The Combination Effect of Daphne Extract and Imatinib on the Antiproliferative Activity of the K562 Cell Line

Background: Herbal medicine is well-known among the ancient medical sciences. Healing properties have been observed in some species of Daphne plant. The effect of Daphne plant extract on the K562 cell line has been previously studied, and Gleevec is a well-known and effective medicine for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Material and Methods: In this study, the simultaneous effects of using herbal medicine and a target therapy medicine on the K562 cell line were investigated. The presence of some species of Daphne in Iran motivated us to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of Daphne mucronata on human leukemia cancer cells. The antiproliferative activity of the dichloromethane extract of Daphne mucronate (Thymelaeaceae), a new anticancer medicinal plant, was evaluated. Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay. Apoptotic and necrotic changes in the cell membrane were examined using flow cytometry. Changes in Bax and Bcl2 gene expression were investigated using real-time PCR. The MIC and the IC50 of the crude extract were calculated, and the MIC and IC50 of the Daphne extract in combination of imatinib were tested in the K-562 cell line. Results: K-562 cells responded to the extract treatments in a dose-dependent manner, and the increase in the expression of Bcl2 and decrease in the expression of the Bax gene intensified with increasing extract concentration. Flow cytometry revealed that most of the cells underwent necrosis. Conclusion: Daphne extract effectively decreased the viability of the K562 cell line. The necrotic effect of the Daphne extract was evaluated, and an increase in the gene expression of Bcl2 was observed in cells exposed to the Daphne extract. The combination of Daphne extracts with imatinib enhances the cytotoxic effect of imatinib.

A review of science–policy interface for water governance in the Caspian Sea

Science and policy have been interlinked for decades and perform essential nexus conditions in the governing aspects of environmental scenarios.This review paper examines the present challenges in the science–policy interface in terms of water governance in the Caspian Sea and identifies effective conditions that may be used in the current context to enhance the mechanism.The evaluation of the science–policy link in the water policy of the Caspian Sea reveals a gap between knowledge producer and governance system,impeding the translation of scientific information into action.Complicated and context-dependent solutions make it challenging to establish effective science–policy processes in the Caspian Sea water governance settings.Establishing a common governing authority,implementing water and resource management regulations,and protecting the natural environment through legal frameworks are crucial steps to address these concerns and ensure sustainable development.Collaboration among coastal states is essential in environmental,economic,and social aspects of regional development.However,the lack of a comprehensive approach,coherent activities,and effective utilization of national and regional power has hindered efforts to halt the environmental degradation of the Caspian Sea.Local governments need to recognize their responsibility to protect and utilize the Caspian Sea for present and future generations,considering both environmental and human security.The interlinkage of the Caspian Sea water governance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)water governance principles offers a framework for policymakers to assess gaps and make necessary amendments to existing mechanisms.Effective science–policy interaction,engagement of diverse stakeholders,institutionalizing agreements,and addressing collective action issues are critical for successful water governance.

Spectral Analysis and Validation of Parietal Signals for Different Arm Movements

Brain signal analysis plays a significant role in attaining data related to motor activities.The parietal region of the brain plays a vital role in muscular movements.This approach aims to demonstrate a unique technique to identify an ideal region of the human brain that generates signals responsible for muscular movements;perform statistical analysis to provide an absolute characterization of the signal and validate the obtained results using a prototype arm.This can enhance the practical implementation of these frequency extractions for future neuro-prosthetic applications and the characterization of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease(PD).To play out this handling method,electroencepha-logram(EEG)signals are gained while the subject is performing different wrist and elbow movements.Then,the frontal brain signals and just the parietal signals are separated from the obtained EEG signal by utilizing a band pass filter.Then,feature extraction is carried out using Fast Fourier Transform(FFT).Subse-quently,the extraction process is done by Daubechies(db4)and Haar wavelet(db1)in MATLAB and classified using the Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm.The results of the frequency changes that occurred during various wrist move-ments in the parietal region are compared with the frequency changes that occurred in frontal EEG signals.This proposed algorithm also uses the deep learn-ing pattern analysis network to evaluate the matching sequence for each action that takes place.Maximum accuracy of 97.2%and maximum error range of 0.6684%are achieved during the analysis.Results of this research confirm that the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm,along with the newly developed deep learn-ing hybrid PatternNet,provides a more accurate range of frequency changes than any other classifier used in previous works of literature.Based on the analysis,the peak-to-peak value is used to define the threshold for the prototype arm,which performs all the intended degrees of freedom(DOF),verifying the results.These results would aid the specialists in their decision-making by facilitating the ana-lysis and interpretation of brain signals in the field of neuroscience,specifically in tremor analysis in PD.

