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Abstract Roots play a crucial role in plant development, serving to absorb water and nutrients from the soil while also providing structural stability. However, the impacts of global warming can impede root growth by altering soil conditions that hinder overall plant growth. To address this challenge, there is a need to screen and identify plant genotypes with superior Root System Architecture traits (RSA), that can be used for future breeding efforts in enhancing their resilience to these environmental changes. In this project, 500 mid to late-maturity soybean accessions were grown on blue blotting papers hydroponically with six replicates and assessed seven RSA traits. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) were carried out with root phenotypic data and SNP data from the SoySNP50K iSelect SNP BeadChip, using both the TASSEL 5.0 and FarmCPU techniques. A total of 26 significant SNP-trait correlations were discovered, with 11 SNPs on chromosome 13. After SNP selection, we identified 14 candidate genes within 100-kb regions flanking the SNPs, which are related to root architecture. Notably, Glyma.17G258700, which exhibited substantial differential expression in root tips and its Arabidopsis homolog, AT4G24190 (GRP94) is involved in the regulation of meristem size and organization. Other candidate genes includes Glyma.03G023000 and Glyma.13G273500 that are also play a key role in lateral root initiation and root meristem growth, respectively. These findings significantly contribute to the discovery of key genes associated with root system architecture, facilitating the breeding of resilient cultivars adaptable to changing climates.

Abstract T helper (Th) 17 cells, a distinct subset of Th lymphocytes, are known for their prominent interleukin (IL)-17 production and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cells exhibit remarkable plasticity, allowing them to exhibit different phenotypes in the cancer microenvironment. This adaptability enables Th17 cells to promote tumor progression by immunosuppressive activities and angiogenesis, but also mediate anti-tumor immune responses through employing immune cells in tumor setting or even by directly converting toward Th1 phenotype and producing interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This dual role of Th17 cells in cancer makes it a double-edged sword in encountering cancer. In this review, we aim to elucidate the complexities of Th17 cell function in cancer by summarizing recent studies and, ultimately, to design novel therapeutic strategies, especially targeting Th17 cells in the tumor milieu, which could pave the way for more effective cancer treatments.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide. This abstract provides an overview of the clinical features and underlying pathogenesis of AD, highlighting the role of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in its development and progression. AD presents with distinct clinical manifestations that evolve with age, starting in infancy with dry, itchy skin and red patches, which can lead to sleep disturbances. In childhood, the rash spreads to flexural areas, resulting in lichenification. In adulthood, lesions may localize to specific areas, including the hands and eyelids. Pruritus (itchiness) is a hallmark symptom, often leading to excoriations and increased vulnerability to skin infections. The pathogenesis of AD is multifaceted, involving genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Skin barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, genetic predisposition, microbiome alterations, and environmental triggers contribute to its development. Recent research has uncovered the role of miRNAs, such as miR-10a-5p, miR-29b, miR-124, miR-143, miR-146a-5p, miR-151a, miR-155, and miR-223, in AD pathogenesis. These microRNAs play crucial roles in regulating various aspects of immune responses, keratinocyte dynamics, and inflammation. MicroRNA-10a-5p orchestrates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, while miR-29b regulates keratinocyte apoptosis and barrier integrity. MicroRNA-124 exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway. MicroRNANA-143 counters allergic inflammation by modulating IL-13 signaling. MicroRNA-146a-5p regulates immune responses and correlates with IgE levels in AD. MicroRNA-151a shows diagnostic potential and modulates IL-12 receptor β2. MicroRNA-155 plays a central role in immune responses and Th17 cell differentiation, offering diagnostic and therapeutic potential. MicroRNA-223 is linked to prenatal smoke exposure and immune modulation in AD. Understanding these microRNAs' intricate roles in AD pathogenesis promises more effective treatments, personalized approaches, and enhanced diagnostic tools. Further research into these molecular orchestrators may transform the landscape of AD management, improving the quality of life for affected individuals.

Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide. Methods: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and received normal saline through gavage (control), acrylamide 20 mg/kg body weight, acrylamide plus probiotic microorganisms (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus thermophilus and fructooligosaccharides, all mixed in sachets) 20 or 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively. After 30 days, the testis, prostate, seminal vesicle and cerebellum were removed, fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H & E). The Johnsen score was used to classify spermatogenesis. Cavalieri's principle method was used to evaluate the total volume (in mm3) of the testes. The number of each intratubular cell type as well as intertubular Leydig cells in whole samples was measured using the physical dissector counting techniques. Stereological analysis and the grids were used to determine the volume of cerebellar layers as well as the Purkinje cell number. Results: The testis weight decreased significantly in the acrylamide- treated group compared to the other groups (P

Abstract Background Adult tendon tissue has limited and slow regenerative capacity. Sambucus nigra plant possesses antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory attributes. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of this plant's fruit on superficial digital flexor tendon repair in rabbits (SDFT). Methods Twenty‐five male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 1.5–2 kg were selected, quarantined and randomly divided into four groups of six. By performing a partial left posterior limb tenotomy, differentiating the SDFT and creating multiple scrapes were performed. During 3 consecutive days post‐surgery, the positive control group was injected with 0.5 mg/kg dexamethasone, whereas the treatment groups received extract doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The negative control group did not receive any medication. Evaluation of sonographic and histopathological parameters was conducted on days 0, 7 and 28 post‐surgeries. Findings were analysed and compared using SPSS22. Results Both treatment groups showed significant differences in echogenicity, and collagen fibre alignment compared to the control and positive control groups, in sonographic evaluation. Histopathological examination revealed fewer inflammatory cells and increased collagen fibre formation in the treatment groups compared to the other two groups. No significant difference in angiogenesis was observed among the groups on days 7 and 28 (p value

In this study, an investigation was carried out to establish a correlation between microhardness and microstructure in dissimilar combination of QP980 and SPFC780Y high strength steel resistance spot welds. Optical microscope with a scanning electron microscope were used for metallography analysis for all regions of the weldment, while Vickers microhardness was implemented to present the hardness profile. It was observed that high heat input provided by high welding current and welding time can increase the mechanical performance and present the hard martensite in the fusion zone (FZ). Softening phenomena were observed in the heat-affected zone (SCHAZ) of both materials with a higher occurrence in SPFC780Y side attributed to the presence of tempered martensite. The microhardness of the FZ was found to be lower than the UCHAZ of QP980 as a result of SPFC780Y dilution in FZ affecting its chemistry and thus hardenability, microstructure and mechanical performance. The study confirms that a significant content of Silicon (Si) and Manganese (Mn) positively contributes to improving mechanical performance. Furthermore, the study introduces an effective method to confirm the symmetry of the weld and FZ chemical composition induced by the asymmetric thermophysical properties in the studied combination. It also allows for the prediction of the occurrence of softening phenomena before the welding operation, providing valuable insights for optimizing the resistance spot welding processes.

