Predictors of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: We systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the predictors of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACE/MACCE) in older adults who underwent PCI. METHODS: Three databases, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, were searched for observational studies considering the out-of-hospital MACE/MACCE in adults ≥ 60 years old with coronary artery disease (acute or chronic) who underwent PCI. Studies were eligible if they had determined at least two statistically significant predictors of MACE/MACCE by multivariable analysis. We used the QUIPS tool to evaluate the risk of bias in the studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was utilized to pool the hazard ratios (HRs) of the most reported predictors. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies were included in the review. Older age (HR = 1.04, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.03-1.06, P-value < 0.001), diabetes (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.22-1.53, P < 0.001), history of myocardial infarction (MI) (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.37-2.57, P < 0.001), ST-elevation MI (STEMI) at presentation (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.37-2.18, P < 0.001), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.52-2.65, P < 0.001), successful PCI (HR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.27-0.47, P < 0.001), eGFR (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.00; P-value = 0.04) and left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease (HR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.52-2.84, P < 0.001) were identified as predictors of MACE. CONCLUSION: We identified older age, diabetes, history of MI, STEMI presentation, lower LVEF, and LMCA disease increased the risk of MACE/MACCE after PCI in older adults. Meanwhile, higher eGFR and successful PCI predicted lower adverse events risk. Future studies should focus on a more robust methodology and a precise definition of MACE. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023480332).

DMAP-Catalyzed [4+3] Spiroannulation of Pyrazolone-Derived Morita-Baylis-Hillman Carbonates with N-(o-Chloromethyl)aryl Amides to Forge Spiro[pyrazolone-azepine] Scaffolds.

A novel DMAP-catalyzed [4+3] spiroannulation of pyrazolone-derived Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates with N-(o-chloromethyl)aryl amides was developed. This reaction led to the assembly of medicinally relevant pyrazolone and azepine nuclei into a structurally new spirocyclic scaffold, and a diverse array of spiro[pyrazolone-azepine] products were afforded in good to excellent yields (up to 93%) with a wide substrate scope (23 examples) under mild conditions. Moreover, a gram-scale reaction and product transformations were conducted, which further increased the diversity of products.

The relationship of genetic risk score with cardiometabolic risk factors: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: For more than eight decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has remained the leading cause of death in the world. CVD risk factors are multifaceted, with genetics and lifestyle both playing a role. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between a genetic profile risk score for obesity GRS and cardio-metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women. METHODS: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 overweight and obese women. The genetic risk score was created by combining three single nucleotide polymorphisms [MC4R (rs17782313), CAV-1 (rs3807992), and Cry-1 (rs2287161)]. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and some blood parameters were measured by standard protocols. RESULTS: A significant association between the GRS and some of cardiometabolic risk factors variables such as body mass index (ß = 0. 49, 95%CI = 0.22 to 0.76, p < 0.001), waist circumference (ß = 0. 86, 95%CI = 0.18 to 1.54, p = 0.01), body fat mass (ß = 0. 82, 95%CI = 0.25 to 1.39, p = 0.005), %body fat (ß = 0. 44, 95%CI = 0.06 to 0.82, p = 0.02), and hs-CRP (ß = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.78, p = 0.005) was observed in crude model. After adjustment for confounding factors (age, BMI, and physical activity), a significant positive association was observed between BMI (p = 0.004), WC (p = 0.02), body fat mass (p = 0.01), %BF (p = 0.01), hs-CRP (p = 0.009), and GRS. In addition, we discovered a significant negative association between the GRS and BMC (= -0.02, 95%CI = -0.05 to -0.001, p = 0.04). But other variables did not show any significant association with GRS among obese and overweight women. CONCLUSION: We found a significant positive association between GRS, including MC4R (rs17782313), CAV-1 (rs3807992), and Cry-1 (rs2287161) and cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese Iranian women.

