Optimal distribution grid allocation of reactive power with a focus on the particle swarm optimization technique and voltage stability.

A structured approach to managing reactive power is imperative within the context of power systems. Among the restructuring initiatives in the electrical sector, power systems have undergone delineation into three principal categories: generation, transmission, and distribution entities, each of which is overseen by an independent system operator. Notably, active power emerges as the predominant commodity transacted within the electrical market, with the autonomous grid operator assuming the responsibility of ensuring conducive conditions for the execution of energy contracts across the transmission infrastructure. Ancillary services, comprising essential frameworks for energy generation and delivery to end-users, encompass reactive power services pivotal in the regulation of bus voltage. Of particular significance among the array of ancillary services requisite in a competitive market milieu is the provision of adequate reactive power to uphold grid safety and voltage stability. A salient impediment to the realization of energy contracts lies in the inadequacy of reactive power within the grid, which poses potential risks to its operational safety and voltage equilibrium. The optimal allocation of the reactive power load is predicated upon presumptions of consistent outcomes within the active power market. Under this conceptual framework, generators are afforded continual compensation for the provision of reactive power indispensable for sustaining their active energy production endeavors.

Recent update on the protective potentials of resveratrol against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Although cancer treatment with cisplatin is effective, dose-dependent adverse effects such as ototoxicity occurs often, which limits its clinical use. The use of resveratrol may alleviate the cisplatin-induced ototoxic effects. This study is aimed to review the potential otoprotective effects of resveratrol against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. METHOD: According to the PRISMA guideline, a systematic search was accomplished to identify all relevant scientific papers on "the role of resveratrol against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity" in different electronic databases up to May 2021. Fifty-five articles were screened based on a pre-defined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight eligible studies were finally included in the current systematic review. The in-vitro findings revealed that cisplatin administration significantly decreased the HEI-OC1 cell viability compared to the untreated cells; however, resveratrol co-treatment (in a dose-dependent manner) could protect HEI-OC1 cells against cisplatin-induced decrease in cell viability. RESULTS: Furthermore, the in-vivo finding showed a decreased value of DPOAE, and increased values of ABR threshold, ABR-I, ABR-IV, and ABR I-IV interval in cisplatin-treated animals; in contrast, resveratrol co-administration demonstrated an opposite pattern on these parameters. CONCLUSION: Thus, it can be mentioned that resveratrol co-treatment alleviates cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Mechanically, resveratrol exerts its otoprotective effects through various mechanisms such as anti-oxidant, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory.

Evaluation of Cholesterol Thickness of Blood Vessels Using Photoacoustic Technology.

One of the primary indicators of plaque vulnerability is the lipid composition of atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, the medical industry requires a method to evaluate necrotic nuclei in atherosclerosis imaging with sensitivity. In this regard, photoacoustic imaging is a plaque detection method that provides chemical information on lipids and cholesterol thickness in the arterial walls of the patient. This aspect aims to increase the low-frequency axial resolution by developing a new photoacoustic-based system. A photoacoustic system has been developed to detect the cholesterol thickness of the blood vessels to observe the progression of plaque in the heart's blood vessels. The application of the coherent photoacoustic discontinuous correlation tomography technique, which is based on a novel signal processing, significantly increased the cholesterol oleate's sensitivity to plaque necrosis. By enhancing the quality of thickness detection, the system for measuring the thickness of cholesterol in blood vessels has been reduced to approximately 23 microns. The results show that the phase spectrum peaked at 100 Hz at 58.66 degrees, and at 400 Hz, the phase spectrum was 46.37 degrees. The minimum amplitude is 1.95 at 100 Hz and 17.67 at 400 Hz. In conclusion, it can be stated that photoacoustic imaging as a method based on new technologies is of great importance in medical research, which is based on the use of nonionizing radiation to perform diagnostic processes and measure different types of body tissues.

Shining the light on mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in breast cancer.

