bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid Dispersions Incorporated into PVP Films for the Controlled Release of Trans-Resveratrol: Development, Physicochemical and In Vitro Characterizations and In Vivo Cutaneous Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation
Authors: Riccio Bruno Vincenzo Fiod , Nascimento André Luiz Carneiro Soares do , Meneguin Andréia Bagliotti , Rodero Camila Fernanda , Santos Kaio Pini , Sábio Rafael Miguel , Annunzio Sarah Raquel de , Fontana Carla Raquel , Barud Hernane da Silva , Ferrari Priscileila Colerato , Chorilli Marlus
Published: May 2022

Trans-resveratrol can promote various dermatological effects. However, its high crystallinity decreases its solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, solid dispersions have been developed to promote its amorphization; even so, they present as powders, making cutaneous controlled drug delivery unfeasible and an alternative necessary for their incorporation into other systems. Thus, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) films were chosen with the aim of developing a controlled delivery system to treat inflammation and bacterial infections associated with atopic dermatitis. Four formulations were developed: two with solid dispersions (and trans-resveratrol) and two as controls. The films presented with uniformity, as well as bioadhesive and good barrier properties. X-ray diffraction showed that trans-resveratrol did not recrystallize. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermal analysis evidenced good chemical compatibilities. The in vitro release assay showed release values from 82.27 ± 2.60 to 92.81 ± 2.50% (being a prolonged release). In the in vitro retention assay, trans-resveratrol was retained in the skin, over 24 h, from 42.88 to 53.28%. They also had low cytotoxicity over fibroblasts. The in vivo assay showed a reduction in inflammation up to 66%. The films also avoided Staphylococcus aureus’s growth, which worsens atopic dermatitis. According to the results, the developed system is suitable for drug delivery and capable of simultaneously treating inflammation and infections related to atopic dermatitis.
Why Use Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Tendinopathic Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Itro Annalisa , Trotta Maria Consiglia , Miranda Roberta , Paoletta Marco , De Cicco Annalisa , Lepre Caterina Claudia , Tarantino Umberto , D’Amico Michele , Toro Giuseppe , Schiavone Panni Alfredo
Published: May 2022

The aim of the present systematic review was to provide a clear overview of the clinical current research progress in the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) as an effective therapeutic option for the management of tendinopathies, pathologies clinically characterized by persistent mechanical pain and structural alteration of the tendons. The review was carried out using three databases (Scopus, ISI Web of Science and PubMed) and analyzed records from 2013 to 2021. Only English-language papers describing the isolation and manipulation of adipose tissue as source of ASCs and presenting ASCs as treatment for clinical tendinopathies were included. Overall, seven clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and met the minimum quality inclusion threshold. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by groups of three reviewers. The available evidence showed the efficacy and safety of ASCs treatment for tendinopathies, although it lacked a clear description of the biomolecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial properties of ASCs.
Beneath the Skin: A Review of Current Trends and Future Prospects of Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Alkilani Ahlam Zaid , Nasereddin Jehad , Hamed Rania , Nimrawi Sukaina , Hussein Ghaid , Abo-Zour Hadeel , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: May 2022

The ideal drug delivery system has a bioavailability comparable to parenteral dosage forms but is as convenient and easy to use for the patient as oral solid dosage forms. In recent years, there has been increased interest in transdermal drug delivery (TDD) as a non-invasive delivery approach that is generally regarded as being easy to administer to more vulnerable age groups, such as paediatric and geriatric patients, while avoiding certain bioavailability concerns that arise from oral drug delivery due to poor absorbability and metabolism concerns. However, despite its many merits, TDD remains restricted to a select few drugs. The physiology of the skin poses a barrier against the feasible delivery of many drugs, limiting its applicability to only those drugs that possess physicochemical properties allowing them to be successfully delivered transdermally. Several techniques have been developed to enhance the transdermal permeability of drugs. Both chemical (e.g., thermal and mechanical) and passive (vesicle, nanoparticle, nanoemulsion, solid dispersion, and nanocrystal) techniques have been investigated to enhance the permeability of drug substances across the skin. Furthermore, hybrid approaches combining chemical penetration enhancement technologies with physical technologies are being intensively researched to improve the skin permeation of drug substances. This review aims to summarize recent trends in TDD approaches and discuss the merits and drawbacks of the various chemical, physical, and hybrid approaches currently being investigated for improving drug permeability across the skin.
In Vitro Nephrotoxicity and Permeation of Vancomycin Hydrochloride Loaded Liposomes
Authors: Papp Nicole , Panicker Jeffin , Rubino John , Pais Gwendolyn , Czechowicz Alexander , Prozialeck Walter C. , Griffin Brooke , Weissig Volkmar , Scheetz Marc , Joshi Medha D.
Published: May 2022

