Vascular synthesis based on hemodynamic efficiency principle recapitulates measured cerebral circulation properties in the human brain

Quantifying anatomical and hemodynamical properties of the brain vasculature in vivo is difficult due to limited spatiotemporal resolution neuroimaging, variability between subjects, and bias between acquisition techniques. This work introduces a metabolically inspired vascular synthesis algorithm for creating a digital representation of the cortical blood supply in humans. Spatial organization and segment resistances of a cortical vascular network were generated. Cortical folding and macroscale arterial and venous vessels were reconstructed from anatomical MRI and MR angiography. The remaining network, including ensembles representing the parenchymal capillary bed, were synthesized following a mechanistic principle based on hydrodynamic efficiency of the cortical blood supply. We evaluated the digital model by comparing its simulated values with in vivo healthy human brain measurements of macrovessel blood velocity from phase contrast MRI and capillary bed transit times and bolus arrival times from dynamic susceptibility contrast. We find that measured and simulated values reasonably agree and that relevant neuroimaging observables can be recapitulated in silico. This work provides a basis for describing and testing quantitative aspects of the cerebrovascular circulation that are not directly observable. Future applications of such digital brains include the investigation of the organ-wide effects of simulated vascular and metabolic pathologies.

Impact of stalling events on microcirculatory hemodynamics in the aged brain

OBJECTIVE

The role of cerebral microvasculature in cognitive dysfunction can be investigated by identifying the impact of blood flow on cortical tissue oxygenation. In this paper, the impact of capillary stalls on microcirculatory characteristics such as flow and hematocrit (Ht) in the cortical angioarchitecture is studied.

METHODS

Using a deterministic mathematical model to simulate blood flow in a realistic mouse cortex, hemodynamics parameters, including pressure, flow, vessel diameter-adjustable hematocrit, and transit time are calculated as a function of stalling events.

RESULTS

Using a non-linear plasma skimming model, it is observed that Ht increases in the penetrating arteries from the pial vessels as a function of cortical depth. The incidence of stalling on Ht distribution along the blood network vessels shows reduction of RBCs around the tissue near occlusion sites and decreased Ht concentration downstream from the blockage points. Moreover, upstream of the occlusion, there is a noticeable increase of the Ht, leading to larger flow resistance due to higher blood viscosity. We predicted marked changes in transit time behavior due to stalls which match trends observed in mice in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These changes to blood cell quantity and quality may be implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease and contribute to the course of the illness.

Modeling the spatial variation of calcium carbonate equivalent to depth using machine learning techniques

Inorganic carbon is the largest source of carbon in terrestrial surface, particularly in arid and semiarid regions, including the Chahardowli Plain in western Iran. Inorganic carbon plays an equal or greater role than organic soil carbon in these areas, although less attention has been paid in quantifying their variability. The objective of this study was to model and map calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) presenting inorganic carbon in soil using machine learning and digital soil mapping techniques. Chahardowli Plain in foothills of the Zagros Mountains in the southeast of Kurdistan Province in Iran was taken as a case study area. CCE was measured at 0-5, 5-15, 15-30, 30-60, and 60-100 cm depths following GloalSoilMap.net project specifications. A total of 145 samples were collected from 30 soil profiles using the conditional Latin hypercube (cLHS) method of sampling. Relationships between CCE and environmental predictors were modeled using random forest (RF) and decision tree (DT) models. In general, the RF model performed slightly superior than the DT model. The mean value of CCE increased with soil depth, from 3.5% (0-5 cm) to 63.8% (30-60 cm). Remote sensing (RS) variables and terrestrial variables were equally important. The importance of RS variables was higher at the surface than terrestrial variables, and vice versa. The most significant variables were Channel Network Base Level (CNBL) variable and Difference Vegetation Index (DVI) with the same variable importance value (21.1%). In areas affected by river activities, the use of the CNBL and vertical distance to channel networks (VDCN) as variables in digital soil mapping (DSM) could increase the accuracy of soil property prediction maps. The VDCN played a principal role in soil distribution in the study area by affecting the rate of discharge and, thus, erosion and sedimentation. A high percentage of carbonate in parts of the region could exacerbate nutrient deficiencies for most crops and provide information for sustainably managing agricultural activity.

