A comprehensive protocol for evaluating health, safety, and environmental risks of hospital solid waste through FMEA technique.

This protocol outlines a comprehensive approach to evaluating hospital solid waste levels and assessing associated health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) methodology. The study focuses on Imam Khomeini Hospital (RA) and employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. Over a 3-month period, waste production and potential risks are assessed, with specific attention to household, infectious, medicinal, and sharps waste. Through FMEA, potential failure modes and associated risks in waste management sectors are identified, enabling targeted interventions for risk mitigation. The protocol emphasizes the importance of aligning waste management practices with international standards and highlights the need for comprehensive training, awareness campaigns, and effective waste management methods to ensure the safety and environmental responsibility of hospital waste management practices.

Trapping Ion Coulomb Crystals in an Optical Lattice.

We report the optical trapping of multiple ions localized at individual lattice sites of a one-dimensional optical lattice. We observe a fivefold increased range of axial dc-electric field strength for which ions can be optically trapped with high probability and an increase of the axial eigenfrequency by 2 orders of magnitude compared to an optical dipole trap without interference but of similar intensity. Our findings motivate an alternative pathway to extend arrays of trapped ions in size and dimension, enabling quantum simulations with particles interacting at long range.

Exploring the Effect of Relaxation Time, Natural Surfactant, and Potential Determining Ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42-) on the Dynamic Interfacial Tension Behavior of Model Oil-Brine Systems.

This study examined how the concentration of asphaltene and divalent ions in various salinities affects the interfacial tension (IFT) between a model oil/brine using the pendant drop method. The oleic phase consisted of a mixture of toluene and n-heptane (heptol), to which asphaltene was added to investigate how asphaltene molecules affect the surface properties. The base fluid was prepared with a salinity of 40,000 ppm, and two additional solutions with concentrations of 4000 ppm (low salinity) and 80,000 ppm (high salinity) were created. The results revealed that increasing the concentration of asphaltene within certain salinity ranges led to a decrease in IFT. The lowest IFT was observed at the 40,000 ppm salinity level, indicating that at this optimal salinity, the maximum asphaltene concentration migrated to the heptol/brine interface, reducing the IFT from 23 mN/m to 16 mN/m. Additionally, a 0.5 % wt of asphaltene demonstrated a significant concentration of micellization of natural surfactants, suggesting that the interface was nearly saturated with asphaltene. Consequently, concentrations higher than this value did not significantly alter the IFT. In the final part of the study, the impact of divalent ions was investigated, revealing that as the concentration of Ca2+ ions increased up to fourfold, the IFT decreased to 15 mN/m, about 10 % less than the base case. This value represented the lowest IFT compared to Mg2+ and SO42-. Moreover, modeling the results indicated that the relaxation time decreased with increasing salinity, suggesting that higher salinity accelerated the process of asphaltene absorption at the interface.

The Oxidative Status and Na+/K+-ATPase Activity in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Control Study.

Background: Oxidative stress is involved in pathogenesis of some psychiatric disorders. To examine the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), we aimed to determine oxidative stress indices, including malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and red blood cells (RBC) membrane, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum glutathione (GSH) levels, serum antioxidant vitamins (A and E), and Na+/K+-ATPase activity, in patients with the mentioned disorder vs. healthy controls. Method: 39 OCD patients diagnosed based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) and 39 volunteer healthy subjects were included in this study. MDA levels in serum and RBC membrane were measured using fluorometric method. Serum TAC level, serum GSH level, and Na+/K+-ATPase activity were also measured using spectrophotometric methods. Serum levels of vitamins were calculated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Result: There was a significantly higher MDA level in serum (p < 0.0001) and RBC membrane (p = 0.002) of OCD patients compared with those in controls. A significant reduction in vitamin A (p = 0.001) and vitamin E (p = 0.024) levels was found in OCD patients vs. controls. There was significantly lower activity of erythrocyte membrane Na+/K+-ATPase in RBC membrane of OCD patients vs. controls (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings indicate significantly higher levels MDA in both serum and RBC membrane, lower levels of serum vitamins A and E, and lower activity of membrane Na+/K+-ATPase in OCD patients compared to controls. These suggest an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant factors in OCD patients that might play a fundamental role in the etiopathogenesis of OCD.

Spatial trend and probabilistic health risk assessment of heavy metals, nitrate, and fluoride in groundwater resources, West Azerbaijan province, Iran.

