Review of the global evolution of regulations on single-use plastics and lessons drawn for Canada.

Plastic pollution is a global problem and many countries are strengthening their regulations to mitigate the related environmental degradation and health risks and to support the development and deployment of circular economy for various types of plastics. As Canada also develops its strategy for regulating single-use plastic as one element of the plastic pollution, aligned federal and provincial policies are essential. This study presents an analysis of existing and emerging policies to provide guidance on Canada's future regulations. Qualitative and quantitative data regarding plastic regulations were gathered from similar countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States and relevant scientific articles. Analysis was also conducted of current Canadian regulations that both impact and guide the path for plastic regulation, international examples provided guidance for future Canadian regulations. The analysis found that there is a need for public education on the gravity of plastic pollution to gain their support; for establishing pioneering provinces or cities in plastic regulations to learn from and provide other cities with support; and to start with banning items with available alternatives, to be followed by phasing out other items that are more difficult to replace. The study also showed potential areas of improvement in impact data. The need for reliable regulatory performance data against a baseline scenario; consistency in methodology; and proper scoping to reduce the risk of displacement or exclusivity in policy were identified.

Diagnosis of fast-growing thoracic aneurysm with microscopic evidence of dissection over 6 months follow-up in an asymptomatic middle aged gentleman: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), is a pathological dilatation of the aortic segment with the tendency to expand, dissect or rupture, and risk of mortality. The progression rate is mainly slow. As the risk of rupture increases with the size of the aortic diameter, it is important to diagnose TAA appropriately to prevent mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a case with a fast-growing TAA, complicated by subclinical dissection in a middle-aged gentleman, associated with non-compaction left ventricle, diagnosed 6 months after the first diagnosis of this co-occurrence, successfully managed by an uneventful surgical procedure. The pathological examination was the key to the diagnosis of this concealed phenomenon, i.e. a fast-growing aortic aneurysm complicated by subclinical dissection. CONCLUSION: This case report emphasizes the importance of close follow-up of patients with fast-growing TAA for considering remote possibility of this silent life-threatening disease; subclinical dissecting aneurysm, especially in patients with other cardiac comorbidities. Although imaging modalities can help accurate diagnosis, in cases with fast-growing TAA, we should not wait for imaging signs of dissection and/or rupture.

Modulation of Th17 Proliferation and IL-17A Gene Expression by Acetylated Form of Apigenin in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

The presence of Th17 cells in CNS lesion of MS patients due to their inflammatory cytokines secretion is in line with the deterioration of the disease. Currently, the use of natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties such as flavonoids have been considered to reduce inflammation in these patients, but the remaining issue is how deliver these compounds to the site of inflammation. Acetylation is a way to better uptake compound by cells and cross through cellular layers with tight junctions. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of the Apigenin 3-Acetate on Th17 cells of MS patients and compare its efficacy with Apigenin and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate. IC50 for Apigenin 3-Acetate, and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate were determined using three healthy volunteers. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of five MS patients were isolated and co-cultured with a selected dose of Apigenin, Apigenin 3-Acetate, and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate for 48 hr, and then theproliferation of Th17 cells in isolated PBMCs was assessed by flow cytometry. The levels of RAR-related orphan receptor (RORC) and IL-17A expression were also determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that Apigenin 3-Acetate inhibited Th17 cells proliferation (P value: 0.018) at 80 µM concentration after 48 hr. Additionally, IL-17A gene expression significantly (P value≤ 0.0001) inhibited by Apigenin, Apigenin 3-Acetate and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate in 80 µM, 80 µM and 2.5 µM (selected dose in IC50 determination) respectively These results demonstrate that Acetate increases anti-inflammatory effects of Apigenin on Th17 cells.

Therapeutic potential of quercetin on human breast cancer in different dimensions.

