Design and simulation of a wireframe DNA origami nanoactuator.

This paper explores the use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) origami structures as nanorobot components. Investigating the functional properties of DNA origami structures can facilitate the fabrication of DNA origami-based nanorobots. The wireframe structure stands out as one of the most interesting DNA origami structures. Hence, the present study aims to employ these structures to create DNA origami nanoactuators. The research delves into the design of DNA origami structures with the aim of opening under specific temperature conditions. Short DNA strands (staples) are one of the crucial parts of DNA origami structures, and the appropriate design of these strands can lead to the creation of structures with different properties. Thus, the components of the DNA origami nanoactuator are tailored to enable intentional opening at specific temperatures while maintaining stability at lower temperatures. This structural modification showcases the functional property of the DNA origami structure. The engineered DNA origami nanoactuator holds potential applications in medicine. By carrying drugs under specific temperature conditions and releasing them under different temperature conditions, it can serve as a platform for smart drug delivery purposes.

Anti-biofilm properties of eucalyptol in combination with antifungals against Candida albicans isolates in patients with hematological malignancy.

Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection caused mainly by Candida albicans and it is a major problem among hematologic malignancy patients. Biofilm formation is an attributable factor to both virulence and drug resistance of Candida species. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biofilm-producing ability of oral C. albicans isolates and to evaluate the inhibitory activity of eucalyptol on Candida biofilm, alone and in combination with antifungal agents. Samples were collected from the oral cavity of 106 patients with hematologic malignancy. The isolated yeasts were identified by PCR-sequencing. Then C. albicans isolates were analyzed for their biofilm-producing ability by crystal violet staining and MTT assay. The minimum biofilm inhibition concentrations (MBIC) of eucalyptol, amphotericin B, itraconazole, and nystatin and the in vitro interaction of eucalyptol with these drugs were tested according to CLSI-M-27-A3 protocol and checkerboard methods, respectively. From 106 patients, 50 (47.2%) were confirmed for oral candidiasis [mean ± SD age 39 ± 14 years; female 31 (62%) and male 19 (38%)]. C. albicans was isolated from 40 of 50 (80%) patients. From 40 C. albicans isolates, 24 (60%) and 16 (40%) were moderate and weak biofilm producer, respectively. The geometric mean MBIC of amphotericin B, itraconazole, nystatin and eucalyptol were 3.93 µg/mL, 12.55 µg/mL, 0.75 µg/mL and 798 µg/mL, respectively. Eucalyptol interacted synergistically with amphotericin B, itraconazole and nystatin against 12.5, 10, and 22.5% of isolates, respectively. Eucalyptol demonstrated promising activity against biofilm of C. albicans when tested alone or combined with antifungal drugs.

Effects of back exercises versus transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on relief of pain and disability in operating room nurses with chronic non-specific LBP: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders related to working. Due to the nature of nursing work, this problem is often seen in nurses, including those who work in the operating rooms. Depending on the cause, there are various surgical and non-surgical methods to treat LBP. The present study was aimed to compare the effect of two therapeutic methods of back exercises and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the disability and pain of operating room nurses with LBP. METHODS: In this clinical trial forty-four eligible operating room nurses (30 women, 14 men, mean age: 37.86 ± 6.74) with chronic nonspecific LBP were randomly assigned to back exercises (including the strengthening and stretching exercise (n = 22)) or TENS (n = 22) groups by permuted block randomization method. These interventions were performed in both groups three sessions of 15 min per week for 6 weeks. The McGill pain questionnaire for back pain and the Oswestry disability questionnaire for disability assessment were completed immediately before and after the interventions. RESULTS: After 6 weeks, the mean of pain and disability decreased significantly in both groups compared to the baseline. Based on the results, significant decreases in the pain score (mean difference (95% CI): - 8.95 (- 12.77 to - 5.14); P-value < 0.001) and disability score (mean difference (95% CI): - 8.73(- 12.42 to - 5.03); P-value < 0.001) were revealed in the back exercises group after the intervention compared to the baseline. In addition, after the intervention in TENS group, the mean pain intensity and disability showed significant decrease, respectively (mean difference (95% CI): - 16.18 (- 19.81 to - 12.55); P-value < 0.001; mean difference (95% CI): - 15.82 (- 19.24 to - 12.40); P-value < 0.001). After adjusting for the baseline values, the TENS group had a significantly higher pain score reduction than the back exercises group (mean difference (95% CI): - 4.23 (- 8.03 to - 0.44); P-value =0.030; Cohen's d = 0.81). In addition, TENS led to a significant more decrease in the disability scores compared to the back exercises (mean difference (95% CI): - 3.99 (- 7.35 to - 0.64); P-value =0.021; Cohen's d = 0.73). Furthermore, a statistically significant time by group interaction effect on pain and disability score was found (interaction p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pain and disability were improved in both groups following 18 intervention sessions. However, pain and disability were improved to a greater extent in the TENS group than in the back exercises group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials ( www.irct.ir ) on 03/02/2019 as IRCT20180408039227N1 .