Factors Associated With Background Parenchymal Enhancement on Contrast-Enhanced Mammography.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and breast tissue density, menstrual status, endocrine therapy, and risk factors for breast cancer and also to evaluate interreader agreement on classification of BPE on CEM. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Five subspecialty-trained breast radiologists independently and blindly graded tissue density (with fatty tissue and scattered fibroglandular tissue classified as nondense tissue and with heterogeneously dense and extremely dense classified as dense tissue) and BPE (with minimal or mild BPE categorized as low BPE and moderate or marked BPE categorized as high BPE) on CEM examinations performed from 2014 to 2018. Electronic medical charts were reviewed for information on menstrual status, endocrine therapy, history of breast surgery, and other risk factors for breast cancer. Comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman rank correlation. Interreader agreement was estimated using the Fleiss kappa test. RESULTS. A total of 202 patients (mean [± SD] age, 54 ± 10 years; range, 25-84 years) underwent CEM. Tissue density was categorized as fatty in two patients (1%), scattered fibroglandular in 67 patients (33%), heterogeneously dense in 117 patients (58%), and extremely dense in 16 patients (8%). Among the 202 patients, BPE was minimal in 77 (38%), mild in 80 (40%), moderate in 31 (15%), and marked in 14 (7%). Dense breasts, younger age, premenopausal status, no history of endocrine therapy, and no history of breast cancer were significantly associated with high BPE. Among premenopausal patients, no association was found between BPE and time from last menstrual period to CEM. Overall interreader agreement on BPE was moderate (κ = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.40-0.42). Interreader agreement on tissue density was substantial (κ = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.66-0.69). CONCLUSION. Women with dense breasts, premenopausal status, and younger age are more likely to have greater BPE. Targeting CEM to the last menstrual period is not indicated.

Substrate properties as controlling parameters in attached algal cultivation.

There is growing interest in attached algae cultivation systems because they could provide a more cost- and energy-efficient alternative to planktonic (suspended algae) cultivation systems for many applications. However, attached growth systems have been far less studied than planktonic systems and have largely emphasized algae strains of most interest for biofuels. New algal biorefinery pathways have assessed the commercial potentials of algal biomass beyond biofuel production and placed more emphasis on value-added products from that biomass. Therefore, algal strain selection criteria and biomass cultivation methods need to be updated to include additional strains for improved efficiency. One possible way of improving attached cultivation systems is through engineering substrate surface characteristics to boost algal adhesion and enable strain selective algal colonization and growth. This review explores the effect of substrate chemical and topographical characteristics on the cultivation of attached algae. It also highlights the importance of considering algal community structure and attachment mechanisms in investigating attached algae systems using the example of filamentous algae found in algal turf scrubber (ATS™) systems. KEY POINTS : • Attached algal cultivation is a promising alternative to planktonic cultivation. • Performance increase results from tuning surface qualities of attachment substrates. • Attachment adaptation of periphytic algae has innate potential for cultivation.

Almond as a nutraceutical and therapeutic agent in Persian medicine and modern phytotherapy: A narrative review.

Sweet almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb) is a known nut, which has long been used in several ethnomedical systems, especially in Persian medicine (PM) for its nutritional and therapeutic activities. In this study, we aimed to provide a summary on traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of sweet almond. Thus, we reviewed textbooks of PM and electronic literature on traditional medicine. Moreover, the available data on the usage of sweet almond were searched in electronic databases to find articles on its pharmacological properties and phytochemistry. According to phytochemical investigations, this plant contains macronutrients, micronutrients, essential oils, various phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. Current pharmacological studies represent that Prunus dulcis has several biological activities including prebiotic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardiometabolic protection, nootropic, anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, and nervous-improving effects. Further clinical trials and meta-analysis are required to draw a definitive conclusion on the efficacy and therapeutic activities of almond.

Biometric changes of skin parameters in using of microneedling fractional radiofrequency for skin tightening and rejuvenation facial.