BACKGROUND: There has been an extensive range of incidence and mortality of breast cancer (BC), and the comprehensively available treatments for BC have not been completely successful in achieving satisfactory outcomes up to date. HYPOTHESIS: Recently, we are watching intense attention paid to the utilization of natural compounds as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Quercetin, a dietary flavonol in a large group of commonly consumed foods, is widely illustrated to apply inhibitory effects on cancer progression through several mechanisms including apoptosis enhancement, cell cycle arrest, metastasis and angiogenesis inhibition, antioxidant replication and estrogen receptor modulation. METHODS: We reviewed the most relevant papers published from 2009 to 2018 (except 15 articles), using "pub med" and "web of science" and the search terms "Quercetin"; "Breast cancer"; "Flavonoid"; "Apoptosis"; "Cell cycle"; "chemotherapy"; "Drug resistance"; "Metastasis; "Oxidative stress", "Breast cancer receptors" and "Quercetin derivatives". We selected studies on the association of quercetin with breast cancer in different dimensions. RESULTS: Despite the remarkable number of studies on quercetin's efficacy, multiple aspects of this herbal compound have not been clarified well and this review provides a summarized update of the recent evidence on biologically available efficacies of quercetin which would establish a further biological basis for the potential therapeutic acquisition of quercetin as an anticancer drug. CONCLUSION: Basic, epidemiological and genetic studies point to the potential role of quercetin in the treatment of breast cancer, but randomized and controlled trials are of great importance to establish the clinical efficacy of quercetin in ill or at-risk subjects.

The significant impact of apigenin on different aspects of autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases are among the highest diseases to diagnose and treat. The current "gold standard" of care for these diseases is immunosuppressive drugs which interfere with overall immune responses; their long-term high-dose treatments would expose the patient to opportunistic, life-threatening and long-term malignant infections. Considering the side effects and toxicity of these drug and also the beneficial effects of herbal compounds among their consumers, the professional investigation on the exact mechanism of the plant's major element has grown much attention in the last years. Apigenin as an extracting compound of plants, such as parsley and celery, which has a variety of biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant effects. This review is intended to summarize the various effects of Apigenin on several autoimmune diseases which have been worked on so far. The pluralization of the obtained results has revealed Apigenin's effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, chemokines such as ICAM-1, immune cells proliferation such as T cells, apoptosis, and various signaling pathways. According to these preclinical findings, we recommend that further robust unbiased studies should be done to use Apigenin as a supplementary or therapeutic element in autoimmune disease.

Influence of an Al2O3 surface coating on the response of polymeric waveguide sensors.

The responses of a polymer ridge waveguide Young interferometer with and without a bilayer of Al2O3/TiO2, fabricated by atomic layer deposition, are studied and compared when applied as an aqueous chemical sensor. The phase shift of the guided mode, as a result of the change in refractive index of the cover medium, is monitored. The results indicate that the over-coating affects the linearity of the sensor response. The effect of concentration on the linearity of the sensor response is investigated by applying different concentrations of water-ethanol solution. Although the performance of the sensor is improved by the additional layers, the study reveals a non-monotonic behavior of the device. We show that it comes mainly from the adsorption of ethanol molecules on the surface of the films. Such an understanding of the platform is crucial for sensing of analytes involving polar molecules.

Strip-loaded waveguide on titanium dioxide thin films by nanoimprint replication.

We present a convenient, low-cost, and mass-production-compatible technique for the fabrication of strip-loaded waveguides. The technique is based on the atomic layer deposition of a slab waveguide, nanoimprinting of a strip, and integration of two structures by lamination. The guiding layer is chosen to be a 200 nm thick titanium dioxide film. The waveguide characteristics are determined by the use of ring resonators. The technique is demonstrated for titanium dioxide thin films, but it is applicable to any other material that meets the refractive index difference condition between the loading strip and the slab waveguide.

Strip-loaded horizontal slot waveguide.

We introduce a novel concept for an optical waveguide called a strip-loaded slot waveguide. It allows an extraordinary confinement of the field in a waveguide with an extremely tiny (vertical) cross section. Unlike conventional slot waveguides, the proposed configuration has potential for very low propagation losses. Its operation is demonstrated at telecommunication wavelengths and, in addition, it is fabricated by means of mass production compatible techniques: atomic layer deposition and nanoimprint replication. The possibility to fabricate the proposed structure with such low-cost techniques opens a new path for a variety of nanophotonics applications.

The Frequency of HBB Mutations Among ß-Thalassemia Patients in Hamadan Province, Iran.

