Impact of umbelliprenin-containing niosome nanoparticles on VEGF-A and CTGF genes expression in retinal pigment epithelium cells

AIM:To investigate the impact of niosome nanoparticles carrying umbelliprenin(UMB),an anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory plant compound,on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF-A)and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)genes in a human retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)-like retina-derived cell line.METHODS:UMB-containing niosomes were created,optimized,and characterized.RPE-like cells were treated with free UMB and UMB-containing niosomes.The IC_(50)values of the treatments were determined using an MTT assay.Gene expression of VEGF-A and CTGF was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction after RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis.Niosomes’characteristics,including drug entrapment efficiency,size,dispersion index,and zeta potential were assessed.Free UMB had an IC_(50)of 96.2μg/mL,while UMB-containing niosomes had an IC_(50)of 25μg/mL.RESULTS:Treatment with UMB-containing niosomes and free UMB resulted in a significant reduction in VEGF-A expression compared to control cells(P=0.001).Additionally,UMB-containing niosomes demonstrated a significant reduction in CTGF expression compared to control cells(P=0.05).However,there was no significant reduction in the expression of both genes in cells treated with free UMB.CONCLUSION:Both free UMB and niosome-encapsulated UMB inhibits VEGF-A and CTGF genes expression.However,the latter demonstrates significantly greater efficacy,potentially due to the lower UMB dosage and gradual delivery.These findings have implications for anti-angiogenesis therapeutic approaches targeting age-related macular degeneration.

First demonstration of a self-aligned p-channel GaN back gate injection transistor

In this study,we present the development of self-aligned p-channel Ga N back gate injection transistors(SA-BGITs)that exhibit a high ON-state current.This achievement is primarily attributed to the conductivity modulation effect of the 2-D electron gas(2DEG,the back gate)beneath the 2-D hole gas(2DHG)channel.SA-BGITs with a gate length of 1μm have achieved an impressive peak drain current(I_(D,MAX))of 9.9 m A/mm.The fabricated SA-BGITs also possess a threshold voltage of 0.15 V,an exceptionally minimal threshold hysteresis of 0.2 V,a high switching ratio of 10~7,and a reduced ON-resistance(RON)of 548Ω·mm.Additionally,the SA-BGITs exhibit a steep sub-threshold swing(SS)of 173 mV/dec,further highlighting their suitability for integration into Ga N logic circuits.

A new concept of backfll design—Application of wick drains in backflled stopes

Backflling represents an environmentally friendly mining waste disposal technique.It is increasingly used in underground mines all over the world.However,its primary purpose remains to improve ground stability and to reduce ore dilution.Previous investigations have shown that fll drainage plays a key role in backfll and barricade design.With a poor drainage system in the backflled stope,the required dimension of barricade,which is constructed at the base of the stope near the drift entrance,has to be increased.A poor backfll drainage system can also lead to a signifcant increase in drainage waiting time and further reduction in mining productivity.In this paper,the drainage of conventional backfll design in backflled stopes is briefly reviewed.For the frst time,the application of the wick drain is introduced in the backfll within mine stopes.The drainage improvement from the introduction of the wick drain is illustrated using numerical modeling.

Citalopram increases the differentiation efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal-like cells

Several studies have demonstrated that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants can promote neuronal cell proliferation and enhance neuroplasticity both in vitro and in vivo. It is hypothesized that citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, can promote the neuronal differentiation of adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Citalopram strongly enhanced neuronal characteristics of the cells derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The rate of cell death was decreased in citalopram-treated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells than in control cells in neurobasal medium. In addition, the cumulative population doubling level of the citalopram-treated cells was signiifcantly increased compared to that of control cells. Also BrdU incorporation was elevated in citalopram-treated cells. These ifndings suggest that citalopram can improve the neuronal-like cell differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by increasing cell proliferation and survival while maintaining their neuronal characteristics.

Efficacy of nanofibrous conduits in repair of longsegment sciatic nerve defects

Our previous studies have histomorphologically confirmed that nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate） conduit can be used to repair 30-mm-long sciatic nerve defects. However, the repair effects on rat behaviors remain poorly understood. In this study, we used nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate） conduit and autologous sciatic nerve to bridge 30-ram-long rat sciatic nerve gaps. Within 4 months after surgery, rat sciatic nerve functional re- covery was evaluated per month by behavioral analyses, including toe out angle, toe spread anal- ysis, walking track analysis, extensor postural thrust, swimming test, open-field analysis and no- ciceptive function. Results showed that rat sciatic nerve functional recovery was similar after nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate） conduit and autologous nerve grafting. These findings suggest that nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate） conduit is suitable in use for repair of long-segment sciatic nerve defects.

