Enhancing nutrient absorption through the influence of mangrove ecosystem on flow rate and retention time in salt marshes.

This study investigates the impact of pneumatophores (the aerial roots of Avicenna marina) on water flow rate, retention time, contact time, and consequently on nutrient absorption through the sediment in sub-tropical salt marshes. The goal is to realize how the density of mangroves in salt marshes influences the kinematic factors of streamflow at estuaries. To this end, a field experiment was carried out to assess nutrient and organic compound levels in the sediment and water samples, spanning six sampling stations along the Chabahar River discharging to the Chabahar Bay, Iran. Then, we delved into the influence of altering environmental parameters, such as density and geometry, on the kinematic features of the flow through statistical analysis and hydraulic modeling. The results showed that the aerial roots reduce the flow rate and increase both retention and contact times. The longest retention time was observed at station #5 due to increased vegetation density and decreased instream velocity. In addition, measurements of total organic matter, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen indicated that an extended contact time resulted in increased absorption flux to the stream by sediments. As a result, pneumatophores can serve as an effective sink for organic matter in ecotones in salt marshes.

Empty sella in somatotropic pituitary adenomas; a series of 23 cases.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate empty sella syndrome in somatotrophic pituitary adenoma for possible etiology, complications, and treatment options. Method: Among over 2,000 skull base masses that have been managed in our center since 2013, we searched for growth hormone-producing adenomas. Clinical, surgical, and imaging data were retrospectively collected from hospital records to check for sella that lacked pituitary tissue on routine imaging. Result: In 220 somatotrophic adenomas, 23 patients had an empty sella with surgical and follow-up data. The mean age of the sample was 46 years with the same male-to-female ratio. Five cases had partial empty sella and the rest were complete empty sellas. The most common simultaneous hormonal disturbance was high prolactin levels. Six had adenoma invasion into the clivus or sphenoid sinus and 10 had cavernous sinus intrusion. Peri-operative low-flow and high-flow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks were encountered in one and two patients, respectively, which were successfully sealed by abdominal fat. The majority of cases required growth hormone replacement therapy while it was controlled without any replacement therapy in nine patients. No pituitary hormonal disturbance occurred after transsphenoidal surgery except for hypothyroidism in one patient. Conclusion: An empty sella filled with fluid can be detected frequently in pituitary adenomas, especially in the setting of acromegaly. The pituitary gland may be pushed to the roof of the sella and might be visible as a narrow rim on imaging or may be detected in unusual places out of the sella. The pathophysiology behind such finding originates from soft and hard tissue changes and CSF pressure alternations during abundant growth hormone production.

Mechanical properties of human kidney cells and their effects on the atomic force microscope beam vibrations.

In the present investigation, the mechanical properties of normal and carcinomatous cells of kidney tissue (HEK-293, ACHN, respectively) were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Initially, the elastic modulus of ACHN cells was measured following chemotherapy with the anti-cancer drug Cisplatin and plasma treatment. The MTT assay was employed to ascertain the most effective dosages for incubation periods of 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, guided by the IC50 concentration for cell viability during chemotherapy treatment. Analysis at these specified time points revealed a progressive increase in the elastic modulus of ACHN cells when subjected to Cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Specifically, the elastic modulus increased by 1.847, 4.416, 6.035, 8.029, and 9.727 times in comparison to untreated cells at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. ACHN cells were subsequently treated with plasma for 30 and 60 s for 24 and 48-h incubation periods. The plasma treatment increased the ACHN cell's elastic modulus. In the subsequent phase of the research, a combination of theoretical (finite element method [FEM]) and experimental methodologies was employed to investigate the resonant frequencies and magnitude of the frequency response function (FRF) concerning the movement of the AFM cantilever. This examination was conducted using ACHN cells as specimens, both before and after exposure to chemotherapy and plasma treatments. The results showed that higher sample elastic modulus increased the resonant frequency, indicating that treated cells had a higher resonant frequency than untreated cells. In conclusion, the FEM and experimental results were compared and found to be in good agreement. HIGHLIGHTS: Using Cisplatin anti-cancer drug increases the elastic modulus of ACHN cell. Applying plasma treatment increases the elastic modulus of ACHN cell. For both of the chemo and plasma therapies, increasing the incubation time increases the influence of therapies oh the cell mechanics. Using finite element modeling (FEM) the real dynamic behavior of atomic force microscope cantilever by considering human kidney cells as the soft samples is possible.