Drugs can be toxic to the fetus depending on the amount that permeates across the maternal–fetal barrier. One way to limit the amount which penetrates this barrier is to increase the molecular size of the drug. In this study, we have achieved this by encapsulating our model antibiotic (vancomycin hydrochloride, a known nephrotoxic agent) in liposomes. PEGylated and non-PEGylated liposomes encapsulating vancomycin hydrochloride were prepared using two different methods: thin-film hydration followed by the freeze–thaw method and the reverse-phase evaporation method. These liposomes were characterized by their hydrodynamic size and zeta potential measurements, CryoTEM microscopy, loading and encapsulation efficiency studies, in vitro release measurements and in vitro cytotoxicity assays using NRK-52 E rat kidney cells. We also determined the in vitro permeability of these liposomes across the human placental cell and dog kidney cell barriers. Vancomycin hydrochloride-loaded PEGylated liposomes (VHCL-lipo) of a size less than 200 nm were prepared. The VHCL-lipo were found to have the faster release of vancomycin hydrochloride and resulted in greater viability of NRK-52E cells. In vitro, the VHCL-lipo permeated the human placental cell and dog kidney cell barriers to a lesser extent than the free vancomycin hydrochloride. The data suggest a reduction in nephrotoxicity and permeability of vancomycin hydrochloride after encapsulation in PEGylated liposomes.
Prediction of Pharmacokinetics of IDP-73152 in Humans Using Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Lee Myongjae , Jeong Yoo-Seong , Kim Min-Soo , An Kyung-Mi , Chung Suk-Jae
Published: May 2022

IDP-73152, a novel peptide deformylase inhibitor with an antibacterial effect against Gram-positive bacteria, is in phase I development. The objective of this study was to develop a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK) for IDP-73152 in animals, and to extend the model to humans. Biopharmaceutical properties of IDP-73152 are determined using in vitro/in vivo experimentations for the PBPK model. A transit model consisting of gastrointestinal segments is applied for an estimation of the intestinal absorption kinetics. The PBPK model of IDP-73152 in rats is able to appropriately predict the plasma concentration–time profiles after the administration of IDP-73152 at different doses and by different routes (combined absolute average fold error (cAAFE), 1.77). The model is also found to be adequate in predicting the plasma concentration–time profiles of IDP-73152 in mice (cAAFE 1.59) and dogs (cAAFE 1.42). Assuming the oral administration of IDP-73152 to humans at doses of 640 and 1280 mg, the model is able to reproduce the concentration–time profiles obtained in humans (cAAFE 1.38); therefore, these observations indicate that the PBPK model used for IDP-73152 is applicable to animal species and humans. This model may be useful in predicting efficacious doses of IDP-73152 for the management of infectious disease in humans.
Pentamethylquercetin Regulates Lipid Metabolism by Modulating Skeletal Muscle-Adipose Tissue Crosstalk in Obese Mice
Authors: Wu Jianzhao , Du Jingxia , Li Zhi , He Wei , Wang Min , Jin Manwen , Yang Lei , Liu Hui
Published: May 2022

Irisin is an exercise-induced hormone that regulates lipid metabolism. The present study investigates whether the anti-obesity effect of the natural flavonoid pentamethylquercetin (PMQ) is related to irisin secretion from skeletal muscle in whole animals and cultured cells. Obese mice induced by monosodium glutamate were administered oral PMQ to determine blood irisin level and in vivo parameters of lipid metabolism, and cultured mouse C2C12 myoblasts and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were employed to investigate the related molecular identities. PMQ increased circulating irisin and decreased bodyweight, insulin, and lipid levels accompanied with increasing brown-like adipocyte formation in obese mice. The brown adipocyte marker uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) and other brown-like adipocyte-specific genes and/or markers were increased in mouse white fat tissue, while PMQ treatment reversed the above changes. PMQ also dose-dependently increased the reduced levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) signal molecules in obese mice. Interestingly, the irisin level was increased in the culture medium of C2C12 cells treated with PMQ, and the conditioned medium stimulated the brown-like transition of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with the increased expression of PGC-1α, FNDC5, UCP-1, and other brown-like adipocyte-specific genes. The effects of conditioned culture medium were abolished in C2C12 cells with silenced PGC-1α. On the other hand, PMQ-induced upregulation of PGC-1α and FNDC5 expression was reduced by AMPK inhibitor Compound C in C2C12 cells. Our results demonstrate the novel information that PMQ-induced irisin secretion from skeletal muscle involves the improvement of metabolic dysfunction in obese mice via activating the AMPK/PGC-1α/FNDC5 signal pathway, suggesting that PMQ modulates skeletal muscle-adipose tissue crosstalk and may be a promising drug candidate for treating obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.
The Effect of Encapsulated Apigenin Nanoparticles on HePG-2 Cells through Regulation of P53
Authors: Mabrouk Zayed Mayada Mohamed , Sahyon Heba A. , Hanafy Nemany A. N. , El-Kemary Maged A.
Published: May 2022