The quality of water resources used for drinking and their health effects is vitally important. The present study investigated the concentrations of F-, NO3-, and metal elements like Hg, Mn, As, and Pb in the groundwater resources and their health risk assessment on the west margin of Urmia Lake, Iran. Sampling points were selected and taken from 121 groundwater resources in the summer of 2014. Heavy metals (Pb, As, Mn, and Hg) were measured by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, model: Arcos, Germany), and some ions (Na+, NO3-, F-, and Cl-) by flame photometer and spectrophotometer according to the standard methods, respectively. The nitrate concentration range in groundwater samples measured from 1.7 to 137 mg/L and fluoride from 0.4 to 4.5 mg/L. The probabilistic method and Monte Carlo simulation were used to estimate carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks. The concentration of study elements in most samples was obtained in the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended range. The order of HM (heavy metal) concentration is based on the overall mean: Mn > As > Hg > Pb. The HI (hazard index ) level was found to be more than 1 for noncarcinogenic risk for As and NO3- and permissible risks for the other elements and fluoride. ELCR (excess lifetime cancer risk) levels of As were acceptable, except for some sampling points, the central region in the study area, near the seashore of Urmia Lake. Finally, it can be stated that the groundwater resources in the studied area are acceptable for drinking in most places. Still, due to the effects of As and NO3- contaminated water, the quality is unacceptable for drinking in some places. So, monitoring water quality is recommended by finding contamination sources to decrease the health risks of drinking consumption.

Association between air pollution and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL): A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recent studies have indicated that air pollution (AP) has harmful effects on hearing and ear diseases such as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of exposure to AP on SSHL incidence. Valid electronic databases were searched to retrieve studies published until December 1, 2022, using appropriate keywords. The result of the search was 1146 studies, and after screening according to the defined criteria, in total 8 studies were obtained. The risk of bias (ROB) in the studies and their quality were assessed. Finally, the meta-analysis with a significance level of 5% was performed. The findings revealed that the mean level of SO2, CO, NO2, and PM10 in the patient group was more than that of the control group, and p-values were 0.879, 0.144, 0.077, and 0.138, respectively. There was an indirect relation between air pollutants and SSHL, and PM2.5 showed a significant effect (p < 0.05). Given the limited research and the use of different statistical methods, more research is suggested to confirm this association and to determine the mechanisms by which AP exposure may cause SSHL.

Supplementation with spinach-derived thylakoid augments the benefits of high intensity training on adipokines, insulin resistance and lipid profiles in males with obesity.

Introduction: This study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) combined with spinach-derived thylakoid supplementation on some selected Adipokines and insulin resistance in males with obesity. Method: Sixty-eight participants (mean age: 27.6 ± 8.4 yrs.; mean height: 168.4 ± 2.6 cm; mean weight: 95.7 ± 3.8 kg, mean BMI: 32.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups of 17 per group: Control group (CG), Supplement group (SG), Training group (TG), and Training + supplement group (TSG). Following baseline measurements, the two training groups (TG and TSG) started the 12 weeks of exercise training program (3 sessions per week). A total of 36 sessions lasting up to 60 min were included in the HIFT program using the CrossFit program. The eligible participants received 5 g/day of thylakoid-rich spinach extract or matching placebo as 5 g/day of raw corn starch (one sachet, 30 min before lunch) for 12 weeks. Baseline assessments were obtained 48 hours before the start of the training protocols and 48 hours after the last training session in all groups. Results: There were significant interactions (p<0.001 for all) between exercise and time for adiponectin (ES:0.48), leptin (ES:0.46), resistin (ES:0.3), omentin (ES:0.65), vaspin (ES:0.46), visfatin (ES:0.62), apelin (ES:0.42), RBP4 (ES:0.63), chemrin (0.36) and semaphorin3c (ES: 0.5). Plasma levels of semaphorin3c were significantly correlated (p<0.05) with body weight (r= 0.57), BMI (r= 0.43), FFM (r= -0.612), FAT (r= 0.768), VO2peak (r=-0.53), insulin (r= 0.756), glucose (r= 0.623), and HOMA-IR (r= 0.727). There were also significant group differences in insulin (ES: 0.77), glucose (ES: 0.21), and HOM-IR (ES: 0.44) (p<0.05). Discussion: Our findings indicate that 12 weeks of HIFT supplemented with spinach-derived thylakoid reduced levels of leptin, resistin, vaspin, visfatin, apelin, RBP4, chemrin, semaphorin3c and insulin resistance while increasing adiponectin and omentin levels in men with obesity.