Epigenetic regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma progression: MicroRNAs as therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic factors.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a significant challenge for public healthcare systems in developed Western countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK, is influenced by different risk factors including hepatitis virus infections, alcoholism, and smoking. The disruption in the balance of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a vital function in tumorigenesis, given their function as regulators in numerous signaling networks. These miRNAs, which are mature and active in the cytoplasm, work by reducing the expression of target genes through their impact on mRNAs. MiRNAs are particularly significant in HCC as they regulate key aspects of the tumor, like proliferation and invasion. Additionally, during treatment phases such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the levels of miRNAs are key determinants. Pre-clinical experiments have demonstrated that altered miRNA expression contributes to HCC development, metastasis, drug resistance, and radio-resistance, highlighting related molecular pathways and processes like MMPs, EMT, apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, the regulatory role of miRNAs in HCC extends beyond their immediate function, as they are also influenced by other epigenetic factors like lncRNAs and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as discussed in recent reviews. Applying these discoveries in predicting the prognosis of HCC could mark a significant advancement in the therapy of this disease.

A rare case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the anterior clinoid process in an 18-year-old female mimicking optic neuritis.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an uncommon, benign, vascular multicystic bony lesion that most frequently develops in the first two decades of life. The metaphysis of long bones, pelvic, and vertebral column are the most common locations. The precise underlying pathophysiology of ABCs formation remains unclear; however, it is believed that reactive processes subsequent to trauma or vascular disturbance may play an important role. Involvement of the skull base rarely occurs with a prevalence of up to 5% of intracranial ABCs. CASE PRESENTATIONS: An 18-year-old adolescent female with a history of progressive blurred vision since three months ago presented to our office. The brain and orbital MRI demonstrated no abnormal findings. After three months of glucocorticoid treatment with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, the visual impairment of the left eye deteriorated abruptly. The patient underwent an MRI and the imaging study demonstrated a well-defined 30 × 22 × 20-mm lesion at the anterior clinoid process with an extension to the optic canal and ethmoid sinus. The patient underwent pterional craniotomy, and the tumor was resected. The histopathological examination was suggestive of ABC. CONCLUSION: ABC and other conditions should be considered in young-age people with an early unilateral decline in vision and imaging studies should be obtained in early stages and during follow-ups.

Zero-Inflated Count Regression Models in Solving Challenges Posed by Outlier-Prone Data; an Application to Length of Hospital Stay.

Introduction: Ignoring outliers in data may lead to misleading results. Length of stay (LOS) is often considered a count variable with a high frequency of outliers. This study exemplifies the potential of robust methodologies in enhancing the accuracy and reliability of analyses conducted on skewed and outlier-prone count data of LOS. Methods: The application of Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP) and robust Zero-Inflated Poisson (RZIP) models in solving challenges posed by outlier LOS data were evaluated. The ZIP model incorporates two components, tackling excess zeros with a zero-inflation component and modeling positive counts with a Poisson component. The RZIP model introduces the Robust Expectation-Solution (RES) algorithm to enhance parameter estimation and address the impact of outliers on the model's performance. Results: Data from 254 intensive care unit patients were analyzed (62.2% male). Patients aged 65 or older accounted for 58.3% of the sample. Notably, 38.6% of patients exhibited zero LOS. The overall mean LOS was 5.89 (± 9.81) days, and 9.45% of cases displayed outliers. Our analysis using the RZIP model revealed significant predictors of LOS, including age, underlying comorbidities (p<0.001), and insurance status (p=0.013). Model comparison demonstrated the RZIP model's superiority over ZIP, as evidenced by lower Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Bayesians information criteria (BIC) values. Conclusions: The application of the RZIP model allowed us to uncover meaningful insights into the factors influencing LOS, paving the way for more informed decision-making in hospital management.

The Effect of Selenium, Zinc, and their Combined Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Biomarkers-comparing their Effects in the Energy Restriction and High-fat Diet Methods in Obese Rats.

