and HbA1c in T2DM were 10.69 ± 3.05, 186.01 ± 92.21, 6005.2 ± 2639.83, 155.75 ± 73.95, 7.5 ± 3.23, respectively. In a similar way, in control subject, the estimated levels for respective parameters were 12.4 ± 3.41, 83.25 ± 6.25, 45.088 ± 39.35, 19.97 ± 18.51, 4.555 ± 0.58, respectively. Mean values of all parameters, except ESR, were found to be significantly augmented in T2DM subjects when compared to control group. There is significant positive correlation between HbA1c and hs-CRP (r=0.761, p < 0.001). Moreover, serum ferritin has shown significant positive correlation with HbA1c (r = 0.853, p < 0.001). Conclusion Strong correlation between inflammation and glycemic control in patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus suggests that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomerular visceral epithelial cells (podocytes) play a critical role in the maintenance of glomerular permselectivity. Podocyte injury, manifesting as proteinuria, is the cause of many glomerular diseases. We reported previously that calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ (iPLA2γ) is cytoprotective against complement-mediated glomerular epithelial cell injury. Studies in iPLA2γ KO mice have demonstrated an important role for iPLA2γ in mitochondrial lipid turnover, membrane structure, and metabolism. The aim of the present study was to employ iPLA2γ KO mice to better understand the role of iPLA2γ in normal glomerular and podocyte function as well as in glomerular injury. We show that deletion of iPLA2γ did not cause detectable albuminuria; however, it resulted in mitochondrial structural abnormalities and enhanced autophagy in podocytes as well as loss of podocytes in aging KO mice. Moreover, after induction of anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis in young mice, iPLA2γ KO mice exhibited significantly increased levels of albuminuria, podocyte injury, and loss of podocytes compared with wild type. Thus, iPLA2γ has a protective functional role in the normal glomerulus and in glomerulonephritis. Understanding the role of iPLA2γ in glomerular pathophysiology provides opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to glomerular injury and proteinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injury of visceral glomerular epithelial cells (GECs) causes proteinuria in many glomerular diseases. We reported previously that calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ (iPLA2γ) is cytoprotective against complement-mediated GEC injury. Because iPLA2γ is localized at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), this study addressed whether the cytoprotective effect of iPLA2γ involves the ER stress unfolded protein response (UPR). In cultured rat GECs, overexpression of the full-length iPLA2γ, but not a mutant iPLA2γ that fails to associate with the ER, augmented tunicamycin-induced activation of activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6) and induction of the ER chaperones, glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Augmented responses were inhibited by the iPLA2γ inhibitor, (R)-bromoenol lactone, but not by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin. Tunicamycin-induced cytotoxicity was reduced in GECs expressing iPLA2γ, and the cytoprotection was reversed by dominant-negative ATF6. GECs from iPLA2γ knock-out mice showed blunted ATF6 activation and chaperone up-regulation in response to tunicamycin. Unlike ATF6, the two other UPR pathways, i.e. inositol-requiring enzyme 1α and protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase pathways, were not affected by iPLA2γ. Thus, in GECs, iPLA2γ amplified activation of the ATF6 pathway of the UPR, resulting in up-regulation of ER chaperones and cytoprotection. These effects were dependent on iPLA2γ catalytic activity and association with the ER but not on prostanoids. Modulating iPLA2γ activity may provide opportunities for pharmacological intervention in glomerular diseases associated with ER stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Complement activation and recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes is an important defense mechanism against bacterial infection. However, complement also can mediate cellular injury and contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases. With the appreciation that the C5b-9 membrane attack complex can injure cells in the absence of leukocytes, a role for the terminal complement pathway in inducing cell injury and kidney disease was shown in several experimental models, including the rat passive Heymann nephritis model of human membranous nephropathy. In podocytes, sublytic C5b-9 activates a variety of downstream pathways including protein kinases, lipid metabolism, reactive oxygen species, growth factors/gene transcription, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and it impacts the integrity of the cytoskeleton and slit diaphragm proteins. C5b-9 also injures other kidney cells, including mesangial, glomerular endothelial, and tubular epithelial cells, and it contributes to the pathogenesis of mesangial-proliferative glomerulonephritis, thrombotic microangiopathy, and acute kidney injury. Conversely, certain C5b-9 signals limit complement-induced injury, or promote recovery of cells. In addition to C5b-9, complement cleavage products, such as C5a and C1q, can injure kidney cells. Thus, the complement system contributes to various kidney pathologies by causing cellular damage in both an inflammation-dependent and inflammation-independent manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In experimental membranous nephropathy, complement