Apigenin (Ap) is one of the most important natural flavonoids that has potent anticancer activity. This study was designed, for the first time, to load Ap into chitosan to improve its hydrophobicity and then it was coated with albumin-folic acid to increase its stability and bioavailability and to target cancer cells. The newly developed encapsulated Ap (Ap-CH-BSA-FANPs) was characterized and tested in vitro. The zeta potential of −17.0 mV was within the recommended range (−30 mV to +30 mV), indicating that encapsulated apigenin would not quickly settle and would be suspended. The in vitro results proved the great anticancer activity of the encapsulated apigenin on HePG-2 cells compared to pure Ap. The treated HePG-2 cells with Ap-CH-BSA-FANPs demonstrated the induction of apoptosis by increasing p53 gene expression, arresting the cell cycle, increasing caspase-9 levels, and decreasing both the MMP9 gene and Bcl-2 protein expression levels. Moreover, the higher antioxidant activity of the encapsulated apigenin treatment was evident through increasing SOD levels and decreasing the CAT concentration. In conclusion, the Ap-CH-BSA-FANPs were easy to produce with low coast, continued drug release, good loading capacity, high solubility in physiological pH, and were more stable than the formerly Ap-loaded liposomes or PLGA. Moreover, Ap-CH-BSA-FANPs may be a promising chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of HCC.
From Turing to Conscious Machines
Authors: Aleksander Igor
Published: May 2022

In the period between Turing’s 1950 “Computing Machinery and Intelligence” and the current considerable public exposure to the term “artificial intelligence (AI)”, Turing’s question “Can a machine think?” has become a topic of daily debate in the media, the home, and, indeed, the pub. However, “Can a machine think?” is sliding towards a more controversial issue: “Can a machine be conscious?” Of course, the two issues are linked. It is held here that consciousness is a pre-requisite to thought. In Turing’s imitation game, a conscious human player is replaced by a machine, which, in the first place, is assumed not to be conscious, and which may fool an interlocutor, as consciousness cannot be perceived from an individual’s speech or action. Here, the developing paradigm of machine consciousness is examined and combined with an extant analysis of living consciousness to argue that a conscious machine is feasible, and capable of thinking. The route to this utilizes learning in a “neural state machine”, which brings into play Turing’s view of neural “unorganized” machines. The conclusion is that a machine of the “unorganized” kind could have an artificial form of consciousness that resembles the natural form and that throws some light on its nature.
Characteristics of Critical-Wavelength-Existed Fiber-Optic Mach–Zehnder Interferometers and Their Sensing Applications
Authors: Lu Chenxu , Dong Xiaopeng , Wu Chi
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we review the characteristics of critical wavelength (CWL)-existed fiber-optic Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZIs), including special few-mode fibers and microfibers, and their sensing applications in physical, chemical, and marine fields. Owing to the existence of CWL in the transmission spectra, the in-line MZIs show some specific characteristics. The closer the peak/dip wavelength to the CWL, the larger the wavelength shift or the related sensitivity when the interferometer is under testing. Meanwhile, CWL shifts monotonically with the variations in measurands, such as temperature (in the air or seawater), axial strain, water pressure, surrounding refractive index, etc., when they are applied to the sensing fibers. These characteristics of the CWL-existed in-line MZIs make them appealing solutions for fabricating various interferometric sensors, with the advantages of large measurement range, high sensitivity, multiparameter sensing, etc. Theoretical and experimental studies on the properties of the CWL-existed in-line MZIs are reviewed and discussed in this paper.
A Novel System of Mixed RF/FSO UAV Communication Based on MRR and RIS by Adopting Hybrid Modulation
Authors: Yuan Jia , Wang Xiaoyi , Jin Meng , Liu Wenyi , Wu Ruihuan , Wei Zhongchao , Deng Dongmei , Liu Hongzhan
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we propose a mixed radio frequency (RF)/free space optical (FSO) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication system, based on modulating retro-reflector (MRR) and reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), which adopts the hybrid L-ary pulse position modulation-binary phase shift keying-subcarrier intensity modulation (L-PPM-BPSK-SIM). More specifically, the RF channel follows Rayleigh distribution, while the FSO channel obeys Gamma–Gamma distribution that considers atmospheric turbulence and pointing error. For decode-and-forward (DF) relay, the MRR is installed on the UAV to reduce its weight, size, and power consumption. In particular, the RIS is used as user terminal along with the RF signal generator to achieve signal enhancement. Based on this, closed expressions for the outage probability, average bit error rate (BER) and average channel capacity of the end-to-end uplink and downlink are derived. Numerical results confirm that while the relay limitation is solved by MRR, RIS significantly reduces the outage probability and average BER as well as obviously increases the average channel capacity. Furthermore, the hybrid L-PPM-BPSK-SIM with average symbol length greater than eight can effectively improve the average BER performance of the system.
Advances in Multicore Fiber Grating Sensors
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Dang Yunli , Tang Ming
Published: May 2022