Assessment of macronutrients status using digital soil mapping techniques: a case study in Maru'ak area in Lorestan Province, Iran

The present study was conducted to compare generalized linear model (GLM), random forest (RF), and Cubist to produce available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK) maps and to identify the covariates that control mineral distribution in Lorestan Province, Iran. To this end, the locations for collecting 173 soil samples were determined through the conditioned Latin hypercube sampling (cLHS) method, at four different land-uses (orchards, paddy fields, agricultural, and abandoned fields). The performance of the models was assessed by coefficient of determination (R²), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) indices. The results showed that the RF model fitted better than GLM and Cubist models and could explain 40 and 57% of AP and AK distribution, respectively. The R², RMSE, and MAE of the RF model were 0.4, 2.81, and 2.43 for predicting AP and equal to 0.57, 143.77, and 116.61 for predicting AK, respectively. The most important predictors selected by the RF model were valley depth and soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) for AP and AK, respectively. The maps showed higher AP and AK content in apricot orchards compared to other land-uses. No difference was observed between AP and AK content on paddy fields, agricultural, and abandoned areas. The higher AP and AK contents were related to orchard management practices, such as failure to dispose of plant residuals and fertilizer consumption. It can be concluded that the orchards (by increasing soil quality) was the best land-use in line with sustainable management for the study area. However, generalizing the results needs more detailed research.

A multiplex inhalation platform to model in situ like aerosol delivery in a breathing lung-on-chip

Prolonged exposure to environmental respirable toxicants can lead to the development and worsening of severe respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and fibrosis. The limited number of FDA-approved inhaled drugs for these serious lung conditions has led to a shift from in vivo towards the use of alternative in vitro human-relevant models to better predict the toxicity of inhaled particles in preclinical research. While there are several inhalation exposure models for the upper airways, the fragile and dynamic nature of the alveolar microenvironment has limited the development of reproducible exposure models for the distal lung. Here, we present a mechanistic approach using a new generation of exposure systems, the Cloud α AX12. This novel in vitro inhalation tool consists of a cloud-based exposure chamber (VITROCELL) that integrates the breathing ^AXLung-on-chip system (AlveoliX). The ultrathin and porous membrane of the AX12 plate was used to create a complex multicellular model that enables key physiological culture conditions: the air-liquid interface (ALI) and the three-dimensional cyclic stretch (CS). Human-relevant cellular models were established for a) the distal alveolar-capillary interface using primary cell-derived immortalized alveolar epithelial cells (^AXiAECs), macrophages (THP-1) and endothelial (HLMVEC) cells, and b) the upper-airways using Calu3 cells. Primary human alveolar epithelial cells (^AXhAEpCs) were used to validate the toxicity results obtained from the immortalized cell lines. To mimic in vivo relevant aerosol exposures with the Cloud α AX12, three different models were established using: a) titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide nanoparticles b) polyhexamethylene guanidine a toxic chemical and c) an anti-inflammatory inhaled corticosteroid, fluticasone propionate (FL). Our results suggest an important synergistic effect on the air-blood barrier sensitivity, cytotoxicity and inflammation, when air-liquid interface and cyclic stretch culture conditions are combined. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that an in vitro inhalation exposure system for the distal lung has been described with a breathing lung-on-chip technology. The Cloud α AX12 model thus represents a state-of-the-art pre-clinical tool to study inhalation toxicity risks, drug safety and efficacy.

Structural Characterization and Evaluation of an Epitope at the Tip of the A-Band Rhamnan Polysaccharide of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a variety of cell surface glycans. Previous studies identified a common polysaccharide (PS) antigen often termed A-band PS that was composed of a neutral d-rhamnan trisaccharide repeating unit as a relatively conserved cell surface carbohydrate. However, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and chemical analysis of A-PS preparations showed the presence of several additional components. Here, we report the characterization of the carbohydrate component responsible for these signals. The carbohydrate antigen consists of an immunogenic methylated rhamnan oligosaccharide at the nonreducing end of the A-band PS. Initial studies performed with the isolated antigen permitted the production of conjugates that were used to immunize mice and rabbits and generate monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The polyclonal antibodies were able to recognize the majority of P. aeruginosa strains in our collection, and three monoclonal antibodies were generated, one of which was able to recognize and facilitate opsonophagocytic killing of a majority of P. aeruginosa strains. This monoclonal antibody was able to recognize all P. aeruginosa strains in our collection that includes clinical and serotype strains. Synthetic oligosaccharides (mono- to pentasaccharides) representing the terminal 3-O-methyl d-rhamnan were prepared, and the trisaccharide was identified as the antigenic determinant required to effectively mimic the natural antigen recognized by the broadly cross-reactive monoclonal antibody. These data suggest that there is considerable promise in this antigen as a vaccine or therapeutic target.

Sporadic Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria: A Second Case Report From Iran

Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH) is a rare pigmentary genodermatosis mostly reported from Japan. It is usually characterized by widespread hyper/hypopigmented macules all over the body. Here, we report the case of a patient from Iran who presented with disseminated hyper and hypopigmented lesions over the trunk, neck, and extremities since the age of eight. To the best of our knowledge, to date, there has been only one reported case of DUH from Iran.