In women, breast cancer (BC) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a subgroup of heterogeneous non-hematopoietic fibroblast-like cells that have the ability to differentiate into multiple cell types. Recent studies stated that MSCs can migrate into the tumor sites and exert various effect on tumor growth and development. Multiple researches have demonstrated that MSCs can favor tumor growth, while other groups have indicated that MSCs inhibit tumor development. Emerging evidences showed exosomes (Exo) as a new mechanism of cell communication which are essential for the crosstalk between MSCs and BC cells. MSC-derived Exo (MSCs-Exo) could mimic the numerous effects on the proliferation, metastasis, and drug response through carrying a wide scale of molecules, such as proteins, lipids, messenger RNAs, and microRNAs to BC cells. Consequently, in the present literature, we summarized the biogenesis and cargo of Exo and reviewed the role of MSCs-Exo in development of BC.

Synthesis and characterization of new 1,4-dihydropyran derivatives by novel Ta-MOF nanostructures as reusable nanocatalyst with antimicrobial activity.

Novel Ta- MOF was synthesized under mild conditions by ultrasound irradiations. The sample was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, TG and BET technique. The final structures showed high physicho-chemical properties including narrow particle size distribution, homogenous morphology, high thermal stability and remarkable surface area. Ta- MOF synthesized in this study was used as a catalyst in the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyran derivatives. The results proved that it has a high catalyst capability. Its advantages include high recyclability, less reaction time with higher efficiency and synthesis of new1,4-dihydropyran derivatives. In the following, antimicrobial activity including antifungal and antibacterial activity of Ta- MOF nanoparticles based on Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, Minimum Fungicidal Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration were evaluated. The synthesized Ta- MOF, in addition to high catalytic properties, showed high antimicrobial activity with MIC value between 16 and -256 µg/ml, and can be introduced as an agent against bacteria and fungi.

Concanavalin A as a promising lectin-based anti-cancer agent: the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

Concanavalin A (ConA), the most studied plant lectin, has been known as a potent anti-neoplastic agent for a long time. Since initial reports on its capacity to kill cancer cells, much attention has been devoted to unveiling the lectin's exact molecular mechanism. It has been revealed that ConA can bind to several receptors on cancerous and normal cells and modulate the related signaling cascades. The most studied host receptor for ConA is MT1-MMP, responsible for most of the lectin's modulations, ranging from activating immune cells to killing tumor cells. In this study, in addition to studying the effect of ConA on signaling and immune cell function, we will focus on the most up-to-date advancements that unraveled the molecular mechanisms by which ConA can induce autophagy and apoptosis in various cancer cell types, where it has been found that P73 and JAK/STAT3 are the leading players. Moreover, we further discuss the main signaling molecules causing liver injury as the most significant side effect of the lectin injection. Altogether, these findings may shed light on the complex signaling pathways controlling the diverse responses created via ConA treatment, thereby modulating these complex networks to create more potent lectin-based cancer therapy. Video Abstract.

A novel approach based on the ultrasonic-assisted microwave method for the efficient synthesis of Sc-MOF@SiO2 core/shell nanostructures for H2S gas adsorption: A controllable systematic study for a green future.

In this work, for the first time, novel Sc-MOF@SiO2 core/shell nanostructures have been synthesized under the optimal conditions of ultrasonic-assisted microwave routes. The final products showed small particle size distributions with homogeneous morphology (SEM results), high thermal stability (TG curve), high surface area (BET adsorption/desorption techniques), and significant porosity (BJH method). The final nanostructures of Sc-MOF@SiO2 core/shell with such distinct properties were used as a new compound for H2S adsorption. It was used with the systematic investigation based on a 2K-1 factorial design, which showed high-performance adsorption of about 5 mmol/g for these novel adsorbents; the optimal experimental conditions included pressure, 1.5 bar; contact time, 20 min; and temperature, 20°C. This study and its results promise a green future for the potential control of gas pollutants.

RETRACTED: The pathogenicity of COVID-19 and the role of pentraxin-3: An updated review study.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. In investigating concerns regarding the contributions of the authors to this article, the editors reached out to the authors for an explanation. In addition to the concerns regarding the contribution of each author, the editors discovered suspicious changes in authorship between the original submission and the revised version of this paper. The names of the authors Ameer A Alameri and Zanko Hassan Jawhar were added to the revised version of the article without explanation and without the exceptional approval by the handling Editor, which is contrary to the journal policy on changes to authorship. The authors were unable to provide a reasonable explanation for either of the issues raised. The editor therefore feels that the findings of the manuscript cannot be relied upon and that the article needs to be retracted.

