Non-Noble Plasmonic Metal-Based Photocatalysts.

Solar-to-chemical energy conversion via heterogeneous photocatalysis is one of the sustainable approaches to tackle the growing environmental and energy challenges. Among various promising photocatalytic materials, plasmonic-driven photocatalysts feature prominent solar-driven surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Non-noble plasmonic metals (NNPMs)-based photocatalysts have been identified as a unique alternative to noble metal-based ones due to their advantages like earth-abundance, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale application capability. This review comprehensively summarizes the most recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and properties of NNPMs-based photocatalysts. After introducing the fundamental principles of SPR, the attributes and functionalities of NNPMs in governing surface/interfacial photocatalytic processes are presented. Next, the utilization of NNPMs-based photocatalytic materials for the removal of pollutants, water splitting, CO2 reduction, and organic transformations is discussed. The review concludes with current challenges and perspectives in advancing the NNPMs-based photocatalysts, which are timely and important to plasmon-based photocatalysis, a truly interdisciplinary field across materials science, chemistry, and physics.

Multi-decadal coastal change detection using remote sensing: the Mediterranean coast of Egypt between El-Dabaa and Ras El-Hekma.

A key source of information for many decision support systems is identifying land use and land cover (LULC) based on remote sensing data. Land conservation, sustainable development, and water resource management all benefit from the knowledge obtained from detecting changes in land use and land cover. The present study aims to investigate the multi-decadal coastal change detection for Ras El-Hekma and El-Dabaa area along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, a multi-sectoral development area. Besides, the superiority of the area is highly dependent on its proximity to three development projects: the tourism and urban growth pole at Ras El-Hekma, the beachfront Alamain New Mega City, and the Nuclear Power Plant at El Dabaa. This study utilized multi-spectral Landsat satellite images covering 1990, 2010, and 2020 to perceive the post-classification change detection analysis of the land use and land cover changes (LULCC) over 30 years. The results of the supervised classification from 1990 to 2020 showed a 47.33 km2 (4.13%) expansion of the agricultural land area, whereas the bare soil land area shrunk to 73.13 km2 (6.24%). On the other hand, the built-up activities in the area launched in 2010 and escalated to 20.51 km2(1.77%) in 2020. The change in land use reveals the shift in the economic growth pattern in the last decade toward tourism and urban development. Meanwhile, it indicates that no conflict has yet arisen regarding the land use between the expanded socioeconomic main sectors (i.e., agriculture, and tourism). Therefore, the best practices of land use management and active participation of the stakeholders and the local community should be enhanced to achieve sustainability and avoid future conflicts. An area-specific plan including resource conservation measures and the provision of livelihood alternatives should be formulated within the National Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plan with the participation of the main stakeholders and beneficiaries. The findings of the present work may be considered useful for sustainable management and supportive to the decision-making process for the sustainable development of this area.

Serum Vitamin D Status and Cognitive Function in Iranian Older Adults: Evidence from the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence of the role of vitamin D deficiency in cognitive decline. However, the results of studies regarding the relationship between the reduction of vitamin D concentrations and cognitive impairment are heterogeneous. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to answer the question of whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with cognitive decline in older adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the baseline data of the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study (BLAS) were analyzed. Of 1420 participants in the BLAS, 1219 participants aged ≥60 y old were included in the present study. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The 6-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6-CIT), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Category Fluency Test (CFT), and Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) were used to assess cognitive function. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounders, was employed to estimate the association between cognitive function and 25(OH)D concentrations. RESULTS: Among study participants, 905 (74.24%) had sufficient vitamin D concentrations (≥20 ng/ml), 209 (17.15%) had insufficient vitamin D concentrations (12-20 ng/ml), and 105 (8.61%) had vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/ml). There was no significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and scores of 6-CIT (P = 0.279), AMTS (P = 0.181), MMSE (P = 0.118), and CFT (P = 0.259). Also, the prevalence of cognitive impairment had no significant relationship with vitamin D status. Finally, in the multiple logistic regression analysis, there was no association between the insufficient or deficient concentrations of 25(OH)D and impaired cognitive function both before and after adjustment for various cofounders. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found no significant association between vitamin D status and cognitive impairment.

Synthesis, larvicidal efficiency and molecular docking studies of novel annulated pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles against Culex pipiens L. and Musca domestica L. larvae.

