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Positron emission tomography (PET) is a widely used imaging modality in nuclear medicine for a variety of applications. Amongst the methods used for the quantifying and interpretation of PET images, the standardized uptake value (SUV) is a widely-adopted semi-quantitative tool that supplements visual understanding with quantitative information. SUV is used in both clinical and preclinical practices to report the status of various normal organs and tumors under investigation using PET imaging. While the determination of SUVs is typically done manually, which can be tedious, artificial intelligence (AI) can be utilized to enhance the efficiency of the process. In this study, a U-Net-based approach was employed for semi-automated determination of SUV in FDG-PET scans of mice brains. First, a U-Net model was trained using 50 FDG-PET images of six mice to perform the automatic segmentation task. The trained model then delineated the brain of a mouse which was then processed by a short in-house code to extract data and calculate the SUV. The process was also replicated in a manual way for comparison purposes. The comparison of the results from the U-Net-based segmentation method and the conventional manual method at nine different time points revealed that there were errors of less than 4.5% in eight out of the nine-time points. Although our U-Net model’s performance needs improvement, adapting a well-trained AIbased approach for SUV determination, particularly in preclinical studies, can help reduce the workload of organ delineation and minimize associated errors, facilitating SUV determination.

In laser-assisted machining (LAM), the laser source is focused on the workpiece as a thermal source and locally increases the workpiece temperature and makes the material soft ahead of the cutting tool so using this method, the machining forces are reduced, which causes improving the surface quality and cutting tool life. Machinability of advanced hard materials is significantly low and conventional methods do not work effectively. Therefore, utilizing an advanced method is inevitable. The product life and performance of complex parts of the leading industry depends on surface integrity. In this work, the surface integrity features including microhardness, grain size and surface roughness (Ra) and also the maximum cutting temperature were investigated experimentally in LAM of Ti-6Al-4V. According to the results, cutting speed has inverse effect on the effectiveness of LAM process because with increasing speed (15 to 63 m/min), temperature decreases (524 °C to 359 °C) and surface roughness increases (0.57 to 0.71 μm). Enhancing depth of cut and feed has direct effect on the process temperature, grain size, microhardness and surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incidence rates of melanoma and keratinocyte skin cancers have been on the rise worldwide, despite public health efforts to reduce their burden.1 Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains the primary modifiable risk factor,1-3 and therefore reducing UV exposure continues to be the focus of public health education and campaigns. The incorporation of duration of sun exposure and skin phototype, which have been shown to play roles in the development of skin cancer, should be included in the recommendations.1,3 Labelling UVI <= 2 as having "no risk" could potentially be harmful to at-risk individuals. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Inability to conceive is experienced as a stressful situation by individuals and couples all around the world. Infertility is a low-control, chronic stressor with severe long-lasting negative social and psychological consequences. It seems that the nature of this problem and its effects on everyone depends on the duration of infertility. Materials and Methods: This study aimed at undertaking a quantitative assessment of the relation between psychological distress and duration of infertility in infertile patients. A prospective study was conducted in 380 infertile patients. The stress level was assessed using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire containing 21 items. In addition, sociodemographic information and all pertinent data were obtained through a structured questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Two-way ANOVA and X2 analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Results of X2 variance analysis showed a significant relationship between the duration of infertility and the amounts of stress, anxiety, and depression (P<0.001, P<0.05 and P<0.0002, respectively). Moreover, 51.4% of patient with a duration of infertility for fewer than 5 years revealed normal ranges of stress. Conclusion: The findings of this research indicated an association between the duration of infertility and high levels of stress in infertile patients. Thus, identification of the sources of stress can greatly improve the quality life among these patients. Provision of appropriate education for coping with the stresses which result from chronic diseases seems to be necessary. The long period of diagnostic and treatment procedures may also have a negative impact on the sex life of infertile couples. Furthermore, we should pay more attention to infertile patients who with a long duration of infertility for more than five years. It is very important to establish psychological centers in IVF clinics so as to help these patients decrease their stresses, anxieties and depressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For most men and women, infertility is a life-changing experience that often carries unexpected stressors and potential stigmatization. Infertile couples may experience changes in their social networks, family relationships and even potential threats to their future together. Men and women referred for in vitro fertilization (IVF) may face additional stress undergoing this treatment, as it is physically rigorous, financially expensive, and emotionally eroding. But it seems that there is difference between infertile women and men's stress level. