Polymorphisms in Phase I (CYP450) Genes CYP1A1 (rs4646421), CYP1B1 (rs1056836), CYP19A1 (rs749292) and CYP2C8 (rs1058930) and Their Relation to Risk of Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Mazandaran Province in North of Iran

BACKGROUND: The second leading cause of cancer-related death in women is breast cancer. Xenobiotic Metabolizing Enzymes (XMEs) contribute to the detoxification of numerous cancer therapy-induced products. In the metabolism of xenobiotic, cytochrome P450s or monooxygenases perform an important function by catalysing the hydroxylation reaction. In this study, the susceptibility and genetic polymorphisms of CYP450 isoenzymes was investigated that may have an etiological role in breast cancer. AIM: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of CYP1A1 (rs4646421), CYP1B1 (rs1056836), CYP2C8 (rs1058930), and CYP19A1 (rs749292) polymorphisms with the risk of breast cancer in Mazandaran province. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study were recruited 72 patients and 51 healthy individuals and was performed between March 2018 to May 2018 in the Oncology Department at Imam Hospital in Sari city, Iran. Peripheral blood samples were collected in EDTA tube, and DNA extraction was performed using the salting-out method and WizPrep extraction kits. Breast cancer patients with known clinicopathological characters and healthy women as control group were genotyped for genes polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP technique, using restriction enzymes. Chi-square, Fisher exact test and Logistic regression model, were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The results of the experiments showed that there was a significant relationship between two groups and the age of the patients is significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.044). According to the chi-square and Fisher exact test, education, pregnancy, menopause status and oppose were significant between the two groups. Based on using a logistic regression model in two normalized and age-adjusted models to finding relationship between the genotypes of each gene and breast cancer risk, it was determined that in the CYP2C8 genotype, those who have the CG allele have a 7.74 degree increased risk of breast cancer (CI = 95% 0.95-62.5) and in the CYP19A1 gene, individuals with GA genotype, increased risk of breast cancer (CI = %95 1.52-27.21), about the CYP1B1 gene, people with two genotypes of CG + GG had higher risk of breast cancer (CI = %95 1.19-5.71) and allele G has decreased risk of breast cancer in this gene (P = 0.0271), also allele G in CYP2C8 gene had the protective effect (P = 0.02). In the age-adjusted model, for the CYP2C8 gene, GG genotype increased risk of breast cancer (CI = %95 1.11-75.84) as well as, the CG + GG genotype in CYP1B1 gene (CI = %95 1.31-6.57). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the association between CYP2C8 (rs1058930), CYP19A1 (rs749292) and CYP1B1 (rs1056836) gene polymorphisms and increased risk of breast cancer in women in Mazandaran province

Navigating viscosity of ferrofluid using response surface methodology and artificial neural network

Abstract The main purpose of this study is to investigate the capabilities of artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM) in estimating the viscosity of Fe3O4 nanofluid. Nanoparticles increase the resistance to motion and thus boost the viscosity. Initially, the rheological behavior of the base fluid and nanofluid was investigated and it was found that both fluids are not particularly sensitive to the shear rate, which indicates the Newtonian behavior. Input parameters of temperature and volume fraction and output parameter, nanofluid viscosity were introduced to both techniques to find the best correlation in which the viscosity can be predictable. Comparison of R-square in ANN (0.999) and RSM (0.996) techniques showed that both techniques can navigate the viscosity well. Also the margin of deviation (MOD) and mean square error (MSE) for ANN were 4.22% and 0.0000741 which were lower than the corresponding values in RSM one (MOD = 5.52%, MSE = 0.00027)

Performing regression-based methods on viscosity of nano-enhanced PCM - Using ANN and RSM