A Review of the Role of Statins in Heart Failure Treatment

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a common medical problem in the world, which has a high prevalence in both developed and developing countries. Today, among the medications used for the heart failure treatment, there are many medications with a positive cardiac contraction effect (positive inotropic such as digital glycosides, adrenergic receptor stimulants, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors), a large number of cardiac diluents (such as Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor group), and a few other types of drugs whose final effects are still under review. Statins are valuable drugs that are broadly prescribed in hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular patients due to their multiple properties, such as cholesterol reduction, endothelial function improvement, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, neovascularization, and immunomodulatory activities.

METHODS

There is evidence that the therapeutic role of statins in HF, due to myocardial hypertrophy, show reduction in cardiomyocyte loss in the apoptosis process, oxidative stress, inflammation, and also the return of neurohormonal imbalance. However, the fact that these drugs have no sideeffects has not been confirmed in all studies, as statins prevent the production of particular beneficial and protective factors, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), while inhibiting the production of specific proteins involved in pathologic mechanisms.

RESULTS

Recently, it has been hypothesized that, despite the positive effects reported, high doses of statins in patients with long-term heart failure lead to progress in heart failure by inhibiting CoQ10 synthesis and intensifying hypertrophy.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it can be stated that the advantage of using statins depends on factors, such as stroke fraction, and the existence of other standard indications such as atherosclerotic diseases or high Low-Density Lipoprotein-C (LDL-C).

Genetic variants and risk of thyroid cancer among Iranian patients

The definition of an exclusive panel of genetic markers is of high importance to initially detect among this review population. Therefore, we gave a summary of each main genetic marker among Iranian patients with thyroid cancer for the first time which were classified based on their cellular function. Due to the results, a significant relationship was found between SNP in codons 194, 280, and 399 (XRCC1), Allele 3434Thr (XRCC7), GC or CC genotype 31, G/C (Survivin), 399G>A (XRCC1), Tru9I (vitamin D receptor), G-D haplotype (MDM2), TT genotype, -656 G/T (IL-18), TAGTT haplotype (IL-18), G allele in +49 A>G (CTLA-4), +7146 G/A (PD-1.3), +7785 C/T (PD-1.5), rs1143770 (let7a-2), rs4938723 (pri-mir-34b/c) genes, and thyroid cancers. Moreover, SNP in 677C-->T (MTHFR), GG genotype Asp1312Gly (thyroglobulin), 2259C>T (Rad52), R188H, (XRCC2), T241M (XRCC3) had higher risks of thyroid cancer and lower risks were observed in -16 Ins-Pro (p53), rs3742330 (DICER1). At last, the protective effects were explored in 127 CC genotype (IL-18), rs6877842 (DROSHA). Conduct further studies on the types of DNA repair gene polymorphisms with a larger number in the thyroid cancer using modern methods such as SNP array so that these genes could be used as a biomarker in prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of thyroid cancer. This review presents for the first time a summary of important genetic markers in Iranian patients with thyroid cancer.

Genetic polymorphisms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome among Iranian women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves abnormalities in ovarian, reproductive, and metabolic systems. Genetic polymorphisms associated with individual differences and variations might be related to complex disorders with unknown causes, including PCOS. Several leading genetic markers with known cellular functions have been identified among Iranian women presenting with PCOS. In particular, the existing evidence shows a significant relationship between PCOS and the following genetic polymorphisms: rs2275913 (interleukin-17A), rs9927163 (interleukin-32), Pro12Ala (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ), rs17173608 (chemerin), rs2236242 (vaspin), ApaI (vitamin D receptor), and rs7895833 (sirtuin 1). In addition, a higher risk of PCOS is associated with the rs2910164 (microRNA 146a), rs2241766 (adiponectin), -34 T/C (cytochrome 17), and rs1800682 (Fas) polymorphisms. Furthermore, protective effects against PCOS have been reported for the A4223C polymorphism of adenosine deaminase 1. Overall, the available data indicate that Iranian women with PCOS have a higher prevalence of polymorphisms in inflammation- and metabolism-related genes, but not in insulin-related genes. More extensive studies are needed to identify the ethnicity-related genetic associations in PCOS.

Molecular modelling of the antiviral action of Resveratrol derivatives against the activity of two novel SARS CoV-2 and 2019-nCoV receptors

The pandemic threat of COVID-19 causes serious concern for people and world organizations. The effect of Coronavirus disease on the lifestyle and economic status of humans is undeniable, and all of the researchers (biologists, pharmacists, physicians, and chemists) can help decrease its destructive effects. The molecular docking approach can provide a fast prediction of the positive influence the targets on the COVID-19 outbreak. In this work, we choose resveratrol (RV) derivatives (22 cases) and two newly released coordinate structures for COVID-19 as receptors [Papain-like Protease of SARS CoV-2 (PBD ID: 6W9C) and 2019-nCoV RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (PBD ID: 6M71)]. The results show that conformational isomerism is significant and useful parameter for docking results. A wide spectrum of interactions such as Van der Waals, conventional hydrogen bond, Pi-donor hydrogen bond, Pi-Cation, Pi-sigma, Pi-Pi stacked, Amide-Pi stacked and Pi-Alkyl is detected via docking of RV derivatives and COVID-19 receptors. The potential inhibition effect of RV-13 (-184.99 kj/mol), and RV-12 (-173.76 kj/mol) is achieved at maximum value for 6W9C and 6M71, respectively.