The effect of bio/organic fertilizers on the phytotoxicity of sulfadiazine to Echium amoenum in a calcareous soil.

The fate of antibiotics and their effects on plant growth may be changed by the application of fertilizers. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of sulfadiazine (SDZ), rice husk compost (RHC), rice husk biochar (RHB), and mycorrhiza (MR) on the growth attributes of Iranian Echium amoenum Fisch & C.A. Mey. A greenhouse experiment as a completely randomized design with six treatments of bio/organic-fertilizers (no bio-fertilizer (NF), RHB, RHC, MR, RHB+MR, and RHC+MR) and three levels of SDZ application (0, 100, and 200 mg kg-1) was performed for 7months with three replicates. Shoot and root SDZ concentrations were determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) instrumentation. The results revealed that the application of RHC, RHB, and MR had a significant impact on the reduction of the toxicity effects of SDZ on plant properties. The lowest values of growth parameters belonged to the 200 mg kg-1 of SDZ with no bio-fertilizers, while the highest growth parameters were observed in the treatments of RHB+MR, and RHC+MR with no SDZ application. Also, chlorophyll pigments content was affected by used treatments and the lowest rates of chlorophyll a (4.24), chlorophyll b (2.99), and carotenoids (2.88) were related to the 200 mg kg-1 of SDZ with no biofertilizers application. The co-application of bio-fertilizers and SDZ (at both levels of 100 and 200 mg kg-1) decreased SDZ uptake by both shoot and root in comparison with the control. The same results were obtained with macro (NPK) and micro (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) nutrients uptake by the shoot in which the lowest values of nutrients uptake were observed in treatment of 200 mg kg-1 of SDZ with no bio-fertilizers. Furthermore, in the case of the effect of the used treatments on root colonization, the results showed that the lowest value (7.26%) belonged to the 200 mg kg-1 application of SDZ with no bio-fertilizers. Generally, this study demonstrated that bio-fertilizers could be considered as an effective strategy in controlling the negative effects of antibiotics on the growth properties and nutrients status of the plants grown in such contaminated soils.

Eccentric exercise increases circulating fibroblast activation protein α but not bioactive fibroblast growth factor 21 in healthy humans.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? The role of FGF21 as an exercise-induced myokine remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether eccentric exercise would augment the release of FGF21 and/or its regulatory enzyme, fibroblast activation protein α (FAP), from skeletal muscle tissue into the systemic circulation of healthy human volunteers. What is the main finding and its importance? Eccentric exercise does not release total or bioactive FGF21 from human skeletal muscle. However, exercise releases its regulatory enzyme, FAP, from tissue(s) other than muscle, which might play a role in the inactivation of FGF21. ABSTRACT: The primary aim of the investigation was to determine whether eccentric exercise would augment the release of the myokine fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and/or its regulatory enzyme, fibroblast activation protein α (FAP), from skeletal muscle tissue into the systemic circulation of healthy human volunteers. Physically active young healthy male volunteers (age 25.0 ± 10.7 years; body mass index 23.1 ± 7.9 kg m-2 ) completed three sets of 25 repetitions (with 5 min rest in between) of single-leg maximal eccentric contractions using their non-dominant leg, whilst the dominant leg served as a control. Arterialized blood samples from a hand vein and deep venous blood samples from the common femoral vein of the exercised leg, along with blood flow of the superficial femoral artery using Doppler ultrasound, were obtained before and after each exercise bout and every 20 min during the 3 h recovery period. Muscle biopsy samples were taken at baseline, immediately and 3 and 48 h postexercise. The main findings showed that there was no significant increase in total or bioactive FGF21 secreted from skeletal muscle into the systemic circulation in response to exercise. Furthermore, skeletal muscle FGF21 protein content was unchanged in response to exercise. However, there was a significant increase in arterialized and venous FAP concentrations, with no apparent contribution to its release from the exercised leg. These findings raise the possibility that the elevated levels of FAP might play a role in the inactivation of FGF21 during exercise.