Introduction Hyssopus officinalis L. belongs to the family Lamiaceae, and is one of the endangered endemic species in Iran. This plant is rich in essential oil, flavonoids, monoterpene glycosides, trypanocidal terpenoids, rosmarinic acid, and linolenic acid6. The main compounds of the essential oil from H. officinalis L. collected from natural habitats are α-pinene, Sabinene, 3-Carene, Beta-Pinene, Cis- Pinocamphone, Myrtenol, Pinocamphone and Camphor. The environmental factors cause changes in the growth, quantity, and quality of active substances (such as alkaloids, glycosides, steroids and volatile oils) in the medicinal and aromatic plants. Among environmental stresses, water deficit stress plays an important role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants in arid and semi-arid regions like Iran. Drought stress has detrimental effects on growth and yield and can upset the balance between the antioxidant defense system and free radicals by stimulating a series of biochemical reactions, where free radicals cause cell damage. In sustainable production systems of medicinal and aromatic plants, stable quantitative and qualitative functions can be achieved under conditions of environmental stress and it is possible to improve the production of secondary metabolites in these plants under adverse environmental conditions. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the organic elicitors on the physiological and phytochemical properties of H.officinalis to determine and introduce the best elicitor under water stress. Materials and Methods This investigation was done from spring (May) 2022 to fall (September) 2023 at the Research Farm (latitude. 32°20′ N, longitude. 50°51′ E, altitude. 2061 m). Based on the Köppen climate classification, the climate of the area of study is classified as cold and semiarid. The present study was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to investigate the effect of foliar application of different organic elicitors (chitosan, salicylic acid and phenylalanine) with control level (without any spraying) on the physiological and phytochemical characters of H. officinalis L. In each year, treatments were performed in 3 stages (end of vegetative, beginning of flowering and 50% of flowering) and in full flowering, harvesting was done. 3 irrigation regimes (4, 6, 8 day interval) in main plots and foliar application of elicitors in sub plots were done. The essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed using GC/MS. Results and Discussion According to obtained results, applied organic elicitors significantly influenced the physiological and phytochemical characters of H. officinalis L. However the assayed traits showed slightly variation during the studied years. In two years, the highest chlorophyll content (17.12-17.31 mg.Kg-1 FW) and total phenol content (1.77-1.81 mg.g-1 DW) were obtained in chitosan (0.5 mg.l-1) and phenyl alanine (1000 mg.l-1) treatments respectively. In most of measured characters, plants treated with chitosan (0.5 mg.l-1) and phenyl alanine (1000 mg.l-1) were in the same group. Amounts of some characters in plants treated with phenyl alanine (2000 mg.l-1) and salicylic acid (3 mM) lesser than control plants. The main constituents of essential oil were Sabinene, 3-Carene, Beta-Pinene, Cis- Pinocamphone, Myrtenol, Pinocamphone and Camphor (cyclic monoterpenes) that made the most components of essential oil plants. Among of elicitors, the chitosan effect on increasing of physiological and phytochemical characters such as the chlorophyll content was higher than other elicitors. Applied elicitors showed significant effects on essential oil content and composition of H. officinalis L. The highest essential oil content (0.89-0.91 %) was obtained from the treated plants by chitosan (0.5 mg.l-1). According to the biennial results of the chemical analysis of the essential oils from plants treated with treatments by GC/MS, the most important chemical compounds that determine the quality of H. officinalis L. essential oil including Beta-Pinene (17.93-18.53 %), Pinocamphone (24.97-25.12 %) and Cis-Pinocamphone (42.87-45.12 %) were identified. Cis-Pinocamphone belonging to bicyclic monoterpene was the predominant constituent of essential oil of H. officinalis L. Conclusion According to the results of this study, water deficit stress caused significant phytochemical changes in the H. officinalis L. essential oil. The main constituents of the volatile oils of H. officinalis L. were Sabinene, 3-Carene, Beta-Pinene, Cis- Pinocamphone, Myrtenol, Pinocamphone and Camphor were identified in the H. officinalis essential oil. Generally, Foliar application of chitosan and phenyl alanine significantly increased the monoterpenes compounds in essential oils of Hyssopus officinalis L., so that the content of these compounds and essential oil content in treated plants by organic elicitors 63% was more than the control plants. Finally, the application of chitosan at 0.5 mg.l-1 can be a good strategy to improve physiological and essential oil quantity and quality of H. officinalis L. in cold and semi-arid climates.

Purpose: Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. belongs to the Lamiaceae family, is one of the important and endangered endemic species in Iran. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of micronutrient elements application on the content and composition of essential oil of D. kotschyi Boiss. shoots in southwestern Iran (Shahrekord) in 2022 and 2023. Research Methods: Four foliar fertilizers including Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn were applied in 0, 20, 40 and 60 mg.l-1 in RCBD design by factorial layout and 3 replications. Findings: Results obtained from gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) showed 14 essential oil components. According to obtained results, applied micronutrients significantly influenced the essential oil content/ composition of D.kotschyi. In both years, the highest content of essential oil (0.98-0.99 %) was obtained in plants treated with 40 mg.l-1of micronutrients (Fe2Cu2Zn2Mn2) and the lowest content (0.59-0.66%) made by control plants (0 mg.l-1), however the plants treated by 60 mg.l-1of micronutrients in most characters were in a same group with the control plants. The most important chemical compounds that determine the quality of D. kotschyi essential oil including Neral (9.02-16.31%), Limonene (25.4-35.6%), Geranial (8.6-16.5%), Eucalyptol (3.89-8.01%) and Myrtenol (22.5-32.1%) were identified alcoholic monoterpenes. Limonene belonging to monoterpene hydrocarbons was the predominant constituent of the D. kotschyi. Limitations: There were no limitations to the report. Originality/Value: The foliar application of micronutrients at 40 mg.l-1 (Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) can be a good strategy to improve the essential oil quantity and quality of D.kotschyi in cold and semi-arid climates.