Single Nucleotide Variants Associated with Colorectal Cancer Among Iranian Patients: A Narrative Review

Colorectal cancer has been considered as one of the complicated multi-stage processes after adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Therefore, studies of the molecular dysregulation basis could present information on the recognition of the potent biomarkers and treatment targets for this disease. Even though outcomes of the patients with colorectal cancer have been improved largely with current annual screening plans, it is necessary to have reliable prognostic biomarkers because of the disease heterogeneity. There is a significant relationship between SNP in IL1RN* 2 (IL1ra), −509 C/T (TGFB1), rs11556218 T>G and rs4778889 T/C (IL16), miRNA-binding site polymorphisms in IL16, rs4464148 (SMAD7), rs6983267 (EGF), GSTT1, TACG haplotype (CTLA4), 1793G> A (MTHFR), Leu/Leu genotype of (EXO1), −137 G/C (IL18), C/T genotype (XRCC3), I3434T (XRCC7), MGMT, C3435T (MDR1), ff genotype of FokI, 677CT+TT (MTHFR), G2677T/A (MDR1) and CRC. Increased risk has been observed in VDR ApaI genotype “aa”. Finally, the protective effect has been explored in the TACA haplotype (CTLA4). According to the findings, the genetic polymorphisms in the immunity-associated genes are related to the CRC amongst the Iranian patients. Therefore, more large-scale functional investigations are necessary for confirming the results.

Disaggregation of conventional soil map by generating multi realizations of soil class distribution (case study: Saadat Shahr plain, Iran)

Conventional soil maps generally depict information about soil spatial distribution in the framework of crisp boundaries of tessellated soil polygons. Such maps in standard soil survey procedures determine map unit composition on the basis of relative acreage occupied by individual major and minor soil components within soil map unit without addressing the specific location of each component in the polygon boundary. These limitations in addition to the sharp-edge boundaries of conventional soil maps are considered obstacles for modern land resource management. To increase detail in the polygon of conventional soil maps, we have produced a spatially disaggregated soil class map of a relatively flat agricultural plain called Saadat Shahr in South-Central Iran, using DSMART algorithm. DSMART is a known DSM-based disaggregation and harmonization algorithm that works through resampled classification trees to estimate the probability of the existence of each possible soil classes and also to prepare the maps of the most probable soil class, second most probable, and so on in raster format. The conventional soil map and 124 georeferenced profiles, as well as a set of numerical and categorical auxiliary data in 10-m resolutions in the extent of the study area utilized as the SCORPAN variables, were used as the inputs of the DSMART algorithm. A set of 78 independent sampling points generated by Latin hypercube sampling scheme were investigated and then used for validation of the DSMART raster outputs. The results indicated an improvement in disaggregated maps in the case of allocating soil components within the map units. In the generated DSMART, overall accuracy for seven soil subgroups was 68%. The best prediction obtained for Typic Xerorthents and Typic Calcixerepts, meanwhile a few classes were poorly predicted. For second most probable and third most probable maps, 17% and 0.5% of predicted soils match that observed respectively. This study revealed that DSMART as a disaggregation method can be used for enhancing existence soil map with poor descriptive data in the case of allocating soil classes in a more detailed way compared to the relevant original map.

Effect of insulin-loaded trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles on genes expression in the hippocampus of diabetic rats

Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that undesirably affects both central and peripheral nervous systems through the apoptosis of neurons. Insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) inhibit apoptosis of oligodendrocytes. The objective of this study was to determine whether oral insulin in the form of nanoparticles may have similar effects to injectable insulin in increasing the gene expression of IGF1 and IGF2. Methods Insulin-loaded trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using the polyelectrolyte complex method and characterized for size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency. An in vivo study was performed in different groups of male Wistar rats with diabetes mellitus type 1 treated with insulin-loaded trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles and subcutaneous injection of trade insulin (neutral protamine Hagedorn). The hippocampus of rats were studied for the expression of IGF1 and IGF2 genes by using real-time PCR, and the fold changes in gene expression were evaluated using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Results The expression of IGF1 and IGF2 genes in the groups treated with nano-insulin and injected insulin were significantly higher than that in the diabetic control group (p<0.001) and meaningfully lower than that in the healthy control group. However, there was no significant difference to the treated groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that future research might provide a new formulation of drugs for treating type 1 diabetes, in the form of oral insulin.

