Nectarine core-derived magnetite biochar for ultrasound-assisted preconcentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tomato paste: A cost-effective and sustainable approach.

A novel ultrasound-assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (US-MSPE-GC/MS) was developed to detect trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tomato paste, using a magnetic biochar adsorbent derived from nectarine cores. The highest extraction recovery was attained under 10 mg adsorbent mass, 30 min extraction time, 9 % (w/v) sodium chloride, and elution with 200 µL of dichloromethane. Under optimum conditions, the method demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.992) across a wide concentration range (0.01-100 ng g-1) with high sensitivity (LODs: 0.028-0.053 ng g-1, LOQs: 0.094-0.176 ng g-1) and good repeatability (RSDs <5.96 %). The application of the US-MSPE-GC/MS method was tested on four brands of real tomato paste and no PAHs were detected in unspiked samples, indicating no background contamination. This method showed high relative recoveries 88.03-98.52 %) and good reproducibility (<9.19 %.) at two concentration levels, confirming its effectiveness for PAH analysis in real samples.

Omics-based novel strategies in the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Endometriosis, an enigmatic and chronic disorder, is considered a debilitating condition despite being benign. Globally, this gynecologic disorder affects up to 10% of females of reproductive age, impacting almost 190 million individuals. A variety of genetic and environmental factors are involved in endometriosis development, hence the pathophysiology and etiology of endometriosis remain unclear. The uncertainty of the etiology of the disease and its complexity along with nonspecific symptoms have led to misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis of affected people. Biopsy and laparoscopy are referred to as the gold standard for endometriosis diagnosis. However, the invasiveness of the procedure, the unnecessary operation in disease-free women, and the dependence of the reliability of diagnosis on experience in this area are considered the most significant limitations. Therefore, continuous studies have attempted to offer a noninvasive and reliable approach. The recent advances in modern technologies have led to the generation of large-scale biological data sets, known as -omics data, resulting in the proceeding of the -omics century in biomedical sciences. Thereby, the present study critically reviews novel and noninvasive biomarkers that are based on -omics approaches from 2020 onward. The findings reveal that biomarkers identified based on genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are potentially able to diagnose endometriosis, predict prognosis, and stage patients, and potentially, in the near future, a multi-panel of these biomarkers will generate clinical benefits.

Statistical modeling and optimization of dexamethasone adsorption from aqueous solution by Fe3O4@NH2-MIL88B nanorods: Isotherm, Kinetics, and Thermodynamic.

The presence of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment poses a significant threat to human and aquatic animal health. Dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic steroid hormone with endocrine-disrupting effects, is one such compound that needs to be effectively removed before discharging into the environment. This research presents a novel approach utilizing magnetically recyclable Fe3O4@NH2-MIL88B NRs as an efficient adsorbent for the treatment of DEX from aqueous solutions. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Response surface methodology based on central composite design (RSM-CCD) was employed to optimize DEX removal efficiency by determining the optimal conditions, including pH, adsorbent dose, time, and DEX concentration. Under the optimized conditions (pH: 5.53, adsorbent dose: 0.185 g/L, time: 16.068 min, and DEX concentration: 33.491 mg/L), Fe3O4@NH2-MIL88B NRs revealed remarkable DEX adsorption efficiency of 91 ± 1.34% and adsorption capacity of 180.01 mg/g. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model were found to fit well with the experimental data, indicating a monolayer and chemical adsorption process. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The study also investigated the inhibitory effect of background ions on DEX removal by Fe3O4@NH2-MIL88B NRs. Magnesium exhibited superior competitive ability with dexamethasone to occupy the active sites of the adsorbent compared to other background ions. The reuse of the adsorbent over ten consecutive cycles resulted in a 39.46% decrease in removal efficiency. The Fe3O4@NH2-MIL88B NRs are surrounded by abundant amounts of functional groups and π-electrons bands that can play a key role in the adsorption and separation of DEX from aqueous environments. The promising results obtained under real conditions highlight the potential of Fe3O4@NH2-MIL88B NRs as a practical and efficient adsorbent for the removal of DEX and other similar corticosteroids from aqueous solutions.