Abstract Evaluation of the use of linear and nonlinear regression-based methods in estimating the viscosity of MWCNT/liquid paraffin nanofluid was investigated in this study. At temperature range of 5–65 °C, the viscosity of samples containing MWCNT nanoparticles at 0.005–5 wt.% which is measured by a Brookfield apparatus, was first evaluated to determine the response to the shear rate. The decrease in viscosity due to the increase in shear rate indicated that the rheological behavior of the nanofluid was non-Newtonian and therefore, in addition to temperature and mass fraction, the shear rate should be considered as an effective input parameter. Linear regression was performed by response surface methodology (RSM) and it was observed that the R-square for the best polynomial was 0.988. The results of nonlinear regression also showed that the neural network consisting of 3 and 13 neurons in the input and hidden layers was able to estimate the viscosity of the nanofluid more accurately so that the R-square value was calculated to be 0.998

Herbicide Resistance in Phalaris Species: A Review

Weeds, such as Phalaris spp., can drastically reduce the yield of crops, and the evolution of resistance to herbicides has further exacerbated this issue. Thus far, 23 cases of herbicide resistance in 11 countries have been reported in Phalaris spp., including Phalaris minor Retz., Phalaris paradoxa L., and Phalaris brachystachys L., for photosystem II (PS-II), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. This paper will first review the cases of herbicide resistance reported in P. minor, P. paradoxa, and P. brachystachys. Then, the mechanisms of resistance in Phalaris spp. are discussed in detail. Finally, the fitness cost of herbicide resistance and the literature on the management of herbicide-resistant weeds from these species are reviewed

The First Case of Short-Spiked Canarygrass (Phalaris brachystachys) with Cross-Resistance to ACCase-Inhibiting Herbicides in Iran

The weed Phalaris brachystachys Link. severely affects winter cereal production. Acetyle-CoA Carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides are commonly used to control this weed in wheat fields. Thirty-six populations with suspected resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides were collected from wheat fields in the Golestan Province in Iran. A rapid test performed in Petri dishes and whole-plant dose–response experiments were conducted to confirm and investigate the resistance level of P. brachystachys to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides. The seed bioassay results showed that 0.02 mg ai L−1 clodinafop-propargyl (CP) and 1.36 mg ai L−1 of the diclofop-methyl (DM) solution were the optimal amounts for reliably screening resistant and susceptible P. brachystachys populations. In the whole plant bioassay, all populations were found to be resistant to CP, resistance ratios ranging from 2.7 to 11.6, and all of the CP-resistant populations exhibited resistance to DM. Fourteen populations showed low resistance to cycloxydim, and thirteen of these populations were also 2-fold resistant to pinoxaden. The results showed that DM resistance in some P. brachystachys populations is likely due to their enhanced herbicide metabolism, which involves Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, as demonstrated by the indirect assay. This is the first report confirming the cross-resistance of ACCase-inhibiting herbicides in P. brachystachys in Iran

Physiological Fitness Associated to ACCase Target-Site Resistance Enhances Growth and Reproduction in Phalaris brachystachys

Short-spike canarygrass (Phalaris brachystachys (Link.)) from Iranian wheat fields has developed resistance to acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors due to a target-site mutation (Ile-1781-Thr). Target-site resistance mutations may confer pleiotropic effects in weeds. In this paper, the possible effect of the Ile-1781-Thr mutation on the ecological fitness during life cycles in P. brachystachys plants was investigated. ACCase genes of P. brachystachys populations resistant (R) and susceptible (S) to ACCase inhibitors were sequenced and the vegetative growth and reproductive characteristics of the plants were assessed. In the final growth stage (217 days after planting—DAP), R sub-population plants were 30 cm taller than the S plants. Additionally, the R sub-population produced up to 12 leaves and 2.8 tillers more per plant, and accumulated double the dry weight (2850 g m−2) compared to the S sub-population. The leaf area index (LAI) of the R sub-population was 1.1 times higher than that of the S sub-population. In addition, the net assimilation rate (NAR) and plant growth rate (PGR) between 114 and 182 DAP of the R sub-population were 0.11 and 13 g m−2 d−1 higher than the S sub-population, but the relative growth rate (RGR) was similar between R and S sub-populations. The number of spikes (6 vs. 3.8), the spike length (8.4 vs. 5.5), and number of seeds per plant (1276 vs. 751 seed plant−1) of the R sub-population were higher than the S ones, but the weight (3.25 g) and size (11.6 mm2) of 1000 seeds were similar between populations. The R sub-population of P. brachystachys exhibited higher plant growth and reproductive parameters than the S one, which may increase the frequency of resistance in the population in the absence of adequate weed-control methods