INTRODUCTION: The fat distribution in the body determines the risk of cardiometabolic problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Some dietary supplements, such as selenium and zinc, possess lipolytic and anti-angiogenic functions, which may be a useful strategy in reducing the risk of cardiometabolic complications. This study evaluated the effect of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and their combined supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors in male Wistar rats in two nutritional models, including caloric restriction (CR) and high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS AND MATERIALS: The 48 male Wistar rats were divided into three diet groups (HFD and CR and normal diet (ND)). The HFD group was subdivided into four groups (N=8 rats in each group) that received (HFD+Se), (HFD+Zn), (HFD+Zn+Se), and HFD alone as the control group, respectively. After 8 weeks of intervention, biochemical tests were performed on serum levels, including measurement of lipid profile (triglyceride, Cholesterol, LDL and HDL) and glycemic indices (fasting blood sugar, insulin and insulin sensitivity markers). RESULTS: The results showed that supplementation significantly improved the lipid profile (P <0.001). A comparison of glucose homeostasis indices in the study groups also showed a significant difference. The serum level of glucose was higher in the HFD group than in the intervention groups (P <0.001). Also, the rate of improvement of lipid profile and glycemic indexes in the group receiving the combination of two supplements showed a better trend than those receiving zinc and selenium alone. However, the values were statistically significant only for glucose homeostasis indices (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Although obesity is a multifactorial condition, controlling other risk factors, zinc and selenium and their combined supplementation can lead to promising solutions for the treatment of obesity-induced glucose and lipid homeostasis disorders.

Vertical triband flag sign for differential diagnosis of Rathke's cleft cyst.

Background: The Rathke cleft cyst (RCC) is a type of cystic growth that is benign, circular, and well-defined with an incidence rate of 4 %. This study aims to identify a useful diagnostic imaging sign that can aid in the differentiation of RCC from other cystic lesions. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 42 symptomatic RCC patients who were referred to our facility between 2016 and 2023. The data for the study were obtained from our electronic database. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed using a 1.5-T superconducting magnetic scanner. All patients underwent endonasal transsphenoidal surgical resection. All MRIs were reviewed and evaluated by a neurosurgeon and a neuroradiologist. Results: There were 8 (19 %) males and 34 (81 %) females with a mean age of 37.2-years. Our study identified a distinct imaging characteristic in 38 of the cases, which we have named the "vertical triband flag sign", due to the growth of the cyst developing a specific appearance. The flag sign was mostly observed only in the T1-images (71.5 %), while in four cases the sign was spotted only in T2-images, and in four cases it appeared in both T1 and T2. In 4 cases, the flag sign was not observed in which further investigations revealed that these cases were suprasellar or small sellar RCCs. The dot sign, which is a characteristic finding in RCCs was only observed in one of our cases. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of RCCs may be facilitated by utilizing the vertical triband flag sign.

The effect of low-fructose diet on anthropometric and metabolic factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: In recent decades, there has been a rise in the consumption of sugars containing fructose, raising concerns about their association with metabolic disorders and obesity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of a low-fructose diet on anthropometric and metabolic variables. DATA SYNTHESIS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effects of low-fructose diets on anthropometric and metabolic factors. Relevant studies were identified by searching electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to January 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Ten trials with varying intervention durations (ranging from 4 to 24 weeks) and a total of 750 participants were included. The analysis revealed that a low-fructose diet had no significant effect on weight but did have a significant impact on body mass index (SMD = -0.2; 95 % CI: -0.37, -0.04, P = 0.017) and waist circumference (SMD = -0.48; 95 % CI: -0.67, -0.29, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, a low-fructose diet significantly affected systolic blood pressure (SMD = -0.24; 95 % CI: -0.39, -0.09, P = 0.002), fasting blood glucose (SMD = -0.23; 95 % CI: -0.40, -0.07, P = 0.005), hemoglobin A1c (SMD = -0.62; 95 % CI: -0.93, -0.31, P < 0.0001), and triglyceride levels (SMD = -0.17; 95 % CI: -0.33, -0.02, P = 0.028). However, it had no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure, insulin levels, or homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. Subgroup analysis indicated that a low-fructose diet had a greater effect on healthy participants aged over 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis results suggest that low-fructose diets significantly reduce body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, the results of the current study suggest that a low-fructose diet may be more effective in healthy individuals who are older than 50 years old compared to those younger than 50 years old.

Starter protein content and supplemental soybean oil or hydrogenated palm fatty acids in Holstein dairy calves: growth performance, protozoa population, and nitrogen utilization efficiency.