BACKGROUND: Fractional radiofrequency (RF) has been used for skin rejuvenation and tightening by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons in recent years. METHODS: Twenty female patients (mean age of 51.9 years) with Fitzpatrick III to VI skin phototypes who desired to undergo skin lift/tightening received six sessions of fractional microneedle RF treatment and were assessed at baseline and then 3 months after the last session for biometric characteristics using a Colorimeter, Visioface 1000D, Tewameter, Cutometer, Mexameter, and Sebumeter and a skin ultrasound imaging system to evaluate the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin pores, color, melanin content, erythema, sebaceous content, and thickness and density of the epidermis and dermis. Patient satisfaction with visual analog scale (VAS) was also measured. RESULTS: The results showed that skin pores and spots decreased significantly. TEWL also decreased significantly (by 18.44%). Meanwhile, skin density increased significantly (R7, by 44.41%). The ultrasonographic assessments showed that both the density and thickness of the dermis and epidermis were increased. The changes in the other parameters were not significant. CONCLUSION: FR increases the density and thickness of the dermis and thus also increases the collagen content and decreases skin pores and TEWL.

Identification of Two Novel Mutations in the ATM Gene from Patients with Ataxia-Telangiectasia by Whole Exome Sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is one of the most common autosomal recessive hereditary ataxia presenting in childhood. The responsible gene for AT designated ATM (AT, mutated) encodes a protein which is involved in cell cycle checkpoints and other responses to genotoxicity. We describe two novel disease-causing mutations in two unrelated Iranian families with Ataxia-telangiectasia. METHODS: The probands including a 6-year-old female and an 18-year-old boy were diagnosed with Ataxia-telangiectasia among two different Iranian families. In this study, Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) was employed for the detection of genetic changes in probands. The analysis of the co-segregation of the variants with the disease in families was conducted using PCR direct sequencing. RESULTS: Two novel frameshift mutations, (c.4236_4236del p. Pro1412fs) and (c.8907T>G p. Tyr2969Ter) in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated ATM gene were detected using Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) in the probands. These mutations were observed in two separate A-T families. CONCLUSION: Next-generation sequencing successfully identified the causative mutation in families with ataxia-telangiectasia. These novel mutations in the ATM gene reported in the present study could assist genetic counseling, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and prenatal diagnosis (PND) of AT.

The Effect of Group Counseling Based on Quality of Life Therapy on Stress and Life Satisfaction in Family Caregivers of Individuals with Substance Use Problem: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Family caregivers of people with substance abuse are exposed to psychological problems that diminish their life quality and satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to diagnose the efficacy of quality-of-life intervention on stress and life satisfaction of family caregivers of individuals with substance use problem. This is a randomized controlled trial conducted on 80 family caregivers of individuals with substance use problem in the process of withdrawal who were referred to a psychiatric center in southeastern Iran (2018). The intervention group received seven sessions of quality-of-life group counseling every other day based on predetermined content. Twelve weeks post-intervention, data were collected from the control and intervention groups using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The results were analyzed through statistical tests. After group counseling based on quality of life, the mean stress score in the family caregivers of the intervention group (11.50 ± 4.36) was significantly lower than in those of the control group (14.67 ± 4.93) (p = 0.003). Also, in the posttest, the mean score of life satisfaction in the intervention group (24.75 ± 4.28) was significantly higher than that of the control group (19.57 ± 7.33) (p = 0.001). Group counseling based on quality of life exerted a significantly positive impact on reducing the severity of stress and improving life satisfaction among family caregivers of individuals with substance use problem. Therefore, it is highly recommended that healthcare service providers incorporate this counseling approach in substance use withdrawal programs so as to increase the well-being and mental health of family caregivers.

Assessment of the EuroSCORE risk scoring system for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a group of Iranian patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous studies around the world indicated validity and accuracy of European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) risk scoring system we evaluated the EuroSCORE risk scoring system for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in a group of Iranian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cohort 2220 patients more than 18 years, who were performed CABG surgery in Massih Daneshvari Hospital, from January 2004 to March 2010 were recruited. Predicted mortality risk scores were calculated using logistic EuroSCORE and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and compared with observed mortality. Calibration was measured by the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test and discrimination by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area. RESULTS: Of the 2220 patients, in hospital deaths occurred in 270 patients (mortality rate of 12.2%). The accuracy of mortality prediction in the logistic EuroSCORE and APACHE II model was 89.1%; in the local EuroSCORE (logistic) was 91.89%; and in the local EuroSCORE support vector machines (SVM) was 98.6%. The area under curve for ROC curve, was 0.724 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.88) for logistic EuroSCORE; 0.836 (95% CI: 0.731-0.942) for local EuroSCORE (logistic); 0.978 (95% CI: 0.937-1) for Local EuroSCORE (SVM); and 0.832 (95% CI: 0.723-0.941) for APACHE II model. The HL test showed good calibration for the local EuroSCORE (SVM), APACHE II model and local EuroSCORE (logistic) (P = 0.823, P = 0.748 and P = 0.06 respectively); but there was a significant difference between expected and observed mortality according to EuroSCORE model (P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: We detected logistic EuroSCORE risk model is not applicable on Iranian patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Dual Brønsted acidic-basic function immobilized on the 3D mesoporous polycalix [4]resorcinarene: As a highly recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of spiro acenaphthylene/indene heterocycles.