Preparation and Characterization of Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine Loaded-Nanostructure Lipid Carriers (NLCs) as a New α-MSH Antagonist and Antityrosinase Agent

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the undecylenoyl phenylalanine (Sepiwhite (SEPI))-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a new antimelanogenesis compound. Methods: In this study, an optimized SEPI-NLC formulation was prepared and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, stability, and encapsulation efficiency. Then, in vitro drug loading capacity and the release profile of SEPI, and its cytotoxicity were investigated. The ex vivo skin permeation and the anti-tyrosinase activity of SEPI-NLCs were also evaluated. Results: The optimized SEPI-NLC formulation showed the size of 180.1±5.01 nm, a spherical morphology under TEM, entrapment efficiency of 90.81±3.75%, and stability for 9 months at room temperature. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis exhibited an amorphous state of SEPI in NLCs. In addition, the release study demonstrated that SEPI-NLCs had a biphasic release outline with an initial burst release compared to SEPI-EMULSION. About 65% of SEPI was released from SEPI-NLC within 72 h, while in SEPI-EMULSION, this value was 23%. The ex vivo permeation profiles revealed that the higher SEPI accumulation in the skin following application of SEPI-NLC (up to 88.8%) compared to SEPI-EMULSION (65%) and SEPI-ETHANOL (74.8%) formulations (P<0.01). An inhibition rate of 72% and 65% was obtained for mushroom and cellular tyrosinase activity of SEPI, respectively. Moreover, results of in vitro cytotoxicity assay confirmed SEPI-NLCs to be non-toxic and safe for topical use. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that NLC can efficiently deliver SEPI into the skin, which has a promise for topical treatment of hyperpigmentation

Roadmap for a sustainable circular economy in lithium-ion and future battery technologies

The market dynamics, and their impact on a future circular economy for lithium-ion batteries (LIB), are presented in this roadmap, with safety as an integral consideration throughout the life cycle. At the point of end-of-life (EOL), there is a range of potential options—remanufacturing, reuse and recycling. Diagnostics play a significant role in evaluating the state-of-health and condition of batteries, and improvements to diagnostic techniques are evaluated. At present, manual disassembly dominates EOL disposal, however, given the volumes of future batteries that are to be anticipated, automated approaches to the dismantling of EOL battery packs will be key. The first stage in recycling after the removal of the cells is the initial cell-breaking or opening step. Approaches to this are reviewed, contrasting shredding and cell disassembly as two alternative approaches. Design for recycling is one approach that could assist in easier disassembly of cells, and new approaches to cell design that could enable the circular economy of LIBs are reviewed. After disassembly, subsequent separation of the black mass is performed before further concentration of components. There are a plethora of alternative approaches for recovering materials; this roadmap sets out the future directions for a range of approaches including pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, short-loop, direct, and the biological recovery of LIB materials. Furthermore, anode, lithium, electrolyte, binder and plastics recovery are considered in order to maximise the proportion of materials recovered, minimise waste and point the way towards zero-waste recycling. The life-cycle implications of a circular economy are discussed considering the overall system of LIB recycling, and also directly investigating the different recycling methods. The legal and regulatory perspectives are also considered. Finally, with a view to the future, approaches for next-generation battery chemistries and recycling are evaluated, identifying gaps for research. This review takes the form of a series of short reviews, with each section written independently by a diverse international authorship of experts on the topic. Collectively, these reviews form a comprehensive picture of the current state of the art in LIB recycling, and how these technologies are expected to develop in the future

