Development of a Two-Finger Haptic Robotic Hand with Novel Stiffness Detection and Impedance Control.

Haptic hands and grippers, designed to enable skillful object manipulation, are pivotal for high-precision interaction with environments. These technologies are particularly vital in fields such as minimally invasive surgery, where they enhance surgical accuracy and tactile feedback: in the development of advanced prosthetic limbs, offering users improved functionality and a more natural sense of touch, and within industrial automation and manufacturing, they contribute to more efficient, safe, and flexible production processes. This paper presents the development of a two-finger robotic hand that employs simple yet precise strategies to manipulate objects without damaging or dropping them. Our innovative approach fused force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors with the average current of servomotors to enhance both the speed and accuracy of grasping. Therefore, we aim to create a grasping mechanism that is more dexterous than grippers and less complex than robotic hands. To achieve this goal, we designed a two-finger robotic hand with two degrees of freedom on each finger; an FSR was integrated into each fingertip to enable object categorization and the detection of the initial contact. Subsequently, servomotor currents were monitored continuously to implement impedance control and maintain the grasp of objects in a wide range of stiffness. The proposed hand categorized objects' stiffness upon initial contact and exerted accurate force by fusing FSR and the motor currents. An experimental test was conducted using a Yale-CMU-Berkeley (YCB) object set consisted of a foam ball, an empty soda can, an apple, a glass cup, a plastic cup, and a small milk packet. The robotic hand successfully picked up these objects from a table and sat them down without inflicting any damage or dropping them midway. Our results represent a significant step forward in developing haptic robotic hands with advanced object perception and manipulation capabilities.

DE-AFO: A Robotic Ankle Foot Orthosis for Children with Cerebral Palsy Powered by Dielectric Elastomer Artificial Muscle.

Conventional passive ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) have not seen substantial advances or functional improvements for decades, failing to meet the demands of many stakeholders, especially the pediatric population with neurological disorders. Our objective is to develop the first comfortable and unobtrusive powered AFO for children with cerebral palsy (CP), the DE-AFO. CP is the most diagnosed neuromotor disorder in the pediatric population. The standard of care for ankle control dysfunction associated with CP, however, is an unmechanized, bulky, and uncomfortable L-shaped conventional AFO. These passive orthoses constrain the ankle's motion and often cause muscle disuse atrophy, skin damage, and adverse neural adaptations. While powered orthoses could enhance natural ankle motion, their reliance on bulky, noisy, and rigid actuators like DC motors limits their acceptability. Our innovation, the DE-AFO, emerged from insights gathered during customer discovery interviews with 185 stakeholders within the AFO ecosystem as part of the NSF I-Corps program. The DE-AFO is a biomimetic robot that employs artificial muscles made from an electro-active polymer called dielectric elastomers (DEs) to assist ankle movements in the sagittal planes. It incorporates a gait phase detection controller to synchronize the artificial muscles with natural gait cycles, mimicking the function of natural ankle muscles. This device is the first of its kind to utilize lightweight, compact, soft, and silent artificial muscles that contract longitudinally, addressing traditional actuated AFOs' limitations by enhancing the orthosis's natural feel, comfort, and acceptability. In this paper, we outline our design approach and describe the three main components of the DE-AFO: the artificial muscle technology, the finite state machine (the gait phase detection system), and its mechanical structure. To verify the feasibility of our design, we theoretically calculated if DE-AFO can provide the necessary ankle moment assistance for children with CP-aligning with moments observed in typically developing children. To this end, we calculated the ankle moment deficit in a child with CP when compared with the normative moment of seven typically developing children. Our results demonstrated that the DE-AFO can provide meaningful ankle moment assistance, providing up to 69% and 100% of the required assistive force during the pre-swing phase and swing period of gait, respectively.

Transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) pathway in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS); molecular approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acute demyelinating disease with an autoimmune nature, followed by gradual neurodegeneration and enervating scar formation. Dysregulated immune response is a crucial dilemma contributing to the pathogenesis of MS. The role of chemokines and cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), have been recently highlighted regarding their altered expressions in MS. TGF-ß has three isoforms, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2, and TGF-ß3, that are structurally similar; however, they can show different functions. RESULTS: All three isoforms are known to induce immune tolerance by modifying Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Nevertheless, there are controversial reports concerning the role of TGF-ß1 and 2 in the progression of scar formation in MS. At the same time, these proteins also improve oligodendrocyte differentiation and have shown neuroprotective behavior, two cellular processes that suppress the pathogenesis of MS. TGF-ß3 shares the same properties but is less likely contributes to scar formation, and its direct role in MS remains elusive. DISCUSSION: To develop novel neuroimmunological treatment strategies for MS, the optimal strategy could be the one that causes immune modulation, induces neurogenesis, stimulates remyelination, and prevents excessive scar formation. Therefore, regarding its immunological properties, TGF-ß could be an appropriate candidate; however, contradictory results of previous studies have questioned its role and therapeutic potential in MS. In this review article, we provide an overview of the role of TGF-ß in immunopathogenesis of MS, related clinical and animal studies, and the treatment potential of TGF-ß in MS, emphasizing the role of different TGF-ß isoforms.

