Search

Over the past decade, substantial scientific evidence has showed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are extensively expressed and play a crucial role in gene modulation through a diverse range of transcriptional, and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Recent discoveries have emphasized the involvement of lncRNAs in maintaining cellular homeostasis and neurogenesis in the brain. Accumulating reports identified dysregulated lncRNAs associated with psychiatric disorders, including autism. In this study, we examined the expression levels of DISC2, Linc00945, Foxg1-as1, Csnk1a1p, and Evf2 lncRNAs in blood samples from 21 clinically diagnosed autistic patients based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria-5th edition (DSM-5), compared to age, sex, and ethnically-matched 25 healthy individuals. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed, followed by real-time PCR for quantification of lncRNAs expression levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate biomarker potential. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between gene expression levels and autism comorbidities. Our results showed a significant decrease in Csnk1a1p expression in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to healthy children (P value = 0.0008). ROC curve analysis indicated that Csnk1a1p expression levels could effectively discriminate patients from healthy controls (AUC = 0.837, P value = 0.000284). No significant differences were observed between Csnk1a1p expression levels and comorbidity with ADHD or intellectual disability (p-value > 0.05). Based on these findings, Csnk1a1p may play a significant role in autistic patients and could serve as a potential biomarker for diagnostic and predictive purposes, as well as a therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is some uncertainty in the nature of tunnel excavation operations and this is an important part of the uncertainty due to unknown geological and geotechnical conditions. This paper proposes a risk assessment approach for problems which may arise during tunneling operations. A new model has been developed for the risk management of line 3 of the Mashhad subway (Iran’s second biggest city) applying a hybridization of game theory and fuzzy theory. Using questionnaires, appropriate responses to key risks are suggested based on modelling of game theory and categorized and ranked by importance. Linear programming problems are introduced to compute the average, optimistic, and pessimistic game values and their corresponding optimal strategies. This is the first work in this field to discuss geological and geotechnical risks in a hierarchy fashion. Hierarchy means that the ranking is done at different levels and each level has its own importance. The results indicate that providing the engineering geological profile along the route using obtained information and changing the excavation parameters based on it, is the most significant risk response. Using geophysical methods for subsurface studies and Excavating trenches for shallow investigations on the tunnel excavation route is ranked at the next level of importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ultra-rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, You-Hoover-Fong Syndrome (YHFS), is caused by defects in the TELO2 gene and is characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, and ocular impairments. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of YHFS by reviewing previous cases and introducing a novel variant in a new case. Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted on the proband to identify genetic variants, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm variants within the family. This article presents a comprehensive collection of reported cases of YHFS, incorporating both molecular and clinical data, through an extensive literature search and analysis of English-language studies published until June 2023. Results: Using WES, a novel homozygous missense variant, c.1799A > G (p. Tyr600Cys), was identified in the TELO2 gene in a 4-year-old Iranian male patient. Novel clinical features, including choanal atresia and clubfoot, were also identified. A comprehensive literature review identified 27 patients with YHFS, with 20 variants in the TELO2 gene. Missense pathogenic variants were the most common type of pathogenic variant, and the most common features were microcephaly and intellectual impairment. Conclusion: This study presents the first case of pathogenic variants in TELO2 gene in Iran, expands the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of YHFS and contributes to the growing body of literature pertaining to YHFS. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of genetic testing for non-consanguineous carrier screening, as compound heterozygosity may be a significant factor in the development of YHFS. Further research is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying YHFS pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we determine the stress release from the 2003 Bam earthquake (Mw 6.6) by applying the stress inversion technique to focal mechanisms of 199 aftershocks. There is no evidence of significant surface faulting that can be used to study the faulting pattern of the Bam fault zone. Therefore, we applied two independent methods for identifying the faulting pattern in this zone: the instability criterion based on the analysis of orientations of nodal planes of focal mechanisms with respect to the regional stress, and the Fry method based on the analysis of spatial clustering of aftershock foci. The results show that the fault associated with the 2003 Bam earthquake is well oriented for shearing under the present-day regional stress. We identified four sets of faults with a close angular relation to the maximum horizontal compression (SHmax) that have been (re)activated. These faults include strike-slip (right lateral and left lateral), thrust, and normal faults that are oriented approximately oblique, perpendicular, and parallel relative to the SHmax, respectively. The direction of the SHmax is N31° E. Based on the results, we propose to apply the instability criterion and the Fry method to seismic data as two valuable and independent techniques in order to constrain the kinematic and active faulting in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infantile hypotonia with psychomotor retardation and characteristic facies 1 (IHPRF1) is caused by biallelic mutations in the NALCN gene, the major ion channel responsible for the background Na + conduction in neurons. Through whole-exome sequencing (WES), we report three novel homozygous variants in three