The study hypothesized that a 24% protein starter diet supplemented with inert fat (palm fatty acids; PLFs) instead of triglyceride-rich soybean oil (SBO) would promote the growth of dairy calves. The effects of different protein contents (20 vs 24% CP) and fat sources (SBO vs PLF at 2.5% DM) on growth, digestibility, blood metabolites, rumen protozoa and urinary nitrogen in dairy calves were investigated. A total of 52 female dairy calves (mean age 3 days and BW 40.7 kg) were allocated to the following treatments in a completely randomized design: (1) 20% CP starter diet supplemented with SBO (20CP-SBO), (2) 20% CP starter diet supplemented with PLF (20CP-PLF), (3) 24% CP starter diet supplemented with SBO (24CP-SBO), and (4) 24% CP starter diet supplemented with PLF (24CP-PLF). Calves were weaned on day 53, and the study ended on day 73. The 24CP diets enhanced starter feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), withers height, hip width, organic matter (OM) digestibility, and preweaning blood glucose compared to the 20CP diets. In contrast, SBO supplementation reduced feed intake, ADG, withers height, OM and CP digestibility, and pre- and postweaning blood glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels, while increasing preweaning aspartate aminotransferase, compared to PLF. SBO supplementation led to lower urinary excretion of purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis postweaning, and a reduction in protozoa population both pre- and postweaning. Calves fed PLF had higher starter intake than those fed SBO, regardless of the diet being 20CP or 24CP. Calves fed the 24CP-PLF diet had the highest ADG, while calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had the lowest ADG. Calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had lower feed efficiency than calves fed the other diets during the preweaning period and throughout the experimental period. Calves fed the 24CP-PLF diet had higher hip heights at weaning and on day 73 than calves fed the other diets. Calves fed the 20CP-SBO diet had lower neutral detergent fiber digestibility than calves fed the other diets. Calves fed the 24CP-SBO diet had higher postweaning blood urea nitrogen concentration than calves fed the other diets. Feeding the 20CP-SBO diet to dairy calves decreased urinary allantoin excretion and rumen microbial protein synthesis but increased urinary nitrogen excretion during the preweaning period. Our results suggest that PLF is more suitable than SBO in calf diets, especially when calves fed 24% CP, possibly due to improved nutrient digestibility.

Loaded paraquaton polymeric nanocapsules and evaluation for cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Present work was conducted to prepare and evaluate, loaded paraquat nano-hydrogels using chitosan, sodium polytriphosphate, and xanthan via ionic gelification method. The fabricated L-PQ formulations were analyzed for surface morphology and functional groups using SEM and FTIR, respectively. The stability of the synthesized nanoparticle was, also, analyzed in terms of diameter size, zeta potential, dispersion index, and pH. Furthermore, the cardiotoxicity effects of the synthesized nanogels were investigated on Wistar rats in terms of enzymatic activity, echocardiographic, and histological analysis. The proper stability of the prepared formulation was also confirmed by diameter size, zeta potential, dispersion index, and pH. The efficiency of encapsulation was about 90±3.2% and the release of PQ in the loaded nanogel was about 90±2.3%. A decrease in ST (shortening time) segment by formulated PQ, either in peritoneal or gavage exposure pathway, indicates the effectiveness of the capsule layer against the penetration of toxin into the body.

EZH2 as a potential therapeutic target for gastrointestinal cancers.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers continue to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Understanding the molecular pathways associated with cancer progression and severity is essential for creating effective cancer treatments. In cancer research, there is a notable emphasis on Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a key player in gene expression influenced by its irregular expression and capacity to attach to promoters and alter methylation status. This review explores the impact of EZH2 signaling on various GI cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatocellular, esophageal, and cholangiocarcinoma. The primary function of EZH2 signaling is to facilitate the accelerated progression of cancer cells. Additionally, EZH2 has the capacity to modulate the reaction of GI cancers to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Numerous pathways, including long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs, serve as upstream regulators of EZH2 in these types of cancer. EZH2's enzymatic activity enables it to attach to target gene promoters, resulting in methylation that modifies their expression. EZH2 could be considered as an independent prognostic factor, with increased expression correlating with a worse disease prognosis. Additionally, a range of gene therapies including small interfering RNA, and anti-tumor agents are being explored to target EZH2 for cancer treatment. This comprehensive review underscores the current insights into EZH2 signaling in gastrointestinal cancers and examines the prospect of therapies targeting EZH2 to enhance patient outcomes.