Long Non-Coding RNAs in Thyroid Cancer: Implications for Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapy

Thyroid cancer is a rare malignancy and accounts for less than 1% of malignant neoplasms in humans; however, it is the most common cancer of the endocrine system and responsible for most deaths from endocrine cancer. Long non-coding (Lnc)RNAs are defined as non-coding transcripts that are more than 200 nucleotides in length. Their expression deregulation plays an important role in the progress of cancer. These molecules are involved in physiologic cellular processes, genomic imprinting, inactivation of chromosome X, maintenance of pluripotency, and the formation of different organs via changes in chromatin, transcription, and translation. LncRNAs can act as a tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. Several studies have shown that these molecules can interact with microRNAs and prevent their binding to messenger RNAs. Research has shown that these molecules play an important role in tumorigenicity, angiogenesis, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and differentiation. In thyroid cancer, several lncRNAs (MALAT1, H19, BANCR, HOTAIR) have been identified as contributing factors to cancer development, and can be used as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis or even treatment. In this article, we study the newest lncRNAs and their role in thyroid cancer.

Survivin as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer (TC) is known as the most prevalent form of endocrine malignancy. With regard to high heterogeneity of the nodules, problem of discriminating between benign and malignant ones in terms of pathological characteristics, as well as lack of appropriate molecular markers; significant efforts are being made to identify molecular markers that able to detect tumorous lesions. Survivin, the newest member of the family of proteins inhibiting cell apoptosis, has been recently considered as a novel molecule marker for cancer. Studies on TC have also demonstrated distinctive expression of survivin and its splice variants in cancer cells compared to normal ones. Therefore, detection of survivin expression and its new splice variants can be utilized to identify tumor nodules and distinguish them from non-cancerous ones, along with other routine laboratory methods.

Combined Growth Factor and Gene Therapy: An Approach for Hair Cell Regeneration and Hearing Recovery

INTRODUCTION

Fibroblast growth factor, nerve growth factor neurotrophins, and insulin-like growth factor 1 are considered 3 families of growth factors that can be involved in the process of otic neurogenesis. In this respect, otic neurons can also be connected with mechanoreceptors in the ear, the hair cells (HCs), as well as the central nervous system. As a growth factor is combined with gene transfer technology, it can be used for hair cell regeneration. Gene therapy can be similarly employed to introduce genes into a system in order to induce the expression of genes for therapeutic agents, to replace defective genes, or to re-program supporting or surrounding cells to acquire the phenotype of lost or damaged cells in order to repair or regenerate the damaged tissue.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review article was to investigate the epigenetic and growth factors involved in the differentiation pathway of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into HCs and auditory neurons (ANs).

METHODS

To this end, the databases of Directory of Open Access Journals, Google Scholar, PubMed (NLM), LISTA (EBSCO), as well as Web of Science were searched.

RESULTS

Given the results available in the related literature, the differentiation efficacy of ESCs toward the ANs and the HCs, the important role of growth factors, and 3 different strategies of application of miRNA, epigenetic regulation, and preparation of three-dimensional (3D) environments were suggested to be taken into consideration in order to improve these studies in the future. Furthermore, the role of epige-netic mechanisms and miRNA in this differentiation process became quite obvious; hence, the utilization of such procedures in the near future would be significant.

CONCLUSION

Combining several techniques with a synergic effect (such as growth factor gene therapy and 3D environments) seemed to lead to obtaining the best results as a therapeutic strategy.

Combination of ground rice husk and polyvinyl alcohol fiber in cementitious composite

In this study, ground rice husks (GRH) in combination with polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) fiber were used to produce low-cost and high-quality hybrid cementitious composites. Different amounts of GRH (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 12.5% in weight of cement) were added to the concrete. The work presented in this paper provides an insight into the use of an agricultural waste as effective additive in cement based materials. The properties of resultant cementitious composites including density, water absorption, flexural behavior and compressive strength were investigated. The results have shown that incorporation of ground rice husk in combination with PVA fiber can be effective in improvement of the flexural properties of cementitious composite. The study explored the effectiveness of this type of agricultural waste as a beneficial material in fine aggregate concrete materials.

Catalytic Deuteration of Aldehydes with D2O

A procedure is presented that enables the direct deuteration of the formyl C–H bond of aldehydes using D2O as the deuterium source and commercially available RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3 as the catalyst. Up to 84% deuterium incorporation can be achieved in a single experiment. Multiple iterations can be carried out to further increase the deuteration.