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate life stress, health stress and personality stress among infertile women and men and compare the two groups on the basis of psychosocial characteristics. Data were collected using a self-made questionnaire (Caudron Questionnaire). In addition, socio-demographic information and all other data related to the study were gathered by a structured questionnaire specifically designed for this study. MANOVA was used to analyze the data. Results: Results of MANOVA multiple analyses of variance showed women suffering from infertility scored significantly higher on all subscales of Caudron questionnaire when compared to infertile men. These scales include: health stress and sex (P<0.002), personal life stress and sex (P<0.001), personality stress and sex (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Men and women seeking treatment for infertility present a high level of stress. Involuntary childlessness is associated with higher levels of psychological distress for women compared to men. So we need to give ample attention these experiences; effective interventions require medical, psychological and socio-cultural strategies. Physicians play a key role in counseling the patients to get rid of their distress. It can be suggested that psychosocial support is important and should be different for men and women who suffer from infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Having a weakened immune system can make patients easily get nosocomial infection (NI) with multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria and put them in a dangerous situation. It causes long hospital stays, disability, economic burden, and even death. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of NI in patients suffering from COVID-19., Methods: In this retrospective study, the information on 250 patients suffering from COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) (2020 to 2021) was considered. For statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired samples t-test, and chi-square using SPSS-23 software were used (p<0.05)., Results: Two hundred and fifty hospitalized (107 females and 143 males, mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age; 56.50 ± 17.20) patients were considered. The most (97.60%) medicine prescribed was remdesivir. Candida spp . (two females), Escherichia coli (two females), Acinetobacter spp . (one female), Citrobacter spp . (one female), Pseudomonas spp . (one male), Sphingomonas spp . (one male), Stenotrophomonas spp. (one male) and Enterobacter spp . (one male) were isolated from the patient's specimens. Four of seven bacterial isolates were positive for MDR. NI was diagnosed in six patients. There was no significant relationship between the age with the isolated microbes (P=0.154) and MDR (P=0.987) and also between gender with common microbes (P=0.576) and MDR (P=0.143)., Conclusion: The coexistence of bacteria and NI was observed in patients. Remdesivir was prescribed for most patients. Most bacteria were resistant to antibiotics, especially, β-lactams., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s).)

Enzyme immobilization in membrane bioreactors has been considered as a practical approach to enhance the stability, reusability, and efficiency of enzymes. In this particular study, a new type of hybrid membrane reactor was created through the phase inversion method, utilizing hybrid of graphene oxide nanosheets (GON) and polyether sulfone (PES) in order to covalently immobilize the Candida rugosa lipase (CRL). The surface of hybrid membrane was initially modified by (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), before the use of glutaraldehyde (GLU), as a linker, through the imine bonds. The resulted enzymatic hybrid membrane reactors (EHMRs) were then thoroughly analyzed by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), contact angle goniometry, surface free energy analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection (ATR), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The study also looked into the impact of factors such as initial CRL concentration, storage conditions, and immobilization time on the EHMR's performance and activity, which were subsequently optimized. The results demonstrated that the CRLs covalently immobilized on the EHMRs displayed enhanced pH and thermal stability compared to those physically immobilized or free. These covalently immobilized CRLs could maintain over 60% of their activity even after 6 reaction cycles spanning 50 days. EHMRs are valuable biocatalysts in developing various industrial, environmental, and analytical processes., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper, (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Understanding the disease and its acceptance significantly influence adherence to prescribed medications, a critical aspect in managing coronary artery disease (CAD). This study is designed to explore the multifaceted factors influencing medication adherence specifically in CAD patients. Of particular interest is investigating the interconnectedness between medication adherence, the perception of illness, and the level of acceptance of the illness itself among these individuals., Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 280 confirmed CAD patients who were selected through a convenience sampling method adhering to predefined inclusion criteria. The study was conducted between March and September 2023. Three primary