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The mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinases (MSK) are epigenetic modifiers that regulate gene expression in normal and disease cell states. MSK1 and 2 are involved in a chain of signal transduction events bringing signals from the external environment of a cell to specific sites in the genome. MSK1/2 phosphorylate histone H3 at multiple sites, resulting in chromatin remodeling at regulatory elements of target genes and the induction of gene expression. Several transcription factors (RELA of NF-KB and CREB) are also phosphorylated by MSK1/2 and contribute to induction of gene expression. In response to signal transduction pathways, MSK1/2 can stimulate genes involved in cell proliferation, inflammation, innate immunity, neuronal function, and neoplastic transformation. Abrogation of the MSK-involved signaling pathway is among the mechanisms by which pathogenic bacteria subdue the host's innate immunity. Depending on the signal transduction pathways in play and the MSK-targeted genes, MSK may promote or hinder metastasis. Thus, depending on the type of cancer and genes involved, MSK overexpression maybe a good or poor prognostic factor. In this review, we focus on mechanisms by which MSK1/2 regulate gene expression, and recent studies on their roles in normal and diseased cells. Key words: MSK1/2, epigenetics, cancer, inflammation, neurodevelopment, immunity, Introduction Mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinases 1 and 2 (MSK1/2), encoded by the RPS6KA5 and RPS6KA4 genes, respectively, are downstream targets of the extracellular-signalregulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and/or stress-activated protein [...]

Statement of the Problem: Surface roughness of zirconia is an important parameter that determines the success of zirconia restorations. When zirconia surfaces are left rough, higher susceptibility to hydrothermal aging, plaque accumulation and color changes would occur. Therefore, polish retention of these restorations is considered as a challenge.Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of hydrothermal degradation, pH- cycling, and simulated tooth brushing on surface roughness, topography, and polish retention of an yttrium-stabilized monolithic zirconia.Materials and Method: In this experimental study, 64 specimens of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconium oxide (20×4×2mm) were prepared (ZirKonzahn, Steger, Ahrntal). The specimens were wet- polished (standard polishing), and divided into 8 groups (n=8). Four control groups were assessed in non-aged condition while in 4 experimental groups the artificially ageing was done. Different finishing and polishing procedures were performed in 8 groups. The surface roughness values including mean surface roughness (Ra) and mean height of surface roughness (Rz) was measured by a profilometer. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test (α=0.05). One representative specimen of each group was inspected under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for assessment of surface topography.Results: The effects of surface treatments on Ra (p

Abstract Background Although the effect of Vitamin D Supplementation (Vit D) on several chronic diseases has been well conceded, its role in diabetes remains ambiguous. The present study investigated the interactive effects of Aerobic Training (AT) and different Vit D doses on Protein Kinase B (Akt), Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase (PEPCK), and Glucose-6-Phosphatase (G6Pase) protein expressions in hepatocytes of type-2 diabetic rats. Methods Fifty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups SHAM (non-diabetic control; n = 8), and diabetic (n = 48). Then, diabetic rats were divided into six groups: AT with high doses of Vit D (D + AT + HD), AT with moderate doses of Vit D (D + AT + MD), high doses of Vit D (D + HD), moderate doses of Vit D (D + MD), AT receiving vehicle (sesame oil; D + AT + oil), and control (oil-receiving). D + AT + HD and D + HD groups received 10,000 IU of Vit D; while D + AT + MD and D + MD groups receive 5000 IU of Vit D once a week by injection; D + AT + oil and SHAM groups received sesame oil. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal (IP) injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight). After 2 months of intervention, serum insulin, glucose, and visceral fat were measured; protein expressions of Akt, PEPCK, and G6Pase were assessed by western blotting. The paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (One-Way ANOVA), and the Tukey post hoc test were used at the signification level of P