In recent years, multicore fiber (MCF) has attracted increasing interest for sensing applications, due to its unique fiber structure of multiple parallel cores in a single fiber cladding, which offers a flexible configurable platform to establish diverse functional fiber devices for sensing applications. So far, a variety of discrete fiber sensors using MCF have been developed, among which one of the major categories is the MCF grating sensors. The most distinct characteristic of MCF that differs from the normal single mode fibers is that the off-center cores of a MCF are sensitive to bending, which is caused by the bending induced tangential strain in off-center waveguides through either compression or stretching. The bending sensitivity has been widely developed for bending/curvature sensing or measuring physical parameters that are associated with bending. In this paper, we review the research progress on MCF-based fiber grating sensors. MCF-based diverse fiber grating sensors will be introduced, whose working principles will be discussed, and various types of applications of the MCF grating sensors will be summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects of MCF grating for sensing applications will be presented.
Molecular Characterization of a New Ecotype of Holoparasitic Plant Orobanche L. on Host Weed Xanthium spinosum L.
Authors: Yousefi Ali Reza , Ahmadikhah Asadollah , Fotovat Reza , Rohani Leila , Soheily Foad , Uberti Daniela Letizia , Mastinu Andrea
Published: May 2022

A species of Orobanche was observed on spiny cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum) for the first time in Iran and tentatively was named IR-Iso.This study was conducted to make a phylogenetic analysis of the Orobanche using 5.8S rRNA region sequences, and also to better understand its sequence pattern. The full-length ITS1-ITS2 region of the new Orobanche isolate was PCR-amplified from the holoparasitic plant parasitizing X. spinosum. Sequences of the amplicons from the isolate were 100% identical but differed by 5.6–6.7% from most homologous GenBank accessions to 37.9% divergence from distant species. The analysis of the molecular variance showed that variation between-population (61.9%, SE = 0.04) was larger than within-population. Neighbor-joining analysis placed the Iranian isolate in the same clade as most of the Orobanche and Phelipanche species. The isolate was more closely related to Orobanche aegyptiaca (from China), and this was confirmed by using a structure analysis. However, complementary analyses showed that the Iranian isolate has a unique nucleotide substitution pattern, and hence it was considered as an ecotype of O. aegyptiaca (ecotype Alborzica). In this paper we report on the association between this new ecotype of Orobanche and X. spinosum.
Path Coefficient and Principal Component Analyses for Biomass Allocation, Drought Tolerance and Carbon Sequestration Potential in Wheat
Authors: Shamuyarira Kwame W. , Shimelis Hussein , Figlan Sandiswa , Chaplot Vincent
Published: May 2022

Increased root biomass allocation could serve as a proxy trait for selecting crop ideotypes with drought tolerance and carbon sequestration potential in agricultural soils. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of the relationship between root biomass and yield components and to identify influential traits so as to optimise genotype selection for enhanced biomass allocation, drought tolerance and carbon sequestration potential in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). One-hundred wheat genotypes consisting of 10 parents and 90 derived F2 families were evaluated under drought-stressed and non-stressed conditions at two different sites. Data were collected for days to heading (DTH), days to maturity (DTM), plant height, productive tiller number (TN), spike length, spikelets per spike (SPS), kernels per spike (KPS), thousand kernel weight (TKW), shoot biomass, root biomass, total plant biomass (PB), root-to-shoot ratio (RS) and grain yield. There was significant (p < 0.05) genetic variation in most assessed traits, TN and RS being exceptions. Root biomass had significant positive correlations with grain yield under drought-stressed (r = 0.28) and non-stressed (r = 0.41) conditions, but a non-significant correlation was recorded for RS and grain yield. Notably, both root biomass and shoot biomass had significant positive correlations under both water regimes, revealing the potential of increasing both traits with minimal biomass trade-offs. The highest positive direct effects on grain yield were found for KPS and PB under both water regimes. The present study demonstrated that selection based on KPS and PB rather than RS will be more effective in ideotype selection of segregating populations for drought tolerance and carbon sequestration potential.
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Differentiation of Fatty Acid Desaturase Genes in Olea europaea L.
Authors: Niu Erli , Gao Song , Hu Wenjun , Zhang Chengcheng , Liu Daqun , Shen Guoxin , Zhu Shenlong
Published: May 2022

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is a world-famous woody oil tree and popular for redundant unsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid desaturase (FAD) genes are responsible for fatty acid desaturation and stress regulation but have not yet been identified in olive at the whole genome level. This study identified 40 and 27 FAD genes in the cultivated olive O. europaea cv. Farga and the wild olive O. europaea var. Sylvestris, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the FAD genes could be classified into the soluble FAB2/SAD clade and membrane-bound clade, including ADS/FAD5, DES, FAD4, SLD, ω-6 and ω-3, with the high consistency of subcellular localization, motif composition and exon-intron organization in each group. FAD genes in olive showed the diverse functional differentiation in morphology of different tissues, fruit development and stress responses. Among them, OeFAB2.8 and OeFAD2.3 were up-regulated and OeADS.1, OeFAD4.1 and OeFAD8.2 were down-regulated under the wound, Verticillium dahliae and cold stresses. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the FAD genes at the whole-genome level in olives and will provide guidance for the improvement of oil quality or stress tolerance of olive trees.
Heterologous Production of Acrylic Acid: Current Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Rodrigues Joana L.
Published: May 2022