Increasing skeletal muscle carnitine availability does not alter the adaptations to high-intensity interval training.

Increasing skeletal muscle carnitine availability alters muscle metabolism during steady-state exercise in healthy humans. We investigated whether elevating muscle carnitine, and thereby the acetyl-group buffering capacity, altered the metabolic and physiological adaptations to 24 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) at 100% maximal exercise capacity (Wattmax ). Twenty-one healthy male volunteers (age 23±2 years; BMI 24.2±1.1 kg/m2 ) performed 2 × 3 minute bouts of cycling exercise at 100% Wattmax , separated by 5 minutes of rest. Fourteen volunteers repeated this protocol following 24 weeks of HIIT and twice-daily consumption of 80 g carbohydrate (CON) or 3 g l-carnitine+carbohydrate (CARN). Before HIIT, muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) degradation (P<.0001), glycogenolysis (P<.0005), PDC activation (P<.05), and acetylcarnitine (P<.005) were 2.3-, 2.1-, 1.5-, and 1.5-fold greater, respectively, in exercise bout two compared to bout 1, while lactate accumulation tended (P<.07) to be 1.5-fold greater. Following HIIT, muscle free carnitine was 30% greater in CARN vs CON at rest and remained 40% elevated prior to the start of bout 2 (P<.05). Following bout 2, free carnitine content, PCr degradation, glycogenolysis, lactate accumulation, and PDC activation were all similar between CON and CARN, albeit markedly lower than before HIIT. VO2max , Wattmax , and work output were similarly increased in CON and CARN, by 9, 15, and 23% (P<.001). In summary, increased reliance on non-mitochondrial ATP resynthesis during a second bout of intense exercise is accompanied by increased carnitine acetylation. Augmenting muscle carnitine during 24 weeks of HIIT did not alter this, nor did it enhance muscle metabolic adaptations or performance gains beyond those with HIIT alone.

Effects of silibinin on growth and invasive properties of human ovarian carcinoma cells through suppression of heregulin/HER3 pathway.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most fatal gynecological malignancy due to its high proliferative and invasive capacities. A heregulin (HRG)/HER3 autocrine loop increases proliferative and metastatic properties of EOC cells, suggesting that modulators of this signaling pathway may prove effective to trammel growth and motility of these cells. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor silibinin on proliferative and invasive characteristics of EOC cell lines OVCAR8 and SKOV3 through suppression of the HRG/HER3 pathway. To achieve this, the effects of silibinin on proliferation, DNA synthesis, clonogenicity, cell cycle progression, cathepsin B enzymatic activity, and migration and invasion were explored in vitro. Silibinin suppressed proliferation, DNA synthesis, and clonogenic abilities of OVCAR8 and SKOV3 cells through inhibition of the autocrine HRG/HER3 circuit. Silibinin-mediated attenuation of the HER3 signaling disabled the HER3/AKT/survivin axis and thereby, induced G1/S cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, silibinin reduced invasive potentials of the EOC cells through quelling the HRG/HER3 pathway and suppression of cathepsin B activity. Altogether, these results suggest that silibinin is a potential anti-cancer drug to inhibit proliferative and invasive characteristics of the EOC cells that exhibit an autocrine HRG/HER3 pathway.

Neurocysticercosis presenting as a 'Stroke Mimic'.

A 62 year old Nepalese gentleman presented with left sided weakness and sensory loss. Initial brain CT scanning was suggestive of acute infarction but a subsequent MRI scan showed cysts with oedema. Cysticercosis serology was positive and a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was made. The patient made almost a complete recovery after treatment with albendazole, praziquantel and steroids. Neurocysticercosis should be considered in the diffierential diagnosis when patients originating from endemic areas present with focal neurological deficit.

Towards solving the genetic diagnosis odyssey in Iranian patients with congenital anomalies.

