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This study compared school-aged monolingual and bilingual English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners in terms of understanding metaphors on recall, multiple-choice, and reasoning tasks. It also examined the relationship between cognitive capacity and understanding metaphors on different measures. A hundred and thirty Persian–Turkish early bilinguals and 122 monolingual Persian-speaking EFL learners took three different tests of metaphor comprehension and the Figural Intersections Test, a test of cognitive capacity. Bilinguals outperformed monolinguals in terms of cognitive capacity and understanding metaphors on two of the tasks, though with a small effect size. Furthermore, there was a significant positive relationship between cognitive capacity and the scores on the multiple-choice and reasoning tests, but not the recall test. Results suggest that bilingual L3 learners have an edge in understanding metaphors, reflecting a cognitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are presenting a 35‐year‐old woman with past medical history of disseminated leiomyomatosis who presented with heart failure symptoms and was found to have post‐capillary pulmonary hypertension and high cardiac output state in right heart catheterization secondary to a huge pelvic arterio‐venous fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of medicine, it is axiomatic that the need of a precise gene-editing tool is critical to employ therapeutic approaches toward pathogenic mutations, occurring in human genome. Today we know that most of genetic defects are caused by single-base pair substitutions in genomic DNA. The ability to make practically any targeted substitutions of DNA sequences at specified regions in the human genome gives us the chance to employ gene therapy in most known diseases associated with genetic variants. In this regard, CRISPR/Cas9 applications is becoming more and more popular along with the significant advancements of life sciences, by employing this technology in genome-editing and high-throughput screenings. Several CRISPR/Cas-based mammalian cell gene-editing techniques have been developed during the last decade, including nucleases, base editors, and prime editors, all of which have the exact mechanism at first glance. However, they address a subset of known pathogenic sequence mutations using different methods. First, we highlight the development of CRISPR-based gene-editing tools. Then we describe their functions and summarize the conducted research studies, which are increasing the reliability of these strategies to better efficiencies for prospective gene therapies in the near future. Lastly, we compare the capabilities of all these platforms together besides their probable limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence has shown that cardiometabolic disorders (CMDs) are amongst the top contributors to COVID-19 infection morbidity and mortality. The reciprocal impact of COVID-19 infection and the most common CMDs, the risk factors for poor composite outcome among patients with one or several underlying diseases, the effect of common medical management on CMDs and their safety in the context of acute COVID-19 infection are reviewed. Later on, the changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on the general population's lifestyle (diet, exercise patterns) and metabolic health, acute cardiac complications of different COVID-19 vaccines and the effect of CMDs on the vaccine efficacy are discussed. Our review identified that the incidence of COVID-19 infection is higher among patients with underlying CMDs such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Also, CMDs increase the risk of COVID-19 infection progression to severe disease phenotypes (e.g. hospital and/or ICU admission, use of mechanical ventilation). Lifestyle modification during COVID-19 era had a great impact on inducing and worsening of CMDs. Finally, the lower efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines was found in patients with metabolic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs are characterized as noncoding transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides in response to a variety of functions within the cells. They are involved in almost all cellular mechanisms so as epigenetics. Given that epigenetics is an important phenomenon, which participates in the biology of complex diseases, many valuable studies have been performed to demonstrate the control status of lncRNAs and epigenetics. DNA methylation and histone modifications as epigenetic mechanisms can regulate the expression of lncRNAs by affecting their coding genes. Reciprocally, the three-dimensional structure of lncRNAs could mechanistically control the activity of epigenetic-related enzymes. Dysregulation in the mutual interaction between epigenetics and lncRNAs is one of the hallmarks of cancer. These mechanisms are either directly or indirectly involved in various cancer properties such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis. For instance, lncRNA HOTAIR plays a role in regulating the expression of many genes by interacting with epigenetic factors such as DNA methyltransferases and EZH2, and thus plays a role in the initiation and progression of various cancers. Conversely, the expression of this lncRNA is also controlled by epigenetic factors. Therefore, focusing on this reciprocated interaction