Synthesis of efficient cobalt-metal organic framework as reusable nanocatalyst in the synthesis of new 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives with antioxidant activity.

Efficient cobalt-metal organic framework (Co-MOF) was prepared via a controllable microwave-assisted reverse micelle synthesis route. The products were characterized by SEM image, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, FTIR spectrum, and TG analysis. Results showed that the products have small particle size distribution, homogenous morphology, significant surface area, and high thermal stability. The physicochemical properties of the final products were remarkable compared with other MOF samples. The newly synthesized nanostructures were used as recyclable catalysts in the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives. After the confirmation of related structures, the antioxidant activity of derivatives based on the DPPH method was evaluated and the relationship between structures and antioxidant activity was observed. In addition to recyclability, the catalytic activity of Co-MOF studied in this research has remarkable effects on the synthesis of 1,4 dihydropyridine derivatives.

Synthesis of Bioactive Yttrium-Metal-Organic Framework as Efficient Nanocatalyst in Synthesis of Novel Pyrazolopyranopyrimidine Derivatives and Evaluation of Anticancer Activity.

Novel Yttrium-metal-organic framework (Y-MOF) was synthesized under optimal conditions of microwave with a power of 20 W, the temperature of 30 degrees of centigrade, and time duration of 10 min. The products were characterized by SEM (morphology and size distribution), TGA (thermal stability), BET technique (surface area), and FTIR (characterization of the related group). The Yttrium-metal-organic framework (Y-MOF) synthesized in this study, after identifying and confirming the structure, was used as an efficient and recyclable catalyst in the synthesis of new pyrazolopyranopyrimidine derivatives. Following the study of the properties and applications of Y-MOF, its anticancer properties on breast cancer cells based on the MTT method were evaluated, and significant results were observed. In addition, the anticancer properties of the pyrazolopyranopyrimidine derivatives were investigated.

Optical and Electrochemical Aptasensors Developed for the Detection of Alpha-Fetoprotein.

Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer mortality, is decisive for successful treatment of this type of cancer and increasing the patients' survival rate. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein that has been currently employed as a potential serological biomarker for determination of HCC and several other cancers. Achieving highly sensitive and specific detection of this biomarker is an effective strategy to inhibit developing issues caused by the cancer. Though, traditional procedures cannot meet the requirements due to the technical drawbacks. Recently, growing number of aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) attracted important attention as superior diagnostic tools because of their unique properties such as high stability, target versatility and remarkable affinity and selectivity. Nanomaterials, which broadly employed in the structure of these aptasensors, can considerably enhance the detection limit and sensitivity of analytes determination. Therefore, this review selectively investigated the recent progresses in several different optical and electrochemical aptasensors and nano-aptasensors designed for AFP assay.

Type 2 alveolar epithelial cell-derived circulating extracellular vesicle-encapsulated surfactant protein C as a mediator of cardiac inflammation in COVID-19.

Among the countless endeavours made at elucidating the pathogenesis of COVID-19, those aimed at the histopathological alterations of type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AT2) are of outstanding relevance to the field of lung physiology, as they are the building blocks of the pulmonary alveoli. A merit of high regenerative and proliferative capacity, exocytotic activity resulting in the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is particularly high in AT2 cells, especially in those infected with SARS-CoV-2. These AT2 cell-derived EVs, containing the genetic material of the virus, might enter the bloodstream and make their way into the cardiovascular system, where they may infect cardiomyocytes and bring about a series of events leading to heart failure. As surfactant protein C, a marker of AT2 cell activity and a constituent of the lung surfactant complex, occurs abundantly inside the AT2-derived EVs released during the inflammatory stage of COVID-19, it could potentially be used as a biomarker for predicting impending heart failure in those patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.