Abstract The effect of moisture and heat are important challenges in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein we studied the performance of triple-cation PSCs in different operating environmental conditions. Humidified cells exhibited a hopeful character by increasing the open-circuit voltage (V OC ) and short-circuit current density (J SC ) to 940 mV and 22.85 mA cm−2 with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.34%. In addition, further analyses showed that hysteresis index and charge transfer resistance decrease down to 0.4% and 1.67 kΩ. The origin of superior stability is ion segregation to the interface, which removes the antisite defect states. Finally, the effect of operating temperature and trap density on structure and performance was also studied systematically.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of heavy metals in seven types of tobacco widely consumed in the east of the country through inhalation exposure. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted from April 2022 to October 2022 in the city of Bojnord, Iran on sook of seven popular tobacco brands. Metal concentrations in sook of tobacco were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. In order to analyze the data and ensure the accuracy of the results, the amount of metals in the samples was repeated three times, and their average was analyzed. Monte Carlo software was used to assess possible risks. Results: The results of this study showed heavy metal concentrations in sook tobaccos were, respectively, Fe>Zn>Mn>Ba>Pb>Ni>Cu>Mo>Cr>As>Cd. The concentration of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium and molybdenum in Alrah brand tobacco was higher than other types of tobacco. So that the amounts of heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium and molybdenum for this brand were 14.2±0.05, 10.4±0.06 and 11.6±0.04 micrograms per gram, respectively. The hazard index (HI) values for different types of tobacco, including Al-Rah, Amordadsub, Al-Fakher, Al-Rubi, Mazaya, traditional flavorless, and Nakhle, were 2.64, 2.41, 2.05, 1.7, 1.49, 1.46, and 1.44, respectively. The lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for Amordadsub, Al-Rah, Nakhla, Mazaya, Al-Rubi, Al-Fakher, and traditional flavorless tobaccos was 2.8×10-3, 2.43×10-3, 1.72×10-3, 1.58×10-3, 1.43×10-3, 9.58×10-4, and 8.08×10-4, respectively. Lead in Alrah tobacco sook had the highest non-carcinogenic risk value with a value of 1.59. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, Alrah tobacco sook has a higher cancer and non-cancer risk than regular tobacco and can cause non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for consumers. Thus, it is necessary to regularly monitor the quality of prevalent tobacco to reduce delete human health risks.

The use of edible coatings has been considered as an effective solution to improve the shelf life and quality of fruits. In this research, increase in the shelf life of citrus fruits (Citrus aurantifolia cv. Mexican lime) coated with Persian gum and pomegranate seed oil was investigated. Different treatments of lemon fruit coated with Persian gum and pomegranate seed oil with concentrations (zero (control), 0.5% and 1% gum, combination of 0.5% and 1% gum and pomegranate seed oil, 0.05% and pomegranate seed oil 0.05 percent) were prepared and after 24 days of storage at ambient temperature (20 ± 2 °C and relative humidity of 50-60 percent) were statistically evaluated in the form of a completely random design with three replications. The results of this research showed that the treatments used had an effective role in controlling the weight loss of fruit during storage. Thus, the lowest percentage of weight loss was observed in the pomegranate seed oil treatment. Except pomegranate seed oil treatment, other treatments showed less TSS than the control. In most of the treatments, the content of phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant was at a higher level than the control. The average comparison results showed that the fruits coated with 1% gum (85.36 units/ml) showed significantly more peroxidase activity than the control (60.35 U/ml). Persian gum edible coating 1% and 0.5% as well as Persian gum 1% in combination with pomegranate seed oil significantly controlled the activity of polyphenol oxidase enzyme. The treated samples showed less yellowness (b*) than the control. In general, the best marketability was observed in fruits coated with 1% gum. Therefore, it is recommended to use this coating to preserve the freshness and quality of the Mexican lime fruit during storage in the environment.

Abstract Background Despite reporting the positive effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on endurance performance, very few studies have investigated its efficacy in anaerobic short all-out activities. Moreover, there is still no consensus on which brain areas could provide the most favorable effects on different performance modalities. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effects of anodal tDCS (a-tDCS) targeting the primary motor cortex (M1) or left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on physical performance, psychophysiological responses, and cognitive function in repeated all-out cycling. Methods In this randomized, crossover, and double-blind study, 15 healthy physically active men underwent a-tDCS targeting M1 or the left DLPFC or sham tDCS in separate days before performing three bouts of all-out 30s cycling anaerobic test. a-tDCS was applied using 2 mA for 20 min. Peak power, mean power, fatigue index, and EMG of the quadriceps muscles were measured during each bout. Heart rate, perceived exertion, affective valence, and arousal were recorded two minutes after each bout. Color-word Stroop test and choice reaction time were measured at baseline and after the whole anaerobic test. Results Neither tDCS montage significantly changed peak power, mean power, fatigue index, heart rate, affective valence, arousal, and choice reaction time (p> 0.05). a-tDCS over DLPFC significantly lowered RPE of the first bout (compared to sham; p = 0.048, Δ = -12.5%) and third bout compared to the M1 (p = 0.047, Δ = -12.38%) and sham (p = 0.003, Δ = -10.5%), increased EMG of the Vastus Lateralis muscle during the second (p = 0.016, Δ = + 40.3%) and third bout (p = 0.016, Δ = + 42.1%) compared to sham, and improved the score of color-word Stroop test after the repeated all-out task (p = 0.04, Δ = + 147%). The qualitative affective response (valence and arousal) was also higher under the M1 and DLPFC compared to the sham. Conclusion We concluded that tDCS targeting M1 or DLPFC does not improve repeated anaerobic performance. However, the positive effect of DLPFC montage on RPE, EMG, qualitative affective responses, and cognitive function is promising and paves the path for future research using different tDCS montages to see any possible effects on anaerobic performance. Trial registration This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Razi University (IR.RAZI.REC.1400.023) and registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT id: IRCT20210617051606N5; Registration Date: 04/02/2022).