In this study, a novel dual Brønsted acidic-basic nano-scale porous organic polymer catalyst, PC4RA@SiPr-Pip-BuSO3H, was synthesized through various steps: preparation of a 3D network of polycalix, modification with (3-chloropropyl)-trimethoxysilane, then functionalization of polymer with piperazine and n-butyl sulfonic acid under the provided conditions. The catalyst characterization was performed by FT-IR, TGA, EDS, elemental mapping, PXRD, TEM, and FE-SEM analyses, confirming high chemical stability, activity, recoverability, and excellent covalent anchoring of functional groups. So, the designed catalyst was utilized for preparing spiro-acenaphthylene and amino-spiroindene heterocycles, providing good performance with a high yield of the corresponding products. Accordingly, this catalyst can be used in different organic transformations. Necessary experiments were conducted for the recyclability test of the polymeric catalyst, and the results showed the PC4RA@SiPr-Pip-BuSO3H catalyst can be reused 10 times without any decrease in its activity or quality with excellent stability. The structure of resultant spiro heterocycles was confirmed using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT-IR.

The effectiveness of communication skills training on professional performance and quality of work life of pre-hospital emergency medical staff: An experimental study in Iran.

AIM: Communication skills are one of the components that influence the performance of pre-hospital emergency staff who provide services to patients. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of communication skills training on the professional performance and quality of work life of pre-hospital emergency staff. METHODS: This experimental study with pretest-posttest design was conducted on 150 pre-hospital emergency staff in Iran from March 2022 to May 2023. The participants were randomly assigned into two control (n = 75) and experimental (n = 75) groups. The intervention included 4 sessions (3 h each) of communication skills training, weekly. The data gathering scales were Stamm's quality of work life questionnaire and Patterson's job performance questionnaire, which were used at start point, 4 and 8 weeks after that. RESULTS: The mean score professional performance in experimental group increased significantly to 42.4 ± 0.70 in the second stage and to 44.5 ± 0.55 in the third stage (P < 0.05). The mean score of the quality of work life was also 96.9 ± 0.9 and 99.8 ± 0.9 in the 4th and 8th weeks after the intervention, which was significantly more than control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed the communication skills training improves professional performance and increases the quality of work life of pre-hospital emergency staff.

The effect of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents on systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: Anemia is a common condition in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are commonly used to treat anemia in these patients. However, concerns have been raised regarding their potential effects on blood pressure. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the relationship between ESAs and changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hemodialysis patients. METHOD: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis based on clinical trial studies published in various databases, including Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar, between 1980 and the end of 2022. We evaluated the quality of articles using the Jadad scale checklist and analyzed the data using Stata 15 software. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 34 clinical trial studies. The results showed a significant increase in both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) after the consumption of ESAs compared to before consumption. The mean difference in SBP was 4.84mmHg (95% CI: 2.74-6.94; p-value<0.001) and in DBP was 4.69mmHg (95% CI: 2.67-6.71; p-value<0.001). No publication bias was observed. Our meta-regression analysis showed that sample size, quality assessment score, and geographical location of the study were significant factors related to observed heterogenicity in to mean difference of SBP (p-value≤0.20). For DBP, the sample size, quality assessment score and follow-up duration were significant variables (p-value≤0.20). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of our study, it appears that receiving ESAs is associated with a significant increase in both SBP and DBP in hemodialysis patients, with an increase of about 5mmHg.