Effect of tomato consumption on inflammatory markers in health and disease status: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammation is a major cause of chronic diseases. Several studies have investigated the effects of tomato intake on inflammatory biomarkers; however, the results are equivocal. Therefore, the present study aimed to systematically review and analyses randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of tomato intake on inflammatory biomarkers in adults. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to find RCTs related to the effect of tomato intake on inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), up to November 2021. Meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 465 subjects sourced from seven eligible RCTs (8 treatment arms) were entered into the analysis. Pooled effect size of articles indicated that tomato intake was not significantly effective on CRP (WMD: 0.13 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.09 to 0.36; P = 0.23, I2: 83.9%) and IL-6 (Hedges' g = -0.12; 95% CI -0.36, 0.13; P = 0.34, I2: 0.0%) levels compared to the control group. But it can significantly reduce TNF-α (Hedges' g = -0.45; 95% CI -0.76, -0.13; P = 0.005, I2: 0.0%) levels. CONCLUSION: Generally, the present study showed that tomato intake has no significant effect on serum CRP, and IL-6 concentrations, but can reduce serum TNF-α levels significantly. However, additional well-designed studies that include more diverse populations and longer duration are warranted.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials on the effects of soy and soy products supplementation on serum adiponectin levels.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Our aim in this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of soy and soy product supplementation on serum adiponectin levels. METHOD: A systematic search was conducted using Medline (PubMed and Web of Science), Scopus, and Cochrane Library for eligible trials up to August 2020. A random-effects model was used to pool calculated effect sizes. RESULTS: Seven trials were included in the overall analysis. Our analysis showed that soy and soy product supplementation did not significantly affect adiponectin concentrations (WMD = -0.77 µg/ml, 95% CI: -0.61, 2.15, P = 0.27) in comparison with a placebo. The between-study heterogeneity was high (I2: 68.2%, P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis, based on participants' health status and duration of the supplementation, could not detect the potential source of the observed heterogeneity. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that the effect was not statistically significant in all subgroups. CONCLUSION: Overall, soy and soy product supplementation did not change the circulatory adiponectin levels. In addition, the results were not affected by the participant's health status and duration of supplementation. However, further studies are needed to confirm the present results.

Electrospun Ta-MOF/PEBA Nanohybrids and Their CH4 Adsorption Application.

For the first time, biocompatible and biodegradable Ta-metal organic framework (MOF)/polyether block amide (PEBA) fibrous polymeric nanostructures were synthesized by ultrasonic and electrospinning routes in this study. The XRD peaks of products were wider, which is due to the significant effect of the ultrasonic and electrospinning methods on the final product. The adsorption/desorption behavior of the nanostructures is similar to that of the third type of isotherm series, which showed mesoporous behavior for the products. The sample has uniform morphology without any evidence of agglomeration. Since the adsorption and trapping of gaseous pollutants are very important, the application of the final Ta-MOF/PEBA fibrous polymeric nanostructures was investigated for CH4 adsorption. In order to achieve the optimal conditions of experiments and also systematic studies of the parameters, fractional factorial design was used. The results showed that by selecting temperature 40°C, time duration 35 min, and pressure 3 bar, the CH4 gas adsorption rate was near 4 mmol/g. Ultrasonic and electrospinning routes as well as immobilization of Ta-MOF in the PEBA fibrous network affect the performance of the final products for CH4 gas adsorption.

Current Progress in Aptasensor for Ultra-Low Level Monitoring of Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers.

In today's world, Parkinson's disease (PD) has been introduced as a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system which mainly affects approximately more than ten million people worldwide. The vast majority of diagnostic methods for PD have operated based on conventional sensing platforms, while the traditional laboratory tests are not efficient for diagnosis of PD in the early stage due to symptoms of this common neurodegenerative syndrome starting slowly. The advent of the aptasensor has revolutionized the early-stage diagnosis of PD by measuring related biomarkers due to the myriad advantages of originating from aptamers which can be able to sensitive and selective capture various types of related biomarkers. The progress of numerous sensing platforms and methodologies in terms of biosensors based on aptamer application for PD diagnosis has revealed promising results. In this review, we present the latest developments in myriad types of aptasensors for the determination of related PD biomarkers. Working strategies, advantages and limitations of these sensing approaches are also mentioned, followed by prospects and challenges.