Prognostic prediction and expression validation of NSD3 in pan-cancer analyses

Background:Nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein-3(NSD3)is a histone lysine methyltransferase and a crucial regulator of carcinogenesis in several cancers.We aimed to investigate the prognostic value and potential function of NSD3 in 33 types of human cancer.Methods:The data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas.Kaplan-Meier analysis,CIBERSORT,gene set enrichment analysis,and gene set variation analysis were performed.The expression of NSD3 was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot.Results:The expression of NSD3 was altered in pan-cancer samples.Patients with higher levels of NDS3 generally had shorter overall survival and disease-specific survival.Levels of NSD3 were positively correlated with DNA copy number variation(CNV)in pan-cancer.NSD3 expression was also associated with tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability.The levels of immune-cell infiltration differed significantly between high and low NSD3 expression.NSD3 negatively correlated with levels of CD8+T cells.Functional enrichment analysis showed that while NSD3 expression was positively associated with several immune cell-related and histone methylation-related pathways,it was negatively correlated with cell metabolism-related,drug transport-related,and drug metabolismrelated pathways.NSD3 levels in the cell lines tested were significantly different.In U251 and NCI-H23 cells,silencing NSD3 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis.Conclusions:NSD3 expression was changed in pan-cancer samples that was also verified in cell lines.NSD3 was associated with CNV and immune-cell infiltration.A poor prognosis was predicted in patients with high expression of NSD3.NSD3 might hence be a potential marker for predicting tumor prognosis.

Estimation of ammonia nitrogen load from nonpoint sources in the Xitiao River catchment, China

Ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) is one of the three main forms of total nitrogen (TN). Most studies have estimated the load of TN from nonpoint sources instead of one specific form. The relationship between land use and concentrations of NH4+-N in runoff was analyzed using the hydraulic analysis functions of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the annual loads of NH4+-N in the Xitiao River catchment were estimated according to model results. The results suggested that the calculated annual loads of NH4+-N...

Risk of liver disease in methotrexate treated patients

Methotrexate is the first line drug treatment for anumber of rheumatic and non-rheumatic diseases. It is effective in controlling disease activity and preventing disease-related damage, and significantly cheaper than many alternatives. Use in rheumatoid arthritis infers a significant morbidity and mortality benefit. Methotrexate is generally well tolerated but can cause symptomatic adverse events. Multiple serious adverse events have been attributed to methotrexate, based largely on older reports using high or daily doses, and subsequent case reports and circumstantial evidence. The risk with modern dosing regimens: Lower doses, weekly schedules, and concomitant folic acid is less clear. Clarification and dissemination of the actual risk is crucial so appropriate judgements can be made for patients who may benefit from this treatment. Methotrexate has been associated with a range of liver related adverse events ranging from asymptomatic transaminase elevations to fibrosis and fatal hepatic necrosis. Concern over potential liver toxicity has resulted in treatment avoidance, cessation, or recommendations for investigations which may be costly, invasive and unwarranted. Modern laboratory monitoring of liver blood tests may also influence the risk of more serious complications. The majority of present day studies report an approximate doubling of the relative risk of elevated transaminases in methotrexate treated patients but no increased risk of symptomatic or severe liver related adverse events. In this article we will review the evidence around methotrexate and liver related adverse events.

