Bushehr University of Medical Sciences

The association of obesity- related markers such as Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and bone health is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate this association among men using data from of the second recruitment of the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 851 men aged 50 years and older using data from the BEH program. Demographic information, laboratory data, bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) were collected. Participants with a T-score ≤ − 2.5 at the lumbar spine, total hip, or femoral neck were classified as having osteoporosis, while others were not. Low BMD (osteopenia/osteoporosis), was defined as a T-score ≤ − 1 at any of these sites. Associations of adiposity measures and bone health were investigated using linear and logistic regression analyses. The mean age of the participants was 62.9 ± 0.2 years and 151 (17.7

High-yield recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli requires balancing growth with proper folding at low temperatures. Here, we engineered 6 S RNA -a reversible σ⁷⁰ antagonist- as a modulator to enhance yields under cold stress (18 °C). Transcriptomic reanalysis of GSE74809 revealed growth phase-specific regulation: deletion of 6 S RNA upregulated amino acid biosynthesis during logarithmic growth but downregulated ribosomal and translation-related genes in the stationary phase. To test its functional impact, 6 S RNA and antisense constructs were cloned into pET‑24a(+), validated by RT‑qPCR, and evaluated at 18 °C and 37 °C. Both overexpression and knockdown impaired growth yet increased total protein levels (BCA, OD₆₀₀‑normalized). CFU enumeration confirmed reversible attenuation without toxicity, followed by asymmetric 18 h growth reduction: controls achieved 5.48‑fold expansion, whereas 6 S overexpression reached 2.39‑fold (44

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are characterized by progressive lung scarring. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), overexpressed on activated fibroblasts, has emerged as a key molecular target for imaging active fibrosis. This systematic review synthesizes the current evidence on the role of FAP-targeted imaging in evaluating ILD. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science according to PRISMA guidelines. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in a qualitative synthesis. FAP inhibitors (FAPI) imaging consistently demonstrated elevated tracer uptake in ILD patients, showing strong spatial correlation with fibrotic patterns on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), particularly reticulation. Increased FAPI uptake was significantly associated with declining lung function, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Histopathological analyses confirmed that FAPI uptake corresponds to fibroblast-rich regions, validating its specificity for active fibrogenesis. Dual-tracer imaging showed potential in differentiating fibrotic from inflammatory activity. FAP-targeted imaging is a promising non-invasive modality for visualizing and quantifying active fibrosis in ILD. It offers valuable insights into disease activity, functional impairment, and prognosis, potentially guiding personalized treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVES:Uterine Sensitization-Associated Gene 1 (USAG-1) is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist vital for tooth regeneration that is expressed in kidney, gingiva, and dental tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS:We analyzed recent studies focusing on USAG-1 and its involvement in BMP and Wnt signaling pathways related to dental tissue repair and regeneration. Preclinical models and clinical trial data were examined to evaluate the efficacy of USAG-1 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. In addition, publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing and STRING databases were analyzed to investigate the gene expression of USAG-1 in human tissues and its protein interactions, respectively. RESULTS:RNA-seq analysis confirmed that USAG-1 is expressed in a subset of secretory cell types in kidney, jaw, and gingiva that are important for cell growth and morphogenesis. Recent studies have also demonstrated that inhibiting USAG-1 facilitates tooth regeneration by activating BMP-mediated morphogenesis and improving outcomes in preclinical models. Engineered monoclonal antibodies that target USAG-1 have shown that blocking the protein product of this gene can promote third dentition and alleviate congenital tooth agenesis. Clinical trials utilizing this antibody are currently underway, with prospects for commercial applications within the next decade. Despite these advancements, challenges related to safety, specificity, and delivery mechanisms remain. CONCLUSIONS:This review underscores the transformative potential of USAG-1-based therapies in regenerative dentistry, offering a paradigm shift in dental care by enabling biologically authentic tooth regeneration. However, the realization of these advancements in clinical practice requires overcoming significant barriers, including ensuring safety, optimizing delivery systems, and addressing ethical concerns. Continued interdisciplinary research is essential to fully harness the potential of USAG-1 in regenerative dentistry.

Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, known as microplastics (MPs), are considered emerging contaminants that may pose health risks to humans. The present observational-descriptive study aimed to detect and characterize MPs in stool samples of 30 adult individuals with endocrine disorders in Bushehr, Iran. The presence, morphology, polymer types, and elemental composition of MPs in human stool samples were analyzed using Micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). All stool samples contained MPs, with a mean concentration of 6.22 items/g. The most frequently identified MPs were within the size range of 500–1000 μm, and fibers accounted for 97.9% of the observed shapes. White/transparent and black/gray were the most common colors detected. Raman analysis identified six types of polymers, with polypropylene (PP) being the most prevalent (36.36%). EDX results revealed major elements such as carbon and oxygen, followed by trace elements like Na, Mg, Si, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, and I. Overall, the findings indicate widespread exposure to MPs, likely via ingestion, and highlight their roles as vectors for environmental pollutants due to their ability to adsorb heavy metals and undergo surface modification through environmental weathering.