C5b-9-induces glomerular epithelial cell (GEC) injury and proteinuria. The effects of C5b-9 are mediated via signaling pathways, including calcium-independent phospholipase A2γ (iPLA2γ), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. The iPLA2γ pathway is cytoprotective. This study addresses the mechanisms of iPLA2γ activation. iPLA2γ activity was monitored by quantifying prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. In GECs, iPLA2γ localized at the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Complement-mediated production of PGE2 was amplified in GECs that overexpress iPLA2γ, compared with control cells, and was blocked by the iPLA2γ inhibitor bromoenol lactone in both iPLA2γ-overexpressing and control GECs. In GECs that overexpress iPLA2γ, complement-mediated PGE2 production was reduced by inhibitors of MAP/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1) and p38 but not JNK. In COS-1 cells that overexpress iPLA2γ and cyclooxygenase-1, PGE2 production was induced by co-expression of constitutively active MEK1 or MAPK-interacting kinase 1 (MNK1) as well as by stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF) + ionomycin. Complement- and EGF + ionomycin-stimulated iPLA2γ activity was attenuated by the S511A/S515A double mutation. Moreover, complement and EGF + ionomycin enhanced phosphorylation of Ser-511. Thus, complement-mediated activation of iPLA2γ is mediated viaERK and p38 pathways, and phosphorylation of Ser-511 and/or Ser-515 plays a key role in the catalytic activity and signaling of iPLA2γ. Defining the mechanisms by which complement activates iPLA2γ provides opportunities for development of novel therapeutic approaches to GEC injury and proteinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pandemic of the childhood obesity represent a major public health problem all over the world. This leads to detection of many health conditions that were previously considered an adulthood diseases. The rise in the prevalence of the obesity and overweight among children means that the world will face an explosion in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS), which increases the risk of atherosclerotic disease and death in adulthood. The atherosclerotic process has proved to develop silently for decades during childhood and adolescence before the cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke occur. This means that obese children especially with MS could have heart attacks and suffer from heart disease in an age when they should be very healthy, but most of these data either derived from autopsy findings or studies that confirmed the presence of peripheral atherosclerosis. Very early detection of coronary atherosclerosis in obese children with metabolic syndrome through a non invasive method will be of great importance, allowing for early therapeutic intervention. The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) is considered a major scientific breakthrough in the last years; recent studies have suggested a potentially important role of miRNAs in the control of diversity aspects of cardiac functions in health and disease including coronary atherosclerosis. Moreover, circulating miRNAs profiles recently used as a non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis of multiple cardiovascular diseases. The identification of distinct circulating miRNA profiles may impact the development of specific miRNAs as biomarkers in pediatric cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we postulate that some of these circulating miRNAs may be a potential biomarker for early non-invasive diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis in very early asymptomatic stage in obese children with metabolic syndrome, giving an excellent chance to fight against the first killer in the adult population in childhood period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study aimed to investigate, the larvicidal, adult emergence inhibition and oviposition deterrent activity of aqueous leaves extract of Calotropis procera against Anopheles arabiensis and Culex quinquefasciatus as natural mosquito larvicide. The larvicidal activity was monitored against 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larvae of each mosquito species 24h post-treatment. Adult emergence inhibition activity was tested by exposing 3rd instar larvae of each mosquito species to different concentrations of extracts (200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000ppm for An. arabiensis and 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600ppm for Cx. quinquefasciatus). Probit analysis was used to analyze data from bioassay experiments. The oviposition deterrent activity was tested by using three different concentrations of extracts (1000, 500 and 200 for An. arabiensis, and 1000, 500 and 100 for Cx. quinquefasciatus) that caused high, moderate and low larval mortality in the larvicidal experiment against 3rd instar larvae. It was found that, LC50–LC90 values calculated were 273.53–783.43, 366.44–1018.59 and 454.99–1224.62ppm for 2nd, 3rd and 4th larval instars, respectively, of An. arabiensis and 187.93–433.51, 218.27–538.27 and 264.85–769.13ppm for 2nd, 3rd and 4th larval instars, respectively, of Cx. quinquefasciatus. Fifty percent of adult emergence inhibition (EI50) was shown at 277.90 and 183.65ppm for An. arabiensis and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. The pupal stage was not affected till a concentration of 5000ppm. The extract showed oviposition deterrence and effective repellence against both mosquito species at different concentrations, with the observation on that maximal eggs were laid in low concentration of extract. These results suggest that the leaves extract of C. procera possess remarkable larvicidal, adult emergence inhibitor, repellent and oviposition deterrent effect against both An. arabiensis and Cx. quinquefasciatus, and might be used as natural biocides for mosquito control. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ligustrazine is the principle bioactive alkaloid in the widely-used Chinese herb Chuan Xiong rhizome. Herein, a series of novel derivatives has been designed as human carbonic anhydrases inhibitors (h CAIs) starting from the natural product Ligustrazine inserted as a tail instead of the 4-fluorophenyl tail of SLC-0111, a front-runner selective h CA IX inhibitor currently in clinical trials as antitumor/antimetastatic agent. Other derivatives were designed via incorporation of different linkers, of amide and ester type, or incorporation of different zinc anchoring groups such as secondary sulfamoyl and carboxylic acid functionalities. The newly designed molecules were prepared following different synthetic pathways, and were assessed for their inhibitory actions against four isoforms: the widespread cytosolic (h CA I and II), and the transmembrane tumor-related (h CA IX and XII). The primary sulfonamides efficiently inhibited the target h CA IX and h CA XII in the nanomolar range (K I s: 6.2–951.5 nM and 3.3–869.3 nM, respectively). The most selective h CA IX inhibitors 6c and 18 were assessed for their potential anticancer effects, and displayed anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cancer cell line with IC 50 s of 11.9 and 36.7 μM, respectively. Molecular modelling studies unveiled the relationship between structural features and inhibitory profiles against the off-target hCA II and the target, tumor-related isoforms h CA IX and XII. [Display omitted] • New series of Ligustrazine-based sulfonamides were designed and synthesized. • Inhibitory activities of all derivatives were evaluated toward hCA I, II, IX and XII isoforms. • The primary sulfonamides efficiently inhibited h CA IX and XII in the sub-micromolar ranges. • Compounds 6c and 18 were examined for its potential anticancer and pro-apoptotic activities. • A molecular modelling study was performed to unveil the plausible binding interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural product piperine, the major bioactive alkaloid present in black pepper fruits, has the ability to modulate the functional activity of several biological targets. In this study, we have utilized the natural piperine as a tail moiety to develop new SLC-0111 analogues (6a-d , 8 and 9) as potential carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Thereafter, different functionalities, free carboxylic acid (11a-c), acetyl (13a) and ethyl ester (13b-c), were exploited as bioisosteres of the sulfamoyl functionality. All piperine-based derivatives were assessed for their inhibitory actions against four human (h) CA isoforms: h CA I, II, IX and XII. The best h CA inhibitory activity was observed for the synthesized primary piperine-sulfonamides (6a-d and 8). In particular, both para -regioisomers (6c and 8) emerged as the most potent h CA inhibitors in this study with two-digit nanomolar activity against h CA II (K I s = 93.4 and 88.6 nM, respectively), h CA IX (K I s = 38.7 and 68.2 nM, respectively), and h CA XII (K I s = 57.5 and 45.6 nM, respectively). Moreover, piperine-sulfonamide 6c was examined for its anti-cancer and pro-apoptotic actions towards breast MCF-7 cancer cell line. Collectively, piperine-based sulfonamides could be considered as a promising scaffold for development of efficient anticancer candidates with potent CA inhibitory activities. [Display omitted] • New series of piperine-based sulfonamides and carboxylic acids were designed and synthesized. • Inhibitory activities of all derivatives were evaluated toward hCA I, II, IX and XII isoforms. • Compounds 6c and 8 displayed two-digit nanomolar CA II, IX and XII inhibitory activities. • Compound 6c was examined for its potential anticancer and pro-apoptotic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physico-chemical analysis (X-ray, FTIR) and/or methanol oxidation reaction test were performed on fresh and deactivated vanadium catalysts used in H2SO4 manufacturing. It allowed the diagnosis of catalyst deactivation sources, as well as the processes of regenerating and recycling the worn out catalyst in converter. One of these processes is hydrometallurgical method. It consists in treating the deactivated catalyst with alkaline or acidic reagents and forming vanadate solution. A simple and non-costly operation of chemical attack permits the extraction of vanadium from silica in deactivated catalyst. The extracted vanadium can be used for the confection of regenerated catalysts or metallic tools. After optimization, this method can be used for industrial application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rosuvastatin is a hypolipidemic drug of limited oral bioavailability. The aim was to develop rosuvastatin flexible chitosomes and loading into a pullulan-based tablet to improve the bioavailability and maximize the antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities. Chitosomes nanoparticles were developed and characterized. Pullulan-based lyophilized fast dissolving tablets were developed and evaluated. The tablets' outer and inner structures were morphologically investigated. In vivo disintegration of the prepared tablets was studied in healthy human volunteers. The pharmacokinetics, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, and biochemical markers activities were conducted after administration of the tablets into male Wister rats. Liver histopathology was also investigated. The prepared chitosomes illustrated an average particle size of 342.22 ± 2.90 nm, a zeta potential value of +28.87 ± 1.39 mV and a drug entrapment efficiency of 94.59 ± 1.62%. The developed tablets showed an acceptable quality control characteristics and in vivo disintegration time of 1.48 ± 0.439 min. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct porous surface and sponge-like inner structure. The chitosomes based tablets demonstrated higher relative bioavailability by more than 30% and 36% when compared with the corresponding pure rosuvastatin and the marketed drug tablets, respectively. Moreover, the chitosomes based tablets showed a significant improvement in the hepatic serum biomarkers and a dramatic decrease in the serum antioxidants in response to Poloxamer 407 intoxication. The prepared tablets did not exhibit marked histopathological changes in the hepatic tissues. Accordingly, the pullan-based lyophilized fast-dissolving tablets loaded with chitosomes nanoparticles could be considered as a promising drug formulation for enhancing rosuvastatin bioavailability and pharmacodynamics activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid renewable energy systems using solar energy and biomass will become more crucial in the near future. In this study a new design for continuous production process of power, biogas and fresh water is proposed. The challenge of the present research is to use different sources for energy production from renewable resources simultaneously including solar and biomass to produce power, fuel and fresh water, using 4-stage Multi Effect Distillation (MED) for desalination of seawater. To cope with constant and stable energy production required for renewable solar power plants at night, due to lack of sunlight, co-consumption of hybrid solar and biomass feedstocks is considered in this system. The associated challenge is discussed by the assessments of Solar Heat transfer fluid (SHTF), Sewage sludge flowrates, biogas production, output waste stream of gasification reactor, power and fresh water production using ASPEN Plus software. The sensitivity analysis was performed to demonstrate the viability of the designed process and the resulting products. The findings of this research show that gasification process produced 76.858 ton/h syngas (CO and H 2). Besides, 34.547 MW of power with about 783 m3/h of fresh water are produced with the overall exergy efficiency of 35.51%, 52.260 MW exergy destruction and desalination efficiency of 52%. Only 25 MW of solar power is necessary due to proper energy recovery throughout the entire process. The productivity of freshwater production is 50%. 38908 m2 of Parabolic trough collector (PTC) is needed to supply required solar energy during day light hours. It is revealed that the hybridization of solar & biomass energy resources for producing power, fresh water, and biogas could be a sustainable approach to cope with the increasing demand for fresh water, electricity, and fuel. • Tri-generation process with generating power, fresh water and biogas is proposed. • The system is a continuous process using energy storage mechanism. • Tri-generation system is powered with solar PTC and biomass burning. • 34.547 M W of electric power and 783 m 3 with 52% efficiency of fresh water (4-stage MED) are produced. • The lack solar power in the night is compensated by burning 155 k g /h of the produced methane in the gasification unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers in incidence and mortality. Despite advances in cancer biology, molecular genetics, and targeted treatments, CRC prognosis and survival have not kept pace. This is usually due to advanced staging and metastases at diagnosis. Thus, great importance has been placed upon understanding the molecular pathophysiology behind the development of CRC, which has highlighted the significance of non-coding RNA's role and associated intracellular signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of the disease. According to recent studies, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), a subtype of ncRNAs whose length exceeds 200 nucleotides, have been found to have regulatory functions on multiple levels. Their actions at the transcription, post-transcriptional, translational levels, and epigenetic regulation have made them prime modulators of gene expression. Due to their role in cellular cancer hallmarks, their dysregulation has been linked to several illnesses, including cancer. Furthermore, their clinical relevance has expanded due to their possible detection in blood which has cemented them as potential future biomarkers and thus, potential targets for new therapy. This review will highlight the importance of lncRNAs and related signaling pathways in the development of CRC and their subsequent clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BIM & IoT reduce library energy consumption, esp. in lighting systems. • Smart lighting via WSN & sensors optimize energy use in libraries. • Motion sensors adjust lighting for efficient energy use in libraries. • Strategies proposed to transform library lighting systems to sustainability. • This tech creates a better library environment, reduces energy & supports climate change efforts. The electrical lighting technique is one of the primary culprits behind a library's high energy usage and operating expenses. Unfortunately, lighting systems are often unregulated, resulting in suboptimal lighting conditions, while older buildings consume significant amounts of electricity. To reduce energy waste and usage, it is crucial to evaluate the entire library's performance, including indoor lighting, solar radiation, and interior temperature, from the initial design phase. The paucity of high-quality real-world data and procedural knowledge has hindered the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) models used in previous research. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to integrate distributed wireless sensor networks (WSN) and sensor techniques employing Internet of Things (IoT) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) approaches in order to reduce energy consumption by implementing a smart illumination technique. The purpose of this study is to examine the strategies and options involved in prototyping an IoT- and BIM-based intelligent illumination system and its effect on library maintenance. This paper presents several strategies for transforming the inefficient lighting system of a typical library into a sustainable one with a quick repayment period. This technology can substantially improve lighting control and energy efficiency by employing motion sensors to detect human movement and adjusting lighting in particular areas. As a result, this solution provides libraries with the opportunity to establish a more sustainable environment while simultaneously increasing productivity. This study concludes with strategies and solutions for instituting energy-efficient measures in libraries, particularly lighting systems. By integrating distributed wireless sensor networks and sensor techniques with IoT and BIM approaches, this research seeks to address the challenges posed by conventional lighting systems and enhance the energy efficiency of libraries as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using green chemistry methods has gained significant attention in the field of landscape enhancement. Researchers have paid close attention to the development of very effective green chemistry approaches for the production of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The primary goal is to create an environmentally sustainable technique for generating NPs. At the nanoscale, ferro- and ferrimagnetic minerals such as magnetite exhibit superparamagnetic properties (Fe3O4). Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have received increased interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their physiochemical properties, small particle size (1–100 nm), and low toxicity. Biological resources such as bacteria, algae, fungus, and plants have been used to manufacture affordable, energy-efficient, non-toxic, and ecologically acceptable metallic NPs. Despite the growing demand for Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a variety of applications, typical chemical production processes can produce hazardous byproducts and trash, resulting in significant environmental implications. The purpose of this study is to look at the ability of Allium sativum, a member of the Alliaceae family recognized for its culinary and medicinal benefits, to synthesize Fe3O4 NPs. Extracts of Allium sativum seeds and cloves include reducing sugars like glucose, which may be used as decreasing factors in the production of Fe3O4 NPs to reduce the requirement for hazardous chemicals and increase sustainability. The analytic procedures were carried out utilizing machine learning as support vector regression (SVR). Furthermore, because Allium sativum is widely accessible and biocompatible, it is a safe and cost-effective material for the manufacture of Fe3O4 NPs. Using the regression indices metrics of root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2), the X-ray diffraction (XRD) study revealed the lighter, smoother spherical forms of NPs in the presence of aqueous garlic extract and 70.223 nm in its absence. The antifungal activity of Fe3O4 NPs against Candida albicans was investigated using a disc diffusion technique but exhibited no impact at doses of 200, 400, and 600 ppm. This characterization of the nanoparticles helps in understanding their physical properties and provides insights into their potential applications in landscape enhancement. [Display omitted] • Sustainable synthesis of Fe3O4 NPs using Allium sativum waste reduces energy-based waste in metal NP production. • Allium sativum reduces harmful chemicals in Fe3O4 NP synthesis, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. • Synthesis of Fe3O4 NPs using Allium sativum extract is cost-effective and eco-friendly for energy sector applications. • Fe3O4 NP synthesis through nanotechnology can address energy waste and promote sustainability in agriculture and other sectors. • Fe3O4 NPs synthesized with Allium sativum extract show potential as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposed FL-ANFIS model accurately predicts FRCM-to-concrete bond strength. • Six inputs used in FL-ANFIS model provide accurate bond strength forecasts. • High accuracy achieved with FL-ANFIS model, low error rates, and fast predictions. • FL-ANFIS model reduces waste, design costs, and saves time for construction projects. • FL-ANFIS model can predict bond strength of steel bars in concrete with good performance. Construction repairs have used fiber-reinforced cement mortar (FRCM). Concrete and FRCM bond strength usually outweigh mechanical criteria. Nevertheless, testing complex bonds like the FRCM and concrete bond takes time, money, and errors. This study employed fuzzy logic (FL) based on the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to simplify and reliably estimate the FRCM-to-concrete bond strength (CBS) by modeling