parameters-medication adherence, illness perception, and acceptance of illness-were evaluated using standardized tools: The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8, Illness Perception Questionnaire-Brief, and Acceptance of Illness Scale. Statistical analyses using SPSS (version 25) were used to analyze the data., Results: Patients had moderate illness perception (51.82 ± 7.58) and low acceptance to illness (16.98 ± 4.75), and 61.8 of them adhered to their medication regimen. A positive relationship between acceptance of illness and medication adherence (r = 0.435, p-value < 0.01) was found. Level of education, type of drug and marital status had significantly impact on medication adherence, and gender, level of education, intention to stop drug and marital status were associated with acceptance of illness (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: These results underscore the pivotal role of medication adherence in CAD management. Future interventions should target improving illness perception and acceptance of illness among CAD patients to enhance their overall adherence to prescribed medications and ultimately improve disease management., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the epidemiological patterns of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infections, hospitalizations, deaths, and duration of hospitalization during the fourth, fifth and sixth epidemic waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Iran., Methods: A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted on hospitalized patients in four hospitals in the Babol district of northern Iran. The study periods were during the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves of the epidemic in Iran, (March 2021 to March 2022). A total of 13,312 patients with suspected COVID-19 were included. Patient demographics, medical history, length of hospital stay, and clinical outcomes were obtained from the hospital information system. Data on the cycle threshold (Ct) and SARS-CoV2 variant were collected for SARS-CoV2-positive cases., Results: The highest number of hospitalized patients was reported during the fifth (Delta) wave (5231; 39.3%), while the lowest number of hospitalized patients was reported during the sixth (Omicron) wave (2143; 16.1%). In total, 6459 (48.5%) out of 13,312 hospitalized patients with suspected COVID-19 had a positive rRT-PCR result. The fifth (Delta) wave had the highest number of SARS-CoV2 rRT-PCR-positive hospitalized patients (3573, 55.3%), while the sixth (Omicron) wave had the lowest number (835, 12.9%). Moreover, 238 (3.7%) patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 died. The hospital mortality rate was 6.8% in the fourth (Alpha) wave, which reduced to 2.7 and 3.5% in the fifth (Delta) and sixth (Omicron) waves, respectively (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: This is the most comprehensive study evaluating the epidemiologic characteristics of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV2 cases in Iran during the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron waves. The highest number of SARS-CoV2-positive hospitalized patients was in the fifth wave of COVID-19 (dominance of the Delta variant), while the sixth wave (dominance of the Omicron variant) had the lowest number. Comorbidities were similar, and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension were the main risk factors in all waves., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Uncovering the roles and characteristics of pathogenesis-related molecules can help us develop novel management methods in parasitology. In this study, we studied the expression levels of Strongyloides stercoralis heat shock protein70 (HSP70) ( Sst-hsp-70 ) and astacin ( Sst-ast ) as pathogenesis-related genes as well as the expression of S. ratti HSP70 and HSP17.1 ( Sra-hsp-70 , Sra-hsp-17.1 ) in the larvae and adult stages of S. stercoralis ., Methods: A hyperinfection isolate of S. stercoralis from Gilan Province, northern Iran was cultivated on nutrient agar. After a couple of days, parasites in different stages of life were collected, and total RNA was extracted. The expression levels of astacin and HSP genes were compared by real-time PCR., Results: Statistically higher expression levels of Sst-ast, Sst-hsp-70 , and Sra-hsp-70 genes in L3 larvae than in adults were observed. However, the expression level of Sra-hsp-17.1 was non-significantly lower in the larval stage than in adult worms., Conclusion: Higher expression levels of Sst-ast , Sst-hsp-70 , and Sra-hsp-70 genes in the larval stages of S. stercoralis suggest the potential role of these enzymes in parasite cutaneous invasion and pathogenesis. However, higher expression of Srahsp-17.1 in adult forms is probably involved in resistance and survival mechanisms. The similarity in gene expression between S . stercoralis and S. ratti can provide helpful hints to better understand strongyloidiasis from various perspectives, including pathogenesis, proper diagnosis, and targeted treatment., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright© 2024 Alipour et al. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Objectives: This study aimed to develop an oral succinyl chitosan-coated liposomal formulation containing grape seed extract and assess its therapeutic efficacy in rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis., Materials and Methods: N-succinyl chitosan was synthesized, and the liposomal formulations were prepared and characterized regarding phenolic content assay and morphology. Size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, and stability. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal bleomycin injection, and hydroxyproline measurements, lung weight, animal body weight, as well as histopathological studies were performed., Results: Succinyl chitosan increases the physical stability of the formulation, especially in acidic conditions. Drug release studies revealed that 66.27% of the loaded drug was released from CF2 in an acidic medium in 2 hr, but 92.31% of the drug was released in 8 hr in a pH=7 medium. An in vivo study demonstrated that rats exposed to bleomycin significantly lost weight, while those treated with CF2 (400 mg/kg) partially regained weight. Bleomycin treatment increased the mean lung weight and the amount of hydroxyproline in the lungs; these values were significantly decreased in the group treated with 400 mg/kg CF2 ( P < 0.05). Histopathological examination confirmed that treatment with 400 mg/kg CF2 improved lung fibrosis., Conclusion: In rats, oral administration of N-succinyl chitosan-coated liposomes containing grape seed extract at the 400 mg/kg dose ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

The main goal of bariatric surgery (BS) in patients with morbid obesity is reducing body mass and fat mass (FM). However, body mass loss is systematically accompanied by a decline in fat-free mass (FFM). We aimed to examine the time-course effect of BS on FFM and body FFM percentage (FFM%) in individuals with morbid obesity by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled adult human trials. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science, and Cochrane databases within the period from October 2002 to May 2021, with no restriction in the English language, to find studies assessing the effect of BS on FFM and FFM% in patients with morbid obesity. A meta-analysis of 122 studies carried out on data of 10,758 patients with morbid obesity after BS showed that BS was associated with a substantial decrease in FFM at 1 (-3.47 kg [95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.88, -3.07]), 3 (-5.59 kg [95% CI: -6.01, -5.17], 6 (-6.61 kg [95% CI: -7.25, -5.98]), and 12 (-8.34 kg [95% CI: -9.04, -7.63]) months after the surgery; however, the FFM% increased at 3 (6.51% [95% CI: 5.00, 8.02]), 6 (8.56% [95% CI: 6.81, 10.31], and 12 (11.29% [95% CI: 8.94, 13.64]) months after the surgery. BS was associated with sustained declines in FFM and increases in FFM% from 1-12 months with no indication of plateau phase postoperatively. These findings emphasize that postbariatric care should focus more on FFM loss during the first year after surgery., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The role of trace elements in febrile seizure (FS) was considered recently. The present study was performed evaluating the serum level of selenium in febrile children aged 6-60 months with and without seizure. A cross-sectional study was performed in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Sixty patients aged 6-60 months including 30 children with FS and 30 febrile children without seizure were included. Blood sample was taken, and the serum level of selenium was measured. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Sixteen patients in FS group (53.3%) and 10 patients in febrile group (33.3%) were males with an average age of 25.21 ± 15.91 and 26.47 ± 17.61 months, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups in age and sex (p = 0.77 and p = 0.19, respectively). The serum level of selenium was 87.34 ± 8.23 and 89.63 ± 9.83 µg/L in FS and febrile groups, respectively. Difference was not significant (p = 0.33). In children aged less than 1 year, the serum level of selenium in FS and febrile group was 83.32 ± 6.2 µg/L and 82.55 ± 8.32 µg/L, respectively. Difference was not significant (p = 0.87). In children aged more than 1 year, the serum level of selenium in FS significantly was lower compared to febrile group (87.96 ± 8.42 µg/L and 93.17 ± 8.66 µg/L, respectively, p = 0.04). The serum level of selenium was lower in children aged more than 1 year with febrile seizure compared to febrile ones., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Anovulation is one of the common causes of infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common disorder with chronic Anovulation. To the best of our knowledge, insulin resistance relates significantly to PCOS. Therefore administration of insulin-sensitizing drugs such as pioglitazone can be used for ovulation stimulation in PCO patients., Methods: After obtaining approval from the Ethics Committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 61 patients with PCOS were enrolled in the study based on inclusion/ exclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups. The first group received 30 mg (mg) of pioglitazone daily from the second day of the menstrual period. The second one received a placebo. 150 mg clomiphene citrate was administered from the third to the seventh day of the menstrual cycle. Vaginal sonography was performed in all women, and in cases with the mature follicle, intrauterine insemination was conducted after human chorionic gonadotropin injection. Ovary stimulation and pregnancy rate were compared between groups., Results: There were no differences between groups regard to demographic characteristics and infertility type. Body mass index was higher in the pioglitazone group (28.3 ± 3.8 versus 26.2 ± 3.5, P value = 0.047). The size of the follicle was not significantly different between groups (2.2 ± 1.4 versus 1.3 ± 1.1, P value = 0.742). pregnancy rate [4 (12.9%) versus 4 (13.3%), P value = 1] had no differences between groups., Conclusion: Although the number of follicles was higher in the pioglitazone group, our study showed no differences in ovary stimulation and pregnancy rate., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