A case report of transmural rectosigmoid ischemia in an elderly patient.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: While acute colonic ischemia is frequently observed in the elderly, rectal ischemia is a rare occurrence. We presented a case of transmural rectosigmoid ischemia in a patient who had not undergone any significant interventions and had no underlying diseases. Conservative treatment methods were unsuccessful, and surgical resection was necessary to prevent the development of gangrene or sepsis. CASE PRESENTATION: Upon arrival at our health center, a 69-year-old man reported experiencing left lower quadrant pain and rectorrhagia. The CT scan revealed thickening in the sigmoid and rectum. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed circumferential ulcers, severe edema, erythema, discoloration, and ulcerative mucosa in both the rectum and sigmoid. Due to persistent severe rectorrhagia and worsening pathologic parameters, another colonoscopy was performed three days later. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Initially, conservative treatments were administered, but as the tenderness worsened, surgical exploration of the abdomen was necessary. During the procedure, a large ischemia from the sigmoid to the rectal dentate line was observed, and the lesion was resected. A stapler was then inserted into the rectum, followed by the use of the Hartman pouch method to deviate the tract. Finally, colectomy, sigmoidectomy, and rectal resection were performed. CONCLUSION: Due to the worsening pathological condition of our patient, surgical resection was necessary. It is important to note that rectosigmoid ischemia, although rare, can develop without a known underlying cause. Therefore, it is crucial to consider and evaluate potential causes beyond the most common ones. Furthermore, any pain or rectorragia should be assessed immediately.

Clinical significance of IL-37 serum level and polymorphism in patients with endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is recognized as the second most common type of cancer among women. Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a recently discovered member of the IL-1 cytokine family characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to have both anti-tumour and tumorigenic effects. However, the precise role of IL-37 in the development of EC remains largely unknown. In the current study, we aimed to explore genotype and allele frequencies of the IL-37 gene (rs4241122) and measure IL-37 protein levels in patients with EC, with a view to determining the clinical significance in these patients. A total of 105 patients with confirmed EC and 105 healthy controls, aged 31-73, participated in the study. IL-37 serum levels were investigated using an ELISA method, while the frequency of genotypes and alleles of the IL-37 gene was determined using the ARMS-PCR method. The findings demonstrate a significant increase in IL-37 serum levels in EC patients compared to controls (p<0.0001). Moreover, higher levels of IL-37 were strongly associated with unfavourable indices, such as EC grade III, poorly differentiated tumours, and regional spread of tumour cells (p<0.05). However, genotyping of the IL-37 gene revealed no significant difference between the two groups, and there was no association between IL-37 genotype and IL-37 protein level or clinicopathological characteristics (p>0.05). The results of this study suggest that elevated serum levels of may contribute to tumour progression, probably through its immune suppressive activity. Clinically, IL-37 may serve as a promising factor and/or therapeutic target for EC management, although, further studies are warranted.

Utilization of health services among the elderly in Iran during the COVID-19 outbreak: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Elderly people are potentially vulnerable with a higher need for health services, and utilization of Essential Public Health Services (EPHS) among this group is of high importance. This study aimed to examine the utilization of health services among the elderly in Iran during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 21 public health centers in Sirjan, Southern Iran, from May to December 2020. A total of 420 elderly patients were selected through a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire and were analyzed using SPSS v22.0. The binary logistic regression was used to examine the effect of demographic, socioeconomic and morbidity status on inpatient and outpatient healthcare utilization. Results: Our results showed that 56% of the elderly had a history of hospitalization during the last year. Although 60% of the elderly reported they had a perceived need for outpatient services, only 49% of them reported that they utilized outpatient services. 51% and 35.5% of the elderly reported that their inpatient and outpatient costs were covered by health insurance, respectively. Others reported their health spending was financed through out-of-pocket payments. Male gender aged 80 and above, urban residents, higher socioeconomic and supplemental insurance coverage were associated with an increase in health services utilization. The elderly with Cancer, mental disorders, kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were more likely to be hospitalized. Conclusion: There were demographic and socioeconomic inequalities in health services utilization among the elderly. Therefore, appropriate interventions and strategies are needed to reduce these inequalities in health services utilization among the elderly. In addition, given that the hospitalization rate was significantly higher among the elderly with chronic diseases than those without, it is crucial and necessary to take interventions to reduce the burden of chronic diseases in the future.