Acrylic acid (AA) is a chemical with high market value used in industry to produce diapers, paints, adhesives and coatings, among others. AA available worldwide is chemically produced mostly from petroleum derivatives. Due to its economic relevance, there is presently a need for innovative and sustainable ways to synthesize AA. In the past decade, several semi-biological methods have been developed and consist in the bio-based synthesis of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) and its chemical conversion to AA. However, more recently, engineered Escherichia coli was demonstrated to be able to convert glucose or glycerol to AA. Several pathways have been developed that use as precursors glycerol, malonyl-CoA or β-alanine. Some of these pathways produce 3-HP as an intermediate. Nevertheless, the heterologous production of AA is still in its early stages compared, for example, to 3-HP production. So far, only up to 237 mg/L of AA have been produced from glucose using β-alanine as a precursor in fed-batch fermentation. In this review, the advances in the production of AA by engineered microbes, as well as the hurdles hindering high-level production, are discussed. In addition, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches to improving the production of AA in industrial settings are presented.
Increase of energy efficiency by electricity theft elimination
Authors: Romaniuk Nikolaj , Novikova Olga
Published: May 2022

This paper examines the problem of electricity theft and the method of commercial losses decrease. Incidents of unauthorized electricity consumption by private owners are happening all over the world. Companies are taking measures to stop theft but the scale of the problem is still significant. The paper has analyzed causes, presented results of the implementation of technical and organizational methods of theft elimination, and evaluation of the outcome on the example of public utilities and distribution networks.
Efficiency increase of combined power supply systems of remote facilities
Authors: Murovskiy Sergey , Murovskaya Anna , Ivanova Ekaterina
Published: May 2022

The paper has examined the outlook for efficiency increase for combined power supply systems of remote facilities on the basis of renewable energy sources. The developed schematic solution of combined power supply for remote facilities on basis of mini HPP, Gas turbine, and thermoelectric generators, installed on the gas outlet pipe of the boiler, will allow to redistribute the energy between consumers inside the facility or accumulate it in the electrochemical storage system when consumption is minimal.
Study of heat recovery process inside a lining of a high-temperature plant using thermal decomposition of methane
Authors: Neshporenko Evgeny , Kartavtcev Sergey , Ivanova Svetlana
Published: May 2022

The paper has suggested the mathematical model of the heat recovery process inside the high-temperature plant`s lining using thermal decomposition of methane in conditions of high-temperature plants cooling. The examined model allows evaluation of regenerative heat use possibility to reduce heat losses through the enclosure of high-temperature plant by utilizing the heat of a liquid heat carrier which can increase high-temperature process productiveness. All high-temperature plants have a primary objective – ensure process continuity with minimal fuel flow rate using the energy of primary as well as secondary energy resources (SER). In pyrolysis conditions, methane is the most thermally stable because methane thermal decomposition happens at a temperature higher than 560°C. However, when methane reaches a significant speed of movement it decomposes at a temperature of about 900°C, and temperature 1400°C breaks up to carbon and oxygen. Natural gas, as an energy carrier, has many advantages and in comparison, with the other fuel types, it can be used to the full extent because it is easy to organize its complete combustion with minimal heat losses. It should be noted that natural gas has no ballast or harmful substances, it possesses high heat value and its combustion creates high temperatures.
Data analysis of the effectiveness of dual-fuel combined-cycle plants with the parallel scheme of operation
Authors: Voronkova Anastasiia
Published: May 2022

The paper examines the effectiveness of dual-fuel combined-cycle plants that operate with different initial steam parameters. It presents analysis results of the plant`s technical and economic parameters, capital expenses evaluation, and the possibility of the examined technology be implemented in the discussed region. The calculation results have shown that the use of a dual-fuel combined-cycle plant with the parallel scheme of operation allows to increase electrical power generation efficiency by an average of 22% in comparison to a coal power plant mode of operation. Besides, the transition to the combined-cycle plant mode allows to cut back on specific equivalent fuel consumption by 21%. Transition to the supercritical steam parameters increases the efficiency parameters of the power generating unit by an average of 2%.
Investigation of the Impact of the Alternative Energy Generation Variable on the Operation of Interconnected Energy System
Authors: Kapustin Roman
Published: May 2022

The aim of the work was to analyze the efficiency of solar and wind power plants when they work as part of an integrated power grid using the example of the IPS of the South, to determine the share of electricity that can be generated at RES facilities, taking into account their intermittent operation, and to assess the possibility of balancing the network with a decrease in RES generation at night and in calm weather at the expense of electricity from wind farms in other regions of the IPS of the South. An analysis of the possible generation of electricity by renewable energy facilities showed that with an installed capacity of 13% per year, they will be able to meet 3.5% of the needs of the regions included in the UES of the South. During the day, the maximum consumption was recorded in the region of 11-12 hours and 19-21 hours. Solar generation has a maximum at noon, so it can compensate for the daily peak in consumption. In the evening hours, wind generation and solar generation are minimal. Therefore, they cannot be used to compensate for increased consumption, and traditional generation is necessary. As a result, it is not possible to reduce the installed capacity of traditional RES generation. To compensate for the decrease in WPP generation in summer, the installed capacity of WPP and SPP should be equal, and at present, in the IPS of the South, the capacity of WPP exceeds the capacity of SPP twice
Optimal planning of investments in energy saving measures for a large number of objects
Authors: Afanasyeva Adelina
Published: May 2022

