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Abdalla Bowirrat,1 Igor Elman,2 Catherine A Dennen,3 Marjorie C Gondré-Lewis,4 Jean Lud Cadet,5 Jag Khalsa,6 David Baron,7 Diwanshu Soni,8 Mark S Gold,9 Thomas J McLaughlin,10 Debasis Bagchi,11 Eric R Braverman,12 Mauro Ceccanti,13 Panayotis K Thanos,14,15 Edward Justin Modestino,16 Keerthy Sunder,17,18 Nicole Jafari,19,20 Foojan Zeine,21,22 Rajendra D Badgaiyan,23 Debmalya Barh,24,25 Milan Makale,26 Kevin T Murphy,27 Kenneth Blum1,7,10,12,18,20,24,28,29 1Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, 40700, Israel; 2Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA; 3Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA, USA; 4Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20059, USA; 5Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA; 6Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA; 7Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise, and Mental Health, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA; 8Western University Health Sciences School of Medicine, Pomona, CA, USA; 9Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; 10Division of Reward Deficiency Clinics, TranspliceGen Therapeutics, Inc, Austin, TX, USA; 11Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy, Houston, TX, USA; 12Division of Clinical Neurology, The Kenneth Blum Institute of Neurogenetics & Behavior, LLC, Austin, TX, USA; 13Alcohol Addiction Program, Latium Region Referral Center, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, 00185, Italy; 14Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA; 15Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA; 16Department of Psychology, Curry College, Milton, MA, USA; 17Karma Doctors & Karma TMS, and Suder Foundation, Palm Springs, CA, USA; 18Department of Medicine, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA; 19Department of Human Development, California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA; 20Division of Personalized Medicine, Cross-Cultural Research and Educational Institute, San Clemente, CA, USA; 21Awareness Integration Institute, San Clemente, CA, USA; 22Department of Health Science, California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA; 23Department of Psychiatry, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; 24Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Purba Medinipur, WB, 721172, India; 25Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil; 26Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0819, USA; 27Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; 28Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont School of Medicine, Burlington, VA, USA; 29Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, HungaryCorrespondence: Igor Elman; Kenneth Blum, Email dr.igorelman@gmail.com; drd2gene@gmail.comAbstract: Loneliness, an established risk factor for both, mental and physical morbidity, is a mounting public health concern. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying loneliness-related morbidity are not yet well defined. Here we examined the role of genes and associated DNA risk polymorphic variants that are implicated in loneliness via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and may thus point to specific therapeutic targets. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE databases using specific Medical Subject Headings terms such as loneliness and genes, neuro- and epigenetics, addiction, affective disorders, alcohol, anti-reward, anxiety, depression, dopamine, cancer, cardiovascular, cognitive, hypodopaminergia, medical, motivation, (neuro)psychopathology, social isolation, and reward deficiency. The narrative literature review yielded recursive collections of scientific and clinical evidence, which were subsequently condensed and summarized in the following key areas: (1) Genetic Antecedents: Exploration of multiple genes mediating reward, stress, immunity and other important vital functions; (2) Genes and Mental Health: Examination of genes linked to personality traits and mental illnesses providing insights into the intricate network of interaction converging on the experience of loneliness; (3) Epigenetic Effects: Inquiry into instances of loneliness and social isolation that are driven by epigenetic methylations associated with negative childhood experiences; and (4) Neural Correlates: Analysis of loneliness-related affective states and cognitions with a focus on hypodopaminergic reward deficiency arising in the context of early life stress, eg, maternal separation, underscoring the importance of parental support early in life. Identification of the individual contributions by various (epi)genetic factors presents opportunities for the creation of innovative preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for individuals who cope with persistent feelings of loneliness. The clinical facets and therapeutic prospects associated with the current understanding of loneliness, are discussed emphasizing the relevance of genes and DNA risk polymorphic variants in the context of loneliness-related morbidity.Keywords: addiction, affective, alcohol, anti-reward, anxiety, depression, dopamine, cancer, genes, cardiovascular, cognitive, medical, motivation, social isolation, reward deficiency

Recent studies show that hydrogen peroxide free radicals have an important role in the renal damage induced by Gentamicin. Previously we studied the hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of Eryngium caucasicum. This work was conducted to evaluate the possible renoprotective effect of Eryngium caucasicum against Gentamicin-induced renotoxicity. Extracts at the doses 200 and 400 mg/kg/day for 10 consecutive days, by intraperitoneal route (i.p.) offered renoprotective action by change in the blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum urea and creatinine. Results show that an extract at 400 mg/kg/ day shows better activity than other tested samples. In conclusion, the extracts showed significant renoprotective activity compared with the control group.