Sonochemical assisted hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO: Cr nanoparticles loaded activated carbon for simultaneous ultrasound-assisted adsorption of ternary toxic organic dye: Derivative spectrophotometric, optimization, kinetic and isotherm study

Chromium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO: Cr-NPs) was synthesized by ultrasonically assisted hydrothermal method and characterized by FE-SEM, XRD and TEM analysis. Subsequently, this composite ultrasonically assisted was deposited on activated carbon (ZnO: Cr-NPs-AC) and used for simultaneous ultrasound-assisted removal of three toxic organic dye namely of malachite green (MG), eosin yellow (EY) and Auramine O (AO). Dyes spectra overlap in mixture (major problem for simultaneous investigation) of this systems was extensively resolved by derivative spectrophotometric method. The magnitude of variables like initial dyes concentration, adsorbent mass and sonication time influence on dyes removal was optimized using small central composite design (CCD) combined with desirability function (DF) approach, while pH was studied by one-a-time approach. The maximized removal percentages at desirability of 0.9740 was set as follow: pH 6.0, 0.019g ZnO: Cr-NPs-AC, 3.9min sonication at 4.5, 4.8 and 4.7mgL(-1) of MG, EY and AO, respectively. Above optimized points lead to achievement of removal percentage of 98.36%, 97.24%, and 99.26% correspond to MG, EY and AO, respectively. ANOVA for each dyes based p-value less than (<0.0001) suggest highly efficiency of CCD model for prediction of data concern to simultaneous removal of these dyes within 95% confidence interval, while their F-value for MG, EY and AO is 935, 800.2, and 551.3, respectively, that confirm low participation of this them in signal. The value of multiple correlation coefficient R(2), adjusted and predicted R(2) for simultaneous removal of MG is 0.9982, 0.9972 and 0.9940, EY is 0.9979, 0.9967 and 0.9930 and for AO is 0.9970, 0.9952 and 0.9939. The adsorption rate well fitted by pseudo second-order and Langmuir model via high, economic and profitable adsorption capacity of 214.0, 189.7 and 211.6mgg(-1) for MG, EY and AO, respectively.

Highly efficient simultaneous ultrasonic assisted adsorption of brilliant green and eosin B onto ZnS nanoparticles loaded activated carbon: Artificial neural network modeling and central composite design optimization

In this work, central composite design (CCD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability function approach (DFA) gives useful information about operational condition and also to obtain useful information about interaction and main effect of variables concerned to simultaneous ultrasound-assisted removal of brilliant green (BG) and eosin B (EB) by zinc sulfide nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon (ZnS-NPs-AC). Spectra overlap between BG and EB dyes was extensively reduced and/or omitted by derivative spectrophotometric method, while multi-layer artificial neural network (ML-ANN) model learned with Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm was used for building up a predictive model and prediction of the BG and EB removal. The ANN efficiently was able to forecast the simultaneous BG and EB removal that was confirmed by reasonable numerical value i.e. MSE of 0.0021 and R(2) of 0.9589 and MSE of 0.0022 and R(2) of 0.9455 for testing data set, respectively. The results reveal acceptable agreement among experimental data and ANN predicted results. Langmuir as the best model for fitting experimental data relevant to BG and EB removal indicates high, economic and profitable adsorption capacity (258.7 and 222.2 mg g(-1)) that supports and confirms its applicability for wastewater treatment.

Automatic Detection of the Optic Disc of the Retina: A Fast Method

Localizing the optic disc (OD) in retinal fundus images is of critical importance and many techniques have been developed for OD detection. In this paper, we present the results obtained from two fast methods, correlation and least square, to approximate the location of optic cup. These methods are simple and are not complex, while most of the OD detection algorithms are. The methods were tested on two groups of data (a total of 100 color fundus images) and were 98% successful in the detection of the optic cup. An algorithm using the vessel mask of fundus images is proposed to be run after correlation to ensure that the localization of OD in all images is successful. It was tested on 40 of the test images and had a 100% rate of success.

Up-regulation of miR-130b expression level and down-regulation of miR-218 serve as potential biomarker in the early detection of human osteosarcoma

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant bone tumor with high morbidity that principally emerges in children and adolescents. MiRNAs regulate a variety of normal physiologic processes and are involved in tumorigenesis and development of multiple malignancies, including OS. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of miR-130b and miR-218 in osteosarcoma patient.

Methods

We utilized quantitative real-time PCR to evaluate the level of miR-130b and miR-218 expressions in OS patients and normal tissues and their relationship with clinicopathological features and survival in OS patients.

Results

QRT-PCR indicated that miR-130b expression in tumor tissues was strongly elevated than adjacent non-tumor tissues (P < 0.001), while the level of miR-218 expression in osteosarcoma tissues was down-regulated than adjacent non-tumor tissues (P < 0.001). We evaluated the clinical significance of miR-130b and miR-218 in osteosarcoma. Clinical correlation analysis showed that increased expression of miR-130b and decreased expression of miR-218 were significantly associated with advanced tumor stage (x² = 6.285, P < 0.009; x² = 7.172, P < 0.007), distant metastasis (x²  = 5.528; P < 0.001; x² = 4.617, P < 0.001) and size of tumor (x² = 5.01, P = 0.013; x² = 4.271, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

Taken together, our data indicated that high miR-130b level and low level of miR-218 are associated with poor clinicopathological characteristics. Furthermore, miR-130b may play a key role in the progression of osteosarcoma.