A number of novel annulated pyrazolopyranopyrimidines were prepared via reaction of iminoether of the corresponding 6-amino-5-cyano-pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivative 1 with different nitrogen nucleophiles. The structure of the synthesized compounds was deduced based on IR, MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic data. The larvicidal potency of the synthesized compounds against the lab and field strains of Culex pipiens and Musca domestica larvae was evaluated and the structure-activity relationship (SAR) was discussed. The assay revealed that the tested pyranopyrazole derivatives exhibited good larvicidal bio-efficacy whereas iminoether 4 exhibited the highest efficiency, for lab more than field strains of both species. Also, M. domestica larvae were more sensitive to tested compounds than C. pipiens. The field strain showed low resistance ratios to all compounds with only about 2 folds. The inhibitory effects of synthesized molecules on nAChRs were evaluated by molecular docking. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the newly synthesized compounds against normal human fibroblasts (WI-38) was investigated. The cytotoxic assay showed that derivatives 4 and 5 were not harmful to normal fibroblasts.

Synthetic Aperture Ultrasound Imaging through Adaptive Integrated Transmitting-Receiving Beamformer.

Synthetic aperture (SA) technique is very attractive for ultrafast ultrasound imaging, as the entire medium can be insonified by a single emission. It also permits applying the dynamic focusing as well as adaptive beamforming both in transmission and reception, which results in an enhanced image. In this paper, we firstly show that the problem of designing the transmit and receive beamformers in SA structure can be formulated as a problem of designing a one-way beamformer on a virtual array with a lateral response equal to that of the two-way beamformer on SA. It is also demonstrated that the length of the virtual aperture is increased to the sum of the transmit aperture length and the receive one, which can result in an enhanced resolution. Moreover, a better estimation of the covariance matrix can be obtained which can be utilized for applying adaptive minimum variance (MV) beamforming method on the virtual array, and consequently the resolution and contrast properties would be enhanced. The performance of the new method is compared with other existing MV-based methods and is quantified by some metrics such as the full width at half maximum (FWHM) and generalized contrast to noise ratio (GCNR). Our validations on simulations and experimental data have shown that the new method is capable of obtaining higher GCNR values while retaining or decreasing FWHM values almost all the time. Moreover, for the same subarray length for estimating the covariance matrices, the computational burden of the new method is significantly lower than those of the existing rival methods.

Fortification of Fermented Camel Milk with Salvia officinalis L. or Mentha piperita Leaves Powder and Its Biological Effects on Diabetic Rats.

The incorporation of fermented camel milk with natural additives possesses numerous benefits for the treatment of various pathological and metabolic conditions. The present study investigated the impact of fortification of fermented camel milk with sage or mint leaves powder (1 and 1.5%, respectively) on glucose and insulin levels, lipid profile, and liver and kidney functions in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The gross chemical composition of sage and peppermint leaves powder was studied. The chemical composition of sage and mint extracts was performed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of sage and mint extracts. Furthermore, a total of forty-two adult normal male albino rats were included in this study, whereas one group was kept as the healthy control group (n = 6 rats) and diabetes was induced in the remaining animals (n = 36 rats) using alloxan injection (150 mg/kg of body weight). Among diabetic rats groups, a control group (n = 6 rats) was kept as the diabetic control group whereas the other 5 groups (6 rats per group) of diabetic rats were fed fermented camel milk (FCM) or fermented camel milk fortified with 1 and 1.5% of sage or mint leaves powder. Interestingly, the oral administration of fermented camel milk fortified with sage or mint leaves powder, at both concentrations, caused a significant decrease in blood glucose level and lipid profile, and an increase in insulin level compared to the diabetic control and FCM groups. Among others, the best results were observed in the group of animals that received fermented camel milk fortified with 1.5% sage powder. In addition, the results revealed that the fermented camel milk fortified with sage or mint leaves powder improved the liver and kidney functions of diabetic rats. Our study concluded that the use of sage and mint leaves powder (at a ratio of 1.5%) with fermented camel milk produces functional food products with anti-diabetic activity.

Breaking K+ Concentration Limit on Cu Nanoneedles for Acidic Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction to Multi-Carbon Products.

