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As a new class of two-dimensional (2D) materials and a group-VI chalcogen, tellurium (Te) has emerged as a p-type semiconductor with high carrier mobility. Potential applications include high-speed opto-electronic devices for communication. One method to enhance the performance of 2D material-based photodetectors is by integration with a IV group of semiconductors such as silicon (Si). In this work, we demonstrate a self-powered, high-speed, broadband photodetector based on the 2D Te/n-type Si heterojunction. The fabricated Te/n-type Si heterojunction exhibits high performance in the UV-vis-NIR light with a high responsivity of up to ∼250 mA/W and a photocurrent-to-dark current ratio (

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women that is associated with high mortality. Conventional treatments including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which are not effective enough and have disadvantages such as toxicity and damage to healthy cells. Photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer cells has been took great attention by researchers in recent years due to the use of light radiation and heat generation at the tumor site, which thermal ablation is considered a minimally invasive method for the treatment of breast cancer. Nanotechnology has opened up a new perspective in the treatment of breast cancer using PTT method. Through NIR light absorption, researchers applied various nanostructures because of their specific nature of penetrating and targeting tumor tissue, increasing the effectiveness of PTT, and combining it with other treatments. If PTT is used with common cancer treatments, it can dramatically increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the side effects of other methods. PTT performance can also be improved by hybridizing at least two different nanomaterials. Nanoparticles that intensely absorb light and increase the efficiency of converting light into heat can specifically kill tumors through hyperthermia of cancer cells. One of the main reasons that have increased the efficiency of nanoparticles in PTT is their permeability and durability effect and they can accumulate in tumor tissue. Targeted PTT can be provided by incorporating specific ligands to target receptors expressed on the surface of cancer cells on nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can specifically target cancer cells by maintaining the surface area and increasing penetration. In this study, we briefly introduce the performance of light therapy, application of metal nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles, and hybrid nanoparticles for use in PTT of breast cancer.

The elevation of cytokine levels in body fluids has been associated with numerous health conditions. The detection of these cytokine biomarkers at low concentrations may help clinicians diagnose diseases at an early stage. Here, we report an asymmetric geometry MoS2 diode-based biosensor for rapid, label-free, highly sensitive, and specific detection of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine. This sensor is functionalized with TNF-α binding aptamers to detect TNF-α at concentrations as low as 10 fM, well below the typical concentrations found in healthy blood. Interactions between aptamers and TNF-α at the sensor surface induce a change in surface energy that alters the current-voltage rectification behavior of the MoS2 diode, which can be read out using a two-electrode configuration. The key advantages of this diode sensor are the simple fabrication process and electrical readout, and therefore, the potential to be applied in a rapid and easy-to-use, point-of-care, diagnostic tool.

Recently, atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted great interest in electronic and opto-electronic devices for high-integration-density applications such as data storage due to their small vertical dimension and high data storage capability. Here, we report a memristor based on free-standing multilayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with a high current on/off ratio of ∼103 and a stable retention for at least 3000 s. Through light modulation of the carrier density in the suspended MoS2 channel, the on/off ratio can be further increased to ∼105. Moreover, the essential photosynaptic functions with short- and long-term memory (STM and LTM) behaviors are successfully mimicked by such devices. These results also indicate that STM can be transferred to LTM by increasing the light stimuli power, pulse duration, and number of pulses. The electrical measurements performed under vacuum and ambient air conditions propose that the observed resistive switching is due to adsorbed oxygen and water molecules on both sides of the MoS2 channel. Thus, our free-standing 2D multilayer MoS2-based memristors propose a simple approach for fabrication of a low-power-consumption and reliable resistive switching device for neuromorphic applications.