complicated and non-linear systems computationally efficiently. The models take six inputs: concrete splice length, stirrup cross-sectional area to spacing, longitudinal tension bar area to effective cross section, compressive strength, relative rib area, and minimum concrete cover. The model outputs concrete steel bar bond strength. The FLANFIS model predicts FRCM-to-CBS using the tensile testing results of the 10 specimens (5 concrete and 5 FRCM). Data instruct the model and measure its precision. This article defines the ANFIS-based FRCM-to-CBS. This research will employ 5 concrete specimens and 5 FRCM specimens, totaling 0.05 m^3 of concrete and FRCM mix. 0.25 kg of adhesive bonds the sample. Grip, control, and data gathering systems are employed with a 1 kN tensile testing equipment. This research comprises preparing concrete and FRCM specimens, bonding with adhesive, and tensile testing. The FL-ANFIS model predicts FRCM-to-CBS with a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.995 and a strong correlation coefficient (r) of 0.982 in training. The pattern predicted accurately with RMSE of 0.264 and MAE of 0.196. This paper shows that FL-ANFIS can predict steel bar bond strength in concrete quickly and accurately. The pattern reduces waste, design costs, and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) are a promising alternative to antibiotics for targeting microorganisms, especially in the case of difficult-to-treat bacterial illnesses. Antibacterial coatings for medical equipment, materials for infection prevention and healing, bacterial detection systems for medical diagnostics, and antibacterial immunizations are potential applications of nanotechnology. Infections in the ear, which can result in hearing loss, are extremely difficult to cure. The use of nanoparticles to enhance the efficacy of antimicrobial medicines is a potential option. Various types of inorganic, lipid-based, and polymeric nanoparticles have been produced and shown beneficial for the controlled administration of medication. This article focuses on the use of polymeric nanoparticles to treat frequent bacterial diseases in the human body. Using machine learning models such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), this 28-day study evaluates the efficacy of nanoparticle therapy. An innovative application of advanced CNNs, such as Dense Net, for the automatic detection of middle ear infections is reported. Three thousand oto-endoscopic images (OEIs) were categorized as normal, chronic otitis media (COM), and otitis media with effusion (OME). Comparing middle ear effusions to OEIs, CNN models achieved a classification accuracy of 95%, indicating great promise for the automated identification of middle ear infections. The hybrid CNN-ANN model attained an overall accuracy of more than 0.90 percent, with a sensitivity of 95 percent and a specificity of 100 percent in distinguishing earwax from illness, and provided nearly perfect measures of 0.99 percent. Nanoparticles are a promising treatment for difficult-to-treat bacterial diseases, such as ear infections. The application of machine learning models, such as ANNs and CNNs, can improve the efficacy of nanoparticle therapy, especially for the automated detection of middle ear infections. Polymeric nanoparticles, in particular, have shown efficacy in treating common bacterial infections in children, indicating great promise for future treatments. [Display omitted] • NPs are a promising alternative to antibiotics for treating infections. • Researchers used machine learning models to evaluate the efficacy of polymeric NPs in treating bacterial illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Research focuses on forecasting wind speed for wind energy conversion systems (WECS) planning. • Data collected from windy mountain city weather stations over 5 years. • A kernel ridge regression (RR) model is proposed and compared to SVM and ANN. • RR model showed best results in RMSE and R2 assessments. • Study provides valuable insights for cost and risk management in wind power planning. For wind energy conversion systems (WECS), forecasting wind speed is crucial for meeting customer demands while monitoring, controlling, planning, and dispatching the electricity production. The goal of the research is to more easily predict wind speed for planning and feasible studies of wind farms. All data was derived from weather stations in a windy city in a mountain area for one month within five years. A kernel ridge regression (RR) model is suggested, and the results are compared with two reference prediction models of support vector machines (SVM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), to validate the model's efficiency for three different predicting horizons (1-h, 12-h, and 24-h ahead). The root means square error (RMSE), and root mean square (R2) are utilized to assess the effectiveness of a prediction model. Using one layer and 30 neurons, the optimum outcome was achieved with an RMSE of 0.264 and a value of 0.811. Tests revealed that 70%–30% for training and testing yields the lowest RMSE of 1.244 compared to 1.874 for 60%–40%. A study of ANN, SVM, and ridge regression found that predictions made with the RR provided the most precision in comparison to the R2 and RMSE values. This study's relevance lies in its ability to forecast wind speeds and for this reason, ridge regression using mutual information feature selection performs better than other methods when trying to forecast wind velocity. Cost and risk management in wind power planning will benefit from this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]