Accumulation and Fractionation of Rare Earth Elements in Soil-Rice Systems

Accumulation and fractionation of rare earth elements （REEs） were studied through applications of exogenous REEs in soils with pot-cultured rice for 2 years. The results show that the biomass of rice consistently decreases at sprouting and maturity stages when the amount of exogenous REEs are over 400 mg· kg^- 1. It illustrates that the endurance of rice to exogenous REE exposure is much weaker than that of wheat. The distribution patterns of REEs in rice of the control are similar to that in the soil, both exhibiting light REE （LREE） enrichment and positive Tb in the roots and the aboveground parts. Applications of exogenous REEs ranging from 400 to 1200 mg· kg^- 1 have significant effects on the distribution patterns of REEs in roots, some effects in stems and leaves, and almost no effects in grains. Accumulation rates of REEs in different organs follow the order of roots 〉 leaves 〉 stems 〉 panicle axes and crusts 〉 grains. The roots take up different REEs at almost the same rates, except for the selective accumulation of Th. In the aboveground parts, the accumulation rates of middle REEs （MREEs） and heavy REEs （HREEs） are higher than those of LREEs, there are significant selective accumulations of Eu and Tb. Accumulation rates of REEs in the roots, stems and leaves increase with the increasing applications of exogenous REEs, but they change slightly in the panicle axes, crusts and grains, demonstrating that it is easier for the roots, stems and leaves to accumulate exogenous REEs. Selective accumulation and fractionation of exoge nous Nd are also observed in rice organs including grains.

Accumulation and Fractionation of Rare Earth Elements in a Soil-Wheat System

Time series bioaccumulation of rare earth elements （REEs） in field-grown wheat with and without a dressing of extraneous REE fertilizer at different growth stages and fractionation of REEs during their transport in a soil-wheat system were determined. Time-dependent accumulation of extraneous REEs was found in different parts of wheat. An upward transport of extraneous REEs from roots to shoots under a soil dressing and a downward transport from leaves to roots with a foliar dressing were also observed. Moreover, fractionation of REEs occurred in the soil-wheat system. Compared to the host soil a positive Eu anomaly in the stems and grains as well as heavy REE enrichment in the grains were found. The ability of the different wheat organs to fractionate Eu from the REE series was ranked in the order of sterns 〉 grains 〉 leaves 〉 roots.

High-resolution flood modeling of urban areas using MSN_Flood

Although existing hydraulic models have been used to simulate and predict urban flooding, most of these models are inadequate due to the high spatial resolution required to simulate flows in urban floodplains. Nesting high-resolution subdomains within coarser-resolution models is an efficient solution for enabling simultaneous calculation of flooding due to tides, surges, and high river flows. MSN_Flood has been developed to incorporate moving boundaries around nested domains, permitting alternate flooding and drying along the boundary and in the interior of the domain. Ghost cells adjacent to open boundary cells convert open boundaries, in effect, into internal boundaries. The moving boundary may be multi-segmented and non-continuous, with recirculating flow across the boundary. When combined with a bespoke adaptive interpolation scheme, this approach facilitates a dynamic internal boundary. Based on an alternating-direction semi-implicit finite difference scheme,MSN_Flood was used to hindcast a major flood event in Cork City resulting from the combined pressures of fluvial, tidal, and storm surge processes. The results show that the model is computationally efficient, as the 2-m high-resolution nest is used only in the urban flooded region.Elsewhere, lower-resolution nests are used. The results also show that the model is highly accurate when compared with measured data. The model is capable of incorporating nested sub-domains when the nested boundary is multi-segmented and highly complex with lateral gradients of elevation and velocities. This is a major benefit when modelling urban floodplains at very high resolution.

Asymptotical consensus of fractional-order multi-agent systems with current and delay states

In this paper,we study some new fractional-order multi-agent systems with current and delay states (FMASCD).Using the generalized Nyquist's stability criterion and Gerschgorin's circle theorem,we obtain the bounded input-bounded output (BIBO) stability and asymptotical consensus of the FMASCD under mild conditions.Moreover,we give some numerical examples to illustrate our main results.

Fractionation of Rare Earth Elements in Plants Ⅰ. Fractionation Patterns and Their Forming Mechanisms in Different Organs of Triticum Aestivum

Fractionations of rare earth elements (REEs) and the forming mechanisms in plants were studied using Triticum aestivum as plant material with application of exogenous REEs and hydroponic culture. REEs were significantly fractionated in different parts of Triticum aestivum. M-type tetrad effect could be observed in both root and shoot of Triticum aestivum, which might result from the different abilities of REEs to form phosphate precipitation. Middle REEs (MREEs), light REEs (LREEs) and heavy REEs (HREEs) were enriched in root, stem and leaf of Triticum aestivum, respectively. REE speciation calculations using VMINTEQ program show REEs in simulated xylem solution mainly exist as REE-EDTA^(- )and RE^(3+), but only HREEs are enriched in REE-EDTA^(-), while LREEs are enriched in the other REE species. It is suggested that the fractionation between LREEs and HREEs might be caused by the uptake of REE-EDTA^(-) in Triticum aestivum leaves, but might result from the uptake of the other REE species in their stems.