Background and Aim: Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a malignancy of myeloid cells that are associated with resistance to apoptosis and differentiation arrest in promyelocytes in the bone marrow. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Origanum vulgare aqueous extract on apoptosis induction in an acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60). Materials and Methods: The viability of HL-60 cells under treatment with various doses of Origanum vulgare extract was assessed by using a cell cytotoxic assay. Then, IC50 values​​ were determined after 24, 48, and 72 hours. The expression of Caspase8, Caspase9, Bax, Bcl2, and Nrf2 genes were measured by real-time PCR assay and different stages of apoptosis and necrosis in HL-60 cells were investigated using acridine orange/ethidium bromide double staining. Finally, data were introduced into SPSS software and analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed that Origanum vulgare extract decreased HL-60 cell survival and Caspase9, Caspase8, Bax, Bcl2, and Nrf2 gene expressions were changed after 72 hours of treatment with 1/5 of IC50 of Origanum vulgare extract. Also, morphological changes in the nucleus indicated apoptosis induction in HL-60 cells. Conclusion: It seems that the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare leaves can induce apoptosis in an acute promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60) under experimental conditions.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and the most common cause is myocardial infarction. Therefore, appropriate approaches should be used to repair damaged heart tissue. Recently, cardiac tissue engineering approaches have been extensively studied. Since the creation of the nature of cardiovascular tissue engineering, many advances have been made in cellular and scaffolding technologies. Due to the hydrated and porous structures of the hydrogel, they are used as a support matrix to deliver cells to the infarct tissue. In heart tissue regeneration, bioactive and biodegradable hydrogels are required by simulating native tissue microenvironments to support myocardial wall stress in addition to preserving cells. Recently, the use of nanostructured hydrogels has increased the use of nanocomposite hydrogels and has revolutionized the field of cardiac tissue engineering. Therefore, to overcome the limitation of the use of hydrogels due to their mechanical fragility, various nanoparticles of polymers, metal, and carbon are used in tissue engineering and create a new opportunity to provide hydrogels with excellent properties. Here, the types of synthetic and natural polymer hydrogels, nanocarbon-based hydrogels, and other nanoparticle-based materials used for cardiac tissue engineering with emphasis on conductive nanostructured hydrogels are briefly introduced.

Background In this study we investigated the therapeutic potential of the phytosomal form of pharmacologically active component of Curcuma longa, curcumin, in attenuating Post-operative adhesion bands (PSAB) formation in both peritoneal and peritendinous surgeries in animal models. Methods Bio-mechanical, Histological and quantitative evaluation of inflammation, and total fibrosis scores were graded and measured in the presence and absence of phytosomal curcumin. Results Our results showed that phytosomal curcumin significantly decreased severity, length, density and tolerance of mobility of peritendinous adhesions as well as incidence and severity of abdominal fibrotic bands post-surgery. We showed that curcumin could decrease inflammation by attenuating recruitment of inflammatory cells and regulating oxidant/anti-oxidant balance in post-operative tissue samples. Moreover, markedly lower fibrosis scores were obtained in the adhesive tissues of phytosomal curcumin-treated groups which correlated with a significant decrease in quantity, quality and grading of fibers, and collagen deposition in animal models. Conclusion These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of phytosomal curcumin, has therapeutic potential for preventing PSAB formation.”

Self-powered broadband photodetectors have attracted great interest due to their applications in biomedical imaging, integrated circuits, wireless communication systems, and optical switches. Recently, significant research is being carried out to develop high-performance self-powered photodetectors based on thin 2D materials and their heterostructures due to their unique optoelectronic properties. Herein, a vertical heterostructure based on p-type 2D WSe2 and n-type thin film ZnO is realized for photodetectors with a broadband response in the wavelength range of 300–850 nm. Due to the formation of a built-in electric field at the WSe2/ZnO interface and the photovoltaic effect, this structure exhibits a rectifying behavior with a maximum photoresponsivity and detectivity of ∼131 mA W−1 and ∼3.92 × 1010 Jones, respectively, under an incident light wavelength of λ = 300 nm at zero voltage bias. It also shows a 3-dB cut-off frequency of ∼300 Hz along with a fast response time of ∼496 μs, making it suitable for high-speed self-powered optoelectronic applications. Furthermore, the facilitation of charge collection under reverse voltage bias results in a photoresponsivity as high as ∼7160 mA W−1 and a large detectivity of ∼1.18 × 1011 Jones at a bias voltage of −5 V. Hence, the p-WSe2/n-ZnO heterojunction is proposed as an excellent candidate for high-performance, self-powered, and broadband photodetectors.