The study carried out a feasibility study of energy saving measures for a large number of facilities. For this, the technical data of the buildings were used without an energy audit. The data of the information system for managing energy resources of the Belgorod region were used. A methodology has been developed for calculating the technical and economic indicators of building insulation based on the general geometric characteristics of buildings and the characteristics of structural materials. For 127 educational institutions, an assessment was made of the most effective plan for a five-year investment in reconstruction, which ensures the maximum total effect. It has been determined that the correct investment plan allows to obtain significant savings in energy resources and financial resources. The best option corresponded to the initial modernization of institutions with the greatest savings achieved. Rational investment planning has increased the final savings by 16% and can reduce the required total costs by 5%.
Intralayer Phonons in Multilayer Graphene Moiré Superlattices
Authors: Lin Miao-Ling , Feng Min , Wu Jiang-Bin , Ran Fei-Rong , Chen Tao , Luo Wei-Xia , Wu Heng , Han Wen-Peng , Zhang Xin , Liu Xue-Lu , Xu Yang , Li Hai , Wang Yu-Fang , Tan Ping-Heng
Published: May 2022

Moiré pattern in twisted multilayers (tMLs) induces many emergent phenomena by subtle variation of atomic registry to modulate quasiparticles and their interactions, such as superconductivity, moiré excitons, and moiré phonons. The periodic superlattice potential introduced by moiré pattern also underlies patterned interlayer coupling at the interface of tMLs. Although this arising patterned interfacial coupling is much weaker than in-plane atomic interactions, it is crucial in moiré systems, as captured by the renormalized interlayer phonons in twisted bilayer transitional metal dichalcogenides. Here, we determine the quantitative relationship between the lattice dynamics of intralayer out-of-plane optical (ZO) phonons and patterned interfacial coupling in multilayer graphene moiré superlattices (MLG-MS) by the proposed perturbation model, which is previously challenging for MLGs due to their out-of-phase displacements of adjacent atoms in one atomic plane. We unveil that patterned interfacial coupling introduces profound modulations on Davydov components of nonfolded ZO phonon that are localized within the AB-stacked constituents, while the coupling results in layer-extended vibrations with symmetry of moiré pattern for moiré ZO phonons. Our work brings further degrees of freedom to engineer moiré physics according to the modulations imprinted on the phonon frequency and wavefunction.
Allergy status in children with adenoid hypertrophy with and without serous otitis media
Authors: Koohpayeh Zadeh Jalil , Ghalebaghi Babak , Dehghani Firouzabadi Fatemeh , Dehghani Firouzabadi Mohammad , Mohseni Farzad , Biglari Abhari Maryam , Salehi Reza , Bayazian Gholamreza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Serous otitis media (SOM) is one of the most common diseases of children which can lead to hearing loss and imbalance in many cases. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between allergy status and SOM in children with adenoid hypertrophy and whether affected by age group. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 103 children aged 1-15 years with grade III or IV adenoid hypertrophy (± SOM) who referred to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic. Additionally, children were divided into two subgroups based on age category of below and above seven years. The allergy status in children with and without SOM was compared by measuring the total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, serum eosinophil level and skin prick test (SPT). Results: There was no difference in prevalence of mean absolute eosinophil count (127.3 versus 141.3 eosinophils/ µL, respectively) (P=0.63), mean total IgE level (68.2 versus 140 IU/L, respectively; P=0.119) and positive SPT results (23.5% versus 28.4%, respectively; P=0.551) between children with adenoid hypertrophy (± SOM). Conclusion: It seems absolute eosinophil count, total IgE level and positive SPT results have no significant role in SOM of children with adenoid hypertrophy and maybe other factors are implicated in its occurrence.
Evaluation of the urine mRNA-PCA3 expression level in prostate patients; comparison between benign prostatic hyperplasia and cancer
Authors: Yazdani Amid , Namdari Farshad , Gorgani-Firuzjaee Sattar , Niroomand Hassan
