Objective: This study aimed to evaluate bone remodeling in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during canine distalization in obese individuals and compare it to that in normal-weight individuals. Additionally, the orthodontic tooth movement rates of obese individuals were measured and compared with those of normalweight individuals. Methods: Thirty-six patients (18 obese and 18 normalweight) aged 12–18 years who were candidates for maxillary first premolar extraction for Angle Class II malocclusion were included in the study. The two groups were formed according to World Health Organization guidelines. A normal-weight group (body mass index [BMI] 16–85%) and an obese group (BMI ≥ 95%). Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected before, 24 hours after, and on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after the application of the distalization force. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure leptin, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in GCF samples. In addition to the recorded GCF sampling times, the amount of canine tooth movement was calculated using digital models obtained on the 28th day and 3rd month. Results: Leptin, RANKL, OPG, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the obese group (P < 0.05). The digital model measurements displayed high rates of repeatability (ICC 0.990). The difference in the amount of tooth movement between groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although obese and normal-weight individuals showed different biomarker levels during tooth movement, there were no significant differences in the amount of movement.

• Book : 55(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.3-14
• Keyword :

ABSTRACTEpstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the first human cancer‐causing viral pathogen to be discovered; it has been epidemiologically associated with a wide range of diseases, including cancers, autoimmunity, and hyperinflammatory disorders. Its evolutionary success is underpinned by coordinated expression of viral transcription factors (EBV nuclear antigens), signaling proteins (EBV latent membrane proteins), and noncoding RNAs, which orchestrate cell transformation, immune evasion, and dissemination. Each of those activities entails significant metabolic rewiring, which is achieved by viral subversion of key host metabolic regulators such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), MYC, and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF). In this review, we systemically discuss how EBV‐encoded factors regulate metabolism to achieve viral persistence and propagation, as well as potential research questions and directions in EBV‐driven metabolism.

• Book : 97(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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Background/Objectives: Heterozygous variants in the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C gene (HNRNPC) have recently been reported to cause intellectual developmental disorder-74 (MRD74), a neurodevelopmental disorder with no recurrent diagnostic handles. Affected individuals show variable, non-specific, and subtle dysmorphic features. The degree of developmental delay (DD)/intellectual disability (ID) is also wide, ranging from mild to severe. The mutational spectrum is relatively broad with exon deletions and splice site and frameshift variants distributed along the entire length of the gene leading to HNRNPC loss of function. Only two missense changes located within the RNA-binding motif (RBM) and adjacent linker region of the more abundant isoform (Arg64Trp and Arg99Gln) have been described. Notably, the Arg99Gln amino acid substitution was reported in a subject presenting with a more complex and unique clinical phenotype characterized by distinctive facial features, DD/ID, cochlear aplasia, and bilateral colobomatous microphthalmia, suggesting the possible occurrence of phenotypic heterogeneity. Results: Here, we report the second individual carrying the Arg99Gln change in HNRNPC and having clinical features with a significant overlap with the peculiar phenotype of the previously described subject, supporting the occurrence of a genotype–phenotype correlation. Conclusions: Due to the concomitant occurrence of ocular and cochlear involvement as recognizable diagnostic handles, we propose that the HNRNPCArg99Gln-related phenotype should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis in subjects with ID and major signs of CHARGE syndrome not fulfilling the minimum criteria for a clinical diagnosis.

• Book : 16(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.176-176
• Keyword :

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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Abstract Fluorite-structured materials such as cerium dioxide (ceria or CeO2), zirconium dioxide (zirconia or ZrO2), uranium dioxide (urania or UO2), and thorium dioxide (thoria or ThO2) are technologically important for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and nuclear fuels. As such, they have an important role in the future energy mix, and their properties under a range of pressure and temperature conditions need to be understood. There is significant research effort on the material properties of classic oxide systems, both from an experimental and theoretical perspective, aiming to improve these systems using doping or external parameters such as strain. Here, we briefly review cation and oxygen diffusion in fluorite-structured materials. Emphasis is given on the impact on the diffusion of external parameters such as strain.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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Long COVID-19, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), involves symptoms or effects that persist for more than 4 weeks after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. One contributing factor to this condition is the disruption in the expression of the antioxidant enzyme Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2 (Nrf2) induced by the COVID-19 infection. Apigenin and related flavonoids, known for their diverse pharmacological activities, including potent antioxidant properties, have emerged as promising candidates for Long COVID-19 therapy. These compounds, particularly apigenin, are recognized for their ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation, making them potential activators of the Nrf2 pathway. This study aims to predict the activity of apigenin and its related flavonoids as Nrf2 activators using molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) techniques, providing insights into their therapeutic potential in managing Long COVID-19. The findings from the molecular modeling analysis indicate that apigenin has a favorable affinity, with a free energy value (ΔG) of −6.40 kcal/mol. Additionally, MD simulation results demonstrate the strong stability of the Keap1-apigenin complex, with an average Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) value below 0.20 nm and the lowest average Root Mean Square Fluctuation (RMSF) value of 0.86 nm. Using the Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) calculation method, the binding affinity of the Keap1-apigenin complex yields a lower free energy value (ΔG) of −67.039 kJ/mol, consistent with the molecular modeling results. Apigenin also exhibits the ability to inhibit the binding of Nrf2 to the hydrophobic surface of Keap1, with a total energy value of 993.266 kcal/mol and binding affinity value of −1.162 kJ/mol through peptide−receptor docking. In conclusion, the comprehensive results suggest that apigenin has the potential to be a lead compound for developing Nrf2 activators specifically designed for Long COVID-19 therapy.