ß-Thalassemia (ß-thal) caused by mutations on the HBB gene is the most common single-gene disorder in the world. In this study, the HBB gene mutation was investigated in Hamadan province, Iran. Forty-one patients referred to a referral hospital were admitted to the study. DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood. The HBB gene was sequenced in all recruited patients. Eleven mutations and eight polymorphisms were found in the studied patients. IVS-II-1 (G>A) (HBB: c.315+1 G>A) was the most common mutation, accounting for 25.61% of mutant alleles. Other mutations included codon 8 (-AA) (HBB: c.25-26delAA); IVS-I-110 (G>A) (HBB: c.93-21 G>A); codons 8/9 (+G) (HBB: c.27-28insG); IVS-I-1 (G>A) (HBB: c.92 G>A); codon 44 (-C) (HBB: c.135delC); codons 25/26 (+T) (HBB: c.78-79insT); IVS-I-130 (G>C) (HBB: c.93-1 G>C); -28 (A>C) (HBB: c.-78 A>C); codons 36/37 (-T) (HBB: c.112delT) and IVS-I-6 (T>C) (HBB: c.92+6 T>C). According to our findings, the IVS-II-1 mutation has the highest prevalence in Hamadan Province. It was found that the total frequency of the IVS-II-1, codons 25/26 (+T), codons 8/9 (+G), IVS-I-110 and IVS-I-1 mutations was 82.92%. Therefore, given these findings, it is recommended that these five mutations are screened for as a first step in laboratories without sequencing instruments, and that the rest of the gene is subsequently examined.

Hybrid layered polymer slot waveguide Young interferometer.

We demonstrate a polymer slot waveguide Young interferometer coated with a bilayer of Al2O3/TiO2. The approach enables relaxed dimensions of the polymer waveguide which simplifies the fabrication of the structure with a resolution of 50 nm. The layers were coated by an atomic layer deposition technique. The feasibility of the device was investigated by exploiting the interferometric structure as a bulk refractive index sensor operating at 975 nm wavelength for detection of an ethanol-water solution. A refractive index change of 1 × 10-6 RIU with a sensing length of only 800 µm was detected. The approach confirms the possibility of realizing a low cost device with a small footprint and enhanced sensitivity by employing the TiO2 rails in the sides of the slot waveguide.

Diagnostic evaluation of uterine artery Doppler sonography for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Increased impedance to flow in the uterine arteries assessed by value of the Doppler is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially pre-eclampsia. We investigated the predictive value of a uterine artery Doppler in the identification of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as 'pre-eclampsia' and 'small fetus for gestational age' (SGA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and seventy-nine women, with singleton pregnancy, between 18 and 40 years of age, without risk factors, randomly underwent Doppler interrogation of the uterine arteries, between 16-22 weeks of gestation. Those who had a mean pulsatility index (PI) of >1.45 were considered to have an abnormal result, and were evaluated and compared with those who had normal results for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia and small for gestational age. The relationship between the variables was assessed with the use of the chi-square test. RESULTS: There were 17 cases (4.5%) of abnormal uterine artery Doppler results and 15 of them (88.2%) developed pre-eclampsia and four cases (23.5%) had neonates small for gestational age. For predicting pre-eclampsia, the mean uterine artery PI had to be >1.45, had to have a specificity of 95.5% (95% CI, 70-92%), a sensitivity of 79% (95% CI, 43-82%), a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.9% (95% CI, 72-96%), and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88.2% (95% CI, 68-98%). In the case of 'small for gestational age' it had to have a specificity of 96.5% (95% CI, 42-68%), a sensitivity of 57% (95% CI, 53-76%), an NPV of 99.2% (95% CI, 70-92%), and a PPV of 23.5% (95% CI, 30-72%). CONCLUSION: Uterine artery Doppler evaluation at 16-22 weeks of gestation might be an appropriate tool for identifying pregnancies that may be at an increased risk for development of pre-eclampsia and small fetus for gestational age.

Enhanced sensitivity in polymer slot waveguides by atomic layer deposited bilayer coatings.

The refractive index sensitivity of a polymer slot waveguide coated with a bilayer of Al2O3/TiO2 was investigated theoretically and optimized for biosensor applications. The influence of atomic-layer-deposition-coated thin high-refractive-index layers on the slot confinement factor and the homogeneous sensitivity of polymer slot waveguides with different geometries were simulated. The results were compared with those of an optimized noncoated polymer slot waveguide, both operating at visible wavelengths. The simulations reveal that the proposed structure offers a significant improvement in the confinement factor and the sensitivity. These calculations present guidelines for the design and fabrication of relatively sensitive polymer slot waveguide devices for low-cost biochemical sensor applications.

Non-Compaction Ventricle and Associated Cardiovascular and Non-Cardiovascular Diseases; More Attention Is Needed!