Influence of bimodal non-basal texture on microstructure characteristics,texture evolution and deformation mechanisms of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet rolled at liquid-nitrogen temperature

Cryogenic rolling experiments have been conducted on the AZ31 magnesium(Mg)alloy sheet with bimodal non-basal texture,which is fabricated via the newly developed equal channel angular rolling and continuous bending process with subsequent annealing(ECAR-CB-A)process.Results demonstrate that this sheet shows no edge cracks until the accumulated thickness reduction reaches about 18.5%,which is about 105.6%larger than that of the sheet with traditional basal texture.Characterization experiments including optical microstructure(OM),X-ray diffractometer(XRD),and electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD)measurements are then performed to explore the microstructure characteristics,texture evolution and deformation mechanisms during cryogenic rolling.Experimental observations confirm the occurrence of abundant{10–12}extension twins(ETs),twin-twin interactions among{10–12}ET variants and{10–12}-{10–12}double twins(DTs).The twinning behaviors as for{10–12}ETs are responsible for the concentration of c-axes of grains towards normal direction(ND)and the formation of transverse direction(TD)-component texture at the beginning of cryogenic rolling.The twinning behaviors with respect to{10–12}-{10–12}DTs are responsible for the disappearance of TD-component texture at the later stage of cryogenic rolling.The involved deformation mechanisms can be summarized as follows:Firstly{10–12}ETs dominate the plastic deformation.Subsequently,dislocation slip,especially basal<a>slip,starts to sustain more plastic strain,while{10–12}ETs occur more frequently and enlarge continuously,resulting in the formation of twin-twin interaction among{10–12}ET variants.With the increasing rolling passes,{10–12}-{10–12}DTs incorporate in the plastic deformation and dislocation slip serves as the major one to sustain plastic strain.The activities of basal<a>slip,{10–12}ETs and{10–12}-{10–12}DTs benefit in accommodating the plastic strain in sheet thickness,which contributes to the improved rolling formability in AZ31 Mg alloy sheet with bimodal non-basal texture during cryogenic rolling.

Unsteady Flow Condition between Front and Rear Rotor of Contra-Rotating Small Sized Axial Fan

Contra-rotating small-sized axial fans are used as cooling fans for electric equipment. In the case of the contra-rotating rotors, the blade row distance between front and rear rotors is a key parameter for the performance and stable operation. The wake and potential interference occur between the front and rear rotors and leakage flow from the front rotor tip influences on the flow condition of the rear rotor near the shroud when the blade row distance is small. Therefore, it is important to clarify the flow condition between front and rear rotors. The fan static pressure curves were obtained by the experimental apparatus and the numerical analysis was also conducted to investigate the internal flow between front and rear rotors. The leakage flow from the front rotor tip reaches the leading edge of the rear rotor when the blade row distance is small as L = 10 mm and the pressure fluctuations at the leading edge of the rear rotor tip becomes larger than those at other radial positions. In the present paper, the vorticity contour between front and rear rotors is shown and pressure fluctuations related to the leakage flow from the front rotor is investigated using the numerical analysis result. Then, suitable blade row distance for the contra-rotating small sized axial fan is discussed based on the internal flow condition.

Development of 2D Temperature and Concentration Measurement Method Using Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy

Exhaust gas temperature is an important factor in NOx, THC and PM emissions of engines. Especially 2D temperature and concentration distribution plays an important role for the engine efficiency. A thermocouple is intrinsically a point temperature measurement method and noncontact 2D temperature distribution cannot be attained by thermocouples. Recently, as a measurement technique with high sensitivity and high response, laser diagnostics has been developed and applied to the actual engine combustions. With these engineering developments, transient phenomena such as start-ups and load changes in engines have been gradually elucidated in various conditions. In this study, the theoretical and experimental research has been conducted in order to develop the noncontact and fast response 2D temperature and concentration distribution measurement method. The method is based on a Computed Tomography （CT） method using absorption spectra of water vapor at 1388 nm. It has been demonstrated that the method has been successfully applied to engine exhausts to measure 2D temperature distributions.