We performed a meta-analysis to provide quantitative estimates of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) changes in patients following bariatric surgery over 1 year. A systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases was conducted; the pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Thirty-four studies including Roux en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG) biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and gastric banding (GB) were analyzed. RYGB decreased in body FM (-28.99 kg [31.21, -26.77]) or FM% (-12.73% [-15.14, -10.32]) or FFM (-9.97 kg [-10.93, -9.03]), which were greater than SG and GB. Moreover, the FFM% in RYGB group (11.72% [7.33, 16.11]) was more than SG (5.7% [4.44, 6.95]) and GB (8.1% [6.15, 10.05]) groups. Bariatric surgeries, especially RYGB, might be effective for a decrease in FM and maintenance of FFM in patients with morbid obesity in over 1 year., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Some forms of chronic urticaria (CU) can be specifically attributed to a response to a definite trigger, referred to as chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU). We aimed to assess the demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, natural history, and management of pediatric patients with CIndU., Methods: Over a 6-year period, children presenting to the allergy clinic at the Montreal Children's Hospital (MCH) with CIndU were prospectively recruited. CU was defined as the presence of wheals and/or angioedema, occurring for at least 6 weeks. A standardized diagnostic test was used to establish the presence of a specific form of urticaria. Resolution was defined as the absence of hives for 1 year without treatment., Results: Sixty-four patients presented with CIndU, of which 51.6% were male, with a median age of 12.5 (interquartile range 7.3, 15.9) years. Cold CU and cholinergic CU were the most common subtypes (60.3 and 41.3%, respectively). Basophil counts were undetectable in 48.4% of the cases, and C-reactive protein levels were elevated in 7.8% of patients. Of all cases, 71.4% were controlled with second-generation antihistamines. The resolution rate was of 45.3% (95% confidence interval 33.1-57.5%), based on per-protocol population within the 6-year course of the study. Resolution was more likely in patients who presented with well-controlled urticaria control test scores and elevated CD63 counts and in those suffering from thyroid comorbidity., Conclusion: The natural history of CIndU resolution in pediatric patients was relatively low and was associated with elevated CD63 levels, as well as thyroid comorbidity., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune intraepithelial bullous disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Typically, the management of PV is challenging, with systemic corticosteroids being the mainstay of treatment. We describe the case of a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed with oral PV and successfully treated with topical corticosteroids alone. This case details a pediatric mucosal PV case successfully managed solely with topical corticosteroids., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is the fourth most important intestinal nematode worldwide. The parasite load and larvae count are often low, thus conventional methods are not sufficiently sensitive to detect the infection. In this study we developed an immunoglobulin G-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to detect antibodies against S. stercoralis 14-3-3 protein in patients' sera., Methods: S. stercoralis RNA was extracted and following complementary DNA synthesis, the 708-bp fragment of 14-3-3 protein was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into the pET28a+ expression vector. The 30-kDa recombinant 14-3-3 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells and purified by affinity chromatography. Finally, its immunoreactivity was assessed by indirect ELISA and western blotting., Results: The S. stercoralis 14-3-3 gene was successfully amplified and cloned into an expression vector. The 30-kDa recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography. An ELISA developed in-house detected infected patients' sera with 96% sensitivity., Conclusions: We concluded that the recombinant 14-3-3 protein has enough sensitivity and specificity for detection of strongyloidiasis in human sera and could be applied for serodiagnosis., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

In this study, the modified nanocomposite membrane of polyethersulfone (PES) with NH 2 -MIL-101(Cr) as a metal-organic framework (MOF) is exploited for Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) immobilization. To that end, the various amounts of NH 2 -MIL-101(Cr) nanoparticles are blended into PES casting solution to fabricate ultrafiltration membrane via phase inversion technique. The incorporation efficiency of NH 2 -MIL-101(Cr) nanoparticles on the membrane morphology is investigated using various techniques, namely atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and contact angle goniometry. In terms of water pure flux and CRL immobilization efficiency, the best performance is observed for PES-NH 2 -MIL1% membrane. This bioactive membrane (CRL@GA@PES-NH 2 -MIL1%) displays an improvement in pH and thermal stability and separation performance that makes it a fruitful candidate for using in bioreactors. The examination of the wet- and dry-storage stability of CRL@GA@PES-NH 2 -MIL1% demonstrates the high stability for the wet bioactive membrane. The reusability inspection of CRL@GA@PES-NH 2 -MIL1% represents about 50% conservation of the residual activity after 12 sequential usage cycles., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this study, we have reported the synthesis of graphene oxide nanosheets (GON) and its functionalization with 2, 4, 6-trichloro-1, 3, 5-triazine (TCT) through two routes, (a) directly reaction of GON with