The role of various parasitic infections in the occurrence of appendicitis is illustrated through cases recorded all over the world. The purpose of the current study was to estimate the global prevalence of parasite infestation (other than E. vermicularis) in appendectomy specimens. In the setting of the PRISMA guidelines, multiple databases (Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were explored in articles published until 28 September 2020. Totally, 62 studies (106 datasets) with 77, 619 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of parasites in appendectomy samples was as follows; 0.012% (95% CI; 0.004–0.025) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.004% (95% CI; 0.001–0.009) for Trichuris trichiura, 0.025% (95% CI; 0.007–0.052) for Schistosoma mansoni, 0.002% (95% CI; 0.001–0.005) for Taenia spp., 0.061% (95% CI; 0.020–0.122) for Entamoeba histolytica and 0.034% (95% CI; 0.018–0.056) for Giardia lamblia. Our results demonstrated that the risk of appendicitis may increase in the presence of helminth and protozoan infections. As such, the most cases of parasites in appendectomy specimens were reported in developing countries. Regular screening plans for diagnosis, treatment and prevention are needed for prevention of parasitic infection as well as parasitic associated appendicitis, especially in endemic regions of the world.

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections, and several studies have reported the prevalence of UTI caused by ESBL-producing E.coli strains in different cities of Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibiotic resistant UTI factors in outpatients and determine the prevalence of ctx-m gene in ESBL-producing E. coli strains of Bonab (East Azerbaijan, Iran). Materials & Methods: In 2015, 266 clinical isolates of E. coli were collected from clinical laboratories in Bonab. Phenotypic screening and confirmation tests for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) were carried out using disk diffusion (Kirby Bauer) method. All of the ESBL producing isolates were tested by PCR using specific primers. A total of 10 PCR products were randomly selected and purified and subsequently sent for sequencing. Results & Discussion: The maximum resistance was seen regarding ampicillin (67.3 %) and the maximum sensitivity was seen regarding imipenem (92.5%). In this study, 45 % of isolates were multidrug resistance, which showed at least resistance for three antibiotics. Out of 154 isolates, 58 (37.7%) isolates were ESBL producers which 94.8% of isolates contained ctx-m gene. The prevalence of the ctx-m gene, as in other parts of Iran and the world, is high in Bonab. For the treatment of infections suspected to be an ESBL producer, appropriate antibiotics should be selected, and strains that have decreased their sensitivity to ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and cefetoxin should be considered for ESBL genes.

Fatigue in shape memory alloys is one of the crucial aspects of their behavior; however, the current knowledge is mainly focused on uniaxial fatigue and is inadequate for engineering purposes. In this article, a fatigue criterion based on the stabilized dissipated energy has been presented to investigate the torsional low-cycle fatigue of superelastic shape memory alloys. To this aim, a one-dimensional torsional constitutive model in addition to a modified fully coupled thermomechanical model has been utilized so that the torsional cyclic responses especially in relatively high loading frequencies, which contribute to remarkable temperature variations and consequent response changes, could be taken into account. The calculated stabilized dissipated energy, then, has been used in an energy approach fatigue criterion in order to predict the fatigue life; hence, an explicit relation, which is capable of determining the number of cycles to failure for different loading conditions at a given loading frequency, has been obtained. The numerical results have been appraised for NiTi specimens, and they have been shown to be in a good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, using the proposed approach, the effect of fatigue test parameters on the fatigue life has been studied.