An Exploration of Foreign Language Learning Self-Concept

The present study aimed to explore Language Learning Self-Concept and investigate its relationship to student proficiency level. To this end, a sequential exploratory mixed design was adopted throughout the study. Based on the literature review and student responses to an open-ended questionnaire, an initial item pool consisting of 54 items was generated. After an evaluation of content validity followed by the initial piloting of the questionnaire, the scale was conducted to an independent sample of 201 students. The participants were from 3 settings including English Time Language School, Middle East Technical University School of Foreign Languages and Çankaya University Prep-school with Language proficiency levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a 38 item scale with the following 7 factors: Aptitude, Self Regulation, Effort, Linguistic Resources, Production, Reception, and Articulation. The scale was validated through exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability. The reliability tests confirmed the internal consistency of the scale. The study tried to investigate whether student proficiency level had an impact on language learning self concept in terms of the different dimensions of the scale. The students at higher levels reported higher scores of self concept at all the 7 components of the scale. This finding indicated that student proficiency level was a predictor of language learning self-concept. It also confirmed the predictive validity of the scale. It is suggested that a better understanding of the students’ self-perceptions can help teachers with their lesson planning, giving feedback to students, and different forms of teacher-student interaction.Bu çalışma, dil öğrenimi benlik algısını incelemeyi ve bu yapının öğrenci yeterlilik düzeyiyle ilişkisini araştırmayı amaçlamıştır. Bu amaçla, çalışma boyunca keşfedici ardışık desen benimsenmiştir. Alanyazın taramasına ve açık uçlu bir ankete verilen öğrenci yanıtlarına dayanarak başlangıç madde havuzu oluşturuldu. Başlangıç madde havuzu, şu yapıları temsil eden 54 maddeden oluşmuştur: eylemlilik, çaba, öz-değerlendirme, üstbiliş, dil öğrenim beceriler, ve sosyal karşılaştırma/ referans çerçevesi. Anketin ilk pilot uygulaması tarafından takip edilen içerik geçerliğinin değerlendirmesinden sonra ölçek, 201 öğrenciden oluşan bağımsız bir örneğe uygulanmıştır. Katılımcılar, English Time Dil Okulu, Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi Yabancı Diller Yüksekokulu ve Çankaya Üniversitesi Yabancı Diller Bölümü/ Hazırlık Eğitimi Birimi olmak üzere üç ana kurumdandır. Öğrencilerin seviyesi, başlangıç ve ileri düzey arasında değişkenlik göstermiştir. Açımlayıcı (keşfedici) faktör analizi, 7 faktörlü (yatkınlık, öz-düzenleme, çaba, dilsel kaynaklar, üretim, alımlama, ve sesletim) 38 maddelik bir ölçek sağlamıştır. Ölçeği doğrulamak için atılan adımlar, açımlayıcı (keşfedici) faktör analizi ve iç tutarlılık güvenirliği olmuştur. Güvenilirlik analizleri, ölçeğin iç tutarlılık güvenilirliğini onaylamıştır. Dahası, yordama geçerliğini doğrulayan bir karşıt grup analizi gerçekleştirildi. Çalışma ayrıca, öğrenci seviyesinin dil öğrenimi benlik algısı üzerine ölçeğin farklı boyutları açısından etkisi olup olmadığını araştırmaya çalışmıştır. Daha yüksek seviyedeki öğrenciler, ölçeğin 7 bileşeninin tümünde daha yüksek benlik algısı puanları bildirdiler. Bu bulgu, öğrenci seviyesinin dil öğrenimi benlik algısının bir yordayıcısı olduğunu göstermiştir. Öğrencilerin kendini daha iyi algılamaları, öğretmenlere ders planlamalarında ve öğrencilere geri bildirim vermelerinde, ve farklı öğretmen-öğrenci iletişim biçimlerine yardımcı olabilir