can apply to cancer management and the identification of prognostic, diagnostic, and druggable targets. In the current review, we discuss the reciprocal relationship between lncRNAs and epigenetic mechanisms to promote or prevent cancer progression and find new potent biomarkers and targets for cancer diagnosis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly involves the respiratory system but can also affect the digestive system and cause several gastrointestinal manifestations. Acute pancreatitis has been reported as one of the rare presentations of COVID-19. This study aimed to systematically review case reports on COVID-19-associated acute pancreatitis. METHODS. Publications were retrieved through a comprehensive search in four databases on October 1, 2021. Eligible ones that demonstrated the potential association of acute pancreatitis and COVID-19 were included for data extraction. RESULTS. After screening 855 citations, 82 articles containing 95 cases were included, and their data were extracted. The most common presentation was abdominal pain (88/95, 92.6%), followed by nausea/vomiting (61/95, 64.2%). Mortality was reported in 10.5% of cases. The initial presentation was acute pancreatitis, COVID-19, and concomitant in 32.6% (31/95), 48.4% (46/95), and 18.9% (18/95) of cases, respectively. Among the included cases, acute pancreatitis severity was associated with ICU admission, COVID-19 severity, and the outcome. Also, the initial presentation was associated with COVID-19 severity (P values =0.05). CONCLUSIONS. Current evidence indicates that acute pancreatitis can present before, after, or concomitant with COVID-19. Appropriate investigations should be performed in cases with suspicious clinical presentations. Longitudinal studies should address whether or not, there is a causative relationship between COVID-19 and acute pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and rapid fabrication procedure for ZIF-8 crystals through ultrasonic assisted strategy (30min) was reported. Additionally, the crystallinity, morphology, chemical bonding, and porosity of ZIF-8 were fully characterized by XRD, and FT-IR. The Response surface methodology approach was established to optimize a series of adsorption conditions: initial concentration (10-400 mg/L), dose (0.02-1 g/L), and time (20-60 min) for Red 141 and Violet-5r removals. Particularly, plausible adsorption mechanisms (electrostatic interactions and π--π stacking) were elucidated, and isotherm models were rigorously studied by three-parameter equations (Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin). The adsorption isotherm data showed the adsorption of reactive dyes by ZIF-8, was consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetics parameters were in accord with the pseudo-second-order equation, which implied that the adsorption rate was mainly controlled by the chemisorption mechanism. Through advantageous effectiveness involving good reusability (4 recycles), and maximum adsorption capacities (250-200 mg/g), it is recommendable to utilize ZIF-8 as a good adsorbent for the dyes remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) is a global concern for public health. Thus, early and accurate diagnosis is a critical step in management of this infectious disease. Currently, RT‐PCR is routine diagnosis test for COVID‐19, but it has some limitations and false negative results. enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens seems to be an appropriate approach for serodiagnosis of COVID‐19. In the current study, an ELISA system, using a recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein, was developed for the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS‐CoV‐2. The related protein was expressed, purified, and used in an ELISA system. Sera samples (67) for COVID‐19 patients, as well as sera samples from healthy volunteers (112), along with sera samples from non‐COVID‐19 patients were examined by the ELISA system. The expression and purity of the recombinant N protein were approved by SDS‐PAGE and Western blotting. The sensitivity of ELISA system was 91.04 and 92.53% for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Moreover, the specificity of the developed ELISA system for IgG and IgM were 98.21 and 97.32%, respectively. Our developed ELISA system showed satisfactory sensitivity and specificity for the detection of antiSARS‐CoV‐2 IgM and IgG antibodies and could be used as a complementary approach for proper diagnosis of COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical oncologists need more reliable and non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to follow-up cancer patients. However, the existing biomarkers are often invasive and costly, emphasizing the need for the development of biomarkers to provide convenient and precise detection. Extracellular vesicles especially exosomes have recently been the focus of translational research to develop non-invasive and reliable biomarkers for several diseases such as cancers, suggesting as a valuable source of tumor markers. Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by various living cells that can be found in all body fluids including serum, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, and ascites. Different molecular and genetic contents of their origin such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and glycans in a stable form make exosomes a promising approach for various cancers' diagnoses, prediction, and follow-up in a minimally invasive manner. Since exosomes are used by cancer cells for intercellular communication, they play a critical role in the disease process, highlighting the importance of their use as clinically relevant biomarkers. However, regardless of the advantages that exosome-based diagnostics have, they suffer from problems regarding their isolation, detection, and characterization of their contents. This study reviews the history and biogenesis of exosomes and discusses non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their potential as tumor markers in different types of cancer, with a focus on next generation sequencing (NGS) as a detection method. Moreover, the advantages and challenges associated with exosome-based diagnostics are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is shocked by various temperature processes in milk, which forces the organism to make proteins as a result of changes in the synthesis of enzymes that might give the strain special characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the heat shock factor on changing the results of biochemical and molecular tests among E. coli strains obtained from ice cream and non-pasteurized milk when compared to a reference strain from the American-type culture collection (ATCC) in order to determine the phenotypic variation caused by the temperature conditions of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, isolates with characteristics similar to E. coli were discovered, but they were not E. coli and caused some ambiguity. To test the E. coli contamination of traditional and industrial ice cream, 82 samples were chosen at random. SDS-PAGE and 16S rDNA sequencing were carried out, as well as phenotypic testing. Isolated strains did not exactly match the reference strain. The results of biochemical testing and protein analysis revealed that the isolates were diverse. Samples E. coli phenons were classified. In the electrophoresis, the ice cream strain had two protein bands in the 20.75 and 23.59 kDa ranges that were distinct from the reference strain. These isolates appear to experience alterations in enzyme characteristics and structural proteins as a result of being exposed to various temperature conditions, such as pasteurization and frigidity. When compared to the reference strain, the calculated similarity percentage of the elicited isolate varied from 60 to 70%. The electrophoretic patterns of E. coli isolated elicited from milk samples differed from E. coli isolated obtained from the ice cream. The distinctions were in the intensity or position of the bands. The results also revealed that when isolates are subjected to thermal stresses, they exhibit a pattern similar to that of ice cream isolates. These considerations are made because a change in protein composition might result in a change in biochemical features, resulting in uncertainty in its identification. Sequences revealed that the sequences were related to E. coli 16S rDNA, despite differences in phenotypic and electrophoretic features between the isolated bacteria and the reference strain E. coli ATCC 25922. Our findings revealed that 16S rDNA could potentially be used to instantly implement an appropriate preventive measure for the purpose of identifying this type of bacteria and avoid some ambiguity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, with an estimated 18.6 million deaths per year, are the leading cause of death worldwide. One of the major risk factors is elevated blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) secondary to multiple environmental and genetic factors. Genes involved in LDL-C metabolism are the targets of the most common treatment options. Advanced molecular techniques could pave the way for identifying novel targets in dyslipidemia therapies. The LIM domain and actin-binding 1 (LIMA1) gene binds to the NPC1L1 protein and facilitates its more efficient recycling to the plasma membrane. Inhibition of LIMA1 could disrupt cellular cholesterol hemostasis with a probable decrease in blood LDL-C levels. Objectives: The present study was designed to knock out exon 2 of the LIMA1 gene using lentiviruses as an in vitro model for reducing cholesterol absorption. Methods: A CRISPR/Cas9 system with dual guide RNAs (gRNAs) was designed to completely excise exon 2 of LIMA1. Two gRNAs (gRNA1 and gRNA2) were cloned in the LentiCRISPR v2 vector. LentiCRISPR viruses were produced in the HEK293T cell line to encode the CRISPR/Cas9 complex structure. HepG2 cell lines were transduced with two different LentiCRISPR viruses simultaneously. Results: Exon 2 deletion was detected by PCR, gel electrophoresis, and subsequent Sanger sequencing of the PCR product. Exon 2 deletion caused a frameshift mutation, and the subsequent production of nonfunctional transcripts led to gene knockout. The dual gRNA CRISPR/Cas9 system could be used in gene editing setups. Conclusions: The in vitro knockout model of LIMA1 could be considered as preliminary work to study the role and mechanism of action of the LIMA1 protein, along with its potential as a target for hypercholesterolemia therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there has been a lag between the rise in E-cigarette use and an understanding of the long-term health effects. Inhalation of E-cigarette aerosol delivers high doses of nicotine, raises systemic cytokine levels, and compromises cardiopulmonary function. The