Abstract Heat recovery by combined heat and power (CHP) systems to provide heat load reduces the cost of microgrid (MG) energy management. However, heat transfer from CHP systems to consumers is limited due to the heat loss of pipelines. The amount of heat loss varies depending on pipeline material and environmental characteristics. Here, a day‐ahead energy management of CHP‐based microgrid, including various types of CHP systems to supply electrical and thermal loads, is performed. In this regard, the accurate model of heat transfer losses (HTL) through pipelines in the energy management problem is considered. Moreover, the optimal scheduling of different types of MGs in terms of HTL specifications is compared with each other. Evaluating the simulation results, it is inferred that accurate modeling of HTL in the energy management problem has a significant impact on the optimal scheduling and operation cost of MG. To solve the optimization problem, a new enhanced imperialist competitive algorithm (E‐ICA) is examined and validated. The E‐ICA method improves the efficiency of the classical ICA method to prevent getting stuck in local optimums by enhancing exploration and exploitation. The results of the energy management problem show E‐ICA superiority compared to other evolutionary algorithms.

Current harmonics produced by nonlinear loads have destructive effects that affect the power quality of the power system and cause serious problems throughout the network. Active Power Filter (APF) is one of the best and most common solutions to reduce or eliminate harmonic disturbances; But due to the complexity and sensitivity of these filters, the accurate and fast performance of the control technologies used in it is the important and basic requirement. Therefore, by performing accurate and optimal adjustments for APF control, system performance and power quality level can be improved significantly. In this article, the design principles of Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF) are introduced and the optimal control method of this system is explained by providing appropriate modeling. Also, as a suitable structure for the current control of the SAPF system, a Proportional-Resonant (PR) controller optimized by Genetic Algorithm (GA) is proposed. The PR controller with the capability of accurate tracking of harmonic currents and fast dynamic response is highly compatible with the SAPF system. In general, the goal is to achieve better and more appropriate performance to reduce harmonic disturbances and create a robust, faster, more accurate, flexible, stable, and optimal performance of these systems in detecting and generating compensation signals. The simulations have been done in MATLAB/SIMULINK, and also the experimental tests of this device have been done and validated in a real DSP-based SAPF. Finally, according to the results obtained under steady-state conditions with a favorable dynamic response, the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the grid current has been significantly reduced from 20.2 % to 4.2 % for the R-L load and from 56.1 % to 4.5 % for the R-C load with a power factor of almost unity. These results confirm the optimal and standard performance of the proposed method.

Summary: Repair of lesions in the plasma membrane is key to sustaining cellular homeostasis. Cells maintain cytoplasmic as well as membrane-bound stores of repair proteins that can rapidly precipitate at the site of membrane lesions. However, little is known about the origins of lipids and proteins for resealing and repair of the plasma membrane. Here we study the dynamics of caveolar proteins after laser-induced lesioning of plasma membranes of mammalian C2C12 tissue culture cells and muscle cells of intact zebrafish embryos. Single-molecule diffusivity measurements indicate that caveolar clusters break up into smaller entities after wounding. Unlike Annexins and Dysferlin, caveolar proteins do not accumulate at the lesion patch. In caveolae-depleted cavin1a knockout zebrafish embryos, lesion patch formation is impaired, and injured cells show reduced survival. Our data suggest that caveolae disassembly releases surplus plasma membrane near the lesion to facilitate membrane repair after initial patch formation for emergency sealing.