TCT (GON-1), and (b) reaction of GON with pre-functionalized TCT with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) (GON-2). Subsequently, GON, GON-1 and GON-2 have been used as supports for immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL). Several techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDS, UV-Vis, CHNS, FTIR and AFM were applied to characterize the nano-structures and success of synthesis, functionalization and CRL immobilization processes. The results corresponding to optimization of immobilization process revealed the following order for values of loading capacity, immobilization yield and leaching of CRL: GON > GON-1 > GON-2, while this order is reversed for, specific activity and recovery activity. The assessment of operational parameters represents the high storage stability and reasonable reusability for all the immobilized CRL while the pH and thermal stability of CRL@GON-2 are higher than two others. It seems the longer linker of GON-2 could more effectively prevent the unfavorable interaction between enzyme-enzyme and enzyme-product that consequently resulted the best catalytic performance, pH and thermal stability. The advantages of these supports make them suitable candidates for practical applications., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

General Purpose: To provide information about the clinical presentation of hypertrophic scars and keloids based on their varied structural components., Target Audience: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care., Learning Objectives/outcomes: After completing this continuing education activity, you should be able to: ABSTRACT: Hypertrophic scars and keloids are firm, raised, erythematous plaques or nodules that manifest when the cicatrix fails to properly heal. They result from pathologic wound healing and often cause pain and decreased quality of life. The appearance of such cosmetically unappealing scars affects the confidence and self-esteem of many patients. These scars can also cause dysfunction by interfering with flexion and extension across joints. Both possess some unique and distinct histochemical and physiologic characteristics that set them apart morphologically and at the molecular level. While these entities have been the focus of research for many years, differentiating between them remains challenging for clinicians.This article reviews the clinical presentation of aberrant scars and illustrates how they can be differentiated. It outlines their pathophysiology and emphasizes the unique molecular mechanisms underlying each disorder. It also examines how altered expression levels and the distribution of several factors may contribute to their unique clinical characteristics and presentation. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal treatments and preventive measures for these types of aberrant scarring.

Linear atrophoderma of Moulin (LAM) is an acquired skin condition that manifests in early childhood and adolescence. It likely represents a form of cutaneous mosaicism that presents with linear, hyperpigmented and atrophic lesions appearing on the trunk and limbs. Its clinical appearance varies and may closely resemble that of atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini (APP) and linear scleroderma. LAM usually follows a benign course and no effective treatment options exist. We present a case of a young and healthy patient that developed such lesions on her upper and lower extremities over 5 years. The initial clinical impression of linear scleroderma was reviewed in favor of LAM following histological examination of the lesions which revealed no significant inflammatory changes. LAM remains a rare and possibly under recognized entity with reports confined only to the dermatologic literature. This case highlights the importance of recognizing LAM and distinguishing it from linear scleroderma given the significant differences in management and prognosis.

Background: Flatfoot has been shown to cause abnormal stresses on the foot and lower extremity. The altered mechanical stresses on these structures can aggravate the foot deformity. Screening of the flatfoot and its associated factors helps detect underlying risks influencing the stresses on the foot. The purpose of this study was to analyze the structure of the medial foot arch and investigate its associated factors in students, aged 7 to 14 years., Methods: Multistage cluster sampling was used and each cluster included 2 other random sampling levels. A total of 667 Iranian school children were recruited and their feet were bilaterally evaluated using a static footprint while standing in a fully weightbearing position. The footprint, an observational measurement, and a questionnaire were used for the foot assessment., Results: The prevalence of flatfoot was 17.1% in the population studied. There was no gender difference but the prevalence of flatfoot did decrease with age. The significant differences were observed in the prevalence of flatfoot between normal-weight, overweight, and obese groups (P < .01); more overweight participants had flatter feet., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that development of the longitudinal plantar arch in school-age children is influenced by age and weight. Age and weight were the primary predictive factors of flatfoot., Levels of Evidence: Prognostic, Level IV: Case series., (© 2015 The Author(s).)

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease with a female predominance characterized as an acute vesicobullous eruption in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we report a case of BSLE in a 16-year-old boy that does not adhere to the criteria originally established and suggest a new outlook on this condition., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)