consequences for muscle function have not been thoroughly investigated. The present study tests the hypothesis that exposure to nicotine-containing aerosol impairs locomotor muscle function, limits exercise tolerance, and interferes with muscle repair in male mice. Nicotine-containing aerosol reduced the maximal force produced by the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) by 30%-40% and, the speed achieved in treadmill running by 8%. Nicotine aerosol exposure also decreased adrenal and increased plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels, and these changes in catecholamines manifested as increased muscle and liver glycogen stores. In nicotine aerosol exposed mice, muscle regenerating from overuse injury only recovered force to 80% of noninjured levels. However, the structure of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) was not affected by e-cigarette aerosols. Interestingly, the vehicle used to dissolve nicotine in these vaping devices, polyethylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), decreased running speed by 11% and prevented full recovery from a lengthening contraction protocol (LCP) injury. In both types of aerosol exposures, cardiac left ventricular systolic function was preserved, but left ventricular myocardial relaxation was altered. These data suggest that E-cigarette use may have a negative impact on muscle force and regeneration due to compromised glucose metabolism and contractile function in male mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, the cancer-related disease has had a high mortality rate and incidence worldwide, despite clinical advances in cancer treatment. The drugs used for cancer therapy, have high side effects in addition to the high cost. Subsequently, to reduce these side effects, many studies have suggested the use of natural bioactive compounds. Among these, which have recently attracted the attention of many researchers, quercetin has such properties. Quercetin, a plant flavonoid found in fresh fruits, vegetables and citrus fruits, has anti-cancer properties by inhibiting tumor proliferation, invasion, and tumor metastasis. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer mechanism of quercetin, and these mechanisms are controlled through several signalling pathways within the cancer cell. Pathways involved in this process include apoptotic, p53, NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition to regulating these pathways, quercetin controls the activity of oncogenic and tumor suppressor ncRNAs. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we summarized the regulation of these signalling pathways by quercetin. The modulatory role of quercetin in the expression of various miRNAs has also been discussed. Understanding the basic anti-cancer mechanisms of these herbal compounds can help prevent and manage many types of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Preparedness a social behavior with public trust the prerequisite for proper social functioning can reduce disaster sufferings. The aim of this study was to determine the public trust, preparedness, and the influencing factors regarding the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Iran. Methods: This online cross-sectional study conducted on Tehran residents (≥18 years) during the fifth epidemic wave. The tool designed to assess the intention to prepare, public trust, and the subscales. T-test used to compare the means and linear regression to determine the factors influencing on the outcomes. Results: About 26.5% of 407 participants (mean age standard deviation: 40.8 (12.8) years) showed low trust. The mean levels of total trust (P = 0.011), general trust (P = 0.048), and trust to managing authorities (P = 0.018) were significantly lower in men. Adjusted to confounding variables, total trust was lower in men (ß = −3.8, P = 0.01) and less educated (ß = −6.48, P = 0.02) but higher in high-income (ß = 5.7, P = 0.02) people. Only 20% of people were highly prepared. Intention to prepare was higher in families having the elderly (ß = 5.72.8, P = 0.048). Conclusion: Low trust in the managing authorities and their provided information tend to less considering health and preparedness measures in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To provide an overview of clinical, immunological, and mycological aspects of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Methods: A literature search was conducted to find relevant articles about different aspects of VVC. Related data from retrieved articles were summarized in different headings. Results: VVC has a global distribution and Candida albicans is the leading cause of infection except for specific patient groups like postmenopausal, diabetic, or immunocompromised women. VVC has a range of clinical presentations, accordingly, its diagnosis should be based on clinical examination coupled with laboratory investigations. The best therapeutic regimen depends on the patient's conditions and the causative agent. Moreover, factors like drug resistance of the causative agents and different mutations in the immunity‐related genes could affect the treatment outcome. Conclusion: As a globally distributed disease, VVC needs further attention, especially in areas related to the treatment failure and recurrence of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women are at higher risk of death during disasters due to physical, biological, psychological, and