Nanofibrous nerve conduits for repair of 30-mm-long sciatic nerve defects

It has been confirmed that nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate） nerve conduit can promote peripheral nerve regeneration in rats. However, its efficiency in repair of over 30-mm-long sciatic nerve defects needs to be assessed. In this study, we used a nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate） nerve conduit to bridge a 30-mm-long gap in the rat sciatic nerve. At 4 months after nerve conduit implantation, regenerated nerves were macroscopi- cally observed and histologically assessed. In the nanofibrous graft, the rat sciatic nerve trunk had been reconstructed by restoration of nerve continuity and formation of myelinated nerve fiber. There were Schwann cells and glial cells in the regenerated nerves. Masson＇s trichrome staining showed that there were no pathological changes in the size and structure of gastrocnemius muscle cells on the operated side of rats. These findings suggest that nanofibrous poly（3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3- hydroxyvalerate） nerve conduit is suitable for repair of long-segment sciatic nerve defects.

Remote open-path laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the analysis of manganese in steel samples at high temperature

A remote open-path laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS) system was designed and studied in the present work for the purpose of combining the LIBS technique with the steel production line. In this system, the relatively simple configuration and optics were employed to measure the steel samples at a remote distance and a hot sample temperature. The system has obtained a robustness for the deviation of the sample position because of the open-path and alloptical structure. The measurement was carried out at different sample temperatures by placing the samples in a muffle furnace with a window in the front door. The results show that the intensity of the spectral lines increased as the sample temperature increased. The influence of the sample temperature on the quantitative analysis of manganese in the steel samples was investigated by measuring ten standard steel samples at different temperatures. Three samples were selected as the test sample for the simulation measurement. The results show that, at the sample temperature of 500 ℃, the average relative error of prediction is 3.1% and the average relative standard deviation is 7.7%, respectively.

The journey of multifunctional bone scaffolds fabricated from traditional toward modern techniques

As a bone scaffold,meeting all basic requirements besides dealing with other bone-related issues-bone cancer and accelerated regeneration-is not expected from traditional scaffolds,but a newer class of scaffolds called multifunctional.From a clinical point of view,being a multifunctional scaffold means reducing in healing time,direct costs-medicine,surgery,and hospitalization-and indirect costs-loss of mobility,losing job,and pain.The main aim of the present review is following the multifunctional bone scaffolds trend to deal with both bone regeneration and cancer therapy.Special consideration is given to different fabrication techniques which have been applied to yield these materials spanning from traditional to modern ones.Moreover,the hierarchical structure of bone plus bone cancers and available medicines to them are introduced to familiarize the potential reader of review with the pluri-disciplinary essence of the field.Eventually,a brief discussion relating to the future trend of these materials is provided.

Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Olea europaea on apoptosis-related genes and oxidative stress in a rat model of torsion/detorsion-induced ovarian damage

Objective: To evaluate the impact of Olea (O.) europaea extract on markers of oxidative stress and apoptosis of ovarian tissues in a rat model of torsion/detorsion-induced ovarian damage. Methods: A total of 28 Wistar female rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups, with 7 rats in each group. The sham group received a 2.5 cm longitudinal incision in the midline part of the abdomen which was then sutured with 5-0 nylon thread;the torsion/detorsion group underwent torsion induction for 3 h followed by reperfusion for 10 days;the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group received 300 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of O. europaea 30 min before detorsion, followed by reperfusion for 10 days;and the O. europaea group only received 300 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic extract of O. europaea for 10 days. After the treatment period, blood samples were taken;the levels of estrogen, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were assayed. The histological changes, as well as the rate of apoptosis in ovarian tissues, were also carried out by histomorphometric analysis at day 10 post-procedure. Results: Histological comparisons demonstrated a significant detrimental change in the torsion/detorsion group as compared with other groups. The number of pre-antral and antral follicles and corpus luteum was significantly decreased in the torsion/detorsion group compared with the sham group, while treatment with O. europaea could enhance their numbers (P<0.05). The index of apoptosis and the number of atretic body in the ovarian tissue were significantly higher in the torsion/detorsion group compared with the sham group (P<0.05). The concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, estrogen, and superoxide dismutase as well as the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 were considerably diminished in the torsion/detorsion group while they were elevated in the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group (P<0.05) compared with the torsion/detorsion group. The serum malondialdehyde level and the mRNA expression of Bax were markedly increased during ischemia, while treatment with O. europaea significantly diminished the increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and Bax level in the torsion/detorsion+O. europaea group (P<0.05). Conclusions: O. europaea extract can reduce the degree of tissue damage induced by oxidative stress and apoptosis in the ovary following ovarian ischemia/reperfusion.