Downregulation of miR-185 and upregulation of miR-218 expression may be potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of human chondrosarcoma

Increasing evidence has confirmed that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) can contribute to the progression and metastasis of human tumors. Chondrosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adults and has no effective systemic treatment, and patients with this disease have poor survival. Thus, it is important to find new diagnostic markers and improve treatment options. In the current study, we are interested to examine the role of miR-185 and miR-218 expression in patients with chondrosarcoma using real-time PCR. Moreover, the association of the two miRNAs with clinicopathological features and prognosis was evaluated. Survival and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to find the association of miR-185 expression and miR-218 levels with prognosis in the patients. Our results indicated that the miR-185 expression was significantly downexpressed in clinical chondrosarcoma bone tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.001). MiR-218 expression level was increased in clinical chondrosarcoma bone tissue than those adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.001). Decreased expression of miR-185 showed remarkable correlation with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.019), tumor grade (P < 0.001), and distant metastasis (P = 0.001). Moreover, high expression of miR-218 was strongly correlated with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.014), tumor grade (P < 0.001), and distant metastasis (P = 0.002). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the low miR-185 expression group and the high miR-218 expression group had remarkably shorter overall survival (log-rank test P = 0.007, P = 0.004). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that decreased expression of miR-185 and increased expression of miR-218 (P = 0.017, P = 0.012), advanced tumor stage (P = 0.006, P = 0.012), tumor grade (P = 0.032, P = 0.016), and distant metastasis (P = 0.004, P = 0.015) were independently related to overall survival in patients with chondrosarcoma. In conclusion, downregulation of miR-185 and upregulation of miR-218 can be associated with progression of chondrosarcoma and also both of them may act as tumor suppressor genes in chondrosarcoma.

Enhanced simultaneous removal of malachite green and safranin O by ZnO nanorod-loaded activated carbon: modeling, optimization and adsorption isotherms

Highly improved, safe, green and rapid adsorption by loading trace amounts of ZnO nanorods on AC with high uptake capacity.

Perihepatic Packing versus Primary Surgical Repair in Patients with Blunt Liver Trauma; an 8-year Experience

OBJECTIVE

To explore the pros and cons of early versus delayed intervention when dealing with severe blunt liver injury with significant hemoperitoneum and hemodynamic instability.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed at the Nemazi hospital, Shiraz, Southern Iran, level I trauma Center affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The study population comprised of all patients who were operated with the impression of blunt abdominal trauma and confirmed diagnosis of liver trauma during an 8-year period. All data were extracted from patients' hospital medical records during the study period. The patients' outcome was compared between those who underwent perihepatic packing or primary surgical repair.

RESULTS

Medical records of 76 patients with blunt abdominal liver trauma who underwent surgical intervention were evaluated. Perihepatic packing was performed more in patients who have been transferred to operation room  due to unstable hemodynamics (p<0.001) as well as in patients with more than 1000 milliliters of hemoperitoneum based on pre-operative imaging studies (e.g. CT/US) (p=0.002).

CONCLUSION

We recommend that trauma surgeons should approach perihepatic packing earlier in patients who have been developed at least two of these three criteria; unstable hemodynamics, more  than  1000 milliliters hemoperitoneum  and  more  than  1600 milliliters of intra-operative  estimated blood  loss. We believe that considering these criteria will help trauma surgeons to diagnose and treat high risk patients in time so significant hemorrhage (e.g. caused by dilatational coagulopathy, hypothermia and acidosis, etc.) can ultimately be prevented and more lives can be saved.

Mechanical thrombectomy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a comprehensive literature review

BACKGROUND

Endovascular treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) includes pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis.

METHODS

The authors searched the English literature on CVST from 1990 to 2012 for all case reports or case series of mechanical thrombectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients were treated in all published studies. The techniques for mechanical thrombectomy included rheolytic thrombectomy with an AngioJet device (46.9%), clot retraction with the Penumbra system (4.7%), clot retraction with a Fogarty catheter (1.6%), clot retraction with a microsnare (3.1%), balloon venoplasty without stenting (18.7%), balloon venoplasty with stenting (4.7%), and an amalgam of techniques (18.7%). Nine (16.1%) patients died. At the most recent follow-up, 40 (62.5%) patients had no disability or minor disability and 7 (10.9%) patients had major disability.