Abstract Background and Aims Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infection in infants and young children. Given the altered circulation patterns of respiratory viruses during the coronavirus disease pandemic‐2019 (COVID‐19), the study aimed to evaluate epidemiology and clinical features of RSV infections in hospitalized children during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Gorgan, northeastern Iran. Molecular epidemiology studies on respiratory viral infections are necessary to monitor circulating viruses, disease severity, and clinical symptoms, in addition to early warning of new outbreaks. Methods Overall, 411 respiratory swab samples from hospitalized children from October 2021 to March 2022 were collected at Taleghani Children's Hospital, Gorgan, Iran. The incidence of RSV, as well as the circulating subgroups and genotypes, were investigated and confirmed using PCR methods. Additionally, all samples tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome‐associated coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and influenza, and demographic and clinical data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results The share of RSV, SARS‐CoV‐2, and influenza among hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) were 27%, 16.5%, and 4.1%, respectively. The RSV subgroup A (genotype ON1) was dominant over subgroup B (genotype BA9), with more severe clinical symptoms. Compared with the prepandemic era there were high numbers of hospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2 positive children and low numbers of other respiratory viruses. Despite this, the prevalence of ALRI‐related RSV‐disease among hospitalized children in our specialized pediatric center was higher than COVID‐19 disease in the same cohort. Conclusions Studying the epidemiology of respiratory viruses and determining the circulating strains can contribute to effective infection control and treatment strategies.

AimTo compare the efficacy of Duloxetine and Nortriptyline in alleviating the symptoms of severity, anxiety, depression and quality of life in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).Material and methodWe conducted a single-blinded 3-month trial of Duloxetine 20–30 mg daily in 20 patients and Nortriptyline 25 mg daily in 25 FD patients. The primary outcome measure was the severity of FD symptoms by Gastrointestinal symptoms rating scale. Secondary measures included Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Nepean Dyspepsia Index. the patients were measured in 3 stages.Results45 patients with FD with a mean age of 37.18 ± 10.62 years participated in the study. The severity of symptoms was significantly lower in the Nortriptyline group than in the Duloxetine group after three months (p = 0.031). The level of anxiety (p = 0.049), depression (p = 0.045) and quality of life (p = 0.046) improved significantly after three months in the Duloxetine group compared to Nortriptyline. Mediation analysis using linear regression revealed a significant mediator role for anxiety. This mediation analysis revealed a 21.13% reduction in anxiety in the Duloxetine group.ConclusionWhile both medications demonstrated efficacy, Nortriptyline appeared to be superior in symptom reduction. Duloxetine exhibited more advantages compared to Nortriptyline in addressing anxiety and depression and enhancing the overall quality of life. Also, Duloxetine may have a noteworthy impact, contributing to a 20% reduction in FD symptoms by lowering anxiety levels.Clinical trial registrationhttps://en.irct.ir/trial/65512.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is comprised of a clustering of various cardiovascular risk factors that can also affect bone health. We aimed the associations between MetS and bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) in subjects with abdominal adiposity.Methods: Individuals with body mass index less than 25 kg/m2 were enrolled from the SUVINA study and allocated into two groups according criteria of IDF for metabolic syndrome. TBS T-score and Z/T score of fore skeletal region were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). SPSS software was used for statistical analysis and p value 0

Introduction: Depression, anxiety, and stress have been shown to be associated with quality of life and sleep quality. This association did not examine separately in men and women. In the present study, we aim to examine the association between depression, anxiety and stress with RLS, Epworth, insomnia, apnea, PSIQ and QoL by gender in Mashhad-study data.Methods: A total of 289 individuals (143 male and 146 female) aged 30-50 years old who completed the SUVINA study. They completed the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and quality of life (QoL). For statistical analysis, SPSS software was used for data analysis and p value 0

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive metabolic disorder mainly caused by overweight and obesity that accumulates pro-inflammatory factors in adipose tissue. Studies have confirmed the efficacy of exercise and vitamin D supplementation in preventing, controlling, and treating diabetes. While, reduced physical activity and vitamin D deficiency are related to increased adiposity, blood glucose level, insulin concentration, and insulin resistance. This study purposed to investigate the effect of 8-week aerobic training with vitamin D supplementation on the expression of AMPK, PGC-1α, and UCP-1 genes expression in the visceral adipose tissue of obese rats with T2DM. In this experimental study, fifty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 10): aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation (AT + Vit D), aerobic training (5 days/week for 8 weeks; AT), vitamin D supplementation (Vit D), diabetic control (C) and NC (Non-Diabetic Control). AT + Vit D and AT groups practiced an 8-week aerobic training, 5 days a week. Vit D and AT + Vit D groups receive 5000 IU of vitamin D by injection once a week while AT and C received sesame oil. After blood sampling, visceral fat was taken to measure AMPK, PGC-1α, and UCP1 gene expression. Data were statistically analyzed by One-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test at a significance level of p