Non-compaction of the ventricle (NCV) with a higher tendency to left ventricular involvement (NCLV) is a genetic disorder which can cause arrhythmias and cardiac arrest or remain asymptomatic. It is generally considered an isolated disease most frequently, while a few case reports have reported its association with cardiac anomalies. As the treatment strategies differ for NCV and cardiac anomalies, missed diagnosis of the concomitant cardiac diseases can result in poor response to treatment and prognosis. Here, we present 12 adult patients diagnosed with NCV and associated cardiovascular anomalies. By increasing the clinical suspicion and physician's awareness about the possibility of the presence of other cardiovascular diseases with NCLV and using close examination and follow-up of the patients, we could diagnose this number of patients during 14 months of investigation. This case series emphasizes the need for increased awareness and attention of echocardiographers on the diagnosis of other cardiovascular diseases associated with NCV for a better response to treatment and improved patient prognosis.

The Immunomodulatory Aspect of Quercetin Penta Acetate on Th17 Cells Proliferation and Gene Expression in Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The function of Th17 cells in the neuroinflammatory process in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been previously clarified. It has been suggested that Quercetin can influence MS due to a variety of anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to examine in vitro immunomodulatory aspects of Quercetin Penta Acetate as a modified compound on Th17 cells of MS patients and also to compare its effects with Quercetin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) were isolated and stained with CFSE then, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined using different doses and times for Quercetin Penta Acetate, and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate. Th17 cell proliferation was analyzed by flow cytometry and the expression levels of IL-17 and RORc genes were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. RESULTS: The results showed that IL-17 gene expression was inhibited by Quercetin Penta Acetate (P=0.0081), but Quercetin Penta Acetate did not have a significant inhibitory effect on Th17 cells proliferation (P= 0.59) and RORc gene expression (P=0.1), compared to Quercetin. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results showed some immunomodulatory aspects of Quercetin Penta Acetate on Th17 cells are more effective than Quercetin and it could be considered in the treatment of MS.

Comparative Analysis of Apigenin-3 Acetate versus Apigenin and Methyl-Prednisolone in Inhibiting Proliferation and Gene Expression of Th1 Cells in Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: In spite of the advances in therapeutic modalities, morbidity, due to multiple sclerosis (MS), still remains high. Therefore, a large body of research is endeavouring to discover or develop novel therapies with improved efficacy for treating MS patients. In the present study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of apigenin (Api) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from MS patients. We also developed an acetylated form of Api (apigenin- 3-acetate) to improve In its blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Additionally, we compared its anti-inflammatory properties to original Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate (a standard therapy), as a potential option in treating MS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study was an experimental-interventional research. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for apigenin-3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate were determined in healthy volunteers' PBMCs (n=3). Gene expressions of T-box transcription factor (TBX21 or T-bet) and IFN-γ, as well as proliferation of T cells isolated from MS patients' PBMCs (n=5), were examined in co-cultures of apigenin-3-acetate, Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate after 48 hours of treatment, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Our findings showed that apigenin-3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate at concentrations of 80, 80, and 2.5 M could inhibit Th1 cell proliferation after 48 hours (P=0.001, P=0.036, and P=0.047, respectively); they also inhibited T-bet (P=0.015, P=0.019, and P=0.022) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) gene expressions (P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that Api may have anti-inflammatory properties, possibly by inhibiting proliferation of IFN-producing Th1 cells. Moreover, comparative immunomodulatory effects were found for the acetylated version of apigenin-3-acetate versus Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate.

Synthesis and electrochemical study of enzymatic graphene oxide-based nanocomposite as stable biosensor for determination of bevacizumab as a medicine in colorectal cancer in human serum and wastewater fluids.

This work's goal was the fabrication of a graphene oxide-based nanocomposite biosensor for the determination of bevacizumab (BVZ) as a medicine for colorectal cancer in human serum and wastewater fluids. For the fabrication electrode, graphene oxide was electrodeposited on GCE (GO/GCE), and then DNA and monoclonal anti-bevacizumab antibodies were immobilized on the GO/GCE surface, respectively (Ab/DNA/GO/GCE). Structural characterization using XRD, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the binding of DNA to GO nanosheets and the interaction of Ab with the DNA/GO array. Electrochemical characterization of Ab/DNA/GO/GCE using CV and DPV indicated immobilization of antibodies on DNA/GO/GCE and sensitive and selective behavior of modified electrodes for determination of BVZ. The linear range was obtained 10-1100 µg/mL, and the sensitivity and detection limit values were determined to be 0.14575 µA/µg.mL-1 and 0.02 µg/mL, respectively. To verify the applicability of the planned sensor for determination of BVZ in human serum and wastewater fluid specimens, the outcomes of DPV measurements using Ab, DNA, GO, and GCE and the results of the Bevacizumab ELISA Kit for determination of BVZ in prepared real specimens showed good conformity between the outcomes of both analyses. Moreover, the proposed sensor showed considerable assay precision with recoveries ranging from 96.00% to 98.90% and acceptable relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 5.11%, illustrating sufficiently good sensor accuracy and validity in the determination of BVZ in prepared real specimens of human serum and wastewater fluids. These outcomes demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed BVZ sensor in clinical and environmental assay applications.