MicroRNAs are identified to take actively part in the development of different cancers. Reduced expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs leads to cancer cell development, so restoring the expression of these miRNAs can be an appropriate treatment option for cancer. Due to the heterogeneity of cancer cells, single-drug therapy often results in drug resistance. Therefore, the combination of chemotherapy with miRNA can be a powerful strategy for cancer treatment. In the current investigation, miR-34a mimic, and negative control were purchased and transfected using jetPEI reagents. Then the synergic effects of miR-34a in combination with doxorubicin were investigated on cell death of acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cell line, as well as the expression of some genes including Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and p53 which are involved in apoptosis. Our outcomes showed that this combination remarkably reduced the expression of the Bcl-2 gene, the target gene of miR-34a. According to the results of the MTT assay, the survival rate was significantly decreased compared to the untreated cells. Results of the flow cytometry assay and DAPI staining demonstrated an increased apoptosis rate of Jurkat cells in combination therapy. Moreover, cell cycle arrest was observed at the G2/M phase in cells that were treated with miR-34a/doxorubicin. Most importantly, we showed that the transfection of the Jurkat cells with miR-34a increased the sensitivity of these cells to doxorubicin. Furthermore, the combination of miR-34a and doxorubicin drug effectively increased apoptosis of treated cells. Therefore, this method can be used as an impressive treatment for T-ALL. MicroRNAs are identified to take actively part in the development of different cancers. Reduced expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs leads to cancer cell development, so restoring the expression of these miRNAs can be an appropriate treatment option for cancer. Due to the heterogeneity of cancer cells, single-drug therapy often results in drug resistance. Therefore, the combination of chemotherapy with miRNA can be a powerful strategy for cancer treatment. In the current investigation, miR-34a mimic, and negative control were purchased and transfected using jetPEI reagents. Then the synergic effects of miR-34a in combination with doxorubicin were investigated on cell death of acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cell line, as well as the expression of some genes including Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and p53 which are involved in apoptosis. Our outcomes showed that this combination remarkably reduced the expression of the Bcl-2 gene, the target gene of miR-34a. According to the results of the MTT assay, the survival rate was significantly decreased compared to the untreated cells. Results of the flow cytometry assay and DAPI staining demonstrated an increased apoptosis rate of Jurkat cells in combination therapy. Moreover, cell cycle arrest was observed at the G2/M phase in cells that were treated with miR-34a/doxorubicin. Most importantly, we showed that the transfection of the Jurkat cells with miR-34a increased the sensitivity of these cells to doxorubicin. Furthermore, the combination of miR-34a and doxorubicin drug effectively increased apoptosis of treated cells. Therefore, this method can be used as an impressive treatment for T-ALL.

Despite the recent advances in the treatment of other cancers, the 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer remains under 9 %. Chemotherapy and surgical resection are the most common therapy methods. The regulatory role of microRNAs in different types of cancer has given them therapeutic importance. miR-612 has been downregulated in colorectal, bladder, liver, and some other types of cancer and could be considered a tumor-suppressor miRNA. 5-FU is one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents used in pancreatic cancer treatment, which is used in multiple drug regimens and combinatorial therapy methods. The aim of this study is the evaluation of miR-612 restoration in the PANC-1 cell line and using the tumor-suppressive effect of it in combination with 5-FU on cell growth and migration. MiR-612 mimic was transfected to PANC-1 cells through electroporation. Following the transfection, expression levels of miR-612 and BAX, BCL-2, Caspase-3, MMP9, and PD-L1 genes were measured by qRT-PCR. MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of miR-612 and 5-FU on PANC-1 cell viability. To confirm MTT results and to evaluate the quantitative effect of apoptosis induction flow cytometry test was used and in order to confirm apoptosis test results and cell cycle arrest evaluation DAPI staining and cell, cycle tests were conducted, respectively. Finally, to assess the inhibitory effect of miR-612 in combination with 5-FU on migration and growth wound healing and colony formation assays were used, respectively. Results demonstrated that miR-612 alongside 5-FU has an important role in the inhibition of migration and growth and also apoptosis induction in PANC-1 cells and could be considered as a supporting agent of chemotherapy and a novel therapeutic modality in pancreatic cancer treatment., EXCLI Journal; 20:Doc160; ISSN 1611-2156

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women that is responsible for the most of the cancer-related death in worldwide. Drug resistance is remaining as a significant clinical obstacle to treat BC patients effectively. Therefore, to help overcome this problem, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of drug resistance. microRNAs classify as highly conserved non-coding RNAs (~22 nucleotides) and interact with mRNAs-coding genes for direct post-transcriptional repression. It has been reported that miR-21 is overexpressed and also acts as oncomiR in many human malignancies by targeting of several tumor suppressor genes–associated with apoptosis, proliferation and metastasis. Specifically, it has been reported that miR-21 is responsible for the drug resistance and its overexpression is related to the development of Multi Drug Resistance (MDR) in breast cancer. In this review, we discussed about the role of miR-21 on the drug resistance of breast cancer.