Chemical Imaging of Pharmaceuticals in Biofilms for Wastewater Treatment Using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry.

The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment is a global water quality challenge for several reasons, such as deleterious effects on ecological and human health, antibiotic resistance development, and endocrine-disrupting effects on aquatic organisms. To optimize their removal from the water cycle, understanding the processes during biological wastewater treatment is crucial. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging was successfully applied to investigate and analyze the distribution of pharmaceuticals as well as endogenous molecules in the complex biological matrix of biofilms for wastewater treatment. Several compounds and their localization were identified in the biofilm section, including citalopram, ketoconazole, ketoconazole transformation products, and sertraline. The images revealed the pharmaceuticals gathered in distinct sites of the biofilm matrix. While citalopram penetrated the biofilm deeply, sertraline remained confined in its outer layer. Both pharmaceuticals seemed to mainly colocalize with phosphocholine lipids. Ketoconazole concentrated in small areas with high signal intensity. The approach outlined here presents a powerful strategy for visualizing the chemical composition of biofilms for wastewater treatment and demonstrates its promising utility for elucidating the mechanisms behind pharmaceutical and antimicrobial removal in biological wastewater treatment.

Epigenetic modifications and obsessive-compulsive disorder: what do we know?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic, severe disabling neuropsychiatric disorder whose pathophysiology is not yet well defined. Generally, the symptom onset occurs during pre-adult life and affects subjects in different life aspects, including professional and social relationships. Although robust evidence indicates the presence of genetic factors in the etiopathology of OCD, the entirely mechanisms are not totally clarified. Thus, the possible interactions between genes and environmental risk factors mediated by epigenetic mechanisms should be sought. Therefore, we provide a review of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms related to OCD with a deep focus on the regulation of critical genes of the central nervous system seeking possible potential biomarkers.

Modification of Extracellular Vesicle Surfaces: An Approach for Targeted Drug Delivery.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising drug delivery vehicle candidate because of their natural origin and intrinsic function of transporting various molecules between different cells. Several advantages of the EV delivery platform include enhanced permeability and retention effect, efficient interaction with recipient cells, the ability to traverse biological barriers, high biocompatibility, high biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. Furthermore, EV membranes share approximately similar structures and contents to the cell membrane, which allows surface modification of EVs, an approach to enable specific targeting. Enhanced drug accumulation in intended sites and reduced adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drugs are the most prominent effects of targeted drug delivery. In order to improve the targeting ability of EVs, chemical modification and genetic engineering are the most adopted methods to date. Diverse chemical methods are employed to decorate EV surfaces with various ligands such as aptamers, carbohydrates, peptides, vitamins, and antibodies. In this review, we introduce the biogenesis, content, and cellular pathway of natural EVs and further discuss the genetic modification of EVs, and its challenges. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive deliberation on the various chemical modification methods for improved drug delivery, which are directly related to increasing the therapeutic index.

Development of the automated temperature control system of the main gas pipeline.

This article presents the results of a numerical experiment and an analysis of temperature fields (coolers for gas) using cooling elements in the case study gas pipeline. An analysis of the temperature fields demonstrated several principles for the formation of a temperature field, which indicates the need to maintain a relative temperature for gas pumping. The essence of the experiment was to install an unlimited number of cooling elements on the gas pipeline. The purpose of this study was to determine at what distance it is possible to install cooling elements for the optimal gas pumping regime, regarding the synthesis of the control law and the determination of the optimal location and assessment of control error depending on the location of the cooling elements. The developed technique allows for the evaluation of the developed control system's regulation error.

Administration of stem cells against cardiovascular diseases with a focus on molecular mechanisms: Current knowledge and prospects.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a serious global concern for public and human health. Despite the emergence of significant therapeutic advances, it is still the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. As a result, extensive efforts are underway to develop practical therapeutic approaches. Stem cell-based therapies could be considered a promising strategy for the treatment of CVDs. The efficacy of stem cell-based therapeutic approaches is demonstrated through recent laboratory and clinical studies due to their inherent regenerative properties, proliferative nature, and their capacity to differentiate into different cells such as cardiomyocytes. These properties could improve cardiovascular functioning leading to heart regeneration. The two most common types of stem cells with the potential to cure heart diseases are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Several studies have demonstrated the use, efficacy, and safety of MSC and iPSCs-based therapies for the treatment of CVDs. In this study, we explain the application of stem cells, especially iPSCs and MSCs, in the treatment of CVDs with a focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms and then discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and perspectives of using this technology in the treatment of these diseases.