families, including c.1434 + 1G > A, c.3269G > A, and c.2648G > T, which are confirmed and segregated by Sanger sequencing. Consequently, intron 12's highly conserved splice donor location is disrupted by the pathogenic c.1434 + 1G > A variation, most likely causing the protein to degrade through nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). Subsequently, a premature stop codon is thus generated at amino acid 1090 of the protein as a result of the pathogenic c.3269G > A; p.W1090* variation, resulting in NMD or truncated protein production. Lastly, the missense mutation c.2648G > T; p.G883V can play a critical role in the interplay of functional domains. This study introduces recurrent urinary tract infections for the first time, broadening the phenotypic range of IHPRF1 syndrome in addition to the genotypic spectrum. This trait may result from insufficient bladder emptying, which may be related to the NALCN channelosome's function in background Na + conduction. This work advances knowledge about the molecular genetic underpinnings of IHPRF1 and introduces a novel phenotype through the widespread use of whole exome sequencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proton capture reaction serves as a valuable tool for exploring the nuclear structure. Specifically, in the p-shell, the radiative proton capture on Be plays a significant role in the nucleosynthesis of light elements. We have investigated the reaction B using the modified potential model. Within this framework, we have examined various electric and magnetic transitions associated with this reaction and have computed the rates for both direct capture and resonance capture. The reaction rate of B is evaluated by employing the computed total cross-sections across a temperature range of 0.006 to 1 T9. A comparative analysis is conducted between the calculated rate and the data obtained from NACRE II. The astrophysical S factor and reaction rate are expressed analytically, accompanied by an estimation of the influence of low-lying resonances on the reaction rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurodevelopmental disorder with spastic diplegia and visual defects (NEDSDV) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by genetic alterations in the CTNNB1 gene. CTNNB1 is a gene that encodes β-catenin, an effector protein in the canonical Wnt pathway involved in stem cell differentiation and proliferation, synaptogenesis, and a wide range of essential cellular mechanisms. Mutations in this gene are also found in specific malignancies as well as exudative vitreoretinopathy. To date, only a limited number of cases of this disease have been reported, and though they share some phenotypic manifestations such as intellectual disability, developmental delay, microcephaly, behavioral abnormalities, and dystonia, the variety of phenotypic traits of these patients shows extreme heterogeneity. In this study, two cases of NEDSDV with de novo CTNNB1 mutations: c.1420C>T(p.R474X) and c.1377_1378Del(p.Ala460Serfs*29), found with whole exome sequencing (WES) have been reported and the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of these patients have been described. Due to such a wide range of clinical characteristics, the identification of new patients and novel variants is of great importance in order to establish a more complete phenotypic spectrum, as well as to conclude the genotype-phenotype correlations in these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capparisspinosa L. (caper) is a halophytic plant that grows in semi-arid or arid environments. The current study used an integrated experimental and computational approach to investigate the network of inter-correlated effective variables on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, proline, and photosynthetic pigments in stressed caper. To investigate the possible relationships among intercorrelated variables and understand the possible mechanisms, predictive regression modelling, principal component analysis (PCA), Pearson's correlation, and path analysis were implemented. PCA successfully discerned different salt ratio- and drought-specific effects in data in the current study, and treatments with higher growth indices are easily recognizable. Different salt ratios did not have a significant effect on the activity of four antioxidant enzymes, proline and photosynthesis pigments content of caper. While at the mean level, the activity of four antioxidant enzymes of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX significantly increased under drought stress by 54.0%, 71.2%, 79.4%, and 117.6%, respectively, compared to 100% FC. The drought stress also significantly increased the content of carotemoid (29.3%) and proline (by 117.7%). Predictive equation models with highly significant R2 were developed for the estimation of antioxidant enzyme activity and proline content (> 0.94) as well as pigments (> 0.58) were developed. Path analysis studies revealed that proline is the most important regressor in four antioxidant enzyme activities, while leaf tissue density was the most effective variable in the case of chlorophylls. Furthermore, the network of intercorrelated variables demonstrated a close relationship between caper's antioxidant defence system, pigments, and morphological parameters under stress conditions. The findings of this study will be a useful guide to caper producers as well as plant ecophysiological researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The evidence obtained from experimental studies suggests the tumor-suppressive effects of vitamin D by controlling the differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in cancerous cells. Furthermore, the deregulation of genes involved in vitamin D metabolism has been reported in several types of cancer. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the expression level of vitamin D metabolic pathway genes, including VDR, CYP3A4, RXRα, and GC, in colorectal cancer (CRC) samples compared with the adjacent tissues by using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: The results indicated significant downregulation of CYP3A4 and VDR genes in CRC tissues compared with the adjacent control tissues (p < 0.01). RXRA and GC expression levels did not show any significant alteration among the studied samples. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between the expression level of CYP3A4 and VDR genes (p < 0.0001). ROC curve analysis also revealed the potential diagnostic power of CYP3A4 and VDR genes in CRC samples. Conclusion: Reduction in the expression of both CYP3A4 and VDR plays an important role in CRC due to the possible impairment in vitamin D metabolism. Further studies concerning the relationship between the expression of these genes and colorectal cancer pathogenesis and treatment are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural entrepreneurship offers far more opportunities in entrepreneurial development because it serves as a breeding ground for micro-businesses. Nonetheless, the role of the entrepreneur as a driver of economic growth and job creation in society has received considerable attention in both research and policy in developed and developing economies. The main aim of this quantitative study was to analyze the willingness of agricultural graduates to participate in entrepreneurial business in the tropical farming project being implemented in Qasr-e-Shirin in kermanshah province, Iran. Therefore, 263 graduates were estimated and analyzed as the statistical sample. The results indicate that a great majority of the graduates (about 75%) do not have membership in any cooperatives. Nearly 65% of the graduates have not experienced the creation of business independently. Furthermore, about half of the respondents are practicing false and unrelated occupations. Based on a structural model in structural equation modeling, the results showed that the values and norms of the community and those around it had the most direct and significant effect on the willingness of the graduates. The study emphasizes the potential of tropical agricultural initiatives as social networks for boosting entrepreneurship and highlights specific implications for policymakers, (potential) entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship support organizations, and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CTNNB1 encodes for the β-catenin protein, a component of the cadherin adhesion complex, which regulates cell-cell adhesion and gene expression in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Mutations in CTNNB1 have been reported to be associated with cancer and mental disorders. Recently, loss-of-function mutations in CTNNB1 have been observed in patients with intellectual disability and some other clinical manifestations including motor and language delays, microcephaly, and mild visual defects. We report an 8-year-old Iranian girl with intellectual disability, hypotonia, impaired vision such as vitreomacular adhesion, motor delay, and speech delay. A novel, de novo nonsense mutation (c.1014G > A; p.Trp338Ter) in exon 7 of the CTNNB1 (NM_001904) gene was detected and confirmed by whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, respectively. This study helps to expand the growing list of loss-of-function mutations known in the CTNNB1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last two decades, recurring drought becomes a challenge for Iran's economy, which is located in a drought-prone area, and it has been expected that drought will become more severe and frequent in the future. In this paper, a computable general equilibrium model was applied to give a full scope of drought economic impacts on Iran's economy. In order to model the effects of droughts as a shock to the economy, water entered into the production function as one of the primary factors. Since drought can lead to health problems, the health sector was separated from the service sector to study the effects of drought events on the health sector. The numerical simulations reveal that drought can lead to lower GDP levels up to 7%. Thus, it can have negative impacts on economic growth. Moreover, other factors such as household savings and income can decrease up to 43% and 12% in drought periods, respectively. These adverse effects will lead to a decline in welfare as a socio-economic consequence of drought. Furthermore, demand for health products will rise around 47%; this can refer to some kinds of diseases followed by droughts. Policies and applicable legislation should be introduced to improve water supply usage and develop efficient methods to save water resources, especially in the agriculture sector, which consumes the most significant part of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon sequestration is a process for stable storage of carbon dioxide. In this process, excess atmospheric carbon dioxide is stored by the aerial and underground organs of rangeland plants to reduce global warming. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between some chemical properties of soil and ability of carbon storage in two plants, namely Prosopis cineraria and Prosopis juliflora in soil depth ranging between 0–15 and 15–30 cm. This research was carried out in Anbarabad region which is located at 258 km in the southeast of Kerman during 2016–2018. The present research was performed as a factorial experiment so that the first factor was the plant species and the control treatment and the second component was soil depth. Sampling was done from the shady soil of plants and the control area. Soil properties including organic carbon, bulk density, acidity, electrical conductivity and organic matter were analysed. The results indicated that the carbon stored at depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm in the shade soil of P. cineraria was 21.39 and 24.36 t/ha, and in P. juliflora was 23.70 and 24.85 t/ha, and in control area is 19.83 and 21.31 t/ha. Also, the results of stepwise regression study showed that organic carbon percentage and bulk density are the most important factors affecting soil carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is an associated risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). There is a growing interest in myocardial infarction (MI) to better understand the relationship between hyperglycemia and CVD. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is the standard measure for assessing glucose regulation in diabetes mellitus and an indicator of potential cardiovascular risk and exposure to glucose concentrations over a duration of approximately 3 months. Glycated albumin (GA) may be useful for evaluating hyperglycemia in settings in which HbA1c screening is problematic or inaccessible. Another indicator that has been considered recently is the GA/HbA1c ratio. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between GA/HbA1c and the presence of MI and identify the sugar fluctuations as a suitable indicator for early screening and prevention of MI. Methods: This was a case-control study of diabetic patients with MI and patients with type 2 diabetes with no history of heart problems. Each group consisted of 117 participants (117 cases and 117 controls), and the total number of participants was 234. The data collection tools included laboratory tests and a demographic questionnaire. Each patient was assigned to either the case or the control group in a simple and convenient way and the relationship between MI and the GA/HbA1c ratio was investigated. Results: The findings of this study indicated that the ratio of glycated albumin to glycated hemoglobin was higher in the case group with MI than the control group (p = 0.001). To achieve the objectives of the study, descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney test were used to analyze the data. Conclusion: This study revealed the relationship between MI and the GA/HbA1c ratio. It can be said that prior to the occurrence of MI, blood glucose levels are a good indicator of recent glucose fluctuations, as well as the prediction and occurrence of MI. Therefore, the improved control of blood sugar and avoidance of high fluctuation may prevent MI from occurring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vancomycin (VCM), as a glycopeptide antibiotic, is commonly used against serious and life-threatening bacterial infections. Nephrotoxicity is the most important complication of VCM in which free radicals play an important role in its pathophysiology. Thus, the aim of this research was to examine effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Otostegia persica on nephrotoxicity of VCM in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were at random divided into 5 groups. The control group was given normal saline. The other groups were treated every 12 h for 7 consecutive days with VCM (200 mg/kg i.p.) alone, VCM (200 mg/kg i.p.) plus Otostegia persica (250 mg/kg), VCM (200 mg/kg i.p.) plus Otostegia persica (500 mg/kg) and VCM (200 mg/kg i.p.) plus vitamin E (250 mg/kg). The extract and vitamin E were administered 30 min prior to VCM. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated biochemically and histopathologically. The results showed that VCM significantly increased excretion of red blood cell (RBC) in urine, serum levels of urea, creatinine, and MDA, and the ratio of weight kidney to body weight (p <.05). Creatinine clearance also markedly decreased compared to the normal group (p <.01), whereas the serum levels of sodium and potassium remain unchanged. Otostegia persica (500 mg/kg) similar to vitamin E significantly attenuated elevation in the serum levels of urea, creatinine, and MDA (p < 0.01). The extract and vitamin E also improved creatinine clearance and the proportion of weight kidneys to body weight (p <.01). The pathological finding confirmed the biochemical findings. The present data confirmed that Otostegia persica has beneficial effects to ameliorate VCM-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, which may be attributable to its antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On November 11, 2018, an event generating long-lasting, monotonic long-period surface waves was observed by seismographs around the world. This event occurred at around 09:28 UTC east of the Mayotte Island, in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. This event is unusual due to the absence of body waves in the seismograms and no feeling of earth shaking by people locally. The purpose of this study is to investigate this unusual event using the waveforms recorded by 26 stations of the Iranian National Broadband Seismic Network. The stations are located at epicentral distances ranging from 4542 to 5772 km north-northeast of the event's epicenter. The arrival of monochromatic long-period signals is visible around 10 UTC in the recordings of all the stations and the signals lasted for more than 30 min. Frequency analysis of the seismograms shows a clear peak at 0.064 Hz (15.6 s/cycle). The maximum amplitude of the transverse components is less than a half of the radial components. This is in agreement with the theoretical radiation pattern of Rayleigh and Love waves at a frequency of 0.06 Hz for a vertical compensated linear vector dipole source mechanism. The average apparent phase velocities were calculated as 3.31 and 2.97 km/s, in the transverse and radial directions, corresponding, respectively, to Love and Rayleigh waves in the frequency range of 0.05–0.07 Hz. A surface wave magnitude of Ms 5.07 ± 0.22 was estimated. Just before the monochromatic signal arrives, there is some dispersion in the surface waves. This observation may suggest a regular earthquake of Ms 4.3 ± 0.11 that triggered the November 11, 2018, event. The difference between the arrival times of the recorded surface waves of the two events is estimated to be less than 31 s, and most likely of ~ 7 s only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uterine leiomyoma (ULM) is the most common gynecological tumor. Recent studies have revealed the role of hypovitaminosis D as a major risk factor in the disease development. CYP24A, a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of 1,25(OH)2D3, is reported to be over-expressed in several human cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression level of CYP24A1 in leiomyoma samples compared with the adjacent tissues regarding the MED12 mutation profile. Materials and methods: In the present study, 61 ULMs and adjacent tissue samples were collected from 51 women undergoing hysterectomy and myomectomy. The samples were Sanger sequenced for MED12 mutation, and the expression level of CYP24A1 was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: The results demonstrated that CYP24A1 gene was ectopically expressed in 18% of uterine leiomyoma tissues, although this expression was independent of the MED12 mutation profile. Conclusion: The findings of the present study support current evidence that dysregulation of vitamin D signaling and metabolic pathways may be involved in at least some subtypes of ULMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia (PE) is a major complication of pregnancy and remains a leading cause of neonatal and maternal mortality worldwide. Several studies have revealed that the incidence of preeclampsia is high in mothers who carried a fetus with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome due to the mutation in CREBBP. We aimed to compare the expression level of the CERBBP gene between preeclamptic and healthy placenta in our study. The expression level of CREBBP gene was evaluated in a total of one hundred placental biopsies from PE patients and healthy pregnant women after delivery using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, the differential expression of CREBBP was assessed between the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta. Expression of the CREBBP gene was higher in preeclampsia patients compared with the controls (Fold change = 2.158; P = 0.018). Moreover, the gene expression was slightly higher in the fetal side of the placenta, although it was not