In the present study the cardioprotective effects of curcumin, a herbal polyphenolic compound, against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced toxicity in rat heart was evaluated. Fifty rats were divided into five experimental groups containing 10 rats each. Group I received standard water and diet and was used as a normal group; groups II and III were pretreated with curcumin intraperitoneally for 7 days prior to NaF intoxication. Group IV was pretreated with vitamin C, a standard antioxidant, intraperitoneally for 7 days prior to NaF intoxication and used as a positive control group. The animals in group V were intoxicated with NaF for the same time and used as a control group. There was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation along with a decrease in superoxide dismutase activity in the homogenates of tissues of the NaF-treated animals. Curcumin pretreatment in animals prior to fluoride intoxication normalized the levels of biochemical parameters measured.

Introduction The study of surface water quality control in water resources and environment management programs is very important. Surface water is one of the most important water sources that have crucial impact on agricultural, industrial, drinking and electricity production activities. Due to insufficient water sources with good quality and the increase in population growth rate and as a result of the increase in demand, the study of water quality parameters is very important. The Water Quality Index (WQI) serves as a prominent indicator in classifying surface water quality. Moreover, in recent years, the TOPSIS method has gained traction for evaluating water quality. This approach, known for its simplicity, is increasingly utilized in prioritizing river water and assessing its quality. Through this index, various components of water quality are condensed into a single numerical value, effectively expressing overall water quality. To ascertain the weight index, Shannon's entropy method was employed. Furthermore, to assess water suitability for drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes, Schuler, Wilcox, and Piper diagrams were utilized. These diagrams provide valuable insights into the quality of water, aiding in decision-making processes regarding its utilization across different sectors. Therefore, the results of this study also confirmed the effectiveness of the TOPSIS method in identifying contaminated stations. Materials and Methods This research focuses on evaluating the water quality of three stations within the Aji Chai river watershed on an annual basis. These stations are identified as Arzanag, Akhola, and Markid. The assessment spans the years 2003 to 2021 and aims to classify water quality for both drinking and agricultural purposes. Utilizing the standards set forth by the World Health Organization, the surface water quality index of the Aji Chai basin is investigated to ascertain its suitability for drinking purposes. Shannon's entropy theory was used to prevent expert judgments in determining the weight of each parameter. TOPSIS method was used to classify eleven qualities including TDS, EC, pH, HCO3-, Cl-, SO42-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ and TH. In all the three stations water quality were ranked, based on TOPSIS numerical values. Also, in order to check the quality of drinking, agricultural and industrial water, Schuler, Wilcox and Piper diagrams were used. Results and Discussion The initial findings from the %RE error analysis revealed that throughout the entire statistical period (2003 -2021), the %RE values were consistently close to zero, with the majority being positive. This suggests that the total number of cations surpasses the total number. In terms of the Shannon water quality index, the results indicate that Markid station exhibited the highest index value at 945.92, while Arzanag station displayed the lowest value at 127.365 among the surveyed stations. The results of the water quality index showed that Arzanag and Akhola stations are in an average condition (100 < EWQI < 150) and Markid station is in a very poor condition (EWQI > 200). According to Schuler's diagram, it was found that the water of Arzanag station is in the average level in terms of water quality, which is in a good position in terms of quality compared to the other two stations, while the water of Akhola station is in a good position. In the range of poor quality, Markid water was undrinkable, which ranked worst among the three stations. According to the Wilcox diagram, it was found that the water quality of Markid is very poor, which is even outside the boundary of the Wilcox diagram, while the water of Arzanag station was ranked 1st in terms of quality. Arzanag water is in C4S2 class in terms of quality. Finally, the water class of Akhola station was placed in the C4S4 class (in the Wilcox chart), which shows very low water quality. According to the TOPSIS method, the first priority in terms of water quality pollution belonged to Markid station. Two other stations, including Akhola and Arzanag, were ranked second and third in this respect. Therefore, the most important station in this basin is Markid station. Conclusion The results of Shannon water quality index showed that among the stations, the highest index value is related to Markid station with a value of 945.92 and the lowest one is related to Arzanag station with a value of 