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Prostate cancer is among the most common malignancies in men which can be well-managed if early diagnosed. Nevertheless, to date, no accurate index has been detected in order to differentiate prostate cancer from the other benign conditions practically except biopsies that is an invasive procedure. Objectives: The current study is aimed to assess the values of urinary prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) in prostate cancer diagnosis. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 28 patients with elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) who underwent transrectal prostate biopsies in 2019. The urinary level of PCA 3 was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Ultrasonography was performed to assess the volume of prostate, as well. PSA density (PSAD) was defined as PSA divided by prostate volume. The patients were divided into two groups of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer based on prostate biopsy pathological report. The values of PCA 3 were evaluated. Results: PCA 3 had accuracy of 0.708 at cut-off point of 27.75 with measured AUC of 0.720 (95% CI: 0.510- 0.931), sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 69%, respectively. PSA had accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.708, 70% and 71.4% at cut-off of 9, whereas PSAD had 0.667, 88% and 50% at cut-off of 4.8, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, urinary PCA 3 can be considered as a valuable biomarker for the prediction of malignancy in prostate biopsies with the sensitivity and specificity of 72.7% and 69.2% at the cut-off level of 27.75, respectively.
Management of ventilator-associated pneumonia: A comparison of two therapeutic approaches due to multidrug-resistance Acinetobacter; a controlled clinical trial study
Authors: Khorvash Farzin , Mohajeri Fatemeh , Farsaei Shadi , Ataei Behrooz , Hakamifard Atousa , Yaghoubi Shoeleh , Moshtzan Azadeh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a complicated condition that usually occurs two-three days after endo-tracheal intubation and is characterized by some signs and symptoms such as fever, changed white blood cell count and chest infiltration. Objectives: Our study was aimed at comparing the therapeutic effects of meropenem, injectable colistin plus nebulized colistin and meropenem, injectable colistin, plus nebulized G-CSF (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) in patients with VAP as a result of multidrug-resistance Acinetobacter. Patients and Methods: VAP patients were randomly divided into two groups (n= 30/each; control group are patients who received IV (intravenous) meropenem, injectable colistin plus nebulized colistin, as a routine treatment, while the intervention group consisted of patients who received IV meropenem, injectable colistin, plus nebulized G-CSF. A total of 14 days of therapeutic intervention are required for every case. Follow-up for subjects was performed at 5 time-points; days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 after intervention. In the present study, the clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) was determined on the basis of points assigned for various clinically manifestations of VAP. Results: The mean of ages in the two groups of routine treatment and intervention were 60.1 ± 13.7 years and 59.7 ± 18.4 years, respectively. There is no significant difference between ages in two groups of subjects (P = 0.93). Based on our statistically analysis, no significant difference between CPIS in both groups 1 and 2 was detected (P > 0.05). Conclusion: CPIS and some other clinical investigations appeared effectiveness of the treatment with injected colistin, nebulized colistin plus nebulized G-CSF for management of VAP. Based on the results of our study, aforementioned therapeutic approach can be used as an alternative treatment for the management of infection in VAP cases; however, in order to make a definite statement about the effectiveness of our proposed treatment, further studies with a cellular and molecular approach are necessary. Trial Registration: This study was registered at the Iranian website for registration of clinical trials (#IRCT20150824023743N2, https://irct.ir/trial/41023, with regional ethical code of IR.MUI.MED.REC.1397.052).
Maxillary sinus metastasis in breast cancer; a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ghazizadeh Maryam , Ghazizadeh Matin
Published: May 2022