Understanding the underlying causes of congenital anomalies (CAs) can be a complex diagnostic journey. We aimed to assess the efficiency of exome sequencing (ES) and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in patients with CAs among a population with a high fraction of consanguineous marriage. Depending on the patient's symptoms and family history, karyotype/Quantitative Fluorescence- Polymerase Chain Reaction (QF-PCR) (n = 84), CMA (n = 81), ES (n = 79) or combined CMA and ES (n = 24) were performed on 168 probands (66 prenatal and 102 postnatal) with CAs. Twelve (14.28%) probands were diagnosed by karyotype/QF-PCR and seven (8.64%) others were diagnosed by CMA. ES findings were conclusive in 39 (49.36%) families, and 61.90% of them were novel variants. Also, 64.28% of these variants were identified in genes that follow recessive inheritance in CAs. The diagnostic rate (DR) of ES was significantly higher than that of CMA in children from consanguineous families (P = 0·0001). The highest DR by CMA was obtained in the non-consanguineous postnatal subgroup and by ES in the consanguineous prenatal subgroup. In a population that is highly consanguineous, our results suggest that ES may have a higher diagnostic yield than CMA and should be considered as the first-tier test in the evaluation of patients with congenital anomalies.

Multitargeting and antimetastatic potentials of silibinin in human HepG-2 and PLC/PRF/5 hepatoma cells.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common sort of primary liver malignancy with poor prognosis. This study aimed at examining the effects of silibinin (a putative antimetastatic agent) on some transcriptional markers mechanistically related to HCC recurrence and metastasis in HepG-2 [hepatitis B virus (HBV)-negative and P53 intact) and PLC/PRF/5 (HBV-positive and P53 mutated) cells. The expression of 27 genes in response to silibinin was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. The MMP gelatinolytic assay and microculture tetrazolium test (MTT) were tested. Silibinin was capable of suppressing the transcriptional levels of ANGPT2, ATP6L, CAP2, CCR6, CCR7, CLDN-10, cortactin, CXCR4, GLI2, HK2, ID1, KIAA0101, mortalin, PAK1, RHOA, SPINK1, and STMN1 as well as the enzymatic activity of MMP-2 but promoted the transcripts of CREB3L3, DDX3X, and PROX1 in both cells. Some significant differences between the cells in response to silibinin were detected that might be related to the differences of the cells in terms of HBV infection and/or P53 mutation, suggesting the possible influence of silibinin on HCC through biological functions of these 2 prognostic factors. In conclusion, our findings suggest that silibinin could potentially function as a multitargeting antimetastatic agent and might provide new insights for HCC therapy particularly for HBV-related and/or P53-mutated HCCs.

An Analysis of the Capturing and Passing Ability of a DNA Origami Nanocarrier with the Aid of Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

The present article aims to investigate the ability of a DNA origami nanocarrier to successfully capture a cargo using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In addition, the passage of the cargo through the nanocarrier was analyzed by steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation. The proposed DNA origami nanocarrier is a nanotube that consists of six double helices in which a positively charged nanocargo was placed. Since the stability of the nanocarrier has been considered one of the obstacles to nanocargo transportation, different cross-sectional areas of the nanocarrier were considered as measures to analyze its structural stability. The results eventually showed that the proposed nanocarrier is able to retain the cargo while maintaining its structural stability. The analysis also revealed that the presence of the cargo increases the structural stability in parts of the nanocarrier. SMD simulation demonstrated that a feasible amount of force is required to separate the cargo and pass it through the nanocarrier, which can provide useful information in the field of smart drug delivery.

Comparison of the Impacts of Benson Relaxation Technique and Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Quality of Patients with Systolic Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases can affect sleep quality. The use of non-pharmacological methods to improve the sleep quality of heart failure patients is essential. Therefore, this study compared the effects of the Benson relaxation technique and foot reflexology massage on sleep quality of those patients. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 93 patients with systolic heart failure referred to Javad Al-Aeme heart clinic in Torbat Heydarieh were selected with purposive sampling method and divided into the foot reflexology massage, Benson relaxation technique, and control groups using the balanced blocking randomization method. The Benson relaxation technique and the foot reflexology massage were performed for 20 and 30 minutes three days per week for four weeks, respectively. The control group only received routine care. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and then compared among the groups before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc tests, paired t test, and Chi-square at the significant level of p < 0.05. Results: After interventions, the mean (SD) quality of sleep significantly increased in both intervention groups (Reflexology: pre-intervention 10.80 (3.40), post-intervention 6.60 (3.10), Benson relaxation: pre-intervention 15.50 (2.40) post-intervention 12 (2.60), compared to the control group (pre-intervention 10.50 (1.90) post-intervention 9.40(1.70) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two intervention groups (p = 0.53). Conclusions: The interventions improved the quality of sleep in patients with systolic heart failure. Therefore, these methods can be used as a suitable complementary treatment to improve the quality of sleep by nurses and midwives.