Design and Development of Large-Band Dual-MSFA Sensor Camera for Precision Agriculture.

The optimal design and construction of multispectral cameras can remarkably reduce the costs of spectral imaging systems and efficiently decrease the amount of image processing and analysis required. Also, multispectral imaging provides effective imaging information through higher-resolution images. This study aimed to develop novel, multispectral cameras based on Fabry-Pérot technology for agricultural applications such as plant/weed separation, ripeness estimation, and disease detection. Two multispectral cameras were developed, covering visible and near-infrared ranges from 380 nm to 950 nm. A monochrome image sensor with a resolution of 1600 × 1200 pixels was used, and two multispectral filter arrays were developed and mounted on the sensors. The filter pitch was 4.5 µm, and each multispectral filter array consisted of eight bands. Band selection was performed using a genetic algorithm. For VIS and NIR filters, maximum RMS values of 0.0740 and 0.0986 were obtained, respectively. The spectral response of the filters in VIS was significant; however, in NIR, the spectral response of the filters after 830 nm decreased by half. In total, these cameras provided 16 spectral images in high resolution for agricultural purposes.

A comprehensive review on yogurt syneresis: effect of processing conditions and added additives.

Yogurt, produced by the lactic fermentation of milk base, is an important dairy product worldwide. One of the essential sensory properties of yogurt is the texture, and some textural defects such as weak gel firmness and syneresis likely occur in various types of yogurts, affecting consumer acceptance. In this regard, various strategies such as enrichment of milk-based with different additives and ingredients such as protein-based components (skimmed milk powder (SMP), whey protein-based powders (WP), casein-based powders (CP), and suitable stabilizers, as well as modification of processing conditions (homogenization, fermentation, and cooling), can be applied in order to reduce syneresis. The most effective proteins and stabilizers in syneresis reduction are CP and gelatin, respectively. Furthermore, yogurt's water holding capacity and syneresis can be affected by the type of starter cultures, the protolithic activity, production of extracellular polysaccharides, and inoculation rate. Moreover, optimizing the heat treatment process (85 °C/30 min and 95 °C/5 min), homogenization (single or dual-stage), incubation temperature (around 40 °C), and two-step cooling process can decrease yogurt syneresis. This review is aimed to investigate the effect of fortification of the milk base with various additives and optimization of process conditions on improving texture and preventing syneresis in yogurt.

Evaluation of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers and DNA damage in buffaloes naturally infected with Theileria annulata.

Previously, we evaluated serum sialic acid (SA) levels in buffaloes naturally infected with T. annulata. In the current paper, we conducted a further study on oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in erythrocyte lysate samples of the same buffaloes. DNA damage also was assessed. Additionally, we tested whether, there is any correlation between SA and the aforementioned indicators or not. To achieve these aims, several biomarkers including the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), nitric oxide contents (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DNA damage levels were measured. The obtained results showed that the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and TAC levels decreased significantly as the percentage of parasitemia increased accordingly. Also, a significant increase in the levels of PCO, MDA, NO and DNA damage were recorded, depending on the degree of parasitemia. There was a significant correlation between oxidative/nitrosative stress indicators and SA. Conclusively, T. annulata infection in buffaloes is associated with a parasitic burden-dependent oxidative/nitrosative damages to erythrocytes and SA plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of the disease, as it is tightly correlated with oxidative/nitrosative indicators.

Dietary L-carnitine affects the expression of genes involved in apoptosis and fatty acid metabolism in rooster testes.