In this study, we investigated the design and construct of a chitosan (CA)-based targeted gene delivery system and evaluated its function. To this end, CA-folic acid/pDNA (CA-FA/pDNA) nanoparticles were prepared in different formulations using the ion gelation method. All the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, TEM, SEM and DLS. Moreover, the effects of molecular weight (MW) of CA, DNA, and CA concentration were inspected on encapsulation efficiency (EE). The results showed that the EE of pDNA was directly proportional with MW of CA and CA concentration but was in an inverse proportion with DNA concentration. In addition, high MW of CA and low MW of CA nanoparticles showed lower and higher pDNA release in all pH ranges, respectively. It is concluded that the N/P ratio increase can cause controlled pDNA release.

In this study, the Aspergillus niger L-arginase was expressed in Pichia pastorise and immobilized on Kappa-carrageenan crosslinked magnetic folic acid-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles (magnetic-FA/CTS NPs). L-arginase gene was isolated and cloned in pGAPZ[Formula: see text]A plasmid and transformed in P. pastoris. The purified L-arginase was loaded on magnetic-FA/CTS NPs nanocomposites and the structure of the synthesized nano-carriers was investigated using SEM, FT-IR and DLS techniques. Prepared formulations showed high encapsulation efficiency (91.93%). In vitro release and cytotoxic studies were performed at different pH (pH of 4–8) and against Molt-4 cancer cell line, respectively.

Background Increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii isolates coupled with survival ability in adverse conditions has made this pathogen a serious threat to global health. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine biofilm forming genes and antibiotic resistance profiles of A. baumannii clinical isolates in Tabriz, North-west Iran. Methods A total of 100 A. baumannii strains were isolated from hospitalized patients in Tabriz city, northwest of Iran. The isolates were detected through standard microbiological and biochemical tests and blaOXA-51 detection. After the examination of antibiotic resistance profile, the biofilm formation capacity was investigated by a microtitre plate assay. The presence of bap and ompA genes related to biofilm-forming was examined by PCR reaction. Results The highest resistance rate was observed against meropenem (100%), tigecycline (100%), and ceftizoxime (99%), respectively. Analysis for resistance to different antibiotic classes revealed that 100% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), and 79% of them were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Overall, 84% of the isolates were able to produce biofilm that 3.57% (3/84) of them were strongly capable to form a biofilm. All of the strong biofilm-forming A. baumannii isolates were found as XDR. Also, 100% of the isolates had the ompA gene, and 89% of them were positive for the bap gene. Conclusion Our findings revealed a high prevalence of biofilm-forming and biofilm-related genes of bap and ompA in MDR A. baumannii strains in the study region. Based on our results, there is a correlation between the presence of the bap gene and biofilm formation.

Purpose This research aims to provide a comparative study of the effect of conventional zinc phosphate (ZP) and zinc aluminium phosphate (ZPA) representing second generation of phosphate-based anticorrosion pigments on the protective performance and physical mechanical properties of a solvent-borne polyurethane (PU) coating. Design/methodology/approach The two pigments were incorporated into the coating at optimum pigment volume concentration. To evaluate the protective performance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used. The effect of modification of ZP on the physical–mechanical properties of the coatings was studied through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Moreover, Micro Vickers hardness and pull-off tests were used to evaluate the hydrolytic coating degradation. Findings EIS revealed the superior protective function of coatings incorporated with ZPA compared to those formulated with ZP. This behaviour might be attributed to the release of sufficient inhibiting species because of partial dissolving of the anticorrosive pigments when an electrolyte penetrates into the coating. In addition, the effectiveness of modification of ZP on the physical–mechanical properties of coatings was shown. Research limitations/implications As a classical replacement for the toxic chromates, ZP has been widely used in the formulation of protective coatings. However, undesirable inhibitive function of the pigment arising from its low solubility has made modification necessary. Because of the modified solubility, second generation of phosphate-based anticorrosion pigments has been reported to reveal superior performance. Originality/value According to the literature, no report can be found studying the effect of the second generation of phosphate-based anticorrosion pigments on the physical–mechanical properties of PU coatings. The main goal of this work is to study the correlation between physical–mechanical properties and anticorrosion performance of the PU coatings.