Abstract Background The lockdown and social distancing caused by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may have changed Physical Activity Level (PAL), eating behavior, and health habits due to long-term confinement worldwide. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the PAL, eating behavior, Quality of Life (QoL), General Health (GH), and mood states during COVID-19 confinement in a large sample of Iraqi adults. Methods 3738 healthy adults (age 18–70 years) residing in Halabjeh, Iraq answered the online questionnaires including the short form of international physical activity, GH, three-factor eating (TFEQ-R18), and a short form of the profile of mood states (POMS-SF) questionnaires. Data analysis was done by Chi-square, and Spearman’s correlation using SPSS statistical software at a significant level of (P

Abstract Snakebite is one of the largest risks from wildlife, however little is known about venomous snake distribution, spatial variation in snakebite risk, potential changes in snakebite risk pattern due to climate change, and vulnerable human population. As a consequence, management and prevention of snakebite is hampered by this lack of information. Here we used habitat suitability modeling for 10 medically important venomous snakes to identify high snakebite risk area under climate change in Iran. We identified areas with high snakebite risk in Iran and showed that snakebite risk will increase in some parts of the country. Our results also revealed that mountainous areas (Zagros, Alborz, Kopet–Dagh mountains) will experience highest changes in species composition. We underline that in order to improve snakebite management, areas which were identified with high snakebite risk in Iran need to be prioritized for the distribution of antivenom medication and awareness rising programs among vulnerable human population.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity contributes to the prevention of many chronic illnesses and significantly reduces all-cause mortality. Moreover, the proportion of people globally who are active enough is low, especially in slum areas. METHODS: The PEN-3 model was utilized through focus group discussion (FGD) among 48 women who were over 18 years of age, resided in the slum areas of Sanandaj, Iran, in 2020, and were responsible for providing food for the family. After audiotaped conversations were transcribed, a content analysis was conducted. The study methods included the process of open coding and creating categories, grouping codes under higher-ordered headings, and formulating an overall description of the research issues via making abstract categories and subcategories. Every category was named using specific content-characteristic words and subcategories were then grouped into main categories. RESULTS: Data analysis yielded 3 domains regarding women’s perspectives toward physical activity. According to the PEN-3 model, the most important cultural impediments were perceptions (benefits of physical activity and lack of prioritization of health). Moreover, enablers (access to facilities, time, cost, and the role of the media), and nurturers (acceptance of group sports, lack of family support, and social stigma) were found to be important factors in having physical activity. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of cultural perceptions can help decision-makers in identifying the cultural appropriateness of interventions.

Sea snakes of the genus Hydrophis are important components of animal diversity in Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Ten species of Hydrophis have been identified from the these waters and, in this study, genetic structure of seven species was compared with other populations in the eastern Indian Ocean and the West Pacific. We found that six species (H. platurus, H. cyanocinctus, H. spiralis, H. schistosus, H. gracilis, and H. lapemiodes) show high genetic similarity with conspecific populations in the Indian Ocean and Australia. However, H. curtus from southern Iran shows a high level of genetic differentiation from conspecific populations in Sri Lanka and Indonesia (0.6% and 6% genetic distance from Sri Lankan samples for 16S and COI gene fragments, respectively). Variation between Iranian and Southeast Asian populations may reflect new genetic lineages and suggest the need of further morphological evaluations to re-evaluate their taxonomic position.

The genus Trapelus Cuvier, 1817, belonging to the subfamily Agaminae, is described with 13 species. There are absolutely four species in Iran: T. agilis, T. ruderatus, T. sanguinolentus and T. persicus. Within the vast distribution range of Trapelus, current and past climate and vicariance events have significantly influenced their diversification patterns and distributions. Recently, the first and the most comprehensive assessment based on molecular genetic analyses within T. ruderatus in western Asia including Iran, Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, has shown that Iranian populations have slight divergence whereas are undoubtedly isolated from Turkey's population. Also, this study introduced the populations of southern Iraq as belonging to T. persicus. In this review, we have tried to have a complete examination and comparison based on all of the available relevant literature about the taxonomy, phylogeny, evolutionary history, and biogeography of the genus Trapelus in the Iranian plateau and neighboring regions, as well as we examined the controversial nomenclature changes and their reasons in some species and subspecies of this genus. We will also give a briefoverview of our unpublished dissertation on comparative morphology and dimorphism in the genus T. ruderatus. In the end, we present an identification key based on the latest changes in the classification and taxonomy of the genus.