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR) to multi-carbon products (C2+ ) in acidic electrolyte is one of the most advanced routes for tackling our current climate and energy crisis. However, the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the poor selectivity towards the valuable C2+ products are the major obstacles for the upscaling of these technologies. High local potassium ions (K+ ) concentration at the cathode's surface can inhibit proton-diffusion and accelerate the desirable carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling process. However, the solubility limit of potassium salts in bulk solution constrains the maximum achievable K+ concentration at the reaction sites and thus the overall acidic CO2 RR performance of most electrocatalysts. In this work, we demonstrate that Cu nanoneedles induce ultrahigh local K+ concentrations (4.22 M) - thus breaking the K+ solubility limit (3.5 M) - which enables a highly efficient CO2 RR in 3 M KCl at pH=1. As a result, a Faradaic efficiency of 90.69±2.15 % for C2+ (FEC2+ ) can be achieved at 1400 mA.cm-2 , simultaneous with a single pass carbon efficiency (SPCE) of 25.49±0.82 % at a CO2 flow rate of 7 sccm.

The economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran in 2020.

Osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disease, leads to increased susceptibility to fractures. In 2020, about 150,000 osteoporotic fractures occurred in Iran. Osteoporosis and related fractures cost the community US$ 393 million. Introduction The present study aimed at estimating the economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran in 2020. METHODS: We estimated the annual economic burden of osteoporosis in the above 50 years old population using a prevalence-based approach and from a societal perspective. The incidence of osteoporosis and related fractures were estimated based on meta-analysis reports in Iran and international comparisons. The direct medical and non-medical costs as well as the monetary value of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) lost because of fractures were estimated. Cost data were extracted from patient records, medical services prices, and previous literature. RESULTS: A total of 154,530 osteoporotic fractures were estimated in Iran in 2020. The shares of the hip, vertebral, forearm, and other fractures were 14%, 15%, 17%, and 54%, respectively. There were also 3554 deaths from osteoporotic fractures. The economic burden of osteoporosis in Iran was estimated at US$ 393.24 million (US$ 2165 million purchasing power parity 2020). Direct medical and non-medical cost (47.44%), QALY loss (29.65%), and long-term care for prior hip fracture costs (9.4%) were the main component of the economic burden of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The economic burdens of osteoporosis are significant in Iran. Interventions to prevent osteoporosis and especially associated fractures, such as screening and prophylaxis, can reduce the cost of the disease and improve patients' quality of life. Further studies are needed to identify cost-effective and feasible interventions in Iran.

A facile process for adipic acid production in high yield by oxidation of 1,6-hexanediol using the resting cells of Gluconobacter oxydans.

BACKGROUND: Adipic acid (AA) is one of the most important industrial chemicals used mainly for the production of Nylon 6,6 but also for making polyurethanes, plasticizers, and unsaturated polyester resins, and more recently as a component in the biodegradable polyester poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT). The main route for AA production utilizes benzene as feedstock and generates copious amounts of the greenhouse gas NO2. Hence, alternative clean production routes for AA from renewable bio-based feedstock are drawing increasing attention. We have earlier reported the potential of Gluconobacter oxydans cells to oxidize 1,6-hexanediol, a potentially biobased diol to AA. RESULTS: The present report involves a study on the effect of different parameters on the microbial transformation of 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid, and subsequently testing the process on a larger lab scale for achieving maximal conversion and yield. Comparison of three wild-type strains of G. oxydans DSM50049, DSM2003, and DSM2343 for the whole-cell biotransformation of 10 g/L 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid in batch mode at pH 7 and 30 °C led to the selection of G. oxydans DSM50049, which showed 100% conversion of the substrate with over 99% yield of adipic acid in 30 h. An increase in the concentrations of the substrate decreased the degree of conversion, while the product up to 25 g/L in batch and 40 g/L in fed-batch showed no inhibition on the conversion. Moreover, controlling the pH of the reaction at 5-5.5 was required for the cascade oxidation reactions to work. Cell recycling for the biotransformation resulted in a significant decrease in activity during the third cycle. Meanwhile, the fed-batch mode of transformation by intermittent addition of 1,6-hexanediol (30 g in total) in 1 L scale resulted in complete conversion with over 99% yield of adipic acid (approximately 37 g/L). The product was recovered in a pure form using downstream steps without the use of any solvent. CONCLUSION: A facile, efficient microbial process for oxidation of 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid, having potential for scale up was demonstrated. The entire process is performed in aqueous medium at ambient temperatures with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The enzymes involved in catalyzing the oxidation steps are currently being identified.