Design, molecular dynamics simulation, and investigation of the mechanical behavior of DNA origami nanotubes with auxetic and honeycomb structures.

Numerous applications of DNA origami nanotubes for load-bearing purposes necessitate the improvement of properties and mechanical behavior of these types of structures, as well as the use of innovative structures such as metamaterials. To this end, the present study aims to investigate the design, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and mechanical behavior of DNA origami nanotube structures consisting of honeycomb and re-entrant auxetic cross-sections. The results revealed both structures kept their structural stability. In addition, DNA origami based-nanotube with auxetic cross-section exhibits negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) under tensile loading. Furthermore, MD simulation results demonstrated that the values of stiffness, specific stiffness, energy absorption, and specific energy absorption in the structure with an auxetic cross-section are higher than that of a honeycomb cross-section, similar to their behavior in macro-scale structures. The finding of this study is to propose re-entrant auxetic structure as the next generation of DNA origami nanotubes. In addition, it can be utilized to aid scientists with the design and fabrication of novel auxetic DNA origami structures.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Rapid discrimination of Candida species based on optical diffraction pattern.

Candidiasis occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients. Rapid detection of Candida species can play a major role in the successful management of fungal infections and treatment monitoring. Detection and discrimination of five common strains of Candida species was performed using the optical elastic scattering diffraction pattern of their colonies. Using laser light with 632 nm wavelength and the designed optical system, optical diffraction patterns of C. albicans (ATCC12261), C. tropicalis (ATCC20336), C. glabrata (15545), C. guilliermondii (20216), and C. parapsilosis (22019) were recorded, processed and analyzed. The results of our study show that based on the different structure of Candida species and dissimilar structure of their colonies, the difference between acquired diffraction patterns are recognizable. In addition, through extraction of statistical feature of the diffraction pattern images and using classification techniques, the detection and discrimination could be performed in a semi-automatic way. The analysis of the colonies of five different Candida species by the optical diffraction patterns generated from the interaction of the laser with colonies' structures demonstrated that the technique had the potential to be applied for the detection and discrimination of various species.

Comparison of acidifying agents and clotrimazole for treatment of otomycosis: a comprehensive one-way mini-review.

Background and Purpose: This review aimed to compare the efficacy of acidifying agents and clotrimazole in the treatment of patients with otomycosis. Materials and Methods: The databases, including Research Gate, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Embase, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, and library databases of clinical trials were searched in this study. The keywords were "Fungal Ear Infection" and "Otitis External" for otomycosis, "Clotrimazole", Lotrimin", "Mycelex", "Desenex", and "Clotrimaderm Mycoderm" for clotrimazole, and "Boric Acid Alcohol", "Alcohol-vinegar solution", Burow solution (Domeboro), "Isopropyl Alcohol", "VoSol" and "Acetic Acid" for acidifying agents. Regarding search strategy, a total of 53 studies were collected, 11 of which were maintained for assessment. Almost all studies were published after 1990. These articles discussed the role of clotrimazole and acidifying compounds in the treatment of otomycosis. Moreover, the route of administration, dosage, and side effects of these medications were highlighted. Results: Eight studies had similar results and claimed that clotrimazole has the best or most significant effect on the treatment of otomycosis for patients suffering from pain, itching, swelling, and hearing loss. Conclusion: Although all medications appear effective, there is a paucity of evidence to fully support the decision to choose between clotrimazole or acidifying agents for the treatment of otomycosis in terms of both efficacy and safety. However, in the biomedical field, the re-emerging investigation attention is due to the statements of a number of mechanisms defending the use of acidifying agents to treat mycosis (of antifungal-resistant species).

Persistent Molecular Disease in Adult Patients With AML Evaluated With Whole-Exome and Targeted Error-Corrected DNA Sequencing.