Androgens play a key role in spermatogenesis, and their functions are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). Some mutations in the AR gene have the potential to alter the primary structure and function of the protein. The aim of this study was to investigate the AR gene mutations in a cohort of males with idiopathic azoospermia referred to Royan Institute. Fifty-one biopsy samples were obtained for routine clinical purposes from 15 men with hypospermatogenesis (HS), 17 patients with maturation arrest (MA) and 19 patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS). The AR cDNAs were prepared from tissue mRNAs and were sequenced. One synonymous variant and three nonsynonymous protein coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) were detected. Protein structure prediction demonstrated that the S815I and M746T nonsynonymous variants would affect protein structure and its normal function. Our study suggests that mutations in the AR gene would change or disturb the receptor's normal activity. Although these variations may influence spermatogenesis, it is difficult to say that they lead to a lack of spermatogenesis.

Numerous diseases caused by fungal pathogens influence the annual production of sugar beet. In order to obtain a plant resistant to fungi, genetic transformation has been applied to the sugar beet. To invade a plant tissue, phytopathogenic fungi produce several cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs); polygalacturonases (PGs) are pathogenicity factors produced at the earlier stages of a fungal infection that depolymerize the homogalacturonan. One of the strategies used by plants to limit the degradation of the cell wall polysaccharides by fungal CWDEs is the production of proteinaceous inhibitors. Against fungal, microbial, and insect PGs, plants produce cell wall-associated polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs). The overexpression of PGIPs improves the resistance to fungal and bacterial necrotrophs in different plants. In this research, the gene encoding the PGIP1 fused downstream of the leader sequence for secretion in the extracellular environment was isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris and cloned into the expression vector pBI121 for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of sugar beet. Modified transformation protocol and selection strategies were developed. In comparison with the preexisting methods, the transformation efficiency was increased and different cultivars were transformed, highlighting the general effectiveness of the method applied. The presence of the transgene and the activity of PvPGIP1 were confirmed by PCR and agarose diffusion assay analyses, respectively, and the present and copy number of the transgene in the T0 plants' genome were demonstrated by Southern blot.

Diagnosis of blunt tracheobronchial injuries can be challenging. These injuries may appear within months or years following the initial trauma. In general, diagnosis and treatment of delayed presentation of tracheobronchial injuries are uncommon. Herein, we present the case of a 48-year-old woman with complete transection of the right bronchus that was diagnosed 50 days after the initial trauma. Reconstructive surgery of the bronchus was performed successfully without any need for pulmonary resection.

Background: Recently experimental validation of the networks revealed bach1, a basic leucine zipper transcription factor, as the common regulator of several functional invasive genes. The expression of bach1 and its target genes was linked to the higher risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of specific bach1 small interfering RNAs, on the invasive and expression level of miR-203, miR-145, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and CXCR4 receptor which play a role in cancer metastasis, in MDA-MB-468 cell lines. Methods: Small interfering RNA transfection was performed with transfection regent. The survival effects of small interfering RNA were determined using trypan blue assay cells. The expression level of messenger RNA and matrix metalloproteinase-9 to assess cell invasion and the expression level of miR-203, miR-145, and CXCR4 receptor were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis on the MDA-MB-468 cell lines. Results: Transfection with small interfering RNA significantly suppressed the expression of bach1 gene in dose-dependent manner after 48 h ( p Conclusions: Our results suggest that the bach1-specific small interfering RNA effectively decrease CXCR4 receptor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and breast adenocarcinoma cells invasive, also increased the expression of tumor-suppressive microRNA-203 and miR-145. Thus, these microRNAs may play a role in invasive/metastasis of carcinogenic breast cancer cells. Therefore, bach1 knockdown can be considered as a potent adjuvant in breast cancer therapy.