Thirty-six 12-week-old breeder roosters (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into three groups to receive L-carnitine (LC): LC-0, LC-250 or LC-500 mg/kg of diet to evaluate the effects of dietary LC on the expression of apoptotic-related genes and desaturases and elongase mRNA transcript levels, in the cockerel testicles. Alteration of Bak (Bcl2 antagonist/killer), Bcl2, Cas3, Cas8, Cas9, Elovl2, Elovl4, Elovl5, Fads1, Fads2 and Scd expression at 24 and 34 weeks of age was compared by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of Bcl2 and Elovl5 was significantly up-regulated (p < .05), while Cas8 expression (p < .05) and Bak/Bcl2 ratio were reduced (p < .02) in the cockerel testicles at 24 weeks of age. Although Bak mRNA abundance decreased by dietary LC, Bak/Bcl2 ratio was not affected by the treatments at 34 weeks of age. The expression of Cas3 was down-regulated, while Fads2 was up-regulated in the cockerel testicles by dietary LC at 34 weeks of age (p < .05). The results demonstrate the beneficial effects of LC supplementation in suppression of the Bak/Bcl2 ratio by altering Bak and Bcl2 mRNA abundance and, ultimately, prevention of apoptosis. Furthermore, LC increased the expression of Elovl5 and Fads2 genes which are involved in the metabolism of long chain fatty acids.

Curcumin-Polyethylene Glycol Loaded on Chitosan-Gelatin Nanoparticles Enhances Infected Wound Healing.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate effects of curcumin-polyethylene glycol loaded on chitosan-gelatin nanoparticles (C-PEG-CGNPs) on healing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected wounds in rat as a model study. Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into 5 groups of 8 animals each. In CNTRL group, no infected/no treated wounds were covered with sterile saline 0.9% solution (0.1 mL). In MRSA group, MRSA-infected wounds were only treated with sterile saline 0.9% solution (0.1 mL). In MRSA/CP group, 0.1 mL curcumin nanoparticles (1 mg/mL) was applied topically to treat MRSA-infected wounds. In MRSA/CG group, 0.1 mL CG (1 mg/mL) was applied topically to treat MRSA-infected wounds. In MRSA/CP-CG group, 0.1 mL CP-CG (1 mg/mL) was applied topically to treat MRSA-infected wounds. Microbiological examination; planimetric, biochemical, histological, morphometric studies, angiogenesis, hydroxyproline levels, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for caspase 3, Bcl-2, and p53 showed significant difference between rats in MRSA/CP-CG group in comparison with other groups (P < .05). Accelerated and improved healing in wounds infected with MRSA were observed in animals treated with C-PEG-CGNPs. Via increasing solubility of curcumin in C-PEG-CGNP, this harmless and easily available composition could be considered to be topically applied in infected wounds.

Benefits of conditioned medium of nicotine-pulsed mesenchymal stem cells in experimental autoimmune hepatitis.

Previous data indicated that nicotine could modulate the immune regulatory potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Currently, we intend to assess the effects of a conditioned medium of nicotine-pulsed mesenchymal stem cells in the experimental model of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Bone marrow-derived MSCs pulsed with 0,.1,.5, or 1 µM nicotine until the cells reached 90% confluency. Correspondent to in vitro results, the least effective concentration of nicotine that led to an anti-inflammatory environment by the MSC-conditioned medium was 0.5 µM. The murine model of AIH induced by Intravenous injection Concanavalin A (ConA). Mice were allocated to pretreatment (Concomitant treatment with ConA administration) or treatment groups and received un-pulsed MSC-conditioned medium (CM) or conditioned medium of nicotine (0.5 µM)-pulsed MSCs (CMN). The levels of ALT, AST, MPO, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6 were the highest in the ConA group than in the other groups. Pretreatment or treatment with the CMN caused a significant reduction in hepatic enzymes and inflammatory cytokines compared to pretreatment or treatment with CM. Both CM or CMN significantly decreased the numbers of activated TCD4+ and TCD8+ in the blood. More importantly, pre-treatment or treatment with CMN caused a better improvement in the histopathological appearance than pre-treatment or treatment with CM. The results of this study show that CMN rapidly controls the AIH mouse model, and therefore it may be considered as a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of AIH patients.

IL-17 in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) immunopathogenesis and complications; molecular approaches.