significantly different (Fold change = 1.713, P = 0.254). Our findings show a role for CREBBP in the pathogenesis of PE. Due to the important role of CREBBP in angiogenesis and hypoxia, the gene may serve as a promising target in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we proposed a synthesis of nano-silica aerogel (NSA, S1–S3) and nano-silica aerogel gelatin (NSA-G, S4–S6), which were hybrid aerogel by sol–gel method via ambient pressure drying. The aerogels' backbone was modified by montmorillonite (MMT) in NSA and for NSA-G gelatin (G) and MMT were used to stabilize their building block. Also, free hydroxyl groups on their surface were changed to TMS-O and became more hydrophobic aerogels. The porosity results showed that the density of the optimum aerogels (S2 and S5) ranged from 0.084 to 0.047 g/cm3. It was also found that the hydrophobicity of the NSA-G aerogel decreased with increasing the content of gelatin into the silica aerogels. However, these aerogels were fully characterized by FTIR, FESEM, EDS, XRD, BET, and TGA/DTA analysis and they used as the adsorbent of Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions in aqueous media. The prepared aerogels effectively could remove these heavy metals from the aqueous media and NSA-G absorbent also illustrated a favorable result for adsorption. Also, the recyclability test for four adsorption–desorption of aerogels cycles was examined and they had a good effect even after the fourth cycle. Highlights: The novel NSA and NSA-G as effective adsorbents were successfully prepared. The adsorbents exhibited high sorption capacity for adsorbing Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions. TGA/DTG of NSA-G exhibiting more thermal resistance in compare to NSA. FESEM result indicating more compact structure for NSA-G with size 46–77 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and fig (Ficus carica) are considered as two of the most important forest species worldwide with nutritional values. This study was carried out in the Ahoochar region, during 2015–2017.This study was conducted to compare the ability of fig and eucalyptus in carbon sequestration as well as some of soil characteristics. This study was conducted as factorial experiment within a complete randomized design. According to the obtained results, fig trees have higher ability of carbon sequestration compared with eucalyptus. Soil of fig trees had a higher pH, bulk density, organic matter, organic carbon, and carbon sequestration compared with eucalyptus. However, the electrical conductivity (EC) of eucalyptus soil was significantly higher than fig. The amounts of organic carbon, organic matter, and carbon sequestration at the soil depth of 0–15 cm were significantly higher than the depth of 15–30. Shallower soils contained higher percentages of organic carbon in comparison with deeper soils, and there was a significant difference between the depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm which contained 1.72% and 0.87% of organic carbon, respectively. The highest percentage of organic carbon was measured in the fig soil at a depth of 0–15 cm (2.33%), whereas the lowest percentage (0.58%) was measured in the control soil at 15–30 cm. In total, fig tree with a good ability in carbon sequestration can be a good candidate for the forest management and rehabilitation especially in dry and semi dryland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CYP24A1 plays a role in strictly regulated vitamin D metabolism pathway and has been nominated as a prognostic biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC). Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in cancer initiation and progression; however, their diagnostic values in cancers as the new potential biomarkers are still not fully understood. In the present study, by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we demonstrated that CYP24A1 and hsa_circ_0060927 were only transcribed in 33 and 25 out of 83 CRC tissues, respectively. In these samples, we demonstrated that CYP24A1 was up-regulated in both linear and circular forms (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we showed that CYP24A1and hsa_circ_0060927 transcription were induced after vitamin D treatment in HCT-116 and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines. Importantly, analysis of the ROC curve in expressed samples indicated that CYP24A1 and hsa_circ_0060927 could serve as the potential diagnostic markers of CRC, but due to the fact that these transcripts are not expressed in many samples, the diagnostic role of these transcripts could be rejected. Taken together, for the first time, the results of our study illustrated the expression levels hsa_circ_0060927 in CRC; however, further studies are required to validate the present results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is used in the management of autoimmune conditions and malignant illnesses. However, its therapeutic use is limited because of its severe side effects, especially hepatotoxicity attributed to oxidative stress. Nasturtium officinale R. Br (watercress or WC) has pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammation, and antioxidant activities. Therefore, the present study was design to assess effects of WC or its active ingredient, quercetin (QE), against CPA-induced hepatotoxicity. For this study, 49 male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were randomly selected and categorized into seven equal groups. The animals were pre- and post-treated with both hydroalcoholic extract of WC (500 mg/kg) and quercetin (75 mg/kg) for 10 consecutive days, and intraperitoneal administration of CPA (200 mg/kg) was performed on only day 10, one hour before the last dose of WC or quercetin. On day 11, all the animals were sacrificed, and their blood and liver were gathered for evaluation of the liver enzyme, hepatic oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes activity, and hematoxylin and eosin staining. CPA significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and liver biomarkers. Otherwise, hepatic catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiol content (tSH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were considerably lower than the control group. Results showed that WC has the ability to reduce the changes (MDA, PCO, FRAP, CAT, ALT and AST) and QE (MDA, PCO, AST) induced by CPA (p < 0.05). Histopathological finding confirmed the indicated results. These findings propose that WC and QE have protective effect against the CPA-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, due to increased drought risks, need for crops with higher water stress tolerance has increased strongly. Those crops have a