Anti-inflammatory and tissue repair effect of cinnamaldehyde and nano cinnamaldehyde on gingival fibroblasts and macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis has a complex and inflammatory origin. Among the great variety of medications it is increasingly common to use herbal medicines due to the adverse side effects of chemical medications. Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamaldehyde and the lack of studies related to the effectiveness of its nano form; This study investigates the effect of cinnamaldehyde and nano cinnamaldehyde on the healing rate of recurrent aphthous stomatitis lesions. METHODS: In a laboratory experiment, cinnamaldehyde was converted into niosomal nanoparticles. The niosome vesicles diameter and polydispersity index were measured at 25°C using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) Mastersizer 2000 (Malvern Panalytical technologies: UK) and Zetasizer Nano ZS system (Malvern Instruments Worcestershire: UK). After characterizing these particles, the (2,3-Bis-(2-Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulfophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide) [XTT] assay was used to assess the toxicity of cinnamaldehyde and nano cinnamaldehyde on gingival fibroblast (HGF) and macrophage (THP-1) cells. By determining the release of TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-ß cytokines using ELISA kits, the level of tissue repair and anti-inflammatory capabilities of these two substances were evaluated. RESULTS: The size and loading rate of the cinnamaldehyde nanoparticles were established after its creation. The optimized nanovesicle exhibited the following characteristics: particle size of 228.75 ± 2.38 nm, PDI of 0.244 ± 0.01, the zeta potential of -10.87 ± 1.09 mV and the drug encapsulation percentage of 66.72 ± 3.93%. PDIs range was between 0.242-0.274. The zeta potential values at 25°C were from -2.67 to -12.9 mV. The results of the XTT test demonstrated that nano cinnamaldehyde exhibited dose-dependent toxicity effects. Moreover, nano cinnamaldehyde released more TGF-ß and had better reparative effects when taken at lower concentrations than cinnamaldehyde. CONCLUSION: Nano cinnamaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde are effective in repairing tissue when used in non-toxic amounts. After confirmation in animal models, it is envisaged that these substances can be utilized to treat recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

The Emerging Role of Exosomal miRNAs as Biomarkers for Early Cancer Detection: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

A significant number of cancer-related deaths are recorded globally each year, despite attempts to cure this illness. Medical science is working to develop new medication therapies as well as to find ways to identify this illness as early as possible, even using noninvasive techniques. Early detection of cancer can greatly aid its treatment. Studies into cancer diagnosis and therapy have recently shifted their focus to exosome (EXO) biomarkers, which comprise numerous RNA and proteins. EXOs are minuscule goblet vesicles that have a width of 30 to 140 nm and are released by a variety of cells, including immune, stem, and tumor cells, as well as bodily fluids. According to a growing body of research, EXOs, and cancer appear to be related. EXOs from tumors play a role in the genetic information transfer between tumor and basal cells, which controls angiogenesis and fosters tumor development and spread. To identify malignant activities early on, microRNAs (miRNAs) from cancers can be extracted from circulatory system EXOs. Specific markers can be used to identify cancer-derived EXOs containing miRNAs, which may be more reliable and precise for early detection. Conventional solid biopsy has become increasingly limited as precision and personalized medicine has advanced, while liquid biopsy offers a viable platform for noninvasive diagnosis and prognosis. Therefore, the use of body fluids such as serum, plasma, urine, and salivary secretions can help find cancer biomarkers using technologies related to EXOs.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Inmates, Prison Staff and Soldiers Regarding Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in Mazandaran Prisons.

Background: Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are blood-sucking insects that bite humans usually at night and cause nuisance, psychological and social problems. These insects are considered a health hazard in densely populated places such as prisons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of inmates, soldiers, and prison staff regarding bed bugs in Mazandaran prisons. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study in which 450 inmates and 210 staff (105 personnel and 105 soldiers) from prisons of Mazandaran Province were included in the study. Data on knowledge, attitude, and practice of the participants regarding bed bugs were collected using a structured questionnaire. To determine the relative content validity coefficient, the questionnaire was assessed by 10 specialists in terms of difficulty, inappropriateness, and ambiguity of the phrases. The reliability of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach's Alpha and then the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: The maximum mean scores of knowledges, attitude, and practice between the three target groups were 16.42%, 44.07% and 71.21% respectively. Prison staff had the highest knowledge and practice, and inmates showed the highest attitude regarding bed bugs. There was no significant difference between the knowledge and attitude of inmates, prison staff and soldiers (P> 0.05) but there was a significant difference in their practice (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Results of this study confirmed that all three groups of people in the prisons need appropriate education regarding all aspects of bed bug including its control.