127.365. According to Schoeller diagram, it was found that the water quality of Arzanag station is average, compared to the other two stations, it was in the right place and the water of Akhola station was in the range of poor quality. The quality of Markid water was found to be undrinkable, which was the worst one among all the three stations. The range of TOPSIS values in different stations is between 0.054 and 0.894, which belonged to the Arzanag and Markid stations, respective ly. According to the results of the Arzanag station, the best water quality condition and the Markid station were assigned the worst water quality condition among all the three stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A well-designed Agricultural Extension System (AES) can facilitate transitions towards sustainable agriculture. However, in most developing countries, AES has failed to promote sustainable agricultural development. The New Agricultural Extension System (NAES) was initiated to facilitate agricultural development in Iran. However, there is still no definite reflection on the influences of NAES on agricultural development. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the performance of NAES. To ensure an integrative and holistic analysis of the NAES's performance, the Complexity Theory (CT) and Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) approaches were used. To gather data, survey research was conducted in Fars Province, southern Iran. A multi-stage random sampling was used to identify the designated extension agents. The findings indicated that effective implementation of the NAES needs facilitated interaction through network mediation (X = 71.6), creation of an enabling context for the delivery of extension services (X = 66.6), improved communication and marketing infrastructures (X = 72), development of a value chain (X = 71.4), acceptance of self-organization (X = 67.8) and adoption of complexity-aware management (X = 66). The results also identified the hindering effects of demographic, structural and psychological factors on the practical application of CT and AIS principles. Some recommendations and implications are offered to improve the effectiveness of NAES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is an essential instrument for development, poverty alleviation, and food security in developing countries, such as Iran. The agricultural sector of Iran is dominated by small-scale farming, and the yield of most crops is low. A well-designed and well-functioning agricultural extension system can facilitate the transition toward productive, profitable, and sustainable agriculture. However, the top- down agricultural extension system of Iran has left most smallholder and resource-poor farmers with no access to advisory services, and their problems have remained unresolved. The new agricultural extension system (NAES) was initiated in 2014 to better respond to the problems of smallholder farmers. However, there is still no definite reflection on the influences of the NAES on agricultural development. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of the NAES. Also, it purposed to identify the blocking mechanisms hindering the NAES’ function. In this regard, qualitative research was planned and conducted in Fars Province, Southern Iran. The findings revealed that NAES has managed to enhance the availability of extension services for smallholder farmers, improve the productivity and profitability of agriculture, and reduce livelihood vulnerability. However, it has failed in facilitating access to remunerative markets, mobilizing sustainable financial and human resources, and being entirely demand-driven because of financial, physical, institutional, market, natural, informational, capability, and psychological constraints. Some recommendations and implications are offered to improve the effectiveness of the NAES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affected by the developed pore water pressure during undrained cyclic shear of saturated soils, granular soil liquefaction is regarded as a common phenomenon that occurs under earthquake loads. This phenomenon causes huge damage to infrastructure. Different reinforcement materials have been successfully implemented with particular attention to the use of waste materials to satisfy design specifications and mitigate the adverse environmental effects. This paper aims to investigate the possibility of using waste plastic fibers as reinforcement materials to mitigate liquefaction potential and pore pressure generation of reinforced sand under cyclic loading. For this purpose, 42 stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests were conducted on Babolsar sand, reinforced by Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polypropylene (PP) fibers with the fiber contents of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% under the confining pressures of 50, 100, and 200 kPa at Cyclic Stress Ratios (CSR) of 0.2 and 0.35. The obtained results revealed that the addition of these waste plastic fibers could significantly increase the liquefaction resistance of Babolsar sand and that with an increase in the waste content, the number of cycles leading to liquefaction would increase. Addition of wastes decreased the pore water pressure generation, and this effect was more pronounced with an increase in the waste content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]