Chronic inflammation has long been considered the characteristic feature of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Immunopathogenesis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are considered the central drivers of the inflammatory cascade leading to ß-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR), two major pathologic events contributing to T2DM. Analyzing the cytokine profile of T2DM patients has also introduced interleukin-17 (IL-17) as an upstream regulator of inflammation, regarding its role in inducing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In diabetic tissues, IL-17 induces the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Hence, IL-17 can deteriorate insulin signaling and ß-cell function by activating the JNK pathway and inducing infiltration of neutrophils into pancreatic islets, respectively. Additionally, higher levels of IL-17 expression in patients with diabetic complications compared to non-complicated individuals have also proposed a role for IL-17 in T2DM complications. Here, we highlight the role of IL-17 in the Immunopathogenesis of T2DM and corresponding pathways, recent advances in preclinical and clinical studies targeting IL-17 in T2DM, and corresponding challenges and possible solutions.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-Based Cell Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM); Current Progress and Future Approaches.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-producing pancreatic ß-cells. Insulin replacement therapy is currently the mainstay of treatment for T1DM; however, treatment with insulin does not ameliorate disease progression, as dysregulated immune response and inflammation continue to cause further pancreatic ß-cell degradation. Therefore, shifting therapeutic strategies toward immunomodulating approaches could be effective to prevent and reverse disease progression. Different immune-modulatory therapies could be used, e.g., monoclonal-based immunotherapy, mesenchymal stem cell, and immune cell therapy. Since immune-modulatory approaches could have a systemic effect on the immune system and cause toxicity, more specific treatment options should target the immune response against pancreatic ß-cells. In this regard, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based immunotherapy could be a promising candidate for modulation of dysregulated immune function in T1DM. CAR-based therapy has previously been approved for a number of hematologic malignancies. Nevertheless, there is renewed interest in CAR T cells' " off-the-shelf " treatment for T1DM. Several pre-clinical studies demonstrated that redirecting antigen-specific CAR T cells, especially regulatory CAR T cells (CAR Tregs), toward the pancreatic ß-cells, could prevent diabetes onset and progression in diabetic mice models. Here, we aim to review the current progress of CAR-based immune-cell therapy for T1DM and the corresponding challenges, with a special focus on designing CAR-based immunomodulatory strategies to improve its efficacy in the treatment of T1DM.

Targeted delivery of interleukin-12 plasmid into HepG2 cells through folic acid conjugated graphene oxide nanocarrier.

Successful gene therapy relies on carriers to transfer genetic materials with high efficiency and low toxicity in a targeted manner. To enhance targeted cell binding and uptake, we developed and synthesized a new gene delivery vector based on graphene oxide (GO) modified by branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) and folic acid (FA). The GO-PEI-FA nanocarriers exhibit lower toxicity compared to unmodified PEI, as well as having the potential to efficiently condense and protect pDNA. Interestingly, increasing the polymer content in the polyplex formulation improved plasmid transfer ability. Substituting graphene oxide for PEI at an N/P ratio of 10 in the HepG2 and THP1 cell lines improved hIL-12 expression by up to approximately eightfold compared to simple PEI, which is twice as high as GO-PEI-FA in Hek293 at the same N/P ratio. Therefore, the GO-PEI-FA described in this study may serve as a targeting nanocarrier for the delivery of the hIL-12 plasmid into cells overexpressing folic acid receptors, such as those found in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Detection of myocardial injury due to defibrillation threshold checking after insertion of implantable cardioverter/defibrillators.

AIMS: Possible myocardial damage caused by defibrillation threshold (DFT) control and its extent after insertion of implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICD) is still a matter for debate. This study aimed to identify the effect of DFT checking during ICD implantation, compared with permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation, on the magnitude of myocardial damage as assessed by cardiac troponin-T (cTNT) and CK-MB. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 133 candidates for ICD implantation were enrolled in the ICD group (mean age 60.66 +/- 12.25 years; males 111 [83.5%]) as well as 130 candidates in the PPM group (mean age 69.56 +/- 12.86 years; males 64 [49.2%]). DFT was controlled in all of the ICD patients. Serum levels of cTNT and CK-MB were measured at baseline plus 8 and 24 hours following the procedure. The results were adjusted for age, gender, and other confounding factors. The amount of cTNT rise after 8 and 24 hours in the ICD group was significantly higher than in the PPM group (p < 0.001 for both). These differences remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors. The level of CK-MB rise after 8 and 24 hours was also significantly higher in the ICD group, although it lost its significance after adjustment for age, gender and other confounding variables. There was no significant relationship between the amount of energy delivered and enzyme elevation. CONCLUSION: Elevation of cTNT and CK-MB after the ICD implantation was significantly higher than that after the PPM implantation and may be attributed to the DFT testing shock and resulting myocardial injury.