Improvement on Quantitative Measurement of Fly Ash Contents Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Contents of fly ash are important factors for the operation of coal-fired plants. Real-time monitoring of coal and fly ash such as unburned carbon in fly ash can be an indicator of the combustion conditions. Because of the strong signal intensity and the relative simplicity of the LIBS (Laser- Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technique, LIBS can be applicable for real-time composition measurement of coal and fly ash. This research presented here focused on the clarification of the effects of plasma temperature and coexisting materials on quantitative measurement of fly ash contents. Quantitative capability of LIBS was improved using the proposed plasma temperature correction method. The CO2 effect was also discussed to accurately evaluate unburned carbon in fly ash in exhausts. Using the results shown in this study, quantitative measurement of fly ash contents has been improved for wider applications of LIBS to practical fields.

Comparison of Using an Electronic System and Conventional Monitoring Method for Monitoring the Quality of Drinking Water and Defects Discovery in Rural Area Water Distribution Network of Abarkouh, Iran

The used water for human consumption must be free of microorganisms and chemicals that cause risk in the human health. In this study, water quality of 18 rural area of Abarkouh was determined and compared the conventional monitoring method (According to ISIR (Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran), 1053 and 4208) and use of electronic system method (Patent in industrial property general office of Iran, 77815). Free chlorine monitoring and pH test done by health workers in the conventional method and the results will be sent to the Health Network monthly. Sampling for microbiological testing is done monthly based on population (According to ISIR, 4208). On the electronic system, the procedure is also done by health workers, but the result will be sent to the receiver device by using a cell phone. According to the chlorine test results if the free chlorine residual reported zero, microbiological sampling was done by a health expert. Finally, the number of chlorine test and microbiological sampling and the results of these experiments collected in the both methods and recorded in SPSS 22 then were analyzed by using chi-square test and Fisher exact test. The result of microbiological experiments shows that the sampling rate decreased 29% in using of electronic system method in comparison to the conventional monitoring method while the number of microbial defect detection increased 19% in drinking water networks monitoring by electronic system. Using of electronic system monitoring can reduce the rate and cost of microbiological sampling and its experiments and increase accuracy of these tests, in this way it will increase the quality and safety of drinking water in distribution network in small and dispersed rural communities.

Vectorial spin-orbital Hall effect of light upon tight focusing and its experimental observation in azopolymer films

Hall effect of light is a result of symmetry breaking in spin and/or orbital angular momentum(OAM)possessing optical system and is caused by e.g.refractive index gradient/interface between media or focusing of a spatially asymmetrical beam,similar to the electric field breaking the symmetry in spin Hall effect for electrons.The angular momentum(AM)conservation law in the ensuing asymmetric system dictates redistribution of spin and orbital angular momentum,and is manifested in spin-orbit,orbit-orbit,and orbit-spin conversions and reorganization,i.e.spin-orbit and orbit-orbit interaction.This AM restructuring in turn requires shifts of the barycenter of the electric field of light.In the present study we show,both analytically and by numerical simulation,how different electric field components are displaced upon tight focusing of an asymmetric light beam having OAM and spin.The relation between field components shifts and the AM components shifts/redistribution is presented too.Moreover,we experimentally demonstrate,for the first time,to the best of our knowledge,the spin-orbit Hall effect of light upon tight focusing in free space.This is achieved using azopolymers as a media detecting longitudinal or z component of the electrical field of light.These findings elucidate the Hall effect of light and may broaden the spectrum of its applications.

Molecular Detection of <i>Anaplasma</i>and <i>Ehrlichia</i>Infection in Ticks in Borderline of Iran-Afghanistan

Anaplasmosis, a disease caused by various species of Anaplasma, poses important economic constraints to animal breeders. Ehrlichiosis is a worldwide zoonosis illness and mostly occurs in tropical and subtropical regions that are close to the vector’s distribution. Tick-borne pathogens lead to over 100,000 cases of illness in the world each year. Besides the costs of the additional veterinary care, anaplasmosis causes abortion in animals, reduction of milk production, body weight, and frequently leads to death. In this study, we investigated on infection of ticks to Anaplasma and Ehrlichia pathogens in Zabol and Zahak County in Sistan and Baluchestan Province where is bordered with Afghanistan. Totally from June 2013 to May 2014, 369 ticks were caught from goats, cows and sheep. Molecular studies on 53 of these samples which represented all specimens, showed that Ehrlichia’s DNA and Anaplasma’s DNA was found in 14 (26.4%) out of the 53 selected specimens. The results showed the infection of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Hyalomma anatolicum with Anaplasma ovis. Also we saw infection of H. anatolicum and H. asiaticum ticks to Ehrlichia spp. This study has been intended to do a comprehensive survey of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma distribution in ticks caught from east of Iran;it was designed to investigate the presence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in Zabol and Zahak Counties, Iran. These results show that these pathogens should be controlled in such regions.