Background and Objectives: Candida parapsilosis is the second most common species causing infectious diseases and can lead to biofilm resistance. This study aims to adjust and synthesize a liposomal compound of Nigella sativa and evaluate its antifungal properties against C. parapsilosis isolates. Materials and Methods: The liposomal formulation of N. sativa was optimized through the utilization of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size analysis, zeta potential measurement, and UV-visible spectrophotometry. Furthermore, an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was conducted on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The antifungal efficacy was evaluated in accordance with the M27-A3 guideline. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of N. sativa oil and the liposomal formulation on C. parapsilosis isolates ranged from 128 to 8 µg/mL and from 250 to 31.25 µg/mL, respectively. The MIC50 and MIC90 values of N. sativa oil and the liposomal formulation were 125, 187, and 32, 96 µg/mL, respectively. The viability percentage of cells treated with the liposomal formulation and free N. sativa oil was 91% and 85%, respectively. Conclusion: The cytotoxicity of free N. sativa was significantly reduced when using nanoliposomes. The liposomal form of N. sativa showed greater antifungal properties compared to the free N. sativa extract against C. parapsilosis isolates.

Key Clinical Message This study presents a family with nine children, two of them diagnosed with RTS2 using genetic testing. The other siblings show some of the RTS2 criteria and are suggestive of the syndrome. Such reports help physicians be more alert in dealing with cases of rare syndromes. Timely initiation of genetic counseling and testing once the first child was diagnosed with the syndrome could have prevented the birth of affected siblings by RTS2. Since RTS2 patients could have a severe clinical manifestation as osteosarcoma which probably leads to death at a young age, the importance of genetic testing is even more underlined.

RNA therapeutics are an emerging, powerful class of drugs with potential applications in a wide range of disorders. A central challenge in their development is the lack of clear pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic relationship, in part due to the significant delay between the kinetics of RNA delivery and the onset of pharmacologic response. To bridge this gap, we have developed a physiologically based PK/pharmacodynamic model for systemically administered mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in mice. This model accounts for the physiologic determinants of mRNA delivery, active targeting in the vasculature, and differential transgene expression based on nanoparticle coating. The model was able to well-characterize the blood and tissue PKs of LNPs, as well as the kinetics of tissue luciferase expression measured by ex vivo activity in organ homogenates and bioluminescence imaging in intact organs. The predictive capabilities of the model were validated using a formulation targeted to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and the model predicted nanoparticle delivery and luciferase expression within a 2-fold error for all organs. This modeling platform represents an initial strategy that can be expanded upon and utilized to predict the in vivo behavior of RNA-containing LNPs developed for an array of conditions and across species.

Access to safe and nutritious food is critical for maintaining life and supporting good health. Eating food that is contaminated with pathogens leads to serious diseases ranging from diarrhea to cancer. Many foodborne infections can cause long-term impairment or even death. Hence, early detection of foodborne pathogens such as pathogenic Escherichia coli strains is essential for public safety. Conventional methods for detecting these bacteria are based on culturing on selective media and following standard biochemical identification. Despite their accuracy, these methods are time-consuming. PCR-based detection of pathogens relies on sophisticated equipment and specialized technicians which are difficult to find in areas with limited resources. Whereas CRISPR technology is more specific and sensitive for identifying pathogenic bacteria because it employs programmable CRISPR-Cas systems that target particular DNA sequences, minimizing non-specific binding and cross-reactivity. In this project, a robust detection method based on CRISPR-Cas12a sensing was developed, which is rapid, sensitive and specific for detection of pathogenic E. coli isolates that were collected from the fecal samples from adult goats from 17 farms in Tennessee. Detection reaction contained amplified PCR products for the pathogenic regions, reporter probe, Cas12a enzyme, and crRNA specific to three pathogenic genes—stx1, stx2, and hlyA. The CRISPR reaction with the pathogenic bacteria emitted fluorescence when excited under UV light. To evaluate the detection sensitivity and specificity of this assay, its results were compared with PCR based detection assay. Both methods resulted in similar results for the same samples. This technique is very precise, highly sensitive, quick, cost effective, and easy to use, and can easily overcome the limitations of the present detection methods. This project can result in a versatile detection method that is easily adaptable for rapid response in the detection and surveillance of diseases that pose large-scale biosecurity threats to human health, and plant and animal production.