Non-invasive detection of vulnerable coronary plaque

Critical coronary stenosis have been shown to contribute to only a minority of acute coronary syndromes and sudden cardiac death.Autopsy studies have identified a subgroup of high-risk patients with disrupted vulnerable plaque and modest stenosis.Consequently,a clinical need exists to develop methods to identify these plaques prospectively before disruption and clinical expression of disease.Recent advances in invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques have shown the potential to identify these high-risk plaques.Non-invasive imaging with magnetic resonance imaging,computed tomography and positron emission tomography holds the potential to differentiate between low-and highrisk plaques.There have been significant technological advances in non-invasive imaging modalities,and the aim is to achieve a diagnostic sensitivity for these technologies similar to that of the invasive modalities.Molecular imaging with the use of novel targeted nanoparticles may help in detecting high-risk plaques that will ultimately cause acute myocardial infarction.Moreover,nanoparticle-based imaging may even provide non-invasive treatments for these plaques.However,at present none of these imaging modalities are able to detect vulnerable plaque nor have they been shown to definitively predict outcome.Further trials are needed to provide more information regarding the natural history of high-risk but non-flow-limiting plaque to establish patient specific targeted therapy and to refine plaque stabilizing strategies in the future.

A new state of charge determination method for battery management system

State of Charge (SOC) determination is an increasingly important issue in battery technology. In addition to the immediate display of the remaining battery capacity to the user, precise knowledge of SOC exerts additional control over the charging/discharging process which in turn reduces the risk of over-voltage and gassing, which degrade the chemical composition of the electrolyte and plates. This paper describes a new approach to SOC determination for the lead-acid battery management system by combining Ah-balance with an EMF estimation algorithm, which predicts the battery’s EMF value while it is under load. The EMF estimation algorithm is based on an equivalent-circuit representation of the battery, with the parameters determined from a pulse test performed on the battery and a curve-fitting algorithm by means of least-square regression. The whole battery cycle is classified into seven states where the SOC is estimated with the Ah-balance method and the proposed EMF based algorithm. Laboratory tests and results are described in detail in the paper.

Comprehensive literature review on the radiographic findings, imaging modalities, and the role of radiology in the COVID-19 pandemic

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,over 103214008 cases have been reported,with more than 2231158 deaths as of January 31,2021.Although the gold standard for diagnosis of this disease remains the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs,its false-negative rates have ignited the use of medical imaging as an important adjunct or alternative.Medical imaging assists in identifying the pathogenesis,the degree of pulmonary damage,and the characteristic features in each imaging modality.This literature review collates the characteristic radiographic findings of COVID-19 in various imaging modalities while keeping the preliminary focus on chest radiography,computed tomography(CT),and ultrasound scans.Given the higher sensitivity and greater proficiency in detecting characteristic findings during the early stages,CT scans are more reliable in diagnosis and serve as a practical method in following up the disease time course.As research rapidly expands,we have emphasized the CO-RADS classification system as a tool to aid in communicating the likelihood of COVID-19 suspicion among healthcare workers.Additionally,the utilization of other scoring systems such as MuLBSTA,Radiological Assessment of Lung Edema,and Brixia in this pandemic are reviewed as they integrate the radiographic findings into an objective scoring system to risk stratify the patients and predict the severity of disease.Furthermore,current progress in the utilization of artificial intelligence via radiomics is evaluated.Lastly,the lesson from the first wave and preparation for the second wave from the point of view of radiology are summarized.