Therapeutic effects of nanosilibinin in valproic acid-zebrafish model of autism spectrum disorder: Focusing on Wnt signaling pathway and autism spectrum disorder-related cytokines.

In this study, we delved into the intricate world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its connection to the disturbance in the Wnt signaling pathway and immunological abnormalities. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of silibinin, a remarkable modulator of both the Wnt signaling pathway and the immune system, on the neurobehavioral and molecular patterns observed in a zebrafish model of ASD induced by valproic acid (VPA). Because silibinin is a hydrophobic molecule and highly insoluble in water, it was used in the form of silibinin nanoparticles (nanosilibinin, NS). After assessing survival, hatching rate, and morphology of zebrafish larvae exposed to different concentrations of NS, the appropriate concentrations were chosen. Then, zebrafish embryos were exposed to VPA (1 µM) and NS (100 and 200 µM) at the same time for 120 h. Next, anxiety and inattentive behaviors and the expression of CHD8, CTNNB, GSK3beta, LRP6, TNFalpha, IL1beta, and BDNF genes were assessed 7 days post fertilization. The results indicated that higher concentrations of NS had adverse effects on survival, hatching, and morphological development. The concentrations of 100 and 200 µM of NS could ameliorate the anxiety-like behavior and learning deficit and decrease ASD-related cytokines (IL1beta and TNFalpha) in VPA-treated larvae. In addition, only 100 µM of NS prevented raising the gene expression of Wnt signaling-related factors (CHD8, CTNNB, GSK3beta, and LRP6). In conclusion, NS treatment for the first 120 h showed therapeutic effect on an autism-like phenotype probably via reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines genes and changing the expression of Wnt signaling components genes.

Cohort profile: the PERSIAN Dena Cohort Study (PDCS) of non-communicable diseases in Southwest Iran.

PURPOSE: This study conducted in Dena County is a population-based cohort study as part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). The specific objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of region-specific modifiable risk factors and their associations with the incidence of major non-communicable diseases (NCDs). PARTICIPANTS: This PERSIAN Dena Cohort Study (PDCS) was conducted on 1561 men and 2069 women aged 35-70 years from October 2016 in Dena County, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest Iran. The overall participation rate was 82.7%. FINDINGS TO DATE: Out of 3630 participants, the mean age was 50.16 years, 2069 (56.9%) were women and 2092 (57.6%) were rural residents. Females exhibited higher prevalence rates of diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver, psychiatric disorders, thyroiditis, kidney stones, gallstones, rheumatic disease, chronic lung disease, depression and osteoporosis compared with males (p<0.05). Furthermore, the urban population showed elevated rates of diabetes, thyroiditis, kidney stones and epilepsy, whereas psychiatric disorders and lupus were more prevalent in rural areas (p<0.05). According to laboratory findings, 418 (13.0%), 1536 (48.1%) and 626 (19.3%) of the participants had fasting blood sugar >126 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein >100 mg/dL and haematuria, respectively; most of them were female and urban people (p<0.05). FUTURE PLANS: PDCS will be planned to re-evaluate NCD-related incidence, all-cause and cause-specific mortality every 5 years, along with annual follow-up for 15 years. Some examples of additional planned studies are evaluation of genetic, environmental risk, spirometry and ECG tests.

Exploring health literacy categories among an Iranian adult sample: a latent class analysis.

General and electronic health literacy are important factors engaging in healthy behaviors and maintaining good health. The present study explored demographic factors associated with general and electronic health literacy in the Iranian adult population. Via stratified cluster sampling, trained interviewers visited adult residents in Qazvin Province, Iran between January, and April 2022. The participants (N = 9775; mean age = 36.44 years; 6576 [67.3%] females) completed the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults (HELIA) assessing health literacy and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) assessing electronic health literacy. Demographic data, including age, gender, educational level, marital status, and living location (city or rural), were collected. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to classify the participants into different health literacy/electronic health literacy levels. The relationships between health literacy/electronic health literacy levels and demographic factors were examined using χ2 or analysis of variance. The LCA used HELIA scores to suggest five classes of health literacy and eHEALS scores to suggest three classes of electronic health literacy. For general and electronic health literacy, similar relationships were with demographic factors: females as compared with males had better general/electronic health literacy; younger people as compared with older people had better general/electronic health literacy; higher educational level was associated with better general/electronic health literacy; and city residents as compared with rural residents had better general/electronic health literacy. In conclusion, Iranian governmental agencies may wish to target on males, older adults, people with low educational level, and rural residents to improve their health literacy.