Abstract Background The bone regeneration therapy is often used in patients with inadequate bone support for implants, particularly following tooth extractions. Xenografts derived from animal tissues are effective bone reconstructive options that resist resorption and pose a low risk of transmitting disease. Therefore, these implants may be a good option for enhancing and stabilizing maxillary sinuses. The purpose of this study was to compare two xenografts, Bone+B® and InterOss®, for the reconstruction of rabbit calvaria defects. Methods and Materials The study involved seven male New Zealand white rabbits. In the surgical procedure, 21 spots were created on both sides of the midline calvarium by creating three 8‐millimeter defects. A control group was used, as well as two treatment groups utilizing Bone+B® Grafts and InterOss® Grafts. After 3 months, the rabbits were euthanized, followed by pathological evaluation. Analysis of these samples focused on bone formation, xenograft remaining material, and inflammation levels, using Adobe Photoshop CS 8.0 and SPSS version 24. Results With the application of Bone+B® graft, bone formation ranged from 32% to 45%, with a mean of 37.80% (±5.63), and the remaining material ranged from 28% to 37%, with a mean of 32.60% (±3.65). Using InterOss® grafts, bone formation was 61% to 75%, the mean was 65.83% (±4.75), and the remaining material was 9% to 18%, with a mean of 13.17% (±3.06). The bone formation in the control group ranged from 10% to 25%, with a mean of 17.17% (±6.11). InterOss® had lower inflammation levels than other groups, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > .05). Conclusion InterOss® bone powder is the best option for maxillofacial surgery and bone reconstruction. This is due to more bone formation, less remaining material, and a lower inflammation level. Compared to the control group, Bone+B® improves healing and bone quality, thus making it an alternative to InterOss®.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) is an attractive option for storing renewable electricity and for the sustainable production of valuable chemicals and fuels. In this roadmap, we review recent progress in fundamental understanding, catalyst development, and in engineering and scale-up. We discuss the outstanding challenges towards commercialization of electrochemical CO2R technology: energy efficiencies, selectivities, low current densities, and stability. We highlight the opportunities in establishing rigorous standards for benchmarking performance, advances in in operando characterization, the discovery of new materials towards high value products, the investigation of phenomena across multiple-length scales and the application of data science towards doing so. We hope that this collective perspective sparks new research activities that ultimately bring us a step closer towards establishing a low- or zero-emission carbon cycle.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system that affects millions of individuals worldwide. While the etiology of MS remains multifactorial and incompletely understood, emerging evidence suggests that various environmental and lifestyle factors may influence its onset and progression. Among these factors, breastfeeding has gained attention as a potential protective mechanism against the development of MS. However, it is unclear whether breastfeeding, colostrum feeding, and formula or cow milk intake during infancy have any relationship with the development of MS, which type of MS would be influenced further, and if breastfeeding has any effect on the age of MS onset. Materials and Methods: 100 MS patients and 100 healthy controls took part in this study. Male to female ratio was similar in both groups. Demographic characteristics and history of breastfeeding were collected via a questionnaire. Results: The mean duration of breastfeeding was considerably lower in some MS patients who had onset of the disease before or at the age of 30 compared to those with onset after 30 years (15.2 + 10.2 versus 19.5 + 11.0 months, P = 0.09). Breastfeeding with a duration of more than 11 months was more frequent in the latter group (83% versus 60%, P = 0.044). Patients with age-onset before or at 30 also revealed a higher rate of feeding with formula or cow milk (56.5% versus 33% and P = 0.063). More frequent feeding with formula or cow milk among MS patients compared to healthy controls (51% versus 31%, P=0.006) was observed. Conclusion: Formula or cow milk consumption during infancy may be a considerable risk factor for developing MS besides other etiologic factors.

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the relationship among technology readiness, the implementation of artificial intelligence-based customer relationship management, and the promotion of the corporate social responsibility of B2B companies active in Iran's auto parts supply industry. This study has an applicative nature and is based on the descriptive survey research method. The statistical population sample for this study included 247 people, all of them managers and senior experts at the analysed companies with at least 7 years of work experience. A questionnaire was applied for collecting research data, and its validity and reliability were confirmed through the combined reliability and Cronbach's alpha indices. After collecting the necessary data in order to test four research hypotheses, the structural equation modelling method was employed by using the SmartPLS software. The results for testing the first research hypothesis showed that technology readiness has a positive effect on corporate social responsibility and that it directly predicts 0.810 (81%) of the changes related to corporate social responsibility in the context of the analysed companies. Also, the analysis of the results obtained for testing the fourth research hypothesis showed that technology readiness through artificial intelligence-based customer relationship management has a positive effect on corporate social responsibility and that technology readiness indirectly predicts 0.493 (49.3%) of the changes related to corporate social responsibility. Based on this, it can be acknowledged that the analysed companies can take steps towards improving corporate social responsibility by increasing technology readiness, strengthening their communication technology infrastructure and also by improving customer relationship management capabilities through artificial intelligence.