Clinical applications of molecular profiling in colorectal cancer: Review of the literature

Despite the developments in the diagnostic and management strategies, a considerable number of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients present with disease recurrence after curative surgery. Moreover;there are no reliable indicators to determine the prognosis and response of CRC patients to therapy. By harnessing recent technological advances in molecular profiling techniques, it is anticipated that greater insight to the various combinations of genetic events or alternative pathways underlying carcinogenesis will be gained. By carrying out literature search, we were able to identify a comprehensive list of genes with high differential expression patterns in colorectal cancer that could serve as molecular markers to complement existing histopathological factors in diagnosis, follow up and therapeutic strategies for individualized care of patients.

Molecular biology of colorectal cancer: Review of the literature

Colorectal cancer (CRC) results from the progressive accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to the transformation of normal colonic epithelium to colon adenocarcinoma. From the analysis of the molecular genesis of colon cancer, four central tenets concerning the pathogenesis of cancer have been established. The first is that the genetic and epigenetic alterations that underlie colon cancer formation promote the cancer formation process because they provide a clonal growth advantage to the cells that acquire them. The second tenet is that cancer emerges via a multi-step progression at both the molecular and the morphologic level. The third is that loss of genomic stability is a key molecular step in cancer formation. The fourth is that hereditary cancer syndromes frequently correspond to germ line forms of key genetic defects whose somatic occurrences drive the emergence of sporadic colon cancers.

IMPULSIVE DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH GAMMA DISTRIBUTED MOMENTS OF IMPULSES AND P-MOMENT EXPONENTIAL STABILITY

Differential tigated. We study the properties of solutions sufficient conditions for equations with impulses at random moments are set up and invescase of Gamma distributed random moments of impulses. Several are studied based on properties of Gammma distributions. Some p-moment exponential stability of the solutions are given.

Concentrations and Distribution Patterns of Rare Earth Elements in Water Body from Intertidal Flat of Tianjin and Influence of Various Factors

Concentrations and distribution patterns of rare earth elements(REEs)in the intertidal flat of Tianjin were studied using P(507) resin and ICP-MS analytical technology. The results show that average concentrations of REEs in the filtered(dissolved REEs), unfiltered and interstitial water are 0.461 μg·L^(-1), 4.98 μg·L^(-1) and 0.845 μg·L^(-1), respectively. Their distribution patterns are similar to those in inland natural rivers, but quite different from those in oceans. The average concentrations of REEs in sediments and suspended matters are 161.2 (mg·L^(-1)) and 168.1 mg·L^(-1), respectively, which are much lower than those in sediments of natural rivers but higher than those in sediments of the continental shelf of East China Sea. It is suggested that REEs in sediments and suspended matters of intertidal flat can have mainly originated from terrestrial soils and thus their transportation and transformation processes are similar with those in rivers, and different from those in continental shelves. Pollutants discharged into the Bohai Bay do·not cause significant effect on REEs in the intertidal flat of Tianjin yet.

The role of the unfolded protein response in myelination

The production,transport and integration of myelin components into the membrane during development is a highly coordinated and regulated process that relies heavily on the endoplasmic reticulum（ER）,a sub-cellular organelle that is the principal site of membrane assembly.Ribosomes on the rough ER allow translation of proteins such as proteolipid protein（PLP）prior to correct folding,

Localization of Active Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 in Nasal Polyps and Nasal Hyperplasia in Consideration of Mast Cell Function: A Semiquantitatively Analysis

Introduction: The pathogenesis of nasal polyposis and nasal hyperplasia is still unknown. The localization of caspases in nasal polyps and nasal hyperplasia of patients with and without allergic rhinitis was studied. Methods: Sections of human nasal polyps (n = 5) and hyperplastic nasal turbinates (5 with, 5 without allergy) were stained for active caspase-3 and caspase-8. Double immunofluorescence was used to evaluate colocalization of the caspases with Ki-M1P and tryptase. TUNEL was performed. Results: Active caspase-3 and caspase-8 were seen in nearly all nasal polyps and hyperplastic nasal turbinates. Active caspase-3 was predominantly localized in stromal cells, identified as mast cells. Caspase-8 was localized in mast cells with the pattern similar to active caspase-3 and additionally found in epithelial cells at the nasal and polyp surface and in epithelial cells of glands. Conclusion: Our results suggest that mast cell apoptosis may be involved in the pathological mechanisms which characterize and sustain chronic inflammatory disorders of the nasal mucosa with and without allergy.