wide range of uses such as supplying food as well as land restoration. Medicago scutellata (L.) Mill. is a Fabaceae widely cultivated for its capacity to produce high-quality forage. This study was designed as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Different cadmium levels were the first factor and included 0, 5, 25, 50, 100, and 125 mg kg−1. Second factor was the drought stress, which had three levels (100, 75, and 50% feed consumption). According to the results, Cd uptake in different organs increased with increasing Cd levels up to 100 mg kg−1 while the water stress had a negative effect on Cd uptake by M. scutellata. Average concentration of Cd in the leaves, stems, and roots were 63.16, 30.12, and 20.45 mg kg−1, respectively. The high value of translocation factor (TF) confirms the high ability of M. scutellata in translocation Cd from root to shoot. Fe, Zn, and K concentration of different organs significantly decreased with increasing Cd level. Fe and Zn concentration increased by increasing water stress levels in all organs and K concentration of roots decreased while in leaves and shoots increased by increasing water stress level. These results indicate that M. scutellata has a good ability for eliminating Cd from contaminated soil attribute to its powerful absorption and accumulation for Cd. It also showed a good performance under the co exposure of water stress and Cd indicated by accumulating proline and K in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Water contamination by heavy metals has become a serious environmental issue due to its serious threat to human health. The current research was conducted to determine heavy metal concentrations in drinking groundwater samples in villages of Dehgolan, western Iran and to ascertain the potential health risk in terms of estimated non-carcinogenic risks by hazard quotient and hazard index and carcinogenic risk to the residents living in these areas from exposure to the metals via drinking water ingestion and skin contact routes. Methods: Health risks were conducted for resident adults based on the USEPA health risk assessment guidelines. Results: The mean values of Pb, Cd, and As in the groundwater samples were 0.0026 mg/L (ranging from 0.0020–0.0030 mg/L), 0.0009 mg/L (ranging from 0.0007–0.0010 mg/L), and 0.0068 mg/L (ranging from 0.0011–0.0360 mg/L), respectively. Compared to the WHO drinking water guidelines for Pb, Cd and As, virtually all the trace elements in the drinking water of villages in the present study could meet the requirements of the regulation except As in some villages. Conclusion: The results of the study obtained in all cases demonstrated that the non-carcinogenic risk was below the safe limit. The calculated carcinogenic risk for adults obtained was all lower than USEPA's acceptable cancer risk range of 1 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−6, suggesting no potential carcinogenic risk from drinking water consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive inflammatory demyelinating disease in the central nervous system (CNS). Melatonin is an effective treatment in MS patients and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS. Melatonin secretion peaks at 2 AM, concomitant with the time at which the muscles are resting and the body is exerting its antioxidant activity. The current study was designed to investigate combination treatment of baclofen, a muscle relaxant drug, and melatonin in EAE mice. Results showed that melatonin (Mel) alone or in combination with baclofen (Bac + Mel) reduced clinical scores and demyelination by significantly increasing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) levels, a marker for mature oligodendrocytes, compared to EAE mice. Moreover, Mel or Bac + Mel therapy caused a significant increase in IL-4 serum levels, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, whereas IFN-γ serum levels, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, were significantly reduced. On the other hand, Mel or Bac + Mel caused a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a marker of oxidative stress, in comparison to EAE mice. In contrast, the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly increased in Mel and Bac + Mel groups. In summary, combination therapy improved clinical scores and tend to enhance the efficiency of melatonin treatment by further promoting remyelination, decreasing inflammation, and stimulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which suggests that prior spasticity treatment increases the efficacy of melatonin therapy in EAE mouse model of MS. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to ensure the beneficial role of this combination strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We completely describe surjective maps preserving the peripheral local spectrum of Jordan product of operators. Let x0∈X and y0∈Y be two nonzero vectors. We show that a map φ from B(X) onto B(Y) satisfies γST+TS(x0)=γφ(S)φ(T)+φ(T)φ(S)(y0),(T,S∈B(X)),if and only if there exists a bijective bounded linear map from X into Y such thatA(x0)=y0 and either φ(T)=-ATA-1 for all T∈B(X) or φ(T)=ATA-1 for all T∈B(X). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the role of pod removal in growth and biochemical enzyme activities was examined in three annual medic species during drought stress and subsequent recovery. This study was carried out as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design. The treatments were carried out on annual medic species of three levels: Medicago rigidula, M. scutellata, M. polymorpha, presence or removal of the pod and water stress. Water stress was split into the following four levels: 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% field capacity (FC) during the stress period. The results showed that drought stress and subsequent recovery increased proline content and antioxidant enzyme activity. The highest proline content and antioxidant enzyme activity was observed in M. Scutellata. However, the rate at which proline increased, decreased at 40% FC whereas the antioxidant enzyme reached their highest activity at 40% FC. The antioxidant enzymes' activity and proline content without the pod experiment were significantly higher than with the pod experiment. Since the activation of an antioxidant system and the increasing of the proline content helps the plants with stress induced damages, our results indicated that elimination of pods of annual medics before sowing helps seedlings to perform better under drought stress. This data is useful to gain a better understanding of the physiological basis of the changes in drought resistance as well as the crop breeding projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microtremor survey is achieved in order to evaluate the dynamical characteristics of surface layers. For this purpose, 13 trenches were selected and microtremor measurements were performed at the top and bottom of each trench. Floor spectral ratio (FRS) analysis was accomplished to obtain frequency and amplification of the trenches. The results of microtremor were compared with 1D equivalent linear analysis. Most of the fundamental frequencies obtained by 1D analysis are in good agreement with those calculated by microtremor technique. Irregularities in surface and subsurface geomorphic conditions tend to have differences in results obtained by both mentioned methods. Damping ratios were derived from the half power bandwidth method. The damping ratio varied between 2.1 in fine grain soils and 6.6 in sand soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy levels and Λ Λ bond energy of the double- Λ hypernucleus are calculated by considering two- and three-cluster interactions. Interactions between constituent particles are contact interactions for reproducing the low binding energy of nuclei. The effective action is constructed to involve three-body forces. In this paper, we also compare the obtained binding energy result with experimental and other cluster and shell models. The results of all schemes agree very well showing the high accuracy of our method to calculate the other many-body hyperonic nuclei using three-cluster interactions. The experimental values of $B_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}(^{10}_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}$Be) = (11.90 ± 0.13) MeV, $B_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}(^{11}_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}$Be) = (20.49 ± 1.15) MeV and $B_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}(^{12}_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}$Be) = (22.23 ± 1.15) MeV seem to be more compatible with our calculated value of $B_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}(^{10}_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}$Be) = 14.04 MeV, $B_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}(^{11}_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}$Be) = 19.31 MeV and $B_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}(^{12}_{\Lambda {\Lambda }}$Be) = 21.45 MeV in comparison with the other calculated results by Hiyama et al, Gal et al and Guleria et al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At low energies, an effective field theory (EFT) with only contact interactions as well as three-body forces allow a detailed analysis of renormalization in a non-perturbative context and uncovers novel asymptotic behaviour. Triton as a three-body system, based on the EFT have been previously shown to provide representative binding energies, charge radii, S-wave scattering amplitude and asymptotic normalization constants for the 3H bound state system. Herein, EFT predictions of the asymptotic D-state to S-state ratio of triton are calculated to more fully evaluate the adequacy of the EFT model. Manifestly model-independent calculations can be carried out to high orders, leading to high precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2003 Bam, Iran, earthquake caused catastrophic damage to the city of Bam and neighboring villages. Given its magnitude ( M) of 6.5, the damage was remarkably large. Large-amplitude ground motions were recorded at the Bam accelerograph station in the center of Bam city by the Building and Housing Research Center (BHRC) of Iran. We simulated the Bam earthquake acceleration records at three BHRC strong-motion stations-Bam, Abaraq, and Mohammad-Abad-by the empirical Green's function method. Three aftershocks were used as empirical Green's functions. The frequency range of the empirical Green's function simulations was 0.5-10 Hz. The size of the strong motion generation area of the mainshock was estimated to be 11 km in length by 7 km in width. To estimate the parameters of the strong motion generation area, we used 1D and 2D velocity structures across the fault and a combined source model. The empirical Green's function method using a combination of aftershocks produced a source model that reproduced ground motions with the best fit to the observed waveforms. This may be attributed to the existence of two distinct rupture mechanisms in the strong motion generation area. We found that the rupture starting point for which the simulated waveforms best fit the observed ones was near the center of the strong motion generation area, which reproduced near-source ground motions in a broadband frequency range. The estimated strong motion generation area could explain the observed damaging ground motion at the Bam station. This suggests that estimating the source characteristics of the Bam earthquake is very important in understanding the causes of the earthquake damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of microshoot proliferation during the micropropagation of olive ( Olea europaea L .) plants is limited by the low rates of both bud sprouting and growth of secondary shoots following subculturing. The aim of this study was to determine (1) the effects of sucrose and mannitol on shoot growth, (2) whether either of these sugars modifies the pattern of shoot development of the explants, and (3) the influence of apical dominance on explant development. Working with single-node microcuttings of Olea europaea L. cv. Maurino with two opposite axillary buds, we added 17, 34, or 68 g L of sucrose or mannitol to the medium as the primary carbon source. Shoot development was classified as either (a) an outgrowth of the first bud on an explant (shoot-type A), (b) an outgrowth of the second bud (shoot-type B), or (c) an outgrowth of an axillary bud on either an A- or B-type shoot (shoot-type C). Explant survival, fresh-mass production, and patterns of shoot development were influenced by the type and concentration of sugar used. Mannitol promoted the sprouting and growth of A-, B-, and C-type shoots more than sucrose. The developmental responses observed indicate that the growth of axillary meristems of in vitro olive explants is not regulated by apical dominance. The results demonstrate that the sugar alcohol plays an important role in the developmental regulation of olive explants. Mannitol may also protect against detrimental effects associated with in vitro growth conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed priming is a method to improve germination and seedling establishment under stress conditions. The effect of seed priming in chemical solutions such as urea and KNO, on protein and proline content, germination, and