Background: A swallowing disorder is one of the most common problems in the pediatric population. Schedule for Oral-Motor Assessment (SOMA) has become one of the best methods for the assessment of swallowing disorders in the pediatric population. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and consistency of SOMA by fluoroscopic barium swallow study.Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study. SOMA was assessed on 52 children with swallowing problems. The children were 6 to 48 months and had been referred for a fluoroscopic barium swallow. We analyzed sensitivity; specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SOMA, with the fluoroscopic barium swallow as the gold standard. For the evaluation of the correlations among variables, Cronbach's coefficient alpha was calculated.Results: In this study 6 parts of SOMA had 0-25% sensitivity, 90-97% specificity, 0-66% positive predictive value, 84-87% negative predictive value, 78-86% compatibility percent and 0.06-0.17 kappa value. Internal consistency was 0.93 using Cronbach's coefficient alpha.Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that SOMA is valid for the evaluating of swallowing disorders. It can use as a screening test and as a complementary method to fluoroscopic barium swallow.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology. The purpose of this research was to assess miR-223, miR-146a, and miR-193a in acute and chronic phases of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice to consider the possible role of these genes in the pathogenesis of MS. EAE induction was given by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide on female C57BL/6 mice. Clinical scores and other criteria were followed daily until day 21 for the acute group and day 77 for the chronic group. At the end of the course, inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS) were assessed by histological analysis. MicroRNA expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR. EAE development attenuated in the chronic group, and histological analysis showed less infiltration and demyelination in the chronic group compared to the acute group. The upper expression of miR-223 is demonstrated in the acute phase of EAE. Moreover, the expression levels of miR-146a and miR-193a decreased in the chronic phase of EAE. MiR-223 showed a highly coordinated elevation in the acute phase both in vivo and in vitro. MiR-146a shares a pathway with miR-223 through effecting IL-6 expression. Further studies are needed to reveal their impact on EAE and possible applications as drug targets and biomarkers.