Chitinases are chitin-degrading enzymes that have wide biotechnological applications in the fields of medicine, agriculture and the industry. Production of chitinase on an industrial scale requires high protein expression. Pichia pastoris yeast is an important host for the rapid production and high levels of recombinant proteins. In this project, the fungal chit33 enzyme was expressed and purified in Pichia pastoris X-33, and the purified enzyme was immobilised to enhance the sustainability, activity, and reuse on the magnetite κ-carrageenan/chitosan nanocomposite as a biocatalyst. The synthesised nanoparticle was characterised using FTIR, SEM and EDS analysis. According to the results of enzyme activity measurement under different pH conditions, the temperature and time of the stabilised enzyme showed better activity and stability than the free enzyme. Compared to free enzyme and chitosan beads, in the magnetic κ-carrageenan/chit36 substrate the specific activity, pH tolerance, optimum temperature of the enzyme was improved. The enzyme stabilised in the magnetic cariogenic/chit33 substrate at 70°C maintains about 80% of its enzyme activity relative to the magnetic chitosan/chit36 bead and maintains about 40% of its activity after eight cycles of re-use of the enzyme.

Estimating the functional as well as structural fatigue life of shape memory alloy (SMA) components has become a challenging issue for researchers. In current work, by considering the effects of large deformations, a rate-dependent energy-based model is developed to predict behavior of SMA helical springs under cyclic mechanical loadings. The effects of strain rate, convective heat transfer coefficient, and mean applied displacement to an SMA spring on its responses are investigated. SMA springs are fabricated through shape setting NiTi wires, and simple tension and fatigue tests are conducted on the fabricated specimens at different temperatures. Fatigue curves are presented in terms of variations in the amount of dissipated energy in stabilized force-displacement response with the number of cycles to failure. The amount of dissipated energy is calculated using the developed model, and the theoretically-predicted fatigue lives are shown to be in a good agreement with experimental results. Therefore, the presented approach is found to be a reliable method to predict lifetime of SMA springs in practice. The fatigue curves confirm the influence of loading frequency on the fatigue life.

Chitin, a polysaccharide, is abundant in nature and this substrate can be easily hydrolyzed by chitinase. Pharmaceutical and industrial applications of chitinase are considerably noteworthy, therefore in this study, high scale production of Chit36 enzyme was targeted using the E. coli pET expression system. The purified Chit36 enzyme was immobilized in Ca 2+ -cross linked alginate/sepiolite (AlgSep) nanocomposite beads for improving the catalytic activity and stability of Chit36 enzyme during the biocatalytic process. Immobilized enzymes require optimal conditions different from soluble enzymes. The AlgSep nanocomposite can save spatial structure and activity of the enzyme which is critical for enzyme immobilization. The catalytic activity and specific activity of the Chit36 entrapped in alginate nanocomposite beads were evaluated. Results showed that the activity of immobilized Chit36 in Ca-Alginate sepiolite composites beads (3.10 ± 0.63 U/g gel) was higher than that of immobilized Chit36 in Ca-alginate beads (3.95 ± 0.40 U/g gel). Also, the specific activity of Chit36 in AlgSep nanocomposite beads (22.9 ± 1.521 U/mg protein) was higher than the immobilized Chit36 in sepiolite-free alginate beads (8.52 ± 0.758 U/mg protein). The promising results obtained from this study would have beneficial pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Annexins II, V, and VI belong to a family of Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins that have been involved mainly in signal transduction, differentiation, membrane trafficking events, or binding to the extracellular matrix, or that might be effective as Ca(2+)-channels. They are abundant in the mammalian myocardium and might play a role in ventricular remodeling and altered calcium handling during heart failure. To test this hypothesis, we compared the expression and distribution of these annexins in nonfailing (n = 9) and failing human hearts with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 11). Northern blot and slot blot analysis were used to determine the annexin mRNA levels and Western blots were used to quantify the amounts of annexin proteins. Distribution of annexins was studied by immunohistofluorescence labeling and compared with that of a sarcolemmal marker (Na+/K(+)-ATPase) and of a myofibrillar protein (alpha-actinin). We showed that nonfailing hearts contained a higher amount of annexin VI than of annexin V or II (13.5 +/- 1.8, 3.7 +/- 0.2, and 2.5 +/- 0.5 microg/mg protein, respectively). In failing hearts, there was a parallel increase in both mRNA and protein levels of annexin II (146% and 132%, p < 0.05, respectively) and annexin V (152%, p < 0.01, 147%, p < 0.005, respectively); the protein level of annexin VI was also increased (117%, p < 0.05), whereas the increase of its mRNA level was statistically insignificant. We observed a predominant localization of annexin II in interstitium, and of annexins V and VI in cardiomyocytes at the level of the sarcolemma, T-tubules, and intercalated disks in nonfailing hearts, whereas in failing hearts enlarged interstitium contained all three annexins. Furthermore, annexin V staining at the level of cardiomyocytes almost disappeared. In conclusion, we showed that heart failure is accompanied by marked overexpression of annexins II and V, as well as translocation of annexin V from cardiomyocytes to interstitial tissue. The data suggest that annexins may contribute to ventricular remodeling and annexin V to impaired Ca2+ handling in failing heart.