• Book : 15(3)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.1493-1493
• Keyword :

Although Pakistan's economy depends heavily on the livestock industry, animal health is greatly impacted by tick infestation and illnesses spread by ticks. This study evaluated the morphological traits, risk factors, and prevalence of ticks in four districts within the Sargodha Division. Between February and June 2021, 1,067 ruminants (cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep) from 40 farms were watched. The ITS-2 nuclear gene (750 bp) in 10 tick species was the object of PCR detection. The total infestation rate was 32.10%, with Khushab having the lowest percentage (24.71%) and Mianwali having the highest (54.44%). Goats (16.41%), sheep (27.38%), buffaloes (33.73%), and cows (41.5%) were the most affected species. Male buffaloes (59.37%) were more infected than females (33.58%), while female cows (45.10%) were more infested than males (31%). The distribution of ticks differed by species and sex; in cows and buffaloes, the most afflicted regions were the udder and tail, respectively. Ticks were mostly detected in the ears of sheep and goats and concentrated on the testicles of males. The major risk factors were the summer season, inadequate waste clearance, dogs afflicted with ticks, communal living, grazing systems, and poor tick control techniques. According to morphological studies, there is just one soft tick species, Ornithodoros erraticus, and hard ticks from the genera Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Ixodes. Four tick species had positive bands (750 bp) validated by PCR testing. The study emphasizes the necessity for efficient tick management methods by highlighting the epidemiological implications of species, sex, and tick dispersion patterns in infection rates.

• Book : 13(02)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.217-229
• Keyword :

This study is focused on the sorption properties and the changes in the structure and state of Ti-25Al-25Nb (at.%) system alloys under thermal cyclic loading. These samples were produced by combining high-energy processing methods through mechanization and spark plasma sintering in the temperature range of 1100–1300 °C, followed by two-stage heat treatment at temperatures of 800 °C and 1250 °C. Thermal cyclic experiments on hydrogen sorption/desorption with samples of the Ti-25Al-25Nb (at.%) system were conducted at the VIKA experimental installation at a saturation temperature of about 500 °C and a degassing temperature of 610 °C. It took about 41 min to reach pressure equilibrium at 500 °C. The hydrogen diffusion coefficient was calculated based on the Barrer formula and was 9.1 × 10−5 cm2/s at 500 °C. The maximum hydrogen content was recorded after the first sorption/desorption cycle and was 1.91 wt%. Due to the multiple thermal cyclic effects in the hydrogen medium, the predominantly two-phase (O + B2) alloy structure underwent transformation to form a new structure (O-AlNbTi2). In the phase composition of the Ti-25Al-25Nb (at.%) alloy, the formation of hydrides in the form of independent phases as a result of thermal cycling was not detected. Hydrogen absorption is most likely to be associated with the formation of an interstitial solution based on existing crystalline phases.

• Book : 15(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.173-173
• Keyword :

Column O/N2 ratio (∑O/N2), a physical quantity representing thermospheric disturbances, is influenced by solar extreme ultraviolet radiation flux (QEUV) changes. Investigating the correlation between these two factors is essential for understanding the evolution of the thermosphere. This study examines the correlation and periodic variations of ∑O/N2 and QEUV across different phases of solar activity, using data from the Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) spanning from 2002 to 2022. A correlation analysis reveals a positive relationship between ∑O/N2 and QEUV. The function fitting results show that the magnitude of changes in ∑O/N2 due to QEUV variations is approximately 30% of the mean ∑O/N2. A wavelet analysis reveals their coherence in periodic components of 27-day, annual, and 11-year periods. These results are significant for studying the Sun–Earth coupling mechanism and understanding the impact of space weather on the thermosphere.

• Book : 17(4)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.574-574
• Keyword :

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
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