Through sustainable development goals 3 and 8 and other policies, countries have committed to protect and promote workers' health by reducing the work-related burden of disease. To monitor progress on these commitments, indicators that capture the work-related burden of disease should be available for monitoring workers' health and sustainable development. The World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization estimate that only 363 283 (19%) of 1 879 890 work-related deaths globally in 2016 were due to injuries, whereas 1 516 607 (81%) deaths were due to diseases. Most monitoring systems focusing on workers' health or sustainable development, such as the global indicator framework for the sustainable development goals, include an indicator on the burden of occupational injuries. Few such systems, however, have an indicator on the burden of work-related diseases. To address this gap, we present a new global indicator: mortality rate from diseases attributable to selected occupational risk factors, by disease, risk factor, sex and age group. We outline the policy rationale of the indicator, describe its data sources and methods of calculation, and report and analyse the official indicator for 183 countries. We also provide examples of the use of the indicator in national workers' health monitoring systems and highlight the indicator's strengths and limitations. We conclude that integrating the new indicator into monitoring systems will provide more comprehensive and accurate surveillance of workers' health, and allow harmonization across global, regional and national monitoring systems. Inequalities in workers' health can be analysed and the evidence base can be improved towards more effective policy and systems on workers' health. Par le biais des objectifs de developpement durable 3 et 8 ainsi que d'autres mesures, plusieurs pays se sont engages a proteger et promouvoir la sante des travailleurs en reduisant l'impact des maladies liees au travail. Mais pour evaluer leurs progres en la matiere, il convient de mettre en place des indicateurs estimant l'impact des maladies liees au travail afin de placer le developpement durable et la sante des travailleurs sous surveillance. D'apres l'Organisation mondiale de la Sante et l'Organisation internationale du Travail, seulement 363 283 (19%) des 1 879 890 deces lies au travail dans le monde en 2016 decoulaient de blessures, tandis que 1 516 607 (81%) d'entre eux etaient causes par des maladies. La plupart des systemes de surveillance qui s'interessent a la sante des travailleurs ou au developpement durable, comme le cadre mondial d'indicateurs pour les objectifs de developpement durable, comportent un indicateur relatif a l'impact des accidents de travail. Cependant, rares sont ceux qui possedent un indicateur concernant l'impact des maladies professionnelles. Pour combler cette lacune, nous devoilons un nouvel indicateur mondial: le taux de mortalite du aux maladies attribuables a certains facteurs de risque professionnels classe par maladie, facteur de risque, sexe et categorie d'age. Nous exposons le motif politique de l'indicateur, decrivons l'origine des donnees et les methodes de calcul, et communiquons et analysons l'indicateur officiel pour 183 pays. Nous fournissons egalement des exemples de la facon dont l'indicateur peut etre utilise dans des systemes nationaux de surveillance de la sante des travailleurs et soulignons ses forces et faiblesses. Nous concluons en affirmant que l'integration de ce nouvel indicateur dans les systemes de surveillance offrira un suivi plus complet et precis de la sante des travailleurs et ouvrira la voie a une harmonisation des systemes mondiaux, nationaux et regionaux. Il est possible d'analyser les inegalites en matiere de sante des travailleurs et d'en ameliorer les bases factuelles afin d'etablir des politiques et systemes plus efficaces dans ce domaine. A traves de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenlble 3 y 8 y de otras politicas, los paises se han comprometido a proteger y promover la salud de los trabajadores reduciendo la carga de morbilidad relacionada con el trabajo. Para supervisar los avances en el cumplimiento de estos compromisos, deberia disponerse de indicadores que reflejen la carga de morbilidad relacionada con el trabajo, a fin de controlar la salud de los trabajadores y el desarrollo sostenible. La Organizacion Mundial de la Salud y la Organizacion Internacional del Trabajo estiman que solo 363 283 (19%) de las 1 879 890 muertes relacionadas con el trabajo a nivel mundial en 2016 se debieron a lesiones, mientras que 1 516 607 (81%) muertes se debieron a enfermedades. La mayoria de los sistemas de vigilancia centrados en la salud de los trabajadores o el desarrollo sostenible, como el marco de indicadores mundiales para los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible, incluyen un indicador sobre la carga de las lesiones laborales. No obstante, pocos de estos sistemas cuentan con un indicador sobre la carga de las enfermedades relacionadas con el trabajo. Para subsanar esta carencia, presentamos un nuevo indicador mundial: la tasa de mortalidad por enfermedades atribuibles a factores de riesgo laborales seleccionados, por enfermedad, factor de riesgo, sexo y grupo de edad. Describimos la justificacion politica del indicador, describimos sus fuentes de datos y metodos de calculo, e informamos y analizamos el indicador oficial para 183 paises. Tambien proporcionamos ejemplos del uso del indicador en los sistemas nacionales de vigilancia de la salud de los trabajadores y destacamos las ventajas y las limitaciones del indicador. Concluimos que la integracion del nuevo indicador en los sistemas de vigilancia proporcionara una vigilancia mas exhaustiva y precisa de la salud de los trabajadores, y permitira la armonizacion entre los sistemas de vigilancia mundiales, regionales y nacionales. Se podran analizar las desigualdades en la salud de los trabajadores y se podra mejorar la base de evidencias para lograr politicas y sistemas mas eficaces en materia de salud de los trabajadores., Introduction Countries have made policy commitments through the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to ensure health and promote decent work for all. (1) SDG targets 3.9 and 8.8 are to 'substantially [...]

Resistance spot welding is still the most common joining process for autobody structure assembly. It has many advantages and is simple to use, but the main challenge is controlling the process parameters that affect mechanical properties and weld quality. Advanced high-strength steels were developed to meet the demands of automakers such as lighter and stronger autobody. Quenching and partitioning (Q&P 980) steel is a third-generation advanced high strength steel with a combination of high strength and high ductility. In this study, effect of resistance spot welding parameters on the mechanical performance of dissimilar combination of Q&P980 steel and SPFC780Y high strength steel was investigated. Welding current, welding time, electrode pressure and holding time were chosen as the most important process parameters influencing the weld quality. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on geometrical attributes such as nugget size, fusion zone width, fusion zone area, electrode indentation and heat affected zone area and their correlations with peak load (Pmax), failure energy, fracture energy, and elongation at peak load (Lmax). In contrast the failure modes and fracture behavior were studied using scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that using high levels of welding current and welding time while maintaining low levels of electrode pressure and holding time result in a maximum peak load, energy absorption and maximum (Lmax) with pullout failure mode (PF) and this was demonstrated for large nugget size to a critical limit. The methods and findings of this research can be used as a basis for further research and development in the field of dissimilar resistance spot welding.