seedling growth responses of four maize ( Zea mays L.) hybrids under drought and salt stress conditions was studied in a controlled environment in 2010. Treatments included stress type and intensity at five levels: moderate drought (MD), severe drought (SD), moderate salt (MS), severe salt (SS), and control (C1, without stress), three seed priming types including water (C2, as control), KNO, and urea (as chemical priming), and four maize hybrids including Maxima, SC704, Zola, and 307. The results showed that the highest germination percentage (Ger %), germination rate (GR), seedling length (SL), radical length (RL), and seedling to radical length ratio (S/R) were achieved in no stress treatments and most proline content in SD treatment. Urea priming led to more Ger%, GR, and SL compared to other primers and treatment under KNO priming resulted in higher RL compared to other primers. Chemical priming had no effect on S/R and proline content. Also, in terms of most traits, no difference was found among the four hybrids. Results showed that salt stress could affect GR and RL more than the drought stress. Drought stress affected germination percentage and S/R more than the salt stress. Both stresses decreased all measured parameters, except protein and proline content which were increased remarkably, and more under drought compared to salt stress. Based on proline content, hybrid 304 appeared to be more resistant to stress than other hybrids. Generally, KNO and urea alleviated effects of both stresses and led to increased germination and seedling growth as well as the root length. Therefore, priming could be recommended for enhancing maize growth responses under stressful conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective field theory (EFT) has been recently used for the calculation of neutron–deuteron radiative capture at very low energies. We present here the use of EFT to calculate the two-body photodisintegration of the triton, considering the three-body force. The calculated cross section shows sharp rising from threshold to maximum about 0.88 mb at ~13 MeV and decreasing slightly to about 0.81 mb at ~19 MeV, in agreement with the experimental data. Our results are in good agreement with the experimental data and the other calculations using modern realistic two- and three-nucleon forces, like AV18/UrbanaIX potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic amines (BAs) are low molecular weight organic bases formed by natural amino acids decarboxylation and trigger an array of toxicological effects in humans and animals. Bacterial amine oxidases enzymes are determined as practical tools to implement the rapid quantification of BAs in foods. Our study set out to obtain a new efficient, amine oxidase enzyme for developing new enzyme-based quantification of histamine. The soils from different sources were screened using histamine as sole carbon and nitrogen sources, and histamine oxidase producing bacteria were selected and identified using specific primers for histamine oxidase (HOD) gene. The HOD gene of six strains, out of 26 isolated histamine-utilizing bacteria, were amplified using our designed primers. The HOD enzyme from Glutamicibacter sp. N1A3101, isolated from nettle soil, was found to be thermostable and showed the highest substrate specificity toward the histamine and with no detected activity in the presence of putrescine, cadaverine, spermine, and spermidine. Its oxidation activity toward tyramine was lower than other HOD reported so far. The isolated enzyme was stable at 60 °C for 30 min and showed pH stability ranging from 6 to 9. Furthermore, we indicated the induction of identified HOD activity in the presence of betahistine as well, with nearly equal efficiency and without the consumption of the substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prangos ferulacea is one of the widely used, nutritional and popular fodders in livestock industry. This species is also considered as an important option in rangeland restoration and management. In this study, the comparative phytotoxic activity of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from different organs (flower, shoot and leaf) of P. ferulacea on proline content, seed germination and seedling growth of Trifolium resupinatum has been investigated. According to the results, the hydroalcoholic extract of P. ferulaceae flower possesses the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content and the uppermost phytotoxic effect on T. resupinatum. The extracts significantly decreased seed germination and seedling growth of T. resupinatum and increased the proline content. Our findings indicate that hydroalcoholic extract induced a stronger oxidative stress in T. resupinatum. Finally, based on the results, aqueous allelochemicals that originated from P. ferulacea played a significant role in the successful propagation and development of T. resupinatum in rehabilitated pastures. According to our results, the phytotoxicity effect of the hydroalcoholic extract was significantly higher than that of the aqueous extract. Since in nature, the allelopathic interaction between plants is closer to the aqueous method, primary evaluations of rangeland restoration using this method is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are a group of rare inherited metabolic disorders characterized by clinical, locus, and allele heterogeneity. This study aims to investigate the phenotype and genotype spectrum of GSDs in a cohort of 14 families from Iran using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and variant analysis. WES was performed on 14 patients clinically suspected of GSDs. Variant analysis was performed to identify genetic variants associated with GSDs. A total of 13 variants were identified, including six novel variants, and seven previously reported pathogenic variants in genes such as AGL, G6PC, GAA, PYGL, PYGM, GBE1, SLC37A4, and PHKA2. Most types of GSDs observed in the cohort were associated with hepatomegaly, which was the most common clinical presentation. This study provides valuable insights into the phenotype and genotype spectrum of GSDs in a cohort of Iranian patients. The identification of novel variants adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding the genetic landscape of GSDs and has implications for genetic counseling and future therapeutic interventions. The diverse nature of GSDs underscores the need for comprehensive genetic testing methods to improve diagnostic accuracy. Continued research in this field will enhance our understanding of GSDs, ultimately leading to improved management and outcomes for individuals affected by these rare metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]