PURPOSE: Persistent molecular disease (PMD) after induction chemotherapy predicts relapse in AML. In this study, we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted error-corrected sequencing to assess the frequency and mutational patterns of PMD in 30 patients with AML. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort included 30 patients with adult AML younger than 65 years who were uniformly treated with standard induction chemotherapy. Tumor/normal WES was performed for all patients at presentation. PMD analysis was evaluated in bone marrow samples obtained during clinicopathologic remission using repeat WES and analysis of patient-specific mutations and error-corrected sequencing of 40 recurrently mutated AML genes (MyeloSeq). RESULTS: WES for patient-specific mutations detected PMD in 63% of patients (19/30) using a minimum variant allele fraction (VAF) of 2.5%. In comparison, MyeloSeq identified persistent mutations above 0.1% VAF in 77% of patients (23/30). PMD was usually present at relatively high levels (>2.5% VAFs), such that WES and MyeloSeq agreed for 73% of patients despite differences in detection limits. Mutations in DNMT3A, ASXL1, and TET2 (ie, DTA mutations) were persistent in 16 of 17 patients, but WES also detected non-DTA mutations in 14 of these patients, which for some patients distinguished residual AML cells from clonal hematopoiesis. Surprisingly, MyeloSeq detected additional variants not identified at presentation in 73% of patients that were consistent with new clonal cell populations after chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: PMD and clonal hematopoiesis are both common in patients with AML in first remission. These findings demonstrate the importance of baseline testing for accurate interpretation of mutation-based tumor monitoring assays for patients with AML and highlight the need for clinical trials to determine whether these complex mutation patterns correlate with clinical outcomes in AML.

The Functionality of Apigenin as a Novel Cardioprotective Nutraceutical with Emphasize on Regulating Cardiac Micro RNAs:.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered the most common disorder and the leading cause of mortality globally. The etiology of CVDs depends on a variety of genetic and acquired parameters. Nowadays, a dramatic surge appeared in published reports to find the association between microRNAs (miRNAs) and CVDs in order to understand the cause of the disease, rapid diagnosis with the introduction of valid biomarkers, and target as a therapeutic approach. Apigenin is a novel nutraceutical flavonoid that cardioprotective properties are suggested. The current review aimed to evaluate the beneficial features of this phytochemical against CVDs with an emphasis on its ability to regulate the miRNAs. The findings demonstrated that Apigenin could regulate cardiac miRNAs, including miR-103, miR-122-5p, miR-15b, miR-155, and miR-33. Consequently, preventing CVDs is possible through different effects such as the promotion of cholesterol efflux, prevention of hyperlipidemia, alteration in ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily A Member 1 (ABCA1) levels, reducing of cardiocytes apoptosis, and retarding myocytes fibrosis. Also, it can regulate signaling pathways, protect against endothelial dysfunction, maintain oxidative balance, and decrease inflammatory factors and reactive oxygen species. Hence, apigenin regulatory characteristics affecting miRNAs expression could introduce this flavonoid as a novel cardioprotective phytochemical against different CVDs.

Meyerozyma guilliermondii species complex: review of current epidemiology, antifungal resistance, and mechanisms.

Meyerozyma guilliermondii has been accepted as a complex composed of Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Meyerozyma carpophila, and Meyerozyma caribbica. M. guilliermondii is a saprophyte detected on human mucosa and skin. It can lead to serious infections in patients with risk factors like chemotherapy, immunodeficiency, gastrointestinal or cardiovascular surgery, and oncology disorders. Most deaths related to M. guilliermondii infections occur in individuals with malignancy. In recent decades, incidence of M. guilliermondii infections is increased. Sensitivity of this microorganism to conventional antifungals (e.g., amphotericin B, fluconazole, micafungin and anidulafungin) was reduced. Prophylactic and empirical uses of these drugs are linked to elevated minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of M. guilliermondii. Drug resistance has concerned many researchers across the world. They are attempting to discover appropriate solution to combat this challenge. This study reviews the most important mechanisms of resistance to antifungals developed by in M. guilliermondii species complex.

A Study on the Bending Stiffness of a New DNA Origami Nano-Joint.

The present article aims to investigate the mechanical properties of a new DNA origami nano-joint using the steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation. Since the analysis of mechanical properties is of great importance in bending conditions for a nano-joint, the forces are selected to achieve angular changes in the joint by the resultant torque. In this study, the nano-joint is considered as a beam in order to use mechanical equations to extract the mechanical properties of the designed nano-joint. In addition, the bending stiffness of the beam is investigated in different modes of deflection using the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The results revealed that the value of bending stiffness increases with increasing deflection, and the changes in the bending stiffness relative to the deflection is linear. The proposed DNA origami nano-joint can be used as a joint in nanorobots and can be effectively applied in nanorobotic systems to move different components.