The role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus pathophysiology.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by sustained hyperglycemia caused by impaired insulin signaling and secretion. Metabolic stress, caused by an inappropriate diet, is one of the major hallmarks provoking inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a group of highly conserved proteins that have a crucial role in chaperoning damaged and misfolded proteins to avoid disruption of cellular homeostasis under stress conditions. To do this, HSPs interact with diverse intra-and extracellular pathways among which are the insulin signaling, insulin secretion, and apoptosis pathways. Therefore, HSP dysfunction, e.g. HSP70, may lead to disruption of the pathways responsible for insulin secretion and uptake. Consistently, the altered expression of other HSPs and genetic polymorphisms in HSP-producing genes in diabetic subjects has made HSPs hot research in T2DM. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the role of different HSPs in T2DM pathogenesis, affected cellular pathways, and the potential therapeutic strategies targeting HSPs in T2DM.

Validity and Diagnostic Performance of Computing Fractional Flow Reserve From 2-Dimensional Coronary Angiography Images.

BACKGROUND: Measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the gold standard for determining the physiologic significance of coronary artery stenosis, but newer software programs can calculate the FFR from 2-dimensional angiography images. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the records of patients with intermediate coronary stenoses who had undergone adenosine FFR (aFFR). To calculate the computed FFR, a software program used simulated coronary blood flow using computational geometry constructed using at least 2 patient-specific angiographic images. Two cardiologists reviewed the angiograms and determined the computational FFR independently. Intraobserver variability was measured using κ analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the calculated FFR and the aFFR. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were included, with 95 men and 51 women, with a mean (SD) age of 61.1 (9.5) y. The mean (SD) aFFR was 0.847 (0.072), and 41 patients (27.0%) had an aFFR of 0.80 or less. There was a strong intraobserver correlation between the computational FFRs (r = 0.808; P < .001; κ = 0.806; P < .001). There was also a strong correlation between aFFR and computational FFR (r = 0.820; P < .001) and good agreement on the Bland-Altman plot. The computational FFR had a high sensitivity (95.1%) and specificity (90.1%) for detecting an aFFR of 0.80 or less. CONCLUSION: A novel software program provides a feasible method of calculating FFR from coronary angiography images without resorting to pharmacologically induced hyperemia.

Rapid determination of ampyra in urine samples using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with ion mobility spectrometry.

Ampyra (AMP, 4-Aminopyridine) is a potassium channel blocker that attracts growing research interest due to its adverse effects at high doses. The fast analysis of AMP is challenging because it typically requires complex analytical techniques. In this research, we developed and validated a novel method to assess the fast and quantitative analysis of AMP from real samples. This method combines the strength of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) for rapid detection and the dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction as a fast and effective preconcentration method for the preconcentration/extraction of AMP. In this method, Ag nanoparticles were used as modifier agents. Moreover, the proposed mechanism for interaction of AMP with AgNPs was investigated based on the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis. Also, the sensitivity of the proposed method was improved through the application of a delay on the carrier gas flow after sample injection. Under the optimum conditions, the developed method detected AMP in the linear range of 0.4-16 µmol L-1 with a detection limit of 0.12 µmol L-1. Finally, the developed method was successfully employed to quantify AMP in urine samples. Method validation was performed by comparing our results with those obtained by HPLC-UV/Vis, confirming the applicability of the proposed method for the AMP analysis in real samples. The proposed method will open up a new door toward developing simple, fast, and effective analytical methods.

Protective Effects of Quercetin on Clothianidin-Induced Liver Damage in the Rat Model.

Clothianidin (CTD) is a member of the neonicotinoid group of insecticides. This study was performed to determine the effect of quercetin on clothianidin-induced liver injury (CTD) in rats. Rats were randomly assigned to a normal control (saline), a CTD control-treated group (20 mg/kg) every 3 days for 21 days, and CTD + quercetin-treated groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) for 35 days intraperitoneally. Enzyme activity, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), was measured by spectrophotometry in serum samples by an automatic biochemical analyzer using commercial kits. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrate-nitrite were measured in homogeneous liver tissue samples of animals. A significant increase in ALT and AST enzyme activity was observed in the CTD group in comparison with that of the control groups. In the clothianidin + quercetin (10 mg/kg) group, the ALT and AST enzyme levels decreased compared to the clothianidin control group significantly (P < 0.05). The MDA value of the liver increased in the clothianidin-treated group compared to that of the control groups (P < 0.05). Decreased tissue TAC level was observed in the CTD-treated group in comparison with that of the control groups (P < 0.05). The MDA level of the liver decreased in the clothianidin + quercetin (10 mg/kg) group compared to that of the CTD control group (P < 0.05). Quercetin significantly raised the level of TAC in the liver tissue of the clothianidin + quercetin (10 mg/kg) treated group compared to that of the clothianidin control group (P < 0.05). Liver nitrate-nitrite measurement showed a significant increase in the clothianidin group compared to that of the normal control group (P < 0.05). Nitrate-nitrite level in the liver was decreased in clothianidin + quercetin (10 mg/kg) compared to that of the clothianidin control group significantly (P < 0.05). Histopathological investigation revealed that contact to the CTD induced tissue disorganization and inflammatory cell infiltration, but minor histopathological alterations in the liver tissues of rats treated with CTD and quercetin (10 mg/kg) were detected.