Ovarian volume, not follicle count, is independently associated with androgens in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is diagnosed based on chronic anovulation, androgen excess (clinical and/or biochemical), and polycystic ovaries in ultrasound. The aim of the present study was to evaluate which parameters in the transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) of ovaries could be better associated with concurrent hormonal imbalance in the women with PCOS. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, this study focused on 61 subjects (18-40 years) with PCOS. Patients were recruited at three academic hospitals during the 2017-2019 period. PCOS was defined according to the Rotterdam criteria. The association of ovarian morphology with hormonal and metabolic feature was investigated using linear regression models, adjusted for a set of possible confounding variables including age, mensuration status and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: The mean volume of both ovaries was positively associated with the total testosterone level (ß = 0.025, P value < 0.001), free androgen index (ß = 0.041, P value < 0.001) and luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio (ß = 0.032, P value = 0.004), even after adjustments made for age, mensuration status and BMI (fully-adjusted model). In contrast, in the fully-adjusted model, antral follicle count (AFC), follicle number per ovary (FNPO), ovarian area, stromal area, and ratio of stromal area to ovarian area (S/A) were not associated with androgen levels and LH/FSH ratio. In addition, after full adjustments, ovarian volume, AFC, FNPO, ovarian area, stromal area and S/A were not associated with insulin resistance, which was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). CONCLUSION: Increased ovarian volume is, thus, highly predictive of hyperandrogenemia and high LH/FSH ratio in PCOS patients.

Potential role of carvedilol in intestinal toxicity through NF-κB/iNOS/COX-2/TNF-α inflammatory signaling pathway in rats.

BACKGROUND: The increased use of indomethacin (IND) is associated with gastrointestinal injury. This research aims to investigate the effects of a beta-blocker, carvedilol (CAR) on a rat model of IND-induced acute intestinal damage and clarify the probable underlying protective mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Control group: given vehicles; CAR-treated group: given 10 mg/kg/day CAR PO daily by gastric gavage for 10 consecutive days; IND-treated group: given a single Sc dose of 10 mg/kg IND at the end of the ninth day of the experiment; combined CAR/IND-treated group: given both IND and CAR. RESULTS: In the rats that received IND, severe intestinal histopathological changes together with oxidative and nitrosative intestinal stress were present biochemically and immunohistochemically. Obvious inflammatory and tissue damage were represented by the significant intestinal increases in TNF-α, COX-2, and caspase-3 together with the elevated expression of VCAM-1 adhesion molecules. Intestinal gene expression of NF-kB and COX-2 was also increased. Pretreatment with CAR significantly reversed the IND-induced intestinal toxic manifestations. CONCLUSION: CAR has beneficial intestinal protective effects. Its ameliorative action is conferred through its antioxidant, antinitrosative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.

Dentin anti-demineralization potential of surface reaction-type pre-reacted glass-ionomer filler containing self-adhesive resin cement.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-demineralization potential of a newly developed surface reaction-type pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler containing self-adhesive resin cement against acidic attacks on the dentin surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 bovine teeth were used. Cavities were prepared on crown dentin slaps and filled with three self-adhesive resin cement: (1) S-PRG-based cement, (2) Si-based cement, and (3) RelyX cement. Specimens were then subjected to pH cycling for 28 days, and the depth of demineralization was assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Sixty-four root dentin blocks were divided into four groups and then subjected to a pH cycling procedure with the aforementioned three material blocks and one negative control. The mineral loss was observed using transverse microradiography (TMR), and the surface microhardness (SMH) test was conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of treated dentin surfaces. RESULTS: The depth of demineralization for the S-PRG-based cement was significantly lower than that of the Si-based cement after 7, 21, and 28 days. Conversely, the RelyX cement was not significantly different from the Si-based cement after 7, 14, and 21 days (p < 0.05). Regarding the TMR and SMH test, the S-PRG-based cement showed the least mineral loss with the highest resistance to acidic challenge. CONCLUSION: The S-PRG filler containing resin cement can reduce mineral loss and promote remineralization of dentin substrate and has the potential to preserve dentin integrity and resist acidic attack. Clinical significance Self-adhesive resin cement containing S-PRG fillers maintained the surface integrity of dentin after exposure to 28 days of acidic challenge with a significant anti-demineralization effect.

Modular Single-Stage Three-Phase Flyback Differential Inverter for Medium/High-Power Grid Integrated Applications.