Researchers have raised the notion of second Language communication strategies at the beginning of 1970s. These strategies have been defined as a mutual attempt of two interlocutors to agree on a meaning in situations where requisite meaning structures do not seem to be shared. This study was an attempt to investigate lexical and discourse-based communication strategies used by teachers as opposed to previous studies which have considered communication strategies used by students. The study focused on Iranian English as Foreign Language (EFL) teachers and conducted in Miyandoab, Iran. For this purpose forty teachers were selected from English language institutes. An integrated taxonomy of scholars was used as a questionnaire. Quantitative data analysis techniques were then used to analyze the data. A paired t-test was used to analyze the collected data. Principal statistical analyses including frequencies, means, and standard deviations revealed that there was a significant difference between teachers in terms of using lexical and discourse- based communication strategies. The results showed that the EFL teachers used achievement lexical based Communication Strategies to compensate the break downs and they mostly used discourse-based communication strategies to enhance the effectiveness of communication and to show the salience of the topic. The findings of this study will have some pedagogical implications for the area of English language teaching and learning. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n2p317

This study intends to shed light on the most occurring grammatical and lexical (pragmatic) errors which students make in their compositions. For this purpose, 23 male and female undergraduate students from different majors were asked to take part in the present study. Each week, for four weeks, students were asked to write 4 compositions on predetermined topics. Students’ writings were analyzed for errors based on a linguistic Category Taxonomy and the frequency of errors for each category was calculated. Two kinds of corrective feedback were devised based on the type of errors observed, deductive (explicit) explanation of interlingual errors and inductive (implicit) clarification of intralingual errors. After the treatment, students wrote four more compositions and the frequencies of errors for the two sets of writings were compared to see if any significant changes had occurred. It was found that the most errors were of interlingual category (71%). It was also concluded that in 22 out of 26 categoties, the frequency of errors decreased. Deductive (explicit) teaching of interlingual and also inductive (implicit) teaching of intralingual erroneous points decreased the error frequency of students. Moreover, interlingual errors were more affected than intralingual in case of error reduction.

Background: Parkinson's disease comes second comparing to Alzheimer's disease being responsible for nerve destructing diseases; it is a complex and multifactorial disease. Gene associated studies help to identify the genetic factors that introduce the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in different genes as genetic risk factors for non-Mendelian Parkinson's disease in diverse populations. We intended to study the association of VDR (Vitamin D Receptor) gene polymorphisms with Parkinson's disease in south western Iranian population. Results: In the present study 150 patients with Parkinson's disease and 160 Healthy controls from an Iranian population were genotyped for two polymorphic sites. The prevalence of VDR polymorphisms in two restriction fragment length polymorphism sites including FokI and ApaI were analyzed in patients and controls. Our data demonstrated no significant association between VDR FokI polymorphism and PD, whereas the ApaI polymorphism showed a significant association with PD in Iranian patient. Also no association between the age at onset, the male-female ratio and the VDR polymorphism in the PD group was detected. Conclusions: In conclusion these results determined that VDR ApaI (TG and GG) genotype might affect development of PD in our study population. There was no association between FokI polymorphism and the risk of PD. Our results were analogous only with American/Hungarian Caucasian race.

The malachite green microtube (MGMT) susceptibility assay was performed directly on sputum specimens ( n = 80) and indirectly on Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates ( n = 60). The technique is based on the malachite green dye, which changes color in response to M. tuberculosis growth. The MGMT assay is simple and rapid and does not require expensive instruments.