Targeting the vital non-structural proteins (NSP12, NSP7, NSP8 and NSP3) from SARS-CoV-2 and inhibition of RNA polymerase by natural bioactive compound naringenin as a promising drug candidate against COVID-19.

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-induced respiratory infections is now a major challenge worldwide. There is currently no specific antiviral drug to prevent or treat this disease. Infection with COVID-19 seriously needs to find effective therapeutic agents. In the present study, naringenin, as a potential inhibitor candidate for RNA Polymerase SARS-CoV-2 was compared with remdesivir (FDA-approved drug) and GS-441,524 (Derivative of the drug remdesivir) by screening with wild-type and mutant SARS-CoV-2 NSP12 (NSP7-NSP8) and NSP3 interfaces, then complexes were simulated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to gain their stabilities. The docking results displayed ​scores of -3.45 kcal/mol and -4.32 kcal/mol against NSP12 and NSP3, respectively. Our results showed that naringenin had ΔG values more negative than the ΔG values of Remdesivir (RDV) and GS-441,524. Hence, naringenin was considered to be a potential inhibitor. Also, the number of hydrogen bonds of naringenin with NSP3 and later NSP12 are more than Remdesivir and its derivative. In this research, Mean root mean square deviation (RMSD) values of NSP3 and NSP12with naringenin ligand (5.55±1.58 nm to 3.45±0.56 nm and 0.238±0.01 to 0.242±0.021 nm, respectively showed stability in the presence of ligand. The root mean square fluctuations (RMSF) values of NSP3 and NSP12 amino acid units in the presence of naringenin in were 1.5 ± 0.31 nm and 0.118±0.058, respectively. Pharmacokinetic properties and prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of naringenin and RDV showed that ​these two compounds had no potential cytotoxicity.

Endoscopic versus Microsurgical Resection of Third Ventricle Colloid Cysts: A Single-Center Case Series of 140 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Both endoscopic and microsurgery transcortical resection methods are used for colloid cysts of the third ventricle but they have not been compared regarding benefits and pitfalls. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent surgical resection of third ventricle colloid cyst via either endoscopic or microsurgery approach by a single surgeon from 2005 to 2020 were retrospectively collected. After administration of criteria, 140 records were retrieved (60 patients through endoscopic resection and 80 patients by a transcranial microsurgery approach). Clinical and surgical measures were compared between the 2 types of surgery after adjustment for confounders. RESULTS: Length of hospital stay, postoperative meningitis, operation time, cyst size, and baseline comorbidities were similar between two groups. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved for all patients in the microsurgery group, whereas in the endoscopic group, resection was lower (90% vs. 100%; P = 0.005). Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in 14 endoscopic patients (23.3%), whereas for the microscopic group, it was zero (P < 0.001). Postoperative shunt was required for 2 patients (one in the endoscopic group and the other in the microscopic group). Two patients had tumor recurrence, both of whom were in the endoscopic group. No mortality was detected in either group. Multivariate analyses were insignificant for confounding effects of clinical and demographic factors in occurrence of worse surgical outcomes (non-GTR and hemorrhage). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the rate of intraoperative hemorrhage was higher with the endoscopic method and GTR was lower, even after adjustment for other factors. This situation could be caused by technological shortcomings and limited space for resection maneuvers and management of complications.

A new insight into the mechanical properties of nanobiofibers and vibrational behavior of atomic force microscope beam considering them as the samples.