This paper proposes a single-stage three-phase modular flyback differential inverter (MFBDI) for medium/high power solar PV grid-integrated applications. The proposed inverter structure consists of parallel modules of flyback DC-DC converters based on the required power level. The MFBDI offers many features for renewable energy applications, such as reduced components, single-stage power processing, high-power density, voltage-boosting property, improved footprint, flexibility with modular extension capability, and galvanic isolation. The proposed inverter has been modelled, designed, and scaled up to the required application rating. A new mathematical model of the proposed MFBDI is presented and analyzed with a time-varying duty-cycle, wide-range of frequency variation, and power balancing in order to display its grid current harmonic orders for grid-tied applications. In addition, an LPF-based harmonic compensation strategy is used for second-order harmonic component (SOHC) compensation. With the help of the compensation technique, the grid current THD is reduced from 36% to 4.6% by diminishing the SOHC from 51% to 0.8%. Moreover, the SOHC compensation technique eliminates third-order harmonic components from the DC input current. In addition, a 15% parameters mismatch has been applied between the flyback parallel modules to confirm the modular operation of the proposed MFBDI under modules divergence. In addition, SiC MOSFETs are used for inverter switches implementation, which decrease the inverter switching losses at high-switching frequency. The proposed MFBDI is verified by using three flyback parallel modules/phase using PSIM/Simulink software, with a rating of 5 kW, 200 V, and 50 kHz switching frequency, as well as experimental environments.

Empagliflozin attenuates neurodegeneration through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and modulation of α-synuclein and Parkin levels in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitors are a relatively new antidiabetic drug with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether SGLT 2 inhibitors have a neuroprotective effect in PD. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomized into four groups. The first one (control group) received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a vehicle (0.2 mL/48 hr, S.C). The second group (positive control) received rotenone (ROT) (2.5 mg/kg/48 hr, S.C) for 20 successive days, whereas the third and fourth groups received empagliflozin (EMP) (1 and 2 mg/kg/day, orally), respectively. The two groups received rotenone (2.5 mg/kg/48 hr S.C) concomitantly with EMP for another 20 days on the fifth day. By the end of the experimental period, behavioral examinations were done. Subsequently, rats were sacrificed, blood samples and brain tissues were collected for analysis. ROT significantly elevated oxidative stress and proinflammatory markers as well as α-synuclein. However, dopamine (DP), antioxidants, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and Parkin were significantly decreased. Groups of (EMP + ROT) significantly maintained oxidative stress and inflammatory markers elevation, maintained α-synuclein and Parkin levels, and elevated TH activity and dopamine level. In both low and high doses, EMP produced a neuroprotective effect against the PD rat model, with the high dose inducing a more significant effect.

Potency of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and silver nanoparticles against immune, microbial and HT-29 colon cancer cells growth modulation.

Moringa oleifera plant grows in many countries worldwide and being utilized as a customary medication. The current study aimed to investigate the biological effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOE) alone or in combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on colon cancer, microbial cell growth. MOE was utilized in the green synthesis of AgNPs. The characterization of AgNPs was done by UV-Vis-spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MOE was tested for their sugars, active biomolecules, ROS, protein contents. Results revealed that created AgNPs are about 61 nm in diameter. There were no detectable sugar and protein in MOE, but it contains ROS and active biomolecules. MOE and MOE+AgNPs exerted mild antibacterial action and increased the number of apoptotic cells and p53 protein expression of HT-29 colon cancer cells. MOE and MOE+AgNPs could arrest HT-29 cells at G2/M phase and stimulate splenic cell growth. Both extract preparations showed antioxidant activities. Because MOE and MOE+AgNP stimulated immune cells and activated apoptosis in cancer cells, these preparations can be utilized as anticancer agents.

Association of Rs231775 Genetic Variant of Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 with Alopecia Areata Disease in Males: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common inflammatory immune-mediated non-scarring hair loss; however, the exact genetic susceptibility remains to be clarified. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4) has emerged as a central and critically important modulator of immune responses and is believed to play a crucial rule in AA pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of CTLA4 variant (rs231775) within codon 17 with AA risk and outcomes. METHODS: Genetic analyses of the rs231775 SNP of CTLA4 gene were performed in 186 males (93 AA patients and 93 controls). RESULTS: The rs231775 CTLA4 variant was significantly higher in AA patients in comparison with control subjects especially among heterozygous and dominant model. This association varied significantly with disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with homozygosity of rs231775 CTLA4 variant represented AA disease risk and increased severity than their counterparts.Abbreviations: AA: Alopecia areata; CTLA4: Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated Protein 4; SNP: Single nucleotide polymorphism; LADA: Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults; SLE: Systemic lupus erythematosus; SCU: Suez Canal University; SALT: Severity of Alopecia Tool; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; RT-PCR: Real-time polymerase chain reaction, HWE: Hardy-Weinberg equation; RA: rheumatoid arthritis.

Serotonin level as a potent diabetes biomarker based on electrochemical sensing: a new approach in a zebra fish model.