Effect of Orbital Characteristic of Inclined Third-body on Motion of Secondary-body for a Hierarchical Triple Systems

The influence of a third-body's orbital elements on the second-body's motion in a hierarchical triple system is a crucial problem in astrophysics.Most prolonged evaluation studies have focused on a distant zero-inclined thirdbody.This study presents a new perspective on second-body motion equations that addresses a perturbing-body in an elliptic orbit derived with consideration of the axial-tilt(obliquity)of the primary.The proposed model is compared by the dual-averaged method and the N-body problem algorithm.After validation,a generalized threebody model is derived to investigate the effects of the third-body's orbital elements on secondary-body motion behavior.The proposed model considers short-time oscillations that affect secular evaluation and applies to exoplanets with all the primary and third body eccentricities,inclinations,and mass ratios.It is shown that the obliquity of the primary(or third-body's inclination)must be considered for precise long-term assessment,even in highly-hierarchical systems.

Spectra-assisted laser focusing in quantitative analysis of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for copper alloys

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy(LIBS)is a capable technique for elementary analysis,while LIBS quantitation is still under development.In quantitation,precise laser focusing plays an important role because it ensures the distance between the laser and samples.In the present work,we employed spectral intensity as a direct way to assist laser focusing in LIBS quantitation for copper alloys.It is found that both the air emission and the copper line could be used to determine the position of the sample surface by referencing the intensity maximum.Nevertheless,the fine quantitation was only realized at the position where the air emission(e.g.O(I)777.4 nm)reached intensity maximum,and also in this way,a repeatable quantitation was successfully achieved even after 120 days.The results suggested that the LIBS quantitation was highly dependent on the focusing position of the laser,and spectra-assisted focusing could be a simple way to find the identical condition for different samples’detection.In the future,this method might be applicable in field measurements for LIBS analysis of solids.

Increased levels of miR-124 in human dental pulp stem cells alter the expression of neural markers

Auditory neuropathy is the particular form of deafness in humans which cannot be treated by replacement therapy.Human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs)are derived from an ectomesenchymal neural crest cell population.Therefore,they possess a promising capacity for neuronal differentiation and repair.miR-124,a key regulator of neuronal development in the inner ear,is expressed at high levels in auditory and vestibular neurons.Here,we evaluated the possible effect of miR-124 in alteration of neural protein markers expression.Using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR(qRT-PCR)analyses and immunofluorescence staining,we studied the expression patterns of neural progenitor markers(Nestin,NOTCH1,and SOX2)and neural markers(b-tubulin Ⅲ,GATA-3,and peripherin)upon transfection of hDPSCs with miR-124.The qRT-PCR results showed that Nestin was upregulated 6 h post-transfection.In contrast,Nestin expression exhibited a decreasing trend 24 h and 48 h post-transfection.Higher levels of b-tubulin Ⅲ,6 h and 16 h post transfection in RNA level as compared with control cells,were determined in transfected DPSCs.However,b-tubulin-Ⅲ expression decreased 48 h post-transfection.The immunoflourescence results indicated that transfection of hDPSCs with miR-124,only affected Nestin among the studied neural progenitor and neural marker expression in protein level.

Prevalence of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria among samples deposited from the National Tuberculous Reference Laboratory of Iran(2011-2018)

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria(NTM)among the samples deposited from the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory of Iran between 2011 and 2018.Methods:The study evaluated the prevalence of NTM among specimens from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis symptoms(n=15771)deposited at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory of Iran from 2011 to 2018.Detection of Mycobacterium(M.)tuberculosis was based on presence of a 190-bp amplicon from IS6110 insertion sequence using Tb1 and Tb2 primers,and amplicon-negative specimens were tested for NTM and M.tuberculosis(refractory to IS6110 amplification)using restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR of hsp65 amplicon fragment.Results:A total of 7307(46.33%)M.tuberculosis and 658(4.17%)NTM specimens were found,the latter mainly comprising M.abscessus(10.18%),M.avium(2.28%),M.chelonae(8.97%),M.intracellulare(10.49%),M.kansasii(4.71%),and M.simiae(56.08%).Conclusions:As treatment for NTM differs from that for M.tuberculosis,accurate detection of Mycobacterium sp.is of public health significance.