A pilot study to evaluate tissue- and plasma-based DNA driver mutations in a cohort of patients with pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are precursor lesions to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that are challenging to manage due to limited imaging, cytologic, and molecular markers that accurately classify lesions, grade of dysplasia, or focus of invasion preoperatively. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the frequency and type of DNA mutations in a cohort of surgically resected, pathologically confirmed IPMN, and to determine if concordant mutations are detectable in paired pretreatment plasma samples. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue from 46 surgically resected IPMNs (31 low-grade, 15 high-grade) and paired plasma from a subset of 15 IPMN cases (10 low-grade, 5 high-grade) were subjected to targeted mutation analysis using a QIAseq Targeted DNA Custom Panel. Common driver mutations were detected in FFPE from 44 of 46 (95.6%) IPMN cases spanning all grades; the most common DNA mutations included: KRAS (80%), RNF43 (24%), and GNAS (43%). Of note, we observed a significant increase in the frequency of RNF43 mutations from low-grade to high-grade IPMNs associated or concomitant with invasive carcinoma (trend test, P = 0.01). Among the subset of cases with paired plasma, driver mutations identified in the IPMNs were not detected in circulation. Overall, our results indicate that mutational burden for IPMNs is a common occurrence, even in low-grade IPMNs. Furthermore, although blood-based biopsies are an attractive, noninvasive method for detecting somatic DNA mutations, the QIAseq panel was not sensitive enough to detect driver mutations that existed in IPMN tissue using paired plasma in the volume we were able to retrieve for this retrospective study.

Correlations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in obsessive-compulsive disorder with the clinical features or response to therapy.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder, in which the patient endures intrusive thoughts or is compelled to perform repetitive or ritualized actions. Many cases of OCD are considered to be familial or heritable in nature. It has been shown that a variety of internal and external risk factors are involved in the pathogenesis of OCD. Among the internal factors, genetic modifications play a critical role in the pathophysiological process. Despite many investigations performed to determine the candidate genes, the precise genetic factors involved in the disease remain largely undetermined. The present review summarizes the single nucleotide polymorphisms that have been proposed to be associated with OCD symptoms, early onset disease, neuroimaging results, and response to therapy. This information could help us to draw connections between genetics and OCD symptoms, better characterize OCD in individual patients, understand OCD prognosis, and design more targeted personalized treatment approaches.

An overview on role of nutrition on COVID-19 immunity: Accumulative review from available studies.

The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) conveys a serious global threat to health and economy. A common predisposing factor for development to serious progressive disease is presence of a low-grade inflammation, e.g., as seen in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart failure. Micronutrient deficiencies may also contribute to the development of this state. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to explore the role of the nutrition to relieve progression of COVID-19. According PRISMA protocol, we conducted an online databases search including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and web of science for published literatures in the era of COVID-19 Outbreak regarding to the status of nutrition and COVID-19 until December 2021. There were available studies (80 studies) providing direct evidence regarding the associations between the status of nutrition and COVID-19 infection. Adequate nutritional supply is essential for resistance against other viral infections and also for improvement of immune function and reduction of inflammation. Hence, it is suggested that nutritional intervention which secures an adequate status might protect against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - coronavirus-2) and mitigate its course. We also recommend initiation of adequate nutritional supplementation in high-risk areas and/or soon after the time of suspected infection with SARS-CoV-2. Subjects in high-risk groups should have high priority for applying this nutritive adjuvant therapy that should be started prior to administration of specific and supportive medical measures.