Efficient utilization of red mud waste via stepwise leaching to obtain α-hematite and mesoporous γ-alumina.

Utilizing the red mud sustainably is now a challenging issue. Red mud due to its wide production, presence of some radioactive elements, high alkalinity, and salinity, has a dramatic potential to contaminate soil and groundwater. Notwithstanding its drawbacks, Red mud consists several elements, including Ca, Al, Ti, Si, and Fe, in various mineral forms. In this study, stepwise leaching was applied as a proper method to separate and purify the main valuable elements using available and affordable HCl. The pre-leaching step under optimized conditions using HCl (0.2 M) at room temperature for 2 h removed 89% of the calcium content from red mud. To selectively remove the solid silica, the residue was treated with concentrated HCl (3.0 M, L/S of 20 mL/g) at 95 °C, resulting in the dissolution of iron and aluminum content with up to 90% efficiency. After precipitation of the Fe3+ and Al3+, they were characterized using FT-IR, BET, EDS, XRD, SEM and TEM monographs, confirming the formation of nanosized hematite (α-Fe2O3) and mesoporous gamma alumina (γ-Al2O3). Consequently, inexpensive red mud was converted into highly valuable nano-sized metal oxides using simple, sustainable techniques and cheap reagents. Moreover, this technique generates the lowest amounts of waste during the leaching process and all reagents can be recycled for further uses, making this method a sustainable utilization.

CRISPR Typing of Clinical Strains of Salmonella spp. Isolated in Tehran, Iran.

Background: Salmonella is one of the most leading causes of food-born infection and death among infants and people with the poor immunity system. Because Salmonella spp. have diversity in the genome composition and pathogenicity, access to rapid identification and genotyping is necessary to control of salmonellosis. The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) typing is a genotyping method that checks these variable sequences in the bacterial genome in a specific species. This study aimed to differentiate Salmonella strains using CRISPR region. Methods: Salmonella isolates, previously identified via standard microbiological and molecular tests, were subjected to the study. Bacterial DNA was extracted and PCR was done using specific primers. The different PCR products were sequenced and the repeats patterns were used to identify additional or degenerate repeat clusters in the CRISPR region. All different sequences were analyzed using CRISPRtionary tool for dendrogram generation using the binary file. Results: Overall, 119 strains of various Salmonella serovars were used. The result showed unique CRISPR and diversity in spacer both in sequence and the number. Analysis of the extracted sequence and band patterns illustrated that, except for S. infantis, both S. enteritidis and S. typhimurium isolates were classified as a separate cluster. Conclusion: CRISPR genotyping could provide serotype/spacers dictionary and it is performed at low cost and high speed in comparison to the other typing methods. Therefore, the assessment of CRISPR and spacer content can be considered as a powerful and practical discriminatory method for subtyping of Salmonella isolates.

Tungstic acid-functionalized polycalix[4]resorcinarene as a cavity-containing hyper-branched supramolecular and recoverable acidic catalyst in 4H-pyran synthesis.

In this study, tungstic acid immobilized on polycalix[4]resorcinarene, PC4RA@SiPr-OWO3H, as a mesoporous acidic solid catalyst was synthesized and investigated for its catalytic activity. Polycalix[4]resorcinarene was prepared via a reaction between formaldehyde and calix[4]resorcinarene, and then the resulting polycalix[4]resorcinarene was modified using (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane (CPTMS) to obtain polycalix[4]resorcinarene@(CH2)3Cl that was finally functionalized with tungstic acid. The designed acidic catalyst was characterized by various methods including FT-IR spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental mapping analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalyst efficiency was evaluated via the preparation of 4H-pyran derivatives using dimethyl/diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, malononitrile, and beta-carbonyl compounds, confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The synthetic catalyst was introduced as a suitable catalyst with high recycling power in 4H-pyran synthesis.