Microwave-assisted preparation of polysubstituted imidazoles using Zingiber extract synthesized green Cr2O3 nanoparticles.

Cr2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using Zingiber officinal extract which were used as an efficient and reusable catalyst in the practical synthesis of polysubstituted imidazoles by means of a convenient reaction of aromatic aldehydes with ammonium acetate and benzil under microwave irradiation and H2O as solvent. The structure of the compounds was studied by IR and 1H-NMR spectrum. The most important benefits of this process are operational simplicity, reasonable reaction times, and excellent yield of products. The results show that the optimal conditions for the formation of imidazole derivatives are as follow: power of 400 W, reaction time of 4-9 min, H2O as a solvent, and 15 mmol of catalyst amount.

A facile hydrothermal synthesis of high-efficient NiO nanocatalyst for preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones.

The present work introduces a one-step and facile hydrothermal procedure as a green process for the first time to synthesize nickel(II) oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. The as-prepared nanomaterials were used as high efficient, low toxic and cost catalyst for the synthesis of some organic compounds. Ni(NO3)2 and some natural extract were used as a surfactant for the first time to synthesis NiO nanomaterials. A high synthesis yield (91%) was obtained for S2. Rietveld analysis affirmed the cubic crystal system of the obtained NiO nanocatalyst. The morphology studies were carried out with the FESEM method and the images revealed a change from non-homogenous to homogenous spherical particles when the Barberryas was used instead of orange blossom surfactant. Besides, the images revealed that the particle size distribution was in the range of 20 to 60 nm. The synthesized catalysts were used for the first time in Biginelli multicomponent reactions (MCRs) for the preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs) under the present facile reaction conditions. High yield (97%) of the final product was achieved at the optimum condensation reaction conditions (Catalyst: 60 mg; temperature: 90 °C and time: 90 min) when ethyl acetoacetate/methyl acetoacetate (1 mmol), benzaldehyde (1 mmol) and urea (1.2 mmol) were used. A kinetic study affirmed pseudo-first-order model for Biginelli reactions followed the pseudo-first-order model.

The Effect of Client Needs Counseling on the Postpartum Quality of Life of Women.

In a randomized clinical trial study, the effect of client needs counseling on the postpartum quality of life of 84 women were investigated. The data were collected using the Postpartum Quality of Life Questionnaire. The post-test mean total score of quality of life had a statistically significant difference between two groups (p = .001). There were significant differences between two groups in the post-test mean of mother's feelings toward herself, her husband and others, physical changes, satisfaction with birth method, and selection of the next method of birth areas (p < .05). Our findings indicated that providing two additional counseling sessions based on the client's needs can be effective in promoting the quality of life of low-risk women.

Modeling and prediction of regional municipal solid waste generation and diversion in Canada using machine learning approaches.

The main objective of this study was to develop models for accurate prediction of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and diversion based on demographic and socio-economic variables, with planned application of generating Canada-wide MSW inventories. Models were generated by mapping residential MSW quantities with socio-economic and demographic parameters of 220 municipalities in the province of Ontario, Canada. Two machine learning algorithms, namely decision trees and neural networks, were applied to build the models. Socio-economic variables were derived from Canadian Census data at regional and municipal levels. A data pre-processing and integration framework was developed in Matlab® computing software to generate datasets with sufficient data quantity and quality for modeling. Results showed that machine learning algorithms can be successfully used to generate waste models with good prediction performance. Neural network models had the best performance, describing 72% of variation in the data. The approach proposed in this study demonstrates the feasibility of creating tools that helps in regional waste planning by means of sourcing, pre-processing, integrating and modeling of publically available data from various sources.