Nowadays, the utilization and production of polymeric nanofibers are expanding rapidly due to their unique and exclusive properties. The current study examined silk fibroin nanofibers, poly-L lactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL) as three widely-used biopolymers. In the first section, the mechanical properties of nanobiofibers, including elastic modulus as the first research variable, were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based nanoindentation and tensile testing (through a universal testing machine). The results indicated that increasing the concentration of the biopolymer solution increased its elastic modulus. The total amount of elastic modulus for silk fibroin (SF), PCL, and PLLA nanofibers with random and aligned scaffold formats ranged from 1.207 MPa to 3.71 MPa. Based on the molecular weight and concentrations of the solutions, PLLA, PCL, and silk fibroin nanofibers yielded the highest elastic modulus, respectively. In addition, the elastic modulus was greater in an aligned scaffold as opposed to a random format and in retraction as opposed to an extended stroke. During the second section of the study, resonant frequencies as the second research variable and the amplitude of the FRF of the AFM beam's vertical movements using nanobiopolymers with various scaffolds as the samples were investigated theoretically (using the Finite Element Method [FEM]) and experimentally (using AFM). For the first to third modes, the resonant frequency of the AFM beam considering biopolymer nanofibers as samples varied from 12658.43 Hz to 241208.4 Hz. The results revealed that increasing the elastic modulus of the samples increases the resonant frequency. The mechanical and vibrational properties of nanofibers calculated by various methods were subsequently compared separately. Overall, the comparison indicated good agreement between the properties.

National and subnational burden of brain and central nervous system cancers in Iran, 1990-2019: Results from the global burden of disease study 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system cancers (CNS cancers) impose a significant burden upon healthcare systems worldwide. Currently, the lack of a comprehensive study to assess various epidemiological indexes of CNS cancers on national and subnational scales in Iran can hamper healthcare planning and resource allocation in this regard. This study aims to fill this gap by providing estimates of CNS cancer epidemiological measures on national and subnational levels in Iran from 1990 to 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a part of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 that contains epidemiological measures including prevalence, incidence, mortality, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years Lived with Disability (YLDs), and Years of Life Lost (YLLs) of CNS cancers. Age standardization was utilized for comparing different provinces. RESULTS: In 2019, 5811 (95% Uncertainty Interval: 2942-7046) national new cases and 3494 (1751-4173) deaths due to CNS cancers were reported. National age-standardized incidence (ASIR), deaths (ASDR), and DALYs rates were 7.3 (3.7-8.8), 4.6 (2.3-5.5), and 156.4 (82.0-187.0) per 100,000 in 2019, respectively. Subnational results revealed that ASDR and ASIR have increased in the past 30 years in all provinces. Although incidence rates have increased in all age groups and genders since 1990, death rates have remained the same for most age groups and genders except for young patients aged under 15, where a decrease in mortality and YLLs can be observed. CONCLUSION: The incidence, deaths, and DALYs of CNS cancers increased at national and subnational levels. These findings should be considered for planning and resource allocation.

Epidemiology of Brain and Other Central Nervous System Cancers in the North Africa and Middle East Region: A Systematic Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To present estimates of prevalence and incidence of and contributors to central nervous system (CNS) cancers, death, years of life lost, years lived with disability, and disability-adjusted life years from 1990 to 2019 in North Africa and the Middle East. METHODS: Primary measures were retrieved from Global Burden of Disease 2019. Contribution of various factors to observed incidence and mortality changes was investigated with decomposition and age-period-cohort analyses. RESULTS: In 2019, 27,529 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 18,554-32,579; percent change compared with 1990: +152.5%) new CNS cancers and 17,773 (95% UI:12,096-20,936; percent change compared with 1990: +111.5%) deaths occurred. Meanwhile, 71.0% increase led to 71,6271 (95% UI: 493,932-848,226) disability-adjusted life years in 2019 with a halved years of life lost/years lived with disability ratio of 66.3% (proxy of worse care quality). Altogether, 97,195 (95% UI: 64,216-115,621; percent change compared with 1990: +280.5%) patients with prevalent cases were alive in 2019. All decomposed indices, including aging, cause-specific incidence, and population growth, contributed substantially to increased incidence of CNS cancers. Moreover, age brackets, study period (1990-2019), and 5-year cohorts all demonstrated positive effects, while age had a mixed influence in different age groups. Palestine harbored the highest age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate in 2019 (232.0 [95% UI: 175.6-279.5]), while Tunisia had the lowest (41.8 [95% UI: 27.6-57.1] per 100,000). The greatest burden increase was found in Saudi Arabia (32.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The burden of CNS cancers is rising in North Africa and the Middle East, with major heterogeneities among countries. Improved early detection and health care access across countries are required to bridge inequalities and address the rising burden of CNS malignancies.