Zingiber officinale essential oil-loaded chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles: Fabrication, characterization and in-vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Zingiber officinale essential oil (ZEO) was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles at different concentrations using the emulsion-ionic gelation technique and its antioxidant and antibacterial effects were investigated. The results indicated that ZEO level had a significant effect on encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), particle size and zeta potential. The value obtained for EE, LC, mean particle size and zeta potential were 49.11%-68.32%, 21.16%-27.54%, 198.13-318.26 nm and +21.31-43.57 mV, respectively. According to scanning electron micrographs, the nanoparticles had a spherical shape with some invaginations due to the drying process. The presence of essential oil within the chitosan nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In vitro release studies in simulated gastrointestinal fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) indicated an initial burst effect followed by slow release with higher release rate in acidic medium of SGF. ZEO-loaded nanoparticles showed DPPH radical scavenging activity of 20%-61% which increased by raising the ZEO level. Moreover, results of antibacterial activity revealed that Staphylococcus aureus (with inhibition zones of 19-35.19 mm2) and Salmonella typhimurium (with inhibition zones of 9.78-17.48 mm2) were the most sensitive and resistant bacteria to ZEO, respectively. Overall, chitosan nanoparticles can be considered as suitable vehicles for ZEO and improve its stability and solubility.

Non-Invasive Flow Ratio (NiFR) Measurement based on Angiography Images.

BACKGROUND: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a gold standard to assess the impact of stenosis on the blood flow. The FFR method enhances diagnostic accuracy, lessens the need for stenting, and reduces costs. However, FFR is used in less than 10% of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures because it needs pressure wires to measure the distal and proximal pressures and adenosine to create hyperemic conditions. Pressure-wire-based FFR measurement is, therefore, expensive and invasive. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to introduce a new approach on the basis of 3D coronary angiography and the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count for fast computation of FFR in patients with coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this simulation study, we herein introduce Non-Invasive Flow Ratio drawing upon CFD to measure FFR based on coronary angiography images with less run time. In this study, 3D geometry was created based on coronary angiography images. The mean volumetric flow rate was calculated using the TIMI frame count. FFR calculated based on CFD was compared with pressure-wire-based FFR and NiFR was calculated in 85 patients. RESULTS: The NiFR (r = 0.738, P< 0.001) exhibited a strong correlation with pressure-wire-based FFR. The result indicated that FFR was higher than 0.8 in the arteries with non-signif-icant stenosis and lower than 0.8 in the arter-ies with significant stenosis. CONCLUSION: The computational simulation of FFR and hemodynamic parameters such as pressure drop is a safe, efficient, and cost-effective method to evaluate the severity of coronary stenosis.

Evaluation of some acute phase proteins in cattle naturally infected with Babesia bigemina.

Bovine babesiosis due to Babesia bigemina infection induces systemic inflammation, evidenced by increased sialic acid (SA) levels and declined cholinesterase activity. The current study was undertaken to assess further indicators of the systemic inflammation in the naturally infected cattle. To this end, serum levels of some selected acute phase-proteins (APPs) including serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and fibrinogen were measured. Additionally, sensitivity and specificity of the APPs were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve. The correlation among APPs, SA and cholinesterase activity were also assessed. Our previous blood specimens were used to measure APPs. Briefly, the diseased animals were divided into two groups according to the parasitemia: 12 mildly (20 % <) and 8 severely (20 %>) infected animals. Moreover, 10 healthy animals as the control were included. The levels of all APPs were measured to be significantly elevated in a parasitemia burden-dependent fashion as compared to the control. Furthermore, all the APPs showed 100 % specificity, but only SAA and Cp had 100 % sensitivity. A strong and positive correlation was calculated between the APPs and SA; however, cholinesterase activity was inversely correlated with AAPs and SA. In conclusion, inflammatory reactions play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of bovine babesiosis and APPs can be considered as the potential indicators of inflammation.