CONCLUSION

Randomized multiinstitutional clinical trials with larger number of participants are needed to sufficiently compare the effect of intrasinus thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy to standard-of-care anticoagulation therapy.

Hepatitis C prevalence studied by polymerase chain reaction and serological methods in haemodialysis patients in Mazandaran, Iran

INTRODUCTION

Patients on maintenance haemodialysis are known to have an elevated risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The reported prevalence among haemodialysis patients in the United States ranges from eight percent to ten percent, and is considerably higher in many European and Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, a reliable diagnosis of HCV infection is essential in order to prevent the spread of the disease in dialysis units.

METHODS

All haemodialysis patients were interviewed in two dialysis units in Sari and Ghaemshahr, Iran, in 2006. Blood samples were collected and serum samples screened for anti-HCV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All samples were retested for confirmation with polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

A total of 186 haemodialysis patients (mean age 58.86 +/- 16.9 years) were studied. Mean duration of haemodialysis was 3.07 +/- 0.3 years. Mean of SGOT and SGPT were 30.64 +/- 6 and 32.01 +/- 8, respectively. Among the 186 patients, 39 (21 percent) were seropositive by ELISA and 21 (11.3 percent) were PCR positive. All PCR positive patients also had positive ELISA. Association between the duration of haemodialysis and HCV seropositivity was statistically significant (p-value is 0.0001), but there was no significant correlation between number of transfusions and HCV seropositivity.

CONCLUSION

Despite the growing demand for cost-effectiveness in the health system, tight control of HCV infection by PCR and ELISA examination must remain an essential part of the routine screening in haemodialysis patients.

V-Lab-a virtual laboratory for autonomous agents-SLA-based learning controllers

In this paper, we present the use of stochastic learning automata (SLA) in multiagent robotics. In order to fully utilize and implement learning control algorithms in the control of multiagent robotics, an environment for simulation has to be first created. A virtual laboratory for simulation of autonomous agents, called V-Lab is described. The V-Lab architecture can incorporate various models of the environment as well as the agent being trained. A case study to demonstrate the use of SLA is presented.

Intestinal malrotations: a review and report of thirty cases

Intestinal malrotation is a developmental anomaly affecting the position and peritoneal attachments of the small and large bowels during organogenesis in foetal life. It has been defined as absent or incomplete rotation and fixation of the embryonic gut around the superior mesenteric artery. In the present paper, we review the definition, history, embryology/aetiology, epidemiology, symptoms and signs, diagnosis and treatment of intestinal malformations. Moreover, we report the records of 30 cases of malrotation admitted to our department over a period of five years. The final intraoperative diagnosis of the cases presented was 53.3% pure malrotation, 33.3% malrotation with mid-gut volvulus, 6.7% malrotation with duodenal atresia, 3.3% malrotation with Meckel's diverticulum and duodenal atresia, and 3.3% malrotation and biliary atresia. Preoperative imaging studies were performed for 27 cases and surgical management was successfully conducted without any mortality among the cases studied. This article provides an overview of basic and clinical aspects of intestinal malrotation. In addition, the signs and symptoms, imaging findings, and final intraoperative diagnoses presented by the subjects reported on are of potential use and clinical interest.

The results of grade IV cystocele repair using mesh

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results of grade IV cystocele repair by 4-corner bladder and bladder neck suspension technique, using prolene mesh.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-one women with a median age of 61 years and severe anterior vaginal wall prolapse (grade IV cystocele) were treated by 4-corner bladder and bladder neck suspension technique, using prolene mesh. Of these, 3 had associated uterine prolapse, rectocele, and enterocele, one had rectocele and enterocele, and 18 had rectocele only. In these cases, pelvic floor defects were also repaired simultaneously and in 3, vaginal hysterectomy was done. Twelve patients had a previous failed cystocele repair. In a 32-month follow-up, the patients were evaluated with vaginal examination and upright cystography. Urinary continence during increased intra-abdominal pressure was also assessed, based on subjective symptoms.

RESULTS

None of the patients had cystocele recurrence. Urinary continence during increased intra-abdominal pressure was seen in all of the patients. Intraoperative rectal or bladder injury did not occur. Transfusion was not required in any of the cases. Early complications (6 to 8 weeks postoperatively) included irritative urinary symptom in 17 patients, of whom, 8 had documented urinary tract infection that were treated successfully. Late complications were spotting in 3 cases (two were treated with topical estrogen and vaginal mucosal repair was done in one), dyspareunia in 4 sexually active patients, changes in urination pattern in 28 (improved significantly with behavioral therapy), long-term urge incontinence (>8 weeks) in 5 (medical treatment was successful in these patients), and prolonged intermittent catheterization in 1. Pelvic abscess and migration of mesh were not observed.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, using mesh in patients with grade IV cystocele, who had a previous failed surgery or weakness in supportive pelvic tissue, is an appropriate treatment modality.