Serotonin (5-HT) levels have been associated with several exclusively metabolic disorders. Herein, a new approach for 5-HT level as a novel biomarker of diabetes mellitus is considered using a simple nanocomposite and HPLC method. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) comprising gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was decorated with 18-crown-6 (18.Cr.6) to fabricate a simple nanocomposite (rGO-AuNPs-18.Cr.6). The nanocomposite was positioned on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to form an electrochemical sensor for the biomarker 5-HT in the presence of L-tryptophan (L-Trp), dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA), urea, and glucose. The nanocomposite exhibited efficient catalytic activity for 5-HT detection by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The proposed sensor displayed high selectivity, excellent reproducibility, notable anti-interference ability, and long-term stability even after 2 months. SWV defined a linear range of 5-HT concentration from 0.4 to 10 µg L-1. A diabetic animal model (diabetic zebrafish model) was then applied to investigate 5-HT as a novel biomarker of diabetes. A limit of detection (LOD) of about 0.33 µg L-1 was found for the diabetic group and 0.15 µg L-1 for the control group. The average levels of 5-HT obtained were 9 and 2 µg L-1 for control and diabetic groups, respectively. The recovery, relative standard deviation (RSD), and relative error (RE) were found to be about 97%, less than 2%, and around 3%, respectively. The significant reduction in 5-HT level in the diabetic group compared to the control group proved that the biomarker 5-HT can be applied for the early diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Nanofiber-based systems intended for diabetes.

Diabetic mellitus (DM) is the most communal metabolic disease resulting from a defect in insulin secretion, causing hyperglycemia by promoting the progressive destruction of pancreatic ß cells. This autoimmune disease causes many severe disorders leading to organ failure, lower extremity amputations, and ultimately death. Modern delivery systems e.g., nanofiber (NF)-based systems fabricated by natural and synthetic or both materials to deliver therapeutics agents and cells, could be the harbinger of a new era to obviate DM complications. Such delivery systems can effectively deliver macromolecules (insulin) and small molecules. Besides, NF scaffolds can provide an ideal microenvironment to cell therapy for pancreatic ß cell transplantation and pancreatic tissue engineering. Numerous studies indicated the potential usage of therapeutics/cells-incorporated NF mats to proliferate/regenerate/remodeling the structural and functional properties of diabetic skin ulcers. Thus, we intended to discuss the aforementioned features of the NF system for DM complications in detail.

Evaluation of serum cardiac troponin I and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a recurrent, immune-mediated, hair-loss disorder. It is associated with other autoimmune disorders that carry a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is a lack of reports on the association of cardiovascular comorbidities and AA. Cardiac troponin I is a biomarker of myocardial ischaemia and inflammation, while N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide is used in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure. This study was conducted to assess the serum level of both markers by ELISA in 44 patients with AA compared with 44 healthy controls (HCs). None of the participants had CVD, CVD risk factors or other diseases associated with elevation of either marker. The study revealed that serum levels of both markers were significantly higher in patients with AA compared with HCs (P < 0.001). The inflammatory milieu encountered in AA may be associated with subtle myocardial inflammation that causes elevation of levels of both of these cardiac markers.

Annual incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis (OP) is progressively becoming a global concern with the aging of the world's populations. Osteoporotic fractures are associated with significantly increased mortality rates and a financial burden to health systems. This Meta-analysis aims to estimate the annual incidence of osteoporotic fractures in Iran. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed through Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies which contain an investigation of the incidence of osteoporotic fractures in Iran up to December 3rd 2020, with no time and language restriction. For the risk of bias assessments of studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for studies reporting prevalence data was used. The pooled estimation of the incidence of osteoporotic fractures in population aged≥50 years was calculated using random-effects meta-analysis, and the heterogeneity of included studies was quantified with the I2 statistic. RESULTS: In all, 6708 papers were initially retrieved from the electronic databases, among which seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled standardized annual cumulative incidence of hip fractures was estimated as 138.26 (95% CI: 98.71-193.65) per 100,000 population and 157.52 (95% CI: 124.29-199.64) per 100,000 population in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high incidence rate of osteoporotic hip fractures in Iran. Early detection and treatment of individuals with higher risks of primary fragility fractures at primary health care as well as implementing fracture liaison services to prevent secondary fractures are highly recommended. The results suffer from the following limitations: first, a low number of studies that were eligible for inclusion; second, the lack of population-based studies; and presence of highly heterogeneous studies despite the use of a random effect model.