Investigation of health and ecological risk attributed to the soil heavy metals in Iran: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The presence of heavy metals (HMs) in the soil can pose risks to human health via ingestion and dermal absorption. This systematic review and meta-analysis study focused on both of health and ecological risks attributed to the six HMs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn) in the soil of different Provinces of Iran. Articles were selected in the Web of Science and Scopus from 2000 to August 2021. The study was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, finally 32 studies were reviewed which the ranking of mean concentrations of the studied metals followed as: As > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd. Mean concentration of Cd and As calculated via meta-analysis in the studied Provinces was found to be more than Iran's environment protection agency (EPA) guideline values. Other HMs met guideline values. A significant non-carcinogenic risk attributed to the As found in Kurdistan Province (hazard index, HI > 1). Furthermore, a significant carcinogenic health risk was found in Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan associated to As and in Fars, Khozestan and Khorasan-e-Razavi Provinces associated to Cd (ELCR >10-4). Concerning the impact on the ecosystem, Cd, As and Pb caused ecological risks in some areas of Iran (ecological risk, ER > 40 and potential ecological risk, PER >150). Hence, we can conclude that Cd and As are important heavy metals from the health aspect. Moreover, Cd, As and Pb must be considered from an ecological point of view. Therefore, control of the Cd, As and Pb release in the environment and remediation of polluted sites through novel approaches is recommended.

Psychological assessment in infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Infertility is a prevalent worldwide health issue and is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health problem. Considering the importance of the psychological dimensions of infertility, various measurement tools have been used to measure the variables involved in infertility, of which the most widely used are the following: the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL90), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form (STAI), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Therefore, given the problems of infertile people in terms of psychological dimensions, the aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the psychological assessment score in infertility. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, we applied an online database with no time restriction. Data were gathered using a random-effect model to estimate the standard mean difference (SMD) for the evaluation of the strength of association analyses. Our data demonstrated a significant higher SCL90 score (CI SCL90: 0.96, 0.34-1.57, heterogeneity: 94%, p heterogeneity < 0.001), and a non-significant higher DASS score (CI Anxiety : 0.82, -0.14 to 1.79; CI Depression : 0.8, -0.28 to 1.87; and CI Stress : 0.82, -0.24 to 1.88). It is essential to seek for strategies to help infertile patients overcome their infertility-related psychological problems.

Insight into Nano-chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery from Carbonate Reservoirs Using Environmentally Friendly Nanomaterials.

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes is very effective in reducing the interfacial tension (IFT) and surface tension (ST) and altering the wettability of reservoir rocks. The main purpose of this study was to use the newly synthesized nanocomposites (KCl/SiO2/Xanthan NCs) in EOR applications. Several analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were applied to confirm the validity of the synthesized NCs. From the synthesized NCs, nanofluids were prepared at different concentrations of 100-2000 ppm and characterized using electrical conductivity, IFT, and ST measurements. From the obtained results, it can be observed that 1000 ppm is the optimal concentration of the synthesized NCs that had the best performance in EOR applications. The nanofluid with 1000 ppm KCl/SiO2/Xanthan NCs enabled reducing the IFT and ST from 33 and 70 to 29 and 40 mN/m, respectively. However, the contact angle was highly decreased under the influence of the same nanofluid to 41° and the oil recovery improved by an extra 17.05% OOIP. To sum up, KCl/SiO2/Xanthan NCs proved highly effective in altering the wettability of rocks from oil-wet to water-wet and increasing the cumulative oil production.

Development of a Nanobiodegradable Drilling Fluid Using Prosopis farcta Plant and Pomegranate Peel Powders with Metal Oxide Nanoparticles.

One of the inevitable problems encountered during the petroleum well drilling process is "lost circulation" in which part of the drilling fluid is lost into the formation. A combination of nanoparticles with their unique properties and cost-effective biodegradable materials can play an effective role in treating fluid loss. In this study, our aim was to formulate drilling fluids modified with nanoparticles, pomegranate peel powder, and Prosopis farcta plant powder. The drilling fluids were identified and recognized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. Furthermore, experimental tests were conducted in order to investigate the performance of the newly formulated drilling fluid in improving fluid loss characteristics. The obtaining results have shown that adding 0.3 wt % of pomegranate peel powder to the reference (base) drilling fluid reduces the filter loss volume to 7.9 mL compared to the reference fluid (11.6 mL). As the optimal concentration of TiO2 was mixed with 0.3 wt % of pomegranate peel powder then added to the reference fluid, the filter loss volume was reduced to 8.6 mL.

Benjamini-Schramm convergence of periodic orbits.

We prove a criterion for Benjamini-Schramm convergence of periodic orbits of Lie groups. This general observation is then applied to homogeneous spaces and the space of translation surfaces.