Paranasal sinuses are an infrequent site for tumor metastasis, and breast cancer metastasis to these sinuses is very rare. To date, less than 20 cases of breast cancer metastasis to paranasal sinuses have been reported. This case study’s purpose was to describe a 69-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer treated 15 years ago who developed the symptoms of rhinosinusitis. Physical examination showed exophthalmos and maxillary sinus tenderness. Finally, breast cancer metastasis to paranasal sinuses was diagnosed using CT scan. She received hormone therapy, systemic chemotherapy, and maxillary sinus radiotherapy. The treatment was well tolerated, and lesions observed in CT scan improved and after more than a year the patient is still alive.
Age and gender related differences in renal tumors in southern Iran; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ariafar Ali , Boveiri Kamran , Yazdani  Nasrabad Olia Shiva
Published: May 2022

Introduction: One of the most important and progressive kidney diseases is renal tumors, and the most common renal tumor is renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Objectives: This study aimed to examine the renal masses and investigate the relationship between different tumor characteristics, such as their type and degree, with different factors such as age and gender. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective and cross-sectional study, all the patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy in Namazi and Ali Asghar hospitals in Shiraz from 2013 to 2017 were investigated. The renal mass pathologies of patients were examined and collected data were analyzed using SPSS-18. Results: A total of 381 cases were studied. 63.8% of them were male and 36.2% were female. The ratio of men to women was 1.76. The mean ages of women and men were 52.89 and 56.34, respectively. Regarding the type of tumor, RCC tumors were the most common (69%), which the clear cell carcinoma was the most common RCC (59%), next in line were oncocytoma, angiomyolipoma, transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), chronic pyelonephritis, primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), and others. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the frequency of benign renal masses in women is twice as high as in men. The types of tumors types were significantly different in both genders in comparison to each other. The incidence of clear cell carcinoma, the most common type of RCC, is more noticeable in older patients than younger ones. The type of tumor and its invasive behavior make the physicians perform partial nephrectomy in women more than men.
Evaluation of the effect of anti-epileptic drugs on serum immunoglobulin levels in children with epilepsy
Authors: Kalantari Arash , Hosseini Seyed Ahmad , Bagheri Zeynab
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Most antiepileptic drugs may have side effects such as behavioral disorders and immunological changes, which can affect serum levels of immunoglobulins. Objective: To study the effect of anticonvulsant drugs on serum levels immunoglobulins in children referred to the Taleghani educational center of Gorgan during 2015-2016. Patients and Methods: All pediatric patients with the first seizure experience diagnosed with diagnostic procedures such as history, physical examination and electroencephalography were diagnosed and treated with phenobarbital or levetiracetam were included. At first and at the end of the study, 5 cc blood samples were taken for measuring serum IgA, IgM, IgG and IgE levels. The time between two blood sampling was six months. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 software. Results: A total of 179 children were enrolled in the study, of which 104 (58.1%) were male and 75 (41.9%) were female. Around 78 (43.6%) were treated with levetiracetam and 101 (56.4%) were treated phenobarbital. The mean age of the patients was 3.33 ± 1.21 years. Based on statistical tests, the significant effect of both drugs on all indices was significant, which in all cases reduced the level of immunoglobulins. Additionally, the effect of drugs or, in other words, the amount of changes caused by them on different indices in terms of drug used was also investigated, which results showed no significant difference between the effect of the two drugs. Conclusion: From the results of this study, it can be concluded that both levetiracetam and phenobarbital have potentially influenced the immunoglobulins with the same effect. The results of this study may indicate the need to pay attention to the vulnerability of these children to various types of infections.
Correlation between autoantibodies and internal organs involvement in Iranian systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Mottaghi Peyman , Daneshbodi Marzieh , Karimifar Mansoor
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disease that leads to fibrosis of the skin and different internal organ. Several autoantibodies can predict disease course and differences among various races. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the correlation between autoantibodies and scleroderma organ involvement among the population living in the central region of Iran. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which we reviewed the medical records of patients in the Al-Zahra hospital systemic sclerosis (SSc) clinic in Isfahan. We used the EUROLINE Systemic Sclerosis panel test kit to detect antibody profiles of patients in blood samples. The pertinent physical findings and laboratory data showing organ involvement were extracted from the hospital medical records. Results: Forty-six patients were enrolled in our study (40 patients were women). We found a significant correlation between Scl-70 and diffuse scleroderma, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and cardiac involvement. Anti-centromere antibodies CENP-A correlated with limited scleroderma and digital ulcers. PM/Scl75, PM/Scl100, Ku, and Ro52 autoantibodies correlated with the presence of tendon friction rub. Anti-Th/To is associated with a higher prevalence of myopathy. Cardiomyopathy was more common among patients with higher levels of NOR-90, anti-Th/To, PM/Scl100, Ku, and Ro52 autoantibodies. The remained autoantibodies showed no significant correlation with the clinical features of SSc. Conclusion: Some autoantibodies in this study predict organ damage in Iranian scleroderma patients.
Multiple long bone fractures in a man with pycnodysostosis; a case report
Authors: Zabihiyeganeh Mozhdeh , Haji Agha Bozorgi Milad , Hatami Samaneh
Published: May 2022

Pycnodysostosis is a rare genetic disease that is diagnosed in childhood however in very rare conditions, maybe diagnosed in adulthood. It is presented by dental malformation, short stature and short extremities, multiple fractures with low-pressure forces, and some other manifestations. In this case report, we present a patient with typical pycnodysostosis manifestations including a hard palatine groove, poor hygiene oral situation, dental malformation, and several fractures with a low threshold pressure.
Comparison of ultrasound findings and fine needle aspiration results between anti-thyroid peroxidase positive and negative patients with nodular goiters
Authors: Malekian Mahsa , Aghamohammadzadeh Nasser , Najafipour Farzad , Javad-Rashid Reza , Jalili Javad , Halimi Monireh , Bozorgi Farshid , Houshyar Jalil
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Ultrasonography is an optimal approach for thyroid gland evaluation, nodule detection and cancer risk assessment in patients with thyroid nodules. Almost all patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have high levels anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration (FNA) results in anti-TPO antibodies positive and negative patients with nodular goiters. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 128 patients with nodular goiters, referred to endocrinology clinic of imam Reza hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Anti-TPO levels above and below 16 IU/mL were considered as positive and negative, respectively. All patients underwent thyroid ultrasonography, and eligible nodules were subjected to FNA. Results: Of 128 patients, 33.6% and 66.4% were anti-TPO positive and negative, respectively. FNA was conducted on 196 nodules. A significant relationship was observed between sonographic and FNA results in low and intermediate-suspicion nodules. Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) was more frequently reported in low-suspicion nodules of the anti-TPO positive group (P≤0.0001). In addition, in intermediate-suspicion nodules, CLT was reported in 33.3% of patients in the anti-TPO positive group (P=0.026). No significant difference was observed between other nodules. Conclusion: Based on our findings, when a nodule is classified in low or intermediate-suspicion categories, the possibility of CLT following FNA is significantly higher in the anti-TPO positive group, compared to the anti-TPO negative group.