cultural differences. After a disaster, they experience more miscarriages, premature births, inadequate fetal growth, low birth weight, sexual violence, and unwanted pregnancies. This study aims to investigate the reproductive health status of women affected by the 2017 earthquake in Kermanshah, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. The study population consists of women aged 15-49 years (Mean age=31.7 years) living in Sarpol-e Zahab, Javanrood, and Thalas Babajani towns in Kermanshah city affected by the earthquake in 2017. The questionnaire used for assessing the status of reproductive health in women was the Reproductive Health Assessment Questionnaire for Women of Reproductive Age, which has already been localized in Iran and its reliability and validity have been confirmed. Native Kurdish language experts completed the questionnaires on behalf of 396 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the variables. Results: It was found that 42.4% of women complained of abnormal menstruation and 34.09% of limited menstrual hygiene materials. Sixty women were pregnant at the time of the earthquake, all of whom gave birth in hospital; two had miscarriages, two had premature births, and one had stillbirth. Urinary tract infection was the most common problem (21%) in pregnant women. Moreover, 48% of women used contraceptive methods after the earthquake, the most commonly used method was the use of contraceptive pills (23%). Access to contraception methods was difficult for 14.4% of them after the earthquake. Furthermore, 25% had experienced violence after the earthquake; of these, 30 reported physical violence, 86 verbal violence, and 13 sexual violence. Conclusion: The control of pregnancy and safe delivery in earthquake-affected areas of Kermanshah is relatively acceptable; however, the provision of reproductive health services seems to be challenging. It is recommended to pay attention to the menstrual hygiene of women and regular distribution of contraceptives (despite the current population growth plan), address sexual acts of violence, and develop a protocol to support the victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaeochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare tumours that can cause cardiovascular complications following the secretion of catecholamines. We present a young female presented with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction as a result of norepinephrine secreting para‐aortic paraganglioma and improvement of heart failure sign and symptoms and left ventricular ejection fraction following tumour resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy is a core issue when it comes to energy resources today. However, the use of tidal energy has received less attention compared to solar and wind energy. This study investigates the technical‐economic evaluation of tidal power plants in three areas of Bushehr, Pol, and Khowr‐e Musa, all located along the southern coast of Iran. Four economic indices including net present value (NPV), benefit–cost ratio, capital return time, and internal rate of return are used. The study compares a tidal power plant with a solar and a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power plant bearing a capacity of 10 MW. The results show that the total initial cost of a tidal power plant is 1.92 times higher compared to a PV and 7.16 times higher compared to a CCGT power plant. Due to the potential of solar and tidal energy, the three studied regions are economically different. The results show the NPV of a tidal power plant in Khowr‐e Mousa region is 4.90 times higher than a PV power plant and 9.93 times higher than a CCGT power plant. In addition, the cost of energy production per kilowatt depends on the region and the type of power plant technology. The lowest cost of energy production is related to tidal energy in Khowr‐e Musa region. The results of sensitivity analysis also show that the highest sensitivity is related to the initial cost and electricity sales rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene, resulting in the absence of dystrophin expression leading to membrane fragility and myofibril necrosis in the muscle cells. Because of progressive weakness in the skeletal and cardiac muscles, premature death is inevitable. There is no curative treatment available for DMD. In recent years, advances in genetic engineering tools have made it possible to manipulate gene sequences and accurately modify disease-causing mutations. CRISPR/Cas9 technology is a promising tool for gene editing because of its ability to induce double-strand breaks in the DNA. Materials and Methods: In this study for the exon-skipping approach, we designed a new pair of guide RNAs (gRNA) to induce large deletion of exons 48 to 53 in the DMD gene in the human skeletal muscle cell line (HSkMC), in order to correct the frame of the gene. Results: Data showed successful editing of DMD gene by deletion of exons 48 to 53 and correction of the reading frame in edited cells. Despite a large deletion in the edited DMD gene, the data of realtime PCR, immune florescent staining demonstrated successful expression of truncated dystrophin in edited cells. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the removal of exons 48-53 by the CRISPR / Cas9 system did not alter the expression of the DMD gene due to the preservation of the reading frame of the gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]